The Sunday Post ~6~

Elsewhere News

• Last week in Elsewhere, we celebrated Ally Carter's fifth book in the Gallagher Girls Series, OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF TIME. This week, we've switched gears, and have entered the quiet town of Sykesville to talk about Sang Kromah's unique debut CONCEALED. As always, in the review I post later today I'll hit on some of the things I liked and hope will be developed in the next installment, but DUDE. YES. If you're not up when I get around to posting it (around 9 or 10--- sorry! I have training!), you can check it out tomorrow or head down to your local bookstore to see what it's all about for yourself!
• I forgot to put up the reading schedule yesterday. I'll try to do it tonight so it'll provide at least four days for hardcore reading (hardcore... Yeah, right!). 
• Don't forget that there is still time to enter the Wednesday Wanderings contest and the Monday Mayhem contest for this upcoming week. Check out the April Calendar for ideas to win this week's Prize Pack.

Reviews for Last Week's New Releases

So last week, this happened last week...

And I forgot to tell you that TAKE A BOW by Elizabeth Eulberg came out on the first, and this YA thriller called I HUNT KILLERS has also hit the shelves.

So now that you know all of that, here are the reviews I've seen on all of the things for...

I HUNT KILLERS by Barry Lyga

1. Review and an author guest post and giveaway over at The Booksmugglers.

*TAKE A BOW by Elizabeth Eulberg

1. A bunch of goodies on Novel Novice as it's currently their featured book.

2. An author interview with a Elizabeth Eulberg and book review on Mundie Moms.

FEAR by Michael Grant

1. A review from HD at Reading Writing Breathing.

BLACK HEART by Holly Black

1. A review found through Shelf Awareness.

2. Another review from Mundie Moms.

3. A review from Reading Teen.

PURE by Jennifer L'Armentrout

1. Character interview on its Mundie Moms blog tour stop. (Click to see even more goodies!)

*GRAVE MERCY by Robin LaFevers

1. Another review via Shelf Awareness.

2. Another review from Reading Teen.

3. A five star review from Mundie Moms.

*NOTE: The asterisk indicates I've already scheduled time for that book on Elsewhere. Get a head start! 

New Releases April 9th- April 15th

*All synopses are from Goodreads

April 10th: THE BOOK OF BLOOD AND SHADOW by Robin Wasserman (as of now, a standalone.)

When the night began, Nora had two best friends and a boyfriend she adored. When it ended, she had nothing but blood on her hands. Chris was dead. Adriane couldn't speak. And Max, Nora's sweet, smart, soft-spoken Prince Charming, was gone. He was also-according to the police, according to her parents, according to everyone-a murderer. 

Desperate to prove his innocence, Nora's determined to follow the trail of blood, no matter where it leads. But Chris's murder is just one piece in a puzzle that spans continents and centuries. Solving it may be the only way she can save her own life.

*April 10th: KILL ME SOFTLY by Sarah Cross (I believe it's a standalone and yes, we'll be reading it.)

Mirabelle’s past is shrouded in secrecy, from her parents’ tragic deaths to her guardians’ half-truths about why she can’t return to her birthplace, Beau Rivage. Desperate to see the town, Mira runs away a week before her sixteenth birthday—and discovers a world she never could have imagined.

In Beau Rivage, nothing is what it seems—the strangely pale girl with a morbid interest in apples, the obnoxious playboy who’s a beast to everyone he meets, and the chivalrous guy who has a thing for damsels in distress. Here, fairy tales come to life, curses are awakened, and ancient stories are played out again and again. But fairy tales aren’t pretty things, and they don’t always end in happily ever after. Mira has a role to play, a fairy tale destiny to embrace or resist. As she struggles to take control of her fate, Mira is drawn into the lives of two brothers with fairy tale curses of their own . . . brothers who share a dark secret. And she’ll find that love, just like fairy tales, can have sharp edges and hidden thorns.

April 10th: BELLES by Jen Calonita (Standalone? I think?)

Fifteen-year-old Isabelle Scott loves her life by the boardwalk on the supposed wrong side of the tracks in North Carolina. But when tragedy strikes, a social worker sends her to live with a long-lost uncle and his preppy privileged family. Isabelle is taken away from everything she's ever known, and, unfortunately, inserting her into the glamorous lifestyle of Emerald Cove doesn't go so well. Her cousin Mirabelle Monroe isn't thrilled to share her life with an outsider, and, in addition to dealing with all the rumors and backstabbing that lurk beneath their classmates' Southern charm, a secret is unfolding that will change both girls' lives forever.

*April 10th: LEXAPROS AND CONS by Aaron Karo (looks like a standalone and sound really cute. I think we should read it.) 

Chuck Taylor’s OCD has rendered him a high school outcast. His endless routines and habitual hand washing threaten to scare away both his closest friend and the amazing new girl in town. Sure he happens to share the name of the icon behind the coolest sneakers in the world, but even Chuck knows his bizarre system of wearing different color “Cons” depending on his mood is completely crazy. 

