Interview and giveaway with Kate Kaynak

 

Kate lives in New Hampshire with her husband and three children. She enjoys traveling, reading, writing, photography, drawing, movies, and fighting crime with her amazing superpowers. She has a PHD from Rutgers, where she has also taught. She has written screenplay, a stand alone novel, Bagastana and her Ganzfield novels (Minder and Adversary are currently out with an expected 4 more to come).
Read more at her personal site , or Ganzfield site here
Minder is available for purchase here, and Adversary here
You can find my review for Minder here

And without further ado, here is the interview:

--How did the idea for Minder come to you?
Minder started as a thought experiment.  I'd recently read both the Twilight and Sookie Stackhouse series, and both have prominent telepathic characters. In both cases, these characters fall in love with people whose thoughts they CAN'T read. I wondered what kind of person a telepath COULD fall in love with, innermost thoughts and all. And what kind of person would be comfortable in a relationship with someone who knew their every thought?
--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with?
I have a major book-crush on Trevor, but Maddie would probably kill me if she knew, so they're both out.  Drew would be fun, though, and I'd enjoy picking Dr. Williamson's brain (so to speak). I'd say my "least like" would be Isaiah Lerner.  He's only mentioned in Minder, but becomes a major player in the next books.
--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?
I make time when I can--usually when my kids are running around the playground or the playroom here at home.  I just finished Holly Black's White Cat a couple of days ago, and I can't wait for the next books of the series. As for favorites, I have to give nods to Card's Ender's Game, Carriger's Soulless, Westerfield's Uglies series, Rowling's Harry Potter books, Maguire's Wicked, Robinson's Mars series, Adams' Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Willis' Doomsday Book, etc. I have eclectic tastes that run from YA and chick lit to hard sci-fi, but I think the one thing thats constant is that they all have strong, memorable characters.

--If a fairy godmother told you your life could be exactly like a favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?
Is it bad form to say my own? :)
If not Ganzfield, then Hogwarts, please! As long as I don't have to be a muggle. --Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on Ganzfield "playlist-" songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?
I need coffee to remember how to BREATHE, let alone write. As for inspiration, the song "Mad World" (both the Gary Jules and Adam Lambert versions) unlocked Minder from my head.  I had these ideas bumping around and going nowhere for weeks, then, in the space of a three minute song, they became clear. BTW, those two versions collectively have more than 1500 "plays " listed on my computer. They transport me back to Ganzfield every time. 
--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
I'd probably want to be a charm (mind-control) or an RV (remote viewer).  The others are more trouble than they're worth. --Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?
What is this "free" time of which you speak? :) 
I hang out with my kids (I have three under age 6).  
--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?
Just "Thank you for reading!" It amazes me that other people enjoy hanging out with my imaginary friends, too.  

And now it is contest time-- Here is what you can win:

Winner's choice of signed Minder or Adversary (not signed for international) 

  Or  

Rules-  
-Ends Oct 14th at midnight
-Open international, but signed copies are only for US addresses

Extra entries: (NOT required)
+1 Be a follower of my site
+1 Follow Kate' blog "The Disgruntled Bear" 
+1 comment on review of Minder here (at least a few sentences please)
+1 Follow me on Networked Blogs (found on left sidebar)
+1 Like Ganzfield on Facebook which can be found by clicking here
+1 for tweeting contest (can be done once every 24 hours)
+3 Joining swagbucks under my referral link here (It is free and legitimate. You can earn points for gift cards or other prizes just by searching the web
+3 for posting a review of Minder (if you do after you enter intitially just let me know and I will manually add)



Form for extra tweets 



Thanks and Good luck! 

Date with a celebrity

Well, my date would have to be a 3 way.
And that is not as dirty as it sounds, lol. Since I am married, I would want to pick my husband's idol Marty Brodeur from the New Jersey Devils, so we could chat it up with him. And if we're picking a movie, I guess it would have to be Slap Shot, because I don't think I could convince my hubby and a bad a** hockey player to watch Eclipse with me. :D

Who would you choose?
If I weren't married, or not feeling so benevolent (or if it weren't illegal- take your pick, I might chose Taylor Lautner)
(YUM. Though I am an Edward fan, I am not a Pattinson fan, and I can't really think of who MY Edward looks like-- who does he look like in your mind?)

