June Reading Wrap-Up

July 1, 2014July 1, 201418 Comments

Lots of books this month! June’s been my most diverse reading month of the year by far, and I definitely found some gems…

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks – A fantastic book to kick of my summer reading. Of Poseidon has a lot going for it: I’ve been on a major mermaid kick lately, it’s set partially Destin, which is close to where I live, it’s written by a local author, and it’s surprisingly funny. MC Emma is full of snark, and her love interest, Galen, is still learning his way on land. Hilarity ensues. This is one twisty book, friends, and it ended with a big ol’ cliffhanger. Luckily I have the second and third installments, Of Triton and Of Neptune, waiting for me.

Just One Night by Gayle Forman – {This is spoiler-ish, so turn away if you haven’t read Just One Day and Just One Year!} Just One Night is an eNovella, yes, but it was also one of my most anticipated 2014 reads. I loved Just One Day and Just One Year, and I was all kinds of anxious to find out what happened to Allyson and Willem after that door opened. Luckily, Just One Night was the perfect finale to their globe-spanning story. It was sweet and joyful and laced with fantastic sexual tension. Basically, Gayle Forman is brilliant.

An Untamed State by Roxane Gay – I feel sort of terrible recommending this adult novel because it is absolutely brutal. But, it is also superbly written and utterly haunting (I had nightmares) and, I think, a must-read. It’s the story of a woman who is kidnapped for ransom in Haiti, and it chronicles her ordeal with the gang of kidnappers (whatever terrible things you’re imagining, multiply them by ten) and her (equally harrowing) journey to recovery. I recently read an analysis of this novel in which the reviewer said she “loved the book, but hated the story” and that’s exactly how I feel. So terrible. So incredible.

One Two Three by Elodie Nowodazkij – An incredibly entertaining fusion of the book Perfect Chemistry and the movie Save the Last Dance. In other words, One, Two, Three is angsty and sexy and fast-paced, full of diverse, layered characters who effortlessly won me over. I’m still thinking about them, and I’m still swooning. Fans of Simone Elkeles and Katie McGarry will be all over this one! Read more about Elodie’s fantastic debut HERE.

I‘ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson (September, 2014) – Oh, this book. I can’t even… It’s just so beautiful and magical and wonderful, and I love it more than I can adequately describe. It’ll be among my top 2014 reads, if not my very favorite of the year. (Mark it To-Read now if you haven’t already.) I’ll Give You the Sun is the story of twins, Noah and Jude, organized into chapters that tell of the past (his narration) and the present (her narration), with some of the loveliest, most whimsical and evocative prose I’ve read. I don’t want to give too much away, but this novel is equal parts sad and exuberant, and it is spectacular.

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate – If I have a literary weakness, it’s animals in peril. Charlotte’s Web, Stone Fox, Shiloh, Because of Winn-Dixie all tugged at my heartstrings, and Ivan was no different. It’s a book with some truly sorrowful moments, but it’s a hopeful, heartening story as well, about love and loyalty and the true meaning of freedom. And the writing… It’s as if Katherine Applegate was transcribing for an actual gorilla — and I mean that in the most complimentary way possible. I laughed and I very nearly cried. My six-year-old daughter loved The One and Only Ivan just as much as I did.

Breakable by Tammara Webber – I’ve made no secret of my love for Tammara Webber’s Easy. It’s, uh, easily one of my favorite NAs. When I heard about Breakable, I wondered if it might just be a gratuitous retelling of the original book from Lucas’s POV, and bits of it are. But, there’s also a lot of new material, as well as some fascinating insight into why Lucas/Landon is the way he is. Plus, there are some fun new characters — including Boyce, who literally made me laugh out loud. If you liked Easy, I bet you’ll like Breakable too. Definitely check it out if you’re a fan of sensational and steamy NA.

Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor – Epic for sure. I am such a fan of Laini Taylor’s prose, and Daughter of Smoke & Bone remains one of my very favorite fantasies. There’s something so intense about Karou and Akiva’s connection, and I’ve been rooting for them ever since I read that beautiful an angel and a devil fell in love opening. That said, I found Dreams of Gods & Monsters a bit dense. It wasn’t until page 200 that I felt drawn in, and even then, there were some chapters that seemed to drag (Zuzana spends five pages checking into a hotel, for instance). Still, the chemistry between Karou and Akiva is electric, and hello… Ziri and Liraz are pretty much the best. They made the last quarter of this novel unputdownable. Overall, I found Gods & Monsters a satisfying conclusion to a series I’ve loved since it debuted.

