Head over to Beyond Words

Don't miss out on your opportunity to pitch to agent Victoria Marini. Head over to Beyond Words by following the link http://chanellegray.blogspot.com/2011/07/pitch-contest-with-victoria-marini.html and post your two sentence pitch in the comments. Good Luck to all.

Waiting For Forever

I watched a movie over the weekend called Waiting For Forever with Rachel Bilson and Tom Sturridge. I had remembered seeing previews for it and had an interest in seeing it then totally forgot about it. So when I was at the Redbox (for the first time) with a friend on Saturday I immediately put my vote in for it. Before watching it I looked it up on Blockbuster where it had a rating of one and a half stars. I of course didn't tell my friend about the rating just read what it was about and popped it into my DVD player.

I don't know if it was the poor rating that sent me into it with little to no expectations or if it was actually a good movie, but I really liked it. I laughed, I cried and I was genuinely interested in the characters and what would happen next.

Quick overview:

Will (Tom Sturridge), a street performer, has been in love with Emma (Bilson) since his parent's tragic death when they were children. She moves on with her life becoming an actress and having no idea that he has been following her around from state to state the entire time. When her father becomes ill she returns home where Will after years of staying in the background finally emerges and talks to her. Emma's past comes into play sweeping Will up into its complications. 

I love Rachel Bilson from the OC days and was happy to see her in something else. Tom Sturridge I knew only as Rob Pattinson's best friend, but after watching this movie I realize he is much more than that. I'm sure this is not the last we will be seeing of him.

I fell in love with Will and throughout the whole movie I just wanted to reach out and give him a hug. At times I couldn't tell if there was something mentally wrong with him or if he just never grow up after his parents passed away. It kept me guessing through the whole movie. The ending was great. It wasn't what I had originally predicted which I was happy about. I liked the actual ending much better than what I had thought was going to happen.

If you have not seen this movie I say give it a chance. You may just be pleasantly surprised like I was.

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

I still remember the first Sarah Dessen book I read. It was Just Listen and from the moment I picked it up I was in love. She was a writer who understood the world of a teenager and at the same time created a story that had me hanging on to every word. Since then I have read a majority of her books and come to the conclusion that she will never disappoint me.

I couldn't wait to get my hands on, What Happened to Goodbye, but in my typical fashion I bought it and didn't get around to reading it until a few weeks later. However, I had it and it was there waiting for me. Finally a couple of days ago I picked it up just wanting to read the first page to see how it started and in turn found myself on my couch a hundred pages deep. The story immediately pulled me in. The one thing I noticed or at least in my opinion is her books start off slow and it takes me a little bit to get through the first few pages and into the heart of the story. That was not the case this time around. The connection I felt with Mclean was instant.

Okay before I get into it a quick overview of the story:

After her parent's divorce, Mclean Sweet chose to live with her dad since she blamed her mother for destroying their family. Her dad's job as a consultant for an eatery chain has them moving around an awful lot, four different places in two years. In every new place Mclean Sweet transforms into someone else. Eliza Sweet, Beth Sweet, Lizbeth Sweet leaving Mclean Sweet behind her. However, when she moves to Lakeview she returns to Mclean Sweet, makes friends, meets a guy and discovers who she really is.

First off Sarah Dessen has a knack for creating an amazing supporting cast of characters. Everyone has their own quirk and makes you want to jump into the pages and become their friends. There are so many times when I am reading a book and as soon as it diverts the attention from the main characters I get bored. Usually resulting in me reading faster to get through it and back to the main characters conflict. Riley, Ellis, Deb, Heather, Opal, Leo, Tracy, Jason, every time they came into a scene I read slower. Each one was unique in their own way and I actually wanted to know more about them.

I loved that both Mclean's parents were in her life, but it wasn't all peachy. They had problems and because of that I loved them more. I understood where Mclean was coming from in blaming her mom for the divorce, but as I read I paid extra attention to her dad and the tidbits of past information she would give and started to slowly understand where her mom was coming from. Which is another thing I love about Sarah Dessen's books, everything has purpose. They are not just words strung together on a page. No. Every word is a piece to a puzzle and it is your job to piece it all together.

Another thing I loved was the relationship between Mclean and Dave and how the attraction wasn't necessarily front and center but more of a steady build up.  My favorite part of the book was when he talked about having a 2am, the one person you can call at any time of the day/night. It was a short conversation, but for Mclean it was an eye opener.

