Friday, May 31, 2013

Armchair BEA: Ethics committee and Non fiction



Ethics in Blogging
Today's topic is a dilemma that  I'm pretty sure every blogger deals with.

Ethics

I think I'll break this down into topics otherwise I'll go into a tangent as this topic is pretty vast

  • Plagiarism 
As far as I'm aware of I've not been victim or perpetrator of plagiarism. 

Let me state that I think blogging is fun and I use it as a way to express myself and my views. Why would I or anyone want to blog someone else's views as their own?
I mean it's not like you HAVE to blog. It's a choice . If you have nothing to say about something you don't need to. It's not like if you don't post something AMAZING everyday you'll get bad marks or loose your job or something like that. It's FUN! It's voluntary . As long as you remember this I don't think you'd want to copy what someone else is saying.

Sometimes I read some reviews and am WOWED by how well they are written and how they manage to say what "I" want to say in a much better way than I can ever manage to say it but that is why I try to avoid reading reviews of a book before I review it because sometimes subconsciously other people's reviews affect your reviews . This is not plagiarism(in my opinion) but I think it should be avoided.

I'd compare the above phenomenon to what happens when your friends keep praising a movie and you thought the movie was good but not amazing. When your friend keeps praising it and starts giving reasons for why the movie was awesome you start agreeing with the friend and your views do get influenced. 

I'd just like to say be true to yourself and remember the fact that blogging is FOR FUN 

  • Linking up 
It is considered good manners or should I say ethical to link up to bloggers that inspire you to write a specific post . Also if you're taking part in a meme like Waiting on Wednesday you should definitely link up to the person who came up with the idea.

If you take part in blog tours you should link to the tour organizer's website. If for some reason you can't you should ensure that the tour organizer's name is mentioned and the blog tour image is attached.

In giveaway hops you should acknowledge the host and link to other participants as well especially if they all link to you.

  • Overall ethics advice
If you're not sure that it's ethical DON'T DO IT! It's as simple as that.
If you still want to do it ask the concerned authority like the blogger,govt,etc.

That's what I think

NON-FICTION

I don't read a lot of non-fiction but some non fiction titles I would recommend are:


The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
She's basically saying the same thing throughout the novel but it's a great read.


















Chicken soup for the soul.

I love reading these!

My friends been bugging me to read  A short history of nearly everything and I think I will read it soon 

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Armchair BEA: Better Late than Never

I know I'm joining in pretty late but I completely forgot that it had started and they say "Better late than never" 

So Today I'm going to introduce myself and then I'm going to talk about today's topic literary fiction

INTRODUCTION
Who are you? How long have you been blogging? Why did you get into blogging? 
Hi guys ! My name is Krazzyme. I've been blogging for more than 2 years now . I'm actually celebrating my blogoversary so if you want to enter some cool giveaways you should check out the links at the top. I got into blogging by pure accident. I thought this looks cool and just decided to start blogging. I had no clear goals or ANY goals for that matter :P

Have you previously participated in Armchair BEA? What brought you back for another year?

I participated in Armchair BEA last year. I can't attend the actual BEA because I'm not based in US so that's why I love Armchair BEA because it's almost like going to the real thing 

Tell us one non-book-related thing that everyone reading your blog may not know about you.

I am a HUGE movie and TV buff . I also get addicted to manga and anime easily. Skip Beat! is one of my all time favorite manga and anime.

What are you currently reading
Well.. Right now I'm reading loads of books at the same time. Much Ado About Nothing,Reboot and I'm going to start reading another book soon as well...

LITERARY FICTION

So I wasn't 100% what books were classified as literary fiction but Google came to the rescue as always.



"Literary fiction
 is a term principally used for certain fictional works that are claimed to hold literary merit."
-Wikipedia

So basically I'm going to take this to mean classics and books that are considered modern classics.

I know a lot of people might not agree with me but I think quite a few young adult novels that have recently come up could come under this category.

Some books that I think might come under this category that I recommend are:
Through The Ever Night by Veronica Rossi
Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Some books that I know come under this category that I recommend are:
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Good Wives by Louisa May Alcott
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
Around The World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne

Literary fiction books I plan to read

Life of Pi (because the movie rocked)
The Help (reason same as above)
Silver Linings Playbooks (because the movie has Jennifer Lawrence)





Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Review: Spirit by Brigid Kemmerer + Special Surprises


I'm a review stop on the blog tour for Spirit organised by Midnight Garden.
Check out the official TOUR PAGE (There's a pretty awesome GIVEAWAY there as well ) 

Thank You Midnight Garden for organizing this tour.


With power comes enemies. Lots of them.

