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Alice and Freda Forever by Alexis Coe

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Alice + Freda Forever: A Murder in Memphis
In 1892, America was obsessed with a teenage murderess, but it wasn’t her crime that shocked the nation – it was her motivation. Nineteen-year-old Alice Mitchell planned to pass as a man and marry seventeen-year-old Freda Ward, but when their love letters were discovered, they were forbidden to ever speak again. Desperate and isolated, Alice pilfered her father’s razor, and on a cold winter’s day, she slashed her ex-fiancĂ©e’s throat. Now more than 120 years later, their tragic but true story is being told. Alice + Freda Forever, by historian Alexis Coe and with illustrations by Sally Klann, is embellished with letters, maps, historical documents, and more. (Alice + Freda Forever: A Murder in Memphis by Alexis Coe / Published by Zest Books and distributed by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt / ISBN-13: 978-1-936976-60-7 / $16.99 Hardcover; 224 pages, Ages 16+)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Alexis Coe is a columnist at The Awl and The Toast. She has contributed to The AtlanticSlateThe Millions,The HairpinLA WeeklyThe Bay CitizenMission at TenthThe Paris Review Daily, Los Angeles Review of Books and other publications. Before moving to San Francisco, she was a research curator at the New York Public Library, where she co-curated the most popular exhibition in the library's 101 years, and a project-based oral historian at the Brooklyn Historical Society. 

ADVANCE CRITICAL PRAISE FOR ALICE + FREDA FOREVER
This is a captivating account, and readers will quickly become absorbed in the suspense surrounding Freda’s murder. Additionally, the book provides a foundation for discussion of sociocultural themes, such as how LGBT relationships have historically been viewed by society, gender and femininity, and even journalism.” –★ School Library Journal [Starred Review] 
"The murder was a national sensation at the time, but is little known today. Alexis Coe....retells it here with the color and liveliness of a novel."  - The New Yorker

Review

In the eighteen hundreds there was not as much of a public acceptance of being in love with the same sex. Being gay or lesbian meant hiding in the fringes of society if you wanted to carry out what you mind is telling you. The fact of the matter is that gay and lesbian still existed in all time periods and this story talks about one account. This account is twisted with murder and insanity though.

It was interesting to read about this story with so many levels of insanity and excitement. We don't come across someone who loves someone else so much that they need to kill them when they are taken away. It was sad on some levels because it is hard to understand why someone would want to kill the person that they love. On the other hand I could see being enraged if my wife was just taken away from me. This account of this upside down story is interesting and would be informative for all types of readers.

3.5 Stars

Reviewed by Chris


This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

Daisy to the Rescue by Jeff Campbell

Tuesday, October 28, 2014



Who rescued who? This popular animal-shelter bumper sticker captures an enduring emotional truth: With their love and companionship, animals of all species save our lives every day. But sometimes, to our utter amazement and everlasting gratitude, animals literally save our lives, and this heartwarming book collects over 50 real-life stories of animals rescuing people, in which the actions of animals have meant the difference between life and death. Today, scientists vigorously debate questions regarding the sentience, intelligence, and emotions of animals. In particular, they want to know whether animals share with humans the highest emotions of empathy, compassion, and altruism. This book also poses these questions for readers to consider, and using current research on animal minds and emotions, it examines these extreme life-saving situations for possible evidence. Where appropriate, skepticism and doubt surrounding particular stories is included, but gathered together, these anecdotes make a compelling case for the presence of altruism in animals. Thus, this book provides dramatic, thrilling, and moving stories that convey a hopeful message about our world. But these stories also provide startling evidence of the mental and emotional capacities of animals, those being we share the world with.

Goodreads Summary

I think animals make our lives more special.  I loved how this book contained all kinds of stories from different types of animals and different places around the world.  Usually, I'm reading a book about just dogs or just cats or just animals from America; I really enjoyed the variety contained in this book.  I loved how the dogs involved included typically stereotyped dogs who are viewed as violent; in this book, those dogs are brave and kind.  

I think of animals as far more intelligent than they seem to be.  I enjoyed how this book included accounts of animals responding to certain commands and understanding their "humans."  I thought of my white German Shepherd Dakota as I was reading this book and I hope she would be able to help me out of a bad circumstance and that I would be able to help her.  I think that any animal lover would really enjoy reading this book and that is may just make for a good Christmas gift!

