Clean Sweep ARC Challenge May 2013

Hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer and The Windy Pages

The challenge dates: May 1 to 31st. 

Yes! Another Reading Challenge to help me clean up my bookshelf.  So what is this new challenge all about?   

The goal: to read and review as many ARC's as we can. We will have fun challenges each Saturday hosted by some wonderful bloggers and a prize for two luck participants at the end of the challenge. So gather your ARCs and your brooms and lets have some fun! -From Kimba

I honestly thought I had 5 to 8 ARC sitting on my over crowded bookshelf ...until today.  I just went book by book and low and behold I have 18 ARC on my shelf.  What the ??  When did these get here!?
And check this out!  Some of them are out and have been for a year now.  LOL!  One of them has been made into a movie and is out on DVD already!  I hope that one still counts.
So don't laugh but here is my list of ARC's in no particular order.

Review: Can You Keep A Secret?

Can You Keep A Secret? Author: Sophie Kinsella Genre: Contemporary Fiction Publisher: Dell Publishing Release Date: December 27, 2005 Paperback: 400 pages Source: I got it from an anonymous book blogger during Secret Santa Swap (2011) Buy the Book: Amazon

Another Winner!

T.G.A.D

Thank God April's Done!

  Hello slower schedule!  Hello more sleep!  Hello Warmer Weather! 

  Thank you so much to each and everyone one of you who stopped by, entered and left comments.  Your comments on this months giveaway were very interesting.

Now on to the winners...

Dewey's Read-A-Thon 2013: Wrap Up

 

That's A Wrap! 

The April 2013 Dewey's Read-A-Thon is over!

It's 11:09 am Sunday morning and after finally waking up and cleaning up my mess in the kitchen, I am really happy about my read-a-thon.  Even though I went to bed around 11pm (Hour 19)

So here is my wrap up:

Winners: 15th Hour Challenge

The Casting Couch 15th Hour Mini-Challenge is over and I have picked two winners via Random.org  

It is passed my bedtime and I am going to try my best to make sense here.  The first comment was assigned number one and every post after that was numbered in order.  There were 16 total entries.  

The results are *drumroll*

Dewey's Read-A-Thon 2013: Hour 17 - 20

 Whew! I think I can!  I think I can.

Dewey's 24 Read-A-Thon

The 15th Hour Challenge

 

Welcome to My Little Pocketbooks 

15th Hour Challenge!

This awesome read-a-thon is hosted by DEWEY'S 24 HOUR READ-A-THON

Right now it's 9:00 pm Central Time and 7:00pm here is Los Angeles, California.

How are you feeling?  Feeling a little sleepy.

 

 Well...You have been reading for 15-ish hours now.  And more than half of your food reserve is gone.  So the 9 hour stretch would look a little bit long.  But think of this...you passed the half way mark and you are almost there. 

Would a Challenge get your blood flowing again?  Get you motivated?  

What about an easy challenge with a BIG return?  

That's what I thought!  

Dewey's Read-A-Thon 2013: Hour 13 - 16

 The Second Half Updates

Dewey's 24 Read-A-Thon

Dewey's Read-A-Thon 2013: Hour 9 - 12

 More Hourly Updates!

Dewey's 24 Read-A-Thon

Dewey's Read-A-Thon 2013: Hour 5 -8

 Hourly Updates!

Dewey's 24 Read-A-Thon

Dewey's Read-A-Thon 2013: Hour 1-4

 Today!

Dewey's 24 Read-A-Thon

Dewey's Read-A-Thon 2013: Goals

April 27th, 2013

Dewey's 24 Hour Read-A-Thon

Tomorrow is the big day.  And this year I am going BIG for this Read-A-Thon.  I have signed up to donated 3 books and to be an Angel as well as hosting a challenge.  Every year I look forward to this read-a-thon because I seem to get a book or two of my shelf.  Sometimes life wiggles in and I have to stop reading and tend to things like Macy's one day sales and family things.  But not this year!  Nope!  I am going to shut of the phone (or but it on silent), make zero other plans, and stack my kitchen with healthy snacks. 

