The Last Little Blue Envelope (Little Blue Enevelope, #2)

Summary:

"Ginny Blackstone thought that the biggest adventure of her life was behind her. She spent last summer traveling around Europe, following the tasks her aunt Peg laid out in a series of letters before she died. When someone stole Ginny's backpack—and the last little blue envelope inside—she resigned herself to never knowing how it was supposed to end.
Months later, a mysterious boy contacts Ginny from London, saying he's found her bag. Finally, Ginny can finish what she started. But instead of ending her journey, the last letter starts a new adventure—one filled with old friends, new loves, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Ginny finds she must hold on to her wits . . . and her heart. This time, there are no instructions."

When The Last Little Blue Envelope came out I was quite stoked to read it and finally get an ending to Ginny's story and although, I am happy to get an ending. I am not necessarily  happy with the book.  I felt it dragged on and really just plateaued. I was constantly waiting for the story to pick up, for their to be a big turn around, a really exciting or dramatic moment and there wasn't.

I liked the book, I did and it was quick and witty, as any Maureen Johnson book should be. BUT as a sequel, they book just didn't cut it for me. I personally think, had Maureen Johnson just combined The Little Last Blue envelope with 13 Little Blue Envelopes and made it a two parter. I would have preferred it more. The momentum from Part 1 would be freshly with me to carry on the less dramatic Part 2. Since she did not do that, they momentum of the excitement for 13 Little Blue Envelopes was lost on me.  It was not a bad book, just not exactly what I wanted from the story. Curious, if anyone else felt this way too?

In My Mailbox #56

From The Library
Wicked By Sara Shepard Killer By Sara Shepard Audrey Wait! By Robin Benway In The Shadows of Blackbirds By Cat Winters Poison Apples By Lily Archer Clockwork Angel By Cassandra Clare The Last Blue Envelope By Maureen Johnson Black Heart By Holly Black

The Madness Underneath (Shades of London, #2)

Summary:

"When madness stalks the streets of London, no one is safe…
There's a creepy new terror haunting modern-day London.Fresh from defeating a Jack the Ripper killer, Rory must put her new-found hunting skills to the test before all hell breaks loose…
But enemies are not always who you expect them to be and crazy times call for crazy solutions. A thrilling teen mystery."

Starts off slow and is mainly a transitional book for the rest of the series. However, it has a great plot twist and I am very eager to see what book 3 has to offer!

Not a lot of character growth or crazy character involvement. 

While reading I was very intrigued, there is something about Maureen Johnson's writing that can do that, but there really wasn't A LOT going on. The book wasn't action packed and I was stumped with where the book was going to go. Which is when Maureen Johnson threw me for a loop! Now, I have no idea, where the book will be going. BUT I am very excited to find out! 

Top Ten Tuesday - Books With Travel

Hosted By The Broke and The Bookish

I LOVE to travel and growing up I was very blessed to get to travel A LOT. My Husband and I still "travel" but due to limit funds, we are usually just traveling from Southern California  to Northern California and back. In fact, my husband has yet to even leave California. So, The best solution for me is to read books involving travel, that way I can imagine myself on these journey's.

1.

What a perfect book to subside my Wanderlust and give me an inner-peace.

2.

Traveling around the world, with the help of some envelopes? Sure, Why not?! Gives it a fun twist.

 3.

 Studying abroad in France is always something I wanted to do, and Anna and the French Kiss gives it a realistic approach.

4.

 I said this in my review, everything about this book makes me think of The Lizzie McQuire movie.. which takes me back to how I felt then about Italy and just makes me love the thought more!

5.

An old school Italian family, visiting Italy and South America. This book give a more sensual and romanticized version of traveling abroad.

 6.

Good All American Road Trip.

 7.

An adventurous road trip.

 8.

Walking around London with your MTB. Perfection. 

LA Times Festival of Books (Year 2) Part 2

If You Saw Part 1 of this, then you know a couple weeks ago, I attended The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books and here is where I pick up on Part 2 of My Day at the festival...


