My Need For ALL the Feelings When I Read

I took a look at my bookshelf the other day, and apart from realizing that I need a second (and possibly third) shelf, I specifically looked at the top row on my bookshelf, where for years now the "best books ever" have rested.  These range from Harry Potter, to my favorite Jodi Picoult books, to The Diviners by Libba Bray, Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins, Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson, and Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo.  Recent additions are Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry, If I Lie by Corrine Jackson, and Send Me A Sign by Tiffany Schmidt.  When my copy of The Archived by Victoria Schwab arrives, it will earn a place there, too. 

The "top row." 

What's the common denominator?  These books are all there because they made me FEEL.  And whether that meant grinning at a particularly awesome place, or crying my eyes out multiple times, or sighing happily when the boy and the girl finally kissed, I realized that my favorite books, the books I CHERISH, are the ones - regardless of genre - that filled my heart, or tore it to pieces, then put it back together. 

I'm addicted to the FEELS. I read dystopian to feel my heart race, paranormal to imagine "what if...", fantasy to GO SOMEWHERE, romance to swoon, thriller/horror to be scared, contemporary to think, and cry.  Each genre brings me something different - a high or a low, but the truth is, I'm at my most emotionally satisfied when I'm wrung out from everything this book or that made me feel...when I can't contemplate starting a new book until I've recovered from the emotional hangover the one I just finished left me with. 

Me during one of those "grinning/squeeing" moments I so treasure.

Sometimes I read just for fun.  Sophia Kinsella's novels always make me giggle, for example, but there isn't a lot of character growth, or anything going on underneath the surface plot - and that's okay.  Fun books are my break from a heart stuffed full of emotion.  If I always read the emotional books, I'd be like Dean Winchester around a Magic Fingers bed...because when I love something, I tend to want to get my hands on ALL of it that I can. 

But in all seriousness, I remember, and will re-read books like Hemlock, Before I Fall, and Tempest, because, in some small way, they each changed me.  They made me think.  They made me cry.  They made me look at my life.  They leave me curled up in the fetal position.  And on some level, I crave that emotional catharsis.  

Discuss amongst yourselves!  Do you love emotional books, or do you prefer chick-lit or more fluffier novels?  Do you love being heart-broken or squee'ing during books?  What are some that would be on YOUR "top row?"

Top Ten Tuesday - #46: Top Ten Best Bookish Memories

{ ++ } Hosted by the girls over at The Broke and the Bookish, this meme features a different theme every week, and hey, it's Tuesday - we've got the rest of the week ahead of us.  We all need a little fun, and who doesn't love the challenge of ranking their top 10 anything...especially when it comes to books?!  I know I do, hence why I thought it'd be fun to participate, and spice things up a little!

February 5: Top Ten Best Bookish Memories (waiting in line for a new release, meeting an author, or some sort of great experience with a particular book that was unlike others)

1.  Armchair BEA 2012!  It was a lot of fun getting out there, meeting new bloggers, and talking books and blogging.  I really hope to go to BEA itself in 2014!

2.  This is an oldie taking y'all back to my days in elementary school.  My BFF and I used to get samesies from the library and race each other to see who could read the most during free reading time.  That's when I first read Little Women - fourth grade!  

3. Getting to know various authors on Twitter, like Kathleen Peacock, and chatting with several of the 2013 debut authors, like Mindee Arnette, Erin Bowman, Steph Kuehn, and Amy Tintera!  Now their books are getting ready to be released, and it's super surreal!  HOLLA!

4.  Reading The Archived by Victoria Schwab.  (You can read my review here if you like.)  It was so beautiful.  From the moment I started reading this book, I had tears in my eyes.  I'm not sure if it was just the perfect timing and the perfect book, or what, but...I can't recommend this book enough.  

** Edit: Getting to MEET Victoria Schwab.  I wish I could put into words just how much she inspires me.  I talked a little about meeting her here, but you guys...when I stepped into the room and she was THERE, I was a little bit choked up for a minute.  How was I EVER going to know what to say to her other than "duuuurrrrr."  As it turned out, it was one of the best, coolest, most geek-heaven moments EVER when I did meet her.  **

5.  Getting my FIRST EVER ARC in 2011 for Half-Blood.  That was an amazing feeling, and I will forever champion Spencer Hill Press because of it!

