Book Tour: Grasshopper Jungle | Andrew Smith | Review | Giveaway

Title: GRASSHOPPER JUNGLE

Author: Andrew Smith

Genre: Young Adult Fiction

Release Date: 2/11/14

Sixteen-year-old Austin Szerba interweaves the story of his Polish legacy with the story of how he and his best friend , Robby, brought about the end of humanity and the rise of an army of unstoppable, six-foot tall praying mantises in small-town Iowa. To make matters worse, Austin's hormones are totally oblivious; they don't care that the world is in utter chaos: Austin is in love with his girlfriend, Shann, but remains confused about his sexual orientation. He is stewing in a self-professed constant state of maximum horniness, directed at both Robby and Shann.

Ultimately, it is up to Austin to save the world and propagate the species in this sci-fright journey of survival, sex, and the complex realities of the human condition.

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This is the truth. This is history. It’s the end of the world. And nobody knows anything about it. You know what I mean.

As I read through Grasshopper Jungle at one point in the novel I had to stop and wonder what in the world am I reading. As I sat there contemplating the weird craziness that is in this book, I realized that that it didn’t matter because I simply enjoyed reading it. 

Now before I go on to discuss how great this novel is, let me start by saying that this book is not for everybody. I repeat, it is not for everyone. For example, in a letter to the reader, the publisher tells how after reading Andrew Smith’s book, she uses two choice words in a beautifully cast, heartfelt email. She then goes on to say that if one finds her language offensive then this is definitely not the book for you. However, she also goes on to say that every once in a while we need to read a type of book like this and I agree. For me, dealing with school and the many other tiresome activities that teenages go through, Grasshopper Jungle was a sweet and crazy relief.

To describe Andrew Smith’s writing style and the overall outlook of Grasshopper Jungle, I would have to say its sort of like a mixture of John Green and James Patterson. Seriously, with the emotional pulls and heart stopping actions, not to mention some hilarious scenes, I’m truly surprised that this is the first I’ve heard of Andrew Smith. With his crafty and witty writing style Smith develops a story that leaves you scratching your head and wondering what could possibly come next. 

Then comes the characters whose actions and feelings develop an amazing story.  Now about the storyline, simply put, Grasshopper Jungle is a coming of age novel dealing with the end of the world. Of course you can’t just have the normal problems that come with the end of the world , you also have the confusing things like teenage love and all the roller coaster feelings that come with it. So basically this book is a bundle of craziness that will leave you breathless. As I said before though, this novel isn’t for everyone. This book is for the people who need a little weird and craziness in their lives to make everything else just a little bit better.

February 3rd – The Midnight Garden

February 3rd – The Story Siren

February 4th – Good Choice Reading

February 4th ^– Bookish

February 5th – I Read Banned Books

February 5th – Jenna Does Books

February 6th – Bibliophilia, Please

February 6th – Escaping One Book At A Time

February 7th – Scott Reads It

February 7th – Live to Read

February 10^{th –} Alice Marvels

February 10^{th –} The Society

February 11^{th –} Lexi Swoons

February 11^{th –} A Reader of Fictions

February 12^{th –} Roof Beam Reader

February 12^{th –} Forever Young Adult

February 13^{th –} The Compulsive Reader

February 13^{th –} Books and Bling

February 14^{th –} Book Chic Club

February 14^{th –} The QQQE

February 17^{th –} JeanBookNerd

February 17^{th –} Ticket to Anywhere

February 18^{th –} Sleep Eat Read Books

February 18^{th –} Read Now Sleep Later

February 19^{th –} Anna Reads

February 19^{th –} Word Spelunking

February 20^{th –} Books With Bite

February 20^{th –} What A Nerd Girl Says

February 21^{st –} Wastepaper Prose

February 21^{st –} LRB – Guest

February 24^{th –} We Are Word Nerds

February 24^{th –} Cabin Goddess

February 25^{th –} Ex Libris

February 25^{th –} Cari's Book Blog

February 25^{th –} A Good Addiction

February 26^{th –} YA Reads

February 26^{th –} The Young Folks

February 27^{th –} Novel Thoughts

February 27^{th –} Fangirlish

February 28^{th –} Once Upon a Twilight

February 28^{th –} Naughty Book Kitties

Andrew Smith is the award-winning author of several Young Adult novels, including the critically acclaimed Winger (Starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, Booklist, and Shelf Awareness—an Amazon “Best of the Year”) and The Marbury Lens (A YALSA BFYA, and Starred reviews and Best of the Year in both Publishers Weekly and Booklist).

He is a native-born Californian who spent most of his formative years traveling the world. His university studies focused on Political Science, Journalism, and Literature. He has published numerous short stories and articles. Grasshopper Jungle, coming February 11, 2014, is his seventh novel. He lives in Southern California.

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Book Review: The Unwelcomed Child by V. C. Andrews

The Unwelcomed Child
Author: V. C. Andrews
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Mystery | Romance
Released: January 21st 2014
Review Source: Pocket Books

My mother had looked into the face of evil so many times she knew what it was. It was me. I was born without a soul. . . .

