Author This or That: Marni Bates

Dropping in today is Marni Bates, author of the cute and funny book Awkward, to tell us a little about herself, This or That style!


Country or Rock

Rock! Absolutely. I did go through a country music phase but I overdosed on songs about fishing, beer, and trucks. You know, all that stuff I could really relate to back in middle school (Not). Now I can't even handle Shania Twain. But I love indie rock music and tend to do my best work when I have it blasting in my kitchen.

Cougar or Bear

Bears have fascinated me since I read Blueberries for Sal (written by Robert McCloskey) as a kid. I always wanted to switch spots with a bear cub and live on honey and berries. Yum!

Shrek or Donkey

Donkey! He made the movie. He was just so cute and upbeat.

Firefighter or Policeman

Mmm . . . can't I have both? Okay, how about this: FBI agent! What do you mean, I've been watching too many episodes of White Collar? Is that even possible?

Laptop or Desktop

Laptop! I am so ridiculously in love with my MacBook Air that I named her Amelia Airheart. She goes everywhere with me.

Purple or Green

Purple! It's the color of royalty. And it's pretty.

Stripes or Spots

Stripes? I'm super indecisive on this one. I love polka dots but when I hear "spots" I mainly think about spaghetti stains on a white shirt. Okay, stripes it is.

Mayo or Mustard

Mayo. Mustard really grosses me out.

Saltwater or Freshwater

Yikes, this one is tough. I think I have to pick freshwater (sans chlorine). I absolutely love scuba diving in pools. My family members think it's weird, but all I want is to sprawl out on the pool floor, look up at the surface, and watch the air bubbles while I breathe. So calming.

Morning or Night

Night. I am not a morning person. I tend to just skip over it entirely and emerge from my lair around noon. Rouse me before nine a.m. at your peril.


Thank you, Marni, and congrats on the release!

Awkward is out now, so check it out!

Mini Reviews: Something Like Normal, Endlessly and Arise

It's time for another round of mini reviews... gush fests of books I've recently read that aren't coming out for awhile but I can't just stay silent about. So as always, enjoy, put these on your radar, and come back closer to release for my full reviews of all of these!

Something Like Normal by Trish Doller: I've been waiting since 2010 for this book. I've heard from several of Trish's beta readers how much I will love it. I've been Bellatrix Lestrange level of crazy wanting this one. So, yeah, I had huge expectations for it. But even with all that? It blew me away. This is honestly one of the best books I have ever read. The characterization is absolutely stunning, almost indescribable in how well it was done. There are so many little things, small turning points and huge steps back, with so many layers and intricacies that all I can say is do yourself a favor and read it. Travis is amazing, kind of a jerk, definitely closed off at the start of the book and not just because he's on leave from an active war zone, but also endearing and caring. The changes he goes through in the book, of who he was before he left for boot camp and how that's changed him, layered over the way he changes as the book's event progresses is so authentic, wrenching, and perfectly handled. There is just something about him, and I seriously love this boy. But don't forget Harper, who I have a girl crush on, because she is just... awesome. With a little romance, plenty of emotion, a few scenes that made even me cry, and a beautiful, poignant, realism to it... Something Like Normal is stellar, amazing, brilliant, and a million other such words. Also? I read this one straight through in one sitting. Then did it again the next day, it's just that good.

Endlessly by Kiersten White: So, you know how sometimes you worry that the last book in a series will be a let down? Fret not, Kiersten delivers with this one. It has the same wit, innocent humor, and hilarious banter that drew me into the first two books, with a level of depth and emotion riding underneath it. With a compelling overall story line, and some awesome tie backs to things that happened in the first books, Endlessly is stunning as its own book but also as the final installment. Challenging once again how you'll view some of the characters, and testing Evie in some crazy ways, I blazed through this book and am still grinning about it over a week later. Also? There is more Reth in this one, and he is really rather amazing. And so is Lend. And the selkies (okay, so I might be partial to one of them....). And really, just the level of imagination that is in this book knocks it out of the park.

Arise by Tara Hudson: Kissing, in the first ten pages! Joshua! Amelia! Okay, so you get that with Hereafter, but still. I love these characters, and am always up for a good kiss, so Tara's way of starting this installment was quite lovely. But the story? Yeah. Original, well put together, hard to predict at times, emotional, and awesome. You get to see a new side of Amelia, and watch as even Joshua is tested. Plus, this one takes place mostly on New Orleans, and Tara does not scrimp on vividness and bringing it to life. There are some great twists in this one, and it had me as engaged as the first one, if not more.


So there you have it, some of my latest reads that I loved! The full reviews will come closer to their releases, but make sure you add them to your lists!

Author Interview: Jennifer Shaw Wolf

Today's guest is the author of one of my favorite books, one that gutted me and kept me gripped and blew me away. Who is it? Jennifer Shaw Wolf, debut author with Breaking Beautiful. Trust me, you want to read this book, and to whet your appetite more, here's an interview with her!


Faced with a situation like Allie’s, would you want to find out the dark truth or remain unknowing?

