October in Hindsight - where you catch up on what you missed this month

Happy Halloween! Assuming your not laid up with a case of H1N1, what are you planning to dress up as? My extremely funny husband suggested I could just throw on an orange T-shirt and be a pumpkin. Anyone care to suggest punishment for said husband?

Anyway, here's a little update on what's been going on with the blog this month. I think my favorite book of the month is a tie between How To Say Goodbye in Robot and Eon: Dragoneye Reborn.

Books read:

1. The Siege of Macindaw - John Flanagan

2. How To Say Goodbye in Robot - Natalie Standiford

3. Dead Until Dark - Charlaine Harris

4. Immortal in Death - JD Robb

5. Breach of Promise - Anne Perry

6. Front and Center - Catherine Gilbert Murdock

7. The Vampire is Just Not That Into You - Vlad Mezrich

8. Defenders of the Scroll - Shiraz

9. Ballad - Maggie Stiefvater

10. The Year of Living Biblically by AJ Jacobs

11. Eon: Dragoneye Reborn - Alison Goodman

12. A Curse Dark As Gold - Elizabeth C. Bunce

13. Imitation in Death - JD Robb

Other fun stuff that went on this month:

Interview with Shiraz, author of Defenders of the Scroll.

Interview with Natalie Standiford, author of How to Say Goodbye in Robot.

Non-review: 13 1/2 by Nevada Barr

Slightly Off Topic: What I'm Watching

Slightly Off Topic: Why I Love Good Guys (I think I maybe offended Angie.... I didn't mean to!)

Review: Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter (anyone want to tell me how to get my hands on an ARC of Heist Society? Please?)

Review: The Ugly Truck and Dog Contest by Cathy Jewison (One of the few times my mother has ever commented on my blog)

Review: Murder is Binding by Lorna Barrett

And finally, a couple of Halloween-y pictures for you. These are from last year.

Interview: Natalie Standiford, author of How To Say Goodbye in Robot

Today I have the pleasure of posting this interview I did with the lovely Natalie Standiford, author of How To Say Goodbye in Robot. I was fascinated by her book, and I really enjoyed having this chance to talk to her about it a bit.

First, let's get to know you a little better. What does a day in the life of Natalie Standiford look like?

I'm afraid it's not usually too thrilling! I wake up around 8 or 9 and make coffee and check my email. Then I work on that day's writing. It's usually a struggle to resist the lure of the internet and get started. Sometimes I get nothing done until after lunch. But I still make myself sit there and try.

In the late afternoon I go to the gym or do errands. I love walking around my neighborhood. I live in downtown New York City, and just going to the grocery store can be an adventure--or a hassle, depending on what happens. But after living here for years I still think this city is a wonderland.

Let's play three truths and a lie. Give us four facts about yourself, one of which is fictional. (scroll to the bottom of the interview to find out which is a fib)

1. There are five people named Natalie in my family.
2. I almost got married when I was 20 and still in college.
3. I went to a Quaker school.
4. I have Russian ancestry.

What was your inspiration to write How To Say Goodbye In Robot? (And are your characters based on real people?)

The original inspiration came from a story I heard at a high school reunion. I started thinking about the people I went to school with, especially the ones I didn't know very well, and wondered what school had been like for them. I remembered a boy who arrived in our senior year and I thought about how hard that must have been, so I put Bea in that situation and started to explore it. With Jonah, I thought about how some people don't want to be included. There are definitely people who take pride in being outsiders, for whatever reason.

I do use things that happen in real life in my books, but my characters aren't based on real people. Even when I try to make a character behave like someone I know, he tends to squirm out of his box and become his own person.

As I was reading your book, I was completely riveted by the dynamics of the relationship between Jonah and Bea. Do you feel your characters are indicative of teen relationships in general?

A lot of people have written to me to say that they had a friend just like Jonah, or that Jonah and Bea's friendship felt familiar to them. The teen years are an intense time and that can definitely affect relationships. But I don't think about "teens in general" when I'm writing. I just think about the characters and the story in front of me. Teens' feelings and behavior can vary as much as adults'; anything's possible. What matters to me is if the character I'm writing is believable in the situation I've put her in.

With Jonah and Bea, their relationship is complicated because on the one hand they're intensely close and share secrets, but on the other hand, Beatrice is watching him. She's fascinated by him and trying to figure him out, and that creates a distance that counteracts their closeness. He's not studying her in the same way--he just wants an accomplice.

How To Say Goodbye in Robot is one of the few books I've read where the ending took me completely by surprise, and yet it also felt completely "right". Without giving too much away, can you talk a bit about why you decided to end the book that way?

I started the book knowing how the story would end without knowing how it would begin or how the characters would get there. So the end should feel inevitable, since I built the whole story around it! But it was a challenge to imagine why someone would do what Jonah does at the end, and a challenge to make it believable. I was afraid the end would seem obvious to readers, so I'm relieved when people tell me it surprised them.

I see from your bio that you are in two bands, and music and radio also strongly influence your book. What made you decide to use the Night Lights radio show in your story?

As a confirmed insomniac/night owl I love listening to the radio and always have. There used to be a quirky late-night call-in show in Baltimore called Legends Radio/Over Fifty Overnight, with an endlessly patient host and a cast of crazy callers. I could never figure out how to use that show in a story until I started thinking about Bea and Jonah; lonely outsiders make perfect late-night radio fans. The Night Lights act as a kind of Greek chorus and surrogate family for them. Now I listen to Coast to Coast AM, which is all about ghost whisperers, time travelers, UFOs and Bigfoot, so I threw a little of that supernatural stuff into the Night Light Show too.

I love the book cover! Do you like it, and did you have a hand in designing it?

I ADORE the cover! People really seem drawn to it. And if you take off the jacket there's an extra surprise on the cloth cover. The designer, Phil Falco, did a beautiful job with the whole book. He even drew the phone on the cover himself! The only hand I had in it was used for applauding him.

What were the best and worst parts of the publishing process for you?

I love the whole process right down to the copyediting. The best part is when you hear from editors, reviewers, and readers that they like your work and understand what you're trying to do. That is so thrilling--and such a relief after working in isolation for months or even years! The worst part is, I guess, the opposite--when someone reads what you wrote and says they don't get it. Then I feel like I failed somehow. But you can't please everyone, and you shouldn't try to.

Do you have another book in the works?

I'm working on another novel set in Baltimore called CONFESSIONS OF THE SULLIVAN SISTERS. One of the three sisters has done something to upset their wealthy grandmother. The grandmother won't say who or what it was, but she threatens to cut their whole family out of her will unless the sinner confesses. Each sister confesses to a crime against the family--but which one is the culprit? And can they change their grandmother's mind and save the family from genteel poverty?

Anything else to add?

You can check my web site, http://www.nataliestandiford.com/ for news and reviews. There's also a "Mystery Page" where you can see photos and listen to the songs mentioned in HOW TO SAY GOODBYE IN ROBOT.

And for those who are wondering, #4 is the lie: I speak Russian (I studied it in school), my name is common in Russia (Natalie/Natalia), and people tell me I look Russian. But I'm not Russian, at least not that I know of.

Thanks, Vanessa!

Review: Eon: Dragoneye Reborn by Alison Goodman

Last word first: (5/5) A strong protagonist, a compelling story, and a setting that will pull you right in.

Description: Eon has been studying the ancient art of Dragon Magic for four years, hoping he'll be able to apprentice to one of the twelve energy dragons of good fortune. But he also has a dark secret. He is actually Eona, a sixteen-year-old girl who has been living a dangerous lie for the chance to become a Dragoneye, the human link to an energy dragon's power. It is forbidden for females to practice the Dragon Magic and if discovered Eon faces a terrible death. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts: Eon had be hooked almost from the first page. This is a book with well-developed characters, an absorbing storyline and a beautiful setting. Add that to great writing and compelling themes and you've got yourself a winner.

This book reminded me a lot of the Alanna and Keladry books by Tamora Pierce, and I think it will really appeal to fans of those series. Eon is a similar character type. She's a woman seeking, at great personal risk, to succeed in an area dominated by men. She didn't always make great decisions, and I occasionally wanted to yell at her (have you noticed I tend to get REALLY involved with the protagonist when I'm reading?) when she was missing what was right in front of her. But I was still rooting for her to suceed. A sixteen year old girl, pretending to be a twelve year old boy, attempting to survive in a complex political environment for which she could not possibly have been prepared. Can we say underdog? Love it.

The setting deserves it's own paragraph. Goodman has put together a beautifully crafted, Asian-inspired backdrop to her story. Her word pictures bring the temples, gardens and marketplaces to life in a way that made me feel like I was there. There is something so gorgeously foreign (to me, at least) about this world that I was completely sucked in. I admit I have also devoured the details of her research the Alison Goodman has included at her site. In Australia, this book was originally entitled The Two Pearls of Wisdom, and had a very different cover which really conveyed the exotic feel of the setting. It might not be as compelling as the North American cover, but I still like it.

What really gives this book the staying power I think it will have for me are the themes. Eon has to face and accept herself in order to succeed, even though it takes her forever to figure that out. Honesty, bravery, responsibility and acceptance are all explored in a way that makes this a book I want my kids to read when they're old enough. This book will likely appeal mostly to girls and women, but I think guys would enjoy it too.

Though I borrowed this one from the library, I'm definitely planning to pick up a hardcover copy for my personal shelf. This is a story with tons of reread potential, and one I'll want to force my friends to read. Five stars! The only problem is that the ending was a little bit of a cliffhanger, and now I am doomed to remain in suspense until sometime next year when the sequel comes out.

About Alison Goodman: Alison lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, Ron, and their Machiavellian Jack Russell Terrier, Xander. She was the 1999 D.J. O’Hearn Memorial Fellow at Melbourne University, holds a Master of Arts, and teaches creative writing at postgraduate level. Alison is currently working on the sequel to The Two Pearls of Wisdom/EON. (from the bio on her website)

Second opinions:

Em's Bookshelf gave it 4 stars.

Melissa @ One Librarian's Book Reviews says "setting and details were gorgeous."

Reviewed this book and want a link? Just let me know in the comments.

Review: The Vampire Is Just Not That Into You by Vlad Mezrich

Last word first: This one had me giggling from start to finish (4/5).

Description: Are you in love with a vampire? Are you worried that you might not be his (blood) type? Do you wonder whether that cold stare means he isn’t interested . . . or if it’s because he’s been dead for three centuries (nothing personal)? Even though your vampire’s skin is transfixingly translucent, he can still be very hard to read. Sometimes he’s simply holding back his true feelings, resisting the urge to bite you in the chance that one day you will truly love him. And other times . . . well, he’s just not that into you. How can you tell? Undead dating specialist Vlad Mezrich has all the answers, utilizing quizzes, Top Ten lists, language analysis, real-life (and real-death) testimonials, and fancy charts to show you what you need to do in order to get your vampire and keep him forever. (description from Goodreads)

My thoughts: As I mentioned above, this book cracked me up. It's full of helpful "advice" on all topics related to dating a vampire. You'll learn everything from how to tell if your crush is a real vampire (he might just be goth!) to how to handle that all important first date (stay away from the garlic bread), to what to do if you think he might be losing interest... in dating you, that is (time to start carrying a stake). And every topic in between.

I was laughing at pretty much every page of this book, but my favorite parts were the quizzes. Here's a sample question from "Finding The Vampire Who's Right For You":

Your preferred pet name is...
a. My Unbearably Fragile Human Love. Leave me! No, stay!
b. Fleur d'Morte
c. Lunch

I found this was a great book to tuck in my purse and carry with me to read in short segments whenever I had a couple minutes. Twilight fan? This is the book for you. Twilight fan mocker? You'll enjoy it as well. Seriously, this book is so tongue-in-cheek and funny that just about anyone would enjoy it.

Strange but true: When I was browsing the Amazon and Goodreads pages on this book, I noticed that at least one commenter seemed to be taking this book as literally true. I'm fairly certain it's meant to be humorous and/or mocking, but that could be my cynical nature talking.

Got a Great YA Novel Idea?

Think you might be the next Sarah Dessen or Stephenie Meyer? Because if you do, there's a great competition out there for you. As part of Nanowrimo (that's National Novel Writing Month), there is a fantastic opportunity to pitch your idea for the next big YA novel. All you need to do is submit the FIRST 250 words of your novel for a chance to have the idea seen by top editors at Random House, HarperCollins, Penguin, Harlequin and Sourcebooks—and even get a one-on-one pitch session with one of New York’s top YA literary agents. And the winning submission will also get a FREE 10 week writing course, courtesy of the Gotham Writer’s Workshop. You can find all the details here. I have included the contents of the press release below.

Now I just wish I had an idea for a great YA novel. Any of my readers planning to give this a shot? Perhaps I could live vicariously through you...


Have a young adult novel—or a YA novel idea—tucked away for a rainy day? Are you putting off pitching your idea simply because you’re not sure how to pitch an agent? No problem! All you have to do is submit the first 250 words of your novel and you can win both exposure to editors, and a one-on-one chat with one of New York ’s TOP literary agents Regina Brooks.

Regina Brooks is the founder of Serendipity Literary Agency and the author of Writing Great Books for Young Adults. Brooks has been instrumental at establishing and building the careers of many YA writers, including three-time National Book Award Honoree and Michael Printz Honoree Marilyn Nelson, as well as Sundee Frazier—a Coretta Scott King Award winner, an Oprah Book Pick and an Al Roker book club selection. As an agent, she is known for her ability to turn raw talent into successful authors.

ADDITIONALLY: The top 20 submissions will all be read by a panel of five judges comprised of top YA editors at Random House, HarperCollins, Harlequin, Sourcebooks and Penguin. All 20 will receive free autographed copies of Writing Great Books for Young Adults by Regina Brooks. Of the 20, they will pick the top five submissions and provide each author with commentary. ONE Grand Prize Winner will win a free 10-week writing course courtesy of the Gotham Writer’s Workshop.

Please submit all entries via the contest website at http://www.writingclasses.com/ContestPages/YAPitch.php. One entry per person; anyone age 13+ can apply. Open to the U.S. & Canada (void where prohibited). Entries for the YA Novel Discovery Contest will be accepted from 12:01am (ET) November 1 until 11:59pm (ET),

NOVEMBER IS NaNoWriMo
In honor of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo.org)—an international event where aspiring novelists are encouraged to write an entire novel in 30 days—this contest is meant to encourage the aspiring YA author to get started on that novel by offering an incentive for completing the first 250 words.

So apply now! http://bit.ly/1PYGaN

Review: The Year of Living Biblically by AJ Jacobs

Last word first: Funny and earnest, not to be missed (5/5).


Description: After writing a book about reading the entire Encyclopedia Britanica (in preparation for a turn on Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?), AJ Jacobs wondered how he can manage to top his debut book. Then he had a brilliant idea... what if he tries to live an entire year in literal accordance with the Bible? This memoir chronicles his efforts, from growing out his beard to stoning adulterers in the New York City (not as gruesome as you might think!).


My thoughts: I think there needs to be a new genre. Rather than just "non-fiction", we should have some type of designation for non-fiction that is not boring (NFNB?). This book is highly entertaining. There was a snicker on every page as I read about Jacobs' adventures in literalism. He travels to an Amish community, a creationist museum, and even to Israel in the course of his quest, and the people he encountered definitely opened my eyes.

Jacobs has done an excellent job at drawing attention to all that is bewildering about biblical literalism. As he points out, many people claim they adhere literally to the Bible, but the Bible has multiple translations and contradicts itself at times. And yet he hasn't gone in to this project attempting to make fun of religion, but rather to try and make sense of it.

I think this is a great book for everyone! It's funny, honest and it will make you think. And laugh. At the same time. What could be better?


About AJ Jacobs: Jacobs grew up in New York City. His father is a lawyer who holds the world record for the most footnotes in a law review article (4,824). His wife works for a highbrow scavenger hunt called Watson Adventures. He lives in New York with his family. He wonders if he fooled anyone with this third-person thing, or if everyone knows that he wrote this bio himself. - from the bio on his website

Interview: Shiraz, author of Defenders of the Scroll

Today I have the honor of interviewing Shiraz, the author of Defenders of the Scroll. Shiraz is South African born, but he was raised right here in Canada. DotS is his first published work. Now, on to the interview, with Shiraz's words in bold.

First off, to learn a bit about you, let's play three truths and a lie. Tell us four facts about yourself, one of which is fictional. (scroll to the end of the interview for the answer)

1. Everything I own (excluding my car) fits in my car, a Honda Civic.

2. I spent a night in a Spanish prison for being black.

3. I unearthed the skeleton of a thief in a 2nd century Roman outpost found on an archeological dig in Hungary.

4. I won't eat toast unless the crust is cut off.

Tell us a bit about Defenders of the Scroll.

It has consumed my life. Few very days have gone by in the last 2 years where I hadn't worked on DotS in some way, be it writing, editing, contacting bloggers, entering contests, artwork, promotion, you name it. DotS has evolved from a television concept I was involved with, to a story and characters that are very near and dear to my heart, and something that will leave a large void when it eventually comes to an end.

Why did you decide to write this book?

I felt Alex and Dara's stories needed to be told. They've been through so much. No, really. I'd known the characters for years before I wrote the book, and I've seen them (and the whole gang) go on a dozen more adventures than you've read. But attempts to make DotS an animated series (and have those adventures come to life) have failed so far, and I felt it was too good a story to just get shelved. So when the creators asked me if I wanted to write the novel, of course I said yes!

Which one of your characters is the most fun for you to write?

Which ONE? Ugh. I guess I'd have to say Alex, but he's not as fun to write for unless he's interacting with the others. I think that's been the most fun with DotS, the character chemistry, and Alex seems to always be at the center of it.

What are some of your favorite books and authors?

George R.R. Martin, Terry Goodkind, Stephen King (his early work), Frank Miller, Isaac Asimov, R.A. Salvatore. My favourite books as most books by these authors. Lately I've been tending to find an author and then read everything I can by him/her before moving onto someone else so it's taking me a while to find new favourite authors.

What's up next for Alex and Dara? Can we expect a sequel soon?

There's so much up next for Alex and Dara. Yes, you can expect a sequel. it's not right to leave a story hanging like that. Soon? I don't know. DotS is still just getting ramped up. And, as I mentioned earlier, it's taking up most of my time, including writing time for a sequel. Also, since the creators own the property, its their call.

Anything else you'd like to add?

Certainty to Heisenberg's principle.

Thanks for agreeing to this interview, Shiraz! For those who are interested, Shiraz's lie was #4. Good thing too, the only people who can get away with not eating crusts are toddlers.

For more information, please visit the Defenders of the Scroll website.

Review: Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater

Last word first: AWESOME! (5/5)

This review contains spoilers for those who have not read LAMENT.


Description: After nearly being killed by the faerie court in the course of a political coup, James is ready to head off to boarding school and leave it all behind. Maybe he'll even manage to reconnect with his former best friend, Dee, now that Luke is out of the picture. But as James gets settled in at school, he starts to realize that the faeries may have followed him, and life is not going to get any easier. When he meets the mysterious creature Nuala (say it Noola), he strikes an uneasy truce that might grow into something more. That is, unless the capricious faerie queen decides to drive them apart.

My thoughts: Wow. I loved this book.

While I enjoyed Lament, I have to say that Ballad is better! The slight choppiness in the writing that bothered me with Lament is gone, replaced with beautifully flowing prose that suits the story incredibly well.

The narration in Ballad alternates the perspectives of James and Nuala. I adore James as a protagonist. His witty narration is fun and easy to read, keeping a certain lightness in the story even when events take a dark turn. And his interaction with Nuala is fantastic. Nuala is a great character to spend time with as well. Her dark and mysterious history has created a personality that's edgy and not particularly good-natured, but she's vulnerable enough to make her likable.

Fans of Dee will be sad to know that she takes a minor role in this story, sticking mainly to the background. Readers keep up with her through her unsent text messages to James, inserted randomly between chapters to advance the storyline. I also loved Sullivan, and I'll be interested to know what happens to him in the future if Stiefvater decides to continue with this world.

On the negative side... I can't really think of anything that I didn't like. This is a great book! Read it!

Second opinions:
Fantastic Book Review gave it 5 of 5 stars. Also check out the guest post with Maggie Stiefvater, on the topic of why dating faeries is a bad idea.
Liviana @ In Bed With Books warns that you might find it addictive.

Teaser Tuesday: Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along!

Today's teaser is from Ballad, the new sequel to Lament, by Maggie Stiefvater.

"I hadn't read Hamlet, but I was on good terms with Shakespeare. No fanboy stuff or secret handshakes or anything like that. But if we passed each other in the hallway, we'd probably nod at each other." -James

Review posting tomorrow!

Review: Defenders of the Scroll by Shiraz

Last word first: An exciting adventure with lots of appeal. (4/5)

Description: Far away in the realm of Mythos, an evil entity has broken free of its prison to darken the land. However, entrusted with her father’s magic scroll – the only hope for the realm – young princess Dara summons six heroes from vastly different times and places to defend her: a hardened Roman legionnaire, a swift Japanese samurai, a mighty African warrior, a fiery Amazon archer, a spirited Shaolin monk, and a guitar-playing high school student named Alex.

My thoughts: I'd just like to start this review with a little note on visual appeal. I really enjoy a book that has a bit of an edge in this department. Whether you love or hate the cover art here, it's definitely eye-catching. And each page looks like it's printed on a scroll - fun, right? I'd take a pic but my camera is broken. OK, now, on to the review.

I love it when a book manages to grab my attention right off the bat. With Defenders of the Scroll (DotS), the action starts out fast and keeps on coming. Despite the difficulties in creating a smooth story that takes place in two worlds, Shiraz has skillfully meshed those worlds together in a way that keeps life interesting. And the world itself is fabulous. Mysterious and magical- I was entranced.

The characters in this book had plenty of appeal. Alex and Dara were my favorites, though. The funny thing about Alex is that he actually sounds like a teenaged boy, which most book characters don't. Or at least, they don't sound like my brothers when they were teens... Anyway, that's beside the point. I felt like the characters in this story had good chemistry with each other, which always makes the reading fun.

In the end, I think this book will particularly appeal to readers in the tween and young teen age group, boys and girls alike. I don't think DotS has the sophistication and depth to fully satisfy most older readers, although those who, like myself, enjoy the occasional middle grade fiction will find plenty to keep them entertained.

Stay tuned for my interview with Shiraz coming soon!

About Shiraz: South African born, Shiraz was raised just outside Toronto, Ontario. Like the characters in this book, he currently has no home. His life as a software developer has allowed him to live on four continents and keeps him moving every few months. While he has had a passion for writing since he was eight, this is his first published work. He has every hope it is not his last. Read sample chapters and check out more info at the Defenders of the Scroll website.

Second opinions:
Zia @ My Life in Not So Many Words loved it!
Eleni @ La Femme Readers gave it 4.5 out of 5.

Slightly Off Topic: What I'm Watching

So we're now a few weeks into the fall TV season. I've had a little time to sort out which shows I'll be following and which ones will have to fall by the wayside. I was initially pretty excited about the new season of House, but it hasn't held my attention like I hoped. As I'm making a list of the shows I'm excited about, I'm suddenly worried that I might be shallower than I thought I was. Many of these shows seem to feature significant guy candy as one of the major draws.

Grey's Anatomy. I got hooked on this show after tuning in just in time to see Meredith build her house of candles at the end of Season 4. It was cheesy, I get that; I still loved it. I'm not sure what's going on this season, with the Chief going crazy and all the merger nonsense. And did Izzy really leave this week? But I'm willing to keep watching as long as I can look at Derek Shepard and Mark Sloan.

Glee. OK, so the plot lines are a little, well, smutty. And I want to smack Mr. Shuster's wife and Coach Sue in the face every time they walk onscreen. But the music is FANTASTIC! I am completely addicted to the cast recordings I end up downloading after every episode. If you haven't yet tuned in to this chronicle of a high school glee club (it's nothing like High School Musical... far more witty), you should give it a shot.

The Mentalist. Not your usual police procedural. This one features Simon Baker as Patrick Jane, a man who's so skilled at reading people's body language and other cues that his conclusions have a Sherlock Holmes-like accuracy. He's also self-centered, charming and a bit of a coward. But highly entertaining. When the guy smiles, I always find myself smiling back at the stinking TV. So embarrassing.

Also of interest:

Three Rivers. I'm not actually watching this one. I watched the pilot and it just didn't hold my interest. But I wish I was watching it because Alex O'Loughlin is HOT. I used to watch Moonlight, the vampire detective show he starred in that CBS cancelled after half a season. I love him. I'll probably have to give Three Rivers another shot.

So, what shows are you watching this fall?

Review: Front and Center by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

This review contains spoilers for those who have not read Dairy Queen and The Off Season.

Description: After dropping out of the football team in order to save her shoulder for basketball, DJ Swenk is ready to see her profile drop a little as well. However, it seems as if a life of anonymity is not in the cards for DJ just yet. The pressure to win an exclusive college scholarship means all eyes are following her yet again. And, even though DJ hasn't quite recovered from the Brian fiasco, a new chance for romance won't wait.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed the second book of this series, The Off Season, so I came into this book with very high expectations. Expectations that unfortunately were not quite met.

It seemed like DJ had reached a bit of an epiphany in the last two books, so I was hoping book three would see her grow up a bit, and maybe reach some of her potential. But Front and Center finds her still painfully shy, avoiding any and all confrontation, and feeling listless and indecisive about her future. It felt like covering old ground. That said, I do love DJ as a protagonist. I just wish I could have seen a bit more of her promised accomplishment.

Lots of good stuff does happen in Front and Center, don't get me wrong. DJ's family issues continue to evolve. An old friend suddenly lets DJ know he would like to be more. I also learned way more about the sports scholarship process in the US than I ever hoped to know.

Overall, this was a nice wrap-up to the series, but I would have liked to see the characters develop just a little more.

Review: Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

Last word first: Footloose and fun, or darkly delicious? I can't tell, but I like it either way. (4/5)

Description: Sookie Stackhouse is a waitress at a popular bar in a small... ok, tiny, town. A psychic waitress. Yes, she can read minds. But, nothing exciting ever happens. That is, until the day that the mysterious and handsome vampire, Bill appears. When Bill is attacked and Sookie saves his life, they embark on a strange friendship that just might evolve into something more. That is, if they can find out who in town is killing single women and blaming vampires before Sookie becomes the next target.

My thoughts: Bill? What self-respecting vampire goes by the name Bill? I guess the kind of vampire who dates a woman named Sookie. Suffice it to say I will not be naming The Alien after any of the characters in this book.

I have been hearing A LOT about this series lately. And, as always when the masses order me around, I resisted reading it. But the masses have been proven right once again. Oh, masses, can you ever forgive me for not trusting you? I really enjoyed this story. Sookie, Bill, and the other characters who populate this novel were all just perfect. Sookie is charmingly naive, Bill is just plain charming, and the townfolk are suitably crazy (because we all know that in fiction-land, living in a small town makes you weird).

Juxtaposed against all this charming provinciality is a story that would seem to belong in some dark, gothic undercity. I kept having moments of confusion, akin to what you would feel if someone mixed a cozy mystery and a JD Robb novel. Cute and charming switches to graphic and dark with the flip of a page. Once I got past the disorientation, though, I found I liked the mix. The dark spots seem darker against the bright, but the story stays light enough to be fun.

I loved the world building in this novel. The invention of synthetic blood has recently made it possible for vampires to join mainstream society, so there's an entire subculture built around the formerly mythological creatures. I wish our world had a situation where the term "fang-banger" would be acceptable terminology. You never know what might pop up next in this story, which was a delightful feeling.

There are a few content warnings that need to be mentioned. This is not your little sister's vampire novel. Explicit violence and sexual encounters mean I, at least, will only be recommending this for adults. I'll definitely be looking up the rest of the series. But don't tell my mother, ok? This definitely falls into the "guilty pleasure" category.

About Charlaine Harris: Charlaine Harris has been a published novelist for over twenty-five years. A native of the Mississippi Delta, she grew up in the middle of a cotton field. Now she lives in southern Arkansas with her husband, her three children, three dogs, and a duck. The duck stays outside. - from the bio at her website

ARC-ANGEL Winners!

The winners of my 250 follower celebration contest are:

Emilee

A Flight of Minds (Lauren and Alex)

Ashley @ Book Obsession

My email will be arriving in your inbox within the next few days. Emilee will pick first, then Lauren and Alex, and then Ashley, so it might take a while for me to contact you, but don't worry. I will get there.

Thanks so much to everyone who entered and welcome to all my new followers. More contests will be coming soon!

Slightly Off Topic: Let's Hear It For Good Guys!

I've seen a number of posts in the last few weeks in which various bloggers weighing in on the good guys and bad boys of books, particularly in the YA arena. While I enjoyed these posts, I have to say I'm a little concerned no one is out there speaking up for the good guys. Seriously? I can't be the only woman in bloggerdom who isn't completely swayed by the bad boys.

I think the reason so many are afraid to speak up for the good guys is that there's this perception out there that good guys are boring. But I think there are boring, flat characters out there in all shapes, sizes and personality types. A well written good guy has interests, dark spots, moments of indecision, and personality flaws. They aren't all football playing, blond-haired, plastic-smiling Ken dolls, any more than all "bad boys" are smoking, motorcycle-riding, leather-jacket wearing, gun-packing womanizers. The one defining characteristic of a "good guy" (in my mind, at least) is a firm sense of morality and integrity, motivations that are based in something a little deeper than "this is what I want right now." How is that unattractive?

In order to finally dispel the notion that good guys are inherently boring, I would like to present my final exhibit: Edward Cullen. Edward Cullen is a good guy. He does homework, he fills out college applications, he brings his girlfriend home to meet his parents, and he always has her in by curfew. Edward believes in saving sex for marriage, and he doesn't drink, smoke, or use drugs. Let's face it, Edward is so squeaky clean that if he wasn't a vampire, he would most likely be the older brother of the apple-cheeked Dugger children on 18 Kids and Counting! And yet I believe many women find him extremely attractive...

In conclusion, I think good guys are awesome! Let's stop giving them a hard time. We wonder why guys think they have to be mean to a girl to keep her attention? Is a volley of insult and inattention really THAT fascinating? Let's grow up a bit, ladies.

So, now you know what I think. But I want to hear what you have to say! Who wins you over every time, good guys or bad boys? What makes them so attractive?

A few of my other favorite fictional good guys:
Peeta from The Hunger Games and Catching Fire
Mr. Nobley/Henry from Austenland
Ian from The Host

Other bloggers weigh in:

Persnickity Snark: Boy Next Door or Girls Next Bore? and Bad Boys Make The YA World Go Round.

Angieville: Bad Boys (whatcha gonna do?)

Teaser Tuesday: The Vampire is Just Not That Into You

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along!

Today's teaser is from The Vampire Is Just Not That Into You by Vlad Mezrich. This helpful book will guide you through the process of finding and dating your very own vampire! Includes helpful quizzes like this one: "Are you ready to introduce him to your family?"

5. What's the worst thing you can imagine about your vampire boyfriend meeting your parents?

a. Your parents will talk down to him (ignoring his obvious intelligence). Or worse, show him your baby pictures!

b. Nothing much. His great, if sarcastic, sense of humor will win anyone over.

c. What if he slips and mentions that he watches you sleep every night?

Review: How To Say Goodbye in Robot by Natalie Standiford

Last word first: (4/5) A quirky look at a couple of tragic, but oddly endearing, characters.

Description: Dubbed a "robot" by her slightly insane mother, Bea is the quintessential loner. At least until she meets Jonah, The Ghost Boy, a cynical loser at her new school. The two form an intense (though platonic) friendship, bonding over their dysfunctional families and love of talk radio. Just maybe, they will each be the thing that ties the other to reality.

My thoughts: It's hard to say if I liked this book. The characters were just so weird that I had a bit of a hard time relating. But one thing I think just about anyone would relate to is the alienation of feeling like you are the only person like you in the entire world. And then the relief that comes when you find someone who really "gets" you.

The relationship between Bea and Jonah is an interesting one. It's not romantic, but it is intensely connected in ways that many romantic couples aren't. Can one person be everything for another? Can that ever be enough? I don't think so, and the relationship made me uneasy, even as I felt so happy for them to have found each other.

The story is full of references to old movies and music, many of which went right over my head. But the writing overall was very readable, and the book flowed by like the radio show Bea and Jonah are so addicted to. Some might find the ending a little unsatisfying (it surprised me, but I liked it), but I think the themes of understanding, friendship, grief, and connectness vs. aloneness make this well worth a read.

Natalie Standiford in her own words: "In college I majored in Russian Language and Literature and went to St. Petersburg to study for a semester. Russia was still the Soviet Union, and St. Petersburg was called Leningrad then. It was weird and interesting and fun and cold." -from the bio on her website.

Review: The Siege of Macindaw by John Flanagan

Last word first: This is a great installment of a great series! Why haven't you read it yet? (5/5)

This review contains spoilers for those who have not read the rest of the books in the Ranger's Apprentice series. Why haven't you read them? Go ye forth and pick up the Ruins of Gorlan now!

Would Joe like this? This book and series come 100% Joe approved. He stole the book from me before I got a chance to read it.

Description: Hiding out in the woods is not a bad position for a ranger like Will to be in. It's what he's trained for, after all. But, with the evil "lord" Keren in control of castle of Macindaw, and holding Will's friend, Alyss, captive, Will finds himself wishing he could get in out of the cold. Some real troops might be helpful, too. Fortunately, help is on the way in the form of yet another old friend...

My thoughts: Fantastic! I've been a fan of this series ever since picking up The Ruins of Gorlan on the suggestion of a friend. It's action-packed without being overly gory, and plot driven without ignoring character development. Joe and I both enjoy it, though it's geared towards younger teen boys. If I ever have a son, I will be picking these books up for my home library.

Now, about Macindaw specifically... it's the second half of the two part story that started in Sorcerer of the North, and it has a much more satisfying, non-cliffhangery ending, which I appreciated. SotN almost killed me. I found the dialogue a little stilted here and there, but it didn't bother Joe at all, so I wonder if it's just me.

Overall, great story and I'm looking forward to the next one. Book 7 (and maybe 8?) are already available if you live in Australia, but the rest of us will have to wait until Spring 2010.

About John Flanagan: John Flanagan's bestselling RANGER’S APPRENTICE adventure series originally comprised twenty short stories, which John wrote to encourage his twelve-year-old son, Michael, to enjoy reading. John, a former television and advertising writer, lives with his wife, Leonie, in the Sydney beachside suburb of Manly. -from his bio at Random House.

Nurtureshock Winners!

Sorry I'm a little late getting this posted. I have sick kidlets.

The winners are: David&Cari, J.T. Oldfield, Booklogged, AmandaSue, and edmontonjb! Check your inboxes for my email, and be sure to send your mailing address to me within 48 hours. Congratulations!

EDIT: edmontonjb and JT Oldfield already won a copy of the book, so the first TWO PEOPLE to comment on this post saying they would like to win and leaving an email address will be the new winners!

Didn't win? No worries! You can purchase Nurtureshock now.

Review: Don't Judge a Girl by her Cover by Ally Carter

Last word first: My affection for the series continues to build. (4/5)

Description: Cammie and the Spy Chicks are at it again. This time, person or persons unknown are making assassination attempts on one of Cammie's roomies! Naturally, any spy girl worth her nightvision goggles can't let that slide by. And just to complicate matters, a certain interesting person of the male persuasion might just make an appearance. If you can see through his disguise, that is.

My thoughts: Have you ever had an experience where you meet someone, and dislike them right off the bat? Then you talk for a while, realize you really enjoy their company, and suddenly you can't remember why they used to annoy you? That's how I feel about the Gallagher Girls. The series didn't wow me to start, but I love it more, the more I read.

I can't say too much about the series that I haven't already said in my reviews of the first two books. It's smart, funny, and lighthearted, despite dealing with the admittedly scary world of spies. Thoroughly enjoyable.

A few thoughts: Are Liz and Bex ever going to get their own chance to meet guys, or will they have to live vicariously through Cammie forever? And when is Book 4 coming out? Because I can't wait too long.

About Ally Carter: Her life is either very ordinary or the best deep-cover legend ever. She'd tell you more, but...well...you know... - from the bio on her website.

Teaser Tuesday : Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

This week's teaser comes from Dead Until Dark (Sookie Stackhouse Book One) by Charlaine Harris:

He made a vampire entrance; one minute he wasn't there, and the next he was, standing at the bottom of the steps and looking up at me.

I grinned. "Didn't scare me," I said.

He looked a little embarrassed. "It's just a habit."

Review: The Ugly Truck and Dog Contest by Cathy Jewison

Last word first: A fast, funny read and a great way to get a feel for the North. (4/5)

Would Joe like this? Yes.

Description: An isolated mining community like Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, attracts its share of dreamers and schemers. While some are satisfied to search for gold or diamonds, others end up pursuing more unexpected goals. The Ugly Truck and Dog Contest and Other Tales of Northern Life drops you into in the quirky world of Canada’s northern frontier and acquaints you with some of its more colourful citizens as they chase these rewards. You’ll meet a woman desperate to prove her northern identity by winning the aforementioned contest. A veteran prospector who’s maintained his competitive edge in a surprising way. A young lawyer seeking redemption for his indiscretions on the city’s all-sand golf course. They tackle it all with spirit, humour and the occasional touch of magic.

My thoughts: As you probably know if you've been following my blog for a while, my hometown is none other than Yellowknife, NWT. So when Cathy Jewison contacted me and asked me to review her collection of short stories about Yellowknife, I jumped at the chance.

First off, I want you to know that the contest in the title is a real, live, annual event. I've been there, I've seen it with my own eyes. It is both terrifying and hilarious. You should go. But if you can't (after all, flights to Yellowknife are a tad pricey), your next best bet is to buy this book. Cathy lives in Yellowknife and she has a great feel for the unique flavor that makes the town such an intriguing place.

The characters are perhaps a little over the top. In these stories, you'll meet an anxious artist plagued by her slightly shady neighbor, a courier who thinks he's a spy, and a young couple desperate to make it in Yellowknife, but currently living in a tent. But the characters just make the stories that much more entertaining, and they really aren't that far off the mark if you think of them as caricatures.

The Ugly Truck and Dog Contest is a great book for any former northerners looking for a taste of home. It will also make a great read for those who have an interest in the north, or who just enjoy getting a taste of a truly unique town. This is a lighthearted and entertaining read; I highly recommend it.

In closing, let me share one little tidbit that had me in hysterics because it's so true:

"Over the years, every now and then, one or two of (Marge's cousins) would arrive expecting to see the northern lights and herds of caribou undulating across the taiga. Instead, Marge showed them a couple of smoggy bingo games at the Elks Hall and a midnight fistfight outside the Gold Range Bar. It was usually enough to send them packing for good- not that they'd confess their disappointment to themselves or anyone else."

The Ugly Truck and Dog Contest is available for purchase at Chapters.Indigo.ca

About Cathy Jewison: Cathy Jewison is a short story writer living in Yellowknife, NWT, Canada. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Cathy spent her formative years in Regina, Saskatchewan. Her Prairie roots undoubtedly explain her horror of large trees, looming mountains, and the damp winter cold that plagues so many parts of Canada. -borrowed from the bio on her website. Also be sure to stop by Cathy's page and check out her great photos of Yellowknife, including a few of the Ugly Truck and Dog Contest itself.

Review: Murder is Binding by Lorna Barrett

Last word first: A cute and cozy mystery with plenty of book nerd appeal (3.5/5)

Description: When Tricia moved to Stoneham six months ago, she was planning to fulfill a lifetime dream of opening a mystery bookstore. She had a plan... a plan that didn't include becoming the number-one suspect in a murder investigation. As if that wasn't bad enough, her annoying older sister has popped in for an unannounced visit. But at least business is booming...

My thoughts: Doesn't a town whose economy is based on classy used bookstores sound like a great place to live?

It took me a couple of chapters to get into this story, but I ended up really enjoying it. Tricia is a fun protagonist; I kind of wish I had her life. The interaction between she and her sister, Angelica, was highly entertaining. There are plenty of other quirky characters in the town of Stoneham to keep the story moving along, as well. Lots of potential for future installments.

The mystery here was just the right amount of intriguing, and not too grisly. A perfect book to curl up with on a rainy afternoon. (Not that I would know that from personal experience- I have kids!)

Anyway, I don't have a whole bunch to say about this book, other than that it was a fun and quick read. If you enjoy "cozy mysteries" this is a great choice for you!

Question: What is it with mystery bookstore owners becoming amateur sleuths? And why do they always have cats named after authors running loose in their stores?

About Lorna Barrett: She's done it all, from drilling holes for NASA to typing scripts in Hollywood, and lives a life of crime in western New York.

September in Hindsight- in which you find everything you missed this month.

Wow... September was a busy month. Author interviews, blog tours, giveaways... good times!

I read 17 books this month. Here's the list, with links where reviews have been posted.

1. The Face of a Stranger - Anne Perry
2. Beastly - Alex Flinn
3. Nurtureshock - Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman
4. A Dangerous Mourning - Anne Perry
5. Defend and Betray - Anne Perry
6. Hush, Hush - Becca Fitzpatrick
7. Promises in Death - JD Robb
8. A Sudden, Fearful Death - Anne Perry
9. Geektastic - edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci
10. The Sins of the Wolf - Anne Perry
11. Cain His Brother - Anne Perry
12. Weighed in the Balance - Anne Perry
13. The Silent Cry - Anne Perry
14. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist - Rachel Cohn and David Leviathan
15. Murder is Binding - Lorna Barrett
16. The Ugly Truck and Dog Contest - Cathy Jewison
17. Never Judge a Girl by Her Cover - Ally Carter

Other posts of note:
I started an awesome contest in honor of reaching 250 followers!
I reviewed Fire by Kristin Cashore.
I interviewed Joy Preble, the author of Dreaming Anastasia.
I interviewed author Lois Greiman.
I finally showed some gratitude!
I talked about my seasonal reading habits.
I started planning for Fairy Tale Week! (Nov 2-6). There's still time to get in on it if you hurry!
Reviewed an office chair for CSN stores.
I exchanged interviews with Carter from CC Chronicles for BBAW.