T2T (Review + Interview + Contest): Read, Remember, Recommend for Teens: A Reading Journal for Young Adult Book Lovers

Brought to you by the amazing Traveling To Teens Book Blog Tour [Click HERE to visit]~

CONTEST!!! (Want to win this book? Sure you do!) Just click on this Link and give your name and email and you're ready to go! :)


Title: Read, Remember, Recommend for Teens: A Reading Journal for Young Adult Book Lovers
Author: Rachelle Knight
SPIRAL-BOUND
Amount of Pages: 345
Publisher: Sourcebooks Inc.
Release Year: 2010
Originally Published: 2008 (Bibliopages)
Geared Towards: YA LOVERS :D

"We bibliophiles (book lovers) need to gather books. We can't deny it-and we shouldn't try. And who among us can resist a good annoted list?"

Summary (From Amazon): This journal leads you on a personal journey through the best loved and most highly acclaimed fiction and literature of all times. This 236-page spiral bound journal encourages you to read and interact with the greatest and most intriguing books and establish intimate relationships with your favorite writers and fellow book lovers.

*Discover literary prize winners from 1919 to now.
*Peruse several "Best Book" lists, all with columns to indicate books read, to read and books to buy.
*Jot down notes about your favorite writers.
*Create your very own personal "To Read" list.
*Keep a detailed record of what you've read.
*Journal your thoughts, feelings, and insights about each book.
*Record a list of books you would recommend and readers you would recommend them to.
*Track books you have borrowed and loaned.

By engaging more intimately with the books you read and share with others, you become as closely bound to the pages as the pages are bound to one another. Read, Remember, Recommend enhances the reading experience and makes each book you encounter an integral part of who you are.

Wdebo's Review: I have never had a book journal before, or anybook that suggested books, so I was very excited to be able to "review" RRR. RRR is such a wonderful resource for YA lovers and just book lovers in general. I was going through all of the titles and all I could think was, "Oh my god, I haven't read so many books." All of the books are divided into sections, which is nice, now my new personal goal is to be able to read at least one book from each section.

There is also a little creativity in the back, blank spaces in which you can write down books you've loaned out (as a stingy-book-horder...that's nice :) ) and books you've read and places to jot down your thoughts. One of the reasons I started my book blog was to be able to rememeber all of the books I've read and my thoughts on them, and so RRR will be the same thing, I just don't need internet access to access it :D

Also, it is very well organized and the tabs look cool and professional.

Cafe Cover Chat: Nice cover, I think it's kinda cute looking (B+)

All in all, a great reasource that is sure to sit on my bedside table for a long time.

Grade: A-

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Now we have an interview with the wonderful Rachelle Knight, enjoy!

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Wdebo: Please describe yourself with three adjectives.

Rachelle: A creative, messy dreamer!

W: Please describe a typical day.

R: First thing is rushing around getting my little boy ready for school: making chocolate milk, finding socks and something amazing for show-n-tell, packing a lunch, and creating "Wolverine" spikes in his short hair with gel (who would have known?). After getting him to school my three year old little boy and I have breakfast and then we both 'check our email'. He has his own computer, which allows me to work on my blog and other journals. We have playtime together which is mostly playing Indiana Jones - I follow him around our house with a Nerf gun shooting bad guys. In the afternoon we pick up my five year old from school and then participate in a myriad of lessons: karate, swimming and soccer. After dinner, we watch "Monster Buster Club" and "Johnny Test" on Disney as a family and then when my boys are in bed, I read for at least two hours - in a bubble bath and bed. The best part of my day!

W: Why did you decide to write Read, Recommend, Remember?

R: My inspiration for creating the journal came from a cluttered purse full of reading suggestions on scraps of paper - a lot of which were books I learned about from following award and notable lists. When I set out to buy a journal to keep these suggestions organized, nothing existed that provided the awards and notable lists nor places to kept track of everything I wanted to buy and recommend to others. In addition, as a book club member, I was always looking for ways to keep my thoughts and discussion points about reading available for discussing. The Read, Remember, Recommend journal was the marriage of both needs

W: What did you do to compile all of the books? Did you have to do a lot of research?

