Taylor Swift and Pottermore :D

It's been over a week since my last post. I didn't even realize until today! Sorry, guys. It's been a busy few days. I've been finishing up summer work for next year, catching up with friends and planning for tomorrow night. What is tomorrow night, you ask?

Why, the Taylor Swift concert, of course! I'm going with my best friend to see Taylor Swift perform in Philly tomorrow night, so if you're there . . . comment on this post, I guess, and let me know what you thought of the show afterwards!

While Taylor is my favorite singer, I must say I'm nearly as excited for the opening act, Hunter Hayes. The boy who can play over thirty instruments, had an album at 7 years old and can write the cutest songs I've heard. Think Hunter's cute?

Yeah, I know. He's such a cutie! If only I had the money to get the V.I.P. access and actually meet him before the show . . . I can wait, though. He'll be such a star that he'll have his own tour soon enough.

In other news, J. K. Rowling's newest Potter addition, Pottermore.com was opened nearly a week ago. Anyone who was hoping for early registration could go on Pottermore at certain times of the day and unlock clues where you'd have to answer a question and find the Magic Quill. I was lucky enough to get on yesterday, so if you will be joining me on Pottermore before it's public release in October, look for LightScale212!

If you're sitting there, panicking about how you forgot to register . . . you have one more day! Clue 7 is said to be the easiest of the clues, seeing as they went down in difficulty through the week. I wish you luck and hope to see you on the site when I get on! :D

Hope to see some of you at the concert or on Pottermore! I bid you farewell for now!

Harry Potter

I saw the last movie of Harry Potter on July 15th, but I've been thinking more and more about it. There are so many things I want to know about what happens after the end. I'd love if J.K. Rowling continued with a series about any of the children (especially Lupin's son) or went back and did a novel on Snape and Lily's romance.

By the way, I don't think either of the things I mentioned above spoil anything. If you haven't seen the movies or read the books, don't look at my pictures though, cause they have spoilers.

Here are two collage-sort things I made for two of my favorite couples ever.

How can you not love these couples? They're adorable and so romantic. Seriously, I think they completed the series in such a great way. I don't care what people say, they're my favorite until the end of time.

So, there is my little flashback for the day, my love for Harry Potter. I think I'm going to go and reread the series now. Adios!

Two Reviews for the Price of One!

So, I picked up a book in the bookstore a few weeks ago and didn't get around to reading it. When I was in the tiny book store at my local mall a week or so ago, I saw the sequel. It was hardcover, and I didn't want to spend the outrageous twenty bucks. But because it had been scuffed a little on the corners, it was marked down to $4.00! I bought it and decided to read both books. So, here's a double review for you guys.
Expect another one coming as soon as I get my hands on the last book! Also, guys, sorry there's no pictures! It's not letting me post them at the moment. :( I'll post pictures of the cover in my next post if it lets me!

Title: The Summer I Turned Pretty

Author: Jenny Han

Summary: Belly (Isabel) measures her life in summers. Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August. Winters are simply a time to count the weeks until the next summer, a place away from the beach house, away from Susannah, and most importantly, away from Jeremiah and Conrad. They are the boys that Belly has known since her very first summer -- they have been her brother figures, her crushes, and everything in between. But one summer, one wonderful and terrible summer, the more everything changes, the more it all ends up just the way it should have been all along.


Stars: 4

Rate: 7


Pros: This book had really cute scenes that made me want my own summer romance, and I loved Belly's flashbacks of the past summers. The characters were all different and unique in their own special ways. I loved Jeremiah. He sounded so sweet!

Cons: Belly was a hard narrator to relate to at points, because she was immature. She had a selfish vibe that stayed throughout the story. While it was somewhat annoying, I got used to it and managed to move past it.

Overall Recommendation: This book is a good summer read for when you're sitting on the beach or on the plane ride to Florida. The story does have emotional, deep parts that may require some tissues, if you're like me. It was good story, though, overall.