Last year, I was suppose to see Maureen Johnson, Maggie Stiefvater and Melissa DeLaCruz in a panel, but I was sick and couldn't see them. Luckily in the past year, Maggie Stiefvater and Melissa DeLaCruz did other appearances and I got to meet them, but Maureen Johnson eluded me! So, I was really excited for this panel. This Panel had Melissa De La Cruz, Maureen Johnson, Katherine Marsh and Lisa McMann and Narrated By Ransom Riggs.

Sorry, for the poor photo quality.  The panel was very funny. They each talked about their newest books, Gates of Paradise, The Madness Underneath, Jepp Who Defied The Stars and Crash. Melissa DeLaCruz's excerpt surprised me, because it kinda gives away a huge plot line in the series. But it was cool too, also it was funny hearing that she forgot actually how her book originally ended and had to go back through her notes to remember.  Maureen Johnson's excerpt was funny (of course) Having to do with Rory and Alistair. During this time one of the signs on the posters behind them fell and they joked that is was Alistair and he wasn't amused. Katherine Marsh began with describing how her book came to be, which was REALLY interesting and I look forward to reading it because it is definitely not a common concept. Lisa McMann's reading also set  the plot of the book, and I am excited to read Crash as well.

A lot of ?'s were asked and it was interesting to hear the author different and same answers.  They talked about the themes of their books. 

Melissa De La Cruz: saying that hers is in the names of her titles

 Katherine Marsh: Fate  

Lisa McMann: She really didn't know. That was my favorite answer because, it is totally me. She just writes, if you see a theme great, but she doesn't write with one in mind. 

Maureen Johnson:discussed how she didn't like when students emailed her, asking for the theme of her book. Mainly, cause they are usually doing it was a school project and are just being lazy. So in response she sends them bogus responses like the theme being about artisan cheese making and such.

They discussed their writing process.. 

Melissa DeLaCruz: Outlines. She writes everything down that she needs to know.

Maureen Johnson: Likes to Leroy Jenkins It. This Got A Few Laughs. If you Don't Know what that is, youtube it.. It is HILARIOUS.

Katherine Marsh and Lisa McMann: Both said they don't outline. 

 

Someone asked the difference Between Young Adult and Adult and all the authors pretty much said the same thing. They don't feel there is a difference, except that the characters are younger. 

Towards the end, things got interesting when a girl asked If there were any original plot lines left?" They way see worded it was pretty insulting, almost like she was saying the the authors books weren't original. To be fair, I don't think she meant it in that way. But it obviously, bothered the authors. You could tell, cause the tone in their voices changed. Their answers were pretty clear too. Yes, there are still original plot lines left.

That concluded the Q&A portion and then it became.. BOOK SIGNING Time!

I usually get extremely nervous around Authors but it was pretty easy to talk to Maureen Johnson. She complimented my shirt "I'm Not A Player I Just Blog A Lot" and she said she hoped I liked her book and If I didn't I could just lie. Which we discussed that, that is the best way to form a relationship and then we took a picture together. I really think this may be my favorite author picture thus far. 

And Here Is My Signed Books, Books I bought and Bookmarks I got from my day at LATFOB

And I CANNOT Wait For Next Year!

Scarlett Fever (Book 2)

Summary:

"Ever since Mrs. Amberson, the former-aspiring-actress-turned-agent, entered Scarlett Martin's life, nothing has been the same. 
She's still in charge of the Empire Suite in her family's hotel, but she's now also Mrs. Amberson's assistant, running around town for her star client, Chelsea - a Broadway star Scarlett's age with a knack for making her feel insignificant. 

Scarlett's also trying to juggle sophomore year classes, her lab partner who is being just a little TOO nice, and getting over the boy who broke her heart. 
In the midst of all this, her parents drop a bombshell that threatens to change her New York life forever..."

Plot: Johnson did a great job of really picking up the story where it ended in Suite Scarlett. Give or take a few months. Johnson took me right back to Scarlett's New York and all the feelings I had when I read the first book flooded back to me. I enjoyed watching Scarlett juggle her job, family, school and love life. Johnson did a good job creating interesting plot lines while being simple.

Characters: The characters pretty much stayed the same, although it was nice to get to know Scarlett's sisters Lola and Marlene better and the addition of Max into the mix. Although, honestly I didn't like him.

