Showing posts with label What's Cool?. Show all posts
Showing posts with label What's Cool?. Show all posts

Friday, July 10, 2015

What's Cool? Four Hardbacks and a Paperback!

It has been raining for three days now--at least not non-stop--and I know I should be reading but no. *Gasp!* I confess that I've been obsessed with playing Candy Crush (again) and Candy Crush Soda that I have not been reading for the past THREE FREE DAYS. (So not a Cool story, I know.)

Cool stories, anyone?
Anyway, because there hasn't been any progress with my reading and to-be-reviewed pile, I'm stuck and hasn't been requesting for books (print or ebook--especially ebook!) for a while. What I'm sharing you today was my additional haul from last month. You would probably have an idea with my post title (I decided to title it in a different weird way--"Book haul" blah blah is too overused for me).

  • Four Hardbacks and a Paperback

Illuminae by Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman - ARC
Off The Page by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer
Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella (review)
Denton Little's Deathdate by Lance Rubin
Of Dreams and Rust by Sarah Fine - ARC (with bookmark)

Thank you so much Penguin Random House and Simon and Schuster!

  • Swag

Thank you so much Katie McGarry and Simon and Schuster!


  • Archive book reviews
Here are my previous book reviews in case you missed it. 

 May
In A World Just Right by Jen Brooks
City Love by Susane Colasanti
Halfway Perfect by Julie Cross and Mark Perini
Dream A Little Dream by Kerstin Gier (Silber Trilogy #1)
Never Never by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher (Never Never #1)
Nowhere But Here by Katie McGarry (Thunder Road #1)

 June
The Secrets We Keep by Trisha Leaver
Proof of Forever by Lexa Hillyer
Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella
I'll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios
We All Looked Up by Tommy Wallach
World After by Susan Ee (Penryn and the End of Days #2)

 Hopefully I'd be back on my reading appetite and post more reviews (and features). 
***

How is it going with your reading progress? Any exciting titles you got/bought?
Share them (or any random stuff) on the comments below!





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Saturday, May 16, 2015

What's Cool? Books! (And more books)

Get the latest Cool news from The Escapist! 
There's nothing Cooler than getting books...and more books. Here's what I got from a few weeks back + blog news!
  • Printed galleys = FANTABULOUS
That's our mixed word for fantastic and fabulous. BECAUSE PRINTED BOOKS!!! THE SMELL TOO AHHH.


For review:
Lifespan of Starlight by Thalia Kalkipsakis
End of Days by Susan Ee (Penryn and the End of Days #3)
The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski (The Winner's Trilogy #2)
I'll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios
The Secrets We Keep by Trisha Leaver
Dream A Little Dream by Kerstin Gier (Silber #1)
Model Misfit by Holly Smale (Geek Girl #2) - ARC
Proof of Forever by Lexa Hillyer - ARC
Sophomore Year is Greek To Me by Meredith Zeitlin - ARC (review)
Nowhere But Here by Katie McGarry (Thunder Road #1) - ARC

Borrowed:
Not A Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis (Not A Drop to Drink #1)

Thank you so much to Hardie Grant Egmont, Skyscape, Macmillan International, HarperCollins International, G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, and Harlequin/Mira UK!


  • eBook overhaul
I've never had too much eBook haul until now. I'm full-packed and it feels like it's heavier than the physical galleys. Good luck, eyes!



For review: 
Things We Know By Heart by Jessi Kirby - ARC (review) 
The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things by Ann Aguirre - ARC (review)
Finding Mr. Brightside by Jay Clark (review) - ARC (review)
Captive by Brighton Walsh (Captive #1) - ARC
Spelled by Betsy Chow - ARC
The DUFF by Kody Keplinger (review)
Powerless by Tera Lynn Childs (The Hero Agenda #1) - ARC
Jesse's Girl by Miranda Keneally (Hundred Oaks #6) - ARC
The Summer After You and Me by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski - ARC
World After by Susan Ee (Penryn and the End of Days #2)
The Heartbreakers by Ali Novak (The Heartbreaker Chronicle #1)
The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest by Melanie Dickerson (Medieval Fairy Tale Romance #1) - ARC

Thank you so much HarperCollins, Macmillan, Henry Holt and Company, St. Martin's Press, Sourcebooks Fire, Hachette Children's Books, Skyscape, Thomas Nelson/BookLook Bloggers, Edelweiss, and Netgalley!


