tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61807409194015249862024-03-12T19:44:09.526-07:00TSquaredMmmm... reading and eatingAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04895092155263209527noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180740919401524986.post-69959760469701745482014-02-16T18:46:00.000-08:002014-02-16T18:46:13.341-08:00Write Right! (The Business of Books' upcoming workshops)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Hi, folks! My friends Jen and Kerry, the brilliant minds behind <a href="http://bizofbooks.wordpress.com/">the Business of Books</a>, have great workshops coming up in Seattle this spring. You'll learn a lot, plus I guarantee you'll have fun. I also suspect you'll meet some other inspiring aspiring authors. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Check out the details, courtesy of Jen: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><b style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/580652" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Write a Successful Query Letter</a></b></span><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><b><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_183381003" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">March 20, 6:30-8:30pm</span></span></b></span><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><b>Hotel 1000, Seattle, WA</b><br />We’ll walk you through creating an attention-grabbing and business savvy query letter for your book project, no matter the genre. During the two-hour workshop, you’ll learn how to:</span></div>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Compose a compelling opening that will knock anyone’s socks off</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Write a query that matches the tone and voice of your manuscript</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Detail all the ways you and your book project are a good business bet</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Distill everything an editor or agent needs to know into succinct letter form</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Use examples of other successful query letters to your advantage</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Research and compile a targeted submission list</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">By the end of this hands-on workshop, you’ll have a running start on your query letter and a clear plan for capturing the attention of the right agents and editors. A query letter serves as your stand-in, your pitch, your first shot across the publishing bow. We’ll show you how to make every word count. <b>$99.</b></span><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><b>Register: <a href="http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/580652" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>brownpapertickets.com/event/<wbr></wbr>580652</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/580646" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b>Craft a Winning Book Proposal</b></a></span><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><b><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_183381004" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">April 10, 6:30-9:30pm</span></span></b></span><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><b>Hotel 1000, Seattle, WA</b><br />You may have a terrific book or book idea ready to dazzle the world. Alas, without a spot-on book proposal, it may never see the light of day. Don’t let this happen to you! In this three-hour workshop, learn how to create a savvy and professional proposal that will make publishers and agents sit up and take notice. Two industry insiders will walk you through the key elements of any successful proposal–including title/subtitle, opening pitch, author bio, and marketing ideas–and help you polish each one with hands-on exercises. By crafting a winning proposal, you’ll get your book idea out of the slush pile–and onto the shelves. <b>$149.</b></span><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><b>Register: <a href="http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/580652" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>brownpapertickets.com/event/<wbr></wbr>580652</a></b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04895092155263209527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180740919401524986.post-90932971409425319692013-11-10T10:55:00.000-08:002013-11-10T10:55:13.915-08:00Encouraging the young writer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>I recently had a request from a parent for reading recommendations for her nine-year-old who is a very advanced reader and writer. I thought I would share what I came up with...</i></div>
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For writing guides, I would recommend a pairing of the sublime and the ridiculous. In my opinion, every serious writer, no matter what age, should have a copy of Strunk & White's <i>The Elements of Style</i>. I think <a href="http://queenannebookcompany.indiebound.com/book/9780143112723" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">the illustrated version</a>, with Maira Kalman's zany visuals, would be perfect. That's the sublime...</div>
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For kicks, I also think your daughter should take a look at Dan Gutman's <a href="http://queenannebookcompany.indiebound.com/book/9780062091062" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><i>My Weird Writing Tips</i></a>. Much of his information will be old hat to her, and some of his assumptions are for the writing-averse reader, but I think his chatty tone is fun and his lessons about revision, character, plot, and perseverance are good reminders to all writers. It will also help her feel super-confident because she will recognize topics and good practices.</div>
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Another book I just got in with writers like your daughter in mind is <a href="http://queenannebookcompany.indiebound.com/book/9781416957843" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><i>Thrice Told Tales: Three Mice Full of Writing Advice</i></a>. The author uses the familiar nursery rhyme to illustrate literary devices and analysis. It's unique, clever, and easy to understand without talking down.</div>
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As for novels, I'm a big believer in letting readers follow their bliss, but I also think it's great to provide books that are challenging without being emotionally inappropriate. (I have to confess that I read way outside most parents' comfort zones when I was growing up... I realize now that I glossed over things I wasn't ready to confront, and reading beyond my level helped sate my curiosity so I stayed home reading throughout my adolescence rather than experimenting like some of my friends!) </div>
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For advanced readers, I always recommend classics. The <a href="http://queenannebookcompany.indiebound.com/book/9780099427339" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Swallows and Amazons</a> series, the <a href="http://queenannebookcompany.indiebound.com/book/9780553213133" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Anne of Green Gables</a> series, books by <a href="http://queenannebookcompany.indiebound.com/book/9780064401876" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Frances Hodgson Burnett</a>, <a href="http://queenannebookcompany.indiebound.com/book/9780142408766" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><i>Little Women</i></a> are all great. Anne's love of literature and Jo's writing might be particularly appealing! (Montgomery also did a fantastic series about Emily, a girl who grows up to be a writer, but it's just a little darker and gets into romantic plot points earlier than Anne.) </div>
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So many families read the classics aloud early to children with great listening comprehension, and sometimes that means the classics get overlooked when the readers are at the right age to read them alone. I never underestimate the power of rereading! Especially for writers, familiarity with a text is not a bad thing. </div>
