The Catastropic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg

Young Adult: 400 Pages
Publisher: Razorbill
Published: Feb 21st, 2012
Series: None
Challenge: None
Source: ARC from Publisher
Buy the Book: Amazon
Find the Author: Website

Dying of a broken heart is just the beginning.... Welcome to forever.

BRIE'S LIFE ENDS AT SIXTEEN: Her boyfriend tells her he doesn't love her, and the news breaks her heart—literally.


But now that she's D&G (dead and gone), Brie is about to discover that love is way more complicated than she ever imagined. Back in Half Moon Bay, her family has begun to unravel. Her best friend has been keeping a secret about Jacob, the boy she loved and lost—and the truth behind his shattering betrayal. And then there's Patrick, Brie's mysterious new guide and resident Lost Soul . . . who just might hold the key to her forever after.

With Patrick's help, Brie will have to pass through the five stages of grief before she's ready to move on. But how do you begin again, when your heart is still in pieces?

I fell in love with this book when I first laid eyes on the cover(I know, I know. Don't judge a book by it's cover) but in this instance, the book lived up to it's stunning cover and beyond.
 
Let me start with the characters. Brie was HILARIOUS. Her sarcastic humour and inability to give comebacks made the book a blast to read. Her kind, simple personality made it easy to love her. Being a hopeless romantic myself and my love for cheesy, sappy chick flicks, I instantly related to Brie. Her and I were close to the same person when I was 16. Patrick was another fantastic character. He met his match in Brie. Those two together made for many laugh out loud moments and many heart-warming ones as well.
 
The Catastrophic History of You and Me had it's light moments but it also it's serious ones. And by that I mean, keep the tissue close by because you'll be sobbing like a baby. This book touches your heart and your soul. The character depth is so well crafted that you can't help but care for these characters.
 
I can't forget to mention the twists and turns that were thrown into the mix. I was left completely jaw dropped. The Catastrophic History of You and Me was a beautiful story about love. About life after death. And about self discovery. I enjoyed every minute I spent reading this book.

In My Mailbox

For Review

The Golden Hour by Margaret Wurtele

Bought

Dewey by Vicki Myron

Perfect(Pretty little Liars #3) by Sara Shepard

Unbelievable(Pretty little Liars #4) by Sara Shepard

The Night Trology by Elie Wiesel

Annabel by Kathleen Winter

Quite the ecelctic mix this week!

What's in your Mailbox?

Follow Friday/TGIF

Q: Which book genre do you avoid at all costs and why?

A: I stay away from adult SCI-FI. I have read a few YA books that have a touch of SCI-FI in them but I don't really enjoy anything that's full blown Science Fiction. I also am not a fan of Romance. I love contemporary Romance but anything with Fabio or half naked girls on the cover is not for me.

Q: Buy or Borrow: Where do your books that you read come from? The bookstore? The library? Do you prefer to own a book, or have it on loan?

A: I'm a book buying kind of reader. I don't really borrow books from friends or the library(though I'm sure my bank account would appreciate that a little more!) When there is a book out there that I want to read, I 99% percent of the time buy it. The majority of my books come from Authors/Publishers and from myself purchasing them.

What's Happening Now

Interview with a Blogger is back! Click HERE to learn more and to sign up!

Giveaways:

The Fault in our Stars by John Green *Signed*

Under the Same Sky by Genevieve Graham.

Check out the top of the right sidebar to enter!

Where to find me

With GFC leaving in March, here are some other places you can find me and stay updated on The Crazy Bookworm.

RSS FEED

'Like' The Crazy Bookworm on Facebook

Add me on Twitter

Happy Hoppin!

(Be sure to leave your link, so I can hop back!) 

A very tiny Hiatus

Hi Everyone,

The Crazy Bookworm is going through an itsy bitsy Hiatus at the moment. I am having some computer issues right now with my desktop computer so while that is being repaired, my laptop powerjack decided to stop working as well. So there won't be many posts going up this week until I get my computer back(hopefully thursday or friday!).

