The Taylor Swift Book Tag

So The Taylor Swift Book Tag has been floating around on Booktube community and on blogs. The Book Life originally created the tag. Thank you Emma from Miss Print for tagging me!

1. For ‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together’ pick a book (or book series) that you were pretty sure you were in love with, but then wanted to break up with. 

House of Night series by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast. When I first started reading this series, I fell in love but after reading 8 books in the series, I knew it was time to stop reading the books. It was time for me to move on.

2. For ‘Red’ pick a book with a RED cover. 

Battle Royale by Koushun Takami. I saw the film adaptation first but I enjoyed reading the book. It may not be everyone's cup of tea but it means a lot to me since I saw both Battle Royale and the Hunger Games during my 25th birthday with friends. It was the first time Battle Royale was released in theaters in the US.

3. For ‘The Best Day’ pick a book that makes you feel nostalgic 

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell reminds me of the days my sister and I read Harry Potter fan fiction back in high school. I remember lining up for the midnight release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince with my sister. My sister and I still share a love for Harry Potter and Fangirl captures my emotions for a love of a fandom. It is very nostalgic. I loved the book so much that I sent a copy to my sister. She fell in love with it just like how I did.

4. For ‘Love Story’ pick a book with forbidden love.

The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski because the love between Kestral and Arin are there but due to politics, they can not be together without repercussions. 

5. For ‘I Knew You Were Trouble’ pick a book with a bad character you couldn’t help but love.

Everyone thinks Severus Snape is bad until reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Severus is just misunderstood. 

6. For ‘Innocent’ (written b/c of Kanye West!) pick a book that someone ruined the ending for.

Allegiant had spoilers all over the place, especially since I did not read the book right away after it was published.

7. For ‘Everything has changed’ pick a character from a book who goes through extensive character development. 

Harry Potter is no longer a 11-year-old boy who just found out he is a wizard. I love joining Harry on his magical journey throughout 7 books. He has finally become an adult and learned a lot through his adventures and mistakes. Even though I was frustrated at times with Harry, he grew up! I enjoyed not only watching Harry grow up but also enjoyed watching his peers mature and become the men and women they are today. Even the adults went through extensive character development.

8. For ‘You Belong With Me’ pick your most anticipated book release. 

Soundless by Richelle Mead is one of my more anticipated book releases of the year. The synopsis sounds great and I am curious about Mead writing a standalone since she is a master with series.

9. For ‘Forever and Always’ – Pick your favourite book couple 

Sydney and Adrian from the Bloodlines series is my OTP. I love the growth of both characters from the throughout a few of the Vampire Academy books and throughout all of the Bloodlines series. It's perfect how The Ruby Circle ends with "Always."

10. For ‘Begin Again’ pick a series that deserves a second chance.

The Maze Runner series. I stopped probably halfway but I would love to give it another go.

Image from Pinterest

11. For ‘Wonderland’ pick a book that features your favorite fictional world.

This is a no brainer for me but Hogwarts is the place I would love visit. I include Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade with the wonderful wizarding world of Harry Potter.

Image from favim.com

12. For ‘Last Kiss’ pick a series that you’re not ready to let go, even though it ended

Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling because it's freaking Harry Potter! Even though the series ended, Harry still lives on! He will live on forever!

Image from mshshurricane.com

13.  For ‘Clean’ pick a series where you’re glad it’s over.

The Southern Vampire Mysteries by Charlaine Harris was going on and on and the quality and substance of the series was going down hill when it started to hit the double digits.

14. For ‘Wildest Dreams’ pick your favorite fictional guy–it’s preferred but he doesn’t have to be a bad boy

John Ambrose McClaren from P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han is definitely one of my favorite fictional guys. I am still not over about Lara Jean's decision at the end of the book because Johnny is perfect! He is such a gentleman!

