Making A Comeback

Hello my lovely followers,

I hope you had a wonderfully relaxing winter holiday and a fun-filled New Year! It's been a while, huh? I'll admit, I completely dropped the ball with blogging for the last few months. I really only meant to take off the month of October to concentrate on my college applications (I've gotten into two schools, by the way!), but that month quickly turned into three after I joined my school's theater department for the Christmas production. It was such a great experience, and I'm hoping to help out with our spring musical, but it did suck away a lot of my reading time. I apologize for being gone so long; I've really missed reading and writing and talking with all of you. (:

So, with the new year, I'm reading (and blogging again!) While I can't necessarily promise that my posts will always be consistent, I can promise that I'll do my best to get reviews and interviews and such up and running again.

Here's to an amazing 2011! Happy Reading!
<3 Cate

Restoring Harmony Playlist

I had the opportunity to read Restoring Harmony by Joelle Anthony (review here) through The Teen {Book} Scene! As part of the book tour, I was asked to make a playlist of songs that I feel fit in with Restoring Harmony. Since Molly, our main character, plays the fiddle, I tried to find some more folksy songs, and then I threw a few extra in. I've linked all the songs with their Youtube videos. Enjoy!






1)Spit on a Stranger- Nickel Creek
2)Sunny Came Home- Shawn Colvin
3)We Used to Wait- Arcade Fire
4)Long Time Traveler- The Wailin' Jennys
5)After the Storm- Mumford and Sons
6)Belong- The Cary Brothers

Restoring Harmony by Joelle Anthony

The year is 2041, and sixteen-year-old Molly McClure has lived a relatively quiet life on an isolated farming island in Canada, but when her family fears the worst may have happened to her grandparents in the US, Molly must brave the dangerous, chaotic world left after global economic collapse—one of massive oil shortages, rampant crime, and abandoned cities.

Molly is relieved to find her grandparents alive in their Portland suburb, but they're financially ruined and practically starving. What should've been a quick trip turns into a full-fledged rescue mission. And when Molly witnesses something the local crime bosses wishes she hadn't, Molly's only way home may be to beat them at their own game. Luckily, there's a handsome stranger who's willing to help. Restoring Harmony is a riveting, fast-paced dystopian tale complete with adventure and romance that readers will devour.

I was able to read Restoring Harmony courtesy of The Teen {Book} Scene.

Dystopian stories have always been a favorite of mine; they're usually fast-paced and brimming with suspense and the ever-present longing to explore the world the author created. Thankfully, Restoring Harmony does not disappoint on any of these counts. The reader is led on a journey through a futuristic and poverty-stricken North America, with Molly, our determined and musically-inclined main character.

Undoubtedly, one of my favorite bits of the book are the harvesting scenes. As a kid, I used to have a vegetable garden, and I loved collecting all the tomatoes and squash and cucumbers. So while I may just have positive connotations with gardening, I found those scenes in particular to be very lovely. It's clear that Anthony put a lot of heart into this book, and I'm sure I'm not the only reader to see that. Go look for it!

<3 Cate

Wishlist Wednesday

When Jill, a competitive high school fencer, goes with her family on vacation to the Bahamas, she is magically transported to an early eighteenth century pirate ship in the middle of the ocean.

So even though the synopsis for this one isn't exactly detailed, I'm definitely intrigued! In general I enjoy pirate stories (who doesn't love Pirates of the Caribbean, even as a guilty pleasure?), but I don't think I've actually ever reviewed one on Sparrow Review, despite several bloggers pleading with me to read Bloody Jack. Who knows though, maybe Steel will put me in a pirate-y mood?

<3 Cate

Wishlist Wednesday

Seventeen-year-old Vanessa Sands is afraid of everything—the dark, heights, the ocean—but her fearless older sister, Justine, has always been ther ...more Seventeen-year-old Vanessa Sands is afraid of everything—the dark, heights, the ocean—but her fearless older sister, Justine, has always been there to coach her through every challenge. That is, until Justine goes cliff-diving one night near the family’s vacation house in Maine, and her lifeless body washes up on shore the next day.

Though her parents hope that they’ll be able to find closure back in Boston, Vanessa can’t help feeling that her sister’s death wasn’t an accident. After discovering that Justine was keeping a lot of secrets, Vanessa returns to Winter Harbor, hoping that Justine’s boyfriend might know more. But Caleb has been missing since Justine’s death.