R: I researched through the internet almost exclusively. There are a few sites available that have fairly comprehensive lists of lists, but for the most part each of these were found individually. I became an expert at Google search! I am a computer programmer, so I created a database and wrote a program to take in all the data and perform the cross-referencing of the awards. This made it easier to keep all the data together.

W: What is your favorite color?

R: Green!

W: If you were stranded on an island and could only bring five things what would they be?

R:
1. Flint. I have watched enough "Survivor" episodes to be proficient at starting a fire!
2. Fishing gear - a girl's gotta have something to put on that fire.
3. A tarp. Again, too much "Survivor" watching.
4. A toothbrush. Enough said. :)
5. Pictures of my sweet baby boys (ages 3 and 5) - oh, and my hubby!

W: Are you working on another project now? And if so, could you tell us a little bit about it?

R: I am currently working on my blog everyday - as you know, it is a lot of work! I post my own journal entries, spotlights on award and notable lists, spotlights on other book blogs, and any other book related stuff that catches my eye.

I am also working on a mystery and romance version of the journals. I am hoping to complete the series with science fiction/fantasy, tween, children's and nonfiction versions.

W: Who are some of your favorite authors ever?

R:

Cormac McCarthy
Barbara Kingsolver
Toni Morrison
Stephen King

W: Yeah!! Love Stephen King :) What is your FAVORITE book in the world?

R: My Name is Asher Lev, by Chaim Potok.

W: Do you have anything else you would like to add?

R: I would love feedback on the journals. If you are using the teen journal and have questions, comments or suggestions, I would love to hear from you! Email me at: suggestions@bibliobabe.com

W: Thanks so much for lettting me interview you!

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Hope you enjoyed! And please remember to support RRR and join the contest for your chance to win the journal!

Wdebo :)

Secret-The Pierces

Title: Secret
Artist: The Pierces
Language: English
TTS: None

Wdebo's Notes: Oh wow, this song is just wonderful and so addictive. And it also happens to be the theme song to the Pretty Little Liars tv show, which is coming out later this year, I'm quite excited, except they got a lot of the cast wrong...which always annoys me. GRR. Oh well, let's just see how it turns out.



Hope you enjoy! And please comment!

Wdebo :)

TLC Tour: Chow Hounds By: Ernie Ward, D.V.M

Title: Chow Hounds: Why Our Dogs Are Getting Fatter -A Vet's Plan to Save Their Lives
Author: Earnest Ward, DVM
PAPERBACK
Amount of Pages: 312
Publisher: HCI
Release Date: March 1, 2010
Geared Towards: Doggie Lovers/Owners J

"We're killing our dogs by making them fat."

Summary (From Amazon):

Is Your Dog Big Boned, Overly Fluffy . . . Or Does He Need a Doggy Diet?

Almost half of the dogs in North America are overweight or obese, putting them at risk for major medical problems and untimely death. Is your dog one of them?Esteemed national television veterinarian and founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, Ernie Ward has helped hundreds of dogs reclaim their optimum health with his comprehensive plan, and now he can help your dog, too. In this unprecedented look at how we care for our pets, Dr. Ernie opens our eyes to the shocking truth about why we have unknowingly created a Perfect Storm of Portly Pets. For example, did you know that many pet foods are so spiked with sugar and fat that they actually cause your dog to eat even when she isn't hungry? Or that many pet formulas are so loaded with carbohydrates that they're causing a nation of carboholic canines? And even worse: Most well-intentioned pet owners are overfeeding their dogs by 25 percent every day. The good news is there are simple ways you can turn the tide for good—and for the good of your dog. You'll discover:

· Must-know tips for stocking a healthy pet pantry
· Homemade meals and healthy treats that won't pack on the pounds
· How to avoid the unscrupulous marketing and packaging of some pet foods, supplements, and weight-loss formulas
· The best activities and exercises to maximize your pet's fitness without maxing out your time.

