Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Fall Releases and Supernatural Reads
Books mentioned:
The Everafter by Amy Huntley
Fire by Kristin Cashore
Hold Still by Nina LaCour
Tricks by Ellen Hopkins
The Morgue and Me by John C. Ford
Viola in Reel Life by Adriana Trigiana
The Life of Glass by Jillian Cantor
Liar by Justine Larbalestier
Night World Volume Three by LJ Smith
Ghost Huntress: The Awakening by Marley Gibson
Undead Much? by Stacey Jay
Dark Guardians: Moonlight by Rachel Hawthorne
Meridian by Amber Kizer
Interview With Susane Colasanti

Susane Colasanti, author of this month's Book of the Month Waiting for You, was kind enough to sit down and answer a few questions for me about writing, reading, and books. Click here to learn more about Waiting for You.
Do you plan out the entire story before beginning writing?
Before I start writing a new book, I always establish a chapter outline. This doesn’t mean that every single chapter is initially accounted for, though. I have to know what the story’s main plot is going to be about. It’s also good to have an idea of how the last chapter will look, although this can change. As I’m writing, my chapter outline goes through a lot of changes. My characters reveal things about themselves that I didn’t know before. Sometimes they take over entire scenes, doing and saying things I never saw coming. It’s always fun when that happens. I also have a separate notebook for each book where I record details I don’t want to forget, but that are not ready to be included in the outline. These notebooks are where I write everything I know about my characters, adding to their descriptions as I discover more about them through the writing process. So while I always start a book with a strong idea about where the story is going, my outline is more of a general guide than a strict roadmap.
Is it difficult to write from a male point of view, like you did in your first two books?
Not really. Fundamentally, boys and girls want the same things in life: to be happy and to be loved. Keeping in mind our similarities helps to get inside the minds of boys. I also have to remember that boys talk to their friends differently. They don’t say as much as girls do. They generally have a much harder time discussing emotional issues. When I write boy dialogue, it’s usually choppier and more reserved than girls’. Boys tend to hold more back, but that doesn’t mean they don’t feel the same things. That’s what’s so cool about writing from both perspectives. It’s really the only way to reveal what the boy is truly thinking.
What are your three writing essentials?
1. Good lighting. Harsh, overhead lighting makes everything more difficult. I’m into natural light and warm lamps. 2. Music. Depending on the scene I’m writing, music transports me to the place I need to be. 3. My iBook. Shiny Happy Apple World saved me. I am the biggest Apple fan. I should seriously be in their commercials.
About books in general:
What is your favorite genre of books?
It would be hard to pick just one! Looking at the books I most adore on my shelves, they fall into the children’s, teen, and adult fiction categories. I especially cherish the children’s and teen books that I loved growing up. They’re like old friends to me. There are so many adult fiction authors I love that it would take a while to list them all here (you can check them out on my Facebook or MySpace pages). I’m not much into nonfiction, but I do enjoy philosophy. I like Kierkegaard and Alain be Botton, a wonderful contemporary philosopher who is right on. Also, I’m currently reading Always Looking Up by Michael J. Fox and loving it. It’s always a good feeling to connect with a fellow optimist.
What were the last three books you read?
Destroy All Cars by Blake Nelson totally rocked the house. I’ve been a hardcore fan of Blake’s ever since Girl came out, back in the day when it was shelved in the adult section. I just love his writing style. I actually can’t remember which books I read before that one, but I will say that I’m very much looking forward to reading The Treasure Map of Boys by E. Lockhart and Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen. They’re two of my favorite authors, so I’m stoked that they have new books out!
About your books:
What do you have in the works now?
My fourth book, Something Like Fate, will be released next year. Currently, I’m writing books five and six.
What three words would you use to describe your books?
Searching for connection
Thanks, Susane!
Warm thanks to you for having me back, Tirzah. I love your site!
You can find Susane almost anywhere on the web:
Website: http://www.susanecolasanti.com/
Blog: http://windowlight.livejournal.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/susanecolasanti
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/susanecolasanti
Twitter: http://twitter.com/susanecolasanti
Monday, June 29, 2009
Contest: Win AND THEN EVERYTHING UNRAVELED
Prize: Three winners will receive an ARC of And Then Everything Unraveled, followed by a finished copy when they are available, and a Magic Eight Ball Keychain.
How to Win: Just comment below!
Deadline: This contest is open until July 12th, 2009 at midnight!
Good luck!
Also...are you a New Yorker? Will you be in NYC on July 22nd? Check out Jennifer Sturman's book signing!
Join Jennifer Sturman as she celebrates the release of her first young adult mystery. Books and Magic Eight Balls will be given away to 5 lucky readers in attendance.
Niblies and soda will be served!
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

