THGReadAThon Discussion Questions: Part 1 "The Tributes"

Have you stop by on our kick-off guest post? I'm telling you it's really awesome, so do drop by. OK friends, here's our first leg of discussion questions for our month-long THGReadAThon.

1. Imagine one day waking up and finding yourself in Panem. What district would you be in and why? To give you an idea, here’s the list of the 12 districts and their designated jobs.

• District 1: Luxury
• District 2: Masonry
• District 3: Technology
• District 4: Fishing
• District 5: Power
• District 6: Transportation
• District 7: Lumber
• District 8: Textiles
• District 9: Grain
• District 10: Livestock
• District 11: Agriculture
• District 12: Mining

2. The Reaping Day was one of the dreaded days by District 12. If you were picked that day as one of the tributes, what would be your initial reaction?

3. You are a tribute and your mentor is planning the best strategy for you to win. What do you think will be your best selling attribute and/or skill?

4. You were not picked but your sister/father/mother was, would you sacrifice yourself for them a la Katniss or would you keep your ground a la Peeta’s brothers?

5. Time for the first impression segment. What is the first thing that came into mind when you think of:

1. Katniss Everdeen
2. Peeta Mellark
3. Gale Hawthorne
4. Cinna
5. Haymitch Abernathy
6. Effie Trinket
7. Primrose Everdeen
8. Caesar Flickerman
9. Rue

6. Look up. Who is the character that leaps out to you the most?  Why?

7. Do you think Peeta ever thought of winning The Hunger Games even if it means killing Katniss in the process? Why or why not?

8. (Refer to p. 40)  Fill in the blanks: The Peacekeepers are back too soon and Gale asks for more time, but they’re taking him away and I start to panic. “Don’t let them starve!” I cry out, clinging to his hand.

“I won’t! You know I won’t! Katniss, remember I ______” he say, and they yank us apart and slam the door and I’ll never know what it was he wanted me to remember.

9. Most memorable/favorite scene in Part I “The Tribute”?

10. I know it’s too early to say, but if there was something you want to know more about or you would want to be more elaborated, what would it be and why?

***

Remember, be cautious on giving away mega spoilers! Give at least a warning if there are major spoiler bombs along your post. Everyone has still at least a week to compose their thoughts. On Sunday, we’re going to share our favorite discussion posts so be sure to link up before it closes. For those who still want to join, sign-ups are still open! :D

THGRAT: Guest Post!

Photo courtesy of  weheartit.com

I know you're all tuned in today for the much-awaited guest post for this week. So do head over to my event partner's blog, Sana from Breathing Books and check it out. 

PSST.. It's an author! And there's been talk about a certain "giveaway" so don't dare miss it. ;)

Remember to tune it tomorrow for the first leg of discussion questions of this month-long read-a-thon.

And I'm out.  

Review: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Harry Potter #1)

Read from January 23, 2012
to January 24, 2012

Book: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Harry Potter #1) by J.K. Rowling

Publication Date: June 30, 1997

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Number of Pages: 223 pages

Genre/s: Fantasy

Harry Potter thinks he is an ordinary boy. He lives with his Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia and cousin Dudley, who make him sleep in a cupboard under the stairs. Then Harry starts receiving mysterious letters and his life is changed for ever. He is whisked away by a beetle-eyed giant of a man and enrolled in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The reason: Harry Potter is a wizard!

Excerpt: "It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live."

Let me give a little background about my life's Harry Potter history. I read the book first through borrowing from a classmate, then from the library, reread it sometime in High School, when I finally bought the whole set, and then this month when I reread it again for the HPRC2012. 

That's a total of 5 times and guess what, the magic is still there and as bright and sparklous (my self-made word after reading this) as ever. It was still as hilarious, still as enchanting and still as exciting when I first read it. The chills and nostalgia are even worst than before, if that's even possible. 

On her first book out of the seven in the series, Rowling introduced as to a scrawny, bespectacled boy with an oddly shaped lightning scar on his forehead, named Harry Potter. Little did she know, Harry Potter will not only be famous in her head and in the wizarding world she created but it will also be a worldwide phenomenon.

Harry Potter lives with his Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon who treated him awfully. He lives in a cupboard and was forced to endure his cousin, Dudley, who enjoys bullying him all the time. One day, he received a letter saying that he's been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and that he's a wizard. From then on, Harry Potter embarked on a journey some of us can only hope for.  (and still hoping...)

