Win a Copy of Dreamland by Sarah Dessen!

Contest is closed! Thanks to all that entered!

Welcome to the first giveaway for Sarah Dessen Extravaganza! And whoot! only 15 more days until Along for the Ride comes out! I updated the post where I gave some info about what is going on this month and posted the rules. So check it out please!

Okay, now onto the giveaway!

Dreamland by Sarah Dessen

Wake up, Caitlin

Ever since she started going out with Rogerson Biscoe, Caitlin seems to have fallen into a semiconscious dream-land where nothing is quite real. Rogerson is different from anyone Caitlin has ever known. He's magnetic. He's compelling. He's dangerous. Being with him makes Caitlin forget about everything else - her missing sister, her withdrawn mother, her lackluster life. But what happens when being with Rogerson becomes a larger problem than being without him?


This is one of my favorite Dessen novels. A lot of it has to do with when it first came out, there wasn't much choice in Young Adult. When I checked the book out from the library, I was not able to put it down. I was so happy (I know that sounds odd considering what the book tackles) to find a book that dealt with real issues and actually felt real. There was no fluff and the life Caitlin broken down into parts by her sister, Rogerson, and herself was written perfectly.

To enter you must leave your name and email address or your entry will not count.

If you don't want to leave your information here, drop me an email:
justyourtypicalbookblog@hotmail.com

Extra entries:

+1 for becoming a follower

+2 for already being a follower

+1 for linking the contest to your blog, myspace, twitter, facebook, etc. Please make sure to leave the link with your entry for it to count. You will receive one entry per place you link it too.

In Dreamland, Caitlin takes up photography for a new hobby so to say. Tell me a hobby you enjoy and you will get an extra entry.

--Don't forget to check out this post to see how you can get some extra entries.

This contest is only open to those with a US or Canada mailing address. The deadline will be June 7th by midnight central time.

♥amber

Sarah Dessen Extravaganza!

Every Monday for the month of June a Sarah Dessen novel will be given away. The giveaway will run until Sunday and the winner will be announced either that night or the following day. Since I ran into some very good deals there will also be random contests here because I was able to get all of her books!

Complete list:

• That Summer
• Someone Like You
• Keeping the Moon
• Dreamland - winner announced: PopinFresh
• This Lullaby (Deadline June 14th)
• The Truth About Forever
• Just Listen
• Lock and Key
• Along for the Ride (Deadline June 15th)

Want an extra entry?

If you spread the word about Sarah Dessen Extravaganza on your blog, twitter, myspace, facebook - whatever, linking people back to this post, you will get an extra +5 entry on one giveaway of your choice! (That includes Along for the Ride if you have already entered.) To get the entry, leave a comment on this post showing me where and wa-lah! you'll get the extra entries.

Surprise entry! The following people get an extra +5 entry on one book of their choice (includes Along for the Ride) OR +1 entry on each giveaway of the week for being awesome and casting their votes in on what books should be given away.

• prophecygirl
• Summer
• Polo.Pony
• Katie
• Jenna
• MssJoss
• Em
• Iryna

If you are one of those eight people, just type in +surprise entry (tell me if it's 5 or 1) on your comment.

Now for the rules:

• Giveaways are only open to those with a US or Canada mailing address. Sorry international readers!
• You must leave your email address in your entry or your entry will not count. It's just makes it easier contacting wise.
• Each winner will have 48 hours to respond with their address

All winners will receive some extra goodies that Jessica Verday, author of upcoming novel, The Hollow. Plus some bookmarks I'm attempting to make. (If they suck, I'm sorry.)

Any questions, feel free to drop me an email: justyourtypicalbookblog@hotmail.com

♥amber

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren. Check out her site to find out more!


For review this week, I received:


Darkwood by M.E. Breen



Darkness falls so quickly in Howland that the people there have no word for evening. One minute the sky is light, the next minute it is black. But darkness comes in other forms, too, and for thirteen-year-old Annie, the misery she endures in her Uncle’s household makes the black of night seem almost soothing. When Annie escapes, her route takes her first to a dangerous mine where a precious stone is being stolen by an enemy of the king, and later to the king’s own halls, where a figure from Annie’s past makes a startling appearance. All the while, reported sightings of kinderstalk— mysterious, wolf-like creatures that prowl Howland’s dark forests—grow more frequent. Eloquent, suspenseful, and imbued with fairy-tale motifs found in The Brothers Grimm, this is a riveting coming-of-age story of a girl who must learn to trust her instincts if she’s to lead the people she is destined to rule.



Hero.com: Rise of the Heroes by Andy Briggs

Toby, Pete, Lorna, and Emily are just average kids—until they stumble upon a Web site called Hero.com and download powers that turn them into superheroes. At first, flying, teleporting, and shooting lasers from their eyes seems like nothing but fun. But when the supervillain Doc Tempest kidnaps Toby and Lorna’s mom, things take a darker turn. Now the heroes must band together and use their new skills—from super-strength to invisibility—to rescue their mom, fight evil, and try to save the world from destruction.