5 Stars


Links:


Daisy to the Rescue: True Stories of Daring Dogs, Paramedic Parrots, and Other Animal Heroes links:
 Daisy to the Rescue on IndieBound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781936976621
 Daisy to the Rescue on The Book Depository (for those readers outside of the USA, this site offers free shipping internationally to any country) http://www.bookdepository.com/Daisy-Rescue-Jeff-Campbell/9781936976621
 Daisy to the Rescue on the Zest Books site has “buy now” options: http://zestbooks.net/daisy-to-the-rescue/
 Daisy to the Rescue on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20256747
 Daisy to the Rescue on Library Thing: https://www.librarything.com/work/14677474

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  An editor and writer for over twenty years, Jeff Campbell has specialized in books on animal intelligence and emotions. A former writer for Lonely Planet, Campbell coauthored guidebooks on Hawaii, Florida, the Southwest, and other US destinations. He lives in Northern New Jersey and also teaches creative writing to students in elementary school.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:  Ramsey Beyer grew up on a farm in Michigan before escaping to city life. The award-winning author and illustrator of Little Fish: A Memoir of a Different Kind of Year, Beyer is also in much demand as an animal/pet portraitist, and lives in Philadelphia.

ADVANCE CRITICAL PRAISE FOR DAISY TO THE RESCUE
“With an eye toward documenting remarkable animal/human interactions, Campbell has assembled a large collection of fascinating anecdotes… Overflowing with information, fascinating tales and thought-provoking information; give it to animal-loving middle graders on up." Kirkus Reviews

Well-documented cases of animals rescuing men, women, and children are recounted with precision, organized into four divisions: domestic, trained, wild, and legendary animals. Campbell draws on opinions from professionals and anecdotal evidence, gleaned from ancient to modern times, to understand animal motivations.… The text flows well, and the compact content is intense….The documentation shines in this presentation." – School Library Journal

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Thomas Sweterlitsch

Sunday, October 26, 2014

“Strong debut…vivid and compelling.” —Publishers Weekly

Yesterday cannot last forever...

A decade has passed since the city of Pittsburgh was reduced to ash.

While the rest of the world has moved on, losing itself in the noise of a media-glutted future, survivor John Dominic Blaxton remains obsessed with the past. Grieving for his wife and unborn child who perished in the blast, Dominic relives his lost life by immersing in the Archive—a fully interactive digital reconstruction of Pittsburgh, accessible to anyone who wants to visit the places they remember and the people they loved.

Dominic investigates deaths recorded in the Archive to help close cases long since grown cold, but when he discovers glitches in the code surrounding a crime scene—the body of a beautiful woman abandoned in a muddy park that he’s convinced someone tried to delete from the Archive—his cycle of grief is shattered.

With nothing left to lose, Dominic tracks the murder through a web of deceit that takes him from the darkest corners of the Archive to the ruins of the city itself, leading him into the heart of a nightmare more horrific than anything he could have imagined.

Goodreads Summary

I can only imagine the fire that must be sparked in this man's soul because of what he has lost. One day, his pregnant wife is there loving him and being his world, and the next day they are gone, along with an entire city. I don't blame him for still wanting to be there even ten years later and investigate everything that went wrong through the archive of the city. There is definitely a lot to follow from the world being in a post apocalypse phase, to John's grief, plus the crimes that are being investigated. It makes for a full and rich story with a lot going on.

I really liked the whole idea behind the story. It is inconceivable to me to understand the amount of work it would take to archive a whole city. It took a lot for me to even get beyond that being possible, however once I did, I really started to truly enjoy the events that unfolded. I could see it being painfully addicting to be able to go back to a wife that isn't there and live some happiness for a few hours, even if it isn't real. To have lost everything that mattered to you in a split second with no chance of ever getting it back again must be the worst thing a person can experience. The story has so many levels that it dives into that it can get a bit muddled at times but the overall picture is somewhat of a masterpiece. Check it out and it will not disappoint.

3.5 Stars

*Reviewed by Chris*  

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

Blackbird by Anna Carey


This twisty, breathless cat-and-mouse thrill ride, told in the second person, follows a girl with amnesia in present-day Los Angeles who is being pursued by mysterious and terrifying assailants.

A girl wakes up on the train tracks, a subway car barreling down on her. With only minutes to react, she hunches down and the train speeds over her. She doesn’t remember her name, where she is, or how she got there. She has a tattoo on the inside of her right wrist of a blackbird inside a box, letters and numbers printed just below: FNV02198. There is only one thing she knows for sure: people are trying to kill her. 

