2012 Blogging Resolutions

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!! Well, nearly. From this point onwards there are officially 8 hours to 1/1/12! :)

As this is the last post of 2011 (sob) I have put together some blogging resolutions that I am going to try to keep/fulfil for 2012...

1. Complete at least one reading challenge. I am attempting two; TBR Reading Challenge and the E-Book Reading Challenge. I have set myself reasonable targets so hopefully I will do pretty well on both of them!

2. Get 200 followers - and keep growing! At the moment, I have 150. Followers aren't everything because not everyone who reads blogs have a GFC account. But I like to know how many and who is viewing my blog, so that is why I have set this as a target. :c)

3. Write more discussion posts. The reason I have decided to make this a resolution is because I feel that most of my posts are similar - either a review, In My Mailbox or a Cover Crazy feature. I have few ideas of what to post about, and hopefully I will think of a few more...

4. Take part in one other meme. As I mentioned above, I am going to try and post more than the usual things I post on this blog. One problem: which meme shall I choose?! Teaser Tuesday, Waiting On Wednesday, Top Ten Tuesday, Follow Friday, Shelf Candy Saturday.... ideas anyone?

5. Post more things about Bookhi on Twitter and Facebook. This may sound a bit silly, but I am hoping to discover more blogs, get more followers/'likes' and just general book-y things. I love both of the sites so this should be pretty easy to complete! :) To tweet, follow or like my page you can fine this blog by clicking on the links in the sidebar :) ----------->

That is all I can think of for now. Hopefully I will succeed at completing at least one my resolutions.......... what are yours? Zoe xx

PS. I found this on the Internet of the reality of resolutions and found it quite funny - and so true!

borrowed

Lolly Luck by Ellie Daines

Synopsis

'I'm Lolly Luck by name, lucky by nature. I'm the luckiest person I know, and the luckiest person everyone else knows.'

But Lolly's luck begins to turn. When her dad loses his job and the family home, Lolly thinks things can’t get any worse. Then she overhears her parents arguing and learns a secret that will change her life forever...

Review:

I absolutely loved this book from start to finish, and when it ended I felt like starting at the beginning and reading Lolly's story all over again. It is about a young girl called Lolly Luck - lucky by name and nature. Everything good happens to her: she wins parts of the lottery, gets the lead in a school play, wins competitions and raffles, finds money on the floor...until one day her whole world is changed around. On her birthday, her Dad admits he has lost his job and Lolly's luck is draining further and further away.

The issue in this book is one many children can relate to and I am sure it can be a book that they really connect with: money problems, parents arguing, bullies, and older sisters. I think I am going to lend/recommend this book to my sister (aged 10) and possibly her friends because it is a great book they will find interesting.

Ellie Daines makes the characters really believable, I could picture them very clearly like I had known them for years. They are all different too, not like a lot of books where the same personalities can get boring after a while. Marissa is mean and spiteful, Nancy is caring and thoughtful, her Mum is kind but appears slightly stressful and bossy, her Dad is kind but seems to be drifting away from Lolly...and I won't tell you about the characters because they appear in a big twist in the middle of the book. ;)

I don't think I have read any bad review on this book at all. I don't really have any negative points at all! It is aimed at 8-12 year olds but I am 14 and I enjoyed it as a light read. Read it to yourself, your little sister, your daughter, your dog, your fish! Everyone needs to read this.

RATE: 5/5

Publisher: Anderson Press

Publication date: 5th January 2012

Pages: 192

Edition: Paperback (ARC)

Source: For Review
To buy this book click HERE.

Note To Self by Avery Sawyer

Two climbed up. Two fell down.

One woke up.

*

Robin Saunders is a high school sophomore with an awesome best friend, a hard-working single mom, and a complicated relationship with a sweet guy named Reno. She's coasting along, trying to get through yet another tedious year of high school, when Em suggests something daring. They live in Florida-- tourist central--and Emily wants to sneak into a theme park after midnight and see what they're made of.

