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...Me! Me!! ME!!!

I'm Prodhi...you can call me Prod.
I'm a YA reader/reviewer/ other than that, I'm a nutcase gone awry. Yes, I'm insane so to speak:) I'd say I'm a girl next door, but I'm much better off without a Pinocchio nose, thank you very much. I'm a pretty fun chica, I guess. I also realize that this About Me section doesn't do the three dimensions of my character justice. Or four. Or five. Or six. Oh shooh!

...Contact moi, Lovelies.

Bloggers and readers, if you have anything to say to me, here: prodhi@live.com. YA authors who would like me to review their books, I'll be more than honoured. Contact me at the same address.

...Book I'm reading now

Not Like You by Deborah Davis


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    Monday, July 27, 2009
    WorDissection: Give Up the Ghost by Megan Crewe

    Did I like it? Yeah.
    You'll love it if you liked: Stories with ghost characters, or stories about the backstabbing of friends.
    Aura: Slightly Intense
    Read If: You're looking for a fresh read with literary and entertainment value.
    Narration: First Person
    Main Character: Cass McKenna, high school junior.
    Themes: Social outcast, revenge, breaking of trust, trust issues, healing, redemption, friendship, support.
    Plot: 9/10
    Narration: 8.5/10
    Characterization: 8/10
    Overall: 8.5/10
    Did I get bored anywhere? Slightly when character development seemed a tad bit stagnant.
    Did any part confuse me? Nope. it's a neat story with no scope for confusion.
    Line/ Page Skippability: 1/5. Not much.
    Writing Style: Average sentences, Informal, Self-discovering.
    Uniqueness: 8.5/10
    Predictability: 1.75/10
    Favourite Quote: "I have friends, I wanted to tell her. You just wouldn't believe they exist."
    Cover: 9.5/10. You gotta love the cover.
    Song(s) to go with book (from author website, click here for source):
    1. Trouble By Lisa Germano Ringtone | Buy Song 2. How Soon Is Now- Love Spit Love Ringtone | Buy Song 3. Geek The Girl By Lisa Germano Ringtone | Buy Song 4. Texarkana By R.E.M. Ringtone | Buy Song 5. Smoke By Natalie Imbruglia Ringtone | Buy Song 6. Understand The Dream Is Over By The Juliana Theory Ringtone | Buy Song 7. Country Feedback By R.E.M. Ringtone | Buy Song 8. Displaced By Azure Ray Ringtone | Buy Song 9. Elsewhere By Sarah McLachlan Ringtone | Buy Song 10. Wise Up By Aimee Mann Ringtone | Buy Song 11. How To Save A Life By The Fray Ringtone | Buy Song 12. Into The Dark By The Juliana Theory
    Ending: Hopeful, satisfying, very realistic.
    Reading priority: Should Read
    Reading duration: Fast readers-Approx. 5 hours, Slow readers- Approx 7 days.
    Synopsis:
    Cass McKenna much prefers ghosts over “breathers.” Ghosts are uncomplicated and dependable, and they know the dirt on everybody…and Cass loves dirt. She’s on a mission to expose the dirty secrets of the poseurs in her school.

    But when the vice president of the student council discovers her secret, Cass’s whole scheme hangs in the balance. Tim wants her to help him contact his recently deceased mother, and Cass reluctantly agrees.

    As Cass becomes increasingly entwined in Tim’s life, she’s surprised to realize he’s not so bad—and he needs help more desperately than anyone else suspects. Maybe it’s time to give the living another chance….


