How To Say Goodbye In Robot

Okay, I'll admit it...I totally picked this book up because of the title. Yes, I checked it out from the library and read it all because of the title. So, note to all you authors: A good title can change your lives!

Bea and her parents are moving. Again. New town, new school, new friends. She's used to it by now. She'll become friends with the friendly, average girl as usual, right? Wrong. Bea's life changes when she meets the boy who sits next to her, Jonah. Jonah is quit and keeps to himself. He hasn't had a friend in years, but something in Bea strikes his interest. Their friendship grows and blossoms into something more than a friendship, but not a romance either. They know about each other's dysfunctional families, secrets from the past, and aspirations for the future. Their relationship means one thing: love. But is love enough?

This book wasn't what I expected at all. It was a little quirky, a little sweet, and a little dark. It didn't grab me and make me fall in love with the characters or the plot, but that doesn't mean it was a bad book. I'm glad I read it because it was so different from anything else I've read this year. No, I didn't love the book, but it would have been an awesome quick read for a rainy day. I'm interested to look into more of Natalie Standiford's work. She took an interesting approach into the lives of Bea and Jonah and I appreciate her for that.

Read? What's that?

Oh yeah, it's that thing I used to do ALL THE TIME!

I know I have been slacking in my blogging, but don't feel bad because I have also been slacking in my reading, cleaning, and grading. At least I'm consistent. Right?

Just so you know what I've been up to these past few weeks, I decided to post a little update. First, I got a new job. Well, it's not really a new job since I worked there 3 summers ago. I'm working as a teacher counselor for the Space and Rocket Center. I LOVE my job. We teach teachers who come to space camp. Of course, school isn't out yet for most, so camp hasn't started yet. My boss asked if I could start early to get so things done before all the action happens. I obliged since we are trying to save to build our dream home.

I've also been dieting. I know, shocker right? A friend of mine lost 28lbs on the HCG diet, so I did some research and decided to give it a try. It's a little costly, but I'm loving the results so far. Plus, it's perfect timing for my Vegas trip next month! There is a lot of controversy about the diet, but I go to a doctor who has done it herself and I have a great support system. Anyway, I've been getting more sleep (and better sleep) and therefore I haven't been reading or blogging much.

So, that's what I've been up to. I'm working 3 jobs, trying to lose weight, and taking care of my Hubs and pets.

The Secret Year

I've heard some buzz about The Secret Year on some of the book blogs that I follow. It is Jennifer Hubbards' debut novel and I love supporting new authors!

Colt and Julia secretly dated for a year. Colt is from the flats and Julia lives in a mansion on Black Mountain Road. They hid their romance for an entire year without anyone finding out their secret. Everything is fine until Julia dies in a car accident right before her senior year begins. Colt has to go on as if this tragedy doesn't effect his life. He mourns her privately until Julia's journal turns up. Julia documented their relationship in the journal. Colt now is obsessed with the journal to see how Julia really felt about him. He keeps looking for answers to his questions, but the one question that no one can answer is how will he ever get over someone who wasn't his to begin with.

The was a very short read, and that really worked. I didn't need to be any longer than what it was. It was so interesting that Hubbard write from the male's POV considering she is female. Even though during some scenes I questioned whether a boy would really handle the situation the same, she made it work. Pick up this book and support a debut author!

And the winners are...

Sorry I didn't post this yesterday, but it was a busy busy day. Since my blog has exceeded 50 followers, I have TWO winners!!! The winners of the Hex Hall Giveaway are...

Alicia D.

and

Jessica C.

Congratulations Alicia and Jessica. I will email you both to get your addresses. If I don't hear from you in the next 48 hours then I will pick another winner in your place.

Thanks to all who entered!!