Hello there!Delirium by Lauren OliverAngelfire by Courtney MoultonThrough Her Eyes by Jennifer Archer
So it's been about 3ish years give or take since I last posted on this blog...READ MORE
Intricately woven with rules, regulations, and restrictions, Delirium is a convincing read that delves..READ MORE
Fierce, dramatic, and elaborately detailed, Angelfire seduces readers into a fiery world..READ MORE
Hauntingly vivid and thoroughly original, Through Her Eyes is a blend..READ MORE
I know I've already posted about the Endless Summer's cover, but there's another one and it's FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!! Check it out:
Isn't it FREAKING GREAT?!?!?!? OMG! IT IS SO FREAKING SWOON-WORTHY!!!
Yours till the kick-ass covers,
Title: Dream Girl (Book 1)
Author: Lauren Mechling
Pages: 320
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: November 10, 2009
Claire Voyante has been having strange visions ever since she can remember. But the similarity between her name and her talents is purely coincidental. The name is French, and unlike the psychics on TV, she can’t solve crimes or talk to the dead. Whenever Claire follows her hunches, she comes up empty—or ends up in pretty awkward situations. But that all changes on Claire’s 15th birthday, when her grandmother, Kiki—former socialite, fashion icon, and permanent fixture at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel—gives her something a little more extraordinary than one of her old cocktail dresses: a strange black-and-white onyx cameo on a gold chain. It’s not long before Claire’s world becomes a whole lot clearer. And a whole lot more dangerous.
Dream Girl is not at all what the cover portrays, it's fast-paced, real, and mysterious...not to mention the added bonus of a cute guy! Claire Voyante is a unique, and fun protagonist whom readers will love to get to know. Delving into her life--and her dreams--is what makes this book such an interesting concept of dreams. While readers get a peek at her dreams, they'll find the dreams enigmatic, captivating, and different. Kiki, her grandmother is one quirky character who readers will get get to know and love! She is one grandma that I'd sure love to have!
Title: Dream Life (Book 2)
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So starting tomorrow, I'll be starting a three-day feature with Lauren Mechling starring her books! I'll be reviewing Dream Life and Dream Girl and will host a Dream Contest in those three days, so don't be surprised that my blog will be overflowing with DREAM-themed stuff!!!
Hope you guys have fun!!!
Hey guys! For those of you waiting for the next big sequel to Wondrous Strange, look no further! Here's a chance to win a copy of Darklight!!! YAY!!!
Rules:
-Open to peeps in the USA!
-This contest will end on February 14 at 4pm (GMT+8) unless this contest doesn't meet at least 35-40 entrants...then, it will be extended.
-If you are under 13 years old, you must have permission from your parents or guardian.
-I will use The Contest Winner Picker for picking the winners for this contest.
-I have the right to extend or close this contest without any notice.
-I am not to be held responsible for any lost or damaged items
Love y'all!
IMM is hosted by The Story Siren =) Okay, I've decided that I'm going to do IMM posts whenever I feel like it (aka when Reggie isn't feeling lazy!) hehe =) Anyway, here's my IMM for this week. Hope ya like it!
For Review:
Before I Fall - Lauren Oliver
The Life of Glass - Jillian Cantor
Mistwood - Leah Cypress
The Bought/Received:
Dirty Little Secrets - C.J. Omololu (Thank you to my cousin who found this in The Strand!!!)
Forgive My Fins - Tera Lynn Childs (Thank you to my cousin who found this in the Midwinter ALA!)
Harmonic Feedback - Tara Kelly (Thank you to my cousin who found this!!!)
The Swag:
The Body Finder signed swag: stickers, tote bags, and bookmarks!!! Thanks Kimberly!!!
So overall, I had an AWESOME week! I forced my cousin to go to the Midwinter ALA conference...she said she didn't even like it! I was like "SHUT UP!" LOL! I love my cousin =) She's DA BEST!!!
The Body Finder trailer is finally here! Take a look at it's compete awesomeness!!!
Hey folks! Today, I have the wonderful Joelle Anthony with me! She's the author of Restoring Harmony and it's fabulous! Just like her! Enjoy!
