'In My Mailbox' becomes 'Stacking the Shelves'

Hey everyone! 

Well, I feel like I'm the last one to know about all the recent drama surrounding Kristy @ 'The Story Siren'!

Through a fellow-blogger I heard she was accused of plagiarism and after scrolling through my blog roll, I saw the evidence myself. Like anyone else, I don't condone plagiarism. 

However, this post is not me attacking anyone, taking sides or stating my opinion on the matter. This post is simply me announcing I'm switching to a different meme for showcasing my book loot :) Because I don't want to join in a meme where nobody else participates anymore. Or where my participation will send off the wrong vibe. 

Because even though I want to remain neutral (the plagiarism did not concern me and I wasn't there so it's not fair for me to judge) I do not like what's going on. Especially since lately there has already been too much drama concerning bloggers/reviewers/authors. 

It's like we've lost track of what really matters: enjoying a good book. And being entitled to our own opinion about it. No matter how harsh that may be sometimes. As long as things don't get personal and we act like civilized human beings there's nothing wrong with voicing an opinion. As longs as it's substantiated and about the book's content, not about the writer's background. But especially, as long as it's our OWN opinion, not someone else's because they happen to voice the way you feel better than you ever could. Deal with it. There'll always be people out there who are better at something than you are. It's called life ;)

Anyways, since I like showing off my book loot and enjoy watching other bloggers loot as well, I'm gonna be participating with 'Stacking the Shelves' over at Tynga's Reviews from now on. I hope you'll follow along!

Oh and... Happy Reading! :)

Because that's what matters ;)

In My Mailbox (14)

'In My Mailbox' 

is a weekly recurring meme hosted by The Story Siren. 

Every Sunday, Kristi shares her mailbox contents 

and gives us bloggers the opportunity to leave a link 

sharing our own mail!
~

Hey everyone!

Last weekend hubby and I went to see 'The Hunger Games' movie in the cinema. 

Guess what? Even though the theme of this trilogy never appealed to me -despite its many lyrical reviews and despite my liking the occasional dystopian novel- I was hooked instantly! Ask me and I'll go see the movie again, it's that bad! There were so many details I would love to explore further. 

And Katniss... she really got under my skin. Jennifer Lawrence is a damn fine actress in my opinion. She convincingly made me believe Katniss was human, not a flat character. She's such a strong and wise girl, with a good heart. Righteous, standing up for her beliefs, self-sacrificial, but still filled with insecurity. I need to get to know her better, find out what her true feelings towards Peeta and Gale are. I need to know she'll be okay. 

Which is why I ordered the 'The Hunger Games' Trilogy. And yesterday the mailman delivered it. I was hooked after reading the first few sentences already! Which is a compliment because I normally strongly dislike books written in the present tense (and lately the first person gets on my nerves as well). However, the prose was so beautiful I hardly noticed. 

So, did the mailman spoil you too this week? Do share with a comment, and I'll come and stop by your mailbox as well!

Happy reading! :)

In My Mailbox (13)

'In My Mailbox' 

is a weekly recurring meme hosted by The Story Siren. 

Every Sunday, Kristi shares her mailbox contents 

and gives us bloggers the opportunity to leave a link 

sharing our own mail!
~






Hey everyone!

Once more I've been a bad blogger, and reader! I am sorry for not stopping by your blogs as well, can you ever forgive me?
I didn't order many new books lately, since I'm having trouble reading the ones I have already. Occasionally a pre-order makes it to my doorstep, though. And a book with an interesting premise slips through the cracks of my I'm-not-buying-any-more-books-for-a-while intentions...

'A Temptation of Angels' by Michelle Zink
has been on my wish-list for a while, ever since I found out about it. The blurb sounds amazing! And the cover is even more gorgeous in real life!










'The Vampire Stalker' by Allison van Diepen
popped up somewhere on Goodreads recently and the premise sounded intriguing.

What if the characters in a vampire novel left their world--and came into yours?

So I caved in and ordered it. I actually finished it already, in one short sitting! You can find my review here.



So, was the mailman nice to you as well? Leave a comment and I solemnly promise I'll repay you with a visit. Pinky swear! ;)

Happy reading! :)

In My Mailbox (12)

'In My Mailbox' 

is a weekly recurring meme hosted by The Story Siren. 

Every Sunday, Kristi shares her mailbox contents 

and gives us bloggers the opportunity to leave a link 

sharing our own mail!
~










Hey everyone!

I'm aware it's been a while since I've blogged... 

