An Update

Hello friends. Just an update. I'm sorry I've been AWOL for the past, well, six months! If any of you are regular readers you might have noticed that my 'currently reading' book keeps changing... although I think it's been Paper Valentine for a while. But anyways, now it's not. Now it's Mortal Heart, and I've been reading that at a very slow pace.

The reason for that is probably what you can only expect from a high school senior: college apps. College apps and just catching up with senior year have been tough, as expected. So I've been putting reading to the side. But I'm still alive, and updating! So hello, it's me. I was wondering if after all these [months] you'd like to [see me post more reviews].

I guess this is kind of a hello from the other side. Because a lot has been going on, and now I'm finally updating again. I never really post personal things on this blog, but I think me being AWOL from this blog for six months really needs an explanation. I'll go ahead and post that on my author blog.

I hope you guys enjoy my book review for Jane Eyre, which will be up in about an hour from now! And I just finished listening to Shane Dawson's I Hate Myselfie WHICH WAS AMAZING. That review will be up next Sunday. Stay tuned!

For now, don't forget to be happy and thanks for stopping by!

2013 Reflection

So. 2013 is officially over in a few hours. Well, long story short-- last year I was able to read 40 more books than I was able to read this year. Funny thing was, I'd actually thought that this year would be the year I hit 180 or something crazy like that. But, guess not. What happened was that I hit AP classes this fall, and boom, there went my reading time. But that doesn't mean I will stop. Reading will always be a sacred pastime. This year, I read 120 books, (and cheated with a few novellas.. but they're still books..) says Goodreads.

The book of the year? Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare. Even if that was back in March. That book. Seriously though. I don't know when or if I'll find a better book. Still not over those feels, Cassie!

I started this year with Narnia (bless CS Lewis for writing those) and end it with House of Hades (a book I was supposed to finish months ago, but heck.)

My resolutions included the finishing of my book, Incend, but that has not happened. You know what did happen? School. But I'm seriously letting school get in the way of this. I will start again. I'm leaving Incend to collect dust, because I can consider it my first failed attempt. But failure is a step, not a mode of discouragement. (Maybe it is for a little while.) I've been told that authors do not publish their first works. Continuously. Yeah, thanks Cynthia. LOL. I will start another one, don't you guys worry. I'll actually attempt to finish it this time.

But yeah, new years resolutions seems too overrated, doesn't it? So I won't make any. May 2014 be ever in your favor. Happy new year.

What's Going On Right Now?

Hey everyone! First off, I just want to say thank you to my followers for being so nice and coming to comment even when I'm not here as much as I would like to be anymore, because I'm trying to balance my academics. I have a LOT of pressure on my hands right now, so that's why I won't be accepting review requests for a while.

Currently, I am reading:

Fallen-

I've been wanting to read this for a while, so when we had to find an independent reading book for English class, I'd picked this up. But damn it, should've just chosen House of Hades. So this book, not to be criticizing, but I really can't help but not like the writing style. I don't know, maybe it's just the main character. I can't tell. Protagonist = irritating, indecisive. This will probably end up being a 7/10. We'll see if it gets better. I'm halfway through.

Author Event: Marissa Meyer, SA Bodeen, Alexandra Bullen Coutts, and Leila Sales at A Great Good Place For Books: Oakland, CA

Hey all! Last Sunday was such a blast for me. I went to A Great Good Place For Books, and met Marissa Meyer, one of my all time favorite authors, SA Bodeen, Alexandra Bullen, and Leila Sales. All were fabulous.

These ladies were so nice! I got my copies of Cinder and Scarlet signed. I'm so glad Fierce Reads decided to stop by near my home. Unfortunately, no matter how much I wanted to get the other books, I was too poor and forever will be...

As I was there, I hauled Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell for twenty bucks. I just know it'll be worth it-- it gives me the jitters!

Donate to SLHS Aspiring Writers!