With cutting-edge science and ultra-practical tips, Dr. Ernie will help you give your dog the gift of great health that he or she deserves.

Wdebo’s Review: This is one of my first nonfiction books, and also my first blog tour post, so I’m not really quite sure what I’m doing…please bear with me :)

My family and I are the proud owners of an Australian shepherd, by the name of Shiao-Hwa (She is my profile picture!) We had always thought that her extra weight was nothing to worry about, but this book has really opened my eyes. It has a very blunt, straight forward way of writing and has so many facts, I didn’t even know doggie nutrition could contain that much facts!

All the information were very interesting and all the tips were very helpful.

Cafe Cover Chat: I like the cover it’s quite cute…..then again, anything with a dog on the front is an “A” cover! (A-)

All in all, a perfect book for dog owners and dog lovers alike as they learn how those extra poundage on dogs are more serious then expected.

Grade: B+

Wdebo :)

Random Entertainment Clips (18)

-English Subbed-

So, I have finally figured out how to sub clips and put them on YouTube...muahaha!! So, here is one of the clips I subbed, enjoy!

Enjoy!

Wdebo :)

Don't Really Know How to Sing-Xiao Yu

-ENGLISH SUBBED-

Chinese Title: 沒有很會唱 (Mei You Hen Hui Chang)

English Title: Don't Really Know How to Sing

Artist: Xiao Yu

Language: Chinese (Mandarin)

TTS: None

Wdebo's Notes: I have actually never heard of Xiao Yu before, but I really like his voice, it's very smooth and just comforting. This song is so addictive and just lifts up my spirts. And the little pug with an afro...KAWAII!!! Haha, it's just a really good song.

Enjoy!

Not subbed by me, subbed by view3045~

Hope you enjoy! And please comment!

Wdebo :)

F.I.R

Chinese Name: 飛兒樂團 (Fei er tuan yuan)
English Name: F.I.R
Members: Faye Chan (middle), Ian Chen (left), Real Huang (Right)
Years Active: 2004-Present

Faye=Vocals, I absolutely adore her voice! She can do intense all the way to cutesy.
Ian=Guitar/Keyboards. Formed the band.
Real=Guitar/Vocals. Love his voice!!

Faye and Real are currently engaged.

Even though I have only listened to a little bit of their songs, I still really like them and really do like their style.

Onto the songs...

This is their song Lydia (English Subbed), which is one of their most famous songs. From the drama The Outsiders.



Other song, Three Wishes (English Subbed)

Hope you enjoy! And please comment!

Wdebo :)

Morpheus Road: The Light By: D.J. MacHale

Title: Morpheus Road: The Light
Author: D.J. MacHale

HARDBACK

Amount of Pages: 352

Publisher: Aladdin

Release Date: April 20, 2010

Geared Towards: Middle Grade Readers + (Boys, some girls)

Extra Info: Author's site HERE!

From: Publisher (ARC)

"I believe in ghosts.

After you hear my story, I think you will too."

Summary (From B.O.B):

Marshall Seaver is being Haunted.

It begins with mysterious sounds, a fleeting face outside a window-all things that can be explained away. That is, until he comes face-to-face with a character who only exists on the pages of a sketchbook-a character Marshall himself created.

Marshall is quickly convinced these strange incidents have something to do with his best friend, Cooper, who has gone missing. Together with Cooper's beautiful but aloof sister, Sydney, Marshall searches for the truth about his friend while ultimately uncovering a nightmare that is bigger and more frightening than he ever could have imagined.

Wdebo's Review: I have actually never read the Pendgragon series (The other series DJ MacHale writes) before, but one of my good friends really likes it, so I had high hopes for this book.