In the meantime, why not sign up for Interview with a Blogger, or enter my 2 giveaways!

Thanks for your patience. I hope to be up and running by the weekend!

In My Mailbox

Hosted by The Story Siren

For Review

Perception by Kim Harrington

Tempest by Julie Cross

Dead to You by Lisa McMann

(The awesomeness that is Simon and Schuster sent me a finished copy of this. Last week I received the ARC. There will be a giveaway. Stay tuned!)

Diary of a Mad Fat Girl by Stephanie McAfee

Bought

Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry

The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney

Tweak by Nic Sheff

That's it for me!

What's in your Mailbox?

Follow Friday/TGIF

Q: What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to get your hands on any particular book?

A: Hmm! I haven't done anything really crazy. I guess if waiting in line a really long time a midnight *cough* Breaking Dawn *cough* then that would be the craziest for me!

Q: Recommend It: Which book from the last 10 you've read

would you recommend to a friend?

A: This is such an easy question for me this week!

My Review Here

I am also giving away a signed copy of this book. Check out the right side bar to enter!

I would also recommend:

My Review Here

Happening Now

*Under the Same Sky Giveaway. Open to Canada and U.S.

*'Signed' copy of The Fault in our Stars by John Green. Open to Everyone

Check out the right sidebar to enter these giveaways!

Where else you can find The Crazy Bookworm

'Like' The Crazy Bookworm on Facebook

Follow on Twitter

Suscribe to RSS Feed

Followers Giveaway

I have one signed copy of The Fault in our Stars by John Green to giveaway.

My Review

Giveaway Rules

*Must be a follower to enter this giveaway.

*Must be 13 years of age or older to enter

*Contest open Canada/U.S./International

*Contest ends February 3rd at 11:59PM

*Fill out the Rafflecopter form below

Good Luck!

Interview with a Blogger is back!

The Crazy Bookworm started a feature a long while ago called Interview with a Blogger. It had a fantastic response! But due to some time management trouble I was having, I couldn't commit to the feature any more and had to stop doing it. Well I am so happy to say that it is back!

Interview with a Blogger is a feature where readers and bloggers will have a chance to learn about the person behind the blog. The interview will be published on The Crazy Bookworm but you are more than welcome to post about it on your blog or social media sites.

Anyone who has a blog can participate. Click HERE to sign up and I will get back to your shortly!

The Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams

Young Adult: 256 Pages
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published: January 3rd, 2012
Challenge: None
Series: Incarnation #1
Source: From publisher for review
Buy the Book: Amazon
Find the Author: Website | Goodreads

After spending six hundred years on Earth, Seraphina Ames has seen it all. Eternal life provides her with the world's riches but at a very high price: innocent lives. Centuries ago, her boyfriend, Cyrus, discovered a method of alchemy that allows them to take the bodies of other humans from jumping from one vessel to the next, ending the human's life in the process. No longer able to bear the guilt of what she's done, Sera escapes from Cyrus and vows to never kill again.

Then sixteen-year old Kailey Morgan gets into a horrific car accident right in front of her, and Sera accidentally takes over her body while trying to save her. For the first time, Sera finds herself enjoying the life of the person she's inhabiting--and falling in love with the boy who lives next door. But Cyrus will stop at nothing until she's his again, and every moment she stays, she's putting herself and the people she's grown to care about in danger. Will Sera have to give up the one thing that's eluded her for centuries: true love?

The Alchemy of Forever caught my attention right away. The stunning cover to the mysterious premise, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.

This is the first book in the Incarnation series and it was everything I hoped it would be. Avery Williams delivered her debut novel with a bang! The Alchemy of Forever didn't lack when it came to heart-pounding suspense, that kicked in almost immediately. I loved how the author introduced Serephina and Cyrus's story. It was a hauntingly beautiful introduction.

From the gorgeous setting to the engrossing characters, I read The Alchemy of Forever in one sitting. I couldn't put it down, nor did I want too. It gave the perfect dose of fantasy/paranormal that I love. There wasn't one thing that was overdone. The author crafted a thrilling story that made it nearly impossible to stop. Serephina's character was pure and honest. She was different from the other Incarnates. And when she has the chance to live as Kailey, you can feel how happy she is to have a some what real life. To have a family and fall in love.

