Ontario Teen Book Fest Recap

I love going to author events! It’s always fun to be able to meet the voice behind the book ;) A couple of weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to attend this year’s Teen Book festival which was held in Ontario, CA :) My cousins and I drove out (only about a 35 min drive from home) and we were able to meet some awesome authors; Anna Carey (EVE), Josephine Angelini (STARCROSSED), Jay Asher (13 REASONS WHY) and Alexandra Monir (TIMELESS).

The event started off with some introductions and an apology…. Tahereh Mafi was supposed to be joining us on the author panel, but something came up last minuet and she had to cancel. After the intros each author read a bit from their books. Here’s a short clip of Jay Asher reading from “13 Reasons Why”, which I learned that day, is in the works to becoming a movie, YAY! Can’t wait to see it on the big screen. I apologize in advance for the bad quality, I recorded this with my cell phone because my camera was acting up :\

 

After each author read from their books, we went into the crazy discussion on how each author started writing and how they got published. Did any of you know that Alexandra used to be a teen pop singer? Also, it took Jay almost 12 years to finally sell the book "13 Reasons Why"... Talk about never giving up on your dreams. Anna mentioned that she always knew she wanted to be a writer, even though the idea itself terrified her, she thought authors spent their days at home in sweat pants eating spaghettio's out of the can :)haha! She mentioned that through her job at an editorial, she met other authors and got inspired to finally write her book. "There came a time when I knew that I would never be satisfied with just reading other people's work. I had to write my own." Anna shared with the audience. We heard some pretty admirable stories!... 

Gorgeous, I tell ya!

Out of all four authors, I have to say that Mrs. Angelini's publication story was the funniest and craziest! It practically happened overnight. "After I was done writing it (referring to Starcrossed), I didn't know what to do next." she said during the panel talk. "I went back to my husband, handed him my first draft and said, 'here, read it.'" :) I was literally laughing out loud! Speaking of which, can I just say how absolutely gorgeous Mrs. Angelini is… like seriously, HOLY WOW! Her author picture, which is totally beautiful, DOES NOT DO HER JUSTICE! Plus, she is probably one of the funniest, most down to earth authors I have ever met.

Afterwards, there was Q&A with the audience, followed by my favorite part; the meet and greet book signings :) Since I'm not such a social butterfly, I don't really mingle after an event, but I am so glad I was able to attend this signing. Thank you so much for the Ontario Senior Center for having hosted this event <3 Hope to attend next years event as well.

blurry.... darn phone!

Me and Jay Asher! *squee*

She was so sweet!

Thanks for stopping by! Have you been to any author events lately? Share your stories with me :)

Oh, blogger! How I've missed thee....

Hi everyone, *waves*

I hope you all had a fabulous Memorial Day weekend, I know I did :) Lots of fun family time at the park <3 Loved it.

Family Pic! :) Yeah... My Gma had 15 kids!

So I’ve been missing in action around here, and it makes me sad :( I came to a point where it was either blog, or get my translations done for work…. And since blogging doesn’t pay my bills, I think you all know what road I took *lowers head in shame*… But hopefully that changes today! Thank you for all for sticking around, I am ready to talk books! :)

Just because I haven’t been blogging, doesn’t mean I haven’t been doing book related activities. A couple weeks ago I attended a book signing and got to meet the famous Jay Asher *squee*! I was so excited! He wasn’t the only author present, Alexandra Monir (TIMELESS), Josephine Angelini (STARCROSSED) and Anne Carey (EVE), were all on the panel too! I’ve scheduled a little recap post to go up in a few hours with more details and pictures if anyone is interested <3

Ok, I am off to schedule more posts :) wooo! Talk soon.
xoxoDiana

Review: The Future Of Us

Title: The Future of Us
Author: Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 356
Challenge: None
Source: Own
Add to Goodreads

My Rating:
 

It's 1996, and Josh and Emma have been neighbors their whole lives. They've been best friends almost as long - at least, up until last November, when Josh did something that changed everything. Things have been weird between them ever since, but when Josh's family gets a free AOL CD in the mail,his mom makes him bring it over so that Emma can install it on her new computer. When they sign on, they're automatically logged onto their Facebook pages. But Facebook hasn't been invented yet. And they're looking at themselves fifteen years in the future. By refreshing their pages, they learn that making different decisions now will affect the outcome of their lives later. And as they grapple with the ups and downs of what their futures hold, they're forced to confront what they're doing right - and wrong - in the present. -summary from goodreads.com

Wow. Talk about a blast from the past. I’m going to feel so old telling my kids that I was born before the internet. This book had me thinking, but not enough to leave an impression. I give this book more like 3 1/2 hearts.