As a wizard leaving in the world of Muggles especially with no background at all about magic, Harry Potter has a lot to learn and to take in. He didn't know what is the real reason behind his parent's death. That he is special because he has somehow defeated Voldemort when he was still a baby. 

"Everyone thinks I'm special...All those people in the Leaky Cauldron, Professor Quirrell, Mr. Ollivander...But I don't know anything about magic at all."

I feel this odd, powerful connection to Harry, knowing that he's trying to make sense of everything around him. Pictures that move, brooms not for sweeping but for riding on sale, candies with "all" sorts of flavor and a bank run by goblins. It was too much. But what's too much for him is like a treat to the readers. It was a different world for us too and seeing it in the eyes of Harry Potter is all so very interesting. 

What's really commendable about Rowling's writing as well is its simplicity. When I reread it again today, I thought is this really how Rowling wrote Philosopher's Stone? I keep imagining it as mind-boggling and quite required the use of a dictionary but no, it's really straightforward. It must've been the British talk, I was imagining then. And the humor and hilarity were superb as well. 

The friendship was also one of the things I really loved about the book. At first it was Hermione "the know-it all" vs. Ron and Harry "the troublemakers". But then the troll happened, and it was enough reason for them to be inseparable.

"There are some things you can't share without ending up liking each other, and knocking out a twelve-foot mountain troll is one of them."

And the characters, oh my I can't tell you how much I love the characters in this book. Albus Dumbledore, an enigmatic, powerful magician and the Headmaster of Hogwarts who has nothing in his heart but kindness. Severus Snape who I loathed but then pulled a big shocker on us at the end of the entire series. It was enough to say I cried harder because of him than I did because of Dumbledore and Sirius combined. Minerva McGonagall who is strict and fair and just about everything but is truly a softy at heart. Draco Malfoy whose name says it all. Hagrid, a giant and the game keeper of Hogwarts whose bigness of heart and loyalty far exceeds his height and Hedwig who is not really a person but an owl, but still as important as the rest.

And the other things that sprouted out of Rowling's head is just pure, unadulterated gold. The magnificence of Quidditch and Harry being the youngest seeker in a century, the Mirror of Erised in which we got a glimpse of the longingness Harry felt for his parents that almost broke my heart, the Invisibility Cloak which lead the trio to their first adventures, the Sorting Hat which is an old hat who sings and sorts students to their houses, the Forbidden Forest first appearance on the books, Harry's first meet-up with his mortal archnemesis, He-who-must-not-be-named. Man, I could go on and on but still could not even touched the epicness that is Philosopher's Stone. Yes, we are still talking about Philosopher's Stone.

Honestly speaking, I cannot understand why I love Harry Potter so much the way I did back then. And until now I cannot really explain why I was still drawn to this wonderful world of magic and spells and why it never grows old. Somehow this story of "The Boy Who Lived" made its way to my heart and refused to leave. And I'm not even complaining. Sparklous.

Cupid's Verdict:

5 Cupids

Anyone having problems commenting?

Workload-overload. 

I'm taking a break from my crazy pile of workload to ask whether anyone is having problems commenting?

I've just been informed (actually, it's been raised up several months ago but I thought it's fixed already) that my comment section is too snobbish for my own good. Please do tell me if there's any problem at all with the site so I could go sue Blogger for stressing us all out. Nah, just kidding. 

If you cannot comment down below, you can reach me through @Sarahbotbonkers, my twitter account or send me an email at sarah[underscore]00988[at]yahoo[dot]com. You can also use the Formspring section down below to rant about my lazy comment section.

And that's it. Now I'm heading back again to work. Happy Weekend everyone!

**Thank you Google for the picture.

THGReadAThon Starts Now!

To all THGReadAThon participants,

You can now start reading The Hunger Games. Our coverage is Part 1: "The Tributes", Chapters 1-9. Reading updates are very much welcome and do use the hashtag #THGReadAThon so we could all see everyone's progress. 

On the 27th we will welcome our first guest post blogger. Discussion questions will be available on the 28th of February. At the end of the first week, we are going to have the Highlight Post, in which we're going to share our favorite posts from all the participants.

Sign ups are still open, so don't be shy and join us. For the complete details and how to enter, click here. And here's our schedule once again.

Do spread the word everyone and may we have a blast.