  • Unexpected gift
Well..not literally unexpected,--like it just appeared on our doorway without me knowing--because I know it was arriving. It was unexpected because one day I was exchanging brief tweets with one of the friendliest and sweetest author about how "I cannot but He can", and then she suddenly asked for my address saying God put something in her heart. So here comes the awesome gift I got from her, her ministry--and from Him!




I really loved everything! I truly appreciate it. Thank you so much Jessica L. Brooks! (She's the author of If I Speak True and Pity Isn't An Option.)



  • Book Reviews
In case you missed any of them, here are my March and April book reviews! (Click on the titles to redirect on the reviews.)

 March
Frostfire by Amanda Hocking (Kanin Chronicles #1)
Vendetta by Catherine Doyle (Blood for Blood #1) 
Dreamfire by Kit Alloway
The Glass Arrow by Kristen Simmons
Duplicity by N.K Traver
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E Schwab (A Darker Shade of Magic #1)
Finding Mr. Brightside by Jay Clark
The Storyspinner by Becky Wallace (The Keeper's Chronicles #1)

 April
Breathe, Annie, Breathe by Miranda Keneally (Hundred Oaks #5)
The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things by Ann Aguirre
The DUFF by Kody Keplinger
Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
Things We Know By Heart by Jessi Kirby
Sophomore Year is Greek To Me by Meredith Zeitlin

  • 3rd Year Blogoversary!

The Escapist

The Escapist will be turning 3 on the 27th of May! I can't believe it has been 1,095 days since I first created something like blog with books to feature. I'd never thought I would be called a blogger.

Right now I don't have any plans or ideas for the celebration yet. I'm too busy in the outside world (a.k.a reality). But if you or someone you know might be interested in sharing something for a giveaway, just let me know. ;)

***

Those are my Cool tales for now. Thank you for being awesome (you're reading this, right?).
Keep reading!







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Friday, March 6, 2015

What's Cool? Feb Feels presents The Lunar Chronicles!

Let's talk about Cool things!
A lot has happened since the year has started. January was the month where I became--finally--a registered nurse! Last January 23rd, the results of Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination (November 29-30, 2014) has been released and my name was there. It was one of the Coolest thing that has happened to me. Finally, the busy-ness, sacrifices, and all the effort has paid off. It was all worth it! Afterwards, we had a victory party hosted by the review center, took an oath, and last week, finished my IVT training. It was still a long way, but I'm so happy for each of the results. I thank the Lord for all these blessings which makes life more Cool!

There's so much more to tell, actually. But let's get on bookish/blogging stuff! Today's What's Cool? edition is about Feb Feels presents The Lunar Chronicles...and books! Of course. ;D

  • Feb Feels presents The Lunar Chronicles

February has come and gone again and The Escapist's highlight? The Lunar Chronicles!

I'm a huge fan of this series written by the brilliant Marissa Meyer and so I have to feature it on Feb Feels. Feb Feels might be Valentine-themed event but that doesn't mean it's only about contemporary romance. This time, I featured what I love. And the MAJOR FEELS between Cinder-Prince Kai, Scarlet-Wolf, and Cress-Thorne!!

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who once again supported and been excited on this event! Thanks also--and most especially--to Marissa Meyer for writing such an amazing series and for the signed copy of Fairest for the giveaway!

Here's what happened in Feb Feels presents The Lunar Chronicles in case you've missed it. ;)

Feb. 12th - Scarlet review
Feb. 14th - Cress review
Feb. 16th - Fairest review

  • Book haul!

 For review:
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E Schwab 
The Glass Arrow by Kristen Simmons
Frostfire by Amanda Hocking (review)
Vendetta by Catherine Doyle - ARC (review)
Fairest by Marissa Meyer (review)
The Dolls by Kiki Sullivan - ARC

My hardcover copy of A Darker Shade of Magic comes with a signed poster (back-to-back US and UK covers). I am also part of #ADSOM Londons tour + a giveaway of what you're seeing in this photo. *winks* Tour stop would be on March 8th!
Thank you so much Tor Books/Teen, Macmillan International, Scholastic Philippines, and Usborne!

  • eBook haul
I restrained myself from requesting on Netgalley and Edelweiss for so long..until recently. Now I'm overwhelmed with the number of eBooks I got in just a couple of weeks! Good luck, eyes. Yay or yikes?