Hunter Garrity just wants to be left alone. He’s learned the hard way that his unusual abilities come at a price. And he can’t seem to afford any allies.

He’s up to his neck in hostiles. His grandfather, spoiling for a fight. The Merrick brothers, who think he ratted them out. Calla, the scheming psycho who wants to use him as bait.

Then there’s Kate Sullivan, the new girl at school. She’s not hostile. She’s bold. Funny. Hot. But she’s got an agenda, too.

With supposedly secret powers rippling to the surface everywhere around him, Hunter knows something ugly is about to go down. But finding out what means he’ll have to find someone he can trust…


Source: Netgalley (Thanks KTeen for the review copy!)

My Thoughts:
I'm a HUGE fan of this series . I jumped up and down in excitement when I saw that this book was on Netgalley

That's me ^

SOURCE

I have waited almost a YEAR for this book and I'm telling you that this book is worth the wait!

Now let me just state that if you haven't started this series you should because this series is great fun and is different. Even though I didn't like Book #2 in the series as much as Book #1 I was still dying to get my hands on this book and I think that shows how great this series is!

This book is told from the point of view of Hunter and Kate. If you remember what happened in book #2 then you might have mixed feelings towards Hunter and Kate is introduced to us in this book.

The story picks up where it was left off and what a story it is! It's filled with twists and turns and manages to keep you hooked till the end. Brigid Kemmerer doesn't disappoint and leaves you begging for more without the help of the handy cliffhanger.

Hunter is a very complex character. I have very mixed feelings towards him. Throughout this novel I wasn't sure if I loved him/hated him/felt sorry for him or wanted to hit him.

I think it's safe to say that I'm not a huge fan of Hunter but I did feel for him and connected with him despite my mixed feelings towards him.He's been through a lot plus he lacked parental guidance throughout his teenage years so I it was simple to empathize and sympathize with him even when he made stupid decisions.

Kate was a character that helped us to understand the elemental world better. She gave insight into the whole system in a unique way. I love the fact that Brigid's female characters are always so strong mentally and Kate is strong both mentally and physically.I enjoyed the small fist fight between Hunter and her because that showed that she could kick A$$ .


I can't tell you much about the story or plot in this book without giving away spoilers but I think it's safe to say this book is the most action packed and emotionally draining book in the series so far.At the end of the book it's safe to say I resembled this guy >>>


Overall this is one book that you should not miss out on.This book has action,romance,paranormal elements,FIVE hot guys,strong female characters .......NEED I GO ON?

If you need me I'll be in a corner begging the author to release the next book already...

My Rating:
5/5

Read it!





SPECIAL SURPRISES

You can get Elemental ( Book #0.5) in the series for FREE

Go to this website and the promo code is VCARD and it is active till May 31st


Everyone don't forget to vote for your favorite Elemental guy in the poll below! The one with the most votes will be featured in a short story written by Brigid


You can also download and read the first chapter of Spirit

If you have a problem downloading it go here: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B2IrCRmFgWI_Y2hQTFBSRVVKY00/edit?usp=sharing

Right at the top there's an option to download the chapter or press CTRL +S


ELEMENTAL READALONG 

Check out this website for further details


Friday, May 24, 2013

YRAH Bday: Interview + GIVEAWAY of PODs by Michelle Pickett

YOUNG READER blog is now 2 years old!

And 

THAT

calls for a celebration!

Don't forget to check out the previous posts


Today I have Michelle Pickett, author of PODs on the blog .