When things get out of control, Robin wakes up in a hospital bed and Emily doesn't wake up at all. Just getting dressed becomes an ordeal as Robin tries to heal and piece together the details of that terrible night. Racing to remember everything in the hopes of saving Emily, Robin writes a series of notes to herself to discover the truth.

This book is really original and I found it a really good and interesting read. The author has a real talent for writing and I hope she writes more in the future. It is about two best friends, Emily and Robin. They both climb up Fun Towne and both fall down - but only one wakes up. Robin tells the story of a struggling teenager not remembering her past, bullies teasing her, falling in love with the boy she didn't expect, and her best friend won't wake up from a coma.

This story is so unique, I haven't read anything like this before. It was clever how Avery Sawyer portrayed the story in the point of view of a girl with concussion. At first I thought this isn't going to work, the story is not going to be very interesting if she keeps passing out. But then, as it continued on, the problems Robin faced were really powerful and I was dying to know what happened next.

I haven't experienced any kind of concussion before, and nobody I know has, so I guess that is what also made this story even more fascinating for me. Teenagers feel misunderstood and alone already, and Robin also feels that nobody can empathise or understand what she is going through. I think a lot of people can relate to Robin even without having any medical problems, because this story is all about coping with this.

My only (minor) criticism is that sometimes it wasn't clear what was going on. For example, the chapter would start by 'he said this, he did this' for a page of two - who is 'he'?! This also happened with 'things' as well: 'We climbed it', 'he took it' and so on. However, I did understand the plot and could tell what was happening so it didn't spoil my read.

I recommend this to anyone in the mood for a light read, with a bit of drama and reality involved (if that makes sense!). There are occasional swear words so I recommend this for 11-12+. I read this in only a few days, and I am sure I will read it again!

RATE: 4.5/5

Publisher: Self

Publication date: 20th November 2011

Pages/File Size: 297 KB

Edition: E-Book

Source: For Review
To buy this book click HERE.

In My {Christmas} Mailbox

I hope you all had a MERRY CHRISTMAS! I know I did! :D I love this time of year because three events happen in the space of only a few days: Christmas, my birthday and the new year! Sorry I haven't been posting as much as I wanted to during the holidays, but hopefully I will be able to post a few more before I go back to school.
So, for Christmas, I got two books and a lot of stationary and notebooks. That satisfies me fine!

IMM is hosted by The Story Siren. It is a meme a lot of book bloggers take part in to show what books they have received that week.

^ All the book related things I got for Christmas ^

The Declaration by Gemma Malley
I have been dying to read this one for ages. I have read so many good reviews and my friends have been recommending the series to me as well - thank you Santa! =)

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
I love history and from what I read of the blurb it sounds amazing! It is told from two teenage girls perspectives - Andi whose brother has just died and is failing school and Alexandrine who is a street performer of Revolutionary France; somehow, though centuries apart, they are connected somehow.

Book Journal
I don't know if you can see in the picture, but one of the notebooks says 'Book Journal' on it. It is a great book to keep track of my reviews, books to read, and books I have borrowed. I love it - it is perfect for me! :]

Once again, I hope you all had a great Christmas and have a happy new year! To end the post, a few Christmassy pics....



Zoe xx

Cover Crazy: Models and Dresses

**Welcome to Cover Crazy! This is a feature on Bookhi that focuses on nothing but book covers. Most people judge books by their covers, even without realising; it might not catch their eye or appeal to their reading preference. I will post about new releases, beautiful covers, UK vs US and pretty much anything that takes my fancy to do with them.**

A lot of covers have models with beautiful dresses, and I have noticed a lot of books with them. Also, a lot of books have models on the covers. In my opinion, I don't really like covers with models on. I prefer an illustration of an object or design which grabs my attention better than characters on books. Today I am going to talk about a few examples and my opinions.

First of all, here are a few covers with dresses:

The Luxe series by Anna Godbersen

Entwined by Heather Dixen

Forgiven by Janet Fox

The Princess of the Midnight Ball by
Jessica Day George

Fallen series by Lauren Kate

I think most of the dresses above are really eye catching and appealing, and most females will be intrigued to buy it from just the dress. However, many people have different dress senses; I tried to get a variety of different types. The Luxe series are very big and puffy which will give an impression that the book is set in an old-fashioned time. Whereas Forgiven and the Fallen series are more modern.