More Than Music by Elizabeth Briggs – This was such a fun beach read. It’s NA without damaged characters, which was refreshing. That’s not to say MCs Maddie and Jared don’t have backstories and drama, but theirs felt less manufactured than most of the books I’ve read in this genre. Maddie is cool, not the typical NA virginal angel, and the supporting characters are equally engaging. Also, More Than Music is tightly plotted. The pacing was spot-on and the way everything came together at the conclusion felt like kismet. There was just enough surprise, just enough sentimentality, and just enough sexiness. I can’t wait to see what Elizabeth Briggs comes up with next!

So… What was the best book you read in June?

Happy Book Birthday, ONE TWO THREE!

June 26, 2014June 25, 20146 Comments

Biggest congratulations to my friend Elodie Nowodazkij! Her debut young adult novel, One, Two, Three is out today, and I couldn’t be happier for her.

From Goodreads ~ When seventeen-year-old Natalya’s dreams of being a ballerina are killed in a car accident along with her father, she must choose: shut down—like her mother—or open up to love.

Last year, seventeen-year-old Natalya Pushkaya was attending the School of Performing Arts in New York City. Last year, she was well on her way to becoming a professional ballerina. Last year, her father was still alive. But a car crash changed all that—and Natalya can’t stop blaming herself. Now, she goes to a regular high school in New Jersey; lives with her onetime prima ballerina, now alcoholic mother; and has no hope of a dance career. At her new school, however, sexy soccer player Antonio sees a brighter future for Natalya, or at least a more pleasant present. Keeping him an arabesque away proves to be a challenge for Natalya and his patient charms eventually draw her out of her shell. When upsetting secrets come to light and Tonio’s own problems draw her in, Natalya shuts down again, this time turning to alcohol herself.

Can Natalya learn to trust Antonio before she loses him—and destroys herself?

***

Guys, I adore this novel. It’s an incredibly entertaining fusion of Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles and the movie Save the Last Dance. In other words, it’s angsty and sexy and fast-paced, full of diverse, layered characters who effortlessly won me over. I’m still thinking about them, and I’m still swooning.

Not only is One, Two, Three a fantastic book, but its author, Elodie Nowodazkij, is one of the sweetest, most supportive people I know. Her emails always make me smile, her beta feedback is thoughtful and encouraging, and she shares German chocolate! There are few as altruistic as Elodie, and few as passionate about writing and young adult literature. I am beyond thrilled to own a novel with her name on it! It looks so beautiful on my bookshelf. 🙂

Congratulations, Elodie! I can’t wait for the world to meet Natalya and Tonio!

One, Two, Three on Amazon
Elodie’s Website
Elodie on Twitter

What’s Up Wednesday

June 18, 2014June 18, 201433 Comments

“What’s Up Wednesday” is a fun weekly meme started by my friends Jaime Morrow and Erin Funk. From Jaime: It’s similar in some respects to the Currently… post, but it’s been whittled down to only four headings to make it quicker and more manageable on a weekly basis. You’re invited to join us if you’re looking for something to blog about, a way to let your blog friends know what’s been going on with you. If you’re participating, make sure to link your What’s Up Wednesday posts to the list on Jaime’s blog each week. That way, others can visit your post and check out what you’ve been up to.And now, here’s what’s up with me this week…And now, here’s what’s up with me this week…

What I’m Reading: I finished Jandy Nelson’s I’ll Give You the Sun (September, 2014) and it’s now on my short list of YA favorites. It is gorgeous, guys, and I can’t wait for you to read it! My daughter and I also finished Katherine Applegate’s The One & Only Ivan. We both loved it dearly. Over the weekend, I read Tammara Webber’s Breakable (a companion to Easy, of which I am a fan). I was a little worried that it would be gratuitous retelling from Lucas’s point of view, but the story was deeper than that. It gave a lot of insight into Lucas’s past and his character. It was also, like, seriously steamy. Now, I’m reading Laini Taylor’s Dreams of Gods & Monsters, the conclusion to a series I’ve loved from day one. The writing is predictably beautiful and brilliant!

What I’m Writing: Still working on my Where Poppies Bloom revision and my The Road So Far first draft. For all the details of my last week of writing, you’re welcome to check out my RSW update HERE.

Knocking out words at the local music store, where my girl takes guitar lessons.

What Else I’ve Been Up To: My girl and I are off to Phoenix to visit my parents, so pardon my slow blog responses. We’re excited to see Nana and Poppy, and to leave the muggy heat for dry heat — yay!

Last week we visited the Gulfarium and met lots of water-dwelling creatures. It was tons of fun, and if you’re ever in the Destin area, you should check it out!

We also enjoyed a beach day with our neighbors/friends — I’m sure you’re shocked. 😉 My daughter and I are going to be in for a rude awakening if we’re ever stationed in a land-locked state. Yikes.

What’s Inspiring Me Now: This video, which I’ve watched about a dozen times. I adore a good deployment homecoming clip (trust me: there are few things better than seeing your significant other after a long stretch of time apart) and this one is up there with the best I’ve seen. The couple is adorable, they’re at a kick-ass fraternity party, the soundtrack rocks, and the girl is so obviously shocked… I bet you’ll cry happy tears for these two!

I also read two super inspiring blog posts this week. The first was from Jessica Love, who spoke about the death of her friend Laura (who was clearly an amazing person), as well as kindness and thoughtfulness and trying to be better. I love this beautiful post, and now I’m inspired to be kinder and more thoughtful. And the second, from Leila Austin at YA Highway, about writing and anxiousness and letting go of the things we can’t control. Very timely for this writer.

Tell me… What’s up with you today?

What’s Up Wedesday

June 11, 2014June 11, 201432 Comments

What I’m Reading: I finished my friend Elodie Nowodazkij’s up-and-coming YA debut, One, Two, Three, and adored it. It’s the perfect read for fans of Simone Elkeles and Katie McGarry — angsty and sexy, with layered characters, a quick pace, and ballet(!). Now, I’m reading Jandy Nelson’s I’ll Give You the Sun (September, 2014). Guys, it is gorgeous beyond description. I’m savoring every sentence — every word. I’m mesmerized by the way Jandy Nelson plays with language and spins a fairly basic plot into this lovely and arresting web of a novel. I’m so looking forward to purchasing a finished copy. And finally, my daughter and I are reading The One & Only Ivan together and oh my goodness, it is making my heart hurt. What a profound and beautiful story. (Fact: The Ivan in Katherine Applegate’s novel was based on a real silverback gorilla — also named Ivan — who lived in a tiny glass “domain” in a sketchy Washington mall for 27 years. That sketchy mall was close to where I grew up, and I have very vivid memories of visiting Ivan with my family and musing, even way back then, about what a sad life he must’ve lived.)

What I’m Writing: The same two projects I’ve been working on for months. I revised a couple chapters from Where Poppies Bloom, and added a few thousand new words to the WiP I’m drafting, The Road So Far. Slowly but surely, friends. Slowly but surely. (You can read more about my Ready. Set. Write! summer writing and reading [and tanning] goals HERE.)

What Else I’ve Been Up To: Well, I’m the proud mama of a SECOND GRADER. Not sure how that happened already, but I’m very excited for my girl.

I feel like she went from six to sixteen overnight! *sob*

She was awarded a Super Reader certificate, which obviously makes me all kinds of proud. She was also voted “Class Encourager” by her classmates, and my heart bursts with pride knowing that she’s sweet and kind to her peers. Also, her teacher named her Most Inquisitive, which she totally gets from her daddy!

First day of summer break. We love the beach!

I made Spritz Cookies, because when I’m stuck on a writing project, I bake. I normally make Spritz around Christmas time. I use tree, wreath, star, and heart shapes, and color them green, white, and red. My daughter suggested doing summery flowers this time, and I think they turned out so cute! The yellow flowers are lemon, the red are almond, and the blue are coconut. Yum!

What’s Inspiring Me Now: Oh, just THIS from YA author Trisha Leaver…

“With the release date of CREED rapidly approaching, Lindsay Currie and I have been fielding questions about what our co-authored voice sounds like, how psychologically twisted our collective mind is, and do I need to read all of your co-authored pieces with the lights on?

Rather than simply answer those questions, we thought we’d take it one step further and actually show you! We toyed with writing a prequel-type novella to set the stage for CREED, but you know us…why write a novella to CREED when you can give them entirely different book to enjoy!

After much discussion with our agents and an enthusiastic ‘go for it’ from our publisher, we have decided to utilize Wattpad to give the world a sneak peek at what they can expect from our co-authored voice. So here it is, a new, psychologically twisted, co-authored YA Thriller.

“The darkness would’ve scared me years ago, but not anymore—if you couldn’t see it, then you didn’t know it was there to be afraid of.”

~Jake Holloway, SILO

Starting today, we will be sharing a chapter a week of our co-authored book, SILO, on Wattpad for the world to enjoy, hate, question our sanity, run screaming from… The last chapter of the book will drop the week of November 8th, 2014, the same week CREED releases!

So, go forth and be appropriately frightened as you realize just what our twisted minds of capable of. Spread the word, leave a comment on Wattpad or simply enjoy the book in the dark confines of your own home.”

SILO on Wattpad

Trisha Leaver lives on Cape Cod with her husband, three children, and one rather irreverent dog. Her co-authored, YA Psychological Horror drops November 8, 2014 from FLUX. Her solo YA Contemporary, THE SECRETS WE KEEP, releases April 28th, 2015 from FSG/ Macmillan.
www.trishaleaver.com, Goodreads, Twitter, & Facebook

Lindsay Currie lives in Chicago, Illinois with one incredibly patient hubby, three amazing kids and one adorable, but irreverent Bullmastiff named Sam. She graduated from Knox College in the heart of the Midwest and has been writing for as long as she can remember. Today, Lindsay is an author, as well as a freelance editor for young adult, new adult and middle grade fiction. She is a proud member of SCBWI, The YA Scream Queens and OneFourKidLit.
www.lindsaycurrie.com, Goodreads, & Twitter

Tell me… What’s up with you today?

What’s Up Wednesday

June 4, 2014June 4, 201437 Comments

What I’m Reading: I flew through Gayle Forman’s Just One Night, the eNovella follow-up to Just One Day and Just One Year, and it was a complete joy. I am so, so happy she decided to put a cap on Allyson’s and Willem’s story. I also read Roxane Gay’s An Untamed State, which was the exact opposite of joyful. To be honest, I feel sort of terrible recommending it because it is absolutely brutal. But, it is also brilliantly written and completely haunting (I had nightmares) and, I think, a must-read. Now, I’m reading my friend Elodie Nowodazkij’s up-and-coming YA debut, One, Two, Three, and I am loving it.

What I’m Writing: I’m still puttering away at my two related projects. I was going strong on my revision for several days, but then a plot element tripped me up and I realized I need to spend some time thinking on it. So, I’ve switched over to the WiP I’m drafting. I’m hovering at about 27K words and I’m still loving the story. It’s a road trip, so every scene is set in a fresh location and has new minor characters to be introduced. There’s also a mystery to unfold, and helping my main characters along as they discover clues is making it feel as though I’m flying through the drafting process. Also, the romance… This couple is my favorite of all the couples I’ve written. ❤

What Else I’ve Been Up To: Tomorrow is my girl’s last day of 1st grade. *sob* I’m struggling with how quickly she’s growing up, so I’ve been spending more time than usual helping at at her school. So fun to see her in her element!

Hula hooping at recess, and an end-of-the-year Water Day celebration.

Last week the Scholastic Book Fair was held at my daughter’s school, and then we took a trip to Books-A-Million over the weekend. We’ve amassed a nice little summer reading pile. (Thanks for the excellent recommendations, Temre!) Looking forward to diving into these with my girl! Where should we start?

What’s Inspiring Me Now: My friend Jessica Love, whose debut novel Push Girl (co-authored with Chelsie Hill) released yesterday. I adore this book, and I enthusiastically encourage you to read it. My Bookanista review is HERE. Also, Ready. Set. Write! Have you heard about the summer writing intensive I’m hosting with Alison Miller, Jaime Morrow, and Erin Funk? We’re setting goals and cheering each other on through a summer of fun and productivity… Join us!

What’s up with you today?

Bookanista Rec :: PUSH GIRL by Jessica Love and Chelsie Hill

May 22, 2014May 21, 20147 Comments

Today’s Bookanista recommendation is
Push Girl (June 3rd) by Jessica Love and Chelsie Hill

From Goodreads – Kara is a high school junior who’s loving life. She’s popular, has a great group of friends and an amazing boyfriend, and she’s a shoe-in for homecoming queen. Even though her parents can’t stop fighting and her ex-boyfriend can’t seem to leave her alone, Kara won’t let anything get in the way of her perfect year. It’s Friday night, and Kara arrives at a party, upset after hearing her parents having another one of their awful fights, and sees another girl with her hands all over her boyfriend. Furious, Kara leaves to take a drive, and, as she’s crossing an intersection, a car comes out of nowhere and slams into the driver’s side of Kara’s car. When Kara wakes up, she has no memory of the night before. Where is she? Why are her parents crying? And, most importantly — why can’t she feel her legs? As Kara is forced to adjust to her new life, where her friends aren’t who they seemed to be and her once-adoring boyfriend is mysteriously absent, she starts to realize that what matters in life isn’t what happens to you — it’s the choices you make and the people you love. Co-written by “Push Girls” star Chelsie Hill, whose real life closely mirrors Kara’s experience, this novel will open the eyes of readers everywhere who have never met someone who lives with paralysis.

Oh, this book! I have so much love for it — not to mention its co-author, my friend and fellow Bookanista, Jessica Love. I cannot wait for June 3rd, when the world will finally meet courageous, determined Kara and her fabulous friends!

At first glance, Push Girl is simply an issue book. Kara’s been dealt an incredibly challenging hand and she’s facing all sorts of struggles, struggles the average person’s probably never even considered. But this novel is so much more than the issues it covers. It’s a hopeful, honest, uplifting story about change and friendship and taking a stand. It’s about healing and traveling unexpected paths and — while Kara hates this word — it’s inspirational.

Kara is such a likable protagonist. While she goes through (understandable) stages of grief and anger and self-pity, she’s ultimately a tenacious girl with an unshakable spirit. Kara’s fight to come to terms with her paralysis is heartbreaking, hard to read at times, but there’s so much joy during the scenes in which she preservers, changing peoples’ minds about paralysis, what it means to be different, and the true meaning of the word inspirational. Kara’s cast of supporting characters is fantastic as well. Jack, especially, makes me smile, and Amanda’s loyalty is refreshing.

Push Girl will appeal to teens and adults alike. It’s emotional and deep, but there are moments of fun, too. Plus, it’s incredibly well-written. Do pick it up when it becomes available June 3rd — I think you’ll love this debut as much as I do!

Don’t forget to check out what my fellow Bookanistas are up to:

Jessica Love adores WISH YOU WERE ITALIAN by Kristin Rae

Kimberly Sabatini is crazy for THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US by Kasie West

What’s Up Wednesday

May 21, 2014May 21, 201446 Comments

First, congratulations to Alice (AKA Krispy), winner of last week’s The Baby Name Wizard giveaway! 🙂

What I’m Reading: I finished Kristin Rae’s debut, Wish You Were Italian, and thought it was super cute. I’m not a big “clean teen” reader (I generally prefer my books on the edgy side), but Italian is a fun, summery romance I’d definitely recommend. The last few pages had me grinning ear-to-ear. I also read super-hyped We Were Liars by E. Lockhart, and yeah… There’s a reason for all the attention this book’s getting. It is incredible. And that’s all I’ll say because you simply must read it for yourself. Now, I’m reading Of Scars and Stardust by my agent-mate, Andrea Hannah. I’m not very far along yet, but so far it’s gorgeous.

What I’m Writing: This might sound weird because hello, I fancy myself a writer, but I hate drafting. Like, it really and truly pains me. I love to outline and I love to revise, however, the in-between stage of actually getting words into my document is a pain in the ass. But, good news! This story I’m working on now? Drafting it has been so. Much. Fun. A total joy. I’ve been writing close to 2K words pretty much every day, and I’m loving it. I’m up to 17K+ words now, and hoping the magic sticks around for a good, long while. #HappyWriter

What Else I’ve Been Up To: Have you heard of the show H2O: Just Add Water? It’s an Australian show that ran from 2006-2010 about three teenage girls who transform into mermaids when they get wet, and it is awesome. My daughter and I are halfway through the third and final season (thanks, Netflix!), and we’re obsessed. Now, I should warn you… The cheese factor is off-the-charts, but the show is super cute and quite creative. It’s also appropriate for kiddos, yet entertaining for parents — a rare combination, if you ask me. So, yeah… We’ve been watching H20: Just Add Water. A lot.

We spent Saturday at the beach with a couple of friends and had a great time. You know what’s fun about exposing your daughter to a show concerning mermaids? Every time she dips her toes into the ocean, she pretends to be one!

We had a much-welcome break from the stifling humidity over the weekend, so my girlie, Daisy, and I made the most of the lovely weather by eating ice cream, playing frisbee, and watching the sun sink below the trees.

I got a haircut! I haven’t had so much as a trim since December, so this was a Very Exciting Event, one that obviously had to be documented photographically. 😉

What’s Inspiring Me Now: My WiP, and the Love List I made for it. Also, Twitter’s #IreadYA hashtag. So many excellent book recommendations and inspirational anecdotes from writers sharing why they read (and write!) YA. And, finally, the A Beautiful Body Project (FYI: there’s nudity all over this site — really beautiful, artistic nudity, but still… Maybe don’t click the link while you’re at work). The ABBP is a “movement of women coming together to tell their stories and celebrate their ever-changing bodies so that future generations of women can live free from self-suffering.” It was founded by Jade Beall and her partner,Alok Appadurai, and it’s pretty amazing. Appreciating women and their natural, non-airbrushed, beautiful bodies? Count me in!

What’s up with you today?

What’s Up Wednesday – Plus a Giveaway!

May 14, 2014May 13, 201434 Comments

Giveaway details at the end of this post!!!

What I’m Reading: I read a lot over the last week. I finished Jenny Han’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and thought it was absolutely adorable. I can’t wait for the follow-up, P.S. I Still Love You. Next, I read The Summer of No Regrets by Katherine Grace Bonds, which came highly recommended by Sara Biren, and I thought it was fantastic. Loved the unconventional family set-up, and the budding romance was sweet and different and rather mysterious, which was cool. Plus, the Pacific Northwest, and cougars! Then, I flew though Tammara Webber’s Easy, the most unputdownable book I’ve encountered in ages. I haven’t read tons of NA, but this one was quite different from the ones I have perused. While sexy and wildly entertaining, it was also beautifully written and emotional and deep. I’m so looking forward to reading its companion, Breakable. Now, I’m reading Kristin Rae’s debut, Wish You Were Italian, which is a discordant follow-up to Easy (Italian is very much “clean teen”), but I’m still loving it. Pippa is too cute, and the setting (Italy, obviously) is giving me a wicked case of wanderlust.

What I’m Writing: I finally finished my outline (it’s very detailed, but — I think — flexible enough), and I am super excited about this new project, guys. I wrote the opening chapter a few weeks ago and have since discovered that I started in the wrong place (as usual). So, yesterday I rewrote that first chapter. Now it fits nicely into my outline and my beat sheet. Much better.

What Else I’ve Been Up To: Still watching Gossip Girl. Still swooning over Blair’s clothes and Nate’s baby blues. I just finished Season 2, which was all kinds of melodramatic and awesome. In other news, on Monday I went to a book signing in celebration of the release of Of Neptune by Anna Banks, who’s a local author. I’ve yet to read any of the Syrena Legacy books, but I’ve managed to acquire them all over the last few days and I’m looking forward to diving into this new series (see what I did there?!). And, finally, I’m having lots of fun playing mama. The school year is winding down, and my daughter and I are soaking up the last few weeks of first grade, and making big plans for summer fun.

I had a lovely Mother’s Day! My girlie made me breakfast in bed (toast with honey and blackberries), gave me an adorable coupon book and a piece of art she made at school, and hung with me at the beach. Couldn’t ask for a better day. ❤

Also, I made easy (yummy!) homemade brownies. Here’s the recipe.

What’s Inspiring Me Now: My WiP! I’m having a blast working on it! I love this stage, when a project feels fresh and new and exciting. Hopefully it lasts a good, long while. Additionally, I’m finding an article by Janice Hardy at Fiction University called Four Questions to Ask to Make Your Scenes Pop really helpful. Great reminders for those drafting or revising.

And now… Today’s Giveaway

I lost my copy of The Baby Name Wizard during our cross-country move back in December — cue sad face. I searched for it for months because I love it for naming my characters, and because my copy had tons of names highlighted from seven years ago, back when I was trying to name my yet-to-be-born daughter. Anyway. I finally broke down and purchased a new copy, the 3rd edition pictured below, because I have characters who need names, like, yesterday. Wouldn’t you know it — I found my original copy an hour after the new one was delivered. After paging through the 3rd edition, I decided it isn’t all that different from the 1st, at least not in ways that matter for my needs. Plus, my old copy has sentimental value. So, that pretty new 3rd edition is up for grabs! Details below…

*Anyone who comments on this post will be automatically entered in the random drawing. If you already own this book or don’t have a need for it but would still like to comment, just let me know that you’re not interested in the drawing and I’ll exclude you.

*Giveaway is open through Sunday at midnight, and I will announce the winner in next week’s What’s Up Wednesday post, after emailing him/her.

*Giveaway is open internationally (while this book focuses on name popularity in the US, I personally think it’d be helpful to anyone, anywhere). Writers and actual baby-namers alike are welcome to enter. 🙂

Tell me… What’s up with you today?

Bookanistas Rec :: OPEN ROAD SUMMER by Emery Lord

May 8, 2014May 8, 20144 Comments

Today’s Bookanista recommendation is
Open Road Summer by Emery Lord

From Goodreads – After breaking up with her bad-news boyfriend, Reagan O’Neill is ready to leave her rebellious ways behind. . . and her best friend, country superstar Lilah Montgomery, is nursing a broken heart of her own. Fortunately, Lilah’s 24-city tour is about to kick off, offering a perfect opportunity for a girls-only summer of break-up ballads and healing hearts. But when Matt Finch joins the tour as its opening act, his boy-next-door charm proves difficult for Reagan to resist, despite her vow to live a drama-free existence. This summer, Reagan and Lilah will navigate the ups and downs of fame and friendship as they come to see that giving your heart to the right person is always a risk worth taking. A fresh new voice in contemporary romance, Emery Lord’s gorgeous writing hits all the right notes.

About a thousand people recommended this book to me even before its official release date. I preordered it because my book besties know me well, but when it arrived at my house, I was nervous. I mean, the cover is gorgeous, the synopsis really does sound like it was written with my tastes in mind, and it’d been so hyped — to me and across the YA community. What if I hated it?

I didn’t. In fact, I LOVED it. I’d go so far as to say it’s a new favorite. Guys, Open Road Summer is pure magic. Here’s what I adored…

*Reagan. She’s a breath of fresh YA air. So real. So complex. Fantastic arc. I was riveted by her backstory, which played perfectly into the girl she is at the novel’s opening, and the girl she becomes by its close.

*Dee. I was prepared to dislike her because it’s immediately established that she’s perfect (aside from the fact that she’s grouchy when she’s sick and hungry). Perfect or not, she’s also deep and genuine and charming. An awesome BFF.

*Reagan & Dee’s friendship. Author Emery Lord rendered their longstanding relationship beautifully. Their loyalty and love for one another is palpable.

*Matt Finch. *happy sigh* He’s so freaking cute and alluring and just… winsome. Pretty much every scene he shared with Reagan made me grin. They have incredible chemistry, super fun banter, and some of the sweetest kisses I’ve read.

*Jimmy. He’s a fairly minor character (he’s in only in one scene), but his presence sort of looms over Dee throughout, and I love how that’s executed. IWLYF ❤

*Travel. This novel literally takes place on the open road, all through the southern half of the US (my favorite half, incidentally) and exploring the country with Reagan, Dee, and Matt was a blast.

*Music. It’s no secret that I love country music, and it’s no secret that I love Taylor Swift. I get the impression that Dee was perhaps inspired at least in part by her, which is sort of amazing. Also, there are song lyrics sprinkles throughout the novel that are so very lovely.

*Nashville. One of my very favorite cities. We used to live nearby, so I could totally picture Open Road Summer‘s references to Music Row and the Ryman and the gorgeous landscapes outside the city. Makes me want to visit.

*Voice. There wasn’t a moment while reading this story where I was pulled out of the narrative by a word or phrase that didn’t fit. Emery Lord’s voice reads as effortless, and I’m a fan.

Open Road Summer is definitely one of my favorite reads of the year thus far. I highly, highly recommend it.

