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I know angst is cool and all, but boy, I really love me a happy ending. I love when the kooky, wonderful heroine gets the nice, groovy boy. I love when mean kids get their comeuppance. I love a little bit of magical realism and a gay best friend. I love... oh heck. I loved this book.

Cat Girl's Day Out is a new novel by Kimberly Pauley, author of Sucks to Be Me, and Still Sucks to Be Me.


To read my full review, click here.

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We are sooo excited to kick off our mega week of book reviewer interviews with the wonderful Julie M. Prince! And..AND we will be giving away A CURSE DARK AS GOLD by Elizabeth C. Bunce! All you have to do is leave a comment and you'll be entered. Deadline to enter is midnight June 29th, winners will be announced on Monday June 30th. Okay, now let's get quickly acquainted with our very first book reviewer!


What’s your handle (alias)? I don’t have one, which makes me feel awfully boring all of a sudden. Maybe I should make one up right now. Um. Yeah. Any suggestions?

What kind of books do you review? I review picture books, middle grade, and young adult (fiction and nonfiction).

Approx # of books reviewed? 54 so far this year, with another 84 in my queue. Yikes!

Where can we find your reviews? ALAN Online , Teens Read Too, YA (& Kids) Books Central, The Edge of the Forest , and my blog, “Off to Turn Another Page.”

Reading turn-ons: I love humorous middle grades and witty, sarcastic YAs.

Reading turn-offs: I’m not big on science fiction or high fantasy, although I’ve been known to enjoy both types of books on occasion.

Class of 2K8 books that you’ve had the opportunity to review:

Oh boy. Let’s see:

A Curse Dark as Gold – and here

The Opposite of Invisible

Alive and Well in Prague, New York

I Heart You, You Haunt Me – and here

The Gollywhopper Games

The Magic Thief

I hope I didn’t miss any. Most of the time, I only review a book once, but if an editor needs a particular book reviewed and I’ve read it, I’ll volunteer to write a second review…especially if it’s a book I enjoyed and want to share with as many readers as possible.

I have four more 2k8 books in my possession (and one on the way), but I won’t tell which ones.

Oh, you could just whisper it, couldn't you? No? Okay, moving on... we love the crazy handles (alias) book reviewers come up with—tell us how you came up with yours!

Okay, now the handle thing is really starting to bug me. Seriously. Any suggestions?


Ask and you shall receive! For the reviewer formerly known as Prince, we've come up with several! Naturally with your blog being Off to Turn Another Page--the name Paige Turner was brought up (however we believe it is already in use, probably by several people!), other possibilities included Read Eyes & Over Booked--since you are clearly very busy! And last but not least (and my personal favorite!)--Miss Prints!

Okay, fun time over, back to the hot seat Miss Prints, how did you get into book reviewing ?

I was asked if I’d like to write some reviews for ALAN online (The Assembly on Literature for Adolescents). I loved the thought of reviewing books, but I’d never done it. This reasoning was soon squashed by the words, “neither had I, until I did it.” Good point, David. As soon as I got my first batch of books, I knew I was hooked on reviewing. What better job is there than one that pays in books?!

Describe your grading system and how that translates to the reader?

Since I review for several sites, my grading system adapts accordingly.

How do you pick the books you review? Or are they picked for you? Do you ever read books that wouldn’t normally interest you—and if so have you ever been surprised by what you’ve read?


Some are sent to me by the editors of the sites I review for, some are sent by publishers, some I purchase or request directly from the publisher myself because I’ve heard of them and they sound so fabulous I can’t resist.

I absolutely read books that wouldn’t normally interest me because I’ve stopped reading jacket flaps and blurbs. I don’t have any idea what most of the books I read are going to be about until I open them and start reading. I get a lot of surprises that way. I like surprises.

We like surprises too! Especially learning about new books. What are the best ways to find new books? Any advice for authors about getting their book noticed by reviewers?

Right now, the internet is our friend, I think. There are so many sites and blogs that review and recommend great books. There’s certainly nothing wrong with the old-fashioned way, either…browsing the bookstore to see what looks interesting. When my family and I go within 500 yards of a bookstore, Hubby always says, “Go ahead. I’ll find you in the kids section later.” I personally believe that a web presence is important in getting your books noticed, but if you’re an author reading this, you probably already know that.

Yep, we sure do! Okay, so what happens if you really aren’t feeling a book—will you make the ultimate sacrifice and finish it for the sake of the review?

