Hoppergrass

TITLE: Hopper Grass

AUTHOR: Chris Carlton Brown

OVERALL-RATING: 3.5/5.00

I was a victim of circumstance.

Bowser is forced to do time at The Hill. No matter what the circumstance was, he was the victim. The past is the past, we move on. But this time, the past will become the present.

Story Time, and Hill Time, which consists of constant, use-less work, is the daily process. Plowing the fields that feel as if there is no end, by hand in the heat of the day is the lesson the boys are taught. You measure Hill Time in progress.

A long life ahead of Bowser starts off with a bad beginning with a black boy nicknamed Nose. Becoming the worst enemies at Belmont, they must face off in secret wars. Fights erupt between the two groups. Bowsers (the whites), and Nose's (the blacks). Blood is the only thing shared between the groups. But when going down a hall, Bowser is beckoned by Nose to come visit with him in a small room.

Bowser follows. Expecting the worst, things turn out for the best. A new friendship blooms, fury dispersed, and hope bursts. Keeping their new friendship a secret, not one person knows of it. Except Mr. Woodrow. A black man that helps out at the facility.
But when a white boy is killed while on duty pulling a stump out of the ground, Nose looks as if he is guilty of murder. Even though Bowser wasn't there to witness the crime scene unfold, he knows he needs to defend Nose, no matter what secrets unravel, mysteries emerge, or even if it means risking his life to go deeper. Teachers are guilty, and the truth is hidden. But what will it take for someone to believe him. No matter how ugly the secret can be?

"O Lord my God, in thee do I take refuge;

save me from all my pursuers, and deliver me,

lost like a lion they rend me, dragging me away,

with none to rescue."

MY THOUGHTS:

The title took me off guard while I was in the process of reading this book. Not knowing what a simple little bug had to do with such a story, it came to me at the very end. It resembled the past, and a friendship that cannot be broken.

But I had a problem with the way the book was written. I felt as if I couldn't connect with the plot, or its characters at all. It felt as if this whole story happened in a day, even though the book said weeks. It just went by so fast, my mind was in one time frame. The detail was fine, nothing bad about that. But the ending really caught my attention. It wasn't what I was expecting. AT ALL. Some things were confusing though. I think the author rambled on about some things, but went right on through more important stuff that should of been talked about more. None of the characters came clean to me, and I was a bit disappointed.

Somehow though, there was something I really enjoyed. The Message. The whole meaning to the book. Simple, yet deep, it took time to get into. I really can't describe what I learned from this book, I think everyone will learn something different in their own way by reading this.

Honestly, mixed emotions are flooding my mind, so I cant really tell you if I liked it, or disliked it. Not sure if it's just me, but it went by fast.

I have a fabulous Blog?

Awesome! I just recieved this award from Laina! Thanks so much!

So now, here is what I have to do, along with the other 5 people I will be handing this award out to!

*Say five things you are addicted to

*Nominate 5 other bloggers/people with this award.

Here are the five things I am addicted to!

1) Reading/books....duh!

2) Writing poetry, stories, etc

3) The computer (a habit I NEED to break soon)

4) Food!! (who isn't?)

5) The outdoors in the summer/spring/fall....I hate winter!

5 blogs I nominate inlcude:

*The Book Muncher

*Another Page Is Used

*CupCake Witch

*The Story Siren

*The Page Flipper

I hope you enjoy this award as much as I did!

IN MY MAILBOX...week 3

Ok, I havent gotten any review books this week, but I think Im going to in the near future...I'll keep you posted.

THE RECIEVED:

none

THE BOUGHT:

*You Are So Undead To Me

**Private by Kate Brian

(I feel very, very oh so guitly about buying these books, because I took it out of my "Laptop" fund. I've been saving ever since '08 to get a nice laptop, and promised not to spend a penny... As you can tell, its hard to not keep a promise when it comes to buying a book with money to be saved.

THE BORROWED:

None

Spud

TITLE: Spud

AUTHOR: John van de Ruit

OVER-ALL RATING: 4.0/5.0

Everything is extra-ordinary around Milton (nick-named Spud.) After all, he is the grandson of the whacked out Wombat. His dysfunctional parents send him off to an all boys boarding school in South Africa, trying so hard to adapt. Everyone gets nicknames. He becomes Spud. (You will have to read this to find out why!) The boarding house in which he lives, is called the Crazy Eight.

This particular group of boys, including Spud, Gecko, Simon, Boggo, Mad-Dog, Fatty, Vern, Simon, and Rambo begin to do the craziest of things (refer back to nickname of their house!). Swimming at the lake, regardless of what the rules are for the school, lying about what they were doing when coming back from the lake, and more.