Hello all, I apologize for the fact that I haven't been posting recently, and it is, of course, because of the crazy AP homework I must deal with. Anyways, as some of you may know, I've started a club in my school-- Aspiring Writers for teens with similar ambitions for writing gather and share (not to mention the leadership role). I've been so pleased at the big turnout when I'd expected two or three people to come.

In order to get started, we have to raise funds for costly writing contests, author signings, and buying books. We need YOUR help! Please donate! It's never too late to donate, and every little bit counts.

http://www.gofundme.com/slhs-aspiring-writers

Bout of Books 8.0: This Week's Recap

This was my first read-a-thon, and unfortunately, it was such a failure. Although I have to say it was kind of fun! This week was also the first week of school for me, so in all the chaos with getting organized and prepared and accustomed and trying to keep up with AP courses and trying to do homework, and trying to study, I've only been able to read two books this entire readathon, when my initial goal was 1000 pages. I'm looking forward to participating next year, and hopefully I'll be more accustomed to AP courses by then to not spend entire evenings and nights trying to figure things out, and be able to read at least a little.

Check out my progress post: http://bookaholic-ness.blogspot.com/2013/08/bout-of-books-80-goals.html
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boutofbooks.blogspot.com

Sort-of-book-review: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (The Mortal Instruments #1)

This is my second 'review' for this book pasted directly from GR. Contains spoilers and fangirling, with the movie coming out tomorrow. That's right, I reread City of Bones, and re-reviewed it. And ALL THE DAMN FEELS ARE ATTACKING ME AGAIN. Note: Not in usual review format, hence the name "sort-of-book-review."

Firstly, before I go on and on and on about how I love this series and Cassie Clare and everything-- I'd like to state that this book is definitely worth reading, and rereading, over, and over, and over again. There are a lot of mixed reviews. You either love this book or hate it. Well, judging from the avg rating, a lot of people liked it, with the exceptional few. I'M TELLING YOU THAT TMI IS ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE SERIES AND I'M STILL OBSESSED WITH IT EVEN AFTER ALL THIS TIME.

New to the Blogosphere?

Hello everyone-- I decided to make a post just for the brand new book bloggers who are not yet introduced to the blogosphere. I, myself, have been a book blogger/reviewer for over a year now, so I've picked up bits and pieces. Below are the aspects of book blogging:

Blog Appearance - This isn't as important as the others, but appearance might just be the difference of whether a reader decides to stay or decides to leave. So you've got to make it.. fabulous. I mean, it doesn't have to be showy, and it doesn't have to be over-the-top, but I'd definitely recommend making it pretty and adding your own spice to it. (Don't forget to design a blog button! Oh wait, I can totes do that for you. Just contact me.)

Getting Followers - Getting followers is important too. That's the way to increase the traffic, that's the way you know that your posts are being read! When I'd first started blogging, I was so lost. SO LOST. ("How do you get followers oh my god this is so hard") Anyways, go ahead and just go make a Bloglovin' account. GFC is too hard to use.. -sigh- But use both, just for the sake of it! I am! You can use Linky, or any other system/program to get followers, but it's kinda just "You follow me, I'll follow you!" And now is the part where I get to the memes.

Bout of Books 8.0: Goals & Progress

http://boutofbooks.blogspot.com/2013/08/bout-of-books-80-goals.html
THE WEEK OF AUGUST 19TH

Time Devoted to Reading

I will be reading ALL weekend. Yippee. On the weekdays, I'm not sure. School starts the week of the read-a-thon, but I'll try to keep reading! A bookaholic never stops. 

My Goals

I'll go for vague. Lots and lots and lots. At least 1000 pages. I got this.

Books to Read

-Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis done 

-Blythewood by Carol Goodman

-Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
-A Million Suns by Beth Revis
-Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

PROGRESS

Monday

Read today: Not A Drop To Drink (all), A Million Suns (some)

Books read overall: 1 and then some

Percentage of current book: 10?

