Posts Tagged: ally condie

BIR 2010 Giveaway Prize Pack #5

13 Dec, 2010 by in matched, sarah beth durst 11 comments

Welcome to day 8 of the Best I’ve Read 2010 giveaways. We have four books to highlight today with a chance to win one!

Matched
By Ally Condie
Published by Dutton Juvenile
Website: http://www.allysoncondie.com/
4.5 stars

Book Summary:
In the Society, Officials decide. Who you love. Where you work. When you die.

Cassia has always trusted their choices. It’s barely any price to pay for a long life, the perfect job, the ideal mate. So when her best friend appears on the Matching screen, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is the one . . . until she sees another face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. Now Cassia is faced with impossible choices: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she’s known and a path no one else has ever dared follow—between perfection and passion.

Matched is a story for right now and storytelling with the resonance of a classic.

I first spotted an ARC of this book at the Writing for Charity event and I fell in love with the cover. It is magical. Shimmering. Perfect. Matched is a story that will stick with you long after you are done reading. And it’s one I could happily read over and over. Ally Condie is a master. She takes a dystopian concept and gives it a hopeful poetic tone. Her writing leaves an impact and a deep impression in your mind. This is a book that I see being taught in classrooms because of the ideas it presents and explores.

It starts out as Cassia is getting ready to attend her Matching ceremony, traveling along with her childhood friend Xander and their families. The whole event sounds like a girl’s dream. A new green silk dress, and the once in a lifetime chance to meet the man you may marry. The society hand picks them for you and statistics show all will be well.

Cassia’s path may be different than her peers, after her match goes wrong and she sees the faces of two boys instead of one. Both of them live in her borough, but one has a secret. Soon the perfect face of society will start to crumble as Cassia uncovers their methods. They control every facet of life: the food, the jobs, the history, and even the chances you will have in the future to succeed. Society officials watch your every move and limit your choices. As they once seemed protective and helpful they become Cassia’s source of confusion and entrapment. Will she be able to break free and choose love over loyalty?

Matched is slow moving but immersive. I found myself falling for both of Cassia’s men. They are incredible. The families are tight knit, each of the character’s pasts are intertwined and interconnected. The plot has layers which continue to unravel and the romance element is clean and perfect. I’m looking forward to the sequel, since in the end there are a lot of unanswered questions. Overall Matched is a beautiful, thought provoking book bound to become a classic.

The Scorch Trials:
Sequel to the Maze Runner
By James Dashner
Released Oct 12, 2010
Published by Delacorte Books for Young Readers
http://www.jamesdashner.com/

The Maze was only the beginning…

Solving the Maze was supposed to be the end. No more puzzles. No more Variables. And no more running. Thomas was sure that escape meant he and the Gladers would get their lives back. But no one really knew what sort of life they were going back to.

In the Maze, life was easy. They had food, and shelter, and safety… until Teresa triggered the end. In the world outside the Maze, however, the end was triggered long ago.

Burned by sun flares and baked by a new, brutal climate, much of the earth is a wasteland. Government has disintegrated–and with it, order–and now Cranks, people covered in festering wounds and driven to murderous insanity by the infectious disease known as the Flare, roam the crumbling cities hunting for their next victim… and meal.

The Gladers are far from done running. Instead of freedom, they find themselves faced with another trial. They must cross the Scorch, the most burned-out section of the world, and arrive at a safe haven in two weeks. And WICKED has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them.

Thomas can only wonder–does he hold the secret of freedom somewhere in his mind? Or will he forever be at the mercy of WICKED?

The Lonely Hearts Club
By Elizabeth Eulberg
Published by Point
Released December 29, 2009
http://www.elizabetheulberg.com/

Love is all you need… or is it? Penny’s about to find out in this wonderful debut.

Penny is sick of boys and sick of dating. So she vows: no more. It’s a personal choice. . .and, of course, soon everyone wants to know about it. And a few other girls are inspired. A movement is born: The Lonely Hearts Club (named after the band from Sgt. Pepper). Penny is suddenly known for her nondating ways . . . which is too bad, because there’s this certain boy she can’t help but like. . . .

