See ya later, taters.

I've always said that if blogging ever felt like a chore or if I stopped finding joy in blogging, I would take a step back.

To me, blogging has become a chore.

Jamie from the Perpetual Page Turner first inspired me with her blogging manifesto, and I'm pretty much breaking every single rule. I'm jealous. I'm not putting real life first. Blogging is becoming a burden. I'm feeling guilty about reading certain books and not reading other books. I'm constantly comparing myself to others. I'm writing posts because I feel I have to, not because I sincerely want to.

Then, I saw this post from Just A YA Girl and I started to tear up. Literally, I started to get tears in my eyes. Yeah, I know that's dramatic and ridiculous but it is also TRUE. As if I needed another sign that I needed a break! 

I'm taking a blogging sabbatical for the summer. I'll still be reading and commenting and on Twitter, but I won't be posting here. I'll reevaluate how I'm feeling in September and see how my time away has impacted my desire and passion for blogging.

I'll still be helping with the DAC ARC Tours Blog with Tara from Fiction Folio.

You can catch the rest of The Legend of Korra recaps over at Tripping Books. 

Ginger will hold down the fort with Rewind & Review.

Thanks for your patience and support as I reflect on what this blog means to me and where I go from here. 

Best Besties and Best Baddies

Image from GReads!

TGIF is a bookish meme hosted by my girl Ginger over at GReads! Basically, she poses a question somewhat related to books or reading and people link up their responses. It's a solid way to share your thoughts AND meet some new bloggers in the process. 

This week the question is: Supporting Characters: We tend to gush over those main characters the most, but what about those supporting roles? Who are some of your favorites?

I looooove books that have great supporting characters in the form of best friends. I also loooooove books that have GREAT bad guys. I mean really, what else would our good guy or girl have to do all day if not stop the bad guy from taking over the world?!

My top three best besties are:

Ron Weasley. AS IF y'all didn't see this coming. But really, Ron embraces Harry immediately and treats him like a normal kid and not like the wizarding legend he is. He invites him home for holiday. He goes with him into dangerous situations despite the fact that THERE ARE SPIDERS ABOUT. He also calls Harry on his crap which is the best thing a bestie can do. Speak the truth out of love. Also, he's hilarious and I love a funny friend.

Peeta Mellark. Peeta is too good for Katniss. Yeah, I said it. You know it's true. He's kind and sweet and gentle but strong and clever and brave too. He is all of the best things in this world AND he makes bread. I love him so.

The Colonel. If you have not listened to Looking for Alaska by John Green on audio, I highly recommend it IF JUST to hear The Colonel. His deadpan wit with a deep southern drawl speaks right to my heart of hearts. Also? He really does care about Pudge and Alaska and takes friendship seriously. I love that about him.

Now for the baddies! Top three best baddies are:

Draco Malfoy. Where there is a list with Ron Weasley, so there must also be a list with Draco Malfoy. This kid is a total douche from day one which makes him ridiculously easy to hate and blame for all of the things. Of course, once we meet Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy, we realize why he is the way he is. Still, despite being a baddie, he does have a really cool name.

Mayor Prentiss. If ever there were a man whom I feared would corrupt my soul just from hearing him speak to me from the pages of a book, it is Mayor Prentiss from the Chaos Walking Trilogy by Patrick Ness. He has a touch of the great madness that could lead him to do great things...but instead leads him to genocide, murder, abandoning any human emotional connections and disregard for human life. He scares me in the scariest possible way in that there are people like him - REAL PEOPLE - in the world. Every day. 

Warner. Warner from Shatter Me is my FAVORITE kind of baddie because not only does he throw a wrench into the plans of our heroine, but he's also smitten with her. Juliette, of course, is repulsed by this but I'm all YEAH WARNER GET SOME because for all of the tough man act he tries to pull, he's trying to impress someone. Is he really the baddest of the bad...or is he just broken? I WILL FIX YOU, WARNER.

Who are your favorite supporting characters? Do you agree/disagree with any that I've listed? Holla at me and be sure to link it up over at GReads!

Legend of Korra Recap: The Spirit of Competition

Chapter Five: The Spirit of Competition

In a sentence or so: Sexual tension reaches crazy high levels. Complicated teen angsty feelings compromise The Fire Ferrets performance in the pro-bending tournament.

