tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50021524357128086552024-02-18T19:22:09.977-08:00The Contemps21 authors celebrating contemporary, realistic fiction for young adults through blog discussions, book events, and (over)sharing from our own teen years.The Contemps: YA Authors Keeping it Realhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04566269368516431415noreply@blogger.comBlogger246125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5002152435712808655.post-70536422486812721672012-07-26T08:16:00.000-07:002012-07-26T08:17:32.170-07:00Good bye, thank you, and keep reading!I started this blog two years ago because I love contemporary YA fiction and I was a little worried that it was going to fade off into the sunset, except for a few authors who had already made names for themselves. Instead, I'm happy to report, it's going strong. Every month for the past year, the monthly release calendar I put together for this blog had anywhere from 15 to 30 new releases, and many of those were by debut authors. In addition, this past year, we've seen many contemporary titles selling extremely well. This makes my contemporary-loving heart SO happy!!<br />
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And so, because time is precious and authors are busy, busy people, it's this blog that is now going to fade off into the sunset.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90qGHSXvv7EgQgBAX121mF91-Bx7tgn4xIa8zq85Q2FsYtde4puKpId9lbiKHdVTj20GWUg2l5WlO9Bo3E6Nw-g7Y9nwLFPhyphenhyphenvtLVIoHU5Bnb2I8uMVOEeIfivy2hPzRXO4CXPJvFbYYR/s1600/Sunset2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90qGHSXvv7EgQgBAX121mF91-Bx7tgn4xIa8zq85Q2FsYtde4puKpId9lbiKHdVTj20GWUg2l5WlO9Bo3E6Nw-g7Y9nwLFPhyphenhyphenvtLVIoHU5Bnb2I8uMVOEeIfivy2hPzRXO4CXPJvFbYYR/s400/Sunset2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Lisa Schroeder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We'll keep the site up for the next year, in case people want to search the archives. And we'll still tweet from time to time, so if you're on twitter, do follow us: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/YAContemps">www.twitter.com/YAContemps </a><br />
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Thank you to those of you who have followed along and thank you to those who have bought books and supported contemporary YA. The best thing we can do to keep contemporary YA going strong is to vote with our dollars. When editors see that YA contemporary novels are selling, they buy more!<br />
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I can't wait to see what the next year brings. In case you can't either, here's a sneak peek...<br />
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Happy reading!!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQb2mdjEqCGNYYtGTHfj9RBdx3y0N8vghTymIBBcs2KCTv7XMXtGePKv1TLpdVtMYcgPPnM5XXiNhlNppVOZUlF8hzLs2omhksTOfxng3qGyw0JePWbOnSq2lrskkTqbMj4dZGinKqf7wf/s1600/FallingForYou_04.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQb2mdjEqCGNYYtGTHfj9RBdx3y0N8vghTymIBBcs2KCTv7XMXtGePKv1TLpdVtMYcgPPnM5XXiNhlNppVOZUlF8hzLs2omhksTOfxng3qGyw0JePWbOnSq2lrskkTqbMj4dZGinKqf7wf/s320/FallingForYou_04.12.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">coming January 2013 from Simon Pulse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfTbHakTNxeO4v50S6IzjjP4MsLyVwg5dnRQ7MR3Y8KGaa6pm69cGDt32OGh4GNo2WuJmJWFsBrdwdEl81dcVIykz9lw1S_YEKs-jSIwiMqvD7pH1JUGMnOiy1u3z54VrAKO0jYi59Dqz/s1600/10594356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfTbHakTNxeO4v50S6IzjjP4MsLyVwg5dnRQ7MR3Y8KGaa6pm69cGDt32OGh4GNo2WuJmJWFsBrdwdEl81dcVIykz9lw1S_YEKs-jSIwiMqvD7pH1JUGMnOiy1u3z54VrAKO0jYi59Dqz/s320/10594356.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">coming March 2013 from Bloomsbury</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lisa Schroederhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10677227681455190084noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5002152435712808655.post-61861350960892577662012-07-11T03:36:00.000-07:002012-07-11T03:36:01.007-07:00Contemp Fiction: When It's Real, It's Even Creepier - A Guest Post By Kim Purcell<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiADEJ18rWRNpjx6LJnInASz-pUoq0ijM3eZagS-fRiljbrunaG2yCc0Z808cqOoxsoe9jo7xSYlY-SNOhUPSUsbV98ZTOBWIZalOgw8mxsGc2lGBm-FPj4FDqEWgOITYOp2CFQlZ7Y8mw/s1600/TraffickedCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiADEJ18rWRNpjx6LJnInASz-pUoq0ijM3eZagS-fRiljbrunaG2yCc0Z808cqOoxsoe9jo7xSYlY-SNOhUPSUsbV98ZTOBWIZalOgw8mxsGc2lGBm-FPj4FDqEWgOITYOp2CFQlZ7Y8mw/s320/TraffickedCover.jpg" width="211" /></a>When I talk to people about my debut novel, TRAFFICKED, they
still ask me how common human trafficking really is. My answer: shockingly
common. We are all affected in some way, whether we know it or not. Human
trafficking is the second fastest growing crime in America, after drug
trafficking, and half of the victims are children. The good news is that
I believe with more attention to this issue, a lot of kids can be saved from
this fate.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I was researching my novel, I found that they’re
usually kids who have lower confidence and don’t get enough love or attention
from the adults in their lives. They’re vulnerable to a person who seems like
he or she is a good listener and really cares about them. If you know a
teen, please show her or him you care. If you are a teen, there are ways to
protect yourself.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I recently met an incredible teen at a recent high school visit
for TRAFFICKED. “Ally” (not her real name) is an eloquent, funny, brave
African-American teenager who was a victim of sex trafficking. She introduced
me to her classmates by delivering a moving spoken word performance about her
own experiences with sex trafficking. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
“Ally” was a fifteen-year-old virgin when she met her
trafficker. Her mom was away, working. Her father was out of the picture. She
was alone at home, except for an older sister who was busy with her own life.
So, when an older guy befriended her and seemed genuinely interested in her as
a person, she felt special and loved. He told her she was beautiful. She never
thought she was attractive before. He drove her to and from school, bought her
presents and took her out for dinner. She thought he was her boyfriend and
believed that he loved her. She calls this “the honeymoon phase.” Then, he
coerced her to use drugs and sold her for sex. </div>
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This began a year-long cycle of abuse, beatings, apologies,
forced drugs and sex, more apologies, declarations of love. She told me
everything that comes before “tricks the mind “ so that “even after they trap
you into the life, you keep thinking about how they used to treat you and you
believe that it makes up for the abuse, disrespect, and the lies.” One day, her
mom found a sex advertisement for her own daughter and called the police.
“Ally’s” trafficker was sent to jail and “Ally” began her healing. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
When “Ally” told me her story, it sounded like so many other
stories of human trafficking I heard when I was researching TRAFFICKED. Whether
it’s modern-day domestic slavery or sex trafficking, they all experience a
grooming or honeymoon phase in which the traffickers develop trust. It happens
to foreigners and it happens to Americans too. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I asked “Ally” what she’d like girls to think about, what
might have helped her. “One thing I will say is that young people should watch
who they spend their time with. Watch out for them asking for favors and
trembling like, "Can you just do this for me?" Or saying, "If
you loved me as much as I love you then you'll do this for me."”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She says there were warning signs, but she didn’t know what
they were. In my research, I found that girls are often pressured to do
something they don’t want to do or do it faster than they’re ready. They get
gifts that make them feel indebted. The person forces a promise out of them
that they don’t want to break. Most importantly, the girls often get some kind
of bad feeling, but they don’t listen to it. Their intuition is telling them that
something is wrong, but they remember when the person made them feel great. So,
they ignore that bad feeling. I would like to encourage all girls, all people,
to listen to that voice. You might be scared or feel that you made promises you
don’t want to keep, but you need to walk away. It could save your life. </div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFb0QtnWlLwgDKEJ3Ptp1btXsVFvEyoSLotsYssY61AgdatGreNjBCtZL3hruUJdPVT9eOLZq4yRb9iC25NgtpLZrG421kaUVCLryOcGiiMdS2opQwNFdeL406YgXWHUPHVL_yaMxJSNI/s1600/kimpurcell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFb0QtnWlLwgDKEJ3Ptp1btXsVFvEyoSLotsYssY61AgdatGreNjBCtZL3hruUJdPVT9eOLZq4yRb9iC25NgtpLZrG421kaUVCLryOcGiiMdS2opQwNFdeL406YgXWHUPHVL_yaMxJSNI/s320/kimpurcell.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Kim Purcell is a novelist, journalist and teacher. As a
reporter, she interviewed drug dealers, prostitutes and murderers and became
interested in the trauma they’d experienced as children. She started writing
novels while teaching English as a Second Language in Los Angeles and wrote two
"practice" novels before TRAFFICKED. After hearing the stories her
immigrant students shared with her, she decided to write about human trafficking,
and traveled to Moldova, one of the poorest countries of the former Soviet
Union, to get to the root of the problem. Her experiences there and her
interviews with immigrants in America are the basis for TRAFFICKED. Kim
Purcell lives outside New York City with her husband, two girls and rescue dog.