6. Reading Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone.  Again, I may have just read this book exactly when the timing was right, but it meant so much to me, and it felt like it healed a small place in me.  

7.  Getting back in touch with one of my best friends, Suz, who blogs at A Soul Unsung.  We had drifted apart but when we started blogging around the same time, it helped repair our relationship, and that's been awesome.

8.  Being asked to co-blog at my side project, A Dash of YA.  I'm working on being more active there, but it's been a lot of fun getting to know Erica, Komal, and Michelle!  They're all so talented and fun.  

9.  Getting approved for my first EVER galley from HarperTeen - Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins.  I was literally shaking when I got the package with it in it!  And I think I did an impromptu happy dance, even though I, in no way, should EVER dance. 

10.  And last but NOT least...um, MEETING ALL OF Y'ALL!  Getting to talk books, tv shows, music, and other awesome things here and on Twitter with my lovely blogging peeps!      

Honorable mention: Spending so much time at the library as a kid and teen.  I think I want to do a whole post on this next time I've been back there, and snapped some pictures.  The children's room was like entering a whole new world - literally - and my hours spent wandering and finding books were so fundamental.  I learned to love reading there, and it was my sanctuary as a teen when things in my world weren't so great.  I am so so glad to have had my time there.   

Tell me about YOUR favorite bookish moments and memories! 

Follower Love Giveaway Hop

Just in time for Valentine's Day, I thought it was a good time to break the dry spell of giveaways here at Once Upon a Prologue.  I've had such fun in the last months chatting with other bloggers, and it's meant a lot to me that so many people kept visiting even when I wasn't able to do giveaways.  So thanks guys!  This one is for you, and for any old/new followers as a little present to everyone.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visit the rest of the entries in this hop!

 

Review: The Dead and Buried by Kim Harrington

The Dead and Buried by Kim Harrington
Publication: January 1, 2013 (Scholastic Point)
Source: ARC from the publisher
Rating: Beam-worthy

___

A haunted house, a buried mystery, and a very angry ghost make this one unforgettable thriller.

Jade loves the house she's just moved into with her family. She doesn't even mind being the new girl at the high school: It's a fresh start, and there's that one guy with the dreamy blue eyes. . . . But then things begin happening. Strange, otherworldly things. Jade's little brother claims to see a glimmering girl in his room. Jade's jewelry gets moved around, as if by an invisible hand. Kids at school whisper behind her back like they know something she doesn't.

Soon, Jade must face an impossible fact: that her perfect house is haunted. Haunted by a ghost who's seeking not just vengeance, but the truth. The ghost of a girl who ruled Jade's school — until her untimely death last year. It's up to Jade to put the pieces together before her own life is at stake. As Jade investigates the mystery, she discovers that her new friends in town have more than a few deep, dark secrets. But is one of them a murderer?

My Review

Having never read anything by Kim Harrington before, I was very curious about what to expect when I read The Dead and Buried; awesomely enough, I found a concise, enjoyable writing style, and an author who knows how to tell a good, solid story.  Coupled with everyday characters who I was easily able to feel like I knew, a blush of romance, and a mystery I enjoyed, I have to say, The Dead and Buried was thoroughly enjoyable!

  
Featuring a likeable narrator, I easily connected with, The Dead and Buried is a fast read, although the pacing never felt hurried to me.  Kim Harrington developed her characters - major and minor - and really took time to let this ghost story find its stride.  Just when I got lulled into the story, something spooky would happen, which kept me a little on edge, but since I enjoy being scared, that's just fine with me.  I had a lot of fun getting to know Jade and her family, as well as her peers at her new school.  

I also enjoyed the romance.  Although there were two guys who featured prominently in The Dead and Buried, it was clear fairly quickly who Jade was interested in.  And I have to say, NO INSTALOVE.  Finally!  A book that, while hinting at an attraction between two characters, doesn't rush into them declaring their undying love on page 5.  Instead, Harrington had Jade and her love interest team up to figure out the haunting, which was a fantastic way of building their relationship, while we got to know him as a character.  Bravo!

The Dead and Buried kept me guessing until the end, partially because I didn't try to figure out what was going on, or who murdered Kayla, but also because Harrington wrote a good mystery!  I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a quick, light mystery.  


