Girl on the Other Side Trailer!

Hey everyone,

Remember Canadian author Deborah Kerbel's first book, Mackenzie, Lost and Found? It was a great story that took place in Israel, and I made the book trailer for it. Well, Deborah's newest book, Girl on the Other Side, comes out this month, and here's the trailer that Deborah made:




Look cool, huh? I have the book in my never-ending pile to read, and I really must get to it ASAP! Has anyone else read it yet? What did you think?

A Brief History of Montmaray by Michelle Cooper

Sophia FitzOsborne lives with her cousin Veronica, and her younger sister and tomboy Henry on the small island of Montmaray, located in the Bay of Biscay. They, along with Sophia's older brother Toby, are the last descendants of the royal family of Montmaray, and despite their titles, live in near poverty in their crumbling castle. Sophia begins writing about her life and dreams in her journal as war brews in Europe and crises strike the small island. Then, when a small group of Nazis arrive at Montmaray, wanting to see the castle's library, everything changes irrevocably for the FitzOsbornes and their tiny country.

A Brief History of Montmaray is simply divine. It is the best imaginable combination of wit, hardship, love, adventure, and history. Sophia is such a genuine and truly likable character, and her clever descriptions of her home and the quirky and unique individuals that inhabit Montmaray are unforgettable. The wry and self-deprecating humor that comes with being poor is endearing, and as much as they struggle, the characters are dignified and strong and completely engrossing. Sophia is a dreamer, and while she loves her home and her family, she can't help but want to see London and experience the balls and parties and dinners her aunt frequently takes part in. She is torn between wanting to leave and loyalty to her home and Veronica, who refuses to abandon Montmaray. The life these orphans live and the history of their island is fascinating and impeccably detailed and researched, making it hard to believe that Montmaray and the FitzOsbornes don't actually exist. The action scenes towards the end are quite harrowing and filled with surprising revelations, making for a suspenseful conclusion. A Brief History of Montmaray is a lovely, unique, and entertaining book in the spirit of Daphne du Maurier, Eva Ibbotson, and Dodie Smith’s I Capture the Castle, and one that will make the rest of the books in your reading pile seem lackluster and boring in comparison.

Cover Comments: The cover to this one is not the most striking one, but I really do like it. The drawing is simple and well-done, very appropriate for this historical fiction, and also effective at conveying just how small Montmaray really is. I also love the font that that title is in. I like it much better than the Australian cover.

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Gatlin County, South Carolina is perhaps the dullest place on Earth, and Ethan Wate cannot wait to get out it. To him, it's as familiar and ordinary as a shoe. But then Lena Duchanes arrives to stay with her uncle Macon Ravenwood, the town's shut-in, and her uniqueness is met with opposition. But Ethan feels as if he knows her, and knows they have an inexplicable connection. It's as he and Lena grow closer that Ethan discovers that Gatlin is harboring a lot of secrets, and that by getting involved with Lena, he's putting himself directly in harm's way. But it's too late to pull back...

Together, Margaret Stohl and Kami Garcia have pulled off an amazing, epically long and engaging novel that will engross readers from the very first chapter. Their writing style is packed with details, and straightforward, which works well with Ethan as the narrator. His voice is authentic and the change of view is a refreshing variation from the multitudes of female voices clamoring for attention in YA books today. The complex details of Casters and the power they possess is revealed slowly, along with the finer points of the curse that plagues the two main characters, but the book never drags. Stohl and Garcia are constantly revealing little tidbits of information as the book progresses, making for quite a build-up of suspense. Their plot is solid and intricate, but not confusing, and just when you think there couldn't possibly be any more revelations, the dramatic climax confronts Lena and Ethan with a whole new slew of problems. This wonderfully unique book with a rich, historic setting is perfectly conveyed to give readers shivers and hypnotize them completely. Garcia and Stohl will have readers eating out of their hands and hanging in suspense for a sequel.

Cover Comments: This cover is very, very striking! I just adore the smoky look to it, and the title treatment is gorgeous! It does an excellent job at appearing creepy and mysterious, but also modern and appealing. Excellent, excellent cover!

