![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
In a world of extreme beauty, anyone normal is ugly...
Tally Youngblood, is finally pretty. Now, her life is exposed to all the luxuries and advantages to being a pretty; the neverending parties, the gazing stares, and the newest technology, and of course the best clothes and necessities. Nothing could go wrong and Tally's world could never go bad...until now.
What happens when messages from the past start creeping up with Tally. Tally is learning more and more information about the changing to a pretty, and the specials don't let anyone with this info alive.
I absolutely love this book! Once, there's a book that exposes the ugly truth of surgery and materialism. The book reveals a scary truth over vanity and greed, and yet, it still has a side storyline of action and romance. With a surprise in every chapter, this book will make readers crave for Speicals and Extras.
I really liked how the book never stopped with the action. Even with the little things, Westerfeld still surprised me and once open my mouth and wanted to scream "NO!" You will love to hate some of the characters and may find something new about yourself.
This book has a prequel, Uglies, and two sequels, Specials and Extras. I highly suggest you read this book. I feel privelaged enough that the author actually made sequels and is still writing.
I also suggest you check out Westerfeld's other works, like "Peeps" and "Midnighters Trilogy." All of his books prove that Westerfeld is a force to be reckon with in the publishing agency and will be one of the best teen authors of our time.
5 Stars.
Tally Youngblood, is finally pretty. Now, her life is exposed to all the luxuries and advantages to being a pretty; the neverending parties, the gazing stares, and the newest technology, and of course the best clothes and necessities. Nothing could go wrong and Tally's world could never go bad...until now.
What happens when messages from the past start creeping up with Tally. Tally is learning more and more information about the changing to a pretty, and the specials don't let anyone with this info alive.
I absolutely love this book! Once, there's a book that exposes the ugly truth of surgery and materialism. The book reveals a scary truth over vanity and greed, and yet, it still has a side storyline of action and romance. With a surprise in every chapter, this book will make readers crave for Speicals and Extras.
I really liked how the book never stopped with the action. Even with the little things, Westerfeld still surprised me and once open my mouth and wanted to scream "NO!" You will love to hate some of the characters and may find something new about yourself.
This book has a prequel, Uglies, and two sequels, Specials and Extras. I highly suggest you read this book. I feel privelaged enough that the author actually made sequels and is still writing.
I also suggest you check out Westerfeld's other works, like "Peeps" and "Midnighters Trilogy." All of his books prove that Westerfeld is a force to be reckon with in the publishing agency and will be one of the best teen authors of our time.
5 Stars.
Not quite a banana. (Asian on the outside but white on the inside), and not quite an egg (a white kid who gets off on all things Asian), half-and-half Patty Ho has never felt completely at home in her skin. Life at House Ho is tough enough between her ultra-strict Taiwanese mom (epic-length lectures and all) and her Harvard-bound big brother. But things get worse when a Chinese fortune-teller channels Patty's future via her belly button...and divines a white guy on her romance horizon. Faster than Patty can add two plus two, her mom freaks out and ships her off to math camp at Stanford. Just as Patty writes off her summer of woe, life starts glimmering with all kinds of probabilities. -From Flap Cover
Justina Chen Headley, has done it again with a hilarious, yet meaningful novel about finding your inner self and still loving yourself on the way. We meet Patty Ho, who doesn't seem to fit into her skin. She looks Asian, but feels White. That's what she really wants to be, but with a very strict mother and white father, she is feels she doesn't get into her Asian culture. We follow her big adventure through fortune tellers over her belly button and throughout math camp in Standford, this book is for anyone who doesn't fit in or is not in the norm.
This book, while I feel is very meaningful and serious, makes a great comedy. I recommend this book to any fan of teen literature, Asian novels, and a person who is a huge Justina fan, this book will keep them on the edge of their seat. They will laugh, smile, frown, maybe even cry or get mad. Either way, I guarntee you will love this book. IT's truly one of the best teen books I have read.
Hello everyone, Teen Bookshelf here, telling you about a BRAND new contest. IT's also our first ;). All through March, email us at teenbookshelf@gmail.com to get in the contest. On the subject line, write "Contest Entry". All what I need is your name and age, and if you win your address.
At the end of March, I will grab all of the entries and pull them each out of a hat. The ones I pull out are the ones who win a book! All of the books are signed and some are ARCS. Here are the books:
The Secret Life Of A Teenage Siren By, Wendy Toliver
Secrets Of My Suburban Life By, Lauren Baratz-Logsted.
Queen Geek Social Club By, Laura Preble
Queen Geeks In Love By, Laura Preble
Violet On The Runway By, Melissa Walker
Violet By Design By, Melissa Walker
The Hollywood Girls Club By, Maggie Marr
Secrets Of The Hollywood Girls Club By, Maggie Marr
a SURPRISE book with a turqouise Beach Bag Duffel signed by an surprise new author with bookmarks.
And more books that are in our bookshelf that have been reviewed.
You can enter as many times as you want, just once a day!
Have fun!
At the end of March, I will grab all of the entries and pull them each out of a hat. The ones I pull out are the ones who win a book! All of the books are signed and some are ARCS. Here are the books:
The Secret Life Of A Teenage Siren By, Wendy Toliver
Secrets Of My Suburban Life By, Lauren Baratz-Logsted.
Queen Geek Social Club By, Laura Preble
Queen Geeks In Love By, Laura Preble
Violet On The Runway By, Melissa Walker
Violet By Design By, Melissa Walker
The Hollywood Girls Club By, Maggie Marr
Secrets Of The Hollywood Girls Club By, Maggie Marr
a SURPRISE book with a turqouise Beach Bag Duffel signed by an surprise new author with bookmarks.
And more books that are in our bookshelf that have been reviewed.
You can enter as many times as you want, just once a day!
Have fun!
- Mood:
cheerful
Violet On The Runway By, Melissa Walker
5 Stars
"A wallflower in the spotlight can do one of two things: wilt, or blossom...
Violet Greenfield's life changes forever when a lady in giant Chanel shades tells her she could be IT, the next Kate Moss-but taller, and without the PR problems. That's how Violet winds up with a business card in the front pocket of her jeans on her first day as a senior in high school. Angela Blythe from Tryst Models in New York City wants to put Violet on a plane and whisk her into the world of high-heeled boots and oversized sunglasses. Tall, skinny Violet, who's been P-L-A-I-N practically forever.
And guess what? She's going. " Courtesy of Amazon.
This book is and will be a wake-up call to anyone who wants to be apart of the industry of fashion. It is a great book really for any teenager to read, but it will appeal more to the teenagers who are in love with fashion and modeling.
At the beginning of the book, we meet Violet Greenfield, who is basically on the outside a plain jane, but in the inside a girl who is interested in fashion and want to be an "It" girl. All that happens when Angela Blythe, a model agent, discovers her at Violet's job at the Movie Theater and then Violet is shipped to NYC to follow her dream. But it wasn't going to be that easy.
Further in the book, Violet is exposed to tabloid rumors, drugs, and modeling secrets and begins to think does she have what it takes. A flower can do two things:wilt or blossom.
This book is an awesome book for every modern, fashionable teen. Like I said above, aspiring models will get a taste of what the modeling industry is really like and whether if they can handle it. It is in someway contreversial, with exposing the dark side. I think America just doesn't want to believe what the industry is like with modeling: eating disorders, drugs, rumors, and the steryotypical catfights.
I feel that I know Violet as a person now and what she was going through, like I was there at her school, like I was on the runway, like I was following her every footstep. Every reader who reads this book will truly not be sad; Violet On The Runway who is in love or interested in the fashion industry. I can say I was.
Be on the lookout for the sequel, VIOLET BY DESIGN, coming out March 4, 2008.
- Mood:Teen Bookshelf-y
FIRST BOOKS PUBLISHED: ADULT & YOUNG ADULT
by Lauren Baratz-Logsted
by Lauren Baratz-Logsted
I started writing seriously nearly 14 years ago, got my first book deal in 2002, but it wasn’t until the owner asked me to write this piece for the marvelous Teen Book-Shelf that I connected the dots and realized that the first books I sold in the areas of adult fiction and YA fiction both centered on the topic of pregnancy, although in totally different ways.
In November 1994 I left my day job of 11 years as an independent bookseller to take a chance on my dream of becoming a published novelist. Success, it may not surprise you, did not come overnight. Over the next five years, I wrote five novels, each of which did not see the light of publishing day for a variety of heartbreaking reasons.
While writing unpublished novel after unpublished novel – and burning my way through 2.5 literary agents in fairly rapid succession – I held up my end of the mortgage-paying by taking on a variety of simultaneous jobs: I talked my way into a job reviewing books for Publishers Weekly (where I subsequently reviewed 292 adult hardcover fiction titles), I talked my way into a job freelance-editing (I edited nearly 100 books), I washed a ton of windows (making me arguably the only woman who has ever hosted a book-signing for the late Robert Ludlum and washed his windows), and my local library even wrote a special position for me into the budget whereby my chief responsibilities included leading a monthly book discussion, running a writing workshop, and arranging for other authors to come talk.
