Welcome to ChiBeReading! New Booktube + Blog

 

...Y'all still here!?!..

Hello my fellow booklovers! Long time no reviews! I cannot believe the last time I posted on here was in 2013 and I just went GHOST! But...

Without further adieu, I would like to welcome you all to...ChiBeReading! 

Hi, I am Chioma aka Chi.

And I be reading 🤗

As I say goodbye to Black and Blue Ink, the blog I called home for so many years, I am excited to invite you all to check out my Booktube channel ChiBeReading, 

and remain a part of my bookish circle here as I go through transitioning Black and Blue Ink the blog to ChiBeReading the booktube + blog!

(one of my favorite videos, me unhauling book because I need space...for more books  🤗)

I sincerely thank all those who have stayed followed to my blog over these years! Your support when I was active meant so much to me and it means so much to mean that you have stuck by Black and Blue Ink.

For a quick summary of what has been going on since your girl dissapeared under non mysterious circumstances ...I graduated college...I am currently in graduate school...I work full time as a Data Scientist...I recently joined booktube...and I am excited to get back into Blogging!

(a recent reads video where I give mini reviews of some great of the books I read...recently)

I have been wanting to get back into the world of book reviews and rejoin the bookish community and all of it's glory for the longest time, but I have been locked out of this account since I posted my last review (thanks Google). So once I finally regained access to this account again, I decided a BLOG REVIVAL & PLATFORM JUMP was in order!

(if you're looking for some new releases by authors of color, I have som recs!)

I am so excited to get back into book reviewing book blogging, interacting with bookish people, and just everything I used to love about the online bookish community. On my booktube I do more aggregate reviews of the books I have read on a weekly or monthly basis, I showcase the books I am looking forward to reading, my favorite books, book recommendations, book hauls/unhauls, and everything in between.

I would love to  post more dedicated reviews here, the blog counterpart to ChiBeReading, and spoiler filled reviews where we can really dive into what happened in the book and have a larger discussion based conversation on the books we have all been reading!

Before this post gets to be 10 miles long, I just want to again thank everyone that has stuck behind Black and Blue Ink over the years and I would greatly appreciate your continued support on my Booktube Channel and as I "rebrand" to ChiBeReading.

Also...what's been going on!? I feel so far removed from the book blogging community so if anyone could fill me in on what's new that would be great! What are the new trends, who's new on the block, I would love to catch-up in the comments!

Looking forward to interacting with everyone and posting here again!

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Posted in: african american,Bookcases,Books on a Budget,In My Mailbox,my blog,Review

In My Mailbox (7)

In my mailbox is a meme started by The Story Siren  and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie!!!

For Review: 

   Synopsis from Goodreads: Meet Lucy Valentine; sassy, fabulously original…and psychic.

Lucy hails from a long line of matchmakers known as Valentine INC. According to family legend, the Valentines have been blessed by Cupid with the ability to help couples find true love. Trouble is Lucy’s powers were zapped away by an electrical surge and now all she can find are lost objects.

But what good is that in the matchmaking world?

Lucy is about to find out when she tries to solve a murder and winds up falling into a romance of her own.

I already finished this book and it was awesome, I can't wait to review it!!!

  Synopsis from BN.com: Climbing to the top of the social ladder is hard--falling from it is even harder. Regina Afton used to be a member of the Fearsome Fivesome, an all-girl clique both feared and revered by the students at Hallowell High... until vicious rumors about her and her best friend's boyfriend start going around. Now Regina's been "frozen out" and her ex-best friends are out for revenge. If Regina was guilty, it would be one thing, but the rumors are far from the terrifying truth and the bullying is getting more intense by the day. She takes solace in the company of Michael Hayden, a misfit with a tragic past who she herself used to bully. Friendship doesn't come easily for these onetime enemies, and as Regina works hard to make amends for her past, she realizes Michael could be more than just a friend... if threats from the Fearsome Foursome don't break them both first.

