Day 2 Wrap Up

Hey guys!

This is not the official ending of day two of Bout of Books 12.0, but I feel like posting now so I don't forget.

I bring dishonor. I have not finished a single book this week. However, I am close to finishing The Great Gatsby ((I have 30 pages left, cut me some slack.)) I plan on starting Lexicon next, and perhaps will switch between Lexicon and Pictures of Hollis Woods to avoid possible boredom. If I finish those books, I will finish The Perks of Being a Wallflower. And in the event that I run out of books...

Well guys, it's been lovely, but I have reading to do! 

Until next time, 

~Josh

BoutofBooks 12.0 TBR Lineup

Hey guys!

As many of you know, Bout of Books 12.0 is happening THIS WEEK!!!!!! Deadline for signup is on Wednesday, so go get yourselves registered!

In the previous post I mentioned how I was going to be combining Bout of Books 12.0 and the first Year-A-Thon challenge this week. My lineup consists of books that I currently own, and I plan on reading a few more standalone books after these are finished.

Firstly, I would like to read F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. Though this book is required reading for my American Lit/Comp class, I would like to finish it sometime today.

Secondly, we have Lexicon, by Max Barry. This has been sitting on my TBR pile for a while. I tried reading this once, but I was very confused, though that was probably my own fault. It seems interesting enough. "They recruited Emily Ruff from the streets. They said it's because she's good with words. They'll live to regret it. They say Wil Parke survived something he shouldn't have. But he doesn't remember. Now they're after him and he doesn't know who. There's a word, they say. A word that kills. And they want it back..." I'm definitely hoping I can get into this book.

Lastly ((for books that I own anyways)) I have Pictures of Hollis Woods by Patricia Reilly Giff. I read this many many moons ago, and I thought it would be a great quick read. It's only one hundred sixty six pages, so I think I can tackle that either today or tomorrow.

I may also be reading an A.R.C. of friend Megan's book, A Real Monster.

I want feedback. What is your lineup for Bout of Books? Any questions about this read-a-thon, or any others? Leave recommendations, questions, etc. in the comments below!

Until next time,

~Josh

Two Posts In One Day????? WHAAAAAAAT?

Hello my lovelies!!

So I'm sure many of you are confused as to why I am posting again this evening. This is due to READ-A-THONS!!!!!! I was not aware that the first Bout of Books ((Bout of Books 12.0)) of the year was so soon. This starts tomorrow, so plan out your books tonight and go friggin' bonkers tomorrow. Tomorrow is also the first day of the Year-A-Thon challenge, where you will find more about below, after I talk about Bout-Of-Books 12.0

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 5th and runs through Sunday, January 11th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 12 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

This is the official blurb and button, to register you MUST post both the blurb and button on your blogs, whether it be on Tumblr, Blogger, Facebook, Twitter, Wordpress etc. I have participated thrice in this readathon, and would definitely love to see you guys enjoy it! It's a great way to tackle your TBR piles, win giveaways, or just have fun!

Now. The Year-A-Thon challenge is a monthly event where a week is devoted to a specific book genre. The dates and categories will be posted below. Included will be the link to the Read-A-Thon Goodreads group that will give you challenges and updates on dates, group read along books, reviews, suggestions for themes, etc. Check it out!

Goodreads Group

#AYEARATHON dates and themes:
2015 THEAMES :
January 5-11: Stand Alone
February 2-8: Diversity
March 2-8: Bench Warmers
April 6-12: Fantasy & Sci-Fi
May 4-10: Re-read Month
June 1-7: Finish/Catch Up on a Series
July 6-12: Agatha Christie/Mystery Month
August 3-9: TV & Movie Adaption
September 7-13: Banned Books
October 5-11: LGBT Month
November 2-8: Mythology
December 7-13: Graphic Novels/Mangas/Comic
Books/Picture Books 

I hope you all seize the chance to participate in these events, they're definitely a great time!

Until next time,

~Josh

Prodigy/The Program/TPOBAWF/New Years/Extremely Long Post Titles

Hey guys!

Recently, I read Marie Lu's Prodigy. I personally felt like this was brilliantly written. As a sequel to Legend, I can confidently say that Lu did not disappoint. In this book, June and Day go through major character developments as they carry on through the story line.