This is all part of Princess Bookie's Contest Craze:



And this is Mini Challenge Number 2

This Mini Challenge Consists Of:

Date A Celebrity!

-Close Your Eyes!

-Imagine You Just Won A Contest Consisting Of A Date (Dinner And A Movie)

-You Get To Choose Any Celebrity/Singer/Sports Star To Go On A Date With
-FYI:Cartoon characters are exempt.

Have a banned book review?

Sign up at A Trillian Books

The theme this week is banned books, so if you have a review of one (banned, or at least controversial), add your linky. I will try to visit as many as I can! 

My review of Forbidden is linked and you can find it here

Review: Minder by Kate Kaynak

 

Minder by Katie Kaynak

Sixteen-year-old Maddie Dunn is special, but she needs to figure out how to use her new abilities before somebody else gets hurt. Ganzfield is a secret training facility full of people like her, but it's not exactly a nurturing place. Every social interaction carries the threat of mind-control. A stray thought can burn a building to the ground. And people's nightmares don't always stay in their own heads. But it's still better than New Jersey--especially once she meets the man of her dreams...

Book link goes to book depository and teaser and photo from Goodreads.com
Kate's site is here
Published June 2010
First in Ganzfield series (#2 Adversary is already out)

**My rating: 5/5**

*My Review*

Minder grabbed my attention and did not let go! This has supernatural powers, an awesome love story, and a protagonist that I can admire, she can stand her own. Maddie is a strong character, a protector, quick learner and holds her own ground. She questions the immediate attraction to her love interest, instead of just simply accepting love at first sight. I like that because they know what each other is thinking, there is a real reason for this quickly developing relationship. There is no room for subterfuge. While the love story is strong element, Maddie still pays attention to other duties.

Forgive the Twilight reference here, but I always wondered if the appeal to Bella would have been so high if Edward could read her thoughts, and come up empty. Minder however, is from the mind reader’s perspective, and I love that Trevor is sweet, caring and selfless enough to pass the test; and deserving of love.  However, he is not perfect and I think that is actually an outstanding characteristic in novels. His issues can be worked through though, as Maddie can read his insecurity and fuel it toward positive.

The minor characters are well thought out, and they are diverse in personality which is amazing to read. Sometimes all of the groups of characters have the same personality and voice, and it was refreshing to see. Dr Williamson is a wonderful lead and father type figure. Maddie looks for his approval and it is good to have someone steady and there to mentor her.

Minder deals with some deep issues, the characters struggle with death, murder and the moral ramifications; because where is the line of too evil to live? She strives for equality among the supernatural and for evilness to be quelled. There are times when she herself steps over the line that she doesn’t want crossed, but she has support and friends to help her find her way. Faith is also touched on but there is nothing pushy or negative about it. It is done beautifully and it relates with scenes that are taking place.

This is also a book with humor laced in- I absolutely love it when books make me laugh. There was much fun poked at New Jersey, but I think that NJ is a big boy and can handle it. J There are also lighthearted sections such as when fireball is being played that for me if for some reason reminiscent of Quidditch in Harry Potter.

This book is a part of a series, but the ending is done well; where I want and crave more, but it is not making me want to throw the book because of where it left me.  The story is tied up well enough to sustain for a bit, but loose enough to make me think about what will happen next.

This is a wonderful novel, and I cannot wait to read more. I recommend picking it up!

Keep your eyes out, and be a follower (old followers get an extra entry) into my contest coming on Thur 30th-- there will be an interview and giveaway!

Fall into Reading Challenge

Hosted by Callapidderdays

The challenge goes  September 22nd, through December 20th.