Why did you choose to write YA?
YA is my favorite genre to read, so it just seemed natural. Not only do I get to have fun writing it, but now I can call reading it “education” and get away with it!
What do you see as your strengths and weaknesses as an author?
My strength has always been voice. This probably comes from starting out as an actress and doing a lot of improvisation and comedy. From the very beginning I got rejection letters with little handwritten notes on the bottom that said things like, “Great voice!” My weaknesses have always been more technical – like plotting. My trouble with plotting always was that I would be so determined to make things challenging for my character that I would weave these amazingly difficult and sometimes crazy plots.
I’m getting a lot better at resisting these wild plots now though. I have a reminder post-it note on my desk that says: KISS. It stands for Keep it Simple, Sweetie! Also, my agent has been a big help when I go off on plotting tangents because he says things like, “That could work.” Which I immediately know means, “That will NEVER work. Try something simple.”
Who is your favorite character from Restoring Harmony? Who is most like you in RH?
I tend to like whichever character I’m thinking about at the time. I’m not sure if that makes me disloyal to the others, or loyal to everyone. Can you be loyal to everyone? I don’t think I’m actually like any of the characters in Restoring Harmony. I wish I was more like Molly. She’s really good at hard work and she plays the fiddle. Both things I admire about her!
What's the most interesting thing a reader has ever said to you?
This may not count as “interesting,” but the most helpful thing was when one of my teen readers told me, “That scene is really lame!” Because, as it turns out, she was right. It was kind of lame! She also gave me a lot of positive feedback, which made me realize how invaluable her insight was. Her sister also pointed out a few “problem” areas in RH before I did the final edits, so I was able to fix them and the book is stronger for it.
How does it feel to be anticipating the release of your debut book?
I got my cover very early, and I think that’s what made the whole “getting published” thing real for me. I was very excited, almost giddy over it. But then I realized that publication was still ten months away and I could totally waste ten months of my life by anticipating the release of my book and I did not want to do that. I really try to live in the moment, and so while I do a fair amount of publicity already, and I have lots of things planned, I’m mostly just enjoying what is happening now with the book, rather than looking ahead. One thing you don’t realize when you haven’t had a book come out is that over that long, long period of “waiting” there’s actually a lot to do. So rather than think too much about the release, I do the daily things. This week I enjoyed seeing my book listed in the new Penguin catalogue.
Is being a 10'er fun?
It’s all fun, baby! Or why do it????
Book you've faked reading:
Hmmm…I can’t think of a book, but I definitely fake having seen Pulp Fiction. I just say, “Oh, yeah…that part with the needle. So horrible!” and everyone just nods along (probably faking it too).
Book you've bought for the cover:
I can’t think of any offhand, but I might’ve bought Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert for its cover (I’d already listened to it on audio and knew I wanted it) because I think it’s such a great design and says so much about the book!
Book you're an evangelist for:
Everyone who knows me knows this answer. I never shut up about Maud Hart Lovelace’s Betsy-Tacy series. Hands down, my favourite books.
Anything else you'd like to add? Are you working on any new projects?
My fabulous agent, Michael Bourret, just sold my new YA book to my wonderful editor Stacey Barney, at Putnam! It’s called The Right & the Real. Here’s the blurb: When seventeen year old Jamie Lexington-Cross’s father gets sucked into a cult masquerading as a church and she refuses to join him and his new wife, he kicks her out onto the street. With no other family to turn to, and the threat of foster care looming, Jamie strikes out on her own, trying to make a new life without letting any of her friends or teachers know she is homeless. But when Dad finds himself in danger, he sends her a message, and she comes to the rescue, armed with her newly acquired street smarts.
Thanks so much for having me, and for all you’re doing for writers everywhere!
That was a fun interview! I hope you enjoyed getting to know Joelle more!
