The Statistical Probability That This Post Will Be Longer Than Most

Synopsis (Goodreads): Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A. 

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

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Me and this post have had some issues for quite some time now. It's constantly posting without my knowledge and I am always about 30 seconds too late to pull it down.

*shakes fist at Blogger*

So without further ado, I present to you a post that you've probably read about 17 times. 

This time, it's actually presentable...

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I seriously wonder if it's possible to be on love with a book. I mean, it has to be because I haven't been able to part with The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith.  Writers around the blog-o-verse have been RAVING about this book so it was only a matter of time before I picked it up to see what all the fuss was about.
 
Guys, I devoured it in one sitting.

Now, I'll be honest. I was definitely expecting something different from SPOLAFS. While I wasn't thinking bared bosoms, heaving chests or swollen mounds, I definitely wanted a healthy dose of romance and, of course, tummy-flipping kissing scenes. DUH! 

Now, that's not to say that the book was completely devoid of these things.  There's just a lot more going on and I was happily surprised by that. This novel proved to be perfectly charming in its own way.

As for the characters? Well, Hadley and I can definitely be friends. And that handsome young devil, Oliver? Um...he may or may not be what book crushes are made of. *swoons* But you know what I love more? The fact that when they meet, it's more of an "insta-connection" than that dreaded "insta-love."  It definitely made the relationship a lot more real for me. And I have to say, one of my favorite bits (Um...it was a rather large bit, now that I think about it) was Hadley's relationship with her father. It gave the story a depth that completely drew me in. 

Now, I won't spoil it for you, but I want you to know that this is more than just a love story. This is a story about forgiveness, hope and new beginnings.  And if you're asking was the fuss worth it, then the answer is YES. The fuss was TOTALLY worth it! 
  
Honestly, after reading this book I was SO ready to travel. I was even considering missing my international flight :b You never know...MY Oliver could be just a plane ride away.  Although, with my luck, I'll end up next to the crying baby who wants to play peek-a-boo the entire time. Not that there's anything wrong with children, they just NEVER get tired of that damn game!

Le sigh...

In My Mailbox (7)

I

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren where we showcase the books that have made their way into our lives/bookshelves that week.

So...

I am on a book-buying ban.

*groans*

I decided to join Amy and Taneika on this quest and sweet niblets, it's the hardest thing I've ever done.

Me???

Not buying books?? 

Seriously...I DIE. *sniff*

So, here I am. Left to my reviewing copies. Uh...and my obscene looking TBR pile.

God speed.

For Review via NetGalley:

Life Is But A Dream by Brian James

Shooting Stars byAllison Rushby

After the Snow by S.D. Crockett

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter


Unbreak My Heart by Melissa Walker

Leave your links below and I'll make sure to drop by!!

Blogspiration (7): Yeah, You Guessed It!

 

Blogspiration is a new weekly meme hosted by GrowingUpYA and Saz101. The meme was created to help spark inspiration among bloggers, readers and writers alike. An inspirational quote/picture/video  is posted weekly, on the day of the author's choosing, so that it may inspire creativity, conversation or just a little SOMETHING.

We've decided to spice things up a bit for this week's Blogspiration post and we're asking all you lovely readers...

What Book Inspires You??

If you've read my blog you'll know that I have deep (oh, I mean deep) admiration and respect for Melina Marchetta. 

 

Sooo, the book that I chose was The Piper's Son. There's just something about this novel that I haven't been able to let go of or part with. It's the only book I have ever read that left me feeling completely vulnerable and incredibly emotional. And as someone who rarely cries or gets emotional, the fact that someone's writing was able to get that out of me is some pretty powerful stuff!

As a writer, I am constantly in awe of Marchetta's brilliant storytelling and seemingly effortless delivery. When it comes to her writing I am compelled, I am overjoyed, but most importantly I am inspired.

I am also in author-love with her...and I really, really, really want to be her friend!

:D

Happy Sunday!!

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Share your Blogspiration with the Linky Thang!

Follow Fridays (8)

Follow Friday is a weekly Blog Hop hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. This meme gives both bloggers and readers an opportunity to discover new blogs and get to know each other a little better.

This week's featured Blogger is Oh! For the Love of Books! whose question is...

Activity!!! Take a picture or describe where you love to read the most...

Ooooohh! I love activities!!

My #1 place to read...

My Bed!!! And of course, my bookshelf is right beside it.
It's my little reading nook!


And of course, because I am from New York City


Reading Spot #2

via ArtDecoBlog

Uh....that was supposed to be a picture of me on a train. 
I just really love this image! 
Just picture me in a more colorful and modern looking train!