Wherever Nina Lies by Lynn Weingarten

In the two years since her older sister Nina disappeared, Ellie Wrigley has been plagued with unanswered questions: why would Nina leave? Where is she now? Is she even alive? Everyone has given up on Nina, but Ellie can't let go. So when she finds a drawing, obviously done by Nina, in a thrift store, she commences a crazy, quirky cross-country journey in pursuit of Nina, following the clues she left behind with a most amazing guy she barely knows. But as Ellie gets closer and closer to Nina, she'll find that the truth about her vanishing may be more astonishing than she ever imagined.

Lynn Weingarten has written a delightful, witty, zany, and heartfelt novel. Ellie is a very grounded and authentic character, and her pain at her sister's disappearance is very tangible. The book is peppered with clever clues that aren't too obvious and the book flows easily, bouncing around from one clue to the next, though it never feels like the story revolves around just those clues. Ellie's journey is about much more than just finding her sister: it's about love and grief and relationships and growing up as well. The mystery is solid and well devised and will keep you guessing up until the end, when a shocking twist is revealed that will make you want to reread the book to reexamine the clues and character motivations from an entirely new angle. Weingarten has a catchy, unforgettable style that varies easily from insightful and serious to wacky and hilarious and will make you laugh and think at the same time. Wherever Nina Lies is an entertaining and wonderfully written novel that will have you hooked right away.

Cover Comments: I love the style of the cover with the road map as a background, and the letter cut outs that make up the title. I think it's a really cool look and fits the mystery in the book well. I am not fond of the model on the cover though. She looks nothing like Ellie, and I don't really like how she's posed with her finger over her mouth, but this is a really good cover nonetheless!

Cover Talk: The Two Sides of The Lonely Hearts Club

This past summer while in NYC, the lovely publicists at Scholastic showed me an ARC of a January book they're very excited about. I fell in love with the cover immediately and wanted kidnap the book that very instant, but they promised they'd send me a copy when they were ready, so I refrained from any illegal activities.

Well, yesterday I got that book, The Lonely Hearts Club, in the mail, only to find that the book has gone through a cover change. I was pretty bummed (the cover was really awesome to begin with), but the more I look at the new cover, the more kick-butt it appears to me. So check it out...

The Lonely Hearts Club retro style:

The Lonely Hearts Cover, a la Sgt. Pepper and Abbey Road:

So. Cool.

Granted, I don't really like the font for the new one. I think it's too swirly and girly and just doesn't really fit with the attitude-filled strut across the street, but oh well. I am very curious to see how this book plays out now because to me, this cover just says "Pick me up, I'm awesome and hilarious and smart," in a way that a Stephenie Meyer quote just doesn't, you know? I suppose I shall find out for sure soon enough as it appears that somehow it's snuck it's way to the top of my TBR list (stealthy little thing, that book is).

What do you think? Are you for the old cover, new cover or neither?

Gone by Lisa McMann

Ever since she learned the startling and dreadful truth about her abilities to visit other people's dreams, Janie has been horribly conflicted. She's torn between her love for Cabel and the want for companionship and her guilt at being such a hardship for those around her. The way Janie sees it, she has two choices, none of them good, but maybe one will give her some peace. But just when she thinks she's chosen her path, an unexpected person shows up...causing her to rethink everything.

The third and final book in Lisa McMann's Wake trilogy is a quick, engrossing read. Though it lacks the pulse-pounding action of Fade, Gone never lacks for excitement as secrets from the past are unveiled and Janie is forced to confront issues she'd rather bury. Written in third person present tense, Gone has a very realistic air that makes it very easy to become immersed into, even as most of the drama unravels in Janie's own head as she pieces together bits of her past in order to decide what she must do about her future. Some of the scenes that might have been more emotionally intense, like when Janie and Cabel finally talk through their relationship issues, are glossed over, and the ending may seem a bit anticlimactic coming right after the intensity of Fade, but the denouement wraps up nicely, leaving readers satisfied. Gone is a thoughtful, absorbing conclusion to a wonderful trilogy.

Cover Comments: I do like the drama of all of the covers in this trilogy, and I especially like how the green is used in Gone. The single chair is a very neat, almost chilling look, and it ties in with the story nicely. This cover is very modern and appealing, and I think it'll be popular for a long time.