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Another fun idea would be read-together pairings of classics and recent books inspired by them. Among these: the Narnia books paired with <a href="http://queenannebookcompany.indiebound.com/book/9780803738959" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><i>The Twistrose Key</i></a>; <a href="http://queenannebookcompany.indiebound.com/book/9780312367541" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><i>A Wrinkle in Time</i></a> with <a href="http://queenannebookcompany.indiebound.com/book/9780375850868" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><i>When You Reach Me</i></a>; <a href="http://queenannebookcompany.indiebound.com/book/9780141329383" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><i>The Adventures of Robin Hood</i></a> with <a href="http://queenannebookcompany.indiebound.com/book/9780375868955" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><i>Will in Scarlet</i></a>. These are books I love on their own, but I think a young writer can benefit from comparing to closely observe how stories can be retold.</div>
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Along those lines, there are many retellings of fairy tales and myths that could be interesting to study. One of my favorites recently was <a href="http://queenannebookcompany.indiebound.com/book/9780307977939" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><i>Rump</i></a>, the story of Rumpelstiltskin told from Rumplestiltskin's point of view. Very clever and entertaining! </div>
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As you might have guessed, I might be able to go on for hours... but I'll stop here. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04895092155263209527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180740919401524986.post-6806715496918249522013-08-22T21:36:00.000-07:002013-08-22T21:36:51.766-07:00"Teardrop" by Lauren Kate<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I've polishing off tons of digital advance copies from publishers, and there's so much great stuff, I've take to jotting notes on mini index cards I stick in my e-reader cover so I don't get overwhelmed by trying to write down EVERYTHING.<br />
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So here's the mini take on <i><b>Teardrop</b></i>, Lauren Kate's exciting entry in a genre I don't want to state because I'm afraid it may be a spoiler... but go to the jump if you want to see anyway.<br />
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<i><b>Teardrop</b></i> is the first in a trilogy and goes on sale October 22, 2013. You can <a href="http://queenannebookcompany.indiebound.com/book/9780385742658">preorder a copy</a> with the bookstore where I work (yippee!) or your <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/indie-store-finder">local independent bookstore</a>. (Sure, you can order other places, too, but I think they don't need the plug on my little blog.)<br />
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This is a romantic, exciting, and mystical story set in contemporary Louisiana.<br />
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Eureka was saved from the rogue wave that killed her mom as they drove over a bridge together. Survivor's guilt and grief for her mother change Eureka, but despite her depression, she doesn't cry. She hasn't cried since she was a very little girl and her mother told her never, ever to cry again. Time for therapy, right? Yes, but there's more to it than bottled up emotions...<br />
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With her friends Cat and Brooks, Eureka starts to piece together clues her mother left behind-- about Eureka's powers, about her mother's work, and about mysteries that could change the world.<br />
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I really enjoyed this! The pacing, the characters, and the specifics of the mysterious magic were all very well done. I'll definitely put #2 on my reading pile when it comes out.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Maybe it's a spoiler? Thought I'd try to be a little sneaky and let everyone discover for themselves if they want the puzzling, but I think this is one on the new, hip "modern-teen-meets-teen-from-Atlantis" genre. I credit Kevin Emerson and <i>The Lost Code</i> with this trend. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04895092155263209527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180740919401524986.post-54507795389792026312013-03-12T10:58:00.003-07:002013-03-12T11:00:20.752-07:00The Summer Prince <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I used to be a die-hard read-to-the-end reader. Maybe it was Puritan work ethic from growing up in New England; maybe it was optimism; maybe I had too much time on my hands? Over the years as a bookseller, my willingness to put a book down developed to what I imagine as near the decisiveness editors and agents must have. Unless someone I know and trust has recommended something, if a book doesn't grab me right away, I often put it down and move right on the the next in my overflowing to-read pile.<br />
When I picked up <b><i><a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780545417792">The Summer Prince</a></i></b> by Alaya Dawn Johnson and read the first page, for some reason I wasn't hooked. Carnivale and an execution? Nah. I pushed it aside. But the next morning, the book called to me from my discard pile. I tried again. After several chapters, I came up for air--briefly-- then dove right back in.<br />
This unique and fascinating teen novel is like Margaret Atwood with a samba beat. Once I let the language and the future-foreignness absorb me, I was completely hooked.<br />
Wakas are the young people and grandes are the mature ruling class of Palmares Tres, a tenuous paradise city built of interconnected glass bubbles, floating on the ocean and ruled by a matriarchy of Aunties and the Queen-- a government that is cyclically blood-thirsty, requiring the sacrifice of a chosen Summer King every five years to sanctify the reign of the Queen.<br />
June is an aspiring artist and the stepdaughter of one of the Aunties. June and her best friend, Gil, a dancer, are prone to large gestures and devotion to Art. When Enki, a dancer who came up from the lower class in the verde, the bottom level of the pyramid and society, is chosen as the Summer King, both June and Gil are attracted to Enki's charisma, elegance, power, and message. What could have been a traditional love triangle (albeit with one couple a same-sex couple) becomes a much more complicated dance when not just sex but art causes passions to flame.<br />
Over the whole book lies the knowledge of Enki's impending sacrifice.<br />
Suspense, drama, love, steamy sensuality, justice, art-- to think I might have missed all that on a snap judgment! I'm so glad I picked this back up. Let me be the one to tell you--give <b><i>The Summer Prince</i></b> at least a chapter. And if you're not into it by then, just set it aside and wait for a day you're feeling adventurous and willing to go out on a reading limb. It's strange and satisfying, fresh and fascinating.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04895092155263209527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180740919401524986.post-44144686885996678642013-02-11T18:50:00.001-08:002013-02-11T18:50:34.709-08:00Love Water Memory by Jennie Shortridge<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHnVtc4MD_VBVKfmoaBVzttCpnyKV6R8OA0OQO_9jrnpOfs4JinX4uPX4RmlJ38MP_duXObdptN4LpaUf19BalOSICviJRHS71Aoml8LZf0yCcOsb1KpfxamsoBUOWNkaJcb6yqNcZ_s/s1600/love+water+memory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHnVtc4MD_VBVKfmoaBVzttCpnyKV6R8OA0OQO_9jrnpOfs4JinX4uPX4RmlJ38MP_duXObdptN4LpaUf19BalOSICviJRHS71Aoml8LZf0yCcOsb1KpfxamsoBUOWNkaJcb6yqNcZ_s/s320/love+water+memory.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
I get a huge kick out of reading advance reader copies from publishers before a book is published, but there's something even more exciting: reading a manuscript from an author I love before the publisher even puts the galleys out.<br />
In 2012, I had the honor and privilege of reading the manuscript for <i><b><a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781451684834">Love Water Memory</a></b></i> by Jennie Shortridge. The novel comes out April 2, 2013 from Gallery Books in a beautiful hardcover edition. I can't wait for others to catch on to this delight!<br />