At first, the beginning was ok, not really the most exciting, but ok. As the book went on, it was kind of scary, however the scary parts in the beginning just seemed to keep repeating itself, so after the same thing kept happening, it just got boring. However, during the middle, it picked up the pace and became very addicting and just hard to put down, and made me want to keep reading until the very end.

I found the characters to be a little cliche, you know, nerdy kid gets put together with popular best friend's good looking sister, and then in turn romance flies between them.

Cafe Cover Chat: I am not a big fan of the cover, mostly because of like cutesy covers, but I guess since the cover fits the book, I can't complain. (B+)

All in all, a good beginning of the series, I think guys would like it better, but I am actually looking forward to reading the second book in the series.

Grade: B+

Wdebo :)

S.H.E-Shero

-ENGLISH SUBBED-

Title: Shero

Artist: S.H.E

Language: Chinese (Mandarin)

TTS: HERE

Wdebo's Notes: I love this song!! S.H.E rocks! I am so glad that they are embracing the more "rocker" style, I really liked Superstar, and Shero sounds good...even their costumes are so very Lady Gaga, a little creepy/weird, but it's still very good!

Enjoy....

Hope you enjoy! And please comment!

Wdebo :)

Cafe Chit Chat: Melissa Walker

Melissa Walker is the wonderful author of The Violet Trilogy (Violet on the Runway [Click HERE for review], Violet By Design [Click HERE for review] and Violet in Private [Click HERE for review]) and also Lovestruck summer.

Enjoy....

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Wdebo: Please describe yourself with three adjectives.

Melissa Walker: Quick, social and nostalgic

W: Can you describe a typical day?

M: It changes a lot, but usually I eat breakfast, work out, write 1000 words, eat lunch, work on magazine stories, then stop and go have fun. And I watch oprah on dvr at lunch!

W: What was it like to work at ELLEgirl and Seventeen? Do you have a fun story to share about it?

M: It was great! I miss working in a magazine office sometimes because we had so much fun. For Seventeen, I got to go to Atlanta for a prom dress fashion market. That was nuts! There are some intense prom dresses out there!

W: How did you come up with the idea for the Violet trilogy/Lovestruck Summer?

M: Violet was inspired by young models I interviewed for Ellegirl. Their world is so glam and so dark at the same time.

A trip to Austin inspired Lovestruck Summer. Such a fun, music-filled city!

W: Could you give a short summary of the Violet trilogy/Lovestruck Summer for those not familiar with it?

M: You can see summaries of all the books on melissacwalker.com under the "writing" headline. (I'd send a link but I'm traveling and answering on my iPhone!)

W: Are any of your characters based on people you know/have meet/etc?

M: Some are loosely based on combinations of people I've known. I think that's true of most authors. We steal gems from real life.

W: What is your favorite thing to do apart from writing?

M: Reading! Or maybe hanging out with my friends. Does that count?

W: What is your favorite color?

M: Green. I was just in Morocco and all the mosque doors are green to signify peace.

W: If you were stranded on an island and could only bring five things what would they be?

M: I can't answer this one. I always try to answer, but it's too hard!

W: Are you working on another project now?

M: Yes, my next book is called Small Town Sinners and I'm working on revisions now.

W: Could you tell us a little bit about it?

M: It's about a small town girl who wants to star in her church's annual haunted house of sin... Until a boy from her past makes her start to question the things she's always believed.

W: Who are some authors you look up to?

M: Authors from my childhood... Judy Blume, Ann M. Martin. And today I adore Sarah Dessen, among others.

W: What is your FAVORITE book in the whole world?

M: Probably Catcher in the Rye. a common answer, but with good cause.

W: Do you have anything else you would like to add?

M: Just thanks! Thanks!

W: Thanks for letting me interview you Melissa!

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Hope you enjoy and support her books!!

Wdebo :)