Joyeux Noel de Du Livre!

Merry Christmas

Hi all! I wanted to wish a very merry Christmas to all who celebrate. Santa was nice enough to bring me a book this year! :)

Party Game: Bout this Blogger

In celebration of Cait's blog name and design change from The Notebook Sisters to Paper Fury we're doing a book tag (Pssst, she has a giveaway on her blog as well, check it out). So let's play a game, let's get to know each other some more!

Thank God for Blogs II

Happy (US) Thanksgiving everyone! While quite a few of us are taking the day off for some turkey and quality time for family, I decided that today would be the the perfect day to give thanks to some fantastic blogs. I did this back in 2012 but I think I'm going to continue it for future Thanksgiving, just so you guys remember how awesome you really are!

ON TO THE BLOGS

Carmel @ Rabid Reads

I go to Rabid Reads whenever I need my urban fantasy fix! We can't read YA all the time, so it's always a nice change of pace to see what's on the market for adult paranormal. Plus Carmel is just badass! 

Nereyda @ Mostly YA Book Obsessed

I'm a sucker for pink and Nereyda's blog design is so pink and nice, I could browse it for days! :) Also, Nereyda is my go-to girl for audio books! 

Jess @ Gone with the Words

Jess and Co review great books and they also have awesome music recommendations! Plus, the bloggers are really friendly and it's easy to have a conversation with them! :)

Jessica @ A GREAT Read

I am convinced that Jessica is Wonder Woman, seriously. On average, there are two posts a day! Plus, when I'm lame and don't have a car, I can count on Jessica to go to bookish events for me and recap with all the deets. Oh and she is a commenting queen!!

Kim @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer

As I don't usually ingest caffeine, I rely on Kim to give me to goods in book form! :) What I love about Kim's blog is that she is also a Comment Queen and that her blog is full of so many diverse books! You want high fantasy? Check! Historical Fiction? Check! Adult Romance? Check! Young Adult? Check! Is there anything you don't read????

Jess @ My Reading Dress

I love Jess's blog, she's one of those "quality over quantity" bloggers which I completely appreciate (doesn't stop me from visiting her blog everyday though)! I love her writing style and how her personality shines through her writing. Keep being you Jess!

Have a great week to all of you! Thanks for being amazing! <3

Discussion: When Do you NOT Write a Review?

When you're a bright eyed and brushy-tailed reviewer, you walk into the game thinking "I'M GOING TO WRITE ALL OF THE REVIEWS!" and then you don't. Maybe it's a review copy and you don't have anything to say, or maybe it's the third in a series and you can't review it without spoiling the entire series; either way you find yourself with this:

I usually try to review all the books I read: ARCs, borrowed or bought copies. But I suddenly had a realization. I don't have to review everything that I read. 

I know it sounds obvious, but sometimes we, as bloggers, get so caught up in having our voices heard, that we forget that this is a hobby and that we don't owe anything to anyone. Nope, nada. 

This year, I have three books that I don't think I will review for separate reasons. First there is Wallbanger, which I thought was an enjoyable book, but I couldn't find the words to review it. It suffered from 3-star syndrome, in which I really  had nothing to say, terrible or great. It was just good. I wrestled with this one for a while, but after about three days of staring at a formatted but blank post, I decided "naww." 

Another book that I decided not to review this year was Blood of My Blood. For those who don't know, this is the final installment of the Jasper Dent series. The final book was good, but it wasn't anything that took my breath away. I had a half formed review in my head while I was reading, but once I finished the book, I forgot all the points that I wanted to make.  In the end, I decided not to review this one, because I hadn't formally reviewed books 1 and 2 and didn't know how to randomly review the final installment of this trilogy. 

I read this one about three weeks ago and didn't quite want to review it because I was tired of being negative. I have written a record number of 2-star or 1-star reviews in the month of November, and I just got tired talking about things I didn't like. It would be fine if I had read a phenomenal book after reading The Girl from the Well, but I've just been reading duds. 

Lastly, I've decided not to review novellas.  I love these side stories because 1) they're inexpensive 2) they provide more insight to either the characters or world 3) they're great at keeping you distracted until the next book comes out. Only downside is that they are very short, and I don't know how to even approach a review for a book that's less than 120 pages. So I just read them for fun and give my rating on goodreads. 

It was hard at first, walking away from a book without writing a review, but now I just feel liberated. 

