ATBF Here We Come!

Hi Readers!
We found out recently that we are going to get press badges at the Austin Teen Book Festival 2012! We are so excited!!! We will be giving y'all all the inside scoop and TONS of author interviews! We will also be taking lots of pictures! I hope you all are as excited as we are! If y'all are attending, comment below!

Emma and Peyton
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Book Review- Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Summary (Goodreads): What if you only had one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all: looks, popularity, the perfect boyfriend. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it turns out to be her last.

The catch: Samantha still wakes up the next morning. Living the last day of her life seven times during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death—and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.

Emma's Review: I thought this book was absolutely captivating! I literally found myself reading chapter after chapter as quickly as I could to find out what Samantha would do next. The plot itself is so unique! I mean who else could come up with this kind of an occurrence? Only the lovely Lauren Oliver herself! When I was reading this book I seriously couldn't put it down! It was so interesting and a great story for when you are struggling with your next read. The characters in this novel are simply intriguing, you will become so attached to them, just as I had! I feel that I kept thinking about the plot and the characters a long while after reading this book, and I just couldn't help myself! This is a nail biting, fun, and alluring book! It gets a five star rating from me!

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Want more of Lauren Oliver?

Her Website: www.laurenoliverbooks.com

Check out some of her other best selling novels, Delirium and Pandemonium! www.amazon.com

Book Review! Ten Things We Did (and Probably Shouldn't Have) by Sarah Mlynowski

Summary (goodreads): 2 girls + 3 guys + 1 house - parents = 10 things April and her friends did that they (definitely, maybe, probably) shouldn't have.

If given the opportunity, what sixteen-year-old wouldn't jump at the chance to move in with a friend and live parent-free? Although maybe "opportunity" isn't the right word, since April had to tell her dad a tiny little untruth to make it happen (see #1: "Lied to Our Parents"). But she and her housemate Vi are totally responsible and able to take care of themselves. How they ended up "Skipping School" (#3), "Throwing a Crazy Party" (#8), "Buying a Hot Tub" (#4), and, um, "Harboring a Fugitive" (#7) at all is kind of a mystery to them.

Emma's Review: I really really enjoyed this book. I think it has a little bit of everything in it- romance, comedy, friendship, trouble (for sure)- and because of this I think it would make a perfect chick flick. I think of this book kind of as a "summer fling". It is great to read while lying by the ocean or the pool or even on a rainy day. April is such a fun character, and I really felt like I related to her, whether she was getting into trouble (most of the time), or just making me laugh with her random thoughts. This is a perfect summer read that you can't pass up!
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Summer Reading Bucket List!

Hi Readers!

Reading in the summer is definitely one of our favorite things to do!  To help y'all out this summer season, we decided to put together a list of great, fun summer books that are perfect to read out in the sun, on the beach, on that summer road trip, or whatever you're doing while school is out!

Summer Reading Bucket List
-Summer Sisters by Judy Blume
-Sixteenth Summer by Michelle Dalton
-What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen
-Bloom by Elizabeth Scott and Lisa Fyfe
-Between Here and Forever by Elizabeth Scott
-Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti
-The Summer I Turned Pretty (trilogy) by Jenny Han
-Shug by Jenny Han
-The Daughters (series) by Joanna Philbin
-Two Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt
-That Boy by Jillian Dodd
-That Wedding by Jillian Dodd
-The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
-Summer Boys (series) by Hailey Abbott

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What's Coming Up!
Hey Everyone! Since it's almost summer, and Peyton and I will both be traveling and things will be really hectic, we decided that whatever books we read during the summer, whether we have both read them or not, we will review them! So if Emma writes a review on a book and Peyton reads it later, then Peyton will just add on to it when she finishes reading it. Hope y'all are excited for Summer!!
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Matched

     Summery: Cassia has never doubted Society. She has always done what Society asked and why should she not? You get the perfect match, the ideal job, and you even get to live a long life. When Cassia's  best friend, Xander's face pops up at her Match Banquet she knows for sure Xander is perfect for her. Until just for a brief moment another face appears on the screen. Ky Markham's face. Soon she starts having feelings for Ky even though Society had told her it was only a glitch and Xander is still her perfect match. Soon she begins to wonder how strong Society really is. Then Cassia is faced with a choice. "Between Xander and Ky. Between the only life she has known and a path no one has dared to follow."-Good read quote.

Peyton's Review: It did take me a while to get through the first half of Matched. This is a great book and I think anyone who likes the futuristic Hunger Game type vibe will love this book. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. For some reason I'm really enjoying all the books about rebellion and standing up for what's right. I would for sure suggest this book for y'all to read! And if it gets a little slow just keep reading because it gets better... tons better actually!