For review (all ARCs):
Duplicity by N.K Traver
Breathe, Annie, Breathe by Miranda Keneally
City Love by Susane Coloasanti
The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows
The Storyspinner by Becky Wallace
Dreamfire by Kit Alloway
The Summer of Chasing Mermaids by Sarah Ockler
One of the Guys by Lisa Aldin (review)
Halfway Perfect by Julie Cross and Mark Perini
In A World Just Right by Jen Brooks

Thanks to Sourcebooks, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Spencer Hill Contemporary, and Edelweiss + Netgalley!
  • Upcoming tours
There are several tours stopping by The Escapist soon! You can also check out the schedule updates on the Calendar page.

March 5th - Blog Tour (Review): Vendetta by Catherine Doyle (NOW LIVE!)
March 8th - Blog Tour (Feature + Giveaway): A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E Schwab
April 6th - Blog Tour (Review + Giveaway): Captive by Brighton Walsh
May 8th - Blog Tour (Review + Excerpt + Giveaway): Halfway Perfect by Julie Cross and Mark Perini

  • The Escapist: Road to 3rd Year Ad Promo
Calling all authors, publishers, businessmen/women, everyone!

Did you know that The Escapist is turning 3 soon? Yes, it is! Time flies, I know, so you should also hurry and post your ad on the blog today because:

If you post your ad TODAY, it will be up there UNTIL MAY 31st! And you only have to spend $50 for 3 months of ad! Plus, I'm going to feature your ad (or whatever you want) on a post. You won't just posting an ad and be featured on the blog, but you'll also help with the upcoming blogoversary giveaway! Doesn't it sound lovely? Click HERE for more info (banner sizes, etc.) OR you can shoot me an email now at michelleshoutsrandom.blog@gmail.com !


Note: You don't have to be bookish-related to post an ad. For all types of ad, please note that my blog is family friendly. No sensual, alcohol, or cigarette images/ad is allowed. Thank you.


  • Trade
I'm trading my copies of Grave Mercy (PB) and Dark Triumph (HB) by Robin LaFevers. You can check out my list here or you can send me your list of books willing to trade. You must be from the Philippines or have a PH address, don't need to be a blogger. The trader who has the books I want the most will have mine. :)


I've never read them but they've been on my shelf for 2 years, I think. It doesn't have torn, written, folded pages, or bent spine. Both are protected with plastic covers. You can contact me via Twitter (@michellesedeno) or email (michelleshoutsrandom.blog@gmail.com).


***

What are your Cool stories? Share them on the comments!






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Saturday, January 10, 2015

What's Cool? 2014 + 2015!


Cool stories and more!
Despite the craziness of my 2014, I can't deny the Cool things that happened as well. Here are my untold stories from 2014 and few of the many things to look forward in 2015!


  • Book Haul

The last few books of 2014 I have't shared about yet!



For review:
My True Love Gave To Me edited by Stephanie Perkins (review here)
I Was Here by Gayle Forman - for blog tour. This was only lent by the tour host but I didn't waste the opportunity to take a snapshot of Gayle's new masterpiece!
Traded:
Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson - with a 3D card/plate/bookmark
Pawn by Aimee Carter - ARC

Won:
Boomerang by Noelle August - signed with bookmark

 Thank you so much Macmillan International, Pinoy Book Tours, Fay of Bibliophile Soprano, and Kyle!


  • Sarah of HarperCollins International
I finally met Sarah Woodruff of HarperCollins International! She's my first contact during my first year in blogging. She's really nice and even sent me year-late books before. She visited Manila to present the upcoming 2015 titles of HarperCollins. There were bunch of ARCs and boxes of pizza. It was a great day! Only if I were there. I was there but arrived exactly when they're done. Stupid traffic.

 And here I was--looking haggard after a looong day. Thanks Kim for the photo! Hi Sarah!
  • Best of 2014
I have listed my best books of 2014 as you've seen on my Best of 2014 giveaway. There were a lot of gorgeous books in different genres. I can't wait to read the next installments from their series and meet new faves this year!

I post my Best of books on the right side bar of this blog for year round. For example, I posted the entire 2014 my best books in 2013. Now I'm posting my best of 2014 for the entire 2015! Check out the side bar.
.

  • Goodreads Reading Challenge

 Last 2014 I challenged myself to read 50 books but I surpassed it and read 80--that's 160%! This year I'm challenging myself 75 books. Here's to hoping I could surpassed it again!


Speaking of, here are the books I've read in 2014!


  • Celebrating Debutantes 2014
CD2014 was a blast!!! Thank you all for the support! I'm looking forward on this year's debuts. I've seen a some and they're really great!


Check out my thank you post + 2015 debuts and note to 2015 debut authors.



