Blog Events and Updates

Hey Guys!! Hope your week is off to a great start. Just want to update you on some of the events I have coming up on the blog.

 1. The Borrowed Book Challenge starts TOMORROW!

I'm so excited to have 5 of you sign up for my challenge!! Would love to have some more of you. It's never too late!

2. I'm taking part in the Black History Month Giveaway hosted by Reflections of a Bookaholic & Mocha Girls Read. It starts tomorrow so be sure to check back for that!

3. I recently answered the Questionaire for Busting the Newbie Blues, hosted by Small Review. Check out my answers!

4. I'm taking part in Book Blogger Love-A-Thon on Feb 17th hosted by Katelyn @ Kate's Tales of Books and Bands! You must must must participate in this as it's all about showing love to bloggers and commenting as much as you can. It's such a feel good thing and I'm so excited to show you all some love! Check out Katelyn's post here.

Got anything going on on your blog?? Lemme know!

It's Monday, What are you Reading?? {7}

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey! It's a great way to plan out your reading week and get ideas from other bloggers as well!

Currently Reading:

Just Finished:

Sam's Letters to Jennifer by James Patterson

On The Shelf:

Kill Alex Cross by James Patterson

Double Identity by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Destiny the RockStar Fairy by Daisy Meadows

I have no idea when I'm going to find the time to read all those books. Do you guys have a lot of books just staring at you waiting to be read like me??

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Hey! Have you checked out my Borrowed Book Challenge starting February 1st??

There's still time to sign up!! 

It's a 3 month challenge that promotes borrowing from your library with a couple twists! Just click here for details on the Borrowed Book Challenge 2012!

Busting the Newbie Blues Questionaire!

This incredible bloggy feature is hosted by none other than the illustrious Small at Small Review. Although my blog is more eclectic than YA, I'm going to answer the "Established Blogger" questionnaire.

1. When did you start your blog?

I started LazyGirl Reads (former blog name) back in August 2010. I was at a temp job and had like 8 hours of free time. I saw this Christian book blogger and thought it was remarkable that she talked about books and did things called "Challenges" and had read alongs! I was like, I should join her! Little did I know, there were hundreds of book bloggers out there!

2. Do you ever still feel like a newbie?

I definitely feel like a newbie right now. I took a long hiatus, ranted about how much I "hated" most YA novels and stopped commenting as much as I used to and lost a lot of my devoted commenters. I also swtiched my URL and changed my blog name to La Toya, Literally. And all my LazyGirl Reads followers might not realize it's still me!

3. What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far? Did you make any mistakes new bloggers can learn from?

Major challenge that I"m still having is finding a large amount of bloggers who read Mystery/Suspense etc. or who generally read a wide range of things. I know about 5 or so bloggers that read as eclectically as I do.

I think a mistake I've made is to be a little too opinionated in the past. Initially, I was looking for more followers and daily comments. I would go to every blog I could and say a little something about what they wrote. Then I realized that I was just saying things like "I like that color!" or "Nice font you used!" or "Glad you had fun!"...which are exactly the comments that I DON'T want to give. I'm long winded and opinionated and want my comments to be truthful and always reflect who I am.

My suggestion to you is to always say what you think, and if you don't have any interest in what the blogger read or is saying, just don't say anything at all because you're at risk of sounding uninterested in what they worked hard on presenting to you.

4. What did you find most discouraging about being a new blogger? How did you deal with this?

I was just kinda hanging out when I first started. I had no desire to have anyone read what I was writing because I was too afraid they would be offended. So when I was new, I was kind like m'eh whatevs.

5. What do you find most encouraging?

Comments and awards were encouraging. It made me realize that people ARE reading and they DO care about what I have to say. And they like the way my blog looks.

6. If you could go back in time and speak with your newbie self, what five bits of wisdom would you tell yourself?

a. Time Manage

b. You don't have to post a million times a week

c. Stop speed reading, this isn't a race

d. Start a book club

e. Have fun!

7. What do you like best about the blogs you read? Have you tried to replicate this in your blog?

I always enjoyed seeing Crazy for Books' buttons and Book Chick City's graphics. It sounds funny but I like to see a really nice blog and then I check out the content. I've tried to make my blog as colorful and aesthetically pleasing as possible but am always working toward making it better.

8. What do you dislike about blogs you’ve seen? Do you try to avoid this?

I don't like blogs that aren't easy to navigate and I try not to have anything that slows my page down and what-not.