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Title: It's Not Summer Without You

Author: Jenny Han

Summary: Belly, 16, lives all year for her summers at Cousins Beach. But when a family friend dies and the beach house tradition is threatened, she faces the season without her second family and without the boy she loves. In this follow-up to The Summer I Turned Pretty , Belly is still reeling from all that's happened since last summer. But mourning is even harder since Conrad has shut down, refusing to talk to Belly or anyone else. When he suddenly leaves school without explanation, his brother, Jeremiah, recruits Belly to help find and mend him. The trio find themselves at Cousins Beach after all, and the memories and feelings of the past come flooding back. Complicated and fragile, Belly's relationships with the two young men are put to new tests as she and Conrad come to terms with their relationship, and Belly and Jeremiah begin to build a romantic bond of their own.

Stars: 4.5

Rate: 8.5

Pros: This story was a good sequel. It had the obvious scenes that made me sigh in content, and then it had the parts that made my jaw drop. I fell in love with both of the boys and quickly picked which I wanted Belly to wind up with. I think Belly's choices with the boys and other topics were realistic enough to teenagers. There were things such as death, alcohol, romance and breaking rules . . . things that all people go through sooner or later.

Cons: Belly did grow up a little, and that was evident. Honestly, the only problem I had with this story was that it ended just when everything was coming together. The epilogue was confusing (as it was meant to be) and it made me feel like I was being left out of a secret, if you know what I mean.

Overall Recommendation: If you liked the first book, read this one. It was a good sequel and we all know we want to know which boy Belly falls in love with this time around.

Sisterhood Everlasting

Once upon a time, I fell head over heels in love with a series of books called The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. I even went so far as to get two of my old friends and we decorated this awesome t-shirt, but we never really got around to sending it and such. What a shame.

Anyway, when I discovered that the sisterhood was making a return, I dug my Kindle out of my dresser drawer and bought it right away. Here, for you to indulge on, is my review of the fifth and final book of the sisterhood's story.

Title: Sisterhood Everlasting

Author: Ann Brashares

Summary: From #1 New York Times bestselling author Ann Brashares comes the welcome return of the characters whose friendship became a touchstone for a generation. Now Tibby, Lena, Carmen, and Bridget have grown up, starting their lives on their own. And though the jeans they shared are long gone, the sisterhood is everlasting.
Despite having jobs and men that they love, each knows that something is missing: the closeness that once sustained them. Carmen is a successful actress in New York, engaged to be married, but misses her friends. Lena finds solace in her art, teaching in Rhode Island, but still thinks of Kostos and the road she didn’t take. Bridget lives with her longtime boyfriend, Eric, in San Francisco, and though a part of her wants to settle down, a bigger part can’t seem to shed her old restlessness.
Then Tibby reaches out to bridge the distance, sending the others plane tickets for a reunion that they all breathlessly await. And indeed, it will change their lives forever—but in ways that none of them could ever have expected.

Stars: 4.5

Rate: 9

Pros: Well, for starters, it was so interesting to see where all of the girls wound up. I loved how the story twisted and turned in so many different ways. Some of the things that happened were no-brainers, but others left my jaw hanging. It was a really emotional story that had so much background and character in it.

Cons: There were parts that dragged on, but not to the point of severe annoyance. While I did like the overall story and idea, some parts of the book (like what happens in Greece, for instance) made me frustrated and agitated. This book had a happy ending, but certainly not a happy beginning.

Overall Recommendation: This book was really great. If you have these little picture-perfect views, though, about how the girls should be and how they should've wound up, stop right now. If you can't set aside all those images that blossomed in your mind, then the book will feel like the crappiest thing on Earth to you, because it won't be what you wanted.

Once you set aside your own hopes for the girls, you'll really be able to dive into this book and love every page of it.

For fans of:

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour

First things first, I saw I have a few more followers . . . welcome! It's nice to know that people look at this every now and again.

Onto the book review . . . The other day I went into the bookstore and decided to spend $30 on four books (Two of them were combined into one) I read Amy and Roger's Epic Detour, one of the books I bought.
So, here is that promised review. I'm changing up the format of my reviews a little, so no need for alarm ;)

Title: Amy and Roger's Epic Detour
Author: Morgan Matson
Summary: Amy Curry thinks her life sucks. Her mom decides to move from California to Connecticut to start anew—just in time for Amy's senior year. Her dad recently died in a car accident. So Amy embarks on a road trip to escape from it all, driving cross-country from the home she's always known toward her new life. Joining Amy on the road trip is Roger, the son of Amy's mother's old friend. Amy hasn’t seen him in years, and she is less than thrilled to be driving across the country with a guy she barely knows. So she's surprised to find that she is developing a crush on him. At the same time, she’s coming to terms with her father’s death and how to put her own life back together after the accident. Told in traditional narrative as well as scraps from the road—diner napkins, motel receipts, postcards—this is the story of one girl's journey to find herself.