1) Thou shalt not disobey those in authority.

2) Though shalt not behave in a depraved fashion

3) Though shalt no tease my cat.

4) Though shalt not waste toilet paper

5) Though shalt not play with yourself( or others) after lights out.

6) Though shalt not go night swimming.

7) Though shalt not play darts (a bit strange considering lack of a dartboard)

So there you have it. Rules, rules, rules. Vern is Spuds cubicle mate, who is known as the bed wetter, and is a little sphycotic. Fatty, the one who wants to set the record for the longest fart (gross!), and Gecko, the one who comes down with the strangest diseases and illnesses. Spud is just a spud, none-the-less. Until, play auditions. Having the voice of an angle, he enrolls in the play Oliver. Amanda, one of the girls from another boarding school, who comes to audition as well, begins to make Spud dream about her and a hamburger she begs him to eat. Not knowing what the hamburger means, Spud takes it as a sign. But he is already dating The Mermaid, a girl back in his South African Community. He is torn between girls. So, his friend Gecko, guides him through the rules of girl dating. (which is weird, since he doesn't have a girlfriend).

In the meantime, caught between the play, girls, Wombat's crazy stories, dad's non-stop talk about how black Africans are going to take over the whites, Cricket competitions, and a mysterious under-wear thief, who has yet to be caught, Spud decides to make a name for himself. But what will it take?

MY THOUGHTS:

I have to be honest. The beginning was super slow and boring. I had no idea where the story was headed. All the names confused me, because there were so many that were important to the story. But, as I got further into this book, it dawned on me. There was no meaning to it! It was beginning to catch up. The plot became hilarious, and worth-while in the middle. I felt as if I were part of the Crazy Eight. The story became deeper, as Spud was caught between 3 girls. Only being 13/14, the relationships are becoming serious for his age, as well as the others. I do have one question though. Are kids/teens allowed to drink wine, and alcohol without getting busted for it in South Africa? The only reason I ask just a random question, is because there was quite a bit of it going on.

The ending is totally unexpected. Though I will not reveal it all, I will tell you one thing. Some one dies!!!! Yes! Through all the humor, love, rule-breaking, mean birthday presents, and book discussions, there is death involved!!!! Which, was super sad, I must say.

Overall, I do recommend this book. But I am warning you...SLOW BEGINNING! Parts made me laugh UN-controllable, so if your in the mood for a few laughs, this is a book for you! Oh, and there is some *adult content* involved. Not as bad, but they do mention a few in-appropriate things.

TAGS: alcohol, funny, humor, africa, boarding school, school, laugh, big, death, life, books, reading, list

Author In The SpotLight!!! ~February~

Welcome to the very first edition of Author In The Spotlight! I will try to get one up for each month!!!

So, please give a warm welcome to Christine Rose, author of Rowan Of The Wood. (which I currently reviewed!!)

Please leave comments, and welcome Christine to my blog, as well as yours! So, here it is!

Q: What first inspired you to write?

A: I've been writing since I was a teenager. I suppose it has always been a way to express myself, and over the years, I have found it very comforting to work out emotions through characters.

Q: Is Rowan of the Wood, your first book written by both of you?

A: This is our premiere novel, and it is the first in a series of five.

Q: Do you plan to write more books?

A: Yes, Rowan is the first in a series of five books centered around Cullen, Rowan, Fiana, and the others. Ethan is working on a book of his own, and we hope to see that published in the next year or so. I have written many screenplays over the years, and I'm thinking about converting one into a novel.

Q: If you plan on writing more, do you want to add a second book for Rowan of The wood?

A: We're currently working on the sequel (Witch on the Water). It will be published later this year.

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?What spare time?

A: I work 12-15 hour days promoting, writing, and networking.

Q: Do you have any animals?

A: We have three dogs and a cat. They are our children :-D

Q: What kind of books do you like to read?

A: All kinds. I especially like fantasy for pleasure reading, but I read a lot of non-fiction books that will help me in my craft.

Q: Do you have a hard time handing out review books to reviewers, worrying if you will never get a review back?

A: It certainly can add up. Because we're with a small publisher, we don't get an unlimited amount of books for publicity. The price of review books comes out of our pocket, along with the price of promotion.

9) Who is your all time, favorite author, and why?

A: I can't pick just one. Shakespeare. Vonnegut. Rowling, just to name a few. Shakespeare -- goes without saying. Vonnegut for his sardonic brilliance, and Rowling because she brought magic back into my life during a very difficult time.

10) Is it hard for you to get ideas when writing a story?