Just so you know, John Ambrose McClaren is the whole reason I wrote P.S. I Still Love You, so pls be… https://t.co/6fxtfi111v

— Jenny Han (@jennyhan) February 26, 2015

15. For ‘Enchanted’ pick a book you found by chance that you ended up loving.

Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee is a book I read by chance. I am not big on westerns but this book caught me by surprise and I fell in love with it.

16. For ‘All You Had to Do Was Stay’ pick a book you didn’t finish that you wish you had given another chance.

Legend by Marie Lu. I couldn't get into the book the first time I tried reading it. Maybe I need to give it another chance.

17. For ‘Come Back, Be Here’ pick the book you would least like to lend out, for fear of missing it too much. 

UK edition special collector's edition of Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell means a lot to me. Not only is the UK version gorgeous but Fangirl is one of my favorite books of all time because of what Fangirl means to me. I was even able to meet Rainbow last year where she signed my copy of the book. I will lend out my other copies of Fangirl if someone wants to read it. I will not let this copy be out of my sight.

Image from Book Depository

18. For ‘Teardrops on My Guitar’ pick a book that made me cry a lot

The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord made me cry twice. I cried when I read about a certain death in the novel and I also cried at end of the book. This book made me so emotional but I absolutely love The Start of Me and You! It is such a heartfelt book.

19. For ‘Shake it Off’ pick a book I love so much that I just shake off the haters

I don't think I love a book so much that others hate a lot. 

20. For ‘Blank Space’ pick my favorite autographed book

Please see #17.

21. For ‘Today was a Fairy Tale’ pick my favorite retelling

I haven't read a lot of Fairy Tale retellings but I enjoyed Enchanted by Alethea Kontis.

I tag the following people:

Melissa from Novelty Podcast
Elizabeth from Novelty Podcast and BookYAbber
Ashley from Books to the Tea
Marci from Reading in the Tardis 
Margie from Bumbles and Fairy-Tales
Nicole and Sophia from Quality Fangirls
Christine from Padfoot's Library

and anyone else who wants to participate

Looking Ahead: Cover Reveals #2

This week has been a week full of MG and YA cover reveals. Not only are the covers pretty amazing but the covers definitely gives readers something to look forward to while they wait for these fantastic upcoming releases. Which cover reveal is your favorite and why?

On Monday YA Books Central released the cover art for Ravenous by MarcyKate Connolly. This stunning cover compliments companion novel, Monstrous, well. This beautiful cover art has the perfect color palette and a lovely hand drawn illustration.

Title: Ravenous
Author: MarcyKate Connolly
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Publication date:  February 9, 2016

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

A witch has come to the city of Bryre. She travels in a hut that has chicken feet, and is ravenous for children. And once she gets what she desires, she never lets it go. 

But when the witch captures Hans, Greta’s little brother, Greta refuses to let her have him. The two strike up a bargain. Greta will retrieve something the witch desires in exchange for her brother’s freedom. 

To get the prize Greta must travel to Belladoma—a city where she was once held captive—which brings back terrible memories. With the help of a new friend, Dalen, a magical half-boy and half-horse, Greta embarks on the journey and tries to overcome both foes and her own weaknesses.

For fans of Monstrous and new readers alike comes the story of an epic quest and a heroine who will stop at nothing to save the one she loves most. 

On Thursday USA Today revealed somewhat of the cover art for Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan and illustrated by John Rocco. I love the colors John Rocco chose and I am very curious about the plot to the new series. I know very little of Norse mythology and I am to join Magnus Chase's journey. The gradient in the background is perfect!

Title: The Sword of Summer
Author: Rick Riordan
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication date:  October 6, 2015

Synopsis (from Goodreads): 

Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.

One day, he’s tracked down by a man he’s never met—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. The man tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god.

The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.

When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision.

Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die . . .

So this cover reveal was from last Friday but it's still worth mentioning. USA Today revealed the cover for Their Fractured Light by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner which is the third book in the Starbound trilogy. The cover is gorgeous! I have not read the first two books in the trilogy but I have heard good things about both novels.

