The Kooky Bookworm Revamped

Hey there everyone! How have your holidays been so far? Go anywhere interesting? Has anyone been gifted a new book/books?

I've been thinking of how to remedy my time crunch. If you've seen my blog this past year, you are aware that my posting has been spotty. I've been sick, I've had the blog redesigned, I've been in school, on vacation, blah, blah, blah... My excuses could go on and on. And the fact is my workload is just going to increase, whether through personal responsibility or school affiliations and such.

For NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) I started a new project that I hope to complete. My very own novel. I love to read, I love to write about reading, and guess what? I love to write my own stories too. I've been writing stories since I was seven. But I've never finished a project I've been satisfied with enough to attempt to get published. I'm hoping this time is different.

I'm already struggling under the weight of my life and my responsibilities and such, there is no way I'd be able to write a novel on top of school and work and the blog. I mean, let's be honest, I'm not Jennifer Armentrout, I just don't hold that level of awesomeness. I may never reach that level of wicked coolness. The right thing for me to do would be to bow out and say farewell to The Kooky Bookworm blog.

But I'm selfish.

I love this blog. I've learned so much from it. If you've gone through my older reviews, you know I really needed all the practice I could get reviewing. Talk about a turnoff. If there's such a thing as being a frigid reviewer, then I'd be it. And I don't mean in a scathing way, I mean in a your-writing-is-more-stiff-and-emotionless-than-a-hitman kind of way.

If you look at my more recent reviews, sure, there will be errors, but it's so much more real and tangible than my old reviews. I believe I've learned to give enough emotion to my writing while still critiquing the important aspects of a book. I mean, there's an art to writing reviews, and it's not the way they taught you in English class (which was how I started out writing my reviews).

So, the question is, what should I do?

I don't want to give up the blog. I'm too attached to it. But I don't want to be a crappy blogger who can't post enough to keep an audience. I mean, what's the point in that? There really isn't one. I've laid on my bed and stared at the wall for ages (an hour? More?) and thought about why I haven't had enough time to keep the blog updated.

I read. All. The. Time. I've learned to balance school and reading, and although I don't get to read as much as I used to when I started the blog, I still can almost always be found with a book in my hand or my Kindle in my bag. So if I have enough time to read, why am I not reviewing the books I read?

Reviewing (for me) isn't just sitting down and typing whatever pops into my head about the book I read (though I did do that while I was figuring out my style to writing reviews, as you can see by going through my old reviews. I don't recommend reading them, they really have no substance whatsoever), reviewing is mapping out all of the important aspects and concepts of the book and then spinning those thoughts into cohesive sentences for you all to read. And I think that's my problem.

The routine of reviewing lulls me into a sense of dullness. I've never been much good with routine. I've always wanted to jump headfirst into things without looking at where I'm jumping. So as much as I love to write and I love to read, writing in the same pattern bores me. My routine was memes a few times a week, blog tours (blitzes and other things too), and reviewing. That's great and all, but it's pretty much the same thing every week. Different content, same routine.

Spontaneity. I crave spontaneity. It's a bit hard to do that as a blogger, because you're supposed to plan things out so you don't crash and burn. Well, we've seen how that worked out for me. I planned. I had a planner and a physical and virtual calendar and guess what? I've still been crushed under the weight of it all.

So I've going to try and do things a little differently. First off, I'm not planning things more than two weeks ahead of time. Planning didn't work before for me, and I don't think it will now. Second thing, I'm not posting everyday. Some people are great at time management. I mean, JLA is my hero for writing like eight books a year, most of which I read. But like I said before, I am definitely not JLA, though not for lack of trying. I absolutely suck at time management, so posting everyday will cripple me. I'm not even going to set a minimum number of posts per week. I will just let it be.

Lastly, probably the biggest change I'm making, The Kooky Bookworm is no longer a book review blog. Say what now? Yeah, I'm still going to have reviews. I love books. But I don't want to just review books. I love reading more than I love writing. I do really love writing, but maybe not just the reviewing style of writing.

Predominately, The Kooky Bookworm will always be a book blog. But I think I'm going to start posting about other things that I love. I'm a passionate person. Seriously, you should see me rant and rave about something I care about. If I were in a book or movie my significant other would shush me halfway through whatever I was talking about with a kiss or something cliche like that. Sadly, none of my book boyfriends have manifested, even after hours of willing them to appear.