Gone will be available from Simon Pulse on February 9th, 2010!

 P.S  You can only reread Wake and Fade so many times in anticipation for Gone...so check out Lisa McMann's website (lisamcmann.com) to read a short story in Cabel's point of view!

Karma for Beginners by Jessica Blank

Tessa is used to being portable. She and her hippie mom have never really had a true home, instead they just wander around, following random guys and crummy jobs. And now they are moving yet again, only this time to an ashram for an "extended retreat". While her mom loves it there, Tessa just thinks all of the people are weird, and she can't help but feel a bit hurt at how everyone seems to overlook her. But then she meets Colin: twenty-years-old, funny, and normal. They connect through their shared love of music and begin to spend more time together. But as time goes by, Tessa finds herself drifting farther away from her mother and taking more and more risks until one day, everything backfires.

The concept for Karma for Beginners is really intriguing and entertaining. Tessa's voice is funny, smart, and authentic, but in her narration you can really feel her insecurity and yearning for a normal life, to know her father, and to have a mother who isn't a flake. Tessa's perception of the other people at the ashram is humorous and oftentimes insightful as she learns more and more about the place, and it even takes on a slightly creepy air as its cult-like inner workings are slowly revealed. The romance between Tessa and Colin is sweet, despite their age difference, and will leave you smiling, but about three quarters of the way through the book everything turns sour as drugs are introduced, and many pages are spent on Tessa's meandering thoughts as she is high. The secrets concerning her mother and what really is going on at the ashram are glossed over in the end, leaving you wondering about the details of what all really happened, and the conclusion seems a little too rushed and a little too unrealistic. However, overall Karma for Beginners is an interesting and unconventional novel about one girl's coming-of-age with an engaging and sympathetic narrator that teens can really identify with.

Cover Comments: I love the colors used in this cover. I think they work well together, and I like how it is a picture of the inside of a car as that is where Tessa and Colin spend most of their time together, even if the inside of their car didn't look like this. It's whimsical and very easy to picture a scene like this in the ashram Tessa describes (sans the kissing couple, of course!); an excellent cover.

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Thomas remembers only one thing when he wakes up in the dark elevator, and that is his first name. The elevator deposits him a glade where he finds himself surrounded other teen boys. Like him, the only thing that they remember of their lives is their names, and they all have found that they must survive in the Glade, surrounded by massive walls that close every night and protect the Gladers from the nasty creatures that roam the maze that surrounds their home. During the day, while most of the Gladers work for survival, an elite number of boys run out into the Maze, looking for an escape.

But everything changes the day Thomas arrives—he vaguely recognizes the Glade, and he knows he is meant to be a Maze Runner. And then the day after he arrives, a girl is deposited into the Glade. She's also vaguely familiar, and her arrival triggers a series of events that force the boys find a way out of the Glade. They can only succeed if somehow Thomas can unlock the secrets in his own lost memories.

The Maze Runner is intensely compelling from the first page, and James Dashner does an excellent job at drawing out the suspense as he reveals the truths about the Glade, the boys, and the Maze slowly and steadily. At the beginning of the story, Thomas doesn't know what sort of person he is, and it is very interesting to read about his reactions to certain situations and he tries desperately to remember anything about his past. He is a very sympathetic character as his frustration at the lack of information about the Maze often mirrors the reader's, but the story never becomes too vague or boring.

Dashner's action scenes are written extremely well, with just enough detail to put the reader into the moment, but not so verbose that readers will find themselves rushing through the paragraphs to discover what happens next. The plot moves at a steady, quick pace and the interactions between the boys provide plenty of laughs and drama. The Maze Runner is like a combination of the most interesting elements in Lord of the Flies and The Hunger Games, but infused with its own unique humor and slang and smart problem-solving skills that keeps you guessing all the way through, with an ending that will leave you hanging in suspense, with many unanswered questions and theories. The Maze Runner is a chilling, creepy read reminiscent of the TV show Lost, a book that will appeal to a wide range of readers.

Cover Comments: I do like this cover though I don't think it's anything too spectacular. The images of the walls and the Maze beyond are neat, and I think they are interesting and a bit creepy looking. I like the font that the title is in as well. The cover certainly looks like it belongs on a dystopia novel.

