Month: February 2015

February Flurries: February Wrap-Up!

February 28, 2015

Hey guys!

Today, I’m going to posting my February Wrap-Up! This month was successful, although not as successful as last month!

This month I read 5 books, which was my 2015 goal (to read 5 books every month).

Here’s what I read:

Minutes Before Sunset by Shannon A. Thompson

Book Review: https://readingreadingalldaylong.wordpress.com/2015/02/19/february-flurries-minutes-before-sunset-by-shannon-a-thompson/
Author Interview: https://readingreadingalldaylong.wordpress.com/2015/02/20/february-flurries-shannon-a-thompson-book-review/

Fairest by Marissa Meyer

Book Review: https://readingreadingalldaylong.wordpress.com/2015/02/09/february-flurries-fairest-by-marissa-meyer/

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Book Review: (soon to be posted!)

The Only Boy by Jordan Locke

Book Review: https://readingreadingalldaylong.wordpress.com/2015/02/25/february-flurries-the-only-boy-by-jordan-locke/
Author Interview: https://readingreadingalldaylong.wordpress.com/2015/02/26/february-flurries-jordan-locke-interview/

The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart

Book Review: (soon to be posted)

Those are all of the books I read this month!

I hope you enjoyed my February Blog Series! Look out for one in May!

Good Night Book Lions!

February Flurries: How To Get Rid of Reading Slumps

February 27, 2015

Hey guys!

Today, I’m going to be sharing with you a few tips on how to get rid of reading slumps!

  1. Read a book that you will most likely like.
  2. Re-read a favourite.
  3. Choose a book that has been on your TBR list for a while, and once you have finally read it, you will feel like you have accomplished something.
  4. Get a book reccomedation from a friend who has similar reading tastes as you.
  5. Read something that is out of your comfort zone.
  6. Watch a lot of booktube.
  7. Read some of your old blog posts, or read posts from your favourite blog.
  8. Get in the reading mood…

That’s it for today’s short and sweet post!

Check back for my last February Flurries post, which will obviously be my wrap-up for February!

Good Night Book Lions!

February Flurries: Jordan Locke Interview!

February 26, 2015

Hi everyone!

Today, I’m going to be doing ANOTHER Author Interview! Yesterday, I reviewed his book, and today I’m interviewing him!

Click here to see my book review for “The Only Boy” by Jordan Locke:

About Jordan Locke:

I live in Connecticut with my spouse, two lively daughters and a well-behaved whippet. A graphic designer by trade, my creativity has spilled over into the writing world. After five novels in as many years, I managed to snag an agent. And not just any agent—the fabulous Miriam Kriss of the Irene Goodman Literary Agency.

Like many writers, I have a day job. But most nights, after the dog is fed and the kids are in bed, you will find me tapping away at the keyboard.

Now for… the interview!

Give us a quick synopsis of your book “The Only Boy”.

The story takes place many years after a global epidemic wipes out all the men. Women live in small groups, scavenging for food. Little known to the leader, the Matriarch, a boy lives in one of the settlements. When his compound is destroyed, he’s relocated to Section One, where he needs to hide his identity or he may be banished… or even executed. Mary, one of the teenagers, starts having feelings for him, even though she doesn’t realize he’s a boy. The story unfolds as a dual narrative, back and forth between Mary and the boy, Taylor.

How did you come up with the concept for your novel?

I was thinking about the movie Children of Men, where children have stopped being born, and wondered what might happen if only women were alive. How would they reproduce? What might the society be like.

Are any of the characters inspired by people you know in your daily life?

I didn’t base any character on anyone I know, but here is surely some of myself in the main characters, especially Taylor. I was also quiet and reserved growing up.

How are there still children, when there are no men AND the woman are not allowed touching others?

Women combine genes from two women to produce female children. Apparently, it’s already been done with mice.

Which POV did you enjoy writing from more?

I can’t say I enjoyed one more than the other. Taylor was the easier of the two, because, as I mentioned, we are more alike. Mary is rebellious, which is a stretch for me, but it was fun trying to get inside her head. What I enjoyed most, though, was the interaction between the two.

Why did you decide to make your book in two different POVs?

This was the first book I wrote as a dual narrative. I’d recently read a book with alternating points of view and liked being able to see two sides of the story and the misunderstandings that arise.

Do you like the cover of your book, or do you have any plans to change it?