On the run for her life, she tries to untangle who she is and what happened to the girl she used to be. Nothing and no one are what they appear to be. But the truth is more disturbing than she ever imagined. 

The Maze Runner series meets Code Name Verity, Blackbird is relentless and action-packed, filled with surprising twists.

Goodreads Summary

Memory is a funny thing. Some of us have a picture perfect view of most things that have happened to us down to the first scraped knee that we had as a child. Others have more trouble for one reason or another with getting the details straight and some have deep gaping holes in their memory with no explanation. Unfortunately for the teenage girl in this book, she wakes up one day with no recollection of anything into a world that seems to be completely against her to a point that it wants her dead. As she goes through her day, she is constantly dodging obstacles and dangers and desperately trying to get a grasp on who she is, why she is here, where she is going, and what she is going to do next.

"Blackbird" is a complete scary thrill ride that will keep you hungry for more and more as you get deeper into the story. You feel so bad for this girl as she suffers through the confusion and begins to figure out the "why" for everything that is going on around her. The first part of the book is a little bit slow but if you make it through the details, it helps the second super fast paced half an awesome finish. Its so hard for me to imagine waking up with no memory because I'd imagine that most people are pretty clear in the events that unfolded that lead them to today. That is what makes this book so interesting because the confusion is described pretty well, and it makes you feel like you are in the story confused right along with the girl. This book is definitely worth a read and I cant wait until the second book in this series comes out.

4 Stars

*Reviewed by Chris*

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

Just Girls by Rachel Gold

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Jess Tucker sticks her neck out for a stranger—the buzz is someone in the dorm is a trans girl. So Tucker says it’s her, even though it’s not, to stop the finger pointing. She was an out lesbian in high school, and she figures she can stare down whatever gets thrown her way in college. It can’t be that bad.
Ella Ramsey is making new friends at Freytag University, playing with on-campus gamers and enjoying her first year, but she’s rocked by the sight of a slur painted on someone else’s door. A slur clearly meant for her, if they’d only known.

New rules, old prejudices, personal courage, private fear. In this stunning follow-up to the groundbreaking Being Emily, Rachel Gold explores the brave, changing landscape where young women try to be Just Girls.

Goodreads Summary

If you read Gold's first book, "Being Emily," then this loose continuation will definitely pique your interest and draw you in. In a world where acceptance of all is definitely more prominent, we are still worlds away from seeing eye to eye with every way that everyone is or chooses to be. This book focuses on a girl that takes the "fall" for another girl and claims that she is a trans girl just to pull the attention off of someone else and let them have an easier time in college. Jess is tough and figures that she can handle it, and when Ella, the girl who is actually a trans girl finds out, that is where the story picks up.

The characters are definitely interesting  and draw you in fast in this quickly paced book on issues that always existed but are more known of in today's society. The book is very clearly written and does not dance around the points that are being presented. Being someone who is pretty withdrawn from the LGBT world I found it very interesting to read a book that is right in the middle of the issues that exist being a part of this world. The author takes an honest approach that is not condescending or dancing back and just leaves it as it is, and this was very refreshing. This is definitely worth a read for any reader anywhere looking for a fast paced college aged story.

3.5 Stars

*Reviewed by Chris*  

About the Book - About the Author - Prizes!!!

About the prizes: Who doesn't love prizes? You could win one of two $50 Amazon gift cards or an autographed copy of Just Girls! Here's what you need to do...
  1. Enter the Rafflecopter contest
  2. Leave a comment on my blog
That's it! One random commenter during this tour will win the first gift card. Visit more blogs for more chances to win--the full list of participating bloggers can be found HERE. The other two prizes will be given out via Rafflecopter. You can find the contest entry form linked below or on the official Just Girls tour page via Novel Publicity. Good luck! About the book: Jess Tucker sticks her neck out for a stranger—the buzz is someone in the dorm is a trans girl. So Tucker says it’s her, even though it’s not, to stop the finger pointing. She was an out lesbian in high school, and she figures she can stare down whatever gets thrown her way in college. It can’t be that bad. Ella Ramsey is making new friends at Freytag College, playing with on-campus gamers and enjoying her first year, but she’s rocked by the sight of a slur painted on someone else’s door. A slur clearly meant for her, if they’d only known. New rules, old prejudices, personal courage, private fear. In this stunning follow-up to the groundbreaking Being Emily, Rachel Gold explores the brave, changing landscape where young women try to be Just Girls.Get Just Girls through Amazon or Barnes & Noble. About the author: An award-winning marketing strategist and author, Rachel Gold also spent a decade as a reporter in the LGBT community where she learned many of her most important lessons about being a woman from the transgender community. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English and Religious Studies from Macalester College, and a Master of Fine Arts in Writing from Hamline University. When she’s not “translating English for English-speaking people” or working on her novels, you can find Rachel online checking out the latest games. Connect with Rachel on her website, Facebook, Twitter,or GoodReads..

