Tuesday, April 30, 2013

The Divergent Series -Veronica Roth

Divergent Series...


Book Summary

Divergent:


In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.
During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.
Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the YA scene with the first book in the Divergent series—dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.



 Insurgent: 


One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.
Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.




Un-Named Last book:

What if your whole world was a lie?
What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything?
What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected?
The explosive conclusion to Veronica Roth's #1 New York Times bestselling Divergent trilogy reveals the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.



My Thoughts:

I LOVE this series! I am not what one would call a feminist by any stretch of the imagination but I love that there are some really awesome books with some really kick ass female lead characters lately! I must say that I do love a good dystopian (is a community or society, usually fictional, that is in some important way undesirable or frightening) setting. This book was extra fun for me because I visited Chicago for the first time last fall (right before starting this series) so I could easily envision the different places. Roth does a wonderful job of mixing your emotions toward the characters; you hate some (Al, Mr Prior [Tris' Dad]) but then see them showing some endearing qualities and then there are some (Tris, Four) who you love for the most part but sometimes they just make you SO mad!! I also loved that Roth was so descriptive. You can really envision the scenes. This book was one of those books that you just can't put down. One where you may or may not buy the second book when you are less than halfway through the first just in case you finish it at a time when you can't run to the bookstore like at 3 in the morning  because you love it that much! I would HIGHLY recommend this book and series. 

And OF COURSE there is a movie coming out... 

Expected March 21st, 2014... I'd be lying if I didn't say I was PUMPED!!! You can check that out here!


Happy Reading, Sugars

           Jaime 


Friday, April 26, 2013

TGIF...


Today I am linking up with A Blonde Ambition for...

and of course participating in I Wore Yoga Pants to Work's...


First, Why I Blog! Well, obviously I have been blogging for about 2 seconds so this one is VERY clear in my mind! I LOVE reading! It is my FAVORITE hobby! I also love sharing that hobby with others! I am always asking my book worm friends for book suggestions! One day I was looking online for some book reading blogs to gather some selection suggestions and I found very little that appealed to people like me! I was talking to some students about this and one of them suggested I start a book review blog. At first I scuffed at the idea... Me, never! And then the more I thought about it the more I loved it! What a fun way to share my passion with others! So, I started Reading in Red Lipstick! I don't know where this will go or how many people will love (hate) this or even regularly read it but I am having a blast and I LOVE sharing my passion for reading!!! 

I leave you with some booty shakin music for #backthatazzup Friday... 




Happy Reading, Sugars

                             Jaime 

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

The Maze Runner -James Dashner

Book Summary:
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls.

Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they're closed tight. And every thirty days a new boy has been delivered in the lift.

Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers. 

Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind.


My Thoughts:
I am going to try and not be ugly when speaking about this book. I know A LOT of my students and a few teacher friends that have really enjoyed this book. I however did not appreciate it. After hearing about it from my kids and reading the summary above I was SO excited to get reading. I was sadly disappointed. I have a little personal book rule that I make myself read at least 5 chapters before I can judge a book whether it be good or bad. This book was hard in that respect because the chapters were so small. I made myself keep going because I had heard such great things. It was a hard start to the book because you literally have to learn a new language. The boys in the Glade have a little made up language of slang words and non offensive curse words. It took me until about halfway through the book to finally feel comfortable with the dialect. You also are completely lost to what is happening until the last 20-30 pages in the book. Even then you are left with some big questions. I am not a big fan of such a large build up. I felt because of said build up the last part of the book was rushed and sloppy. This book is only the first in a series... maybe the rest are better. I would not recommend this book from my experience. 

The Maze Runner is however being turned into a movie scheduled to come out Winter of 2014... I will definitely watch the movie to see how it fares in comparison! 


Happy Reading, Sugars...

                         Jaime 

Monday, April 22, 2013

The Witness -Nora Roberts





Book Summary:

Daughter of a cold, controlling mother and an anonymous donor, studious, obedient Elizabeth Fitch finally let loose one night, drinking too much at a nightclub and allowing a strange man’s seductive Russian accent to lure her to a house on Lake Shore Drive. 