Honestly, LIFE got in the way! Since a week or 7 I'm trying (and succeeding) to become more healthy (read: skinny), which takes up enormous amounts of time! I'm walking and exercising and blending smoothies with veggies. If I'm not out or busy or at a birthday (it's those times again...) I'm too tired to even read. 

Thankfully, the mailman doesn't care and still brings me the pre-ordered goodies, most of which I cannot wait to read! 

'The Nightmare Garden' ('The Iron Thorn' #2) by Caitlin Kittredge

'Pandemonium' ('Delirium' #2 )by Lauren Oliver

'Timeless' ('The Parasol Protectorate' #5) by Gail Carriger

Did you receive any good books this week? Do share with a link and I'll visit!

Happy reading! :)

In My Mailbox (11)

'In My Mailbox' 

is a weekly recurring meme hosted by The Story Siren. 

Every Sunday, Kristi shares her mailbox contents 

and gives us bloggers the opportunity to leave a link 

sharing our own mail!
~

Hey everbody!

This week I finally received my 'Blythe Collection Guide Book'! 

It has many beautiful pictures of every Blythe doll manufactured, starting 2001. There were even some Blythe dolls I didn't recognize. 

The only downside is the Japanese... I don't understand why they use English titles but simply write the rest in Japanese... Does anyone know of a simple way to translate this? Like with some smartphone-app?

Also, the book would have been better if there had been something in it about the original 'Kenner' Blythes. Then again, had they written that in Japanese as well, it wouldn't have made any difference to me...

I'm hopelessly behind on my recurring blog-posts ever since I started to become more active again. I'm so tired after my quick-walks my brain stops functioning, LOL. I wanna read because I'm behind with that as well, but again, the brain-mush doesn't co-operate... Ah well, health is more important, and if I want to change my appearance again it's gonna take some effort! Alas... ;)

Did you get anything in your mailbox this week? Share with a link and I'll stop by!

Happy reading! :) 

In My Mailbox (10)

'In My Mailbox' 

is a weekly recurring meme hosted by The Story Siren. 

Every Sunday, Kristi shares her mailbox contents 

and gives us bloggers the opportunity to leave a link 

sharing our own mail!

~

Hey all,

In the nick of time the postman brought me the book I already blogged about in my first WoW (Waiting on Wednesday) post: 

'Scarlet' by A.C. Gaughen... Yay! 

I was extra happy I got book mail this week, because I finally took some pictures to go with IMM! 

Winter has finally kicked in here in The Netherlands with temperatures of -20 degrees Celsius at night and -6 degrees Celsius during the day. So I decided to go out to a nature area near our house, tagging along my (pink!) camera, Blythe doll and mini mailbox. 

First, some teens were frolicking about on the ice on the spot I wanted to take my pictures. So, I walked a little further and took some pics of the frozen lake when a huge, white swan walked over to me. Maybe he thought I had food, maybe he was gonna end op chewing off my (expensive!) doll's head, so again, I walked a little further.

I got my thingies from the bag and tried to jam the stick of the mailbox into the ground. That was like trying to jam it into solid rock.... DUH! 

I couldn't seem to balance the letterbox and my doll together, plus my doll's arms were coming loose too. 

I gave up. I walked home through the blistering cold and changed into my warm house-suit.

Today, I took some INDOOR shots of my Blythe doll and her mailbox with packages, as you can see up top. It looks like she's in heaven instead of snow :P

Anyways, did you receive any books in the mail, or paid the library a visit? Leave me a link and I'll come visit!

Happy, warm, indoors reading! :)

In My Mailbox (9)

'In My Mailbox' 
is a weekly recurring meme hosted by The Story Siren. 
Every Sunday, Kristi shares her mailbox contents 
and gives us bloggers the opportunity to leave a link 
sharing our own mail!
~

Hey there!

So, it's that time again, to share the contents of my mailbox! It's very modest this time and didn't even come through the mail... Technically this should be known as 'In My Saddlebag'. (In Holland it's very normal to own a bicycle and have bags hanging over the rear luggage rack from it. Whereas the trouble I'm having now in finding the right translation for the words 'fietstas' and 'bagagedrager' leads me to believe it's not as common elsewhere!)

Anyway, here's my loot for the week (and now first on my TBR list!):

Fallen in Love ('Fallen' #3.5) by Lauren Kate

What did you get in your mailbox this week? Care to share with me?

Have a nice day! :)

In My Mailbox (8)

'In My Mailbox' 
is a weekly recurring meme hosted by The Story Siren. 
Every Sunday, Kristi shares her mailbox contents 
and gives us bloggers the opportunity to leave a link 
sharing our own mail!
~

Hey there!