Title: Their Fractured Light
Authors: Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Publication date:  December 1, 2015

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

A year ago, Flynn Cormac and Jubilee Chase made the now infamous Avon Broadcast, calling on the galaxy to witness for their planet, and protect them from destruction. Some say Flynn’s a madman, others whisper about conspiracies. Nobody knows the truth. A year before that, Tarver Merendsen and Lilac LaRoux were rescued from a terrible shipwreck—now, they live a public life in front of the cameras, and a secret life away from the world’s gaze.

Now, in the center of the universe on the planet of Corinth, all four are about to collide with two new players, who will bring the fight against LaRoux Industries to a head. Gideon Marchant is an eighteen-year-old computer hacker—a whiz kid and an urban warrior. He’ll climb, abseil and worm his way past the best security measures to pull off onsite hacks that others don’t dare touch.

Sofia Quinn has a killer smile, and by the time you’re done noticing it, she’s got you offering up your wallet, your car, and anything else she desires. She holds LaRoux Industries responsible for the mysterious death of her father and is out for revenge at any cost.

When a LaRoux Industries security breach interrupts Gideon and Sofia’s separate attempts to infiltrate their headquarters, they’re forced to work together to escape. Each of them has their own reason for wanting to take down LaRoux Industries, and neither trusts the other. But working together might be the best chance they have to expose the secrets LRI is so desperate to hide.

On Tuesday Publishers Weekly revealed the cover for Pax by Sara Pennypacker and illustrated by Jon Klassen. The color scheme of muted tones works well with the synopsis of the book and the book is meant to be a timeless classic.

Title: Pax
Author: Pennypacker
Publisher: Balzer and Bray
Publication date:  February 2, 2016

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Pax was only a kit when his family was killed, and “his boy” Peter rescued him from abandonment and certain death. Now the war front approaches, and when Peter’s father enlists, Peter has to move in with his grandpa. Far worse than being forced to leave home is the fact that Pax can’t go. Peter listens to his stern father—as he usually does—and throws Pax’s favorite toy soldier into the woods. When the fox runs to retrieve it, Peter and his dad get back in the car and leave him there—alone. But before Peter makes it through even one night under his grandfather’s roof, regret and duty spur him to action; he packs for a trek to get his best friend back and sneaks into the night. This is the story of Peter, Pax, and their independent struggles to return to one another against all odds. 

Told from the alternating viewpoints of Peter and Pax, this story truly showcases Sara’s mastery of characterization and her fluent ability to pay off small yet beautiful details. The conflicts that Peter faces are mostly internal and center around the anger that has affected both him and his father in the wake of his mother’s unexpected death. Peter can’t shake his grandfather’s claim that “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” when he wants so badly to distinguish himself from his closed-off father. Pax’s hardships, on the other hand, are more external; his domestication has left him an unskilled hunter and misled him as to the true nature of men. However, it is the beautifully-crafted characters that Peter and Pax encounter on their separate journeys who ultimately help the protagonists find what they are looking for, in addition to each other. These distinctive and multi-dimensional individuals leave a rare kind of impression on the reader while subtly infusing it with themes of loyalty, self-worth, denial, and truth. 

PAX is ready to become a universal and timeless classic, like CHARLOTTE’S WEB, to be read and discussed by whole communities and generations to come.

On Monday Penguin Teen revealed the cover art to The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury. It's interesting that pastels were chosen. I do like the cover art overall but I expected richer and bolder colors on the cover.

Title: The Forbidden Wish
Author: Jessica Khoury
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication date:  February 23, 2016

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

When Aladdin discovers Zahra's jinni lamp, Zahra is thrust back into a world she hasn't seen in hundreds of years -- a world where magic is forbidden and Zahra's very existence is illegal. She must disguise herself to stay alive, using ancient shape-shifting magic, until her new master has selected his three wishes.

But when the King of the Jinn offers Zahra a chance to be free of her lamp forever, she seizes the opportunity—only to discover she is falling in love with Aladdin. When saving herself means betraying him, Zahra must decide once and for all: is winning her freedom worth losing her heart?

