Lost in the Library

My Very Un-Fairy Take Life/ My Epic Fairy Tale Fail by Anna Staniszewski–Blog Tour

2013-04-09T09:00:00.000-04:00

My Very Un-Fairy Tale Life by Anna Stanizaewski

Published by Source Books/ Jabberwocky November 2011

Source: Provided by Publisher

Summary:

You know all those stories that claim fairies cry sparkle tears and elves travel by rainbow? They're lies. All lies.
I've spent my life as an official adventurer. I travel across enchanted kingdoms saving magical creatures and fighting horrible beasts that most of you think are only myths and legends. I've never had a social life. My friends have all forgotten me. And let's not even talk about trying to do my homework. So -- I'm done!! I'm tired and I want to go back to being a normal girl. But then along comes "Prince Charming" asking for help, and, well, what's a tired girl like me supposed to do?

My Thoughts:

I was hooked in the first few pages. The main character is Jenny, a believable 12 yea r old who possesses this fantastic, quirky, sarcastic voice. I was immediately reminded of the character of Evie from Kiersten White’s Paranormalcy, only a younger version for a younger audience (minus the Pink Taser, although Jenny did have a pink golf ball). I loved the twist that fairy tale creatures are not as lovely as they seem, who’d have guessed that Unicorns were so ill-tempered . Dealing with family, school and friend issues would be enough for anyone, but Jenny is also an Adventurer, hired by the mysterious “Committee” who must rescue Kingdoms and defeat evil. The story was well-paced and had enough action to occupy even the most restless reader. Great middle grade read for kids who have enjoyed books like Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine and How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier.

The publisher Sourcebooks is providing one copy for a lucky resident of the United States or Canada.
Please leave a comment on this post to enter.
Winner will be chosen at random on Monday April 15th and will have 48 hours to reply once notified.

Top Ten Books I HAD To Buy...But Are Still Sitting On My Shelf Unread

2013-03-19T09:35:00.002-04:00

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Each week we are invited to post a list on a variety of book –related topics.

I haven’t participated in a while but this week’s topic spoke to me!

I am so guilty of rushing out to get a new release or a book I am dying to read only to have it sit on my shelf. I also pre-order my favourite authors so I have it as soon as it comes out and they sit on my shelf too. Here’s a list of the Top Ten books I couldn’t wait to get my hands on, but haven’t cracked open yet.

Shine by Lauren Myracle
Dearly Departed by Lia Habel
Bloodlines by Rachel Mead
Matched/Crossed/Reached by Ally Condie
Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay
Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton
Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong

Do we have any in common? Which one should I make a priority to read next?

Things I Love about You

2013-03-17T21:37:00.001-04:00

The lovely woman above is my grandmother. She's 90, she has Alzheimers and today I was told she has cancer and won't be with us much longer. I know you might be thinking that she's 90! She's had a long life. She has, and its been a good life. But knowing that doesn't take the sting out of losing her.

I visit her when I can, it's hard because of the Alzheimers. She doesn't know me any longer; she hasn't for a long time. Sometimes I wonder if my visits are more upsetting for her than helpful. But I go because I need to see her. She wasn't just any Grandma. She was an amazing woman. Fearless, strong, independent and I am so proud of her. This post is dedicated to her-I'm going to share things about her because even though she may not remember-I do.

Dearest Grandma- These are a few of the things I love about you.

-Your laugh- people always said that it sounded like Beethoven's 5th and they were right
-You were not a Chef but I loved your spaghetti and meatballs and your mince and mash potatoes
-Your Scottish accent
-Your love of books, reading and the library which I believe helped to ignite my own passion for literature
-Your love of dancing
-You took up Tai Chi in your 70's and loved to demonstrate it.
-That you learned Portuguese and went to Portugal in your 70's
-Your dedication to long walks and long talks
-That you were a War Bride
-You played kick ball with me in the backyard
-When your great grandson was born you would sit with him on the floor to play
-Your love of the theatre
-The way you helped me with projects and essays in high school
-Your ability to paint
-Your financial smarts
-Your affinity for politics-and your willingness to to stand up and speak out
-That a couple of years before you were diagnosed with Alzheimers, you took the time to write the family history-something I will always have and always treasure
-That you thought you were a good driver even though others did not agree
-Your love of board games- remember all those Boggle Matches
-Your unmatched skills in Jeopardy-you could have been a contestant
-Your support for family
-Your belief and faith in me
-Your unconditional love

How lucky I am to have had someone like you in my life. I wish I had listened more but I hope you never felt taken for granted or that I didn't appreciate you, because I did, and always will.

Sorta Like a Rock Star by Matthew Quick

2013-03-06T19:17:00.003-05:00

Sorta Like A Rock Star by Matthew Quick

Published by Little Brown Books for Young Readers May 2010

Source: Borrowed from the Library

Summary:

Amber Appleton lives in a bus. Ever since her mom's boyfriend kicked them out, Amber, her mom, and her totally loyal dog, Bobby Big Boy (aka Thrice B) have been camped out in the back of Hello Yellow (the school bus her mom drives). Still, Amber, the self-proclaimed princess of hope and girl of unyielding optimism, refuses to sweat the bad stuff. But when a fatal tragedy threatens Amber's optimism--and her way of life, can Amber continue to be the rock star of hope?

My Thoughts:

When someone in the book industry whose tastes and talents you admire tells you to read a book as its in their TOP TEN must reads of all time…you read it!! (Vikki) I'm so glad that I did. Aside from its multiple awards, this is one of those books that changes you. One that you think about long after finishing. One that is written for young adults, but resonates in the hearts of the adult reader as well. True? True.

I read and enjoyed Matthew Quick’s The Silver Linings Playbook, but for me, this book is on a whole other level. Amber is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. She sees the good in each moment and every opportunity, despite her circumstances. She is real. She is raw and true to herself about her life but chooses to believe that there is better in store for her and for everyone else. I loved the quirkiness of her character, and the way she interacted with the world around her . It took me a few pages to get used to her method of speaking, her slang and short forms but once I did the story flew by and so did the time as I finished it in a sitting only to go back and read it again.

Tissue will be needed while reading but it’s worth it. This book is all sorts of incredible.

Everyone needs to own a copy so I’m giving a copy away.

Rules:

Must be 13+ to enter

Live in a place the Book Depository ships

Not have read Sort a Like a Rock Star before (honour system)

Leave me a comment sharing the title of a book that has moved you like this one moved me.

Giveaway closes March 13th. Winner will have 48hrs to reply.

What Makes Me Happy (3) - Pinterest

2013-02-17T12:12:00.000-05:00

Founded in 2010 Pinterest is an online tool for organizing, collecting and creating visual boards of the things you love, discover or want to try. I am a huge fan.

It's easy to spend hours "pinning" and I won't lie, time passes quickly as I browse and create boards but I love the idea of creating an online collection. I have a boards designated for recipes, books, fashion, quotes, library programs all ready to explore or use with a click, all without the clutter in my own home.

Aside from personal use, I use it as a form of social media for my blogs and consulting business. I use it to share library programming ideas and there have been many networking opportunities as well.

So a big shout out to the creators of Pinterest for creating this additive but useful site... wish I had thought of it!

Are you on Pinterest?

What's your favourite thing about it? Leave a link below so I can follow your boards!

You can follow mine by clicking the red and white P at the top of the sidebar under Find Me.

Giveaway!!! Sharing the Book Love

2013-02-07T22:22:00.000-05:00

It has been FOREVER since I’ve hosted a giveaway, and I figured with Valentine’s day coming up, now was the perfect time!

To share the book love I’m giving away a $25.00 gift card to Amazon or Book Depository!

Instead of hosting the giveaway on my blog though, I’m hosting it on Lost in the Libraries Facebook Page. Follow this link, like my page and then tell me what the best book you ever read was to enter.

The giveaway ends on February 14th, and the winner (who must be over 13) will have 48 hrs to reply.

Book Review: Prodigy by Marie Lu

2013-02-07T22:06:00.001-05:00

Prodigy by Marie Lu

Published by Putnam January 2013

384 pages

Source: ARC provided by the publisher for review

Summary:

June and Day arrive in Vegas just as the unthinkable happens: the Elector Primo dies, and his son Anden takes his place. With the Republic edging closer to chaos, the two join a group of Patriot rebels eager to help Day rescue his brother and offer passage to the Colonies. They have only one request—June and Day must assassinate the new Elector.

It’s their chance to change the nation, to give voice to a people silenced for too long.
But as June realizes this Elector is nothing like his father, she’s haunted by the choice ahead. What if Anden is a new beginning? What if revolution must be more than loss and vengeance, anger and blood—what if the Patriots are wrong?

My Thoughts:

I am a major fan of the Dystopian genre, something about it speaks to me as a reader. Even so, I was late to get on the “Legend” train so to speak as I only picked up Marie Lu’s first novel of the series (Legend) in early January of this year. I fell in love with the characters immediately, and with the author’s writing style. I enjoyed reading the dual perspectives of June and Day though the alternating inks in the book became a little distracting. I had high hopes for Prodigy, and was thrilled when asked to participate in a blog tour for it.

Prodigy picks up exactly where Legend ended and we find Day and June searching for the Patriots in Vegas and hoping to be reunited with Tess. Tess is one of my favourite characters in the books. Resilient, forgiving and strong, Day needs her and has leaned on her much more than he realizes. Though the relationship between Day and June is sudden and complex it is written so well that it is believable. They trust one another when from an observers point of view they should be doing anything but trusting each other. Though not as action packed as the first novel, I was still completely engaged. I found the descriptions of the world they live in whether that be the Republic or the Colonies compelling, and we also discover in Prodigy what the catalyst was for the division in America.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this series is that you never really know who the “bad guy” is. The person who you believe to be the enemy isn’t always, and much depends on perspective. I think this theme through out the books is such a great comment on our reality. I can’t even talk about that ending. (tears)

A gripping follow-up to Legend and I can not wait for more. Highly recommended for fans of Delirium by Lauren Oliver, and Divergent by Veronica Roth.

Newbery and Caldecott Award Winners

2013-01-29T07:55:00.000-05:00

The Newberry and Caldecott Award winners were announced yesterday by the American Library Association and I just had to give a special shout out for these authors!

Congrats to the amazingly talented author Jon Klassen for his Caldecott win for This is Not My Hat. You can read my thoughts and my interview with Jon here.

Congrats to the incredibly talented Katherine Applegate for winning the Newberry award for the masterpiece that is The One and Only Ivan. My thoughts on this book you must read:

Book Review: Paper Valentine by Brenna Yovanoff–Blog Tour

2013-01-28T08:15:00.002-05:00

Paper Valentine by Brenna Yovanoff

Published by Razorbill January 8th 2013

Hardcover- 306 Pages

Source: ARC provided by publisher for review

Summary:

The city of Ludlow is gripped by the hottest July on record. The asphalt is melting, the birds are dying, petty crime is on the rise, and someone in Hannah Wagnor’s peaceful suburban community is killing girls.
For Hannah, the summer is a complicated one. Her best friend Lillian died six months ago, and Hannah just wants her life to go back to normal. But how can things be normal when Lillian’s ghost is haunting her bedroom, pushing her to investigate the mysterious string of murders? Hannah’s just trying to understand why her friend self-destructed, and where she fits now that Lillian isn’t there to save her a place among the social elite. And she must stop thinking about Finny Boone, the big, enigmatic delinquent whose main hobbies seem to include petty larceny and surprising acts of kindness.
With the entire city in a panic, Hannah soon finds herself drawn into a world of ghost girls and horrifying secrets. She realizes that only by confronting the Valentine Killer will she be able move on with her life—and it’s up to her to put together the pieces before he strikes again.

My Thoughts:

I was happy to be asked to be a participant in the blog tour for Paper Valentine. I haven’t had a chance to read the author’s previous books and knowing how positive the reviews have been, I was excited to read it. There is a lot happening in 306 pages. Though not quite what I expected, I enjoyed many aspects of the book, especially Yovanoff’s writing style. The story revolves around Hannah and the murders of girls in a her town, but that seems like a secondary storyline compared to Hannah’s grief at the loss of her best friend to Anorexia, six months earlier. Actually, my favourite parts were the moments between Hannah and Lillian. I thought the description of Lillian’s obsession with her weight, was realistic and well done. Hannah is slowly discovering who she is, and who she wants to be without Lillian. It’s Lillian, that compels Hannah to begin her own investigation into the deaths of the girls. The ‘creepy’ factor was definitely present and I could not read the book at night or if I was in the house by myself.
*spoilers ahead*
I think because there was so much happening in the book, anorexia, a love interest, murders, grief, ghosts; there were many questions that went unanswered. I wanted to know why Lillian appeared to Hannah? What made the “Valentine Killer” kill the girls? The ending wasn't satisfying but perhaps that was the point? I liked Paper Valentine and I know that other bloggers on the tour have absolutely loved it, but I just expected/wanted more.

Favourite Quotes:
“Sometimes I think that’s the whole reason she’s still here-she’s weighted down, anchored by all the things she couldn't let go” (15) -love this quote sooo much

“Kissing him is like the wildest, most thrilling thing that has ever happened to me. It’s like diving into the deep end over and over” (187)

What Makes Me Happy (2) Boy Crush

2013-01-26T20:52:00.001-05:00

There are so many things in life that make me happy. Great books, music, movies, T.V., family, friends…the list could go on and on. I wanted to take a moment to pause and reflect on these things and figured the blog was a great place to share what brings me joy in hopes it might make you happy too!

Today (and everyday) I am thankful for:

Every Thursday I am glued to the TV. I love Vampire Diaries yes… it’s totally my kind of show…but I also love to watch this guy…my ultimate boy crush. I'm actually ridiculous about it and my husband whom I adore won’t even sit on the same level of our house when Vampire Diaries is on because of my loud sighing, clapping , and overall smitten school girl behaviour. Question is… it more Damon or Ian that I adore? Not sure…. and it's not like I'll ever have the chance to find out, but seeing those eyes, eyebrows, his grin and ahem… everything else… makes me happy, and sometimes silly and I love him for it.

Who’s your crush?

Top Ten Tuesday- Books I Resolve to Read in 2013

2013-01-22T08:36:00.000-05:00

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the fabulous blog

The Broke and the Bookish.

Each week we are invited to post our top ten lists on a variety of topics.

I’m a little behind on posting, but I really want to share this list:

Books I Resolve to Read in 2013

I know. Your jaw is dropping. You can’t believe I can call myself a reader when I’ve missed the amazingness you found between the covers of the books above. But before you lose faith in me….I’m going to remedy this! I will read these books this year!-which is why there are 12 listed…one for each month.

So tell me below in the comments-which one should I read first?

Review: Everyday by David Levithan

2013-01-21T08:48:00.000-05:00

Everyday by David Levithan

Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers 2012

336 Pages

Source: Borrowed from the Library

Summary:

Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl.

There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.
It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day.

My Thoughts:

Aside from Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, I’m embarrassed to say that this is my only other David Levithan book. It definitely won’t be my last. Everyday has a unique premise, A (who is genderless) is a seemingly lost soul that resides in someone different every day. It never knows who it will be next; the people it might meet or the situations it might have to survive. A meets Rhiannon and life as A had know it changes. A love story, complicated by the fact the his/her appearance is different every day. Can we love someone for only what's on the inside?

Completely compelling and as I turned the last page I felt there had to be more, I wanted more. He’s writing a sequel right? I became so use to A’s voice, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. Days after reading I’m still thinking about it. Highly Recommended.

Quotes I LOVED:

“The clock always ticks. There are times you don't hear it, and there are times that you do.”

“There will always be more questions. Every answer leads to more questions. The only way to survive is to let some of them go.”

What Makes Me Happy- Once Upon a Time

2013-01-18T23:26:00.002-05:00

There are so many things in life that make me happy. Great books, music, movies, T.V., family, friends…the list could go on and on. I wanted to take a moment’s pause to reflect on these things and figured the blog was a great place to share the things that bring me joy in hopes they might make you happy too!

Today, I share my gratitude for this show:

I didn’t watch it last year. Sundays tend to be crazy busy for us. But my family gave me Season 1 on DVD for Christmas and I am HOOKED. So is my 11 year old (almost 12), my husband too! Our biggest challenge is only watching a couple of episodes at a time. I’m transported each and every time I hit play on the remote and for that hour escape, and time with my family watching something we all enjoy-I am grateful.
Do you have a show on TV/DVD that resonates with you, one that you can’t wait to see or talk about with someone?

Share in the comments-maybe I’m missing out!

Best Reads of 2012

2013-01-07T22:00:00.000-05:00

Hi! I want to first take a minute and thank you for your support, kind emails and tweets! I've missed you!
I know that this post is a little overdue, but I still wanted to share my favourite reads of 2012!

Best Adult Read:

Easily decided... The Virgin Cure by Ami McKay. Beautifully written, compelling story...

My Review

Best Young Adult - New Author (for me)

So so good! Epic fantasy meets kick-ass assassin.

I don't think this book is receiving the attention it deserves. (yet)

My Review

Best Young Adult-

Maggie Stiefvater never lets me down. Worth reading and re-reading

My Review

Best Young Adult Follow-Up-

This was a harder choice. I loved Insurgent by Veronica Roth and The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting;

but Pandemonium is a stand out.

If you haven't read Delirium yet... READ it! and then follow up with this amazing sequel!

My Review

Best Middle Grade/Junior Fiction:

Another hard decision. I loved Wonder by RJ Palacio, but there was something incredibly special about the voice of Henry. It resonated with me. It also won the Governor General Award as well.

Review Coming soon!

Jen's 2012 Book Giving Guide

2012-11-10T19:19:00.000-05:00

Christmas is quickly approaching and as I began my shopping today I thought perhaps you've started as well! Christmas is my favourite time of year and this year I am looking so forward to the smell of mulled apple cider, and our fresh pine trees, the sounds of my favourite Christmas album, and the crinkle of wrapping paper.

Below are my top recommendations for the book lover's in your life. If you shop through the link on Amazon you'll also be supporting this blog (and me) I hope the lists are helpful. It can be a challenge shopping for someone else. If you need a more personal recommendation just leave me a comment or send me an email.

Happy Shopping!

Amazon.ca Widgets

Be sure to share these lists with friends, grandparents and Aunts & Uncles!

Why I Would Survive a Zombie Apocalypse–Guest Post

2012-11-01T14:09:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago I wrote a post – about how I would not survive a zombie apocalypse. My son (who’s 11) thought it was funny and wrote a post about why he would survive.

Here’s his post:

Why I Would Survive a Zombie Apocalypse (at least for a couple of days)

I have awesome survival skills
I can run for a good period of time
I am trained in Martial Arts
Give me a long stick and I can fight for days
I know some edible plants
I’m good at archery
I’m strong so I could rip off a zombie’s arm and beat him with it.

I had planned to post this yesterday but it was crazy with Halloween activities. I love this post so much I just had to share it:)

To read my post about zombies-

Dear Teen Me- Authors Write Letters to Their Teen–Selves-An Anthology Edited by E. Kristen Anderson and Miranda Kenneally

2012-10-29T22:21:00.000-04:00

Dear Teen Me (Edited by E. Kristen Anderson & Miranda Kenneally)

Published by Zest Books October 2012

I’m thrilled to be a stop on the Dear Teen Me Blog Tour today.

Summary:

Dear Teen Me (Edited by E. Kristen Anderson & Miranda Kenneally) includes advice from over 70 authors.Dear Teen Me includes advice from over 70 YA authors (including Lauren Oliver, Ellen Hopkins, and Nancy Holder, to name a few) to their teenage selves. The letters cover a wide range of topics, including physical abuse, body issues, bullying, friendship, love, and enough insecurities to fill an auditorium. So pick a page, and find out which of your favorite authors had a really bad first kiss? Who found true love at 18? Who wishes he’d had more fun in high school instead of studying so hard? Some authors write diary entries, some write letters, and a few graphic novelists turn their stories into visual art. And whether you hang out with the theater kids, the band geeks, the bad boys, the loners, the class presidents, the delinquents, the jocks, or the nerds, you’ll find friends--and a lot of familiar faces--in the course of Dear Teen Me.

Dearest Jen,

I look back at you and 20 years has passed. How does that happen?….in the blink of an eye, so don’t be in such a hurry to be older. Hindsight they say is 20/20 and it’s such a true expression. We've made a lot of mistakes you and I. Some helped us grow…. some, to be honest we still struggle with. I could give you lots of advice. Stay in school and go to your afternoon classes. It may feel like everyone is noticing that you are eating alone but “they” for the most part are only thinking about themselves. Tell someone about your bully. You don’t always need to go it alone.

When I think about who you are hanging out with outside of school and what you are doing, I just want to hug you. The risks you are taking are not worth the damage they do, but I know how hard it is to see it in the moment. You want love and acceptance, to be popular, to feel special. Everyone wants that. But I can tell you that what you want is not going to be found where you are looking. In a few years you are going to meet someone who doesn't necessarily sweep you off your feet like they do in the movies but he loves you unconditionally and becomes your rock and best friend.

What I want most to say to you is about Dad. He will never be the dad you want him to be. Ever. You eventually make peace with that and it is one of the most freeing experiences of your life. He comes and goes when it’s convenient, usually leaving you nothing but tears and heartache and you realize that perhaps the best is to not have him in your life at all. Not in an angry, silent treatment kind of way but in a letting “him and the idea of a dad who is there for you and loves you” go kind of way.

There is so much love in store for you. There is so much life in store for you. Hang in there. It will get better.

You will be ok.
Love Me

To learn more about Dear Teen Me, the other bloggers on the tour and the authors -check out the links below. Special thanks to everyone who helped with this feature for the last month. Big hugs to you and your teen selves.

Zest Books website: http://zestbooks.net/dear-teen-me-blog-tour/
Dear Teen Me website: http://dearteenme.com/?page_id=4031
Dear Teen Me events page: http://zestbooks.net/events/
Zest Books Dear Teen Me book page: http://zestbooks.net/dear-teen-me/

Dear Teen Me- Feature 13

2012-10-29T09:00:00.000-04:00

About this Feature:

Dear Teen Me (Edited by E. Kristen Anderson & Miranda Kenneally) includes advice from over 70 authors and I’m thrilled to be part of the blog tour. My tour stop date is Tuesday October 30th, and on that date I’ll be posting a review, hosting a giveaway and sharing my own Dear Teen Me letter. In the meantime, I was inspired by the book and decided to invite friends, fellow bloggers, and authors to write their own letter. Through out the month of October I’ll be posting them here.

Today I welcome J to the blog. She is one of my biggest cheerleaders, and confidants. I love her like sunshine…

Dear Teen J,

It’s been awhile….. how I’ve missed your optimism! I’m afraid I’ve lost you a wee bit along the way, grown a little more cynical, a little more wary and a little less trusting…..but now that you are here we can get reacquainted, I hope.
So here I stand, older, wiser perhaps (but whose to say whom is the judge of all that?) Though I’ve made many a mistake along the way, the biggest I’ve come to realize was pushing you out of sight, dearest Teen Me; along with those aspirations you were so inspired to achieve – when hopes were dashed, when disappointments showered down, when injustice pierced my side and when deception weighed heavy in my heart, I should have breathed deeper and held you aloft higher, trusting that your persistence and optimism would surely guide the way.
Now, I’m not going to grimace away here, hands on my hips, crow’s feet squinting, all foreboding and admonishing you how the world is not always going to be sunshine and daffodils; insult your intelligence I will not.
However, when those times do fall upon you, I wish to remind you to always, always listen to that voice inside and don’t silence it for anyone – in layman’s terms, trust your gut, dear Teen Me, for rarely will it lead you astray ~ seek wisdom, laugh deeply, love strongly (but not blindly), pray for guidance and keep those whom you trust and love close and closer.
And know that, though change is inevitable, you can always return to be the person whom you love to be, even just as a reminder to yourself to smile and uncomplicate the world you are now living in.
Life is simple if you choose to make it so.

Ever yours,
J

Dear Teen Me- Feature 12

2012-10-28T20:27:00.002-04:00

About this Feature:
Dear Teen Me (Edited by E. Kristen Anderson & Miranda Kenneally) includes advice from over 70 authors and I’m thrilled to be part of the blog tour. My tour stop date is Tuesday October 30th, and on that date I’ll be posting a review, hosting a giveaway and sharing my own Dear Teen Me letter. In the meantime, I was inspired by the book and decided to invite friends, fellow bloggers, and authors to write their own letter. Through out the month of October I’ll be posting them here.

Jennifer and I first met through Indigo Books & Music.. I love her approach to her letter….

Dear Jennifer aged 13-19,

This letter is meant to be is a thank you note. I write a lot of thank you letters; for dinners, for great service, for time spent with friends at a cottage. I guess it never occurred to me to write a thank you note to the person who made me who I am today. The person got me through that integral period in a girl’s life where you are defining who you are, who you will be, what kind of man you will marry, the kind of parent you will be. Me, the teenager.
Thank you.

Thank you for being brave enough to take chances and make mistakes. Those mistakes have firmly rooted me in my current beliefs, my ideals and my life path.
Thank you for saying no- over and over and over again. It was worth it.
Thank you for being a good friend. I am so proud to say that I treated my high school friends with kindness, compassion and respect and I am proud to call so many of them my friends today.
Thank you for falling in love. While sometimes painful, the joy and experiences of being young, in love and looking at life from that perspective made me crave those wonderful butterflies in my marriage. It also made me cautious and careful and allowed me to navigate through rough waters when I needed to.
Thank you for your sense of adventure. Thank you for having a “go for it” attitude and proving that independence and determination can define who you will become in the future. I am certain that my desire to see the world and to be a part of something bigger has its direct origins in the pages of my teen life.
Thank you for making time to read so many wonderful adventures. I am so grateful that I can say I have been a passionate reader all of my life. My passion for reading is still a vibrant and important part of my life and I am thankful for all that you did to further develop this.
Thank you for laughing so much and for having a lot of fun. As I look back I am flooded with amazing memories of road trips, family vacations, parties, school functions, singing and dancing. I am so grateful to say that I spent most of my teen years laughing with my friends and family.
Thank you for being emotional. While many view this as a liability, it has shaped who I am as a friend, colleague, wife and mother today. I love deeply, cry when I need to and have a very sympathetic ear to everyone in my life.
In retrospect I can see that it wasn’t very easy, but you managed to come through the other side with a strong personality, a great education and a joyful outlook on life. There were times when I know that it was scary, lonely and you felt unsure- I wish I could have been there to give you a hug.
Looking back now, that time reads like a wonderful adventure novel where the heroine gets the guy and reaps the rewards- it was all worth it….every moment.

Thank you.

Dear Teen Me–Feature 11

2012-10-23T09:00:00.000-04:00

Dear Teen Me-Feature 10

2012-10-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

After seeing the first few Dear Teen Me letters on the blog, Angie got in touch and asked to write one as well-here is her letter....

Dear Teen Me:

Hello… I remember you. Sometimes doing things you didn't want to do to fit in. Yea you! There's a few things that I think you should know though I know you won't listen.

You know your body? The one that is skinny.. so skinny you won't even wear shorts. Wear those damn shorts. In less then 10 years you will be the only one out of your high school friends who hasn't gained 30 lbs. You will still be the same weight as in high school and you will love it. So embrace it now. And those bad boys you keep dating.. YUCK! Though you know what? Go ahead and date them so you know who not to date and who to marry. But don't just have sex with just anyone!!

Also… that 40 hours a week you are putting in at McDonalds like they need you? Please Mcdonalds will run just fine without you… trust me they will still be there 20 -50 years later!! So tell them 40 hours is way too much.. 20 hours a week will be just fine. Plus $4.25 an hour is NOTHING! Don't feel lonely.. learn how to be friends with yourself. Eventually you will be your own best friend. Be KIND. Be respectful to mom and dad. You are constantly battling with them and someday you will realize they really are the best parents out of all your friends. The time they made you take back the Christmas lights you stole? Yea… first off that was a terrible thing to do, and second mom and dad were trying to make you a better person.

Love yourself, and LOVE life. Just because in high school you aren't the cheerleader or one of the preppy people it will be just fine. I am so proud of who you turn out to be.

Your best friend,

yourself

Dear Teen Me-Feature 9

2012-10-18T09:00:00.000-04:00

About this Feature:
Dear Teen Me (Edited by E. Kristen Anderson & Miranda Kenneally) includes advice from over 70 authors and I’m thrilled to be part of the blog tour. My tour stop date is Tuesday October 30th, and on that date I’ll be posting a review, hosting a giveaway and sharing my own Dear Teen Me letter. In the meantime, I was inspired by the book and decided to invite friends, fellow bloggers, and authors to write their own letter. Through out the month of October I’ll be be posting them here.

Today I welcome a dear friend of mine Donna. Donna and I met when we facilitated a teen book club together. She’s a high school teacher and also a guest reviewer on this blog as well.

Dear Younger Donna,
Hey you—it’s the older version of yourself, writing to you almost three decades into the future. I could say a lot of things to you; I could tell you that you have three beautiful daughters and are happily married. However, what I want to do is warn you of a momentous event that is about to happen; I want to try to stop it from happening.

It is September 10^th, 1985. I know that you are really pumped to be in OAC at ______________Collegiate Institute. You had a great summer with friends; you maintained the old connections and made some new ones. You made good money working at the mall and babysitting. You actually got along with your sister for most of the family trip to Myrtle Beach. Your stepfather has finally left to live in Tennessee, leaving the house a lot more quiet and safe. Your classes have started off really well. You like your teachers, especially Mr. Carter, whose English class you’ve wanted to be in, like , forever. You have a solid group of like-minded friends in all of your classes and you are committed to doing well this year. After all, it’s off to university next fall….

This day is critical to your future, Donna. As much as you are going to want to, do not stay late after ________’s party. Do not get sucked into being alone with _____________. Yes, he is gorgeous. Yes, he is popular and clever. But, Donna: he is also very dangerous.
Trust me when I say this: he will deeply affect the way your life turns out. At the very moment he asks you to stick around, you need to resist your instincts to say yes. Please say “no”. Please turn and leave.
Do you want me to prove it to you?!

Your decision to be his girlfriend will change the way you see yourself. Your obsession with him will sever the relationships you have built over a decade. You will focus all of your attention on his wellbeing, forgetting your own. You will give up your own interests to support his. You will lie to your mother over and over again, because, deep in your heart, you know what you’re doing is wrong. You will disappoint your teachers. You will drop a course because your music teacher actually challenges you on your behaviour. You will make a spectacle of yourself at the biggest party of the year. Your desperation to keep him will make you act recklessly and dangerously.

You will forget that you are a really wonderful young woman with a dream of teaching. You will forget that you have a kooky sense of humour and that you have a passion for reading and writing. You will forget that your friends once loved you for being able to act silly and honestly. You will begin to truly believe that you are pathetic, overly-sensitive and boring. You will begin to truly believe that you don’t deserve to be happy.
You will eventually disappear and re-emerge into a woman who makes terrible choices in men. The words, actions and smallest of comments made by _____________ will be heard again and again. His treatment of you will be replaced again and again by other boyfriends and a husband.

I beg of you, Donna: leave the party alone. Call your friends to hang out. Laugh uproariously with your sister. Read the pile of books beside your bed. Look into the mirror each day and celebrate the face that looks back.

Value yourself on this fateful day in September and know that the two decades that follow will be filled with pride, respect and love.

Love,
Older Donna

Thanks so much Donna (XO)

Review: Team Human by Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan

2012-10-17T09:00:00.000-04:00

Today I welcome my fabulous friend and guest poster Jessie to the blog. Jessie & I met while working together at the library and we became great friends. In addition to guest posting here, she's also my book event/signing travel buddy.

Published by HarperTeen July 2012

Source: ARC provided by the publisher

Summary:

Just because Mel lives in New Whitby, a city founded by vampires, doesn't mean she knows any of the blood-drinking undead personally. They stay in their part of town; she says in hers. Until the day a vampire shows up at her high school. Worse yet, her best friend, Cathy, seems to be falling in love with him. It's up to Mel to save Cathy from a mistake she might regret for all eternity!

On top of trying to help Cathy (whether she wants it or not), Mel is investigating a mysterious disappearance for another friend and discovering the attractions of a certain vampire wannabe. Combine all this with a cranky vampire cop, a number of unlikely romantic entanglements, and the occasional zombie, and soon Mel is hip-deep in an adventure that is equal parts hilarious and touching.

Jessie's Thoughts:

Team Human is a fun story about a girl who tries to get her best friend to stop dating a vampire while at the same time solves the mysterious departure of Dr. Saunders. Set in a town that co-exists with vampires but during a period where humans and vampires are for the most part segregated, those who associate with vampires are viewed as outside the norm. Mel doesn’t hate vampires, she just doesn’t get why anyone would want to be one. Vampires for the most part cannot feel emotions and to become a vampire there is a chance you could die or worse … become a zombie. That is why transitioning into a vampire is closely regulated by the government. When Mel’s best friend tells her that she is considering becoming a vampire to be with her boyfriend forever Mel freaks out. She makes it her mission to either convince her friend of the cons of being a vampire or else uncover a reason for her friend to break-up with her boyfriend.

Larbalestier and Breenan stick to most of the standard vampire ideologies while adding their own twists. Their main character Mel is humorous and stubborn though at times perhaps too simple. On the other hand, Kit who was raised by vampires is a well-flushed out character who makes a great contribution to the book. Team Human is an adventure book with a side of romance. There is no way to escape from this book without some laughs. Overall an entertaining read.

Dear Teen Me: Feature 8

2012-10-16T09:00:00.000-04:00

Today I welcome a fabulous friend of mine Liza. Liza and I go way back to when we both worked for Indigo. I love how even though we might not always see each other, when we do we just pick up where we left off. She’s been a great support.

Dear Teen Me,

I know you won’t listen to me because I’m a middle-aged adult from the future but just in case you’re feeling open-minded today I have some advice for you. Pretend you’re reading it in the pages of Seventeen magazine, ok?

I know you better than anyone else does, you have to admit that. And one of your biggest issues is your lack of self-confidence. There is no magical formula – it isn’t going to magically appear. No one else can give it to you. Faking it until it becomes real actually can work so try that. Also consider these points:

1. Blow- dry your freaking hair with some product. That will help you avoid the nasty cowlick that makes your bangs separate and your forehead shine through. Seriously, give it a try.

2. Stop worrying so much what other people think – wear the clothes you like, not what other people say you should like. Navy and black is not a crime.

3.When you get a boyfriend (it will happen, I promise) don’t take any crap from him – if he doesn’t show up when he says he will or leaves you all alone late at night in downtown Toronto after going to a pub – kick him to the curb and move on. Trust me there are other boys.

4. Keep writing in your journal.

5. Read, read, read. Maybe less Mary Higgins Clark and more quality stuff but keep at it. And don’t discount Canadian female authors just because your mother reads them.

6. Take up a team sport – remember in sixth grade? You were good at volleyball. You’ll meet more people and stay fit at the same time.

7. Surround yourself with positive people. You pick up on other peoples’ habits so avoid people who are always negative or pessimistic.

8. Be brave, take chances, speak up. You worry people will laugh or think you’re stupid but they won’t – they’ll think you’re brave, confident and smart and maybe soon you will believe it too.

(Thanks Liza…such great advice-)

About this feature:

Dear Teen Me (Edited by E. Kristen Anderson & Miranda Kenneally) includes advice from over 70 authors and I’m thrilled to be part of the blog tour. My tour stop date is Tuesday October 30th, and on that date I’ll be posting a review, hosting a giveaway and sharing my own Dear Teen Me letter. In the meantime, I was inspired by the book and decided to invite friends, fellow bloggers, and authors to write their own letter. Through out the month of October I’ll be be posting them here. I still have space for anyone else who would like to participate-just contact me through email or by leaving a comment on this post-(just 2 spots left)

This is Not My Hat–Blog Tour-Jon Klassen

2012-10-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

As a fan of Jon Klassen’s award winning I Want My Hat Back picture book, I was thrilled to be invited to participate in the Global blog tour for his latest book This Is Not My Hat. As part of the blog tour I had the opportunity to interview Jon:

Where does your artistic inspiration come from?
I think mostly I just like communicating. It's not even about communicating anything specific, I just really like the exercise of getting something across. I guess it's sort of proof that you're not crazy.

Growing up did you always want to be an author and artist? Who encouraged you?
I did always like drawing and writing, and I think I always hoped I'd be able to get a job doing something like that, because I didn't really get interested in many other things, or at least I wasn't very good at them. I've been lucky about encouragement. My parents always thought and still think that a job doing this is a totally realistic idea and a valid thing to spend your time on. They had that great balance of encouragement without the pressure. The more distance I get on it, the more lucky I feel about that. I don't think a lot of people get it.

What is your favourite thing about being a published author?
Having a book spine. A book spine with your name on it is a crazy thing to see. Also getting to sort of design them is really fun. How often do you get to design something with those kind of dimensions?

Do you have a favourite library memory? (can be a childhood memory or even now)
I think a lot of the libraries I grew up with were built in the 70s, and they have a certain way they felt inside. A lot of wide open carpeted spaces with weird raised carpeted platforms here and there, and big potted plants and very high ceilings with windows in them. It's frustrating to be in a place like that as a kid because all you want to do is run as fast as you can from one end to the other, and that's not really allowed, so you just walk around with your teeth clenched looking for book spines with the 'mystery' stickers on them until you calm

I was excited to read that you are originally from Niagara Falls, when was the last time you were back and what is your favourite activity to do when you visit?
Yeah! I try and go back a few times a year. My parents still live there. I really love driving down the parkway along the river. I used to bike it a lot, and it's still one of the nicest stretches I know of. I think Winston Churchill called it the best Sunday afternoon drive in the world, or something like that.

If you were a hat, what kind of hat would you be?
I wear a baseball hat almost all the time, so even though i might like something more original, it would be dishonest of me.

Any new books/projects in the works?
A couple, yeah! I'm working on another of my own, and another one with Mac Barnett, who wrote Extra Yarn. They are both at the stage where I take long showers and stare at nothing until the hot water runs out.

(Thanks a lot for the questions Jen! It's great to talk to somebody from the home province!!)

Thank you Jon! I have to say that interviewing and talking with authors is one of my most favourite things about blogging and one of the reasons why I blog…feeling pretty blessed right now!

My Review

I'm happy to announce that I also have 1 copy of the book and a "This is Not my Hat" hat (adult size) to give away. Check out My Little Bookcase tomorrow (October 16) for the next stop on the tour!

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