Book #16: That Summer

Title: That Summer (second book in the "How to Deal" edition)

Author: Sarah Dessen

Date started reading: Jan. 31, 2012
Date finished reading:  Feb. 1, 2012

Publish date: Originally 1996, "How to Deal" edition 2003
ISBN: 978-0142501030
Number of pages: 205 in "That Summer." 486 in entire edition

Official summary: "For fifteen-year-old Haven, life is changing too quickly. She's nearly six feet tall, her father is getting remarried, and her sister -- the always perfect Ashley -- is planning a wedding of her own. Haven wishes things could just go back to the way they were. Then an old boyfriend of Ashley's reenters the picture, and through him, Haven sees the past for what it really was, and comes to grips with the future." (http://sarahdessen.com/book/someone-like-you/)

How I obtained the book: Received through the Paperback Swap book club. (I had to pay to mail a book to another member in order to receive a credit to request this book)

Memorable quotes:

• "It’s funny how one summer can change everything. It must be something about the heat and the smell of chlorine, fresh-cut grass and honeysuckle, asphalt sizzling after late-day thunderstorms, the steam rising while everything drips around it. Something about long, lazy days and whirring air conditioners and bright plastic flip-flops from the drugstore thwacking down the street. Something about fall being so close, another year, another Christmas, another beginning. So much in one summer, stirring up like the storms that crest at the end of each day, blowing out all the heat and dirt to leave everything gasping and cool. Everyone can reach back to one summer and lay a finger to it, finding the exact point when everything changed. That summer was mine."

My commentary:

• I'm a huge Mandy Moore fan, so I, of course, watched the "How to Deal" movie years ago (and a ton of times since). I loved the movie for many reasons. But I never knew it was based on books until a month ago when I was in a book store and spotted Mandy's photo on the cover of a book. I went home and searched the author's website for the title "How to Deal," which I didn't find. I was confused. Finally I went back to the store and looked at the book, which has a note from the author explaining that the movie was adapted from two of her books ("Someone Like You" and "That Summer). She says that the books were different stories with different characters, so it wasn't even like the movie's characters existed in both books. I was confused. After reading the first book, it's making more sense to me overall

Buy on Amazon.com: How to Deal: Someone Like You/That Summer (Movie tie-in)

Book #15: Someone Like You

Title: Someone Like You (first book in the "How to Deal" edition)

Author: Sarah Dessen

Date started reading: Jan. 29, 2012
Date finished reading:  Jan. 31, 2012

Publish date: Originally 1998, "How to Deal" edition 2003
ISBN: 978-0142501030
Number of pages: 281 in "Someone Like You." 486 in entire edition

Official summary: "Halley and Scarlett have been best friends for years, sharing secrets, clothes, and crushes. People know Scarlett as the popular, flamboyant one; Halley’s just her quiet sidekick. Then, at the beginning of their junior year, the balance shifts. First, Scarlett’s boyfriend Michael is killed in a freak accident; soon afterward, she learns that she is carrying his baby. For the first time, Scarlett really needs Halley. Their friendship may bend under the weight, but it’ll never break  – because a true friendship is a promise you keep forever. Sarah Dessen’s poignant, funny voice has earned her raves and legions of teenaged fans." (http://sarahdessen.com/book/someone-like-you/)

How I obtained the book: Received through the Paperback Swap book club. (I had to pay to mail a book to another member in order to receive a credit to request this book)

Memorable quotes:

• "I took a deep breath, and all I could see in my mind was Michael, a boy I hardly knew, whose death now seemed to mean everything."
• "All the milkshakes in the world weren’t going to get me out of this. So, just like that, I lost the end of my summer."
• "Life is an ugly, awful place to not have a best friend. When I pictured myself, it was like just an outline in a coloring book, with the inside not yet completed. All the standard features were there. But the colors, the zigzags and plaids, the bits and pieces that made up me, Halley, weren't yet in place. Scarlett's vibrant reds and golds helped some, but I was still waiting."
• "A tall, hairy man in a polka-dot shirt ... was buying four cans of potted meat, some air freshener, and two cans of lighter fluid. Sometimes you don't even want to think about what people are doing with their groceries." ~ Halley talking about a man going through her line at the grocery store she's a cashier at
• "My best friend Scarlett had traded a kiwi fruit for her heart." 
• "P.E. became the most important fifty minutes of my life." 

My commentary:

• I'm a huge Mandy Moore fan, so I, of course, watched the "How to Deal" movie years ago (and a ton of times since). I loved the movie for many reasons. But I never knew it was based on books until a month ago when I was in a book store and spotted Mandy's photo on the cover of a book. I went home and searched the author's website for the title "How to Deal," which I didn't find. I was confused. Finally I went back to the store and looked at the book, which has a note from the author explaining that the movie was adapted from two of her books ("Someone Like You" and "That Summer). She says that the books were different stories with different characters, so it wasn't even like the movie's characters existed in both books. I was confused. I'm still confused. Maybe after I finish reading both books inside this edition, I'll understand it all better. I watched the movie again before starting this book just to get a refresher course on the storyline
• I figured I could use a little break from all the supernatural books I've been reading, so I decided to go with this book. I'll be back to the world of vampires and witches and so on in a few days...
• When I first picked up this book, I was confused about why "Someone Like You" came before "That Summer" in this edition. "That Summer" was actually published before "Someone Like You" originally, but now it makes sense. It seems like a lot of the movie was adapted from "Someone Like You," so it makes more sense that it comes first. 