Of course, little do they know that Villain.net is out there too, recruiting teens for the other side. . . .

Villain.net: Council of Evil by Andy Briggs

A week ago, Jake Hunter was just an ordinary kid, leading his bully pack, picking on nerds at school for lunch money, and trying to avoid detention. Then he clicked on a mysterious Web site, Villain.net, that let him download powers like radioactivity and laser vision. Now he’s a superpowered global fugitive wanted for theft, kidnapping, blackmail, and the pending destruction of the planet. Not bad for a fourteen-year-old. But, as Jake soon discovers, there’s no rest for the wicked—especially when your family’s in danger, your villainous mentor might be plotting against you, and most of the world’s good guys are hot on your trail.

Of course, little does he know that Hero.com is out there too, recruiting teens for the other side. . . .

That's all! What did everyone else get this week?

♥Amber

Rock This! Thursday - Review of Lovestruck Summer by Melissa Walker

Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: May 5, 2009
Genre: Young Adult
Pages: 272

This is the story of Quinn, an indie rock girl who came out to Austin, Texas for a music internship. She also plans to spend long, lazy days in the sun at outdoor concerts--and to meet a hot musician or two.

Instead, she's stuck rooming with her sorority brainwashed cousin, who now willingly goes by the name 'Party Penny.' Their personalities clash, big time. But Sebastian, a gorgeous DJ, definitely makes up for it. Sebastian has it all: looks, charm, and great taste in music.

So why can't Quinn keep her mind off Penny's friend cute, All-American Russ and his Texas twang? One thing's certain: Quinn's in for a summer she'll never forget!





From reading Melissa Walker's blog, I had a feeling I was going to love her work. I had been on a reading stump for about a week or so, flipping through many books, waiting for something to grab me when I cracked this one open and read:

I live my life in headphones. That way, I can control what I let in. If kids at school are being idiotic and perky, I put on my mellow track and tune out their spirit rally. If my parents are nagging me, I play a fast song and rock out in my mind while smiling and nodding at them.

My reading stump was over because what my brain was telling me was that I was in the mood for a very fun light read and this one did the trick. Quinn's voice was so easily to slip into by her love of music and her semi fangirl ways. I loved all the people she meets while staying in Austin. Her bubbly cousin, Penny, and her cross dressing dog (yes, you read right - a cross dressing dog) along with her friends who I would normally find annoying, but they were too fun to not love. My favorite person Quinn meets (besides the boys of course) would have had to been Jade. She was very upfront about so many things, I loved her attitude.

The two love interests of her summer Sebastian (who I kept picturing the lead singer of Framing Hanley as) and Russ were also great characters. And I love love love Russ. He annoys the crap out of Quinn, but in a very cute way. I thought his little twang and sometimes corny jokes were flat out adorable. Plus I had to love his take on music, like this: (page 137)

"Music is music, Priscilla," says Russ. "If you love music, you give it all a listen. You see what there is to learn in every song you hear. You take chances on shows. That's part of it."

Though a little predictable, Melissa Walker knows how to write a very fun and upbeat novel with a few surprises that you will completely enjoy. If you are looking for a summer read then I highly suggest picking this one up! And hey - it's only 5.99 you cannot beat that!

♥amber

Review: Glass Houses by Rachel Caine

Glass House by Rachel Caine (Book #1 in Morganville Vampire Series)


Released: October 2006
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)

Genre: YA

Pages: 247
Source: Bought

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

{Welcome to Morganville, Texas. Don't Stay Out After Dark.}

It's a small college town filled with quirky characters. But when the sun goes down, the bad comes out. Because in Morganville, there is an evil that lurks in the darkest shadows - one that will spill out into the bright light of day.

Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation. The popular girls never let her forget just where she ranks on the school's social scene: somewhere less than zero. And Claire really doesn't have the right connections - to the undead who run the town.


When Claire heads off campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life. But they'll have Claire's back when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood...

---

When I first started the book, I wasn't for sure if I would enjoy it. Claire, being a sixteen year old genius was being picked on so to say by a group of psycho popular girls led by a psycho named Monica in the dorms at her college. When the second chapter hit, I was hooked, and wasn't able to put it down!

I absolutely love the way Rachel Caine writes her characters. It was so easy to see what was going on through Claire's eyes, and it felt like I was right there along with them. I did question why she wanted to stay with all the crap going on, but by mid book, I understood it. She was not a quitter. The roommates at the house were awesome. Each of them had their own voice, and you got a feel of them by their first introduction. Between Goth girl Eve who is the biggest sweetheart ever. To Michael who I was already drooling over with his guitar and very curious why he only slept days - I loved them!

Then there was Shane. Sweet bejeez, did I become a fangirl to Shane. I'm not for sure if it's his attitude, his trouble past, his willingness to help others out, or me completely loving whatever came out of his mouth. All of it was the perfect package for my character whore self.