Tensions grow and the abuse worsens as the final days of senior year march toward an explosive conclusion in this dark new tale from the author of Cracked Up To Be.

I hear this book really gets down with the nitty gritty of high school. I cant wait to read it, I've never read a book with such a real and harsh look into high school!!!

Synopsis from BN. com:  Imagine there was never a Laguna Beach, a Newport Harbor, the shimmering Hills. Imagine that your hometown—your school—is the first place XTV descends to set up cameras.

Now imagine they've trained them on you.

When Jesse O'Rourke gets picked for a "documentary" being filmed at her school in the Hamptons she's tempted to turn down the offer. But there's a tuition check attached to being on the show, and Jesse needs the cash so she can be the first in her family to attend college. All she has to do is trade her best friend for the glam clique she's studiously avoided, her privacy for a 24/7 mike, and her sense of right and wrong for "what sells on camera." . . . At least there's one bright spot in the train wreck that is her suddenly public senior year: Jesse's crush has also made the cast.

As the producers manipulate the lives of their "characters" to heighten the drama, and Us Weekly covers become a regular occurrence for Jesse, she must struggle to remember one thing: the difference between real and the real real.

I've heard only the greatest reviews on this book!!! 

 Contests:

  

I won these two from Staysi at Lost in Ink. 

Synopsis from BN. com: Vampires, werewolves, witches, shapeshifters — they live among us without our knowledge. Night World is their secret society, a secret society with very strict rules. And falling in love breaks all the laws of the Night World.

In Secret Vampire, Poppy thought the summer would last forever. Then she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Now Poppy's only hope for survival is James, her friend and secret love. A vampire in the Night World, James can make Poppy immortal. But first they both must risk everything to go against the laws of Night World.

Fugitives from Night World, three vampire sisters leave their isolated home to live among humans in Daughters of Darkness. Their brother, Ash, is sent to bring the girls back, but he falls in love with their beautiful friend.

Two witch cousins fight over their high school crush. It's a battle between black magic and white magic in Spellbinder.

It is so loooooong overdue that I read this book. This will only be my second L. J. Smith book ever, I know, shame on me, but I am getting right on that!!! 

Synopsis from BN.com: ALL THE SECRETS AND LORE OF THE

NIGHT WORLD-NOW IN ONE SPELLBINDING BOOK!

You loved Secret Vampire and are counting down to the Strange Fate apocalypse. But who was the first made vampire? How do you properly greet a witch? And why are shapeshifters and werewolves rivals? Prepare to test your Night World knowledge with trivia questions from all nine books; get the inside information about the clans, the soulmate principle, Circle Daybreak, and the four Wild Powers; and take two quizzes to find out how you fit into the Night World.

Best of all, L.J. Smith shares her inspiration for the series, answers the questions you've been asking, and even reveals fun facts about herself in this official guide. Plus, look for the sneak peek at the dramatic conclusion to the series, Strange Fate!

Ooooh the secrets of the Night World revealed!!!
 

 I won this book from Alyssa, Jake, and Gregory from Teens Read and Write.

Synopsis from BN.com: "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife."

So begins Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen's perfect comedy of manners--one of the most popular novels of all time--that features splendidly civilized sparring between the proud Mr. Darcy and the prejudiced Elizabeth Bennet as they play out their spirited courtship in a series of eighteenth-century drawing-room intrigues. "Pride and Prejudice seems as vital today as ever," writes Anna Quindlen in her introduction to this Modern Library edition. "It is a pure joy to read." Eudora Welty agrees: "The gaiety is unextinguished, the irony has kept its bite, the reasoning is still sweet, the sparkle undiminished. [It is] irresistible and as nearly flawless as any fiction could be."

I read this book like in the 7th grade and I loved it. Im glad to finally have my own copy of this great classic. Thanks you guys!!!