In her spare time, she's a swimmer, a runner and a yogi. She laughs loudly and
loves to dance in random locations, like elevators.</div>Denise Jadenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228680870842660435noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5002152435712808655.post-2398948417021635982012-07-10T05:00:00.000-07:002012-07-10T05:00:02.117-07:00Spotlight on NEVER ENOUGH by Denise Jaden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipo6oen0ShU4X0fLaD9tMTB46ArEhUWo9ALD61vI9Vn1ooaNyan23Le9vS6UoLPHE7YfkXixLtK5zr2DtvTmlf0C9_52bHvBskCAnoj-ydP5aEmQJU0UbpigDeuP2tzghWY5oByMLBmWA/s1600/a+denise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipo6oen0ShU4X0fLaD9tMTB46ArEhUWo9ALD61vI9Vn1ooaNyan23Le9vS6UoLPHE7YfkXixLtK5zr2DtvTmlf0C9_52bHvBskCAnoj-ydP5aEmQJU0UbpigDeuP2tzghWY5oByMLBmWA/s320/a+denise.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Today is a special day- the release day of NEVER ENOUGH, an amazing new book from Denise Jaden, author of LOSING FAITH!!</strong></div>
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<em>NEVER ENOUGH is a novel about two sisters and the eating disorder that threatens to destroy their family.</em><br />
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<em>Loann’s always wanted to be popular and pretty like her sister, Claire. So when Claire’s ex-boyfriend starts flirting with her, Loann is willing to do whatever it takes to feel special… even if that means betraying her sister.</em><br />
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<em>But as Loann slips inside Claire’s world, she discovers that everything is not as it seems. Claire’s quest for perfection is all-consuming, and comes at a dangerous price. As Claire increasingly withdraws from friends and family, Loann struggles to understand her and make amends. Can she heal their relationship —and her sister—before it’s too late?</em><br />
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A powerful writer who unflinchingly examines meaningful subjects and elicits powerful emotions in her readers, Denise is already getting rave reviews on her new book. Publisher's Weekly called NEVER ENOUGH <strong><em>"an intimate and enlightened rendering of anorexia and bulimia"</em></strong> and says it <strong><em>"dramatically illustrates the importance of speaking out and reaching out."</em></strong><br />
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Also releasing TODAY is Denise's touching video where she and other authors share their thoughts on not feeling like enough. It's definitely worth a look!<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IvwLGDWsXoM">http://www.youtube.com/embed/IvwLGDWsXoM</a><br />
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<br />
Also check out Denise talking about her book on her blog tour <a href="http://denisejaden.blogspot.ca/2012/07/blog-tours-and-entries-and-prizes-oh-my.html">here</a>! Lots of chances to see what went on behind the scenes and to win some great prize packs! Did some one say WIN!!! Check out <a href="http://denisejaden.blogspot.ca/2012/07/blog-tours-and-entries-and-prizes-oh-my.html">Denise's blog</a> for chances to win. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgrL254TzW6PkWVIwc78v3p3-4bgASfJLNAvgBQu7290AsKHggf4-2XyPRrHqihpSegRagaYh5ZtRo63-xCWPuPsiilB1wxu0VAkUP9wIlffqOFiMsNcmzMxM2e6GpIqCfBMvxmdcx00/s1600/2919206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgrL254TzW6PkWVIwc78v3p3-4bgASfJLNAvgBQu7290AsKHggf4-2XyPRrHqihpSegRagaYh5ZtRo63-xCWPuPsiilB1wxu0VAkUP9wIlffqOFiMsNcmzMxM2e6GpIqCfBMvxmdcx00/s320/2919206.jpg" width="212" /></a><br />
<strong>Denise Jaden</strong> has been a professional Polynesian dancer, a fitness competitor, a mushroom farmer, a church secretary, and a homeschooling mom. <i>Losing Faith</i> was her first novel. She lives just outside Vancouver, Canada, with her husband and son. Visit her online at DeniseJaden.com or on Twitter at @DeniseJaden.<br />
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<br />Janet Gurtlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09378521577302320423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5002152435712808655.post-16074681523582757902012-06-27T03:00:00.000-07:002012-06-27T03:00:02.156-07:00Spotlight on MESSY by the FugGirls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjinoxTNP9pCajvbxQN4vSjVsIwwvj1jLrZf1rhs8rFuMDwyffoxZnbTa_bei5t4cTAwiBVRqfL9Z54A1QyQrZbBJnp_6M1OMENVyyNq-zRj4MdKS3k7z2QL1RiM_D9PG4QU_QCLZcN4/s1600/cocksmorgan_messy_hc-jpg.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjinoxTNP9pCajvbxQN4vSjVsIwwvj1jLrZf1rhs8rFuMDwyffoxZnbTa_bei5t4cTAwiBVRqfL9Z54A1QyQrZbBJnp_6M1OMENVyyNq-zRj4MdKS3k7z2QL1RiM_D9PG4QU_QCLZcN4/s200/cocksmorgan_messy_hc-jpg.jpeg" width="131" /></a></div>
As far as sequels go, this one is a bit of a game changer. Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan wrote their first book, <u>Spoiled</u>, following two main characters, sisters Molly and Brooke. <u>Messy</u> continues in that tradition of following two points of view, but this time they sub out Molly for her best friend Max, which leads to drama right at the start since Max and Brooke hate each other.<br />
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As with most things I read from Cocks and Morgan, <u>Messy</u> had me laugh out loud and often. And this book felt even more compelling than the first (which I also liked) because the plot revolved around something in which these two writers already master: a blog. If you don't follow them on www.gofugyourself.com, then you should.<br />
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And don't just take my word for it...<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">“I love the way Heather and Jessica write. They’re so funny, and so fashion-y, which is incredibly rare.” – </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Mindy Kaling, Emmy-nominated writer, actress and New York Times bestselling author of </em></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">“Gleefully sending up celebrity blogs and social media… timely satirical touches keep things fresh [...] thanks to a cast of complex characters who offer ample evidence that, F. Scott Fitzgerald notwithstanding, the rich and famous are like you and me.” — </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Kirkus Reviews</em></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">“Cocks and Morgan’s signature sassy style is back and stronger than ever. The dialogue is more snappy, the pacing more polished [...] and all of the Fug Girls’ pokes at celebrity ridiculousness made me want to high five them SO BAD.” — </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Forever Young Adult</em></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span></li>
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Follow them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gofugyourself">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/fuggirls">Twitter</a>.</div>
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SYNOPSIS according to Goodreads.com:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><em>Sometimes life gets messy.</em></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">After a rocky start in</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><em>Spoiled</em></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">, Brooke Berlin and her newly discovered half sister, Molly Dix, have settled into something like sisterly love, but the drama is far from over.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Now that Brooke's caught a taste of fame and her movie star father's attention, she wants to launch a blog that will position her as the ultimate Hollywood insider. But between schoolwork, party-planning committee meetings, and spa treatments, she hardly has the time to write it herself...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Enter Max McCormack, an aspiring author with a terrible after-school job pushing faux meat on the macrobiotic masses of La-La Land. Max reluctantly agrees to play Brooke's ghost-blogger for an impressive salary, and the site takes off, but how long can their lie last? In person, Brooke can't live up to the intellectual wit of openbrooke.com, and Max soon begins to resent hiding her genius behind a bandage dress-wearing blonde. Can the girls work together to stay on top, or will the truth come out and ruin everything they've built?</span></blockquote>
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<ul></ul>Alecia Whitakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12015684949758308301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5002152435712808655.post-67097775861304248242012-06-06T03:00:00.000-07:002012-06-06T03:00:02.135-07:00Spotlight on 37 THINGS I LOVE (In no particular order) by Kekla Magoon!Kekla Magoon and I share an agent (Michelle Humphrey). I've been working with Michelle on a non-fiction book about writing grief in fiction lately, and so she sent me a copy of <i>37 Things I Love</i>, telling me I <i>have </i>to read it. I'm so, so glad she did! What a wonderful look not only at unusual grief, but also at complicated friendships and complicated love. I'm so glad to have read this book and will think of it for a long time to come. <br />
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Here's a little more about the book...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhuwd5qkfkGeD8l_1Siv9do88JdnNGfeu7lMEfEge_JEMbdsKQIGe2eVIapZTo9oJX9sFFUfyWN0DZPq_inWLAH2FdK4IxXksMypVU7vSmD2ByKGn2z7IGQIJYrZkN2uUHiXJu4AbCQo/s1600/37.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhuwd5qkfkGeD8l_1Siv9do88JdnNGfeu7lMEfEge_JEMbdsKQIGe2eVIapZTo9oJX9sFFUfyWN0DZPq_inWLAH2FdK4IxXksMypVU7vSmD2ByKGn2z7IGQIJYrZkN2uUHiXJu4AbCQo/s320/37.JPG" width="224" /></a></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<div id="yui_3_3_0_1_1338172118796_2672">
Ellis only has four days of her
sophomore year left, and summer is so close that she can almost taste
it. But even with vacation just within reach, Ellis isn’t exactly
relaxed. Her father has been in a coma for years, the result of a
construction accident, and her already-fragile relationship with her
mother is strained over whether or not to remove him from life support.