Elle Edwards grew up believing that because of her mother’s sinful ways she was born without a soul; that’s why she was abandoned and left in the care of Grandmother Myra and Grandfather Prescott, who try to ensure her evil will not infect them—by raising her in a virtual prison. Because her days are occupied with homeschooling, strict religious studies, and vigorous housekeeping in their upstate New York home, Elle knows practically nothing of the outside world, even as she emerges as a young woman with impressive artistic talent. But when she makes a secret, forbidden connection to vacationers at the nearby lake—a handsome boy and his precocious twin sister—Elle’s world will shatter. Will discovering the truths about her past send her future plummeting to hell?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from V.C. Andrews, author or Flowers in The Attic. Elle is coming of age, and to Grandmother Myra that meant one thing- the devil and his evil ways were not far behind.

Elle was truly raised in a virtual prison. She has been home schooled by Grandmother Myra her entire life. Never making friends, never being allowed to go off of the porch of the small home she shares with the Grandparents. There is no technology available to her, no cell phones, no computers and she has never been able to wear makeup. Her days are spent in the constant shadow of her mother, Deborah, who Grandmother says has shamed their family.

On a special evening out Elle is taken out for dinner, for the first time. She is amazed by the surroundings, the food, people and most of all she finds herself drawn to a boy and girl her age sitting nearby. Elle spends the rest of the evening thinking about them, fantasizing about the boy.

One afternoon she is allowed to take a trip alone, into the woods behind the house, to do some drawing. While out she comes across the same brother and sister, diving and swimming in the lake, splashing around- naked. She has never seen anything like this in her life.

Elle continues to make trips as often as she can to the lake and forms a friendship with the pair. This is where her story unfolds. From the feeling of wet grass on her feet for the first time to the touch of a boy’s hand on her body we are taken on a journey of discovery. Elle’s realization that she is someone much different than Grandmother Myra has led her to believe, that the world is much different. Satan does not wait outside for her, waiting to overcome her and lead her into hell.

The story presents the reader with a few touch subjects to deal with such as rape and strong religious conviction, but they are handled as tastefully as possible, not offensive but in an eye opening manner.

The story is tied together well but leaves you longing for more in the end. This is definitely a book to read, it will turn you inside out with anticipation.

Blog Tour: The Hardest Part | Heather London | Review | Giveaway

Welcome to our stop on the THE HARDEST PART blog tour for author Heather London. This tour is hosted by Good Choice Reading. Today we share with you guys our review plus the tour goodies.

Title: The Hardest Part
Author: Heather London
Genre: New Adult Romance | Suspense
Publication: January 5, 2014

“I sat there and stared at my new name, still wondering if I would be strong enough to do this—start over and make a new life—knowing in the back of my mind he would always be out there. I knew I was his obsession—his everything—and he would never stop looking for me.”

Emily Anderson and Reed Alexander are living with pasts they cannot escape.

Emily moved to New York City seeking a fresh start, intending to focus on her career and to keep a low profile.

Reed returns home to New York City after two years, haunted by the same things that pushed him away years ago.

When Reed and Emily meet, their connection is undeniable, but Emily keeps her feelings hidden. Falling in love is the last thing on her mind and she knows the danger it may bring not only to her, but to Reed as well. Reed isn’t as reluctant, but he knows that the demons he’s fighting could destroy Emily.

The harder they try to resist one another, the deeper they fall in love, and the more complicated their lives become.

In the end, they realize that truly loving someone may mean letting them go… and that’s the hardest part.

The Hardest Part kept me on the edge of my seat from the beginning to the end. I haven’t read anything like it in a while, which was refreshing. You usually can guess as what is going to happen with this genre but with everything that went on in this book I really didn't have time to guess.

The story starts off with Emily escaping from her abusive boyfriend, Jake, with the help of one of his most trusted friends and employees. She ends up in New York in hopes to keep a low profile and make a happy life for herself. Emily finds a nice little apartment and lands a great job at an event planning firm. Still being scared for her life, Emily takes self-defense classes where she meets a great friend, Lexi.  

Jake was a great boyfriend to Emily at one time but after his father dies and he inherits the family casinos he becomes controlling and abusive to the point that Emily doesn’t feel safe. Jake always threatens to kill her if she leaves him thus the reason that Emily is always looking over her shoulder.

Being new to the world of event planning, Emily is quite surprised to be hand-picked for a major charity event. This is where we meet Reed Alexander, a strikingly handsome professional who has the reputation of breaking hearts. Emily and Reed have chemistry from the start but Emily is scared for herself and anybody who gets close to her. Reed is also running from a painful past. Will chemistry be enough for Emily and Reed to start a relationship or are they too damaged by their pasts to move on?