In May 1999, having been married nearly 10 years and believing I’d never be pregnant – poof! – I became pregnant. While home sick the first few months, the thought occurred to me, What if some insane, slightly sociopathic woman were to make the whole thing up, faking the complications, an entire pregnancy? Thus was born The Thin Pink Line, a dark comedy set in London about a madwoman, Jane Taylor, who makes the whole thing up.
Now let’s fast-forward a bit.
In November 2001, Red Dress Ink launched their first title and I started seeing reviews of their books in Publishers Weekly and even one in the New York Times Book Review. These reviews were not necessarily positive, but I could see right away that the editorial sensibility behind these books would probably be interested in my crazy book about a crazy lady who fakes an entire pregnancy. So I showed The Thin Pink Line to the man I like to think of as Agent .5, whom I’d been working with on my seventh novel. He said he thought the book was hysterical but that this kind of thing had been “done too much already” – can someone please tell me the last dark comedy about a fake pregnancy they read? – and when I further asked if he’d be willing to just submit it to the one editor at RDI on my behalf, he declined, saying one of his reasons for saying no was that he knew for a fact that editor was “not interested in books with a London setting.” Immediately, red lights went off in my tiny brain and I asked him if he’d mind, if he’d feel I was stepping on his toes if I submitted it myself. He gave me a very scathing, “Well, if that’s what you want to do with your time…” And the rest, as they say, is publishing history.
Or my publishing history, at any rate.
In May 2002 I got the call from an editor at RDI saying they wanted to offer me a two-book contract. Then, before the first book was even published, I was offered an additional three-book contract. The book that Agent .5 couldn’t be bothered to send to just one place was launched as RDI’s first ever hardcover; it received a starred review from Kirkus, with PW calling it “hilarious and original”; it has been published in 10 countries and the film rights were optioned.
It was three years later that I sold my first YA novel to Simon & Schuster, this time with the help of an agent, Agent 6. The book was called Angel’s Choice, and by the time it was published in December 2006, I’d already had six books for adults published. I hadn’t deliberately set out to write a YA novel. But as I was writing the first draft of Angel’s Choice, a serious novel about a senior on the fast track for Yale who becomes pregnant, it struck me that the book wasn’t a coming-of-age story, but rather an authentic YA story. Unfortunately, Agent 5 (not to be confused with Agent .5) didn’t share my enthusiasm for the book. She said she loved it but that it was too serious for the YA editors she normally did business with. So I did my own legwork, located six top editors who did publish serious YA fiction and who all said they wanted to see the book. Agent 5 was still reluctant to go forward, so I parted company with her and hired Agent 6, who sold Angel’s Choice almost right away plus a lot of other books since. Agent 6 is still my agent and I’m happy to have her. As for Angel’s Choice, I once heard the editor who originally bought it for Simon & Schuster refer to it in an interview as “an important book” – words I’d never thought to hear in my career.
So that’s it. Those are the stories of my first adult and YA sales. And I’m here to say that if you dream it and you’re willing to work hard, I can’t guarantee that you will achieve what you desire, but I will say that you’ll have a lot greater chance of achieving something than if you have no dreams and are unwilling to work hard. Me, I’m lucky. I get to live the life I want, doing work I love.
Be well. Don’t forget to write.
By the end of 2008, Lauren will have seen 12 books published with her name on the covers, the most recent of which is Secrets of My Suburban Life, while the next is the tween novel Me, In Between. You can read more about Lauren’s life and work at www.laurenbaratzlogsted.com.
In November 1994 I left my day job of 11 years as an independent bookseller to take a chance on my dream of becoming a published novelist. Success, it may not surprise you, did not come overnight. Over the next five years, I wrote five novels, each of which did not see the light of publishing day for a variety of heartbreaking reasons.
While writing unpublished novel after unpublished novel – and burning my way through 2.5 literary agents in fairly rapid succession – I held up my end of the mortgage-paying by taking on a variety of simultaneous jobs: I talked my way into a job reviewing books for Publishers Weekly (where I subsequently reviewed 292 adult hardcover fiction titles), I talked my way into a job freelance-editing (I edited nearly 100 books), I washed a ton of windows (making me arguably the only woman who has ever hosted a book-signing for the late Robert Ludlum and washed his windows), and my local library even wrote a special position for me into the budget whereby my chief responsibilities included leading a monthly book discussion, running a writing workshop, and arranging for other authors to come talk.
In May 1999, having been married nearly 10 years and believing I’d never be pregnant – poof! – I became pregnant. While home sick the first few months, the thought occurred to me, What if some insane, slightly sociopathic woman were to make the whole thing up, faking the complications, an entire pregnancy? Thus was born The Thin Pink Line, a dark comedy set in London about a madwoman, Jane Taylor, who makes the whole thing up.
Now let’s fast-forward a bit.
In November 2001, Red Dress Ink launched their first title and I started seeing reviews of their books in Publishers Weekly and even one in the New York Times Book Review. These reviews were not necessarily positive, but I could see right away that the editorial sensibility behind these books would probably be interested in my crazy book about a crazy lady who fakes an entire pregnancy. So I showed The Thin Pink Line to the man I like to think of as Agent .5, whom I’d been working with on my seventh novel. He said he thought the book was hysterical but that this kind of thing had been “done too much already” – can someone please tell me the last dark comedy about a fake pregnancy they read? – and when I further asked if he’d be willing to just submit it to the one editor at RDI on my behalf, he declined, saying one of his reasons for saying no was that he knew for a fact that editor was “not interested in books with a London setting.” Immediately, red lights went off in my tiny brain and I asked him if he’d mind, if he’d feel I was stepping on his toes if I submitted it myself. He gave me a very scathing, “Well, if that’s what you want to do with your time…” And the rest, as they say, is publishing history.
Or my publishing history, at any rate.
In May 2002 I got the call from an editor at RDI saying they wanted to offer me a two-book contract. Then, before the first book was even published, I was offered an additional three-book contract. The book that Agent .5 couldn’t be bothered to send to just one place was launched as RDI’s first ever hardcover; it received a starred review from Kirkus, with PW calling it “hilarious and original”; it has been published in 10 countries and the film rights were optioned.
It was three years later that I sold my first YA novel to Simon & Schuster, this time with the help of an agent, Agent 6. The book was called Angel’s Choice, and by the time it was published in December 2006, I’d already had six books for adults published. I hadn’t deliberately set out to write a YA novel. But as I was writing the first draft of Angel’s Choice, a serious novel about a senior on the fast track for Yale who becomes pregnant, it struck me that the book wasn’t a coming-of-age story, but rather an authentic YA story. Unfortunately, Agent 5 (not to be confused with Agent .5) didn’t share my enthusiasm for the book. She said she loved it but that it was too serious for the YA editors she normally did business with. So I did my own legwork, located six top editors who did publish serious YA fiction and who all said they wanted to see the book. Agent 5 was still reluctant to go forward, so I parted company with her and hired Agent 6, who sold Angel’s Choice almost right away plus a lot of other books since. Agent 6 is still my agent and I’m happy to have her. As for Angel’s Choice, I once heard the editor who originally bought it for Simon & Schuster refer to it in an interview as “an important book” – words I’d never thought to hear in my career.
So that’s it. Those are the stories of my first adult and YA sales. And I’m here to say that if you dream it and you’re willing to work hard, I can’t guarantee that you will achieve what you desire, but I will say that you’ll have a lot greater chance of achieving something than if you have no dreams and are unwilling to work hard. Me, I’m lucky. I get to live the life I want, doing work I love.
Be well. Don’t forget to write.
By the end of 2008, Lauren will have seen 12 books published with her name on the covers, the most recent of which is Secrets of My Suburban Life, while the next is the tween novel Me, In Between. You can read more about Lauren’s life and work at www.laurenbaratzlogsted.com.
- Mood:Teen Bookshelf-y
Author Interview-Heather Brewer
By, Teen Book-Shelf
By, Teen Book-Shelf
1.What was your inspiration for EIGHTH GRADE BITES?
I was actually hugely unpopular growing up, so writing about some of those feelings and experiences through Vlad have been quite healing. But my son, Jacob, has also been an enormous source of inspiration. The reason, of course, that I chose to write about a teenage vampire is that it's what I know. I'm obsessed with vampire lore; I'm chock full of wit and sarcasm (not to mention humility...); and every vampire novel I've ever read has let me down at least in a small way. So I chose to write the book I wanted to read.
2.Could you consider Vladimir do be somewhat like you?
Vlad is very much like me. We think in the same way. Plus, we're both night people.
3.How many books will be in this series?
I have five books planned for the series. We'll get to see Vlad all the way through his high school graduation…if he lives that long.
4.Which character do you think developed the most in the book?
I'd have to say that Vlad developed the most. One minute, he's just an ordinary half-human, half-vampire teen. The next, he's kicking major paranormal butt.
5.What else are you working on, besides the series?
I'm working on a YA horror called DEVON'S PLAYGROUND right now. It's about a teenage boy who moves to a small town, where bad things happen…mostly involving a gang of kids with supernatural powers, and giant, winged, flesh-eating monsters.