Stars: 5

Rate: 9.5

Pros: This book was exciting and adorable, all packed into one road trip. I loved Amy's perspective on things. I also loved how the author held off on saying what exactly happened in the car accident that scarred Amy.

The end was great, too. The writing part was fabulous, but the receipt at the end of the book told so much, too. Throughout the novel, the playlists, pictures and doodles really added to the story. They weren't flashy or over used; just enough to really pull you into the story.

Cons: Well, first of all, it was hard to let this book end for me. I wanted it to keep going and going, but alas, that happens with all great books. While I favored the way the author held off on the specific details of the crash, a friend of mine told me how she thought it could be somewhat annoying.

I guess it depends on what kind of reader you are and just how patient you can be.

Overall recommendation: I loved this book. I told another friend to put it at the top of her list. It's cute with serious concepts woven into the story. Great read!

For fans of . . .

Delirium

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

"I love you. Remember. They cannot take it."

That quote is possibly the quote for the entire book. I've never been so enticed with a book, so determined to keep reading, keep learning. I have no idea whatsoever how I'll wait until the next book comes out. It'll take a SWAT team to hold me down when it goes into stores.

Characters: I loved Lena as the story-teller. She reminded me of myself, with how paranoid she can be or how nervous. Lena really matured during the story in different ways, and I think it added to the reality of it all for teenagers and younger adults. Alex was mysterious and such a great character. I would say more, but it could give away too much. I loved Lena's family and friends, because they were all so different and had such a great impact on Lena, as a person and the way she lived.

Plot/storyline: This story was really original, and I loved how much work went into the backstory and how the world came to be like it was. The Wilds sounded so amazing. It made me wonder . . . is love a curse, or a gift? Or could it be both?

Overall: I loved it. L-O-V-E. I loved the book about love being a curse. Aren't I a hypocrite? The ending was phenomenal, and I can't wait for the sequel! Keep your eyes peeled, bloggers. This book will not escape the public without a bow.

"Love: It will kill you and save you, both"

The Carrier of the Mark

So, this book isn't actually released until October of 2011, but I was able to win an Advance Reader's Copy. I read this book last week while my school was doing testing, and I had a lot of free time. I decided I should review it, because I don't get many opportunities like this.

Characters: I really liked the characters, although in the beginning I did think that it was going to wind up be like Twilight. The characters were secretive and mysterious like the Cullens, but I think they were really different, and I enjoyed their individuality.

Plot/storyline: I don't want to give anything away, so I won't say much. I did love the story though. I wasn't expecting what happened, and I found myself dying to read more! It was suspenseful with romance and adventure. Great story!

Overall: While I did fear it would turn into a Twilight knock-off, I was pleasantly surprised. It had all the components of a great novel, and I don't know how I'm going to wait until it's publicly released to see what others think of it. I can't wait for the sequel either, but I think I may have to hold off until I start getting too excited for that.

This was definitely a great book. Borrow it from someone who won a copy or go and preoder your own copy right now! You'll want this book as soon as it comes out!

I am on a lucky streak :]

Happy Easter, guys! Or, happy Passover, I guess if you're Jewish. I dyed Easter eggs earlier. There's a picture of a few of the eggs with some quick use of Picnik :)

So, I won that 'Carrier of the Mark' ARC contest. By the way, I got the book in the mail and can't wait to start reading! I'm not sure if I'll do a review or not, becuase the book isn't publicly released until October, but I may drop a few hints for you guys once we get closer to the summer. :D

And then I entered the 'Die For Me' contest on inkpop.com and won again! I will be receiving . . .

Die For Me

The Last Little Blue Envelope (sequel to 'Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes')

Delirium

and Cloaked

I'm very excited. I'll make sure to do a book review on at least one of those books! I can't wait for them to come!! Because I don't have much for you today, here are some photos I took earlier today :)

I finished writing a book . . . .

