Random Blogging on my life

I have to go to bed soon, but I thought I might get some blogging in. Let's see, my life right now...Hm, I've been teaching swim lessons. That's fun stuff, one of my kids is a complete brat. She's fun to work with...not. My love life! Oh my gosh, I sort of actually have one. The boy I may or may not like [my feelings are all over the place!] confessed that he likes me. That's interesting...I don't know where that's going yet. I think I like him...I don't know though, I'm new at this. He's being patient with me too, said we could be friends and see what happens. I think he's incredibly sweet for that, totally gives him bonus points in my book!

Hm...yesterday I went to the library. I got out The Uglies by Scott Westerfield and Artemis Fowl. Two books I've been meaning to pick up and read. So that should be cool, I've started The Uglies, so far its way good. I'm excited to go deeper into that. I still have to start my summer homework...^^;; heh yeah...but as my English teacher said I know I won't be doing it till August, so might as well be getting some reading I want to do in. Hm...oh and I'm going to the Breaking Dawn Prom in August. I'll post pictures of that!

So I should head to bed, I have a stupid meeting tomorrow...ugh. So see ya!
-She Who Reads A Lot

Weregirls: Birth Of The Pack

Summary: Lily Willison and her friends Nikki, Arielle, and Grazia start up a girls’ soccer team at their school (actually Lily is the primary founder and leader of this) it is forced to be a club team for lack of school budget. So they’ll deal with it, they call themselves the Weregirls and play hard. Soon enough Andra comes into town, absolutely gorgeous, and rich beyond belief Andra quickly owns the school. Andra only wants one thing though, Lily’s magic. She’s convinced Lily will help her get magic, because she knows Lily has it. So, Andra starts an official soccer team and challenge The Weregirls. Long story short, Weregirls win but Andra isn’t satisfied. In the middle of all this Lily has contact with her deceased father, and he’s telling her that her and her friends are magical. The stories he told her as a child are true! Soon enough, Lily and the girls find themselves in a battle between good and evil, that goes far beyond a soccer rivalry.

My Opinion: I finished this book in two days, but there were about 10 days in between those reading days. I didn’t get into the book, to be honest with you, I hated it. I hated this book, the characters and everything. Up until chapter 10, that was when I started my page-turning for real. Honestly, even in the end I didn’t like the characters. The only reason I kept into it was the plot, I wanted to know what happened. I couldn’t give a crap if evil Andra won or Lily (whom I really don’t like) won. I just wanted to know what happened. I wanted to like this book…I really did. I think the idea is really interesting, I think that the characters could’ve been a little better written, some of them were very flat (even the main characters at times). I found the book confusing at times. The writing from Lily’s point of view was done sloppily. The book did not mix with me.

I didn’t like the characters at all. I will say this good thing though; the elements of this story were cool. The idea of these urban legends, of these girls who are gifted with magic, weregirls (hello! Girl protectors! Awesome!), a magical (dead) protector watching all of them, good vs. evil, I mean for this I must say: rock on! The plot was cool, edgy, and new. Something you don’t see a lot, if I really feel up to it I may pick up the sequel. I just might, just to see what happens.

Rating: 2/5

The plus point in this is the idea of it, the supernatural myths. If you can read through some annoying characters (in my opinion by the way), then cool read this book.

Reviews from the Pros: Couldn't find any!

Happy Reading everyone!
-She Who Reads A Lot

Firebirds Rising

I can't think of a summary for this one so I'm stealing it from off the back of the book. "What you hold in your hands is more than a book. It is a gateway between worlds--from deep space to Faerie to just around the corner. The seventeen authors who have contributed original stories to Firebirds Rising have won virtually every literary prize and made bestseller lists wordwide. These authors, including Francesca Lia Block (Weetzie Bat), Charles De Lint (The Blue Girl), Diana Wynne Jones (The Pinhoe Egg), and Tamora Pierce (Beka Cooper: Terrier), have written singular stories that will capture readers and spark their imagination."