Moving onto the models of the covers, I think sometimes they work best and sometimes they don't. I like to think of the characters up myself, and sometimes characters on covers don't work or portray a storyline that doesn't appeal to me. For example, I don't really like one of the covers for I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter (right). The girl on the cover gives me an idea of the typical high school, maybe something like I have read before. It isn't, because it is actually a really good book about a spy girl you can kill with a piece of uncooked spaghetti.......

What do you think? Do models on covers work?

Zoe xx

Fiction Express: Falling Backwards - Chapter 3 + 4

I knew there was going to be a week or so near Christmas time where I wouldn't be able to blog. I have been quite busy, but it is the school holidays (WOOO!) so I will have more time to catch up on posts now. =)

**Fiction Express is an e-fiction site where each chapter is released every Friday. When you have read that chapter, you can vote to what happens next! The first chapter is for free, and the next ten chapters are from 39p. I recommend the site 100% and I suggest you check out the brilliant books they have on offer. Please be aware that my review may have spoilers.**

When a stranger takes the seat next to Leah on the plane to Mexico and unburdens her unhappy story, Leah finds herself involved in someone else's life in a way she'd never thought possible. Can Leah help April correct the mistakes of her past and find peace at last? Will she risk losing herself in the process?

Chapter 3
After being told in the last chapter by Rosa that Leah can only return to 2011 when he fixes April's past, she makes the decision to stay with the Flores family. She also reads a bit of April's diary, which kind of contradicts itself; she convinces herself to read it and that she is doing the right thing, but I would hate it if someone read my diary.... this made me want to read on even more. Throughout the whole chapter I was immersed in the story, and I am pretty sure that my feelings are mutual with a lot of other people.

Chapter 4
This book is quite different from the other previous books we have had on Fiction Express; it is different and unique and I haven't read anything quite like this before - in a good way! I really like the contrast of different characters, and Leah is a good one for the main role. I mean, to be honest, if I was in the position that she is in I would be freaking out and panicking in the corner! Leah is making bold decisions and I like how in each chapter she is becoming more and more independent. Now I have another reason to excited about next week - Christmas and the fifth chapter coming out! ;)

Zoe xx

In My Mailbox #20

Welcome to Bookhi's IMM, a meme hosted by The Story Siren. It is where book bloggers post what books they have received that week.

Gift-
House Of Night: Marked by P.C & Kristin Cast
Thank you SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO much to the amazing Ria from The Beaucoup Review! She saw that this book was on my wish list and offered to send it to me - isn't she awesome?!
Let's have a look....

Err...don't know how to turn it the right
way round... xD

She also gave me some awesome swag
bits and bobs...love it! :D

I can't thank you enough, Ria! You are the best! *multiple hugs*

Bought-
Noughts & Crosses Series 1-4 by Malorie Blackman
As a sort of early Christmas present for myself, I ordered MB's Noughts & Crosses series from The Book People for £6.99. I knew that I wasn't going to get a bargain like this anywhere else and I didn't know how long this sale would last so.....here they are!

Zoe xx

2012 Reading Challenges

I haven't taken part in any of the annual challenges before - so this year I am being brave and doing two!

The TBR Reading Pile Challenge

Hosted by Books, Biscuits And Tea, this is a challenge to help book addicts get through their 2011 TBR piles. Mine isn't very big, compare to some of the big blogs out there; but I still have a fair amount of books I am dying to read that are collecting dust! There are five levels and I am aiming to read 15 books.