Buy on Amazon.com: How to Deal: Someone Like You/That Summer (Movie tie-in)

Book #14: Witchlight

Title: Witchlight (Book #9 of the Night World series. Book #3 of the third omnibus edition)

Author: L.J. Smith

Date started reading: Jan. 28, 2012
Date finished reading:  Jan. 29, 2012

Publish date: Originally 1998, omnibus April 2009
ISBN: 978-1416974529
Number of pages: 239 in Witchlight, 752 in full omnibus

Official summary: "Keller is a seventeen-year-old shapeshifter, a panther, who goes by her last name only. She’s an operative for Circle Daybreak and her mission is simple: find the third Wild Power who can fend off the Apocalypse. Keller does find Iliana, and much more, as well: a dragon in the shape of a human, and her own liege lord Galen. So, she learns: dragons walk the Earth again, even if in disguise. And Iliana is as far from a serious Wild Power as Keller can imagine. A love triangle quickly develops between the handsome princely Galen, the exquisite but bubble-minded Iliana, and Keller — who counts herself out with her favorite saying, 'I’m just a grunt.' Life has surprises in store for the cynical, embittered Keller, and her opinions of both Galen and Iliana are in for a radical change." (http://www.ljanesmith.net/www/author/booklist)

Book trailers:

How I obtained the book: Received through the Paperback Swap book club. (I had to pay to mail a book to another member in order to receive a credit to request this book)

Memorable quotes:

• “I don’t want your respect. I want your obedience.” ~ Grandma Harman
• “People die. Beauty fades. Love changes. And you will always be alone.”
• “Love is weakness.” ~ Keller 
• "You put on a good show, but the truth is that you're brave and gallant and decent. ... Your soul is straight as a sword." ~ Galen to Keller
• “People die ... so love them every day. Beauty fades ... so look before it’s gone. Love changes ... but not the love you give. And if you love, you’ll never be alone.” ~ Galen

My commentary:

• This series sure got better in the third volume. It packed a lot of action into these last three books. It's really sad that the 10th book has never been printed. There's all this build-up in books 7, 8, and 9 to the end of the world, but it ends up going nowhere because the final book was never released. L.J. Smith says the final book will be released sometime in the near future, but I doubt it ever happens. Honestly, I can't see how story-wise it will work because the books kept saying the year 2000 would bring about the end of the world. 2000 came and went without the final book being released. The omnibus editions were published in 2008-2009 and still no final book. There was a preview to the final book at the end of this omnibus, saying it was coming soon, but that was in 2009 and here it is three years later and it's still not done. I just don't expect it ever being released. I don't think there will ever be an ending to the series and no closure to the story... unless the publisher fires L.J. Smith from this series too and lets a ghostwriter finish it up (like what's happened with the Vampire Diaries and Secret Circle series)
•  I was a little surprised by the end of this book. I don't think I should've been, but I was. 
• One of my favorite things in the book was how Iliana's baby brother keeps referring to Keller as "pretty kitty" in baby speak. It's like the kid could sense that she was a shapeshifting panther. It was a very cute thing

Buy on Amazon.com: Night World No. 3: Huntress, Black Dawn, Witchlight

Book #13: Black Dawn

Title: Black Dawn (Book #8 of the Night World series. Book #2 of the third omnibus edition)

Author: L.J. Smith

Date started reading: Jan. 26, 2012
Date finished reading:  Jan. 28, 2012

Publish date: Originally 1998, omnibus April 2009
ISBN: 978-1416974529
Number of pages: 245 in Black Dawn, 752 in full omnibus

Official summary: "Maggie is the picture of an ordinary human teenager. Yet when her brother’s lovely girlfriend reports that he has been killed in a mountaineering accident, she knows it is a lie. The chase leads her to discover an entire community of human slaves ruled by vampires in the hollow of a Washington mountain. There also, she finds Delos, the second of the Wild Powers, the vampire ruler of this kingdom where she is a slave — and her soulmate. Her modern clothes cause the other slaves to hail her as a messiah come to bring them freedom. Can even level-headed Maggie deal with her arrogant soulmate and an entire kingdom to be freed?" (http://www.ljanesmith.net/www/author/booklist)

Book trailers:

How I obtained the book: Received through the Paperback Swap book club. (I had to pay to mail a book to another member in order to receive a credit to request this book)

Memorable quotes:

• “Strong-willed and compassionate: that’s a real recipe for disaster.” ~ Sylvia
• “Love is for weak people. It’s a delusion. And it can be deadly.” ~ Delos

My commentary: This was a really good book, better than several of the previous ones. It was very action packed.

Buy on Amazon.com: Night World No. 3: Huntress, Black Dawn, Witchlight

Book #12: Huntress

Title: Huntress (Book #7 of the Night World series. Book #1 of the third omnibus edition)

Author: L.J. Smith

Date started reading: Jan. 25, 2012
Date finished reading:  Jan. 26, 2012

Publish date: Originally 1997, omnibus April 2009
ISBN: 978-1416974529
Number of pages: 237 in Huntress, 752 in full omnibus

Official summary: "Jez, with flaming red hair and silvery blue eyes, is the epitome of the wild teenage vampire, riding her motorcycle and chasing skinheads through the woods. She and Morgead regularly challenge each other for leadership of the gang, and Jez believes — naturally enough — that the handsome, dark-haired vampire hates her. But suddenly the world changes for Jez. She discovers that she has no right to the Night World, because one of her parents was human. Now Jez has turned into a vampire huntress, and one with a special job: find one of the four Wild Powers who can fight off the Apocalypse, the end of the world. To do so, though, she must challenge her dearest enemy once again for the leadership — knowing that she has only half-vampire Powers." (http://www.ljanesmith.net/www/author/booklist)

Book trailers:

How I obtained the book: Received through the Paperback Swap book club. (I had to pay to mail a book to another member in order to receive a credit to request this book)

Memorable quotes:

• “Rule Number One of living with humans: Always wash the blood off before coming in the house.” ~ Jez
• "Ghouls weren't smart, but like the Energizer Bunny they kept going and going."
• “Are you going to try to kill me now? Or is the engagement just off?” ~ Jez 
• "Fear was good; it added that extra spice to the taste. Like SweeTarts."
• "She could look human, she could act human, but she couldn't be human."

