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Title:Gasp Author: Lisa McMann Published: 2014 Source: Local Library
Summary: In the third book of the series, the visions have hopped to a whole new person. Unfortunately, Jules and Sawyer don't know who that person is, and they have to find out before tragedy crashes down on them again.
First Impressions: I'm glad the series ended here. The tie to the visions was getting way more tenuous and I thought the wrap-up worked.
Summary: As the only Asian kid in her whole school, Chloe Cho barely even feels Korean. Even though both her parents came to the States from Korea as adults, they seem to want to forget it completely. When her teacher, Mrs. Lee (who is also Korean!) assigns a family history project, Chloe puts her foot down with her parents. She's going to learn about her background if it kills her! But she's not really prepared for the truth.
First Impressions: I was spoiled for the twist so I saw the setup but I have to say that her frustration with racist stereotypes and her yearning to connect with her heritage was very well done and the spectacular tailspin when she learned the truth was also realistic.
Title:The Lost Twin Author: Sophie Cleverly Published: 2016 Source: NetGalley
Summary: After her twin sister Scarlet dies at boarding school, Ivy is sent to take her place. Not just to attend the school, but to completely impersonate her own sister. But how did Scarlet die? What is the school's sinister secret? And can she make it through the school year without being exposed?
First Impressions: I feel like this was trying to be a really fun old-fashioned English boarding school mystery story, but the death of the sister and the impersonation scheme was a much more somber premise than the story could support. Just never gelled for me.
0 Comments on First Impressions: Gasp, Unidentified Suburban Object, The Lost Twin as of 10/19/2016 4:12:00 PM
In the world of Quill, creativity is bad. It counts as an infraction, and on the day of the Purge, every thirteen year-old is put into three categories: Wanted, Necessary, or Unwanted. Wanteds are honored, Necessaries become slaves, and Unwanteds are sent to their deaths.When Alex Stowe is sent to the Death Farm after the Purge, he discovers that being Unwanted doesn't bring death... it brings the discovery of a whole new world called Artime.
In Artime, creativity is allowed. Even encouraged. The wild-haired leader, Mr. Today, helps each artistic Unwanted learn that they can hold their title like a badge. Because in Artime, creativity is a magical gift... and a weapon.
It's the first book in the Unwanted Series, and I am so excited for the last one to come out in April! If you like dystopian novels and magic, then you should totally try this book out!
-Grace
0 Comments on The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann as of 1/1/1900
If you're hooked on Kid President then this month is your month for new release kids books. This month's selection of best new kids books includes Kid President's Guide to Being Awesome and Richelle Mead's conclusion to the Bloodlines series.
Kendall has spent her entire life in Cryer's Cross, Montana. It's a small town of mostly potato farmers (Kendall's family included.) There are 24 people in her high school.
Last spring, Tiffany Quinn disappeared without a trace. This fall, Kendall's boyfriend Nico, is also gone.
Kendall has OCD. Everything must be just so. It also means that all the horrific possibilities of what happened to Tiffany or Nico replay in her head over. and over. and over. and over. and over. and over. and over. and over. and over.
It also means that she knows the smallest details of everything. She knows that Nico was sitting at the same desk that Tiffany sat at last year. Kendall knows that the graffiti carvings that look like they've been there forever? They're new. And they're changing. She hears the voices calling to her.
Thirty five. One hundred. Thirty five. One hundred.
Overall, I liked the first 90% of it. It was spooky and tense. I loved how Kendall's OCD was a hinderance and a help. I also love that this book wasn't a book about Kendall's OCD. It was about something else entirely. I love that it's a small town that ISN'T full of quirky characters. The interjections of the desks in between chapters at first was really weird, but at the end added to the scariness. I loved the depiction of how hard small town life can be. With Tiffany and Nico gone, when the new girl Marlena breaks her leg, the soccer season is cancelled because even though it's a co-ed, there are no longer enough people to make a full team.
I'm not sure how I felt about Kendall's relationship with new boy (Marlena's older brother Jacian). On one hand Kendall and Nico were dating because they had been best friends since they were born and it just seemed natural and Jacian makes her heart race... after Nico's disappearance (and not only as her boyfriend, but also her oldest and best friend) it seemed a bit... fast.
My big beef though, is with the end. It's rushed and totally anti-climatic. What was going on was really cool and FREAKY, but how McMann lets the readers know is a let-down. It just falls apart a bit. Which is sad because it had such promise and the majority of the book was SO GOOD.
ALSO, THE COVER. The one at the top of the review is the paperback cover. UGH. It makes it look like a KISSING BOOK. This is not a kissing book. So, it'll disappoint those looking for a kissing book and it won't get picked up by a lot of people because of it. The original hardcover with the spooky desk? SO MUCH BETTER. I think it represents the book much better and will appeal to more readers. Ah well.