First, thank you so much for including me in your blogoversary! And congratulations! I so thrilled to be here.
Could you start things off by telling us a little about the book?
      PODs is a post-apocalyptic, science-fiction, romance with a touch of dystopian thrown in there,   too. So it has a little bit of everything.
      A virus breaks out and begins killing the population of Earth. There’s no cure, no vaccine, no way            to stop it. It’s lethal and moving quickly through the population. It’s what scientist call an “ELE” or          Extinction Level Event. In order to save as many people as possible the government opens a secret underground habitat that had been built in case of nuclear attack, meteor or asteroid threat       and so forth. People “win” places in the habitat through a raffle based on their social security           number.
The story follows one girl’s journey from the time she learns of the virus, through her devastating separation from her family and everything she knows to enter the PODs, her yearlong stay in the PODs with strangers, facing the world after emerging from the PODs, and, of course, dealing with the surprises the survivors encounter after leaving the PODs.
What kind of a world do your characters live in?
They live in a very uncertain and scary world. They don’t know if they are going to live or if the human race will be eradicated by the virus. The “Chosen” as the people who are selected for spots in the PODs are called, must leave everything and everyone they’ve ever known and loved behind, knowing they’re going to die, so it’s also an emotionally devastating world.  Finally, it’s a labor intensive world. They have to work to rebuild the country when the PODs open. There’s a lot of hard work involved in that process and they encounter many obstacles—some they were definitely not expecting!
What influences and inspirations (both literary and non-literary) did you draw from while writing this book?
I can’t pinpoint one specific moment that inspired me to write the book. I didn’t have a dream or read an article or book that sparked an idea. The only thing that comes to mind that may have planted the seed is talk of the “Super bugs” or the “Super Viruses” that have been in the news. Both my parents have had MRSA. A strain of an aggressive staph infection that is very resistant to antibiotics. It’s just one example of a virus that has adapted and mutated and is now extremely hard to treat with common antibiotics.
Talk of the overuse of antibiotics and anti-bacteria soaps and cleansers have also been debated recently. Some healthcare professionals believe that the overuse of these products do more harm than good. They make bacteria stronger as they adapt to survive and the more we use antibiotics, the more our bodies become immune to their effects.  That’s one theory, anyway.
Who is your favorite character in this book, and why?
It’s hard to pick between Eva and David. They are both great people. But, if I have to choose just one, I’d say Eva. The story is told from her perspective. We get to see glimpses of the whole spectrum of her emotions, from the devastation of leaving her family behind when she leaves for the PODs, the uncertainty of POD life, her conflicted emotions of a relationship with David, and many others. She’s a strong person, but we see her softer side, too. She’s very intelligent.  She will fight for, and with, those she loves. And she’s caring, not just toward those she knows and loves, but to all people.
I know you asked for just one character, but I have to give an honorable mention to one of my favorite secondary characters, Roy. He’s hilarious and I love him to pieces. He doesn’t have a huge role in PODs. I tried to write him in as often as I could, but characters drive the story when I write and he just didn’t push his way in too often. However, in the sequel to PODs, titled The Infected, which releases November 2014, we’ll get to see more of Roy and he’s a lot of fun.
What books/genres do you read when you have the chance? Any must read authors or series?
I read mostly young adult. I enjoy all genres, from horror to contemporary romance. I think anything from Spencer Hill is a must read. There are so many excellent books releasing this year and next. You don’t want to miss them.  A must read series, hmm, well the potential Milayna series would be a nice one for everyone to read. :) I’d appreciate readers picking that up (that was a shameless plug).
I just read one of my Spencer Hill Press author friend’s books and was blown away. I’d never read any of her work before and I’m kicking myself for not doing it sooner. Trisha Wolfe’s newest novels Of Silver and Beasts and “Astarte’s Wrath” were amazing. And of course she has Fireblood and its sequel releasing from Spencer Hill Press, too.
Ah, I shouldn’t have started naming people from Spencer Hill because there are so many good authors I know I’ll forget someone, so just go buy anything with the Spencer Hill logo on it. You’ll know you have a great book!
The “Breathing Series” by Rebecca Donovan is one of my favorites. The third and final book releases in July. I’m counting the days!
Can you tell us a little about the main characters in your book?
The story is told from Eva’s point of view. She’s seventeen. She is a very strong person and very intelligent. She is one of the “Chosen.”
David is also a “Chosen.” He’s eighteen. He is assigned to the same sub-POD as Eva and they form a bond. I don’t like to call it a romance, although that’s definitely part of it. But it’s deeper than that. They create a deep emotional bond with each other. I think the things they are forced to deal with and face give them a deeper understanding of each other.
Hmm, there are eight other POD occupants that live with David and Eva in the sub-POD. Each sub-POD holds five male and five female residents. They are: Tiffany, she and Eva become very close friends, George, he and Eva also become close friends, Aidan, Seth, Josh, Katie, Faith and Jai Li. They are all very intelligent.
That’s really all I can say without giveaway any spoilers.
Favourite movie or TV series you are obsessed with ?
I have two favorite movies: Sommersby and Revenge (with Kevin Costner and Madeline Stowe. It isn’t one of his better known films).
I don’t watch much TV, but I’m obsessed with cooking shows. I love Chopped, Iron Chef, Worst Cooks in America and Hell’s Kitchen.  The funny thing is, I hate to cook.

Tell us five interesting things about yourself.
I don’t know if I can come up with five! Let’s see. I was homeschooled, but went on to college and earned a degree in accounting graduating Summa Cum Laude.

I’m completely addicted to Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Rolos, although I’m currently trying to beat my addiction.  So far it’s not going well.

I’m a tomboy through and through. I’d rather go hunt for night crawlers (worms) and go fishing than spend time at the mall. And, yes, I put my own worms on my hook and take my own fish off. I love to hunt for toads and turtles with my kids—I’m probably the biggest kid if the truth were known.