Thoughts on today's book(s): Not A Drop To Drink, Rated 7/10. A Million Suns is good of course.

Overall thoughts on the day: A pretty decent amount-- hope to read more this weekend!

Tuesday

Read today: 100 pages of A Million Suns

Books read overall: 1/4

Percentage of current book: 25-30%

Thoughts on today's book(s): It's pretty good so far! I don't expect anything else from the amazing Beth Revis, anyway.

Overall thoughts on the day: I didn't read much as I'd wanted to. Well, school starts tomorrow. Let's see how I do for the rest of the week.

Wednesday

Read today: NOTHING UGH

Books read overall: NONE

Percentage of current book: 50%

Thoughts on today's book(s): IT WAS GOOD BUT I DIDN'T READ BECAUSE SCHOOL UGH

Overall thoughts on the day: I HATE SCHOOL

Thursday

Read today: NOPE

Books read overall: NOPE

Percentage of current book: 50% LOL

Thoughts on today's book(s): CRYING

Overall thoughts on the day: i can't do this anymore

Friday

Read today: Nothing..

Books read overall: None..

Percentage of current book: 50%

Thoughts on today's book(s): CRYINGDKSJKDFS

Overall thoughts on the day: I'll never get to read omg

Saturday

Read today: Like, 2 pages.

Books read overall: Um..

Percentage of current book: 50%

Thoughts on today's book(s): I don't know..

Overall thoughts on the day: I hate school..

Sunday

Read today: The rest of A Million Suns

Books read overall: 1..

Percentage of current book: 100%

Thoughts on today's book(s): It was awesome.

Overall thoughts on the day: At least I finished?

What Really Happened in Peru by Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan: FREE UNTIL 8/11

IT'S FREE! IT'S FINALLY FREE! ONLY FOR NOW! MUST I SAY MORE? Free until 8/11 on Pulseit! Don't miss this fabulous offer! GO GO GO! I'll be posting a review sometime in a couple of weeks.

http://www.pulseit.com/what-really-happened-in-peru

Cress by Marissa Meyer (Lunar Chronicles #3) Cover Revealed!

Hello hello hello my darlings. If you haven't heard, Cress just had its cover reveal today! IT IS GORGEOUS! (Not like I'd expected anything else.) What do you guys think? I just find it so ironic because it was my WoW pick today. And I was ranting about the lack of a cover. Oh my goodness.

Anyways, check out this link (http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/books/2013/07/31/cress-book-cover-excerpt-reveal/2600463/) for an excerpt of Cress and a Q&A with the one and only, Marissa Meyer! I'm telling you I am so excited for this book, and I genuinely hope that Cinder + Thorne ship goes all the way! (Cress get out of the way please please please please do not fall for Thorne)

ENJOY!

Bout of Books 8.0 Sign Up!

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 19th and runs through Sunday, August 25th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 8.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

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Sounds interesting, doesn't it?! Count me in!

I'm now using Bloglovin'

Hey guys! Just an update. I'm now using bloglovin' to further connect with more fellow book bloggers, since people keep saying "I followed you via bloglovin'!" I'd like to follow them back, too, and not just frown because they didn't follow me via GFC. But yeah. If you use bloglovin', follow me and I'll gladly follow back! Thanks!

I'm technically an author now.. YAY!

So, ahem. One or two months ago, I was entering every writing contest I could find-- and I just happened to enter Clean Teen Publishing's WONDERSTRUCK contest! Well, what do you know? My 100 word drabble got included in the anthology! Which allows me to be a Goodreads author. Muaaahahah. #LovingTheGoodreadsAuthorPage

So guys, support us, and check it out! Just thought I'd share this news! 

Author Event: Malinda Lo @ SLHS Book Club!

 
We book clubbers at SLHS had the pleasure of meeting YA author Malinda Lo today! (Explains why I've been reading her books lately.) She's a very nice person! ..And she gave us bookmarks! Yay! LOL.