For those who have not read Legend, I would definitely recommend it. It is very strongly written, and the series is brilliant so far. If The Hunger Games or Divergent caught your attention, then this would be the next series that is a must read. I'm sorry for not expanding more on the review of Prodigy but chances are that if I say anything I will spoil both Prodigy and Legend in the same blog post, and we can't have that, now can we? Goodreads review can be found here. Purchase from Amazon here.

I also started Suzanne Young's The Program yesterday. I also finished it yesterday. To summarise, The Program is another dystopian book. Suicide in teenagers has become a national epidemic, and the only known cure is The Program. The only problem with The Program is, whoever goes in isn't the same when they come out. Their memories have been erased, to start a new life. Find out more by reading it. I would definitely recommend. Read the Goodreads review here. Purchase from Amazon here.

In addition to the other books I have started/finished, I have also started Stephen Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I am only fifteen pages in and the writing style is very similar to John Green's. Definitely would recommend. I can tell this book will tear at my heartstrings. Goodreads here. Amazon here.

So I'm sure you all are wondering why I have suddenly started posting and reading a ton. I have a very simple answer. New year, new me!

Okay, okay! Jesus. Calm yourselves. I kind of wanted to punch myself in the throat after saying that too. As you are all aware ((or should be, anyways)) 2015 is amongst us. And with each new year, there has to be resolutions. Some are destined to fail, while others are easily succeeded. My ((obtainable)) resolutions are to post here more, and read a lot more books. Keep up with me here or my Goodreads account, which I believe is posted to the right. Anyways, I have books to read and books to review.

Stay hella. Until next time,

~Josh

Merry ((LATE)) Christmas!

Hey guys!

Sorry about posting late, I figured that everyone was spending time with their families, as was I, hence the absence of an update. As far as book-type things, I received two brand new books, the Doctor Who OFFICIAL Quiz Book ((snazzy, right?)) and from the Lovely Brandi I received my very own copy of Paper Towns. I also was gifted with Lindsey Stirling's Shatter Me album. Best thing I've listened to in ages. I spent a lot of time with my grandparents yesterday. I went to nana's house and baked for about five hours, and somewhere in those five hours I managed to start a new book!

The book I am currently reading is Prodigy by Marie Lu, the second book in the Legend trilogy. Legend last summer, and thoroughly enjoyed this. It has been a very easy read so far, I am hoping to have it finished either today or tomorrow. This is a dystopian series, in this book it is in a way similar to the Hunger Games trilogy yet there are more differences than there are similarities. Since I feel I may explode and blurt out spoilers, I thought I would give you Goodreads' perspective on the book. You can find the link to the Goodreads page for this book here.
I read

"Injured and on the run, it has been seven days since June and Day barely escaped Los Angeles and the Republic with their lives. Day is believed dead having lost his own brother to an execution squad who thought they were assassinating him. June is now the Republic's most wanted traitor. Desperate for help, they turn to the Patriots - a vigilante rebel group sworn to bring down the Republic. But can they trust them or have they unwittingly become pawns in the most terrifying of political games?"

It's been far too long since we've heard anything from our audience. What were your favorite parts of the holiday season? Any thoughts on how un-Christmasy things felt this year? Book recommendations? Anything? Let us know you're alive out there.

Anyways. I have some farm-type chores to be doing, and a family christmas to attend soon, so this is where I leave you. Remember what I said about commenting. Play nice with the other children.

Until next time,

~ Josh

Late Night Blogging

Hey guys!

So, I'm really sorry Brandi and I haven't been very active for the past few months. We've been very busy, but I'll give you guys a short run down of what has been going through my life recently.