Avery Williams Alchemy of Forever packed a lot of punch! And that cliffhanger ending just has you begging for more. I can't wait for Book #2 in the series, and for Avery Williams' future work!

Author Spotlight: Genevieve Graham author of Under the Same Sky + a Giveaway!

Books

*Under the Same Sky

Purchase: Amazon

Genevieve Graham is an Editor and a Historical Fiction author whose debut novel Under the Same Sky his shelves on January 3rd 2012.

First off, Thank you for stopping by!

Thank YOU! I’m so glad to be here with you, Cathy. Now let’s keep these questions easy ...

Tell us 5 random things about yourself

Oh, there you go, asking a toughie. Hmm. Let’s see:
1) I’m scared of heights, which is weird. I never used to be.
2) I used to play oboe and went to Juilliard for my Masters (but I didn’t stay).
3) My favourite sound in the world is my daughters laughing together.
4) I’m a Cinnamon Dolce Latte (Starbucks) addict.
5) I can’t make tears. It’s a medical thing, the same disease Venus Williams has.

What is 'A Day in the life' of Genevieve Graham like?

I’m the luckiest girl in the world, other than the fact that I get up at 5:45am every day to get my daughters onto the 7am school bus. After that, life’s awesome. I get to type. I light a bunch of candles, pour myself a cuppa tea (usually chamomile), wait for the dog to curl up on his bed on the floor beside me, then I hit the keyboard. If I’m not writing, I’m editing, since I have my own editing business. It’s a really interesting line of work, editing other people’s novels. I have read so many different styles and genres I doubt anyone could surprise me anymore. I love being at my keyboard and often forget lunch, dinner, appointments … I also teach piano to a dozen kids around my small town.

I also … um … easily get sidetracked by social media, meaning facebook. I haven’t allowed myself to do much on Twitter lately because I know I’d be absolutely swallowed up by it.

Under the Same Sky is your debut novel. How did you feel when you learned it was going to be published? Disbelief. Terrified. Slightly nauseous, then OVER THE MOON happy!

I loved the character Maggie! How was it writing her and getting inside her head?

Maggie was the first character to ever invite me into her mind, and it was a thrilling experience. It really was as if we shared thoughts, as if she existed in real life and was part of me. Like how she communicates with Andrew, actually.
But she’s tougher than I am. Unafraid and a go-getter. She inspired me a little, I think.

How did the story of Under the Same Sky come to be? Did the characters come first or the idea for the story?

I write characters, settings, and dialogue as it rolls through my head. Sometimes I’ll go on and on for pages, typing out everything I sense. I have to stop and remind myself that there needs to be a plot in the story. Plots are harder for me, and I think that’s because I’m a disorganized person. The colours and textures of characters are almost tangible to me, but to set down a plot is more technical. I’m learning how to do that better nowadays.

Did you come across any challenges while writing?

Like I said, plot can trip me up. I do a lot of research for my books, so that can get burdensome, but I really enjoy researching. Sometimes I am tempted to include too much of that research, but I’ve learned how to temper that. The stories have to be written as if I’m there, not as if I’ve researched how to be there.

Do you have any writing must haves? (i.e. music, food, etc)

I can’t work with any kind of noise, so my husband built me my own little office in our house! I almost always burn candles (except in summer!) and I like to have herbal tea at my side. Except if there’s an option of a Cinnamon Dolce Latte. That would always take priority.

When you are not writing, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

We are a family that enjoys movies. We also have fun playing with our dog … and our chickens. Yup. You know, a year ago I don’t think I could ever imagined saying that. We bought half a dozen exotic chickens, and I can’t believe how entertaining they are to watch!

Finish this sentence: "I can't live without..."?

… my family. That’s easy.

Are you working on anything now? If so, can you share a little bit about it?