So...where do YOU read??
Post your #FollowFriday links below!!

Passion

Synopsis (Goodreads): Luce would die for Daniel.  And she has. Over and over again. Throughout time, Luce and Daniel have found each other, only to be painfully torn apart: Luce dead, Daniel left broken and alone. But perhaps it doesn’t need to be that way. . .

Luce is certain that something—or someone—in a past life can help her in her present one. So she begins the most important journey of this lifetime . . . going back eternities to witness firsthand her romances with Daniel . . . and finally unlock the key to making their love last.

Cam and the legions of angels and Outcasts are desperate to catch Luce, but none are as frantic as Daniel. He chases Luce through their shared pasts, terrified of what might happen if she rewrites history.

Because their romance for the ages could go up in flames . . . forever. 

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I'll be honest. I definitely struggled with this book.

Maybe I am a little burned out on paranormal/fantasy, or maybe I waited too long to actually read it, but it was really hard for me to get into Lauren Kate's Passion.

In the beginning everything Luce said or did annoyed me. She was stubborn and didn't listen, and she struggled with seeing what was always right in front of her.  Then Bill came along and he eased my frustrations. I began thinking, "YES! Things are finally getting good" because he added a much needed cynical and humorous voice to the story! And trust me, I appreciated that!

Honestly, had I been in Luce's position, I probably would have questioned this predestined romance, too. 

Uh...maybe. 

Okay, if the guy looked like Daniel? And he'd spent thousands of years lusting over me? Well, I'd probably be super okay with that situation.  I wouldn't question it at all! I'd kinda just go with it, you know?

*drools*

But back to the review... 

In the end, I guess I was proud of Luce for going out there and risking everything to figure things out for herself.  I just wished that it hadn't taken me reading 95% of the book before it actually got interesting. I enjoyed visiting Luce's past lives, but nothing really happened until the very end. 

Now, I know. You either love it or you hate it, but you have to admit there is something about this story that just leaves you wanting more. YES, some plot lines are a little wonky. YES, the overall delivery could have been a bit smoother. And YES, we're three books in and most of our questions are still unanswered. But I still think Lauren Kate has managed to create something really unique and gripping with the Fallen series.  For me, this rang true within the last chapters in Passion. I won't spoil it for you, but I will say that it made every maddening second a little less maddening.

I am  still looking forward to the final book in the series, Rapture (June 2012). I can't wait to see how this will end!!

Because Lauren Kate's Fallen series has become such a controversial subject, I am interested in knowing what you guys think! 


Do you LOVE IT or HATE IT? WHY??  

Post your comments below.

Apologies...

Hey guys!

You've probably noticed that I've been a little MIA on the blog these past two weeks. Well, I just wanted to apologize for that.

I've been trying to catch up with life (Slow down, life!) and I haven't found time to actually sit down and write. It sucks! And I miss you guys like CRAZY!!

I am hoping to get back into the swing of things by the end of this week so sit tight, guys and gals! It's gonna get good!

Love,

Kristin

Blogspiration (6): On People

 

Blogspiration is a new weekly meme hosted by GrowingUpYA and Saz101. The meme was created to help spark inspiration among bloggers, readers and writers alike. An inspirational quote/picture/video  is posted weekly, on the day of the author's choosing, so that it may inspire creativity, conversation or just a little SOMETHING.

:)

Happy Sunday!!

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Share your Blogspiration with the Linky Thang!

Follow Fridays (7)

Follow Friday is a weekly Blog Hop hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. This meme gives both bloggers and readers an opportunity to discover new blogs and get to know each other a little better.

This week's featured Blogger is Beefcake and Babes whose question is...

I like unique names for characters and am looking forward to coming up with some when I start writing. What’s the most unique character name you’ve come across?

Hmmm...

There are several:

Renesmee - Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
Katsa, Po and Bitterblue - Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Avery of Kazan and Kerrick - Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder
Finnikin - Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta
Froi - Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta
Regulus, Bellatrix, etc - Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

Please make sure to post your links in the comments below!!

In My Mailbox (6)

I

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren where we showcase the books that have made their way into our lives/bookshelves that week.

I know what you're going to think: 

INTERVENTION!!


BUT, before you do, please know that I've put myself on a book-buying ban until I read the 145 books that are currently waiting on my bookshelf.


Le sigh...


It's going to be a LONG year!