Review: New Girl by Paige Harbison

Read from February 4 to
February 5, 2012

Book: New Girl by Paige Harbison

Publication Date: January 31, 2012

Publisher: HarlequinTeen

Number of Pages: 304

Genre/s: Young Adult, Contemporary

They call me 'New Girl'... 

Ever since I arrived at exclusive, prestigious Manderly Academy, that’s who I am. New girl. Unknown. But not unnoticed—because of her. 

Becca Normandy—that’s the name on everyone’s lips. The girl whose picture I see everywhere. The girl I can’t compare to. I mean, her going missing is the only reason a spot opened up for me at the academy. And everyone stares at me like it’s my fault. 

Except for Max Holloway—the boy whose name shouldn’t be spoken. At least, not by me. Everyone thinks of him as Becca’s boyfriend but she’s gone, and here I am, replacing her. I wish it were that easy. Sometimes, when I think of Max, I can imagine how Becca’s life was so much better than mine could ever be. 

And maybe she’s still out there, waiting to take it back. - From Goodreads

Excerpt: "We come into the world the furthest thing from alone. We come into the world with everyone fawning over us, and helping us. That's just how it is when we die. I don't know what's different. Maybe it's the fact that when you look at someone's dead body you see their entire live flattened, with an end point."

I want to say this before this review turn into a rant. Reading New Girl was not a very enjoyable experience. By the time I was finished reading, I have a headache and I'm doing this squinty-eye thing I always do when I'm really irritated. That might sound harsh, but GAH reading this was very frustrating. 

Never once did I connected with the protagonist which I will call New Girl. Because, her name I think was mentioned only once and that was on the last pages of the book. I didn't even know why that's the case. 

See, New Girl wants to attend a boarding school much like in the Harry Potter series. She got in, only to find out she didn't really want to leave her friends and family and study in a school far from home. But she went anyway and all hell break loose after that. The students were cold to her and her roomate, Dana was really nasty. She have no idea why, only to find out she was the replacement of a really popular girl, named Becca who had gone missing for quite some time.

New Girl was told in alternating voices by the New Girl and Becca. And as the story progresses, I learned more about Becca. She was an attention-hoarder, scheming, evil, and you know, the one that rhymes with beach. Yeah, that. Mostly, she's the reason why I really had a hard time with this book. But knowing more about her, I discovered she was extremely lonely and has this intense need to prove herself. To show them her worth. That's why she crave attention, I guess. Dana was really hard to take in as well. My first thought about her was she was mental and beyond repair. But she has problems about guilt that has to do with Becca's disappearance. And to cope she has to project all her pent-up anger to New Girl. What do we call that in class? Oh yes, projection.  

Basically, the conversations went like this:
Everybody: *whispers and stares* Why are you here?
New Girl: What is everyone's problem?
E: We know you're not the reason why Becca's not here anymore. But you have to stop acting like her. Dressing like her. Because never in a million years will you replace her. So, just stop. B**ch!
NG: I'm not trying to be her. I'm just me. *huddles in the corner and cry*
E: (not listening) Becca blah blah blah. Becca is this. Becca is that. Blah. Becca!
NG: I don't know what you're talking about.
E: You're stealing everything from her. YOU NO TOUCH BECCA's PROPERTIES!!
NG: OK. I'll stay away. I understand.
E: Good.
NG: *talks with Becca's boy toys*
E: *whispers and stares* then ERUPT.. expletiveeee

Oh the drama! Goodness, it was insufferable. Harbison did well in creating this mean and a little psychotic Becca but I think she did it so well, it got really hard for me to connect with her. New Girl, on the other hand doesn't have any backbone. If people treat me like that, I'll sure tell them to back-off and find another person to bully.

I think what kept me from putting this down and marking it as DNF, is the intrigue factor. I just have to know more although the hate emanating within the pages of the book was extremely cringe-worthy. The love aspect was pretty infuriating, too.

With that I can still say I'm speechless about a lot of things. I could talk about the issues tackled here. Some were glossed over, some were really brought out into the open.  But I wouldn't though because I think some where too much for me. But I do believe it's a subjective feeling so I think you have to find that out yourself.I thought I'd know more about the characters and after revelations after revelations it did happen but it was not enough. There's not a lot of closure as well and what we have to look forward to is the future. The effing future! And the lack of authority on this book was unbelievable. Knowing that it's a boarding school, it irked me that with all the partying, and jaw-boxing, and booze, and shouting and name-calling, the adults have no idea. If there's one thing I learned about New Girl, it is to think twice before sending my future kids to a boarding school. 