Not very often. There are just too many books waiting that I know I’d enjoy. In the past two weeks, I’ve put down two books that I couldn’t get into. Right now, I’m reading one that’s “okay,” but I’m willing to keep reading this one because I was specifically asked for a review of it by an editor. Sorry, now I have all the authors wondering, “is it mine?”

Hey, you're supposed to be in the hot seat, not us! LOL. Let's move on to better stuff--if you really love a book—will you read it again? If so—what are some of the books you just had to read more than once?

I rarely re-read books. I mentioned that I like the element of surprise, and if I’ve read a book, that surprise factor is gone. I’m sure I’d enjoy them again, but I’m more likely to pass a good book on to a friend I know would enjoy it than to let it gather dust until I get around to reading it again. I guess we all love books in different ways, and I love good books by sharing them and getting the word out about them. Having said that, there are some books (like all of L.M. Montgomery’s) that I have re-read many times.

Do you have a basic philosophy on what should be included in a review—or does it depend on the book itself?

I like to include a little bit of summary and then tell what I liked about a book, or what I thought was missing. I mix up the order a lot, and I try to keep my reviews fairly brief, because I think people trying to find a book are more likely to really read (not just skim) short reviews.

Tell us about the last time your jaw dropped open, you laughed, or you cried while reading a book.

It happens a lot, actually. If a book can make me either laugh or cry hysterically, that book is guaranteed a great review. If it brings out that kind of strong reaction and emotion, the author has gone above and beyond.

Is there any character in a book that you wish would come to life? Or any place you wish existed?


I wouldn’t mind hanging out with the Penderwick sisters or Emily of New Moon. I’d like to stay at the Hopewell Hotel, and I think a visit to Hogwarts would rock my world!

We think Hogwarts will be a popular answer this week, LOL! What books do you find yourself recommending over and over and why?

I love Elizabeth Bunce’s A CURSE DARK AS GOLD, because it’s so unique and the writing is extraordinary. I fell in love with THE MAGIC THIEF because I know kids will adore it, and I want to help readers connect with the book. Same with THE DISREPUTABLE HISTORY OF FRANKIE LANDEAU-BANKS. That one has an audience out there of some really brilliant and opinionated teenagers who are going to (and already do) love the book. I want to get it into the hands of as many people as possible. Then there are books I just want to talk to people about, like BEFORE GREEN GABLES. I want to hold a worldwide book club meeting about that book so I can find out what all the L.M. Montgomery fans think of it. There’s Coe Booth’s TYRELL, and Jeannine Garsee’s BEFORE, AFTER, AND SOMEBODY IN BETWEEN, both of which I think are excellent examples of real teens in the real world dealing with real issues. I love real as much as I love escapism in books. I think both are important to have available. I could go on and on, but I’m probably boring you.


Ha ha, not even close... go on... please...

crickets: (chirp chirp)

Ok, now for the Extra Scandalous Question—

Really bad reviews—do you ever fear giving them? Ever had an author get upset with you? (It’s okay—you can tell us, just don’t name names!) And what advice do you have for authors who get a bad review?

I knew you were going to ask this, and I dreaded it. *sigh*



I hate giving bad reviews. It’s like taking foul medicine or drinking spoiled milk. It just leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

For the most part, the sites I review for are about connecting books and readers. They don’t like to post negative reviews because tastes vary so widely.

However, it sometimes happens that I’ve been specifically asked to write a review and I won’t shy away from being honest with readers if I don’t like a book. What kind of credibility would I have if I just handed out “good” reviews about every single book I read?

True, but we'd still love you! So, any advice for authors who get a bad review?

I don’t think authors need the advice, because if they’re in this business to begin with, they know all about subjectivity (or they should).

I think it helps to keep in mind that old adage “any press is good press.” If people are out and they pick up your book because they remember reading about it, that’s a good thing. Many people just skim reviews (as much as my ego would like to believe otherwise). “Real” readers don’t dissect and analyze reviews the way authors do. They just want to find a book to read.

Thanks for all the great answers! One last question: if they aren’t scared off by all that bad review talk and an author would like you to review her book, what should she do?

1) Keep in mind that it may be a very long time before I can get to the book. I do try to coordinate my reviews with release dates, but sometimes it doesn’t happen. I don’t read books in order of receipt. I often read strategically for projects that I’m involved in (articles I’m writing or authors I’m interviewing for other publications, etc).

2) I don’t guarantee that I’ll review every book I receive, nor do I guarantee that every review I do write will be good. Ouch. It bothers me to even write that, but it’s true, and authors should know up front.

3) If all of the above sounds dandy to you, please feel free to contact me. You can find review links and my contact information over at: http://www.juliemprince.com/.