Bought: 

Synopsis from BN.com:  When the nineteenth—century ghost of Maria de Silva wakes her up in the middle of the night, Suze knows this is no ordinary visitation — and not just from the knife at her throat, either. In life, Maria was the fiancée of Jesse — the same Jesse who was murdered a hundred and fifty years before. The same Jesse Suze is in love with.

Maria threatens Suze: The backyard construction must cease. Suze has a pretty good idea what — or rather, who — Maria doesn't want found. But in solving Jesse's murder, will Suze end up losing him forever?

Finally, I have been re-reading the third book in this series for months, I hate putting off a series, but I finally got it, can't wait to read it!!!

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Posted in: In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox (6)

In my mailbox is a meme that was started by Kristi at The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie!!!
From now on I think I am going to start doing my In My Mailbox every two weeks. That way I have more books to talk about, and I don't have to list a whole in My Mailbox post based on 1 book.

Contest

Won from Andrea at The Little Bookworm 

There were no surprises in Gatlin County.
We were pretty much the epicenter of the middle of nowhere.
At least, that's what I thought.
Turns out, I couldn't have been more wrong.
There was a curse.
There was a girl.
And in the end, there was a grave.

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

I was going to add a scream right here. But even that wouldnt be enough to grasp the amount of excitement I had when I recieved this boo. And it is soooo long. Somethine about long books just makes them even more anticipating to read!!!

Library

What if all your wishes could come true? Blink, drink a fizzing pink potion, and poof! 

Life is perfect.
That’s my situation.
Except I’m not the one who suddenly has magical powers. My younger sister is. And let me tell you, spell books are wasted on the young!
Yes, yes, of course world peace and cures for horrible diseases are important.
But so is . . .
Dancing without looking like I’m being electrocuted.
Winning back my best friend.
Stopping my dad’s wedding.
And finding a date for Spring Fling.
I’m not bewitched . . . yet.

One of my friends reccommended this book to me, and it seems pretty interesting.

 
Being an heiress in 1920s Austria with nothing but a broken-down castle to your name and nary a penny in your purse could be frustrating for anyone but the Princess Theresa-Maria of Pfaffenstein. "Tessa," however, is thrilled with her situation, as it allows her to concentrate on her love of the arts—and no one in the Viennese opera company need know that their delightful and charming under-wardrobe mistress is really a princess. But when the dashing self-made millionaire Guy Farne arrives at the opera in search of suitable entertainment for his high society guests, Tessa realizes that there may be more to life—and love—than just music. But while the attraction between them in undeniable, Guy's insufferable snob of a fiancée only solidifies Tessa's determination to keep her true identity a secret. Yet, after a chance meeting with the handsome Englishman, Tessa's reserve begins to melt, and she starts to wonder if it's not too late for a fairytale ending...

I read one of Eva Ibbotson books before, and though I didnt really enjoy it much, I decided to give her books another try. This one definately sounds more exciting though.

  Welcome to Nightshade, California; a small town full of secrets. It's home to the pyschic Giordano sisters, who have a way of getting mixed up in mysteries. During their investigations, they run across everything from pom-pom-shaking vampires to shape-shifting boyfriends to a clue-spewing jukebox. With their psychic powers and some sisterly support, they can crack any case.

Teenage girls are being mysteriously attacked all over town, including at Nightshade High School, where Daisy Giordano is a junior. When Daisy discovers that a vampire may be the culprit, she can't help but suspect head cheerleader Samantha Devereaux, who returned from summer break with a new look; Samantha appears a little . . . well, dead, and all the most popular kids at school are copying her style.

Is looking dead just another fashion trend for Samantha, or is there something more sinister going on? To find out, Daisy joins the cheerleading squad.

Ihave been waiting to read this book for a long time, Im trying to give the mystery/suspence genre a chance, since I never really read those kinds of books, and this book is at the top of the list. And I love the cover!!!

  

Who needs Prince Charming if you've got a rock star?

It's official. Olivia is a superfreak. Sure, she may have landed the hottest internship at an übercool TV music station. And yes, she's chilling with A-listers in London all summer. But when she meets her very first pop star, she gets caught in a revolving glass door and falls smack down on her bum — all in one quick motion.