GIVEAWAY:



a Rafflecopter giveaway
This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

Leaving Amarillo by Caisey Quinn: Cover Reveal



About the book:
Some promises are made to be broken...
Music is my everything.
After my parents died when I was a kid, moving into my grandparents’ ramshackle house on a dirt road in Amarillo seemed like a nightmare. Until I stumbled upon my grandfather’s shed full of instruments. My soul lives between the strings of Oz, my secondhand fiddle, and it soars when I play.
In Houston, I'm a typical college student on my way to becoming a classically trained violinist headed straight for the orchestra pit. But on the road with my band, Leaving Amarillo, I'm free.
 We have one shot to make it, and I have one shot to live the life I was meant to. Leaving Amarillo got into Austin Music Fest and everything is riding on this next week. This is our moment.
There’s only one problem. I have a secret...One that could destroy everyone I care about.
His name is Gavin Garrison and he's our drummer. He's also my brother's best friend, the one who promised he'd never lay a hand on me. He’s the one person I can’t have, and yet he’s the only one I want.
One week.
One hotel room.
I don't know if I can do this.
I just know that I have to.


GIVEAWAY:


a Rafflecopter giveaway

EXCERPT:

For a long time I knew he only saw me as Dallas’s little sister. I used to have frizzy hair and knobby knees and a chest as flat as both boys. But somewhere along the way, I changed. I’m having a hard time convincing myself that he really sees me for who I am now. Maybe he still sees knobby knees, frizzy hair, and freckles on my shoulders.
His eyes narrow and he shakes his head. No. “Don’t. Don’t do that to me. I just told you. You know why.”
I frown involuntarily while swallowing the knot of emotion that’s rising steadily in my throat. “How could I possibly know? You treat me like we’re related most of the time. You put your hands on random waitresses right in front of me. You sleep with anything that moves. Except me. I tell you how I feel and you can’t get rid of me fast enough.”
Suddenly Gavin is a burning man, coming toward me with angry gleaming eyes. He steps into the room, forcing me back against the wall. The door slams heavily behind him, and he braces his arms on either side of my head. I’ve only seen him this worked up when playing his drums. My heart morphs into a hummingbird inside my ribcage. It’s trapped and wants to escape. Desperately.
His words come out with force that would shove me backward if there were anywhere for me to go. “As flattering as your honest opinion of me is, how about you just tell me what the hell you want from me so we can both get on with our lives. You want to hold hands and go steady, Bluebird? Because I gotta say, you’re not as smart as I thought you were if you’re looking for that from me.”
I jerk my chin upward, faking a confidence I don’t have but refusing to let him intimidate me. “Did you sleep with that waitress? I want to know.”
He snorts out a harsh humorless laugh. “No you don’t.”
“I do. Tell me the truth.” I look up into his eyes, praying the answer is no. Something about that specific waitress is really bothering me. Maybe because I saw their initial flirtation or maybe because of what she said to me in the ladies room. I don’t know. I’m well aware of the fact that he’s been with countless women, but somehow this one feels different. More personal. Because this time, he knew how I felt and if he slept with her anyways, then he actively chose her over me. “Please,” I add to my already pathetic plea.
He releases me from my forearm prison and throws both of his hands into his hair. I inhale a much-needed breath and relax just a little. Until he slams a palm against the wall. I flinch, only because it startled me, but I can see in his wounded expression that he believes he scared me. As if I could ever be afraid of him.
“No, okay? No I didn’t sleep with her. There, you happy now?”
“Well you’re obviously not. If you were going to be so upset about it, why didn’t you just go ahead and do her?”
“You gotta be fucking kidding me,” he says, raising his voice a few decibels shy of shouting. “Which is it? You want me to have screwed her or not?”
I’m all wound up, like the toys from my childhood. The ones with the knobs you turn and turn, winding so tight the spinny thing breaks and falls off. I’m confused and hurt and angry and turned the hell on in a way I can’t even process. The combination is more than I can handle rationally. I take a page from his broody book and let my palm smack the wall behind me. It stings so I clench it shut. The pain distracts me and I blurt out the truth.
“No, I don’t want you to have screwed her. I don’t want you to screw anyone!”
His reaction is wide-eyed shock and disbelief. “Anyone? Christ, you want me to be celibate? Do you hate me or something?”
Licking my lips, I take several deep breaths in an attempt to calm down. It almost works. “I want you,” I begin slowly before taking another deep breath. “To not engage in foreplay in front of my face.”
He opens his mouth to respond—most likely to deny that he did that tonight—but I place my trembling fingers against his lips, firmly breaking our ten-year unspoken no-touching rule. I’d like to take a moment to enjoy the soft, full, sensuously masculine mouth of his, but there isn’t time. I need to focus all cylinders of my brain on what I’m trying to say.
“I told you how I feel, what I want. And I get it. You don’t feel the same way. Or you won’t act on your feelings. But that doesn’t mean I can switch mine right off for your convenience. And it doesn’t mean that I’m not jealous, not hurt, and that I don’t hate, hate, being in the presence of any woman who is going to have you in a way that I never will.”
I’m breathing hard, tasting his anxiety and frustration in the air between us. Removing my fingers from his mouth and placing them on mine, I watch him go to war with himself.
He neck loosens, allowing his head to fall forward. Remaining completely still while he inhales the length of my neck, I swallow hard.
“Tell me I’ll never have you that way. Tell me to move on and let this go,” I whisper, needing to hear him say it and terrified that he actually will in equal measure.
“You’re my best friend. Growing up, you were my safe place,” he tells me on a ragged breath that seems to pull the life completely out of both of us. “I don’t want to ruin you, Bluebird.”