Casting Couch #4

April has been a crazy busy month for me.  ARGH! Life is trying to get in the way of my reading and that is so not cool.  NOT COOL AT ALL!  I was planning on finishing more books than I actually read this month but...you know.  Honestly, I am glad April's over and I am sooo ready for a slower May.  So as my busy month comes to an end, I am only casting two books.  More next month.  Hopefully!  Fingers crossed!

Book Blogger Hop: Books That Make You Cry

Hosted by Coffee Addicted Writer

I decided to join a weekly hop for a bit.  This one is cool because you can post any day of the week.  That's right no pressure on getting your post up a specific day of the week.  Each week there will be a new topic submit by a blogger and everyone can join in with their answers.  Join us!   

This weeks Topic/Question

April 12th - 18th:  What was the last book you read from a genre you don't normally read? (submitted by Tanya)

Neon is Backkkkk!!!

Neon belts, neon socks, neon tops, neon dresses, neon jeans.  Nope I am not talk about the trends of 1980's at all!  Ladies, neon is BAACCKKKK!!

And now I see it everywhere!

Even on pocketbooks.  Check out these few neon creations for your stuff.

Review: Pharmacology

Pharamacology Author: Christopher Herz Genre: Contemporary Fiction Publisher: Brilliance Audio Release Date: September 25, 2012 Audiobook: 6 hours and 16 minutes Narrator: Kate Rudd Source: Purchased from Audible.com Buy the Book: Amazon

Review: Red Clay Dirt & Mountain

Red Clay Dirt & Mountain Author: Monda Raquel Webb Genre: Poetry/ Short Stories Publisher: Monda Media, LLC Release Date: June 1, 2012 Paperback: 188 pages Source: From the Author Buy the Book: Amazon

April is National Poetry Month: April Rain Song

National Poetry Month is a celebration of poetry first introduced in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States. It is celebrated every April in the United States and (since 1999) in Canada as well. Since 2000 Great Britain has celebrated a National Poetry Month each October.

National Poetry Month was inspired by the success of Black History Month, held each February, and Women's History Month, held in March. In 1995, the Academy of American Poets convened a group of publishers, booksellers, librarians, literary organizations, poets, and teachers to discuss the need and usefulness of a similar month long holiday to celebrate poetry.
The first National Poetry Month was held in 1996.

-from Wikipedia

As my personal celebration of poetry, I thought I would share a few poems with you during Poetry Month.  Feel free to add a poem in the comment section below or a link to a poem you like.

What I Am Reading...

Can You Keep A Secret?

Fitness Friday #6: Belly Dancing

Hosted by Jill @ jillconyers.com
Welcome to the 6th edition of Fitness Friday. Where I (and you) put down our books and talk about our fitness goals. As well as other fitness stuff!  

What is Fitness Friday?
If you blog and/or have a Facebook Page about health/fitness, want to learn more about diet, exercise, nutrition, setting goals or if you just want to meet new people and find new health and fitness focused blogs, then join me and Jill for Fitness Friday!
FF has been great way to meet new friends and find new health and fitness blogs as well. 

Yes you read that title right!  

Belly Dancing!

Big Book Events 2013

While I was signing up to attend BEA I thought to myself..."Self, we should do a quick post with a list of a few big book events going on"  Because the worst thing to happen to a book lover is finding out a book event that had just passed and it was in their area.  That would be the worst of the worst! 

I have not attended all of or half of the events listed so my disclaimer is for you to read their sites for more information.  Got it!
Don't go and tell them Alysia said...!

Book Blogger Hop: Not My Normal Genre

Hosted by Coffee Addicted Writer

I decided to join a weekly hop for a bit.  This one is cool because you can post any day of the week.  That's right no pressure on getting your post up a specific day of the week.  Each week there will be a new topic submit by a blogger and everyone can join in with their answers.  Join us!   