Soon, it’s not just Vanessa who’s afraid. All of Winter Harbor is abuzz with anxiety when another body washes ashore, and panic sets in when the small town becomes host to a string of fatal, water-related accidents in which all the victims are found, horrifically, grinning from ear to ear.

Vanessa turns to Caleb’s brother, Simon, for help, and begins to find herself drawn to him. As the pair try to understand the sudden rash of creepy drownings, Vanessa uncovers a secret that threatens her new romance—and will change her life forever.

First of all, the cover for Siren is full of intensity and is so striking I just want to snatch it from my computer screen and start reading. Not to mention the plot has me hooked already. *Runs to the library*

Have you read this one? It's been out since July, so hopefully someone has! I'd love to hear your thoughts!
<3 Cate

Update

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to apologize for my lack of posting lately. As you probably know, I'm a senior in high school, and this next month is pretty much the most crucial and busy one of the year! Most of my college applications are due at the beginning of November, so it'll be more difficult for me to find time to read and post. I'm going to the best I can though! I'll have up some reviews and maybe some guest blog posts. (: I'll be around, don't worry!

xxx Cate

Wishlist Wednesday

Princess and heir to the throne of Thorvaldor, Nalia knows her role in life. But everything changes when she learns, just after her sixteenth birthday, that she is a false princess–a stand-in for the real Nalia, who has been hidden away for her protection. Cast out with little more than the clothes on her back, the girl now called Sinda must leave behind the city, her best friend, Kiernan, and the only life she’s ever known.

While struggling with her new peasant life, Sinda discovers that magic runs through her veins–long-suppressed, dangerous magic that she must learn to control. Returning to the city to seek answers, she instead uncovers a secret that could change the course of Thorvaldor’s history forever.

I had first discovered this book on Goodreads, then later saw it on several blogger's websites with a different (not illustrated) cover. I noticed that they still kept a bit of the original cover on the necklace she wears. (I felt so smart when I saw that, haha!)

Honestly though,The False Princess sounds right up my alley! Royalty, magic, and fairy tales! WANT!

Guest Post: Mindi Scott, author of Freefall

Through The Teen Book Scene, I have had the pleasure of welcoming Mindi Scott to Sparrow Review! Mindi is the author of Freefall, which comes out today! I asked Mindi about how her reading experiences have affected her writing process. Here's what she had to say!

I recently went to a wedding where the minister told the bride and groom, “I hope that your love for each other will continue to grow and that you’ll look back and think of this as the day in your marriage when you loved each other the least.”

That really stuck with me. I could relate it to my relationship with my husband. And also . . . to Young Adult fiction!

You see, during my pre-teen and teenage years, I was a big-time reader. At any given time you could find me in bed with a book, on the couch with a book, on the floor with a book, on a lawn chair with a book, in the bathtub with a book. Books and me were BFFs and all that stuff.


Some of my favorites back then were by Judy Blume, Cynthia Voigt, Victoria Holt, John Grisham, and Melanie Rawn. In case you aren’t familiar, the genres represented are middle-grade/YA, historical romance, legal thriller, and fantasy.

Kind of a big range, right?

When I decided in 2004 that I wanted to write a novel—for real!—the first thing I had to narrow down was which genre to write. Obviously, I’d been interested in quite a few types over years, but what would be the best choice?

So, that summer, I was at the library constantly. I read piles and piles and piles of books of all kinds. I quickly came to the conclusion is that the stories that truly spoke to me were contemporary young adult novels, so I decided that that was where I would begin with my writing.

Now, here it is six years later, and I’ve come a long way as a writer and as a reader. Looking back on my pre-teen/teen years, and even that summer of 2004, I can truly say that my love for YA has grown SO MUCH since then. And it continues to grow every day! ♥

Thanks so much for stopping by, Mindi!

Wishlist Wednesday

Grace Divine made the ultimate sacrifice to cure Daniel Kalbi. She was infected with the werewolf curse while trying to save him, and lost her beloved brother in the process. When Grace receives a haunting phone call from Jude, she knows what she must do. She must become a Hound of Heaven.
Desperate to find Jude, Grace befriends Talbot—a newcomer to town who promises her that he can help her be a hero. But as the two grow closer, the wolf grows in Grace, and her relationship with Daniel is put in danger—in more ways than one.
Unaware of the dark path she is walking, Grace begins to give into the wolf inside of her—not realizing that an enemy has returned and a deadly trap is about to be sprung.

So I might be one of the few that didn't LOVE The Dark Divine (review here)but I am willing to give the sequel a try. I'm keeping my fingers crossed the quality of the writing improves.