This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

Don't Touch by Rachel M. Wilson

Sunday, October 19, 2014

A powerful story of a girl who is afraid to touch another person’s skin, until the boy auditioning for Hamlet opposite her Ophelia gives her a reason to overcome her fears.

Step on a crack, break your mother’s back. Touch another person’s skin, and Dad’s gone for good.

Caddie can’t stop thinking that if she keeps from touching another person’s skin, her parents might get back together... which is why she wears full-length gloves to school and covers every inch of her skin.

It seems harmless at first, but Caddie’s obsession soon threatens her ambitions as an actress. She desperately wants to play Ophelia in her school’s production of Hamlet. But that would mean touching Peter, who’s auditioning for the title role—and kissing him. Part of Caddie would love nothing more than to kiss Peter—but the other part isn't sure she's brave enough to let herself fall.

Perfect for fans of Laurie Halse Anderson, this debut novel from Rachel M. Wilson is a moving story of a talented girl who's fighting an increasingly severe anxiety disorder, and the friends and family who stand by her.

Goodreads Summary

Have you ever wanted that leading role in the school play so badly that you would do anything to get it? Ophelia has to do that plus more when she has to get over he deepest darkest fears and anxieties to achieve her dreams. She would have to touch and kiss Peter and shoe just doesn't know if she can bring her brain to meet what herself truly wants.

Seeing Ophelia's struggles with her anxiety about touching others makes you really feel for her problems. You can see a girl that really wants to be in her school play, however her past problems hold her back from really being able to do so fully. She is worried that if she touches anyone, that bad things will happen to her family because of her parents separation. Maybe if she would have gotten some help with her problems, things would have been different but this is where she is.  She is doing her best to get by with what she has available to her. The bumps and bruises along the way make for a thrillingly psychological and intriguing. This is a great YA romance with a twist that many of you readers would love.

4 Stars

*Reviewed by Chris*

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

Endless by Kate Brian


An unthinkable betrayal threatens everyone Rory loves in the third installment of our dark, thrilling Shadowlands series from New York Times best-selling author Kate Brian.

Rory Miller didn't just fall in love with Tristan Parrish. She fell in love with the idea of forever. He was the one who told her the truth about her existence in Juniper Landing: that her mortal life is over, and she will now spend eternity on the island, helping others in limbo move on.

But like Juniper Landing, a bright island with dark secrets, Tristan is too good to be true. The mysterious, heartbreakingly beautiful boy Rory thought she knew is responsible for unthinkable evil-sending good souls to the Shadowlands in order to get himself a second chance at life on Earth. He has already claimed Rory's friend Aaron and her own father, but when SPOILER Tristan sends her sister, Darcy, to the Shadowlands, too, Rory decides to take matters into her own hands. She will do anything to save her family, even if it means going to hell and back.