Final Thoughts: I did enjoy Scarlett Fever, however towards the end I was disappointed especially with Max and Scarlett's relationship. I felt no romantic connection between them, although I know there could of been. I do hope however, that there will be a 3rd book in the series. I enjoy this series and find it oddly refreshing.

The Name of the Star

Summary:

"The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London, it's the start of a new life at a boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago."

Plot: I love the plot, it is paranormal, without being over done and whole Jack the Ripper concept is beyond brilliant. The plot stayed at a pretty steady pace with nice build up, there was nothing done too quickly and nothing drawn out and boring. It was creepy when it needed to be but funny at the the right moments. For this story it was the perfect balance.

Characters: I like Rory, she is basically average, they don't make her overly special. I didn't feel a big connection with her and Jerome though. There are a few characters who I wouldn't miss, if they don't come back in book 2, even though they may be mentioned a lot. Overall, though Johnson gave every character enough depth in the story.. very Rowling-esque.

Pros: Unique plot, like-able characters, nice pace, some funny quips that are very Maureen Johnson, generally like-able book.

Cons: Not any romance that I could connect to.

Final Thoughts: I find this book to be brilliant, and I cannot wait to read Book 2. Johnson did not disappoint at all. I have huge soft spots for Stephen and Alistair and hope to see them more. I loved that she didn't attempt to re-write history and made the explanations for things rather simple, while still being creative.  The only thing I didn't like was how Boo came in the middle,  I know it makes sense, but she really ruined the whole Jazza/Rory vibe. I love everything about the cover.. except I don't understand why the girl on the cover has red hair, besides it being more visually appealing and I TOTALLY think I can explain the ending.. But I won't in case it is a spoiler..

Want Want Want Wednesday (21)

Want Want Want Wednesday is Hosted Almost Every Wednesday By Moi! 

It is where I share usually 3 book, that I REALLLLYYY Want! It is my more relaxed version of other similar memes/features like this = ) Feel free to join me.

I probably should make a button for this...

The Name of a Star By Maureen Johnson

"The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.

Soon "Rippermania" takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities."

 I have heard beyond awesome things about this book and lets be honest.. Maureen Johnson is a rockstar author. I am so stoked to read this book! Espescially, with my obsession with historical things and oh you know, my major being forensic psychology... meaning I like learning murder types things. So it is always fun, when things like this take on a new persona,adaption, idea... etc.

  Once Every Never By Lesley Livingston

"Clarinet Reid is a pretty typical teenager. On the surface. She’s smart, but a bit of slacker; outgoing, but just a little insecure; not exactly a mischief-maker … but trouble tends to find her wherever she goes. Also? She unwittingly carries a centuries-old Druid Blood Curse running through her veins.
Now, with a single thoughtless act, what started off as the Summer Vacation in Dullsville suddenly spirals into a deadly race to find a stolen artifact, avert an explosive catastrophe, save a Celtic warrior princess, right a dreadful wrong that happened centuries before Clare was even born, and if there’s still time— literally—maybe even get a date.
This is the kind of adventure that happens to a girl once every … never."

 So, Pam from Bookaliscious mentioned on twitter recently that there are a lot of Greek Mythology books, but that there should be more Celtic Mythology books, which I agreed, and then she showed me this book! I am huge on supporting my Celtic, Irish Background, and would love to explore a new theme in reading.


The Art Of Racing In The Rain By Garth Stien

"If you've ever wondered what your dog is thinking, Stein's third novel offers an answer. Enzo is a lab terrier mix plucked from a farm outside Seattle to ride shotgun with race car driver Denny Swift as he pursues success on the track and off. Denny meets and marries Eve, has a daughter, Zoë, and risks his savings and his life to make it on the professional racing circuit. Enzo, frustrated by his inability to speak and his lack of opposable thumbs, watches Denny's old racing videos, coins koanlike aphorisms that apply to both driving and life, and hopes for the day when his life as a dog will be over and he can be reborn a man. When Denny hits an extended rough patch, Enzo remains his most steadfast if silent supporter. Enzo is a reliable companion and a likable enough narrator, though the string of Denny's bad luck stories strains believability. Much like Denny, however, Stein is able to salvage some dignity from the over-the-top drama."