In this hilariously candid debut novel from comedian Aaron Karo—who grew up with a few obsessions and compulsions of his own—very bad things are going to happen to Chuck. But maybe that’s a good thing. Because with graduation looming, Chuck finds himself with one last chance to face his inner demons, defend his best friend, and win over the girl of his dreams. No matter what happens, though, he’ll have to get his hands dirty.

April 10th: DEAR GEORGE CLOONEY, PLEASE MARRY MY MOM by Susin Nielsen (standalone) 

Violet's TV-director dad has traded a job in Vancouver for one in Los Angeles, their run-down house for a sleek ranch-style home complete with a pool, and, worst of all, Violet's mother for a trophy wife, a blonde actress named Jennica. Violet's younger sister reacts by bed-wetting, and her mother ping-pongs from one loser to another, searching for love. As for Violet, she gets angry in ways that are by turns infuriating, shocking, and hilarious.

When her mother takes up with the unfortunately named Dudley Wiener, Violet and her friend Phoebe decide that they need to take control. If Violet's mom can't pick a decent man herself, they will help her snag George Clooney. In Dear George Clooney, Please Marry My Mom, Susin Nielsen has created a truly original protagonist in Violet and a brilliant new novel that will delight readers into rooting for her, even when she's at her worst.

PAPERBACK RELEASES

Monster High #2: The Ghoul Next Door by Lisi Harrison

Rotters by Daniel Kraus

Viola in the Spotlight by Adriana Trigiani 

Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King

7 Kinds of Ordinary Catastrophes by Amber Kizer

The Anti-Prom by Abby McDonald

Chime by Franny Billingsley

In Theaters April 9th- April 15th

April 13th: "The Cabin in the Woods" 

Director: Drew Goddard

MPAA Rating: R

Going to see it?: No. Just... no. Not only do I see absolutely no plot in the trailer, but I also cannot stomach horror. I don't care HOW CUTE the guys are!

Description: 

Five friends go for a break at a remote cabin in the woods, where they get more than they bargained for. Together, they must discover the truth behind the cabin in the woods. If you think you know this story, think again. From fan favorites Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard comes 'The Cabin in the Woods,' a mind blowing horror film that turns the genre inside out.

April 13th: "The Three Stooges"

Directors: Bobby Farrelly and Peter Farrelly

MPAA Rating: PG

Going to see it?: Probably not right away. Maybe on DVD or when it goes to the cheaper theater down the street because next week has a bunch of films I'm down for.

Description: 

While trying to save their childhood orphanage, Moe, Larry, and Curly inadvertently stumble into a murder plot and wind up starring in a reality TV show. Peter and Bobby Farrelly finally get around to doing their take on the Three Stooges with this 20th Century Fox production. From a script they penned with Mike Cerrone (Me, Myself & Irene), the brothers' comedic take on the trio will not be a iopic, but rather a sampling of new slapstick adventures set in the present day.

April 13th: "Lockout"

Directors: James Mathers and Stephen St. Ledger

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Going to see it?: When I first saw the trailer, I thought no, but now... maybe?

Description: 

Set in the near future, Lockout follows a falsely convicted ex- government agent (Guy Pearce), whose one chance at obtaining freedom lies in the dangerous mission of rescuing the President's daughter (Maggie Grace) from rioting convicts at an outer space maximum security prison.

April 13th: "Blue Like Jazz"

Director: Steve Taylor

MPAA Rating: Not Yet Rated

Going to see it?: No, but Claire Holt (aka EMMA from H2O: Just Add Water) is in it and that's the only reason I'm even mentioning this one to you guys 'cause it looks... weird...

Description: In 'Blue Like Jazz,' Don (Marshall Allman), a pious nineteen-year-old sophomore at a Texas junior college, impulsively decides to escape his evangelical upbringing for life in the Pacific Northwest at one of the most progressive campuses in America, Reed College in Portland. Upon arrival, Reed's surroundings and eccentric student body proves to be far different than he could possibly imagine from the environment from which he came, forcing him to embark on a journey of self-discovery to understand who he is and what he truly believes.

AND MORE
"Woman Thou Art Loosed: On the 7th Day" by Director Neema Barnette

"Monsieur Lazhar" by Director Philippe Falardeau

"Here" by Director Braden King

"L!fe Happens" by Director Kat Coiro

And that's it for this Sunday! I'll catch you later, Dearies! 

Love,
Deserae

Saturday Sights ~6~

Hello, Elsewhere! I promise to be brief.

This week and next week I have all day training sessions on Saturdays so if these are posted a little late, you'll know why. But then again, what is late? I figure, if it's up on Saturday, that's right on time. Do you know what I mean? Of course you don't know what I mean, what am I even saying to begin with?!


FIRST, as always, I want to present you with a giveaway opportunity. If you haven't been to your local bookstore in a while, you're missing out because there's a plethora of BEAUTIFUL books that are hitting the shelves. And among them is one called CHOPSTICKS and you're in luck! because there's a giveaway over at Confessions of a Bookaholic for JUST THE THING!