This review is spoiler-free, but I recommend that you do not read it unless you have read The Hunger Games!
Catching Fire picks up a few months after Katniss and Peeta return home to District 12 with fame and riches. They are both happy to have survived and brought wealth to their District, but barely speak to each other anymore, except when the cameras come around to keep up the ruse that they are madly in love. Katniss is horrified to discover that her victory has become a symbol of resistance, and finds herself unable to do anything about it. She watches helplessly as violence is inflicted on innocent people, all the while kept under the thumb of the president of Panem. She begins to wonder if there is life outside of oppressive Panem, but doesn't have time to think about it for long, because her worst nightmares are about to be brought to life.
Catching Fire is all that it promises to be and more. Fans of The Hunger Games will devour this second, intense installment. Suzanne Collins begins by showing readers life for Katniss and Peeta once they return home, brings back all the memorable and good characters from the first book, and works at developing her characters and revealing how they act while under extreme pressure. Despite her fame, uncertainty, and heavy conscience, Katniss is still tough as nails, fiercely protective of those she loves, and as resourceful as ever. There is one stretch of the book that moves slowly, but readers won't mind too much once Collins drops her first bombshell (figuratively speaking, of course) in the form of an unexpected plot twist, which will overwhelm readers with a flurry of questions and what-ifs, and the book speeds up once more. From then on out, the book is a heart pounding, exhilarating, and even agonizing race to the climax and ending that will leave readers desperate for more. Catching Fire is an intricate web of lies and secrecy, injustice and rebellion, and danger and hope that will keep readers dreaming long after the final page.
Cover Comments: I like the design concept for The Hunger Games trilogy. The mockingjay on the front is a neat touch, as it does have significance in the book. It's simple, but straightforward. The orange-ish red color is pretty awesome too! Great, great cover!
Catching Fire will hit shelves on September 1st, 2009!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
20 Things in 20 Days: Clue #18
Get a clue... June 11th-30th at 20 Things in 20 Days!
Today’s clue:
National Book Award finalist Deb Caletti, author of HONEY, BABY, SWEETHEART and many other books for teens, called Twenty Boy Summer “a tender and heartfelt story of love, loss, and letting go.” For 20 Things clue #18, If you’ve read any of Deb’s books, share your thoughts by posting a review online, like on your blog, Goodreads, amazon.com, Shelfari, or any bookstore or library site that hosts reviews. Link to your review(s) in the comments. 4 points per book (not site!) reviewed, up to max 12 points.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

This is one of my absolute favorite fairy tale retellings, and after reading and rereading it for over five years, I've finally got around to writing up a post on my thoughts!
Ani is the Crown Princess of Kildenree, and a poor one at that. Despite her constant effort and desire to please her parents and her people, she doesn't quite have the confidence and poise her mother possesses, and would rather spend her days outdoors, conversing with the birds. So when she finds that her mother changes plans suddenly and sends Ani to the neighboring country of Bayern to marry the prince in order avoid war, Ani isn't entirely surprised. But on the way there, she is deceived horribly, and her lady's maid takes her place while she is left to die in the wilderness. But despite her self doubt, Ani learns to survive, to trust, and to reach out to others, and must choose to fight back in order to take her rightful place, or remain a goose girl for the rest of her life.

Cover Comments: I love the original cover art. The colors and the style of the artwork are just perfect for the book in my opinion. It is the cover that originally drew my eye to the book all those years ago in the library, and I was sad when I discovered that it got a face lift. However, I do not think the new cover is bad. It's one that I think that will appeal to more readers, despite the fact that it seems more MG than YA. Yes, The Goose Girl can be enjoyed by MG readers, but I think it is mainly a YA book. What it boils down to here is: don't judge a book by its cover. Go read The Goose Girl.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Along for the Ride is a NYT Bestseller!

