"Real" Book Challenge - July!

Heir of Fire  *  The Kiss of Deception  *  Looking for Alibrandi  *  Landline  *  The Piper's Son  *  Falling into Place  *  City of Heavenly Fire 

"Real" Books Read in July: 7

Total: 65 

I read two massive books in July. City of Heavenly Fire is over 700 pages (*faints*) and Heir of Fire is the biggest ARC I've ever seen. I thought I was going to fall behind but their size didn't make that much of a difference. Heir of Fire is pretty cool and I'm giving away my copy here.  I have a love/hate relationship with The Mortal Instruments but I couldn't stay away from the last book of the series. I hate to admit this but I really enjoyed it. Somehow, I continue to talk about Melina Marchetta (I'm not even sorry) and I'm sad to announce that I've read all of her books. I'll have to wait rather impatiently until her new novel comes out. Speaking of great novels by talented writers, Falling into Place by Amy Zhang is ridiculously amazing and you should read it when it comes out in September. I wrote an "Early Cuddles" post for Cuddlebuggery and you can read it here. 

Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta - Just Couldn't Put It Down July Giveaway Hop!

I knew from the very start that I wanted to give away something by Melina Marchetta. All of her books definitely classify as "unputdownable."  I've been on a Marchetta binge for weeks now. Even though I can recommend them all---at least the ones I've read---one stands out. The first one I ever read by this author was Saving Francesca, which led to the Lumatere Chronicles, Jellicoe Road, and most recently The Piper's Son. That fact alone makes it really special. Without it, I wouldn't have fangirled on Twitter, which means I wouldn't have read any of her other books quite so soon. 

So, because I love you all so much and I want what's best for you, I'm giving away a copy of Saving Francesca. Don't know if you're interested(you are)? Here's all you need to know:

Francesca is stuck at St. Sebastians, a boys' school that's pretends it's coed by giving the girls their own bathroom. Her only female companions are an ultra-feminist, a rumored slut, and an an impossibly dorky accordion player. The boys are no better, from Thomas who specializes in musical burping to Will, the perpetually frowning, smug moron that Francesca can't seem to stop thinking about.  

Then there's Francesca's mother, who always thinks she knows what's best for Francesca—until she is suddenly stricken with acute depression, leaving Francesca lost, alone, and without an inkling who she really is. Simultaneously humorous, poignant, and impossible to put down, this is the story of a girl who must summon the strength to save her family, her social life and—hardest of all—herself.

This novel is truly beautiful. I wanted to write a review about it but I couldn't put my love for this book into words. Now one of you is going to get a copy, which is way better than just telling you to read it! 

The giveaway is open to anyone in the US. Just fill out the Rafflecopter below. Good luck! :) 

a Rafflecopter giveaway