NOW, I must point you in the direction of Mundie Moms' 5 star review that has convinced me to read GRAVE MERCY on Elsewhere! That's right, ya'll. Get ready for May because I've got a bunch of great titles lined up. But there is no rule against getting a head start! GRAVE MERCY is in stores now, and guess what? It sounds GOOD. And if you're coming down off your OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF TIME high, this might be the best news you've heard in days because it's about NUN ASSASSINS (okay, not really, but KINDA). Check it out, yo!

FINALLY (see, I told you! Brief!) for those of you who are HA-UGE fans of Veronica Roth's DIVERGENT, have I got news for you. There's this really cool site called Divergent Nation that's gearing people up for the May 1st release of its sequel: INSURGENT. If any of you are #TeamDauntless, you should head over there and check out some of the blogs that are supporting this faction. Can you believe the release is less than a month away? I can't and I'm not even part of the fan-base, yet! But I will be. Soon. Berry, berry soon. I hope. :)

And that's it for this Saturday! What were some of the awesome sights YOU'VE seen this week? Don't forget that this upcoming week we'll be celebrating Sang Kromah's very cool debut CONCEALED and you are MORE THAN ENCOURAGED to participate in the celebration! You can start submitting your Wednesday Wanderings to myticketsomewhere@gmail.com from now all the way through Tuesday, and you should start thinking about creative ways to spread the word! Also, if you don't think CONCEALED is going to be your kinda story (which *ahem!* is going to be nearly impossible since it's pretty much "everybody's" kind of book), you can still hang with us by reading either TEXAS GOTHIC or THE SECOND SUMMER OF THE SISTERHOOD.

Now seriously. That's it. Have a wonderful weekend, Everyone, and get your geek on!

Later!
Deserae

Friday Finale: OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF TIME

On Monday...
We caused some Mayhem by dropping GG5 inspired postcards in the bags and hoods of unsuspecting targets. At least I did. But you guys also got to enjoy a non-spoiler vlog review of the book AND I linked you up with a BUNCH of Gallagher related nonsense to hold you over until the next book hits the shelves.

On Tuesday...
I recruited ya'll to help me dazzle Twitter with our talk of OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF TIME, but it turned out to be one of those days when I talked to myself... again. It was okay, though, because I ended up being a bundle of nerves about my first day of classes and life just wasn't going so well. Thank GOD for that awesome contest by Marley Gibson. I mean, that was just the thing I needed to lift my spirits. Did you enter? I hope so because it was only for a limited time!

On Wednesday...
I showed you my pair of Traveling Pants. I don't get out much as you can tell from the illustration, but I know you guys do and guess what? You can make your OWN pair of Traveling Pants and WIN PRIZES for it! WHA?!?!?! Next Wednesday, I'd like to show some of your bookish spirit. Send entries over, yo, and get ideas from this month's calendar!

On Thursday...
I introduced you to Nicole who's just fabbity fab with knobs on. She wrote a review for OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF TIME and guess what? She's like you and me! A regular girl who just loves telling people about the awesome books she reads. I adored her review and think you should click on this screenshot RIGHT NOW so that you can read it. It was nowhere near as nitpicky as my review. I think, if you're wondering what your reaction would've been like had you NOT read my review, you should check out Nicole's immediately.

And now it's Friday!
And I have a bunch more yum yums for you on top of all the stuff we've already done! Oh yeah.... You didn't think I forgot about Holly Black's WHITE CAT, did you? Well I didn't and thankfully, neither did Novel Novice! In celebration of the release of BLACK HEART this week, these bloggers have been posting the coolest things regarding the Curseworkers world like:

1. All of the book trailers!
2. A quiz so you can determine what kind of worker you are!
3. And my favorite--- a writing contest where you can enter to win the entire set of Curseworkers books! And guess when this contest ends? The 30th of April! So you have the entire month to get to work. Seriously... can we just lift our hands in thanks and exclaim a whooping "Thank you Novel Novice!"?

Also, I've compiled a super duper OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF TIME Playlist from the music featured on the Daily Doses over at Home this week!

AND don't forget there's a liveshow tonight at 5 PM PST where we'll be talking about all of the books featured this week--- OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF TIME especially because yes! I have a lot to say!

Hope to see you there. Have a fabulous weekend and I hope your Passover and Easter holidays are truly... fabulous! Haha! I'm running out of words.

Lots of love,
Deserae

Thursday Thoughts -5-

Hey Guys!

So it's been a while since I've had thoughts from you guys, but I know that OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF TIME was one of those books WE ALL were looking forward to reading and it was one of those we all HAD to write reviews about. You all read my review already so I'm not going to blah about that. Instead, I want to point you toward the fabulous review done by Nicole because she wrote it, I think, THE DAY the book came out and made me even more anxious to get the book for myself.

Click the pic to see her full review!

BASICALLY, I love Nicole. I loved her review. I MUST talk to her about OSOT at some point in the near future. But you? You should go talk to her now so that SHE can convince you to read it since (I admit it!) I haven't been doing the best job of it, myself.

Also, don't forget there's a chat tomorrow at 5 PM PST. Seriously. Tomorrow. I swear. Pinkies crossed or whatever you do with them. Be there and talk with me! I have some questions for those of you who did read the book. I actually want to talk about it so warning to those of you who come just to keep me company! There might be some spoilers. Sorry in advance because I can't control the actual chatroom.