Hey everyone,
Sarah Dessen's latest book, Along for the Ride, debuted at #1 on the New York Times Bestseller List! Isn't that AWESOME? To celebrate, you can win two copies of the book (one for you, one for a friend) here. While you're there, feel free to browse the awesome site!
Congratulations to Sarah and good luck!
TCR
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Catching Up and a Mish-Mash of Other Things
Books Mentioned:
The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor
Seeing Redd by Frank Beddor
ArchEnemy by Frank Beddor
The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
Enna Burning by Shannon Hale
River Secrets by Shannon Hale
Forest Born by Shannon Hale
Tamora Pierce (Song of the Lioness Quartet)
Mortal Instruments trilogy by Cassandra Clare
The Hollow by Jessica Verday
Psych Major Syndrome by Alicia Thompson
Invisible Touch by Kelly Parra
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
A Sweet Disorder by Jacqueline Kolosov
The Heights by Brian James
Ballads of Suburbia and I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone by Stephanie Keuhnert
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

Though not technically a YA book, this was recommended to me by my English teacher, and both my mother and I zipped through it in a day! This is one of those books that transcends YA or Adult boundaries--definitely check it out!
It is 1946 and Juliet Ashton is looking for an idea for her next book. She found wonderful success during World War II writing humor pieces to distract fellow British citizens from the horrors of war, but now she wants to write something different. A letter from someone she doesn't even know might give her the inspiration she need. As Juliet and Dawsey Adams, a resident of the island of Guernsey, which was occupied by the Nazis during the war, correspond, Juliet discovers a group of brave people whose love for reading and each other helped them survive the horrors they faced. But when she travels to Guernsey, she'll discover far more than that.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society is one of those unexpected reads that will completely capture the attention of readers and transport them completely into the story. The novel is told in a long series of letters, which may be a turn off for some, but the sharp and sometimes subtle humor in them will capture readers' hearts by page five. The characters are all very colorful and diverse, and each one shines through their own words and passions. The citizens of Guernsey and how each of them discovers a love of reading is wonderful to read, and their pain of the loss of property, family, and friends through the occupation of their home is heartrending. Full of wisdom and courage and love and heartbreak, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society will teach you something about history, about literature, and about human nature. This is a definite must-read.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Trailer Update
Thanks,
TCR
Jenny Green's Killer Junior Year by Amy Belasen and Jacob Osborn

Sunday, June 21, 2009
Fairy Tale by Cyn Balog

Hi everyone, and welcome to the first stop of Cyn Balog's FAIRY TALE tour!
Fairy Tale will be released on Tuesday!
About Cyn:
During her summers, Cyn spent most of her time working at the Jersey Shore. She would also write a lot, and wrote her first young adult novel when she was 15. She worked at the Park Bakery in Seaside Park, as a waitress who could whip up a mean funnel cake and egg cream, as a cashier the A&P (where she was fired for somehow losing $250 and STILL doesn’t know what happened to that money! But… humiliating!)… until she finally got her dream job of badge checker on the 7th Avenue beach. The job was great and allowed for lots of writing and reading time!
Sadly, though, the uniforms messed up her tan lines (oh, who is she kidding, ghosts tan better than she does). She went to Douglass College, Rutgers University, New Brunswick. Douglass College is an all-women school, or so they say, but that’s really a crock because all your classes are with the other Rutgers men. Not that she minded Rutgers Men very much. In fact, she married one.
After college, she immediately set out to look for another job that wouldn’t mess with her tan lines. She had a degree in Communication, which is ironic considering her early inability to speak. She nailed a altogether pathetic job making minimum wage at a newspaper (we were in a recession! Job search = hell!). Since then, she’s worked for a shrinkwrapping company, an insurance company, a bank, a promotional products company, and a magazine. She’s lived in Jersey, the desert of California, Maine, and most recently, Pennsylvania. During most of this time, the urge to write kept rearing its head, and Cyn kept saying, “Down, down!”
Finally, she could stand it no longer and wrote a new book, which nabbed her an agent! But the book didn’t sell. Afterwards, she wrote a couple more books, and finally got the call that FAIRY TALE had sold on November 1, 2007 (at 3:21 pm, not like it was a big deal in her life or anything) to Delacorte in a pre-empt! Since then, she’s sold two more books, SLEEPLESS for 2010 and another book to be released in 2011. As much as she tried to resist it, writing has always been the thing that has made Cyn happiest, and so now she is thrilled to be able to share her books with an audience (who isn’t related to her by blood).
Friday, June 19, 2009
GirlForce: A Girl's Guide to the Body and Soul by Nikki Goldstein

Check out this cool new book. I was a little doubtful at first, but it does have some pretty cool and useful advice.
Cover Comments: Not only is the cover really pretty and colorful, but the entire book is full of great photography and bright patterns! I love it!
Win Psych Major Syndrome!

Hey everyone,
Well, June seems to be The Month of Contests. I've got one more for y0u all!
Psych Major Syndrome
"Using the skills you've learned so far in Introduction to Psychology, please write a brief self-assessment describing how things are going in your freshman year. Presenting Concerns: The Patient, Leigh Nolan (that would be me), has just started her first year at Stiles College. She has decided to major in psychology (even though her parents would rather she study Tarot cards, not Rorschach blots).
Patient has always been very good at helping her friends with their problems, but when it comes to solving her own...not so much.
Patient has a tendency to overanalyze things, particularly when the opposite sex is involved. Like why doesn't Andrew, her boyfriend of over a year, ever invite her to spend the night? Or why can't she commit to taking the next step in their relationship? And why does his roommate Nathan dislike her so much? More importantly, why did Nathan have a starring role in a much-more-than-friendly dream?
Aggravating factors include hyper-competitive fellow psych majors, a professor who's badly in need of her own psychoanalysis, and mentoring a middle-school-aged girl who thinks Patient is, in a word, naive. Diagnosis: Psych Major Syndrome"

How to win: Just leave me a comment below!
Deadline: This contest will run until June 26th!
Good luck everyone, and thanks for entering!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Suite Scarlett Giveaway!


How to win: Leave me a comment below, simple as that!
Deadline: You can enter any time between now and July 9th!
Check out this video of Maureen Johnson:
Sprout by Dale Peck

Cover Comments: I've always liked white covers, and this one is no exception. It's simple, yet it conveys the contents of the book pretty well. Good cover.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Down With Book Banning
Now, I loved The Bermudez Triangle. It's not so much a book about homosexuality as it is one about friendship and relationships and how they can change. It's quite clean, despite the many nasty accusations tossed around.
Gossip Girl is a different story...I read the first three books or so before I dropped them. Personally, I didn't really enjoy them. But that's just me. While I wouldn't reccomend them to anyone, I certainly would not go on witch hunt to get those books removed. Obviously someone likes them because they're bestsellers, and someone made a TV show out of them, so I don't feel bad not liking them, but here's the bottom line: everyone can have opinions. Everyone SHOULD have opinions. But when you start telling others what they should and should not read--that's wrong. If parents are so worried about the state of the books that their kids are reading, they should read them themselves--my own mother did that with the first Harry Potter book (and then I started reading the rest of the series faster than her, but that's besides the point). Don't expect libraries to do your job, parents.
And now I'm going to get off my soapbox here. What do you all think?
Dork Diaries: Tales From a NOT-SO-Fabulous Life by Rachel Renee Russell

Dork Diaries is a hilarious and authentic portrayal of the ups and downs of middle school, finding friends who understand you, and finding yourself. Nikki is a witty, smart, and self-deprecating character that many young teens and preteens will be able to relate to, and her voice is especially compelling, despite her tendency to be a bit dramatic. The many drawings and the simple, straightforward writing style in Dork Diaries is certain to appeal to girls who don't normally read. Rachel Russell has created a fun, clever, and highly entertaining book that is sure to satisfy.
Cover Comments: I like the pink, and the sketch on the cover is just a sample of all the ones that can be found inside the book. The cover is similar to the popular series Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and I think they're trying to appeal to the females of that age. Cute cover!
And here is the cute trailer:
Also, Rachel Russel was kind enough to send me a piece of original Dork Diaries artwork! Check it out!
Thanks so much, Rachel!
ALSO--do you want to win a copy of Dork Diaries, as well as Nikki's purse--packed with things she can't live without? Just comment below then! Prize is pictured below:

Leave a comment, and you'll be entered to win! The contest closes next Wednesday at midnight!
The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams

Monday, June 15, 2009
Summer Reads Vlog
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Prizepack Giveaway


The Morning Gift by Eva Ibbotson

All of Eva Ibbotson's books are wonderfully charming, and The Morning Gift is no exception. Ibbotson has such a polished and sophisticated style, punctuated with smart snatches of humor and irony, which makes this book a delight to read. All of her characters are carefully portrayed with just the right amount of background details and traits so that they seem more realistic and three dimensional, even the lowliest one. Ibbotson's novel is also brimming with references to paleontology and other sciences, music, and literature that go hand in hand with the very academic characters and setting, but aren't over the top, nor do they require that the reader need any prior knowledge of such things to enjoy the book. The Morning Gift is a believable, well researched book that chronicles the wretchedness of the displacement of millions of people before and during World War II, and also offers a bit of hope and romance, along with one of Ibbotson's trademark nerve-racking endings, complete with miscommunication and misunderstandings, that ultimately result in a happy ending. The Morning Gift is highly recommended.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Cracked Up to Be by Courtney Summers

Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Uncover The Prophecy of the Sisters with Michelle Zink
Check out this cool video featuring Michelle Zink, author of the debut novel The Prophecy of the Sisters (which is a fantastic read!).
Monday, June 8, 2009
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Every since she was born, Belly and her mother and brother spend the summer months at their mother's best friend Susannah's beach house with her and her two sons, Jeremiah and Conrad. The time they spend there is idyllic and perfect, everything Belly could want for in a summer. The summer she turns sixteen though, everything is different. Her mother and Susannah are being secretive, Conrad is extremely moody, and the boys can't seem to understand that Belly isn't a little kid anymore. As everything around her changes and Belly falls in and out of love, she’s certain of one thing: this summer will be far different than all the ones before.
Skillfully combining the present and scenes from summers past, Jenny Han portrays a summer of change and discovery in The Summer I Turned Pretty. Belly is a very realistic character, eager to prove she's not a little kid anymore to her childhood friends, but also reluctant and just a bit apprehensive to embrace the future and the change that comes with it. Though it's hard to pinpoint one main plot point or focus of the novel, Han deftly portrays the meandering and almost dream-like qualities summer vacations can have and the qualities and personalities of teenagers, and her insights are so keen and her characters so endearing that a structured plotline isn't really necessary. In the spirit of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and Sarah Dessen's novels, The Summer I Turned Pretty is a witty, wise, and thoughtful book about change, relationships, and love that is hard to put down.
Cover Comments: I love, love, love this cover! I do admire white covers, but then the sunlight in the background coming acorss the models and highlighting the girl's hair is just such a stunning effect. It's a simple, elegant cover, but it certainly conveys a lot. Perfect!
(On a side note, the guy on the right is a dead ringer for this guy who is in my class...so weird!!)
Friday, June 5, 2009
Twenty Boy Summer Twitter Party!
Along for the Ride Countdown Widget!
It's so pretty, I wish I had gotten it a lot sooner! Go ahead and take it and pass it around!
Interview with Tonya Hurley, Author of Ghostgirl

Where did you get the inspiration for ghostgirl?
Mainly from my own experiences in high school and my work afterwards. I was popular in school, but I still felt no-one really knew me. No matter where you are in the social pecking order, it is easy to feel alienated. I guess I wrote the book that I would have wanted to read when I was in school - something funny, but also something that I could relate to. I also worked with some very well known teen celebrities for a while and I saw how desperate people can get for a little fame and attention, not just stars but fans too. I thought taking that down to a real life, high school level might make for a really good story. The whole idea of invisibility is something that starts when you're young, but it carries on through life - it's the most pronounced in high school, I believe.
How have your teen years influenced your writing?
Since my books are set in that world, my teen years have had a lot of influence. I draw on people and places I've known all the time in writing ghostgirl. It's all a fantasy, but I try to ground the books in reality as much as possible. High school was the best of times and the worst of times for me, so it's the perfect physical and emotional setting to tell a story, in my opinion. They say that nothing bad ever happens to a writer, it's all material - so I guess this is my therapy.
How many ghostgirl books do you plan on writing? Do you plan on branching out into something new?
I've just finished the third, but I would love to write ghostgirl books forever! I'll quit when they make me, and even then I'll probably just write them for myself. Besides ghostgirl, I'm always working for ideas for books and screenplays. I couldn't stop if I wanted to.
What are a few good books you've read lately that you'd like to recommend to your readers?
I am re-reading lots of books now, mostly fairy tales and classics. I love short story collections and essays as well. I have a copy of Miranda July's book on my night stand, so I'm enjoying that. Oh, and I devour autobiographies.
Music is a big part of ghostgirl; what are some bands or songs that you would encourage readers to check out?
Yes, music is a big part of ghostgirl. I think it's a big part of every teen's life - I know it was for me. I started playing instruments at a very young age and then I was in a punk band in high school with my twin sister, Tracy. I studied music, along with writing, in college and when I moved to New York City I worked with pop/alternative acts like Prince, Depeche Mode, The Cure, Bush, No Doubt, John Cale, John Lydon, Morrissey to name a few, and because of that I got to meet everyone =0 D from Madonna to David Bowie to Courtney Love. What would I recommend now? Bat For Lashes!
Thanks, Tonya!
Check out my reviews for Ghostgirl and Ghostgirl: Homecoming, and keep your eyes peeled for Ghostgirl: Homecoming starting July 1st!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Word Ninjas Updates!
Word Ninjas, the great promo colloaboration between '09 debut authors and bloggers, announced that Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, authors of Beautiful Creatures which comes out in December, are now on board. So that calls for some new banners! If you are currently displaying a Word Ninjas banner, please update it!
New Word Ninjas Sidebar
Beautiful Creatures Sidebar
Twenty Boy Summer Twitter Party!

Join us for this one-of-a-kind YA book launch party featuring book
trivia, spontaneous (and sometimes inappropriately personal) author
Q&A, prizes and giveaways, laughs, and tons of tweety tomfoolery
celebrating Sarah Ockler's debut novel, TWENTY BOY SUMMER!
Date: Friday, June 5, 2009
Time: 7:00-11:00 PM, EST
Location: Twitter.com
10 Reasons to Come to Twenty
TWEET Summer
- At this swanky book launch party, you can totally
show up in your PJs. - Prizes and giveaways throughout the night! Goodies include signed
books, bookstore giftcards, cool sea glass stuff, and Sarah’s
hometown-inspired gifts like Buffalo’s famous chocolate sponge
candy! - Unlike attending a regular party, you won’t have to see Sarah
dance and then pretend that she doesn’t totally suck when she asks you
about her moves later. And trust us. She will ask. - It’s free! No cover charge for Twenty Tweet Summer!
- Rap, country, pop, grunge, classic rock, indie… at this party, you
can be your own DJ! - No forced conversation with that goofball at the munchies table. I
mean, unless you’re into goofballs. You’re call at the Twenty Tweet
Summer! - Nothing will get broken, including your new heels, your glasses,
your heart, or that really expensive one-of-a-kind sculpture someone’s
parents brought back from Greece. - Chat with YA author Sarah. Go ahead. Ask her any embarrassing,
crazy thing you want because she’ll be there all night, ready
to dish about her own summer of 20 boys. - There’s pretty much zero chance of the cops busting up
the party. - Sarah is excited and honored to celebrate with you as she
introduces her debut novel, TWENTY BOY SUMMER, to the world! So please
join us for the fun! - Bonus reason: Okay. How adorable is our Twenty TWEET Summer mascot
up there?!
Party Pointers
- You'll need a Twitter account (free) to join the party. If you
don't have an account, you can sign up
now. - Be sure to follow Sarah at href="http://twitter.com/sarahockler">@sarahockler before the
party. Only Sarah's twitter followers will be eligible for
prizes! - When you get to the party on Friday, say hi, introduce yourself,
ask a question, or jump right in on the conversation! Just use the tag
#20BoySummer in all of your party tweets. - Watch for TWENTY BOY SUMMER book and author trivia questions from
@sarahockler throughout the night. Answer correctly to win more
prizes! - If you've already read the book, don't post any spoilers! No
comments or questions that give away the good stuff! - Stop by any time!
- Party times are listed in EST.
See you at TWENTY TWEET
SUMMER!
Shiver and Liar and Catching Fire, Oh My!
Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

Check out this cool trailer:
Find more videos like this on Sarah-land
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Along for the Ride Excerpt Take Two
One lucky member will receive an ARC of Along for the Ride. Tell your friends and spread the word for exclusive access to this fantastic summer read! After your friends join, have them post here with a link to your profile. +1 chance to win for each friend that posts. (No need to tell me if you've joined, I've already read the book, and my review should be up!)
Good luck, guys!
P.S. In the meantime, check out the Along for the Ride trailer! It's so cute!
Find more videos like this on Sarah-land
Catching Fire Teaser Video
Enjoy!
Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabaley

Lipstick Apology is a skillfully written and memorable novel with so many wonderful messages between its pages. Jennifer Jabaley has packed an incredible amount of emotion within the novel—from grief to the exhilaration of first love—and she has created a dynamic, fallible, and likable heroine in Emily. Many of the experiences that Emily faces aren't very different than those that teens face on a daily basis, but it is the unique way that Jabaley presents them that makes Lipstick Apology such an engaging and even humorous read. She skillfully reveals to readers the true nature of friendship, the complexities of romantic relationships, and demonstrates that true love isn't judgmental, but it is about learning to see beyond mistakes and faults and accepting people for who they truly are. Lipstick Apology is a novel of holding on and letting go that is simply beautiful.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
New Contest: Win a Book a Day Throughout the Month of June
Giving It Away For Free
(the only time Momma would approve)
Serena Robar is giving it away for free the entire month of June. That’s right. A book a day, every day in honor of her latest book release Giving Up the V. All you have to do to is sign up for her newsletter and you are entered to win. Enter once and you are in the running to win a book every day the entire month of June!
About Giving Up the V:
What's So Wrong With Waiting?Spencer Davis just turned sixteen. But unlike most hormonal teenagers who seem obsessed with sex -- like her entire crew of friends -- Spencer just doesn't get it. She'd rather wait for the right guy and the right moment. But that moment may be arriving sooner than she'd thought.
Enter Benjamin Hopkins, a new transfer student who seems to have his eyes on our V-card-carrying heroine. He's gorgeous, funny, suave, athletic, and capable of making Spencer's knees wobble with a single glance. Spencer has never felt this way about anyone before, but is Ben truly V-worthy?
Check out Serena Robar's website for more info, and good luck!
After by Amy Efaw

Devon Davenport is the perfect student, teammate, and daughter. Responsible, talented, and hard-working, she has a bright future ahead of her, and is determined to not be like her mother, who gave birth to her at age sixteen. Because of these reasons, it's unbelievably hard for her family and friends to accept that she was pregnant, and didn't even know it, and that when she gave birth, she left her baby in the trash to die. But Devon did...and now the question is, is she guilty of attempted murder?
After is a heartbreaking novel that is simultaneously hard to read and intensely compelling. The book starts out briskly and suddenly, offering an unflinching look at Devon's situation and mental state as she is discovered, and then shuffled through the legal system, is assigned a lawyer, experiences juvenile hall, and is forced to appear in court. Accompanying her is a wide array of conflicting and complicated emotions, from shock to fear to indignation as Devon is forced to face the facts by her pushy and passionate lawyer, a believer in "tough love". Efaw's writing is detailed and precise, and her prose haunting and throughout Devon's tumultuous journey, she carefully reveals to readers Devon's past and the situations that led to her deeply ingrained denial, until readers can't help but feel deep sympathy for her, even as they face their own doubts and question Devon's behavior. Skillfully written and highly affecting, After is an emotional rollercoaster of a novel that explores the complexity of human nature and is sure to leave a mark on readers.
Cover Comments: I like this cover, it is simple yet striking, and it also very subtle--I was halfway through the novel before I realized the difference in the reflection. I think it is very fitting for the topic--carefuly neautral, but eye catching as well.
After will be available from Viking on August 11th, 2009.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Sarah Dessen Talks About Along for the Ride
Check out this cool, cool video in which Sarah Dessen discusses Along for the Ride, her latest novel. It comes out later this month, and is so, so cute! This is your perfect beach read (or, if you're not going to the beach, it will transport you there!).
Fairy Tale by Cyn Balog