Yeah, you heard me right. I just finished writing the last chapter of my second novel. It's 80,000 or so words, which means a 200 page book. Of course, I'm going to edit and add more, so who knows how big it'll actually get :)

So, Flashbacks of Juliet is done. I'll go back in a month or so and edit it all to the core. I'll probably add more to the story and really flesh out some of the parts I rushed through. If you wanna check out the first draft (Hey, in a few years, when it's published, you're going to wish you had!) go to this link:
http://www.inkpop.com/projects/12967/flashbacks-of-juliet/

Otherwise, I'll be reviewing 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' in a few days because I need to read it for school, and maybe you'll have to too.

Your Name Was Joey

So, I have a little gift (?) for you guys. I recently wrote a short story, Your Name Was Joey, and I'm gonna post the beginning up on here for everyone to see. Don't get too excited; it's posted on inkpop if you want to read the whole thing. I'll post the link at the bottom for everyone to go, read and tell me their thoughts on it.

Here's the beginning:

If I could go back and change things, there's so much I'd change. I would change the first time I ever lied to you, and all the times I lied to myself about you and us. I would change everything, from our very first date to the very last kiss.
You were always so majestic, so wondrous. I was that random girl in the corner, trying to finish her biology homework. It's funny how things turn out, isn't it? I was a freshman, taking all advance classes. You were a sophomore, trying to keep your grades average.
And so we met in Spanish II, being thrown together in a messy partnership to try and describe our favorite things in a foreign language. You told me you liked basketball, country music and hanging out with your older cousin, who was from Kentucky. Your name was Joey, and you were allergic to bees. That was what I learned my first Spanish class that year.
Your name was Joey, Joey who was allergic to bees.
The next class, you willingly became my partner. Why? Did you plan to become more than just a class partner with me? Or was it all just luck of the draw that I got to talk to you and learn about you everyday?
I told you my name was Renee, which it was - I did consider lying about it, though. My favorite movie was Pretty in Pink, but I was a sucker for any cheesy romance comedies. My mom was a doctor, and my father was a police officer before he was killed on the job.
My name was Renee, Renee who didn't have a daddy.

So, I hope you liked the beginning. I'm warning you this story gets intense, and I've had people start crying. Here's the link if you want to be a doll and read the whole thing:
http://www.inkpop.com/projects/96704/your-name-was-joey/

In other news, I'm almost done the first draft of Flashbacks of Juliet. Go to www.caseyscovers.weebly.com to learn about that book and my others. :D

Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters: Book Review

Title: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Sea of Monsters

Author: Rick Riordan

Summary: In this second installment in the series, Percy, Poseidon's 13-year-old demigod son, is desperate to rescue his friend Grover, captive of the bloodthirsty Cyclops Polyphemus, and to retrieve the healing Golden Fleece. The sheepskin is needed to restore the protection around Camp Half-Blood, the only safe haven for the children of gods and humans, heroes-in-training in our modern world. However, the camp has already been compromised and the quest for the Golden Fleece has been awarded to the bully Clarisse. Encouraged by Hermes, Percy sets off for the Bermuda Triangle anyway with his friend Annabeth and classmate Tyson.

Overall: This book was really good. It was well written, and had that adventure, action and romance trio that Riordan crafts into his writing. I really enjoyed all of the twists and turns; it made the book suspenseful and intriguing. I couldn't put it down until I had turned the last page. Even then, I was begging for more.

Characters: This book is, as always, told from Percy's point of view. He's a very relatable character and all of his emotions are evident in the text. It was mainly Annabeth and Percy for most of the book- along with Percy's 'friend', Tyson -, because they were trying to find and save Grover. The gods didn't play quite as big of a role, but they were still there. As usual, their personalities were unique and differed greatly.

Plot/Storyline: The beginning was right into the action, which really kept the book interesting throughout the whole story. I loved the challenges and mishaps Percy encountered during his quest. There were a few parts where I felt it was a little slow, but they weren't long. It usually picked up again quickly after the little blip.