I’m happy with the way it turned out. Not sure if you know this, but I created the cover myself. I have no plans to change it, although it might be fun to create an alternative cover with Mary instead of Taylor.

When did you start writing?

Seven years ago. One day, a scene pooped into my head. I wrote a few pages and stuck it in a drawer. Four years later, I was listening to the radio, and the hosts were reading the openings of their favorite books. I thought about how mine would start, and the Ideas kept coming. I HAD to write them down. Now, I’ve written seven novels, although some of them will probably never see the light of day.

Did you share your novel with friends or family before publishing it?

A few family members read it, and a couple of friends (one critiqued it and another proofread it for me).

Can you provide any tips for newer writers on writing a novel?

Persistence is key. Keep reading, keep writing and keep learning the craft. The writers who get published are the ones who don’t give up.

I hope you guys enjoyed the second author interview I have done on my blog!

I would like to give a HUGE thanks to Jordan Locke, for letting me read, review and interview him and his books! It was so awesome corresponding with you, Jordan!

Jordan’s Links:

Blog: http://www.jordanlocke.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jordan1Locke

That’s it for today’s post! See you guys tomorrow!

Good Night Book Lions!

Alyssa’s Reviews – February Flurries: The Only Boy by Jordan Locke

February 25, 2015

Hi everyone!

Today, I’m going to be doing a book review for “The Only Boy” by Jordan Locke.

DISCLAIMER: I was given this book for review from the author, Jordan Locke. I am not being payed to review this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own, and are not being persuaded by anyone else.

Don’t know what this book is about? I’ve got your back!

Synopsis (taken off from the authors website):

theonlyboyDescription From Back Cover: Mary is stuck in Section One, living with three hundred women in a crumbling hospital. She wonders what life was like two centuries ago, before the Cleansing wiped out all the men. But the rules—the Matriarch’s senseless rules—prevent her from exploring the vacant city to find out.

Taylor’s got a dangerous secret: he’s a boy. His compound’s been destroyed, and he’s been relocated to Section One. Living under the Matriarch means giving up possessions, eating canned food and avoiding all physical contact. Baggy clothes hide his flat chest and skinny legs, but if anyone discovers what lies beneath, he’ll be exiled. Maybe even executed.

Mary’s never seen a boy—the Matriarch cut the pictures of men from the textbooks—and she doesn’t suspect Taylor’s secret. If she knew, she might understand the need to stop the girls from teasing him. If she knew, she might realize why she breaks the rules, just to be near him. Then again, she might be frightened to death of him.

Taylor should go. The Matriarch is watching his every move. But running means leaving Mary—and braving the land beyond the compound’s boundaries.

Review:

The Only Boy is worth the read, let me tell you.

In my opinion, the concept is PURE GENIUS! Having a society with no males, such a great idea! Wouldn’t you be intrigued by just that?

Although, the first few chapters were a bit rough. I found that the first few chapters were a bit slow and boring. But, I had yet to realize that this was JUST the build up!

Most of the scenes in this book were pure action and AMAZING-NESS! I truley enjoyed it!

I found myself liking most of the characters, which was no shock. Although, just like EVERY other book, I found them to be a bit annoying at some points in this book. Sometimes, I just felt like they weren’t thinking of what they were doing and how that would affect them. But, that gave for quite the action!

The society of this world is unlike any other book I have seen. And although this book is being called a Dystopian, I would also put it in the Sci-Fi category as well. The science of making children when there are no boys, was something no one could just “make-up”. It was AMAZING and super cool.

Overall:
Overall, I gave this book a solid 4/5 stars, it was not one of my favourite dystopians, but may find itself on my Top Books of 2015 list, we’ll have to see! I would definitely recommend this book to Sci-Fi and Dystopian lovers!

I hope you guys enjoyed this book review! PLEASE come back tomorrow to find a special author interview for Jordan Locke!

Good Night Book Lions!

February Flurries: Favourite Places to Read!

February 24, 2015

Hey guys!

Today, I’m going to be sharing with you my favourite places to read. PLEASE NOTE: I will be adding pictures at around 4:30 EST, so please come back then!