This is the rare novel that is thoroughly loving and romantic, sweet without being sappy.<br />
Lucie is discovered knee-deep in San Francisco Bay. Just weeks before her wedding and her 40th birthday, something traumatic happened, and she lost her memory. Now her fiance Grady reclaims her, but their relationship is full of tension as they try to protect each other, putting their deep love at risk with their cautiousness.<br />
Truths in the story tease out beautifully-- with suspense, care, and insight. The reader's gentle discovery and characters' revelations make this a book that lingers in the heart.<br />
This is my favorite novel by Jennie Shortridge yet-- a bold statement from me, not only because I've loved her others so but also because I usually have a hard time picking favorites. But the uplift of hope and emotional suspense filling this novel make it a stand-out even among well-loved titles.<br />
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Music that I would recommend with this novel: soulful, romantic, atmospheric female vocalists like Etta James, Carla Bruni, Jolie Holland.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04895092155263209527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180740919401524986.post-79405337292659704082012-12-18T15:10:00.002-08:002012-12-18T15:10:55.088-08:00The Double Game by Dan Fesperman<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780307700131"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0st6kRyFlautwTUrJKMzLRJcGu5tiNpOXTmOkdr-EiBsIjADnxE3kqX3OSlu9p9r6um35vHs5xVfP7CWIcRisgap6WygBIgXd-crr_2chZfTbph_MGGBWaJCVjvWX0TpBDIbLw9GUWQ/s200/Double+Game.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
Here's another fantastic read that I pulled from my pile!<br />
In itself, it is a fun and satisfying middle-aged-man Cloak & Dagger story, but the layers of spy fiction fan geekiness push it over the top into the CAN'T MISS THIS category for fans who just can't get enough of <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780143119777">Le Carre</a>, <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780375758263">Furst</a>, <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781848563643">Fleming</a> et al.<br />
Bill Cage, a 53-year-old former international journalist, current reluctant PR hack, divorce, disappointing dad, and beloved only son of former State Department employee Warfield Cage, gets the chance to live out the plots of his favorite spy novels. But when real danger strikes and he realizes how much he has to lose, is playing the game still worth it?<br />
A mysterious note referencing favorites in the spy genre kicks it all off. Soon Bill is leaving Georgetown to revisit Cold War sites from his childhood. There are book codes, clues leading through deliciously old-world bookshops, microfilms from the KGB, and tons of references to spycraft's golden era.<br />
Great drama, great character, and also great that even though there are some very thrilling scenes, some of the major cruxes of the story have wonderful psychological depth.<br />
Watch for Litzi, a competent, smart femme who doesn't necessarily need to be fatale to be completely magnetic.<br />
Perhaps best of all is the full bibliography at the end. I made a two-page wish list in my reading journal just from that.<br />
The drink of this book: whiskey, neat. But also vodka, slivovitz, red wine...<br />
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I think readers who enjoy this might also try <b><i><a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781608198078">Pavel & I</a></i></b> by Dan Vyleta (a spy thriller set in post-WWII Berlin, with loads of twists and turns), <b><i><a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781596912373">Restless</a></i></b> by William Boyd (a 1970s mother-daughter story in London intertwined with mom's shenanigans as a spy in WWII) and-- a bit more of a stretch, but there's something about the deep reading, the family ties, and the layers of fiction-- <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780812977929">The Tragedy of Arthur</a> </i>by Arthur Phillips (a contemporary drama about a son, his conman father, and the undiscovered Shakespearean play that won't let them go). </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04895092155263209527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180740919401524986.post-30828202807003856872012-12-17T17:21:00.002-08:002012-12-17T17:21:35.213-08:00Snowdrops by A. D. Miller<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780307739476"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLV_rltKz1k8JabC0Z0VqRXBq0jCQ_Ax082oWu0k_hesXPRRzB9-eNsfflv8MGp1pMUNjIzihzU_R9pbiZ1rDrwtiiBdc7yx_XKnD5j-7EFFF2WgFPyN_wBPe1Op05oLAhwQX0pzLunQ/s200/Snowdrops.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
I finally got around to reading this <a href="http://www.themanbookerprize.com/man-booker-prize-2011">Man Booker 2011</a> shortlist title, and I'm so glad I did. I usually like Man Booker shortlisters, I often like a book set in Russia, several customers had read and recommended it, so I was a little worried about it living up to expectations. Phew-- what a relief that it completely sucked me in with its sharp writing, suspenseful storytelling, and completely evocative and atmospheric style.<br />
This contemporary novel is told as Nick/Kolya's confession to his fiancee before their wedding. It chronicles a London lawyer's fourth and final expat year in the depraved but beautiful, captivating yet horrifying Wild Wild East of Moscow, where bribes are necessary for everything, who you know could make or break you, and people really might do the unthinkable.<br />
Miller doles out pithy and clever descriptions as well as heartbreaking statements about midlife, ambition, and love. The emotion is powerful and fascinating.<br />
From the beginning, we know that a corpse has been uncovered near Kolya's flat. ("Snowdrops" are, in addition to flowers, corpses that are discovered after the snow melts in Russia.) This lends a sense of suspense and lurking danger throughout the story.<br />
But the story is not a murder mystery; it is a love story, a story of intrigue and manipulation, and a business cautionary tale.<br />
I found this well-written and gripping, if rather bleak. Bundle up, pour yourself some cocoa with a shot of vodka, and hunker down for a read-in-one-sitting winter's indulgence.<br />
For more about <i><b>Snowdrops</b></i> (and to find it at an indie bookstore near you), click <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780307739476">here</a>. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04895092155263209527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180740919401524986.post-8854039564326230902012-12-11T08:49:00.000-08:002012-12-11T09:44:23.658-08:00Angelmaker by Nick Harkaway<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Zany, quirky, and enigmatic-- a very fun and unusual adventure.<br />
<a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780307743626">This novel</a> reads like a combination of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neverwhere_(novel)">Neil Gaiman</a>, <a href="http://www.allenkurzweil.net/index.php?id=complication">Alan Kurzweil</a>, and <a href="http://www.gailcarriger.com/faq.php#Gail_on_Categorization">Gail Carriger</a>.<br />
Joe Spork, a clockmaker, is in his 30s-- a quiet, kind, concentrated type of man. He runs the old clock shop his grandfather Daniel started in London. Joe worries about paying his taxes on time and treating women with more respect than his loutish friend Billy. He tries very hard to distance himself from the legacy of his dad, Mathew, a gangster who ran the secret underworld Night Market.<br />
Joe gets snared in intrigue when Billy introduces him to client Edie Bannister, an old woman with a bad-breathed, blind pug named Bastion (who gets interior monologues from time to time). Edit has Joe work on repair jobs, including a clockwork device that is part book-- and part world-changing mechanical beehive. This is the Angelmaker, aka Apprehension Machine.<br />