Other books by this author:

Clarity

You're sure to love:

Amber House by Kelly Moore 

About Kim

Kim Harrington is the author of the Clarity series for teens and the Sleuth or Dare series for kids. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and son. When not writing, she's most likely reading, watching one of her favorite TV shows, or fantasizing about her next vacation. Her first book, Clarity, received a starred review from Publisher's Weekly, was a 2012 ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, sold to nine countries, and was optioned for television by Warner Brothers.

Visit Kim at: her twitter | her website

Shop for The Dead and Buried at: Amazon |  Barnes & Noble

Once Upon a Book Haul - #26 (Stacking the Shelves)

Inspired by all the book-haul memes I've seen floating around (and mostly accredited to Stacking the Shelves) Once Upon A Book Haul is my own version of a book haul/round-up here at Once Upon A Prologue.  It's a fun way for me to show off the books I've begged, borrowed, or stolen - and in a rare case, actually bought!  I love showing off my pretty new books, be they ARCS I'll pass on or books I'll keep just as much as I do seeing what y'all have added to YOUR collection, so be sure to leave me a link to YOUR haul in the comments so we can squee together over our new books!  (It's totally not embarrassing if we're squee'ing together in case y'all didn't know...)

This is my Stacking the Shelves for the last half of January and early February! 

For Review

Wasteland by Susan Kim and Laurence Klavan

Pulse by Patrick Carman 

Mind Games by Kiersten White

I was happily surprised when this package showed up from HarperTeen.  I only requested Mind Games, but the other two look really interesting! I haven't read anything by Kiersten but I'm excited to!

 Legacy of the Clockwork Key by Kristin Bailey

Stolen Nights by Rebecca Maizel

I've been wanting to read the series for awhile so when the pretty finished copy showed up, I downloaded the first book.  And how cool does Clockwork Key look?

The Ward by Jordana Frankel

Asunder by Jodi Meadows

Pretty Girl-13 by Liz Coley

I'm reading Incarnate now for PitchDark Book's read-a-long so I can read Asunder soon!  I was really happily surprised to see it and The Ward show up by surprise with Pretty Girl-13.  I'm SUPER psyched for Pretty Girl-13, because I've had a thing for kidnap stories since I read The Face On the Milk Carton series as a teen! 

 

Oxford Whispers by Marion Croslydon

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau

I think both these sound cool.  Oxford Whispers is a contemporary/paranormal in the "new adult" age range that I'm really looking forward to! 

Won

Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

Crewel by Gennifer Albin

I participated in Pitch Dark's Under the Never Sky read-a-long and won Through the Ever Night. V Rossi was kind enough to sign the copies for the winners.  I cannot WAIT to read this.

I read a galley of Crewel last year, so I was psyched to win a signed hardcover!

 

Bought

 Splintered by A.G. Howard

I read an e-galley of this one and LOVED IT.  JEBBBBBBB.  So of course, I pre-ordered a finished copy.

The Archived by Victoria Schwab * + 

 + This book is gorgeous.  V does a fantastic job of showing it off here, but it is just beautiful.  The cover is so soft.  The back cover is CREEPY, and the end papers look like old wallpaper.  It.  Is.  Awesome.

* I bought The Archived, then went to Victoria's launch party last night in Nashville.  It was AMAZING.  I got to talk with her for a few minutes, and met some other awesome local bloggers.  Victoria is AWESOME in case y'all were wondering.  I was a little bit star struck but she was so friendly, and you guys.  SHE KNEW WHO I WAS.  I said my first name and she KNEW MY LAST NAME.  *passes out*  Anyway, it is always going to be one of my favorite memories.  It went something like this:

Molli: *stares at V* *is starstruck* *tries to remember how to talk*  "Hi!"

V: "Hi!  Do you want me to personalize your book?"

Molli: *stares* "Yes!  To Molli with an "i."

V: "Oh yes!  Moran, right?  I'm so happy you're here, and for the launch!"

Molli: *dies* "Me too!  Nothing could have stopped me."

V: *talks while Molli tries to collect herself*

V: "You're in my neighborhood!"

Molli and V: *excited squeeing*

Then we took a picture together and I huddled in the corner.  Not really, about the corner.  Buuuuut best moment ever.  You guys.  You know how we all have those authors who we just adore?  Victoria is one of mine.  Somewhere between reading The Near Witch, her blog/vlogs, and The Archived, I just, I admire her so much.  To think that's she's a year younger than me and has done so many things.  She just inspires me every day.  

