Books I Love: High and Dry

I've been immersing myself in Veronica Mars for the past month. As a die-hard fan of the original show, of course I jumped at the chance to join the Kickstarter campaign last year to get the film on the big screen. As you likely know, that campaign was a huge success, shattering records left and right and, most importantly, resurrecting my beloved Veronica (and Logan, let's face it).

After I saw the movie in theaters, I rewatched the whole series, then watched the movie again, and then read the book that just came out (The Thousand-Dollar Tanline). Like I said: immersive!

But what's a Veronica Mars fan to do while she impatiently waits for the second book (and, hopefully, a Veronica Mars 2 movie*cough*Rob Thomas*cough*...)? Might I recommend picking up Sarah Skilton's just-released High & Dry?

Several years ago, I went on a noir kick, reading classics from the likes of Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler and Mickey Spillane. I discovered so much nuance to this genre--the language, the prototypical characters and, of course, the mysteries. I really got into it--especially the hard-boiled private dick speak, see? I found the genre almost otherworldly in its depictions and yet, so wildly fun to read.

This is why I think High and Dry is particularly a work of genius. It takes noir to the world of contemporary high school (much like VM did), dives in headfirst, and totally works. It's a deeply stylized book that examines the seedy underbelly of its setting in exactly the same way Hammett and Spillane would. Yet, despite this stylization, it remains so truthful to the darker side of high school life. And, of course, it has a wonderful mystery at its center. (Also, I am now going to fully admit that when I first read this, I totally imagined main character Charlie as Logan Echolls. Which upped the smoldering/dreamy factor for me. You are welcome to steal this visualization).

Give it a whirl. And, if you like it and haven't had a chance to read The Thin Man or The Big Sleep yet, I would wholeheartedly recommend them, too.

Books I Love: 'The Night Circus'

In a strange turn of events, I've been feeling a little restless and uninspired with my reading lately.

I think there's been a lot going on in my personal and professional and writing life that I'm trying to figure out and that has transpired over to my reading habits. I've just been reading much slower and feeling a little less inclined to pick up books than usual. Which, honestly, is usually how I gauge that I'm feeling off-kilter. If I don't much feel like reading...something is definitely not right in my world.

So I just want to say that I am so grateful for having picked up The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. It was the exact right book at the exact right time for me. I did read it slowly, but only because I wanted to linger in that world for...well, basically, forever.

Magical realism is one of my very favorite genres when it's done right and The Night Circus gets it awe-inspiringly right. It is filled with effortlessly gorgeous writing and a setting that just left me floored with its beauty. But the thing that always makes me swoon over this genre is all the nuggets of life truths slighted away beneath that glimmer of magic.

Like this one, for example: "You may tell a tale that takes up residence in someone's soul, becomes their blood and self and purpose. That tale will move and drive them and who knows what they might do because of it, because of your words. That is your role, your gift."

These words took up residence in my soul. I don't think they shall ever leave.

Debuts I Love: 'Poison' & 'Bruised'

I recently read two brand new 2013 debut YA books that I can't stop thinking about, so I figured I might as well gush about them here. And they really couldn't be more different from one another.

The first one is Bruised by Sarah Skilton. Bruised is a dark and complex contemporary story about a Tae Kwon Do expert named Imogen who freezes up at the moment when she needs her training the most -- during an armed robbery. How Imogen deals with this life-altering event is surprising, realistic and heart-wrenching at the same time.

There are so many nuggets of relatable truths in Imogen's story - about everything from fear to self-discipline -- as well as a fascinating look into the world of martial arts training. It's truly very different from a lot of other YA books out there and I appreciate that about it so much.

My other recent favorite read is Poison by Bridget Zinn. Also very different from a lot of other YA books I've read recently but for completely different reasons.

Although Poison has a seemingly dark premise (Kyra, a master potioner, is on the run after she unsuccessfully tries to assassinate her best friend, who also just happens to be the princess of the kingdom), joy and airiness actually radiate from every page. Poison is frothy, funny and unputdownable. I absolutely adored its mix of a spunky heroine, one dashing hero (named after Fred Weasley, no less!), and fabulously fun fairy tale world.

Any great books you've been reading lately, ones that took you by surprise with their unique takes on the world?

MG Author Spotlight & Giveaway: Interview with Lizzie K. Foley

Friends, I am remarkably thrilled to bring you today's interview with Lizzie K. Foley, the hilarious author of the stunning middle-grade novel, Remarkable. It's one of my very favorite reads of all time. OF ALL TIME. And you really don't have to take my word for it because...

Kirkus "The World' Toughest Book Critics" Reviews say, "Foley tightly weaves the outlandish threads into a rich, unforgettable story that’s quite simply—amazing."

And The New York Times (!) calls the book, "a cascade of intrigues that suggest a broad theme: Gifts get labeled eagerly and early on, but it’s more fun if characters can elude expectations."

You may be wondering to yourself what on earth the supremely talented Lizzie K. Foley is doing on my little ol' blog. Rest assured that I wonder the same thing. Regardless, here she is! AND to celebrate that fact I am giving away a signed copy of Remarkable. Just scroll down after the interview for the giveaway.

A wonderfully whimsical debut that proves ordinary people can do extraordinary things

In the mountain town of Remarkable, everyone is extraordinarily talented, extraordinarily gifted, or just plain extraordinary. Everyone, that is, except Jane Doe, the most average ten-year-old who ever lived. But everything changes when the mischievous, downright criminal Grimlet twins enroll in Jane's school and a strange pirate captain appears in town.

Thus begins a series of adventures that put some of Remarkable's most infamous inhabitants and their long-held secrets in danger. It's up to Jane, in her own modest style, to come to the rescue and prove that she is capable of some rather exceptional things.

With a page-turning mystery and larger-than-life cast of characters, Lizzie K. Foley's debut is nothing short of remarkable.

Photo Credit: Ana June Creative

To borrow (and modify) a question from James Lipton, what’s your favorite middle-grade appropriate “curse word” or insult?
Lizzie K. Foley: One of the best parts of writing Remarkable was learning pirate curse words. “Spog” is delightful. It’s an insult for a new pirate recruit, but I think it has real possibilities for other situations as well. “Scupperlout” also has a nice impertinent ring to it. “Argh!” is always a good standby curse word for a number of situations. And apparently “bink” is a piratey expression of surprise, but I’ve found shouting “Bink!” just confuses people.

If you could pick one thing to be remarkable at, that you consider yourself mediocre in now, what would it be?
LKF: Cooking! I am the worst cook ever. And it’s not just that whatever I cook tastes bad (because believe me, it does), it’s that I’m actually dangerous in the kitchen. I’ve set fire to both grilled cheese and pancakes on several occasions (and am no longer allowed to make either one). I’ve melted spatulas on the stove (and no one wants soup with melted spatula in it). And just recently, when I finally thought I was going to successfully grill vegetable in the oven, the pan I was cooking them in exploded in my hands and sent hot shards of glass all over the kitchen. I dropped a phone in a boiling pot of spaghetti once too – which didn’t do the phone or the spaghetti much good. Right now, people ask me NOT to make cupcakes for their birthdays because my cupcakes always end up tasting like frosted evil. I once had one of those (non) brilliant early morning flashes of (non) genius about writing a bestselling cookbook centered around making ice – but I have to be honest with myself here. I am not even that good at ice.

There are a surprising number of pirates in your book. If you had a pirate name, what would it be? Also, be honest, no landlubber could capture the pirate voice so well. Are you actually a pirate?! And, if not, what sort of shenanigans did you get up to do research?
LKF: I think my pirate name would be Squint, because I am big on squinting – especially with my right eye. And let’s be honest, nobody squints enough these days, what with all the fancy sunglasses, Lasik surgery, and contact lenses in the world.

And yes, I am actually a pirate. It’s true I don’t like boats or water or even stealing stuff very much, but I don’t let that stop me from being one. And I conducted the research shenanigans to prove it, too. I actually drank orange juice so I wouldn’t catch scurvy (true story!) and I thought about keeping a library book out past its due date (I chickened out on this one, though – I’m not actually brave enough to anger a librarian – no pirate is).