As time unravels and her enemies close in, Zahra finds herself suspended between danger and desire in this dazzling retelling of Arabian Nights from acclaimed author Jessica Khoury.

On Wednesday Barnes & Noble revealed the cover to What We Left Behind by Robin Talley. The cover definitely screams contemporary and I am looking forward to reading this novel.

Title: What We Left Behind
Author: Robin Talley
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication date:  October 27, 2015

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

What We Left Behind follows a teen couple—Gretchen, who identifies as a lesbian, and Toni, who identifies as genderqueer—as they struggle to stay together during their first year in college, despite the growing rift caused by distance and Toni's shifting gender identity.

None of the Above by I.W. Gregorio

Title: None of the Above
Author: I.W. Gregorio
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication date: April 7, 2015
Pages: 352
Source/format: Library/Hardcover

Rating: ☆☆☆☆1/2

Synopsis (from Goodreads.com): 

A groundbreaking story about a teenage girl who discovers she was born intersex... and what happens when her secret is revealed to the entire school. Incredibly compelling and sensitively told, None of the Above is a thought-provoking novel that explores what it means to be a boy, a girl, or something in between.

What if everything you knew about yourself changed in an instant?

When Kristin Lattimer is voted homecoming queen, it seems like another piece of her ideal life has fallen into place. She's a champion hurdler with a full scholarship to college and she's madly in love with her boyfriend. In fact, she's decided that she's ready to take things to the next level with him.  But Kristin's first time isn't the perfect moment she's planned—something is very wrong. A visit to the doctor reveals the truth: Kristin is intersex, which means that though she outwardly looks like a girl, she has male chromosomes, not to mention boy "parts."

Dealing with her body is difficult enough, but when her diagnosis is leaked to the whole school, Kristin's entire identity is thrown into question. As her world unravels, can she come to terms with her new self?

My Thoughts:

Kristin (Krissy) Lattimer finds out she is intersex when she takes the next step in her relationship with her boyfriend, Max. However, a close friend tells her boyfriend about Krissy's condition. Krissy being intersex spreads like wildfire at school and most people are not open to who Krissy is.

I.W. Gregorio not only educated me in what intersex means but she also touched upon bullying at school. Teenagers can be cruel. Most of the time it's because they are jealous, they feel better if they put others down or it's because they don't fully understand what it is like to be in someone's shoes. Most people don't know what intersex is so instead of educating themselves about what it means to be intersex, people come up with their own conclusions of what it means. What I found refreshing is the fact that Krissy's father supported Krissy throughout the whole book. I don't often find books where the parents are supportive of their children and are seen in a positive light.

I am disappointed in Max and the way he treats Krissy. If he is going to be so closed minded, then he doesn't deserve Krissy at all. Darren on the other hand is more open minded but he was never that open minded when he was younger. Because of Darren's father coming out when Darren was younger, it has helped Darren become more accepting of others.

Gregorio was meant to meet the intersex patient she had in order to tell the story of what it means to be intersex. Gregorio is meant to educate everyone about what intersex means. She does not gloss over terminology and she accurately explains everything to the reader so the reader fully understands what Krissy is learning and experiencing.

None of the Above is an emotional coming-of-age story about self-discovery. Krissy is strong and overcomes many obstacles throughout her last year of high school. With her father, her close friends, her doctors and a few members from a support group, Krissy is able to charge and to reach higher. None of the Above is an important book for everyone to read. Gregorio's debut novel is well written and I look forward to reading future books by her.

Top Ten Books On My TBR For Summer 2015

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's Top Ten Tuesday asks bloggers to list ten books they plan to have on their TBR list for the summer of 2015. So my summer will kick into high gear at work soon so I am not sure how many of the following books I will be reading but I would love to read a good chunk of these books this summer. The following books are in no particular order.

1. Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins because I just finished Lola and the Boy Next Door and I want to hear about Isla's story.

2. Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson because the book screams summer! I mean look at the cover art! Summer, summer, summer time!!!