My Opinion: Yeah, I couldn't think of a better way to say it than the summary itself. This book, which is an anthology, is just the right formula for fantasy and sci-fi Teen readers. I enjoyed every story in the book (though some were a little long [i.e. "The Wizards of Perfil" that was freakin' 50 pages long. Though it was certainly worth the long read of this "short" story]). As you can probably tell this book boasts authors that I love, and that are very famous for their Teen books. I have to say that Tamora Pierce's "Huntress" was probably my favorite story in the book. It was a great opening story, and it had this combination of reality and myth. Most stories were able to do this combine some reality (even if it was set in outer space!) with some fantasy or sci-fi asset. It made these stories very compelling and had me turning pages to see which story was next. This is the book that you want to curl up with on the couch on a miserable day or just at night. It will keep you entertained for hours, it certainly did me!

However, it wasn't perfect. As with most short stories, it's difficult to write fleshed out characters for everything and put in a plot and all the other assets needed. Most of the authors do all this very well, however, some fall just a little bit short (hardly at all, but still there). Still, I recommend this for anyone who is a fantasy or sci-fi fan, this is the book for you!

Rating: 4.5/5 Not perfect but it was damn near close!

Reviews from the pros:

"Short story collections for young adults are realtively plentiful, but rare is an anthology wherein every selection comes from authors who are already established; most of them have taken this free-form assignment to truly reach towards new creative heights." -BCCB

"At their best, [the stories]combine humor, character, and surprise with remarkable depth." -The Horn Book

"Compelling stories for thoughful readers." -SLJ

"Editor November follows Firebirds (2003) with an equally captivating collection of original stories offering a rich vairiety of selections." -Booklist

"Like its predecessor, [this] an encouraging sign that (no doubt with November's prodding), YA science fiction and fantasy is beginning to attract an impressive number of the field's better writers." -Gary K. Wolfe, Locus

Happy reading everyone! I hope you pick it up!
-She Who Reads A Lot

Library Fun!

Oh my gosh people! I went to the library tonight! After physical therapy [which if anyone cares, my physical therapist says I don't have to go anymore! *cheers*] I begged my mother to take me to the library. You all heard me griping on how I couldn't read, I still don't have too much time. However, I have a break between exams till Tuesday so I need books! I got out Birth of the Pack by Petru Popescu, (that is such a fun name!) The Onion Girl by Charles De Lint, and Firebirds Rising which is an anthology so it doesn't have a specific author but lots of authors.

Currently, I'm about 100 pages into Firebirds Rising. Heh yes only hours after coming from the library...^^;; so that may be the first review you see up. Or it may not, since the book is 500 pages long. Since it is an anthology, I can put it down after reading a few good short-stories. I think, when I get bored with some of the short stories I may put it down and pick up Birth of the Pack. So either or may be up for a book review in the next week or so.

Hm, okay my summer project! So, I decided this summer in the spirit of this blog I am going to try to read all the books I can get to, I have a list of books I wish to read and I'm going to start one of those I have read over the course of the summer. I'm not sure how well it will work out, since I have a summer job and lots of programs for getting back in shape for swimming. Also, with summer homework for AP English... however, I'm going to try. Obviously, I am starting now with the three books I got out of the library.

All the books I read, expect a book review up. So you will all also be able to keep track of the books I have read. Perhaps, you'll find one or two that will interest you! Anyways, that's my summer project. We'll see how it works. Hmm...what else is interesting in my life. I took my global regents exam today, it was easy but long. By the DBQ I was like 'Ugh. Can't I be done?', I took my geometry final yesterday. It was mad easy [and this is coming from someone who is horrid at Geometry). I take my Spanish and Biology Regents Tuesday. I am dreading it...not only do I have to sit through a 2-3 hour exam on Bio but then I have to go like an hour later to sit through a 3 hours exam in a totally different language. -.- joy...

*ahem* Um, I think that's it. Its almost 11:00 pm now(here anyways), I'm extremely tired. I think I'll head to bed soon. Maybe read a bit before, depends on if I pass out or not. Meh. Ta Ta For Now! Don't forget to read!
-She Who Reads A Lot

Survey!

Tell Everyone About Yourself
Time started::	6:37
Basic About you:
Name::	Bethany
Gender::	Female
Height::	4'11"
Eye color::	Blue? (They change I don't even know!)
Hair Color::	Brown I suppose putting it plainly
Age::	16 years 5 months and 21 days
Birthday::	January 28
Lefty/righty/ambidextrous::	Lefty baby!
Piercings::	Nada.
Tatoos::	None.
Zodiac Sign::	Aquarius
Ring Size::	I dunno
Grade::	Well technically 11th I suppose...since this next fall I will be.
More about you:
Are you named after anyone?:	No I don't think so...I have a great Aunt with the same name. My mom says no though...
Do you live in the moment?:	I try to.
Do you consider yourself tolerent to others?:	Yeah I guess.
Do you have any secrets?:	Um duh. who doesn't?
Do you hate yourself?:	No not really
Do you like your handwriting?:	Not particularly
Do you have any bad habits?:	Heh yes.
If you were another person, would you be friends with you?:	I have no idea. I hope so.
Any regrets?:	yeah.
Do you think life has been good so far?:	Yep I think so!
Are you confident?:	In myself? Yeah I suppose.
How long does it take you to shower?:	10-15 minutes.
What color is your room?:	Blue
Where do you want to attend college?:	I don't know yet.
Do you...?
Smoke?:	No.
Do drugs?:	Nope.
Drink?:	Well yeah! Just not alocholic drinks...
Go to church?:	Yes
Sleep with stuffed animals?:	*blush* Yes...
Take walks in the rain?:	Yeah when I can
Talk to people even if you hate them?:	Yeah. Its common courtesy.
Drive?:	Yep. Just got my permit.
Believe in premarital sex?:	Meh I guess. If you really love someone and you know you're going to be in a long term relationship with them.
Want to get married?:	Most definitely
Want to go to college?:	Yes
Want to have children?:	Duh.
Sing in the shower?:	Hehe yes.
Get along with you parents?:	Sometimes.
Get along with your sibling/s?:	Meh...sometimes.
Color/highlight your hair?:	Nope
Like coffee?:	Eww no.
Wear makeup everytime you go out?:	No
Love roller coasters?:	Not really...
Like to cook?:	Ha no.
Have you ever...?
Hurt yourself? :	Not on purpose...
Been out of the country?:	Just in Canada
Been in love?:	Noo
Done drugs?:	Nope.
Gone skinny dipping?:	can't say I have.
Had surgery?:	No, thankfully.
Played strip poker?:	o.O...no.
Been on stage?:	Nah.
Pulled an all nighter?:	Nope
Gone one day without food?:	O.O how can anyone do that!?
Slept all day?:	Nope.
Kissed a stranger?:	Uh no.
Had a dream that came true?:	Like literal dream? No.
Broken the law?:	Maybe ran a red light and not worn my seatbelt...
Stolen anything?:	No. well maybe from my brother...
Been on radio/tv?:	Nope.
Been in a mosh-pit?:	No.
Bungee jumped?:	Umm...no.
Had a dream that kept coming back?:	Nope.
Gone out of state?:	Yeah! Florida, Delaware, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Maryland
Live in other states?:	No. I have a boring life.
Eaten an entire box of oreos?:	I don't think so
Had a movie marathon?:	yes. Hot men and disney!
Spun until you were immensely dizzy?:	Hehee...yes. Lots of times.
Been on a plane?:	No
Ran into a wall?:	^^ Yes.
Been rejected by a crush?:	Maybeh.
Cried in public?:	No.
Cried over a movie?:	Yes. Schlinder's List and RENT
Pranked called someone?:	No. That's mean!
Gotten a cavity?:	Yes...4 at a time actually.
Shopped at Abercrombie and Fitch?:	Uh no. too expensive.
Broken a bone?:	Nah.
Fallen from a tree?:	Once.
Passed out?:	I don't think so...
Been to a theme park?:	Well yeah!
Eaten sushi?:	That is random. but no I haven't
This or That
Pepsi or Coke::	Pepsi
McDonalds or BUrger King::	Neither please
Chocolate or Vanilla::	Vanilla
Black or White::	Black
Burgers or Hot dogs::	Burgers
Boxers or breifs::	Um on a guy? Boxers
Book or magazine::	Book!
TV or radio::	Radio
is the glass half empty or half full::	Half full I suppose.
sun or moon::	Mooon. It doesn't hurt your eyes!
hot or cold::	Cold. then you get to be all warm and fuzzy!
romantic comedy or thriller::	Romantic Comedy
waffles or pancakes::	Pancakes.
Florida or california::	California.
Black and white or color photos::	Color. This question is weird.
The city, the beach, OR the country::	O.O I dunno. Beach or City I guess.
Tennis shoes or sandals::	Tennis Shoes
Sweet or sour::	Sweet!
Private or publie school::	Public schoool.
Cappuccino or coffee::	Ew. Neither.
English or history::	*gasp* DON'T MAKE ME CHOOSE!
Science or math::	Ew. How bout neither? Prolly science though.
Do you believe ...?
in miracles?:	Yeah.
in magic?:	Not really.
in God?:	Yes.
in Satan?:	Well if there is god there must be Satan.
in ghosts?:	No.
in luck?:	Yeah.
in love at first sight?:	No its a sweet thought but not realistic
in Santa?:	Aw now c'mon...
in the Easter Bunny?:	Not answering!
in witches?:	No...though it'd be cool if they did!
that it's possible to remain faithful forever?:	Yes of course!
in wishing on shooting stars?:	Yeah. Its fun.
that cussing is a necessity in life?:	No. You can live without swearing.
yourself?:	Sometimes
Love and all that -
Do you consider love a mistake?:	No not at all!
If someone you had no interest in had interest in dating you how would you:	I don't know...I might give him a chance. see what happens.
Do you prefer knowing someone before dating them?:	Yes.
What is worst about the opposite sex?:	They're a bit gross at times...and stupid.
Who and when was your first crush?:	I'm not giving names! Just tha the was bleach blonde and in kindergarden
First thing you notice about the opposite sex?:	Eyes or hair
Right this moment...
What are you wearing?:	RIT t-shirt, shorts, sandals
What are you worried about?:	My Global exam tomorrow.
What book are you reading?:	T.T Sadly nothing.
What time is it?:	6:50
Are you bored?:	Immensely
Are you tired?:	Yes so much
Are you talking to anyone online or on the phone?:	Yah! Sakana
Are you lonely or content?:	Content
Are you listening to music, if so then what?:	How Do You Get That Lonely by Blaine Larsen
The Last...
Dream you had::	I don't remember
Nightmare::	Same as above.
Time you cried::	Mhm watching Schlinder's list last friday.
Movie you watched::	Knight's Tale!
Movie you rented::	I don't remember
Book you read::	Beka Cooper: Terrier by Tamora Pierce
Word you said::	it.
Time you laughed::	Like 30 minutes ago.
Person to call you::	my mommy! ^^
CD you played::	Simple Plan
Song you listened to::	Um The Best Man Blaine Larsen
annoyance::	My brother! (
IM sent or recieved::	What does that mean?
Time you yelled::	Like an hour ago.
Person you yelled at::	My brother.
time you were a skirt::	Halloween.
time you fought with your parents::	Friday Night.
Time you wished on a shooting star::	I don't remember
Thing you ate::	Cookies!
Time you showered::	Last night.
Nail polish color worn::	*snorts* How bout none? Cuz I've never worn it.
Your favorite:
Type of gum::	Minty fresh
Restaurant::	Rhode House
Season::	Fall.
Type of weather::	Thunderstorms
Emotion::	I dunno. happy I guess.
Color::	Blue
Perfume::	Uh...
Candy::	Reeses
Pizza topping::	Cheese
Fruit::	Strawberries! (Are they fruit?)
Veggie::	celery
Type of cake::	Ice cream cake!
Magazine::	People
TV Show::	Heroes!
Day of the week::	Friday
Month::	July is fun
Holiday::	Thanksgiving! You get to eat
Number::	13
Sport to watch::	Soccer/swimming
Flower::	I have no idea
Finally...
Time Finished::	6:57
Take this survey | Find more surveys Bzoink - The Original Survey Site

