In My Mailbox

I had a basically amazing week in books since it was my birthday, and I also gave myself a pre-NaNo reward. And on the note of NaNo, it is going fantastically for me so far! As of Thursday night, since I did no writing on Friday, I've written 31494 words on SlackerBoy and am having a total blast with it. This just might be my favorite of my three manuscripts I've written this year. You can find my NaNo page here, for those of you interested in such things. But now on to my books! Hooray!

For Review:

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
Night School (Blood Coven 5) by Mari Mancusi
Blood of My Brother by James LePore
A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford (Not pictured)
(Huge thanks to Ruta Sepetys, Mari Mancusi + Berkley Trade & The Story Plant for these titles)


Purchased:
Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn
Losing Faith by Denise Jaden
Beautiful by Amy Reed
Mistwood by Leah Cypess
Something Happened by Greg Logsted
Nothing Like You by Lauren Strasnick
Inside the Mind of Gideon Rayburn by Sarah Miller
The Other Girl by Sarah Miller


Birthday Gifts/Contest Wins
Crank Series by Ellen Hopkins (Thanks Corrine!!)
We Were Here by Matt De La Pena (Ditto!)
Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens
Penitence by Jennifer Laurens
Wrecked by E.R. Frank
Girl Overboard by Justina Chen Headley
Hush by Eishes Chayil
Diary of a Crush Books 1-3 by Sarra Manning

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren.

Crash Into Me: An Evolution, by Ellen Hopkins

As part of the Crash Into Me tour with Albert Borris, author Ellen Hopkins is stopping by with a fantastic, meaningful post about her interactions with Albert.


One of the things I enjoy is mentoring other writers, often at writers’ conferences. I first met Albert Borris at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency’s Big Sur conference. The format is group and one-on-one critique, followed by revision and more critique. As a faculty member, I led a group critique where Al read a portion of a very early draft of what would become Crash Into Me.

The manuscript was rough then, but the characters were well-drawn. Turned out Al Borris was a counselor at a New Jersey high school. He knew these kids, because he worked with kids like these—kids with less than perfect lives. Kids who chose the wrong direction. Kids who had considered, and even tried, suicide.

Over the course of the next several years, I had the privilege of seeing “Mr. Borris” work with his kids. He invited me into his high school to talk to them about my books and the stories behind them. We even did an onstage reading of Crank. So I got to know Al really well. What impressed me most was the way he greeted every student in a very large high school by name. Always with a smile that invited them to come to him with their problems. And they did.

I also got to watch the evolution of Crash Into Me, from a very rough draft to the highly polished version you will read now. First Al’s agent, and then his editor, asked for revision after revision. A less dedicated writer might have called it quits, but Al Borris is one of the most dedicated people I know. He accomplished everything they asked for, and more.

He also returned to the Big Sur conference, this time with a new project. Crash Into Me was already a victory; it was the camaraderie of other writers he sought. He looked fabulous. Fit. Healthy. And off every morning to roller blade by the ocean. It was a great conference, but driving home to Nevada brought me through a huge blizzard and I was stranded for a couple of days. When I finally made it, Facebook was buzzing about Albert Borris, who had suffered a massive stroke. I seriously could not believe it.

His family and friends formed a strong web of positive energy and love around Al, who was touch and go for a while. When it became clear he would live, no one knew how much function he would regain. His body was strong and recovered fairly quickly. But the part of his brain that manages speech was damaged. It took many months for him to be able to type even the simplest email messages, letting us know he was not about to give up.

Today, he still struggles. But he has not given up. That same dedication he had for his students, and his manuscripts, he now offers to his readers. I hope you’ll read Crash Into Me with this understanding. And keep sending positive energy his way. We need another Albert Borris book very soon.

Book Review: Jumpstart the World by Catherine Ryan Hyde (Blog Tour Stop)

SUMMARY:

Elle is a loner. She doesn’t need people. Which is a good thing, because she’s on her own: she had to move into her own apartment so her mother’s boyfriend won’t have to deal with her.

Then she meets Frank, the guy who lives next door. He’s older and has a girlfriend, but Elle can’t stop thinking about him. Frank isn’t like anyone Elle has ever met. He listens to her. He’s gentle. And Elle is falling for him, hard.
But Frank is different in a way that Elle was never prepared for: he’s transgender. And when Elle learns the truth, her world is turned upside down. Now she’ll have to search inside herself to find not only the true meaning of friendship but her own role in jumpstarting the world.

Tender, honest, and compassionate, Jumpstart the World is a stunning story to make you laugh, cry, and honor the power of love.


OPINION: 4 STARS

The Short Version:
Poignant and honest, Jumpstart the World is a blend of a coming of age while thrusting LGBT issues to the forefront. Elle is relatable and holds some strong character development, going through some very understandable reactions and thoughts in response to not only Frank but the things happening in her life. Frank gives not only Elle but the reader a beautiful into not only the life but the fears and experiences of someone transgendered, keeping in line with the overall openness about this book. Pulling the title into the book itself and giving it strong meaning, Hyde has delivered a fine, smooth work.

