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Congratulations Katie Amanda!

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Autism Awareness Hop 2012

Annual Autism Awareness Giveaway Hop

April 11th to 17th

Hosted by: 

Lindsay @ Just Another Book Addict: 

http://justanotherbookaddict.blogspot.com/

Heather @ Fire and Ice Photo:  

http://fireandicephoto.blogspot.com/

Pixie @ Page Turners: 

http://www.pageturnersblog.com/

Kathy @ I Am A Reader, Not A Writer:
http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/

April is Autism Awareness Month.  To help spread the word about Autism & Asperger's, I'm giving away one of my most favorite books:

Synopsis:

Caitlin has Asperger's. The world according to her is black and white; anything in between is confusing. Before, when things got confusing, Caitlin went to her older brother, Devon, for help. But Devon has died, and Caitlin's dad is so distraught that he is just not helpful. Caitlin wants everything to go back to the way things were, but she doesn't know how to do that. Then she comes across the word closure- and she realizes this is what she needs. And in her search for it, Caitlin discovers that the world may not be black and white after all.

For More Information about Austism:

http://www.autismspeaks.org/index.php 

http://www.autism-society.org/ 

http://autism-resources.com/

*You do NOT have to be a follower to enter.

*Please leave your name and a way to contact you in the comment area of this post.

*I have one copy of this book available.

Good Luck and Happy Autism Awareness Month! I hope you learn as much from this book as I have.

City of Bones

City of Bones

(The Mortal Instruments #1)

by Cassandra Clare

512 pgs.

Young Adult

Synopsis:

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder—much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It’s hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing—not even a smear of blood—to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary’s first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It’s also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace’s world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . . .

First Line:

"You've got to be kidding me," the bouncer said, folding his arms across his massive chest.

My Thoughts:

My first thoughts as I began reading this was, "WOW!  How come I've never read this before?"  It has been out for several years and I've heard a lot of good things about it...and they were all true!  The good thing is, most of the rest of the series is already out, so as soon as I finished this book, I quickly ordered the next 3. So, if you try to get a hold of me in the next couple of days and there is no answer...you'll know I'll be letting my kiddo's run crazy as I'm curled up with a good book or two:)

Favorite Quote:

"Not everything that's true needs to be said." pg. 479

Read more about the author here.

A Discovery of Witches

A Discovery of Witches

(All Souls  Trilogy #1)

by Deborah Harkness

592 pgs.

Adult Fiction

Synopsis:

Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.

First Line:

The leather-bound volume was nothing remarkable.

My Thoughts:

Vampires have been off of my reading list for a while, so I was a little skeptical about this book.  However, once I started reading, I could not stop.  Not only does this book have vampires, but witches and many other magical creatures.  It was a fabulous read and I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in the series to come out!

Favorite Quote:

"There was something undeniably creepy about having a vampire stick a needle into your vein." pg. 163

Read more about the author here.

The Naming

The Naming

(Pellinor Series #1)

by Alison Croggon

528 pgs.

Young Adult

Synopsis:

Maerad is a slave in a desperate and unforgiving settlement, taken there as a child when her family is destroyed in war. She doesn't yet know she has inherited a powerful gift, one that marks her as a member of the noble School of Pellinor and enables her to see the world as no other can. It is only when she is discovered by Cadvan, one of the great Bards of Lirigon, that her true identity and extraordinary destiny unfold. Now, she and her mysterious teacher must embark on a treacherous, uncertain journey through a time and place where the forces of darkness wield an otherworldly terror.

First Line:

For almost as long as she could remember, Maerad had been imprisoned behind walls.

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed this book.  I was hooked from page one with the magic and medieval type setting.  It's a coming of age story with danger and twists lurking around every corner.  This is a series that I definitely will continue reading.

Favorite Quote:

"There is no shame in not knowing something," he said gently.  "The shame is in not being willing to learn." pg. 142

Read more about the author here.

A World Without Heroes

A World Without Heroes

(Beyonders Series #1)

by Brandon Mull

464 pgs.

Juvenile Fiction

Synopsis:

Jason Walker has often wished his life could be a bit less predictable--until a routine day at the zoo ends with Jason suddenly transporting from the hippo tank to a place unlike anything he's ever seen. In the past, the people of Lyrian welcomed visitors from the Beyond, but attitudes have changed since the wizard emperor Maldor rose to power. The brave resistors who opposed the emperor have been bought off or broken, leaving a realm where fear and suspicion prevail.

In his search for a way home, Jason meets Rachel, who was also mysteriously drawn to Lyrian from our world. With the help of a few scattered rebels, Jason and Rachel become entangled in a quest to piece together the word of power that can destroy the emperor, and learn that their best hope to find a way home will be to save this world without heroes. (from GoodReads)

First Line:

The prince dangled in the darkness, shoulders aching, ancient manacles digging into his wrists as he tried to sleep.

My Thoughts:

As always, Brandon Mull does not disappoint.  This is a great read for 9+.  Fabulous characters with a grand adventure and always a good message.  The only thing I did not like was the cliffhanger ending.  I guess I'll have to read the next book (which came out recently) to see what happens!

Favorite Quote:

Galloran shook his head.  "So many misconceptions surround the notion of heroism.  Far too many categorize a hero as a champion on the battlefield, a commander of legions, a master of rare talent or ability. Granted, there have been heroes who fit those descriptions.  But many men of great evil as well.  Heed me.  A hero sacrifices for the greater good.  A hero is true to his or her conscience.  In short, heroism means doing the right thing regardless of the consequences.  Although any person could fit that description, very few do.  Choose this day to be one of them." pg. 110

Read more about the author here.

The Son of Neptune

The Son of Neptune

by Rick Riordan

544 pgs.

Juvenile Fiction

Synopsis:

Percy is confused. When he awoke after his long sleep, he didn’t know much more than his name. His brain-fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa told him he is a demigod and trained him to fight. Somehow Percy managed to make it to the camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he had to continually kill monsters that, annoyingly, would not stay dead. But the camp doesn't ring any bells with him.

Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn’t do a very good job of it. When the Voice took over her mother and commanded Hazel to use her “gift” for an evil purpose, Hazel couldn’t say no. Now, because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk.

Frank is a klutz. His grandmother claims he is descended from ancient heroes and can be anything he wants to be, but he doesn’t see it. He doesn’t even know who his father is. He keeps hoping Apollo will claim him, because the only thing he is good at is archery—although not good enough to help the Fifth Cohort win at war games. His big and bulky physique makes him feel like a clumsy ox, especially in front of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely—enough, even, to share the secret he holds close to his heart.

First Line:

The snake-haired ladies were starting to annoy Percy.

My Thoughts:

This is the second book in The Heroes of Olympus Series.  And, just like the first, I loved this one.  My favorite character in this book happens to be the harpie named Ella.  She is always saying strange things, out of the ordinary, really funny and at times full of insight.  A great read!

Favorite Quote:

"Cinnamon rolls are good for harpies," she said.  "June twenty-fourth is a good day.  Roy Disney's birthday, and Fortuna's Feast, and Independence Day for Zanzibar.  And Tyson." pg. 496

Read more about the author here.