Are you on the Vine?

This weekend I got some really cool news. Well, it’s cool to us bookish folks. I was invited to join Amazon’s vine program. Every third Thursday of the month Amazon sends out a newsletter and vine member can choose up to three items. Some of the items are books, CDs, food, and software. It’s completely free for members. Rockin!

I would like to think the reason that I am in the program is because I am an invaluable source of information. I mean who wouldn’t want to read my outstanding reviews? However, after my delusions of grandeur fade I came to the real reason I am probably in the program. I think that I spent so much money on Amazon last year they felt sorry for me.

Whatever the case is I’m now a Viner (yes I made that up). My first choice was to read T4 about a young girl in Nazi Germany who was deaf..or was it blind..well it doesn’t matter because I couldn’t get the book. Everyone snatched it up before I had a chance. So I’ll be reviewing Rumors the sequel to The Luxe. Some maybe saying, “But you hated The Luxe.” Well, hate is a strong word, and while I strongly disliked it I thought it might be interesting to see where this one goes. Besides, I’m sick of everyone saying the “historical details are amazing.” So I’ll find out for myself how historically accurate it truly is.

The cool thing about Amazon Vine books is that I can also review them on my blog. But whenever I give a review I’ll let everyone know it’s an Amazon Vine Book.

Stephenie Meyer Interview

Ms. Meyer gave an interview to Entertainment Weekly while at San Diego Comic Con. You can find the four part interview by clinking on the link below.
The first viedo that pops up is with Hugh Jackman, but you can skip that one and choose part one of Stephenie Meyer's video.

Enjoy!


Interview

This is where the bad kids go

“Your parents sent you to Lake Harmony because they love you.”

So begins the story of Garrett, who is 15 years old. Garrett is kidnapped in the middle of the night and transported in the back of a truck to somewhere in upstate New York. He doesn't know where he is going and that's how his kidnappers like it.

Garrett’s parents are upset with his behavior and feel that he is out of control. Nothing they said or did made Garrett obey their rules. His parents thought he was out of control. So with no other options they send him to Lake Harmony, a boot camp for teens.

Adjusting to life in Lake Harmony is very difficult for Garrett, who believes he should not be there. His crimes, in his opinion, were minimal compared to the other teenagers. He stole from his parents, and had an affair with his teacher. Garrett didn't know what was so so bad about that.

As the story progresses the reader watches Garrett’s struggle as he tries to keep his identity and fights against the brainwashing and harsh conditions at the facility. The methods of punishment are severe and make for an interesting read.

Overall, I liked this book, but I thought that Garrett was a little too perfect. He had above average intelligence, and I thought this hampered the book a little. If he were a typical rebellious teen then I may have enjoyed the book more. At the end of the novel Mr. Strasser gives a list of articles he used when researching the book which maybe helpful for students who want to find out more about boot camps.

Twilight Contest! You could meet Stephenie Meyer

From the TheTwilightsaga.com:

TheTwilightSaga.com is happy to announce the chance for you to win one of two exclusive trips to New York City on August 1 to meet Stephenie Meyer and attend the first event in the Breaking Dawn Concert Series!

All enteries must be postmarked by July 11, 2008.

Get moving people!

Information on the contest can be found here: Contest