Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Wish Stealers: Review, Interview, and Giveaway!!!

Title: Wish Stealers
Author: Tracy Trivas
Pages: 288
Publisher: Aladdin
Publication Date: January 26, 2010
The day before her first day in middle school, Griffin Penshine is tricked into accepting a box of lucky pennies from a mysterious old woman. A note in the box explains that the coins are all wishes stolen from a fountain more than 70 years ago. Griffin is now unwillingly a Wish Stealer, and in order to avoid the fate that accompanies that title, she must return the pennies to the original owners or to someone who has a similar desire. Short chapters keep the story moving, and an inspirational quote or adage, often about wishes or dreams, follows each one. Unfortunately, Griffin learns that she must return the wishes from a too-convenient chapter in a book that practically falls into her lap. More successful are her experiences as she navigates slights by the school's popular crowd and organizes a fundraiser to collect money for saving rainforests. While the wish-stealing theme is better developed in Frances Hardinge's Well Witched (HarperCollins, 2007), Trivas's accessible novel encourages readers to be proactive in following their dreams and in helping others to fulfill their wishes.

The Wish Stealers is an inspiring book that everbody would absolutely adore. Although it's middle grade, many will still find Wish Stealers to be a valuable book on lessons. The mere concept of Wish Stealers is extremely original and does pertain to the lesson in which Trivas tries to portray here.

Griffin is a unique protagonist that deals with a lot of issues here. Griffin has to deal with the 'bullies' that try to hurt her but she stands strong and makes her decisions. Trivas does really deliver different and meaningful messages in Wish Stealers; decision between right and wrong, being happy with who you are, and friendship. This, combined with the paranormal concept, makes for a beautiful, simplistic read that will hook many readers of all ages!

Trivas has written an inspiring novel that takes us on a journey of self-discovery and adventure. Wish Stealers is one book that people will never forget!



Who is your favorite character from Wish Stealers?
I love Grandma Penshine—she has lived such a good life and is so grounded, kind, cool, and wise. She’s an artist and “mixes paints as if mixing sacred medicine.” But of course I love Griffin—it’s her journey and she is brave and hangs tight and steady when things get tough. It’s a tie between Griffin and Grandma Penshine.

What motivated you to write Wish Stealers?
I wanted to write a book about those people in the world who are “Wish Stealers.” People who try to shoot down a dream, remind people of failure rates, and negative statistics. These “Wish Stealers” can even be family members or good friends, but at certain moments they project all their own fears of failure onto another people's delicate wishes. I wanted to remind people to protect their dreams and wishes and keep focusing on what is possible…

The premise of Wish Stealers seems really unique and interesting. What gave you the idea for it?
When I first moved to Los Angeles in my early 20’s filled with vague dreams of a fulfilling creative career, I slammed head first into something awful—WISH STEALERS–strangers, acquaintances, even friends who were thrilled to spout out how many people fail at creative careers. They stated what the odds are for failure, why back up plans should come first, and how being realistic was more important than dreaming. I scrawled on a Post-it note, after one particularly negative conversation: “Mr. Wunderkiller! Wish Stealer!” I underlined the words three times and threw the Post-it in a drawer. The idea of physically stealing coins out of a fountain, and the larger metaphor of people who shoot down a dream fascinated me. The idea for THE WISH STEAELRS was born.

What do you see as your strengths and weaknesses as an author?
Great question and a hard one too! I love creating characters and giving them quirks and personality. I also like to create books that move--that keep the reader interested. The thing I am working most on is “boy dialogue!” My husband helps me so much with this. In the acknowledgments I thank him for cutting “any and all of Garrett’s dialogue that sounded like a 47-year-old man in a tweed jacket!”

What's the most interesting thing a reader has ever said to you?
I love to hear most what readers loved in my books or what didn’t work for them. Everybody is so different with such a huge range of opinions---I find a reader’s reaction fascinating, especially after spending so much time alone writing a book.

How is do you feel about being a 10'er debut?
I am happy and grateful. I think middle-grade fiction books have the power to make the most impact on a person’s life. When I was little I read the Anne of Green Gables series over and over again. Anne’s humor, bravery, and feminist spirit really influenced me in a positive way. Through her character I saw girls as being strong, smart, capable, fun, and adventurous. One of my greatest wishes for The Wish Stealers is for a reader to connect with Griffin and be inspired by her courage.

Book you've faked reading:
Thomas Pynchon’s Crying of Lot 49…We had a book club at our place and it turns out nobody finished it—!