Book Provided by... the publisher at a lovely dinner with McMann, at ALA Midwinter a few years ago.
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I only had 2.5 books on last week's IMM. Which was totally fine because I knew I was going to have a crazy, mind-blowing, I'm-not-even-bragging-just-stating-facts bonanza of books this week. Let's go in chronological order...
This is like the best weekly mailbox I've ever seen! :)
And can I just tell you how completely jealous I am that you get to be part of the blog tour for The Unseen Guest? I am a huge fangirl of the Incorrigibles series. I love those books So. Much.
Wondeful books! I am so happy for you! I'm especially looking forward to Grim, Perception and Dead to You. Um, I might also have more than one copy of Born Wicked. Oh well. Can't have to much of a good thing!
Oh my goody goodness you got so many amazing books its hard not to be jealous right now! I wish the Breathless Tour came to an area near me it looks like it was so much fun =)
OMGosh this is all so AWESOME! Haha I love all the photos you shared here too, I would so love to meet some of these authors :) And boy you weren't kidding about having a massive book haul for this week! Looks like someone is going to be a very busy reader haha ;)
Enjoy everything you got this week! You can check out my IMM at the link below :)
OHMYGOD! Your IMM this week is amazing! You got so many books this week! Thanks for sharing the pictures from the Breathless Tour! The authors participating in it are awesome! If you want to get rid of your doubles, you can always send them to me. ;D Have a great reading week!
wow, you DO have a lot of reading to do! Love all the pictures, especially the food ones. I'm now hungry. :p And lucky you for meeting the Breathless Reads authors! Wish they came near where I live so I could get my books signed. <3 LOVE Beth Revis and Marie Lu's book(s).
What a great week! The Teacher/Librarian Schmooze sounded like a fantastic time! And banana pudding...I'm drooling! And so many amazing books! Don't know how you're going to pick which one to read first, but enjoy all of your goodies!
Talk about suspense! I'm starting to think Lisa McMann is the queen of teen suspense, because she really does get me every time. I'm a big fan of her Wake series and this new stand alone was quietly creepy and definitely a page turner.
Ethan was kidnapped as a child, but has somehow found his way back to his family, years later. His parents, of course, are absolutely thrilled that he's home, but his younger brother isn't quite sure what to think. He finds it strange that Ethan can't remember simple events that happened when they were little and finds tiny inconsistencies in the story Ethan tells about his kidnapper.
Determined to prove he is ready to be the kid everyone remembers, Ethan tries to make friends with the group he's told he hung out with as a young boy, attempts to be a great big brother to the little sister that arrived after he had been abducted, and even tries to get along with his brother, without success. Something is wrong and Ethan's brother knows it.
If you read a lot of books, you'll probably figure out the ending, however, the way McMann gets us there is pretty awesome. Even though I was pretty sure I knew what was going to happen, I still had chills on certain pages and still really wanted to be able to read faster to find out if I was right and what was going to happen to Ethan and his family.
I think this would be a great choice for a reluctant reader or someone that needs a quick page turner to get into a story.
Can't wait to see what's next from Lisa McMann! Whatever it is, I'm sure it will make my heart beat a little faster.
Dead to You Lisa McMann 256 pages Young Adult Fiction Simon Pulse 9781442403888 February 2012 Review copy
1 Comments on Dead to You review, last added: 2/18/2012
McMann's a local author and one whose books I enjoy. I don't love, love, love them, but I like them and this one sounds like it will be really good. I need to read it soon!
You can catch the rerun on Monday, March 14, 4pm EST on OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network). Check your local listings for channel and time. It's the "Barbara and Lisa" episode -- I'm on for the last 20 minutes or so.
It's about me trying to find a long lost friend from my childhood because I wanted to let her know how she influenced my books. I hope you watch!
2 Comments on If you missed me on the show SEARCHING FOR... last night, last added: 3/12/2011
Simon & Schuster Digital partnered with VYou.com to create Ask the Author, a digital venue for readers to interact with writers. On the new site, authors respond to reader-submitted questions through webcam videos.
Participating writers with Ask the Author pages include: Chris Cleave, Brad Thor, Chuck Klosterman, and Lisa McMann. What do you think about these short video interviews?
Here’s more from the press release: “Using VYou’s innovative technology and any computer that has a webcam, authors can record responses to individual messages or questions entered by their fans. The questions and answers are then organized into ‘conversations,’ giving the experience a live feel. Participating authors can spend as much or as little time as they want on their video, which they can record at any time.”
I'll be featured in the new docudrama SEARCHING FOR... on OWN (the Oprah Winfrey Network), Monday, March 7, 9pm Eastern & Pacific, 8pm Central, 10pm Mountain. Check HERE to see if OWN is available in your area and to find the right channel. And check your local listings to make sure the time is correct.
Here's the description of Monday's episode: Searching For... Barbara & Lisa Barbara is searching for two of the three children she placed for adoption after her husband left her nearly 50 years ago (<--NOT ME), and bestselling author Lisa (THAT'S ME!) asks Pam Slaton to help her reconnect with a childhood friend. PG
So basically it's a show about finding people, and there are two 'stories' per hour-long episode. Last year when I heard about this awesome upcoming show, I approached professional genealogist/searcher Pam Slaton to see if she could help me find someone I'd been searching for. Now you can all see what happened!
I'll tell you one thing -- my search has a little something to do with Cabel from the WAKE trilogy. :)
I hope you enjoy the show!
4 Comments on Watch me on TV Monday, March 7, 2011!, last added: 3/5/2011
Publisher: Simon Pulse (February 8, 2011) ARC: 240 Pages Genre: YA Paranormal Book from Around The World Tours (click link for more reviews from this ARC tour)
From Goodreads. The community of Cryer’s Cross, Montana (population 212) is distraught when high school freshman Tiffany disappears without a trace. Already off-balance due to her OCD, 16-year-old Kendall is freaked out seeing Tiffany’s empty desk in the one-room school house, but somehow life goes on... until Kendall's boyfriend Nico also disappears, and also without a trace. Now the town is in a panic. Alone in her depression and with her OCD at an all-time high, Kendall notices something that connects Nico and Tiffany: they both sat at the same desk. She knows it's crazy, but Kendall finds herself drawn to the desk, dreaming of Nico and wondering if maybe she, too, will disappear...and whether that would be so bad.
Then she begins receiving graffiti messages on the desk from someone who can only be Nico. Can he possibly be alive somewhere? Where is he? And how can Kendall help him? The only person who believes her is Jacian, the new guy she finds irritating...and attractive. As Kendall and Jacian grow closer, Kendall digs deeper into Nico's mysterious disappearance only to stumble upon some ugly—and deadly—local history. Kendall is about to find out just how far the townspeople will go to keep their secrets buried.
Review
CRYER'S CROSS, by Lisa McMann, is a fast-paced and short read that definitely gave me the creeps. I have not read a book in a long time that portrayed scary suspense as well as this book did.
Kendall was a phenomenal character. Her life revolved around the struggle with her OCD but she was able to cope with it. Her family was so supportive, it that was definitely a treat to read. With mild OCD tendencies myself, I truly connected with this girl. Kendall and Nico were adorable together and it broke my heart when he went missing like Tiffany. But through tragedy, Kendall was able to find a connection with another outcast, Jacian (thanks Lisa for the phonetic pronunciation). Jacian and Kendall's relationship was a love/hate one, but very convincing and magnificent to read.
I liked how the town itself was a character. This small farming community was very tight-knit but could also be suffocating. Imagine going to school where all the students could fit into one classroom? Overall this was a great book. I loved getting to know these wonderfully constructed characters and unraveling the disturbing secrets of Cryer's Cross.
Wake (Dream Catcher, #1) by Lisa McMann (Goodreads Author) Wake (Dream Catcher, #1)
published March 4th 2008 by Simon Pulse
Hardcover, 210 pages
literary awards: South Carolina Book Award Nominee for Young Adult (2009), ALA Teens' Top Ten (2009)
isbn 1416953574 (isbn13: 9781416953579)
Description: Ever since she was eight years old, high school student Janie Hannagan has been uncontrollably drawn into other people's dreams, but it is not until she befriends an elderly nursing home patient and becomes involved with an enigmatic fellow-student that she discovers her true power.
Disclaimer: If you are looking for reviews that discuss the juxtaposition of imagery and mood, the symbolism behind the broken flower pot in the garden, and the existential interpretations of a character’s motivation then this site is NOT for you. We’re just a couple of gals who love reading and know what we like and what we don’t. Simple as that.
How We Pick Our Book Selections: Whatever we feel like reviewing. There won’t be a rhyme or reason to what we pick except that it will either be something we have read, heard about, or wanted to read. There are plenty of new book reviews out there, so we’ll probably focus more on older books. Do you have a suggestion of a book you think we should review? Let us know in the comments. Disagree with our review? Let us know in the comments – nicely, of course. (You don’t want to get Christy mad – she’s brutal.) Do you have a bottle of a good vintage Bordeaux you’d like to get off your hands? You can send that directly to Kristi.
At the end of each review will also be a Random Movie Recommendation for the month – just because. Some new releases and some oldies but goodies.
K: This month's pick was WAKE by Lisa McMann. We've been on a YA kick lately and th
5 Comments on WAKE by Lisa McMann, last added: 4/1/2010
I really did enjoy this book!! This was actually the first YA book I've read and have found the genre wonderfully enticing!! And hey, we didn't even get wild and crazy and close down any Starbucks...oh well, maybe next time!!
Apparently, my husband watched D9 while I was sleeping so I can't add to that. But I loved WAKE! It took me a second to get used to the 1st person present tense too, but once I got into the book, I didn't pay attention to it. The second one is a little different. Eager to see what you two think of it.
Lacey - I just read Fade last night and liked it a lot once I got past the improbability of a police officer putting a teenager up as bait. It was darker but I still flew through it and couldn't put it down...must get the last one!
Ok I should've added this before but I actually enjoyed Fade better than wake, but then I like the darker stories. I did not however, find Gone to be as well written or nearly as interesting as either of the previous. It was an entertaining quick read, but I expected MUCH more for the finale of the trilogy.
If you've never seen one of my Mini-review features, here's the synopsis: Reviews are of books that have already been reviewed about a million times by other bloggers and/or titles that I just feel don't need the full synopsis and in-depth reviews as other books I've read throughout the month. Enjoy!
Gone by Lisa McMann
Whole lot of buzz about this third title in the Wake trilogy. I enjoyed it and felt that it wrapped the whole series up nicely, though I did miss the whole "undercover cop" aspect that was in the previous two books. I think that added a hard edge to a rather dream-focused plot.
I think McMann creates believable characters, even if their stories are fantasy. Definitely a hard talent to achieve, but it shows in her writing.
Overall rating: 4 out of 5
Gone Lisa McMann 224 pages Young Adult Simon Pulse 9781416979180 February 2010 Review copy received from publisher
The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent (audio)
This was the first audiobook that I listened to this month and I enjoyed both the reader, Mare Winningham, and the plot. I really liked the main character being a child, telling the story of her family's witch trials from her innocent eyes, and the morphing of her feelings toward her doomed mother felt incredibly realistic.
I will say that the story is dark, depressing, and understandably sad, so if you're looking for something hoped-filled, The Heretic's Daughter is not for you. Listening to it, there were some moments I found my mind drifting away, but overall, the reader, the reading, and the overall story were very good.
Overall rating: 4 out of 5
The Heretic's Daughter Kathleen Kent Audio Book Hachette Audio 9781600248238 October 2009 Borrowed from my local library
The View From Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg (audio)
Yeah, yeah...one of the last librarians on earth to read this book (and I listened to it), but because of the Fill in the Gaps Challenge, I finally got to it. Do I think it was worthy of a Newbery Medal? Maybe. I didn't
2 Comments on February Mini-Reviews, last added: 3/1/2010
Rainy rainy rainy. I feel bad for my poor puppy that had to suffer through the scariest thing in the world ALL BY HERSELF today. (Scariest thing in the world? Thunder.) But, every so often, I see a glimpse of sun. Huzzah!
Also, there's a new Students Across the Seven Seas book out, Great Call of China! Not only a new book, but it's about CHINA!!!! Why o why doesn't my library have this yet?!
Anyway, today we have the second book in 2 series that I think are going to be trilogies. Not that I know they are, but that's what my gut is telling me. I listen to my gut, especially when it says "I WANT PIZZA."
I loved this for all the reasons I lovedDead Is the New Black. Silly and fun, this time Nightshade has some serious werewolf issues. Even worse, Ryan seems to be pulling away from Daisy and spending an awful lot of time with the absolutely stunning newcomer, Elisa. Not that Daisy doesn't have her own new guy--Duke's a gorgeous fortune-teller that just won't leave her alone. At least she doesn't have to go to cheer leading practice, right?
Also, the best part? One of snarky-waitress Flo's t-shirts says "SCROTUM IS JUST A WORD" Big props for random The Higher Power of Lucky references thrown into fun YA lit!
Wakereally surprised me, by being the opposite of what I thought it would be. Fade doesn't disappoint.
The police suspect that there is a sexual predator among the teaching staff at Janie and Cable's high school. The two are on the case. This involves Janie basically using herself as bait to catch the creep, which is something Cable has very big issues with and is straining their relationship. Janie's learning how to control her catching talent to make it useful, but there are starting to be some pretty bad side-effects and when she reads through Miss Stubbins's old notes, she finds out some truly shocking and horrible things.
This is definitely darker than Wake. The mystery is more immediate for Janie and the dreams she delves into for clues are worse. Plus, Janie has to use more than her dream-catching abilities to help catch the bad guys, which may be more than she can handle.
I'm really looking forward to Gone which will come out next February.
0 Comments on Sequels are Fun! as of 4/22/2009 5:33:00 PM
Seen at My Local Bookseller: Lisa McMann & Cassandra Clare...
Last Friday night I caught one of the last few stops of the Lisa McMann and Cassandra Clare author tour when the pair appeared at Joseph-Beth Booksellers here in the Nati. (I'm a little tardy on my reporting--tough fitting in blogging this week. This little 'ol book we do, Writer's Market, has been taking up a lot of my time.)
I loved this bookstore event for a number of reasons. First, I'm a fan of Lisa McMann and I was happy to meet her in person and get an autographed copy of Fade which I just finished last night. Second, Cassandra Clare's urban fantasy trilogy sounds really cool and totally up my alley and now I'm going to read her books. Third, I'm happy to see that publishers are still setting up multiple-city, all-over-the-country authors tours. Also, this was the first author event I've been to since I signed on to Twitter and I really enjoyed tweeting throughout, posting pictures and allowing others to experience it with me. (So fun!)
The coolest thing about this event, however, was the audience. Teens. Lot of them.
Besides the packed rows of chairs, fans of the authors stood on benches behind shelves. By my count there were 100 or so people there for the signing.
It wasn't just fantastic that teens turned out to see authors on a Friday night. It was fantastic that they turned out with such enthusiasm. There were thoughtful questions. There was a squeal or two. There was singing! And they got stacks of books signed (like not just one of Cassie's books--all of them).
These girls are fans. They love their characters. They want more books about them. They are invested. It made me so happy.
And below are the happy (and no doubt warn-out from signing signing signing all that stock) authors, Lisa (second from left) and Cassie (in the middle) along with a few of the fab J-B staff members.
I was lucky enough to get to see Lisa McMann, Cassandra Clare, Elizabeth Scott & Beth Fantaskey last Sunday at Books of Wonder in NYC. I agree, both the authors and the audience were wonderful, engaging and so passionate about what they're reading! What a great experience.
(I also enjoyed taking pictures and tweeting from it, feel free to check them out on my blog).
Have you started Cassandra's books yet? I did Sunday and am about 50 pages from finishing City of Glass - now I understand why those teens were so passionate!
Big, superhairy deadline in 26 days, and I’ll be spending 8 of those on the road, and 5 of those are Sundays and I don’t work on Sundays, so really I have no business being on this blog now or starting a Twitter account last weekend or playing on Facebook or reading other YA author’s [...]
10 Comments on Please support me in not procrastinating, last added: 4/6/2009
Laura, the cynicism! Hey, I’m not even working right now!
Back to chapter four . . .
Beth Fehlbaum said, on 3/17/2009 7:43:00 PM
See, what I do is PRETEND that my second book has a deadline, and I don’t work on it like I should, so it’s nice to see that someone who actually HAS a deadline doesn’t work on what she needs to do, either.
Beth Fehlbaum, author
Courage in Patience, a story of HOPE.. http://courageinpatience.blogspot.com
Ch. 1 is online!
robin said, on 3/17/2009 8:05:00 PM
Beth, trust me, it will never end. But congrats on getting one book done–now on to your second! Once you’ve finished one you at least know you can do that. It really builds confidence. Good luck!
Heather Harper said, on 3/17/2009 10:01:00 PM
Things I heard my kids say today on a family picnic:
Daughter: “I’m so sassy.”
Youngest: “That sounds dangerous.”
The lesson? Everyone needs some sassy, even if they are on a deadline and distracted by the excitement of being able to see me next week.
robin said, on 3/17/2009 10:14:00 PM
ExCUSE me?? Heather, are you going to be there when I visit those Dallas schools? What’s UP?????
Heather Harper said, on 3/17/2009 10:19:00 PM
Rent has been paid for this month. Ha!!
Hubs went to the new outsourcing company. Not sure how long it will last, but we hope to finish the school year at least.
robin said, on 3/17/2009 10:23:00 PM
Sweet! Plans to follow! (Um, off-blog if you guys don’t mind. You probably don’t need the details.)
Patrick said, on 3/18/2009 8:30:00 AM
Oh man, you guys are going to talk about me again.
Ok.
Lady T said, on 3/18/2009 12:33:00 PM
Not trying to distract you,Robin-just popped in to say “Go,go,go!” on finishing your project. You can do it:)!
robin said, on 3/18/2009 3:02:00 PM
Yes, Patrick, it’s always about you. That’s not your imagination.
Lady T, thank you! I’m going!
Saints and Spinners said, on 3/20/2009 4:09:00 PM
Robin,
As you asked, I will not be friendly to you in any way. If that’s what you want, that’s what you’ll get. I take my friends literally, seriously, with no nonsense or silliness. Pay no attention to the jester hat I’m wearing, nor to the stick with the bells. I’m just trying on clothes for the Renaissance Fair.
–Farida
robin said, on 3/20/2009 5:27:00 PM
Farida, are you really participating in the Renaissance Fair? I’ll bet you’ll look so cute. But don’t answer. Then I’ll just get drawn into conversation instead of writing pretend dialogue on a page. But thanks for checking in!
Michelle said, on 3/20/2009 10:13:00 PM
Thank YOU Robin for helping me to procrastinate by reading your fabulous blog. However, I am selfishly concerned because I REALLY want to read this third book that you are procrastinating on. GET TO IT! NOW!!! I am cracking the whip here… NO DELAYS!
Today I changed a flat tire in the rain. (I blew it last night, but it was too dark to see, so I didn't change it until this morning). I'm feeling pretty tough. I got the car jacked up and the old tire off ALL BY MYSELF! And then someone drove by and noticed me sitting in a puddle, and offered to help. So he put on the spare. And now I have a new tire on my car and a tasty sandwich in my belly (the repair shop is rather close to the Italian Store.)
Initially, I wasn't going to read this one because the premise didn't grab me. (It sounded like it might be scary. I don't do scary. Children's scary is ok, but teen and adult scary? TOO SCARY. I am a wuss.)
But, I had to read it for work and am SO GLAD! I would have finished this in one sitting if I didn't have that pesky day job that was making me read the book in the first place.
Janie falls into other people's dreams. If you fall asleep near her, she'll be sucked into your dream while still be conscious of what her body is doing in the waking world. Nightmares are the worst--she's paralyzed and it looks like she's having a seizure.
She knows she's a freak, destined to live alone, never letting anyone too close, and being slightly afraid of some of her classmates, knowing the dark thoughts that lurk in their sleep.
McMann's writing is fast, sections are date and time stamped, with awake action alternating with other people's dreams.
See, it sounds like it would be scary horror ish. But it's not. It's hard to explain. It's part love story, part super natural-y, and part police detective! The sequel sounds much more police detective like, and I can't wait until my name comes up on the hold list. I'm also excited to see more of Janie's relationship with her mother--in the text, we get Janie's impressions of it, but you know there's more there, and that there's more to her mother than Janie allows herself to see and think about.
Oh! There's been talk here in kidlitland in the last year about class in literature. Janie is poor and white and her issues with the popular girls are class-based. It also provides a good reason as to why she hasn't seen a doctor about these issues--she doesn't have insurance and can't afford it, so it's gone uninvestigated.
Anyway, check it out, because it was very different than what I thought it would be, and I mean that in the best way possible.
2 Comments on I am Woman, Hear me ROAR!, last added: 2/20/2009
Oh, I'm glad that I wasn't the only one! I was afraid that EVERYONE knew how awesome this book is. And I'm doubly glad that you had the same reaction I did.
I had heard so much positive buzz about Lisa McMann's book, Wake, but it's only just now gotten into my book hungry little hands. It was just as wonderful and thrilling as everyone said and now, I too am super-anxious for the sequel.
Janie is a pretty typical seventeen year old high school student, except for the fact that she falls into other people's dreams. Yes, whenever someone falls asleep near her, Janie gets sucked into their dreams, including the ever-popular falling dream, the going-to-school naked dream, and some dreams she would just rather not ever be a part of.
She knows she can't ever let anyone in on her secret or she'll be declared a freak forever. However, when she falls into the terrible nightmares of a classmate and he finds out the truth about her "seizures," the pair and spun into a crazy web of dreams and nightmares, as well as a bit of romance.
The thrills of this page turner are continuously thrown at the reader and the unique plot concept is what really makes the book jump off the shelf. I was felt Janie's emotions were portrayed in a realistic manner, especially her fear of what happens when she is sucked into Cabel's nightmares. The cover is pretty perfect too.
I will definitely be recommending this to the teens, if they haven't already snatched it up themselves! McMann's sequel, Fade, comes out in just a couple weeks, so I won't have to wait long to see what's up next for Janie.
To learn more or to purchase, click on the book cover above to link to Amazon.
Wake Lisa McMann 224pages Young Adult Simon Pulse 9781416953579 March 2008
I discovered YA author Lisa McMann when I began following her on Twitter. But when I read her author bio on Simon & Schuster's website and discovered we share a tremendous love for peanut butter (the world's awesomest food) that made me visit her website. And read her blog. And ask her to be my Blogger of the Week. Below she talks about her books and blogging.
For anyone not familiar with your work, tell us about it.
The Wake trilogy is paranormal YA from Simon Pulse. The first book, Wake, came out last year and it's about a 17-year-old girl named Janie who gets sucked into other people's dreams, and how Janie learns to deal with her emerging powers with a little help from a mysterious, geeky-hot guy named Cabel who has creepy nightmares. Book 2, Fade, comes out February 10, and it continues the story of Janie and Cabe in their second semester of senior year.
The third book, Gone, is scheduled for spring of 2010.
When and why did you start blogging? What did you hope to accomplish?
I originally started blogging about four years ago, while I was still trying to write a novel that wasn't crap. At that time the blog's purpose was purely to entertain the small group of readers/friends I had. That blog has since disappeared, although I've kept some of the posts just in case I ever write a memoir. Heh.
My current blog began after I got my agent, Michael Bourret--a fabulous guy as you well know. This blog is purely to inform people about my books, contests, awards, etc. I still like to play and entertain, but I do that on Twitter and Facebook now, rather than on my blog.
Do contest work well for you promotion-wise? Any tips for other blogger on offering contests?
I do contests for two reasons. One, because I love to give stuff away. It's hella fun, and I feel like it's a way to say thanks to the readers who have supported me by buying Wake and making it a NYT bestseller. And two, because contests remind readers that my books exist and brings in new potential readers.
A word about promo: Back in my early days of selling real estate, my broker sent out newsletters every other month to his past clients. I suggested to him that maybe that was a waste of money--after all, who has time or inclination to read junk mail? They just throw it out. He said, "I don't care that they throw it away. The sole reason for sending newsletters to clients is for them to read my name or see my photo and remember that connection we had for a split second before they trash it. Because you never know when they're ready to buy another house. I want to make it easy for their brains to pull up my name again when it happens." That concept stuck with me.
As authors, we know we have limited time to make an impression. And promo gets old, fast. It's tiring, it's awkward--we'd rather write, not shill. There's a reason we hide out in our caves, writing, and that's because we are (typically) introverted. We don't do sales. Contests are a great way to keep the buzz going for your book without it feeling like it's in-your-face marketing.
To do a proper contest, you need to know who some of the book bloggers are. Get to know them--they rock. Many teen book bloggers do weekly roundups where they inform their readers about current contests. These bloggers are wonderful--they willingly help spread the word for you. Cynthia Leitich Smith also often posts contests on her amazing blog. Many book bloggers would love it if you send them a copy of your book. They'll review it and maybe give it away, or point people in the direction of your contest.
What other kinds of posts can visitors expect when they visit your blog?
Besides contests, I post news about my books, like any awards or nominations Wake has received (Cybils, Borders Original Voices, BN.com Best of 2008, BBYA, etc). I'll offer links to sites where readers can find widgets and screen savers and countdown clocks with a Wake theme. And I'll also post about other books I've read that have really touched me. Too, I have my Twitter widget on my blog so people can easily see what off-topic things I'm talking about elsewhere that day as well.
Could you offer any advice to authors new to the blogosphere?
Have a theme in mind when you start your blog.
Post on others' blogs a lot and get to know other the bloggers you enjoy reading, and those whose blogs are like yours.
It takes time to build a readership--work diligently on that by posting about interesting topics (think about what people might google that you happen to know a lot about) every other day or a few times a week.
Let people know on your fave message boards, your MySpace or Facebook, etc. that you are now blogging and invite them to come check out your contest. If you don't have books of your own to give away, offer somebody else's book as a prize. Or, do like Heather Brewer does for her vampire series--offer Vlad-themed hoodies. Or like A.S. King does for her awesome debut--offer very quick contests that are tons of fun and give away V.O.G.s (very odd gifts).
Be quirky and clever and word will spread. Also, you should definitely follow my blog, not only because I have two awesome contests going on right now, but because I just started that "follow me" feature and I want more followers than Alice Pope. ;-)
Wittiness lures me in almost as well as food; now I have to follow Lisa. There goes the last 3 free minutes of my day that I was going to devote to rearranging the laundry room.
I enjoyed this post! The tips on blogging were so helpful. Now that I'm only working (as opposed to working and going to school) I'm scrambling for books to read.
Hi Alice, I love your blog and your attitude :) and the market guide you edit. I was recently awarded a blog award, and I had to pass it on to blogs that I admire, so I am passing it on to you. You can check out all the details on my post today (January 18, 2009) at http://margodill.com/blog/. Thanks! Margo Dill
Today in Ypulse Books, Alli kicks off her new feature where she asks YA authors "One Simple Question." See how authors like Melissa Walker and Lisa McMann responded. And in Ypulse Book Essentials, follow the links to news about the J.K.... Read the rest of this post
Please help us welcome Terri Clark. Her para-romantic thriller, Sleepless, officially releases September 2, but rumors say it may show up on shelves as early as this week. Keep your eyes peeled for those pink PJs!
Eighteen-year-old Trinity Michaels has the ability to dream walk. It's a power she doesn't want, but it forever alters her life when she's unable to find an abducted teen before she's killed. While Trinity does help police capture the killer, Rafe Stevens, her involvement makes her his next target. Stevens pleads insanity and his convincing performance, aided by his despicable attorney, get him sentenced to a mental institute where a diabolical physician experiments on him. Now Rafe's escaped the sanitarium and he's after Trinity. Like her, he now has a special ability, one that allows him to stalk Trinity through her dreams. If he kills her in her sleep, she'll die for real. To survive she must find him first and the only person willing to help her is Dan Devlin, disillusioned son of the shady lawyer who knowingly aided Rafe in getting away with murder. Can she trust Dan with her safety, not to mention her heart?