And you? Do you review all the books that you read (or DNF)? Do you feel guilty if you don't review a book? Comment below and continue the conversation! :)

[Book Tag]20 Things You Didn't Know About Me!

20 Things about Me, Amber!

I've seen this around and I'd like to take a stab at it as well! So prepare yourselves, and I hope you learn a little something more about me! :)

 How tall are you?

I'm 5 foot 8. I really love my height, I freak out when I am around girls who are taller than me, it's like HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE? WHY ARE YOU THIS TALL? 

 Do you have a hidden talent? If so, what?

I just asked my husband, I don't think so. ): CURSE MY AVERAGENESS!

 What’s your biggest blog-related pet peeve?

Okay. I don't like when a blog lacks personality. This means that the blog is nothing bur promo posts or just standard reviews. I want to hear your voice either through comments, discussion posts, or reviews. I go to your blog because I want to know about you! :)

What’s your biggest non-blog related pet peeve?

Oh God, this isn't possible. I'm a very irritable person! Haha. I'm super OCD (like medically, not "omg, I'm so OCD lol") and cleanliness really gets to me. When there is a mess I have to clean it up. Of course, I don't want to spend my whole life cleaning up after people so that leads to mild irritation. Small things like not making the bed, not putting dishes away, and leaving things on the ground put me on edge. *twitches*

True story: I once stayed up to 2AM doing the dishes (while crying) because they were in my dreams. o.O

What’s your favorite song?

This is not a fair question. AT THE MOMENT, my favs are: 

Habits (Stay High) Tove Lo

Cool Kids - Echosmith

Don't Wanna Dance - Elle Varner

What’s your favorite Etsy shop that isn’t yours?

I'll be honest. I've only used etsy once and that was for wedding stuff. I like browsing etsy, but it's not really my "go to" for shopping.

 What’s your favorite way to spend your free time when you’re alone?

Don't judge me, but this is usually my schedule on my days off. 

9AM - General cleaning up around the house

10AM - Update GoodReads // Twitter

11AM-Put on TV shows to catch up on (Modern Family, Criminal Minds, Stalker, Black-ish, Sailor Moon)

1PM - Put on some reality TV shows (Braxton Family Values, Housewives, Vanderpump Rules) and schedule some blog posts.

I watch reality TV because it doesn't require a lot of attention, I can't work in complete silence. And who knows, maybe I'll find some inspiration. :p

What’s your favorite junk food?

White chocolate. I don't like chocolate (dark or milk), I only accept white chocolate. Which I am told is not even chocolate - oh well. 

Do you have a pet or pets? If so, what kind and what are their names?

Dude, I was BORN a cat lady. I got my first cat when I was like five years old. At the moment, I have two cats from a neighborhood shelter (ADOPT PETS, DON'T BUY!) and they pretty much complete me and Matt's family. 

This is Bugs (or Bugsy as I call him)

 Deville (or Ville-Ville or Douchebag, or Asshole)

They're the two best friends that anyone could have!

What are your number one favorite nonfiction and fiction books?

I don't really read nonfiction (I can't even tell you what the last book was, it was probably for class though). And as for fiction? Also an impossible question. Maybe The Great Gatsby or The Color of Water. I loved those books back in high school. 

What’s your favorite beauty product or tool?

My eyebrow pencil. I have trichotillomania so I can use all the help I can get with my poor eyebrows (and eyelashes). 

 When were you last embarrassed? What happened?

Psh, I'm always doing embarrasing things. Let's see, I almost fell down the platform stairs downtown, I talk to myself outloud...I don't remember what the most recent incident was. I awkward by nature, shit happens. 

 If you could only drink one beverage (besides water) for the rest of your life, what would it be?

It depends on the season. Winter? Hot chocolate. Spring/Summer? Iced tea! 

Question 14: What’s your favorite movie?

Puh-lease. For 2014 releases, I would say The Winter Soldier. And I AM a Disneyphile so I have to add my faves! I would say it's a tie between Aladdin and Princess and the Frog. 

What were you in high school: prom queen, nerd, cheerleader, jock, valedictorian, band geek, loner, artist, prep?

I was the awkward anime kid. Is that a category? 

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

PROVENCE, FRANCE! LAVENDER FIELDS FOR ALL!

Source: The Lonely Planet

PC or Mac?

I have never owned anything made by Apple. I had a zune when everyone else had ipods (that's right, zune). Apple technology intimidates and confuses me, so I think it's fair to say I'm a PC girl!

