Yackety-yak: Why I Heart Dystopian Novels

The other day (after I pretty much inhaled the Uglies trilogy) I got to thinking about why I love dystopian novels so much. Besides their uncanny ability to display what is both beautiful and ugly about humanity, why do they fascinate me? Then I came up with this little break down of how some genres make me feel.

Romance = feel

Fantasy = imagine

Mystery = analyze

Drama = sympathize

Dystopian = think

I love dystopians because they force me to ponder a different time and how I would survive it. A good dystopian (like Hunger Games) goes a step beyond that by swirling genres together. Then the reader not only gets to think, but they also get to feel, imagine, analyze, and sympathize. Which brings me to my question for you:

Which of your preferred genres

holds a special place in your heart and why?

Decide to blog about it? Please link back in the comments.

{Photo credit: Benjamin Kanarek goes Blade Runner}

Waiting on Wednesday: Girl Parts

This Wednesday, I am totally crazy to try Girl Parts by John M. Cusick. Tell me it doesn't remind you of Weird Science (1985)? So far the reviews are mixed, however I am really interested to try something that sounds like it is geared towards male readers.

Info: Girl Parts is scheduled to release August 10, 2010 Click here to read an excerpt.

Teaser blurb: "Hello, David. My name is Rose. It’s a pleasure to meet you. We are now entering minute two of our friendship. According to my Intimacy Clock, a handshake is now appropriate…"

{Video advice: Wait or fast-forward to the part with the author.}

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Credits: Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event (created by Jill at Breaking the Spine) that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating. Please visit her site for details.

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Does anyone else suffer from a post-80s crush on Anthony Michael Hall?

Teaser Tuesday: Sand in her toes?

"At the mention of the local surfing spot, an image of moonlight on water floated into Lena's mind. Her eyes snapped open. She sat up, looking around her room. Her hoodie hung in the closet, and her sandals sat in the shoe rack, same as always. Was it all a dream? She slid her feet out from under the covers and examined them. There were grains of sand between her toes...Lena lay back down slowly. She didn't remember getting out of bed, or going downstairs, or unlocking the back door. All she remembered was the shock of finding herself on the beach."

-The Mermaid's Mirror by L.K. Madigan

Oh no! The poor dear is sleep walking!

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CREDIT: Teaser Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Please visit her site for details on how you too can participate.

Roving Reader: Tea

Despite the fact that I do not usually read chick lit,

I do love pink, tea, and fluffy white dogs.

Isn't this cover totally precious?

High Tea by Sandra Harper

So has anything caught your attention lately?

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The Roving Reader was created by GMR at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. It features eye catching covers captured via cell phone.

Friday 56: The Choir Boats

Straightening up, she said, "Now, my dear, there'll be no falling apart here, then. Pass me the eggs, let's make the best duff-pudding we can."

- The Choir Boats by Daniel A. Rabuzzi

Page 56 Sentence 5 & 6

To download a free PDF click here.

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The Friday 56 is a weekly feature created and hosted by Storytime with Tonya and Friends. Please visit her site for details.

Spells | Book Review Mini

Book: Spells

Series: Part Two of the Wings series

Authoress: Aprilynne Pike

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 368 pages (Hardcover)

Goodreads: Spells

Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy

My summary: Laurel is back and this time she is heading to fairy school to learn some tricks on how to protect her friends and family. But will she be able to resist her feelings for Tamani?

My say:

While Wings dazzled me, Spells never quite took flight.

If Wings was the mystery, Spells is the answers.

Sure your questions get filled.

Sure you finally get some time with her hot ex-boyfriend Tamani.

But overall it lacked the intrigue of Wings.

My verdict: I still have hope for book three and if you're a fan of Wings you really should read it. You get to see behind fairy veil and Aprilynne does a great job of weaving human history with fairy history.

My star rating: 3 out of 5 stars

My final say: Miss Thang better come to her senses and pick Tamani. He is totally made for her and won me over. David, who?

Review Copyright © of Tales of Whimsy.com

Waiting on Wednesday: Oh so blue Lost Saint

Forgive me if you've seen this already but, I can not get over how beautiful the upcoming Lost Saint cover is. I adored The Dark Divine and can not wait for for the second installment. Bree officially has me wishing for Christmas in July. Hurry hurry hurry December!

Click here to read my review of The Dark Divine.

Click here to visit Bree's blog and learn more about her current giveaway.

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Credits: Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event (created by Jill at Breaking the Spine) that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating. Please visit her site for details.

News Flash: Claire De Lune 2 Title Revealed

Did you hear the news? My sweet pal Cherry (over at Cherry Mischievous) won the privilege to announce the title of the next Claire De Lune book! Click here for the reveal.

Teaser Tuesday: Rusty

"The Rusty Ruins were the remains of an old city, a hulking reminder of back when there'd been way too many people, and everyone was incredibly stupid." - Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

This book has really made an impression on me so far. I am totally anxious to see what Tally does with her impossibly difficult options. The choice she is forced to make is something I wouldn't wish on anyone.

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CREDIT: Teaser Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Please visit her site for details on how you too can participate.

Treasure Trove Tuesday: Those Shelves Are Quite Mad

I found these kooky shelves this past weekend and just had to share them with you. They're brilliantly fun, whimsical, and remind me of the Mad Hatter. Check them out here.

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Credits: Treasure Trove Tuesday is a feature created and hosted by Cleverly Inked. Please visit her site for details on how you too can participate. I first spotted this shelf at The Steampunk Home.