My list of books for this challenge are as follows (links goes to the book depository)

-

Minder by Kaynak

-Appointment with a Stranger by Thesman

  - The Mark by Bunderson

 


  Beautiful Creatures 

- Beautiful Darkness

  Fallen

Torment

You Wish

The Duff

Beautiful Malice

Merger by Wheeler

Fault Line

How it Ends Wiess

Are you participating? It is a low pressure, fun challenge! You should check it out

Top 10 Tuesday

  
This week the topic is fictional couples, and since I have done similiar before, this time will be based on the actual couple not who I think is swoonworthy or want for myself ;)

1. Ron and Hermione (Harry Potter)
2. Gavin and Nora (Light of Asteria)
3. Trevor and Maddie (Minder)
4. Dimitri and Rose (Vampire Academy)
5. Jaspar and Alice (Twilight)
6. Sam and Grace (Shiver)
7. Derek and Chloe (Darkest Powers)
8. Yelena and Valek (Poison Study)
9. Stephan and Elena (Vampire Diaries)
10. Richard and Kahlan (Sword of Truth)

Anyone on your list not on mine?

Mini Challenge

I am going to be hosting a mini-challenge, and although I have a couple of ideas, I wanted to see if you had any ideas that you would like to see for the topic.
It can be a list, top 5, questions, anything that could be classified as a mini-challenge!

As an extra incentive, if you submit and idea, you get a chance for an extra entry in my Welcoming the Fall contest (2 chosen by Random.org, and you may submit up to 3 different ideas), and if I chose your submission for my mini-challenge, I will give you 5 extra entries.

Catch up read-a-thon results

I didn't complete my goals, but it was a lot of fun. I finished Crave and Handle with Care, and I am about halfway through Halo!
Now, crossing my fingers for a win!

Did you participate? If so, how did you do?

Top 5 in 2011

This is Part of Contest Craze at Princess Bookie

Winner will be chosen and recieve ARC prize pack

And here is my list (in no particular order)

 The Secret of the Keepers: Kailmeyra's Strength by Elizabeth Isaacs I want this one because I loved the first book so much and I want to see more of Nora and Gavin, and see their relationship further develop.

The Iron Queen: Julie Kagwa The Iron Fey has quickly become a favorite of mine and I want to see more Ash of course, and what will happen next.

Clockwork Prince by Cassie Clare I want to know more of Jem's story and give him a chance to shine. I want to learn more about Tessa's gift as well.

Lemniscate: Angel Star #2 by Jennifer MurgiaI really enjoyed the purity of relationships in the first book and want to see more!

Entangled by Cat Clarke This just sounds like a book that I would love and it has an awesome cover. 

 

What are your picks?

IMMB 22

In my mailbox is a weekly meme started at The Story Siren which explores the contents of your mailbox and is designed to put new books on the radar, and encourage blogger interaction.
And here is what I got: (book links go to book depository)

                                             

Crave by Laura Burns and Melinda Metz
My review is here








  

The Candidates (Delcroix Academy Book 1) Inara Scott
My review is here










Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult

My review is here

Dreamland by Dessen
My review is here








Other posts of interest:
Welcoming the Fall Giveaway
Top 5 Sundays: PNR Romance
News

Comment system- what do you think/like?

Do you like the blogger comment system? I know that I have been a little frustrated because I wish there was a thread like way to reply to comments (such as how Wordpress does it).

Or do you not check back to see if blog author responds? I know that I try to, but I don't always unless I ask a question. I would prefer a visit to my blog. 

I have been debating on switching to Intense Debate (like 21 pages has). The only thing is you have to log-in (or I won't be able to visit your blog back and comment on your posts). Once you are logged the first time, you seem to stay that way for a while. I think I prefer this one if I switch, but it is all about YOU!
Do you comment less on blogs that you have to sign in ?

So, tell me what you think!

Review: Handle with Care by Picoult

Handle With Care
Release: Sept 15 2009
Book links to Book Depositroy and teaser from Goodreads.com

"Every expectant parent will tell you that they don't want a perfect baby, just a healthy one. Charlotte and Sean O'Keefe would have asked for a healthy baby, too, if they'd been given the choice. Instead, their lives are made up of sleepless nights, mounting bills, the pitying stares of "luckier" parents, and maybe worst of all, the what-ifs. What if their child had been born healthy? But it's all worth it because Willow is, well, funny as it seems, perfect. She's smart as a whip, on her way to being as pretty as her mother, kind, brave, and for a five-year-old an unexpectedly deep source of wisdom. Willow is Willow, in sickness and in health." Everything changes, though, after a series of events forces Charlotte and her husband to confront the most serious what-ifs of all. What if Charlotte should have known earlier of Willow's illness? What if things could have been different? What if their beloved Willow had never been born? To do Willow justice, Charlotte must ask herself these questions and one more. What constitutes a valuable life?"