    WordVore Prod's Review:
    I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t anticipated this book much—I was dying for it! So when it first landed on my lap, I literally squealed. So naturally, I had a lot to expect from this book. And believe me, I wasn’t disappointed.
    Cass McKenna is a social pariah, made so by the overreaction and revenge taken by her ex-best friend just because Cass got a place in the debate team that she wanted by chance, and got to be around the guy that she liked. Now, this idea may seem inflated at first look, but it wasn’t. It was made to be a story that could happen to anyone and everyone. Neither is this book a typical “ghost story”. Even the ghosts have well-crafted characters, which serves as a fresh breath of air. Cass’ desire for revenge is human and not something that turns her into an abominable character. But we can’t help but notice how she also realizes that it wasn’t worth it after all. The trust issues that hold Cass back are very neatly justified, not like an essay in itself but gradually as the story progresses. That is exactly why when she hesitates from being a friend to Tim, her defiance does not annoy us—rather it makes us empathize with her. Tim is one heck of an adorable character. The death of his mother along with his realization that his “friends” aren’t exactly his true friends makes him miserable at best. He feels utterly lonely at this point, and the emotions that he feels are amazingly communicates with the reader. You can’t help but feel like going over and giving him a tight bear hug. I was really glad that Cass came around and offered her friendship and support—and the way their relationship wasn’t all mushy and all-over-the-place. The way Cass takes baby steps towards giving people a chance and not be so stereotyping and opinionated made me admire her. None of the characters are too clichéd or exaggerated. She also gradually but awkwardly comes to terms with the fact that she genuinely cares about Tim. Danielle, Cass’ ex-best friend, showed hopes of redemption near the ending and the fact that she was worried about Tim shows us that she’s not completely disloyal or uncompassionate. Imagery is very well done, as it succeeds in pulling the reader into the book’s own world.
    The best parts of the book were the fresh outlook, the hope of redemption and healing that each and every character showed and the well-drawn reasoning behind the characters’ actions. The book certainly had a neat quality about it. What I felt could have been better were: 1.) the character development felt a little stagnant at times—however, all the characters did end up in their proper positions by the end of the book; 2.) The characters could have used a little more depth—especially Cass. I would’ve loved to know more about her. Same goes with Tim.
    Everything put together and weighed out against each other, I would recommend this book as a good reader to any reader looking for a spanking new plotline and outlook. The book also has high entertainment value and should keep you occupied throughout the entire read.

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    Tête-à-tête with YA author Courtney Sheinmel
    Courtney Sheinmel is the author of My So-Called Family and the highly-anticipated YA novel Positively which sounds extremely captivating and promising. I seriously and sincerely want to read that book badly. Read the book description here and you will know what I'm talking about. If you're as beguiled as I am, just click here and pre-order!
    Without further adieu, here's the question-answer session that 21st centurians call interview.

    Let’s start with the basics. Tell us something about your latest book.
    How did you come up with the plot? Was it inspired by your own experiences?


    POSITIVELY is about a thirteen year old girl named Emerson (“Emmy” for short) who is HIV-positive, infected with the virus that causes AIDS. After Emmy’s mother dies of AIDS, she has to move in with her father and stepmother, and she struggles to find a place for herself in a world without her mother.

    The book was inspired by work I’ve done with a wonderful organization called The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (www.pedaids.org). I’ve been involved with the Foundation since I was in eighth grade, and over the years I’ve spent a lot of time imagining what it would have been like to grow up facing such life and death issues. I think POSITIVELY is the result of that.

    What’re your favourite book/s?

    This is such a difficult question for me to answer. Although this is not an exhaustive list, my favorites include:
    TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD by Harper Lee; AUTUMN STREET by Lois Lowry; THE SHADOW MAN by Mary Gordon; and THE HISTORY OF LOVE by Nicole Krauss.

    Tell us something about yourself. Anything from your favourite colour to the wackiest quirks works.

    I don’t have a favorite color, though when I was little, I did – it was yellow. Usually I eat meals that include cheese. I like movies that make me cry. I watch the Today Show every weekday. I am an older sister. Two of my favorite parts of writing a book are making up names for people and writing the dedication/acknowledgments section.

    What would your autobiography be titled if you wrote one?

    I have a title in mind for a memoir (slightly different than an autobiography, I know), but I’m not ready to share it yet. I need to start writing it first.

    Rapid Fire round!

    Why are hot dogs named hot…dogs?


    That’s one of life’s great mysteries.

    You’re locked in an elevator. Who would you want in there with you to keep you company and why?

    Someone who could fix it. And if I could have another person in there with me, I would want my friend Amy – she is very practical and she always calms me down.

    A giant bull (we’re talking Hulk-size) just came into the city singing his horns off. What would the main character in your book do?