Enchanted Ivy
by Sarah Beth Durst
Hardcover, 320 pages
Published October 12th 2010
by Margaret K. McElderry

http://www.sarahbethdurst.com/

What Lily Carter wants most in the world is to attend Princeton University just like her grandfather. When she finally visits the campus, Grandpa surprises her: She has been selected to take the top-secret Legacy Test. Passing means automatic acceptance to Princeton. Sweet!

Lily’s test is to find the Ivy Key. But what is she looking for? Where does she start? As she searches, Lily is joined by Tye, a cute college boy with orange and black hair who says he’s her guard. That’s weird. But things get seriously strange when a gargoyle talks to her. He tells her that there are two Princetons—the ordinary one and a magical one—and the Key opens the gate between them. But there are more secrets that surround Lily. Worse secrets.

When Lily enters the magical Princeton, she uncovers old betrayals and new dangers, and a chance at her dream becomes a fight for her life. Soon Lily is caught in a power struggle between two worlds, with her family at its center. In a place where Knights slay monsters, boys are were-tigers, and dragons might be out for blood, Lily will need all of her ingenuity and courage—and a little magic—to unite the worlds and unlock the secrets of her past and her future.

For a chance to win one of these titles as a part of BIR2010 enter here.

MATCHED Release Party at Kings English

07 Dec, 2010 by in matched 3 comments

Once again The King’s English bookstore hosted an amazing release party on Saturday, this time for for Ally Condie’s new dystopian YA book, MATCHED. Currently it is the #1 pick on the Indie Next List.


MATCHED is a trilogy with the second book CROSSED to be released November 1, 2011. The inspiration for her book came from time spent as a High School English teacher chaperoning proms as well as her experience as a sorority mother in Ithaca, New York.

Ally accepting books to sign

Leeann Whiffen, co-founder of the Utah Autism Coalition and author of A Child’s Journey Out of Autism with Ally

Me getting my stack of books signed

The release party jam packed with people who came out to support MATCHED. Here are some of the people present (and these are only the ones I recognized…) loads of talent in one room!

Authors present:
Sheralyn Pratt
Nichole Giles
Brodi Ashton
Emily Wing Smith
Bree Despain
Kris Chandler
Leeann Whiffen
Elana Johnson
Wendy Aphayrath

Ali Cross
L.T. Elliott
Carolyn Vawdery
Jenn Wilks
Shannon Hale
Sara B Larson

Olivia Carter

Bloggers
Lauren Marie
Maw Books
Catie S Book Bound

Twilight Moms/ Eve’s Fan Garden
Lisa Hansen
Amy O

Special thanks to author Sheralyn Pratt for saving me a seat and author Leeann Whiffen for taking my photos. It was so fun to see everyone again.

You may also view The Kings English bookshop photo gallery of the MATCHED release party on Facebook here. Or, read our MATCHED review here . Also, feel free to enter our signed ARC giveaway from Provo Library. If you are in Utah, stop by her next release party tomorrow night, December 7th, at 7 PM hosted by the Provo Library at Academy Square.

Matched Launch Party & ARC Giveaway

01 Dec, 2010 by in matched, provo city library 13 comments

A huge congratulations goes out to Ally Condie on her book Birthday for MATCHED, released yesterday. Provo Library has invited us to their launch party and is donating one Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of Matched to our readers.
If you live near Utah come see us at the Provo City Library at Academy Square, Tuesday December 7th at 7PM. Otherwise be sure to check out our review and fill out the form below for a chance to win an author signed ARC of MATCHED.
Giveaway Ends December 15, 2010

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Review: Being Sixteen by Allyson Condie

02 Nov, 2010 by in YA contemporary 1 comment

Paperback, 240 pages
Published February 3rd 2010
by Deseret Book Company
ISBN 1606412337
5 stars

Juliet Kendall has been looking forward to her sixteenth birthday for what feels like forever. At first, it seems like being sixteen will be as perfect as she dreamed—she has great friends, a cute almost-boyfriend, a spot on the varsity girls’ basketball team, and even a car of her own. But, as the year goes on, she discovers that her sister Carly is hiding a secret, and realizes that, in fact, being sixteen may be her hardest year yet.