Her best friend fails even to notice that anything is wrong and Ellis
feels like her world is falling apart. But when all seems bleak, Ellis
finds comfort in the most unexpected places.</div>
<div id="yui_3_3_0_1_1338172118796_2673">
Life goes on, but in those four
fleeting days friends are lost and found, promises are made, and Ellis
realizes that nothing will ever quite be the same.</div>
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Here's what early reviews have been saying...</div>
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“Magoon (Camo Girl) gently but unflinchingly explores difficult adolescent territory in this intelligent, affecting novel.”—<i>Publishers Weekly</i><br />
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“…coming of age, death, hope, love—and Ellis is a character to care about and cheer on for a long, long time.”—<i>Horn Book</i><br />
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"...[a] powerful outing from a rising star."—<i>Kirkus</i><br />
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Pick up your own copy of this wonderful book at<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/37-things-i-love-kekla-magoon/1104729423?ean=9780805094657"> Barnes & Noble</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0805094652/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img">Amazon</a>, or at your favorite independent bookstore.<i> </i>Denise Jadenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228680870842660435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5002152435712808655.post-15951651039443186662012-05-30T03:00:00.000-07:002012-05-30T03:00:15.605-07:00Spotlight on WHEN YOU WERE MINE by Rebecca Serle!<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>What if the greatest love story ever told was the wrong one?</b></i></div>
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Wow. I'm a big fan of retellings, and think anyone who even attempts writing one must be a special mix of brilliant and crazy, but wow! What a different spin Rebecca Serle puts on Romeo and Juliet! This is a wonderful debut novel, which hooked me on every level...from the friendships and romance, to the family drama, and even the politics!<br />
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Here's a little more about the book...<br />
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<b>In this intensely romantic, modern recounting of the
greatest love story ever told, Romeo’s original intended—Juliet’s cousin
Rosaline—tells her side of the tale. </b></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote>
<i>What’s in a name, Shakespeare? I’ll tell you: Everything.</i><br />
<i> </i>Rosaline
knows that she and Rob are destined to be together. Rose has been
waiting for years for Rob to kiss her—and when he finally does, it’s
perfect. But then Juliet moves back to town. Juliet, who used to be
Rose’s best friend. Juliet, who now inexplicably hates her. Juliet, who
is gorgeous, vindictive, and a little bit crazy...and who has set her
sights on Rob. He doesn’t even stand a chance.<br />
Rose is
devastated over losing Rob to Juliet. This is not how the story was
supposed to go. And when rumors start swirling about Juliet’s
instability, her neediness, and her threats of suicide, Rose starts to
fear not only for Rob’s heart, but also for his life. Because
Shakespeare may have gotten the story wrong, but we all still know how
it ends….</blockquote>
Here's what others are saying about this wonderful book...<br />
<br />
“I swooned. I cried. I loved, loved, loved this delicious novel.” –Sarah Mlynowski, author of <i>Ten Things We Did (and Probably Shouldn’t Have)</i> and <i>Gimme a Call</i><br />
<i> </i><br />
“A powerful story about the thrill of first love and the devastation of first heartbreak.” –Leila Sales, author of <i>Mostly Good Girls</i> and<i> Past Perfect</i><br />
<br />
“A sweet, fun, and utterly irresistible read." –Deb Caletti, National Book Award Finalist<br />
<br />
“A
whirlwind of drama, intrigue, political scandal, and romance worthy of
the Bard himself. Serle infuses plenty of realism and heart into her
tale….She has made such an appealing character that the story goes from
being another retelling of R&J to Rosaline’s story, told at long
last.” --VOYA<br />
<br />
“This emotionally authentic debut novel about a
fragile first love keeps the pages turning….Serle gets the nuances just
right. The optimism of new love, the concerned friends after Rose’s
heartbreak and the dynamics of a triangle—not just the love triangle
between Rose, Rob and Juliet, but also the triangle of female best
friends.” --<i>Shelf Awareness</i><br />
<br />
<br />
I hope you'll consider picking up a copy of <i>When You Were Mine</i>. You won't regret it. You can find it at <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-you-were-mine-rebecca-serle/1104239926?ean=9781442433137">Barnes & Noble</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/When-Were-Mine-Rebecca-Serle/dp/1442433132/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1338171068&sr=1-1">Amazon</a>, or at your local independent bookstore.<i> </i>
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</div>Denise Jadenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228680870842660435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5002152435712808655.post-73583550206156765152012-05-29T03:00:00.000-07:002012-05-31T20:15:24.077-07:00Spotlight On Terra Elan McVoy and BEING FRIENDS WITH BOYSFrom the first time I heard the title of this book, I knew I had to have it. You see I've always been friends with boys. I took one of my best male friends to prom. I was friends with my husband long before we became anything else. When Harry Met Sally is one of my all-time favorite movies. I've always loved even the idea of girls being friends with boys and so I naturally gravitated toward the subject in a book. And--wonderfully enough--Terra and I share an editor, who happened to send me a copy of this very pretty new book!<br />
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The thing with being friends with boys is that it's very risky! It may feel totally normal one moment, and cross over into something completely different in the next. Terra McVoy is a master of capturing those changes over and over and over again (with several different boys!) You will be on the edge of your seat wondering who Char is going to end up with. I know I was!<br />
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Here's a little more about the book... <br />
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<b>From the author of <i>Pure </i>and <i>The Summer of Firsts and Lasts, </i>a friendship story with one girl, several boys, and lots of complications.</b>Charlotte
and Oliver have been friends forever. She knows that he, Abe, and Trip
consider her to be one of the guys, and she likes it that way. She likes
being the friend who keeps them all together. Likes offering a girl’s
perspective on their love lives. Likes being the behind-the-scenes
wordsmith who writes all the lyrics for the boys’ band. Char has a house
full of stepsisters and a past full of backstabbing (female) ex–best
friends, so for her, being friends with boys is refreshingly
drama-free…until it isn’t anymore.<br />
When a new boy enters the
scene and makes Char feel like, well, a total girl…and two of her other
friends have a falling out that may or may not be related to one of them
deciding he might want to be <i>more </i>than friends with Char…being friends with all these boys suddenly becomes a lot more complicated.</blockquote>
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Love, love, love this book! If you'd like to get your own copy (which you totally should!) you can find it at <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/being-friends-with-boys-terra-elan-mcvoy/1104239856">Barnes & Noble</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Being-Friends-Boys-Terra-McVoy/dp/1442421592/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1338170613&sr=1-1">Amazon</a>, or at your favorite independent bookstore. </div>
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</div>Denise Jadenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228680870842660435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5002152435712808655.post-27781859363213297292012-05-23T05:00:00.000-07:002012-05-23T05:00:15.957-07:00Spotlight on UNBREAK MY HEART by Melissa WalkerMelissa Walker's latest novel, Unbreak My Heart, released yesterday and is a perfect romantic read for the summer!<br />
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From the author's <a href="http://www.melissacwalker.com/portfolio/unbreak-my-heart/">Web site</a>:<br />
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The year that broke her heart. The summer that healed it. A dual love story.<br />
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Sophomore year broke Clementine Williams’ heart. She fell for her best friend’s boyfriend and long story short: he’s excused, but Clem is vilified and she heads into summer with zero social life. Enter her parents’ plan to spend the summer on their sailboat. Normally the idea of being stuck on a tiny boat with her parents and little sister would make Clem break out in hives, but floating away sounds pretty good right now. Then she meets James at one of their first stops along the river. He and his dad are sailing for the summer and he’s just the distraction Clem needs. Can he break down Clem’s walls and heal her broken heart? Told in alternating chapters that chronicle the year that broke Clem’s heart and the summer that healed it, Unbreak My Heart is a wonderful dual love story that fans of Sarah Dessen, Deb Caletti, and Susane Colasanti will flock to.<br />
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♥ “A super cute love story! Melissa Walker will inspire readers to never stop believing in true love.” —SUSANE COLASANTI, author of When It Happens and Keep Holding On<br />
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♥ “A raw, real, and ultimately heartwarming discovery of what it means to be a true friend. Walker gets it exactly right.” —JENNIFER ECHOLS, author of Love Story and The One That I Want<br />
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♥ “ I can’t stress enough how firmly this book has wedged itself in my heart.” -The Hiding Spot<br />
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♥ ”This book earns an infinity amount of stars!” -Novel Nerd Bailey<br />
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♥ ”Unbreak My Heart challenged me as a reader…and I loved every bit of it.” -Anna Reads<br />
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♥ ”There are tinges of Julie Taylor and Matt Saracen in this one. For real, y’all.” -Clear Eyes, Full Shelves<br />
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Find it at <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781599905280">IndieBound</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unbreak-my-heart-melissa-walker/1107218214?ean=9781599905280">B&N</a>, or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Unbreak-My-Heart-Melissa-Walker/dp/1599905280/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337707910&sr=8-1">Amazon</a>. Follow Melissa on twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/melissacwalker">@melissacwalker</a> or visit her Web site at: <a href="http://www.melissacwalker.com/">www.melissacwalker.com</a>.<br />Kristina Springerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03171504801682649341noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5002152435712808655.post-52331774501029799392012-05-22T01:00:00.000-07:002012-05-22T01:00:00.680-07:00PRETTY AMY by Lisa BursteinSometimes "date" is a four-letter word.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Amy is fine living in the shadows of beautiful Lila and uber-cool