Really the book is so easy going, and I loved the action/suspense that it held. Finding out who was good and who was bad with the mix of surprises - it's just WOW! I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys the feel of vampires and a paranormal world. I will give you a warning though, if you start liking the first book, go pick up the second book immediately. Or you will be like me, with no second book, and dying to know what happens next!

♥amber

Win a Copy of Not Like You by Deborah Davis

Contest is closed! Thanks to all who entered!
Deborah has offered to host a giveaway with her latest novel, Not Like You. Check out the summary, and if you like, just leave a comment on here to be entered. Deadline is June 10th by 9 pm (central time), and the contest will only be open to US Residents.

"Starting a new chapter."

That's how Kayla's mom refers to each of their moves - five in the past two years. Each time it's the same: Marilyn promises to stop drinking, breaks her promise, and then they're off again.

This time it's New Mexico. But something feels different. Kayla is putting down roots, starting her own dog-walking business, and spending time with Remy, a twenty-four year old musician. He's her refuge from Marilyn's daily struggle with sobriety. But Kayla is only fifteen. Does an older man really offer Kayla the refuge she needs? Or is the safety she craves actually with the person who scares her the most?

♥amber

Interview with Deborah Davis

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your books?

I’m married, I’ve got a 16-year-old son, and we live in Berkeley, California with two cats. I’ve liked making up stories since I was a little girl growing up in New Jersey and Massachusetts. My first book, THE SECRET OF THE SEAL, which I wrote while I had a job on a computer magazine, is about an Inuit boy named Kyo who encounters a very unusual seal. It’s a really sweet story for elementary school kids. My second book, MY BROTHER HAS AIDS, is about a 13-year-old girl named Lacy who faces tragedy with a lot of courage. My third book, YOU LOOK TOO YOUNG TO BE A MOM: TEEN MOTHERS SPEAK OUT ABOUT LOVE, LEARNING, AND SUCCESS, grew out of my experiences being a doula for several teen moms. And my recent novel, NOT LIKE YOU, is about a 16-year-old girl named Kayla who’s trying to sort out her future: should she stay with her unreliable, alcoholic mom? Or pursue Remy, the 24-year-old musician she’s attracted to? You can read excerpts of my books at http://www.deborahdavisauthor.com.


What is your writing schedule like? Do you just go with the flow of things or do you set a certain time for it?

A little of both. Every day is a writing day unless I have to do other things—present at a school or coach a writer who wants help with her own writing. I try to reserve 9-1 for writing and do the rest—manuscript consultations, school visits, walking with a friend—for the afternoon.

How did the idea of Not Like You come along?

I imagined a girl finding her mother passed out in their New Mexico trailer. This girl was furious but also worried about her mom. I wondered, how did they get to this point? How will the girl resolve her terribly conflicting feelings of love and anger? Those questions propelled me to write Kayla’s story.

What changes were made from the first draft to the finishing project?

It would take me weeks to write about all the changes! I did at least 6 different drafts of NOT LIKE YOU, and hundreds of smaller revisions. One big change was that originally Marilyn was both a drug addict and alcoholic, and in the final version she’s just alcoholic. Another is that their New Mexico landlord was initially a much meaner, creepier guy. And a third big change concerns Rebel, the dog Kayla adores...oh, I can’t tell you about that. It would give too much away!

Where there any parts of the story that seemed more hard to write?

The main relationships—Kayla’s to her mother, Kayla’s to Remy—were tough, but those intense relationships are at the heart of the story, so it was worth putting in the extra effort. Also, the ending was super challenging. I must have revised it at least a dozen times. But that’s what it often takes to come up with the right ending.

Who was your favorite character(s) in the book?

I’m really fond of Kayla, who in some ways reminds me of myself when I was younger and a lot more confused than I am now. Also, I adore Shirley and Sherrie, the hilarious thrift store owners who befriend Kayla.

Have you always wanted to write Young Adult books?

After writing THE SECRET OF THE SEAL, I thought I’d write more easy chapter books and picture books. But my protagonists keep getting older, and my stories more complex, so I’m not sure I’ll do any picture books after all. Maybe when I’m old and senile.

What books should we be reading?

Whatever interests you. Just—READ! The smartest, happiest people I know read books—all kinds of books. My only advice is that you ask people you trust and respect what they’re reading—and check out some of their suggestions so that you try out some books you might not think about on your own.

Any advice for aspiring writers?

Read! And write. Buy a cheap notebook and write whatever you think about, without editing, to discover what you have to say. Join a writers’ group. Show your writing to people you trust and get feedback. Then write, and read, some more.

Can you tell us what you're working on next?

I’m working on a novel about an aspiring doctor named Lina who leaves her boyfriend and friends in the middle of her senior year of high school to travel to India. She plans to do service there, only nothing goes the way she expected: Her attempts to help others only make things worse, and she finds herself attracted to a guy whose goal is to photograph—not help—people who are suffering. If you sign up for my newsletter at http://www.deborahdavisauthor.com I’ll send you updates about Lina and a notice when the book is published.

Thanks for letting me tell you about my work!

Deborah


To read my review of Not Like You click here.
♥Amber