Plus, these covers are positively gorgeous. Even if I don't enjoy the book itself, I will always be able to drool over the cover. ;)

<3 Cate

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins Review (Spoiler-Free)

The third and final installment of The Hunger Games series. If you haven't heard of it before, don't waste time feeling ashamed. Go pick yourself up a copy.

The first two-thirds of Mockingjay were torturous. Not that those chapters were terrible (they weren't by any means,) but it was so hard to have to wait to find out what happened. Some bits were boring, but the story gently rolled along until the last third. That's when it kicked in for me. The action began, you feel that tell-tale rush you get when Suzanne Collins is on her game. Mockingjay didn't disappoint. Only, in this one, each loss felt increasingly heartbreaking. There were points where literally it was blow after blow after blow; it became emotionally overwhelming. But, it was in those moments that you had to applaud Collins. She knows how to write a tough, strong female character. Katniss, even when she was broken, didn't bother to fix herself, not even attempt. She just did what was needed. She pulled it together, even when there wasn't anything to pull together. Impressive.

I loved the epilogue, especially the last line. It was perfectly imperfect. I wish there had been more explanation for what Katniss chose with Gale and Peeta. It felt rushed almost, wrapped up too quickly. I had never personally been able to choose between the two, but what Katniss decided felt right. I liked the ending, even though it seemed a bit jagged. There needed to be strings attached.

Rating: 9.5/10 (for those boring bits at the beginning. The end made up for it though.)

Under the Lamplight: Melanie from Melanie's Musings

Blog Link: www.melaniesmusings.net

Could you give a little blurb on your blog?
Melanie's Musings is an eclectic book blog where I review books of many genres, with an emphasis on YA.

What got you hooked on reading- did you love it as a child, or was it something you grew into?
My dad's a big reader. It runs in the family, along with insanity.

How were you introduced into the blogging world?
Through the awesome www.randombuzzers.com. Some of the folks in the forum were talking about their book blogs, and after reading a few, I knew I wanted to give it a shot.

What’s been the most fun or exciting thing you’ve been able to do on your blog lately?
Since it's summertime, I've really just been enjoying how much time I'm able to spend on my blog without feeling guilty about it. It feels good to start feeling on top of things again!

What’s your opinion of books made into movies? Love ‘em or Hate ‘em? Love 'em! Even though the books are almost always better, I love 'em. If I had it my way, everyone would be mandated to read then watch North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell and then Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens. Although those are actually mini-series. Still, you should watch them!

You can only afford to purchase one book at the bookstore today. What do you choose?
Everlasting by Angie Frazier- from what I hear, the romance in the book is great. And I love me some romance.


What’s your favorite guilty-pleasure T.V. show?
Glee- The music is amazing, but the plot gets so completely ridiculous at times.

What is one thing that most people don’t know about you?
I hate surprises, especially when I know there's a surprise coming, and no one will tell me what it is. They get me paranoid.

If your life were being made into a movie, what would it be called, and who would you cast?
Would it have to be true to life? If so, I have no idea. However, if it could be some alternate universe that slightly resembles my life but not really, I'd love for Amanda Seyfried, Amy Adams, Anne Hathaway, and Meryl Streep to all have some part. Also, could I have a charming, adorable male lead. Please?

Wishlist Wednesday

A story about getting into college. You know, taking the campus tour, talking to the gargoyles, flirting with the were-tigers, riding the dragons...

While visiting the campus of Princeton University, 16-year-old Lily discovers a secret gate to a magical realm and must race against time to save herself, her world, and any hope she has of college admission.

I'll admit, while I have a copy of Sarah Beth Durst's Ice, I have yet to read it. I've heard so many great things about her as a writer, I just haven't gotten around to it! Enchanted Ivy (love the play on words) looks awesome, and the cover art is amazing. Just the synopsis makes it sound like you're wandering into a fantastically magical world. Cannot wait!

<3 Cate

NEW LAYOUT!!!!

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted give a shout-out to the very lovely Shay Bocks of Dumplin Design Studios! She created my gorgeous new layout; I hope you like it! Please take a button, which is on the right sidebar, I'd really appreciate it!

Thanks so much!
<3 Cate

Rae by Chelsea Rae Swiggett Review

Rae is beyond socially awkward.
Since she was a little girl, Rae knew something was different about her. The sound of planes flying overhead could spark a panic attack. Being called on in class was enough to push her over the edge. She feared the unknown, life, death, people . . . even fear itself.