I met my husband when I was 15. We got engaged when I was 16. We got married when I was 17. This year we’ll celebrate our 25th anniversary. We have four kids, a 20 year-old daughter, 11 year-old son and 7 year-old twin girls.

I love playing Black Ops on the X-Box with my son, but I suck big time. I still have fun, though. Even if my son points out that he’s killed me 57 times and I’ve only killed him twice. He’s not a gracious winner. I think I need to start practicing while he’s at school.

Okay, that’s five. I didn’t mention anything about writing because I figured you all knew that would be something about me that you may find interesting (or not). But writing is something I have to do. It’s my relaxation. My escape from the stress of the world. Getting the opportunity to share it, to be published…that’s a dream come true!
What’s next?
The Infected, the sequel to PODs releases next fall through Spencer Hill Press.
Milayna, the first book in a planned trilogy, releases March 11, 2014 through Spencer Hill. If it does well, the next books will release in the fall of 2014 and spring of 2015. So check it out. I think you’ll like it. Milayna is a sweet character, but she’s also a kick-butt type. The book is full of action and has a different spin on the angel themed books on the market today.
I’m currently working on a YA urban fantasy that will be ready for submission shortly and hopefully you’ll be hearing about that one soon.
After that, I’m not sure. I have some ideas for another post-apocalyptic, dystopian in the same vein as PODs and I have a few ideas for some YA contemporary romances. I’m not sure where my mind will lead me. But whatever comes next, I know I’ll still be writing. I just hope you’ll still be seeing me and my books around!

Rapid Fire (what it the first thing that comes to your mind when I say....)
Twilight – Edward
Black – White
Harry Potter – Voldemort
Hot – Dogs
Wings – Angel
Coffee – Yuck
POD – Book
Triangle – Kimmy


ABOUT THE BOOK

PODs
 Seventeen-year-old Eva is a chosen one. Chosen to live, while others meet a swift and painful death from an incurable virus so lethal, a person is dead within days of symptoms emerging. In the POD system, a series of underground habitats built by the government, she waits with the other chosen for the deadly virus to claim those above. Separated from family and friends, it's in the PODs she meets David. And while true love might not conquer all, it's a balm for the broken soul. 

After a year, scientists believe the population has died, and without living hosts, so has the virus. That's the theory, anyway. But when the PODs are opened, survivors find the surface holds a vicious secret. The virus mutated, infecting those left top-side and creating... monsters. 

Eva and David hide from the infected in the abandoned PODs. Together they try to build a life--a new beginning. But the infected follow and are relentless in their attacks. Leaving Eva and David to fight for survival, and pray for a cure.

Expected publication: June 4th 2013 by Spencer Hill Press

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I'm a wife, mother, author, reader, although not always in that order. I've been an avid reader since a young child. I began writing for personal enjoyment in college, where I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in accounting. Why I chose a degree that didn't encourage creativity is a mystery to me.

Keep up-to-date with my current, future projects, appearances, and fun giveaways at www.michelle-pickett.com.

I always love to hear from readers, bloggers and other authors!




GIVEAWAY
Spencer Hill Press has been amazing enough to offer one ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of  PODs to ONE lucky person... INTERNATIONALLY!








a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, May 20, 2013

Blog Tour : Rules For Disappearing







The Rules for Disappearing
 She’s been six different people in six different places: Madeline in Ohio, Isabelle in Missouri, Olivia in Kentucky . . . But now that she’s been transplanted to rural Louisiana, she has decided that this fake identity will be her last.

Witness Protection has taken nearly everything from her. But for now, they’ve given her a new name, Megan Rose Jones, and a horrible hair color. For the past eight months, Meg has begged her father to answer one question: What on earth did he do – or see – that landed them in this god-awful mess? Meg has just about had it with all the Suits’ rules — and her dad’s silence. If he won’t help, it’s time she got some answers for herself.

But Meg isn’t counting on Ethan Landry, an adorable Louisiana farm boy who’s too smart for his own good. He knows Meg is hiding something big. And it just might get both of them killed. As they embark on a perilous journey to free her family once and for all, Meg discovers that there’s only one rule that really matters — survival.

Links: Goodreads,Amazon







About the Author
Ashley Elston lives is North Louisiana with her husband, three sons and two cats. She worked as a wedding and portrait photographer for ten years until she decided to pursue writing full time. Ashley is also a licensed Landscape Horticulturist and helps her husband run a commercial lawn and landscaping business. They also custom harvest pecans and have cows. Yes, cows.



Review:



GIVEAWAY



a Rafflecopter giveaway

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