6.Do you have any advice for other writers?
My best advice is this: learn how to take criticism. Whether it's from a friend, a critique partner, an agent, or an editor—you have to learn how to listen with an open mind when it comes to things that might be wrong with you story. It's a natural reaction to get that "yeah, but…" feeling when you hear someone say something critical of your work. But ignore that feeling and try to hear what they're really telling you.
7.What/Who are some of your favorite books and authors?
I adore Stephenie Meyer's TWILIGHT, as well as Robin McKinley's SUNSHINE, and Gena Showalter's OH MY GOTH. But the classics, like Bram Stoker's DRACULA, and Stephen King's SALEM LOT can't be ignored. Most recently, I've had the pleasure of reading Jackie Kessler's HELL ON EARTH series, and Richelle Mead's VAMPIRE ACADEMY. All of them were delicious in their own way.
8.Do you ever look in your books and say "Man, I wish I could change that"?
There comes a point where you just have to let it go. I've only read EGB once since it became an actual book, and luckily, didn't see anything that I was desperate to change. But when the books are in manuscript stage, oh yeah. All the time. ☺
9.How long have you been a writer?
All my life. ☺ But I didn't get really serious about it until about 2003.
10.What do you want to come for 2008 in your writing career?
I'd love to watch my Minion Horde (what I call my fan base) grow even more, and I look forward to getting to know as many of my Minions as I can!
I was actually hugely unpopular growing up, so writing about some of those feelings and experiences through Vlad have been quite healing. But my son, Jacob, has also been an enormous source of inspiration. The reason, of course, that I chose to write about a teenage vampire is that it's what I know. I'm obsessed with vampire lore; I'm chock full of wit and sarcasm (not to mention humility...); and every vampire novel I've ever read has let me down at least in a small way. So I chose to write the book I wanted to read.
2.Could you consider Vladimir do be somewhat like you?
Vlad is very much like me. We think in the same way. Plus, we're both night people.
3.How many books will be in this series?
I have five books planned for the series. We'll get to see Vlad all the way through his high school graduation…if he lives that long.
4.Which character do you think developed the most in the book?
I'd have to say that Vlad developed the most. One minute, he's just an ordinary half-human, half-vampire teen. The next, he's kicking major paranormal butt.
5.What else are you working on, besides the series?
I'm working on a YA horror called DEVON'S PLAYGROUND right now. It's about a teenage boy who moves to a small town, where bad things happen…mostly involving a gang of kids with supernatural powers, and giant, winged, flesh-eating monsters.
6.Do you have any advice for other writers?
My best advice is this: learn how to take criticism. Whether it's from a friend, a critique partner, an agent, or an editor—you have to learn how to listen with an open mind when it comes to things that might be wrong with you story. It's a natural reaction to get that "yeah, but…" feeling when you hear someone say something critical of your work. But ignore that feeling and try to hear what they're really telling you.
7.What/Who are some of your favorite books and authors?
I adore Stephenie Meyer's TWILIGHT, as well as Robin McKinley's SUNSHINE, and Gena Showalter's OH MY GOTH. But the classics, like Bram Stoker's DRACULA, and Stephen King's SALEM LOT can't be ignored. Most recently, I've had the pleasure of reading Jackie Kessler's HELL ON EARTH series, and Richelle Mead's VAMPIRE ACADEMY. All of them were delicious in their own way.
8.Do you ever look in your books and say "Man, I wish I could change that"?
There comes a point where you just have to let it go. I've only read EGB once since it became an actual book, and luckily, didn't see anything that I was desperate to change. But when the books are in manuscript stage, oh yeah. All the time. ☺
9.How long have you been a writer?
All my life. ☺ But I didn't get really serious about it until about 2003.
10.What do you want to come for 2008 in your writing career?
I'd love to watch my Minion Horde (what I call my fan base) grow even more, and I look forward to getting to know as many of my Minions as I can!
- Mood:Teen Bookshelf-y
Author Interview-Justina Chen Headley
By, Teen Book-Shelf
By, Teen Book-Shelf
1.What Was Your Inspiration For "GIRL OVERBOARD"?
To tell you the truth, I watched a few too many episodes of My Super Sweet Sixteen on MTV! Those shows are like watching traffic accidents of teen lives—and yet you can’t look away. And then after I turned off the TV, I’d feel so repulsed at those kids’ devouring materialism AND my own weird fascination with their lives. So think of Girl Overboard as the dark side of the rags-to-richest story. I wanted to show what having it all really means. Like how Syrah knew that everyone who orbited around her only wanted access to her dad’s toys. Like how Syrah was raised by a nanny.
2.Do you think Syrah had any character development?
You bet! By the end of the book, Syrah has such a strong sense of herself—you just know that she’s not going to let anyone push her around. More than that, she knows what she wants in life: to be open to possibilities. That’s such a long way from where she starts in Girl Overboard.
3.Is this story based off of any of your life?
Like most people unfortunately, I know what it’s like to be used by someone. It hurts. And afterwards, you think to yourself, stunned: how did I not know? So I was able to channel a lot of those experiences into Syrah.
4.In one word, how could you describe your book?
Multi-layered.
5.Do you think Bao-Mu leaving Syrah for the short period of time, helped Syrah become stronger or if it was finding her REAL family?
I love this question! The short answer: absolutely. Syrah really needed to stand on her own. What Bao-Mu instilled in Syrah was the knowledge of unshakable love. She was so loved. But Syrah needed to know that she could fight for herself and what she wanted.
6. Could Syrah alter-ego?
Shiraz was Syrah’s manga alter-ego—able to do the things that Syrah wished she herself could do.
7.Which Character did you have the most fun writing about?
I must say, I loved it every time Bao-Mu came on scene. She was so strong and so clearly drawn in my head.
8.Any advice for other writers?
Read, read, read, read, read. And then write every day.
9.What else are you working on in the moment?
I just saw the cover for my next novel, NORTH OF BEAUTIFUL, which is due out in February, 2009. That was so exciting and makes the novel feel so real.
Now, I’m trying my hand at my first fantasy novel. It’s so much fun to write in a different genre. And the wonderful thing is, my agent and editor are incredibly supportive. They always tell me to write whatever I want. That’s really a blessing.
10.Will there be a sequel?
Hmmm…do you think there should be a sequel? More than with my first novel, NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH (and a few white lies), I can see sequel material for Syrah…if enough readers demand that her story continue.
11.Do you like manga?
I really love manga and the way stories can be told in that medium. I really wish I were artistic. I would definitely be a manga writer.
To tell you the truth, I watched a few too many episodes of My Super Sweet Sixteen on MTV! Those shows are like watching traffic accidents of teen lives—and yet you can’t look away. And then after I turned off the TV, I’d feel so repulsed at those kids’ devouring materialism AND my own weird fascination with their lives. So think of Girl Overboard as the dark side of the rags-to-richest story. I wanted to show what having it all really means. Like how Syrah knew that everyone who orbited around her only wanted access to her dad’s toys. Like how Syrah was raised by a nanny.
2.Do you think Syrah had any character development?
You bet! By the end of the book, Syrah has such a strong sense of herself—you just know that she’s not going to let anyone push her around. More than that, she knows what she wants in life: to be open to possibilities. That’s such a long way from where she starts in Girl Overboard.
3.Is this story based off of any of your life?
Like most people unfortunately, I know what it’s like to be used by someone. It hurts. And afterwards, you think to yourself, stunned: how did I not know? So I was able to channel a lot of those experiences into Syrah.
4.In one word, how could you describe your book?
Multi-layered.
5.Do you think Bao-Mu leaving Syrah for the short period of time, helped Syrah become stronger or if it was finding her REAL family?
I love this question! The short answer: absolutely. Syrah really needed to stand on her own. What Bao-Mu instilled in Syrah was the knowledge of unshakable love. She was so loved. But Syrah needed to know that she could fight for herself and what she wanted.
6. Could Syrah alter-ego?
Shiraz was Syrah’s manga alter-ego—able to do the things that Syrah wished she herself could do.
7.Which Character did you have the most fun writing about?
I must say, I loved it every time Bao-Mu came on scene. She was so strong and so clearly drawn in my head.
8.Any advice for other writers?
Read, read, read, read, read. And then write every day.
9.What else are you working on in the moment?
I just saw the cover for my next novel, NORTH OF BEAUTIFUL, which is due out in February, 2009. That was so exciting and makes the novel feel so real.
Now, I’m trying my hand at my first fantasy novel. It’s so much fun to write in a different genre. And the wonderful thing is, my agent and editor are incredibly supportive. They always tell me to write whatever I want. That’s really a blessing.
10.Will there be a sequel?
Hmmm…do you think there should be a sequel? More than with my first novel, NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH (and a few white lies), I can see sequel material for Syrah…if enough readers demand that her story continue.
11.Do you like manga?
I really love manga and the way stories can be told in that medium. I really wish I were artistic. I would definitely be a manga writer.
Hopefully we can see more of Justina in the future! We hoped you enjoyed this interview!
