Random Blogging - Gas Stations

Uh, yeah, please excuse the random title.  It was all I could think of while trying to write a blog post because I really really need to blog more...But instead of trying to make excuses for how crazy life is or whatnot, I'll just try to come up with something worth reading.  And that may contribute something to your day, but I know that's a long shot.


First things first, I had my first experience at a gas station in my car by myself.  It wasn't as much scary as humiliating because I honestly had no clue what I was doing.  Well, I mean, I knew how to pump gas because I've done it before, but as far as all the logistics and everything else about a gas station?  Yeah, well, my attempt was most definitely a fail.

I forgot which side of the car the gas tank was, and when I realized that I had the wrong side, after I'd already turned the car off and gotten out, people had already noticed.  Yeah.  I'm sure I looked amazing, searching the wrong side of my car...

So, after pulling around the station about ten times, I finally found a spot with the tank on the right side.  But after I swiped my card and attempted to pump gas, letters flashed up on the screen saying that this pump was out of gas, which I didn't even know was possible.

So I was onto my third pump, hoping this time I'd finally get it right.  But of course it couldn't be that easy.  Even thought it worked, the latch on the handle of the pump was broken, and I had to stand there holding the trigger down the entire time.  Finally, I had filled the tank with gas.  Then my receipt wouldn't print, which I guess isn't that much of a big deal, but it frustrated me.  So when I was fumbling around trying to find the "print" button, I accidentally hit the "assistance" button for handicapped people.  By this point I was running twenty minutes late, so I got in my car and hurried off before causing myself to become victim to any further embarrassment.

 And because of this ordeal and traffic, I got home a half-hour late, thus making myself late to my soccer game.  Yeah.  Guess I'm just that amazing, that I can't even go to the gas station without having a problem.

And I'm sure this will be funny someday, but it sure wasn't two days ago when it all happened.

Too bad real-life experiences don't translate well into writing, right? Because this story, as hilarious as it may be, probably wouldn't be that entertaining in a book.  Oh, the irony...

Anyway, since I had so much fun writing this post, I'm going to start a new thing just called "Random Blogging" where once a week I just get on and talk about whatever is going on, whether it's a funny life story or something that I want to talk about.  I don't even know.  Guess the only way is to try it and see what happens, right?

- Abigail

Team Novel Teen Blog Tour - Storm by Evan Angler

In a future United States under the power of a charismatic leader, everyone gets the Mark at age thirteen. The Mark lets citizen shop, go to school, and even get medical care—without it, you are on your own. Few refuse to get the Mark. Those who do . . . disappear.


Logan Langly went in to get his Mark, but he backed out at the last minute. Ever since, he’s been on the run from government agents and on a quest to find his sister Lily, who disappeared when she went to get her Mark five years earlier. His journey leads him to befriend the Dust, a vast network of Markless individuals who dissent against the iron-grip rule of the government. Along the way to the capital to find Lily, the Dust receive some startling information from the Markless community, opening their eyes to the message of Christianity and warning that humanity is now entering the End of Days.

In Storm, Logan and his friends are the leaders of the Markless revolution. But while some Markless are fighting Chancellor Cylis’ army, the Dust is busy trying to find a cure for a horrible epidemic sweeping through the Marked. And it’s difficult for them to know who to trust, especially when they aren’t sure if Logan’s sister Lily, one of the commanders in Cylis’ army, is on their side or not. And all across the nation—and the world—the weather has become less stable and a storm is brewing that bigger than any of them could have ever imagined.



I really did enjoy this series, and I felt that this book was the best of them all.  The multiple points of view didn't distract me in this one, as I felt that the author only wrote about the characters most important to this story.  In fact, it was neat to get inside several of the character's heads and see what they thought about everything.

The best part about the final book is how much the characters have grown and changed.  It's always great to look back at book one and see the differences in personality and actions.  Many questions I had from the previous book were answered and that was satisfying.

There were several things that I didn't care for, however.  One was the backstory from all the different characters. My opinion of it was that if I already heard it from one person,  I didn't need to hear the same story again.  The other thing is that the book just....ended.  I guess there was a resolution, but it felt like I needed more answers! I needed a sudden turn of events.  Maybe it's just me, but that annoyed me more than anything.

But in conclusion, this is a great book and I really enjoyed it.  I know the Swipe series is written for middle-grade readers, but I'm a teen and it still captivated me, even though the characters were all about thirteen.  If you haven't read this series yet, pick it up and give it a try!  You won't be disappointed.


