Did you hear Crickets?

Wow, I didn't mean to leave my blog for so long!  With my son graduating this week, taking a "girls" road trip to Vegas then on to Hollywood, California;  I left everyone here in the dust, listening to crickets!  Shame shame!

To make it up to those who follow me, I will share some great "On the set" interviews with Stephanie Meyer and the cast of "The Host".  

I read this book a long time ago, so the storyline is a little vague, but I did enjoy it.  I do remember it was a little confusing at times and very long.  I don't think it was one of my favorites,  but I am excited to see what the movie can bring.  

The actors are not familiar to me, but they seem to fit the parts.  

Get More: Movie Trailers, Movies Blog

Get More: Movie Trailers, Movies Blog

Get More: Movie Trailers, Movies Blog

These were taken from Mtv rough cut

Lots of Reviews, a Giveaway, and maybe an Interview to come soon!! Don't miss it!

The Selection

The Selection by Kiera Cass
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary:  For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

How could you NOT fall in love with this cover? I was drawn to it immediately. Gorgeous dress, the crown..... and then I read the summary! I was a sucker for the first Bachelor reality series, but then thought it was sorta lame. But this, this is a chance to be a real Princess! I was a goner. The little girl in me couldn't resist it.

This storyline was so clever! Almost a Cinderella, rags to riches story with a dystopian-type background. I say ALMOST Cinderella because America Singer (really didn't care for the name, by the way) didn't want to be a part of all this, didn't want the Prince, the attention, and all that came with it... well, at first.

Prince Maxon (sawooon!) Really was all that AND a bag of chips in my opinion. He was very direct and to the point, not playing games. He was the only one who out of all the characters seems to be truly trustworthy. America, on the other hand, seemed like the typical teenage girl...a little whiny, dramatic, and taking huge risks. I did love the way she was herself, very indifferent with the competition, and didn't kiss up to the Prince. Aspen on the other hand... never really liked him even from the beginning, seemed to be too male chauvinistic for my liking.

The only thing that was really missing from this book, was more detail on the rebel attacks. Maybe Cass is waiting for the next book to throw all that in, but I wished there had been more of a hint to each rebel group.

Bring on book number two! I am ready for more Maxon BTW..LOVED his name!

A clean and fun book, if I had a teen daughter I would let her read it.

View all my reviews

It's May!

 Every year, especially in May, I try to spread the word about 2 things.  

1.  Brain Tumors.  My son Marcus, was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 15.  Brain cancer is one of the cancer's that cannot be cured. When he was diagnosed (2006) with Anaplasatic Astrocytoma, stage 3 cancer, these were the odds we were given:  

 Even with complete removal of the tumor and a margin of brain tissue around it, with radiation and chemo, they told us "Expect the worst".  They told us he only had 20% chance of surviving 5 YEARS!  How can you tell your child they only have a tiny chance of surviving a few years?  Marcus, only lived 2.  When the cancer came back, it was like a BEAST!  Took over his whole brain within weeks!  

2.  Childhood Cancer  People assume when they donate money to a cancer charity that it helps all those with cancer.  Not true!  Because a child's cells are still changing and developing, not all chemo's can be used on them.  We have to have separate research, testing, and studies for our precious children.  The last few years, the American Cancer Society gave only 2% of it's funding into Pediatric research!   Not enough!  We need to spread the awareness that our children are dying and WE are the only ones who can help!  

A fellow Mother, who lost her daughter to the same Brain Tumor as my son's, set up this site called the Wall of Courage.  Once a year she creates these beautiful logos which come on many type of (gear) T-shirts, Hoodies, waterbottles, mouse pads, bags, etc. and sells them.  All the proceeds go toward Pediatric Brain Tumor research. Here is one specifically in memory of my son, Marcus. 

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Or here is the 2012 Logo, with all the children's names in it, to support all children who suffer with this awful beast.

If you can, please help me pass on the awareness!  

Thank you for listening!! 

My Niece's first book!

I am thrilled to introduce LA Knight!
My Niece, but also a first time Indie Author! 

Summary: "Fetch the Crown of Black Glass from the Maze. Before day and night balance you must free the Knave. Pay attention, Alyssa, before it's too late."

That's the text Alyssa Carde gets on her first day at Pillar Preparatory Academy. New to the school for "teens with trouble adjusting," Alyssa just wants to get through her senior year without getting suspended (again).

But at Pillar, every student has to make a choice - Red or White. When Alyssa refuses to pick a side, and instead tries to search for the mysterious "Knave" from the mysterious messages someone known only as "the Smoke" keeps sending her, every choice she makes drags her and the haunted - and haunting - Jack Knightly deeper into the strange world of the witch queens of the Twilight Chessboard.

And both Alyssa and the Knave are running out of time.

Fighting and action took off from the beginning of this book.  I have to admit I was a little confused as why a young girl would have so many enemies, but that is what grabbed my attention and drew me into the storyline.

Alyssa's character was rough, cryptic, and raw. Most words that came out of her mouth were sarcastic, defensive and full of fire. Most of the book was written in her voice or point of view which had me giggling with her sardonic sense of humor.  

Jack, well he is the monster trying not to let the monster take over.  His heart is golden, but is trapped by a bond that has tortured him since childhood, literally.  He fights for his freedom, which only Alyssa can free him.  

One thing that I loved was the way the book went from Alyssa's point of view to Jack's.  Even though I enjoyed Alyssa's character, I craved a break from her thoughts and welcomed Jack's.  It gave it so much more dept to the storyline.  

The storyline to this was so creative!  Even though there were times where I felt a little lost, it all fell into place later. 

This being LA Knight's first book, I see a lot of promise for such a young writer.  With her creativity and writing skills, I can't wait to see what happens next!!! 

~This book contain a lot of blood and violence.~

This book is available on Amazon.com and Kindle.