My commentary:

• I find it relatively humorous that people have been so vocal in their annoyance with the "Twilight" series for having vampire Edward get human Bella pregnant when there are all sorts of book series, "Night World" included, in which vampires can procreate. Some series have types of vampires who can procreate amongst themselves, and then there are some where vampires and humans can have children together. In "Huntress," Jez is the daughter of a vampire father and a human mother. Frankly, I think people should be more annoyed with the fact that the "Twilight" vampires sparkle in the sun instead of the fact that Bella gets pregnant.
• "Huntress" has made me be less bothered by the series' soulmate principle. It was getting so old because in each book, there are two characters who discover that they're soulmates against the rules of the Night World (meaning a vampire with a human or a witch with a human). Jez and Morgead being soulmates even though they start out hating each other and Jez's absolute denial that it's possible that they're soulmates is an interesting change of pace.

Buy on Amazon.com: Night World No. 3: Huntress, Black Dawn, Witchlight

Book #11: The Asylum

Title: Stefan's Diaries #5: The Asylum

Author: Listed as L.J. Smith, Kevin Williamson & Julie Plec, but it's really a ghostwriter

Date started reading: Jan. 23, 2012
Date finished reading: Jan. 24, 2012

Publish date: Jan. 2012
ISBN: 978-0062113955
Number of pages: 256

Official summary: "The hunters become the hunted. ... Driven from their hometown of Mystic Falls, both Stefan Salvatore and his brother, Damon, arrived in Europe looking for a fresh start. But Samuel, a wealthy and cunning vampire, has other plans for them. First he ruined Stefan’s peaceful existence and now he’s framing Damon for the most gruesome murders London has ever seen. United against their common enemy, Stefan and Damon are stunned when they realize that the source of Samuel’s rage lies in their past — tied up with the woman who forever changed their lives. Haunted by the memory of Katherine, the brothers find that their uneasy alliance is tested. Can they overcome their rivalry to defeat Samuel before he exacts his final revenge? Based on the popular CW TV show inspired by the bestselling novels, Stefan’s Diaries reveals the truth about what really happened between Stefan, Damon, and Katherine — and how the Vampire Diaries love triangle began." (http://www.harperteen.com)

How I obtained the book: Pre-ordered from Walmart for $8.97 using gift card received as Christmas gift

Memorable quotes:

• "Before someone dies, their blood races, pounding through their veins, filled with everything that makes them human -- adrenaline, fear, the desire to live." ~ Stefan's opening diary entry
• "It's either kill or be killed in my world." ~ Damon
• "Sense and I don't mix." ~ Damon
• "How can I go wrong when I have the approval of vampires?" ~ Cora
• "What better way to fight a maniacal vampire than to think like one myself?" ~ Stefan 
• "Vampires remind Ephraim of leeches. And Ephraim knows leeches are good for spells, but not for company." ~ Ephraim speaking in third person

My commentary:

• The fourth book in this series (The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries #4: The Ripper) was absolutely awesome, and I've been looking forward to the fifth book ever since. This one continues with the concept that the Jack the Ripper murders in the late 1800's were committed by a vampire. I've always been interested in the Jack the Ripper murders, so it's intriguing to me partially just due to that, but the ghostwriter did a ton of research into the real murders and chaos surrounding them for the book. It is a good mix of real history with vampire myth.

Buy on Amazon.com: The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries #5: The Asylum

Book #10: The Passion

Title: The Passion (Book #3 of the Dark Visions series)

Author: L.J. Smith

Date started reading: Jan. 22, 2012
Date finished reading: Jan. 23, 2012

Publish date: Originally 1995, omnibus edition published in 2009
ISBN: 978-1-4169-8956-1
Number of pages: 239 in The Passion, 732 in omnibus edition with all three books

Official summary: "Finally having found a weapon with which to fight Dr. Zetes, Kaitlyn and the others return to the Zetes Institute. But no one is ever exactly what they seem, and the triple-twist ending of the book has one of Kait’s suitors backing off, seeing the passion she shares with the other." (http://www.ljanesmith.net/www/author/booklist)

How I obtained the book: Bought for $4.99 from used book store. This was a publisher's remainder book, so it wasn't actually a used book

My commentary: I've decided my problem with this series is that I had too high of expectations. I kept seeing positive reviews and know that it was a best-selling series, so I thought it would be great. I've been relatively disappointed, but I might not have been had I not gotten my hopes up. I need to remember to keep my expectations low. Overall, I do like how "The Passion" ends. It was a great way to end a series. I don't regret reading the book, but I do wish I would've found a way to get it cheaper. I don't normally spend $5 on books, so whenever I do, I want to be really happy with them

Buy on Amazon.com: Dark Visions: The Strange Power; The Possessed; The Passion

Book #9: The Possessed

Title: The Possessed (Book #2 of the Dark Visions series)

Author: L.J. Smith

Date started reading: Jan. 21, 2012
Date finished reading: Jan. 22, 2012

Publish date: Originally 1995, omnibus edition published in 2009
ISBN: 978-1-4169-8956-1
Number of pages: 231 in The Possessed, 732 in omnibus edition with all three books

Official summary: "Having discovered what Dr. Zetes really wants them for—and what happened to their predecessors at the Institute, Kaitlyn and her friends Anna, Lewis, Rob, and Gabriel have to run for their lives. In doing so, Kaitlyn discovers that Gabriel is a vampire—but that he feeds directly on human life-energy. Kait is caught between golden Rob, the healer, and wicked Gabriel Wolfe, who may just be using her for his own purposes." (http://www.ljanesmith.net/www/author/booklist)