Cassie, because at least she’s somewhat beautiful and uber-cool by
association. But when their dates stand them up for prom, and the girls
take matters into their own hands—earning them a night in jail outfitted
in satin, stilettos, and Spanx—Amy discovers even a prom spent in
handcuffs might be better than the humiliating “rehabilitation
techniques” now filling up her summer. Even worse, with Lila and Cassie
parentally banned, Amy feels like she has nothing—like she is nothing. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Navigating unlikely alliances with her new coworker, two very
different boys, and possibly even her parents, Amy struggles to decide
if it’s worth being a best friend when it makes you a public enemy.
Bringing readers along on an often hilarious and heartwarming journey,
Amy finds that maybe getting a life only happens once you think your
life is over.</blockquote>
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cover image from <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13375237-pretty-amy" target="_blank">goodreads</a> <br />
<br />
available from <a href="http://www.entangledpublishing.com/" target="_blank">Entangled Publishing</a> in both print and ebook formats <br />
<br />
click <a href="http://www.entangledpublishing.com/pretty-amy/" target="_blank">HERE</a> to read an excerpt!<br />
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connect with the author:<br />
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<a href="http://www.lisaburstein.com/" target="_blank">website</a><br />
<a href="http://lisabursteinauthor.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">blog </a><br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5430977.Lisa_Burstein" target="_blank">goodreads</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/lisaburstein" target="_blank">twitter</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/LisaBursteinAuthor" target="_blank">facebook </a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5002152435712808655.post-26748627812508820772012-05-18T13:50:00.001-07:002012-05-18T15:14:45.364-07:00Spotlight: I HUNT KILLERS by Barry Lyga<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">I love a good contemporary mysterious thriller, and Barry Lyga certainly delivers with I HUNT KILLERS.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">What's it like to have a monster for a father? Seventeen-year-old Jazz’s father, Billy Dent, was a serial killer. After over a hundred murders, Billy was finally caught and sent to prison for life - but not before he taught Jazz everything he knew. Jazz learned everything from how to be disarmingly charming to how to dismember a body - knowledge he intends to never put to use. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">But when a woman is found dead in a field, Jazz is drawn to the investigation. Then another woman is killed and another - and Jazz falls under suspicion. Together </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">with his hemophiliac best friend, Howie, and his girlfriend, Connie, Jazz decides to hunt down the killer himself. As the investigation falters and the deaths pile up, Jazz must fight his own demons. Can he step of out of his father's shadow, or does evil lurk inside him too?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">This is an intense and sometimes gory read that will appeal to older teens as well as adults. No surprise that it's already been optioned for a TV show. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Barry's <a href="http://barrylyga.com/new/blog.html">blog</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Barry's <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/barrylyga">Twitter</a></span></span></div>April Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01193292966301864407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5002152435712808655.post-13237388880280272662012-05-16T04:00:00.000-07:002012-05-16T06:39:52.595-07:00Spotlight: WHILE HE WAS AWAY by Karen Schreck<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
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Today we have a new novel (released May 1st) by debut author, Karen Schreck. Hooray for debut authors!<br />
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It's kind of strange to think about how long war has been in the background of American teenagers' lives, and yet, there aren't that many books about it. I'm glad to see more YA novels exploring the topic, including this one - WHILE HE WAS AWAY. Isn't that cover just smoking hot?<br />
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Description from Goodreads:<br />
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All she wants is for him to stay. She's been doing pretty well, pretending he doesn't have to go. But one day, after one last night to remember, she wakes up and there's not denying it anymore. He's gone.<br />
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When Penna Weaver's boyfriend goes off to Iraq, she's left facing life without him. As summer sets in, Penna tries to distract herself with work and her art, but the not knowing is slowly driving her crazy. Especially when David stops writing.<br />
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She knows in her heart he will come home. But will he be the same boy she fell in love with?<br />
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Kirkus says: "Strong characterization, the vivid setting of a small Oklahoma town and the clear depiction of present life, with Skype, e-mail and phones with their inadequate promise of instant communication, strengthen the narrative and ground it in the present. A strong entry in the growing genre of fiction about the Iraq war."<br />
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Karen's <a href="http://karenschreck.com/blog/">blog</a><br />
Karen's <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/karenschreck">twitter</a><br />
<br />Lisa Schroederhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10677227681455190084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5002152435712808655.post-10096120498480682052012-05-09T04:00:00.000-07:002012-05-09T04:00:02.992-07:00Spotlight: IN HONOR by Jessi Kirby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Jessi Kirby is one of my new favorite authors.<br />
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I was lucky enough to get an Advanced Review Copy of IN HONOR and I actually dog-eared pages that I thought were especially well written.<br />
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It's a beautiful book, with characters I loved.<br />
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Here's the description from the back of the ARC:<br />
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Honor receives the last letter from her brother, Finn, three days after his military funeral. Devastated, she makes the impulsive decision to take a road trip in order to fulfill his final request. as she pulls Finn's old Chevy Impala out of the driveway, her brother's estranged best friend, Rusty, insists on coming along. Rusty is the last person to Honor would have picked to travel with -- he's obnoxious and and infuriating, and it doesn't help that he's distractingly good-looking. Somehow, though, as the two log the miles from Texas to California, they're able to communicate over their shared loss and the love they both have for Finn. But when shocking truths are revealed at the end of the road, will either of them be able to cope with the consequences?<br />
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<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">What people are saying:</span></u></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">VOYA says</span>: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The characters are entertaining, and their budding relationship is believable. Readers will find themselves rooting for the two to see past their differences and get together. This title is recommended for middle and high school readers of light romance, and those who appreciate accompanying characters on an emotional journey with interesting stops along the way.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Author Sarah Ockler says</span>: A beautiful, engaging journey with heart, humor and just a pinch of Texas sass. Hands down my favorite contemporary of the year.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Author Lauren Barnholdt says</span>: An amazing novel about first kisses, last goodbyes, and what it means to finally let go. I absolutely loved it.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Jessi's <a href="http://www.jessikirby.com/">website</a>.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Jessi's <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/jessikirby">twitter</a>.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>Lisa Schroederhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10677227681455190084noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5002152435712808655.post-85437988746941264092012-05-08T02:58:00.000-07:002012-05-08T07:34:09.664-07:00Spotlight on REVIVED by Cat PatrickI. Loved. This. Book.<br />
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Cat Patrick's done it again and this time, (dare I say?), even better. Her debut <u>Forgotten</u> was a mind-bender in its own right, but <u>Revived</u> takes the reader even further into a character's world which feels almost, but not quite, real. And that's what makes her writing so special. It is real - it's our world, as we know it - but it's the character's unique experience in our world that is fantasy-esque. Her stories center around contemporary characters who we come to really care for, but that live lives that make us scratch our heads and wonder, "What if this really were the case?" And the writing is good enough that for a while, you are so absorbed in the main character that you can forget that her circumstances are fictional.<br />
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You should go buy this book. And I'm not the only one who thinks so...<br />
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A well-done exploration of a teen’s growing understanding of death, even though she herself has died five times. - <i>Kirkus</i></blockquote>
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With its suspense, romance, and life-and-death drama, <u>Revived</u> kept me up half the night. - April Henry, New York Times bestselling author of <u>The Night She Disappeared</u></blockquote>
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<i><span id="freeText6153961397201582594">As a little girl, Daisy Appleby was killed in a school bus crash. Moments after the accident, she was brought back to life. <br /><br />A
secret government agency has developed a drug called Revive that can
bring people back from the dead, and Daisy Appleby, a test subject, has
been Revived five times in fifteen years. Daisy takes extraordinary
risks, knowing that she can beat death, but each new death also means a
new name, a new city, and a new life. When she meets Matt McKean, Daisy
begins to question the moral implications of Revive, and as she
discovers the agency’s true goals, she realizes she’s at the center of
something much larger—and more sinister—than she ever imagined.</span></i><br />
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Be sure to check out more about Cat at her <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/seecatwrite">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/authorcatpatrick">Facebook</a>, and <a href="http://www.catpatrick.com/">website</a>.
