It's Friday, and I'm celebrating. Why? Because I got a huge box of shiny new books today? No. Because I'm going out on a hot date with my husband? I wish. No, I'm celebrating because I got the results of my blood work back and my thyroid/iodine levels are low enough for my iodine radiation treatment. Woo hoo! I know, it may not seem like much to be celebrating, but it is. I've been on a low-iodine diet this week and it's seriously just about been the death of me. No iodized salt, no dairy, no CHOCOLATE. Can you imagine? It's been horrendous. By Tuesday, I should be locked away from the world-at-large, alone with my books, feasting on chocolate, and glowing like a firefly. Ahhh ... now that's worth celebrating, don't you think?

Okay, maybe you don't understand my enthusiasm, so chew on this: The Book Blogger Hop over at Crazy-For-Books.com is in full-swing. This fun, weekly meme encourages us to hop around and discover all the great book blogs out there (hint: there are TONS). Click on over to sign up. If you're here because of the hop, be sure to let me know. If you're here just because you love me, then thanks :)

I'm so excited I think I'll make myself a baked potato loaded with unsalted butter and non-iodized salt. I might even throw in some steamed unseasoned vegetables, just for fun. Do I know how to party, or what?

(Note: While this review will not contain spoilers for Forbidden Falls, it may inadvertently reveal plot surprises from previous Virgin River books. Do yourself a favor and read the series in order!)

I've been hinting about this giveaway, and it's finally here! My wonderful contact at HarperTeen has generously provided me with two ARCs of Michael Grant's Lies to give away. This is the 3rd book in his series about Perdido Beach, a peaceful little town that dissolves into utter chaos when everyone over 15 disappears one day. It's a fun, exciting YA series that should appeal to readers of all ages. If you haven't read the first two books - Gone and Hunger - you really need to. And you need to read this one, too. Lies will not be on the market until May, so this is a great chance to read it before anyone else!

Okay, here's how it's going to work: I promised Krista I would make you answer a silly question. So, if you want to be entered in the contest, leave me a comment answering the question at the bottom of this post. Be sure to leave me a current email address if you do not have a public blog that you check regularly. If I can't get a hold of you, you can't win! The deadline to enter is April 10. As per usual, I'll give you extra entries for spreading the word about the contest. Tweet about it, post it on your blog, whatever - one extra entry per advertising method. Oh, and since I'm mailing the books, the giveaway is open internationally.

Here's the question (and it's not even that silly): I've really been into the apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic/dystopian thing lately. Do you like this genre? Why or why not? What's the best post-apocalyptic and/or dystopian novel you've ever read?

Good luck!