Oh, this is a tough one. I would want to know the answer enough that I would keep pushing for the truth, but once I found out, I’d wish I’d remained in blissful ignorance. Vague enough?

It’s just Blake and a tiger in the ring of the Roman Coliseum. What happens? What about with Andrew or Trip?

Blake figures out a peaceful resolution and he and the lion part as friends. Andrew outsmarts the lion and gets away. Trip goes for brute force and gets eaten.

If you could pair Allie, Trip and Blake with any character from any book, who would you pick for each?

All of these characters had a “pair” from the book, but if I were to mix it up, I’d put Allie with Randall, Trip with Angie, and try Blake with Caitlyn.

If you were a demigod, what god/goddess would be your parent?

I love Artemis, but she’s sworn to be a virgin so her being my mom is kind of out. How about Colliope, the goddess muse of epic poetry? I can use all the inspiration I can get.

What kind of cookie would you describe yourself as?

For some reason snicker doodle comes to mind. Really they’re just a plain round sugar cookie rolled in cinnamon and sugar, maybe with a little tartness or bitterness from the cream of tartar. I have a distinct memory of sitting with one of my first boyfriends, at his house, eating snicker doodles and talking with his mom so a snicker doodle brings back bittersweet memories for me. Maybe I’m a snicker doodle because on the outside I’m simple and sweet, but when you get to know me, or especially when you read my writing, I’m a little different then what you’d expect.


Thank you, Jennifer, and congrats on the upcoming release! I cannot wait to see it on the shelves!

This one hits shelves April 24 from Walker, but you really should just preorder it now. And if you're a blogger, it's now on Netgalley so go request!

Book Review: Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

SUMMARY: Senior year is over, and Lucy has the perfect way to celebrate: tonight, she's going to find Shadow, the mysterious graffiti artist whose work appears all over the city. He's out there somewhere—spraying color, spraying birds and blue sky on the night—and Lucy knows a guy who paints like Shadow is someone she could fall for. Really fall for. Instead, Lucy's stuck at a party with Ed, the guy she's managed to avoid since the most awkward date of her life. But when Ed tells her he knows where to find Shadow, they're suddenly on an all-night search around the city. And what Lucy can't see is the one thing that's right before her eyes.


OPINION:


Beautifully scripted and intelligently woven, Graffiti Moon is such a stellar example of contemporary at its finest. With dual perspectives, and a timeline that takes place pretty much in just one night, this is a compact but potent read. There is intense chemistry between the characters, just the right amount of back story woven in, and such depth infused throughout the story that this one will suck readers in and not let go.

Lucy is a stunningly done character, someone who has plenty of confusion about how relationships work in large part because of her parents. Though they clearly love her, and love each other, they need plenty of space as well. Her home life is a good one, but definitely one with it's differences, and Crowley quietly fuses the effects of that into the story. A little scared, yet feisty and completely willing to face down just about anything, Lucy puts herself out there even when she’s unsure. I loved this girl, from the way she can defend herself to the vulnerability within her as well. Watching her not only be so enthralled with how she thinks Shadow is, but learning about the boy she spends the evening with as well, and the mixing of the two angles had me hooked and entranced.

Mirroring her is Shadow, known to Lucy as Ed. Trying to hide the truth to his graffiti artist side, and clearly carrying a torch for Lucy even before this night started, he is charming and awkward and so genuine. He has some incredibly poignant scenes and moments, and the different way he views the world will make readers step back and think. With a distinctive voice and narrative to him, standing easily apart from Lucy’s voice, and a very smooth flow and writing style weaving the two together, Ed and Lucy are both sizzling and sweet. Music, lyrical and beautiful, the writing is as notable in this book as the story, characters and concepts.

There are a handful of other characters, some more vivid and present than others, yet each one distinctive and fun. With plenty of mishaps and fumbles along the way, this one has a very realistic element to it yet readers won't be pulled out of what’s happening even once. From budding romance to solid and intense friendships, Crowley includes a range of elements into this one, and does each one perfectly and seamlessly. With a raw honesty to it, a guttural beauty, and an overall enthralling and gripping nature, Graffiti Moon is a book that absolutely shouldn’t be missed.

Details:

Source: Netgalley 

Reading level: Ages 14 and up 

Hardcover: 272 pages 

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: February 14, 2012

Author Interview: Liz Reinhardt

Today's guest is Double Clutch author Liz Reinhardt, to talk romance, Denmark, and plants!



If you were in Brenna's position, with two boys to choose from, how would you decide?

That’s a good question, and I’m glad I was never actually in Brenna’s position! I think that what Brenna winds up doing, by just going wherever her feelings take her is selfish but necessary. I would never make a habit of hurting peoples’ feelings, but I think it’s important to date all different people so you can know what your options are and who you might be able to be with for a long time. (I know, I know! I sound like Mrs. Blixen when I say things like that!)

What is your favorite part about writing romance?