The book is well-written and is narrated back and forth between the two protagonists; Emma and Josh. Emma did get on my annoying side every once in a while, but only because of her negative attitude. Also, the way she tried to “erase” her friend’s pregnancy, NO WAY! You don’t do that. Unwanted pregnancy or not, that was not her choice to make. That docked her off another couple points in my book. Josh was just awesome, he was funny and loyal; 2 traits that every best friend must have, in my opinion anyway.

The plot offers an interesting premise, one that made me question my, “online life” today. If you really think about, we share a ton of personal information online. There was this scene where Emma logs into facebook and ponders, “Who would share such personal information on the Internet?”… *raises hand slowly*… I’ll be honest and say that after finishing the book, I logged into facebook to sort of evaluate my own page. I do know one thing though, I would have killed to have been able to log into my current facebook account while I was in HS…. that would have been something.

The only thing that bugged me was the fact that there were a ton of plot holes. I know that usually tends to happen to time travel stories, but in The Future of Us we don’t get an explanation of any kind, it just happens. Which worked out ok, but I just wish the authors would have added more plot twists (story was very predictable), or even an epilogue from the future self’s of Josh and Emma.

My Book Boyfriend (4)

My pick this week:

Will 

From- Angelfire by Courtney A. Moulton

There was a lot of mystery to Will, the Guardian, in Angelfire. I'll be honest, I often times found myself annoyed with Will for purposely holding back information from Ellie in regards to her ancient warrior powers... But then later on in the novel you find out his reasons why and everything he does for Ellie…. *sigh*. I need to find myself a Will.But for now, my mental representation of him, portrayed by Matthias Lauridsen, will have to do <3


Description:

-Tall, maybe six feet, and broad shouldered.
-Bright green eyes.
-His hair looks black, until caught in the sun, it reveals a more walnut color.
-Twenty or twenty-one years old.
- Black, spiraling tattoos all up and down his muscled arm.  

"...he gave me a quiet smile, one that amplified the gentle contours of his face, the curve of his lips, the little line beside his right eye that appeared when he smiled."

Favorite Scenes/Swoon-worthy quotes:

"And everytime you die, a little piece of me dies with you.” -Will to Ellie

“He reached forward to cup my cheek, the touch surprising me. "Please understand that no matter what I am or what has happened in the past, I am yours. I am devoted to you above all else, including my own life." -Will to Ellie

“As I swung a third time, he grabbed my wrist. "That's enough hitting," he growled. "You don't exactly hit like a girl, you know.”  -Will to Elli

“I have a ninja sitting shotgun. Of course, I'm tense.”  -Ellie referring to Will

"Ellie, you need to understand," he said softly. "I exist only to serve you and fight by your side. Whether that fighting is to preserve your life or to make sure you smile, that is what I am built to do. You're all I have, and I will watch over you forever.” -Will to Elli

Have you read Angelfire? Wasn't Will just, magnificent?! What do you think of Matthias Lauridsen as Will? Share your comments below!

I still haven't had the chance to pick up WINGS OF THE WICKED (book 2) but hopefully that changes and soon! I think a re-read of Angelfire should do me some good ;) Thanks for stopping by!

Movie Monday (1)

Just a meme I came up with that should help me look forward to posting on Mondays because if there's anything I love more than books, it's movies :)

This week's Topic

My top 10 movies of 2012 (so far!)

1. THE HUNGER GAMES- Do I even need an explanation?! Camped out a whole 8 hours in advance. It was well worth it. Brilliant movie! So sad to hear Gary Ross won't be directing Catching Fire.

2. 21 JUMP STREET- omg! I don't think I've ever laughed so hard during a movie! Not a movie for younger viewers, even though the majority of the audience watching this movie were teenagers. Channing and Noah make an awesome undercover team!                                                                       

3. THE CABIN IN THE WOODS- Barely saw this one last night and it definitely left it's mark. Unlike any other movie I've seen. I literally turned to my BF like 10x's during the movie and asked him, "What the hell are we watching!?" Super twisted and just weird. I'm not feeling that ending, though.

4. CHRONICLE-  Whoa. Such an intense movie. Was not expecting it to be so good. Loved it! It's like a boys gone wild type of movie, only these boys have telekinesis powers.

5. JOHN CARTER- Such a fun movie to watch. I went with my brother, and to be honest I wasn't expecting much.... Boy, was I surprised! Plus, John is a total hottie ;) Same guy from Friday Night Lights. 

6. MAN ON A LEDGE- Surprisingly good! Watched this last week, although it's been out for a while. The concept overall seems lame, really; a man on a ledge?!...(anyone remember Phone-booth?) But overall the movie has a very well thought out back story that will keep you hooked til the end.