Love ya'll bunches and yo! Go read Nicole's review!!!!

Deuces!
Deserae
(Gah! I know! SO GHETTO!!!!)

Wednesday Writes -5-

Hello, Elsewhere!

I know I'm late. But it's still Wednesday and to celebrate this week's books, I chose to make my own pair of traveling pants. I used Paint so forgive the sloppiness. But yeah! Here are five things I've done or am proud of or want to do. I hope you make your own pair and remember! You can enter next week's Wednesday Wanderings by using your creativity to respond to any of the books we're reading then. Why not get a head start? Visit the April Calendar for a few ideas!

Ciao Bellas! 

Deserae

Tuesday in Tweets -5-

    

"Dancing with myself!..." 

MEMO FROM EARLIER TODAY:

Hey Everyone! It's Tuesday!

I have my classes up the wazzoo on Tuesdays which means two things:

1. I'm going to miss Jackson Pearce's Liveshow EVERY FREAKING WEEK!
2. I won't be able to Tweet ALL DAY--- only when I return from class at yeah. 7:15 in the evening.

That means that you all have to step it up for me! Be sure to Tweet the author of the week, share your thoughts, talk to each other, and use the hashtag #teamelsewhere as often as you can so I can find those Tweets later on. Remember, we're talking about OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF TIME by Ally Carter, WHITE CAT by Holly Black, and THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS by Ann Brashares. If you read any of these books, get your Tweeples talking! You can also mention me, @sommertales, in your Tweets if you have questions or insightful thoughts on any of the books and I'll reply as soon as I can. Because I love you!

Take care, all, and take with ye this awesome contest by Marley Gibson in celebration of her book RADIATE which releases this week (check out the Sunday Post to see other new releases this week!).

I'll be back later!
Deserae

Monday Mayhem -5- The Mayhem Resumes

Out of Sight, Out of Time (Gallagher Girls #5)

by Ally Carter

From Goodreads: The last thing Cammie Morgan remembers is leaving the Gallagher Academy to protect her friends and family from the Circle of Cavan--an ancient terrorist organization that has been hunting her for over a year. But when Cammie wakes up in an alpine convent and discovers months have passed, she must face the fact that her memory is now a black hole. The only traces left of Cammie’s summer vacation are the bruises on her body and the dirt under her nails, and all she wants is to go home. 

Once she returns to school, however, Cammie realizes that even the Gallagher Academy now holds more questions than answers. Cammie, her friends, and mysterious spy-guy Zach must face their most difficult challenge yet as they travel to the other side of the world, hoping to piece together the clues that Cammie left behind. It’s a race against time. The Circle is hot on their trail and willing stop at nothing to prevent Cammie from remembering what she did last summer.

Good day, Elsewhere! I hope we're finding you well on this glorious Monday.

The Mayhem Video is up and waiting for your chipper video responses. If you don't know what the Mayhem Challenge is this week, then great! You can watch it to find out! Or you can check out the April Calendar. It contains a cornucopia of wealth and knowledge and I hope you guys use the calendars often to keep yourselves in the know.

Speaking of being in the know... Did you know that Ally Carter has an official Tumblr, now? Every Friday, her assistant Molly puts up fan art that can be emailed to allycartercontest@gmail.com and there's a chance you can see yours featured there if you just submit! And guess what? The Wednesday Wanderers Challenge offers up a prize for just the thing. So if you create some fan art for this book, WHITE CAT, or SISTERHOOD I by midnight PST tomorrow, then you can send it to myticketsomewhere@gmail.com as well. Isn't that great?! It is. I know! For ideas and stuff, check out the April Calendar. What did I tell you? WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE.

You know what else is good to know? What Liz, Bex, Zach, and Macey were really doing all that time that Cammie was away. And now you can actually find out! Enroll at Gallagher Academy and enjoy exclusive content for OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF TIME! And guess what? Ally loved the idea so much that it's likely she'll be releasing short stories before the release of the next installment. And even though that's a while away, a true Gallagher Girl knows how to wait. :)

In other news, OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF TIME was a bestseller on the NY Times Bestselling Series List. Congrats, Ally! But GG5 isn't the only book we're celebrating by a NY Times Bestselling Author. Holly Black, the author of WHITE CAT has had her fair share of awards and achievements. It might seem strange at first, but she was one of the authors hard at work on The Spiderwick Chronicles Series and it's spin-off, Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles. And Ann Brashares can also boast of being a NY Times Bestselling Author. THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS sat at #1 on the list!

So as you can see, I don't recommend bad books, ya'll. Although I don't always love them wholeheartedly, every single book we read here is good! And has good merits! They're not always GREAT for everyone, but I do believe that all of them are meant to be great for SOMEONE. So start spreading the word, yo! Invite people to Elsewhere and more importantly, START HANDING THEM BOOKS!

Take with ye a lovely review of OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF TIME.