She did this really nice Q&A. She had very thoughtful and lengthy answers. Here it is.
I got ASH signed and she gave me an Adaptation bookmark/postcard thing!

 That's pretty much it!

The Mortal Instruments, City of Bones cast opinion

So, as many of you know, City of Bones is becoming a movie! And Cassie Clare is my all time favorite author. So, what do I think about the cast? I usually don't blog about movies, hence my calling of this blog a 'book blog,' but I've gotta talk about one of my favorite books becoming a movie! And of course, the cast! And also because this is such a widely talked-about subject.

Let's start with the gorgeous book cover of Jace's abs and the book synopsis.

 Book Summary: When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing -- not even a smear of blood -- to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . . . 

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

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I have a review of this book on here, but I bet it sucked. So don't bother reading it. LOL.

 Lily Collins as Clary Fray.

Looks like Clary? Yes. Except, apparently, she filmed with a darker hair color.  It doesn't matter. It's still red. And she looked absolutely amazing in the trailer. So yah, it's all good. I love Lily Collins, and she looks like she can completely pull it off as Clary.

Robert Sheehan as Simon Lewis.

Looks like Simon? YES HE LOOKS LIKE A SIMON ERMAHGERD. Simon is my favorite character in the whole Mortal Instruments series. I just love Simon. Like, Simon.

Robert Sheehan's Irish, an he's been working on an American accent for a while. It's just so awesome. He looks like a Simon and omg I can't wait to watch the movie

 Godfrey Gao as Magnus Bane.

Looks like Magnus? Godfrey Gao gets a hell yeah. 
Magnus is amazing. Godfrey looks like a Magnus. He looks like THE Magnus. He looks nice in eyeliner and sparkles, which is what Magnus Bane is supposed to look good in. So yeah, I am completely more-than-satisfied. Couldn't have asked for a better Magnus.

 Jemima West as Isabelle Lightwood.
Looks like Isabelle? YES. I'm really glad she dyed her hair.
I really have nothing to say about Izzy, LOL. I love Izzy though. Jemima West looks a lot like what Isabelle should look like.

 Kevin Zegers as Alec Lightwood.

Looks like Alec? Yeppers.
I imagined Alec to be a little younger, but I think Kevin Zegers should do fine. omg. I can't wait for the Malec kiss. I've got to see this.

 Jamie Campbell Bower as Jace Wayland.

Looks like Jace? Yeah.. no. Close enough?
There's a reason why I saved Jamie for last: Because he was the one that everyone was talking about.
Don't get me wrong-- I love this cast. I love Jamie Campbell Bower. He's amazing. That's a very appealing picture of him right there. I love his accent, and I love his hair. 

I think the main reason why people dislike him so much is because he just doesn't look like a Jace. At first, I was one of those people who didn't really like him. I was one of those people that expected Alex Pettyfer's beautiful face to be the face of the wonderfully cocky Jace Wayland. But I didn't really expect Alex to go to Fifty Shades and turn down this role.. But really, I'm glad that Jamie got cast as Jace. 

I'm just so sick of people saying that he's ugly and not fit for Jace. He's NOT UGLY. HE IS NOT UGLY. JAMIE CAMPBELL BOWER IS NOT FUCKING UGLY.

LOOK AT THIS

THIS

THIS

THIS^^^ ESPECIALLY THAT ONE. HE IS FREAKING HOT OKAY

no. no don't say I have bad taste

But then again, it's not his facial appearance that MATTERS. You know what changed my mind? An article. I wish I could give you guys a link but I can't seem to find it. But really, I'm serious. That article changed my entire viewpoint. It just said a few things, and among those few things is that Jamie Campbell Bower has this vibe that screams 'Jace!!' He has a confidence in his mere WALK and when he walks into the room people notice.

And if his audition made Cassie Clare cry and pick him out herself, he should be great.