The story goes back and forth between the present-day troubles Joe has with government types and creepy religious/craftsman fundamentalists and Edie's youth (her special agent training, heroic transgender-disguised rescue, bonus baby elephant...).<br />
There is a lot of the bizarre in the plot, and I'm sure I missed some of the twists and turns, but I enjoyed the quirky characters an over-the-top adventure. Perhaps my favorites, aside from Edie's training days above the steampunk codebreaking train the "Ada Lovelace", were the scenes with Mercer Cradle, lawyer extraordinaire, and the smart and sexy Polly. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04895092155263209527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180740919401524986.post-19179412690666330442012-12-10T14:56:00.000-08:002012-12-10T14:56:58.815-08:00'Tis the Season!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Without my usual retail holiday work, the season has kind of snuck up on me this year. Luckily, the <a href="http://randomactsofreading.wordpress.com/tag/book-bloggers/">Random Acts of Reading</a> blog gave me a gift-giving prompt this month.<br />
Read how I responded to, "What book do you want to give this year? What book do you want to get?" <a href="http://randomactsofreading.wordpress.com/2012/12/07/we-ask-a-book-blogger-what-books-are-on-your-holiday-wish-list/">here</a>.<br />
What book would you love to get this year? </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04895092155263209527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180740919401524986.post-16059331170998861272012-11-12T08:21:00.001-08:002012-11-12T08:22:12.847-08:00Random Acts of Reading guest post: backlist<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I love the book blog prompts Erin at <a href="http://randomactsofreading.wordpress.com/2012/11/02/we-ask-a-book-blogger-what-backlist-books-do-you-think-kids-should-revisit/">Random Acts of Reading</a> gives us every month. For November, we got to think about older favorites for kids. No surprise that the other bloggers' contributions had me going, "Oooh! Oooh! Oooh! I knew she was a kindred spirit!"<br />
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See the whole fabulous list and sing a variation of that song from childhood: "Read new books, but read the oll-lld; Some are silver and the others GOLD."<br />
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The post is <a href="http://randomactsofreading.wordpress.com/2012/11/02/we-ask-a-book-blogger-what-backlist-books-do-you-think-kids-should-revisit/">here</a>. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04895092155263209527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180740919401524986.post-73722072083978800402012-08-21T16:29:00.001-07:002012-08-21T16:29:48.477-07:00A page-turner: "12.21" by Dustin Thomason<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Back in the 1990s, I studied Biology and read Michael Crichton medical thrillers for escapism... and I also met a very nice boy who had been friends with my best friend from childhood.<br />
We all wound up in college together, and that nice boy and I took some pre-med requirements together. He went on to med school, but that wasn't all-- he also wrote a best-seller called <i><b><a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/book/9780440241355">The Rule of Four</a></b></i> with another friend, Ian Caldwell. Yowzah! That's right, I can say I knew Dustin Thomason when.<br />
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This summer, Dusty's first solo book came out, and it's a terrific medical thriller with history, romance, and plenty of drama! <i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/book/9780385341400">12.21</a> </i>features a long-lost Mayan codex, a mysterious and devastating outbreak, and a race for a cure that kept me turning the pages. I'd write more, but I'm pretty tired from staying up late to read...<br />
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If you've been craving an edge-of-your-seat medical thriller, let me recommend <i style="font-weight: bold;">12.21 </i>by Dustin Thomason-- a great book by a great guy. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04895092155263209527noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180740919401524986.post-36809131699187575712012-08-02T11:02:00.000-07:002013-11-15T06:45:43.654-08:00"Goodbye for Now" by Laurie Frankel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span id="internal-source-marker_0.3567107517737895" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As an independent bookseller, I take great pride in introducing readers to books they might not have found by themselves. One of the challenges of handselling is coming up with a bookseller-to-customer-pitch that conveys exactly why I think this particular book will be the right fit for this particular reader in their current reading mood.</span></span><br />
<b id="internal-source-marker_0.3567107517737895" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m thrilled to make reader matches for </span><a href="http://www.lauriefrankel.net/"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Laurie Frankel</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’s </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/goodbye-now-laurie-frankel">Goodbye for Now</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (on sale August 7th) because I think it’s just the kind of unexpected delight so many of my customers rely on indie booksellers to recommend. But because I love this book so much, I want it to find an audience beyond just the curious readers who come into my store. As much as I like to feel indispensable, it would feel even better to know I helped this book get the chance it deserves on bookshelves around the country.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Its gorgeous cover will definitely draw readers in, but I offer this little tutorial on “How to Handsell </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Goodbye for Now</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">” in hopes that all my bookselling brothers and sisters will help a wide, receptive audience discover this wonderful novel. We all know how enthusiastic readers and word of mouth can push a book to the bestseller list! I think this has the indie-driven hit potential of </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/book/9780061537967">The Art of Racing in the Rain</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> by Garth Stein and </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/wild-cheryl-strayed-0">Wild</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> by Cheryl Strayed.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here are some of the leading questions I might ask to determine whether a customer will love </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Goodbye for Now </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">as much as <a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/goodbye-now-laurie-frankel">I did</a>:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Are you interested in a story that sucks you in and feels like a light read but also has lots to ponder?” The writing and characters make the reading effortless, but the story has such depth that readers will want to linger.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Did you like </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Art of Racing in the Rain</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">?” </span></b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Because really, <a href="http://www.terracommunications.net/news/speakers/garth-stein/art-of-racing-in-the-rain-10th-bestselling-adult-fiction-book-of-2010/">who didn’t</a>? But, between us, a book about a dying dog, race cars, and a true love who dies of a brain tumor doesn’t sound like any easier a sell than a book about true love, start-ups, and ever-lasting life through technology, does it? They’re both great books! It’s all in how we set expectations and convey our enthusiasm.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Are you in the mood for a contemporary novel with romance, a Seattle setting, and technology?” </span></b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our store is located near <a href="http://careers.microsoft.com/careers/en/us/seattle.aspx">Microsoft</a>, <a href="http://www.google.com/about/jobs/locations/seattle-kirkland/">Google</a>, <a href="http://www.adobe.com/careers/locations.html">Adobe</a>, and many other <a href="http://www.geekwire.com/">tech companies</a>. Frankel captures the start-up culture and programmer/user/sales dynamic so perfectly, many of our readers will connect through their life experience.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Did you like </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Set This House in Order</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">?” </span></b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Matt Ruff’s </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Set This House in Order</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is one of Queen Anne Books’ backlist stars and one of our<a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/event/matt-ruff-set-house-order-celebration"> favorite book club recommendations</a>. Like that novel, </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Goodbye for Now</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> appeals to both men and women and uses technology in the plot to delve deeply into emotions.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Can you imagine a book that reads kind of like a mix between <a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/book/9780345418012">John Irving</a> and <a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/book/9780141439471">Mary Shelley</a>/ <a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/book/9780425192931">William Gibson</a> and <a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/book/9780743454537">Jodi Picoult</a>, but has its own distinct heart and voice? Sound good? It is.” </span></b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Goodbye For Now</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> has the charm, quirk, and sad sweetness of </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The World According to Garp</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> matched with the science-has-its-consequences drama of </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Frankenstein</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Like Gibson’s novels, it convincingly ponders the impacts of technology in near future, and like Picoult’s, it raises ethical questions that pack a punch, all while giving you characters you don’t want to let go. How are those for mash-ups? Pretty darn amazing, I think.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To sum it all up, I’m very excited to sell </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Goodbye for Now</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and I hope others are, too! </span></b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="font-weight: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Booksellers, publicists, reviewers, readers, bloggers: if you want to talk to me about it, let me know</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">; it would be my pleasure. </span></b><br />
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<b style="font-weight: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b>
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<b style="font-weight: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>For your further Frankel edification: </i></span></b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Laurie Frankel's <a href="http://www.lauriefrankel.net/">author site</a>, complete with a hilarious book trailer. (Watch for fingerpuppets of Einstein talking about an Adam Sandler movie, Virginia Woolf going into the drink, and more.)</span></b><br />
<b style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/goodbye-now-laurie-frankel" style="font-weight: normal;">My recommendation</a><span style="font-weight: normal;"> of </span><i>Goodbye for Now</i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> for Queen Anne Books.</span></span></b><br />
<b style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/atlas-love-laurie-frankel-0">My recommendation</a> of Laurie's first novel, </span><i>The Atlas of Love</i><span style="font-weight: normal;">, for Queen Anne Books.</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The shortlist for the <a href="http://www.pnba.org/awardsshortlist2011.html">2011 PNBA Book Awards</a>, which includes <b><i>The Atlas of Love</i></b>. </span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04895092155263209527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180740919401524986.post-42367397349918470122012-06-21T14:17:00.004-07:002012-06-21T14:17:57.877-07:00Riff on a recipe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My awesome sister-in-law Elizabeth Tigani has a great wellness website, <a href="http://dishingwell.com/">DishingWell.com</a>. She recently posted one of her favorite summer recipes, <a href="http://dishingwell.com/recipes/gluten-free-lemon-spaghetti-with-kale">gluten-free lemon spaghetti with kale</a>. It sounded so good, I had to try it. But you know me: I always do my own thing with recipes!<br />
The original from DishingWell has (as you'd expect) gluten free spaghetti and kale, as well as lemon zest and parmesan. I eat gluten, Jordy doesn't care for spaghetti much, I didn't have kale, we're vegan (so no parmesan), I can't have pasta without garlic, and I was too lazy to juice AND zest lemon. So here's my gluten-full, vegan, protein-rich variation:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2KOtUTN1zrQ/T-IlcQxwctI/AAAAAAAAMVA/bo0nVzjByio/s1600/IMG_20120620_123208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2KOtUTN1zrQ/T-IlcQxwctI/AAAAAAAAMVA/bo0nVzjByio/s320/IMG_20120620_123208.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
<b>Garlic Lemon Basil Capellini with Broccolli Rabe, Spinach, and Navy Beans</b><br />
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Boil a big pot of salted water.<br />
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Chop 4 cloves of garlic. Wash about 6 sprigs of fresh basil. Cut one lemon into sixths and remove the seeds. (Just wait-- you'll see how lazy I am!)<br />
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Put small pieces of broccoli rabe in a colander. Put your colander over the boiling water pot and cover with the lid to steam/ boil for about 5 minutes. Add handfuls of spinach to colander. Steam for another minute. Take colander out of pot and set aside in your clean sink.<br />
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If you're pressed for time, rinse and drain a can of navy beans. (If you have time, soak and cook to rehydrate some-- it's healthier!)<br />
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Boil your capellini. (Takes about 2 minutes).<br />
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When your capellini's done, strain in colander WITH THE BROCCOLI RABE AND SPINACH IN IT. Yeah, heck, why not?!? Why dirty a bowl?!?<br />
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Put your empty pot back on the stovetop. Add a glug of olive oil. Put your garlic and a few shakes of chili pepper flakes in the oil; sautee. (It's totally fine to use a packet from delivery pizza. I used one.) Then add your beans. Then dump your colander o' goodies (pasta, spinach, broccoli rabe) into the pan. Turn off heat.<br />
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Rip up the basil and toss it in the pot. Squeeze your lemon wedges into the pot. Add a little more olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, maybe a grind of fresh black pepper to taste. Put the lid on the pot and shake it around to mix or be civilized and use a utensil to stir.<br />
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Plate and enjoy!<br />
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(Notice how you really only dirty on big cutting board, your pot, your colander, a knife, a spatula, and your dinner plates? This is why I really love this recipe. If you enjoy it with a nice bottle of rose, you don't have to have the buzz kill of lots of dishes after your lovely meal.)<br />
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I also added avocado to the leftovers one day and ate it all cold-- another delicious variation.<br />
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<b><br /></b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04895092155263209527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180740919401524986.post-37760080869240283902012-06-08T11:40:00.000-07:002012-06-08T11:40:05.535-07:00Just finished "Outcasts United" (kids' version)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiGnMejeQqHRrxJ97lwNsTxuvzPE4N6N6-Izoff83uzkT-o_dlZlrSkXBmW15TFSbiKou9R8TEY2tlIdDOe33CM6Isp7uMuvRqSYP_RplmWMRFgnOtXGHRlwuditdY_o96ZjcOJvd9gXo/s1600/Outcasts+United.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiGnMejeQqHRrxJ97lwNsTxuvzPE4N6N6-Izoff83uzkT-o_dlZlrSkXBmW15TFSbiKou9R8TEY2tlIdDOe33CM6Isp7uMuvRqSYP_RplmWMRFgnOtXGHRlwuditdY_o96ZjcOJvd9gXo/s1600/Outcasts+United.gif" /></a></div>
I'm reading through boxes and boxes of galleys for the fall season, and I just found the kind of well-written narrative non-fiction for kids I've been waiting for!!! It's the young reader's edition of <b><i><a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/book/9780385741941">Outcasts United</a></i></b> by Warren St. John, coming from Random House Sept. 11, 2012.<br />
Inspiring and informative, the book tells the true story of Luma Mufleh, a young woman from Jordan who moved to the US for college and decided she couldn't return to her home country after graduation; even though her parents threatened to cut ties with her, she wanted to take advantage of the opportunities available to women in the United States.<br />
But in Atlanta, Luma felt lonely and isolated. She found joy in pick-up soccer games, and decided to start a youth soccer team for the children of refugees in nearby Clarkson, GA. She recruited and coached boys for under-13, under-15, and under-17 teams-- the Fugees. With some help from the local YMCA and Tracy, a young volunteer, she not only coached and managed the three teams, she also started a tutoring program to help the boys off the field. She assisted families with everything from paperwork to groceries to introducing the kids to trick-or-treating. She literally gives one boy the shoes off her feet. She's tough, she's strong, she's caring, and she's real.<br />
But what really got me about this book is the way the author uses the boys' personal stories to teach an overview of atrocities of the modern world. Just a handful of players' backgrounds provide a shocking tour of the world's conflicts-- Sudan, Iraq, Bosnia, Congo, Liberia... St. John gives a clear overview of the situations and the boys' heartbreaking reasons for coming to the US. It made me get out a map to appreciate the global diversity of the Fugees. Then I wanted to get out my wallet to donate to the Fugees. And finally, I wanted to get out my old soccer cleats and play some soccer, because the kick-by-kick descriptions of some of the games were that exciting!<br />
I haven't read the <a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/book/9780385522045">original version</a> of this book, but the kids' version is extremely satisfying. It will be a great discussion book, a fabulous gift, and a wonderful read for kids who are curious about the world, kids who like soccer, or kids who just enjoy a good story about likeable underdogs. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04895092155263209527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180740919401524986.post-66190816084433830532012-05-21T19:36:00.000-07:002012-06-18T09:23:02.443-07:00Treasure Island!!! Book club, here we come...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6I4hYCMuArWNAAuCiuLk952vgAzp5TouW8yUGwILubsjQEN5Yhj4AkOy3ujsPgLJWici8ASMmNXL01xjlfkYZfPwyCbpnNqE8gopHuL9or9NfjR882s4L3MfQl4bgVybj3kSq1ykEyVc/s1600/Levine+TI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6I4hYCMuArWNAAuCiuLk952vgAzp5TouW8yUGwILubsjQEN5Yhj4AkOy3ujsPgLJWici8ASMmNXL01xjlfkYZfPwyCbpnNqE8gopHuL9or9NfjR882s4L3MfQl4bgVybj3kSq1ykEyVc/s200/Levine+TI.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Just finished <b><i>Treasure Island!!!</i></b> by Sara Levine. Fast, fun, sly, and oddly and unexpectedly sweet. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I get to lead discussion of it Saturday night at Book Mixer. Here's hoping we get a good crowd!!! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Music pairings for this book might be songs by The Decembrists, The Pogues, and Regina Spektor. Other suggestions?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Drink pairing: definitely something with rum. Perhaps a custom cocktail called "The Dead Parrot" made with rum, nutmeg, ginger ale, and lime. Serve with a side of mac & cheese.</span></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04895092155263209527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180740919401524986.post-50012458355790673322012-05-04T12:28:00.000-07:002012-05-04T12:28:09.225-07:00Speaking of picture books...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I participated in Random Acts of Reading's <a href="http://randomactsofreading.wordpress.com/2012/05/04/we-ask-a-book-blogger-what-childrens-book-would-you-give-out-for-world-book-night/">blogger panel</a> again! They asked, "What children's book would you give out on World Book Night?" Tough question, especially given the fact that children's books cover such a wide age range. I went with a classic. You can check out the full <a href="http://randomactsofreading.wordpress.com/2012/05/04/we-ask-a-book-blogger-what-childrens-book-would-you-give-out-for-world-book-night/">post</a> on Random House's <a href="http://randomactsofreading.wordpress.com/">Random Acts of Reading blog</a>.<br />
<br />
If you don't know the other book bloggers on the panel already, do visit their sites! Lots of great inspiration! There's Julie of <a href="http://www.bookingmama.net/">Booking Mama</a>, Heidi of <a href="http://www.yabibliophile.com/">YA Bibliophile</a>, Kathy (aka <a href="http://bermudaonion.net/">BermudaOnion</a>), Rene with <a href="http://notesfromthebedsidetable.blogspot.com/">Notes from the Bedside Table</a>, and Alyson from <a href="http://www.kidlitfrenzy.com/">Kid Lit Frenzy</a>. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04895092155263209527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180740919401524986.post-32336797470491992012012-05-04T12:16:00.002-07:002012-05-04T12:17:06.403-07:00Storytime! Read aloud with kiddos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I just finished up my monthly Queen Anne Books <a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/event/storytime-twirl-0">storytime</a> at <a href="http://www.twirlcafe.com/Welcome.html">Twirl Cafe</a>, a neighbor business-- a play cafe for kids and their grown-ups. (First Friday of every month at 10:30 am, if you're in the Seattle area!)<br />
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Today we started with <b><i><a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/book/9780439587532">Split! Splat!</a></i></b> by Amy Gibson, illustrations by Steve Bjorkman. The kids (babies- 5 years) did a great job providing their own sound effects with the "rain shakers" I handed out (plastic Easter eggs partly filled with rice, taped together with packing tape). It was a fun book for the group, even if it is kind of jazzy/ silly and abstract. We talked about how rain doesn't stop our fun (a given for PNW kids), and whether anyone had ever squished through mud with bare feet. We all agreed that a bath is required after mud pies.<br />
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Then we followed up with the ever-popular <b><i><a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/book/9780152049072">Where Is the Green Sheep?</a></i></b> by Mem Fox with illustrations by Judy Horcek. The Seattle Children's Theater did this as a play not too long ago, and some in the audience knew it well. We started off with the kids identifying the animals on the cover (before I told them the title). Because one boy identified them as "baa baas," I asked everyone to help call out for the Green Sheep in sheep language every time I asked, "Where is the green sheep?" I cracked myself up with our sheep bleats-- and others seemed to enjoy our baa baas almost as much.<br />
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It was a good springtime selection. Rousing renditions of "If You're Happy and You Know It" and "The Alphabet Song" (by request) rounded out our storytime fun. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04895092155263209527noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180740919401524986.post-33715396827328174902012-04-24T20:51:00.001-07:002012-04-24T20:51:39.140-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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At left, you can see all that's left of the batch of spicy sweet potato no-fry fries I made for dinner tonight. I'm still trying to figure them out, but even in this beta phase, they're pretty darn irresistible.<br />
<br />
Here's how I did it (my almost-recipe):<br />
Peel a sweet potato and cut it into fry-shaped pieces, just a bit bigger than McDonald's fries.<br />
Toss with a dash of cayenne pepper, a dash of salt, and a few dashes of chili pepper.<br />
Microwave for 1 minute 30 seconds. Stir. Microwave for another 1-3 minutes, until the fries are floppy.<br />
Add a splash of olive oil and toss.<br />
Lay 'em out on a cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees until crispy-ish, scalding fingers to flip them over once during baking.<br />
Serve with chipotle ketchup, and all will be forgiven.<br />
(We had these with vegan black eyed pea BBQ sandwiches and a side of garlic broccoli.)</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04895092155263209527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180740919401524986.post-50087328317261002672012-04-06T20:07:00.001-07:002012-04-06T20:07:11.575-07:00Another guest post at Random Acts of Reading<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This time they asked, "Is the picture book dead?" Guess what we all said? :)<br />
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<a href="http://randomactsofreading.wordpress.com/2012/04/06/we-ask-a-book-blogger-is-the-picture-book-really-dead/#comments">http://randomactsofreading.wordpress.com/2012/04/06/we-ask-a-book-blogger-is-the-picture-book-really-dead/#comments</a>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04895092155263209527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180740919401524986.post-44288465814599142982012-03-09T10:22:00.000-08:002012-03-09T10:22:05.647-08:00Making Toast by Roger Rosenblatt<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwHYo4ggr6b43MUQxcsgW_UloCZQ69FWCdK8SfiqMTx5d2YNw-Ox8ogH1fxydxUGnVjBJ0Yap4VAwk6QKCrVnfXsMFwXnPLwYRDL1JviXrFOjHwp3P89OUqT1O5HRCRIL27AZ6zIUm6k/s1600/Making+toast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwHYo4ggr6b43MUQxcsgW_UloCZQ69FWCdK8SfiqMTx5d2YNw-Ox8ogH1fxydxUGnVjBJ0Yap4VAwk6QKCrVnfXsMFwXnPLwYRDL1JviXrFOjHwp3P89OUqT1O5HRCRIL27AZ6zIUm6k/s320/Making+toast.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
This week, I wrote a book report for the other blog I feed, <a href="http://www.onebravethingaday.com/blog/?page_id=2">www.onebravethingaday.com</a>. That's the blog for the book I'm working on-- the inspirational memoir of my co-author, Linda Lewis Keeney.<br />
Since we started writing together, Linda and I have been reading and comparing notes on books that might be good comparisons to ours. I chose <b><i>Making Toast</i></b> because it deals concretely yet tenderly with the after-effects of grief. <b><i>One Brave Thing a Day</i></b> is a lot about moving healthily through grief-- the daily mourning that comes with having a severely disabled daughter who cannot communicate; the mourning of the deaths of Linda's mother, her creative partner, and her good friend's son; and anticipatory mourning, thinking ahead to the death of her medically-fragile daughter.<br />
Want to read my recommendation for <b><i>Making Toast</i></b> by Roger Rosenblatt? Getting there is as easy as clicking <a href="http://www.onebravethingaday.com/blog/?p=758">here</a>. An excerpt from my book report: "At times, reading [<b><i>Making Toast</i></b>] felt like attending the wake of someone I didn't know (but wished I had)." </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04895092155263209527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180740919401524986.post-74467711159611295142012-03-09T10:07:00.000-08:002012-03-09T10:07:27.171-08:00[grilled cheese]<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Maybe it was the weather, maybe it was the accumulated stress of a month of responses to announcements about the store's sale, but I couldn't resist last night: I cooked real grilled cheese sandwiches with butter and real, milky cheddar. And it was good.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04895092155263209527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180740919401524986.post-52415549617462519172012-03-07T12:44:00.003-08:002012-03-07T12:45:33.695-08:00WILD by Cheryl Strayed<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtT78IHY9t_qD7IP9I4oPv3gGwfIYsr9rcTHwCsG3c40NM2EiaH59y9QLF6CfqUvmUlHSaolGKBeB_oqKnMWD5mH4NHDV_ESuP_KR2HLjkva1Cp1kqfgVEUDuc0fv_HIP_FZgaqi9tsw/s1600/Wild.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtT78IHY9t_qD7IP9I4oPv3gGwfIYsr9rcTHwCsG3c40NM2EiaH59y9QLF6CfqUvmUlHSaolGKBeB_oqKnMWD5mH4NHDV_ESuP_KR2HLjkva1Cp1kqfgVEUDuc0fv_HIP_FZgaqi9tsw/s320/Wild.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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How cool! Random House's blog, <a href="http://randomactsofreading.wordpress.com/2012/03/07/a-book-were-loving-wild-by-cheryl-strayed/">Random Acts of Reading</a>, featured my recommendation of the memoir <b><i>Wild</i></b> by Cheryl Strayed. What an honor to be one of the first voices out there to publicly praise this brave, fascinating book. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04895092155263209527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180740919401524986.post-84934694839399970112012-02-23T10:03:00.003-08:002012-02-23T10:04:32.719-08:00Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCLX8daq0x0oSyBBOC2OgQZ1X5PwYRFRZvGnNfQFeaGrvIOA7zVhiDDCXzKwD3leTcoSE-luJGZWlWiBF6vnV9Ckq0QR7MOyiihhD5Nvu-yxAV_xpS-Ddmt3ck2KrPdLDguRdWodbCLU/s1600/Mindy+Kaling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCLX8daq0x0oSyBBOC2OgQZ1X5PwYRFRZvGnNfQFeaGrvIOA7zVhiDDCXzKwD3leTcoSE-luJGZWlWiBF6vnV9Ckq0QR7MOyiihhD5Nvu-yxAV_xpS-Ddmt3ck2KrPdLDguRdWodbCLU/s320/Mindy+Kaling.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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After reading and leading a discussion on <b><i>A Wild Sheep Chase</i></b> by Murakami (my reading journal notes: "WEIRD, but wonderful"), I needed something light. In the first chapter of Mindy Kaling's hilarious book,<b><i><a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/book/9780307886262"> Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)</a></i></b> she offers a Q&A. This convinced me I'd picked the right read for my mood:</div>
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<i>"I don't know. I have a lot of books already. I wanted to finish those </i><b>Girl with the Dragon Tattoo</b><i> books before the movies come out.</i></div>
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This book will take you two days to read. Did you even see the cover? It's mostly pink. If you're reading this book every night for months, something is not right. " -page 5</div>