What's going to be on The Kooky Bookworm then? Well, I guess that depends on what mood I'm in. Like I said, I'm passionate about a lot of things. I will continue to talk about books, I will probably talk about music (hopefully you'll join in, I love to know what people are listening to), maybe share a recipe (bakers, can I get whoot! Whoot?), definitely some travel pics/tips/ideas. And The Kooky Babble is staying (for those that don't know, The Kooky Babble is my monthly feature that is random babble on whatever is passing through my mind).

I don't know when I'll start to post things again. Right now I am basking in my winter break (would you believe I still have school assignments? Apparently 'college level classes don't get breaks', to quote my teacher) and I've just used most of my energy writing this post and want to go to bed, but I promise it'll be soon. I'm not going to wait until the Chinese New Year to start posting again. I just really want a break from working.

I've thought about what else I can do to improve my blog. I considered trying to find another reviewer. But it's The Kooky Bookworm. Singular. I work better alone too. And I'm incredibly possessive and territorial of my stuff. Sort of like those werewolves I love reading about. Except it's not heartwarming. With me it just gets ugly and kind of like a spoiled brat throwing a tantrum. And let's be honest, I really don't think the blogosphere needs something like that.

I'm now done with my spiel. I apologize for all of the whining and bitching. I'll try to keep it to a minimum next time :) I hope you all have a wonderful New Year and wish the best of luck to you all.

Happy reading and happy holidays!

Independence Day

Happy Independence Day! For those who don't know, the 4th of July in the United States is our day of celebration for independence against the British. My old history teacher would probably want a more in-depth explanation, but you guys have Google at your fingertips, so I'll let you conduct your own research if you're so inclined. As for me, I have some books below to share with you :) and the United States National Anthem, the Star Spangled Banner. It's a remix, but it's pretty good.

 

  

These books are more children's then Middle Grade, but I'm stretching that rule a little. It's a bit of a pain trying to find books about the Revolutionary War and U.S. independence that isn't nonfiction.

Revolutionary War on Wednesday by Mary Pope Osborne Synopsis: It is a dark and snowy night when the Magic Tree House whisks Jack and Annie back to colonial times. General George Washington is about to lead his army in a sneak attack against their enemy. But now a terrible weather is making the great general question his plans. Can Jack and Annie keep history on track? The fate of the country rests in their hands!

Johnny Tremain by Ester Forbes Synopsis: Johnny Tremain, a young apprentice silversmith, is caught up in the danger and excitement of 1775 Boston, just before the Revolutionary War. But even more gripping than living through the drama of Revolutionary Boston is the important discovery Johnny makes in his own life.

The Fourth of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh Synopsis: What happened on the Fourth of July long before there were fireworks and parades? Alice Dalgliesh takes young readers back to revolutionary times, back to the colonists' desire for freedom and the creation of the Declaration of Independence. Simple text captures the excitement of the era, telling how word of Independence travelled up and down the thirteen colonies, touching the lives of everyday people throughout the land. Like all of Alice Dalgliesh's work, "The Fourth of July Story" remains an American classic.

Happy Independence Day, and happy reading!

17 Problems Only Book Lovers Will Understand

If you’re a self-proclaimed bookworm (or a bibliophile in denial), you can probably relate to these 17 problems.

1. When someone asks you what your favorite book is and expects you to pick just one.

 

2. When someone interrupts your reading.

                

Because, really, a book is basically a Do Not Disturb sign.

                

3. When the movie version of a book gets everything wrong.

                

4. And completely ruins your mental images of characters.

                

5. When someone you like tells you they don’t like to read.

                

6. When you forget to eat or sleep because a book is so good.

                

 

7. When your favorite character dies.

                

And you pretend they’re still alive but it’s just not the same.

                

8. When a book you love gets a harsh review.

                

 

9. When an author stops writing mid-series.

                

10. When someone spoils the ending of a book.

                

Or worse, the ending of an entire series.

