CRACKED UP TO BE

CRACKED UP TO BE

By Courtney Summers

2009

214 Pages

From Back Cover:

When "Perfect" Parker Fadley starts drinking at school and failing her classes, all of St. Peter's High goes on alert. How has the cheer leading captain, girlfriend of the most popular guy in school, consummate teacher's pet, and future valedictorian fallen so far from grace? Parker doesn't want to talk about it. She'd just like to be left alone, to disappear, to be ignored. But her parents have placed her on suicide watch and her counselors are demanding the truth. Worse, there is a nice guy falling in love with her and he's making her feel things again when she'd rather not feel anything at all. Nobody would have guessed she'd turn out like this. But nobody know the truth. Something horrible has happened, and it just might be here fault.

My Thoughts:

Wow! Parker Fadley is hard to love. Throughout the story Parker does her very best to push everyone who tries to care about her away. She is verbally and emotionally mean to her friends and family. She takes every chance they give her, crumples it up and throws it back in their faces. Parker is in full self destruct mode and we are witnessing the end of a good girl gone bad. What has brought Parker to this place? Chapter by chapter, it's slowly pieced together. We see the old Parker through a series of flashbacks-which brings us one horrible night that tears Parker's life apart. What happened? Courtney Summers is an incredible storyteller. I found Parker completely unlikeable and her actions left me speechless YET I flew through the pages determined to find answers. The ending left me numb. Although I will never be a Parker Fadley fan I immediately went out and bought two more Courtney Summers books.

Reader be warned this book contains language, drinking, sex and violence.

The Line

The Line

By Teri Hall

2010

219 pages

From Inside Cover:

Rachael lives with her mother on The Property. The good thing about living there is that it's far from the city, where the oppressive government is most active. The bad thing, at least to most people, is that it's close to the Line-an uncrossable section of the National Border Defense System, an invisible barrier that encloses the entire country. She can see the Line from the greenhouse windows, but she is forbidden to go near it. Across the Line is Away, and though Rachael has heard many whispers of the dangers there, she's never really believed the stories. Until the day she hears a recording that could only have come from the Line. It's a voice asking for help. Who sent the message? What is her mother hiding? And to what lengths will Rachael go in order to do what she thinks is right?

My Thoughts:

This is my third book for the Dystopian February Challenge hosted by Presenting Lenore. I was a little worried I might be getting jaded to the dark, bleak, hopelessness. Not to fear! Author Teri Hall does a perfect job of writing a story that I was immediately caught up in.

The Line centers around three characters Rachael, Vivian, and Ms. Moore. Each play a major role as the story unfolds. The plot is filled with suspense and mystery that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. I literally couldn't put the book down-I carried it with me from room to room. Although it's very hard to talk about this book without giving spoilers away I will say that it leads into a sequel-which you can see coming a mile away. There are just too many plot lines and details to wrap up neat and tidy with one book. I was practically jumping for joy at the end because I can't wait to get my hands on Book 2-Away. Unfortunately we have to wait until September 2011 for it's release. I can't wait to enter Teri Hall's world again. I need to know what happens next!

XVI

XVI

By Julia Karr

325 Pages

2011

From Back Cover:

Every girl gets one. An XVI tattoo on the wrist-sixteen. They say they're there for protection. Some girls can't wait to be sixteen, to be legal. Nina is not one of them. Even though she has no choice in the matter, she knows as long as her life continues as normal, everything will be okay. Then, with one brutal strike, Nina's normal is shattered; and she discovers that nothing that she believed about her life is true. But there's one boy who can help-and he just may hold the key to her past. But with the line between attraction and danger as thin as a whisper, one thing is for sure...for Nina, turning sixteen promises to be anything but sweet.

My Thoughts:

XVI is set for 140 years into the future-2150 Chicago. The story takes place around 15 year old Nina who is dreading her 16th birthday. For a good reason- in this new society girls who turn sixteen are tattooed on their wrist and become legal to be sexually used and abused by men.

Julia Karr does a wonderful job setting up this bleak dystopian world where the government has taken control of people by setting up a tier system. The lower tiers depend on the government for food, housing and medication while the upper tiers have more luxuries such as better housing and more career opportunities.Turning sixteen or sex-teen is hyped up by the media and portrayed as freedom and choices. Early on we learn that Ginnie, Nina's mom has taught her not to buy into all the media hype.

Girls in the lower tier system have the opportunity to move up the ladder by applying and being accepted into the FeLS program- a government run program designed to help girls achieve their dreams of bettering themselves. Right away the reader gets the feeling that this program is not all that it proclaims to be as Nina's mom does everything she can to buy Nina's contract so Nina doesn't have to go.

The story moves along quickly as Nina's situation changes after a tragedy strikes. Nina and her sister are taken to live with her grandparents. Things quickly gain momentum as Nina soon finds out that her mother was involved in secret things that must be kept hidden from the government. Time is running out for Nina as she tries to uncover mysteries of her past, her family and her uncertain future before she turns sixteen.