Book you've bought for the cover:
Poemcrazy: Freeing Your Life with Words by Susan G. Wooldridge. It’s a book of poetry exercises and the cover is gothic, romantic, and dadaesque—I love it! I literally spotted the cover on a shelf in the bookstore and bought it—it turned out to be an amazing poetry book too.

Book you're an evangelist for:
The China Study—by T. Colin Campbell and Thomas Campbell III. It is the most comprehensive nutritional study ever done…by the end of the book you’ll want to sign legal papers to be a vegetarian forever—for your body and for the planet.

Anything else you'd like to add?
A big thank you--your blog is inspiring and fantastic! There are so many distractions out there, so a blog that connects people who love to read is a gift.


Hey guys, I've been given a chance to give away FIVE copies of Wish Stealers! This is a US only contest and my Contest Policy applies! Just comment below with your email address if you'd like a chance to win Wish Stealers!!!

This contest ends May 1st!
my signature

53 comments:

Christa April 27, 2010 at 5:04 AM  

Another Anne of Green Gables fan. : ) I love that.
Please enter me in the contest.
ambience.of.rain {at} gmail.com

Alex Bennett from Electrifying Reviews April 27, 2010 at 5:04 AM  

This looks so great! I hope I win!

Alex
alexreadsbooks at gmail dot com

Tameka April 27, 2010 at 5:06 AM  

I recently met Tracy at the LA Times Festival of Books this past weekend, she is SO nice! I hadn't heard of her book before this and she read an excerpt from it and it sounds really good! I can't wait to read it aloud with my daughter!

becauseperfectionisboring@gmail.com

Brooke Reviews April 27, 2010 at 5:10 AM  

I'd love to win a copy, this sounds like a great books! Love the interview questions Reggie!

bacarleton(at)gmail(dot)com

Jessica B April 27, 2010 at 5:12 AM  

shutupjessicasreading @ gmaildotcom

Jessica Love April 27, 2010 at 5:19 AM  

I just saw Tracy read from this book and speak at the LA Times Festival of books yesterday! I hadn't heard of it before, but I loved her reading and it sounded so interesting!

I loved the characters' names, too. Griffin Penshine! Awesome!

Enter me, please. :-) foreveryalit at gmail

CallMeKayla April 27, 2010 at 5:19 AM  

Awesome! I would love to win, enter me please!

sexywomenread@yahoo.com

Brent Taylor April 27, 2010 at 5:25 AM  

Nice post! Enter me, please and thank you!
naughtybookkittens@gmail.com

Katie April 27, 2010 at 5:29 AM  

Sounds like an interesting read. I love the concept.

katiemstout@gmail.com

Jennifer Mathis April 27, 2010 at 5:42 AM  

Sounds great please enter me
meandi09@yahoo.com

Travis April 27, 2010 at 5:45 AM  

Awesome! This one looks good!

Travis
spongyman1026@yahoo.com

Katy April 27, 2010 at 5:45 AM  

Please throw my name in the hat for this one!

srfbluemama[at]gmail[dot]com

Emily April 27, 2010 at 5:50 AM  

Sounds like a good one! Thanks for the review and interview. Please enter me :)

WilowRaven[at]yahoo[dot]com

Anonymous,  April 27, 2010 at 6:26 AM  

Great interview. It sounds like a really good book and the author sounds awesome!

twilightforever.edward(at)gmail(dot)com

Ann Diana Dinh, April 27, 2010 at 6:26 AM  

This looks like such a good book to read. Count me in!

behapppppppy(at)hotmail(dot)com

Julie@My5monkeys April 27, 2010 at 6:26 AM  

this book sounds like a good book

aprilmom00 at gmail dot com

Katie April 27, 2010 at 6:48 AM  

Sounds like an interesting book!

bigferret @ email dot com

Unknown April 27, 2010 at 6:57 AM  

Great interview. I've never heard of this book before, but it sounds good :)

pirate_pony2 at yahoo dot com

Lori L. Clark Art April 27, 2010 at 7:37 AM  

This looks like a great book. Please enter me. :) And haven't we all had a wish stealer in our life at one time or another?

Amber Skye April 27, 2010 at 8:01 AM  

Thanks for the review and interview! I'm definitely interested in this book :) Enter me please!

readingaddict63@aol.com

Jessica N. April 27, 2010 at 9:36 AM  

Sounds like a fabulous book! :)

roses7184@gmail.com

anthy April 27, 2010 at 10:00 AM  

This sounds like a really interesting book, and I'd love to read it. Count me in, please. :-)
anthy_stl [ATT] yahoo [DOTT] com

Lisa Richards/alterlisa April 27, 2010 at 10:05 AM  

Sounds interesting and I'd love a chance.

alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/

Jamie April 27, 2010 at 10:23 AM  

This sounds great! I'd love to get my hands on it.

jamieallyn24(at)gmail(dot)com

Onge April 27, 2010 at 10:30 AM  

Please enter me!! Sounds like a good one.
chickenherder@hotmail.com

Rheanna April 27, 2010 at 11:05 AM  

This book sounds amazing and totally original. I like also how the author came up with the concept for the novel. Please count me in on the giveaway:
Hot87Tamale(at)aol(dot)com

Amy (ArtsyBookishGal) April 27, 2010 at 11:17 AM  

I'd love to win this one!