Being Sixteen is a coming-of-age story about two sisters and their different struggles. It addresses what it means to have a testimony, what it meant to be a friend and a sister, and what’s involved in the dealing with and overcoming an eating disorder.

The first time I saw this book on the shelf at Deseret Book I have to admit I put it back. I just wasn’t sure I was ready to read another book dealing with eating disorders. Then after reading Matched I decided I wanted to delve into more of Ally Condie’s past titles. Being Sixteen resonated with me on so many levels. It hit deep within my core and is now one of my top three favorite books of the year. I found myself in tears several times while reading. The overall message breathes truth and hope. Allyson Condie takes on eating disorders with grace and style. Her voice is poetic, and real. Here’s one of my favorite passages from Juliet, who struggles with isolation and disappointment in the wake of her sister’s disorder.

“On one level I was ashamed of how weak I was, of how I’d do anything to avoid feeling hurt. But on another level I felt almost strong, a little proud of the way I’d cut off the parts of my life that made me feel too much sadness.” p. 124

This is a book I would wholeheartedly recommend to every Young Woman I know as well as her parents. Many crucial facets of diagnosis, treatment and the long road to recovery from anorexia and bulimia are addressed. Two sister’s struggles and growing pains are woven beautifully into the pages showing that even those from strong functional families have life altering problems.

Being Sixteen explores the effects of an eating disorder on loved ones and family as well as how easily faith in Heavenly Father can dim, to later be rekindled. Thank you so much to Deseret Book for sending me this book for review. It is one that I will forever remember. Five stars plus.

In My Mailbox #19

29 Oct, 2010 by in book giveaway, saundra mitchell 47 comments


In My Mailbox is a bookish meme originally started by The Story Siren. Every week we’ll post about what books we have received that week (via your mailbox/library/store bought). The idea of In My Mailbox is to bring books to the attention of our blog readers and to encourage interaction with other blogs. This week here’s what’s in my mailbox….

Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs purchased from the Book Depository
The Invisible Order Book One: Rise of the Darklings by Paul Crilley sent by publisher for review
Lifted by Wendy Toliver purchased from Fire Petal Books
Shadowed Summer by Saundra Mitchell purchased from Fire Petal Books
Hanging By A Thread by Donald B Anderson received from author for review

And Mr. Fed Ex delivered a box of items for reviews and giveaways from Deseret Book. They were so kind and generous!

Mission To Be Happy by Michael McLean
Imprints by Rachel M Nunes
The Fourth Nephite by Jeffrey S Savage
The Water is Wide by Marianne Monson
Being Sixteen by Allyson Braithwaite Condie
Pingo by Brandon Mull and Brandon Dorman

Look for reviews on all of these titles coming soon. And thanks again to all of the publishers and authors who sent mail this week.

I’m giving away an author signed copy of Shadowed Summer by Saundra Mitchell to our readers! Simply comment below with the title of a book you have on your wish list and you’re entered to win. Contest ends November 30, 2010.

Review: Matched by Ally Condie

07 Oct, 2010 by in matched 16 comments

Hardcover, 384 pages
To Be Published November 30th 2010
by Dutton Juvenile
ISBN 0525423648
4.5 stars

In the Society, Officials decide. Who you love. Where you work. When you die.

Cassia has always trusted their choices. It’s barely any price to pay for a long life, the perfect job, the ideal mate. So when her best friend appears on the Matching screen, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is the one . . . until she sees another face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. Now Cassia is faced with impossible choices: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she’s known and a path no one else has ever dared follow—between perfection and passion.

Matched is a story for right now and storytelling with the resonance of a classic.

I first spotted an ARC of this book at the Writing for Charity event and I fell in love with the cover. It is magical. Shimmering. Perfect. Matched is a story that will stick with you long after you are done reading. And it’s one I could happily read over and over. Ally Condie is a master. She takes a dystopian concept and gives it a hopeful poetic tone. Her writing leaves an impact and a deep impression in your mind. This is a book that I see being taught in classrooms because of the ideas it presents and explores.

It starts out as Cassia is getting ready to attend her Matching ceremony, traveling along with her childhood friend Xander and their families. The whole event sounds like a girl’s dream. A new green silk dress, and the once in a lifetime chance to meet the man you may marry. The society hand picks them for you and statistics show all will be well.