What Happened to Goodbye is right up there with my two favorite Sarah Dessen Books, Just Listen and The Truth about Forever. If you are a Sarah Dessen fan you will not be disappointed and may even find a new favorite. If you aren't, what is wrong with you? Kidding. If you aren't or have yet to read one of her books this is definitely one to consider.

Currently Reading:

~RIP Amy Winehouse~

From the moment I heard Amy Winehouse's voice I was a fan. She was a throwback to the classic jazz/soul era that I have always loved. My boyfriend bought me her CD and I listened to it every day.

Soon after her private life overshadowed her talent. From blood covered ballet flats to her signature black makeup smeared across her face it was hard not to watch her downfall. Her face covered the gossip blogs and her antics made news headlines. It was like watching a car accident, you want to help, you say a silent prayer in hopes that it will be enough, but in the end all you can do is sit back and watch.

In 2008 I waited with held breath for her performance at the Grammy's. I silently hoped that she would be sober and it would be her moment. When her name was announced and she took the stage I couldn't help but clap. She was amazing. Then her face when she won, well, I teared up. I loved how her voice changed when she thanked her mom and dad it was indeed a great moment. A moment I thought that would change her life. Change her course. I guess I was wrong. Her addiction was stronger than her and in the end it won.

I hope she'll be remembered by her talent more so than her struggles. I think it's possible too. Look at the 27 Club that Amy has unfortunately joined, Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin, when people talk about them now they don't talk about their downfalls they talk about their music. In the end it doesn't matter what mistakes they made. What does matter, is the contributions they made to the industry. That we were blessed with their talent for the short time they walked this earth. RIP Amy you will be missed. 

A quick note: I have known many people who have struggled with addiction and it's easy to say where was their family and friends when they needed them, but guess what, they were there. Unfortunately when you have a loved one who is suffering from addiction there is really nothing you can do. If they don't want help your continuous efforts will be ineffective. It's a harsh reality, but it's the truth. You can't blame anyone but the addict themself.

~I need a bigger bookshelf~

Borders is closing (insert sad face here) so of course I had to stop in to browse which led to purchasing seven new books (insert happy face here). I really didn't have the money and I really shouldn't have and the funny thing is I was kind of upset about bills and my boyfriend said come on let's go to Border's it will make you happy. He always knows how to cheer me up. It worked and I'm not even concerned with the money I spent because to me it was well worth it. Who cares about paying bills anyway? I'm kidding. Sometimes though you just need to buy something in order to give you a little pick me up. Besides it'll give me a reason to stay home and not go out and spend more money. See it all works out in the end. I bet you want to know what books I bought.



One of these books is not like the other. I know, but I'm a sucker for Nora Roberts and couldn't resist.

Have you read any of these? Thoughts?

Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley

Corrinne was born and raised in New York City spending her days shopping at Barneys, attending galas and riding her horse at a country club in Connecticut. Her life is perfect until the recession, which was just a topic in the news, becomes her reality when her dad loses his job. Instead of heading to Kent, the boarding school she had been dreaming about, she is on a plane with her younger brother, Tripp, to Broken Spoke Texas. From the minute she lands in Texas all she wants is to return to New York. As time passes Texas starts to grow on her and she realizes that maybe her life in New York wasn't everything she ever wanted.

I originally bought this book based on the cover. I mean how could I not? The cover is amazing. Her yellow dress and turquoise jewelry and his plaid shirt and cowboy hat. I fell in love. I was ready for a serious love story, but that's not what I got. Instead I got a touch of a love story with a huge dose of a girl coming into her own. While I am a sucker for a love story Corrinne's struggle with leaving her life in New York City and trying to deal with her new life in Texas took center stage and I think that is what made the book.

In the beginning Corrinne reminded me of a character out of Gossip Girl which she happens to watch, but it was nice to see her get past the glitz and glam and just be a normal teenage girl who eats fast food and wears jeans. What annoyed me most was her attraction to Rider. *Spoiler Alert* He was a jerk who wanted to use her and it was obvious at least for me from the very beginning. It annoyed me that it took her so long to realize, but it did add to her overall growth.

I loved Kitsy she was the balance that Corrinne needed in her life. She was fun, perky, sincere and an all-around nice girl. One of my favorite parts of the book was when she dissed Waverly, Corrinne's BFF from NYC. It was great.