By the time she reached ninth grade, Rae was muddling through life in relative silence, convinced everyone was mocking her, judging her, picking her apart, bit by little bit. Rae knew she couldn’t keep going on this way. She knew something had to give.

This book is near and dear to the heart of many book bloggers, as it was penned by our very own Chelsea of The Page Flipper. So after winning Rae in a contest, I was completely ecstatic to dive in.

In person, I would consider myself very shy. I don't raise my hand in class, I'm no good at small talk, and I absolutely HATE presentations. There was one passage in Rae that follows her thoughts throughout the day leading up to a class presentation. The only thing that ran through my mind was "That's me! That's exactly how I feel!" And, honestly, I don't think I'm the only one who will find her story relatable- everyone has been socially awkward. After you make that personal connection with Rae, the story skyrockets. It's a quick read- about 150 pages- but it became riveting. I really hope Chelsea continues to write. I'd pick up her next book in a heartbeat.

Also, can I say how much I loved the Gilmore Girls references? Check plus!

Rating: 8/10

Wishlist Wednesday

Some schools have honor codes.
Others have handbooks.
Themis Academy has the Mockingbirds.

Themis Academy is a quiet boarding school with an exceptional student body that the administration trusts to always behave the honorable way--the Themis Way. So when Alex is date raped during her junior year, she has two options: stay silent and hope someone helps her, or enlist the Mockingbirds--a secret society of students dedicated to righting the wrongs of their fellow peers.

I'm kind of just blown away by the premise of this novel, and I am so beyond intrigued it's ridiculous! A group of high school vigilantes getting their revenge. Being in high school, sometimes you wish there was a way to get back at everyone who's wronged you. I guess if you can't do it in real life, you may as well live vicariously through someone else. ;) Definitely one worth waiting for.

<3 Cate

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox was created by the lovely Kristi at The Story Siren.

This week was actually a busier one for me in terms of books! I about a few, I recieved a few, and I was able to go to the library. :)

Bought: I know I'm really behind as far as getting my hands on this book. I had requested it from the library- as number 480 on the queue- and decided I was too impatient to wait for it! I'm only a few pages in, but I realized I've missed Katniss' story so much. :)

Put me in front of the classics display and Barnes and Noble and I'll buy just about anything. Hence the Virginia Woolf novel, haha.

For Review:
I'm SO EXCITED for this book. And the cover is so shiny! I'm ready to dive in!

From 1 ARC Tours:
How will I get any work done this week? So many good reads!

From the Library:
I've seen this cover around the blogosphere a lot, but I haven't seen any reviews yet (or more probably I just haven't been looking in the right places.) I'm lovin' that faeries are so popular in YA now.

I had seen that Nicole at Word for Teens (on her blog or her Twitter, I don't remember...) that she had loved Unwind. Then I saw this on the shelf and snatched it up!

Have a lovely weekend!
<3 Cate

School, Layout, and YOU!

I don't know about the rest of the world, but for me, school started this week. This year I'm finally a senior (!), but whoever said that the last year of high school was the easiest LIEDLIEDLIED. It's been nearly impossible to tackle the giant pile of homework every night, forget reading for pleasure. It'll undoubtedly take me a few weeks to get into a rhythm of finding time to read and write reviews, and I honestly can't promise that things will be very timely until I figure that out. School has always come first and foremost, and although I ADORE my blog and my followers and all my blogger buddies, my posts may be slowing down a bit for the beginning of the school year. Hopefully, though, I'll get things sorted out very soon!

In other news, I won a blog layout makeover from Dumplin Designs!!! EEEK! I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am to have a fresh new look for Sparrow! Hopefully in the next month or so I'll have a brand new shiny layout. :D

Also, the part of this post that concerns YOU! You all know about my feature Under the Lamplight (more info on the tab above!)If you have any interest in being interviewed, I'd absolutely love to have you! Please just email me at sparrowreview(at)yahoo(dot)com

Thanks!
<3 Cate

Under the Lamplight: Melina from Reading Vacation

Under the Lamplight is a bi-weekly feature that I have created to get to know the blogging community! If you're interested in being interviewed, please email me.

This week we have the very sweet Melina from Reading Vacation joining us!