And if you're in New York City, come see us read together with Jen E.
Smith, Jen Calonita, and Kody Keplinger on Wednesday, May 16th at 7pm at
the Barnes & Noble on 86th Street between Lexington & 3rd Aves.<span id="freeText6153961397201582594"> </span>Alecia Whitakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12015684949758308301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5002152435712808655.post-58918176062704062822012-05-02T03:00:00.000-07:002012-05-02T03:00:12.953-07:00Spotlight on ZERO by Tom Leveen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'll be honest. I chose to spotlight this book simply because Tom was a co-member of the Class of 2k10 with me, and I like to spotlight author friends whenever possible.<br />
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At first.<br />
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But then I got a hold of an early copy of this book on Net Galley. I LOVED it! I'm not kidding. Zero warmed my heart and made me think in new ways, both personally and artistically. Amanda/Zero is such a refreshingly truthful person (and please note, I feel the need to call her a person and not a character). Plus, even though there's rock music and band antics involved, how often do you get to see someone fall for the drummer? But that's the kind of book this is--not the female artist who goes on to fame and fortune, or the guitar hero who is swamped with adoring fans. They're both just finding their own little niche in the world, and it's wonderful to watch. Here's what it's about (from GoodReads):<br />
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<span id="freeText10914640040131629702">For aspiring artist
Amanda Walsh, who only half-jokingly goes by the nickname Zero, the
summer before college was supposed to be fun—plain and simple. Hanging
out with her best friend Jenn, going to clubs, painting, and counting
down the days until her escape. But when must-have scholarship money
doesn't materialize, and she has a falling out with Jenn that can only
be described as majorly awkward, and Zero's parents relationship goes
from tense to relentless fighting, her prospects start looking as bleak
and surreal as a painting by her idol Salvador Dali. Will life truly
imitate art? Will her new, unexpected relationship with a punk skater
boy who seems too good to be real and support from the unlikeliest of
sources show Zero that she's so much more than a name.</span></blockquote>
Huge congratulations to Tom Leveen on a wonderful second novel!<br />
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I'll definitely be buying a copy to keep on my shelf. And here's where you can get yours: Ask your local bookstore if they have it or can bring it in for you. Or your local library. Or you can order it through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Zero-Tom-Leveen/dp/0375869212/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335291618&sr=8-1">Amazon </a>or <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/zero-tom-leveen/1104307448?ean=9780375869211">Barnes & Noble.</a><br />
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<br />Denise Jadenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228680870842660435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5002152435712808655.post-5861402509403542102012-05-01T14:55:00.001-07:002012-05-01T14:55:12.746-07:00Spotlight on WELCOME CALLER, THIS IS CHLOE<span id="freeText10838050744341966298">Releasing TODAY- MAY 1, 2012</span><br />
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<span><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>WELCOME CALLER, THIS IS CHLOE</strong></span></span><br />
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<span>Big-hearted Chloe Camden is the queen of her universe until her best friend shreds her reputation and her school counselor axes her junior independent study project. Chloe is forced to take on a meaningful project in order to pass, and so she joins her school’s struggling radio station, where the other students don’t find her too queenly. </span><br />
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<span>Ostracized by her former BFs and struggling with her beloved Grams’s mental deterioration, lonely Chloe ends up hosting a call-in show that gets the station much-needed publicity and, in the end, trouble. She also befriends radio techie and loner Duncan Moore, a quiet soul with a romantic heart. On and off the air, Chloe faces her loneliness and helps others find the fun and joy in everyday life. </span><br />
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<span>Readers will fall in love with Chloe as she falls in love with the radio station and the misfits who call it home.</span><br />
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<span><strong>Publisher's Weekly says,</strong> "<strong><em>Debut novelist Coriell shows sparkling wit and great skill in creating complex characters with memorable personalities. Chloe’s emotional growth is believable, and her attraction to a quiet, mysterious boy at the radio station adds spice and tension to the story</em>."</strong></span><br />
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<span>A professional journalist, <b id="yui_3_3_0_1_1335909199422_3537">Shelley Coriell</b> has worked as a newspaper reporter, an award-winning magazine editor, and an association executive. She is a six-time finalist for the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Prize. This is her first novel. She lives in Tempe, Arizona. Visit her online at <a href="http://www.shelleycoriell.com/">www.shelleycoriell.com</a></span><br />
<br />Janet Gurtlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09378521577302320423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5002152435712808655.post-3609084609075773492012-04-25T05:00:00.000-07:002012-04-25T05:00:00.495-07:00Spotlight: 7 CLUES TO WINNING YOU by Kristin Walker<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today's spotlight is on super funny contemporary writer Kristin Walker's newest book, <b>7 Clues to Winning You </b>(releases 4/26/12).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11797479-7-clues-to-winning-you">Goodreads</a>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">When a humiliating picture of Blythe goes viral, she's instantly the target of ridicule at her new school. To salvage her reputation, Blythe teams up with Luke to win the Senior Scramble scavenger hunt. But Luke is an unlikely ally and potentially can't be trusted.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">Perhaps it's his Shakespearean witticisms that reel Blythe in despite her better judgment . . . or maybe she just craves the thrill of the game. But as the hunt progresses, their relationship heats up. Soon their madcap mischief spirals out of control. Blythe is faced with arrest and expulsion, among other catastrophes - until Luke shows her what the Scramble (and love) is really about.</span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What People are Saying:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">"In this hilarious account of a girl's reluctant adjustment to new circumstances...Walker (A Match Made in High School) focuses on Blythe's regrets and changing attitude... The vibrant, first-person narrative captures the humor and heartache of Blythe's predicaments." - </span><i style="background-color: white;">Publishers Weekly</i>
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<i style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: white;">"</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">7 Clues to Winning You is a definite winner for any contemporary fan! I loved it! This is exactly the kind of YA I need more of in my life. I want more of these kind of stories. Funny light yet deep and thought provoking. I hope you'll all give this book a try!" - Princess Bookie</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"A clever, well-woven plot with a loveable cast of quirky characters and a sprinkle of Shakespeare. Kristin Walker's latest laugh out loud book will leave you wanting more." </span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">– Kristina Springer, author of The Espressologist and My Fake Boyfriend is Better Than Yours</span><br />
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Thoughts:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yep, that last blurb was from me. :-) I adored Kristin's newest book! It's on the longer side at 317 pages but reads fast because Kristin has such a great and hysterical voice. She first won me over with her debut book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Match-Made-High-School/dp/1595142576/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228497238&sr=8-1">A Match Made in High School</a>, which is a tears rolling down your cheeks from laughter kind of book. And her latest did not disappoint. While I loved her main character Blythe, I have to say the two elderly woman she befriends at the nursing home are by far my fave. Just read it; you'll love it. Promise. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Find it now on <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781595144140">Indiebound</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Clues-Winning-You-Kristin-Walker/dp/1595144145/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335218514&sr=8-1">Amazon</a>, or <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/seven-clues-to-winning-you-kristin-walker/1103847955?ean=9781595144140">Barnes and Nobles</a>. Follow Kristin on twitter at @Kristin_Walker or visit her Web site <a href="http://www.kristin-walker.com/">www.Kristin-Walker.com</a>.</span>Kristina Springerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03171504801682649341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5002152435712808655.post-40960843875378312872012-04-24T02:00:00.000-07:002012-04-24T05:29:41.092-07:00Spotlight: BREAKING BEAUTIFUL by Jennifer Shaw WolfToday's spotlight is also a debut!<i></i><br />
