E Reader Questions...

So I've decided to take the plunge and buy an E Reader. I've narrowed it down to these two:




Or



If given the option, which would you buy and why? I would really love to get other blogger opinions on this especially now since both have dropped their prices considerably and both look pretty good to me.

I've actually held a Kindle 2 and I love how light it is. We don't have a Barnes and Noble in my town so I haven't gotten to hold that one. I will be heading to my in laws next weekend and will go to their Barnes and Noble to check it out. I am having such a hard time deciding which one to get and would love any and all advice.

My Name is Memory - A Review

My Name is Memory - Ann Brashares (shelf awareness)

Product Details (via B&N)

• Pub. Date: June 2010
• Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
• Format: Hardcover, 336pp
• Sales Rank: 5,227

• ISBN-13: 9781594487583
• ISBN: 1594487588

Synopsis (via B&N)

From the New York Times-bestselling author of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and The Last Summer (of You and Me) comes an imaginative, inspired, magical book-a love story that lasts more than a lifetime.

My Thoughts:

This book kind of reminds me of The Gargoyle, by Andrew Davidson, but just a little bit. It has a similar theme to it. You've got Daniel a soul that has traveled many lifetimes to find his love and remembers every one of them and you've got his love, Sophia, who has also traveled many lifetimes but without the memory Daniel has. In every life something or someone gets in the way and the story keeps going.

The good thing about this book is it kept my interest up. I loved hearing about all of Daniels past lives and how Sophia became a part of them. I really enjoyed Ben, another memory keeper (which is what I've been calling them). His character added some much needed amusement in the book.

Now on to what frustrated me in this book and there are a couple of things. First and foremost, there is a character in the book that isn't really needed. He even plays a role that the book could do without and I'd probably would have enjoyed it more. Any one who has read the book, knows who I am referring too and some of you might even agree with me. However, this particular frustration is just my personal take on the book.

The other thing that drove me insane were the main characters unwillingness to take a leap of faith so to speak. Three quarters of the way through the book, I was practically yelling at them to do something already and live a little. While I enjoyed the book to this point, once the frustration with the characters set in, my enjoyment started waning. I wish the ending was tied up a little better.

Now that I have my little frustrations out of the way. Did I enjoy this book? That is the question at hand. The simple answer is, yes. I did enjoy the book even with my frustrations. In the end I can honestly say, I enjoyed it.

Author's Website: Ann Brashares

13 To Life - A Review

13 to Life - Shannon Delany (Library Thing Early Reviewer)

Product Details (via B&N)

• Pub. Date: June 2010
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Format: Paperback, 320pp
• Sales Rank: 13,815
• Age Range: Young Adult

• ISBN-13: 9780312609146
• ISBN: 0312609140

Synopsis (via B&N)

Jessica's life seemed difficult enough since the sudden loss of her mother, but meeting Pietr Rusakova turns her world upside down again. The newest member of Junction High, Pietr is a first generation Russian-American, a fact that by itself makes him different enough to get lots of attention in the small town. But Pietr is far more than good looks and an interesting accent, Pietr has secrets to hide-secrets including dramatic changes he's undergoing that will surely end his life early. Secrets dating back to the Cold War get the better of Jessica's curiosity, leading her into an exciting and dangerous world where her understanding of reality and what makes a man or a monster will be challenged.

My Thoughts:

Oh I liked this book! Maybe I am just in a werewolf kind of mood but I loved the air of mystery surrounding Pietr and his family. I want to know more of their history. I especially like Pietr's twin sister, Catherine. I find her to be a fresh personality in their family of men.

I haven't made my mind up on Jessica yet. I'm just not sure what I think of her. I like her, but I almost think she is very naive. Maybe she's trying to be like her mom and it's blinding her to people's true natures. On the other hand, maybe I am too jaded heh. Her sister cracks me up and I think if I was like one of the characters in this book, it would be Annabelle Lee. She's spunky and full of fire.

This is a start to a series so there is more to come and I can't wait to see where it goes next. Definitely one I will be keeping my eyes out for.

Author's Website: Shannon Delany

The Castaways Winners!

And the winners are:

1. Missy (email received)
   
2. Jennifer (email received)
   
3. Leslie (email received)
   

Congratulations winners! Emails will be sent shortly and you have 72 hours to get me your snail mail information.

All names and addresses have been submitted 7/1/2010