                

11. When you walk into a bookstore.

                

12. When you lend someone a book and get it back in terrible condition.

                

13. Or never get it back at all.

                

14. When you finish a book and have to wait a year for the sequel.

                

15. When a book makes you cry hysterically in public and everyone thinks you’re crazy.

                

16. When no one gets your obscure literary reference.

                

17. When someone says you read too much.

                

Because you know there’s no such thing as too many books.

 

 I got this from Buzz Feed, where HarperCollins wrote/contributed to this post. I'm just borrowing it and am taking no credit whatsoever for it. You can get the link to the original post by clicking here. I just thought it was really funny and it explains me so incredibly much. So I wanted to share it with all of my book-loving friends and followers.

Happy reading!



Kacii

Mardi Gras + Support for Breast Cancer

mardi gras plural of Mar·di Gras

Noun A carnival held in some countries on Shrove Tuesday, most famously in New Orleans

     I'm doing a Mardi Gras post today. Totally random, I mean, when is Mardi Gras again? Oh, that's right. It's today. It's also Lincoln's birthday. Not that we care. At all.
     I love Mardi Gras. No, I am not from New Orleans, and I'm not even really from the Deep South. I'm pretty sure DC is in the North. Virginia is in the South, I think. That line gets blurry sometimes.
     Anyways, Mardi Gras is usually a southern tradition, but it's something that my family has participated in for years. My mother used to host charity balls at hotels, usually the Hilton. It would always be a Mardi Gras ball.
     She stopped doing them since we moved to DC because she has so much more stress and work so she doesn't have the time. But I used to love setting everything up. I got to sprinkle confetti on the tables, help with decorations, putting the free masks on the tables, that sort of thing.
     There would always be an auction with various items being sold off. My Grandpa painted a picture of a jester walking down a street in New Orleans for one of the auctions. It was beautiful. A friend of ours bought it and then gave it to my mom as a present because she had wanted it so bad.
     One year I got to go to the ball and I wore my mom's red dress and a mask. It was so much fun, even though I was one of the youngest people there.
     Anyways, I just wanted to have a post on here for Mardi Gras, since it means something to me. I'm not the best person to tell you about the history, since I only know vague details, but click here to get the history and learn what Mardi Gras is about. I think it gives a decent explanation. It's a kids craft website with craft info for different holidays and special occasions.
     Now I may not be able to hold a Mardi Gras ball, but I would love it if you could help support me in fundraising for Avon for the walk to help raise money for breast cancer. I need to get $1,800 to walk in the DC Avon walk for breast cancer. I would love it if you could help donate money to this charity to help people get the money they need to survive.
     It would mean a lot to me and all of the people who will benefit from your generosity. Maybe you know someone with breast cancer or maybe you don't Help me help the people who need to survive. In the long run you'll be so happy that you've helped someone. You will have helped save lives, and that's no small matter. Be grateful for what you have and donate to help the people who need it most.



Now, to keep this post book related here are some books involving either masks, or New Orleans:

Masquerade by Melissa de la Cruz
 This is the second book in the Blue Bloods series, which I highly reccommend. Of course I'd start by reading the first book, but here's this one too.

Orleans by Sherri L. Smith
 I have not read this book, but it's on my TBR list. It sounds pretty good.

Blood Like Poison by M. Leighton
 I have no connection whatsoever to this book. I found it while looking at Goodreads. But I have read some books by the author.

The Homecoming Masquerade by Spencer Baum
 Another book that I just found involving masks. No connection, but it does sound pretty good.

Thanks for all of your support and generosity and kindness. It means so much to me and all of the people who will be getting your support. You people rock!

Kacii

The Lightcatcher by Jackie S Falcon

The Lightcatcher by Jackie S Falcon

Synopsis: A girl with a strange secret. A boy who has something she wants most of all. A lightcatcher, a starwatcher,… a nicklegrinder, and thief. Sentinel balloons reaching high up into the clouds. Books on aerial navigation, a rusty bicycle without brakes, and a bottle of raspberry pop.
*Note: This is a novel-in-progress and a draft.