I wanted more of Bubby. We got little bits of him here and there, but I wanted more. Especially at the end. I did like the ending I just again wanted more. It was left too opened. I like things to wrap up nicely and not have to make me think about what is going to happen next. I just want to be told. However, with that said it is left wide open for a sequel and I really hope that is a possibility because I really fell in love with Corrinne and her new life in Texas and really want to know what happens next.

Have you read Where I Belong? Thoughts?

Currently Reading:

The Little Things

It's the little things in life that make me happy. For example yesterday I was going through an old wallet and found an old Barnes and Nobles gift card. I was going to throw it out because god knows how old it actually is, but I decided to go online and see if there was a balance. I was expecting if there was for it to be like twenty five cents. What I wasn't expecting was it to be $11.25. Yes $11.25! Can you believe it? Now I know it's old because if I would have recieved that card in the last two years there wouldn't even be a single cent left on it. So after I celebrated by jumping up and down and throwing a fist or two in the air I spent the remaining balance. And what is it that I purchased you ask? On sale might I add and only had to pay a difference of eleven cents until I found a discount code and now still have a few cents left on the card.

*Drum roll*

Everlasting by Alyson Noel

There is finally an end to the Immortals series by Alyson Noel. Between the first book EVERMORE to the sixth and final book EVERLASTING I was curious where Alyson Noel was going with the series and how she would wrap it up and even though I was leery after books three through five I am happy to say that EVERLASTING did not disappoint. It finally brought an end that was satisfying and worth the wait. A quick recap from Alyson Noel's website:

The sixth and final installment of the epic love story that has enchanted readers across the world. Ever and Damen have spent centuries facing down bitter rivals, jealous friends and their own worst fears—all in the hope of being together forever. Now in Everlasting, their destiny is finally within reach.
Will they be united—or torn apart forever? Readers will finally discover the truth in this anxiously awaited conclusion!

Ever and Damen seem to have been through it all. All of their past lives, all of the secrets that Damen was so desperately trying to keep from her, but it turns out there was a life that came before all of the rest. A life that neither of them knew anything about and it is the life that set forth the events that continued to plague them for six hundred years. It is the life that finally gives us the answers that we have so desperately wanted to know. I'm sure I'm not alone when I say, It is about time!

I loved learning about the past life that neither of them knew about. I love how as I read I was able to recognize each person for who they truly were. It basically brought back all of the characters from the entire series and it finally made sense. We now know the truth behind Roman and Drina and even get a better understanding of Jude and why he always seems to be the one interfering with Ever and Damen's life. We also get a better understanding of Ever and Damen and what it was that triggered everything that happened for six hundred years.

In the end Ever *SPOILER ALERT* makes peace with both Drina and Roman as well as Haven. I finally got the happy ending with Haven that I wanted in the previous book. She also got to see Riley again and I have to admit when she was able to see her standing there on the wing of the airplane I started to tear up. Because even though Riley left the series much earlier she made such an impact that she was always in the back of my mind as I read. I always hoped she would pop up from time to time and I'm happy that Alyson Noel brought her back for the end. It was perfect. I also wanted a happily ever after for Jude and was actually quite pleased when I realized he would possibly get it with Honor. A character that you love to hate but at the same time can't help but like her.

The other obstacle Ever was facing was having her aunt Sabine believe in her. Believe in what she was and what she was capable of doing which proved to be one of her hardest tasks. I honestly didn't think she would ever be able to get to her. *SPOILER ALERT* I'm happy she did. Ever may have had Damen, Miles, Jude, Ava, and the twins but Sabine was the last of her true family and I don't think Ever would have been truly capable of moving forward without being able to make amends with Sabine.

What I also liked was how Ever grew throughout the series. I remember thinking she was immature in the first few books, but in the last book and this one you can see the growth in her character. She finally grew up.

Did I mention that *SPOILER ALERT* Ever and Damen are finally able to be together! I have to say it again, It's about time! Though, the antidote is not what cures them it is the fruit from the tree of life. The fruit that Damen is reluctant to eat because it will make his body no longer immortal. Just when you think the end is near Alyson Noel hits you with another obstacle. Ever wants to eat the fruit and Damen does not. He wants to take the antidote and stay immortal. Neither seeming like they are coming close to a compromise only leads you to believe that they will go their separate ways because what other choice do they have? Thankfully Ever throws at Damen the one thing he cannot say no to, the chance to see his family again and have the opportunity to have his own family.