This weeks Topic/Question
April 12th - 18th: What was the last book you read from a genre you don't normally read? (submitted by Tanya)

April is National Poetry Month: On the Pulse of Morning

National Poetry Month is a celebration of poetry first introduced in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States. It is celebrated every April in the United States and (since 1999) in Canada as well. Since 2000 Great Britain has celebrated a National Poetry Month each October.

National Poetry Month was inspired by the success of Black History Month, held each February, and Women's History Month, held in March. In 1995, the Academy of American Poets convened a group of publishers, booksellers, librarians, literary organizations, poets, and teachers to discuss the need and usefulness of a similar month long holiday to celebrate poetry.

The first National Poetry Month was held in 1996.

-from Wikipedia

As my personal celebration of poetry, I thought I would share a few poems with you during Poetry Month.  Feel free to add a poem in the comment section below or a link to a poem you like.

Review: The Amulet of Samarkand

The Amulet of Samarkand Author: Jonathan Stroud Genre: Fantasy Series: Bartimaeus Trilogy Publisher: Listening Library Release Date: October 24, 2003 Audiobook: 13 hours and 30 minutes Narrator: Simon Jones Source: Free from Audiobooksync.com Buy the Book: Amazon

Sunday Best #38

 

Hosted by Tanya at Girlxoxo.com

 
How was your week?  Productive and page turning?  I am siting here trying to knock out all my post for the week right now.  Just in case I have a crazy week.  Which seems like the new theme for the month.

 So what is Sunday Best?
Every Sunday, we are going to share the best post on our blogs and other blogs we visited from the past week and link them up.  Join us in showing off your Sunday Best and leave a comment or two.

My Favorite Blog Post This Week

April is National Poetry Month: Poetry Books

National Poetry Month is a celebration of poetry first introduced in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States. It is celebrated every April in the United States and (since 1999) in Canada as well. Since 2000 Great Britain has celebrated a National Poetry Month each October.

National Poetry Month was inspired by the success of Black History Month, held each February, and Women's History Month, held in March. In 1995, the Academy of American Poets convened a group of publishers, booksellers, librarians, literary organizations, poets, and teachers to discuss the need and usefulness of a similar month long holiday to celebrate poetry.
The first National Poetry Month was held in 1996.

-from Wikipedia

Blogger Opp: Coach Tote Giveaway

Blogger Opportunity

Giveaway from May 20 to June 14

Come and be part of this awesome giveaway

We are giving away:"Coach PEYTON EMBOSSED PATENT POCKET TOTE"

Value $398

We will have a max. of 200 bloggers for sign up, it will be a big giveaway.

The RC is not long because each co-host has there own RC with their links.

April is National Poetry Month: Bed In Summer

National Poetry Month is a celebration of poetry first introduced in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States. It is celebrated every April in the United States and (since 1999) in Canada as well. Since 2000 Great Britain has celebrated a National Poetry Month each October.

National Poetry Month was inspired by the success of Black History Month, held each February, and Women's History Month, held in March. In 1995, the Academy of American Poets convened a group of publishers, booksellers, librarians, literary organizations, poets, and teachers to discuss the need and usefulness of a similar month long holiday to celebrate poetry.
The first National Poetry Month was held in 1996.

-from Wikipedia

As my personal celebration of poetry, I thought I would share a few poems with you during Poetry Month.  Feel free to add a poem in the comment section below or a link to a poem you like.

Mocha Girls Read Book Club hosts Monda Raquel Webb

Book Blogger Hop: Finally!

Hosted by Coffee Addicted Writer

I decided to join a weekly hop for a bit.  This one is cool because you can post any day of the week.  That's right no pressure on getting your post up a specific day of the week.  Each week there will be a new topic submit by a blogger and everyone can join in with their answers.  Join us!   

This weeks Topic/Question
April 5th - 11th: What book have you've been meaning to read forever AND you finally did? (submitted by Tanya)

Reading Habits

Every since I started blogging about books (all of one year and three months) I have noticed a few things have changed in regards to my reading habits.  I mean it's not a real big deal, but I think it kinda goes to show you a community of people has an influence on you whether you notice it or not.   It may be a good influence, like helping others.  Or a bad act like committing a crime but like Grandma always said "Birds of a feather..." No she never finished it.  Just the first part and nothing more.  LOL! 