I love every single aspect of writing romance! I’m kind of a romantic in real life, and I love all the details…long phone calls, thoughtful gifts, funny conversations, hot make-out sessions. Some people think romance is a less valid genre because it tends to have a happily ever after ending. I think there’s nothing more important. Having a person you love in your life is the most important thing. Celebrating that kind of love makes me proud and happy as a writer.

Of all the places for Brenna to have spent freshman year, why Denmark?

My father was born in Copenhagen, Denmark. He’s since become an American citizen, but we were raised going to Danish festivals, fairs, camps, plays…we had a Danish exchange student and my family has visited Denmark. I wanted to give a little shout out to my father! I also love details, and lots of them. Talking about Denmark with some insider knowledge was easy for me, because I’d lived life talking about Denmark and being around Danish culture.

If you could pair Brenna, Saxon and Jake with any character from any book, who would you pick for each?

Oh my gosh, this is a crazy awesome question! Okay, I would pair Brenna with my all-time favorite book crush, Marcus Flutie from Megan McCafferty’s Jessica Darling books. He’s handsome, a rebel, and really smart, but a real romantic! I’d pair Jake with Lola from Stephanie Perkins. I think he’d fit in so well with her family, and she’d bring out the artsy side of him and encourage him to open up and be more confident. Saxon? I’d pair him with Taylor Markham from Melina Marchetta’s Jellicoe Road. Taylor is tough, honest, and smart, and she could whip Saxon into shape!! (I’m sorry to Jessica, Cricket, and Jonas for stealing your loves!)

What kind of plant would you describe yourself as?

Haha! Something tall. Maybe a tall nut tree? I wish I knew more about plants, because I could give a better answer!


Thank you, Liz, for stopping in and congrats on the book!

Author Interview + Contest: Margie Gelbwasser

Stopping in today is the author of one of the most aching, brutal books I have ever read. It's a book that left me a mess for several days after, but also one that really made me think, both as a reader and a writer. And I have to admit, coming up with questions to ask the author of this one was incredibly hard for me. But I did it, and she answered them, and is even giving you guys the chance to win a copy of her book? The book and author in question? Pieces of Us by Margie Gelbwasser, so let's get to it!



This is definitely not an easy book for many readers to stomach, so I can only imagine how it was to write it and be in the character's head. What part of the entire writing process was the most challenging for you?

I was very excited to write in the multiple points of view, but I wanted to make sure they sounded distinctive. I have read books told in multiple POV where one can only tell who the speaker is because of the header on the page. I really wanted readers to be able to know who was speaking even if the header wasn't there. I also didn't want the multiple POV to exist just for the sake of existing. I really wanted each other to have his/her own story. Those were the two most challenging things—making sure the voices were distinctive and to represent each character authentically and wholly.

Which of the four characters do you relate to the most?

While I don't think I would act like any of the characters, I feel most sympathy for Kyle. He's so fragile to me and the most innocent out of all them. I feel he is the only one who is not really given a choice in his life.

If you could pair each of your characters with any character from any book, who would you pick for them?

Oooh, this is such a good questions. Hmm...ok I'll pair Katie with Melinda from SPEAK because they have both been damaged, and I think Melinda can teach Katie to find her voice and be strong.

I would like to pair Julie with Rosaleen Daise and Augusta Boatwright from THE SECRET LIFE OF  BEES. The women can serve as examples of real mothers to her and show her what injustice really is. Perhaps, with them, she can get a better conscience. Alex will make a good match with Atticus Finch from TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. I know this may sound out there, but he needs a father figure and someone who has been through hard times as well, and I think he can change Alex for the better. Finally, for Kyle, I would choose Professor Dumbledore from the HARRY POTTER series. He is so kind and wise and can show Kyle how to find the inner strength he doesn't think he has. He taught Harry about fighting Voldemort, so he can definitely help Kyle fight his (human) demons.

If you were a demigod, what god/goddess would be your nemesis?

My nemesis would be Hera because the stories portray her as jealous and vengeful, and I don't think it's necessary to behave this way. Be proud, woman, and don't bring others down! But, I don't know if I would cross her because she would probably make my life (unlife?) hell.

What kind of dinosaur would you describe yourself as?

My son is four-and-a-half and loves dinosaurs. We read about them all the time, and he even has one of the walls in his room dedicated to just dinosaurs (the others—in case you're curious—are dedicated to superheroes, the CARS movie, construction vehicles, and firefighters). Anyway....I'm going to go with the Triceratops, but not because I'm most like it. Rather, I aspire to be like that dinosaur. It was a plant eater with a laid back, live and let leave personality. It had its spiky back for protection and didn't want to bother itself with the ferocious games of some of the other dinosaurs. I'm a type A personality. I take things very personally and am so not thick-skinned. I worry a lot. But, I'd like to be more relaxed, more zen. Just eat my lettuce and let the world rumble around me.


Thank you, Margie, for both the stunning book and the interview!

Pieces of Us hits shelves March 8, and you should definitely make sure to pick it up, but in the meantime, I've got a copy for one lucky winner to take home!

To enter, just fill out THIS form.

This contest is US only, and ends March 8.

No entries will be accepted through comments, but you should still totally leave one.