1. Junior Year - As some of you may know, it is rumoured that junior year in high school is the most stressful year out of the four years in school. I am here to put those rumours to rest. Junior year has been by far the most stressful year in my eleven years of education. Between my dual credit courses, regular classes, and extracurricular, I am finding I have far too many things to do with very little time. I haven't read many books lately, besides Upton Sinclair's The Jungle and Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter for my American Lit class, I haven't had time to do the reading thing.
2. ACT's and College-Type Things Alike - Another lovely benefit to being a junior, is that you should probably start applying to colleges, taking ACT's, SAT's, filing out job job applications so you can have money for said college applications, it get's to be a bit much.
3. Holiday Things - Yes, 'tis the season. The time period between Thanksgiving and Christmas has been living hell. See reasons above. ^^
4. Relationships - Lately I've been realising that in about five months, nearly all of my friends ((including the Lovely Brandi)) will be graduating high school, and some will be off to start their first year in college. So I've been dedicating a lot of time to hang out with these people before they leave me. Deal with it. I have also been busy with my private relationship lately, because my parental units aren't exactly savvy with the whole idea of me having a significant other.
5. Other News - Right after Thanksgiving, I received a call from my mother in which my mother told me my grandmother had cancer.... again. I've been going over to her house whenever I can, spending time with her. She finished her last radiation treatment last Wednesday, and I was ecstatic. I still go over to her house after my night courses on Wednesdays, and we'll sit around, drink coffee, and talk about the world.
6. Work-Type Things - Woooooot. I've been an assistant DJ at Select Entertainments for a while now. Moving up the echeladder. Money for college. Wooooooot.

This is how the past few months of my life have gone. As you can see, there hasn't been much time for reading. However, Christmas Break starts on Tuesday, and I plan to read four books before the end of 2014 so I can complete my reading challenge for this year.  This has only been my past few months, lord knows what Brandi is going through, with her seniority and all. 

Look forward to a few book reviews relatively soon, and I will see you all later. 

Until next time,

~ Josh

My Books Are Ashamed of Me, But Gabriel Still Loves Me...Maybe

THE FOLLOWING MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS OF SEASON 5 OF SUPERNATURAL, AS WELL AS INTENSE FANGIRLING OVER A CHARACTER.

VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED. 

Dear Josh,

Today is Monday, October 6th and I think we ought to give our lovely audience a little update, don't you think?

Let's start off with me, and then continue with me, shall we?

Basically, I've gotten nothing I've talked about in the last entry accomplished. I have absolutely nothing done when it comes to reading; I haven't picked up a book in god knows how long. Right now, The Book Thief and Pilgrim at Tinker Creek sit in various places, mocking me for my inability to find any motivation to read. The MSPA link I have saved just kinda glares at me and shakes his head, ashamed with my lack of effort.

Because of school and all of that fun stuff, I haven't had any time to update things not only on here but on other places, so tonight (since I've had a break from the homework), I've decided to update some things. I've posted things on deviantART, and now I'm posting a thing here. As far as social networking goes, this is the most accomplished I've felt in a long time. Yay semi-productivity.

Right now, I am currently in the midst of writing three fan fic requests which I have been doing instead of reading, but I'm hoping to get some reading done here soon-ish. Like, during Thanksgiving break. That's a good time to read.

Not only that, but I'm also working out my Gabriel cosplay for tomorrow. For those of you who don't know him, he's the one sassy archangel in Supernatural who's like 5'4" and made of sunshine, sarcasm, sugar and perfection.

For those of you who still don't know, I have visuals.

Look at him.

Look at this babe.

Gabriel the Baberiel

He's such a dork I can't even

Gabriel stahp I don't want the readers to see me
aggressively fangirl over you. I have an image to uphold.

You better be.

Aaaaanyway, I may post pictures of my cosplay on here. I haven't quite decided that yet. It just kinda depends on how well it turns out and whether or not I have the motivation to post them.

I really don't know what the point of this entry was. I guess I wanted to let you know that I wasn't forgetting about you guys? Or maybe it was to reaffirm your belief that I am a lazy little shit? Maybe I was just bored and needed to pass the time? Maybe I just needed to have an excuse to fangirl over a cutie patootie with a hella rad booty? Maybe the faces of adorkable angels makes me feel better about things? I dunno...but I'm sensing a lot of it has to do with the last two options.

Whatever the reason is, I hope you enjoyed this little update, and hopefully His Imperial Condescension will update soon.

(You thought I forgot about that little nickname, didn't you, Josh?)

Anywho, I'm gonna go and...fangirl about derps and probably sleep a little bit.

As always...



Live Long and Prosper, and DFTBA.