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Allie lost everything the night her boyfriend, Trip, died in a horrible car accident—including her memory of the event. As their small town mourns his death, Allie is afraid to remember because doing so means delving into what she’s kept hidden for so long: the horrible reality of their abusive relationship.<br />
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When the police reopen the investigation, it casts suspicion on Allie and her best friend, Blake, especially as their budding romance raises eyebrows around town. Allie knows she must tell the truth. Can she reach deep enough to remember that night so she can finally break free? Debut writer Jennifer Shaw Wolf takes readers on an emotional ride through the murky waters of love, shame, and, ultimately, forgiveness.</blockquote>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">blurb and cover image from <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10914560-breaking-beautiful" target="_blank">goodreads</a></span><br />
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<b>Praise for <i>Breaking Beautiful</i></b> (via <a href="http://www.jennifershawwolf.com/breaking-beautiful.html" target="_blank">author website</a>):<br />
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"Emotional, wrenching, and hopeful, BREAKING BEAUTIFUL is a perfectly blended coming of age and murder mystery."--Kari Olson, <i>A Good Addiction</i><br />
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“A mystery, a tragedy, a love story—Jennifer Shaw Wolf draws you in and keeps you guessing until the very last page.”—Holly Cupala, author of <i>Tell Me a Secret </i>and <i>Don’t Breathe a Word</i><br />
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"A fast-paced, heart-pounding mystery. I can't wait to see what this debut novelist does next." —Kirby Larson, Newbery Award Winning author of <i>Hattie Big Sky</i><br />
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<b>Early reader reviews are buzzing!</b><br />
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"<span id="freeText670502129974917226"><i>Breaking Beautiful</i> was an amazing debut novel and Jennifer Shaw Wolf is definitely an author I look forward to reading again." ~ <a href="http://angelafristoe.blogspot.com/2012/04/review-breaking-beautiful-by-jennifer.html?spref=tw" target="_blank">Turning the Pages</a></span><br />
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<span id="freeText670502129974917226">"</span>It isn't often that I am brought to tears while reading, but the level of honest emotion that this book evokes was beautiful and breathtaking. A fantastic Young Adult Read." ~ <a href="http://ekfamilybooks.blogspot.com/2012/04/tragic-death-shrouded-in-mystery.html" target="_blank">E + K Family Book Reviews</a><br />
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"An emotional, heartbreaking story. <span id="reviewTextContainer287379554"><span id="freeTextreview287379554">I recommend <i>Breaking Beautiful</i> as a must read." ~ </span></span><a href="http://iheartyabooks.blogspot.com/2012/03/breaking-beautiful-by-jennifer-shaw.html?spref=tw" target="_blank">I Heart YA Books</a><span id="freeText670502129974917226"> </span><br />
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"The air of mystery, the creepiness, the plot, the characters, they were all great.<span id="freeText670502129974917226"> </span>I just loved so much about this story that it really is hard to put my finger on any one thing." ~ <a href="http://myguiltyobsession.blogspot.com/2012/04/review-breaking-beautiful-by-jennifer.html" target="_blank">My Guilty Obsession</a><br />
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"I wanted to jump inside the book and give this girl a hug! A fabulous debut novel. I loved everything about it!" ~ <a href="http://www.sithereandread.com/2012/04/breaking-beautiful-by-jennifer-shaw.html" target="_blank">I Just Wanna Sit Here and Read</a><br />
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<b>Also worth reading:</b><br />
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<a href="http://yabookreads.com/blog/2012/04/15/the-story-behind-the-story-jennifer-shaw-wolf/" target="_blank">The Story Behind the Story</a> ~ Jennifer Shaw Wolf's guest post at YA Book Reads<br />
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<i>Breaking Beautiful</i> releases <u>today</u> from Walker Books for Young Readers. Request it at your local library and/or purchase from your bookseller of choice. And please give Jennifer a big DEBUT CONGRATS on <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/jenniferswolf" target="_blank">Twitter</a>!<br />
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Happy Reading!<br />
~LydiaUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5002152435712808655.post-53070534302907095302012-04-18T06:04:00.000-07:002012-04-18T06:04:01.087-07:00Spotlight on BELLES by Jen Calonita<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4-dN4NtQwQ6XQFhlWC9aXIzhr2h__3iqudQMwzRHtvq49OWDbc7seNfyypyLMAAQExSEdPedNBSiLq1AjlhnljXN1i-XBlUJx4RiVNth9NN5Ypswss83b4zrYazkqvXHP3MAISLtiuA/s1600/be1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4-dN4NtQwQ6XQFhlWC9aXIzhr2h__3iqudQMwzRHtvq49OWDbc7seNfyypyLMAAQExSEdPedNBSiLq1AjlhnljXN1i-XBlUJx4RiVNth9NN5Ypswss83b4zrYazkqvXHP3MAISLtiuA/s1600/be1.jpg" /></a></div>I started Belles yesterday and finished it today. That ought to tell you how much I enjoyed this read. The story takes place in North Carolina and at the last author event where I saw Jen Calonita, she said, "You being from Kentucky, I'm eager to here if you think the Southern stuff rings true." Well, Jen. It does. It most certainly does.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Fifteen-year-old Isabelle Scott loves her life by the boardwalk on the supposed wrong side of the tracks in North Carolina. But when tragedy strikes, a social worker sends her to live with a long-lost uncle and his preppy, privileged family. Isabelle is taken away from everything she's ever known, and unfortunately, inserting her into the glamorous life of Emerald Cove doesn't go so well. Her cousin Mirabelle Monroe isn't thrilled to share her life with an outsider, and in, addition to dealing with all the rumors and backstabbing that lurk beneath their classmates' Southern charm, Isabelle finds out a secret about her new family that she can't ignore.</span></blockquote>I really enjoyed getting to know the two "belles": Isabelle and Mirabelle. I love the juxtaposition of their histories and discovering the things they actually do have in common as well. And I love that we discover those similarities at the same time that the girls do. I thought that the characters were fun and loved the range. To me, Belles reminded me of Gossip Girl season one set in the South, with Mira's friends being the Upper East Siders and Izzie's friends being the Brooklynite Humphries – and yet with so much more depth. There was one point mid-way through the book that I found myself choked up and my eyes filled with tears. I did not see that one coming and at that point realized that I was totally invested in these characters' lives.<br />
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I hope you get a chance to pick up a copy soon as it just hit bookshelves! Also, come meet Jen herself, along with me and three other Little Brown Young Readers authors at a book reading/signing at the Upper East Side Barnes & Noble on May 16 at 7pm. (cross streets are 86th between Lexington & 3rd Ave)<br />
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And you can find Jen on <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/jencalonita">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jen.calonita">Facebook</a>, and at her <a href="http://www.jencalonitaonline.com/">website</a>.Alecia Whitakerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12015684949758308301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5002152435712808655.post-8599104355910443972012-04-17T03:00:00.003-07:002012-04-17T08:46:33.396-07:00Spotlight on GONE, GONE, GONE by Hannah MoskowitzHannah Moskowitz is one of my favorite authors, both her books and her Twitter personality, so when a new book of hers comes out, I jump at the chance to spotlight it. Her latest release is GONE, GONE, GONE, out this month from Simon Pulse.<br />
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<span id="freeText7190818318737040357"><b>Summary from GoodReads:</b></span><br />
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<span id="freeText7190818318737040357"><b>In the wake of the post-9/11 sniper shootings, fragile love finds a stronghold in this intense, romantic novel from the author of <i>Break</i> and <i>Invincible Summer</i>.</b> <br />
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It's a year after 9/11. Sniper shootings throughout the D.C. area have everyone on edge and trying to make sense of these random acts of violence. Meanwhile, Craig and Lio are just trying to make sense of their lives. Craig’s crushing on quiet, distant Lio, and preoccupied with what it meant when Lio kissed him...and if he’ll do it again...and if kissing Lio will help him finally get over his ex-boyfriend, Cody.Lio feels most alive when he's with Craig. He forgets about his broken family, his dead brother, and the messed up world. But being with Craig means being vulnerable...and Lio will have to decide whether love is worth the risk. <br />
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This intense, romantic novel from the author of <i>Break</i> and <i>Invincible Summer</i> is a poignant look at what it is to feel needed, connected, and alive.</span></blockquote>