I thought this was excellent debut novel by Julia Karr. This story had a great combination of suspense, action and romance in a dystopian setting. After visiting her website I learned that she is working on a sequel tentatively called The Sisterhood which will hopefully expand on her already amazing world. I'm eager to find out more about the FeLS system and the resistance-Non-Cons.

This book was read for Dystopian February hosted by Presenting Lenore.

I plan to give this book away next month as part of a prize package celebrating my 3rd year of blogging! Yah! Stay tuned!

LOOKING FOR TRADES

UP FOR A TRADE??
Let me know if you would be interested in doing a trade! I prefer hardback for hardback, etc. But I'm always willing to reconsider depending on the title you have. E-mail me at tmdahle@centurytel.net or drop me a comment below and I'll get back to you ASAP.
Here's what I have-
Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr(HB)
Every Little Thing in the World by Nina De Gramont(HB)
Masquerade by Melissa De La Cruz(HB)
Shadowed Summer by Saundra Mitchell(HB)
The Dead & The Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer(HB)
Beautiful by Amy Reed (HB)
Oh.My.Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs(HB)
The Secret to Lying by Todd Mitchell (ARC)
My Worst Best Friend by Dyan Sheldon(ARC)
Kitty's House of Horrors by Carrie Vaugh(PB)
XVI by Julia Karr(PB)
Gossip of the Starlings by Nina De Gramont(PB)
Cracked Up To Be by Courtney Summers(PB)
Haunts Haven by Joan Sowards(PB)
Flawless by Sara Shepard(PB)
And here's the titles on my wishlist-I'm especially interested in anything dystopian at the moment. I'm willing to pay for shipping to you if you will do the same in return.Thanks!
Amy and Rogers Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann
Hunger by Jackie Morse Kessler
The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney
Rot and Ruin by Jonathan Maberry
Boys Don't Cry by Malorie Blackman
She Smells the Dead by EJ Stevens
Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow
Matched by Ally Condie
The Duff by Kody Keplinger
The Ghost and The Goth by Stacey Kade
Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs
Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce
The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
Losing Faith by Denise Jaden
Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by David Levithan & Racchel Cohn
Nevermore by Kelly Creagh
Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King
Delirium by Lauren Oliver

GONE

GONE

by Michael Grant

2008

558 pages

From Inside Cover:

In the blink of an eye. Everyone disappears. Gone. Except for the young: Teens. Middle schoolers. Toddlers. But not a single adult. No teachers, no cops, no doctors, no parents. And just as suddenly, there are no phones, no internet, no television. No way to figure out what's happened. And no way to get help. Hunger threatens. Bullies rule. A sinister creature lurks. Animals are mutating. And teens themselves are changing, developing new talents-unimaginable, dangerous, deadly powers-that grow stronger by the day. It's a terrifying new world. Sides are being chosen, a fight is shaping up. Townies against rich kids. Bullies against the weak. Powerful against powerless. And time is running out: On your birthday, you will disappear just like everyone else.

My thoughts:

Be prepared for a wild, intense, nail biting ride. Gone is a classic tale of good versus evil with a whole lot of super natural thrown in.

At first the situation seems like a kid's dream come true-everyone over the age of 14 suddenly disappears-poof! One minute everything is normal, then people are gone and a force field surrounds Perdido Beach, CA trapping everyone inside a 20 mile radius. No one can get out or come in. The kids are on their own. The mood quickly changes from excitement to fear. Things get even more desperate as some of the kids start to develop strange powers-defy gravity, throw fire, or heal.

The story is told by several characters who each have their own issues or problems and sets the story up for a sequel. The book is a hefty size but the plot moves along smoothly with a great combination of suspense, action and a wee bit of romance thrown in. I've already ordered the sequel Hunger from Amazon. I can't wait to see what happens to these kids and a situation I predict will go from bad to worse.

This book was read for Dystopian February hosted by Presenting Lenore. I plan to donate this book to my public library. I think it would make an excellent addition to our young adult section.

BEAUTIFUL

BEAUTIFUL

By Amy Reed

232 Pages

2009

From Back Cover:

There is a picture of me in their heads, a picture of someone I didn't know yet. She is not the chubby girl with the braces and bad perm. She is no the girl hiding in the bathroom at recess. She is someone new,a blank slate they have named beautiful. That is what I am now: with this new body and face and hair and clothes. Beautiful, with this erasing of history.

My Thoughts:

What if you had the chance to start over. What if you moved to a new place where you and your reputation weren't known. What if you had the chance to join any clique-would you choose the populars, the geeks, the jocks or the goths? What if you had the chance to be different than anything you have ever been before....would you take it?

Thirteen year old Cassie has moved to a new town and is the new girl-labeled the beautiful 7th grader by a group of kids she knows she should stay far away from. But the temptation to be wanted,desired and to fit in is too powerful for her to resist. Reader be warned. This is a tale of drugs, alcohol, abuse, suicide, and sex. Cassie's choices are tough to take at times. As well as situations she puts herself in. Reed's writing as been compared to the rawness of Ellen Hopkins. I definitely recommend this book for older teens. I'll be giving this book away next month as part of Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop March 17th-20th. Check back for details!