Have an awesome week, ya'll!
Deserae

Read With Me! Week of April 2nd

Want to read with Elsewhere but not sure how or when to? Try this!

OUT OF SIGHT OUT OF TIME:
-Monday: Chapters 1-11 (pages 1-80)
-Tuesday: Chapters 12-22 (pages 81-155)
-Wednesday: Chapters 23-33 (pages 156-232)
-Thursday: Chapters 34-42 (pages 233- end)

SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS:
*I don't have the book on-hand but use a guide similar to the one for OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF TIME. You need to do an average of 75 pages a day (not less! If you stop in the middle of a section, try to go over that unless the section is ridiculously long) in order to finish by Thursday. But remember! You have until Friday at 5 PM PST to finish so don't hurt yourself! Read at your own pace!

WHITE CAT:
-Monday: Chapters 1-5 (pages 1-73)
-Tuesday: Chapters 6-10 (pages 74-162)
-Wednesday: Chapters 11-14 (pages 163-241)
-Thursday: Chapters 15-19 (pages 242-end)

*NOTE: If you have an edition other than the one linked to above, your page numbers might not be the same. That's why I included the chapters as well. Those remain constant, thank God!

If you would like to suggest reading material for Elsewhere, scroll down to the last section of this post called "RE: Choosing what to read..." 

And here are some general tips and my advice:

RE: The Book of the Week...
I personally read the Book of the Week the weekend before we celebrate it. That way, I can write my review on Sunday and talk about it with everyone all throughout that week. Sometimes, if I'm really excited for a story (like CONCEALED) I read it ahead. But I realize that the Book of the Week might not be for everyone, so now we have challenge books and for those, I wait until the actual week we're talking about them.

RE: The Series Challenge Book...
At the moment, the series challenge books have been for books in a series I've already read and am waiting to read the next installment for. During March, I wanted to re-read the Gallagher series but didn't have time, and was fortunate enough that we were such a small group no one really read those, either. This month is weird, too, because I WANT to re-read the Sisterhood series but kind of... can't (my sister has the series at home where they belong). Therefore, I don't have much advice on this at the moment. But next month, the series we're reading is one I haven't read yet, so hopefully I'll have more for you, then. Have any of you taken up the series challenge? What's your advice on doing the best you can to keep up with that? Do you have to choose one challenge over the other? Do you choose it because you prefer the series over the books chosen to be our main focus?

RE: The Wanderer's Challenge Book... 
I divide the book into four manageable chunks for Monday through Thursday. That way, I'll be able to discuss it in full at the Friday Livechat.

RE: Choosing which books to read...
Like I said, I know not all the books are going to be for everyone, but I honestly believe that all of the stories are good in some way. So what I suggest is doing your research--- getting a Goodreads account. Look up a few reviews or just read each of the synopses and see which books are better for you. You don't have to read all three to participate in the discussion. Just one will do and this is a chance for you to step out of your comfort zone and read different things in a place where it's safe to express your opinions and thoughts and likes and dislikes. Elsewhere is kind of our little secret right now. So take advantage of that and PLEASE, feel free to suggest reading material for us! Next month, I need suggestions for books that fall under the CONTEMPORARY, "UN"-ROMANCE, and DYSTOPIAN genres. Click on each to see an example of each genre--- an example that I would love to read, actually, upon your recommendations!

Book Review: OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF TIME

There are two types of people in this world: the type that believe there are only two types of everything and the type that don't. The problem with those of us human beings who belong in the first category is that we don't allow ourselves any room to be wrong. If we say there are only two options--- a right and a wrong--- then we're being ignorant because we're also saying that WE are right, and all who disagree are wrong. This is why I belong to Type Two: I believe that there isn't just black, and there isn't just white, but there is also gray. And blue. And pink, orange, yellow and green. And that there are shades of all of them. And that we have to be open to removing our blinders and seeing the world as a kaleidoscope of options.

I say this because I can explain exactly why OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF TIME didn't wow me, but I need you to be patient and to understand. Understand that I DID like the story. That I DO love the series. That I think it was told EXACTLY the way it needed to be told. But alas, on its own merit, it is not the "bestest" book in the world.

Now be patient with me as I try to explain. I'm going to explain everything that put a damper on my enjoyment of the story and then I'm going to tell you that you MUST read this book. Why? Why would I go into depth about things I didn't like about a story and then turn around and tell you to read it? For three reasons:

1. Because I can.
2. Because the story itself IS GOOD and is an important--- and extremely vital!--- installment to a series I will be recommending to people until my dying breath.
3. And because you have to read it so that you can argue with me. If you don't read it but turn around and say, "But it's AMAZING!" I will regrettably have to punch you in the face. I hope you understand. But if you DO read it, you can point out passages, throw a hissy fit--- heck! You can even throw a hard copy through my window! I want to KNOW that I missed something--- that there was more to it than I received.

Here's the trouble I had with it (and like I said, be patient--- I had a lot of troubles not with the storyline but with the story itself): for a series that is getting progressively darker, the characters in this installment felt uncomfortably... stiff.