Goodreads Summary

In the third installment in the "Shadowlands" series, we find Rory in the in between trapped with others on a desert island trying to make sense of the situation with the people trapped along with her. She is in love with Tristan and the idea of being with him forever and wants to find him and be with him. He keeps sending people to the shadow world to save his pretty little self and that doesn't match up with the good person that he comes off as. 

This third book was decent however it was a bit of a disappointment compared to the other two books in the series. The characters were not much more that one dimensional and that didn't really help with bringing the story to life. It is great and selfless that Rory is trying anything to save her family members and I felt for the situation however the story doesn't do a great job at making her and any of the other characters that believe-able. Also when Rory enters into a love triangle when Tristan is gone for just one day defeats any belief that she had a undying love for him. Other than that, there is a decent story that has some redeeming moments, it just doesn't live up to the greatness of the first two in the trilogy.

3.0 Stars

*Reviewed by Chris*

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

Tomboy by Liz Prince

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Tomboy: A Graphic Memoir
Growing up, Liz Prince wasn’t a girly girl, dressing in pink tutus or playing pretty princess like the other girls in her neighborhood. But she wasn’t exactly one of the guys either (as she learned when her little league baseball coach exiled her to the distant outfield). She was somewhere in between. But with the forces of middle school, high school, parents, friendship, and romance pulling her this way and that, the middle wasn’t exactly an easy place to be. Tomboy follows Ignatz Award-winning author and artist Liz Prince through her early years and explores—with humor, honesty, and poignancy—what it means to “be a girl.” 
From staunchly refuting ”girliness” and finding the perfect outfit, to discovering through the punk community that your identity is whatever you make of it, Tomboy offers a sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking account of self-discovery in modern America. (Tomboy: A Graphic Memoir by Liz Prince / Published by Zest Books and distributed by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt / ISBN-13: 978-1-936976-55-3 / $15.99 Paperback (with French flaps); 256 pages, Ages 14+)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Liz Prince is an autobiographical cartoonist who currently lives outside of Boston, MA, with her two cats, Wolfman and Dracula. Her first book, Will You Still Love Me If I Wet the Bed?, won the Ignatz Award for Outstanding Debut in 2005. She has since published the comic strip collections Delayed Replays and Alone Forever. She has drawn comics for the wildly popular Adventure Time comic series, is a regular contributor to Razorcake magazine, and self-publishes her own comics and zines. She is still a tomboy, and can frequently be found shopping in the boys’ section at thrift stores.

ADVANCE CRITICAL PRAISE FOR TOMBOY 
"Prince explores what it means to be a tomboy in a magnificently evocative graphic memoir…. Simple, line-based art provides a perfect complement to her keen narration, giving this an indie, intimate feel and leaving readers feeling like they really know her. Liz's story, captured with wry humor and a deft, visceral eye, is a must-read for fans who fell for Raina Telgemeier's work in middle school. Spectacular; a book to make anyone think seriously about society's preordained gender roles."  – ★ Kirkus Reviews [Starred Review]
"The heroine of this charming, gently subversive graphic memoir loves Little League and hates dresses, so what does she grow up to be? Gloriously herself." - People Magazine

Review

There are certain things that are expected of girls in today's day and age. They should be pretty and dress the part. They don't like bugs or things that are dirty. Also they love to shop for jewelry and get gorgeous shoes. Liz Prince is nothing of the sort though, she is on the other end of the spectrum enjoying her thrift shop finds and being as Tomboyish as possible.

I loved her honest approach to her life where she tells it all and lays herself on the line without holding anything back. You truly get a feel for someone who grows up not quite feeling like a girly girl, but certainly not feeling like one of the boys. This in between is what she had to get used to and she describes her feeling so vividly in a perfect blend of comedy and heart break that will capture the attention of all.