A: Not at all. The ideas are always flowing. The hard part is developing the ideas into a coherent story.

Alternate Covers!

I finally found one book with multiple covers!

Cover #1 Cover #2

Which one do you like? Personally, I like the first one! The second one is aaawwwwkkkwwaarrdd!

AND THE WINNER IS...

Drum roll please????
............................................

Wdebo

is the winner that will be recieving a special edition copy of Revolutionary Road!! I have already emailed you!

Waiting On Wednesday

Paradise Lost by Kate Brian.

I have yet to read this series, ever since I fell in love with this authors writing, through her latest book, Privilege. But once I came across this new Private novel, I am definatly going to start the series this summer, when I get more reading time!

Here is a snippet found on amazon.com!

...."Now that Cheyenne's murderer has been revealed and Reed knows the truth about who's been stalking her, she's ready to leave the heartache and turmoil of last semester behind. And what better way to recover than a five-star Caribbean vacation?
Reed is reunited with former Billings Girls Kiran and Taylor, and she and her friends take over the exclusive island. They spend their days tanning on white-sand beaches and their nights partying on sixty-foot yachts.
It's heaven on earth.
But as they raise their champagne flutes to toast their friendship, Reed worries that it's all too good to be true. Because even in paradise, the Billings Girls are never far from trouble -- and nothing's more dangerous than the calm before the storm...."

Book Signing Information!

I just wanted you all to know there will be a book signing happening at this location, date and time, for the book Path Of A Hero by E.S Brenwalt!I will be turning a review for the book soon, so keep watching!
Empire Books and News,
30 Pullman Square, Huntington, West Virginia- 25701.

The date: March 21, 2009 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.Click here to check out a map to get there if you are interested.

Rowan Of The Wood

TITLE: Rowan of The Wood

AUTHOR: Christine and Ethan Rose

OVERALL RATING: 3/5

NEXT BOOK REVIEW: Spud

Thousands of years have passed when Rowan trapped himself inside his wand to protect from the enemies that interrupted the hopeful wedding between him and Fiana. They waited so long to finally have a wedding, but it was ruined. In-order to save herself, Fiana passed through the portal to save herself and the other members of her tribe.

Centuries later, Cullen sits in the forest, reading his day away, other than the chores he has to do for his foster family. Rex, his foster brother, picks on him day after day, no matter what. His foster mom drinks her martinis, day dreaming about the life her husband promised. T.V runs their lives.

Books run Cullens.

It is Cullen's birthday, and his favorite teacher, (who he also has a crush on), gives him the present of a hardcover book. Ever since Cullen's "dad" burned all of the other book he owns, including the one his dad gave to him before he died, he hides this special one in the forest, under a hole within a huge tree. But something strange happens when he finds a stick that looks like a wand. A mysterious guy emerges, dressed in weird clothing. But he only appears in Cullens dreams.

Fiana begins to build rock mountains, in remembrance of her lost husband, who she hopes to find. Traveling all over the world, misery, happiness, and hope flood her emotions, until she can no longer take it. Evolving into an evil, mindless person, killing innocent people, she begins to loose hope of ever finding her hidden husband. Only one person sticks with her after all that time searching.

But Cullen discovers Rowan. In his mind. At first he thinks its because of all the fantasy stories he had read. But when Cullen's older brother Rex, threatens his friends after school, something strange happens. A mysterious power took over Cullen, as he lay hidden from the bullies. But he cannot remember it.

In his dreams, Rowan emerges, telling him about his lost wife, and how he hopes to marry her in the future. So now Rowan and Cullen are one, searching, solving this long, everlasting puzzle.

But will it be too late to find each other? Will Fiana stay evil, and ruin all hopes of a marriage?

What will happen to Cullen?

MY THOUGHTS:

I don't know how I feel about this book. At the same I like it, but I dislike it. I think it might be because I've read so many books involving magic, mystery, and wizards. There was enough detail to keep me going though. Even though the plot was some-what unique, it still didn't quite interest me.

Longing to help Cullen escape from his brutal life style, I was very angry towards his hateful family. Another thing that made me feel depressed somehow, was the fact that Fiana spent thousands of years searching for her long lost husband. That whole time period went into so much detail, I could feel and interpret how she felt. I hated thinking about all that time being wasted on something that would never happen or workout.

Overall, this was a slow read. Don't get me wrong, it was good, but not as good as I expected. Though it was a very imaginable plot.

TAGS: magic, marriage, murder, boy, depressed, time, century, school, abuse, bullies, blind, forrest, sadness, mystery

Privilege

TITLE: Privilege

AUTHOR: Kate Brien

OVERALL-RATING: 5/5

Ariana. Briana Leigh.