Luckily, Rocker Boy thinks Liv's quirks are adorable. He takes her clubbing at the hippest spots! Liv may be clumsy on solid ground, but on the dance floor she sparkles. The summer's just begun and she's already captured the spotlight — and a celeb's heart, too. Now if only she was sure he's the right guy...
 

What can I say. I can't get enough of these romantic comedies!!!

What did you guys get in your mailbox this week? 

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Posted in: In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox (5)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

Swapped

Title: Betrayed (House of Night Book 2)

Author: P.C. Cast

Publication Date:  October 2, 2007

Genre: Paranormal

Pages: 320

Synopsis: Fledgling vampyre Zoey Redbird has managed to settle in at the House of Night. She’s come to terms with the vast powers the vampyre goddess, Nyx, has given her, and is getting a handle on being the new Leader of the Dark Daughters. Best of all, Zoey finally feels like she belongs--like she really fits in. She actually has a boyfriend…or two. Then the unthinkable happens: Human teenagers are being killed, and all the evidence points to the House of Night. While danger stalks the humans from Zoey’s old life, she begins to realize that the very powers that make her so unique might also threaten those she loves. Then, when she needs her new friends the most, death strikes the House of Night, and Zoey must find the courage to face a betrayal that could break her heart, her soul, and jeopardize the very fabric of her world.

I read the first book in this series a long while back, but I am still looking forward to reading this book, I need someting to sustain my growing vampire addiction. 

Title: Major Crush

Author: Jennifer Echols

Publication Date:  August 1, 2006

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 287

Synopsis: Marching to the beat of a different drum...

Tired of the beauty-pagean circuit, Virginia Sauter tosses her tiara, pierces her nose, and auditions for the most unlikely of roles — drum major of the high school marching band.

Virginia wins, but is forced to share the title with Drew, whose family has held the position for generations. Sure, Drew is hot, but because of his superior attitude, he and Virginia are constantly arguing. That is, until they share more than just their half-time salute...

But as the drum major's heated competition turns to sizzling romance, explosive rumors threaten everything — including the band's success. Love seemed to be a sure hit, but Virginia and Drew may be marching straight into disaster.
 
I just love all of Simon and Schuster's romantic comedy's. And Jennifer Echol's books are always some of my favorites.

Contests

 Won from Erica over at The Book Cellar's Doubles Contest.

Title: All American Girl

Author: Meg Cabot

Publication Date:  December 2003

Genre: Contemporary

Pages: 354

Synopsis: Samantha Madison is just your average disenfranchised sophomore gal living in DC when, in an inadvertent moment sandwiched between cookie buying and CD-perusing, she puts a stop to an attempt on the life of the president. Before she can say “MTV2” she’s appointed Teen Ambassador to the UN and has caught the eye of the very cute First Son. 

   

Everything Meg Cabot writes is like gold so I expect nothing less than 14 karots for this book!!!

 I think this was a very good week for me, what did you guys get in your mailboxes???

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Posted in: In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox 4

I have to give my props over to Krist at The Story Siren for creating this great meme and Alea over at Pop Culture Junkie for inspiring it!!!

Swapped

Title: The Host

Author: Stephenie Meyer

Publication Date: May 6, 2008

Genre: Science Fiction/ Romance

Pages: 624

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of their human hosts while leaving their bodies intact, and most of humanity has succumbed.

Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of the man Melanie loves-Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer yearns for a man she's never met. As outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off to search for the man they both love.

Featuring what may be the first love triangle involving only two bodies, THE HOST is a riveting and unforgettable novel that will bring a vast new readership to one of the most compelling writers of our time.
 