Jodi's websit: http://www.jodipicoult.com/

**My rating: 4/5**


*My Review*


    Handle with Care is a heart-wrenching novel about illnesses and family relations. Picoult writes in such a way that I am not sure who is right and wrong, or what side I should be on. The lawsuit is trying and it almost breaks the family because they feel the same way.

   This is written from multiple points of view, and for the most part she does well at distinguishing voices and making distinct characters and personalities, but I did get confused some when it switched so often. Also this book is written in letter form to Willow, so it uses "you" which felt off to me at some places.

   This really made me think about how families react, how I view disabilities, and how I take things for granted. It shows how twisting the truth can really be a slippery slope.

   And, although some called it predictable, the ending surprised me, and I can't decide if it is fitting or not.

I would love to hear what you think of my review and/or the book!

Dear Readers

Disclaimer: I borrowed this tutorial from Good and Crazy People. While I did not write it, I would love to share it with you!  
 
How can I link my email address to my blogger profile?
Please.

For me?

Would you mind? It's easy I promise.

Will you edit your blogger profile to SHOW your email address?

I really want to reply to YOU. I have no idea who No-Reply is? I'm sure she's nice and all. But I just replied to 15 comment emails and AFTERWARDS realized half of them were to Ms. Fancy Pants No-Reply. Crap.

How to add your email to your blogger profile. (A tute)

Why? I love to reply directly to YOU when you comment! And it’s goofy to put a response to my blog in your blog comments!
{Don’t worry. I promise I’ll be the first one to comment on your lovely post!}
Go to your Dashboard (click customize at the top of your blog then dashboard):

• Step One: Open your profile page, click EDIT Profile on left side of profile.
  (If you need help finding your profile page let me know).
• Step Two: make sure the box marked show my profile and show my email address are checked.
• Step Three: Under Identity, add the email address you want comment replies to be sent.
• 
  
  

  Optional, change your display name to match your blog somehow?
  Or leave as your fist name? (I use Carissa{GoodNCrazy} so people can relate it back to my blog).

• Step Four: scroll to bottom and click save!

There!
You did it. Now come back and comment, so I can reply to you in real email form!!
Thanks.

News

So, I have several smaller posts that I am going to combine--

Update on Catch-Up-Readathon

Finished Crave and reviewed
Finished Handle with Care and will review after bible study


I am participating in the Comment Exchange Program at YA Addict

 You should check it out. 


My cover is part of round one voting at YA Addict's Light of Asteria re-create a cover contest. Please go vote: http://yaaddict.blogspot.com/2010/09/round-one-light-of-asteria-cover-re.html


I am participating in Pure Imagination's Saturday Situation: 

 
 I have a new blog button (please grab it), and I am on Networked Blogs (if you are a part, consider following me and I will follow back!)


And of course, I am part of the Welcoming the Fall giveaway, here is my contest and a list of the others.
 

Review: Crave by Laura Burns and Melinda Metz

Crave by Laura Burns and Melinda Metz Release: Sept 21 2010 

Book 1 (can't find info about book 2 release date)
Here is authors' website
Book link goes to Book Depository and teaser from Goodreads.com

"Shay has had a rare blood disorder since she was born. In fact, her mother married one of Shay’s doctors, Martin, who left his world-renowned leukemia research to try and figure out exactly what the disorder is and how to cure it. When she turns seventeen, Martin begins to give her new blood transfusions that make her feel the strongest she has ever felt. But she also has odd visions where she sees through the eyes of a vampire. At first, she thinks she must be imagining the visions, but when she begins to see Martin’s office in them, she knows she has to check it out. That’s when she finds Gabriel, a sexy, teenaged vampire, imprisoned in Martin’s office. The connection she has built with Gabriel compels her to set him free. But when he kidnaps her in an attempt at revenge on Martin, their lives become deeply intertwined. She doesn’t know the half of it."