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<span id="freeText7190818318737040357"> The subject matter of this book may not have been my normal reading fare, but I'm so glad I picked up this book. Hannah Moskowitz's writing style is a treat--so different, so inside the heads of the main characters it's almost a stream of consciousness. Plus, I love a good real-world book, and what is more real-world than living life in the midst of local sniper shootings? Something you can't do anything about, but are forced to live with. I couldn't have imagined what it would be like to live through something like that, but now I can. The underlying sniper fear that each character deals with in their own way was so delicately woven into the story of two boys and their very strong relational fears.</span><br />
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<span id="freeText7190818318737040357">Every time I read a book by Hannah Moskowitz I feel like it stretches my understanding of the world. You can pick up a copy of GONE, GONE, GONE now from <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gone-gone-gone-hannah-moskowitz/1103588591?ean=9781442453128&r=1&cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-GwEz7vxblVU-_-10%3a1&">Barnes & Noble</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gone-Hannah-Moskowitz/dp/1442453125/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333727941&sr=8-1">Amazon</a>, or your local independent retailer. </span>Denise Jadenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228680870842660435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5002152435712808655.post-34634136319382346452012-04-12T10:05:00.005-07:002012-04-12T10:50:10.450-07:00Spotlight: THOU SHALL NOT ROAD TRIP<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHbRgBBQlRLXSrScTWkgFqv1wuz5eRosueJtt9fYwMohntNRAa5v8tACPgp_AOlYS2nzizPoxGk92EzQUcL4Y31nEpquEO_BvBF5Z1GilfLcixcQ1nLQ9dtmTwa5EkKxJHTBhuCY2Y1Q/s1600/11775171.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 264px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHbRgBBQlRLXSrScTWkgFqv1wuz5eRosueJtt9fYwMohntNRAa5v8tACPgp_AOlYS2nzizPoxGk92EzQUcL4Y31nEpquEO_BvBF5Z1GilfLcixcQ1nLQ9dtmTwa5EkKxJHTBhuCY2Y1Q/s400/11775171.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730563775502745570" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I love discovering a new author. I bought Antony John's FIVE FLAVOR'S OF DUMB some time ago, but it's still waiting on my TBR pile. I moved that book up and added his next offering, THOU SHALL NOT ROAD TRIP, after listening to <a href="http://www.sarazarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/TCL-Ep-3-Antony-John.m4a">this podcast Antony did with Sara Zarr</a>. If you are a writer or a reader (you're here, so you're at least one:)), I recommend checking out Sara's podcast series. Antony was wise and witty in his episode, and I'm sure his books are as well. Learn more about Antony at his <a href="http://antonyjohn.net/">website</a> and read an excerpt from the book.<div>Also, I love this book description. Adding a book tour for a sixteen-year-old to the road trip trope? So brilliant.<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">When sixteen-year-old Luke's book, Hallelujah, becomes a national bestseller, his publishing house sends him on a cross-country book tour with his older brother, Matt, as chauffeur. But when irresponsible Matt offers to drive Luke's ex–soul mate, Fran, across the country too, things get a little crazy. On the trip, Luke must loosen up, discover what it truly means to have faith, and do what it takes to get the girl he loves.<br /><br />Told with Antony John's signature wit and authenticity, and featuring smart, singular characters who jump off the page and into your heart, this story is a spiritual awakening and rockin' road trip in one</span></span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Reviews:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"A highly readable balance of humor, heart, self-discovery, and shenanigans."</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books )</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px; "><a href="http://briankatcher.com/site/?p=574"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> from Brian Katcher, author of Almost Perfect</span></span></a></span></div>Lindsey Leavitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10638744227355752506noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5002152435712808655.post-78814191759623882462012-04-04T04:20:00.000-07:002012-04-04T04:20:01.231-07:00Spotlight on PURITY by Jackson Pearce<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTT_xIY3G47R3vTHC2TLGbT2I22f20mMR0QKPH8KlwI-DZF-vKSuFLw_gcwV7cmFxLS4cBivTH9mKXKEm3OftEbbwJmX8x-dmVlEuExYlwkVGgsYQ6Qyc0WTTrzAVqlewGd-2OPxByDkM/s1600/a+purity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTT_xIY3G47R3vTHC2TLGbT2I22f20mMR0QKPH8KlwI-DZF-vKSuFLw_gcwV7cmFxLS4cBivTH9mKXKEm3OftEbbwJmX8x-dmVlEuExYlwkVGgsYQ6Qyc0WTTrzAVqlewGd-2OPxByDkM/s320/a+purity.jpg" width="212" /></a><em><strong>A novel about love, loss, and sex -- but not necessarily in that order.</strong></em>Before her mother died, Shelby promised three things: to listen to her father, to love as much as possible, and to live without restraint. Those Promises become harder to keep when Shelby's father joins the planning committee for the Princess Ball, an annual dance that ends with a ceremonial vow to live pure lives -- in other words, no "bad behavior," no breaking the rules, and definitely no sex.<br /><br />Torn between Promises One and Three, Shelby makes a decision -- to exploit a loophole and lose her virginity before taking the vow. But somewhere between failed hookup attempts and helping her dad plan the ball, Shelby starts to understand what her mother really meant, what her father really needs, and who really has the right to her purity.<br />
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<u><strong>PRAISE FOR PURITY</strong></u><br />
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"<em>Shelby's biting, irreverent first-person narration finely blends the humor and
pain of her situation...A purely satisfying look at mourning and sexuality --
and even their connection</em>." (<b><em>Kirkus Reviews</em></b> )<br /><br />"<em>A hilarious
and heartfelt story about what happens when a teenage girl actually tries to
honor all the promises that adults demand from her while staying true to
herself. I loved this book</em>." (<b>Jennifer Echols, award-winning author of
<em>Endless Summer</em> and <em>Love Story</em></b> )<br /><br />"<em>Reading Jackson
Pearce's Purity feels like talking on the phone with a lively and honest
best friend -- who is telling it like it is. Shelby reminds us all to be first
and foremost true to ourselves. This book is a must-read for anyone thinking
about making promises to themselves or others</em>." (<b>Amy Deneson, author and
<em>New York Times </em>essayist</b> ) <br />
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<em>Jackson Pearce is twenty-six years old and currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with a slightly cross-eyed cat and a lot of secondhand furniture. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and a minor in Philosophy. She auditioned for the circus once, but didn’t make it; other jobs she’s had include obituaries writer, biker bar waitress, and receptionist.</em></div>
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<em>Jackson began writing when she got angry that the school librarian couldn’t tell her of a book that contained a smart girl, horses, baby animals, and magic. Her solution was to write the book herself when she was twelve. Her parents thought it was cute at first, but have grown steadily more concerned for her ever since.</em></div>
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Jackson is also the author of <a href="http://www.jackson-pearce.com/sisters-red">SISTERS RED</a>, <a href="http://www.jackson-pearce.com/as-you-wish">AS YOU WISH</a>, <a href="http://www.jackson-pearce.com/sweetly">SWEETLY</a>, and <a href="http://www.jackson-pearce.com/fathomless">FATHOMLESS</a> (Fall 2012).<br />
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Find Jackson and look through her awesome video's about writing, life and more on her <a href="http://www.jacksonpearce.com/">BLOG</a>!<br />
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<br />Janet Gurtlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09378521577302320423noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5002152435712808655.post-83761083231615432872012-04-03T07:38:00.001-07:002012-04-03T07:39:46.299-07:00Spotlight: TAKE A BOW by Elizabeth Eulberg<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">Emme, Sophie, Ethan, and Carter are seniors at a performing arts school, getting ready for their Senior Showcase recital, where the pressure is on to appeal to colleges, dance academies, and professionals in show business. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">For Sophie, a singer, it's been great to be friends with Emme, who composes songs for her, and to date Carter, soap opera heartthrob who gets plenty of press coverage. Emme and Ethan have been in a band together through all four years of school, but wonder if they could be more than just friends and bandmates. Carter has been acting since he was a baby, and isn't sure how to admit that he'd rather paint than perform. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">The Senior Showcase is going to make or break each of the four, in a funny, touching, spectacular finale that only Elizabeth Eulberg could perform.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"This fresh, fun, fabulous read will have you cheering for new beginnings. Five shiny gold stars." ~ Susane Colasanti, author of WHERE IT HAPPENS</span></span></div>
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I am so excited to read this book! I've heard the book has four points of view, which can be tricky to do. I know, because I have a draft of a YA I'm working on with four points of view. But reviews are really positive and if you've read Elizabeth's other books, you know she is a wonderful writer and has a talent for bringing characters to life.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Elizabeth's <a href="http://www.elizabetheulberg.com/">web site</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Elizabeth's <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/ElizEulberg">twitter</a>.</span></span></div>