Steampunk Love

Ever since I read and adored Leviathan, Scott Westerfeld's latest, people have been tweeting me, emailing me, whatever, proclaiming how much they are in love with steampunk! This is very gladdening indeed, especially since there are two steampunk novels I love that I think are a teensy bit overlooked.

For those of you who are wondering what the heck I'm talking about (it's okay, I honestly didn't know what steampunk was and that these two books I'm recommending are considered just that til, oh, about three weeks ago), steampunk novels that usually take place in a world that is similar to ours, yet different. As opposed to science fiction, they don't really take place in the future per se, but in the past(usually the Victorian era)...but they're in an alternate past that is a blend of futuristic elements and the ways of the past. Are you still with me? I don't blame you if you're not. I'll give you examples of some steampunk-ish books, as I learn best by examples anyways.

The Explosionist by Jenny Davidson

Sophie's life at her boarding school and great-aunt's home in 1938 Edinburgh is a satisfactory one. Never one for athletics or too much excitement, Sophie occupies her time studying, and plans to go to University, or become a trained assistant to the country's business leaders. But a frightening series of terrorist bombs soon disrupts her quiet life, and after a unsettling encounter with a medium at a séance, Sophie begins to unravel a deadly plot that will not only affect her future, but the fate of her schoolmates, family, Scotland, and even the rest of Europe.

What would have happened if things had transpired differently? This age-old question is answered in this chilling and fast-paced novel that weaves a tale of what might have happened had one day in 1815 turned out differently. Set in a world that is at the same time technologically advanced and backward, The Explosionist is a thrilling journey full of mystery and suspense, with a careful balance of politics, science, and supernatural intrigue. Though the story starts off slightly confusing, Davidson's characters are perfectly crafted and her plot cleverly constructed, resulting in a haunting, tremendous novel that will attract readers of all ages.

You see what I'm getting at now? Same world, but different circumstances. Here's another one of my favorites, only this one is set more in the present, based off the idea of what would have happened if in response to the Vietnam War, one man looked to find a safe outlet for the violence and anger many were feeling during that time.

Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines

Lyn's whole life has always been about gladiators and the GSA (Gladiator Sport Association). Her mother has married seven gladiators in Lyn's lifetime, the limit for a gladiator's wife. But when Tommy, Lyn's seventh father, dies, her dowry bracelet is also taken by the victor, a young man named Uber, and the law states that Lyn must now marry him. Lyn hates the gladiator lifestyle and doesn't want to follow in her mother's footsteps, so in order to save herself and her family from poverty, she makes a daring choice; instead of marrying Uber, she will fight with him to the death in the arena—even though she's beginning to develop feelings for him.

Lise Haines' Girl in the Arena is set in an alternate world, very similar to ours, that poses the question, What if, as a result of the Vietnam War, one man made gladiators popular in America? The world Haines crafts is chilling, with violence a regular part of every day life, but yet also offers many similarities with our society now. Historical details are included as well to help form the world and tell the story of the evolution of gladiators in the US.

Lyn is sick of the gladiator culture and would like nothing better but to get away from it, but she also has resigned herself to the fact that it may be difficult to do so. She is a very realistic and resourceful teen, and her indecision and emotions are quite believable, especially with when she interacts directly with Uber. The book is very fast-paced, which occasionally makes it easy to miss some crucial details or sentences, which may make the story a little confusing at first. Those incidences aside, Girl in the Arena is a heart-pounding, suspenseful read with twists and turns you won't see coming, leaving you to wonder, How can this end? Yet Haines wraps it all up cleverly and realistically, giving the readers and characters hope for a better future while imparting a moral lesson that isn't glaringly obvious or in your face. Girl in the Arena is a very intriguing and well-written novel about violence and entertainment, how easy it is for people to latch on to it when the two are strung together, but also about the courage of one girl wanting to make a positive change in her world.

Cover Comments: I like the mix of modern elements and the classic, gladiator styles in this cover. It fits the book well, even if the girl on the cover doesn't look like Lyn at all. I think it looks a bit edgy, and I like it a lot, even if there do seem to be too many fonts on the cover.

And of course, if you haven't already, check out Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld, another fabulous, fabulous read! And enjoy all of the steampunk-ness!