 This is a book I have heard some good buzz about and there is something about the cover the make me love it! I also, think the plot of the book seems to be new and fresh.. at least I hope it will be. 

Want Want Want Wednesday (2)

The Last Little Blue Envelopes By Maureen Johnson

I read Johnson's 13 Little Blue Envelopes, a summer or so ago  and I enjoyed it. The story of Virgina getting 13 blue envelopes from her eccentric Aunt Peggy, each envelope with a new set of instructions for Virgina to complete. These envelopes taking her all over the world. So, I was happy to see that there would be a sequel to the story.

Lies That Chelsea Handler Told Me By Friends,Family and Other Victims of Chelsea's

I am guilty of loving Chelsea Handler, watching her show Chelsea Lately and owning all of her books. So, naturally I would want to read a book about all the crazy things Chelsea has told her friends and family. If you are unfamiliar with Chelsea Handler she is a hilarious comedian with a knack for telling outlandish stories and convincing people they are true. Point is I LOVE her and her books and cannot wait to get my hands on this book.

A Tale Dark and Grimm By Adam Gidwitz

Yes, I am aware that this is kind of a children's book.. in fact grades 3rd & up.. but as you may know I am a sucker for fairytales and I like the idea of Hansel and Gretel making their way through Grimm Fairytales. I have heard great buzz about this 192 page book and would love it in my book collection.

New Review for a New Year

The review for this book will be short and sweet and maybe lacking for the review that was chosen to start the New Year with, but I was looking for people to follow on The Lost Book Reports Twitter, when I saw Maureen Johnson's Twitter.. the name instantly sounded familiar to me.. So I googled it and it took me to her personal website when I discovered she had written Suite Scarlett and 13 Little Envelopes (which I have reviewed previously). This recognizance reminded me that I have read Suite Scarlett and that this was a book I shall review.

Suite Scarlett was a book i read over the summer of 2009, maybe 2008... I spotted it in a library and was instantly drawn to it.. Again, covers and names are how I pick my books and I know , i know you aren't suppose to judge a book by its cover, but for the most part this method hasn't really failed me. If you HAVE a really good book, that I haven't read.. then maybe you need a better cover = ) Anyways, for me it was the blond curls, bright red lipstick and the name Scarlett that had me hooked.

I don't remember much about the book to be honest.. besides that there is a girl named Scarlett, who lives in a hotel with her family, she likes a guy who acts and there is Shakespeare on Unicycles... I know.. it doesn't sound too thrilling, but I promise I was a sweet, cute book and I am actually excited that there is a sequel to it; which I discovered on Maureen Johnson's website. I recommend this book to younger girls.. Middle School - High School and more for your summer reading, then for a book report.


Currently Reading : The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Running out of Options

I Had already gone through the list of books I had read this year... So I had to go through my list of books I read from the summer of 2009 and a little after that. Here is the 1st book from the list...

Ok, I have to do some recalling here. 13 Little Blue Envelopes is a book about 17 year old Virginia who receives 13 blue letters from her Crazy Aunt Peg; who has passed away. Th 1st letter explains that Ginny will be embarking on an adventure and that she is not aloud to open the next letter until she gets to her next destination or completes the task in the letter beforehand. On top of that she is given 4 rules she must follow.

Rule #1:

You may bring only what fits in your backpack. Don't try to fake it with a purse or a carry-on.

Rule #2:

You may not bring guidebooks, phrase books, or any kind of foreign language aid. And no journals.

Rule #3:

You cannot bring extra money or credit/debit cards, traveler's checks, etc. I'll take care of all that.

Rule #4:

No electronic crutches. This means no laptop, no cell phone, no music, and no camera. You can't call home or communicate with people in the U.S. by Internet or telephone. Postcards and letters are acceptable and encouraged.

The letter takes her on all these adventures through Europe, where Virginia discovers things about her Aunt and learns things about herself.

The book is a typical teenage chick lit light read. It's a feel good book. I enjoyed the book and in fact as I am sitting here planning my trip to Europe in April... I find myself recalling moments about the places we are going to visit from this book. The book is nothing SPECIAL and would not be the first book on the top of my head that I would recommend to someone, but it is a nice book, that makes you want to go travel.

Currently Reading: Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen