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
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!
Hey everyone! I thought that since there is still another week or so in Feb. that we still needed to have a Valentine's day themed giveaway!
Enter to win these THREE great books!
Just enter below.
Open to USA and Canada addresses only. The giveaway ends 11:59 PM EST Monday Feb 28th!
Enter to win these THREE great books!
Just enter below.
Open to USA and Canada addresses only. The giveaway ends 11:59 PM EST Monday Feb 28th!
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!
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!)
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!)