And as I write this, I realize that, in my mind, at least, THIS was my problem. Just this one. And it presented itself in many different areas--- in many different ways. The first and most obvious way was in Cammie. For a girl who had gone through so much in a summer, who had forgotten so much of her life... she got on my nerves. Aren't I supposed to be sympathizing for an amnesiac-slash-basket-case?

I am! to answer my own question. I AM supposed to feel SOMETHING for her--- especially after all she goes through throughout the story (kudos, Ally Carter, for having the plotting and pacing skills of a master). But all I could think about as I flipped through page after page was, "If she talks about her memory-loss one. more. time...." and "Stop feeling sorry for yourself, Woman! If you're doing all the pitying, what's left for me to feel sorry for?!?!" I don't know why I thought these things. I'm sure if I lost my memory, I would be sulking, whining, begging my brain to present answers, too. But... I'm sighing right now because I feel like this "realistic" element slowed the book down for me. Not that the book was slow. Trust me, I MEANT IT when I gave Ally that kudos up there. It's just... CAMMIE. I wish I counted the amount of times she mentioned her amnesia and made a scene about it. I wish I'd counted how many times she mentioned it and DIDN'T make a scene about it. Because there were a bunch and yes--- I GET that this is what the story is centered around. But I felt like there were other things--- more important things that she needed to be dwelling on. Things she could've been doing instead, you know? And it irked me. To the point where I just gave up on caring about her feelings because I knew how she felt. She was fine. That much was obvious. I had to stop myself from skimming because I knew I was getting upset for no reason. I realize, now, that I was getting upset because I'd set impossible expectations for a story that HAD TO HAPPEN in order to set us up for what's to come.

But still, I have to tell you, that it's not. just. Cammie. The team of operatives that surrounded Cammie (aka Bex, Liz, Macey, Zach, and... more...) I felt were just being used as pawns to fuel or justify Cammie's fits--- Cammie's need to talk about her amnesia and do the recap-of-everything-we've-just-heard-about-slash-time-to-feel-sorry-for-myself bit she pulls throughout the ENTIRE book (okay. Not entire. It KINDA stops around page 252). Let me say that, in all fairness, they weren't really needed for much more than that. This was--- IS--- Cammie's story, and she really needs to figure out everything on her own, but she can't do that without backup and I was just... SURPRISED at how little time I got to spend with the others and how most of that time was just like a game of chess... strategic moves of the pawns used to protect the Queen. And I wish I didn't notice it, but it felt like we were watching the same moves being played over and over again in different locations, under varying degrees of pressure... I don't know what else to say. I know these things are trivial, more on the nitpicky, technical side of the story, but what can I say? I'm a nitpicky, technical kinda girl.

All that said, I have to point out, as always, the things that made me realize that, although I may have been right about this not being the BEST book in the series, it's still a really good one:
-Rachel Morgan is awesome.
-Cammie Morgan kicks butt.
-Zach is still hot.
-Action speaks louder than words and this book brings it.
-The motives in this story are so twisted, ohmygosh.
-The characters may move to the beat of Cammie's drum, but they've been so well crafted that, despite their static nature, they still manage to make me feel like the Gallagher Academy is real and I might've seen them, and yes--- they are awesome. Somewhere in the universe, Macey and Bex and exchanging satisfied smirks.
-The story? It's SO good.
-We get answers.
-We ACTUALLY get answers.
-Although I see this story as a set-up for what's to come, I realize it's necessary and honestly? I wouldn't have it any other way. Well... I would have fewer mentions of the amnesia, let me tell you.

But Ally did an amazing job in plotting this story AS A WHOLE. I highly recommend OUT OF SIGHT to fans of the Gallagher Girls series, and I HIGHLY recommend the Gallagher Girl series to EVERYONE. As you can see, the pros outweigh the cons, but unfortunately for ME, the cons were enough to put a damper on the book.

Fortunately for you, though, you're not as crazy as I am. And you'll most likely be able to see the awesome in this book and ground that into your heart and mind as you await the next installment. In the meantime, talk to me. If you read this one, do tell me what you thought and tell me if I'm as ridiculous as I feel I must be.

The Sunday Post ~5~

Elsewhere News

• Last week in Elsewhere, Desi was absent. She knows and is very, berry sorry. But don't worry--- in my free time, I'll still do all the posts I missed for DESPEREAUX which I hope you read--- it's such a wonderful story of love and forgiveness.
• This week, we're talking about Ally Carter's OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF TIME and if you participated in last month's Gallagher Girl Challenge, you're all caught up! Even though I was personally a bit disappointed in the fifth installment of the Gallagher Girls Series, I still recommend this book and the series wholeheartedly. It's an important development to the story's overall arch, and my tastes aren't your tastes--- my mind isn't your mind--- so you might like it more than I did! I admit the things that bothered me about this one were TRIVIAL, but I can't say it was better than GG3 or GG4, even though I really, really, REALLY want to say that! In my review, I'll talk on this further, but if you haven't picked up this book yet, I still need you to. You must pick it up. You must read it. You must talk to me about it. And then you must convince me that I'm a complete nutzo or something because unfortunately, I wanted to like it a lot more than I actually did.
• This month has brought changes for Elsewhere and no! That's not an April Fool's joke! Instead of just focusing on the book of the week, I'm going to do my best to talk about all of the books we're reading more so that if one of the books I've chosen didn't suit you but another did, you won't be out of the loop--- you'll just be in a different one. :) Keep in mind, the Book of the Week is still my main focus. If I forget or neglect to post about the "challenge" books, TECHNICALLY you can't hate me for it. TECHNICALLY.
• This month, I'll be providing "reading schedules" for the books we'll be reading just to give you an idea or a goal of how you can reasonably finish a book before our Friday Livechat. Since this is the first month I'm doing it I'm going to experiment: this week, I'm giving it to you on Monday, next week on Friday. For those of you who want to try it, let me know which works best for you after the trial run is over. 