**My Rating: 4/5** 

*My Review* 

Crave is very fast paced, and gives us a new twist on vampires, and it throws in another element that I like to read about- a girl with an illness. I felt like I could connect okay with Shay the main character, it didn't get too emotionally involved in the first part of the book, where it focused on her illness and her limitations. When she starts receiving the blood transfusions and feeling better she does some crazy stuff, and while I understand where she is coming from, she is being a bit ...more              
        Crave is very fast paced, and gives us a new twist on vampires, and it throws in another element that I like to read about- a girl with an illness. I felt like I could connect okay with Shay the main character, it didn't get too emotionally involved in the first part of the book, where it focused on her illness and her limitations. When she starts receiving the blood transfusions and feeling better she does some crazy stuff, and while I understand where she is coming from, she is being a bit selfish toward her mother, and her friend Olivia. Both of which have a great presence in this book.
      Shay's mother is written as how I see a mother should be- making her children a priority, loving and sacrificing for them, wanting the best for them. This is a new trend that I am seeing a bit more and liking in the YA genre, rather than the absent parents. Olivia, her friend, knows her and balances (well in my opinion, but not so well in Shay's opinion at times during the book) treating her as a normal girl, and being concerned and alert enough to her condition and the signs of weakness. This really touches my heart because you have to be pretty mature to maintain a friendship like this.
       The book starts picking up and adding the element of mystery when Shay gets the "tweeked new and improved" blood transfusions. She starts seeing visions, experiencing the life of a vampire named Gabriel. She sees snippets of his past while she is receiving blood.
       In the second part of the book we get to actually meet Gabriel. She rescues him, and this becomes a theme of rescuing each other for the rest of the book, and it is downright sexy to read. Gabriel's character is a unique mix of traditional vampire and Burns and Metz' own ideas. They explore what it means to really live, experience, and feel.
       The reasons that I could not give full 5 stars is there is a few of the more explicit curse words (at least in ARC) that really don't seem to be necessary. And the ending!! Oh my goodness, can you say CLIFF HANGER???? I wish that there was some bit of closure, but it is almost like there is about 50 pages missing and I need a bit more resolution until my next feeding (ie the next book).
        However, that said, I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend this to YA, paranormal romance fans. They have a good something going with this first book, and I am craving more!!


I would love to hear what you think of my review and/or this book. 


(Personal plug, I now have a blog button if you would like to add it to your blog, and I am now on Networked Blogs, I would love more followers on there--I really appreciate all of my readers- you are amazing!)

I need your help/opinion

I have been chosen to do a guest post in October with Mandy Hubbard. I have never done a guest post, so I don't know what readers want, or what I should ask (I am supposed to request a topic).

So let's hear it-- what topics would you like to see Mandy discuss?

Do you have any tips for hosting a guest post??

Thanks! You all are awesome!

Welcoming the Fall Giveaway (Now Closed)

This event is hosted by Good Choice Reading-- here is what you can win on my blog

1st Prize: Choose between these books
Dead Before Dark
Firespell
Betrayal (Shields)
Lost for Words
Sing me to Sleep
Still the One by Robin Wells
Almost to Die for
Radiance
Dark Song
Rising Shadow
AND Swag: Signed Freefall bookmark, Freefall magnet, Return to the Heart bookmarks, Signed Emerald Talisman

OR

$5 Amazon gift card (If you can order from amazon.com or amazon.uk or amazon.ca then you are eligible for this prize, but if not amazon.com please tell me so that I can purchase appropriately)

2nd Prize: Swag Pack
Signed Freefall bookmark, Freefall magnet, Return to the Heart bookmarks, Signed Emerald Talisman bookmarks, Wicked Lovely Tattoo, Princess for Hire bookmark, Dancing with werewolves bookmark, Overprotected bookmark, Prophecy of Sisters bookmark, To Kill a Mockingbird Bookmark, Signed Forget-her-nots bookmark, Forget-her-nots tattoo

3rd Place: Swag pack
Signed Freefall bookmark, Freefall magnet, Return to the Heart bookmarks, Signed Emerald Talisman bookmarks, Wicked Lovely Tattoo


CLOSED

Want me to read your review?