Book #2, “Sound of the Heart” is complete and will be in stores May 1 (or you can preorder now online). I’ve written a third, but Penguin hasn’t looked at it yet. Just last week an idea for a fourth in the series popped into my head but I haven’t gotten too serious about it yet. I’m working on another historical fiction, written in WW1 time, focusing on a small town fisherman (from my little town out here in Nova Scotia). I’m trying a YA, and I have an old chick lit I’d like to rework ... I always have something on the go. I love writing!

With 2012 just beginning, what books are you looking forward to reading this year?

I just finished “The Hunger Games” series (my 11 yr old wouldn’t leave me alone until I read it), “The Help”, two of Joanna Bourne’s books, “The Scottish Prisoner” by Diana Gabaldon ... what’s next? First on my list is “Colorado Dawn” by Kaki Warner. After that, well, I’ve been getting a few leads over on Goodreads. I mostly look for Historical Fiction and the ones I’m hearing about are authors I don’t know like Susanna Kearsley, Stephen Lawhead, and I really want to read “Discovery of Witches” by Deborah Harkness. I’m open to suggestions!

Thank you Genevieve, it is a pleasure having you at The Crazy Bookworm!

Thanks for having me, Cathy!

Giveaway

I have one finished paperback copy of Under the Same Sky to giveaway.

*Must be 13 years of age or older to enter

*Contest open to U.S. and Canada only. Sorry!

*Contest ends Jan 30th, 2012 at 11:59pm

*Fill out THIS FORM to enter

Extra Entries

*Tweet about the giveaway(Provide link in form) +2 entries

*Facebook the giveaway(Provide link in form) +2 entries

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Young Adult: 313 Pages
Publisher: Penguin
Published: January 10th, 2012
Series: None
Challenge: None
Source: From publisher for review
Buy the Book: Amazon
Find the Author: Website | Twitter
First Impression: Sounds like an emotional read

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

“That's the thing about pain...it demands to be felt.”-Augustus Waters

Where do I begin...Well, I'll start by saying that this is my first John Green novel. Why? I don't know exactly. I own 2 other titles of his and I have heard countless amazing things about his writing, but yet, I still haven't gotten around to reading him. Then I received The Fault in Our Stars for review and wanted to review it in time for it's release date. What I was not expecting before reading this book was the utter beauty and raw emotion that was inside. The emotions that I felt during and after I read it.

The Fault in Our Stars was a book that I could not put down, and I mean that quite literally. I. Couldn't. Put. It. Down. My eyes would be screaming at me to put it down and go to sleep but I just couldn't stop reading. I was completely engrossed by the novel.

This review is being written a few days after I've finished it and I still can't quite put into words the reading experience I had. It was a lovely one, that's for sure, but I'm still left speechless and in awe. The characters that John Green created were unlike any I have ever come across. Hazel and Augustus were honest, bold and hilarious at times. The strength of this book was completely in the characters. The Storyline was fantastic as well, but it wouldn't have been the same without Hazel, Augustus and even Isaac.

I am fighting the urge to just gush to you about how much and why I loved this book, but I truly think this book should be discovered on your own. All I knew going into this book was the premise, and I am so thankful for that. What a privilege it was to unwrap this book page by page without knowing anything ahead of time. I would love to pass the same experience along to you!

I can't urge you enough to go out and this book...Now! And be sure to keep the tissue close by, because boy, you will need them!

Last Impression: Raw, honest, and one heck of a book!
 

In My Mailbox

For Review

 

Faery Tales & Nightmares by Melissa Marr

Bewitching by Alex Flinn

Dead to You by Lisa McMann

Black Heart by Holly Black

The Pregnancy Project by Gaby Rodriguez

White Horse by Alex Adams

Under the Same Sky by Genevieve Graham

(Come back on January 17th for an interview and giveaway!)

A Big thanks to Harper Collins Canada, Penguin Canada and Simon and Schuster Canada. I can't wait to dive into all of these!

What's in your Mailbox?

Follow Friday

Q: Many readers/bloggers are also big music fans. Tell us about a few of your favorite bands/singers that we should listen to in 2012.