Twelve years later, the woman now known as Abigail Lowery lives alone on the outskirts of a small town in the Ozarks. A freelance security systems programmer, her own protection is supplemented by a fierce dog and an assortment of firearms. She keeps to herself, saying little, revealing nothing. Unfortunately, that seems to be the quickest way to get attention in a tiny southern town. 

The mystery of Abigail Lowery and her sharp mind, secretive nature, and unromantic viewpoints intrigues local police chief Brooks Gleason, on both a personal and professional level. And while he suspects that Abigail needs protection from something, Gleason is accustomed to two-bit troublemakers, not the powerful and dangerous men who are about to have him in their sights. 

And Abigail Lowery, who has built a life based on security and self-control, is at risk of losing both. 


My Thoughts:

This book was a thriller! I must say that I love books that make you really think but every once in a while I like a good "Beach Read," or just a fun story that requires little thought! Ms Robert's is my go to for a "beach read." At the first of the book you quickly get caught up in Elizabeth’s rebellion. Then the “Great Event” happens and I felt SO bad for her. She lets loose one time and it has deadly consequences and changes her life forever. I loved the persistence of Brooks. What woman doesn't want to be chased after?!? It is easy to love the main characters of this novel and I felt like I could relate to their little town being from one myself. I would recommend this book especially if you want a fun light read!

Happy Reading, 

                  Jaime 

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Confessional Friday....

Today we are joining the lovelies over at A Blonde Ambition for Confessional Friday...
And, I Wore Yoga Pants to Work for... 



1. I confess that I am sometimes relieved when plans fall through and I just get to stay home and vedge! There is something about laying around in your jammies that is absolutely heavenly!! 

2. I confess that I have a book buying problem... Like, seriously I need rehab. I have shelves full of books that I have yet to read and still I buy more.  #nerd probs

3. I confess that I am OBSESSED with Mac's Candy Yum Yum lipstick! It's the perfect summer shade!  Check it out... you'll love it!

4. I confess that I am LOVING writing this blog! I LOVE reading and I think it is SO fun to share my passion with y'all! 


And for your listening pleasure... 




Happy Reading, Sugars,,,

                   Jaime 




Friday, April 19, 2013

Never Forgotten!

Today is the 18th Anniversary of the OKC bombing. And its been 5 days since the bombing in Boston. We won't EVER forget! Please Pray for our country... 






         Jaime 

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Gone Girl -Gillian Flynn & Banned Books...

                                                     
Book Summary:
Marriage can be a real killer.
On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer?
As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn’t do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet? With her razor-sharp writing and trademark psychological insight, Gillian Flynn delivers a fast-paced, devilishly dark, and ingeniously plotted thriller that confirms her status as one of the hottest writers around.

My Thoughts:
This was an interesting read. I had heard that it is a MUST read. I agree that it is a good one but nothing like I expected. I am not a huge mystery reader and I feel like this falls in that genre. I will say that it was a little unsettling of a story. It definitely messed with my mind. Amy (one of the main characters) is a sociopath and it makes you wonder if there are really people that cruel and self-centered. This was a fast read because once you realized what was happening you were hooked and had to know ASAP how it would all play out. I would say this book is a good travel or beach read! 

On a different note, can you believe that in the year 2012 people are still challenging books to "ban" them? I must say... if you don't like it or want to read it... don't! Our school media specialist showed me this list yesterday and I was floored. Now, I understand that not all books are appropriate for all age groups but shouldn't that be a decision that parents and kids make for themselves? As I combed through the list I was REALLY surprised by some of the books. Here is the list (info from the ALA.org) check them out for yourself and see what all the buzz is about! 