Could you give a little blurb on your blog?
I am not your typical book review blogger because I am only ten years old. Don’t let my age fool you though. I read on a high school level and review middle grade and age appropriate YA books. When I am not at school or working on homework, I am reading and reading and reading some more. You can easily tell that reading and blogging are my hobbies. I started my blog in March, so I am still pretty new to the whole blogging world. I have met so many nice and helpful people, like Cate! Now that school is out for the Summer, I will have even more time to read and blog. I am planning some interviews, giveaways, and other surprises. I hope you’ll come visit me.

Here is a link to my Reading Vacation blog.
http://readingvacation.blogspot.com/

What got you hooked on reading- did you love it as a child, or was it something you grew into?
I have always loved to read. As a young child, my parents read fairy tales to me every day and night. When I was old enough to read on my own, I made my way from princess and fairy books to chapter books. Now, I am rarely seen without a book in my hands. I read all sorts of books – basically, anything I can get my hands (and eyes) on. Let’s just say, they know me at the local library!

How were you introduced into the blogging world?
I started posting book reviews on the Glogster edu web site for school. Since Glogster is so limited in what it lets you do, my mom introduced me to blogging instead. All I can say is “wow” to blogging!


What’s been the most fun or exciting thing you’ve been able to do on your blog lately?
I hosted my first giveaway! I gave away my signed copy of White Cat by Holly Black. The fun thing is that I had gotten the book at my very first book signing. So it was doubley-fun!

What’s your opinion of books made into movies? Love ‘em or Hate ‘em?
It depends. I loved the Twilight books and movies. For Lightning Thief though, I loved the book but didn’t care for the movie.

You can only afford to purchase one book at the bookstore today. What do you choose?
Midnight Sun

What’s your favorite guilty-pleasure T.V. show? Or book?
I will admit that I enjoy watching Total Drama Action. In case you don’t know, it is a reality show cartoon on Cartoon Network. The new season, Total Drama World Tour, begins this Summer.

What is one thing that most people don’t know about you?
I was named after Arnold Schwarzenegger’s wife in the movie, Total Recall.


If your life were being made into a movie, what would it be called, and who would you cast?
My movie would be called “Different” because I am not afraid to be different. Selena Gomez could play the part of Melina since she has long dark hair, just like me.

Anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you Cate, for this awesome opportunity to be featured on Sparrow Review.

<3 Cate

Wishlist Wednesday

Freak. That’s what they called seventeen year-old Donna Underwood in high school after a horrific fey attack that killed her father when she was just a child. Her injuries and rehabilitation resulted in magically enhanced strength, thanks to the iron tattoos branding her hands and arms. As a child of the alchemists, she is both blessed and cursed with a magical heritage that doesn't leave much room for boys, parties and homework.

Now, after ten years of wishing for a normal life, she finally has to accept her role in the centuries-old war against the darkest outcasts of Faerie: the Dark Elves. Aided by a gorgeous half-fey dropout, Donna must race to save her best friend’s life - even if it means betraying one of the world’s greatest secrets and confronting the very thing that destroyed her family.

WANTWANTWANTWANTWANT!!!

The cover is awesome. The concept is awesome. The super-strength is awesome.
Please, just let me read it already.

<3 Cate

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White Review

Sixteen-year-old Evie's job is bagging and tagging paranormals. Possessing the strange ability to see through their glamours, she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency. But when someone--or something--starts taking out the vamps, werewolves, and other odd beasties she's worked hard to help become productive members of society, she's got to figure it out before they all disappear and the world becomes utterly normal. Normal is so overrated. -Goodreads

It wasn't until I finished Paranormalcy that I realized I hadn't read a good, laugh-out-loud funny book in a long time. Kiersten White's humor shines in her book, making it impossible to not instantly adore Evie and her infatuation with all things sparkly and pink. This includes her bejeweled taser (affectionately nicknamed "Tasey,") which is always nearby. It's Evie's girly nature- even her love for Easton Heights, a teen soap- that truly made this book for me. Evie longed for normal, she had guilty pleasures- she was a teenager. Being a teen myself, I so greatly appreciated a connection with the main character.

There's also the whole kick-ass aspect of this book. Evie means serious business when she bags/tags paranormals. She's definitely not afraid to use Tasey, that's certain. However, it should be noted that Para is not just a book of fight scenes; it's strongly backed by White's voice, which was the absolute BEST part. It's light and funny in all the right places, and completely in tune with a teenager. I was incredibly impressed by her debut, and if there's not a sequel I think I'll just die. *begs and pleads*

And Lend. Gorgeous, sweet, wonderful Lend. Sa-wooooon. Maybe Evie will share?

Rating: 9/10
<3 Cate