The Extended Version:
Elle has her bratty moments, most of which are understandable, considering the book starts out with her mother dumping her in an apartment by herself because the new boyfriend doesn't want a teenager around. Rebellious and frustrated, Elle not only chooses a scruffy black cat with only one eye from the pound, but she makes friends with the man next door that the mom has a clear aversion to. Now also in a new school, Elle is forced to make friends but finds it difficult. She goes through some struggles that every one can relate to, with a few new ones mixed in as well.

Her reaction to finding out the truth about Frank is handled very poignantly, and while Elle doesn't have a personal or immediate detest because Frank is transgender, she had a hard time swallowing and accepting it. Intermixed with her feelings for Frank, and the blindsided way she feels, Hyde has done a fantastic job portraying what is likely a very common response to such news. It is almost hard to word why Elle had a problem with it, as she had difficulty with it as well.

Frank is gentle in nature, and strong in plenty of ways that come through well. He takes Ellie under his wing and feels for her, and an easy kinship forms between the two. After an accident, the real struggles that Frank goes through and has gone through come out, uncomfortable to face but important to understand. Hyde speaks some important messages with this book, but comes at every one of them from an indirect angle. The points aren't beaten into the reader's head nor are they blatantly said, but they are there and clear all the same. Toto, Elle's cat, adds some spice to the story and is certainly a character by himself, with some more of the strong messages coming through simply because of events related to him.

Elle's voice was distinct and clear, coming off more like the reader really is in her mind, rambles and all. The writing keeps with this, staying completely in character throughout, while building the world and the characters around Elle as well. The plot has a steady, lulling pace, with some bursts of big points but overall, it is character-centric and character driven and well done because of it.

Details:
Source: Received for review from author/publisher for promotional blog tour with The {Teen} Book Scene
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (October 12, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0375866655
ISBN-13: 978-0375866654

Author Interview + Contest: Daisy Whitney (Blog Tour Stop)

Here today, just in time for her fantastic YA debut The Mockingbirds, is Daisy Whitney to answer a few questions about herself and the book. If you haven't picked up your copy of this book, do so! It is powerful and well done, with a strong message. And after the interview, you can enter for your chance to win an ARC of the book!


If you have been in the date rape situation in high school rather than college, do you think things would have changed for you?

I think it would have been even harder to stand up and press charges. I have such admiration for any person who speaks up in whatever form.

What has been the hardest part about turning something so personal into something public?

You can definitely feel like you’re putting yourself out there and that makes you vulnerable. But it’s also been rewarding in terms of the connectedness early readers say they feel.

If you could pair Alex with any character from any book, who would you pick for her?

I think I’d keep her with Martin! He’s perfect for her!

If Alex could experience any event in history, what would she want to see?

She’d want to see the opening night of 42nd Street on Broadway in 1980 because that musical rocks!

What kind of cookie would you describe yourself as?

Chocolate chip cookie!


Thank you, Daisy, for those answers, and congrats on the release of The Mockingbirds!

Now for your chance to win my ARC of this book, fill out this form. US/Canada only. Ends 11/21.

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This week's pick is Possession by Elana Johnson, coming June 2011 from Simon & Schuster.

Summary: Vi knows the Rule: Girls don't walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn...and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi's future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.

But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they're set on convincing Vi to become one of them...starting by brainwashing Zenn. Vi can't leave Zenn in the Thinkers' hands, but she's wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous--everything Zenn's not. Vi can't quite trust Jag and can't quite resist him, but she also can't give up on Zenn.

This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.

My Thoughts: First, I love dystopians. Second, I love the brainwashing idea, and the arranged marriage concept set in this backdrop. Third, with the hope of a love triangle, this one definitely seems like it is taking several great plot devices and concepts and weaving them together in a new way. The cover is also really great- simple, but I think it says a lot and holds a huge meaning.

Guest Post + iPod Contest: Swati Avasthi & Tour Wrap Up

Since October 1, I've been working with Swati Avasthi, author of the debut YA Split, on a blog tour to gain interest not only for her but in honor of the fact that October is Domestic Violence awareness month. Now that this month is over, Swati is here today to not only give the final dollar amount raised for donation to a DV Organzation, but to share with us the playlist for Split because she is wrapping up this already amazing tour with a iPod giveaway! But first.... Swati's thoughts and wrap up, along with the Split playlit!


National Domestic Violence month had passed and so …

I declare the tour officially over; I declare the auction officially closed, and I declare the Before the Split Blog Tour and Auction a success.

I call it a success – Do you?

Let’s recap here for a sec:

GOALS

1) To honor domestic violence month by raising awareness about domestic violence:

Check. Part of the purpose is to speak about it, so others can speak up. Another is to support survivors of domestic violence.