How I obtained the book: Bought for $4.99 from used book store. This was a publisher's remainder book, so it wasn't actually a used book

Memorable quotes:

• "He had to at least have the courage of his own convictions. If he was going to be evil, he’d be evil, all the way. From now on no half measures." ~ Gabriel's thoughts
• "Some things are so evil they must be fought." ~ Timon

My commentary: While this book is better than the first one in the trilogy, I still am not impressed. I've seen where other people/reviewers say this is L.J. Smith's best series, and I just don't see it. Maybe the idea of psychics just don't interest me as much as witches and vampires

Buy on Amazon.com: Dark Visions: The Strange Power; The Possessed; The Passion

Book #8: The Strange Power

Title: The Strange Power (Book #1 of the Dark Visions series)

Author: L.J. Smith

Date started reading: Jan. 19, 2012
Date finished reading: Jan. 20, 2012

Publish date: Originally 1994, omnibus edition published in 2009
ISBN: 978-1-4169-8956-1
Number of pages: 252 in The Strange Power, 732 in omnibus edition with all three books

Official summary: "Is the first book in the trilogy. In this we first see Kaitlyn Fairchild: the resident witch in her school. Kait doesn’t deliberately practice witchcraft, but every so often she gets the urge to draw. The problem is that the pictures are mysterious and macabre . . . and they always end up coming true before Kaitlyn can figure out what they mean. Given the chance to transfer to the Zetes Institute, a small boardinghouse school populated only by teens like Kait, with strange powers, Kaitlyn jumps at the chance. But neither the Institute nor Dr. Zetes is what they seem..." (http://www.ljanesmith.net/www/author/booklist)

How I obtained the book: Bought for $4.99 from used book store. This was a publisher's remainder book, so it wasn't actually a used book

Memorable quotes:

• "You don't invite the local witch to parties. No matter how beautiful she is."

My commentary: I wasn't really sure what to expect with this book. I merely bought it because it was written by L.J. Smith, and I like some of her other books. I didn't love this book, but I didn't dislike it either. It's sort of an "ehh" type of feeling about it. It is a weird coincidence that the last book I read (Shatter Me) included a teenager with a "special ability" to basically suck the life force out of people and who ends up in a place for other people with different "special abilities," and then I read this book which is all about a home for teenagers with strange physic abilities. One basically sucks the life force out of people by accident when he physically connects with someone (sound familiar?), and another channels life force to heal people.

Buy on Amazon.com: Dark Visions: The Strange Power; The Possessed; The Passion

Book #7: Shatter Me

Title: Shatter Me

Author: Tahereh Mafi

Date started reading: Jan. 16, 2012
Date finished reading: Jan. 19, 2912

Publish date: Nov. 2011
ISBN: 978-0062085481
Number of pages: 352

Official summary: "Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days. The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color. The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now. Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior." (http://www.taherehmafi.com/)

Official book "trailer:"



How I obtained the book: Got a free copy through my employer (a newspaper)

Memorable quotes:

• "I’ve been locked up for 264 days. I have nothing but a small notebook and a broken pen and the numbers in my head to keep me company. 1 window. 4 walls. 144 square feet of space. 26 letters in an alphabet I haven’t spoken in 264 days of isolation. 6,336 hours since I’ve touched another human being." 
• "Sometimes I think the loneliness inside of me is going to explode through my skin and sometimes I'm not sure if crying or screaming or laughing through the hysteria will solve anything at all. ... I've been screaming for years and no one has ever heard me."
• "Blackness buries me in its folds."
• "These words are vomit. This shaky pen is my esophagus. This sheet of paper is my porcelain bowl."
• "Sometimes I wish I never had to sleep. Sometimes I think that if I stay very, very still, if I never move at all, things will change. I think if I freeze myself I can freeze the pain. ... If time stands still nothing can go wrong." 
• "I close my eyes until I've sewn them shut."
• "We were killing ourselves by trying to stay alive."
• "My life is 4 walls of missed opportunities poured into concrete molds." 
• "I'd really like to exhale for the first time in my life." 
• "Truth is a jealous, vicious mistress that never ever sleeps."
• :"Hope in this world bleeds out of the barrel of a gun."
• "My eyes are 2 windows cracked open by the chaos in this world." 
• "My body is a carnivorous flower, a poisonous houseplant, a loaded gun with a million triggers."
• "He's more wrong than an upside-down rainbow. But everything he said is right."
• "I'm an encyclopedia with too many blank pages."

My commentary:

• Obviously the cover of "Shatter Me" is absolutely beautiful and is what drew me to it in the first place. I've seen on several websites that it's been called one of the top 10 most beautiful book covers of 2011. I'd have to agree. (Of course, my absolute favorite cover of 2011 was for "The Demon Lover" by Juliet Dark, but with that book, I learned that you definitely can't judge a book by it's cover. No matter how much I loved the cover, the book was not what I had hoped for. I'll have to share my feelings about that book in a future post whenever I get around to it)
• I don't think I've ever laughed so hard at the "About me" part of a book. According to this book ... "When unable to find a book, she (author Tahereh Mafi) can be found reading candy wrappers, coupons, and old receipts." ... Sounds like my kind of person
• The author does an amazing job at describing Juliette's loneliness and utter lack of hope. Reading the first few chapters made me want to cry for her pain and hopelessness. Even though this is a completely fictional type of world, the book totally speaks to the lonely/depressed little girl deep in my heart and touches the parts of me that still hurts from my lonely childhood. 
• The world created in this book is so devastating. Very few animals, very few plants, utter destruction everywhere. The Reestablishment group is trying to create a new society which basically does away with all culture and languages other than English. It's just so sad to think about
• The ending was not what I expected ... it was way better than what I expected. It ends in a complex cliffhanger, but there is enough closure of the stories that I'm not left feeling disappointed that the story stopped where it did. The book was so sad at first, but it turns into one of the best paranomal romance stories that I've ever read
• The book is told through Juliette's point of view, and it's almost a stream of consciousness type of writing. It's really easy to get sucked into the story, and seeing the world's devastation through her eyes is nice. Another thing that adds to the author's style of writing is that some of Juliette's thoughts are thought, struck through with a strike-out font, and rephrased. It's very interesting. It reminds me of how my teenage diaries looked. (you can see an example of what I mean below)