1-10 - A Firm Handshake

11-20 - A Friendly Hug

21-30 - A Sweet Kiss

31-40 - Love At First Sight

41-50+ - Married With Children

1. Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs
2. Fins Are Forever by Tera Lynn Childs
3. Ellie Foster's English Coursework by Tina Orr Munro
4. Wings by Aprilynne Pike
5. The 13 Treasures by Michelle Harrison
6. A Year Without Autumn by Liz Kessler
7. Foreget-Me-Not by Jo Coterill
8. The Declaration by Gemma Malley (I hear that "Santa" is getting me this for Christmas....)
9. Love, Aubrey by Suzanne Collins
10. Shine by Kate Maryon
11. Deep Water by Isla Whitecroft
12. Knife Edge by Malorie Blackman
13. The Ant Colony by Jenny Valentine
14. The Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly (another present from Santa... got to love that guy!)
15. Numbers by Rachel Ward

Plus, to make this challenge even more appealing, there are ten hosts with monthly wrap-up posts about the challenge. There will be giveaways every month and one big one at the end - come on, aren't you tempted?!

The 2012 E-Book Challenge

This challenge has been running for years, but this year has been passed onto a different host which is Workaday Reads. I have recently received a Kindle and I am loving it! I want to get into reading more e-books so this challenge seemed a perfect way of setting a goal.

Floppy disk - 5 ebooks
CD - 10 ebooks
DVD - 25 ebooks
Memory stick - 50 ebooks
Hard drive - 75 ebooks
Server - 100 ebooks
Human brain - 150 ebooks

1. Kisses For Lulu by Samantha Mackintosh
2. Gifts of Blood by Vicki Keire
3. Darkness in the Blood by Vicki Keire
4. Truth and Dare by various authors
5. Priscilla The Great: The Kiss Of Life by Sybil Nelson
6. Marina's Tales #4: Turning Tides by Derrolyn Anderson (it hasn't been published yet, but I think it will probably come out in 2012...!)
7. Reckless Magic (The Star-Crossed Series #1) by Rachel Higginson
8. Boys For Begginners by Lil Chase
9. I don't have any others right now on my Kindle, but I will add them onto the list once I have read them. My challenge is 10!
10. 
    

Are you taking part in any 2012 Challenges? What are they? Good luck if you are! Zoe xx

100 Followers Giveaway!

 

Yes....Bookhi has reached that magical triple digit number......100 followers, baby! I am so happy that I have got to this number at last! I know that followers aren't the be-all-end-all of blogging, because I blog because I love it. I also know other blogs which got to more than 300 followers within a year, which is amazing. But I am very happy that even 100 people considered to look at my blog, let alone follow it!

To celebrate, I am doing another giveaway! So I shall post now before I change my mind about running 2 giveaways at the same time.....

ANYWAY, onto da winning of books!

I am going to keep it simple.

The winner gets 1 book of their choice from The Book Depository. It can be any kind of book - old, new, pre-order, audio..... but whatever it is must be a maximum of £10. :)

T&C's:

• It is open to everyone, everywhere! International!
• The deadline is 2nd January 2012 at 8pm. (I have made this the same deadline as my 1st Blogoversary giveaway for thre reason that I can announce them both at the same time)
• The winner will be picked at random so there is a fair chance for everyone.
• Since this is a follower-giveaway competition, you must be a follower to enter.
• To enter fill out the form below.

(this is also a great chance to have a play about with Rafflecopter!)

Cover Crazy: Fallen series by Lauren Kate

**Welcome to Cover Crazy! This is a feature on Bookhi that focuses on nothing but book covers. Most people judge books by their covers, even without realising; it might not catch their eye or appeal to their reading preference. I will post about new releases, beautiful covers, UK vs US and pretty much anything that takes my fancy to do with them.**

In this post, I am going to just going to put up only few covers. They are all from the Fallen series by Lauren Kate.

I NEED to read the Fallen series - like, soon! All the covers have a similar, gorgeous design. They all have the a model on the front in a beautiful dress. In this one, you can't see her face. It kind of symbolises mystery and despair, like she is turning herself away from the world. This is the latest one, but it isn't out until mid 2012.

I like how Fallen In Love has a similar title to the first book, Fallen. I'm not sure, but I think she is wearing the same dress. Even though the colours are a bit dull, and it is similar to the others, I still like it. Not as much as the others, though. This is probably my least favourite cover in the series - but I still like it!!