  • Random
I got this Taylor Swift shirt for free (when you purchase a 1.5L gallon of Selecta ice cream last December)!!! I would prefer a different design but it's all they have on stock. I'm still glad I was able to find a store with a promo, though! I went to four different stores but they have no idea regarding this. So I asked the Facebook group members of FFS (Fearless Filipino Swifties) for the nearest store with TS shirts, and tada! I have it at last! MWAHAHA! In all other words: I tracked it down like a crazy fangirl would. ;)


Since we recently had holidays, here's my version of Bookish Snowflake!




***

How was your 2014? How's the start of your 2015?
Share your Cool stories on the comments section!


Happy day! :)







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Saturday, December 13, 2014

What's Cool? 1989 Philippine album launch!

I was supposed to post this last week but I didn't have time to finish so I decided to move it today. I wasn't aware it's the same day as Taylor's birthday. Who knew?
What's Cool? is an anytime meme created by yours truly. Only Cool stuff is allowed. ;)
What's Cool? Taylor Swift's 1989 Philippine album launch! Here's my experience with one of the Coolest events this year + a crazy story.
Le stage. Loved that tarp. I wished of bringing it home the whole day.
Swifties reunite and celebrate the Philippine release of Tay's newest album, 1989, last November 8, 2014 on SM North Edsa, organized by the awesome Odyssey (a record store). The huge fan I am, I didn't let the moment pass. I didn't care if I have a review that day (later found out that the lecturer wasn't able to arrive. It. Was. Worth. It!). 1989 album + freebies + cool booths + a day partying along with fellow Swifties in 1989 tunes? Sign me up!

(Here comes my photos with awkward poses.)
Originally, I was to hug and put my one leg up but there's
a LOT of people waiting and watching, I changed my plan. 
With an event like this, the usual first move is to wake up early and go to the event area earlier than most early people do. So my friend and I did. We arrived 7 am but the mall opens at 10 so we decided to eat first. Since McDonald's is the nearest and inside the mall, we went there. I could say by the time we enter the mall that we were the earliest, thank you very much. My friend suggested we should go to the second floor and I said we shouldn't because we might get caught (it's still dark and even the stalls and boutiques are still closed). But she insisted and I want too despite the slowly acceleration of my heartbeat.

The Odyssey stall is already open but they were just setting up the area on third floor. So we went back down and sat on a seat outside McDonald's. I asked my friend to go outside the mall in the meantime and as we're walking there's this security guard leaning on a fence, talking to his radio. I heard him say, "..two girls" and my heart thudded the same time my friend and I looked at each other. I panicked but didn't let it show, not wanting to give the guard the satisfaction. We walked faster (the exit is now just a couple of steps away!) what you could call walking looks like.

That wasn't our only encounter with guards that day. I almost felt like we're criminals or something. It was terrifying and funny. It was pretty crazy. Something I'd never done or imagined happening in my life. It was thrilling, though.

Shamelessly sharing my photo with awkward poses. What?
The event had quite a long line (what should I expect? Many people loves Taylor!) and unfortunately, they have ran out of some freebies. It was a bummer and I got pissed (who wouldn't? Taylor stuff!) but I'm glad my attention was diverted with the booths and the people. We met two cute little Swifties (13 and 9 year-olds) who went there all by their selves. They were really fun to chat with!

The 9 year old cutie (forgot her name) let me borrow her nail polish freebie to paint the back of my hand 1989!
Just like on Red album launch, Odyssey brought us different local artists and they sang some of Taylor's and originals. Swifties who've been performing to TSwift events performed too. We also met a new cute act called Perkins Twins. They're so talented and charming!

I actually have selfies with each of them but I'm not going to share it
(didn't even uploaded it on Facebook). I'm shy! Plus, I look really haggard.
After the performances and a couple of games and raffles (which I'm not lucky with again), the founders of Taylor Swift Philippines asked us to sing and party with Shake It Off to be video-recorded and will be sent to Taylor. I don't think they've uploaded the vid yet because they were editing it or something so I can't share it yet. But I will once out. ;)

Oh, and did I tell you that the crowd went wild singing Shake If Off? Yes, we did. It was really awesome, it's like Taylor was really there. Like every Taylor events, this rocked. 

And here are my newest treasures!



I really love these Polaroid-like photos!




1989 album and the Polaroids with some of the freebies!

Yes, that's a mini standee!
Thank you so much to Taylor Swift Philippines and Odyssey for organizing this fun event! We'll be looking forward for more. ;)
*This post is not associated with any of the said parties. This is not an ad as well.