7. THE WOMEN IN BLACK- Although the movie overall was a bit disappointing, I still adored every minuet of it (I don't know if that makes sense, but that's how I felt). It was good to see my beloved Harry Potter outside of the wizarding world ;) 

8. UNDERWORLD AWAKENING- One of my ALL-TIME favorite movie series. Fell in love back in 2002 when the first Underworld movie came out. I have a girl crush on Kate Bekinsale. I was a bit disappointing that Michael doesn't make an appearance in this installment, even though his character is still very much involved in this movie (watch it, you'll see what I mean!) Very happy to hear that another Underworld movie is in the works :)                                                                                         

9. CONTRABAND- Mark Wahlberg can do no wrong in my book ;) Cheesy plot line (boy gets caught up with Narcs, ex-narc brother in law must save his sorry ass) but overall filled with plenty of action and explosive scenes! Kate Bekinsale as a blond is just a bonus ;)haha!               

10. JOURNEY 2- I was craking up! Not usually a Vanessa fan, but this movie made me see her in a completely different way. Plus, it was nice to see Josh Hutcherson in a movie before I saw him in the HG. Definitely a movie to watch with the family :)

That is my list for this tiring, yet moving onward, Monday. Any good movies you've seen lately that you'd recommend? let me know :) Thanks for stopping by.

Review: Clockwork Angel

Title: Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1)

Author: Cassandra Clare

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

Pages: 476

Challenge: None
Source: Own
Buy the books: B&N / Amazon 

My Rating:

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos. Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: Jem, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. -summary form goodreads.com

Maybe it was my love for The Mortal Instruments or maybe it was just my mood, but I was expecting a little more out of Clockwork Angel. Don't get me wrong, I still very much enjoyed it, but I was not feeling the whole, "OMG! BEST BOOK EVER" vibe I've been seeing around the blogger-sphere!

The plot was simply alright. I felt like the author started off right with her awesome world building and a kick ass back story. She even spaced out the action scenes long enough for me to take a sincere interest, but towards the middle I found myself skimming through… and that’s never a good sign. The ending and mysterious nature of the characters is what kept me flipping the pages.

Tessa in my opinion rocked! (I think I like her more than Clary- TMI). I’ll be honest and say that I had a very difficult time in accepting the love interest between Tessa and Will. I don’t know why but it just felt so forced and rushed. Also, what he says to Tessa at the end was just RUDE. Who does he think he is?!

Something that bugged me beyond belief was the similarities between Will and Jace (TMI). I knew that there would be similarities between the two characters since they‘re related…. but really?! They’re practically the same person! Brooding attitude towards life and how much they hate themselves… Come on!? I know it’s the same type of back story, but this is supposed to be a whole different series. In regards to teams, I think I’m leaning more towards Jem. Hopefully we get a little more of him in book 2.

Review: Revolution

Title: Revolution
Author: Jennifer Donnelly
Publisher: Delacorte Books
Pages: 472
Challenge: None
Source: Own


My Rating:

BROOKLYN: Andi Alpers is on the edge. She’s angry at her father for leaving, angry at her mother for not being able to cope, and heartbroken by the loss of her younger brother, Truman. Rage and grief are destroying her. And she’s about to be expelled from Brooklyn Heights’ most prestigious private school when her father intervenes. Now Andi must accompany him to Paris for winter break.

PARIS: Alexandrine Paradis lived over two centuries ago. She dreamed of making her mark on the Paris stage, but a fateful encounter with a doomed prince of France cast her in a tragic role she didn’t want—and couldn’t escape.

Two girls, two centuries apart. One never knowing the other. But when Andi finds Alexandrine’s diary, she recognizes something in her words and is moved to the point of obsession. There’s comfort and distraction for Andi in the journal’s antique pages—until, on a midnight journey through the catacombs of Paris, Alexandrine’s words transcend paper and time, and the past becomes suddenly, terrifyingly present.

I didn’t know what to expect when I picked up Revolution. I’ve heard about Ms. Jennifer Donnelly, but I haven’t had a chance to pick up any of her books. Yeah… that’s a big mistake on my behalf! Revolution was breathtakingly beautiful!

Andi is a 17 year old girl who is severely depressed after the death of her younger brother Truman. She blames herself and contemplates suicide several times. Andi’s character was filled with so much grief and guilt, but that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. If anything, it brought me so much closer to her as a character. It was fascinating to see how Alex’s life helped Andi realize that she couldn’t give up and that she should fight for what she loves. When Andi read Alex’s diary I was right alongside her wanting to know more about this girl who was fighting for something she strongly believed in. I actually ended up putting the book aside a few times because of how devastating and powerful it was…. But at the same time, I was dying to know what was going to happen next. Talk about an emotional roller-coaster.

You could tell that Ms. Donnelly put much thought and effort into writing Revolution. From the history, to the music, to the characters… everything was just so powerful and relevant. Revolution was my first book from Jennifer Donnelly and I can’t wait to read more from her.