What went down: The Fire Ferrets are getting their practice on for the tournament that's apparently still happening despite public threats to take away ALL THE BENDING from Amon. I predict something serious is gonna go down at the pro-bending championship. Regardless, I want to see lots of pro-bending because it is SO FREAKING COOL. Anyway, Bolin has dropped all subtlety and is essentially like "Korra, you're hot and rad and I want to date you so let's roll". Meanwhile, Mako and foxy Miss Sato rub noses in public. I vomit. 

GET IT, GIRRRRRRL.

Bolin and Mako talk about Korra (very Edward and Jacob style, to be honest) and it's painfully obvi they both dig her and things are just going to get massively awkward. Mako's all "whatever bro, she's friend material" and Bolin's like "no way, she's awesome" because Bolin is smart and realizes that awesome friend material = awesome girlfriend material. Bolin decides to go for it with Korra and asks her out in the most awesome way possible (seriously uses the phrase 'sort of a date situation') and they hang out and Korra has a good time but Bolin thinks it's more and compliments the snot out of her and things get even more weird. 

So they're in the tournament and doing awesome until Korra spills her guts to Mako and then the balance is off because he's with hoecake. Then later he reveals that HE DOES HAVE FEELINGS FOR HER (shock to no one) but he's with hoecake so what's up with that and then Korra kisses him. 10 points to Korra for initiating that shiz! Bolin sees it, ugly cries and goes on an eating bender. Their team chemistry continues to be off but Korra goes all Supreme Bad Ass and saves the day in the last round and advances them in the tourney. Which means they have to face some scenester/emo bending group in the finals named the Wolf Bats. I predict many awesome one liners. 

They were bending before you knew it was a thing.

In a nutshell - Bolin likes Korra. Korra likes Mako. Mako is with foxy Miss Sato but also has feelings for Korra. So that makes it a love triangle/quadrangle, I guess. 

Also, it appears Korra may be stretching herself too thin. She's got the whole Amon Task Force thing going as well as the pro-bending tournament and OH YEAH learning how to air bend and bring the world back into balance. No big.

Why it matters: I should have known the focus was going to be on the relationship bizniz when the opening recap was focused exclusively on their love lives. So yeah, there was a LOT of focus on the lovey dovey business this week. And don't get me wrong, I am all about the teenage angst and kissy times and the whole Bruce Wayne/Mr. Darcy thing that Mako has going on.  Ultimately, I want to learn more about Korra and her journey as the Avatar. I hope this was just a necessary episode to clear the air and we can move back to subtlety next time. 

Quotes of the episode: "Girls. Seriously."

"You know what I'm talkin' bout Pabuu. Talkin' bout loooove."

"Please. Go on. I enjoy praise."

Future besties. It must be so.

Closing thoughts: I was not a fan of Korra leading Bolin on. Granted, I don't think it was intentional but Bolin is the coolest and she needs to be aware. I do believe that Bolin and Korra are totally gonna be besties when he finds a girl who's ready for his jelly. 

I love that Korra makes bad decisions (leading Bolin on, spilling her guts to Mako) and then makes some really solid decisions (pulling it together to advance the team). I love her flaws.

But really, I'm ready for that balance of teenage angst and awesome story lines again.

This or That with Lynne Kelly

Today, I have the honor to play a little 'This or That' with Lynne Kelly, author of the book Chained.

She's a debut author, and a pretty awesome one at that! Check it for yourself. 

1. I see you're a Texas girl! So which is it, UT or A&M?

I suppose it'd be cheating to say I love 'em both, right? I'd hate to annoy all my Austin friends. But I have to say A&M, since it's my daughter's school!

2. Again, being from Texas, I'm just plain curious. Coke or Pepsi?

Coke, specifically diet Coke. Although we call all carbonated soft drinks “Coke,” so it's not uncommon to hear phrases like, “My favorite Coke is Pepsi.”

3. While this one is a no brainer for me, perhaps you're more adventurous! Night on the town, or cozy night at home?

Cozy night at home, for sure! With a book, of course.

4. Because I am always and forever a gamer. Mario or Luigi?

Umm...not much of a gamer...but I'll go with Mario.

5. Because I am always and forever a nerd. Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter?

Harry Potter!