Ranting and Reading!

Hi! So it is June 12th, 2008. I have decided to blog, no book review. Just blog. In other words if you don't care about me ranting about my life like an angsty teenager [actually I'm in a good mood so it won't be angsty xD] you should leave. So onwards! *strikes a pose*

Ooo. So Guess what? Only two more days of school [technically]. We get out on Monday! Wooo! Which is actually...stupid beyond belief. Who goes back to school for a monday?! Also though its our last full day because I live in NY and we are stupid and go back for exams after school is over. C'mon how lame is that?

Anywho, the last few days of school energy has hit me! I've been like off the walls. Not kidding. For the past two days I have been ranting for twenty minutes straight in lunch, without stopping. I have been perfecting my theory of the world. Like deciding that our genes actually talk to each other and when they disagree that's how you get deformities, and when they can't agree at all they have gladiator fights! Then when they do like each other they make lurve and people go 'Eww!' oh and my body has a gay president who runs the entire thing!

Oh, and in the past people were turned into miniture people and then as torture they squished them! So tons of little people were killed and no one ever knew because the bones were too small to find, and the blood only looked like one drop of blood! Also, there are little people who actually lived. They ran away and now we have a population of little people who are living in pumpkins (or apples whichever they prefer) and they are living in secret!

Yes this is what goes on in my mind. My friends, while in hysterics, told me I would go to an Asylum but I'd be fine because I'd be the kind of person who would be in a straightjacket bouncing off the bouncy walls and having the time of her life [xD I would!]. Another thing, we were debating if it would be intentional or unintentional murder if I killed someone by making them laugh too much and fell over and they cracked their skull open.

Yahh...you have to imagine that my friends were just about pissing their pants, because this literally went on for like twenty minutes and I didn't stop. It was continous, barely taking breaths rant while I was practically bouncing off my chair. I took a break to pee, came back and started again. Yes okay, I'm a bit weird. ^^ Tis fun though. I love making people laugh and smile, and the fact that my friends will let me be weird like that makes me really happy. Because every once in a while I really like to do that, to rant and be off the walls hyper. I'm really happy they deal with me like that and have no problem doing so. Cheesy I know, but still.

So yeah anyways that's been my fun days. T.T I haven't had time to read I've been so sad! I have a growing book wish list that is going to have to wait till I'm out of school. T.T it makes me so sad. I will get to more reading though! What else? Um, I'm on a twilight kick so I've been like scowering the web for Twilight updates and found quite a satsifying amount. Can't wait for the movie! See below for the Twilight widget!

Anyways, I've got to go. Got some homework to do. Hopefully I can blog again soon! See ya! ^^

-She Who Reads A Lot

Twilight!

Oh my God. That's right. She got it. She Who Reads A Lot got the Twilight Widget for the movie. Yes she's that much of a Twihard [Twilighter, whichever you prefer]. Yep she's that cool. Yes, she is referring to herself in third person because she's excited. Chya! *snaps* you know you're jealous. xD That's right. Enjoy all you twilight lovers! '

-She Who Reads A Lot