Thanks so much for interviewing me. The Class of 2k8 is full of talented and creative people, and I’m proud to have participated. This was fun!

Thank you! And don't forget to leave a comment to win A Curse As Dark As Gold!

"Every word counts in this amazing book. The language, while assuredly stunning and appealing, is never frivolous. It's hard to believe this is a debut novel, and I eagerly await whatever Ms. Bunce wishes to put in front of me next, as it's sure to be delightful and satisfying if it's near the quality of A CURSE DARK AS GOLD." Julie M. Prince

(Click here for more great Hot Seat Interviews)

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Man...I'm taking a beating already! More than a few people (ahem!) said my desk was too neat n' tidy and therefore they didn't feel up to posting their nerderies for the world to see.

I cry FOUL!

Here's the thing...I sort of have to have some order to my chaos otherwise I can't get a lick of work done. On top of that, my lovely wife is not a fan of clutter and mess. This room, er...my nerdery is easily the messiest room in the house. I could open the closets and show you the absolute horror that resides in there, but hey...we got all week.

So for today, I'm going to display some of the items o' interest on the wall behind where I sit. Sound good? Good...


Here's shot from the doorway to my basement 'nerdery.' This is the back wall that has a built in shelf/ledge/whatever there. You see where the four posters are to the right? Eventually, there's going to be floor to ceiling bookshelves there. Basically the posters are a place-holder until I can get my dad over to help me with the project. You don't even want to see the sick stack of books I've got.

And now, for some close-ups:

I don't think I need to tell anyone how cool the movie Blood Simple is, but in case I need to: It's great. It's the first major film by Minnesota director/producer team Joel & Ethan Coen. I totally love this poster for a number of reasons.

1. It's black n' red (my favorite colors)
2. It's got M. Emmett Walsh on it
3. The dude's loading a small pistol.

Below that, we have a couple of puppets. One is Jesus (which my brother bought me for Xmas one year...don't ask) and the other is a firefighter that my mom bought me last year. It's fun to put on a show between Beardy (what my son calls Jesus) and Smokey (the firefighter).

Next to that and very small are Master Chief and Arbiter figurines. I got 'em free with my copy of Halo 3 for Xbox 360.

Since I'm also a filmmaker, I've got a clapboard and while it doesn't work like a real one, it's nerdy enough to warrant a space on the shelf.

In the frame? Why that's a bloated picture of me with my wife during our honeymoon in Maui. There's a movie ticket stub for Man on Fire in there. We saw it whilst on vacation.

Okay, so I've got a weakness for Angelina Jolie and I'm also a tried and true nerd when it comes to the Tomb Raider video games. Sue me. Can I add to the nerdiness? I bought two replica pistols from the movie and they shoot little plastic pellets. Maybe someday when we do Garage Week! I'll display them here on Tappity Tapppity.

Below the movie poster you'll find a couple Lord of the Rings action figures. There's Sam and Frodo on their crappy little canoe. Sauron is hangin' out ready to talk smack and...hey, who the hell is that? Is that Lucy from The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe? It is. Probably one of the worst action figures ever made, I got her for a mere .79 in Madison. Never mind her. Treebeard rocks and so does Gollum/Smeagol. Yesssss....preciousssss...

Okay...why is there a poster for the movie Beautiful Girls here among all the nerdy stuff? Why would ANYONE have a poster with Rosie O'Donnell on it hanging in their office of cool nerdiness? Well, it's like this:

I'm in the movie for like 2.5 seconds. If you own it or rent is (and it's actually a good movie!) right around the 1:02:27 mark, you'll see yours truly standing there, watching the band Afghan Whigs. Here's a screen capture.

There I am next to that poorly Photoshopped arrow. If you blink, you'll miss me. But seriously, the rest of the movie is decent if not downright hilarious. Some of it was shot in Minneapolis and directed by the late Ted Demme. Hooo...I've got stories. As an extra, I saw and experienced quite a bit. Also, Uma Thurman touched my shoulder like 4 times.

Not that I counted.

Below my BG poster is my previously mentioned glow-in-the-dark zombies that Triple S found for me. Next to the wacky undead? Why, that's a Nazgul doll standing sentinel next to his undead bretheren.

While I'm not a HUGE foreign movie fan, Run Lola Run is probably one of my favorite movies of all time, besides the fact the dialogue is all German. Just a cool, wicked, adrenalin-pumpin' movie. If you ever need a soundtrack to work out to and you have the means, I highly recommend picking it up. It is so choice.

Below that is a skull snow globe...errr...actually it has little bats instead of snow. Next to that is a black earth paper weight. I got it because it reminded me of Public Enemy's 3rd album Fear of a Black Planet. Next to that is a photo of my estranged cat, Kato. Check out how killer this picture is:

He's sitting in an antique box that says KINGSLEY on it. My middle name is KINGSLEY! It's like the whole world split in half and awesome oozed from the gaping wound!

Ahem.

Next to that is a little brown guy called a Japanese Domo. You may have seen him in a certain e-mail attachment that warns you about doing something that might make God do something awful to kittens. If you don't know what I'm talking about...uh, let's move on.

Probably the pride of my movie poster collection is Rushmore. Has there ever been a better movie? Well, maybe. But I still contend that it's Wes Anderson's best. Sorry, W. You peaked with this one, yo. Below that is a Ku Tiki or God of Strength. We got him in Hawaii. I think the Brady Bunch left it behind when they were there last. Next to all the crazy phenomena are ol' Agents Scully and Mulder. They both look like they have no idea how they got here.

What's that in the corner? Well, that, my friends is a leather coffin backpack I won from Heather Brewer, author of Eight Grade Bites (and the forthcoming sequels). Inside was all kinds of cool vampire stuff, including a signed ARC of EGB. I've never worn the backpack, but dang if it doesn't look wicked in the corner all mysterious-like. On top of the coffin is a toy that Travis keeps breaking, so it's up there until he can control himself.

Oh, and yes...Jedi Master Yoda is coolin' out next to the coffin. He talks, teaches you about the force and if he ever kicks the bucket, I'll probably bury him in the backpack. It's about the right size.

Okay. I guess this went on a bit longer than expected. I promise to reign it in a bit for the next five days. Until then, check out these Nerdery updates!

http://dancsblog.blogspot.com/2008/02/nerdery-week-desktop.html
Matt @ Blue Birdland - Nerdy Media
http://carylerg.livejournal.com/

I've heard we'll have some new nerderies joining the fray tomorrow. Stay tuned!!!

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Well, it's better late then never, right? I was in Madison, Wisconsin all weekend for a short getaway from life here in ol' Woodbury. Anyway, no one cares about that. You know as well as I know that this is NERDERY WEEK here at Tappity Tappity and other blogs around the country/world/block.

Here, if you will, is a shot where 'all the magic happens.' Yep. This is my desk.


While I won't spend this entire post detailing everything there, I wanted to point out some items of interest and see if you can find 'em. Think of it like those 'Hidden Pictures' things like they've got in Highlights magazine for kids. You know, except for awesome.

See if you can find:

- the fridge
- the short bus
- Boba Fett getting pulled into the Sarlaac Pit
- Goodhalo manuscript
- The Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks
- 2 cans of Caffeine Free Diet Coke (that's how I roll)
- 1 green slipper

That's all I'm givin' you for today/tonight Tappers. Think of it as a peek into the nerdy, nerdy nerdery of your favorite zombie children's book author. Tomorrow we'll peel away another layer and take you deeper into the place where you can feel 12 again...even if you're 35.

Can't get enough nerdery action? Check out some of these nerderies!

Dan @ This Man's World
Matt @ Blue Birdland
Caryle @ Caryle's Corner

More as they come in.

Hint: This is where you, dear reader come in. Shoot a quick shot of your place of blogging/nerding/writing/whatever, slap it on your blog place or LiveJournal and let us know about it. It's going to be beyond cool.

Speaking of beyond cool, check out this picture I snapped whilst in Madison, WI. This was in a Ragstock on State Street. I'm sure the woman changing in the room two doors down was wondering what I was up to.


Don't mind me, lady. I'm just documenting the zombie apocalypse.

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Nerdery Week - It's been decided, so mark your calendars. Nerdery Week shall take place on February 17th - 23rd. Seven days of complete nerdiness interconnected through this world we like to call the internet. You'll meet new people! You'll see where they sit! You'll see all the garbage they keep in their respective workspaces!

But TKT, I'm still confused and a bit scared and there's that thing with the paste. How do I get involved in NW?

Simple, friend:

1. Take a picture or two (or eighteen).
2. Post it on your blog.
3. Write about your workspace.
4. Slap 'Nerdery Week' somewhere in the post's title.
5. Link back to other people engaged in complete Nerdery nerdism.

On paper this may sound boring as all get-out, but I really don't think it'll disappoint. I'm endlessly fascinated when I see the places where people do their thing (writing, blogging, playing video games, losing auctions, etc). It's an extension of a person's character and I think it'll be fun to celebrate that which makes us all nerdy.