6. There is no wrong answer here. Snuggie or Thuggie?

How out of the loop am I if I had to look up what a Thuggie was? I thought it might be like a Bluggie, but it doesn't look nearly as awesome. Snuggies for sure. Multiple Snuggie owner, here. I even worked “Snuggie” into my acknowledgments page. Also “ninja.”

7. While they serve different purposes, I am still curious! Facebook or Twitter?

Facebook has gotten kind of messy, hasn't it? I still check it every day but I'm not on there nearly as much as I'm on Twitter. Sadly, there isn't anything I do more than Twitter.

8. What is your style most like - classic or quirky?

Which one does sweat pants and a t-shirt fall under? It's that one.

9. Again, no wrong answer here. Bacon or Sausage?

Bacon makes everything better.

10. Which makes you happiest - beginnings or endings?

I do love a great first line, but if the ending of a story makes me hug the book and sigh when I see it on the shelf months later, that's the best thing ever.

Anyone who loves t-shirts and sweatpants as much as I do is a WIN in my book!

Be sure to check out the other stops on The Teen Book Scene tour to learn more about Chained by Lynne Kelly!

Thanks to Lynne for stopping by!

Review and Giveaway: Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber

In a sentence or so: Perry takes his family's frumpy and severely awkward foreign exchange student to prom. Only she's not a frumpy foreign exchange student - she's a super hot assassin.

Perry's incredibly overbearing father and compassionate mother twist his arm into taking Gobi, their super awkward foreign exchange student, to prom. Not only is he surprised Gobi even wants to go (being a social outcast and all), but prom falls on the night of his band's FIRST EVER big gig. Seriously, sometimes the stars just align in the worst possible way. But as deflated as Perry might be about these circumstances, nothing will prepare him for where the night will take him.

After a small altercation on the dance floor, Perry and Gobi ditch prom. She wants to go to downtown New York, it being her final week in the states and all. Perry, being the nice guy he is, agrees. While sitting at a table in a club waiting for Gobi, he's approached by a total knockout in a tight black minidress. Yeah, it's Gobi. Mind still spinning, Perry and Gobi are zooming around the city. Her purpose for hiding her identity for all these months are sinister, yet Perry can't escape. Whether by choice or by force, he's along for the ride as she heads out for a night of fatal revenge.

Yeah, FATAL REVENGE. Guys, there's killing in this book. And also it's about prom and first gigs and best friends and parent pressure about college choices and cracks about being a virgin and his balls sucking up into his stomach. Another bonus? The chapter titles are questions from college applications. In short, Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick ruled.

Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick is a fast-paced thrill ride that all happens in the matter of hours. Which, by the way, is exactly how long it took me to read it! Once I started, I couldn't stop reading and I had to know what drove Gobi to revenge, if Perry was going to make it out alive, and when they were gonna bow chicka bow wow.

If you're looking for a quick read with ridiculous circumstances grounded in real truths and pain and growth and humor, read Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick.

Fave quote: "Your nickname is Virgin?" (60)

Fix er up: If I over think it, I can find flaws and get cynical about the completely aligned circumstances of it all. If I let go and have fun with it, I'm just fine shrugging off the coincidences.

Title: Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick
Author: Joe Schreiber
Pub Info: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2011
Genre: Contemporary, Edgy

[FTC Notice: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way. Thanks again, HMH!]

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt wants to share the awesomeness that is Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick with you AS WELL AS another awesome prom-themed book. Aren't they just the coolest? You have a week to enter!

In My Mailbox [44]

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. Basically, we share bookish goodness from the past week in whatever way we want. So there.

I was pretty lucky this week and added many books to my shelves! MORE BOOKS ALWAYS.

I received these books as part of hosting the DAC ARC Tours Blog. 

If you haven't checked that out, you totally should.

The Downside of Being Charlie by Jenny Torres Sanchez

The Vicious Deep by Zoraida Cordova

When the Sea is Rising Red by Cat Hellisen

I received these books from the publishers in exchange for review.

No compensation, though. Which is cool by me.

Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage

The Drowned Cities (Ship Breaker, #2) by Paolo Bacigalupi

(lurrrrrved Ship Breaker)

The Last Princess by Galaxy Craze

Remember that one time I won a contest from one of my fave bloggers ever?

ME TOO.

Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

(rumor has it there's a panty melting British gentlemen inside of this book)

I bought them there books.