Buy on Amazon.com: Shatter Me

Book #6: The Vampire Shrink

Title: The Vampire Shrink

Author: Lynda Hilburn

Date started reading: Jan. 12, 2012
Date finished reading: Jan. 16, 2012

Publish date: April 3, 2012
ISBN: 978-1402792786
Number of pages: 320

Official summary: Denver Psychologist Kismet Knight, Ph.D., doesn’t believe in the paranormal. She especially doesn’t believe in vampires. So what happens when she finds herself neck-deep in the vampire underworld? Kismet is smart, witty and attractive. She’s respected in her field, successful and prosperous. She’s followed all the rules – done everything right. So, what’s the problem? Her life is empty. There’s no passion. No vitality. No excitement. That is, until a new client introduces Kismet to the vampire underworld, and a drop-dead gorgeous, 800-year-old vampire named Devereux. Kismet isn’t buying the vampire story, but can’t explain why she has such odd reactions and feelings whenever Devereux is near. Kismet is soon forced to open her mind to other possibilities when she is visited in her office by two angry bloodsuckers, who would like nothing better than to challenge Devereux by hurting Kismet. As Kismet gets pulled deeper and deeper into the vampire subculture, she struggles to hold onto her professional ideas about what is and isn’t “real.” The more she finds herself attracted to the charismatic, handsome Devereux, the more out of control her life becomes. When one of her clients shows up in her office almost completely drained of blood, Kismet finds herself immersed in an ongoing murder investigation. Kismet is questioned by irreverent, handsome FBI profiler Alan Stevens, who warns her that vampires are very real. And one is a murderer. A murderer who is after her. In the midst of all this, Kismet realizes she has feelings for both the vampire and the profiler, but even though she cares for each of the men, facing the reality that vampires exist – along with all the other supernatural insanity she discovers – is enough of a challenge. For now. (http://www.lyndahilburnauthor.com/books.html)

Book "trailer:"

How I obtained the book: Got a free advance reading copy through my employer (a newspaper)

Memorable quotes:

• "My involvement with vampires began innocently enough, long before the blood hit the fan, so to speak." ~ Kismet
• "Well, there's something to put on the back of my business card: Therapy that isn't as bad as you thought it would be."  ~ Kismet
• "Geez. Life isn't weird enough, so we need to suck blood. Why didn't I think of that?" ~ Kismet
• "I spent most of my childhood thinking I was crazy -- or cursed. Normal kids didn't spend time hiding in closets, talking to invisible friends, and picking up bits of people's thoughts. I learned very early to keep my weirdness to myself, to isolate so nobody would notice." ~ Kismet
• "Dr. Cliche. I wonder if this man ever has an original thought." ~ Kismet about her ex-boyfriend Tom
• "My childhood was a strange trip down a demented Yellow Brick Road." ~ Kismet
• "Even thinking about talking to a good-looking man gives me cramps." ~ Kismet
• "If I'd known I was going to have a mental breakdown today, I'd have penciled it into my appointment book." ~ Kismet
• "I have never been called insane in such a lovely way ever before." ~ Devereux 
• "Somebody help me. I'm possessed by a vampire wannabe." ~ Kismet 
• "False bravado was one of my favorite defenses. Never let the violently delusional know you're afraid." ~ Kismet 
• "I certainly handled that with finesse and style. Let's hear it for the Queen of Mixed Messages." ~ Kismet
• "Juan told me that he could tell what kind of mood I was in by the amount of hot peppers I asked for in my burrito. He called it Burrito Psychology." ~ Kismet's thoughts when she goes to a Mexican food cart 
• "What a jerk. I guess you really can't teach an old horndog new tricks." ~ Kismet about Tom
• "Of course, all women are emotional basket cases. Freud was really on to something with his notions of female psychology. Hysterics, every last one of you." ~ Tom
• "It was official. Like Elvis, my brain had definitely left the building. At some point during the last few hours I'd apparently fallen through the looking glass. I didn't have a map of Wonderland, and nothing in my previous experience or education had prepared me to deal with the strange parallel universe I'd landed in." ~ Kismet
• "Why did I have to fall for brilliant men who were either egomaniacs, crazy or both?" ~ Kismet
• "My own personal avenging angel. He looks like a god but talks like a character from a historical romance novel. I sure can pick 'em." ~ Kismet
• "Holy shit, somebody help me. A vampire who doesn't like blood -- is this a joke? Am I being secretly filmed for some reality show?" ~ Kismet
• "Geez, the guy's voice should be a registered weapon. It could take you down in three seconds." ~ Kismet
• "Up to your ass in blood once more, eh?" ~ Police Lieutenant Bullock to Kismet
• "How had I managed to involve myself in so many situations where I felt like a chess piece being moved around on some cosmic board by unseen hands?" ~ Kismet
• "Note to self: buy wooden stakes." ~ Kismet
• "A phantom vampire lover, a religious fanatic killer, and a beauty queen predator. Just another day in undead Oz." ~ Kismet
• "Vampires suck. In more ways than one." ~ Kismet

My commentary:

•  I know it's only two weeks into the year, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say that this book is going to go down as one of my top 5 favorite books I'll read this year (if not the absolute top favorite)
• The book combines two things that absolutely entice me -- vampires and abnormal psychology. My love of vampire myths began when I was 11 or 12 years old, so of course, this book would draw me in immediately because of that. I want to go back to college to become a mental health counselor dealing primarily with abnormal psychology, so I find it really interesting to read about Kismet's attempts to find a logical/medical reason for people to think that they're vampires. It's fun to read all the mental illnesses she throws out to try to make a diagnosis on who she thinks are just "vampire wannabes." (I actually got a really good chuckle out of Kismet mentioning bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder considering I suffer from both of them and I was once obsessed with becoming a vampire myself. I was a teenager and so naive.) I feel a real connection to Kismet, so much that I'm rather shocked by it. It's like the author climbed into my brain and wrote a book exactly how I would've loved to write it
• Kismet's sense of humor is very sarcastic and hilarious. Her inner thoughts are sprinkled into the book in italics. Many of the quotes I put above come from her inner thoughts. Frankly, I wish I could quote the entire book because I love it all, but of course, I can't do that. My copy is all marked up with my favorite lines. I've never used a pen to mark up a book this much
• The author mentions "Twilight" and "The Vampire Diaries" at several points while trying to figure out a logical explanation why her new client called Midnight wants to become a vampire. She also compares the FBI agent to the characters on "The X Files." She brings up the Harry Potter series a couple times. I love when authors allude to current/recent pop culture
• I wish this book would be turned into a movie or TV show. It would be perfect to be translated onto a screen. Someone once told me that not every book needs to be made into a movie/show, but this one sure does.
• I normally refuse to pay full price for books, but I would've gladly paid for this book. I'm just lucky that I stumbled across it for free. It is definitely worth money and the time to read it. If you're into vampire stories, check out this book.... trust me.
• I am so used to speed-reading that normally I would've finished the book within about 48 hours, but I'm forcing myself to read this slowly because, well, I don't want to miss a single word. I've even stopped myself and re-read several parts at different points. It's too amusing and interesting to rush through. I'm really savoring this one, instead of just devouring it. 
• I discovered on the author's website that there is a follow-up book (and perhaps more to come). I can't wait!

Buy on Amazon.com: The Vampire Shrink

Book #5: Vampire Academy

Title: Vampire Academy

Author: Richelle Mead

Date started reading: Jan. 10, 2012
Date finished reading: Jan. 11, 2012

Publish date: August 2007
ISBN: 978-1595141743
Number of pages: 332

Official summary: Lissa Dragomir is a Moroi princess: a mortal vampire with an unbreakable bond to the earth's magic. She must be protected at all times from Strigoi; the fiercest and most dangerous vampires--the ones who never die. The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rose Hathaway, Lissa's best friend, makes her a Dhampir; she is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making her one of them. After two years of illicit freedom, Rose and Lissa are caught and dragged back to St. Vladimir's Academy, hidden in the deep forests of Montana. Rose will continue her Dhampir education. Lissa will go back to being Queen of the elite Moroi social scene. And both girls will resume breaking hearts. Fear made Lissa and Rose run away from St. Vladimir's--but their world is fraught with danger both inside and out of the Academy's iron gates. Here, the cutthroat ranks of the Moroi perform unspeakable rituals and their secretive nature and love of the night creates an enigmatic world full of social complexities. Rose and Lissa must navigate through this dangerous world, confront the temptation of forbidden romance, and never once let their guard down, lest the Strigoi make Lissa one of them forever... (http://www.richellemead.com/books/vampireacademy.htm)

How I obtained the book: Bought for $2.16 at a local used book store

Memorable quotes:

• "I love pity parties. I wish I'd bought the hats." ~ Christian
• "Don't worry, I won't bite. At least not in the way you're afraid of." ~ Christian
• "Hey Mason, wipe that drool off you face. If you're going to think about me naked, do it on your own time." ~ Rose

My commentary: Once, I started reading this book, I did not want to put it down even for a minute. I've wanted to start reading this series for a while, but I hesitated because I read so many other series that I didn't really want to add another one. I kept seeing the books in bookstores and hearing good things about them. I finally broke down when I saw the book for $2 in the store. Boy am I glad I bought it. I am already addicted. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series. I've already ordered book #2 and #3. It's always interesting when you start reading books by an author you've never read before because everyone has a different take on the vampire legend. Every author has to add his or her own spin to it. The vampire world Mead has created is nothing short of amazing. No Twilighty sparkling for these vampires. Thank God

Buy on Amazon.com: Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy, Book 1)

Book #4: Pretty Little Secrets

Title: Pretty Little Secrets (A "Pretty Little Liars" book)

Author: Sara Shepard

Date started reading: Jan. 8, 2012
Date finished reading: Jan. 10, 2012

Publish date: January 2012
ISBN: 978-0062125910
Number of pages: 464

Official summary: "Rewind to junior year in Rosewood, Pennsylvania, to a winter break no one has ever heard about. Fat snowflakes fall onto manicured lawns, quilted stockings hang over marble fireplaces, and everyone is at peace, especially Hanna, Emily, Aria, and Spencer. Now that Alison’s murderer is in jail and A is dead, they can finally relax. Little do they know there’s a new A in town. Rule number one of being an effective stalker: Get to know your prey. So I watch these liars day and night, keeping an eye on the trouble they get into, the messes they make, and the secrets they keep. Hanna’s desperate for a very personal session with her gym trainer. Emily is number one on Santa’s naughty list. Aria’s old flame from Iceland is about to land her in hot water. And Spencer’s resorting to some backhanded tactics to get what she wants. What happens on holiday break stays on holiday break—right? But guess what. I saw. And now I’m telling. Taking place between Unbelievable and Wicked, Pretty Little Secrets is a very special Pretty Little Liars tale revealing the liars’ never-before-seen misadventures over their junior-year winter break." (http://prettylittleliars.alloyentertainment.com/)