Do you have other steampunk recommendations? Leave them in the comments!

Blog Tour: Sara Kadefor's Are U 4 Real?

Swedish author Sara Kadefors is visiting the US this month, and her number one bestselling book in Sweden is making a virtual round of the blogs as well! Check it out:

Both Kyla and Alex are lost. They feel so alone, despite everyone around them, and don't have anyone that truly understands their uncertainties, fears, and insecurities. Both deal with their feelings in different ways. For Kyla, it's partying and the never ending parade of guys. Alex, an introvert, seeks comfort in ballet. When they meet up in an online chat room, they find understanding and acceptance in each other. But despite their connection online, meeting face-to-face is different, and they find that neither of them are exactly the same as they are online. Can their relationship endure?

Written by Sara Kadefors, a Swedish author, Are U 4 Real was originally published in Sweden and is its bestselling YA novel of all time, and with good reason. Kyla and Alex's characters are full of depth and dimension, from Alex's uncertainties about dancing and wanting to discover his true motivations for continuing it, to Kyla's confusion and her fierce protectiveness and independence. Both Alex and Kyla are struggling with their identities and figuring out who they are and who they want to become. Their efforts and the pressures exerted on them don't always make them the best people, and they continually mess up in their search for acceptance. Both make mistakes, and both learn how to correct them and admit they were wrong, which is one of the most important and endearing aspects of the novel. Kadefors also deal with the issue of coping, and demonstrates how different people can be, despite how they may feel inside.

Despite the writing being occasionally vague and slightly bumpy in spots (which may be a result of how the novel translated into English), Are U 4 Real is a realistic, straightforward, and appropriately and believably complex novel for anyone who has ever felt alone in life. It’s a book about reaching out, searching for connections, and learning how to deal with differences and mistakes. Are U 4 Real? is as genuine as it gets.

Cover Comments: Though I would have expected something a little more serious for the cover of this novel, I do like it. The computer mouse influence is cute, and I like the colors used, though I would argue that it makes the book appear to be more of a light-hearted romance than it is. I don't love the cover, but I like it, and it works just fine.

I also was able to ask Sara a few questions about her book!

Was it hard changing certain aspects of the story so that they would translate well to an American audience?

I didn't change anything myself, the publishing house made the changes. They asked me if I would agree to make the characters American. I understood that if I didn't sympathize, the novel may not be published. I thought: the editors at Penguin know how difficult it is to sell novels from other countries, and if I say yes, young people in the US will read my story. Since making the characters American wouldn't change my story much, I approved.

What is one thing that you would like your readers to glean from your book?

Most of us are very much the same, or at least similar. We have the same kind of needs no matter if we're male or female, living here or there, or are of a certain age—we all want to be loved and respected. Many adults have read my book and say that they, as grownups, recognize themselves in the book. People my age are also thinking about existential matters. We're not so different from each other.


What was the hardest part about writing Are U 4 Real? What was the easiest?

The hardest part was to believe in myself and the story while I was writing it. I had only written one book before and I wasn't so confident with myself. I didn't dare to show the text to anybody during the process because I suspected it sucked. When I finally finished, I was so proud of myself. I hadn't given up although it was tough! The easiest thing was to express Kyla and Alex’s feelings. I felt sixteen again while writing about them. We were like the same people.

Many thanks to Sara, and I hope you all will pick up this awesome book!

Also, follow Sara to her next stop at www.cupcakewitch.blogspot.com!

Christmas Giveaway: The Christmas Magic and The Nutcracker and the Mouse King!

Christmas is coming up sooner than we think, and these two picture books are great for younger children and the whole family!

THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING

On Christmas Eve, Godfather Drosselmeier has arrived with gifts of marvel and enchantment for his young godchildren. Goddaughter Marie falls in love a bewitching nutcracker doll and claims him as her own. Yet when the clock strikes midnight, something terribly amazing happens to Godfather’s handcrafted toys…they come alive. Marie is swept off her feet on an incredible journey with the Nutcracker in this astonishing classic story by E.T.A. Hoffman. Critically acclaimed artist Gail de Marcken’s stunning illustrations bring this spellbinding tale to life.

THE CHRISTMAS MAGIC

Far, far North, when the nights are longest and the stars shine brightest, Santa begins to prepare for his big night of giving. He gathers his reindeer, feeds them parsnips and berries, and polishes his bells and his sled. Then lovingly, he chooses toys for every child in the world. For Santa loves them all, and he knows what each child at heart wants most. Then, with the thrum of magic that makes reindeers fly, he spreads the Christmas joy and warmth throughout the world--as he always has -- and always will until the end of time. From best-selling author Lauren Thomas, and Caldecott Honor Artist Jon J Muth.

And here is the trailer for  THE CHRISTMAS MAGIC:



And if you want to know more, click here:

Nutcracker link –

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/book.jsp?id=1275255

The Christmas Magic link –

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/book.jsp?id=1275060

I'll be giving away two sets of each book to two lucky winners! All you must do is comment below for a chance to win! Sorry, US addresses only. The contest will run until December 1st! Good luck!

Undead Much? by Stacey Jay

This novel is sequel to You Are So Undead To Me!

It's been a few months since Megan Berry was betrayed by her best friend and attacked by RCs (Reanimated Corpses). Now all she really wants is a short break from her training to hang out with her boyfriend Ethan. But no such luck, because in between a zombie that just won't go away, no matter how many times Megan settles him, a group of super-fast, indestructible zombies, some crazy family secrets that are casting all suspicion on to her, and her former worst enemy becoming her friend, Megan has zero spare time.

Stacey Jay's follow up to her first novel, You Are So Undead to Me, has the same smart wit, quick thinking, and awesome zombie butt-kicking, but is also a little more serious. The continuous boy-craziness present in the prequel is toned down, and Megan is a bit more mature after being betrayed by the person that was closest to her. Nonetheless, Undead Much is filled with just the right amounts of teenage insecurities, angst, and romance to make it relatable, but is made all the more exciting by dark family secrets, mysterious forces, and a tempting new love interest. The book is slightly predictable towards the end, but Jay manages to surprise readers in the very end. Undead Much is engaging and riveting, a book you will want to tear right through!

This book will come out January 21st, 2010!

Cool Videos from Penguin!

I've finally had a moment to take my time and browse the Penguin Group's Young Reader's YouTube page for the first time in a while, and I discovered some really neat videos. Here are a few notable ones:

A trailer for upcoming read Incarceron by Catherine Fisher! This one looks so good, I am tempted to move it up my TBR list!



A new teaser video for Paper Towns by John Green, which is now out in paperback!



A video of Susane Colasanti talking about her books Waiting for You and When It Happens!



Enjoy!

Break by Hannah Moskowitz

Ever since his baby brother Will was born eight months ago, Jonah's life seems to be getting worse and worse. His sixteen-year-old brother Jesse has severe food allergies that make it hard to even live in his own home, and he's having more reactions lately. Will won't stop crying, and Dad and Mom seem pretty clueless. Jonah knows that when a bone breaks, it grows back stronger…so he sets out on a mission, breaking his bones to become stronger through skateboard “accidents”. But will his only release break him?

Hannah Moskowitz's debut novel is startling, blunt, and complete absorbing. Jonah is a wholly believable character, and the first person narrative makes it easy to immerse yourself into the story, but will also have you cringing constantly as Jonah plans out which bones he will break next, keeping a tally, and carries out his schemes. Moskowitz is skilled at balancing a myriad of issues that threaten to overwhelm Jonah: his worries and fears for his brothers, friend issues, guilt, and the need to protect everyone, making them believable and engrossing.

The pacing of the novel is excellent; Jonah's dry sense of humor help keep the plot from being too morbid, and Moskowitz's dialogue is pitch-perfect. Though Jonah does allude to certain issues that happened in the past and might have been interesting to learn more about, and the wrapping up of the novel is slightly confusing, the style and pace do stay consistent, making for a riveting and suspenseful read, and the ending isn't cookie-cutter perfect and unbelievable. Break is both gruesome and stunning, one of those books you cringe to read but can't put down.

Cover Comments: This is an excellent cover; it's simple, but quite effective. I like how it isn't completely black and white and red, but has the gray in it, and and the broken bone on the cover has the appropriate effect.