OMG!!!! I really I literally screamed when I opened my mailbox and found the giant envelope containing this book. I have been waiting to have this book for a while. But im probably going to have to wait until a time when we are on vacation from school, because when I was reading Twilight, I pretty much couldn't distinguish the time I was at school from when I was home, so my grades sorta took a turn for the worst. So to all those who in the future plan to pick up any Stephenie Meyer book; CAUTION: This book may have a negitive affect on your school career. Read during school hours at your own risk.

Title: Waiting For You

Author: Susane Colasanti

Publication Date: May 14, 2009

Genre:  Romance

Pages: 336

At the beginning of her sophomore year, Marisa is ready for a fresh start and, more importantly, a boyfriend. So when the handsome and popular Derek asks her out, Marisa thinks her long wait for happiness is over. But several bumps in the road—including her parents' unexpected separation, a fight with her best friend, and a shocking disappointment in her relationship with Derek—test Marisa's ability to maintain her new outlook. Only the anonymous DJ, whose underground podcasts have the school's ear, seems to understand what Marisa is going through. But she has no idea who he is—or does she? 

I loved When it Happens by. Susane Colasanti so I hope this book is just as good. I just got these two books this week, but I still think it was one of my best weeks. Just goes to show quality is better than quantity. 

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Posted in: In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox (3)

I have to give my props over to Krist at The Story Siren for creating this great meme and Alea over at Pop Culture Junkie for inspiring it!!!

 Swappped

Bookmooch and swaptree were very good to me this week I got so many great books!!!

Title: Blue is for Nightmares

Author: Laurie Faria Stolarz

Publication Date: November 2003

Genre: Mystery/Suspence

Pages: 283

  "I Know Your Secret . . ."

It started with weird e-mails and freaky phone calls. Now someone's leaving Drea white lilies-the same death lilies that have been showing up in Stacy's dreams. Everybody thinks it's just a twisted game . . . until another girl at school is brutally murdered.

There are no witnesses. Worst of all, no one has a perfect alibi. With everyone as a potential suspect, Stacy turns to the one secret weapon she can trust-the folk magic taught to her by her grandmother. Will Stacy's magic be strong enough to expose the true killer, or will the killer make her darkest nightmares come true?

I also bought a copy of Deadly Little Secret and I have been waiting for that book for so long, so now I have both her books!!!

Title: Love is Hell

Author: Scott Westerfeld, Melissa Marr, Justine Larbalestier,  Gabrielle Zevin, Laurie Faria Stolarz

Publication Date: November 2008

Genre: Romance, Paranormal

Pages: 272

In these supernatural stories by five of today's hottest writers—Melissa Marr (Wicked Lovely), Scott Westerfeld (Specials), Justine Larbalestier (Magic or Madness), Gabrielle Zevin (Elsewhere), and Laurie Faria Stolarz (Blue is for Nightmares)—love may be twisted and turned around, but it's more potent than ever on its quest to conquer all.

From two students who let the power of attraction guide them to break the hard-and-fast rules of their world to the girl who falls hard for a good-looking ghost with a score to settle, the clever, quirky characters in this exciting collection will break your heart, then leave you believing in love more than ever.

 

  Woot! It has a Scott Westerfeld story and Melissa Marr, how exciting.

Title: He's With Me

Author: Tamara Summers

Publication Date: May 2007

Genre: Romance

Pages: 224

Lexie has always had a crush on Jake, her brother Colin's best friend. But she knows Jake thinks of her like a sister, and has never made a move. But when beautiful alpha girl Bree McKennis sets her sights on Jake, he has to come up with a plan to turn her down...without incurring the wrath of the most popular girl in school. That's when Colin comes up with the plan: Lexie can pretend to be Jake's girlfriend. But Lexie has never had a real boyfriend, let alone a pretend one! Can she manage to convince Jake that they're meant to be...and avoid getting killed by Bree McKennis? 