How I obtained the book: Pre-ordered from Walmart for $10.41

Memorable quotes:

• "It's so much more fun to be naughty..." ~ A (quote on hardback cover)
• The opening page of the book has this quote from the song "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" -- "He sees you when you're sleeping. He knows when you're awake. He knows if you've been bad or good so be good for goodness' sake!" That's perfect considering the book series' concept and the stalkerish nature of A
• Description given for how Aria feels after the teacher she had a relationship with left town: "Aria felt like she had PTED -- Post-Traumatic Ezra Disorder."
• From A's closing rant: "So who am I? You'll know soon enough. But until then, I'm the shadow in the window, the whisper in the wind, the nagging feeling that someone is watching, waiting"

My commentary:

• One of my favorite things about this book series is how the author always puts a quote from "A" on the cover of the hardback books. I didn't even realize this fact until my third hardback book. It's hidden there underneath the book jacket on each one. If you pick up a paperback book, you miss out on this little hidden gem. (See above for this book's quote.)
• It's somewhat difficult to read this and basically forget stuff I've already read in the other books. It takes you back in time and even though it does a good job at pointing out that it takes place between the stuff in "Unbelievable" and  "Wicked," it's hard to ignore what I already know happens in the future. I think it would be easier if this one is read after "Unbelievable." I really think the publishing company wanted to squeeze in another book to raise the profit level of the series without adding a true book to the series. They seem to like to add books in sets of four, so they had to figure out how to make another book without having to come up with three other extras
• This book is different than the normal books in the series in that it has four set sections (one for each of the main characters). The others interweaves the storylines which is sometimes hard to follow. This one is easier to follow because you're not jumping back and forth between characters
• I honestly don't know how the author keeps coming up with these crazy secrets/lies for this book series. I don't want to spoil it for anyone else who wants to read this book, but I will say that the thing Aria does is so shocking that I would've never ever expect. It was like a jaw-dropping storyline, but it was still believable in the Pretty Little Liars world 
•  Hanna's part of the book was first and wasn't all that great. It was more just an embarrassing secret than anything else. Emily's part was good, and she came out of her weak shell a little. Aria's, as I said above, was jaw-droppingly awesome. Spencer's part closed out the book. It used Viagra in the best ever revenge plan...

Buy on Amazon.com: Pretty Little Liars: Pretty Little Secrets

Book #3: Jake's Choice

Title: Jake's Choice (Follow-up to "To Save a Life")

Author: Jim and Rachel Britts

Date started reading: Jan. 4, 2012
Date finished reading: Jan. 8, 2012

Publish date: Oct. 2010
ISBN: 978-1935541158
Number of pages: 320

Official summary: "The second novel in the To Save A Life series find Jake Taylor at college thousands of miles apart from his girlfriend Amy. Befriending a young girl with a traumatic history leads Amy back to the father who abandoned her. Jake's position on the Louisville basketball team lands him in the midst of parties, beautiful women and one decision that will shake him to the core. When everything Jake believes is challenged, will he go with the flow or stand alone for what is right? One choice will change everything" (http://www.outreach.com/products/Outreach-Books/Jakes-Choice-13627.aspx)

How I obtained the book: Given to me as a Christmas gift

Memorable quotes: The youth minister/friend to Jake says "How you doin'?" like Joey Tribbiani from the "Friends" TV show. The book just says that he said it in a Joey Tribbiani voice and doesn't explain who Joey was. Sadly, some teenagers (who this book is mostly aimed at) may have no idea who that is by just seeing the name. But regardless of that, since I did know who it was referring to, I could hear the minister doing his best Joey impression and laughed. It was pretty funny

• "(Men are) like bananas: They take a while to mature, but once they do... MmMmMmmm." ~ Cari (youth minister's wife)

My commentary: I loved the "To Save a Life" movie which the first book in this series was based on. I would love for them to make another movie based on "Jake's Choice," but I doubt they will. I really love how the authors include graphics in the book (more this one than the first). They do things that look like cell phone texts (see the image below), a personality quiz, internet chats, post-it notes, etc. Plus, I love the typography throughout the book. You'd think by the title and the description that the book would focus mostly on Jake, but half of it focuses on Amy. In the end, it was more Amy's choice that was the biggest dilemma (but Jake did have some major things come up). I struggled to get through the first half of the book; normally I'm a speed-reader, but I went rather slow with this one. My favorite part is when this old man who Jake meets named Buddy takes him to Chuck E. Cheese for a lesson on faith in God; Buddy turns skee-ball into a religious lesson (AWESOME!). I definitely see a third book ahead because they left it totally open for another book. Talk about a cliffhanger... Just a really random, stupid little observation: Every time it shows a phone text screen like the one below, the phone battery is always full with full tower strength. Call me crazy, but that doesn't seem realistic at all. I never have a full battery and full tower strength! Haha!