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This book was fluffy, funny, entertaining, but surprisingly wholesome and refreshing. Kaling's voice is smart and friendly, and she actually has some wonderful advice for young people to be themselves, work hard, and love their parents. Brava!</div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04895092155263209527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180740919401524986.post-76310974439217742992012-01-31T21:16:00.000-08:002012-02-01T08:46:47.387-08:00The Mirage by Matt Ruff<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzExRDnK3DavltlZNRNEWgTHHXh1aVWhI-QlC8cS0lQScZzJvhzDkiytB7RpZKBB0uW2Ir419GKvxpHSnkmijEdETsmodybdJzoXWcb8uxqZaT6nExSSwAtHkuuUZgXLuHyfn75ZLWzw/s1600/The+Mirage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzExRDnK3DavltlZNRNEWgTHHXh1aVWhI-QlC8cS0lQScZzJvhzDkiytB7RpZKBB0uW2Ir419GKvxpHSnkmijEdETsmodybdJzoXWcb8uxqZaT6nExSSwAtHkuuUZgXLuHyfn75ZLWzw/s1600/The+Mirage.JPG" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Matt Ruff, author of </span><span style="font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Set This House in Order</span><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and </span><span style="font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bad Monkeys</span><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, has written another page-turning, mind-reeling masterpiece-- <a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/book/9780061976223">on sale February 7, 2012</a>. </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Imagine a world where the United Arab States is threatened by Christian fundamentalist terrorists, a world where a few good Homeland Security Agents have to fight corruption and conspiracies to protect all they believe in, a world where evil and mass deception threaten everything. I predict this is the novel that everyone will be talking about in 2012. </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And it’s not just provocative, it’s a darn good read! With characters I cared about, a plot that doesn’t let up, and a premise that still has me thinking, </span><span style="font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Mirage </span><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">exceeded my expectations. Now I just can’t wait for the paperback so I can recommend it to every book club. </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lucky me, Matt Ruff is doing an <a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/event/matt-ruff-signing-mirage">event at my bookstore</a> on Tuesday February 28 at 6pm!!</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> WOO HOO!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Also lucky me, my recommendation for The Mirage was chosen for the <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/indie-next-list">Indie Next lis</a><a href="http://www.indiebound.org/indie-next-list">t</a>! Thanks, guys!</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(Nancy, this one's for you... Can't wait to hear/read your take on it!)</span></span></b></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04895092155263209527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6180740919401524986.post-6439263654189908012012-01-04T16:00:00.000-08:002012-01-04T16:14:07.195-08:00Top Teen books of 2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Here we go! I compiled a <a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/top-teen-reads-2011">Top 10 list</a> of books for teens for the store, but my personal list has a few differences...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I'm going to go ahead and use my commentary from the store lists when applicable, though.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><u>TEGAN'S FAVORITE TEEN READS FROM 2011</u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><b><i><a href="http://www.nwbooklovers.org/2011/08/05/putting-makeup-on-dead-people-by-jen-violi/">Putting Makeup on Dead People</a></i></b> by Jen Violi. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"> The title/subject may seem offputting, but it's one of the most beautiful (and funny) books about grief I've read. Violi nailed it.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><i><b><a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/book/9780399256752">Legend</a></b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"> by Marie Lu. Dystopian thrills abound as June, the government's prodigy, is pitted against Day, its Enemy #1.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><b><i><a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/beauty-queens-libba-bray">Beauty Queens</a></i></b> by Libba Bray. A planeful of teen pageant contestants gets stranded on a desert island-- "Miss Congeniality" crossed with <i><b>Lord of the Flies</b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;">, with a healthy dose of fierce feminism.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><i><b><a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/book/9780062024022">Divergent</a></b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"> by Veronica Roth. In this page-turner dystopian thriller set in Chicago of the future, the city is divided into five factions, with each valuing one trait above all else. Beatrice's choice to give up the gentleness of Abnegation for the power of Dauntless is riveting, and the romance made my heart race, too.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><i><b><a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/book/%5Bmodel%5D-2">To Timbuktu</a></b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"> by Casey Scieszka and Steven Weinberg. I'm always on the lookout for great non-fiction for teens, and this memoir (written and drawn by recent college grads) about travelling the world is fantastic: inspiring and entertaining.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><b><i><a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/words-dust-trent-reedy">Words in the Dust</a></i></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"> by Trent Reedy. I still think about Zulaikha, the rural Afghan girl in this story. Hope and perseverance make this a rewarding read.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><i><b><a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/imaginary-girls-nova-ren-suma">Imaginary Girls</a></b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"> by Nova Ren Suma. The modern gothic atmosphere and mysterious characters make this contemporary story of two sisters so fascinating.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><i><b><a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/book/%5Bmodel%5D-4">The Name of the Star</a></b></i> by Maureen Johnson. Need a stay-up-late-then-sleep-with-<wbr></wbr></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;">the-lights on read? Jack the Ripper stalks the streets of modern London in this first of a series.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b><a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/book/%5Bmodel%5D-5">Hourglass</a></b></i> by Myra McEntire. I thought I was done with any paranormal romance, but this was fresh and oh-so-readable. Think teens with super-powers instead of vampires/werewolves/zombies etc. More! More!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><b><i><a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/enclave-ann-aguirre">Enclave</a></i></b> by Ann Aguirre. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"> A vivid post-apocalyptic world, a tougher than nails protagonist, and the battles for survival left me breathless. The surprise bonus? A character named Tegan! </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><b><i><a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/book/9780375867330">Blood Magic</a></i></b> by Tessa Gratton. This was creepy and suspenseful, and I just couldn't stop reading, even though I wanted to shake the characters and force them to make better choices. It's my surprise compulsion title of the year.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><b><i><a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/book/9780547501512">Wherever You Go</a></i></b> by Heather Davis. This heartfelt contemporary novel about a teen who has to grow up too fast to care for her little sister and her grandfather with Alzheimer's, all while dealing with grief from her boyfriend's death, is powerful, and thanks to some beyond-the-grave communication, wonderfully healing.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">Finally, an adult book I'd recommend to teens, or to adults who are feeling in that escapist, easy-to-get-lost-in kind of mood: <b><i><a href="http://www.queenannebooks.com/book/9780385534635">The Night Circus</a></i></b> by Erin Morgenstern. Atmospheric and engrossing, this is a grown-up Harry Potter fanatic kind of book, where magic feels real. The story, about two young magicians who are raised to fight a lifelong battle in an enchanted circus on behalf of their teachers, is really just an excuse for amazing images and flights of incredible imaginative fantasy. Don't worry about how it all works; if you're in the right frame of mind, just let yourself just get swept away. There's nothing to make this inappropriate for teens (except, perhaps, for the higher hardcover price of an adult title).</span><br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04895092155263209527noreply@blogger.com0