"The action is just as fast-paced and heart-pounding as any adult thriller you will encounter. I hadn’t expected to have SLEEPLESS be such a pulse-pounding read, which was a really pleasant surprise... Now, I’m not sure I’ll be able to sleep easily tonight!" TeensReadToo
Terri Clark feels blessed to demonstrate her passion for young adult fiction as both a YA author and teen librarian. You can’t imagine how thrilled she is to see her own books at her branch. Even more exciting is having her first book, Sleepless, as one of the launch titles for HarperTeen’s scary beach read imprint. In addition, she had the honor and joy of being part of HoughtonMifflin’s successful anthology, Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, with Niki Burnham, Ellen Hopkins and Lynda Sandoval. Terri lives in Colorado with her husband, two children, and their adorkable dog, Domino. You can visit her online at: http://www.terriclarkbooks.com/
"A lot of people have compared SLEEPLESS to Lisa McMann's WAKE. I loved her book so I couldn't be happier, but really we just have the dream element in common. I think SLEEPLESS is darker and edgier."
Stayed tuned all week for more about Terri and the book that’s sure to make you Sleepless!
25 Comments on Please Welcome Terri Clark, last added: 8/23/2008
I've read Terri's work before, and she's a great writer. She's also one of the nicest and funniest authors I've met. This will be an awesome book. Can't wait to buy it. Alice
Thanks, Trish! I work as a teen patron services specialist, to be specific. I don't have my MLS, but I basically do all the regular librarian stuff. It's awesome. I love working with teens.
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Title: The Lost Twin
By: Jennie,
on 8/21/2012
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By: alethea aka frootjoos,
on 2/26/2012
Eighteen-year-old Trinity Michaels has the ability to dream walk. It's a power she doesn't want, but it forever alters her life when she's unable to find an abducted teen before she's killed. While Trinity does help police capture the killer, Rafe Stevens, her involvement makes her his next target. Stevens pleads insanity and his convincing performance, aided by his despicable attorney, get him sentenced to a mental institute where a diabolical physician experiments on him. Now Rafe's escaped the sanitarium and he's after Trinity. Like her, he now has a special ability, one that allows him to stalk Trinity through her dreams. If he kills her in her sleep, she'll die for real. To survive she must find him first and the only person willing to help her is Dan Devlin, disillusioned son of the shady lawyer who knowingly aided Rafe in getting away with murder. Can she trust Dan with her safety, not to mention her heart?
Wow! So many great books! I can't wait to read A Million Suns :)
HOLY MAILBOX OF EPICNESS!!!!
This is like the best weekly mailbox I've ever seen! :)
And can I just tell you how completely jealous I am that you get to be part of the blog tour for The Unseen Guest? I am a huge fangirl of the Incorrigibles series. I love those books So. Much.
Wondeful books! I am so happy for you! I'm especially looking forward to Grim, Perception and Dead to You.
Um, I might also have more than one copy of Born Wicked. Oh well. Can't have to much of a good thing!
:)
Omg I love it. Thanks for the awesome recaps and book sharing. So excited about the incorrigibles tour!
WOW!! Epic mailbox this week. so many books there that i'm wanting my hands on. enjoy :)
hope you check out our IMM.
-michelle
Oh my goody goodness you got so many amazing books its hard not to be jealous right now! I wish the Breathless Tour came to an area near me it looks like it was so much fun =)
My IMM
Your IMM is amazing this week. I just love all the picture to go along with the story too... makes it entertaining!!
Angie
OMGosh this is all so AWESOME! Haha I love all the photos you shared here too, I would so love to meet some of these authors :) And boy you weren't kidding about having a massive book haul for this week! Looks like someone is going to be a very busy reader haha ;)
Enjoy everything you got this week! You can check out my IMM at the link below :)
Lea @ LC's Adventures in Libraryland
OHMYGOD! Your IMM this week is amazing! You got so many books this week! Thanks for sharing the pictures from the Breathless Tour! The authors participating in it are awesome! If you want to get rid of your doubles, you can always send them to me. ;D Have a great reading week!
wow, you DO have a lot of reading to do! Love all the pictures, especially the food ones. I'm now hungry. :p And lucky you for meeting the Breathless Reads authors! Wish they came near where I live so I could get my books signed. <3 LOVE Beth Revis and Marie Lu's book(s).
happy reading!
My IMM.
What a great week! The Teacher/Librarian Schmooze sounded like a fantastic time! And banana pudding...I'm drooling! And so many amazing books! Don't know how you're going to pick which one to read first, but enjoy all of your goodies!
I love how you have your IMM set up in the days!!! and what a great haul this week!!! Happy Reading!
Here is my IMM
That was SUCH a good time - always so great to see you and a treat to sit down and have a meal with you.
BTW do you want to do a Day in the Life profile on my blog? Check out the inaugural post up right now and let me know!
Yes please! Email me: frootjoos at gmail :D