5 Stars

Reviewed by Chris

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

The Beast of Seabourne by Rhys A Jones

Oz Chambers has a wonderful secret; the obsidian pebble, gifted to him by his dead father, is an artefact of astonishing power. The sort of power that makes the year eight science project a hands-down walkover thanks to the the pebble's genius avatar, Soph. But, there are sinister forces abroad who will do just about anything to get their hands on the pebble, and when fellow pupils start being attacked, Oz finds himself in very hot water. Soon Oz and his friends, Ruff and Ellie, are caught up in a centuries old mystery involving a missing ring, lava toothpaste and a murderous monster known as the Beast of Seabourne"

Goodreads Summary

This is an enchanting story that is a delightful sequel that builds very positively on the first book in the series. The Beast of Seabourne is filled with paranormal fun and suspense and you will definitely be feeling a great connection to the very colorful characters. You will find yourself truly entering Oz's world and feeling like you are right there in the action...feeling like you are part of the story.

This book reminds me a lot of a combination of the movie National Treasure and The Wizard of Oz. It has the thrill of the chase for the possession and control of an artifact and an enchanting adventure with some close knit friends. What makes this story even more appealing is the air of mystery and resolution that is evident throughout the book. It keeps the book fun and enlightening, but it still retains a darkness within the story that will keep you wondering in some ways. This is a good thing though because you will want to keep reading if you are contemplating what will happen next and this book definitely does that. Dive into the mystery and bring it to life in your own mind.

4 Stars

*Reviewed by Chris* 


This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

20 Book Giveaway!

You can win a bunch of recently released young adult and adult books :D

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This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

5th Annual Spooktacular Giveaway Hop October 15th to 31st

Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Enter to win a book of your choosing from this blog!


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This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

Yoder Family Amish Restaurant: Promo and Giveaway!

Yoder Family Restaurant Yoder Family Amish Restaurant Sadie Zook is in an impossible situation. After a long search, she's finally found love. But the man she's fallen for also happens to work at the same Amish restaurant--a restaurant that has banned co-workers from dating. So Sadie and her boyfriend are forced to keep their love a secret. Can they keep from being found out, or will everything Sadie has worked so hard for be jeopardized?
Praise "What a great story. Great story line. I couldn't put it down." - marshalljs "I recommend this out-standing Amish Christian romance book to any reader young or old. Ms. Fisher has written an delightful book exhibiting excellent taste." - Dr. Wanda Piercey   About the Author I'm Becca Fisher and I write sweet Amish romances featuring simple people with complex love lives. I'm devout in my faith, relish time with my family, and seek to bring joy to as many lives as possible. I would love to have you as a reader. God bless.
  book blast button       Book Blast Giveaway $100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 11/4/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

Whispers From the Past by Elizabeth Langston: Guest Post!

Saturday, October 11, 2014
...that's not freedom at all. 

With the dangers of the past behind them, Mark and Susanna are reaching for what the future holds. As Mark's final year of high school draws to a close, his focus shifts to choosing a college and moving on. For Susanna, it's time to set down roots and realize dreams of her own. 

Yet the whispers from the past continue. A glimmer in the waterfall reveals messages from a dear, old friend. As she fights to resist their call, Susanna must finally confront the consequences that her choices have made across two centuries.

Goodreads Summary

The Dream Cast for Whispers from the Past

If I were the casting director for a film adaptation of the Whisper Falls series, I’d start with Mark. That actor has to be hot, athletic, and charming in a really nice, boy-next-door way. I’d want Brenton Thwaites.  (And his amber eyes are gorgeous!)

Susanna would be much harder to cast. She needs to have amazing chemistry with Mark—but still convey how quiet and repressed she is. The right actor would have to communicate so much emotion with just her eyes.  I visualize Susanna as having an ordinary appearance until she smiles—and then she’s beautiful.  I’m thinking Sarah Hyland (who is probably too pretty but that’s why we have makeup artists.) 

I'd also like to mention my reasoning for the casting of Benita and Jesse.  They’re a biracial couple where the girl is taller than the guy. She needs to exude “musician” while he needs to be an adorable geek. I did find two actors who could be great, although probably not quite enough difference in height. But then, she could just wear heels!

So, here is my dream cast:

Mark Lewis = Brenton Thwaites
Susanna Marsh = Sarah Hyland
Jethro Pratt = Karl Urban
Dorcas Pratt = Sierra McCormick
Benita Adams = Taylor Swift
Jesse = Tequan Richmond
Gabrielle Stone = Victoria Justice
Marissa Lewis = Sasha Spielberg
Isaac Saunders = Seth Numrich

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

Atlantia by Ally Condie: GIVEAWAY and Review!

Friday, October 10, 2014

Can you hear Atlantia breathing?