Here are some of the great comments about domestic violence:

“When I was a kid, there weren't such a things as child abuse, or abusive homes. Children and women were property. What happened in the home was private.
Growing up in an abusive house wasn't easy. But you loved your parents because you don't know any better.” ~ Sharon K


“There are so many more aspects to abuse that tear you apart beyond the abuse itself. The helplessness, the incredible guilt that comes with being unable to protect your siblings...even years later, when you're all grown up and the abuser is dead and gone, the old guilt still eats away at you and that blank card still stares you in the face.” ~ TreeFeathers

2) To have some fun:

Check. I’ve enjoyed myself thoroughly, and that’s what counts, right? (That and getting a mention in Nathan Bransford’s blog and at Cynsations. Oh yeah.) Re-inhabiting Jace’s voice for the guest post and interview was like when you come to your mother’s house and you inhale and the first thing you smell is your childhood. I missed writing as Jace, hearing his voice. I was glad to find he was still talking to me. (And that doesn’t make me crazy. See I wrote a post about why and if it’s on the internet then it’s gotta be true). And for the content I didn’t create, I bow to the Techno-God.

3) To get stuff we want

Check. Someone’s going to get an exclusive and early copy of SHADE by Jeri Smith-Ready. And the hottest selling items: critiques from agents. Jill Corcoran’s went for $190. Smaller items included great bookmarks, lots of books, and miniature sheep.

4) To raise some cash for Family Violence Prevention Fund.

Charity Auction: We had 86 items. Nearly 80% of them went.

250 comments? Check! Last tally = 292. Doing the happy dance, I’ll tell you! Because that means Family Violence Prevention fund is getting $500 from me.

And the calculator says:

$3,940 total for Family Violence Prevention Fund.

Oh yeah. Happy dance on double time!

Highlights:

Best Effort: For What It’s Worth. Karen, the awesome, matched my $1 donation at 100% for up to $50. And she got it! Fantastic. She went the distance, too. She was on almost every stop with a comment, helping me work toward that 250 comment goal. The amazing Amy at Amy Reads (who got on board without even being officially part of the tour!) is a close second; she rounded up comment and matched my donation. Wonderful people.

Best Prize: “Wait, what? There were prizes?” you say. Oh yes. In addition to Knopf generously giving away a book at each stop, a cover contest is still over at YA Addict where you can win a copy of the audiobook or the hardcover. But the best prize is today’s!

An 8G Pink Nano i-pod, straight from the refurbished dept. Never been used.

Best Music:

Whenever I write, I listen to music and not just any music – the right music. As promised, here is the playlist I listened to over and over again while writing Split. (Don’t judge me. Musical tastes are wide.)

* Higher Love by Steve Winwood
* 8 Mile by Eminem
* Break it Down Again by Tears for Fears
* Crazy by Seal
* Just Scream by Tom Cochrane
* What It’s Like by Everlast
* Walking Wounded by Everything by the Girl
* Stray Cat Strut by Stray Cats
* The End of the Innocence by Don Henley
* A Different Drum by Peter Gabriel
* Call and Answer by Barenaked Ladies
* Holding Back the Years by Simply Red
* Landslide by Fleetwood Mac
* Roads by Portishead
* Rabbit Run by Eminimem
* And the Band Played On by Simple Minds
* Here with Me by Dido
* Father, Son by Peter Fabriel
* Digging in the Dirt by Peter Gabriel
* Here Comes the Flood by Peter Gabriel
* Don’t Give Up by Peter Gabriel
* That Voice Again by Peter Gabriel
* More Than This by Peter Gabriel
* Fields of Gold by Sting
* Fast Car by Tracy Chapman
* Love to be Loved by Peter Gabriel
* Washing of the Water by Peter Gabriel
* Secret World by by Peter Gabriel
* White Flag by Dido
* Life for Rent by Dido
* Take On Me by a-ha
* Honestly by Annie Lennox
* I Know by Fiona Apple
* New York Minute by Don Henley
* Day by Day by Day by Day by Day by Day by Roland Orzabal
* The Heart of the Matter by Don Henley
* Lean on Me by Bill Withers


Best Cruise Director: Kari and Kelsey at The {Teen} Book Scene to set up the tour and also helped me with every post. Kari was also a tweeting maniac and a woman who answered my questions at all hours. If you missed a post and want to check it out, she has taken care of that, too.

I’m inspired and amazed by how many people came together to raise money and awareness. Thanks so much, bloggers! You’ve been incredible. Thanks so much followers, your comments have made a tangible difference, clearly. Thanks so much artists, authors, agents and editors for you incredible donations! Thanks so much, Kari, for so many things I can’t count, but mainly for making this tour a blast.

I started the tour by saying that October was the month to not feel paralyzed by the overwhelming statistics, but rather to join to together and see what we could do to help.

Well, we did it. Congrats everyone!


From my standpoint, this month has been awesome. Swati has put an immense amount of effort and work into this tour at every stop- and that same fire is clear in her book. And now, after all this amazingness, I have for you guys two contests: Win a copy of the book, and win an iPod Nano.

Book Giveaway Rules:
US/Canada only
Fill out this form
Ends November 14

iPod Nano Giveaway Rules:
US Only
Fill out this form
Ends November 14

For those of you interested in the audiobook, you have until Wednesday to create your own Split cover and enter it at YA Addict.