Amy
artsyrockerchick at aim dot com

Martha Lawson April 27, 2010 at 12:14 PM  

I've been seeing this one around! It looks awesome, please enter me for it.

I follow

mlawson17 at hotmail dot com

Brittany April 27, 2010 at 12:56 PM  

I like the concept. It sounds like a good read. Enter me please :)

-Brittany
randomlybrittany(at)gmail(dot)com

Lale April 27, 2010 at 6:21 PM  

Sounds like fun- and I know my little sister would gobble it up after I'd finished! :)

booksbya.k@gmail.com

Unknown April 27, 2010 at 10:23 PM  

I love the idea of this one, I have several wish stealers in my life! I am sure both Aubrey and I would love it!

Thank you Reggie!
Jenn @ book-crazy.com

Kelly April 27, 2010 at 11:00 PM  

Looks great! I would love to win a copy! :D
kghobbs@gmail.com

angie April 28, 2010 at 12:30 AM  

Sounds like a great read! Thanks for the giveaway!
bangersis(at)msn(dot)com

Jenni @ Falling Off The Shelf April 28, 2010 at 12:39 AM  

Looks like a really cute book! Love that cover! Great interview!

jennilovevirgo@aol.com

Unknown April 28, 2010 at 1:36 AM  

Oh great giveaway! I'd love a chance to win!

chirth7@yahoo.com

k_sunshine1977 April 28, 2010 at 2:06 AM  

what a neat idea! i love it & hope i win the book!

k_sunshine1977@yahoo.com

Anonymous,  April 28, 2010 at 2:06 AM  

I would love to read this. Great interview too. I like the questions of bought for the cover and faked reading. Those are great.

ape2306@yahoo.com

throuthehaze April 28, 2010 at 7:15 AM  

I love the cover!
throuthehaze at gmail dot com

andrea b April 28, 2010 at 8:39 AM  

thanks for the giveaway, I liked the review, this book sounds interesting...

andrea b

brigneti(at)gmail(dot)com

Angelique April 28, 2010 at 10:59 AM  

I would really like to read this!

willowwind@gmail.com

Thanks for hosting =)

Anonymous,  April 28, 2010 at 11:10 AM  

I think this book sounds fantastic! enter me!

foltzsfanasticbooks at gmail.com

Denise April 28, 2010 at 2:19 PM  

It sounds amazing!!! Crossing my fingers!!!!

Denise

sandpaperxsilk {at} hotmail {dot} com

Aik April 28, 2010 at 7:04 PM  

I'd love to enter this contest!

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Jessy April 28, 2010 at 10:17 PM  

Sounds good, I would love to win!

findjessyhere at gmail dot com

Mary not so Contrary April 29, 2010 at 12:39 AM  

That was a great review and interview! I love they way she came up with Wish Stealers. I think everyone will be able to connect with the book. Thanks for the contest. Count me in please
Mrs(dot)Graef(at)hotmail(dot)com

Dani. April 29, 2010 at 6:25 AM  

After seeing the book trailer for this I can't wait to read the book.

-Dani
lightningstreak123[at]comcast[dot]net

Unknown April 29, 2010 at 8:06 PM  

enter me
elizabethcerna2011@gmail.com

Babycat April 30, 2010 at 3:38 AM  

please enter me:-)

caitlin@writtenwordreview.com

Babycat April 30, 2010 at 3:38 AM  

please enter me:-)

caitlin@writtenwordreview.com

Kelsy Alexandra April 30, 2010 at 11:07 AM  

I would love to win this book!!! Thanks so much!!

crazyhippo37@aol.com

Kelsy

Hannah S. May 1, 2010 at 12:21 PM  

Ooh, looks cool!
Thanks!

Love, Hannah
xoxosweeet at yahoo dot com

Lisa Richards/alterlisa May 2, 2010 at 10:15 AM  

Great Cover! Count me in!

alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/

Lindsey Petrucci May 6, 2010 at 2:58 AM  

I would LOVE to read this book!

xollinzolox@aim.com

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