Really, I liked this book. It was interesting, and I'm already reading the third. I'm warning you; have the third ready for when you finish the second or else you'll go crazy xD

Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Thief

All right, some of you know that I have a list of books to read this year. This book was one of them, and I finished it . . . Friday? Maybe Saturday? I'm not really sure. Either way, I've got a book review for you!

Title: Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Thief

Author: Rick Riordan

Summary: (from Riordan's website)

Twelve-year-old Percy Jackson is on the most dangerous quest of his life. With the help of a satyr and a daughter of Athena, Percy must journey across the United States to catch a thief who has stolen the original weapon of mass destruction – Zeus’ master bolt. Along the way, he must face a host of mythological enemies determined to stop him. Most of all, he must come to terms with a father he has never known, and an Oracle that has warned him of betrayal by a friend.

Characters: The book is told in first person, unlike The Lost Hero. Percy was a strong character, and I really liked his sense of humor and sarcasm. He is, as you all know, the son of Poseidon, so he feels a little ashamed because he wasn't technically supposed to be born. I think that Grover was interesting because he's really protective and selfless. Annabeth was my favorite, because she was such a . . spitfire, if you know what I mean. She doesn't put up with any bull and has a sad back story.

Plot/storyline: As you know, I'm a fan of Greek mythology. This book had lots, but it all made sense. The back stories were told, using conversations or memories instead of info dumps. Riordan crafted a world of monsters and gods that blended together to create an action packed story. I loved the lightning bolt quest because it really started the book off well, and added more adventure and action.

Overall: I really did like this book. I'm on the second one, and I have to admit that Riordan is one of my favorite authors now. He's got a definite writing style that allows the reader to connect to the story and characters, but also has them guessing and predicting what will happen next.

So, yeah, I loved this book. It was a little below my reading level, but it still had a lot to offer and teach me. For the record, the movie goes horribly. It strayed so, so far away from the book which makes me sad. They changed way too much for you to even begin and explain why they're different.

If you liked The Lost Hero, or just mythology in general, definitely read The Lightning Thief! You won't regret it!

What Happened to Goodbye?

So, I'm guessing all the major Sarah Dessen fans, like myself, have already heard about her upcoming novel. For those of you who don't stalk the internet, waiting and waiting for a new book, I'll let you know now.

The title is 'What Happened to Goodbye' which goes with the overall theme of the book. Sarah Dessen has announced that the book should be out on May 10, 2011. We've still got some waiting to do, apparently. Below is the summary for the novel, which seems interesting and unique.

Since her parents' bitter divorce, Mclean and her dad, a restaurant consultant, have been on the move - four towns in two years. Estranged from her mother and her mother's new family, Mclean has followed her dad in leaving the unhappy past behind. And each new place gives her a chance to try out a new persona: from cheerleader to drama diva. But now, for the first time, Mclean discovers a desire to stay in one place and just be herself - whoever that is. Perhaps her neighbor Dave, an academic superstar trying to be just a regular guy, can help her find out. Combining Sarah Dessen's trademark graceful writing, great characters, and compelling storytelling, What Happened to Goodbye is irresistible reading.

I'm hoping for Dessen's common realistic, humourous writing, but I do love the romance she throws into the mix. The book will most likely be in hardcover, like the last two were. If you can't wait for the new book, then why not check out Sarah Dessen's short story, Infinity?

Go here to learn more about it:

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/d/sarah-dessen/infinity.htm

Music, Quotes and Books

So, I added some widgets from a great site called goodreads. You'll see a list of books I want to read, my countdown for the year (I'm trying to read at least 50!) and a new widget that displays a quote from my favorite quotes on the goodreads site. On my list to read this year are some Kate Brian books (Private and Privelege series) and I'm also hoping to read the whole Percy Jackson series. One of my all time favorite authors, Sarah Dessen, has a new book coming out soon, which I will definitely be reading. I'll post a new summary and cover post for that book soon.

There's many other books I'm looking forward to reading, but you can see them in that list with the book covers shown. In the world of music, I have started listening to Ingrid Michaelson, who is just fantastic. Below are two of her videos with really great songs!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsBBv6JhxPc&feature=autoplay&list=QL&index=6&playnext=38

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gza-E4k_1OE&feature=BF&list=QL&index=1

Anyone else reading lots of great books this year? Any to recommend? Do you have a favorite singer/band? Comment and let me know!!