Fun stuff:
Evan Angler's blog: http://www.evanangler.com/
Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=78DHtGhR3Rw
Buy Storm on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1400321972/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=wwwteenageaut-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1400321972&adid=13HW5VK9C4FEWQX56JFN
Link to my review of book one, Swipe
Link to my review of book two, Sneak

Other reviewers:
ADD Librarian • Blooming with Books • The Book Fae • Book Nook 4 You • Bookworm Reading  • Christian Book Review Blog • Christian Bookshelf Reviews • CTF Devourer •  Jill Williamson • Labor Not in Vain • The Life of a Teenage Writer • The Maniacal Bookworm • Oh, Restless Bird • The Ramblings of a Young Author • Realm of Hearts • Shadow Writer World • A Slightly Nerdy Bookworm • Who YA Reading? • Worthy2Read

Team Novel Teen is a group of bloggers dedicated to spreading the word about clean teen fiction. Check out other posts about Sneak by Evan Angler by clicking on the links above, and check out www.NovelTeen.com for more information about Team Novel Teen. I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers, however, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Chasing Jupiter by Rachel Coker - Team Novel Teen Blog Tour

Quick blurb:

Scarlett Blaine’s life in 1960s Georgia isn’t always easy, especially given her parents’ financial struggles and the fights surrounding her sister Juli’s hippie lifestyle. Then there’s her brother, Cliff. While Scarlett loves him more than anything, there’s no denying his unique behavior leaves Cliff misunderstood and left out. So when he wishes for a rocket to Jupiter, Scarlett agrees to make it happen, no matter how crazy the idea might be. Raising the rocket money means baking pies, and the farmer’s son, Frank, agrees to provide the peaches if Scarlett will help him talk to Juli. The problem is, Scarlett really enjoys her time with Frank, and finds herself wondering if, someday, they could be more than friends. Just as she thinks everything might be going her way, Cliff suffers an accident that not only affects the rocket plans, but shakes Scarlett’s view of God. As the summer comes to an end, Scarlett must find a way to regain what she’s lost, but also fulfill a promise to launch her brother’s dream.


I loved this book.  Rachel Coker is an incredibly talented teen author.  Her first book, Interrupted, was excellent, and I found this one maybe even better.  

The characters were excellently crafted.  I wasn't sure at the very beginning, but within the first three chapters, I feel in love with Cliff.  He was so sweet, so innocent.  It was obvious that he wasn't just a normal child, but in the same way, he wasn't too abnormal to be unrelatable.  It was easy to fall in love with his character, and he definitely made the book so great.

I also have to hand it to Coker for creating the climax and dark moment at the end.  It was definitely a shock, but it stirred some real emotion.  It was a wonderful story.  A sad story, but a wonderful one.

Another great success from my favorite teen author :)

Buy this book on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/031073293X/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=wwwteenageaut-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=031073293X&adid=1CA582E42YYCB9E90CYY 

Rachel's Blog:
http://www.rachelcoker.com/

Other Reviews:

ADD Librarian • Becoming More Like You • Book Nook 4 You • Blooming with Books • Bookworm Reading  • Christian Book Review Blog • CTF Devourer • Gillian Adams • Jessica Laurie • Jill Williamson • Labor Not in Vain • Rachelle Rea • The Ramblings of a Young Author • A Slightly Nerdy Bookworm • Shadow Writer World • Surrendering All of Me • Worthy2Read

Team Novel Teen is a group of bloggers dedicated to spreading the word about clean teen fiction, click here for more information.  I received this book free from Zondervan Publishers in exchange for writing a review.  However, the views and opinions expressed are entirely my own.


 

The New Recruit by Jill Williamson - Team Novel Teen Book Review

Argh.  This post was supposed to go out a long time ago, but due to a bunch of junk, it didn't happen.  But here it is, nevertheless.

The New Recruit (The Mission League, book 1 of 4)
Mission 1: Moscow
by Jill Williamson

Back cover copy:
Forced to choose between military school and a Christian spy organization, skeptic Spencer Garmond signs on with the Bible geeks. But before he even boards the plane for Moscow, Spencer realizes this is no Bible club.

These guys mean business.

Stumbling onto a case involving a gang of homeless boys, a chilling tattoo, and the always beautiful Anya Vseveloda, Spencer struggles to find the faith needed to save the Mission League from enemy infiltration.