Title: Prom Nights from Hell

Author: Meg Cabot, Kim Harrison, Michele Jaffe,  Lauren Myracle, Stephenie Meyer

Publication Date: May 2007

Genre: Romance, paranormal

Pages: 320

In Prom Dates from Hell, bestselling authors Meg Cabot (How to Be Popular), Stephenie Meyer (Twilight), Lauren Myracle (ttyl), Michele Jaffe (Bad Kitty) and Kim Harrison (A Fistful of Charms) take bad prom dates to a whole new level -- a paranormally bad level. From vampires to grim reapers to a creepy update on the classic three-wishes-gone-terribly awry tale "The Monkey's Paw," these stories will entertain better than any DJ in a bad tux can. No corsage or limo rental necessary. Just good, scary fun. 

Yes I got two of these books. I said swaptree was good to me this week!!!

 Bought

Title: Deadly Little Lies

Author: Laurie Faria Stolarz

Publication Date: December 2008

Genre: Mystery/Suspence, Romance

Pages: 272 

Until three months ago, everything in sixteen-year-old Camelia's life had been 

fairly ordinary: decent grades, an okay relationship with her parents, and a pretty cool part-time job at the art studio downtown. But when a mysterious boy named Ben starts junior year at her high school, Camelia's life becomes anything but ordinary.

Rumored to be somehow responsible for his ex-girlfriend's accidental death, Ben is immediately ostracized by everyone on campus. Except for Camelia. She's reluctant to believe he's trouble, even when her friends try to convince her otherwise. Instead, she's inexplicably drawn to Ben.and to his touch. But soon, Camelia is receiving eerie phone calls and strange packages with threatening notes. Ben insists she is in danger, and that he can help-but can he be trusted? She knows he's hiding something... but he's not the only one with a secret.
 

I finally found time between school and volleyball to make it across the street to Barnes and Noble and by a book. I have been waiting for my BN to get this book in paperback and they finally do, and ive already finished it so I hope to review it soon. 

For Review

If I could add a sound effect to the next book in my In My Mailbox it would be a high pitched squeal-like scream!!!

Title: Hush Hush

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Publication Date: October 2009

Genre: Romance, paranormal

Pages: 400

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along.

With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

Ahhhh it is impossible to express my excitement within this little sentence. I have been waiting for this book since the first time I saw the gorgeous cover, I'm a sucker for the color gray (go figure)!!! And I love the first sentence in the synopsis it just sounds so engaging and inviting!!!  I can't wait !!!

  




Im just adding this late because we forgot to check our mail yesterday so when I went to go see what why it was slightly open, you could imagine my suprise when I happen upon this!!!

Title: The Pace

Author: Shelena Shorts (I really love her name for some reason)

Publication Date: October 2009

Genre: Paranormal, Suspence, Romance

Pages: 302


Weston Wilson is not immortal and he is of this world. But, aging is not part of his existence, and eighteen-year-old Sophie Slone is determined to find out why. In doing so, she could also uncover something about her own life expectancy that she may not want to know. Suddenly, immortality will mean everything and nothing all at the same time.

Intensely fascinating and rich with determination, The Pace brings together romance, mystery, and suspense in a compelling bond that is sure to have readers asking for more.


This is another book that should be added to the high pitched squeal like scream worthy category. I am so excited for this book. This book and the Hush Hush in one week, I cant even comprehend the level of aawesomeness. And it is signed by Shelena Shorts. And it came with a bunch of cool bookmarks. What a great end to the week!!! 

 

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Posted in: In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox (2)

In my Mailbox is a meme that was strated by Kristi at the Story Siren and Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