I think this was the perfect conclusion for the series and as sad as I am to say goodbye to Ever and Damen and all of the other characters I have fell in love with I am relieved to know there is finally an end.

Currently Reading:

NIGHT STAR by Alyson Noel

Over the weekend I finished reading Night Star by Alyson Noel the fifth book in the Immortal series. I bought the book what seems like forever ago, but didn't have the desire to read it. Finally with the sixth and final book of the series on my bookshelf I decided it was time to finish a series I have been reading for two years. A quick recap of Night Star from Alyson Noel's website: 

Best friends make the worst enemies—they know all your secrets, your weaknesses, and just how to hurt you most...
After fighting for centuries to be together, Ever and Damen's future hinges on one final showdown that will leave readers gasping for breath. Don't miss this explosive new installment of the number one bestselling series that's enchanted millions across the world!

What I really loved about this book is that I never forgot I was reading a young adult book. There are so many times when I am reading a YA book, most of the time something in the paranormal category, that the characters lose what it is that makes them a teenager and they just become another character that could be seventeen or forty. I never thought Ever to be anything other than a teenager. She fought with her aunt/legal guardian, had to deal with the hierarchy of high school and all its drama along with the backstabbing of a supposed best friend and deciding if the boy she loved was the boy she was meant to be with. All of which were the making of a good story.

Haven, Ever's friend, who has been around from the very beginning of the series turns against Ever in NIGHT STAR and while she is as evil as they come I was still hoping that by some miracle Ever would be able to help her. To save her from what she had become and in doing so they could become friends again. That's what I like so much about Alyson Noel and the characters she creates, she makes them so real that you feel as if you know them and while you continue to read their story you secretly are rooting for them.

I do have to admit, however, that the love triangle between Ever, Damen and Jude is losing its luster for me. It is obvious from the very beginning that Ever and Damen are meant to be together so why prolong this triangle? I’m just hoping in the sixth book Jude will find a happy ending because like I said it is obvious Ever isn’t the girl for him.

If you have read the Immortal series from the beginning you can’t miss NIGHT STAR, but you don’t need me to tell you. However, if you have never read any of the other books don’t read this one. There is so much that you need to know before you can even attempt reading this book. Every book adds more to the puzzle and hopefully the sixth book will bring it all together and we can finally get all the answers we’ve been waiting for.

Currently Reading:

~Head over to YAtopia's Blog~

Make sure to check out YAtopia's Agent contest with Vickie Motter.

http://yatopia.blogspot.com/2011/07/agent-contest-with-vickie-motter.html

It is a great opportunity for any writer of YA or Adult Paranormal/Urban Fantasy with a finished manuscript.

Good luck to all.

Surprise I Bought A New Book

As I'm slowly reading through my Summer Reading List I'm already thinking about what books I want to add to the list. This all goes back to my book buying addiction. So in true Theresa fashion I went out last night and bought a new book. In my defense I did not choose to go into the bookstore, my boyfriend did and not to mention I have wanted to buy this book for a very long time, but was never able to find it. I finally found it and obviously could not resist. So as soon as I finish Night Star by Alyson Noel I will be reading my new purchase:

I fell in love with the cover. Have you read it? What are your thoughts?

Just a quick post today.

Friday night I got a text message from my best friend, two hours after she dropped me off from the gym, to let me know that she just got engaged. ENGAGED! My best friend since the lst grade is engaged. It makes me feel old. Very, very old. It still feels likes yesterday when we met. Well maybe not yesterday but definitely not the nineteen years it has been.

It was the first day of first grade and as I sat in Mrs. Vandlindt's class eagerly awaiting her to begin teaching she approached me with a girl whose thick glasses only magnified the tears in her swollen eyes. "This is Rosie," she had said. "She misses her mommy. If she sits next to you will you be her best friend?" I was always eager to please back then so of course I shook my head over enthusiastically and began talking to Rosie. Her tears dried up and within seconds she started talking back to me. And as they say the rest is history.