* Thanks so much to Pitch Dark Books/Epic Reads, Simon & Schuster, Harper Teen, St Martin's Press, Marion Croysldon, and Macmillan!  *

What new lovely books did you add to YOUR shelves?  Have you read some of my new books that I haven't?  Let me know which ones I should be most excited for, and leave me a link to YOUR STS/book haul! 

Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi Tour Stop/Giveaway

When Harper Teen asked me if I wanted to participate in a blog tour for Unravel Me, I didn't have to think long to give an enthusiastic YES!  I've already read and loved Unravel Me, and encourage everyone to go pre-order a copy now.  Go now!  

tick, tick, tick, tick, tick
it's almost
time for war.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.

She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.

Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life.



This tour is focused on the steamy, sexy Chapter 62, which was definitely one of my favorite parts of Unravel Me.  I think I read it at least three times and may have drooled just a bit.  I can't give anything away, but if you want to know what it's about, you'll just have to buy the book yourself - or better yet, enter the giveaway in this post!

I got to ask Tahereh ONE question about Chapter 62 (holy steam, Batman!) and I chose wisely, I think!

Molli: What was it like being in Juliette's point of view as things got so heated - what were you thinking as the scene played out? 

 

Tahereh: I was thinking I really need a cold shower.

Tahereh's answer is PERFECT, and absolutely how I felt, as well!  If YOU want to find out what all the fuss and swooning is about, proceed to the giveaway and may the odds be EVER in your favor!  (As a special incentive, I'm going to include a small quote from Chapter 62, though it comes from my galley.)

"I feel his hands on my arms, I feel his skin against my skin, and I'm holding my breath.  I don't move an inch.  I don't say a word as his hands drop to my waist, to the thin material making a poor attempt to cover my body.  His fingers graze the soft skin of my lower back, right underneath the hem of my shirt, and I'm losing count of the number of times my heart skips a beat."

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't forget to visit the previous stops on the tour!

UNRAVEL ME: The Chapter 62 Blog Tour

 

1/28 Once Upon a Twilight

1/29 Reading Angel

1/30 Books with Bite

1/31 Short and Sweet Reviews

2/1 Once Upon a Prologue 

Review + 5 Favorite Quotes: The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd

The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd
Publication: January 29, 2013 (Balzer+Bray)
Source: E-Galley from the publisher
Rating: Squee-worthy

___

In the darkest places, even love is deadly.  Sixteen-year-old Juliet Moreau has built a life for herself in London—working as a maid, attending church on Sundays, and trying not to think about the scandal that ruined her life. After all, no one ever proved the rumors about her father's gruesome experiments. But when she learns he is alive and continuing his work on a remote tropical island, she is determined to find out if the accusations are true.

Accompanied by her father's handsome young assistant, Montgomery, and an enigmatic castaway, Edward—both of whom she is deeply drawn to—Juliet travels to the island, only to discover the depths of her father's madness: He has experimented on animals so that they resemble, speak, and behave as humans. And worse, one of the creatures has turned violent and is killing the island's inhabitants. Torn between horror and scientific curiosity, Juliet knows she must end her father's dangerous experiments and escape her jungle prison before it's too late. Yet as the island falls into chaos, she discovers the extent of her father's genius—and madness—in her own blood.

Memorable Quotes

1.) The ship jerked suddenly, and I flew backward.  My head struck the wall.  Montgomery tumbled out of his chair and would have fallen on top of me if he hadn't braced himself against the wall with quick instincts.  I clung to his arms as if I were falling, but we weren't going anywhere.  My fingers tightened.  He was a finger's distance from me.  Closer.  Close enough to feel the brush of his loose hair on my face, to feel the heat from his sunburned skin.  If it hadn't been for the thin fabric of my chemise, we'd have been skin against skin.  
 

2.) It struck me he was almost a ghost, straddling the fine line between the living and the dead.  I wanted him to live, to see again whatever was so important in that photograph, as if it would make up for my morbid fascination.  
 

3.) Suddenly he brushed his rough thumb against my jaw, catching me by surprise.  Heat erupted across my face as I drew in a sharp breath.  Was he going to kiss me?  My eyelids sank closed.  Our bodies were practically touching.  It was wrong to be so close to a boy - every moment of Mother's upbringing had taught me that.  But I didn't care.  We were bound together, he and I.