 Well my review of Light of Asteria, one of my favorite books, is posted on A Trillian Books, as part of her Read My Review Challenge.
Won't you come and participate with us? Read mine, I will read yours :D

Here is my review And here is the link to her site

How to Re-Create a Cover (or at least a simple way)

I have had a few comments on my re-create a cover entry that I made, saying that they wanted to be able to make one but don't know how, or don't have the software. Well-- I didn't either, but the following is how I did it. Feel free to use the comments to tell any alternate ways, or ideas you have, and I will include in my post.

I just did a search for the image I wanted to use. You have to make sure image is not copy-writed. For example, I used photobucket and searched for heart tree, since the story I was creating for is about love and the tree was part of one of the scenes, but it could be whatever idea you have. Or you could draw something if you have those types of talents and scan it into computer.
To add the title, I used the edit image part of photobucket (but you could use a photo editing program on your computer or a site like picnik on yahoo), and added my text.

There may very well be a better or easier way, but this is  the only way that I knew how to do it.

Review: The Candidates by Inara Scott

  The Candidates (Delcroix Academy Book 1) Inara Scott

Release: Aug 24 2010 (can't find anything about book 2)
Recieved from Book it Forward

Link goes to Book Depository and teaser from Goodreads.com
"Dancia Lewis is far from popular. And that's not just because of her average grades or her less-than-glamorous wardrobe. In fact, Dancia's mediocrity is a welcome cover for her secret: whenever she sees a person threatening someone she cares about, things just...happen. Cars skid. Structures collapse. Usually someone gets hurt. So Dancia does everything possible to avoid getting close to anyone, belieiving this way she can supress her powers and keep them hidden.

But when recruiters from the prestigious Delcroix Academy show up in her living room to offer her a full scholarship, Dancia's days of living under the radar may be over. Only, Delcroix is a school for diplomats' kids and child geniuses--not B students with uncontrollable telekinetic tendencies. So why are they treating Dancia like she's special? Even the hottest guy on campus seems to be going out of his way to make Dancia feel welcome.

And then there's her mysterious new friend Jack, who can't stay out of trouble. He suspects something dangerous is going on at the Academy and wants Dancia to help him figure out what. But Dancia isn't convinced. She hopes that maybe the recruiters know more about her "gift" than they're letting on. Maybe they can help her understand how to use it...But not even Dancia could have imagined what awaits her behind the gates of Delcroix Academy"

**My rating: 4 of 5 stars**

*My Review*

The Candidates is a unique twist on a well-trod theme (boarding school for kids with special gifts). I love the X-men feel to it, the levels of powers, the elemental uses.
This is a first book in a series, so the pacing is a little slow, but that is not a bad thing. We get to enter into the world, discovering things with Dancia, we get to make our own decisions about characters as they are introduced, and we get to be in suspense learning what is really going on at Delcroix.
I loved the characters! Dancia is a wonderful main character, and I was rooting for her all along. She is brave, and loyal- making strange things happen when those she cares about are in danger, or if she feels injustice is being served. She is a very mature 14 year old, and she has an easy to read voice. Her friends, Hennie and Ester are wonderful and funny; just what I would want in my best friends. And, yes there is a love triangle! It is well written and I am torn right along with Dancia for a while. I ended up chosing Jack (make of that what you will.)
The book did end with quite a cliffie, so I am eagerly awaiting the next book, but will have to wait a bit.

I would love to hear what you think of my review and/or of this book.

Voting is open!

Go vote for your favorite cover re-make. (One of them is mine but I won't tell you in this post which one!)

YA Addict is hosting this event, and you can view, and vote for your favorite. 

http://yaaddict.blogspot.com/2010/09/round-one-light-of-asteria-cover-re.html

Please help make this event a success!

Light of Asteria is one of my favorite books and this is helping to generate buzz. 