Pick this up, if you dare. And if you enjoy it, brava to you.

Cupid's Verdict:

2 Cupids

An advance copy was provided by the publisher at no cost via Netgalley.

Random Ramblings (11): My (Kind-of) Book Splurge Day + Announcement

So I was on the hunt today for a copy of The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis for my Lit thesis. I especially like the compiled one with Aslan on the cover because 1) It's Aslan on the cover 2) It's less expensive. 3) It's less expensive. Ha! Anyway, if you're wondering what it looks like, then lookie here:

It looks cool, right?

But it's not available. They do have the little ones from Harper Collins which cost P 295 ($7) each and it's not really practical when the Aslan cover version was only P 800-est ($19). So I went home.

Kidding. 

I actually ate my words today. I threw practicality out of the windows and splurged. A lot. I couldn't actually contain my excitement right now because I have 2 new books. I mean, the other is a Trilogy but yes, I have awesome new books for my non-existent bookshelf. Woot!

What did I buy? *drumrolls* 

The Hunger Games! And it's 20% off! I got it at around P 796 ($18.5) when it's original price was P 995 ($23.14). I finally got my own copies just in time for The Hunger Games Read-A-Thon we're having. /shameless plugging Have you joined yet? Don't be left out, sign up now! /shameless plugging over

The other book is from one of my favorite authors when I was in Elementary. I was prowling the bookstore's perimeter, drooling and all, when I spotted Dan Well's Partials and Lauren Oliver's Pandemonium. I'm currently reading Partials by Dan Well, courtesy of Netgalley and I love it and I really liked Delirium so my hands are definitely itching to buy at least one of the 2 books. So I picked them up, weigh them in, when my attention was caught by this really gorgeous cover. I read the blurb and it was really intriguing. Then I saw the author, and it was Francine Pascal.

Francine-freakin-Pascal! One of my most-read authors back then. I was like she had a new book!! What?! Why didn't anybody tell me?

So after sweet talking my father to buy the Trilogy set of The Hunger Games *nods head like a boss*, I bought Fearless myself and reluctantly let go of Partials and Pandemonium (next times babies, next time) . I was so excited to go home, smell my new books (I'm weird like that) and took limitless pictures of them. I also browsed Goodreads and saw that Fearless was first published last 1999. You should've seen my face. Nevertheless, still excited to read it. It's Francine-freakin-Pascal anyway. 

That's it for my uber long Book Splurge account of the day. I think I'll finally be able to do my very first IMM post next week, just waiting for some other books to arrive here. ;) For my announcement, read more.

Review: The Gathering Storm (The Katerina Trilogy 1) by Robin Bridges

Read from February 3, 2012 to
February 3 2012

Book: The Gathering Storm (The Katerina Trilogy 1) by Robin Bridges

Publication Date: January 10, 2012

Publisher: Delacorte Books 

Number of Pages: 386 

Genre/s: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Paranormal

St. Petersburg, Russia, 1888. As she attends a whirl of glittering balls, royal debutante Katerina Alexandrovna, Duchess of Oldenburg, tries to hide a dark secret: she can raise the dead. No one knows. Not her family. Not the girls at her finishing school. Not the tsar or anyone in her aristocratic circle. Katerina considers her talent a curse, not a gift. But when she uses her special skill to protect a member of the Imperial Family, she finds herself caught in a web of intrigue. 

An evil presence is growing within Europe's royal bloodlines—and those aligned with the darkness threaten to topple the tsar. Suddenly Katerina's strength as a necromancer attracts attention from unwelcome sources . . . including two young men—George Alexandrovich, the tsar's standoffish middle son, who needs Katerina's help to safeguard Russia, even if he's repelled by her secret, and the dashing Prince Danilo, heir to the throne of Montenegro, to whom Katerina feels inexplicably drawn. 

The time has come for Katerina to embrace her power, but which side will she choose—and to whom will she give her heart? - From Goodreads

Excerpt: "We lived in the strangest of times. Russia was steeped in mysticism and the occult, and science was struggling against superstition to pull the country in the future. It was like dreaming you were in a fairy tale, and knowing you should wake up but not being able to. Unfortunately, I knew for a fact that monsters and faeries existed. I might even be one of the monsters. And there was nothing science could do about it."

What immediately drawn me to The Gathering Storm was the setting. Set in Russia where Tsars, Duchesses and Dukes were held with much importance than anything else. Power struggles were common and marrying a man or woman with high position was any parents' dream. I've always been fascinated with Russia ever since I've heard the story about Anastasia and the Romanov's family. It was intriguing, indeed but what really interested me was the unsettling fact that nobody survived in that family. 

But The Gathering Storm was not about the Romanov's at all. It tells the story of Katerina Alexandrovna.   A girl with a huge dream to be a doctor someday. But she was held back by what society dictates: A fine young lady marries someone of importance. End of story. But there are far more things, sinister things she has to hide if she wants to live a normal life and avoid condemnation.

Katerina stood out to me. She was a sensible, smart girl and didn't think too highly of herself. She's hiding a terrible secret-- a power she views as a curse not a gift-- that she kept hidden for years. She's afraid it would consume her and bring her to the dark side. But one evening, while attending a ball she used her powers to save someone from an evil spell. Unfortunately, somebody saw her and she was blackmailed. She will use her  power for them or they will reveal her secret. Quite the dilemma, isn't it?

Katerina reminded of Fire from Kristin Cashore's Fire. She saw herself as a monster not knowing that what she hated the most about herself will save not only her family but the entire Russia. She's passionate about being a doctor even though in her time, it's frowned upon when a woman with title would "work" instead of being happily married. A little bit cynical about love so it was really cute to watch her fell in love with someone she despises the most. On the other hand, Grand Duke George Alexandrovich reminds me of Brigan from the same book by Cashore. Brigan hated Fire. Judged her harshly, treated her with contempt, but he will always be there to save her in the nick of time. With their constant meeting and unexpected brushes with out-of-the-ordinary creatures, he learned more about her and grew to love her.

What my problem with The Gathering Storm was the names and the titles. It took getting used to. But although that's the case, I'm happy that I know now the difference between the usage of -nova and -vich. Also, the ranks and familial relationships baffled me to no end. Everyone was someone's cousin, granddaughter or great great grandson.

The creatures, the superstitions and the lore, were enough to drive me crazy. Everything just keep popping out of place and it made everything so complicated. I almost poked my eye with a pen (yes, I'm reading at class again) when I discovered what's lurking beyond the forests that first time. I never thought I'll see that kind of creature again in another book. Think of Die For Me. ;)

And the sudden realization of Katerina that she loved Brigan--er George was enough reason for me to eat my socks. I think the naiveness can be pointed out on the fact that she was cynical about this.  But I'm telling you that came out of nowhere. Although, I applaud this book because there's no insta-love, that out of nowhere realization just bothered me a bit. Who knew you'd fell in love with someone that fast and you'd realized it because you're not going to be able to dance with him at a ball because you're already engaged? Ha!

However, my only real thorn about this was the ending. Why does it have to end that way? Is there any awesome explanation why the ending must be in a completely different level from the rest of the book?

Nevertheless, The Gathering Storm was refreshing and different. The descriptions and the details were very well done, I've felt like I've been to Russia myself, attended the balls and curtsied 'til my knees and ankles hurt. I enjoyed it and I am expecting to know more about Katerina and her painstakingly decision (rolls eyes) to make in the next installment. Filled with glamour, myth, mystery and adventures, fans of Kristin Cashore's Graceling and Fire from The Seven Kingdom series will surely like this book.

Cupid's Verdict:

4 Cupids

An advance copy was provided by the publisher at no cost via Netgalley.

Review: Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Read from January 4, 2012
to January 24, 2012

Book: Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Publication Date: January 2, 2012

Publisher: HarperCollins

Number of Pages: 400

Genre/s: Young Adult, Dystopia

Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction. 

As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions. 

They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers a barbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew’s abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love - one that will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY. -  From Goodreads

Excerpt: "She absorbed the terror and beauty of him and his world. Of every moment over the past days. All of it, filling her up like the first breath she'd ever taken. And never had she loved life more."

You know what's the worst thing that could happen to me while reading? Feel disconnected. Everything is so sloooow. It did hold my interest and the writing was good but no wow-factor for me. And there's no denying the fact that it took me 20 days to finished it. Almost 3 weeks! 

Why Under the Never Sky didn't work for me: 

1. It was too quiet and some of the chapters dragged. I like page-turners and attention-grabbers. And Under the Never Sky just failed to do that.

2. Some of Aria and Peregrine moments just seemed off. Especially on the first few parts although it did  improve on the latter part of the book.

3. Under the Never Sky gave me a reading slump. I read I am Number Four and Shatter Me before I was able to finish it. I just couldn't get into it. I came very close to not finishing this at all.

4. When the big bang came, it sounded more like a squeak. It was almost too late to pick things up and turn everything around.

5. Why does it have to end the way it did? I think Rossi enjoys giving us mixed emotions.

But let's be fair. Under the Never Sky has a great story and will be thoroughly enjoyed. But that someone is not me. I think it's just a matter of preference. So let me share to you what I think you'd like in UtNS.

Why you should read Under the Never Sky:

1. The writing was great. Rossi has a talent with words. The narrations and dialogues are skillfully woven.

2. The world-building was splendidly done. Realms, pods, Tides. Original and interesting.

3. The concept was new. There are two distinct groups of people composed of Dwellers and Outsiders. Dwellers are considered Moles and Outsiders savages. 

4. No insta-love here.

5. The last part was full of twists and surprises and infinitely better than the first half.

6. Roar was made of win and he's awesome. Enough said.

Under the Never Sky has a slow start. Rossi invested a lot with the world-building which I think paid off because it made the book really original and unique. She didn't forget the readers all together as well because she gave a little shocker towards the last few chapters and ended the book on a slight disgruntling note.

All in all, great concept and world-building but like I said, I think this book is not for me. I am NOT persuading you not to read this instead I'm asking you to consider the Why You Should Read UtNS section so you wouldn't miss out and here's hoping you'd enjoy Under the Never Sky.

Cupid's Verdict:

3 Cupids

An advance copy was provided by the publisher at no cost via Netgalley

Random Ramblings (10): Just thought I'd let you know + Giveaway Winners!

Help! I'm stuck. 

I am so ashamed because I'm saying this again.

I will probably sound like a broken record right now.

And because of that I am deeply sorry...

I will be on a hiatus next week.

There, I said it. Mad? Don't worry I'll be suffering for the next 10 days as well so I think that will even things out.

The sitch

We're going to have our preliminary examinations and submission of our Chapter 2 for our thesis next week. I have to concentrate on this because our courses are extra difficult this semester and I honestly believe I hardly learned anything so I have to study more to compensate with my empty head. The thesis? Ugh. Just mentioning it give me the creeps.

After that, I think I have a clear schedule ahead. So I'm going to make up for all the days I've been gone.

On a much happier note, I am going to announce the winners in my first ever giveaway. I celebrated my 100th follower milestone as well as my 3rd month blogoversary, and I seriously can thank you guys enough for making the Giveaway Extravaganza a success. Over 1800+ entries were collected and your overwhelming support will definitely lead to another giveaway in the future. ;)

So without further ado, here are the winners!

Wrap-Up: Harper Imprint Challenge (Jan 1-Jan 31, 2012)

Harper Imprint Challenge is hosted by Starry Sky Books. It started on January 1st and ended January 31st. Participants have to read books published by Harper Collins and HarperCollins imprints: Harper Teen, Greenwillow, Katherine Tegen Books, and Balzer + Bray. Read my introductory post here. 

I went for the Medium level (5-8 books) and these are the list of my books:

- Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

- Die For Me by Amy Plum

- Liesl  & Po by Lauren Oliver

- Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

- Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig

The Read-A-Thon of The Year: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

March 23, 2012 is fast approaching. Everyone be it from the reading or non-reading community have already marked their calendars in eager anticipation for the theater-release of The Hunger Games, the first in the much-celebrated book trilogy of Suzanne Collins. I for one had never been this excited in a book-turned-into-movie adaptation since the Harry Potter phenomena. I have a countdown on my phone, in my bedroom and dormitory wall, and on my desktop. If I could post it up on my bathroom wall, I would. 

That's why we are happy to announce this event to help us kill time before the wait kills us (That's totally lame, I know) Me and Sana from Breathing Books will be hosting The Hunger Games Read-A-Thon, a month-long read-a-thon that will start from February 23, 2012 until the eve of March 23, 2012. We are still ironing out the schedule but as of now, it looks like this:

Click to enlarge.