This week I got 'Camille' by Tess Oliver. It's about a 16-year old girl and her guardian who hunt werewolves. I kinda got the 'Van Helsing' vibe off the book, which is what attracted me about it!

Also, I received 'The Iron Knight' by Julie Kagawa, which is the 4th (and final?) installment in the 'The Iron Fey' series. No, I have not read the first 3 books yet, but I just know they're gonna be good!

So, did you get anything good in your mailbox this week? Do share!

Have a nice day! :)

In My Mailbox (7)

'In My Mailbox' 
is a weekly recurring meme hosted by The Story Siren. 
Every Sunday, Kristi shares her mailbox contents 
and gives us bloggers the opportunity to leave a link 
sharing our own mail!
~

Hey there!

Like it's the most normal thing in the world,
the mailman brought me some goodies again this week. 

* Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday

* I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

* Supernaturally (Paranormalcy #2) by Kiersten White

I read a positive review (from one of my most-trusted reviewers) about 'Deadly Cool', about its wittiness.
I knew I wanted to read it and ordered it right away.

I'm not sure how I came across 'I Capture the Castle' anymore, but it really appealed to me. I like historical settings and the contents just spoke to me. I ordered the DVD as well, which I viewed already. It was okay, but I think the quirky nature of some of the characters will come more to live in the book. (As always.) Also, did you know Dodie Smith wrote the '101 Dalmatians' books? I didn't until I read her bio on Goodreads... Shame on me...!

As for 'Supernaturally'... I didn't have a chance to read 'Paranormalcy' yet but I just know this is gonna be a good series!

Did you receive any books in the mail this week? Do share!

Have a nice day! :)

In My Mailbox (6)

'In My Mailbox' 

is a weekly recurring meme hosted by The Story Siren. 

Every Sunday, Kristi shares her mailbox contents 

and gives us bloggers the opportunity to leave a link 

sharing our own mail!

Hey there,

So, it's time to show you last week's contents of my mailbox again! Honestly, I bought 2 books, and received 1 through mail. I'm not entirely certain whether the 2 Dutch books are available in English as well, I think they're originally Dutch. It's the 'Devil's Diary' and 'Count Dracula's Diary'. Both are witty, sarcastic, full of historical facts, puzzles, etc. I think the 'Devil's Diary' is not meant for very religious people... Because Satan calls God a show-off and such. Kinda disrespectful, but in its own way I think it brings across a lot of biblical and historical knowledge.

'Horseradish' by Lemony Snicket became part of my 'want' list when I read some delightful dark quotes from the booklet. I have seen the movie 'Lemony Snicket & A Series of Unfortunate Events' and I love the strangeness, depressing-ness and the dry sarcastic humor. Someday I may read the entire series, until then this book will have to do. Once I've read it, I'll be sure to share some of my fav quotes!

Did you receive any books this week? Do share!

Have a nice day! :)

In My Mailbox (5)

'In My Mailbox' 

is a weekly recurring meme hosted by The Story Siren. 

Every Sunday, Kristi shares her mailbox contents 

and gives us bloggers the opportunity to leave a link 

sharing our own mail!

~

Hey there,

During these last few hours of 2011 the mailman rung my doorbell with a gift, AND I scored a hardcover version of 'The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner' (a 'Twilight' novel) (in Dutch) in a budget-store near us for only €0.99!!!

When she read about my offer to review YA novels, Patti Roberts asked me to review her book 'Paradox' -in exchange for a free paperback version (of her first and second book!).
Which means 'The Angels Are Here' & 'Progeny of Innocence' are on my To-Be-Read-Soon list, right along with the other books I would've hoped to have tackled during my Holidays, but will now be the first ones I read in 2011.

What books are you planning to read in 2012? Drop me a line, leave me a comment!
Have yourself a wonderful and safe New Year's Eve & see you around Next Year!

In My Mailbox! (4)

'In My Mailbox' 

is a weekly recurring meme hosted by The Story Siren. 

Every Sunday, Kristi shares her mailbox contents 

and gives us bloggers the opportunity to leave a link 

sharing our own mail!

~

Hey there!

It was quite the well-timed coincidence that I ran into the delivery guy today, while walking around the block with my recently hernia-operated-on neighbor lady. I already knew 'Hallowed' was being released (and thus sent to me) earlier than planned, but with the Holidays coming up I hadn't expected my book(s) to arrive this early! I've been very excited for the sequel of  'Unearthly' by Cynthia Hand, especially after reading many good reviews!