Emma's Review: I really enjoyed this book! I always heard great reviews about it, but never really thought it was my type of book. But I was in the library one day and I just picked it up and started it! At first, it starts out a little slow, like Peyton said, but don't put it down! It really gets good once you get into it, and I absolutely loved the characters! So which team are you? Xander or Ky?

The Lying Game Series 1-3

Why hello my book loving friends. Today we are reviewing The Lying Game books, which also so happen to be a show on abc Family which hmmmm.... lets see.....Emma is obsessed with! Scroll down for our review!!

Good Reads Summery:

I had a life anyone would kill for. Then someone did.

I may not remember much, but I know I led a charmed life. Even in death I’m getting something no one else does: an encore performance, thanks to Emma, the long-lost twin sister I never got to meet. Now, in order to figure out what happened to me, Emma needs to become me. But can she laugh at inside jokes with my best friends? Convince my boyfriend she’s the girl he fell in love with? Hug my parents good night like she’s their daughter? And can she keep up the charade even after she realizes my murderer is watching her every move?
Let the lying game begin.

Peyton's Review: I very much enjoyed these books because of the thrill factor but the third book did get a tiny bit repetitive in terms of events. For example, you think the murder is this person and then its not, you think the murder is this person and then its not, you think the murder is this person and then its not....you get the point. However, I still give these books a solid three out of five.


Emma's Review: Peyton is right, I must admit, I do have a problem. This book and TV series is one of my favorites. I absolutely love the plot and the characters, I am on edge at every page! It is such a cliff hanger, I can never put it down! If I could recommend a only one book series, this would be it. It literally has everything! Romance, realistic fiction, mystery, and even a little sci-fi! 

Get the Chance to Meet Author, Kathie del Hierro!

Hey Readers! 
Come see author, Kathie del Hierro, on Saturday, March 3rd from 4-6:00 pm, and Monday, March 5th from 4-5:00 pm, at Trianon in Westlake. She will be signing books, but be sure to purchase them before hand!
Hope you can make it!
TheBookCouture
-Link to Kathie del Hierro interview: http://thebookcouture.blogspot.com/2012/03/interview-with-author-kathie-del-hierro.html 
Trianon at Westlake
3201 Bee Caves Rd
Ste 163
Austin, TX 78746

Interview with Author Kathie del Hierro!

Hey Readers!


Today, we have a special interview for you! The other day, we sat down with author, Kathie del Hierro, who is also the beloved art teacher at our school! K. del Hierro has written two books and is working on her third. She wrote Day of the Fifteenth Party, which is the first of her Psycho Psychic series. She also has another book, Riding Pluto, which is mainly aimed at elementary readers. 


Q: Did you always know you wanted to be an author?
A: No, I started playing piano and was composing by age thirteen, I loved horses and doodling. I started writing little short stories by age fourteen-fifteen and I haven't looked up since. 
Q: What do you think about the characters?
A: I think that characters are everything in a book.
Q: What would you recommend for writer's block?
A: I can't say I have really gotten writer's block, ideas always come to me. But if I had to give some advice, I would say go out and do something not related to writing, and then come back. Sometimes doing something completely out of your comfort zone will help, too. 
Q: We heard that you designed your books...
A: Yes, because I am an art teacher, I do all of the art and photography for my books. 
Q: Who inspires you to write?
A: Day of the Fifteenth Party is inspired by one of my first students, Frank. He moved to Texas from Mexico and he was having trouble adjusting to the new environment. He was really smart, although not all of his teacher's saw his talent. I took him in like one of my kids and helped him. 
Q: What do you like most about your books?
A: I love all of the action and humor. There is always something exciting happening. Some of my favorite characters are the two cousins, who always seem to find trouble.
Q: If your books became really popular, would you be willing to quit your job as an art teacher?
A: I have thought about this and at this point, I really don't know. I love my job so much, but right now I will just have to wait and see.
Q: How do you get your ideas?
A: Life experiences, trouble always seems to be "sitting next to me", I am very observant, I learn a lot through my travels, and I'm not afraid to talk to people. I feel like I have the mind of a reporter, and I got my keen observation skills from my dad. Overall, I am a very visual person.


Fun Facts:
-Dominoes are a big part of Day of the Fifteenth Party.
-While Riding Pluto is mainly for kids, Day of the Fifteenth Party is rated PG-13.
- Sixteen pages of Day of the Fifteenth Party are in Spanish/English.
- Her books are action-packed, have comedy and sensitive material, and are based on real life situations.


Kathie del Hierro's Links!