I wonder if Mrs. Vandlindt had any idea that she put in motion a friendship that would last through the pettiness of middle school, the drama of high school and the rollercoaster of becoming an adult. Rosie, or Roe as I now call her, is my oldest friend and I have Mrs. Vandlindt to thank. It's been nineteen years and I can't wait to see what life has in store for us next.

~Books I Am Ashamed to Admit I Have Never Read~

I'm sure I've brought this up in a past post even if it was just a quick mention. However, I thought it was about time I actually made a list. And I am warning you it is long. Very long. Shamefully long. Okay here it goes:

1. The Catcher in the Rye
2. Emma
3. Wuthering Heights
4. Uncle Tom's Cabin
5. Dracula
6. Treasure Island
7. A Tale of Two Cities
8. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
9. The Jungle
10. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
11. The Scarlet Letter
12. A Christmas Carol
13. Speak
14. Harry Potter (Though I own every book)
15. Oliver Twist
16. Gone with the Wind
17. 1984
18. Are you there God? It's me, Margaret.
19. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
20. The Hunger Games Series

I could probably keep going, but I think I have embarrassed myself enough. What books are you embarrassed to admit you have not read? Have you read all the books on this list? If so which are your favorites? And your least favorites?

Afterlife by Claudia Gray

AFTERLIFE by Claudia Gray is the fourth book in the Evernight series and just like the books before it did not disappoint. A quick overview from Claudia Gray's website:

Bianca and Lucas have always believed they could endure anything to be together. When a twist of fate not only transforms Bianca into a ghostly wraith, but also turns Lucas into a vampire—the very creature he spent his life hunting—they are left reeling.

Haunted by his powerful need to kill, Lucas can turn to only one place for help... Evernight Academy. Bianca is determined to remain with him. But with the vampire leader of Evernight waging a war against wraiths, her former home has become the most dangerous place she could be, despite the new powers her transformation has given her.

A battle between wraiths and vampires looms, and Bianca and Lucas face a terrifying new reality. They’ve overcome every obstacle life has thrown at them, but is their love strong enough to survive the challenges after life?

I have loved most of the characters from the very beginning and my fondness for them only grew in AFTERLIFE. In this book both Bianca and Lucas are struggling with what they have become, though, their love for one another is just as strong if not stronger. That is one of the reasons I love this book so much. No matter what is thrown their way they take it head on together. They never lose faith in each other. What I really liked about this book is how Bianca takes on the roll as the protector. It shows her strengths and her undying love for Lucas.

I loved how becoming a vampire didn't change Lucas. He was still him and even when the vampire urge took over those things that made him who he was always prevailed. I cried when his mother turned against him. It broke my heart. I was a little skeptical when Skye was introduced to the story and was thrilled when the author did not take it in the love triangle direction I was expecting.

I was happy to see all of the other characters return for this book. Vic and Ranulf always make me laugh, Charity is the girl I love to hate yet still feel this sadness for her at the same time, Balthazar well I just love him, Patrice, Maxie, Dana and Raquel are also all great in their own ways. The character that surprised me the most was Mrs. Bethany. I've always disliked her but when she took a liking to Lucas and we then found out about her past I honestly started to like her. I felt for her and then was completely shocked *SPOILER ALERT* when it turned out that she was actually using Lucas all along then I really hated her. However, when Christopher switched places with Maxie in order to save her and Mrs. Bethany finally got to see him after all those years I kind of started to feel bad for her again. My thoughts and feelings were all over the place and that is what made this book so great.

The only thing I didn't like was the ending. And I know many people may disagree but the fact that *SPOILER ALERT* Lucas is human again means that Bianca will have to lose him one day. And yes I know if both were alive one would eventually have to go but what makes that okay is that usually the other one goes soon after or at least eventually. Bianca will have the rest of eternity only remembering him. And yeah Lucas said he would live on forever in her but really that's not the same. Then I thought that maybe he would become a wraith and they could still be together. Yes, I am thinking way too far into this, but that is what I do. Either way the book was great and as much as I disliked the ending I loved it at the same time. Weird I know.

I love Claudia Gray's style of writing. It is easy to get sucked into. I'm thrilled that she's writing a spinoff series about Balthazar and even more excited that Skye is going to be in it. Considering Balthazar is a huge part of Bianca and Lucas' life I only hope that they as well as the other characters from the Evernight series will make an appearance or two.

Did you read the Evernight series? AFTERLIFE? Did you fall in love with the characters as much as I did?

Currently Reading: