Last month we had a cool WordPlay writer's workshop with Ally Carter. Normally we pay the authors who teach our workshops, but Miss Ally very generously decided to donate her fee to a deserving school.

NYMBC brings lots of authors to schools, and one of the places we love to take authors is Wallenberg High in San Francisco. They are a smallish school with not a lot of funding, and a pretty teensy and out-of-date library... but they also have an incredibly enthusiastic librarian and a whole lot of RAVENOUS READERS! We've done events there with authors such as Lisa Yee and Justine Larbalestier, and the students have always been fantastic, so they are immediately who I thought of for Ally's wonderful gift.

That's why Librarian Kate met me at our Opera Plaza store and got to choose about $600 worth of books this morning - and I got to help her pick 'em out. Here's a sample of what she got. How many have you read? Any of your faves in the pile?


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Maggie Steifvater's ultra-romantic and unputdownable SHIVER is coming soon... but you could win an advance copy or lots of other neat stuff. And check out the awesome stop-motion animation Maggie created:



While we're on the topic of creative geniuses, can we talk about Beth Kephart? She's one of our favorite people, and her new book NOTHING BUT GHOSTS is out now. Here's a lovely reading from the book:

Yesterday was our long-awaited Lunch with Sarah Dessen.

The day began with Miss Shannon and me (joined later by Miss Mary and Miss Connie) setting up and decorating. We took the back of the bookstore - moved alllll the furniture - put up chairs and tables and Chinese lanterns and jars of flowers and and and etc et viola! A sort of cafe is born! (A cafe with a very limited menu, and buffet-style food, and um - lots of books - but still.)

The moment of sheer panic for this catered lunch came when we went to pick up the food across the way at Max's. Did we see a smiling man confidently handing us large trays of tasty goodies with a reassuring smile as if to say "Your Party Will Be Terrific"? NO. In his place was -- a locked door. With a sign on it saying that "Due to an Electrical Problem, Max's will be closed..." And a long long line of grumpy, hungry families. (Grumpy and hungry because they probably didn't leave the house saying: "Happy father's day, Grandpa, we're taking you to stand in a windy concrete corridor with no food! Yay!")

Anyway, somehow whatever problem they had magically got fixed (probably because it was a magical kind of day) and we got the food just in the nick of time. When the floodgates opened and all the Sarah Fans who'd been waiting were able to take their seats, the store really did look transformed. And the food was nommish grilled cheese, mini-burgers, fries, salad, brownies and PIE! But really - nobody was there for that. They were all there for SARAH!


Lots more photos on Mary's blog, HERE

She was a charmer as always, with super-cute shoes that I hope somebody took a picture of. She went around to every table "speed dating" style and got a chance to spend a bit of time with everyone. Then she read the part of ALONG FOR THE RIDE where Auden is learning to ride a bike (scary for me cause I also don't know how to ride a bike!! ACK!) - and then she took questions from the audience and I had to crack the whip to make her STOP answering them because she was on a tight schedule. And then she signed EVERYBODY'S books with a supercute pink pen that she apparently stole from Copperfields. And then she left.

And we were sad, because she was gone, but happy, cause she had been here.

WE LOVE YOU SARAH!

Here are other attendee recaps, with pix. ETA: Mary at Kidlit.com posted a TON of pix!

Thanks so much to everyone who ditched dad and came to the event!

Fairies & Vampires & Zombies - OH MY!

Whether you are kicking back by the pool or at the beach, or slaving away at a summer job, you know you need the latest awesome YA reads!

New in Hardcover...

ALONG FOR THE RIDE by Sarah Dessen is about a girl who is brilliant, but has always found the Life of the Mind and being solitary much more interesting than, like, living life and having friends. She's spending summer in a beach town and a hot, mysterious boy just might make her realize that thinking isn't the ONLY fun pastime for a girl.

SWIM THE FLY by Don Calame is about three nerdy best friends who make a summertime pact to see a naked girl (any naked girl!), and possibly the least athletic boy in the history of the school who vows to swim the 100-yard butterfly to impress the girl of his dreams. It’s hilarious.

Another author who knows funny is Lauren Myracle, whose latest, PEACE LOVE AND BABY DUCKS takes on sisterhood (and jealousy) in her priceless warm and wonderful style.

20 BOY SUMMER by Sarah Ockler is a gorgeous and touching summertime romance and best friend story that will almost certainly make you cry a little into your beach towel.

New in Paperback...

More Sarah Dessen! LOCK & KEY is new in paperback. It's about a tough girl who has to fend for herself after her mom leaves her -- she's built up such a protective shell around her heart, will anyone be able to get in?

AUDREY WAIT by Robin Benway is about a girl who breaks up with a guy, who writes a song about her, which becomes the most popular song in the world and everyone knows her name and the papparazzi won’t leave her alone–Don’t you hate when that happens?

If you’re in a catty mood, try THE DIAMONDS by Ted Michael. It’s about scandalous prep-school girls who take over the school’s mock trial team and turn the social hierarchy inside out.

And for something completely different, GENERATION DEAD by Daniel Waters is about a goth girl who has a new “living impaired” boyfriend… um, yeah, ladies? There’s such a thing as being TOO goth!

Stay cool!

xoxo NYMBC

Obsessed with Reality TV?

Love fun YA books?

Check out the REAL Real...

Just got the following from the gang at Simon Pulse, and thought it might be of interest to some of you...

Pulse IT is an online teen advisory board—a way to read amazing teen books for free online, and have your voice heard as a reviewer, trend-spotter, and all-around expert. So if you want early access to great books, join this community of fellow readers and become part of the "it" thing!

You don't need to download anything or use any special software — just get to any computer with Internet access. You'll actually get to hear from authors of the books you read because each month we will have a featured author who will post messages and answer any questions you might have!

Here's how it starts:

First, sign up below. But remember, you've gotta be between the ages of 14 and 18 to become a Pulse It member.

Now for the fun part: set up a profile and let everyone know what you're into: favorite books, movies, etc. You can even upload a picture to your profile.

Then (drum roll, please): PICK A BOOK TO READ FOR FREE! There are two books to choose from each month. After you've read the book, YOU get to write the book review. Writing a review is the best way to earn points, which will earn you other free books and great prizes. Easy as pie, right? Hope to see you there!

Sign up here!

Visit the Debs Blog for the chance to win an amaaaazing prize pack of books!

Hey all - the Not Your Mother's Book Club Luncheon with Sarah Dessen is officially SOLD OUT!

We just got back from a week in NYC at Book Expo. It is basically - a ginormous room full of every author you can imagine, and a ton of free books. And yes, it is awesome. And yes, we got copies of the HUNGER GAMES sequel, CATCHING FIRE. (eeeekcantwait!)

I wanted to point this out - A terrific audio teaser for one of our fave new books, THE CHOSEN ONE by Carol Lynch Williams. Just an FYI: Everyone who comes to our Sarah Dessen event on 6/21 will get a copy of the CHOSEN ONE in their gift bags (along with other neat stuff, of course) courtesy of our friends at Macmillan. Yay!

Oh and speaking of Sarah Dessen tix - there are less than 10 spaces left! Yep, 6/21 at 1pm we are having a private lunch with Sarah Dessen, and space is running out. Call the store or email nymbc at booksinc.net to buy your tickets today, cause once we're sold out, that's it.


click image to embiggen

Finally, are you following us on Twitter? @nymbc - Introduce yourselves and tell us what you're reading!

I am busy decorating and making punch and getting ready for...

TONIGHT! Books Inc. Opera Plaza, SF, 7pm

The very first NYMBC DEB BALL -- for three brand-new YA authors. IF you love YA books, meet these ladies before they become superstars. IF you yourself are a YA author or aspirant, give them the support you'd want at YOUR launch party!

OH ALSO THERE WILL BE SO MANY DELISH SNACKS!!! And I have A-MAZ-ING giveaways for everyone.



Plus, tonight is the Official On Sale Date for Sarah Dessen luncheon tickets... Just sayin', these are gonna go fast!

Tomorrow: Friday 5/8 at 7pm
Books Inc. Laurel Village, SF
Meet CINDY PON author of SILVER PHOENIX!

Next week: Thursday 5/14 at 7pm
Books Inc. Opera Plaza, SF
Our first ever DEBUTANTE BALL
featuring three (3!) awesome new YA authors:
Cheryl Renee Herbsman, author of BREATHING
Sarah Quigley, author of TMI
C. Lee McKenzie, author of SLIDING ON THE EDGE

If you are a writer or an aspiring writer, you'll know what a big deal your first big event is - please come help them make it extra-special! Dressing up is not required... but if you do, there are prizes in it for you... :-)

Not Your Mother's Book Club has finally succumbed to the siren song of Twitter.

http://twitter.com/nymbc

Follow us for mini-book reviews, event updates, conversation about vampires, and more! ;)

The book that everyone is talking about is IF I STAY by Gayle Forman.
Our own Shannon wrote me an email that said, "I finished it last night, it took me three days, I had to keep putting it down because I couldn't stop crying. So good!"

And Not Your Mother's Book Club regular Mary said on her blog:

IF I STAY isn’t just another teen grief novel, not by a long shot. It’s the story of Mia’s life and the people in it. Most of all, it is not a story about death… it’s a story about choice.

If everyone in your family died, would you join them? If your future suddenly turned out harder than you ever imagined, would you choose the easier road and die? Mia’s decision opens up a rich landscape of memory for the reader to explore...

...Mia is a strong, endearing character thrust into a nightmare situation. She has to reconcile her love for her boyfriend and extended family with her extreme grief and survivor’s guilt. Forman has orchestrated all of these feelings in a profound, beautiful and honest way. For fans of literary fiction as well as readers who enjoy tales of love and family, this is a highly, highly recommended must read. Read Full Review Here

Thurs April 16, 7pm - NYMBC presents Lisa Yee!
Books Inc. Palo Alto
Town & Country Village
Embarcadero & El Camino Real
(650) 321-0600

Not Your Mother’s Book Club is pleased to present Lisa Yee and her new novel ABSOLUTELY MAYBE. When her mom’s latest slimeball boyfriend puts the moves on her, and her mom takes the jerk’s side, Maybelline knows it is time to get out of town. She heads to California, armed only with her Dad’s first name, and what she finds there will surprise her. This is a pitch-perfect blend of comedy and drama from the beloved author of MILLICENT MIN, GIRL GENIUS.

Please join me TONIGHT at 7pm to celebrate the release of local author Jill Wolfson's new YA book COLD HANDS, WARM HEART.

COLD HANDS, WARM HEART is once a romance, a medical thriller, and a meditation on hope.

In honor of National Donate Life Month (April), this book event is a fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House at Stanford, the home-away-from-home and supportive community for families of children with life-threatening illnesses receiving specialized treatment at local hospitals.

Friday, April 3, 2009 7:00 p.m.
Books Inc. in Palo Alto
Town & Country Village
855 El Camino Real

We have all kinds of cool events coming up from San Francisco to Palo Alto - check 'em out!

Fri April 3, 7pm - Jill Wolfson Launch Party
Books Inc. Palo Alto
COLD HANDS, WARM HEART by local author Jill Wolfson is once a romance, a medical thriller, and a meditation on hope. In honor of National Donate Life Month, this book event is a fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House at Stanford.

Thurs April 16, 7pm - NYMBC! Lisa Yee
Books Inc. Palo Alto
Not Your Mother’s Book Club is pleased to present Lisa Yee and her new novel ABSOLUTELY MAYBE. When her mom’s latest slimeball boyfriend puts the moves on her, and her mom takes the jerk’s side, Maybelline knows it is time to get out of town. She heads to California, armed only with her Dad’s first name, and what she finds there will surprise her. This is a pitch-perfect blend of comedy and drama from the beloved author of MILLICENT MIN, GIRL GENIUS.

Fri May 8, 7pm - Cindy Pon Launch Party
Books Inc. Laurel Village, SF
Cindy Pon's debut novel SILVER PHOENIX is a mesmerizing fantasy adventure. No one wanted Ai Ling. And deep down she is relieved--despite the dishonor she has brought upon her family--to be unbetrothed and free, not some stranger's subservient bride banished to the inner quarters. But now, something is after her. Something terrifying--a force she cannot comprehend. And as pieces of the puzzle start to fit together, Ai Ling begins to understand that her journey to the Palace of Fragrant Dreams isn't only a quest to find her beloved father but a venture with stakes larger than she could have imagined.

Sat May 9 - Rick Riordan Offsite
Capuchino High School, San Bruno
Lots of you love the Percy Jackson series. Well, THE LAST OLYMPIAN is finally here, and Rick Riordan will be doing a HUGE event to celebrate. This is a ticketed offsite event - more details will be coming soon, check your local Books Inc. next week for more info.

Thurs May 14, 7pm - NYMBC! Debutante Ball
Books Inc. Opera Plaza
Cheryl Renee Herbsman, Sarah Quigley, C. Lee McKenzie
Three debut authors will celebrate their books with Not Your Mother's Book Club! More info coming soon...

Sun June 7, 10am - WordPlay Writing Workshop w/ Ally Carter
Books Inc. Opera Plaza
The author of the NYT bestselling Gallagher Girls series will lead a very special workshop for writers. Click here for more info.

** SUMMER BREAK! **

Wow. Just wow.

What a great event THAT turned out to be. Laurie Halse Anderson is AMAZING!

I was way-way-way too busy taking care of business to take any pix, but there's a recap from the guest of honor here and one from adorable attendee Heidi here.

Thanks to the amazing teens and stalwart parents & teachers who came out in the gale-force winds - and most of all, huge thanks to Laurie for being such a wonderful writer and inspiring speaker. We love you!

Hey all - This Sunday (March 22) we're having our private party with Laurie Halse Anderson. It is just about sold out - there are a very few spots left, so if you are dying to come, PLEASE call the bookstore right away or email me!

Here's the post with more info...

Carrie Ryan's completely creepy and wonderful FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH is out. Finally. We've only had a giant poster of the cover up in NYMBC-headquarters for like months. Check it out, people.

Shannon says: FoH&T is a page turning post apocolyptic zombie story with a touch of romance (who
knew....), I couldn't put it down. FOUR UNCONSECRATED THUMBS UP!

Also it has one of the best (and most truly chilling) book trailers I've ever seen...

Like free books? Like to give your opinion, loudly, with or without provocation? WHO DOESN'T?!

Our pals at Random House want YOU to join Randombuzzers which is a teen book community where you can meet authors and connect with other fans to discuss new and upcoming books. You can also earn "buzz bucks" that can be redeemed for not-yet-published editions and other cool stuff.

The book of the moment is one of our current faves too - the exquisite BONES OF FAERIE by Janni Lee Simner. Be sure to take a look at their blog post with author interview. Woohoo!

Here are the pictures of the Jen Calonita Event tonight! If you missed it, well you can see the fun we had:

the snacks table - my favorite is the cute popcorn bags!




chilling out, waiting for the event to start




discussing the book, Hollywood, celebrities, etc.




signing afterwards




group pic!

This Thursday, (March 5, 7pm, Books Inc. Opera Plaza) NYMBC goes Hollywood with Jen Calonita to celebrate the release of her new book PAPARAZZI PRINCESS. Jen is great fun, don't miss it!

As the last season of Family Affair comes to a close, primetime teen star Kaitlin Burke is no closer to deciding what's next after the show ends, even with cast of opinionated family members and staff who all think they know what's best for her. What's a starlet to do when she has the world at her French-pedicured feet and can't decide her next move?

Struggling with career choices and despondent over a ridiculous catfight with her BFF Liz, Kaitlin falls in with two of Hollywood's biggest party fiends when one of them asks her "Don't you ever do what you want to do?" But being at the center of the Tinsel town nightlife circuit might just be the downfall of Kaitlin's reputation, relationships with friends and family . . . and her career.