Below are the first 3 books:

My favourite cover is Passion. In my opinion, these three beat the new ones above. What do you think? Do you like the models on all of the covers? Do you think the cover reflects the storyline? Comment below!

Zoe xx

Fiction Express: Falling Backwards - Chapter 2

**Fiction Express is an e-fiction site where each chapter is released every Friday. When you have read that chapter, you can vote to what happens next! The first chapter is for free, and the next ten chapters are from 39p. I recommend the site 100% and I suggest you check out the brilliant books they have on offer. Please be aware that my review may have spoilers.**

When a stranger takes the seat next to Leah on the plane to Mexico and unburdens her unhappy story, Leah finds herself involved in someone else's life in a way she'd never thought possible. Can Leah help April correct the mistakes of her past and find peace at last? Will she risk losing herself in the process?

My vote didn't win, but I still enjoyed chapter 2. Leah went with Rosa, the old woman. This new and interesting character actually plays a big part, and I liked how she was weaved into the story. A few more characters also appeared which made the story develop even more. Sometimes in books I find it annoying when countless characters are added that don't have a big role, but I liked the different contrast of personalities. I am LOVING Falling Backwards so far - do I have to wait until Friday for chapter 3?!

If you haven't read the first two chapters of this book yet, do so now; and remember, the first chapter is FREE! Zoe xx

Stained (Zombie I Am #1) by Mike Mauthor

A swift outbreak changed Lin Matthew's world forever.

A mysterious new student enrolled in Beaver High.

And a popular television show brought betrayal hence endangering Lin and his friends' life.

Stained is a different take of a zombie tale like no other.

I don't usually read this type of genre, but after reading the author's last book (House Trap) and loved it, I thought I should give this one a try too....and I was definitely not disappointed! I found this book really gripping - the way the author writes it is amazing. I wanted to read on, and find out what happens next.

Stained is a zombie book - usually, I wouldn't pick up a book like this, but after reading it I can't wait for the next in the series! Lin Matthew is a regular teenager, everything is normal; until he gets bitten by a zombie. It is an action-packed chase, as he tries to get away from the sickly 'humans'. The next chapter is one year later, with Lin alive but in hospital. The doctors confirm that he got off lucky for this condition, but he has to take tablets for the rest of his life. His Dad states that his life will be normal and he can just go back to school. But it isn't that simple. He is an outcast and his life will never be the same again.

All the ideas are so original, it was great to read something fresh and new. This made the ending unpredictable - bravo, Mike Mauthor!

The last sentence of the blurb above is Stained is a different take of a zombie tale like no other. This is so true! This book is unique in every way. The storyline is genius and this is one of the many reasons that persuaded me to read on.

I totally recommend reading his books, and this one has just made me even more of a fan. If you are looking for a suspenseful, thrilling, and slightly gruesome read, choose this one.

RATE: 4.5/5

Publisher: Self

Publication date: 8th November 2011

Pages/File Size: 336 KB

Edition: E-Book

Source: For Review
To buy this book click HERE.

5 Prize Pack Giveaways on The Mile Long Bookshelf!

Who doesn't love free books? Who doesn't love free stuff in general?!

The Mile Long Bookshelf is having it's SECOND birthday! Whoop! Happy Birthday TMLB! *sings happy birthday embarrassingly*

Anyway, over the next five days it is giving away FIVE prize packs.

Yes, you heard me right.

FIVE PRIZE PACKS!

Prize Pack 1:

• 'Fracture' by Megan Miranda
• 'Twilight - Breaking Dawn' Double Sided Poster
• 'Haunting Violet' tote bag

Prize Pack 2:

• 'Between' by Jessica Warman
• 'Fallen Grace' - Mary Hooper Double Sided Poster
• 'Haunting Violet' tote bag

Prize Pack 3:

• 'Haunting Violet' tote bag
• Double Sided 'Mary Hooper' poster
• Kisses for Lula by Samantha Mackintosh

We find out Prize Packs 4 & 5 on the next few days! So do you see something that takes your fancy? Thought so! I might enter all of them because they are all so cool..... *sneaky grin*
If you don't see something that you like, then come back tomorrow and Sunday to have a look at the others.