Catch up read-a-thon

Catch Up Read-a-thon
Hosted by The True Book Addict (Sign up on her site)
Runs from today Mon 20th- Sun 26th

Participants will be entered to win a $20 gift certificate from Better World Books

Here is what I will attempt to read this week:
-Crave
-Handle With Care
-Merger
-Illyria
-This World we live in

Alternates:
-You Wish
-Fault Line

Review: Dreamland by Dessen

Dreamland by Sarah Dessen

Link goes to http://www.bookdepository.com
Description from goodreads.com
"trange, sleepy Rogerson, with his long brown dreads and brilliant green eyes, had seemed to Caitlin to be an open door. With him she could be anybody, not just the second-rate shadow of her older sister, Cass. But now she is drowning in the vacuum Cass left behind when she turned her back on her family's expectations by running off with a boyfriend. Caitlin wanders in a dream land of drugs and a nightmare of Rogerson's sudden fists, lost in her search for herself. Why do so many girls allow themselves to get into abusive relationships--and what keeps them there? In this riveting novel, Sarah Dessen searches for understanding and answers. Caught in a trap that is baited with love and need, Caitlin must frantically manage her every action to avoid being hit by the hands that once seemed so gentle. All around her are women who care--best friends, mother, sister, mentor--but shame keeps her from confiding in any of them, especially Cass, her brilliant older sister, whose own flight from home had seemed to point the way."

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My review:

This is a raw read, but beautifully written. It is quite a journey, but I could really feel where Caitlin, the main character, is coming from, why she made the decisions she did, and how an abusive relationship could develop.
The relationship between Caitlin and her sister Cass is well done, and it is heartbreaking to read and feel with Caitlin when her sister leaves home. She is jealous of her, the seemingly perfect sister, but she loves her and they know each other really well.
The story gets difficult when Caitlin decides to remake herself, and be what Cass was not. She joins cheerleading, which she hates, and then meets Rogerson, the mysterious hair boy. She falls in love with him, and gets past his walls. But he is abused, and then the abuse begins with Caitlin. She goes into this dreamlike state, and tries to deny what is happening to her, that it is not the real Rogerson that does these things to her, but as they happen more and more, she hides it while desperate to be found out.
It really shows how someone abused can feel trapped, and not want to leave because they love the abuser, and often the abuser has a second side, who is sweet, smart, and loveable.
Dessen's writing is beautiful, and leaves you wanting more.

I would love to hear what you think of my review or of this book!

Top 5 Sundays: PNR (Paranormal Romance)

 

Top 5 Sundays

Hosted by Larissa's Bookish Life

This week's theme:

Top 5 PNR (paranormal romance) in no particular order

Twilight 

Vampire Academy

The Light of Asteria: Kailmeyra's Last Hope

City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments and Infernal devices in whole, just wanted to be able link)

Iron King

What about you? What are your top PNR? Feel free to just comment, or make your own post and link up with Larissa!

#Speakloudly Help stand up for Speak by Anderson

Here is Laurie Anderson's post: http://madwomanintheforest.com/this-guy-thinks-speak-is-pornography/
An influencial man wrote against having Speak in schools, calling it pornography. Please stand with the blogging community to support.
Check out that article, and #speakloudly feed on Twitter.

Here is a blogger's response, and links to other blogger's thoughts:
http://www.reclusivebibliophile.com/hell-hath-no-fury-like-the-book-community-scorned

New blog button!

If you like my blog, please advertise! I would love for my button to be on your blog! It will live under the welcome section on the right sidebar!

Grab my button

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Immb 21

In my mailbox is a weekly meme started at The Story Siren which explores the contents of your mailbox and is designed to put new books on the radar, and encourage blogger interaction.

And here is what I got: (book links go to book depository)

 

The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan
(from library)
My review is here

Thinandbeautiful.com By Liane Shaw  My review is here

Here is other things going on at my blog this week:
Tell me what you think of love triangles
Sexiest Book Heroes
My Shelf of Awesome-- what's on yours
I recreated a cover- won't you? (Chance to win an awesome book)

I would love to hear what you think and see what you got!