Peace, Love, and Awesome Authors,
Title: Restoring Harmony
Author: Joelle Anthony
Pages: 320
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Publication Date: May 13, 2010
Heading off on her own to a big American city might have been a fun adventure for sixteen-year-old Molly McClure in the good old days before the Collapse, when nearly all the oil ran out; but in 2041, when family calamities strike all at once and Molly must leave her isolated farming island in Canada for the very first time, the world she meets is anything but fun. Food is in short supply, crime is rampant, and once-bustling cities stand abandoned and crumbling - danger lurking around every corner.
No one is as they seem, and Molly has to make some fast, tough decisions about whom to trust, especially when a dangerous crime organization sets her in their sights. Luckily, Molly is a determined, can-do kind of girl, and with the help of a handsome stranger, she may just make it home alive.
Full of adventure and excitement, Restoring Harmony takes readers on an unforgettable journey facing many obstacles. Molly, the protagonist is on her way to Oregon to her family, especially her pregnant mother and engaged sister. As she goes on her journey to Oregon, she finds herself facing many problems that she ultimately overcomes.
A one-of-a-kind dystopian novel, Restoring Harmony never fails to impress the reader with its impressive clarity, its down-to-earth, resourceful characters, and its simple, yet flawless prose. The relationship between Spill and Molly captivates hearts along with Molly's yearning and determination to reunite with her family. Joelle Anthony completely enraptures this through Molly's feelings and actions. Restoring Harmony harnesses many emotions from readers and will make them laugh, cry, and smile.
The atmosphere that Anthony conveys in Restoring Harmony completely mirrors that of any dystopian novel. Although even that could stop Molly from being so determined to reach her family. Will she reach them in time? Will her mother's baby be safe? A debut 2010 novel, Restoring Harmony will be the complete opposite of its dystopian theme. Is there an antonym for dystopian? A+ =)
The Bottom Line: Someone has finally written a dystopian book that I read and loved!
---Report Card---
Originality: 10/10
Ending: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Plot: 10/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 10/10
Theme: 10/10
Imagery:10/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 100/100 (A+) !!!This is one of the SIX books that hold the title: The Holy Grail - Beholder of the Perfect 100!!!
Who is your favorite character from SEA?
Oh gosh, how can I choose? I love all three of the main characters: Sienna, Deni and Spider. I also like Bev a lot. Her part used to be bigger. Also fond of Big Tom. And Dad. And Ellie and Amelia. That's like asking me to choose which of my kids I like the most. ;) The only one who bugs me is Vera, and even she is okay once in awhile.
What inspired you to write SEA?
My husband, fresh out of psychiatry residency, volunteered his time to help surviving teens and children of the tsunami. His stories and his personal growth after experiencing such an incredible event inspired SEA.
Why did you choose Indonesia as SEA's setting?
Indonesia was the epicenter of the tsunami--Aceh specifically. And where my husband volunteered. It made the most sense to place my story there.
What do you see as your strengths and weaknesses as an author?
I think this is a better question to ask my editor. ;)
What's the most interesting thing a reader has ever said to you?
The thing that makes me happiest is when readers say the characters and the story stuck with them long after they've finished reading. And that it was 'unputdownable' (my agent says that--I know it's not a real word, but I dig it.)
How does it feel being an author?
Awesome. Splendid. Dream come true.
Book you've faked reading:
HAH! That's hilarious. I don't know if I've "faked" reading, but I always think I've read Pride and Prejudice just because everyone has---so if it comes up I sort of nod and contribute to the conversation before I remember I haven't read it. I know. Shame on me. I must remedy!
Book you've bought for the cover:
Twilight. Before it was popular I saw the cover at Kepler's Books and picked it up to check it out. I bought it based on the cover and the prologue. If only I'd purchased stock then, I'd be a zillionaire!
Book you're an evangelist for:
When I love a book, I let the world know. Currently, I'm blogging a lot about The Secret Year, by fellow Tenner (www.thetenners.com) Jennifer Hubbard, Flash Burnout by L.K. Madigan, and Struts & Frets by Jon Skovron. All contemporary novels with beautiful writing and big hearts.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Thanks for having me! You can find out more about SEA by visiting my my website: http://heidirkling.com
That's it folks! I really loved Sea and I loved learning more about Heidi! Hope you enjoyed learning about her too!