For Review

  Title: Paper Thin: The Lip Gloss Chronicles Vol. 3

      Author: Shelia Goss

      Genre: African American, weight problems

      Pages:  101

 Synopsis: This new additiopn to the Lip Gloss Chronicles tackles an important issue of weight. Britney Franklin, Jasmine McNeil, and S ierra Sanchez are now sophomores.
Sierra masks the pain from losing her birth mother at an early age by trying to be a people pleaser. Her father, Jorge Sanchez, a prominent building developer, provides financial security, but is emotionally absent. Maria, Sierra’s stepmother, treats her as her own daughter and tries to compensate for the loss by spoiling her. Sierra hides her fears and disappointments behind food and fashion. You can always find the latest tube of lip gloss in her purse.
Sierra has always been more curvaceous than her friends. Over the summer, Maria took Sierra to a weight loss camp. At the beginning of their sophomore year, Sierra is twenty-five pounds lighter. Sierra’s sudden weight loss gives her a new level of confidence. She goes from being sweet Sierra to Sierra with the diva-like attitude. Britney and Jasmine are quick to point out this new change.
In Sierra’s mind, her life should be more fabulous, since she is now thinner. As the homecoming dance gets closer, she is the only one who hasn’t been asked to attend. Jealousy sets in as Britney and Jasmine excitedly discuss their wardrobe for the upcoming dance.
Determined to win the attention of the new guy at school, Sierra goes on a quest to lose more weight by any means necessary. Will Sierra realize before she destroys her health that it’s not her size that’ll attract guys?
Drama follows the three friends into their sophomore year. Once again their friendship is tested. During the growth process, Sierra learns the importance of being average size and healthy than starving to be paper thin.

 This book looks like it is going to be really good, and it tackles a major issue that is really on the rise in high schools all over, very excited.

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Posted in: In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox (1)

Wooooot!!! I am so excited to be doing my very own In My Mailbox! I have seen other bloggers do it for forever and I finally get to do my very own every week. I have to give my props to Kristi over at The Story Siren for creating this great feature. Here's what I got this week:

  Swapped Books

Title:Jason and Kyra
Author: Dana Davidson
Publication Date: July 2005, Hyperion
Genre: African American, Romance
Pages: 330 

Jason is a basketball star and one of the most popular guys in school. Brainy Kyra isn't, but she doesn't much care what other people think. Under normal circumstances, Jason and Kyra would live in their separate worlds until graduation. But fate intervenes, and the unlikely duo is paired up for a class project. Although preconceived notions abound on both sides, Kyra soon realizes that Jason is not the dumb jock she anticipated. And Jason finds himself telling Kyra things he can't even tell his best friend. As the two become close and eventually start to fall in love, no one in school can believe it, especially Jason's ex-girlfriend, who is determined to get him back. Being together means navigating the obstacles that are coming their way-but staying apart may be impossible. 


I was so excited when I got this book. There isnt many young adult books with African Americans that doesn't stereotype the characters into the generic outfit of what a black teenager is like. And its romance, added excitment!!!

Title: A Song For Summer
Author: Eva Ibbotson
Publication Date: October 2007
Genre: Historical, Romance
Pages: 376

Eighteen-year-old ellen never expected the Hallendorf school to be, well, quite so unusual. After all, her life back in england with her suffragette mother and liberated aunts certainly couldn't be called normal. but buried deep in the beautiful Austrian countryside, ellen discovers an eccentric world occupied by wild children and even wilder teachers, experimental dancers and a tortoise on wheels. And then there is the particurally intriguing, enigmatic, and very handsome Marek, part-time gardener and fencing teacher. ellen is instantly attracted to the mysterious gardener, but Hitler's reich is already threatening their peaceful world. only when she discovers Marek's true identity and his dangerous mission does ellen realize the depth of her feelings for him—and the danger their newfound love faces in the shadow of war.


I read another one of Eva's books, A Countess Below Stairs,  and it was okay, but this one actually sounds better so I am willing to give historical fiction another chance!!!

 For Review

Title: Poison Study
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Publication Date: July 2005, Harlequin Teen 
Genre: Historical
Pages: 407

She'll eat the best meals, have rooma in the palace--and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia.

And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly's Dust--and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison.

As Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can't control. Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren't so clear...

I am so excited to read this book, it sounds so cool and it has such an orginal plotline. Thank you Harlequin Teen!!! 

Thats all for this week. It was a great for my first In My Mailbox. I can't wait to read and review all of them!!! 

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