My first favourite place to read, is right next to my bookshelves, which is my rocking chair! I think EVERY avid reader needs one of these! This used to be my mom’s, when I was little! I think that that’s such a nice memory to have!
Have you seen my bookshelves? Check them out by clicking this link:  https://readingreadingalldaylong.wordpress.com/2015/02/06/february-flurries-bookshelf-tour/

My second favourite place to read is in my bed, just like most people do! Here’s what my bed looks like:

My third favourite place to read is in a library!

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Have you seen my Library? Click the link provided to check it out:https://readingreadingalldaylong.wordpress.com/2015/02/02/february-flurries-in-my-library/

My fourth favourite place to read is in an Indigo/Chapters!

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Have you seen my bookstore? Check it out by clicking on this link: https://readingreadingalldaylong.wordpress.com/2015/02/23/february-flurries-in-my-bookstore/

My last favourite place to read is in a coffee shop, such as Starbucks! I find it so relaxing, and I LOVE the smell of coffee!

I hope you enjoyed seeing my favourite places to read! Let me know in the comments where your favourite places to read are!

Good Night Book Lions!

February Flurries: In My Bookstore!

February 23, 2015

Hi guys!

Today, I’m going to be doing an “In My Bookstore”! A lot of you guys liked my “In My Library”: https://readingreadingalldaylong.wordpress.com/2015/02/02/february-flurries-in-my-library/ , and my “In My House: Bookshelf Tour”: https://readingreadingalldaylong.wordpress.com/2015/02/06/february-flurries-bookshelf-tour/, so I thought it would be fun to do the bookstore that I go to the most often as my third installment in my “In My…” series!

I’m going to be featuring a Chapters Book Store (which I ALWAYS call Indigo, so if I say Indigo you know why), which is basically the Canadian Version of Barnes and Nobles. The store ALWAYS changes for different times of the year, and I took these pictures on Valentines Day, thats why it was all heart-sy and lovey-dovey!
The Chapters that I took the pictures at was in a mall called Bayview Village, which is about 30-35 minutes away from my neighborhood. Before I start, I wanted to mention that I forgot to take pictures of the Adult Section, I didn’t do this on purpose, I must have forgotten, sorry! Although, I thought that most of my viewers read YA books, as that’s what I blog about most!

Let’s get started!

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When you first walk in, it looks like this! Chapter is right beside the entrance door, meaning if I need to run in and grab a book, then run out, I can do so!

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Here’s a little window sneak peek (which you saw in yesterdays post)!

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Normally, they will have a seasonal display, and since I took these pictures on Valentines Day, the theme is love!

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Right next to the Valentines Day/Seasonal Display, there is a HUGE section of New and Hot Books!

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See any of the books that you love? I know I do!

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There are also a few displays of tables of books right beside the “New & Hot” section! This one is called “Heather’s Picks”!

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Beside that section, there is a TON of Journals and Stationary! Here are a few pics!

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There is also an Indigo Tech section, where they sell iPads, E-Readers (Kobo) and accessories!

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Everywhere in the Chapters store, they have a ton of search computers! They are so easy to use, and are compatible by touch screen or keyboard.

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Here are some overhead shots that I took on the escalator upstairs (did I mention it was TWO FLOORS)!

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Here’s a sneak-peak of the upstairs level!

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Right when you get of the escalator OR elevator you end up in the main bargain books section. There is also a YA bargain books section, which I will show you soon.

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They also have a coffee table/beautiful books section!

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On the way to the YA/Kids/Starbucks sections, they have tables of books, as well as decorations!

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Let’s head over to the Children’s section!

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Here’s the beautiful sign!

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Here’s a picture of a ton of the 6-8 books, as well as fun picture books!

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Here’s a picture of the craft section!

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Now, let’s head on to the YA Section!

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Here’s in overview! I’m not really going to be describing/captioning all of the pictures, I only will when I have to!

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Behind these books, on the shelves, you can find the Teen’s bargain books!

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On the way to the checkout desks, they always have Mass Market Paperbacks on Sale! Most of them are for Adults.

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Also on the way to the checkout desk, they have many knick-knacks and tons of cool goodies!

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And that, is a tour In My Bookstore!

If you guys want me to do more of these posts, give me some suggestions on where I should do them in (what places). I personally LOVE showing pictures in my posts, as I think that it’s more fun to read!
If you guys like this post, feel free to like, comment and share, it means a lot!

Good Night Book Lions!

February Flurries: Ultimate Book Tag!

February 22, 2015

Hi everyone!