Like I said before, this book was wonderfully unpredictable. It was refreshing to read something different. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat and engaged with the story. I identified with the characters from the beginning and found my heart being tugged a lot. What was really cool about the book was that we get to know what Jake (the ex) is feeling too. I found myself hating him which, who wouldn’t? I just thought that was kind of unique to see how the villain portrayed himself.  In all, this book was way more than I expected and can’t wait to see what Heather London has in store for us next.  

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Heather London is a young adult author who loves to write stories full of fantasy, romance, and science fiction. She is a lover of only the finest of coffee and premium craft beer, but will settle for anything chocolate, regardless of its quality. Heather lives with her husband in Dallas, TX where she is currently working hard on her next project.

  

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Cover Reveal: When I Surrender by Kendall Ryan

We are thrilled to take part in the cover reveal of WHEN I SURRENDER written by author Kendall Ryan. When I Surrender is book two in the WHEN I BREAK series. Make sure to check it out!

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WHEN I SURENDER

When I Break #2

Author: Kendall Ryan

Expected Release Date: April 7th 2014

Undaunted by Knox’s complicated history with sexual addiction, McKenna pushes forward in her relationship with this deliciously flawed man. She experiences the highest highs as they discover each other, along with the lowest lows, and worries that his past may not be entirely behind him.

But when a complication from her own past demands attention, she's forced to decide where their relationship is headed, and everything she thought she knew is questioned.

When I Surrender is book 2 in the WHEN I BREAK series by New York Times & USA Todaybestselling author Kendall Ryan

**Warning**
This book is intended for a mature reading audience and contains adult language and themes.

Kendall Ryan

New York Times & USA Today bestselling author

Book Review: No One Else Can Have You by Kathleen Hale

No One Else Can Have You
Author: Kathleen Hale
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Mystery
Released: January 7th 2014
Review Source: HarperTeen

Small towns are nothing if not friendly. Friendship, Wisconsin (population: 689 688) is no different. Around here, everyone wears a smile. And no one ever locks their doors. Until, that is, high school sweetheart Ruth Fried is found murdered. Strung up like a scarecrow in the middle of a cornfield.

Unfortunately, Friendship’s police are more adept at looking for lost pets than catching killers. So Ruth’s best friend, Kippy Bushman, armed with only her tenacious Midwestern spirit and Ruth’s secret diary (which Ruth’s mother had asked her to read in order to redact any, you know, sex parts), sets out to find the murderer. But in a quiet town like Friendship—where no one is a suspect—anyone could be the killer.

In a town with a population of 689, well now 688, where everyone knows everyone it's no surprise that a horrific murder puts everyone on edge, and makes everyone a suspect. At least that's what Kippy, best friend (ex-best friend?) to , feels. Who can she trust in a town full of small minded people? It's up to her to get the FACTS and solve the case.

First of all let's give a huge congrats to Kathleen Hale on her debut novel, No One Else Can Have You. *Applauds* Well done, Hale. I truly enjoyed this book. And, by enjoyed, I mean it have me all the necessary feels a mystery should give. Frustration being at the top of the list. (The sheriff holds a special spot on my "do not like" list.)

I wouldn't be surprised if in the future this book gets picked up for a show or movie. It was so many of the factors that a film should have. I literally felt like I was watching a show the entire time I was reading (which by the way I finished in one day). The characters are perfect, and weird. The plot is fantastic, and the setting is creepy enough!

The only thing I do think it needed more of, was backstory. Backstory on the killer. I mean, I understand why he/she killed, but a little more light on the killer would have been better. It's a small thing though, I still really liked this book!

Hale takes you on a chilling thrill ride throughout this mystery that you do not want to miss!

Book Blast: Flawed by J.L. Spelbring | Giveaway

In a world where Hitler won the The War, and perfection is constantly sought, Ellyssa has broken free from her austere life and has found another meaning for her existence.

Family, friendship, and love.

But her happiness is short lived. Ellyssa finds herself on the run, again. Her father's work didn't die with him, but lives on in her siblings, Aalexis and Xaver, and they are determined to complete his unfinished dream.

FLAWED BY J.L. Spelbring 

Book Two in the PERFECTION series.

Paperback, 400 pages

Expected publication: August 12th 2014 by Spencer Hill Press

Pre-order FLAWED TODAY

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CHECK OUT BOOK ONE IN THE SERIES

Praise for PERFECTION...

"This book is seriously so unique and amazing it's mind-blowing!" ~ Lauran Hammond

"Wow! That was my initial reaction after finishing Perfection. This is without a doubt one of the most well thought out, cleverly-written and unique books I have ever read." ~ K-Books

"4 stars - Chilling and provocative, these characters will get to you." ~ Stuck In Books

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J.L. Spelbring - lives in Texas, where she wanders out in the middle of the night to look at the big and bright stars. Besides knocking imaginary bad guys in the head with a keyboard, she enjoys being swept away between the pages of a book, running amuck inside in her own head, pretending she is into running, and hanging out with her kids, who are way too cool for her.

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