For as long as she can remember, Rio has dreamt of the sand and sky Above—of life beyond her underwater city of Atlantia. But in a single moment, all her plans for the future are thwarted when her twin sister, Bay, makes an unexpected decision, stranding Rio Below. Alone, ripped away from the last person who knew Rio’s true self—and the powerful siren voice she has long hidden—she has nothing left to lose.

Guided by a dangerous and unlikely mentor, Rio formulates a plan that leads to increasingly treacherous questions about her mother’s death, her own destiny, and the complex system constructed to govern the divide between land and sea. Her life and her city depend on Rio to listen to the voices of the past and to speak long-hidden truths.


Goodreads Summary

Those expecting mermaids are in for a surprise when you break the pages of this book. The city of Atlantia is underwater but it is humans that live in it as a sanctuary under the sea. It was fascinating to read about how the humans adapted to living there and how they interact knowing that there is a land above that is attainable with warm sun and sand under the feet. Many of the people have a yearning for that which they don't have and it shows as the characters will do whatever it takes to have a chance at getting a taste of it. 

Rio is one of those that is yearning for the surface. The sun on her face and the water below instead of above her as she goes about her daily routine. I felt her pain though when her sister stabbed her in the back and took her opportunity to get out. Because of her sister, she is now left behind and the feelings of underwater isolation continue. On top of the beauty presented with the underwater world, the author's writing style really shines throughout the book. This is a book that can be appreciated for the story as well as the imagery that is gorgeously laid out. Another thing I liked was the animosity that was apparent between the surface and underwater dwellers. They hate because that is what the culture tells them to do and it gives you a "sharks vs. jets" feel. Overall, this book is something that is much more than expected and definitely worth exploring.

4 Stars

-Reviewed by Chris- 

GIVEAWAY:

Post a comment with your email and a comment to win! *USA*



This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

Veronica Roth & Garth Nix event in Chicago!

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Veronica Roth will be appearing LIVE in Chicago Monday, October 20th and tickets are still available.
Even better, for a limited time, get two tickets for the price of one!



This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

Whispers from the Past: Release Day Promo and Giveaway!

Monday, October 6, 2014


Book Blurb:

...that's not freedom at all. 

With the dangers of the past behind them, Mark and Susanna are reaching for what the future holds. As Mark's final year of high school draws to a close, his focus shifts to choosing a college and moving on. For Susanna, it's time to set down roots and realize dreams of her own. 

Yet the whispers from the past continue. A glimmer in the waterfall reveals messages from a dear, old friend. As she fights to resist their call, Susanna must finally confront the consequences that her choices have made across two centuries.

Links:

Book Information:
Paperback: 368 pages
Expected publication: October 7, 2014 by Spencer Hill Press
ISBN: 9781939392213

Author Bio:
Elizabeth Langston lives in North Carolina, halfway between the beaches and the mountains. She has two teen-ish daughters and one husband (a geek like her). When she's not writing software or stories, Elizabeth loves to travel with her family, watch dance reality TV shows, and dream about which restaurant ought to get their business that night.

Elizabeth's debut novel WHISPER FALLS released in November 2013. Its sequels, A WHISPER IN TIME released in April 2014 and WHISPERS FROM THE PAST released in October 2014. Learn more about her at www.elizabethlangston.net.

Author Links:
Giveaway

  • A signed set of all three Whisper Falls books + VISION by Lisa Amowitz and FOREST OF WHISPERS by Jennifer Murgia 
  • Swag pack including recipes, a dozen home-baked SWEET DREAMS cookies and a WF book-cover charm
  • $25 gift card to the bookstore of your choice (for sharing the cover on social media--use #WhisperFallsSHP) 

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This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

Mortal Enchantment is 99 Cents!

ME-Kindle-Countdown
The prequel novella, THE SHADOW PRINCE is still FREE!!!
The Shadow PrinceSixteen-year-old Rowan has spent most of his life living among the mortals—learning to control the element of fire, impatiently awaiting the day his vengeful mother, Queen Prisma, will abdicate her throne. When he finally returns to Avalon for his coronation, his mother insists he must first prove his loyalty to the court by completing a secret mission:

Kill Kalin, the half-human, half-elemental daughter of the air court king.

Willing to do anything to remove his mother from power, he agrees to sacrifice the halfling. He returns to the mortal world with his best friend, Marcus, determined to kill the princess. But as he devises a plan, he starts to question whether or not he's capable of completing such a heinous task. And what price he will pay if he refuses?
This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