 Last romantic gesture from a crush, date, boy/girlfriend, spouse?

I was having a blah day earlier this week (I think it was last Sunday or last Monday) and ths hubs kind of picked up on it (it's not hard, I wear my emotions). So on his way from work, he picked me up a single rose, a teddy bear, and a card reminding me that I'm awesome. It was super sweet and made me a lot happier!

Favorite celebrity?

Chris Evans. I adore him, and I'm going to be really sad when he steps down from being Cap. Has anyone else seen his movie Snowpiercer? That movie left me feeling...uncomfortable. 

What blogger do you secretly want to be best friends with?

The book blogging community is so awesome, I wish I could meet all of them in my lifetime! I do have a vlogger that I really admire. Naptural85, she's a hairy/beauty vlogger but she also has a basic life vlog as well. 

Discussion: Continuing a Series

In the book world, series have become almost expected when a new book comes out. When a standalone book comes out every now and then I actually rejoice! Why? Because that means that the book will actually be wrapped up and I don't have to spend 2 years trying to get answers! With so many new series popping up out of the woodwork, it's hard to decide which series I want to start.

I'm an extremely picky reader, if I am not 100% invested in this book won't have any motivation to continue the series. The first book in a series is kind of an extended job interview for me.

Source: SecEd

I've had this happen to me for a number of books. If I like a book (like, not love) I probably won't be motivated to continue the series ASAP. This basically means that any 3 star or 3.5 star books. See, I told you I was picky. I can probably count the number the series that I have finished from beginning to end on one finger. In fact, let's list them below. 

7. I HAVE COMPLETED 7 SERIES IN MY ADULTish LIFE TIME. You want to know how many series I have started? 68!!!! I actually counted on GoodReads and I kind of felt sick to my stomach as the number kept increasing. o.O

Now granted, some of these are series that are still coming out say for instance: 

but still, 6 series titles does not make up for the other 62 series that I have started reading. A lot of them are series that I have no interest in continuing because the first installment didn't pass the "interview." 

And on the flip side, some of these unfinished series are from titles that I absolutely adore. "So Amber, what's your excuse for not reading them?" You may ask me. That's easy, I suffer from Book ADHD. This usually happens when the series surpasses three books and it has been five years or more since the initial installment. I get distracted, easily. There are so many new books to get excited about, these books kind of get neglected. 

 I love you Dark Hunters and Chicagoland Vampires,  but I'm already like four books behind and I don't think I can make it back on this wagon. ):

My attention span can only take so many books. Seriously, I have been reading Dark Hunters since I was 15. THAT'S OVER 10 YEARS OF BOOKS. I JUST CAN'T. I also started The Chicago Vampires series about six years ago, well before I discovered book blogging and got to interact with fellow bloggers and authors about upcoming books. AND THERE ARE SO MANY. 

What about you? Do you have to finish any series that you start? What are some series that you are anxious to finish? Let me know below!

So it's been a while

*crickets chirping*

It's been over a year since I have blogged but that doesn't mean that I never gave my blog any thought. Work got...really busy, then really sucky. And then I finally got out to finish my Masters (one class left...and a 30 page capstone but no big). So now that I'm an unemployed student/housewife (oh yeah, I'se married now), I thought now would be the best time to come back to blogging (and reading) on a regular basis.

I'm excited to join the blogosphere again, and I hope to talk books with you all SOON. <3

I leave you with some pics from my May wedding! :)

Sunday Ramblings

Happy Sunday everyone! I hope your weekend has been relaxing and sun-filled. I'm working on my Arabic exam and watching a new TV show that has caught my attention, and I think that any sci-fi YA novel buff will enjoy it. It's called Orphan Black. 

and here is the first opening scene:

Are you watching it? Do you like it? So far I am immensely intrigued!

and update...again!

So I'm back from Disneyland (and currently planning my vacation to Disney World this Fall) YAY!

I'm back and ready to start blogging constantly! YAY

And my job just promoted me (like four times) YAY!

Or BOOO. ):

This could either go two ways, I will have extra time to dedicate to blogging because I'll have different responsibilities. OORRRR I will get DOUBLE the responsibilities and never have a single moment to myself. 

But for now let's just be happy! I missed ALL of you! Vous m'manquez! So get me up to date on all of the awesome books that I need to read please! :3

update on my life.

So obviously I haven't been around a lot.