What I'm saying is that, even if he doesn't exactly look like the book's perf Jace Wayland, it's okay! What matters is his acting, and if he's already got an awesome vibe and a walk that shows his confidence, I think that's Jace enough for me. We've already seen him in Breaking Dawn. He's good. So if you're not satisfied with him, accept the fact that he's AWESOME or don't watch the movie at all.

I JUST LOVE THIS CAST SO MUCH I CAN'T

Incend: Characters On Paper.

Hey guys. My sister drew my book characters. omg. omg. afkja;klfsjdad #BRBCRYING. They're so beautiful.. Just wanted to share with you guys.

From left to right: 

Malvectia, Eramina, Lavender, Harry.

I know some characters are missing, but those are works in progress at the moment.

If you want to contact her, please do so at ireenchau@gmail.com. She'll draw people, mainly. It'll encourage her, so please go contact if you have any drawing requests!

New Year's Resolutions: 2013.

Okay, I'll just share because most of them are book related anyways.

-Finish writing Incend and finally become an author.
-Read 150 books (hopefully. I did 160 in 2012 so...)
-Read more Classics no matter how much they bore me.
-Read Clockwork Princess, Requiem, Prodigy, and other fabulous long-awaited releases that come out THIS YEAR. Let me pause and insert a GIF.



MY EMOTIONS
Okay let me continue now.
-Meet more authors.
-Look forward to watching City of Bones, Catching Fire, Sea of Monsters, Beautiful Creatures, and other book-movies or just movies in general. I need to go to the theaters more anyways.
-Get abs. (From Badminton Conditioning! LOL)

And that's it. What do you think? (;

Book Haul- 8.

This is somewhat new to this blog, I know! But I just can't help it-- I need to share what I got! I am very, very, ecstatic, for these books were on my TBR list since I don't even know when. A long time. Anyways, I shall get started. As you know, I have a total of 8 new books..

 

1- Eon, Alison Goodman.
I heard from my friend- and fellow book freak- that this book was ridiculously good and I had to read it. I'm looking forward!
2- The Fault in Our Stars, John Green.How many times have I seen/heard people talk about this book! And the rating on Goodreads is HIGH. I'm talking about HIGH. 4.67/5. That's really high, considering that there are a thousands of ratings. Gah.
3- Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan.So, I read the summary for this book, and it seemed pretty good! Also, my OTHER friend recently (a month ago, LOL.) read this book and reviewed it. I liked her review.
4- The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson.
Hm, I think, on this whole entire list, I'm not that ecstatic about this one. I don't know. I just got it because I wanted to try new books! It looks pretty good!
5- The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima.On Goodreads, you know that "Recommendations" tab? Goodreads kept recommending this to me, and I'm like, OKAY. And besides, one of my friends- this is actually her favorite book!
6- Iron King by Julie Kagawa.I have to say that the Iron Fey series has been on my TBR list the longest out of all these. It looks and sounds fabulous. Can't wait to read it.
7- Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor.Ever since I saw the book trailer for this- I've been wanting to read it SO BAD. Like, really. Ermagerd. I've read VERY positive reviews about it.
8-Defiance by CJ Redwine.
How long has this book been on my TBR list. How long. Ermagerd. It looks so beautiful too. That cover is so afjdalfjsljfaljf alluring.
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And, that is the end of my Book Haul list. (For now.)

My current TBR list is crazy overflowing right now. Like, 40 somethin' books. Gah. Oh well. Anyways, here's an update on my currently reading--

Bridge Across the Land by Yvonne Wang? It's an enjoyable read! My book review will totally include an author interview. When it's legitimately published and officially in stores, I want y'all to buy it!

I'm Waiting.

Hey there everyone! Okay, so this blog post is simply about the novels coming out later this year or in 2013. They, believe it or not, are the only reason that I'm hoping the world doesn't drastically end this year, like rumors say. (AHHH, IT'S 2012! We're all going to die!) Basically, this post is to inform (or warn) you about how I will act when my review for these books are posted- crazy, ecstatic. Yeah. Basically. So. They're not in any specific order.