    The main character in my book is a lot like me; I have a feeling she would run for cover.

    Three words to describe yourself and three more to describe your book.

    Me: Tiny, friendly, loyal
    My Book: Sad, hopeful, touching (I hope!)

    I'm sure it is, Courtney! Now, bloggers, wasn't that an amazing interview? Throw in your opinions or further questions in the comments box.

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    Blogger Spotlight: Katie of Another Book Blog-Whore
    Okay...this is another feature I'm adding to my blog. I'll be interviewing book bloggers round the blogosphere and posting them here. Coolio?
    Today we talk to Katie from Another Book Blog-Whore (isn't the name awesome and creative?). Click here to go to her blog and give it some lovin':)

    So, let's start from the...well, beginning. How did you come up with the interesting name for your blog?
    Hmmm, well I sat and brainstormed blog names for about five minutes. I wanted books in my name or something to do with reading. I also wanted something that stood out. My blog name "Another Book Blog-Whore" said fast is "Another Book Bloggor/Blogger". I liked that because that was what I was, another book blogger. There was already a community of book bloggers, I was just joining them.

    Tell us about your blog. Anything from the content to the features to the little fineprints at the bottom works.
    I post book reviews (as regularly as I can) and also occasionally participate in memes e.g. Waiting on Wednesday, Teaser Tuesday and In The Post (English version of In My Mailbox). I also have author interviews and am expecting to host my first competition in August sometime.

    Three tips to fellow book bloggers?
    Tips, I'm fairly new to this myself. Well, one of the best things about book blogging is reading others blogs and talking to them about books.
    #1 I suppose networking is quite a good way to get followers.
    #2 If you have trouble making blog headers like me, there are quite a few websites that will make headers for you. I got mine done at Garden of Headers. It was free :)
    #3 Urm, this is hard! Have fun! You should enjoy book blogging!

    Do you think writers and their books should be treated leniently if the writer has taken the effort to personally ensure the sending of the review copy to the reviewer?
    -I always appreciate being sent a review copy. However, that doesn't guarantee someone a glowing review. I'm honest in what I say but I tend to be a pretty positive person overall. I feel it is important to list both the good and bad. We are not here to advertise but to advise. I wouldn't want to be lied to on a blog. However, it's worth noting that what one person loves on a blog, another person might hate.

    Enough seriousness. Rapid fire round! Three words to describe you and three more to describe your blog.
    Me: Crazy. Readaholic. Fun.
    Blog: Detailed. Colourful. Bloggerlicious.

    Three books that are on your mind right now.
    "Selina Penaluna", "Tender Morsels" and "The Ask and the Answer".

    What's the weirdest thing you've ever done?
    Hmmm! I've done a lot of crazy things. I'll replace weird with crazy :D
    I got a little tipsy and decided to ride a bike! I didn't fall over but I did look like one of those idiots in the alcohol adverts. To be fair though, my balance on a bike is quite crap when I'm sober. And I was riding a bike that had a seat that was too high for me! It was crazy though as it is was daylight and loads of people were around. Should I reallly be posting this on blogger?

    Why are hot dogs named hot...dogs?:S
    I've seen the real answer but it's not interesting enough. One day these savages found a dead dog. They were primitive and decided to cook the dog over a spitfire. The dog they found was one of those sausage dogs. Needless to say, they ended up with what is known as a hot dog. When everyone called them weird names, the savages recognised them and called them hot dogs. The name has stuck ever since :)

    Dream fictional boyfriend, and why?
    Oooh, either Harry Potter, Alex Rider or Dimitri. Harry Potter because he is brave, although I have a thing for ginger guys so Ron has a chance too. Alex Rider because he is blonde, brave and fit ;) And Dimitri from Vampire Academy because I have a thing for guys with Russian accents and this guy kicks ass.

    A giant elephant just entered for American Idol, crushing everything in its way. Write a review on this incident.
    This is really hard. I've had to brainstorm for this:
    Entrant causes storm, default winner!
    Sorry that is a little crap :D

    LMAO at Katie's answers! As the answers suggest, she is a really cool person to talk to! Any other questions for her? Shoot 'em in the comment box:)

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