New Releases April 2nd- April 8th

*All synopses are from Goodreads

April 3rd: FEAR by Michael Grant (Book #5 in the Gone Series---has anyone read this series? Is it awesome? Should we include it as our series challenge next month?Let me know!)

Despite the hunger, despite the lies, even despite the plague, the kids of Perdido Beach are determined to survive. Creeping into the tenuous new existence they've built, though, is perhaps the worst incarnation yet of the enemy known as the Darkness: fear.

April 3rd: THE FAME GAME by Lauren Conrad (first book in a spinoff series)

In Hollywood, fame can be found on every corner and behind any door. You just have to know where to look for it. Nineteen-year-old Madison Parker made a name for herself as best frenemy of nice-girl-next-door Jane Roberts on the hot reality show L.A. Candy. Now Madison's ready for her turn in the spotlight and she'll stop at nothing to get it. Sure, she's the star of a new show, but with backstabbing friends and suspicious family members trying to bring her down, Madison has her work cut out for her. Plus, there's a new nice girl in "reality" town—aspiring actress Carmen Price, the daughter of Hollywood royalty—and she's a lot more experienced at playing the fame game... When the camera's start rolling, whose star will shine brighter?

April 3rd: BLACK HEART by Holly Black (Book #3 in the Curseworkers series--- *NOTE there are other covers for this series--- covers I love SO much! But I'm not sure if they're circulating. Sadness!)

Cassel Sharpe knows he’s been used as an assassin, but he’s trying to put all that behind him. He’s trying to be good, even though he grew up in a family of con artists and cheating comes as easily as breathing to him. He’s trying to do the right thing, even though the girl he loves is inextricably connected with crime. And he’s trying to convince himself that working for the Feds is smart, even though he’s been raised to believe the government is the enemy. 

But with a mother on the lam, the girl he loves about to take her place in the Mob, and new secrets coming to light, the line between what’s right and what’s wrong becomes increasingly blurred. When the Feds ask Cassel to do the one thing he said he would never do again, he needs to sort out what’s a con and what’s truth. In a dangerous game and with his life on the line, Cassel may have to make his biggest gamble yet—this time on love.

April 3rd: PURE by Jennifer L. Armentrout (Book #2 in the Covenant Series paperback release--- was only available as an ebook before)

There is need. And then there is Fate... Being destined to become some kind of supernatural electrical outlet isn't exactly awesome--especially when Alexandria's "other half" is everywhere she goes. Seth's in her training room, outside her classes, and keeps showing up in her bedroom--so not cool. Their connection does have some benefits, like staving off her nightmares of the tragic showdown with her mother, but it has no effect on what Alex feels for the forbidden, pure-blooded Aiden. Or what he will do--and sacrifice--for her. 

When daimons infiltrate the Covenants and attack students, the gods send furies--lesser gods determined to eradicate any threat to the Covenants and to the gods, and that includes the Apollyon... and Alex. And if that and hordes of aether-sucking monsters didn't blow bad enough, a mysterious threat seems willing to do anything to neutralize Seth, even if that means forcing Alex into servitude... or killing her. When the gods are involved, some decisions can never, ever be undone.

April 3rd: GRAVE MERCY by Robin LaFevers (Book #1 in the His Fair Assassins Series)

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others. 

Ismae's most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

April 3rd: RADIATE by Marley Gibson (looks like a standalone)

Hayley Matthews has one dream: to make it onto the varsity cheerleading team her senior year of high school. Odds are against her, but she doesn't let that stop her from trying and despite the odds, she makes the squad.

In an instant, Hayley's life changes. Now she's part of the popular crowd at school, dating a football player, and going to parties. And she's working hard to be as perfect on the squad as her captain expects them all to be.

But then one day Hayley notices a lump on her left leg and the steady throb she's been feeling has gotten much worse. She can barely walk. When Hayley goes with her mom to get it checked out, the diagnosis is cancer. The doctor can't say how bad it is or what the prognosis will be. At the minimum, she'll have to have surgery. At the most it could mean loss of her leg or even her life. Now she must face the odds again and show everyone, including herself, just how strong she is. And through it all, it's cheerleading that keeps Hayley focused and positive.

All she wants to do is cheer, and nothing, including cancer, is going to stop her.

In Theaters April 2nd- April 8th

April 4th: "Titanic in 3D"

Director: James Cameron

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Going to see it?: No because it'll make me CRY and I don't want to CRY.

Description: When 102-year-old Rose (Gloria Stuart) reveals she's the person in the portrait, she is summoned to the wreckage site to tell her story of the 56-carat diamond necklace and her experiences of 84 years earlier. The scene then shifts to 1912 Southampton where passengers boarding the Titanic include penniless Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio) and society girl Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet), returning to Philadelphia with her wealthy fiance Cal Hockley (Billy Zane). After the April 10th launch, Rose develops a passionate interest in Jack, and Cal's reaction is vengeful. At midpoint in the film, the Titanic slides against the iceberg and water rushes into the front compartments. Even engulfed, Cal continues to pursue Jack and Rose as the massive liner begins its descent.

April 4th: "Iron Sky"

Director: Timo Vuorensola

MPAA Rating: Not Rated

Going to see it?: Um! No.

Description: In the last moments of World War II, a secret Nazi space program evaded destruction by fleeing to the Dark Side of the Moon. During 70 years of utter secrecy, the Nazis construct a gigantic space fortress with a massive armada of flying saucers. When American astronaut James Washington (Christopher Kirby) puts down his Lunar Lander a bit too close to the secret Nazi base, the Moon Fuhrer (Udo Kier) decides the glorious moment of retaking the Earth has arrived sooner than expected. Washington claims the mission is just a publicity stunt for the President of the United States (Stephanie Paul), but what else could the man be but a scout for the imminent attack by Earth forces? The Fourth Reich must act! Two Nazi officers, ruthless Klaus Adler (Gotz Otto) and idealistic Renate Richter (Julia Dietze), travel to Earth to prepare the invasion. In the end when the Moon Nazi UFO armada darkens the skies, ready to strike at the unprepared Earth, every man, woman and nation alike, must re-evaluate their priorities.

April 6th: "American Reunion" 

Directors: Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg

MPAA Rating: R

Going to see it?: Not my thing, but I admit! The commercial made me laugh!

Description: In the comedy 'American Reunion', all the 'American Pie' characters we met a little more than a decade ago return to East Great Falls for their high-school reunion. In one long-overdue weekend, they will discover what has changed, who hasn't and that time and distance can't break the bonds of friendship.

It was summer 1999 when four small-town Michigan boys began a quest to lose their virginity. In the years that have passed, Jim and Michelle married while Kevin and Vicky said goodbye. Oz and Heather grew apart, but Finch still longs for Stifler's mom. Now these lifelong friends have come home as adults to reminisce about--and get inspired by--the hormonal teens who launched a comedy legend.

April 6th: "The Hunter"

Director: Daniel Nettheim

MPAA Rating: R

Going to see it?: I don't know! It sounds pretty good!

Description: A mercenary employed by a highly secretive biotech research company sets out into the wilds of Tasmania in search of the elusive Tasmanian tiger - an animal assumed to be extinct by scientists, yet rumored to have been spotted in the area in recent years. Adapted from the novel by author Julia Leigh, The Hunter follows Martin (Willem Dafoe) as he ventures out on his mission and arrives at the home of Lucy Armstrong (Frances O'Connor), who has been heavily sedated since her husband vanished into the surrounding wilderness months ago, and who now lives alone with her young daughter Sass (Morgana Davies) and taciturn son Bike (Finn Woodlock). Shortly thereafter, Martin is accompanied to the edge of the wilds by Jack Mindy (Sam Neill), an old friend of Lucy's who has kept watch over her family and who balks at the newcomer's decision to navigate the rough terrain unaccompanied. In the wake of a clash with hostile local loggers Martin gradually begins to learn more about Lucy's family, and begins to develop a tenuous friendship with her two young children. But later, just as Martin begins to feel as if his goal is finally within reach, an unexpected development sends his mission into a tailspin, and causes him to question the motivations behind capturing this strange and majestic creature.

April 6th: "Damsels in Distress"

Director: Whit Stillman

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Going to see it?: ...Eh! Maybe! Sounds like my cup o' tea...

Description: 'Damsels in Distress' follows a trio of beautiful girls who set out to revolutionize life at a grungy East Coast College -- the dynamic leader Violet Wister (Greta Gerwig), principled Rose (Megalyn Echikunwoke) and sexy Heather (Carrie MacLemore). They welcome transfer student Lily (Annaleigh Tipton) into their group which seeks to help severely depressed students with a program of good hygiene and musical dance numbers. The girls become romantically entangled with a series of men -- including slick Charlie ( Adam Brody), dreamboat Xavier (Hugo Becker) and the mad frat pack of Frank (Ryan Metcalf) and Thor (Billy Magnussen)-- who threaten the girls' friendship and sanity.

And that's it for this week, my dears! I'm excited to head down to the bookstore to pick up the April books and all that jazz. Oh didn't you know? The April Calendar is up! Be sure to check it out and participate in the contests going on! You know you want to. Everyone who spreads the word is entered to win! Hope you all have a blessed week. Love ya much and I'll talk to you soon!

Hasta la pasta,

Deserae