Also 'Miss peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children' made it to my doorstep today. Earlier this week I already received 'Shattered Souls' but since I posted a couple of times already I figured I'd wait till the end of the week. Also because I hoped to have some more time on my hands now my vacation has officially begun!

~Once again I wish you Happy Holidays!~

In My Mailbox! (3)

'In My Mailbox' 

is a weekly recurring meme hosted by The Story Siren. 

Every Sunday, Kristi shares her mailbox contents 

and gives us bloggers the opportunity to leave a link 

sharing our own mail!

~

Hiya!

'Tis the season to be working many, many hours again so I'm seriously lacking reading (and blogging) time! However, tomorrow is the last day of work before my Christmas vacation starts, yay! I do hope to have time to read with all the planned/obligated visits and stuff. A week is nothing, it flies by like a whisper from the wind...

So, this week I got a pressie in the mail again! Boldly, I asked Patricia Leever whether she would be kind enough to send me her book 'Cat O' Nine Tails' in exchange for a review. Because I had been eyeing it for a while... Because we both married into the 'Leever' family... ( I hoped that would do it!) Well, guess what? Patti was kind enough to send me her book (signed by the author herself) and she threw in a bookmark and set of trading cards as well! What a wonderful Holiday spirit!

Which means my X-Mas Holiday reading list suddenly expanded with this beautiful lady! Somehow Christmas seems like the perfect time to read a romantic, 'old school' pirate adventure! (At least that what I suspect/hope it will be!)

When pirate hunter Orrin and his brother Kale are hired by Queen Winifred to hunt down Aeron and her band of miscreants, Orrin never dreamed he’d fall in love with the beautiful she-pirate nor the kind, accepting people of her island hideaway. As Orrin learns of Aeron’s jaded past with the Queen, he allies himself with the pirate captain and her crew. Joining forces on the high seas to bring Winifred’s evil reign to an end, Aeron and Orrin soon discover that the strongest weapon in their combined arsenal is the love they have for each other.

For now...

I wish you 

Happy Holidays 
Once more... 
Spent with your loved ones...

(Be it books or relatives...) 

In My Mailbox! (2)

'In My Mailbox' 

is a weekly recurring meme hosted by The Story Siren. 

Every Sunday, Kristi shares her mailbox contents 

and gives us bloggers the opportunity to leave a link 

sharing our own mail!

~

Hey everyone!

I just had to share what the (soaking wet) mailman brought me today! I had pre-ordered it already on the English Amazon (along with 'The Iron Knight' by Julie Kagawa) but both books still weren't available somehow. Since it didn't matter that much 'money-wise' to order the books in my own country (you know, the flat one with the excess cheese, tulips and rain...) AND they would arrive much sooner, the choice was easy.

Once I finish reading 'When Copper Suns Fall' by KaSonndra Leigh (which is kinda hard in the annual stress period at work, during which I hardly have time for a private or social life) and my well-deserved one-week-holiday from Christmas to New Year finally commences, guess what my next read will be...?

Another gorgeous cover for 'The Infernal Devices' series!

So, what are your Holiday plans? Do you have some time off as well? And will your days be filled with books, or family? 

Have you read 'Clockwork Prince' already? 
Let me know what you thought of it, or what you'll be reading otherwise! 

Oh, and does anyone else beside me hate the fact that they make follow-up books in a series bigger than the previous instalments? It makes my bookcase look unnecessarily cluttered! 

Happy Holidays! :)

In My Mailbox! (1)

'In My Mailbox' 

is a weekly recurring meme hosted by The Story Siren. 

Every Sunday, Kristi shares her mailbox contents 

and gives us bloggers the opportunity to leave a link 

sharing our own mail!

~

Hey,

Sooo, here's my first (but certainly not last!) post about which book-related (self-paid) 'prezzies' the mailman brought me last week!

'The Space Between' by Brenna Yovanoff

'Mercy', 'Exile' & 'Muse' by Rebecca Lim

'Inkheart', 'Inkspell' & 'Inkdeath' by Cornelia Funke

When the 'Inkheart' movie was on TV again last week, I was smitten with it once more. The concept of a world where all kinds of characters from all sorts of books live together in perfect disharmony is very original. The whole idea has much potential. So, I finally decided to order the trilogy in order to find out what happened to all the characters... 

I have been wondering about reading the 'Golden Compass' books also, because I enjoyed the movie very much!

Did you read some of these books already, or are you dying to? Did you see the movie 'Inkheart' and/or 'The Golden Compass' already? In general, how do you feel about books turned into movies/TV-shows? You're welcome to share your thoughts on the subject with me!

Have a good weekend! :)