Ranger's Apprentice #1: The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan

by the recommendation of Heidi at YA Bibliophile

Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier

by the recommendation of April at Good Books and Good Wine

Other kind of bookish things that are neat.

Boo! I'm a ghost. Boo notebook. Purchased with Nintendo Club Points. Yeah, that's right.

A little swag pack as part of being Team Amity. HOLLA.

from Kassiah at The Fictionators

Have you read any of these books?

Share your thoughts!

R.I.P. MCA

It's no secret that I love the Beastie Boys. It was with great sadness that I heard about the death of Adam Yauch aka MCA on Friday.

The AV Club has written a fantastic article about him. There are many other great articles to be found, for sure. I'd love for you to share them in the comments.

From the AV Club article:
Yauch’s life and career are a testament to the possibilities of emotional, creative, and artistic growth. A man who rose to fame peddling a proudly obnoxious form of adolescent nihilism grew up to be a man whose life and career were defined by idealism and integrity. Adam Yauch wanted to make the world a more compassionate, loving, and funky place. He succeeded. The world is poorer for his loss but richer for the contributions he made.- Nathan Rabin

image from newyorker.com 

Rewind and Review: May

HEY GUYS.

It's Rewind & Review time! Hosted by myself and Ginger at Greads!

Refresher on what this biz is all about.

Here's the deal with the video. My computer kept crashing and so some parts are wonky.

Other parts are wonky because I am a weirdo.

Watch at your own risk. 

If you are still my friend after watching this,
we are in it for the long haul.

Help me decide what to read for May!

Your choices are:

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger

Sweethearts by Sara Zarr

(shoutout to Carrie at Stalking the Bookshelves)

The Kneebone Boy by Ellen Potter

Endless Summer by Jennifer Echols

Legend of Korra Recap: The Voice in the Night

Chapter Four: The Voice in the Night

In a sentence or so: Korra reluctantly joins a government task force to find Amon and Mako scores a new lady friend and corporate sponsorship for the Fire Ferrets.

Bitch is FIERCE, y'all.

What went down: Korra is justifiably freaked the eff out by Amon and his ability to take away her bending. She fears she is nothing without being able to bend which is TOTALLY NOT TRUE but she will have to discover that on her own at some point. Anyway, the task force is led by some creepy dude with three braids named Tarlock, I think. I shall henceforth refer to him as three braids because it aptly describes the creeper. He hits Korra up with all these gifts and she's all thanks-but-no-thanks about it. Then he hosts a twist-her-arm-gala I MEAN A PARTY and she says yes after an obviously scripted press conference. She challenges Amon to a midnight duel, he shows but backs down saying he has Other Plans (much like every villain ever) and just knocks her out which results in some cray cray vision. She has a breakdown that results in her admission of fear which allows her to begin the path to true leadership and strength and all that shiz.

Bolin continues to crush on Korra in a very subtle and not sickening way. I appreciate the subtlety.

Mako gets hit by a girl on a moped who is hot and rich and otherwise the worst because she is NOT KORRA.  Or me. Mr. Sato, her dad, ends up being the guy who makes the Republic City version of the Model-T so he's loaded and is all "yeah I'll totes sponsor you bro if you sell out". Mako sells out promptly. Later on a midnight carriage ride, the foxy Miss Sato is asking about his scarf and I'm all LAY OFF, HOE CAKE the scarf was his dad's and his last possession! Sheesh. They snuggle. I vomit.

Miss Sato if you're nasty.

Why it matters: Obviously, the meat of the episode is Korra recognizing that she is not as strong as she wants to be. There will always be someone stronger than her physically, and she needs to grow past that.

Clearly, three-braids is shady as hell and has some ulterior motives. Probably he's working WITH Amon to destroy Korra. Also, I'm sure Sato and foxy Miss Sato are involved somehow, so I will continue not to trust them.

The vision Korra has after Amon knocks her out is very intriguing. Methinks we are seeing flashes of the old Aang Gang and what they grew up to be. So does that mean Amon is one of their descendants? BUT WHICH ONE? Conspiracy theories welcome.

Obligatory Mako.

Quote of the episode: "So, I understand you're dirt poor."

Closing thoughts: Waiting for Korra to go all Avatar state on Amon's punk ass. Also for Korra to kick foxy Miss Sato's ass when it's revealed that she is dark side.