Yours till Awesome Authors,
Title: SeaHey guys! Today, I have a super special treat for you! Stacey Barney from Putnam is here with me! And I was able to do a really fun interview with her about publishing and all that!
What inspired you to make YA literature your career focus?
I was a high school English teacher for five years before entering the publishing industry. As a teacher, I found there was a dearth of outside reading material that truly spoke to my students and that they considered worth their time. A lot of the books seemed to speak down to my students and more intent on teaching a lesson instead of just telling a good, juicy story. I got into publishing because I was interested in giving young readers books they could really sink their teeth into—books they would remember and appreciate.
What kind of reader were you as a teenager?
I was a voracious reader. I read anything and everything I could get my hands on. I read both teen and adult books. My favorite series was the Sweet Valley High books. I would have followed Elizabeth and Jessica to the ends of the earth if I could. lol I also read a lot of Danielle Steele and the Babysitters Club was in high rotation as well. But I equally enjoyed the classics: To Kill a Mockingbird was a dear favorite of mine (and still is). Flowers for Algernon, The Member of the Wedding and Brown Girl, Brownstones were also books I remember having quite the emotional response to.
How was your road to becoming the editor for Putnam?
I began in book publishing as an Intern at Lee & Low Books, a multi-cultural children’s book publisher. From there I went on to work on the Adult side of publishing at Farrar, Straus & Giroux (FSG). I then transitioned to HarperCollins, still working on Adult books, but also serving as a liaison between an Adult division and the children’s division. That led me back to my love of children’s books. From there I took at job at Kensington Publishers where in addition to working on Adult books, I also launched a Young Adult line for them, including such titles as Drama High by L. Divine for which I was the original acquiring Editor. I made the complete transition to Children’s books by taking a job as Editor at Putnam Books for Young Readers. I’ve been working at Putnam with new authors for over three years, and I’m ecstatic to be there and to have the pleasure and honor of working with such talents as Rosalind Wiseman, Joëlle Anthony and Heidi R. Kling.
Did you take courses in college that led you to becoming an editor?
I was a Double Major in College: English and African American Studies. Aside from wanting to write, I didn’t have a clear idea of what I wanted my career path to be. Gratefully, I fell into teaching and while pursuing an MFA in Fiction at Emerson College I discovered book publishing. The best things that have happened to me in my career have all occurred by chance, but my love of literature and the pursuit of literary knowledge prepared me to take on these opportunities when they did come my way.
What are some challenges you face in your job?
Challenges vary from day-to-day. Meeting strict deadlines when working on multiple projects is a challenge. Working within a shrinking market is also a challenge. Favorite independent bookstores suddenly don’t exist. Teacher and librarian budgets that have been the backbone of Children’s publishing are dwindling. Finding new and creative ways to reach teen readers is also a challenge. But these challenges are also mitigated when we do get books into the hands of young readers and something very special happens for them between the covers of story so many worked so hard to get to them.
What are some of the benefits of being an editor?
One huge benefit of being an editor is getting to help a writer shape their narrative and voice—to help them tell a story that will resonate and live on long after their actual publication date. As an editor, I’m really in on the ground floor of a career and/or a book that has the potential to really matter to someone in the way only a book can and that’s pretty exciting and special.
What are some Putnam titles that we should be excitedly awaiting?
Some Putnam titles to be on the look out for aside from Boys, Girls and Other Hazardous Materials (January), Restoring Harmony (May) and Sea (June) are Janette Rallison’s latest My Double Life coming in May and Polly Shulman’s The Grimm Legacy coming in July.
What usually makes you 'pick' a book for publication? Do you have any set criteria?
I don’t have any set criteria aside from what is standard—a well-written manuscript with fully realized characters and a compelling plot—but the books I choose to publish all have voice, which unfortunately, isn’t something I can quantify. It’s very much an “I know it when I see it” sort of thing. I read hundreds of manuscripts a year, and buy very few—less than 5—but those I do buy have a voice that has stuck with me long after I have read the very last page.
There you have it folks! I hope you enjoyed this interview! Stacey's a really fun editor to work with!