Cover below:

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars

     I have got to say, this must be the best novel-in-progress I have ever read. One of the best pieces of writing I have ever read, novel-in-progress or no. I don't usually review novels-in-progresses, but I am so glad I did for this one.
     Finley Devon, or 'Fin' is the main character of the story. She's an artist seeking a freedom only the sky can grant her. In Lightcatcher she attempts to pursue that freedom, meeting lots of bumps in the road as she goes. With a big family that most don't like, Fin is definitely at odds with her dreams as high as the clouds in the sky.
     The first chapter in this story is done as a poem, which certainly caught my eye as different. Nowadays prologue's and un-thought thoughts are spilled onto the first few pages of a novel. A poem is different. A poem is unique. It has been done before, but rarely does it fit the writing and the idea.
    You will notice right away that the writing style is different in this than in most books. It's not just an ordinary pile of thoughts that you have to work through. For this, there is a sky and earth and air and everything fits. It's not a jumbled mess; it's a masterpiece in the making.
     Anyone who turns there noses up at unpublished writers better take another look and check this out. Anyone who can read should take a look. You have no idea what genius  you're missing. Sadly, this book is not yet completed. But I still recommend on reading it.
     Overall, I thought it was a lovely book, just as good, if not better, than anything that I have read before. I will continue to follow along as Jackie updates her book and finishes.

Check it out at http://figment.com/books/449985-The-Lightcatcher

K.

Taken by Storm by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Taken by Storm by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

**************SPOILER ALERT*****************

I absolutely loved it of course! But I hate the ending! It just makes you want to read more, and of course you're going to have to wait for the next book. And Chase... why? Why Chase?I could've handles Maddy or someone else, but Chase? SO UNFAIR! I had to put the book down for two hours to clear my head so I didn't bunch a hole through the wall or something. Actually, I'd probably just break my hand, knowing me. I wonder how the next book will play out. With Bryn changed and everything... I am dying to know. And I don't want her to fall in love with someone else. But I also don't want her to be alone. I want her to find someway to bring Chase back from the dead or something, though I find that's unlikely to happen. Boo-hoo :(

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Trial by Fire by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Trial by Fire by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my god I loved this book. I was just at the bookstore, not really planning to buy anything and I saw this book and was like! Ahhhhh! I loved the first one when it came out and didn't know there was going to be a second. So it took me completely by surprise. And I spent my entire allowance on it, so you can tell I wanted to read it. Ah, and I was going to use the money for a mint chocolate ice cream milkshake.

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Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Okay, so I picked this book up from the library randomly when I was stranded at school after my exams, and I thought it was okay. Then I didn't touch it for a week because my books had come in the mail and I wanted to read those more than this one. I wasn't at an interesting point and didn't really care what was about to happen.

Then I got really bored either yesterday or the day before and I began to read it again. I cannot believe I put the book down! This book was so intense! It was original, beautiful, and well written. I just kept on reading.

I feel really bad for Helen and Lucas though. I mean, the mother said that Helen actually wasn't Ajax's kid when Pandora had her in chains. But then she called Helen the House of Thebes cousin in front of a truthseeker.

So I'm assuming that she means cousin the same way people with religious views say that everyone is their brother and sister. Because she wouldn't be lying if that was the case. But if she is lying, why is she lying? What's the point in hurting Helen that way?

I guess I'm just going to have to wait for Dreamless to come out. I am so going to devour that book!

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The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman

The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When you think of spies I imagine James Bond comes to mind, yes? How about a sixty-year-old woman who kicks butt in the most wity way imaginable? Sound like your cup of tea? It definitely sounded good to me.
My grandmother recommended this book to me, and usually the books she recommends are a little wordy for my taste, but this was a hilarious, thrilling read that I enjoyed very much. It's not what I expected, but then again--the title is 'The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax' so I think that's kind of the point.
Mrs. Pollifax is an old woman who is bored of life and has nothing to do with her time left. So she goes to Washington D.C. and then travels to Langley, Virginia, to the CIA. She offers to become a spy. It's so unheard of, and yet she ends up as a courier to pick up a package in Mexico City. Such a simple job, yet everything goes terribly wrong.
Mrs. Pollifax is abducted and taken to Albania where she befriends Mr. Farrel while trying to escape her certain death if she stays. It is a thrilling adventure and I hated to put the book down.
It is a light, quick, read, but it is so good you hardly notice it's short length. And there are more books to follow, so what's the rush?

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