3. Proof of Forever by Lexa Hillyer because my friend Molly mentioned the book is perfect for summer and is nostalgic about summer camp and friendship.

4. The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord because I heard great things about it and I cannot wait to read it. This will probably be my next read.

5. Tonight the Street Are Ours by Leila Sales because I fell in love with This Song Will Save Your Life and I need to read more books by Ms. Sales.

6. Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone because Every Last Word blew me away and I definitely need to check out this awesome book!

7. Monstrous by MarcyKate Connolly because the Ravenous cover art was revealed yesterday and it makes me want to read Monstrous even more and so I can count the days until Ravenous is out! Plus the synopsis sounds cute and I can't wait to meet Kym.

8. Hello? by Liza Wiemer because not only does the book sound fantastic but Liza is such a sweetheart. I look forward to reading Hello?

9. Mechanica by Betsy Cornwell because I am need of a fairytale retelling but this time steampunk style. How stunning is this cover?

10. Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee because it brings back memories from middle school. I NEED this book! I already have it pre-ordered :D.

P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han

Title: P.S. I Still Love You
Author: Jenny Han
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication date: May 26, 2015
Pages: 337
Source/format: Purchased/Hardcover

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from Goodreads.com): 

Lara Jean didn’t expect to really fall for Peter. She and Peter were just pretending. Except suddenly they weren’t. Now Lara Jean is more confused than ever. When another boy from her past returns to her life, Lara Jean’s feelings for him return too. Can a girl be in love with two boys at once?

In this charming and heartfelt sequel to the New York Times bestseller To All the Boys I've Loved Before, we see first love through the eyes of the unforgettable Lara Jean. Love is never easy, but maybe that’s part of what makes it so amazing. 

My Thoughts:

Jenny Han has done it again! I love To All the Boys I've Loved Before because it's perfect and I never thought the sequel would just as good. P.S. I Still Love You starts right where To All the Boys I've Loved Before left off right around the holiday season. I love how Lara Jean's family makes sure to incorporate Korean traditions into their daily lives despite their mother not being with them anyone. The sisterly bonding between the sisters is still there and each sister brings something special to the sisterhood. Despite their differences, they are always there for each other. I am definitely growing fonder of Kitty in this book. She is so sassy and so witty. I love how Kitty never gives up. I have never seen a kid so determined in everything she does. She is definitely one of my favorite characters in the book.

Lara Jean admitting her feelings to Peter is realistic when it comes to a first love. Their relationship is special despite the ex-girlfriend and the scandalous hot tub video. It's not cookie cutter perfect but it's real! I had some serious feels when reading P.S. I Still Love You. Everything about this book is cute and romantic. I was a little worried when John Ambrose McClaren entered the picture though. I am not a fan of love triangles so course I was a little bit upset with Lara Jean was torn between two guys. However, for some odd reason, this so called love triangle actually worked.

Of course I squeed when Lara Jean plans scrapbooking sessions with the elderly and when she makes homemade Valentine's Day cards. And Lara Jean baking up a storm! Yes, please! Snickerdoodles are my favorite type of cookie so I was ecstatic to see snickerdoodles making an appearance in the book. Also, the chai sugar cookies with the cinnamon eggnog icing sound divine! When Lara Jean talks about how baking is calming and how it stabilizes her, I totally agree. I like to bake because it's relaxing and it clears the mind. All you have to do is take ingredients, follow the instructions and you create something magical.

Han touches upon some difficult teenage situations such as cyberbullying. I know everyone should be careful about what they write and post on social media but what happens if someone posts information you don't want up online? What happens when people just laugh and don't do anything about it. In these days, cyberbullying is on the rise and Han explored the views of men and women about such exploitation. Why is every one rooting for Peter but slut shaming Lara Jean? It's not right.

Assassins is the big thing for my students during the summer and reading how Lara Jean and her friends play the game for old times sake is the icing on the cake. Imagine 46 teenagers and 13 staff members running around trying to eliminate each other with popsicle sticks. That's what I look forward to in the summer.

The novel is nostalgic and Han is making me fall in love with the book. The more I read, the more I love this endearing novel. This is the second book I've read where I teared up. Han does an incredible job when writing about first loves and she takes readers on an emotional journey. She has captivated my heart! To All the Boys I've Loved Before and P.S. I Still Love You are books that I relate with the most out of all books I've read in my life. That says something. Thank you Miss Jenny Han for writing both books! You are amazing and I feel like you get me.

BEA 2015 Recap Part III

If you missed out my first and second BEA 2015 recaps, check them out!

Friday, May 29, 2015

I had only six things I HAD to attend on the last day of BEA. Selina and I woke up around 6:15 again but we were a bit late leaving the hotel since we had to make sure we had all of our bags. We

managed to grab the shuttle a few minutes after standing outside of the hotel and made it to the Javits. The line for the luggage check in was super long and we barely made it to the Children's Author Breakfast in time. The Children's Author Breakfast was fantastic. I loved hearing Nathan Lane, Oliver Jeffers and Rainbow Rowell talk about their past and about some of their influences for their books. Oliver Jeffers talk captivated me. I love how he told the audience a story and illustrated it right in front of us. Selina and I left the breakfast after Rainbow's talk and skipped out on James Patterson since the floor just opened. I was able to get a The Day the Crayons Quit tote bag, Fangirl and Naughty Mabel.

I believe I headed toward the Autographing Area and saw Elizabeth in line for Monstrous by MarcyKate Connolly. I already own the book but I wanted to chat with MarcyKate and I wanted a signed copy. I ended up meeting Angela in line and she had the most amazing dress. Her dress has miniature copies of some of her favorite YA books sewn onto the skirt part of the dress. The books open up and they contain actual text on the pages. I know her dress was a huge hit at BEA because many photos of her sporting the amazing dress is on Twitter.

I ended up walking around the booths for a bit before lining up for Kim Liggett's signing of Blood and Salt at the HorrorWrites booth. Marci joined me soon afterwards. We actually met a librarian from Bolton, MA who was super nice. I was so happy to finally meet Kim. We chatted briefly on Twitter and it's so great to meet authors you chat with online in person. Kim will be a guest at the Boston Teen Author Festival in September so I hope I will be able to see her then as well.

I actually forgot about Bobby Flay's signing but I assumed it would have been a huge line and it would cause me to miss Liza Wiemer's signing. I ended up walking around the booths before heading to line up for Liza's signing. I chatted with Lauren from Love is Not a Triangle for a bit before the signing started. Liza is one of those authors who is so lively and she super grateful for everyone lining up to meet her and to have their chance to read Hello? I tried to jump into the Katherine Applegate line for Crenshaw but they were out of books half way through her signing which made me sad. I walked back to the other side of the Exhibit Hall to wait for a drop of Marie Marquardt's Dream Things True at Macmillan. I wish I stayed behind to get Marie to sign my book. I didn't know she was signing as well until later on after the drop. I bailed on the Rainbow Rowell signing earlier in the day due to the ticket fiasco. Plus, I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a light pink collector's edition of Fangirl at the Children's Author Breakfast and I already met Rainbow last year.

I didn't have anything on my schedule until 1:00 so I ended up meeting with Melissa, Elizabeth and Devin for lunch at the food court. I bought an expensive chicken sandwich but it was seriously the cheapest thing that was substantial enough to call a meal. After lunch I lined up for Jennifer Walkup's line for This Ordinary Life. I was so overjoyed to meet Jennifer. She had bookmarks and pins to promote her book as well. I actually had time to pop in the Leila Sales line. Although I already picked  up a copy of Tonight The Streets Are Ours, I wanted to meet Leila and to tell her how I loved This Song Will Save Your Life and how I am excited to see her again in Brookline, MA when she tours for Tonight The Streets Are Ours. I ended up giving away my unsigned copy of the book to someone who wasn't able to pick up a copy. NOVL tweeted about a secret password (Project Buffalo) for Lair of Dreams by Libba Bray so I was able to pick up a copy at the Hachette booth.

The book that I wanted the most at BEA is Soundless by Richelle Mead. I ended up using my front of the line pass and it was so worth it. I saw Nicole, Melissa, Britt and Jamie from The Perpetual Page-Turner around this time. I lucked out and caught the end tail of Jackson Pearce's and Maggie Stiefvater's line for Pip Bartlett's Guide to Magical Creatures. Afterwards, I went to sit down and chatted with some people. I ended up meeting up with Xander again and we chatted for a bit and he convinced me to join him for the Lexa Hillyer line for Proof of Forever. I wandered the floor and passed by Disney when they were handing out the Ballet Cat tote bags and ARCs. Earlier in the day, I actually forgot what time the drop was going to be at but everything worked out fine since I just happened to peruse by the Disney booth at the right time. I have been really bad about being on top of galley drops at Disney but I was excited I made the Ballet Cat one.

I met up with Selina for the Middle Grade Characters & Adventures panel with Corey Ann Haydu, Lauren Oliver, Kevin Sands and Ken Oppel. It was nice to rest for a bit and to enjoy what authors had to say about their books. Selina and I stopped by the Out of Print booth to pick up a couple of things before getting our bags. We somehow fit everything in our bags and took the shuttle to Penn Station. Of course our train was delayed but I was so excited to go home. We were fortunate enough to see a lovely sky on the train ride home.

The train ride wasn't that bad. It was pretty quick and I got into Boston around 10:20ish. I was super tired and all I wanted to do is go to bed. My boyfriend informed me that I would be waking up early the next day for a day trip to Martha's Vineyard with two of our friends. I don't think I even unpacked my bags until Sunday since I was so tired on Friday and I had no time on Saturday to unpack.

Overall my BEA 2015 trip was a success. I probably won't attend BEA 2016 in Chicago but you can count me in to be at ALA Midwinter since Boston is hosting it in 2016.

BEA 2015 Recap Part II

If you missed out my first BEA 2015 recap, check it out here.

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Selina and I both got up around 6:15 to get ready in the morning. We had breakfast at the hotel again before walking to the Javits. Of course we picked up the Show Daily and checked in our bags. Selina had the Adult Author's Breakfast so I ended up meeting Marci and Vania from Reading in the Tardis near Starbucks. Marci was super excited about the Eterna Files that I was able to get signed for her. I also gave Marci a few tickets for the Autographing Area. The three of us ended up looking through the Show Daily to plan out the day. It was nice meeting Marci and Vania since they live in Massachusetts. I met Marci on Goodreads through the BEA group and I find it amusing how we have a lot of mutual friends who have a huge love for Harry Potter. I swear, Harry Potter unites me with the best people ever.

We ended up heading upstairs to line up for the Exhibit Hall. My first stop was Scholastic to look for the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone illustrated version sampler which I managed to get right around 9:00. Yes, it's only a sampler but it's freaking Harry Potter! So of course I had to get it because it's gorgeous! I cannot wait for the finished copy to be out in October. How fitting for my October festivities?

The sampler is in full color and includes the Keeper of the Keys chapter complete with beautiful illustrations. This is just a sneak peak of the book but I want the book more after reading the sampler. Seriously, I cannot say no to more Harry Potter books. I do not collect all editions of Harry Potter like some others do. I pick and choose what editions I want to own because the costs add up. Also, I spend a good amount of my money investing into Harry Potter events. I love creating memories infused with the magic of Harry Potter. Selina and I actually met through MISTI-Con 2013 before we became BEA buddies. Harry Potter will never let me down! It encourages me to move forward and to experience the magic!

Right after hitting up Scholastic, I went to the Autographing Area to line up for Josephine Angelini's signing of Firewalker. I enjoyed Trial by Fire so I had to get my hands on Firewalker. Also, I wasn't able to meet Josephine last year so she was on my list of authors to meet this year. Waiting in the unofficial line paid off since I was near the front of the signing line and I was able to hop into two more lines right after I met Josephine. In a matter of 15 minutes, I met Josphine, Mary Kubica and A.S. King. I was so excited to meet Mary because it freed up my time for later in the afternoon and Pretty Baby sounds pretty amazing. I met A.S. King before but I wanted to see her again and to get I Crawl Through It.

I would say at least half the books I obtained this day were signed. I was able to pick up a couple of picture books, both signed at the Autographing Area. I was a little bummed that the line was so long for Jesse Eisenberg even with a ticket but there were so many other things I wanted to do on Thursday so it wasn't a huge deal. I was able to get my hands on a Shadowhunters tote bag as well as a sampler of Lady Midnight! I seriously cannot wait until Lady Midnight is released next March. I was so happy to get my hands on Infinite in Between and to meet Carolyn Mackler! This is one of my top things on my schedule and I was very happy the line was fairly short. Sometime afterwards, I went to line up for the drop of Simon Thorn and the Wolf's Den at Bloomsbury. I was very excited about this title even though it's middle grade.

The 2 o'clock hour was the most intense hour ever. I had three things going on at the same time and somehow I managed to make it to all three. I went to Penguin Random House right after the Bloomsbury stop and asked when I can line up to meet C. Alexander London. A publicist told me to go to the information desk in the center of the booth and that person told me to see another publicist at the first table I went to. Finally, I got information where I can line up. I was the first in line and I actually kind of felt bad because by the time the signing started, only six people were in line for the signing. Half the line included me, Vania and Marci. However, it was lovely to see Alex again. I meet him last year at BEA for a Guardian signing and now I was able to chat with him about his upcoming middle grade book, The Wild Ones, which is reminiscent of The Redwall series. Penguin even snapped a picture of Alex giving me my copy of The Wild Ones which I don't recall happening but it's on Twitter so it definitely happened. Now I am scared to see what other random pictures of me are floating on the internet.

Going "wild" at @ca_london's #BEA15 signing of #TheWildOnes! pic.twitter.com/vBU66G0BeG

— PenguinTeen (@PenguinTeen) May 28, 2015

Right after the signing, I went to Disney to pick up a cupcake, a Magnus Chase foam shield and a Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, The Sword of Summer sampler. The shield definitely doubles up as a butt pad and I also used it in my pillowcase to firm up the super soft pillows at the hotel when I was sleeping at night. I made a dash to HarperCollins to meet Soman Chainani for a signed poster of The Last Ever After and I also picked up an Ever button. I was surprised his line was so short.  I guess you can say the 2 o'clock hour was the Middle Grade hour.

Can I say that the Libba Bray line was super long? It pretty much wrapped along the front entrance of the Exhibit Hall. I was able to meet Melissa G. there who is a friend of Molly's. Nicole was there as well and I believe Nicole was holding Emma's spot since Emma was in another signing line at the time. I had to bail on the Libba Bray line because not only was it ticketed but the line was never-ending. Sometime in the afternoon, I also bumped into Kim from Book Munchies.

I ended up meeting up with Melissa and Elizabeth at the Bloggers/Authors meet up and was introduced to a few authors and bloggers. I was fortunate enough to meet up with Xander from Forever Bookish who is a huge Harry Potter fan as well. We connected on Twitter not too long ago and I was excited to finally meet him in person. We wandered around the Exhibit Hall sometime after Melissa and I went to line up for the After Alice drop at HarperCollins. I picked up a copy of A Little in Love right when I was waiting since Scholastic's booth was in the next aisle over from HarperCollin's.


I met up with Selina afterwards and we ended up checking out our luggage before walking back to the hotel. We cooked up some french toast and eggs for dinner before I ended up heading toward The New Yorker to meet up with Marci. Marci and I went to the restaurant there to meet up with Liza Wiemer which was nice because both of us were super excited to meet Liza and we were both excited about her debut novel, Hello? Day 2 was a success!

Marci, Liza and I at The New Yorker