Two totally different girls, but linked in a destructive way. First off, Ariana. Sitting in the Brenda T. Trumbull Correctional facility, for women, after killing one of her friends. He needed to die, is all she can think, the only excuse to come up with. After facing her charges, she may spend up to life in the Brenda T.. Life for that one minute that never should of happened. It didn't have to happen. Dreams of going to college are now forsaken, lost in the past. Unless......

Unless she can some how get out of that disgusting, pig-pit or a place. And a perfect chance lays ahead.

16 months have gone by, ever since her life has finally ended, and now began at the Brenda T. 16 months of pity for Ariana's new friend, Kaitlyn. She doesn't deserve to be here, neither of us do. Is all Ariana thinks. After-all, Kaitlyn was framed by the filthy rich Briana Leigh for killing her very own dad. Kaitlynn and Brianna were the closest friends. Sharing secrets, dreams, money, and family, before it happened. And now, Ariana wants to give exactly what Brianna deserves. Even if it means killing an innocent victim in the process.

Once she gets her hands on Brianna Leigh's dirty money, she will come back to the Brenda T Facility to rescue her only true friend, and head off to a place where their dreams will come true. Even if it involves lies, tears, money, theft, love, friendship, secrets, and even blood. Ariana has to restart. Afterall, killing was only a one-time deal. It will never happen again. She promises....

MY THOUGHTS:

At first, I had no idea what to expect. I thought it would be one of those chick-lits (You do know I don't like chick lit right?) and I thought I wouldn't be interested at all. But once I read a page, I had to read another, then another, then ANOTHER! Until, i finished it.

The plot was unique and satisfying. I have never read anything like this in my life, and I do like different things! Full of outrageous suspense, humor, moments where I couldn't take it, I couldn't put it down, not for one second. In a strange, creepy way, I felt connected to Ariana, but far apart at the same time. After getting inside her crazy, mixed up brain, I understood how she felt, no matter how wrong she was. This definitely was a page turner, and once you think you get things figured out, you will be completely wrong within pages of the book.

I thought I HAD it figured out, but man, was I off! It kept me entertained, and I NEVER got bored through-out all of the pages. This book was one clever book, and it had all the details.

Everything matched up perfectly, and I couldn't of fixed it, changed it, or even mix it up any other way to make it even more admirable

I deffinitly recommend this book, to anyone. You will be shocked through-out the whole book.

TAGS: Murder, mystery, phsycotic, mental, drug, facility, framed, rich, money, boys, chick-lit, girl, shopping, Brenda T., 5 star, page turner, adventrue, suspence

In My Mailbox...week 2

So far, this week, i have recieved the following:

1) HopperGrass; from InGroup

2) The Silent Note; from publicists

3) Elijah's Coin; from publicists

I am expecting 3 other review books, so I'll keep you posted! Oh, and expect a review for Privilage in the next day or 2, and a review for Spud, and Rowan of the Woods within this or next week.

Books Read In '09 Week 1

I saw this posted on other bloggers' websites, and decided it was time I start doing this too! Every week I Will continue adding on to the original list, including book covers (If I can find the book cover)

So keep watching my list grow!

So far, I have read:

1) Rebel In Blue Jeans


2) The Language Of Elk



3) The Substitute Kid

(NO COVER-CHECK MY SITE FOR THE COVER IMAGE)

4) Milkweed

5) Teen, Inc

6) Jewels Treasured By Her Family

7) Privilege

Jewels Treasured By Her Family

AUTHOR: Julia Johnson

TITLE: Jewels Treasured By Her Family

OVERALL RATING: 6.00/5.00

There is always a fairy tale occurring on the Flynn's Ranch. Whether it be one of Jewels' elegant tea parties, or just the love being spread through-out the family in general. In this amazing story, Beth is the main teller. It unfolds through her point of view. Though she is the youngest girl on the huge ranch, she is very mature for the average 12 year old to be. Especially when it comes to her sister, Jewels. Beth already knew a bad occurrence happened to Jewels when she was born. It caused her to live with slight brain damage, leaving her with the mind of a younger person. Now Jewels is 20, but she process's things like a 13 year old.

In the middle of one of their fairy tale tea parties outside by a special bench, where their father proposed to their mother, Beth and her twin brother EJ begin to wonder what really happened in the burnt barn. They asked Jewel's, but all she would say is that when they were playing a game of hide and seek, lightning struck the barn where both she and one of the teenage rancher's were hiding. The boy died quickly. Jewels fell off of a platform, breaking every bone in her tiny body. But it just didn't make sense. Why would Jewels and the boy have no clothes on while being inside of the barn? Jewels was eight, and the boy was 16 at the time of the incident. More and more details were revealed, but not a final answer.