4.) The day was beautiful.  A blue sky stretched as far as the ocean, which we glimpsed between breaks in the trees.  I'd traded a bitter English winter for the lush tropical sun and beautiful calls of faraway birds. 


5.) I had forgotten what I loved about the piano.  The precision of the notes and the mathematical intricacy of the notes and measures.  It was like a complicated equation that you work out with your heart instead of pencil and paper.  I concentrated on the keys, letting my mind clear.  I played and played until the final  bar, where I let the chord ring until the last trace of sound faded. 
   

My Review

The Madman's Daughter is an eery, Gothic story that will absolutely sweep readers off their feet.  As I began reading, I was immediately transported to London - a lonely placed for orphaned Juliet.  My heart went out to her, and I liked her at once.  She's one of my favorite kind of heroines - brash, intelligent, witty, and curious.  She makes impulsive decisions, and she does what she has to do.  Juliet Moreau was an awesome narrator for this spooky YA historical, and her point of view complimented Megan Shepherd's writing perfectly.  

As the reader, I saw everything so clearly through Juliet's eyes, and because Megan pulled me into the story so completely, I also felt what Juliet felt.  Her emotions were so clearly stitched into The Madman's Daughter: from wonder at her father's island, to trepidation throughout the perilous journey there, the blush of a renewed attraction to Montgomery, and ultimately, the terror as she became caught up in her father's machinations.   

Each time I thought I grasped the full scope of the mad doctor's plans, Megan Shepherd threw another curve ball into the story.   The plot of The Madman's Daughter is full of mystery and danger, literally around every corner of the teeming jungle.  There was so much life in the pages, but also many questions of morality, and what life means to different people and species.  I was fascinated to see how the doctor's actions effected everyone on the island in different ways, from Juliet and Montgomery, to Edward, Alice, and Balthasar.  

While definitely creepy at times, and positively hair-rising at others, The Madman's Daughter is definitely a fabulous story.  Megan Shepherd made me gasp in surprise at the revelations - some of which I suspected, while others took me totally by surprise.  While I thought the love triangle was somewhat superfluous, I still enjoyed reading about both the boys.  With an ending you won't see coming, The Madman's Daughter is a must-read! 


Other books by this author:

Untitled (The Madman's Daughter #2 - 2014 Balzer+Bray)
The Cage (The Cage #1 - 2014 Balzer+Bray)

You're sure to fall for:

The Diviners by Libba Bray

About Megan  

I’ve been many things, like a professional exchange student, park ranger in Montana, and LOST enthusiast, but what I am now is a writer.  When I'm not writing, I can usually be found horseback riding, day dreaming at coffee shops, or hiking in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.
Visit Megan at: her website | her blog | her twitter

Shop for The Madman's Daughter at: Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

 

If you'd like to visit the previous and next blogs on this tour, here is the full schedule!

1/21  A Dream Within A Dream             Playlist

1/22 Hobbitsies                                      Author Q&A

1/23 Birth of a New Witch                     Top 5 Favorite Quotes

1/24 365 Days of Reading                      Author Q&A

1/25  Sci Fi Chick                                  Favorite Scene

1/28 Word Spelunking                           Top 5 Favorite Quotes

1/29  Books with Bite                            Author Q&A

1/30 The Mod Podge Bookshelf            TBA

1/31 Once Upon a Prologue                   Top 5 Favorite Quotes

2/1    Book Twirps                                 Favorite Scene

  

Waiting on Wednesday - #46: The Elite by Kiera Cass

The hotly-anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestseller The Selection.

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.


The Elite by Kiera Cass (The Selection #2) | Publication: April 22, 2013 (Harper Teen) | Add it to your TBR!

Why it's worth waiting on: I REALLY liked The Selection - I thought it was super cute and sweet, and a good "entry level" dystopian.  I'm excited to see where the story goes in The Elite!

What books are YOU “Waiting On” this Wednesday?  Be sure to link me to YOUR post so I can check it out!

This weekly feature is graciously hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine. You know that feeling you get when you're browsing upcoming books on Goodreads or Amazon and one strikes your fancy?  Maybe you squee.  Maybe you giggle to yourself.  Maybe you bounce in your seat. We all get excited (I do a combination of all three of the previous choices...) about new books, be it a favorite author you're familiar with, or someone whose work you'll be reading for the first time.  Jill's meme gives us the chance to spotlight what we are anxiously awaiting this week.