To start off, I thought it was a nice twist on the traditional teen-kid-becomes-spy cliche.  Okay, maybe it's not so much a cliche, but unless it's done nicely, it's a little bit dull and lifeless.

This book was not that.  By throwing in the whole Bible-club aspect, it made it different. Christian, without stuffing it down your throat.  No one likes having religion stuffed down their throat, and I'm glad to say this book did not do that.  Jill is very good about adding faith to books without making it...preachy...

The plot moved pretty quickly, the main character was quirky and likeable, and I easily read it in a few days.  The one thing I would have liked is a bit more action, but that's probably just me, being an action/adventure fan.

All in all, it was an enjoyable book, perfect for kids or teens.  It's definitely a book my younger brother would enjoy.

I think The New Recruit deserves 4 out of five stars :)

Here is the link to Jill Williamson's website: www.jillwilliamson.com
Link for The Mission League Series website:  http://themissionleague.com/


I received this book free from Jill Williamson in exchange for writing a book review and helping promote the book.  However, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Snippets of Writing

I wanted to post something today, but I really had no idea what...So I decided on good old writing snippets.

These are from my Nano novel, so it's not fully edited and stuff :)


--
\\it's a flashback\\

I lay on the grass, gazing up at the starry sky, my father next to me, giving me warmth and security.

“How many stars are in the sky?” me childish voice asks.

“No one has ever counted.  Maybe because there’s too many to count.”

“Daddy?”

“Yes, Hadyn?”

“Why did those men kill Sari’s entire family today?  She didn’t do anything wrong, and neither did her little brother.  Why did they kill them also?”

“No, Sari didn’t do anything wrong, but her parents did.  Her father broke the law and that’s something we must never do.  Those laws have been put in places to protect us, and we need them.”

“Why?”

He thinks about that for a minute. “Because men in power put them there to keep us safe.  You’re only eight; I don’t expect you to fully understand yet.”

“I get it.  But I have one more question.  What makes those men in power better than us?”

“Nothing, they are just men, like us.  And no man is perfect, no matter how hard they try.  But you, Hadyn, your name means ‘little fire’, and someday you’re going to share that fire with the world in an amazing way.  I don’t know how, but it’s in here.” He gently touchs my heart. “Use it wisely, my sweet angel.  Promise me that.”

My lips curl into a small smile. “I promise.”

I fall asleep there and his strong arms pick me up and carry me to my room.  He sets me down on my bed gently, as if he was setting a thin piece of glass on nails.  He kisses my forehead and brushes the golden strands of hair back from my face.

“Goodnight, my little fire.”

I, having never been truly asleep, open one eye and watch my father leave.  I had never felt so safe in my life.  My dad was there, and he was never leaving me.

Four years later, I stand by the window in my room, my face pressed against the frosty pane.  My mother sits on the front porch, weeping, as Dad rides off in the distance, alone.  The only steady force in my life is leaving and I never had felt so alone.

--

“What happened to your mother?” I gently ask.

“I don’t want to talk about it.  I'm sorry.  Maybe someday I'll tell you, but not today.  Or soon.  It’s a very fresh wound.”

“Even though it happened years ago.” He looks confused, and I decide to explain. “You know, three years when I met you in the forest.  You were sitting there, crying.  I think our pain on that day was what connected us.”

“I remember.” He gently takes my hand in his, but I don’t pull away.  The attitude has shifted and we’re no longer yelling.  It’s sweeter, kinder. “You weren’t crying, though.”

“I never cry.  It shows weakness.”

“But we’re all naturally weak.”

“I can't be.”

“But we all are.  It’s human.” Damon brings my hand closer to his chest. “It’s natural for us to need someone to rely on.”

“I don’t need anyone.” The words fall out, but they’re all lies.  I can't lie to him anymore.  No one is listening.  I can afford to be vulnerable for once, can't I?

“Hadyn.” He lets go of my hand and gently brushes me cheek, looking into my eyes with warmth and compassion.

All of the emotion bursts out of me.  All the pain I've been dealing with.  My mother’s death.  My father’s betrayal.  I fall into his arms, letting just one tear slip out of my eyes. “I can't do this alone.  You’re my best friend in the entire world.” A knot catches in my throat and I struggle to continue. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Hadyn.” He holds me close and doesn’t let go for a long, long time.

--

Hopefully tomorrow, I'll actually have something to say. Besides lousy snippets :P

-Abigail