 Prodigy by Marie Lu.
Legend #2
So. I really loved Legend. And Prodigy is going to be great. I know it! Look at that fab cover. I'm really anxious to see what is going to happen. Ah! Why must I wait so long.
I really dearly hope I won't be disappointed. I'm back for more of Daniel Altan Wing.
Expected Publication: January 29th 2013 by Putnam Juvenile.

Untitled by Veronica Roth.
Divergent #3.
It doesn't even have a cover or title. Insurgent isn't even in paperback yet! It came out only in May. But yeah, I NEED to get my hands on this. I'll do a blog post on it if the cover ever gets published. If I remember.
Expected publication: September 26th 2013 by Katherine Tegen Books.

 Reached by Ally Condie.

Matched #3.
Matched was good. Crossed was a disappointment. Maybe I'm not going to be screaming in this book's review, but I'm still curious enough to try to find out what happened that I'm actually not giving up on this trilogy, even after the major disappointment that answered none of my questions.
Expected publication: November 13th 2012 by Dutton Childrens Books.

 Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare.
Infernal Devices #3.
After reading Clockwork Angel, I itched to read Clockwork Prince. After reading Clockwork Prince, I saw the publication date for Clockwork Princess and nearly died. Why do I have to wait so long?! D: Why is Tessa so pretty. I love this cover!
I PROBABLY will be typing my whole review for this book in CAPS lock. I can't wait! Cassandra Clare books are so good. Ah. You should all read her books, if you haven't already.
Expected publication: March 19th 2013 by Margaret K. McElderry Books.

The Runaway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen.
The Ascendance Trilogy, Book 2.
So, I absolutely LOVED the huge twist in The False Prince. And I'm totally curious to find out what happened. There better be more romance. Or else I'll just die. I think the title is a bit of a spoiler? Yeah. Well. I'm looking forward to it!
Expected publication: April 2013 by Scholastic Press.

   Princess of the Silver Woods by Jessica Day George.
Westfalin Trilogy #3.
So, I love Jessica Day George's books. Really. Ah! I liked the first two books of this series, although I liked the first one better. I'll see what this brings. (: I'm not really dying of agony from waiting for this, but we'll see! I already pre-ordered it. A long, long, time ago. We shall see.
Expected publication: November 13th 2012 by Bloomsbury USA Children's Books.

  Scarlet by Marissa Meyer.

Lunar Chronicles #2.
    Now this. Is one that I'm dying in agony from waiting for. There's already some preview chapters, and Marissa Meyer has her ARCs already. I really, really, really, really really really really really want to read this. Marissa Meyer did the most inspiring for me to write Incend from her first book, Cinder. I want to read it really bad. omg. Isn't the cover fab?
Expected publication: February 5th 2013 by Feiwel and Friends.

Requiem by Lauren Oliver.
Delirium #3. (Or is it Love Trilogy? I'm honestly not sure.)
Um. So, when I review this book. I will be screaming and fandoming. So if you don't want to put up with that, don't read my review. Jk. Please do read my review. Just stay calm. (:
I seriously can't wait. CAN'T WAIT. Delirium was fabulous. Pandemonium was the most beautiful and unsettling cliffhanger I've ever read. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry or scream. Seriously. You should read Lauren Oliver!
Expected Publication: March 5th 2013 by Harper Teen.


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So you see, they're continuing series. I can't wait to read them all. Only two of them, I think, are coming out later this year. D: Unfortunately. And Marissa Meyer's Lunar Chronicles isn't going to be finished until I graduate high school. omg. Why so long. Well. Honestly? I'm not planning to write a series for Incend. Although I probably will just for the sake of continuing. We'll see. Well. Brace yourselves for the reviews of these fabulous books. Because I might knock you over! That's all. I finally listed them out. (: Now I feel organized. HA!

So then, guys. What books are you waiting for?

I'm almost done with City of Bones. Just a hundred more pages! Stay tuned for my review.