• Her Biography: http://www.amazon.com/K.-del-Hierro/e/B006IZAC1S/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1330816091&sr=8-1
• Buy Day of the Fifteenth Party: http://www.amazon.com/Day-15th-Party-Quince-Años/dp/0615597556/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1 
• Buy Riding Pluto: http://www.amazon.com/Riding-Polluto-K-del-Hierro/dp/1467993379/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_2
• Find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kathie.del.Hierro
• Twitter: http://fr.twitter.com/#!/KdelHierro1
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/kathie011 
• Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/113827551228925572252/posts
• Westlake Picayune Interview: http://westlakepicayune.com/2012/02/22/reading-between-the-lines/
• Website: https://sites.google.com/site/kdelhierro/ 

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Hunger Games Series- Suzanne Collins

Hey Readers! Read The Hunger Games!



Our Synopsis of the Series: Katniss Everdeen, a poor girl who lives in district 12, volunteers for her younger sister to fight to the death against twenty-three other tributes in the 74th Annual Hunger Games. She must muster all her courage and strength to win. The Capitol(the host of this brutal event who enjoy watching kids kill one another) is going to have an uprising on their hands because Katniss Everdeen is the face of the rebellion. Fire catches and soon all the districts are fighting against the Capitol. Who wins,  the Capitol or the Rebels? Well, we'll let you find that out!


Peyton’s Review: I’m a hardcore Harry Potter fan but I have to say The Hunger Games is just as good! The first book is by far the best in the series! Catching Fire gets a little to slow for my liking. And for Mockingjay... gets better. I’m pumped for the movie coming out this month!!! This book is a little violent so parents beware. My sixth-grade brother has read it and loved it! Please, please read this book!


Here are some Hunger Games Links I want y’all to check out!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFEDTtKaFzU  
A song from the Hunger Games Soundtrack by Taylor Swift!

http://www.teen.com/the-hunger-games-nail-polish-collection-photos/   
Hunger Games Nail Polish that I can’t wait to get! 

http://www.thehungergames.co.uk 
Hunger Games main website!

Emma's Review: I must say, I was a little hesitant to read this series. I knew that everyone was raving about it, but it just didn't seem like my kind of book. But I was wrong! This book/series is phenominal!! I literally couldn't put it down! All those long nights of staying up late to finish the series were definitely worth it!
Are y'all going to the midnight premier of the movie? Comment below!

Happy Birthday Peyton!!!!!

Happy Birthday to YOU! Happy Birthday to YOU! Happy Birthday Dear PEYTON!!! Happy Birthday to YOU!!!! Leave a comment below and wish Peyton a very special 14th Birthday!!!


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Peyton- here is a "digital" HP Cake!!

The Hollow Series

The Hollow, The Haunted, The Hidden

 

Our Synopsis of the Series: Abby's best friend Kristen died over the summer of an unknown cause. Anna is devastated and dreams that Kristen never died. But soon, she meets Caspian, the mysterious boy who lurks the town cemetery with a single black streak in his white blond hair. But just as fast as Abby starts to fall for him, she finds out something drastic about Caspian that she can't believe (literally!). In book #2, The Haunted, Abby leaves town to sort out what she thinks is true or not, and lives on her aunt's farm. Abby is soon asked to come home, and the new Washington Irving Bridge is built in Kristen's honor. But just as soon as Abby starts to forget Caspian, he enters her life again, this time with even more unexpected surprises- you'll have to read the book to figure out what happens next!

Peyton's Review: Wow! This book was crazy-good! I have to give a shout out to my Aunt Kelly and say thanks so much for introducing me to this Amazing series!!! It has the perfect amount of mystery,thriller, and romance. All three books had a great climax and all three endings left my jaw hanging open, wanting more! There is not much else to say but READ THIS BOOK! It was great. Gosh, I still get chill-bumps when I think of the ending of The Hidden. Stunning!

Emma's Review: I thought this series was absolutely jaw dropping! I literally could NOT put this book down! I think anybody could read this book, and I mean anybody! You have your romance, sci-fi, fantasy, and non fiction all rolled up into one trilogy! I have to say though if Peyton hadn't recommended this to me I probably wouldn't have picked this up myself, but I am so happy that I got the chance to read it! I would give this series overall a 9 out of 10! Next time you need a good book to read, definitely pick this series up! KUDOS to Washington Irving and Jessica Verday! 

Our Banner!

Hey Readers!
So you might have noticed that we have our new banner up! Yay! Thank you so super much to Meredith (mintteaandagoodbook.blogspot.com) for creating this for us! You did an amazing job and it looks absolutely perfect! I hope y'all are enjoying our blog. Keep checking in for more posts, reviews, and interviews!
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