For Review:




The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney
The Rivals (The Mockingbirds #2) by Daisy Whitney
(Thanks to the fab Faye at Little Brown)

Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta
(SQUEEE!!!! - Quick shout-out to the publicity department at Candlewick Press)


Purchased (Unread):

 Struck by Rhonda Stapleton

Vampire Academy: The Ultimate Guide by Michelle Rowen and Richelle Mead

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

The Darlings Are Forever by Melissa Kantor

Purchased (Previously Read):

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Switched by Amanda Hocking

Saving June by Hannah Harrington

Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder

Leave your links below and I'll make sure to drop by!!

Blogspiration (5): On Rumi

 

Blogspiration is a new weekly meme hosted by GrowingUpYA and Saz101. The meme was created to help spark inspiration among bloggers, readers and writers alike. An inspirational quote/picture/video  is posted weekly, on the day of the author's choosing, so that it may inspire creativity, conversation or just a little SOMETHING.

This is where my head is at.

Happy Sunday!!

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Share your Blogspiration with the Linky Thang!

Follow Fridays (6)

Follow Friday is a weekly Blog Hop hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. This meme gives both bloggers and readers an opportunity to discover new blogs and get to know each other a little better.

This week's featured Blogger is Book Chow Down whose question is...

What would you prefer: Reading your favorite book over and over again until you got sick of it OR reading 100's of mediocre books? And why?

Damn, BookChowDown!

This is soooo hard!! BUT I think I'm going to have to go with reading my favorite book over and over until I got sick of it. My favorite book is by Melina Marchetta and I don't think I could ever get sick of it. There's that and the fact that no matter how many times you read it, you'll always see something new in the characters or story.

So, what would YOU do??

Ascend

Synopsis (Goodreads): Ascend... The final chapter in the Trylle Trilogy.

With a war looming on the horizon, Wendy’s fate seems sealed. But everything she sacrificed might be in vain if she can’t save the ones she loves. Her whole life has been leading up to this, and it’s all coming to an end. 

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It makes me really sad to write this post because it's just another reminder that I have to let these characters go.

And guys, I don't wanna! You can't make me!! *sobs*

Now, I've read a lot of paranormal YA, but Ascend, the third book in Amanda Hocking's Trylle trilogy, really surprised me. In a really good way. It's one of those books that stays with you long after you've put it down. And if you're anything like me, you'll be left to daydream about brooding strangers climbing through your windows (a la Edward Cullen), or you may even find yourself staring at a painting, wondering if the artist ever displayed psychic abilities.

Somewhere along the line you become enwrapped in the world of Trylle and it becomes increasingly difficult to not become invested in the story. I'm talking road-tripping to Minnesota and finding me some trolls, you know?!

You remember how I said that I loved connecting with characters? Well, Wendy was one of those characters for me. I loved the choices she made, I loved seeing her come into her own and most importantly (for me at least) I loved the BOY she chose!

Uh, I REALLY loved the boy she chose *waggles eyebrows*

All in all, the Trylle Trilogy was a really remarkable and well-written coming-of-age tale.  I devoured the series within a week and I enjoyed every moment of it. It was funny, action-packed and even a little sad at times. What more can you ask for in a book?

Ascend was everything I hoped it would be and maybe even a little more. Amanda Hocking, I applaud you!

Also...uh, can we be friends? 

kthanksbye!

In My Mailbox (5)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren where we showcase the books that have made their way into our lives/bookshelves that week.

Soooo excited about the books I received this week!!

For Review:


 
Embrace by Jessica Shirvington
(Thanks to the wonderful people at Sourcebooks!!)




Posession by Elana Johnson
(Quick shoutout to the FABULOUS Wendy Swore :D)

Blogspiration (4): For Writers

 

Blogspiration is a new weekly meme hosted by GrowingUpYA and Saz101. The meme was created to help spark inspiration among bloggers, readers and writers alike. An inspirational quote/picture/video  is posted weekly, on the day of the author's choosing, so that it may inspire creativity, conversation or just a little SOMETHING.

Thanks to Richelle Mead for posting this on her Facebook page

Just some Blogspiration for the writers of the world

Happy Sunday!!

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Share your Blogspiration with the Linky Thang!

Follow Fridays (5)

Follow Friday is a weekly Blog Hop hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. This meme gives both bloggers and readers an opportunity to discover new blogs and get to know each other a little better.

This week's featured Blogger is Progress & Procrastination whose question is...

Define what characteristics your favorite books share. Do they all have a kick ass heroine or is the hot love interest the Alpha Male?

Oooh! Excellent question!

I think the most important thing to me are the characters. I don't necessarily need to relate, but I like connecting with them. When an author can reel you into a world and make you feel as though you are that main character, it's an incredible feeling. You empathize, you get emotional and at the end of the day, that's exactly what I'm looking for in a good book.

So reel me in, authors of the world. 

I dare you!

So, what characteristics do your favorite books share??