Cassia’s path may be different than her peers, after her match goes wrong and she sees the faces of two boys instead of one. Both of them live in her borough, but one has a secret. Soon the perfect face of society will start to crumble as Cassia uncovers their methods. They control every facet of life: the food, the jobs, the history, and even the chances you will have in the future to succeed. Society officials watch your every move and limit your choices. As they once seemed protective and helpful they become Cassia’s source of confusion and entrapment. Will she be able to break free and choose love over loyalty?

Matched is slow moving but immersive. I found myself falling for both of Cassia’s men. They are incredible. The families are tight knit, each of the character’s pasts are intertwined and interconnected. The plot has layers which continue to unravel and the romance element is clean and perfect. I’m looking forward to the sequel, since in the end there are a lot of unanswered questions. Overall Matched is a beautiful, thought provoking book bound to become a classic.

Visit Ally’s website here and an author interview and excerpt from Matched on Amazon. Be sure to enter to win a vintage compact necklace inspired by Cassia’s matching ceremony artifact in the post below. Also our 600 follower contest contains a signed copy of Ally’s book Freshman for President!

Vintage Compact Giveaway

07 Oct, 2010 by in etsy, matched 50 comments

Our ETSY giveaway goes with the book MATCHED by Ally Condie and is inspired by the compact she receives at her Match banquet which belonged to her grandmother. Generously donated by Etsy seller 2007Musarra.

“I have a love of vintage jewelery, every piece is different and I love to look for just the right piece so I can use it in the final product. I search far and wide for just that right piece. My friends love coming to my house just to go through my stash, even my mom has taken to going through everything, she will leave a note like: Hope you don’t mind but…I just, giggle, who can refuse such beautiful things my lovely daughter? As a matter fact when I was a little girl my grandma used to call me gypsy rosealea (who ever she was she must of had some fab jewelery)because I used to pile the jewelery on .Taking pieces from my aunts and adding my own. I would be so weighed down that I could hardly walk!It was the 70’s so add in the high vinyl rust colored boots and silkish shirts and you get the full picture! Vintage, ah what can I say they just don’t make it like that anymore, and clip on earrings who ever invented them well they should have to wear them 24/7 in eternity! I mean really. All us girls know it must have been a man who made those because they would have been more comfortable if they would have to had to wear them, best example: blue jeans!! They made those comfortable enough to work in. Humph. Grandmas jewelery does not have to sit in the drawer any more it can be made into something modern and pretty! Best part is no one else will have my jewelry you will be the envy of all your friends!

Description OH this is perfect! Powder your nose in no time flat with this wonderful vintage assembled necklace! The original glass is still there in great shape. The compact is from the 20″ wonderfully made in the USA from Zell 5th Avenue , New York, New York. OH this is a conversation starter for sure or you can help your girls out with your mirror so they can touch up that lip stick!!! The compact is in MINT condition 2-1/2 round. The necklace is 30″ long and vintage very cool and different.

To Enter to Win: Leave a comment below
additional entries
+2 heart her shop on Etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop/2007musarra
+1 for each retweet @fireicephotos
+1 for commenting on our review of MATCHED
+5 post this contest on your blog or facebook, leave the link
+1 Visit her two other stores and heart them
http://musarraandcompany.etsy.com/
http://buyvintagesupplies.etsy.com/

Total your entries and leave us the total.

Contest ends November 7, 2010 and is open internationally. GOOD LUCK!

600 Follower Contest

08 Sep, 2010 by in book giveaway, Shannon Hale 23 comments

We are swiftly approaching 600 followers which is so hard to believe. For all of you who regularly check in here comes a super giveaway! Up for grabs are:
  1. An author signed copy of Freshman for President by Ally Condie
  2. An author signed copy of River Secrets by Shannon Hale
  3. Hardback copy of Fire by Kirstin Cashore
  4. Hardback copy of Nocturne by L.D.Harkrader
  5. Paperback copy of Speak- Platinum Edition by Laurie Halse Anderson
  6. ARC of Middleworld by J&P Voelkel

Click here to fill out the entry form. Giveaway ends October 8, 2010….Good Luck!