Yours till the awesome people,
Hey guys! Today, I have Rosalind Wiseman with me here for Putnam Week! She's the author behind the soon-to-be-released Boys, Girls, and Other Hazardous Materials! So, let's welcome Rosalind!
Which cover of Boys, Girls, and Other Hazardous Materials do you prefer?
I prefer the original bomb cover that's on the galley, because I wanted boys to read the book and I think it's more gender-neutral. A lot of YA covers seem to be geared exclusively to teen girls. I've heard a lot of adults say "Well, boys just don't read," and I think that's a big assumption to make. I think if people said "Girls just don't read," no one would stand for it and we'd do something about it. There'd be initiatives and programs and people talking about it on television, but as a society we don't challenge the assumptions we have about boys as much, and I think that's wrong.
What do you see as your strengths and weaknesses as an author?
I think my weakness is describing how a person feels through their behavior--that has been really challenging for me. Being able to convey in a small gesture how a character feels takes brilliant nuance. And I think my strength is in capturing dialogue realistically. The situations that I put my characters in are real--they are either experiences I've had working with thousands of kids from across the country over the years. It makes for more confident writing when you know that what you're saying is based on someone's reality.
Why did you choose to write YA?
I actually didn't choose YA, it chose me. I was asked to write the book by Penguin Putnam several years ago, and didn't know at the time if I could do it. But thankfully I ended up with a really amazing editor who comforted me, pushed me, and made me a better writer in the process.
What's the most interesting thing a reader has ever said to you?
A mom actually recently told me that after reading my book, Queen Bees & Wannabes, she got divorced because her husband was not treating her with dignity. In the book I say that you have to be honest about the kinds of relationships you have in your life if you're going to ask that of your child. If you have people in your life that treat you like dirt, you won't have any credibility when you tell your kid you don't want the same thing for them. It made me feel sad for a moment that something I wrote would have changed her life so drastically, but ultimately I felt good about having been a catalyst in helping her make a decision that had resulted in her being honest with herself and ultimately being happier for taking the risk.
How does it feel to have your book turned into a movie?
It's complicated. It feels great in many ways, but Mean Girls cast such a huge shadow that I don't want to be identified as that being the only successful thing I've ever done in my life. I'm hoping that the novel will be well-received enough to give me a little breathing room from that phenomena.
How does it feel being an author?
It feels cool! All of these funny, interesting, crazy experiences one has have a place to go once you're a writer--especially with regard to fiction. But when it very first happened, I couldn't believe my name was on a book. I would sometimes go to the book store just to visit the book--it was so surreal for so long.
Book you've faked reading:
This is honestly one of the best questions I've ever been asked. War and Peace. Paradise Lost. Brideshead Revisited. Lots of Shakespeare--I've started a lot of Shakespeare and not finished.
Book you've bought for the cover:
Mists of Avalon. I actually liked it. But I loved the powerful woman sorceress.
Book you're an evangelist for:
Peace Like a River, Black Swan Green, the short story "Roman Fever" by Edith Wharton.
Anything else you'd like to add?
These are definitely some of the best questions I've ever been asked in an interview. You should send them to major journalists so that they can copy you.
Thanks Rosalind! This is one really cool interview! Don't forget to drop by here if you want to see more of Putnam authors!
Title: Boys, Girls, and Other Hazardous MaterialsCharlie Healey thinks Harmony Falls is the beginning of a whole new life. Middle school was brutal. But high school is Charlie’s big chance to start over and stay out of drama, except that on her first day she runs into Will, her ex–best friend, who had moved away. Now a varsity athlete and hotter than Charlie remembered, Will hangs with the crowd running the school. But Charlie doesn’t understand their power until an innocent delivery guy falls victim to a near-deadly hazing prank.
Torn between doing what’s right and her secret feelings for Will, Charlie must decide whether to turn in her very best friend or live with the guilt of knowing what he did.