A: This is a great question! I am a huge music lover. I love all kinds of music. Some faves are:

Florence + the Machine

Tegan and Sara

Eminem

Rhianna

Young the Giant...

..just to name a few, but here is a great video I came across of a few Canadians that put together this awesome unique video covering a song.

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to leave your link so I can hop back!

Happy Hoppin'!

Winter Town by Stephen Emond

Young Adult: 336 Pages
Publisher: Little Brown
Published: December 5th, 2011
Series: None
Challenge: None
Source: From publisher for review
Buy the Book: Amazon
Find the Author: Website | Twitter

Every winter, straight-laced, Ivy League bound Evan looks forward to a visit from Lucy, a childhood pal who moved away after her parent's divorce. But when Lucy arrives this year, she's changed. The former "girl next door" now has chopped dyed black hair, a nose stud, and a scowl. But Evan knows that somewhere beneath the Goth, "Old Lucy" still exists, and he's determined to find her... even if it means pissing her off.

Winter Town has been on my Wish list since I first heard about it. I couldn't wait to curl up on my couch during a cold Canadian winter day and crack it open.

First off, I had major cover envy with this book. The simple illustration yet the stunning midnight blue just won me over. It was unique and fit the story that lied within just perfectly. There is so much to love with Winter Town. Evan for one, was hilarious. His dry, sarcastic humour had me laughing out loud more than once. He also reminded me lot of one of my best guy friends I had growing up. And although I couldn't really relate to Lucy as a character, I could relate to their friendship.

I loved the drawings and illustrations throughout the novel as well. It gave the book a whole new feel and experience.

This is my first book by Stephen Emond but it won't be my last! His simple writing style made the book flow at a beautiful pace. I loved that the book had an artistic feel to it as well. Winter Town makes for a delightful reading experience.

Great Reads or Great Classics?

As part of my 2012 Reading Goals, I hope to read some classics(as I'm embarrassed to admit that I haven't read many). Charlotte's Web, Huckleberry Finn and One Flew over the Cookoo's Nest to name a few. Then I got thinking. What books from my generation will become classics?

During my time reading, I have read many fantastic books. Could they have potential to become a classic read that English teachers will be teaching to their students? 25-30 years from now, what books do you think will join the lengthy list of literary gems?

My Picks:

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

A book/film that swept people off their feet. I will be shocked if I'm not hearing about this book 25 years from now. The Help is here to stay!

The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak

A breath-taking read that will have people inspired for years to come.

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

(My Review)

This book is tough to read at times, but that only adds to it's beauty. If you can get through the ugliness that these people suffered, you will come to a beautiful and moving conclusion

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

(My Review)

One of my favourite books ever, it shouldn't be a surprise that I would have this one on my list. This book is truly an extraordinary one. The Characters of Alex and Andi still come to life in my head as vividly as they did the first time I read them!

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

(My Review)

Raw, heart-wrenching and beautiful, I can't imagine this book anywhere else but among the other literary gems.

13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher

(My Review)

A lot of  books that are considered classics seem to be on the strong side. 13 Reasons Why tackles a strong issue with so much class and emotion. The haunting storyline and emotional conclusion make this book a memorable one!

The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

This book/movie took the world by storm and still remains one of mine and many other readers favourite book and film ever. Everyone loves a good classic love story right?

A Blue so Dark by Holly Schindler

(My Review)

A book that must be experienced by yourself to truly understand the beauty of it. I imagine this book will be literary favourite.

What books would be on your list?

The Forbidden Book Club

As part of my 2012 Blog Goals, one of them was to join more Challenges. So, I have decided to join The Forbidden Book Club. This isn't really a challenge, just an online book club. I have always wanted to join a Book Club but can't find the time to fit it in. This will work perfectly! You also don't have to commit every month, so if times get busy, you can opt out.

I am really excited to be a part of this! January's Book Pick is:

Looking for Alaska by John Green
...My first John Green book!

January's Host:
Once upon a Twilight

To learn more about The Forbidden Book Club and details on participating click HERE.