I'm the "Awesome Author" at And Another Book Read. In addition to an interview with me Tasha posted a review of SLEEPLESS where she said, "the author made Trinity’s fear drip off the pages and into the reader...I recommend this book for all fans of Lisa McMann’s WAKE and readers looking for a great book." Click here for the full review.
Not only did Tirzah at the Compulsive Reader put SLEEPLESS in the same sentence as Meg Cabot's MEDIATOR series (OMG!), she made me blush with pleasure when she said, "Clark handles her plot like a pro, and her fun and modern voice, along with many well placed pop culture references, entice and encourage readers into the story. The characters are those that readers can't get enough of—amusing, intelligent, savvy, but yet a bit fallible as well." Please check her blog out here.
Not only did Tirzah at the Compulsive Reader put SLEEPLESS in the same sentence as Meg Cabot's MEDIATOR series (OMG!), she made me blush with pleasure when she said, "Clark handles her plot like a pro, and her fun and modern voice, along with many well placed pop culture references, entice and encourage readers into the story. The characters are those that readers can't get enough of—amusing, intelligent, savvy, but yet a bit fallible as well." Please check her blog out here.
I feel very blessed that early reactions are good. One thing I've heard repeatedly is that people are surprised by the gritty story. The cover and copy don't really capture the book itself. And one friend said she couldn't believe someone as sweet as me had something like that in my head. ;)
Now for my rave...I finished reading Brooke Taylor's UNDONE and it's incredible. I seriously could not get enough of Serena and Kori's story. I loved Brooke's characterizations, the visceral way she wrote about pain and loss, her theme of secrets, the philosophical Doc, who'd I'd love to spend hours talking with and the raw beauty of edgy, imperfect people who want nothing more than to be accepted and loved for who they are, despite what they have or haven't done. You've gotta get this book! To further hook your interest I'm posting her book trailer:
Now for my rave...I finished reading Brooke Taylor's UNDONE and it's incredible. I seriously could not get enough of Serena and Kori's story. I loved Brooke's characterizations, the visceral way she wrote about pain and loss, her theme of secrets, the philosophical Doc, who'd I'd love to spend hours talking with and the raw beauty of edgy, imperfect people who want nothing more than to be accepted and loved for who they are, despite what they have or haven't done. You've gotta get this book! To further hook your interest I'm posting her book trailer:
Daphne you are the sweetest for mentioning me!!
I do love the kidlit community. Even though I am a teen I know that I will always enjoy YA and MG books, because I honestly feel like they have more to offer. I definitely think more adults should be open to reading YA books instead of thinking they're just for kids.
I agree, Tasha! If I read adult fiction, it usually has a coming of age theme or younger characters--like say White Oleander. I've turned many adult onto really great YA fiction (and some onto Gossip Girls as well, LOL)
I'm so proud to be part of the community.
I'm also one who reads my MG/YA books proudly in public places. It opens up a lot of conversations...one businessman on a train saw me reading a book with a very pink cover and asked in all seriousness, "Good book?" I said it was and recommended that he buy it for his daughter. Bet she was surprised when he showed up with that as a gift!
Thanks so much for the mention, Daphne!! :) You are awesome.
And I've noticed the exact same thing as you- the kidlit community is just so open and friendly, and it's great to chat with other MG/YA lovers, whether they be readers or authors. I love this community and am so glad to be a part of it.
Also, I used to shy around the fact that I still read YA books. I came very late to them, as I didn't start until I was 18, lol. But now I'm very open about it, and I'll tell people about the books I'm reading without shame. I'll even tell people about my site too.
YA is becoming so much bigger and limitless these days that I do believe that anyone, teen or adult, can pick up at least one YA book (if not more) and identify with it and love it. This genre is one of the best out there, and I'm so proud to be a part of it all.
tasha, i love your blog! and i agree with you and brooke that more adults should read ya and mg books- i think that's where the most exciting literature is.
courtney, i feel the same!
nina, i love that you read proudly and give recommendations!
book chic, YOU are the awesome one! and i agree 100% that this is the best genre out there. and your site rocks so i'm glad you proudly tell people about it!
Daphne- How about this? We're both awesome. :P hehe. Thanks for the compliment about my site too- it's much appreciated!! :)
Yeah, the kidlit community pretty much rocks!
Teri
Thank you, Daphne! Love your book!
I agree, the kidlit community is incredibly supportive. There's even a kidlit conference coming up soon!
Thank you so much for the mention, Daphne! So true about having that little secret YA reading habit, although now, as Book Chic pointed out, there is no shame in being a kid lit lover! Great post. :)