Couldn't get any better? Wrong! It is international!

...why are you still here? Go and enter! Quickly! Click on the links below to get to them:
PRIZE PACK 1
PRIZE PACK 2
PRIZE PACK 3
HOME PAGE

Good luck! :)
  ~ Zoe xx

Bookhi's 1st Blogoversary - This is just the beginning....

Yesterday was Bookhi's 1st Blogoversary! It doesn't feel like the blog has been going for that long, but I guess the "time flies when you're having fun" saying is right! :)

Before I started, I didn't exactly know what a proper 'book blogger' was. When I first set it up, I didn't even know I would get sent books to review! After seeing other book blogs and thinking that it looked fun to do, I had no idea that it would be like this (in a good way!).

I wouldn't have had most of the books on my shelf if it weren't for blogging, and it takes a lot of my free time but I love it.

I'm not going to do a 10000 word post blabbing on about how blogging is awesome (because believe me, I could do that) so I am going to put a few random facts about Bookhi over the past year:

Ahem.

My Very First

First Ever Post: Welcome
First Review: Cathy Cassidy books
First Book I Was Sent To Review: Fizzy Pop by Jean Ure (hopefully my reviews have developed since then...!)
First Book I Was Sent To Review For This Blog: Day Of Assassins by Johnny O' Brien
First Interview: Amber from The Mile Long Bookshelf
First Giveaway: Fiction Express Rémy Brunel And The Ocean Of Light
First Meme I Took Part In: Weekly Wanted: Wishlist Wonders

My Latest:

Latest Post: (not including this one, hehe) Bookhi's 1st Blogoversary: GIVEAWAY!
Latest Review: Pop Princess By Cathy Hopkins
Latest Book I Was Sent To Review For This Blog: Note To Self by Avery Sawyer
Latest Interview: Julia Suzuki, author or Yoshiko And The Gift Of Charms
Latest Giveaway: Bookhi's 1st Blogoversary, lol.
Latest Meme I Took Part In: In My Mailbox

Random Facts:

• Bookhi was previously named 'Zoe's Books' but then I decided to change it to something more original.
• It has had 23,426 pageviews in all time history. Impressive! But I think that counts as the same person multiple times :P
• Most people have found my blog through Google.
• My post popular post is 'Harry Potter' which has had 840 pageviews! (personally I think that post is rubbish...)
• Most people who view my blog is in the UK.
• 171 people have typed into my search bar 'happy cat' *confused face*

Thank you for reading! I just want to say a BIG thank you to all of my 62 followers! And thank you to those ones especially who actually read the stuff I put and take time to comment! *cyber hugs*

To wrap up the post, I have put together a word cloud about Bookhi! Enjoy! Zoe xx

          http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/4509933/Bookhi

Bookhi's 1st Blogoversary: GIVEAWAY!

Has it been a year already?! Whoop whoop! Welcome to Bookhi's 1st Birthday, and I am sure it won't be the last! I have decided to do two posts; one as a summary of Bookhi for the past year and various facts, and a giveaway! Good times.

The first one is the giveaway! You can choose between 14 books!

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Half Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Coram Boy by Jamila Gavin

The Hunger Games #3: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Crossed by Ally Condie

Passion by Lauren Kate

Angel Fire by L.A Weatherly

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Everlasting by Alyson Noel

Along For The Ride by Sarah Dessen

Prized by Caragh M. O' Brien

Lia's Guide To Winning The Lottery by Keren David

Fallen Grace by Mary Hooper

Destined by P.C Cast & Kristin Cast

Click on a name for more information about the book, but make sure to right click and click 'open in new tab' to avoid leaving this page! ;)

1BG button #1

1BG button #2

To enter, it is simple. Read the T&Cs first and enter the form.

T&C's:

• The competition is international - yay! :-)
• The deadline is 2nd January 2012 at 8pm.
• The winner will be picked at random so there is a fair chance for everyone.

ENTER THE FORM HERE!

Good luck! The next post about my Blogoversary will be up tomorrow, so remember to come back! Zoe xx