9. How did you bring your blog to the attention of so many people?

Honestly, I did a bunch of giveaways. Do all those people read my page on a regular basis? Definitely not.  At the end of the day, those numbers look cool, but if I'm not having active conversations about my content, then it's like....what do all those followers *REALLY* mean? There's got to be another way to get some more traffic on an eclectic blog!

10. When and how did you get your first ARC (or first few ARCs)?

First ARC arrived late 2010 and I didn't like it very much. I didn't know how to break it to the author so I just wrote a sort of wishy washy review about it. I'm not too proud of that! HAHA. But other ARCs came from NetGalley and I don't think I liked those either.

Thanks so much for checking me out. Drop me a line and I will certainly respond and visit your blog.

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Hey! Have you checked out my Borrowed Book Challenge starting February 1st??

It's a 3 month challenge that promotes borrowing from your library with a couple twists! Just click here for details on the Borrowed Book Challenge 2012!

Book Review: Sam's Letters to Jennifer by James Patterson

Title: Sam's Letters to Jennifer by James Patterson
Genre: General Fiction
Where I got it: Brooklyn Public Library (ebook)

Read it in: 3 days

Jennifer returns to the resort village where she grew up to help a beloved relative-and ends up experiencing not one but two of the most amazing love stories she's ever known. The first is completely unexpected. In a series of letters that Jennifer finds, her relative reveals that she has concealed a huge secret for decades: Her great love is not the man she was married to for all those years. As Jennifer reads about this passionate partnership, she learns more about love's imperatives and secrets than she ever dreamed possible. And then comes the biggest surprise of all. At a time when she thought she could never love again, Jennifer lets her guard down for a moment-and is suddenly caught up in the greatest flight of exhilaration she's ever known.But, just as suddenly, she learns that this new love comes with an unbearable cost.Jennifer doesn't think she can survive the pain-but the letters she's been reading make her think that love may help her find a way. (Taken from Amazon.com)

You know, just when you think Patterson can only write one kind of book, he writes a sweet book like Sam's Letters to Jennifer. I was pleasantly surprised with this story.

It took me a few pages to really get into the plot. I had no idea that there was going to be a slight suspense aspect to it at all. Patterson works his magic that got me hooked on any of his other books. The chapters are a little longer than his books normally have, but we get to read a little bit of Sam's letters every few chapters or so. The letters always end on an interesting cliffhanger.

While Sam remains in a coma in the majority of the book, you fall in love with her. Probably even more than you actually like Jennifer. It's hard to like her with all of the emotions that she is going through. The subject matter is pretty sad and there are some tear jerking moments, but the story is overall enjoyable and entertaining. Oh, and addictive, like Lifetime movies.

Teaser Tuesday (5) : Kill Alex Cross

Teaser Tuesday is a fun and exciting meme hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading. The cool button is from Miss Page Turner at City of Books.

The rules are that you take a teaser from the book you're reading but make sure there are no spoilers!! Check out mine from James Patterson's Kill Alex Cross.

My Teaser:

"Her husband, Tari, was thirty-nine, pudgy everywhere, and hopelessly in love with his wife. They looked they had everything to live for, but in reality, the Al Dossaris were prepared to die at any time." page 26

Sinisterrrrrrr!!! I'm so excited to see where this book goes! Have any of you read any in the Alex Cross series? Or any James Patterson books??

Thanks for stopping by! Leave me a comment and link me to your Teaser if you have one! 

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Hey! Have you checked out my Borrowed Book Challenge starting February 1st??

It's a 3 month challenge that promotes borrowing from your library with a couple twists! Just click here for details on the Borrowed Book Challenge 2012!

Book Review: Rainbow Magic: The Night Fairies Series

Figured I'd switch it up a little after already reading such emotionally taxing books this year. I picked up a bunch of the Rainbow Magic books at the library last week so they could be nice "in betweens" for the harder stuff.

I read 4 out of the 7 books in this series and each one was cuter than the previous. The illustrations are fun and bubbly just like the stories. Rachel and Kirsty team up with the Night Fairies to retrieve their bags of magic dust from that no good Jack Frost!

The best part about reading these stories is that they remind me of some of the best cartoons in the 80s when I was growing up. Similiar to the Care Bears, My Little Pony and the almost forgotten Glo-Worms, these stories have a certain level of comfort to them. The conflicts are never too nail biting, there are strong parent characters and solid friendships that all children should be surrounded with.

A highly enjoyable series, I would recommend any of the Rainbow Magic books for Middle Graders and Independent Readers alike.

Hey! Have you checked out my Borrowed Book Challenge starting February 1st??

It's a 3 month challenge that promotes borrowing from your library with a couple twists! Just click here for details on the Borrowed Book Challenge 2012!

Borrowed Book Challenge 2012 hosted by me!

I found this awesome challenge on ShellyRae @ Book'd Out's page. It looked so cool that I asked if I could host it this year and she said yes! Woot! Check out some of the new details.

Challenge: Borrowed Book Challenge 2012

Lasts: February 1st  2012 - April 30th 2012

Details:
Similar to the Support your Libraries Challenge, this challenge is all about borrowing books from your library and supporting them in whichever way you can. Those of us with ereaders know how easy it is to check books out via that method as well! The possibilities are endless!! It will only last 3 months because I love mini-challenges.


Sign up for 1 of these levels: 

Bookworm 1-3 books

Bookie 5-10 books

Book Star 15- 20+ books

Mini-Challenges:
February - Check out and review one Romance book (even if it just has characters who are in love with each other, it qualifies)
March - Check out and review one book with a Green cover!
April - Create and post a library spotlight post (It can be your local library and why it's awesome. I will be spotlighting libraries all month so you can take a look at my examples)

I will post a wrap-up post with a linky at the end of each month for you to link up these posts.

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Prizes: Everyone who signs up and completes their level will get an exclusive Borrowed Book Challenge Award badge to flaunt on their page! Everyone's a winner!

At the end of each month I'm giving a US participant a book from my library (their choice) or an International participant a Amazon e-giftcard worth $5 bucks! Hey, it's something!

If you're interested, and I hope you are, link up your Master post here (you can list all the books you've checked out on that post and give me a little shout out on there as well!)

GO LIBRARIES!

My fav library, Central Library of Brooklyn Public Libraries

Book Review: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Title: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
Genre: Horror
Where I got it: Mid Manhattan Library (ebook)
Read it in: 2 days

At seven minutes past midnight, thirteen-year-old Conor wakes to find a monster outside his bedroom window. But it isn't the monster Conor's been expecting-- he's been expecting the one from his nightmare, the nightmare he's had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments. The monster in his backyard is different. It's ancient. And wild. And it wants something from Conor. Something terrible and dangerous. It wants the truth. From the final idea of award-winning author Siobhan Dowd-- whose premature death from cancer prevented her from writing it herself-- Patrick Ness has spun a haunting and darkly funny novel of mischief, loss, and monsters both real and imagined.(Taken from Amazon)

I've been trying to find the words to describe this incredible tale. I think I've finally got a few:

Stunning: There are pictures in this book, oh yes. I normally hate it when authors do that. It never gives me the opportunity to imagine, but these illustrations are perfect and spare. The are strategically placed and haunting.

Breathtaking: I don't quite understand the MC Conor. I don't get why he is the way he nor do I know anyone like him - but Patrick Ness makes the character unapologetically authentic and original. I'm astonished by the things that happen to Conor and what he says and does. And I'm most taken aback by his secret...

Otherworldly: The language "The Monster" uses ("That's why I came walking"), the tales he weaves into Conor's life, the twists and turns make me feel like this story transcends its genre.

Unforgettable: Will I ever forget this story? Doubt it. We read so many books in a year that we sometimes don't take time to savor the outstanding ones. I think it's safe to say that this tale will linger with me for a long time.

When it comes down to it, A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness is truly a winner. If you're into books that have a slight creepiness (okay probably more than slight) factor and an overall foreboding nature, do yourself a favor and pick this up.

It's Monday, What are you Reading?? {6}

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey! It's a great way to plan out your reading week and get ideas from other bloggers as well!

"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." 

~ Martin Luther King Jr

Just Finished:

PHENOMENAL! Review coming soon.

Currently Reading:

OMG, finally!!

Maybe Later:

What are you reading??

Book Review: Cherry the Cake Fairy by Daisy Meadows

Title: Cherry the Cake Fairy (Party Fairy #1) by Daisy Meadows
Genre: Middle Grade
Where I got it: Mid Manhattan Library
Read it in: 1 day

It's party time! A big bash for King Oberon and Queen Titania is underway in Fairyland. The Party Fairies keep everything running smoothly, until Jack Frost's goblins steal their magic party bags. Now parties everywhere aren't festive --- they're a flop! (taken from Google Books)

Wheeeee!!!! Everything about this book makes me so freaking happy I could literally explode into Pink and Gold glitter. Literally.

Rachel and Kirsty are at Kirsty's birthday party when a nasty goblin ruins her birthday cake, Cherry the Cake Fairy intervenes with the help of the rest of her fairy friends. This is the 2nd Rainbow Magic book I've read and all the sweetness, rainbows, pink frosting and glitter that I wanted, is in here!

This is a super cute, super short story for majorly girlie little girls. It sort of reads like a half hour kiddy cartoon with very clear "commercial breaks". Highly recommended for grades 2-4 or anyone who loves cute stories!

"Waiting on" Wednesday {21}: The Fear Index by Robert Harris

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a super meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine. 

I haven't done this one in a while but I figured today is a good day to do it! Just saw this book randomly on a FB advertisement of all places. And I'm definitely intrigued! Check it out!

At the nexus of high finance and sophisticated computer programming, a terrifying future may be unfolding even now.

Dr. Alex Hoffmann’s name is carefully guarded from the general public, but within the secretive inner circles of the ultrarich he is a legend. He has developed a revolutionary form of artificial intelligence that predicts movements in the financial markets with uncanny accuracy. His hedge fund, based in Geneva, makes billions. But one morning before dawn, a sinister intruder breaches the elaborate security of his lakeside mansion, and so begins a waking nightmare of paranoia and violence as Hoffmann attempts, with increasing desperation, to discover who is trying to destroy him.

Um, hell yes? Can't wait for this one.

Do you guys read books like these? What books are you looking forward to?

Book Soundtrack (2)

I started my own Music Monday last year. I was inspired by all the bloggers out there putting books to music. Since these are two of my loves, I kinda ran with it. Still trying to figure out if I want to give myself the option to do posts like these any time of the week!

Here is an retro-post I did for HATE LIST by Jennifer Brown.

The Book

At the end of their junior year, Valerie Leftman's boyfriend pulls a gun in the Commons, leaving six students and a teacher dead and many others wounded. Valerie is hit by a bullet in the leg trying to stop him, just before he ends his own life. Until that point, Valerie had no idea that the "hate list" that she and Nick created would be used to target victims in a vengeful shooting spree. For her, the list of tormentors was a way to ease the pain of being bullied and an outlet against the constant fighting between her parents. Although the police investigation reveals that Valerie had nothing to do with the actual shootings, many people in her community, including her parents, have a hard time believing that she is not at fault, too. With the help of a patient and insightful therapist, Valerie bravely returns to school after the summer to face the challenges before her..

This is one of the last books I read, definitely going in my top ten of the year. I'm dedicating this Music Monday to a very specific character in the book. One that we meet only through the eyes of the other characters, Nick Levil, the shooter. Enjoy Logh's "The Bones of Generations".

About the artist: Logh is a recent discovery of mine. They're this awesome post-rock band from Sweden that has indie rock and "shoegazing" elements because of their introspective lyrics and understated vocal lines. If you dig these dudes as much as I do, check them out!

Logh's Myspace page

Logh's Official Website

Book Review: The Immortalists by Kyle Wells

Title: The Immortalists by Kyle Wells
Genre: Suspense Thriller/Soft Sci-fi
Where I got it: Kindle Owner's Lending Library
Read it in: 4 days

 Dr. Richard Draman is trying desperately to discover a cure for a disease that causes children to age at a wildly accelerated rate--a rare genetic condition that is killing his own daughter. When the husband of a colleague quietly gives him a copy of the classified work she was doing before her mysterious suicide, Draman finally sees a glimmer of hope. Its stunning conclusions have the potential to not only turn the field of biology on its head but reshape the world. Soon, though, he finds himself on the run, relentlessly pursued by a seemingly omnipotent group of men who will do whatever it takes to silence him.
 (taken from Amazon.com)

Okay well, this was my first completed ebook! So I almost want to write a paragraph about my ebooking experience, but I will save that for another post.

After an immensely solid beginning (and I mean hair-raising), this story fizzled out a little bit for me.It wasn't because it's about scientists or any of the subject matter, it just kinda fell a little short for me. Don't get me wrong, I actually finished this one so that's saying something.

Loved:
The action, the drama, the wife and the daughter! Such strong female characters in a silent sort of way was refreshing to see in a book that revolved around men. I could see myself reading a book that was entirely about his wife or the life of his daughter. I also loved the sinister, backstabbing, murder scenes. Boy does Mills have a freaking dark side to him. It almost chilled me to the bones the way Dean Koontz can.

Didn't Love:
The ending. WTF was that? I'm not spoiling anything here but it was majorly rushed. I don't know if he ran out of ink or his hand got tired or something but I feel shortchanged.

Bottom Line:
The Immortalists is a sort of fast paced, sort of futuristic, sort of cool book that I was able to put down on multiple occasions, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Recommended for the Soft Sci-fi curious (and I mean soft) and Suspense enthusiasts.

TGIF: Book Resolutions & FF

(hosted by Ginger at G-reads!)

Book resolutions: Okay I listed a few last week and the week before, but I'd like to add to that:

• Attend or host at least one in person book club.
• Meet up with some NYC Bloggers!! Where you guys at?!?!
• Know when to put a book down, and not be afraid to say that I didn't like it.

hosted by Alison Can Read and Parajunkee!

Question of the Week: Go count the number of unread books sitting on your shelf. How many?

 Answer: Okay, it was 10 at first and now it's 21. I still think that's a lot although most of you have like 9208727810840174 books.

  

DNF: Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

In the spirit of my girl Small @ Small Review, I've decided to let you guys know about books that I just couldn't finish. Now, don't all show up to my doorstep with pitchforks and torches, but I couldn't get through everyone's favorite book and here's why:

Did Not Finish: page 91 of 183

• I couldn't identify with anyone in the story: And I mean anyone. Not Nick, not Norah, and sure as hell not Tris. I don't normally need to have something in common with characters but I really couldn't get past this fact in this story.

• Gratuitous swear words: Omg, I'm not a prude by ANY means, but dropping the F-bomb 32 times on one page loses some of its charm after you keep doing it over and over. 

• General disinterest in the characters: Okay so not only was I unable to identify with anyone, I really didn't care about what would happen to anyone. And I was extremely uninterested in following them through the seedy parts of the city. I like to escape into a book but this wasn't doing it for me.

All in all, I had to put it down after getting 50% of the way through. I found myself skimming and if there's one thing I'm not doing this year, it's reading a book "just because" to the point where I'm skipping chapters to get to the end. So while I'm so glad many of you bloggers out there loved this book, I gotta say this ain't my fav.

Did you read this? Do you disagree? Let's fight about it...to the death! (totally kidding)

On a serious note, if you did read this, please tell me what I might be missing about this story!

Couple Challenges 2012

Read Dystopia Challenge 2012

I tried and majorly failed a Dystopia Challenge last year, aiming for 30 books because I liked the name of the level. HA! This year I'm doing Sheila's at Book Journey. I'm also going to be a bit more realistic with my level. Complete Rules Here.

4-6 books (Intermediate Post World Trainee):

1. Double Identity by Margaret Peterson Haddix
2. When She Woke by Hillary Jordan
3. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
4.

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2012 Ebook Challenge

I got a Kindle Fire for Christmas!! So I can actually e-read. I'm excited to join this contest hosted by Sarah at Workaday Reads at the easiest level. Who knows, maybe I'll end up reading a zillion ebooks! Complete Rules Here.

5 Books (Floppy Disk):

1. The Immortalists by Kyle Mills

2. Sam's Letters to Jennifer by James Patterson

3. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

4. Scream by Mike Dellosso

5. Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella
6. The Moonlit Mind by Dean Koontz
7. Swimsuit by James Patterson

Have you signed up for these challenges? If not, why? Any suggestions for either of these?

Teaser Tuesday (4): The Immortalists

Teaser Tuesday is a fun and exciting meme hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading. The cool button is from Miss Page Turner at City of Books.
The rules are that you take a teaser from the book you're reading but make sure there are no spoilers!! Check out mine from Kyle Mills' The Immortalist.

My Teaser:

"Are there alligators in here?" Carly said, looking around as they started forward again.
"How should I know?"
"You're a biologist."
"Microbiologist. If there's anything in the world that's not micro, it's a goddamn alligator."

I got a good laugh out of this because it was some much needed comic relief. But don't be fooled by the comedy. This is an intense read!

Thanks for stopping by! Leave me a comment and link me to your Teaser if you have one! 

Book Review: I Don't Want to Kill You by Dan Wells

Title: I Don't Want to Kill You by Dan Wells (John Cleaver #3)
Genre:YA Horror/Paranormal
Where I got it: Borrowed from Brooklyn Public Library
Read it in: 4 days

Dan Wells introduced us to John Wayne Cleaver in the chilling novels I Am Not a Serial Killer and Mr. Monster. In I Don't Want to Kill You, Cleaver faces his toughest challenge yet.

John Wayne Cleaver has called a demon---literally called it on the phone---and challenged it to a fight. He’s faced two monsters already, barely escaping with his life, and now he’s done running; he’s taking the fight to them. As he wades through the town’s darkest secrets, searching for any sign of who the demon might be, one thing becomes all too clear: in a game of cat and mouse with a supernatural killer, you are always the mouse. (taken from Amazon.com)

The last in the John Cleaver series leaves a little to be desired but is still solid.

I'm a huge fan of teenage psychopath John Cleaver, really I am. So when I finished the first in the series, I moved on to the 2nd hoping to see him grow - and he did. In this one, he did too, but there was just a little bit missing for me. I can't put my finger on it, but I know that I want maybe 2 more books to at least get him out of his teenage years and see if he turns into Dexter or not.

There were a lot of shocking deaths in this one that left me feeling more disappointed than intrigued to continue reading. I feel like this book *should* go on to a 4th given the sort of cliffhanger ending it finished on. Mr. Wells, please continue this series! The world you created is on the verge of bursting off of the page, but if we end here, the reader might end up with a bad taste in their mouth like me!

Bottom line, I love this series too much to say that this book was bad, because it most certainly WAS NOT. I just need more.

Book Soundtrack (1)

I started my own Music Monday last year. I was inspired by all the bloggers out there putting books to music. Since these are two of my loves, I kinda ran with it. Still trying to figure out if I want to give myself the option to do posts like these any time of the week!

Here is an retro-post I did for Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver.

The Book

I read this book last year and it was one of the better YA novels I've read so far. I loved how much I hated the MC and then slowly but surely, I started to REALLY love her. Lauren Oliver, you are so excellent. I've been thinking of which book could best go with The Tourist by Radiohead and this one immediately popped into my head. The story revolves around a girl getting multiple chances to live the last day of her life the right way. Please enjoy The Tourist by Radiohead!

What if you had only 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 12th should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it’s her last. The catch: Samantha still wakes up the next morning. In fact, she re-lives the last day of her life seven times, until she realizes that by making even the slightest changes, she may hold more power than she had ever imagined.

The Artist

Radiohead is one of my favorite bands. While my taste in music ranges very widely, I'd say that they appear on my iPod more than any other band. They are an alternative rock band that infuses electronica, rock and other elements to make their one of a kind sound. I absolutely love them, they are musical geniuses. Check out Radiohead's official site!

Book Review/Read-a-thon Wrap up!

Well folks, I gave it the old college try. I got to 98 out 100 books for 2011 by the skin of my freaking teeth. I'm aiming a little lower this year but will try to get a little momentum going with the variety of books that I read. Here are the two independent readers I read to help me reach my goal:

Title: Josephine's 'magination: A Tale of Haiti by Arnold Dobrin
Genre: Children's Literature
Where I got it: On my shelves
Read it in: Less than a day
I found this book in my house as I was moving things out. My mom taught Pre-K and often times brought books home with her. Josephine's 'magination is illustrated but there is a long story that goes along with it, perfect for story time with young children.It follows an imaginative young girl who wants a doll but can't afford to get one. One day at the market, she meets a man who makes things with his imagination and tries to see if she can also make things with hers. An extremely well written glimpse into what life is like on a Caribbean island with black and white and color pictures to keep the child interested. I loved this one!

Title: I Hate English! by Ellen Levine
Genre: Children's Literature
Where I got it: On my shelves
Read it in: Less than a day
Another gem that I found as I was moving out my apartment, I Hate English is about a Chinese girl that is adjusting to life in America. She can't get used to the differences between English and her native language Chinese. It's written almost like a poem, flowing in a lyrical prose whose line breaks at the end to show her disdain for doing things in an American way. It's an honest telling of how hard it can be for a kid to adapt an entire new culture without any other reason that makes sense to them. There is of course a happy ending that I will let you read on your own! Highly recommended for all ages!