Don’t forget to check out what my fellow Bookanistas are up to:

Lenore Appelhans loves WE WERE LIARS by E. Lockhart

Tracy Banghart lights up for
STREETLIGHTS LIKE FIREWORKS, by David Pandolfe

Jessica Love is on fire for CAMELOT BURNING by Kathryn Rose

Tracey Neithercott sings the praises of
STOLEN SONGBIRD by Danielle L. Jensen

April Reading Wrap-Up

May 1, 2014April 30, 201415 Comments

I’m dubbing April… The Month of Stunning Debuts. I read some established authors as well, but man… Mindy Raf, Tess Sharpe, Emery Lord, Meredith McCardle, and Brandy Colbert totally blew my mind with their 2014 debut novels. Color me impressed. Here are my thoughts on all of the books I read in April… (As usual, covers link to Goodreads pages.)

The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle – Since reading Shine, I’ve become a fan of Lauren Myracle’s style and prose, and this latest story about Wren and Charlie’s blossoming romance was very good. It’s one steamy book, friends, and I kind of loved it. It reminded me of Judy Blume’s Forever…, though there were enough differences to keep me engaged. My only (tiny) complaint has to do with the conclusion. While I appreciate endings that leave room for the reader’s imagination to fill in some blanks, I could’ve used one more scene for the sake of closure. Pick this one up if you’re a fan of mature contemporary YA romance.

The Symptoms of My Insanity by Mindy Raf – Izzy is a genuinely hilarious narrator, the issues she’s dealing with are real-life and deftly handled, and there’s a ton of heart beneath the humor in this novel. I loved following along as Izzy learned to step away from herself and her insecurities so she could view situations for what they truly were, and I loved how she slowly began to stand up for herself and take ownership of her actions, good and bad. I also loved how Izzy’s familial relationships and friendships deepened, and how the girls at her school banded together after a really stupid boy did a really terrible thing. And I love how the novel concludes, how Izzy uses her art and her portfolio to give that really stupid boy the finger. My full Bookanista rec is HERE.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson – I had no doubts about Speak’s quality going in — I’m not sure why it’s taken me forever to read it. I’m so glad I finally picked it up. There’s a reason this book’s been popular for fifteen years. It’s evocative and heartbreaking and written in an untraditional way that feels undeniably perfect as a means for telling Melinda’s story. Speak is an important book about sadness and isolation and guilt, and I think it’s an amazing conversation starter for all sorts of readers. A big recommend if you’ve yet to read it.

Far From You by Tess Sharpe – Ugh. This book hurt my heart. Every single chapter was just… sad. And messy. And hopeless. Of course I loved every minute I spent reading it. If you’ve been around my blog, you know I’m a sucker for sorrowful novels, and Far From You is definitely that. It’s also a mystery, and a romance, and a story about recovery and truth and deep, deep bonds. I love, too, that Far From You is a story with a bisexual protagonist, but that the story isn’t just about Sophie’s sexuality. It’s a part of her, one that complicates her relationships big time, but she’s got layers upon layers of character that make her incredibly fascinating. Love this book. Another recommend!

The Eighth Guardian by Meredith McCardle – Time travel done right. The Eighth Guardian is full of twists and betrayal and fascinating historical reference; the stakes are unbelievably high. Amanda’s exactly the kind of protagonist I love. She’s sassy and smart and doesn’t put up with crap from anyone. She’s so courageous, and she refuses to bow to those in positions of power, no matter the sacrifices she has to make to do what she believes in. This is a smart book, guys. It’s fast-paced, and the writing is top-notch. It’s a novel that makes you work for answers, and the payoffs are huge. Read my full Bookanistas recommendation HERE.

Open Road Summer by Emery Lord – I’ve already written and scheduled a Bookanista recommendation for this spectacular debut. It’ll go live a week from today and I hope you’ll read all of my ravings about how much I love, lOvE, LOVE this book. Until then, let’s just call it a new favorite.

Pointe by Brandy Colbert – I bought this because sometimes I choose books based on their covers, and this one is gorgeous. Plus, two of my favorite authors (Nina LaCour and Courtney Summers) blurbed it. It’d be an understatement to say that Pointe lived up to my expectations. Basically, it blew my expectations out of the water. That has a lot to do with Theo, who is a unique, compelling, and conflicted protagonist. She’s this graceful, beautiful ballerina, but she smokes and swears and drinks. She keeps secrets, but she’s loyal. She makes mistakes, and she’s refreshingly real. I like that she’s a black girl and that she has eating issues, both of which play into who she is but don’t define her. Pointe is a truly impressive debut, and I highly recommend it.