Laugh-out-loud funny and hilariously entertaining, Boys, Girls, and Other Hazardous Materials is a novel that's completely unforgettable. Filled with fun and conflict, Boys, Girls, and Other Hazardous Materials also has an engaging and witty narrator whose experiences are similar to that of normal teenagers. Charlie, though a little generic, is a compassionate and reasonable character in the book. Her emotions and experiences aren't dissimilar to other high school teens. She also has her own doubts and insecurities...much like everyone else. This novel is basically just an amplified and exaggerated version of high school wherein Wiseman emphasizes aspects of cliques, bullying, and secrets (crushes!). These aspects--no matter how unpleasant--are a part of truly being in high school.
The special thing about Boys, Girls, and Other Hazardous Materials is that Wiseman manages to somehow delve deeper into the actions and emotions of Charlie whilst keeping the book light and entertaining. And steadily throughout the book, you begin to see Charlie and her relationships with her friends change. The romanticism in Boys, Girls, and Other Hazardous Materials is chaste and convincing without being hurried.
Rosalind Wiseman, along with Boys, Girls, and Other Hazardous Materials, have astounded the YA world with this funny, entertaining book that might be a little generic on the outside, but will make you throw your head and laugh out loud! A =)
The Bottom Line: Cliques + Crushes = Typical High School =)
---Report Card---
Originality: 7/10
Ending: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Plot: 9/10
My reaction/enjoyment: 9/10
Theme: 9/10
Imagery: 9/10
Setting: 5/5
Voice: 5/5
Style: 5/5
Tone: 5/5
Cover: 10/10
Total Score: 91/100 (A)
Hey folks! This week, I'm going to be hosting not an author, but a publisher! The publisher is an imprint of Penguin called Putnam Juvenile! It's an amazing imprint that going to be releasing three big books this year: Sea by Heidi R. Kling, Boys, Girls, and Other Hazardous Materials by Rosalind Wiseman, and Restoring Harmony by Joelle Anthony! I'm so glad to be hosting these three amazing books! Here's how this week is going to roll:
Monday - Kick-off Post
Tuesday - Review of Boys, Girls, and other Hazardous Materials, Interview with Rosalind Wiseman
Wednesday - Interview with the Editor
Thursday - Review of Sea, Interview with Heidi R. Kling
Friday - Review of Restoring Harmony, Interview with Joelle Anthony
I'm going to be updating this post a lot with the links for all of the posts ^above^. Just come here if you need to find anything relating to Putnam Week!
Read more...
IMM is hosted by The Story Siren =) Okay, I've decided that I'm going to do IMM posts whenever I feel like it (aka when Reggie isn't feeling lazy!) hehe =) Anyway, here's my IMM for this week. Hope ya like it!
For Review:
Something Like Fate - Susane Colasanti (Thanks so much to my book fairy!)
The Six Rules of Maybe - Deb Caletti
The Unwritten Rule - Elizabeth Scott
Bleeding Violet - Dia Reeves
The Eternal Ones - Kirsten Miller (Thanks so much to my book fairy!)
From Katie: (Trade)
Gone - Lisa McMann (Love ya Katie!!! (like a sis of course))
The Dark Divine - Bree Despain
Hearts At Stake - Alyxandra Harvey
Tangled - Carolyn Mackler
For Keeps - Natasha Friend
The River - Mary Jane Beaufrand
Bought:
Swoon - Nina Malkin
Kiss Me Kill Me - Lauren Henderson
Kisses and Lies - Lauren Henderson
The Last Song - Nicholas Sparks
All Unquiet Things - Anna Jarzab (2 copies)
Some Girls Are - Courtney Summers (2 copies)
From My Secret Santa:
Dream Girl - Lauren Mechling
Need - Carrie Jones
My Soul to Take - Rachel Vincent
The Swag:
I got a few Ten Cents a Dance goodies =)
So that's it! Thanks so much to my awesome Secret Santa The Epic Rat! I loved the water-grown abominable snowman! And another super thanks to my book fairy (who's the best book fairy ever!!!)!!! I SOOO cannot wait to read The Eternal Ones!!!!!!!!!! And lastly (but not least!), a big thanks to Katie from Katie's Book Blog for trading those books!!! I'm so going to be buried in reading this week!
Yours till the book fairies,
The Undercover Book Lover (Not Really) by ReggieWrites is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
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