***

How about you? Have you been into 1989 album launch? Any crazy stories as well?
What did you think about 1989? Let's fangirl (or boy, if you are)
together on the comments below!

You might also like my feature of 1989 songs (plus my thoughts and feels)



P.S If it wasn't obvious, I love Taylor so much. I know I don't have to mention it but I want to, just because. ;) HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TAYLOR!!!!!!!!!! ❤ 






Long live,

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Saturday, October 4, 2014

What's Cool? MIBF 2014 + others

What's Cool? is an anytime meme where I feature all the
Cool things happened, I got, blog news, and just anything Cool!

Heya! Let me show you some NEW exciting events for Pinoy bookworms, my photos from MIBF 2014, and a blog announcement.
  • Manila International Book Fair 2014

 Yep, I finally attended MIBF! :D




MIBF ran through September 17th to 21st. The only available (I made it available) time I had was on the second day (18th). And I thank God because if I came there on the first day as I originally wanted, I won't be seeing this really Cool booth! Photo below.


This is a "Book Museum" booth. Inside contains Philippine's literature history, I think. I only saw some photos from my standing point. Still, I love this part!


That's the National Bookstore's booth..which was SO huge. You'd think you were visiting another branch of theirs. XD


 I just have to have a photo with Fullybooked booth art! I love it, along with their ticket. I even used it as a bookmark. ;)
Me and my friend, Janine.

 It was soo fun and real eye-bulging. I've never seen THAT many books before. I almost dragged a sleeping bag and lived there. I'd definitely come back next year with a saved allowance for massive book shopping (it's free to dream, hey). I only bought one book (Legend) because I don't want to spend too much. Plus, I'm broke and saving for the future book signing tours. :P

 Speaking of which...


  • More book signings!
Let us take a minute to tackle hug National Bookstore. Ready.. Set... ATTACK! *tackle hugs*
Thank YOU for these authors you're bringing us next!


New York Time Bestselling Authors Claudia Gray and Medeleine Roux will light up Manila and Cebu this month with a book signing event.

Claudia Gray is the author of Evernight series, Spellcaster series, and the recently published cover-lusting first book of Firebird series, A Thousand Pieces of You. Madeleine Roux wrote horror novels such as Asylum and Zombie series.


Marie Lu, NY Times Bestselling author of Legend trilogy and The Young Elites (new series), will be invading Philippines next on November 22nd and 23rd. I CANNOT WAIT TO MEET HER!


Poet Lang Leav is coming back! So if you didn't had a chance to go to her previous signing, meet her on December 5th (Cebu), December 6th, or 7th (Manila). Prepare your copies of Lullabies, and Love and Misadventures!


And the latest author to add on your list..James Frey!

Welcome the new year with NY Times Bestselling author of End Game: The Calling, A Million Little Pieces, My Friend Leonard, Bright Shiny Morning, The Warmest December, and several more.

Check this out for NBS events on Facebook. Meet you on these events!


  • Books
Here are some of my Cool haul!

For review:
Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson
Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini (review)
Sway by Kat Spears (review)
A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall



 Forbidden by Kimberley Griffiths Little
Illusions of Fate by Kiersten White (review)
Exquisite Captive by Heather Demetrios
In A Handful of Dust by Mindy McGinnis


Lailah by Nikki Kelly
The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl by Melissa Keil
Not in the Script by Amy Finnegan + bookmarks and a sweet note!

 Won:
Four by Veronica Roth


Bought:
The Beginning of After by Jennifer Castle
How Zoe Made Her Dreams (Mostly) Come True by Sarah Strohmeyer
Legend by Marie Lu


Thank you so much to Ruth and Macmillan International, Megan and HarperCollins International, Mimi and Hardie Grant Egmont, Jean at BookNerd, and Amy Finnegan! ♡ 




  • Blog announcement
I would like to let you all know that I will be having another blogging hiatus. I hate to do this but I need to prepare for something big in the next two months. I won't be reading books or blogging about them except for selected books that I really need to review. So you could expect two or three reviews on the blog before my comeback.

I will be back on December or last week of November (it depends) just in time for Celebrating Debutantes 2014. As (some of) you know, CD features different YA/MG/NA debut authors of the current year. There will be interviews, 14 facts about the authors, and giveaways! Check this out for the list of debut authors participated on the two previous years.

Thank you so much for your support! I'm excited to be back soon!



***


Share me your Cool stories/haul!






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