<br />Lisa Schroederhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10677227681455190084noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5002152435712808655.post-77723705693076323942012-03-28T04:53:00.000-07:002012-03-28T04:53:00.678-07:00Spotlight: The Difference Between You and Me by Madeleine George<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcFN5KL-dWV2DmBiCkWaCACC6O0pzoMsUVzzvC4U3V7Vu0eW8mt3LoGr5kO73MOnm7kVkM8260TDtrDQFyOvCO8iFh3p1sTfYAeA5r11t48n3kKh6oACfp5z40MQdF7M2pM3jJpniJ2M/s1600/diff+between+you+and+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcFN5KL-dWV2DmBiCkWaCACC6O0pzoMsUVzzvC4U3V7Vu0eW8mt3LoGr5kO73MOnm7kVkM8260TDtrDQFyOvCO8iFh3p1sTfYAeA5r11t48n3kKh6oACfp5z40MQdF7M2pM3jJpniJ2M/s320/diff+between+you+and+me.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
Madeleine George wrote one of my favorite YA novels, <i><a href="https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/madeleine-george/looks/" target="_blank">Looks</a></i> (go get it if you haven't read it--achingly excellent). In her sophomore release, <i><a href="http://www.madeleinegeorge.com/fiction-difference.html" target="_blank">The Difference Between You and Me</a></i>, we meet Jesse and Emily, two girls at the opposite of the high school spectrum who happen to meet (secretly) in the middle.<br />
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Here's the description:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Jesse cuts her own hair with a Swiss Army knife. She wears big green fisherman's boots. She's the founding (and only) member of NOLAW, the National Organization to Liberate All Weirdos. Emily wears sweaters with faux pearl buttons. She's vice president of the student council. She has a boyfriend.</span><br style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">These two girls have nothing in common, except the passionate "private time" they share every Tuesday afternoon. Jesse wishes their relationship could be out in the open, but Emily feels she has too much to lose. When they find themselves on opposite sides of a heated school conflict, they each have to decide what's more important: what you believe in, or the one you love?</span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><i><a href="https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/madeleine-george/difference-between-me-and-you/#review" target="_blank">Kirkus</a></i> gave it a star, and said, "</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Readers will ache for [Jesse], and they will be torn between rage and pity toward Emily, so intent on forcing herself into a normative role that she cannot admit the truth even to herself. Clever phrasing, a decided political bent against big-box stores and characters who gently poke fun at various stereotypes round out this work of contemporary fiction."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>PW</i> gave it a star too. And so do I! Madeleine George makes you feel each moment as if you're inside it. Don't miss this one.</span></span>Melissa Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17130128666084908687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5002152435712808655.post-29787161506800066352012-03-27T01:00:00.017-07:002012-03-27T01:00:03.801-07:00Spotlight: LIFE IS BUT A DREAM by Brian James<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJtSBVFoHQcv-P6aiZCiiMvF1cIWpsRHAdBZVu12E929mjtidOjyN-Ptj_LBcauPF_J7IQqMLXokhsSMwMeEb5p1Zc8P5kl7_bZYXtq1hXdWK0MuwHQWcCBuSqlRygFWHKF0-yBwx4b0/s1600/life+is+but+a+dream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJtSBVFoHQcv-P6aiZCiiMvF1cIWpsRHAdBZVu12E929mjtidOjyN-Ptj_LBcauPF_J7IQqMLXokhsSMwMeEb5p1Zc8P5kl7_bZYXtq1hXdWK0MuwHQWcCBuSqlRygFWHKF0-yBwx4b0/s400/life+is+but+a+dream.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><i>Life Is but a Dream</i> by Brian James<br />
releases March 27 from Feiwel & Friends<br />
ages 12+<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><br />
Is the world crazy--or are they?<br />
<br />
Sabrina, an artist, is diagnosed with schizophrenia, and her parents check her into the Wellness Center. There she meets Alec, who is convinced it's the world that's crazy, not the two of them. They are meant to be together; they are special. <br />
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But when Alec starts to convince Sabrina that her treatment will wipe out everything that makes her creative, she worries that she'll lose hold of her dreams and herself. Should she listen to her doctor? Her decision may have fatal consequences.<br />
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Brian James calls Life is But a Dream "the most intense book I've written. Bringing this unique character to life and seeing the world through her eyes, with all its beauty and confusion, was an immense challenge that I hope is just as rewarding to read as it was to write." Intense--yes. Unforgettable--definitely.</blockquote><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*blurb and cover image from <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11801958-life-is-but-a-dream">goodreads</a></span><br />
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It's refreshing to see more YA novels that focus on mental illness in some way, either through the main character or a supporting character. Because sometimes <i>illness</i> isn't quite the right word. The mind of a person can be a beautiful mystery, a thrilling scape to explore. Just because it is different from the norm doesn't always mean it is sick or in need of fixing. I don't know which is the case in this particular novel, but I'm really looking forward to reading and finding out! Can't wait to see what is in Sabrina's head and how it moves her through the story.<br />
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author <a href="http://brianjamestheauthor.blogspot.com/">website</a><br />
author <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/literaryoutlaw">twitter</a><br />
publisher <a href="http://us.macmillan.com/book.aspx?isbn=9780312610043">website</a><br />
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Happy reading!<br />
~LydiaUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5002152435712808655.post-14183674460262813382012-03-21T03:00:00.003-07:002012-03-21T15:19:36.236-07:00Spotlight on WANDERLOVE by Kirsten Hubbard!If you've heard of today's spotlight book, WANDERLOVE by Kirsten Hubbard, I'm sure you've heard something good.<br />
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This is one of those cases where it would be much easier to talk about what I didn't love about the book than one I did love. The list of what I did love is looonnnnnnnnnng...from the take-you-there settings to the deep and personal inner journey of Bria. From the brave and artistic main character to the challenging and hot young man that sweeps her to places she would otherwise never go. Oh, and the artwork? Did I mention the amazing artwork throughout? I guarantee this book will make you want to jump on a airplane without a plan. It'll make you fall in love with more than just the hot young man.<br />
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What I didn't love is easy...the part of that book where it's over and I had to say goodbye. This is easily one of my favorite reads so far this year.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Here's the description from GoodReads:<br />
<i><span id="freeText6789949012871037107"></span></i></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span id="freeText6789949012871037107">It all begins with a stupid question:
<br />
<br /> <b>Are you a Global Vagabond?</b>
<br />
<br />No, but 18-year-old Bria Sandoval wants to be. In a quest for
independence, her neglected art, and no-strings-attached hookups, she
signs up for a guided tour of Central America—the wrong one. Middle-aged
tourists with fanny packs are hardly the key to self-rediscovery. When
Bria meets Rowan, devoted backpacker and dive instructor, and his
outspokenly humanitarian sister Starling, she seizes the chance to ditch
her group and join them off the beaten path.
<br />
<br />Bria's a good girl trying to go bad. Rowan's a bad boy trying to
stay good. As they travel across a panorama of Mayan villages, remote
Belizean islands, and hostels plagued with jungle beasties, they
discover what they've got in common: both seek to leave behind the old
versions of themselves. And the secret to escaping the past, Rowan’s
found, is to keep moving forward.
<br />
<br />But Bria comes to realize she can't run forever, no matter what
Rowan says. If she ever wants the courage to fall for someone
worthwhile, she has to start looking back.
<br />
<br />Kirsten Hubbard lends her artistry to this ultimate backpacker
novel, weaving her drawings into the text. Her career as a travel writer
and her experiences as a real-life vagabond backpacking Central America
are deeply seeded in this inspiring story.</span></i></blockquote>
<span id="freeText6789949012871037107">Congratulations, Kirsten, on a wonderful sophomore novel! You can pick up a copy of WANDERLOVE through<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wanderlove-Kirsten-Hubbard/dp/0385739370/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1331510815&sr=8-2"> Amazon,</a> <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wanderlove-kirsten-hubbard/1102119043">Barnes & Noble,</a> or from your favorite independent retailer.</span><i><span id="freeText6789949012871037107"> </span></i><br />
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<br />Denise Jadenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14228680870842660435noreply@blogger.com1