Today I’m going to be answering all of the questions in the ultimate book tag, although, I wasn’t tagged!

1. Do you get sick while reading in the car?

NEVER. Although, I have never read for so long that I might have gotten sick.

2. Which author’s writing style is completely unique to you and why?

The Shatter Me trilogy by Tahereh Mafi. Click here to see my review: https://readingreadingalldaylong.wordpress.com/2014/07/06/shatter-me-by-tahereh-mafi-book-review/

3. Harry Potter Series or the Twilight Saga? Give 3 points to defend your answer.

Harry Potter series all the way.

  • I’m not into vampires.
  • I’ve never read twilight.
  • I love magic.

4. Do you carry a book bag? If so, what is it in (besides books…)?

I used to bring a HUGE purse with AT LEAST one book, and other items that are fit for a purse (wallet, ipad, etc.).

5. Do you smell your books?

I like to do what all TRUE book lovers do, and that is to smell the pages.

6. Books with or without little illustrations?

I like small illustrations, ones that start at a chapter heading.

7. What book did you love while reading but discovered later it wasn’t quality writing?

Hmmm. I’m going to have to go with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, I still LOVE that book, but now it seems that the writing is a bit to childish.

8. Do you have any funny stories involving books from your childhood? Please share!

This actually happend last year, but I’ll share it anyways! So, as most of you know my ALL TIME FAVOURITE book series is The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer, and my favourite YA trilogy is Divergent by Veronica Roth. On July 8, 2014, both The Land of Stories: A Grimm Warning was coming out, as well as Four: A Divergent Collection. So, after my day at a day camp that I went to was over, my Dad took me to the nearest Indigo. As you can imagine, I was practically buzzing for energy and COULD NOT stand still. We arrive at the bookstore, and we make our way to the YA section, and there is FOUR: A DIVERGENT COLLECTION, and I snatched it right up! Next, we made our way to the middle grade section to grap TLOS 3! Although, I could NOT find it, so we bought Four, and I made my way crying to the car. I told my mom the situation, and she called the Indigo head offices. Turns out, that there was a problem across the border with getting the book and I would have to wait 2 WEEKS until I got it. The next day, my mom ended up finding a copy at a near buy local book store, and bought it for me! I WAS SO HAPPY! The End!

9. What is the thinnest book on your shelf?

The Giver by Lois Lowery.

10. What is the thickest book on your shelf?

Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix by J.K. Rowling.

11. Do you write as well as read? Do you see yourself in the future as being an author?

I write as well as read, and I will be posting some short stories in the future up soon! Although, I don’t plan on being an author, but I could see it happen in the slightest away.

12. When did you get into reading?

Since I was a Baby!

13. What is your favorite classic book?

I haven’t read a classic yet, but I guess it could be Night by Elie Wiesel.

14. In school was your best subject Language Arts/English?

Definitely, and by far it still is.

15. If you were given a book as a present that you had read before and hated…what would you do?

I would say thank you, and return it for another book.

16. What is a lesser known series that you know of that is similar to Harry Potter or the Hunger Games?

I don’t know!

17. What is a bad habit you always do (besides rambling) while filming?

I don’t flim, but I have a habit of writing of topic things!

18. What is your favorite word?

Supercalifragilisticexpealidocus.

19. Are you a nerd, dork, or dweeb? Or all of the above?

ALL OF THE ABOVE.

20. Vampires or Fairies? Why?

Fairies because I love magic!

21. Shapeshifters or Angels? Why?

Angels, I don’t know what shapeshifters are…

22. Spirits or Werewolves? Why?

Spirits, because I like mythology.

23. Zombies or Vampires?

Vampires because there pretty neat!

24. Love Triangle or Forbidden Love?

Love triangle, I want somebody to fall in love, rather then never!

25. AND FINALLY: Full on romance books or action-packed with a few love scenes mixed in?

Action packed romance, as my mom knows! I’m not into mushy-gushy love!

I hope you guys enjoyed my answers to the Ultimate Book Tag!

I TAG:

Hayley: http://booksaredelicious.com/

Magdalena: http://www.monepositiveblog.com/

Rosie: https://roseannanorman.wordpress.com/

If you want to be tagged in my next tag, check out how by clicking on this link: https://readingreadingalldaylong.wordpress.com/book-tags/how-do-i-choose-who-i-tag/

Good Night Book Lions!