Buy on Amazon.com: Jake's Choice (To Save a Life)

Book #2: Soulmate

Title: "Night World: Soulmate" (Book #6 in the "Night World" series. Book #3 in volume #2 omnibus edition)

Author: Author: L.J. Smith

Date started reading: Jan. 2, 2012
Date finished reading: Jan. 4, 2012

Publish date: Original July 1997, Omnibus edition Nov. 2008
ISBN: 978-1416974512
Number of pages: 224 for "Soulmate;" 688 for entire second volume

Official summary: "Sixteen-year-old Hannah goes to a psychologist to understand the meaning of her the notes she keeps finding—in her own handwriting. “Dead before 17,” “He’s coming,” “Watch out.” Only under hypnosis is their cryptic meaning revealed. Hannah is actually an Old Soul, a girl who has been reincarnated many times and can remember her past lives. And in every one of them, the fair-haired stranger appears—and Hannah loves him—and Hannah dies at age16. Meanwhile, the leader of all the vampires of Circle Daybreak, all those who have human soulmates, Lord Thierry, is searching. He’s looking for her—the girl he loved and accidentally killed thousands of year ago. Who will find Hannah first—her vampire soulmate, or Maya, the first of all the vampires who has murdered Hannah a thousand times to keep her from Thierry. And who will Hannah believe when they do find her?" (http://www.ljanesmith.net/www/author/booklist)

Book trailers:

How I obtained the book: Bought for $2.99 at thrift store around the corner from my house

Memorable quote: “Why did I come here? I should have put an ad in the paper: ‘Desperately Seeking Thierry.’ I should have known this wouldn’t work.” ~ Hannah

My commentary: Starting out, I was not too interested in the reincarnation concept of this book. As silly as it sounds when you consider I'm reading a book series with vampires, werewolves, and witches, the reincarnation in this book just seemed way too far-fetched and unbelievable.  After finishing it, I just felt a big let-down again after how great "The Chosen" book was before this one. It was nice that L.J. brought back all the popular characters from the past books for this one, but their appearance was much too brief. And the ending was just too unrealistic all around (Don't want to give out any spoilers, so I won't explain that)

Buy on Amazon.com: Night World No. 2: Dark Angel; The Chosen; Soulmate

Book #1: The Chosen

Title: "Night World: The Chosen" (Book #5 in the "Night World" series. Book #2 in volume #2 omnibus edition)

Author: L.J. Smith

Date started reading: Jan. 1, 2012
Date finished reading: Jan. 2, 2012

Publish date: Original Feb. 1997, Omnibus edition Nov. 2008
ISBN: 978-1416974512
Number of pages: 244 for "The Chosen;" 688 for entire second volume

Official summary: "Rashel Jordan lost her mother to a golden-eyed vampire at the age of five—and just barely saved herself by her wits. She’s grown up to the age of seventeen as a vampire hunter—the best. But when a group of hunters captures Quinn and decides to torture him, Rashel feels something in her soul twist. Left alone with Quinn, she goes along with her mad impulse and allows him to escape. But Quinn, a vampire with one of the darkest reputations in the Night World warns her not to expect him to return the favor. Nevertheless, when Rashel gets herself chosen for a bloodfeast and finds that Quinn is in charge of gathering girls for the dark ceremony! Enemies—and soulmates—what will happen during their final fight?" (http://www.ljanesmith.net/www/author/booklist)

Book trailers:

How I obtained the book: Bought for $2.99 at thrift store around the corner from my house

Memorable quotes: L.J. alludes to "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." The cheesy movie, not the TV show, of course, but it was awesome. Gotta give props to L.J. for this. The character Quinn compared vampires hunting humans to humans using slaughterhouses to kill cattle for the beef for McDonalds hamburgers, which is a great way to explain it

• “Every time I meet you, I seem to end up hog-tied and unconscious. It's getting monotonous.” ~ Quinn

My commentary: The first two books in the series ("Secret Vampire" and "Daughters of Darkness") were great. The third and fourth ("Spellbinder" and "Dark Angel") were pretty much a disappointment. The series' "soulmate principle" was getting really old, but "The Chosen" is the best book in the series thus far. It's no wonder that "The Chosen" has become a cult classic (as reported on Wikipedia).  Quinn and Rashel are by far the best characters so far in the series. I have a strong feeling that after I finish all the books in the series, this one will end up being my favorite

Buy on Amazon.com: Night World No. 2: Dark Angel; The Chosen; Soulmate

About this blog

At one point in time, I owned over 500 books. For a teenager/college student, that was a rather impressive library. I was proud of my book collection and my ability to read several books in a week.

All that changed when I moved in with my now-exhusband. In the 4 1/2 years that he spent without a full-time job with me supporting him, I sold all but a few of the books just to have money for food. Also, he would get jealous any time anything took my attention away from him, so he'd get mad and abuse me any time I tried to read, so eventually I just stopped even trying to read.

Last year, I began reading again, mostly due to the influence of my fiance who always has a book in hand. I attempted to keep track of what books I read through an application on Facebook, but suddenly it stopped working so I lost my list and I lost track of the number of books I read overall.

This year I made a resolution to keep better track of what I read and when I read them. It's partially just out of curiosity to learn how many books I can read (I know I'm not quite the speed-reader that I used to be), partly because no one seems to believe that I can read so fast, and also partly because I want to see how much money I drop on books in 2012. I've found another Facebook application to use, but who knows if and when it will stop working, so I decided to start cataloging my literary activities here. I need something permanent.

I love reading books that I can escape into. Anything that can take myself out of my own mind for a while is great, but you'll find that I read a lot of books that are targeted mostly toward teenagers, despite being in my 30s, and I love almost anything related to vampires. I'm addicted to the "young adult" section of bookstores. I can't help it. I also love reading mental illness-related or addiction-related memoirs because, frankly, they help me feel more sane. (I also own a bunch of books about sex as you can see from the photo above due to my interest in sexual psychology, but I seriously doubt you'll ever see me do a post about one....)

You'll see that I have a basic template for what information I'm trying to catalog. Over the year, I may add things or subtract things, but it will probably stay mostly the same.

I am keeping an ongoing book count in the titles of each post. If a post says "Book #31," that means it's the 31st book I've read this year. If it doesn't include a number in the total, it means the post is unrelated to my current count of books. You can also see a quick list of books by clicking on the link above.

I may, from time to time, write about books I've read in the past in addition to what I'm reading now.

Really, at this point in time, I have no idea where this blog is going to go, but I'm going to do my best to keep up with my reading and with my blog posting.

I guess we'll just see how this goes ...