Yes. Even you over there folding your arms and pretending that you're not a nerd. You are. Deal.

Power Up - I know there's nothing people love to read more than what game I'm playing on Xbox 360 these days, so I think I'll just come right out and say it. I'm completely taken by Call of Duty 4. In a word: WOW. After completely dominating The Simpsons Game it's a crazy change of pace. One week I'm trying to get the Krusty Koupon off of a billboard high above Springfield, the next week I'm carrying a wounded soldier across a radiation soaked amusement park. Sweet mother of invention, this is the stuff dreams are made of.

Eels - I know I don't need to plug the world's greatest band, but they just recently released two albums that are perfect for those of you wanting to see what they're all about. For the uninitiated, might I suggest: Meet the Eels? It's a collection of their best stuff from their first 10 years and it's like a primer into their fantastic world. There is some potty-mouth on there, but hey...that's what those parental advisory stickers are for. As a bonus, you get a DVD with a bunch of their music videos. Now that's value!

Their other release is called Useless Trinkets and it's two discs (2!) of b-sides and songs they've done for soundtracks. As if that weren't enough, there's also a DVD with their 2006(?) Lollapalooza performance on there. What more can you ask for?

Answer: Nothing. There is nothing else to ask for.

Goodhalo - Well, it's getting there. I'm hoping to have this monster edited and in enough of a fighting shape to begin submitting to my Top 5 agent-types sometime next month. Ambitious? Yes. Necessary? Most definitely. Plus, I'm itching (itching!) to get working on the second book in the series. It's going to be like 85 pounds of awesome in a 3 pound bag with handles.

Travis: Celebrating 3 Years of Quality - It's going to be my little guy's 3 year mark on Monday, so we're having a party for him on Saturday. Therein lies the problem... Family from out of town are crazy sick. We're talking antibiotics sick. Also, there's supposed to be a major snowstorm hitting us...oh, say Saturday or so. Even though we're not doing a full-scale dinner/activities/all day event, we're worried that people won't be able to make it. Regardless, we've decided that no matter what, this kid is going to have a party that will tear the socks right off of his little Fred Flintstone feet (like I have) and make him explode with happiness. Thy will be done, lil' TKT. Thy will be done.

Dave Attell - I get to go see stand-up comedian Dave Attell tonight at the Pantages in Minneapolis. Holler!

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• I feel like a zombie today. Since I've got a 2 (almost 3!) year old who comes in contact with a handful of other kids on a daily basis, he picks up all sorts of fun germs/colds/etc. I got his cold and it LEVELED me. I'm sniffling like an old man with a snot-nose.


• By request, I am letting a co-worker borrow my copy of Zack Snyder's remake of the immortal Dawn of the Dead DVD...UNRATED! She asked me if it was scary. Huh. How do you answer that? I think I said: Nah.


• I'm within reach of having my entire GOODHALO book red-lined. Then, finally, I'll get to spend the better part of February punching it up and getting it ready to query. I've got zombies on the brain, y'all.


• My critique partner in crime (Triple S) and I met last Sunday morning for a brief meeting, despite the awful, awful deep freeze Minnesota has been subjected to. She presented me with a little blue bag and told me she got me something for my Nerdery* Below are shots of the awesomeness the bag contained:

Seriously. The level of cool reached an all-time apex as I pulled these bad boys out. Triple S pointed out which zombies really wouldn't fit into my book because of modern additions (briefcase, suit, footwear) to their undead persons. The really cool thing? They GLOW IN THE DARK. Do you think I wasted any time once I got home in holding them under a light in the Nerdery and shutting all the lights down?

I didn't.



No Skull-Cap & No Shirt Zombie - This zombie looks like a fella who met his untimely death all whilst watching football on the tube. He couldn't be bothered to put on a shirt and he somehow lost the top of his head, exposing his meaty brain. His arms are extended for quick human-grabbing action.


One-Armed Zombie W/Fetch - Ol' One Arm joins our other undead friend in going shirtless. He sports the tattered short pants that are all the rage amonst zombies this season. His loyal dog, Fetch was kind enough to fetch his arm and prominantly displays his prize in his rotten jaws.



I'm going to keep the zombie magic going this weekend by watching Fido and Resident Evil: Extinction on DVD. It'll even things out methinks.

* The Nerdery is my office, where all the 'magic' happens....and by magic, I mean it's a room where I write, surrounded by all kinds of crap a 35 year old man should be ashamed to own. Also, it has a fridge.

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