- Mood:Teen Bookshelf-y
Author Interview-Lauren Baratz-Logsted
By, Teen Book-Shelf
1.What was your inspiration for "SECRETS OF MY SUBURBAN LIFE"?
I wouldn’t say any one thing specifically inspired me to write this story, but always simmering in the back of my mind, for nearly as long as I can remember, is the notion that so much in life can change in a single instant; that’s pretty much what happens in Angel’s Choice, which was my first YA novel, too. Something happens, or you turn right instead of left, and everything that follows is altered. Life is like that. When my eight-year-old daughter was in kindergarten, her best friend’s father who was also a close friend of mine died. He and his wife were watching TV one night, she fell asleep for just ten minutes, and when she woke up he was dead. And then there’s the modern reality of going to work in the morning and having the skyscraper you work in brought down by a hijacked plane. The trick is in being aware of the tenuous nature of everything, and therefore appreciating the value of life, and yet still being able to go on and experience joy. I’m like that, and I think Ren is too.
2.How do you think Ren developed as a character?
I think Ren changed a lot! While staying true to her personality - quirky, resilient, individual - she got in touch with her own grief, learned to be more forgiving of the human flaws in others and herself, learned to see others more clearly, and further learned that letting others in doesn't make you less cool or weaker; it makes you more cool and stronger.
3.How can teens keep safe?
Be careful! If someone is making you uncomfortable, I’d say - corny as it sounds! - to report it to a trusted teacher or parent or even the police. If it’s happening on a popular online hangout like MySpace, then also report it to the management there – believe me, they don’t want predators there anymore than you do. You don’t want to start seeing shadows everywhere or cry wolf on the innocent, but you also don’t want to become a victim simply because you’re too nice or too scared or too ashamed to speak up.
4.If you had one word to describe your book, what would it be?
Unusual. Can I also say "quirky"? How about "original"? Actually, it's better if you call it original. Would you, please?
5.Any advice for other writers?
Read widely. I know that sounds like old-lady advice, but you have no idea how many people of all ages tell me they want to write, and then it turns out they never read anything! So read, read a lot, and be sure to read outside your comfort zone. You can learn a lot from people who write different things and you can often learn as much from what you don’t like as from what you do. Then, when you’re ready to write, please ignore the writing-school advice to “write what you know.” Rather, write about ideas and themes you’re dying to explore or write the world as you would like it to be. Finally, the last thing I say to every would-be writer, no matter what the age: If being a writer is what you truly dream to be, then always remember, the only person who can ever really take you out of the game is you.
6.What are you working on at the moment?
Read widely. I know that sounds like old-lady advice, but you have no idea how many people of all ages tell me they want to write, and then it turns out they never read anything! So read, read a lot, and be sure to read outside your comfort zone. You can learn a lot from people who write different things and you can often learn as much from what you don’t like as from what you do. Then, when you’re ready to write, please ignore the writing-school advice to “write what you know.” Rather, write about ideas and themes you’re dying to explore or write the world as you would like it to be. Finally, the last thing I say to every would-be writer, no matter what the age: If being a writer is what you truly dream to be, then always remember, the only person who can ever really take you out of the game is you.
7.What are some of your favorite books?
Ooh, I wish you'd narrowed this to YA or contemporary so I could cut down my long list! Since your site does focus on YA, though, I'm going to assume that's what you want and list my favorite YA and tween books from 2007:
Goose Girl ~ Shannon Hale The Invention of Hugo Cabret ~ Brian SelznickHarmless ~ Dana ReinhardtHow to Ruin a Summer Vacation ~ Simone ElkelesTwisted ~ Laurie Halse AndersonPeak ~ Roland Smith
....................
So that was the interview! We hoped you enjoyed it!
I wouldn’t say any one thing specifically inspired me to write this story, but always simmering in the back of my mind, for nearly as long as I can remember, is the notion that so much in life can change in a single instant; that’s pretty much what happens in Angel’s Choice, which was my first YA novel, too. Something happens, or you turn right instead of left, and everything that follows is altered. Life is like that. When my eight-year-old daughter was in kindergarten, her best friend’s father who was also a close friend of mine died. He and his wife were watching TV one night, she fell asleep for just ten minutes, and when she woke up he was dead. And then there’s the modern reality of going to work in the morning and having the skyscraper you work in brought down by a hijacked plane. The trick is in being aware of the tenuous nature of everything, and therefore appreciating the value of life, and yet still being able to go on and experience joy. I’m like that, and I think Ren is too.
2.How do you think Ren developed as a character?
I think Ren changed a lot! While staying true to her personality - quirky, resilient, individual - she got in touch with her own grief, learned to be more forgiving of the human flaws in others and herself, learned to see others more clearly, and further learned that letting others in doesn't make you less cool or weaker; it makes you more cool and stronger.
3.How can teens keep safe?
Be careful! If someone is making you uncomfortable, I’d say - corny as it sounds! - to report it to a trusted teacher or parent or even the police. If it’s happening on a popular online hangout like MySpace, then also report it to the management there – believe me, they don’t want predators there anymore than you do. You don’t want to start seeing shadows everywhere or cry wolf on the innocent, but you also don’t want to become a victim simply because you’re too nice or too scared or too ashamed to speak up.
4.If you had one word to describe your book, what would it be?
Unusual. Can I also say "quirky"? How about "original"? Actually, it's better if you call it original. Would you, please?
5.Any advice for other writers?
Read widely. I know that sounds like old-lady advice, but you have no idea how many people of all ages tell me they want to write, and then it turns out they never read anything! So read, read a lot, and be sure to read outside your comfort zone. You can learn a lot from people who write different things and you can often learn as much from what you don’t like as from what you do. Then, when you’re ready to write, please ignore the writing-school advice to “write what you know.” Rather, write about ideas and themes you’re dying to explore or write the world as you would like it to be. Finally, the last thing I say to every would-be writer, no matter what the age: If being a writer is what you truly dream to be, then always remember, the only person who can ever really take you out of the game is you.
6.What are you working on at the moment?
Read widely. I know that sounds like old-lady advice, but you have no idea how many people of all ages tell me they want to write, and then it turns out they never read anything! So read, read a lot, and be sure to read outside your comfort zone. You can learn a lot from people who write different things and you can often learn as much from what you don’t like as from what you do. Then, when you’re ready to write, please ignore the writing-school advice to “write what you know.” Rather, write about ideas and themes you’re dying to explore or write the world as you would like it to be. Finally, the last thing I say to every would-be writer, no matter what the age: If being a writer is what you truly dream to be, then always remember, the only person who can ever really take you out of the game is you.
7.What are some of your favorite books?
Ooh, I wish you'd narrowed this to YA or contemporary so I could cut down my long list! Since your site does focus on YA, though, I'm going to assume that's what you want and list my favorite YA and tween books from 2007:
Goose Girl ~ Shannon Hale The Invention of Hugo Cabret ~ Brian SelznickHarmless ~ Dana ReinhardtHow to Ruin a Summer Vacation ~ Simone ElkelesTwisted ~ Laurie Halse AndersonPeak ~ Roland Smith
....................
So that was the interview! We hoped you enjoyed it!
- Mood:Teen Bookshelf-y
Girl Overboard By, Justina Chen Headley
5 Stars
"The worst thing about having it all, is having to deal with it all - the good, the bad, and the just plain weird. Everybody thinks Syrah is the golden girl. After all, her father is Ethan Cheng, billionaire, and she has everything any kid could possibly desire, right down to a waterfront mansion, jet plane, and custom-designed snowboards. But as Syrah reveals in her manga journal, most of what glitters in her life is fool's gold. Her half-sibs hate her, her best friend's girlfriend is threatening their friendship, and a snowboarding accident exiles her from the mountains - the one place where she feels free and accepted for who she is, not what she has. After Syrah rehabs her busted-up knee and broken heart, makes a new friend, uncovers a family secret, and discovers a way to help a young girl with leukemia, she is finally able to realize her real worth." -Front Cover Flap.
At first, you are probably thinking this is just an average sports novel and how the girl gets everything she wants by the end. Well, I can tell you, you are absolutely wrong. This story is an amazing work by a fabulous author, Justina Chen Headley. It's about a girl, who has it all, but somehow is missing a piece of her life, and how she puts it together. Syrah, the main character developed as a girl who wanted to be a champion to a girl who wanted to make a difference. This book is for everyone who wants to make a difference. If you snowboard or not, you will still love this book!
Please go to www.burton.com/GoOverboardGrant , to learn more about the "Go Overboard Grant" and on how you can get a grant to 1000 dollars!
5 Stars
"The worst thing about having it all, is having to deal with it all - the good, the bad, and the just plain weird. Everybody thinks Syrah is the golden girl. After all, her father is Ethan Cheng, billionaire, and she has everything any kid could possibly desire, right down to a waterfront mansion, jet plane, and custom-designed snowboards. But as Syrah reveals in her manga journal, most of what glitters in her life is fool's gold. Her half-sibs hate her, her best friend's girlfriend is threatening their friendship, and a snowboarding accident exiles her from the mountains - the one place where she feels free and accepted for who she is, not what she has. After Syrah rehabs her busted-up knee and broken heart, makes a new friend, uncovers a family secret, and discovers a way to help a young girl with leukemia, she is finally able to realize her real worth." -Front Cover Flap.
At first, you are probably thinking this is just an average sports novel and how the girl gets everything she wants by the end. Well, I can tell you, you are absolutely wrong. This story is an amazing work by a fabulous author, Justina Chen Headley. It's about a girl, who has it all, but somehow is missing a piece of her life, and how she puts it together. Syrah, the main character developed as a girl who wanted to be a champion to a girl who wanted to make a difference. This book is for everyone who wants to make a difference. If you snowboard or not, you will still love this book!
Please go to www.burton.com/GoOverboardGrant , to learn more about the "Go Overboard Grant" and on how you can get a grant to 1000 dollars!
- Mood:Teen Bookshelf-y
Secrets Of My Suburban Life By, Lauren Baratz-Logsted
5 Stars
"Everything changed for Lauren ("Ren") after Harry Potter killed her mom. No, it's not what you think--Harry Potter didn't come to life and stab her or anything. A stack of those thick books crushed her. Now Ren is stuck out in the suburbs of Connecticut, dragged out there because her father is too grief stricken to continue living in New York. Ren tries to fit in at her new school, but the most popular girl, Farrin, keeps icing her out. Then Ren discovers that Farrin has a secret: She's been communicating online with an older man, and they are actually planning to meet! Ren can't let Farrin go through with it--she's witnessed enough tragic events as it is. So she comes up with the perfect plan to stop the perv. But then she finds out who he is..."-From Back Of The Book
I have to say, this book is an amazing piece of YA work. This book is a very unique book as well and a book I have never seen before. I believe every teen should read this book: this book will open up your eyes to the danger of internet cyber-stalkers and how to stop them. This book teaches everyone a lesson, for teens and parents. For teens, be careful on what you post or do on the internet, because most likely, you would never be able to delete it. For parents, watch what your teen is doing. You teen may think it's not fair, but you want them to be safe don't you?
At the end of the book, the author gives us an author note containing a link to a video, that you could watch on your Window Media Player or MAC. The link is http://www.netsmartz.org/stories/../medi
5 Stars
"Everything changed for Lauren ("Ren") after Harry Potter killed her mom. No, it's not what you think--Harry Potter didn't come to life and stab her or anything. A stack of those thick books crushed her. Now Ren is stuck out in the suburbs of Connecticut, dragged out there because her father is too grief stricken to continue living in New York. Ren tries to fit in at her new school, but the most popular girl, Farrin, keeps icing her out. Then Ren discovers that Farrin has a secret: She's been communicating online with an older man, and they are actually planning to meet! Ren can't let Farrin go through with it--she's witnessed enough tragic events as it is. So she comes up with the perfect plan to stop the perv. But then she finds out who he is..."-From Back Of The Book
I have to say, this book is an amazing piece of YA work. This book is a very unique book as well and a book I have never seen before. I believe every teen should read this book: this book will open up your eyes to the danger of internet cyber-stalkers and how to stop them. This book teaches everyone a lesson, for teens and parents. For teens, be careful on what you post or do on the internet, because most likely, you would never be able to delete it. For parents, watch what your teen is doing. You teen may think it's not fair, but you want them to be safe don't you?
At the end of the book, the author gives us an author note containing a link to a video, that you could watch on your Window Media Player or MAC. The link is http://www.netsmartz.org/stories/../medi
- Mood:Teen Bookshelf-y
Author Interview-Brian Sloan
By, Teen Book-Shelf
1.What was your inspiration for "A REALLY NICE PROM MESS"?
I have always been interested in the "real time" genre of storytelling where the whole thing takes place in one day or one night. Also, being a filmmaker too, a lot of my inspiration as a writer comes from other movies. One of my favorite movies is AFTER HOURS and that was a big inspiration to me when it came to thinking about PROM MESS. I thought it would be fun to try and do a high school version of that movie.
2.Could you relate with Cameron?
Cameron tends to act before he thinks while I'm generally the opposite. In fact, I sometimes never get to the acting part, just the thinking. But, on the other hand, I've heard from friends of mine that some of the funnier things Cameron says sound a lot like some of the things I have said. So I can't totally deny that we have a few things in common personality-wise. But Cameron is definitely very different situationally because I never had a boyfriend in high school. Man--that would have been awesome!
3.Is this prom experience anything like yours?
It wasn't like my senior prom, that's for sure. That event was actually a lot of fun for me as I had a girlfriend(!) and we loved dancing. (She should have known then, right?) However, the inciting incident of the book was inspired by another high school dance where I got set up with this girl who I didn't know and when I arrived to pick her up at her house that afternoon she was a bit drunk. It was sorta bizzare and sorta funny too. Actually, the one direct quote from life is how she tells her mother that she'll come home when she feels like it. I mean sometimes you can't make-up stuff that is that good!
4.How do you think Cameron developed to a more matured teenager?
I'm glad to hear that you assume Cam did develop into a more mature teen! :) But I do think the prom experience was probably a big turning point in his life. I think that through all the craziness of that night, Cam learned that while dishonesty might work in the short term it only leads to major trouble in the long term. And to me that's really what the book is about; Cameron learning how to be honest. Not only with himself but with others too. That is a big step on the road to maturity for anyone.
5.Will there be a sequel?
I have had some vague thoughts about another book reuniting Cameron and the whole gang and having them all working at some crazy summer job together. But, right now, there is nothing concrete in the works. In some ways, I would find it hard to top all the action and excitement that got crammed into the one night of PROM MESS. But it would be fun to see everyone a few years down the road and how they've changed. I imagine that Cam will continue to get himself into messes but, hopefully, will figure out better ways to deal with them.
6.Have you ever had a boyfriend like Shane?
Oh man---everyone wants to know who the real Shane is! Well, to be brutally honest, I have to admit that a lot of Shane comes directly from me. I am not a jock as the only sport I ever excelled in was bowling. However, a few years ago I was in a relationship where I was not that appreciative of my boyfriend at the time and sorta took him for granted in the same way that Shane treats Cam. And, just like Shane, I couldn't even see I was doing anything wrong. So that situation really helped me relate to Shane's struggle in some ways and write his character.
7.What do you think is going on with Cameron right now, like he was a real person?
It's funny you ask that. Cameron is pretty real to me. I think as an author you have to believe your characters exist, otherwise no one else will believe your story when reading it. So, with that in mind, I think Cameron is probably enjoying college life at UVA as an out and proud gay dude who is dating a totally hot junior who is on the lacrosse team. ;)
8.Will this book become a movie?
Actually, the whole thing started out as a movie. Sort of. When I gradated from film school, I wrote the basic story outline of PROM MESS as a treatment for what I had hoped would be my first feature film. But it didn't go anywhere because the concept of a gay teen protagonist was a little out there at the time. But, now that PROM MESS is doing well as a book and paperback, there has been some interest in Hollywood lately to make it into a movie. So we'll see what happens...
9.If you could choose a cast, who would you cast for Cam, Shane, Viginia, and Jane?
The easiest one for me to cast is Lindsay Lohan as Virginia....she would be awesome! I think she is incredibly talented, especially with comedy. The FREAKY FRIDAY remake she did was hilarious. As for the rest of the gang, a hot Shane/Cam combo would be Chace Crawford and Penn Badgley from GOSSIP GIRL. They would be such a cute bickering couple, no? For Jane, Amanda Bynes is pretty funny and she was fantastic in HAIRSPRAY. Wow...this is getting me excited to do the movie! As things develop on that front, I will post any news on my website, www.briansloan.com. So check it out--and thanks for your interest in PROM MESS and the great questions too. Take care!
I have always been interested in the "real time" genre of storytelling where the whole thing takes place in one day or one night. Also, being a filmmaker too, a lot of my inspiration as a writer comes from other movies. One of my favorite movies is AFTER HOURS and that was a big inspiration to me when it came to thinking about PROM MESS. I thought it would be fun to try and do a high school version of that movie.
2.Could you relate with Cameron?
Cameron tends to act before he thinks while I'm generally the opposite. In fact, I sometimes never get to the acting part, just the thinking. But, on the other hand, I've heard from friends of mine that some of the funnier things Cameron says sound a lot like some of the things I have said. So I can't totally deny that we have a few things in common personality-wise. But Cameron is definitely very different situationally because I never had a boyfriend in high school. Man--that would have been awesome!
3.Is this prom experience anything like yours?
It wasn't like my senior prom, that's for sure. That event was actually a lot of fun for me as I had a girlfriend(!) and we loved dancing. (She should have known then, right?) However, the inciting incident of the book was inspired by another high school dance where I got set up with this girl who I didn't know and when I arrived to pick her up at her house that afternoon she was a bit drunk. It was sorta bizzare and sorta funny too. Actually, the one direct quote from life is how she tells her mother that she'll come home when she feels like it. I mean sometimes you can't make-up stuff that is that good!
4.How do you think Cameron developed to a more matured teenager?
I'm glad to hear that you assume Cam did develop into a more mature teen! :) But I do think the prom experience was probably a big turning point in his life. I think that through all the craziness of that night, Cam learned that while dishonesty might work in the short term it only leads to major trouble in the long term. And to me that's really what the book is about; Cameron learning how to be honest. Not only with himself but with others too. That is a big step on the road to maturity for anyone.
5.Will there be a sequel?
I have had some vague thoughts about another book reuniting Cameron and the whole gang and having them all working at some crazy summer job together. But, right now, there is nothing concrete in the works. In some ways, I would find it hard to top all the action and excitement that got crammed into the one night of PROM MESS. But it would be fun to see everyone a few years down the road and how they've changed. I imagine that Cam will continue to get himself into messes but, hopefully, will figure out better ways to deal with them.
6.Have you ever had a boyfriend like Shane?
Oh man---everyone wants to know who the real Shane is! Well, to be brutally honest, I have to admit that a lot of Shane comes directly from me. I am not a jock as the only sport I ever excelled in was bowling. However, a few years ago I was in a relationship where I was not that appreciative of my boyfriend at the time and sorta took him for granted in the same way that Shane treats Cam. And, just like Shane, I couldn't even see I was doing anything wrong. So that situation really helped me relate to Shane's struggle in some ways and write his character.
7.What do you think is going on with Cameron right now, like he was a real person?
It's funny you ask that. Cameron is pretty real to me. I think as an author you have to believe your characters exist, otherwise no one else will believe your story when reading it. So, with that in mind, I think Cameron is probably enjoying college life at UVA as an out and proud gay dude who is dating a totally hot junior who is on the lacrosse team. ;)
8.Will this book become a movie?
Actually, the whole thing started out as a movie. Sort of. When I gradated from film school, I wrote the basic story outline of PROM MESS as a treatment for what I had hoped would be my first feature film. But it didn't go anywhere because the concept of a gay teen protagonist was a little out there at the time. But, now that PROM MESS is doing well as a book and paperback, there has been some interest in Hollywood lately to make it into a movie. So we'll see what happens...
9.If you could choose a cast, who would you cast for Cam, Shane, Viginia, and Jane?
The easiest one for me to cast is Lindsay Lohan as Virginia....she would be awesome! I think she is incredibly talented, especially with comedy. The FREAKY FRIDAY remake she did was hilarious. As for the rest of the gang, a hot Shane/Cam combo would be Chace Crawford and Penn Badgley from GOSSIP GIRL. They would be such a cute bickering couple, no? For Jane, Amanda Bynes is pretty funny and she was fantastic in HAIRSPRAY. Wow...this is getting me excited to do the movie! As things develop on that front, I will post any news on my website, www.briansloan.com. So check it out--and thanks for your interest in PROM MESS and the great questions too. Take care!
- Mood:Teen Bookshelf-y
A Really Nice Prom Mess By, Brian Sloan
4 Stars
"High school senior Cameron Hayes gets coerced into going to the prom with a girl, even though he'd rather be with his boyfriend. The evening goes from bad to worse when his fake date gets sloshed, his boyfriend slugs him when he sees Cam kissing his fake date, and Cam flees the prom in disguise with a drug dealer. Then things really spin out of control. Over the course of one harrowing and hysterical night, Cameron's life comes undone, leading to accidental revelations, criminal adventures, and an unlikely romance."-From Front Cover Flap.
I love this book! This story is about one young man's horrible, but somewhat fun prom night. You go through him meeting his offensive fake prom date to going to meeting a very charming bisexual drug dealer. Along Cameron's way he goes to a bar, falls in love, and makes ammends to his current relationship. This book is very funny and very unique.
Though, I think that the main character may have got a lucky ending with all of the partying, but still it's such a great book. This is a mature book, and 15 and up should read it
4 Stars
"High school senior Cameron Hayes gets coerced into going to the prom with a girl, even though he'd rather be with his boyfriend. The evening goes from bad to worse when his fake date gets sloshed, his boyfriend slugs him when he sees Cam kissing his fake date, and Cam flees the prom in disguise with a drug dealer. Then things really spin out of control. Over the course of one harrowing and hysterical night, Cameron's life comes undone, leading to accidental revelations, criminal adventures, and an unlikely romance."-From Front Cover Flap.
I love this book! This story is about one young man's horrible, but somewhat fun prom night. You go through him meeting his offensive fake prom date to going to meeting a very charming bisexual drug dealer. Along Cameron's way he goes to a bar, falls in love, and makes ammends to his current relationship. This book is very funny and very unique.
Though, I think that the main character may have got a lucky ending with all of the partying, but still it's such a great book. This is a mature book, and 15 and up should read it
- Mood:Teen Bookshelf-y
Author Interview-Laura Ruby
By, Teen Book-Shelf
1.What was your inspiration for "GOOD GIRLS"?
The short answer: I was mad.
The longer answer: A few years ago, I was between projects and watching a lot of TV. There was a ton of dumb stuff on, much of it about sex (yeah yeah, I know, big news there). But as I watched some of this stuff, I started thinking that a lot of it seemed designed to humiliate girls or make them feel like garbage (think Girls Gone Wild, MTV's Spring Break, etc.) And that made *me* really angry. I started thinking about how all those camera phones make it so easy to catch everyone and everything on video. I wondered what a nice, normal high school girl would do if someone took a movie or a picture of her and passed it around. How would she ever live it down?
2.How do you advise teens to be careful when at parties?
Well, I think it's always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings, whether you're at a party or wherever. And I'd say that it's never a good idea to let anyone take a picture of you that you wouldn't want sent to other people, posted on the Internet, etc. (because it could happen so easily).
3.Do you think there was any character development for any of the characters, including Audrey?
I think that Audrey, Ash and Pam really changed the most over the course of the book. Audrey developed a lot of strength that she never knew she had, Ash learned to be more open and forgiving (of herself most of all), and Pam had to own up her mistakes.
4.Do you think Ash was kind of hurtful to her at some points or being a good friend?
Oh, I think Ash was pretty hurtful at times. When we ourselves are hurt, it's hard to be sympathetic to other people. Ash's heart was broken and I think deep down she blamed herself for that. It was hard for her to see Audrey hurt, but it was also hard not to blame Audrey for it.
5.What character are you most alike and why?
I'd say I'm a combination of Ash and Joelle. I'm a poetry AND a drama geek.
6.What are you currently working on?
I just finished a new book called Play Me, about a guy "player" who has his heart broken by the one girl who can do it.
7.What are some of your "New Year Resolutions"?
To cut down on the coffee. And I can tell you it's not going well.
8.Which character did you have the most fun writing about?
Pam. She's so old school, so retro. She was angry and mean and very real to me. I had a great time with her dialogue.
9.Which character did you despise?
Even though there are some despicable characters in Good Girls -- Chilly to name just one -- I didn't despise any of them. As their creator, I must have some understanding, even sympathy for even my worst characters. If I hated them, I wouldn't write them very well. They'd turn into cartoons rather than people.
10.Is this book anything like your own life?
Fortunately, I never had to suffer the kind of humiliation that Audrey did, but I'd say the friendships are very much like friendships I've had and continue to have. I'd never make it without my friends!
The short answer: I was mad.
The longer answer: A few years ago, I was between projects and watching a lot of TV. There was a ton of dumb stuff on, much of it about sex (yeah yeah, I know, big news there). But as I watched some of this stuff, I started thinking that a lot of it seemed designed to humiliate girls or make them feel like garbage (think Girls Gone Wild, MTV's Spring Break, etc.) And that made *me* really angry. I started thinking about how all those camera phones make it so easy to catch everyone and everything on video. I wondered what a nice, normal high school girl would do if someone took a movie or a picture of her and passed it around. How would she ever live it down?
2.How do you advise teens to be careful when at parties?
Well, I think it's always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings, whether you're at a party or wherever. And I'd say that it's never a good idea to let anyone take a picture of you that you wouldn't want sent to other people, posted on the Internet, etc. (because it could happen so easily).
3.Do you think there was any character development for any of the characters, including Audrey?
I think that Audrey, Ash and Pam really changed the most over the course of the book. Audrey developed a lot of strength that she never knew she had, Ash learned to be more open and forgiving (of herself most of all), and Pam had to own up her mistakes.
4.Do you think Ash was kind of hurtful to her at some points or being a good friend?
Oh, I think Ash was pretty hurtful at times. When we ourselves are hurt, it's hard to be sympathetic to other people. Ash's heart was broken and I think deep down she blamed herself for that. It was hard for her to see Audrey hurt, but it was also hard not to blame Audrey for it.
5.What character are you most alike and why?
I'd say I'm a combination of Ash and Joelle. I'm a poetry AND a drama geek.
6.What are you currently working on?
I just finished a new book called Play Me, about a guy "player" who has his heart broken by the one girl who can do it.
7.What are some of your "New Year Resolutions"?
To cut down on the coffee. And I can tell you it's not going well.
8.Which character did you have the most fun writing about?
Pam. She's so old school, so retro. She was angry and mean and very real to me. I had a great time with her dialogue.
9.Which character did you despise?
Even though there are some despicable characters in Good Girls -- Chilly to name just one -- I didn't despise any of them. As their creator, I must have some understanding, even sympathy for even my worst characters. If I hated them, I wouldn't write them very well. They'd turn into cartoons rather than people.
10.Is this book anything like your own life?
Fortunately, I never had to suffer the kind of humiliation that Audrey did, but I'd say the friendships are very much like friendships I've had and continue to have. I'd never make it without my friends!
- Mood:Teen Bookshelf-y
Good Girls By, Laura Ruby
4 1/2 Stars
"Some people would say this is the story of a photograph. How it was taken and what happened to me after the whole world saw it.
And it is.
But it's also the story of a lot of other things. A boy so beautiful he's like a punch to the throat. Best friends--the outrageous old ones and the out of the blue new. It's about fishnets and eyebrow rings and a chick named Hamlet. Kick lines at luberyards and conga lines at the prom. Cying in cars and gazing at stars. Mistakes, misunderstandings and misconceptions. Good girls, bad boys, and everyone in between.
This is a story about love.
So look at the picture all you want; I am so much more than what you see."-From Front Cover Flap.
This book is truly a unique book about one girl's crazy mistake. I think every teenager should read this; I believe that we don't think this could happen to us, but it really can. One simple mistake, and your whole high school life is ruined. There was really nothing bad in this book or any CC. The only I give though, is that it's kind of scary; this is just like reality. This book will take you on a wild ride of one girl's mistake and how she puts her life back together. I do say though, don't let your little sister or brother read this; this is a pretty mature book. The reason is, there is a few mature scenes. This book is for 15 and up I think.
This book again, was a truly unique work, from such an amazing author. This makes me want to see more of Laura's work.
4 1/2 Stars
"Some people would say this is the story of a photograph. How it was taken and what happened to me after the whole world saw it.
And it is.
But it's also the story of a lot of other things. A boy so beautiful he's like a punch to the throat. Best friends--the outrageous old ones and the out of the blue new. It's about fishnets and eyebrow rings and a chick named Hamlet. Kick lines at luberyards and conga lines at the prom. Cying in cars and gazing at stars. Mistakes, misunderstandings and misconceptions. Good girls, bad boys, and everyone in between.
This is a story about love.
So look at the picture all you want; I am so much more than what you see."-From Front Cover Flap.
This book is truly a unique book about one girl's crazy mistake. I think every teenager should read this; I believe that we don't think this could happen to us, but it really can. One simple mistake, and your whole high school life is ruined. There was really nothing bad in this book or any CC. The only I give though, is that it's kind of scary; this is just like reality. This book will take you on a wild ride of one girl's mistake and how she puts her life back together. I do say though, don't let your little sister or brother read this; this is a pretty mature book. The reason is, there is a few mature scenes. This book is for 15 and up I think.
This book again, was a truly unique work, from such an amazing author. This makes me want to see more of Laura's work.
- Mood:Teen Bookshelf-y
Author Interview- Marina Kuperman
By, Teen Book-Shelf
1.Why did you decide to write a book like "Turtle Feet, Surfer's Beat"?I went to visit the turtles for the first time as a tourist, and when I saw thesecreatures for the first time I was so moved it was intense. Afterwards I foundout that they are the number one endangered marine animal in the world and I gotinspired to write a fun book to educate and entertain at the same time.
2.How do you think Penelope develops into a mature woman; was ithelping with the turtles, Penelope finding love, etc?She matures most with the work with the turtles. When one discovers who theyreally are when they have a goal in life, and automatically mature!
3.Is this book anything like your life? I guess I can relate to Penelope, I toogrew up in a typical suburb. However, I never had such awesomeexperiences of understanding the problems of the world until much later in life, but we're allyoung forever, really:)
4.Which character could you relate to the most? Penelope for her will and alsofor her love of surfers:)
5.If you had one word to describe your book, what would it be?Adventure!
6.Are you working on any other novels or books; will there be a sequel?I'm working on another novel about a skater girl who is actually handicapped, and howshe struggles with the obstacles of a male oriented sport to come outas a champion.
7.How can teens help out with the Leatherback Turtles? First they can understandall that affects the turtle. For instance don't throw plastic bags or any garbagefor that matter into the oceans. Join organizations that work with marineconservation and preservation. There are so many fun things you can do and it will help keep the turtles alive and safe.
So, there you have it! We hope to see more of Marina in the near future. And please, help out with the enviroment. It doesn't matter if you are young or old. Animal and our Earth need you! Soon there will be a link on Book Scene on helping out, but for now, check out www.turtlefeetsurfersbeat.com for more!
- Mood:Teen Bookshelf-y
Turtle Feet, Surfer's Beat By, Marina Kuperman.
5 Stars
"What happens when a suburban girl gets transported to Costa Rica's most famous surf town with one of the only Leatherback Turtle sanctuaries in the world?
Two unexpected and extraordinary loves!
Penelope takes you on a journey of discovery as she fights the updhill battle to save the critically endandgered Leatherback from complete extinction. But hang ten dudes! In the process she gets some help. One lonely night, as she's patrolling the beach for turtle poachers she stumbles and falls directly into the arms of the local surf champ. Together they are submerged into an epic romance with head-high waves, perfect barrels, and a strong determination to preserve marine life" -Description from book.
First off, I love this book. It's something original, romanctic, and amazing. The author worked hard to get the feel of Costa Rican life, as she lives there herself. I love how it's not just romance; it's an adventure to save these endangered turtles! And with that being said, buy this book. Every proceeds go to helping the Leatherback Turtle. Please help this issue out. The only thing is, one time it got a little off of the turtles, and it just went through romance, for the part of the time, but that was the main character developing.
Please visit www.turtlefeetsurfersbeat.com for more information on how you can save these extraordinary creatures. Book Scene has even been inspired enough, to work on a page on the site, that should be coming soon around late January 2008.
5 Stars
"What happens when a suburban girl gets transported to Costa Rica's most famous surf town with one of the only Leatherback Turtle sanctuaries in the world?
Two unexpected and extraordinary loves!
Penelope takes you on a journey of discovery as she fights the updhill battle to save the critically endandgered Leatherback from complete extinction. But hang ten dudes! In the process she gets some help. One lonely night, as she's patrolling the beach for turtle poachers she stumbles and falls directly into the arms of the local surf champ. Together they are submerged into an epic romance with head-high waves, perfect barrels, and a strong determination to preserve marine life" -Description from book.
First off, I love this book. It's something original, romanctic, and amazing. The author worked hard to get the feel of Costa Rican life, as she lives there herself. I love how it's not just romance; it's an adventure to save these endangered turtles! And with that being said, buy this book. Every proceeds go to helping the Leatherback Turtle. Please help this issue out. The only thing is, one time it got a little off of the turtles, and it just went through romance, for the part of the time, but that was the main character developing.
Please visit www.turtlefeetsurfersbeat.com for more information on how you can save these extraordinary creatures. Book Scene has even been inspired enough, to work on a page on the site, that should be coming soon around late January 2008.
- Mood:Teen Bookshelf-y
Author Interview-Brian Sloan
By, Teen Book-Shelf
1.What was your inspiration for TALE?The main inspiration was probably my best friend from high school, who I'm still in touch with. I wasn't "out" to him in high school, or anyone for that matter as I didn't really figure that stuff out til I was in college. But when I did come out to him, our friendship changed and actually deepened as we had these very interesting dialogues about sex and love and life in general. Usually I think the perception is that there is this huge divide between the straight world and the gay world but, with our friendship, I found that this wasn't the case. I always thought our friendship was pretty interesting in that way and thought it would be cool to try and write a book about that.
2.Is this book anything like your own personal life?Since I didn't really get that I was gay until after high school, the book is pretty far from my actual experiences as a teenager. And I didn't fall in love with any hot French guys--though that would have been awesome! :) There are some details in the book, though, that are drawn from my life like the locale. I grew up in Kensington and Wheaton, Maryland and I hung out at Wheaton Plaza a lot, though it was much trashier back in the day. I even took a driving course at Einstein High School which made me the terrible driver I am today. The one character, actually, who is most true to life is Brett. She is very much based on the girl who sat next to me at Einstein and, despite all those boring classes, she never learned how to drive. I sometimes wonder where she is and how she gets around.
3.In one word, how could you describe TALE?Hmmmm--how about two? For me, the book is about friendship and love. First and foremost, I see the book ultimately as the story of Chuck and Hal's friendship and how it changes yet survives over the course of a very action-packed summer. Secondly, the book is about that first big love which can be scary, thrilling, confusing and totally hot all once. I really wanted the book to capture that feeling of being in love for the first time, both from the gay and straight perspective so that people could see that it's really the exact same feeling. That is my subversive little message to all the people out there who still think there is something wrong or immoral about being gay. My answer is and has always been "what's so terrible about falling in love"?
4.Is there any other books you are working on in the moment?Right now, I'm working on a high school movie actually. It's called PROM QUEENS and it's an indie film a trio of unique girls with a bit of a gay twist to it. We are just starting to cast it now but if we get Zac Efron, I'll be sure to let you know!
5.Who and/or what are your inspirations?So many things inspire me, from other authors to movies to theatre. I live in New York, in the middle of Greenwich Village, so sometimes taking a simple walk to the grocey store can be inspiring! But I have to say that usually my greatest inspiration comes from my friends. They are always encouraging me and always keeping me going as a writer. Some of them have even been the inspiration for characters in my books and films. But the names are always changed, as I like to say, to protect the guilty. ;)
6.Who are some of your favorite authors?Michael Chabon is one of my all-time favorites because his first novel, THE MYSTERIES OF PITTSBURGH was a huge inspiration for me. I also like Phillip Roth, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Tennesse Williams (his short stories are amazing!),Harold Brodkey and Paul Russell.
7.What are some of your favorite books?Oh wow--so many. Here's some of the greatest hits that I return to again and again: KAVALIER AND CLAY, BREAKFAST AT TIFFANYS (the actual book is soooo different from the movie!), CATCHER IN THE RYE, THE SWIMMING POOL LIBRARY, AT SWIM TWO BOYS, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, THE AWAKENING.8.Any advice for other writers?Keep writing! Every day if possible. Either in a journal or a blog or a notebook...somewhere or anywhere. It doesn't matter as long as you do it. If you don't exercise those writing muscles, they will never grow and neither will your writing. People are always asking me "how do you become a writer" and I have a tendency to give the smart-ass answer which is "write!". But it really is true. That's the only way it will happen because if you don't write it down you will never know.
- Mood:Teen Bookshelf-y
A Tale Of Two Summers By, Brian Sloan
4 Stars
"A ten-year best friendship is put to the test when Chuck and Hal spend their first summer apart falling for two questionable mates: a sexy Saudi songstress and a smokin' hot French punk. As Chuck heads off to summer theater camp and Hal stays in their hometown, learning how to drive, they keep in touch via blogging, reporting to each other about their suddenly separate lives and often ridiculous romantic entanglements. As both their relationships take some unexpected turns, Hal and Chuck struggle to come to terms with their growing differences while trying to keep their friendship alive."-From Back Of Book.
This book is a book about friendship, trust, and most importantly love. In the beginning we meet two best friends, Chuck and Hal. Both two different people, who have a connection that one cannot break. But what happens when things change and they become older and grow on. Will the friendship last forever?
This book reminds me of TTYL with the whole internet thing. Though the two stories are nothing alike, I just loved seeing another book written like reading a blog. You see the two different view points from the friends, as they go on as friends, but then learn each other's secrets. Although, there is only one thing I didn't like, this book is a great book for anyone.
Sometimes, the blogs were hard to understand, but still you should read this book regardless of who you are!
4 Stars
"A ten-year best friendship is put to the test when Chuck and Hal spend their first summer apart falling for two questionable mates: a sexy Saudi songstress and a smokin' hot French punk. As Chuck heads off to summer theater camp and Hal stays in their hometown, learning how to drive, they keep in touch via blogging, reporting to each other about their suddenly separate lives and often ridiculous romantic entanglements. As both their relationships take some unexpected turns, Hal and Chuck struggle to come to terms with their growing differences while trying to keep their friendship alive."-From Back Of Book.
This book is a book about friendship, trust, and most importantly love. In the beginning we meet two best friends, Chuck and Hal. Both two different people, who have a connection that one cannot break. But what happens when things change and they become older and grow on. Will the friendship last forever?
This book reminds me of TTYL with the whole internet thing. Though the two stories are nothing alike, I just loved seeing another book written like reading a blog. You see the two different view points from the friends, as they go on as friends, but then learn each other's secrets. Although, there is only one thing I didn't like, this book is a great book for anyone.
Sometimes, the blogs were hard to understand, but still you should read this book regardless of who you are!
- Mood:Teen Bookshelf-y
The Secret Life Of A Teenage Siren By, Wendy Toliver
5 Stars
Roxy's about to celebrate her sixteenth birthday, but life isn't so sweet. as a band geek with frizzy hair and thick glasses, Roxy can barely gt the cute guys to notice her, much less to go out with her. Then, at the exact moment she turns sixteen, Roxy is transformed into a Siren. She can't believe it's for real. (After all, Sirens only exist in ancient myth!). Now Roxy can get any guys she wants, with just a few notes on her flute.
There are only two rules: don't tell anyone about being a Siren, and don't fall in love. To put her powers to the test, Roxy decides to date Zach, the guy everybody's crushing on. With her new look and Zach by her side, Roxy could get used to this Siren thing...but how can she keep herself from fall in love?
This book is an amazingly writting romantic comedy. Probably one of the best for the "Simon Pulse Romantic Comedies" series. At the beginning of the book, we meet the down-to-earth, every day girl, named Roxy. When she turns sixteen, her secreted grandmother comes over and tells her a huge secret:Roxy is a Siren! Roxy is excited; she can get any guy she wants to, but there is two little rules that make a HUGE different: One-Never tell anyone your a Siren and Two-You can never fall in love. And when Roxy finds the perfect love, will she stay truthful with being a Siren?
The book "The Secret Life Of A Teenage Siren" is Wendy Toliver's debut book, which is such a great impression to the YA book world. This book had so many things wonderful about it and such an original plot. I believe there is not one thing wrong about this book. This book is for any teen who is on the look out for a good romantic comedy.
5 Stars
Roxy's about to celebrate her sixteenth birthday, but life isn't so sweet. as a band geek with frizzy hair and thick glasses, Roxy can barely gt the cute guys to notice her, much less to go out with her. Then, at the exact moment she turns sixteen, Roxy is transformed into a Siren. She can't believe it's for real. (After all, Sirens only exist in ancient myth!). Now Roxy can get any guys she wants, with just a few notes on her flute.
There are only two rules: don't tell anyone about being a Siren, and don't fall in love. To put her powers to the test, Roxy decides to date Zach, the guy everybody's crushing on. With her new look and Zach by her side, Roxy could get used to this Siren thing...but how can she keep herself from fall in love?
This book is an amazingly writting romantic comedy. Probably one of the best for the "Simon Pulse Romantic Comedies" series. At the beginning of the book, we meet the down-to-earth, every day girl, named Roxy. When she turns sixteen, her secreted grandmother comes over and tells her a huge secret:Roxy is a Siren! Roxy is excited; she can get any guy she wants to, but there is two little rules that make a HUGE different: One-Never tell anyone your a Siren and Two-You can never fall in love. And when Roxy finds the perfect love, will she stay truthful with being a Siren?
The book "The Secret Life Of A Teenage Siren" is Wendy Toliver's debut book, which is such a great impression to the YA book world. This book had so many things wonderful about it and such an original plot. I believe there is not one thing wrong about this book. This book is for any teen who is on the look out for a good romantic comedy.
- Mood:Teen Bookshelf-y
Author Interview
Lauren Myracle
By, Teen Book-Shelf
1.What made you want to be a writer?
You know, for me this is one of those odd questions that doesn't really have an answer. I didn't *choose* to want to be a writer; I was wired that way. I love books so much--they've always been incredibly important to me. And I always knew that I wanted to do something I believed in. Writing stories was a natural fit.
2.What inspired you for the TTYL series?
2.What inspired you for the TTYL series?
My editor! My coolio wonderful editor, who had a convo with me about how different girls' lives are than in the olden days when--ahem--we were teenagers. We talked and talked, and from that came the idea of writing an entire novel (which turned into three novels!) all in IMs.
3.Will there be any more sequels to TTYL?
3.Will there be any more sequels to TTYL?
Aye-yai-yai. The big question. I'd LOVE to, but at the same time, I don't want to write some crappy shouldn't-have-been sequel that everyone clucks in regret over. So right now...the answer is, "No comment!"
4.If you had one word to describe TTYL, TTFN, and L8r G8r, what would it be?To quote dear Angela: +superflyingtacklepounce!+
5.What are your favorite books?
4.If you had one word to describe TTYL, TTFN, and L8r G8r, what would it be?To quote dear Angela: +superflyingtacklepounce!+
5.What are your favorite books?
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee; all of Beverly Cleary's Ramona books; anything by Flannery O'Connor. Yahoo!
6.Which character from your books are you most alike with?
6.Which character from your books are you most alike with?
Oh good golly. Winnie from the Eleven series + Zoe from the ttyl series, I guess!
7.Who are your inspirations.
7.Who are your inspirations.
My goofy silly husband, my kids, my parents, my writer buddies, my buddies in general. I am inspired by MANY wonderful peeps!
8.What's next for you?
8.What's next for you?
La la la, all sorts of stuff! Thirteen comes out in February, wh-hoo! And then, in May, How to Be Bad comes out, which I co-wrote with two fabulous writer buds, Sarah Mlynowski and E. Lockhart. Writing that novel was *ridiculously* fun. And, I'm working on a prequel to Rhymes with Witches called Bliss...and I'm working on a YA novel called Peace, Love, and Baby Ducks. Whew! And there ya have it. :)
Thanks for the opportunity to chat!
- Mood:Teen Bookshelf-y