FOLLOW FRIDAY!

HAPPY FOLLOW FRIDAY!
This weekly hop is hosted by Parajunkee. Go there, get the link and join the fun. All the cool kids are doing it!
This week's question is by Dreaming About Other Worlds.
If you are a fan of Science Fiction what is your favorite book? If you haven't read Science Fiction before...any inkling to? Anything catch your eye?
I'm not a huge fan of science fiction and here's my lame excuse that we have all heard given at some point "It's not you, it's me." Honestly, I have just never had the imagination for sci fi- about a quarter of the way through I find myself saying "WTF!" The only author that has been able to catch my attention span and interest is Orson Scott Card's Ender Series-but I only made it to book four.
I hang my head in shame and carry on. Have a great weekend everyone!

WINNER!

We have a winner!
Library Girl Reads

I will be mailing out her books and chocolate tomorrow. A HUGE thank you to Kathy at I'm a Reader, Not a Writer for hosting this super fun event. And HUGS to all the awesome bloggers out there that entered and follow Mug of Moxie. I will be participating in another hop in March so check back.

Follower Love Giveaway Hop

BOOKS AND CHOCOLATE!
Do I have your attention now?
I'm a Reader, Not a Writer is hosting another fantastic hop-

Follower Love Giveaway Hop February 8-13.

More than 200 blogs will be participating-which mean more than 200 giveaways!

Be sure to stop back by here on February 8th for a full list of all blogs hosting giveaways.
In the spirit of Valentine's Day I will be sharing the love by giving away 2 books-Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts and Plum Lovin by Janet Evanovich. Also included is a box of Andes Mint Chocolates. Yum!

This contest is for old and new followers.

To enter the Mug of Moxie giveaway- Become a follower-if you aren't already. Then simply leave your name and contact information in the comment section -That's it! What are you waiting for? Good luck and have fun!

After you have entered my giveaway hop to another giveaway on the list:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TGIF

Are You Ready For A Hoppin Good Time?
This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs to read! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING!!This fantastic weekly event is hosted by:
Jennifer at Crazy For Books
This week's question comes from :
"What book are you reading right now and why?

Right now I'm reading a book called

Gone by Michael Grant as part of the Dystopia in February Challenge(Information on side bar). I'm about a 100 pages into the book and already planing my weekend around reading it.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

BOOKS AND CHOCOLATE!

Do I have your attention now?

I'm a Reader, Not a Writer is hosting another fantastic hop-Follower Love Giveaway Hop February 8-13. More than 200 blogs will be participating-which mean more than 200 giveaways! Be sure to stop back by here on February 8th for a full list of all blogs hosting giveaways.

In the spirit of Valentine's Day I will be sharing the love by giving away 2 books-Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts and Plum Lovin by Janet Evanovich. Also included is a box of Andes Mint Chocolates. Yum! So I'll see you back here on February 8th!

100 Books In A Year Challenge

1oo Books In A Year Reading Challenge
Timeline: 1st Jan 2011 - 31st Dec 2011
Rules: Read 100 or more books in 2011
Details & Sign-Up: CLICK HERE
My progress so far:
January
1. Zan-Gah by Allan Richard Shickman
2 .The Secret to Lying by Todd Mitchell
3. My Worst Best Friend by Dyan Sheldon

"DOWN WITH CLOWNS" WINNER

CLOWNS.......

As a tribute to the mastermind behind my phobia of clowns I decided to have a contest and give away a brand new paperback of IT by Stephen King. Twenty very brave souls entered the contest. Today I drew the winner.....

Jenny @ Mimosa Stimulus

The winner has 48 hours to respond to my email or another winner will be drawn. A big thank you to all those who entered.

P.S. I did pay for the book but I'm NOT paying for the therapy you will need upon finishing it!

DYSTOPIAN FEBRUARY!

So February in Salmon, Idaho is NOT fun. As we speak it is twelve below. Too cold to do anything fun outside-ski, snowmobile, ice skate, etc. Luckily I just across this very cool blog and found something to entertain myself while I hunker down and wait for spring. Drum roll please....DYSTOPIAN FEBRUARY hosted by Presenting Lenore.

Use this link to go there for more details. Her site is dedicated solely to dystopian and post apocalyptic fiction so I'm looking forward to some great recommendations and reviews on her site.
So join us in celebrating dystopian lit this month.
Pull out those books in your TBR and get reading!
AND to kick things off she is having an awesome giveaway!
You could win (one winner takes all):
1 signed copy of THE GIVER by Lois Lowry.
1 hardcover copy of ACROSS THE UNIVERSE by Beth Revis
1 arc of DIVERGENT by Veronica Roth
1 surprise book in the dystopian genre
1 magnet featuring the classic cover of BRAVE NEW WORLD
Assorted dystopian related swag including
signed bookmarks fiction.