After Beth and EJ ask their mother, and older sister Lynn, what really happened, they plan to host a special Tea, where they will reveal what really happened that day.

MY THOUGHTS:

What else is their to say? This book was amazing!!!!!!!! There was so much detail and magic, I felt as if I were there. I loved how Beth went through the story, her being the youngest and all. I had many varieties of emotions coming out as I read page after page. The feeling of the Flynn family was just so real and magical, I felt as if I were there, playing King and Queen with EJ, Beth, and Jewels.

At first, I wasn't exactly sure where the story was headed, and I have to say, it was a bit slow at the beginning. But once you get farther into the enchanted story, the more you feel a part of the family. I love a story full of hope, love, and courage, and this book had it all. But one thing was just so hard to consume. After getting to know Jewels, and her condition, she was just so innocent. She cared about everyone in her family, especially Beth. And I didn't understand why she loved Beth the most, and called her Baby Beth. But when the secret was revealed I understood why, but I felt so angry and mad, even sad at the same time....

**SPOILERS***

After finding out that Jewels was discovered with no clothes, including the boy at the barn, I already knew what happened. He had raped her, because he thought they were both in love. Even though Jewels was young for her age, she had already become a woman, and would soon become a mother. At the age of 8!

**END OF SPOILERS**

But Jewels thinks of it as a blessing to have had a baby, because a certain someone would never have come into her life. (I dont want to mention any names, because I want you to read this. It might now make sense to you while reading the review, but once you get through the book, you will understand)

But what angered me the most is how Jewels would no longer be able to have kids when she wanted to. That really broke my heart. Another thing that angered me, even though I knew it was meant to be for the good, was the secrets being kept from the rest of the family. I really want to tell you all what happened that made this story so different, and unique, but I just can't bring myself to write/type it down. I really want you all to read this amazing book. It had every single source of emotion ever felt, flowing through it, that I couldn't bring myself to put it down. The Flynn family was a family I cheered with, cried with, and laughed with, even in the darkest moments. That special family will always be in my heart, even if it was just a fictional family.

Another special feature included in this book, is something I had never seen before. A chapter dedicated to all of the main characters, and where they are now. Grown up, owning jobs, caring for kids, living life to the fullest. That was a very special part that made this book even more emotional. What happened to some of the characters as they got older, made me cry, but also made me feel so happy for them. I definitely will remember that part of the book.

The author put in so much effort, and time, you could tell. Everything added, even the sad parts, is why this story will be so memorable, and cherished for the rest of my life. It taught me a lesson, and I know it has, because I think of life differently now. That's why I want YOU to read this book. So you can have the chance to discover magic, hope, and the true meaning of love, and life, just like I did.

TAGS: Self esteem book, life, sad, happy, mad, anger, fairy tale, king, queen, unique, fiction, Jewels, family, love,

**Just a quick Note, I will be making my very own book trailer for this, so be looking for it!!!**

Revolutionary Road Book Contest! Special Edition!!!

Hello everyone! It's been a while since I have put up a contest, and I am now breaking that long streak!!!!

Ok, so have any of you heard about the movie called Revolutionary Road? Well, if you didnt know, it is also a best-selling book!!!!!

Oh, and not to mention, the movie has won 4 Golden Globes including Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Director!!!!! That is deffinatly a movie to go and see on the big screen!!!

Well, I will be giving away one special edition copy with the film cover art!!!!!! Yup! Special Edition!!!!!!

For one entry: Comment to this post providing your email, name, and blog(if you have one) or just email me the same information at dogsrule.1@hotmail.com

For two additional entries: Comment and post this contest on your blog(s). After doing so, send me the link to your blog through EMAIL.

For 3 additional entries: Make an advirtisement or header for my blog, and email me after doing so including the link to the advirtisement/header. Please post the header/advirtisement to a post on your blog.

Here is a link to learn more about the movie and book, including key art, photos, background information on the actors, etc...!
U.S and Canada residents only. Sorry!

Ok, so you can get up to 4 entries, by following the rules above! I prefer you to either email me or comment on this post.Hope this makes sense, and good luck!Contest ends soon!Oh, and dont forget, SPECIAL EDITION COPY!!!!This book is provided by Alison Kwee!!!! Thanks so much Alison!

So far, everyone that has joined the contest for ONE entry include:

• Diana_ Dang


• Robin_titan


• StargirlReads


• Tynlyd