2012
Out of 464 challenges as reported by the Office for Intellectual Freedom
  1. Captain Underpants (series), by Dav Pilkey.
    Reasons: Offensive language, unsuited for age group
  2. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie.
    Reasons: Offensive language, racism, sexually explicit, unsuited for age group
  3. Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher.
    Reasons: Drugs/alcohol/smoking, sexually explicit, suicide, unsuited for age group
  4. Fifty Shades of Grey, by E. L. James.
    Reasons: Offensive language, sexually explicit
  5. And Tango Makes Three, by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson.
    Reasons: Homosexuality, unsuited for age group
  6. The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini.
    Reasons: Homosexuality, offensive language, religious viewpoint, sexually explicit
  7. Looking for Alaska, by John Green.
    Reasons: Offensive language, sexually explicit, unsuited for age group
  8. Scary Stories (series), by Alvin Schwartz
    Reasons: Unsuited for age group, violence
  9. The Glass Castle, by Jeanette Walls
    Reasons: Offensive language, sexually explicit
  10. Beloved, by Toni Morrison
    Reasons: Sexually explicit, religious viewpoint, violence
 Happy Reading,
         Jaime 

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Looking for Alaska -John Green



Book Summary: 
Before. Miles "Pudge" Halter's whole existence has been one big nonevent, and his obsession with famous last words has only made him crave the "Great Perhaps" (François Rabelais, poet) even more. Then he heads off to the sometimes crazy, possibly unstable, and anything-but-boring world of Culver Creek Boarding School, and his life becomes the opposite of safe. Because down the hall is Alaska Young. The gorgeous, clever, funny, sexy, self-destructive, screwed-up, and utterly fascinating Alaska Young, who is an event unto herself. She pulls Pudge into her world, launches him into the Great Perhaps, and steals his heart.

After. Nothing is ever the same.


My Thoughts: Do you sense a theme? Ha! I warned yesterday... I love John Green! Looking for Alaska is my FAVORITE of his works! I thought after reading A Fault in Our Stars I could not love one of his books more and than I read Looking for Alaska. My life was changed! (Drama Queen... I Know)! As soon as you start the book you notice "One hundred thirty six days before." I was so excited to know what the "event" was! And then the "event" came and my heart was broken. WARNING: you WILL ugly cry; it is worth it though! What a beautiful story. You have to sympathize with Miles (Pudge), he just wants to experience greatness... his "Great Perhaps!" He chooses adventure by going away to boarding school, and by the friends he chooses. I love the quirky detail of his love for people's last words. I totally looked up a few people's last words while reading this book. I also saw myself in Chip ("Colonel"). He puts up this great wall and only lets a few inside because he feels what I believe to be inadequate. It is hard to let people in sometimes and it's beautiful to watch that process play out in this story. I would without hesitation recommend this book! I do think (even though it is considered young adult) that it is more appropriate for older high school and above because there are a few risque scenes! 



Jaime 


Monday, April 15, 2013

An Abundance of Kathrines -John Green

Book Summary: When it comes to relationships, Colin Singleton’s type is girls named Katherine. And when it comes to girls named Katherine, Colin is always getting dumped. Nineteen times, to be exact. On a road trip miles from home, this anagram-happy, washed-up child prodigy has ten thousand dollars in his pocket, a bloodthirsty feral hog on his trail, and an overweight, Judge Judy–loving best friend riding shotgun—but no Katherines. Colin is on a mission to prove The Theorem of Underlying Katherine Predictability, which he hopes will predict the future of any relationship, avenge Dumpees everywhere, and finally win him the girl. Love, friendship, and a dead Austro-Hungarian archduke add up to surprising and heart-changing conclusions in this ingeniously layered comic novel about reinventing oneself.

My Thoughts: I am in LOVE with John Green and his writing. I am currently reading through all of his works. While this book is not my favorite of the JG collection (it is still amazing) I still recommend it to you! Colin is a character that I think a lot of people can relate to. He wants to matter in this world, he wants to feel as special as everyone tells him he is. I also LOVE that this book is set in a small town. Being raised in a small southern town myself I love the idea that Colin could find himself in the simplicity of Gutshot. I really enjoyed that the moral of the story wasn't this crazy idea it was what we all know but sometimes lose sight of... the future is unpredictable... just enjoy the ride!!! 





Jaime 



First day...

I have loved reading since I can remember! And I want to share my passion with y'all! My plan is to post book reviews here! I promise to be honest whether it is positive or negative! Hope you enjoy!!!



Jaime