>.>
<.<

Yeah I have yet to adjust to working full time, going to grad school part time and planning a wedding. All and all it's all sorts of exhausting and I've gone WEEKS without turning on my computer (I KNOW, I didn't think it wasn't possible either).

I'm going to try to post at least once a week, because while I haven't been on the internet, I've been keeping up with my reading and I have some reviews that desperately need to go up (like 8 behind).

Oh! And because my weary mind has been worked beyond it's capacities, me and the fiance are going on vacation (SEE YOU IN TWO DAYS DISNEYLAND), so I'll see you all next week!

<3

Tu me manques!

The future!

I saw this and IMMEDIATELY thought of Veronica Rossi's Under the Never Sky.

What do you think?

Happy Love Week!

At my job, we have taken to calling Valetine's Day, "Love Day" so I wanted to spread the love!

Any special plans? Any books you're cuddling up to? Let me know, I hate being so busy! ):

Just hopped back on...

So I'm back on the audiobook wagon. Recommend a book! :3

Let it Snow...

Today is December 15, 2012. 

I'm in Chicago Illinois, The United States

and it is raining. 

If it doesn't snow today we will break the record for longest period without snow since 1965. 

I'm not okay with this, I WANT SNOW. 

So here's hoping that this rain will become all light and fluffy. 

And my heart goes out to Connecticut. No one should have to deal with such a tragedy. 

Thank God for Blogs

I know Thanksgiving has come and gone but I figure that during the busiest time of the year, I would help spread positive thoughts for those of us who work in retail (and are getting the Christmas rush), and the students are are buried under end of the term assignments. So without further ado, here are some bloggers I love. 

What's on The Shelf: My blog buddy! Thanks for being so awesome Vyki and talking books with me (and thanks for letting me borrow Forgive My Fins, I still need to finish it!). You know, I think your giveaway was the first giveaway I ever won so I'll never forget that! Love you lady, keep it up!

Reflections of a Bookaholic: Alex! One, I'm so happy for you! Congrats in furthering your career and I know you're happy! You are awesome and I love visiting your blog! You have a variety of genres that you read and you power through books like a madwoman! Thanks to you, I have found books that I wouldn't normally read and I'm thankful for that! Oh and you're like the comment queen. Seriously.

Xpresso Reads: Man, I remember going to your blog FOREVER ago Giselle and your success is just AWESOME! I'm so happy for you and I love your honesty in your book reviews! It's also great that you always keep your readers in mind no matter how big and busy your blog is! Here's to more success! :)

Tales of Whimsy: You are also the COMMENT queen! Seriously, I love your dedication to keep a conversation going on blogs AND on twitter! I also love that you read and review a wide range of books with creative book titles! Love your reviews, long and short, and I love talking to you! I hope to talk to you soon Mrs Whimsy!

Caffinated Book Reviewer: I just started going to your blog and I LOVE it! I love how often you update (do you live on your blog? :) ) and I love all of the different genres that you review! Thanks for talking to me and just being AWESOME.

Rabid Reads: Every time I go to your blog I add like five new books to my TBR. Seriously, thanks for being my number one hub for all things paranormal! I've been in the YA genre for way too long, you guys remind me about the other (sexier) books! <3

That's all can think of right now! There are other bloggers who I talk with very often and love visiting so don't feel loved if I didn't mention you! I'm just tired right now.

Well happy Friday everyone and power through all of your tasks!

Coucou! C'est mon anniversaire!

Quick announcement at Du Livre. Today is Amber's 

24th Birthday!

Exciting exciting I know! Although I had to work today, my students made it extra special by singing to  me and buying me flowers. Regardez. 

I had to wear the birthday hat for the duration of class, luckily that was only ten minutes. It was hard discussing minimum wage and insurance in America. >.> Anyway that was my day. I'm in a good mood so I wanted to blog!

Coincidentally, my blogoversey was a little over a month ago. I was trying to plan some big birthday/blogoversey thing but I failed. I'm still working on it so give me time, but believe me! It will be awesome!

So many thanks to all of my readers and fellow bloggers. I love interacting with you and I love to know what's on your mind! And before I go, here is a picture of baby! Amber that my mom decided to post on Facebook. 

Oh! And if you interested in my new meme appearing tomorrow, I'm sending out emails RIGHT NOW. So if you want more information regarding what craziness I have up my sleeve, leave an email and we'll talk. 

Keep reading!