For some crazy unexplained reason, I wanted to share these new and different reading habits I have picked up or dropped because of you.  Yes! You!  The person reading this blog.  You!  Book bloggers mostly read this blog so this ones for you. :-)

New Habits

Quicky Reviews #8: New World and Spy Killer

I have two new audiobooks I want to review that aren't going to count toward any challenges since they are really short. Here are a few sentences on these short (about 2 hours or less) stories. This is my second Quicky Review for 2013.  Don't fret there will be more.  I like short stories because they are FREE and I can get in and out of one in no time. 

Below are the links to the other Quicky Reviews 

 Quicky Review #7: Swim

Sunday Best #37

 

Hosted by Tanya at Girlxoxo.com

 
So what is Sunday Best?
Every Sunday, we are going to share the best post on our blogs and other blogs we visited from the past week and link them up.  Join us in showing off your Sunday Best and leave a comment or two.

My Favorite Blog Post This Week 

What I Am Listening To...

The Amulet of Samarkand

April is National Poetry Month: Where the Sidewalk Ends

National Poetry Month is a celebration of poetry first introduced in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States. It is celebrated every April in the United States and (since 1999) in Canada as well. Since 2000 Great Britain has celebrated a National Poetry Month each October.

National Poetry Month was inspired by the success of Black History Month, held each February, and Women's History Month, held in March. In 1995, the Academy of American Poets convened a group of publishers, booksellers, librarians, literary organizations, poets, and teachers to discuss the need and usefulness of a similar month long holiday to celebrate poetry.
The first National Poetry Month was held in 1996.

-from Wikipedia

As my personal celebration of poetry, I thought I would share a few poems with you during Poetry Month.  Feel free to add a poem in the comment section below or a link to a poem you like.

Spring Cleaning Giveaway

This month I am going to giveaway a bigger box of slightly used, and new books because next month I am going to BEA. You know I need to make room for all the new ARC and stuff that I am going to ship from New York! Soo excited. To tell you the truth, I think my book hording is going to get completely out of control. Will power? What's that? Will power and Free books are like oil and water.
Prize:
A Mystery Box of books from my Bookshelf for two winners.
There will be 7 books in each box.  

Book Blogger Hop: Verification Codes

Hosted by Coffee Addicted Writer

I decided to join a weekly hop for a bit.  This one is cool because you can post any day of the week.  That's right no pressure on getting your post up a specific day of the week.  Each week there will be a new topic submit by a blogger and everyone can join in with their answers.  Join us!   

This weeks Topic/Question

March 29th - April 4th: What are your thoughts on the verification codes? (submitted by Elizabeth)

GROSS!!

HATE IT!!!

CAPCTHA SUCKS!!!!

DON'T DO IT!!!!

TURN IT OFF!!!!!!! 

Wheww! No that I got that out, I think I can talk like a normal person now.  

Ok.

March 2013 Wrap Up

I know everyone is in shock that March is OVER!  Done!  Moved on!  What happened?  Time just zipped on past.  That's what happens when you are caught in the grips of a great book.  I know I am not the only one that happens to.  You are reading and when you look up time, life and the day have just passed you by.  
March was Women's History Month and I planned (in my head) to post about books regarding great women in history.  Well I got one post up and other things came up along the way.  
Here is my one post.
Women's History Month: Politics
   
Here is my monthly wrap up post.  Bye Bye March I will miss you and thanks for all the fun and great reads.

  This month I bought
  0 books. (A total of 1 book so far this year.  Audiobooks and e-books don't count since they don't take up space on my bookcase.)

Review: Irises

Irises Author: Franciso X. Stork Genre: YA Publisher: Listening Library Release Date: January 10, 2012 Audiobook: 7 hours and 28 minutes Narrator: Carrington MacDuffie Source:  Received a free copy from Audiobooksync.com Buy the Book: Amazon