Tomorrow is the last day to enter our February Loveable Giveaway! Good luck to all of you who have already and will be entering!
Thoughts on a Sad Moment in the YA Book World
So, I didn't personally know LK Madigan I never had personal contact with her, but her story touched my heart.
When I first read about THE MERMAID'S MIRROR I thought it sounded like a lovely book and I really wanted to read it. But that's about as far as it went, as you all know I have tons of books on my to read list, and I am just NOT a fast reader.
Then, through other author friends on Facebook, I was directed to her very heart wrenching post about her fight with cancer. You can read it HERE. Her story touched me deeply. My father died from lymphoma just over a year and a half ago, so cancer is very real to me.
Then I was lucky enough to win a book giveaway and received her two published works, FLASH BURNOUT and THE MERMAID'S MIRROR in the mail this last week. I am so thrilled to have them and excited to read them. I am glad that she was able to leave some part of her behind.
What I do know about LK Madigan is she was a fighter. She fought this for a long time and her death is a huge loss to the YA community. As a lover of books, especially YA I am saddened for her family and friends and associates. And I am especially sad for the stories she never got to tell.
Let's appreciate a little bit more each day those stories that we do get to read, those books that are written. Because our time here is precious.
When I first read about THE MERMAID'S MIRROR I thought it sounded like a lovely book and I really wanted to read it. But that's about as far as it went, as you all know I have tons of books on my to read list, and I am just NOT a fast reader.
Then, through other author friends on Facebook, I was directed to her very heart wrenching post about her fight with cancer. You can read it HERE. Her story touched me deeply. My father died from lymphoma just over a year and a half ago, so cancer is very real to me.
Then I was lucky enough to win a book giveaway and received her two published works, FLASH BURNOUT and THE MERMAID'S MIRROR in the mail this last week. I am so thrilled to have them and excited to read them. I am glad that she was able to leave some part of her behind.
What I do know about LK Madigan is she was a fighter. She fought this for a long time and her death is a huge loss to the YA community. As a lover of books, especially YA I am saddened for her family and friends and associates. And I am especially sad for the stories she never got to tell.
Let's appreciate a little bit more each day those stories that we do get to read, those books that are written. Because our time here is precious.
Review STORK by Wendy Delsol
Stork by Wendy Delsol
Details:
Hardcover, 355 pages
Published October 12th 2010 by Candlewick
Placement in Pile:
Reaching New Heights
Summary:
Family secrets. Lost memories. And the arrival of an ancient magical ability that will reveal everything.
Sixteen-year-old Katla LeBlanc has just moved from Los Angeles to Minnesota. As if it weren’t enough that her trendy fashion sense draws stares, Katla soon finds out that she’s a Stork, a member of a mysterious order of women tasked with a very unique duty. But Katla’s biggest challenge may be finding her flock at a new school. Between being ignored by Wade, the arrogant jock she stupidly fooled around with, and constantly arguing with gorgeous farm boy and editor-in-chief Jack, Katla is relieved when her assignment as the school paper’s fashion columnist brings with it some much-needed friendship. But as Homecoming approaches, Katla uncovers a shocking secret about her past — a secret that binds her fate to Jack’s in a way neither could have ever anticipated. With a nod to Hans Christian Andersen and inspired by Norse lore, Wendy Delsol’s debut novel introduces a hip and witty heroine who finds herself tail-feathers deep in small-town life.
Review:
If you're still high on the paranormal romance, than this is a read for you. Wendy Delsol weaves a charming story that threads together pieces of Icelandic lore with modern family conflict in a setting that's unfamiliar to the character and filled with mystery. To be honest, I wasn't jazzed about reading a novel that plays up the idea that a "stork" chooses a baby's mother. Frankly, it sounds bizarre, right?
Not at all the setting I'd choose to write a YA book. But then again, maybe that's why I'm not a published author yet. I have to admit, within the first three chapters I was hooked. And primarily it was due to Wendy Delsol's ability to write a character wit strong voice.
When it comes to voice, this book is king. Katla LeBlanc's witty banter and equally charming internalization are what sold this book for me. I'm such a sucker for good voice in a YA novel.
So, given that, it was easy to forgive some of the plot points that didn't jive with me. Or the other sub-character reactions that felt misplaced.
Now, go read it for yourself, and let me know what you think.
Details:
Hardcover, 355 pages
Published October 12th 2010 by Candlewick
Placement in Pile:
Reaching New Heights
Summary:
Family secrets. Lost memories. And the arrival of an ancient magical ability that will reveal everything.
Sixteen-year-old Katla LeBlanc has just moved from Los Angeles to Minnesota. As if it weren’t enough that her trendy fashion sense draws stares, Katla soon finds out that she’s a Stork, a member of a mysterious order of women tasked with a very unique duty. But Katla’s biggest challenge may be finding her flock at a new school. Between being ignored by Wade, the arrogant jock she stupidly fooled around with, and constantly arguing with gorgeous farm boy and editor-in-chief Jack, Katla is relieved when her assignment as the school paper’s fashion columnist brings with it some much-needed friendship. But as Homecoming approaches, Katla uncovers a shocking secret about her past — a secret that binds her fate to Jack’s in a way neither could have ever anticipated. With a nod to Hans Christian Andersen and inspired by Norse lore, Wendy Delsol’s debut novel introduces a hip and witty heroine who finds herself tail-feathers deep in small-town life.
Review:
If you're still high on the paranormal romance, than this is a read for you. Wendy Delsol weaves a charming story that threads together pieces of Icelandic lore with modern family conflict in a setting that's unfamiliar to the character and filled with mystery. To be honest, I wasn't jazzed about reading a novel that plays up the idea that a "stork" chooses a baby's mother. Frankly, it sounds bizarre, right?
Not at all the setting I'd choose to write a YA book. But then again, maybe that's why I'm not a published author yet. I have to admit, within the first three chapters I was hooked. And primarily it was due to Wendy Delsol's ability to write a character wit strong voice.
When it comes to voice, this book is king. Katla LeBlanc's witty banter and equally charming internalization are what sold this book for me. I'm such a sucker for good voice in a YA novel.
So, given that, it was easy to forgive some of the plot points that didn't jive with me. Or the other sub-character reactions that felt misplaced.
Now, go read it for yourself, and let me know what you think.
Lovable Giveaway!
Full Cover Reveal SO SILVER BRIGHT by Lisa Mantchev
I was so honored to be picked to participate in this great week of reveals for the cover of SO SILVER BRIGHT! Check out Wednesday's post for a summary on the book. And here's the full cover!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDNO9ZVbkVDgIH6DLRanIy6dcP-y6yYikO5wYmQzmr-OdngBvSc1KEpueouN454WcQjgc_mPFuyliRuZfOtajE9vma7_KBBZzZAuAy2pb_9HkvZG-YzYBb7l8CZ1ZI70cPoMlCrK-nrg/s400/So+Silver+Bright+cover+for+reveal.jpg)
Isn't it GORGEOUS! I love it and I love this series! Congrats on an awesome cover Lisa! I can't wait for the book! (That was a lot of exclamations!)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDNO9ZVbkVDgIH6DLRanIy6dcP-y6yYikO5wYmQzmr-OdngBvSc1KEpueouN454WcQjgc_mPFuyliRuZfOtajE9vma7_KBBZzZAuAy2pb_9HkvZG-YzYBb7l8CZ1ZI70cPoMlCrK-nrg/s400/So+Silver+Bright+cover+for+reveal.jpg)
Isn't it GORGEOUS! I love it and I love this series! Congrats on an awesome cover Lisa! I can't wait for the book! (That was a lot of exclamations!)