As far as the pirate voice goes, however, I think you should cast a suspicious eye on my editor Nancy. She is the one who kept sending back my manuscript with notes saying things like “A pirate would not say this!” or “Pirates would never eat that!” or “Seriously, this is not how pirates deal with things!” In every single instance, she was right – and I’ve always wondered how she got to be such an expert…and don’t even get me started on my copy editor Rosanne. I made up a type of nautical knot called a “bowline quintey.” I thought it sounded pretty convincing, but Rosanne called me out on this immediately (“That is not a real pirate knot!”). It’s suspicious, I think. And Rosanne is just as good a pirate name as Nancy.


You thank your writing groups in your acknowledgments. Could you give us some of your thoughts on writing as part of one and what the benefits are?
LKF: For me, writing groups are a great way to gain confidence in my work. And while I feel like most people seem to use them as a way to find out what’s not working in a story, I tend to use them as a way to find out what is. I tend to over-revise. I will work and rework a scene into oblivion if left to my own devices. The wonderful people in my writing groups have been instrumental in teaching me how to stop this process before I drain all the life out of something I’m working on. Without the encouragement and support of my writing groups, I would never ever ever stopped revising long enough to finish a book and send it off into the world.


What are two MG books you'd recommend and why?
LKF: Well, you know I recommend yours every chance I get (and I'm not just saying that to kiss up to the interviewer here or to make her blush). I loved Mapmaker and the Ghost, and my son (who is nine) has read it at least four times. He’s even talked about some of the situations he’s seen at school in terms of situations that Goldenrod went through in your story. To me, this is the mark of an excellent kid’s book. It works on a level that kids really relate to – and this isn’t an easy thing to accomplish. Also, he’s tried to bribe me with a sandwich (a technique of parental management he learned from Goldenrod) and any book that encourages someone else to make food for me is brilliant as far as I’m concerned.

The other book I’m going to recommend is called Run Away Home by Elinor Lyon. The book was originally published in 1953, and I was lucky enough to find a copy at my local library growing up. It’s the story of an orphan living in Birmingham, England who is inspired by a faint memory of seeing the ocean to run away to Scotland and attempt to connect with her past. I must have read this book approximately 10 kajillion times. It’s got a great protagonist (named Cathie), who is incredibly resourceful as she tries to piece together her past. She’s got a great set of sidekicks (named Sovra and Ian) who help her. And there are actual adults involved in the story too – and the way that the kids interact with the adults is satisfyingly tense and realistic. Oh yeah – the writing is also amazing. One of my happiest days was when I was able to buy a copy off of eBay. I was also thrilled when I found out that it (along with a lot of excellent British children’s books) was being reprinted by Fidra Books in Edinburgh, Scotland.

1) I think I need to pick up Run Away Home ASAP. 2) After that interview, you want to read Remarkable ASAP, too, right? I think I actually want to read it again right now. 


GIVEAWAY:
The giveaway is now closed. Thanks so much to everyone who entered and the lucky winner of REMARKABLE: Lori!

Books I Love: Scarlet

Behold, my favorite book I've read so far this year:

Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen presupposes that Will Scarlet (a member of Robin Hood's band of Merry Men) is actually a girl posing as a boy. Scarlet knows her way around a knife. She also has a past full of secrets that she won't share with anyone -- not even the charismatic Rob. Unfortunately, when the cruel thief taker Lord Gisbourne goes bounty hunting for Robin and his men, it seems Scarlet's past is out to find her.

I'll be the first to tell you that the Robin Hood legend never did much for me. However, I kept hearing buzz about how awesome this book was and became compelled to pick it up. I'm so glad I did.

Why? For one, Scarlet herself rules. She is a strong, flawed heroine with an ultra-compelling voice. For another, the action in the book is non-stop and fantastic. And, finally, I was so invested in the romance because Gaughen takes her time in building it up beautifully and realistically.

And underneath all that heart-pounding plot are a lot of deep questions and themes: about religion, gender equality and class systems. It's the kind of book that gives you so many things to work with and think about, all while being as entertaining as they come.

I actually think I'm going to be reading it again before the month is out! Will you be picking Scarlet up? Or, if you've read it already, feel free to wax poetic in the comments!

2012 Debut Books I Love: Something Like Normal, Chained & The Vicious Deep

2011 and 2012 have become the years of the ARC for me (luckyyyyy) as I've gotten to preview some of this year's most anticipated debuts.

And I thought I'd share some of my very favorites in case you too want to be tapping your toes and waiting anxiously for something extraordinary to read. (Here is part 1 of my series, by the way, two of which are already out!)

Something Like Normal by Trish Doller
Heartbreaking, beautiful and food for thought. This book made me really think about the sacrifices and bravery involved in becoming a Marine. Its voice and story are going to stay with me for a very long time.
You'll love this book if you love: deeply layered contemporary stories.

Chained by Lynne Kelly
I'm about 99.9% certain this book is going to be on 2013 Newbery lists. It's emotional, gorgeously written and involves a completely unforgettable friendship between a young, determined boy and a fantastically nuanced elephant.
You'll love this book if you love: sheer beauty, really. But also emotional friendship stories.

The Vicious Deep by Zoraida Cordova
And now for something completely different...I so appreciated the quirky, funny voice of this fun and fantastic adventure story about a teenaged Brooklyn merman prince, the sea witch out to get him and the human girl he loves.
You'll love this book if you love: quirky, unique stories. And mermaids, obviously.

Have you read any of these fantastic books? And, if not, think you'll be picking any of them up?

2012 Debut Books I Love: Remarkable, Love & Leftovers, and Under the Never Sky

Since I'm part of the Apocalypsies, I've been lucky enough to get to read ARCs of some of next year's (about to be this year's, oh my!) debut authors.

I really mean it: I've been lucky. Some of these books have completely blown my mind with their awesomeness and I can't wait for them to come out so that the rest of the world can love them too.

Book blogger The Story Siren is running her annual Debut Author Challenge in which she challenges bloggers and readers to read and review 12 YA or MG books that are debuting in 2012. Whether you're participating in the challenge or not, here are just three of my book recommendations.

Remarkable by Lizzie K. Foley
1. This is exactly the type of book I would have loved reading as a kid.
2. This is exactly the type of book I love reading as an adult.
Laugh-out-loud funny, oh-so-clever and sneakily filled with so much substance, this story made my heart soar with pure delight.
You'll love this book if you love: Dr. Seuss's sense of the absurd; awesomeness

Love & Leftovers by Sarah Tregay
This was the first novel-in-verse I ever read and, I have to admit, I was a little skeptical about being able to be drawn in by a whole book of poems. There was no need to be skeptical. I devoured this stunningly realistically romance in just a couple of hours. My heart loved, ached, and broke right along with the main character's.
You'll love this book if you love: romance with depth; quick, impactful reads

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
This might just be one of the most beautifully complex examples of worldbuilding I've ever seen that was only matched by the depth of its two main characters. Right from the very beginning, I was hooked on this stunning, page-turning story.
You'll love this book if you love: the action of The Hunger Games and the addictive qualities of Twilight.

And just in case you think I only read three amazing 2012 debuts, think again! I will be featuring more of my favorites on this blog in the coming months.

What do you think? Do any of these titles pique your interest? Or, if you've already read any of them...how amazing were they?!

Books I Love: Kat, Incorrigible

This weekend, in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene (by which I mean the inordinate amount of cans of tuna I now have in my cupboards), I fell in love.

Ladies and gentlemen, may I present Kat, Incorrigible.

Yes, it's a book. Don't tell me you're surprised.

Here's another non-surprising factoid: two of my favorite things in the world are Jane Austen and Harry Potter. So when I first heard about this Middle Grade book a few months ago--a story that was inspired by Jane Austen, took place in Regency England and involved magic--I was absolutely intrigued. I knew I had to read it. I hoped very much that I would love it but I also knew that, with my high expectations, there was a good chance it could disappoint me.

It. didn't. In the least. I spent my Sunday afternoon reading the book and--when I wasn't laughing out loud--batting my eyelashes at it moonily.

As just an example, here are the first two lines:

I was twelve years of age when I chopped off my hair, dressed as a a boy, and set off to save my family from impending ruin.

I made it almost to the end of my front garden.

It only gets better from there. This book is hilarious, charming and gorgeously, effortlessly plotted. I'm in awe of how author Stephanie Burgis brought the period of Regency England to life while still making the relationship between her three main characters (three sisters) feel absolutely timeless. With the exception of certain vocabulary, they could be having those conversations in 2011, practically anywhere in the world. It's marvelous writing...it really is.

And speaking of those characters: I can't begin to describe how much I adore them. The heroines! The villains! The would-be villains! The tragic, romantic guy! (Seriously...they're all in there). And then, wonderful, glorious Kat. Our plucky, twelve-year-old heroine who can get herself out of any jam.

No doubt, kids will love this book. But I really think adults will love this book, too. Especially anyone looking for a massively fun page-turner and an exceedingly pleasant afternoon of reading. In my opinion, Jane Austen would most definitely approve.

5 MG Reads I Recommend

Yesterday, I wrote about why I write MG, but today I want to talk about reading MG. I know if you're not used to it, it might seem a little odd as an adult to go pick up books for yourself in the children's section. But, if you're willing to give it a go, here are 5 top-notch Middle Grade books I recommend. Remember what I said about magic and humor and epic conflict? I can guarantee you won't be disappointed.

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
Miranda finds mysterious notes everywhere telling her that to save her best friend's life, she must do what they say.

It won the Newbery last year, so there's a much bigger endorsement than I could ever give. But, really, this book is complex and beautiful and a page-turner to boot. Fans of the subtly mysterious should really love it.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
An orphan boy grows up in a graveyard and is raised by ghosts.

Which won the Newbery a couple years ago. I'm a big fan of Gaiman's and I love that his books for children are just as dark and complex as his books for adults. He based this one on The Jungle Book but, in actuality, the story itself is pure Gaiman. In other words, mysterious, grim and just a little bit spooky.

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
An extremely odd group of people all move into a building at the same time and find they are heirs to a fortune: as long as they can solve the murder of their benefactor.

One of my absolute faves as a kid. I read it again a few years ago and the most wonderful thing is that it still holds up. It's funny and a perfectly crafted mystery. I dare you to try and guess the solution!

Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
Wayside School was supposed to be 30 side-by-side classrooms built as one story; unfortunately, there was a little mix-up and its classrooms were built one on top of the other as 30 stories.

Louis Sachar is also one of my very favorites and I really debated whether to put this one or Holes on this list (another excellent read). Ultimately, this won out solely because I adore the humor so much. It takes me right back to the wacky, hilarious world of elementary school.

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
Two kids sneak in and spend a night at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Um, yes. That is an awesome premise and the whole book lives up to it.


If you haven't read them already, any of these books pique your interest? Or are there any MG books you'd recommend?

Very Late to the Party: Three (Okay, Four) Recent YA Reads I Loved

I have a confession to make. I'm a big reader but up until relatively recently, I haven't read very many YA/Teen books. I read a ton of Middle Grade books when I was a kid and then, once I outgrew those, I pretty much skipped right to adult books. This could have a lot to do with the fact that there wasn't much YA around when I was a teen and that the genre has really taken off in the past decade.

I decided I desperately needed to remedy this situation, so for the past two months I've been playing catch up and reading some books I know most of the YA-reading universe has already read and discovered. Here are three four books I absolutely adored. And, yup, I'm aware I'm super late to all of these parties, but I figure book love is always good to put out into the universe.

Looking for Alaska and An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
I loved them both! And I appreciated that they were very different from each other and yet both told by such a distinct voice (how on earth does he do that?). Anyway, I found An Abundance of Katherines hilarious and sweet and Looking for Alaska emotional and raw. I'm so looking forward to reading his third book, Paper Towns.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
This one came highly recommended to me and it's plain to see why. This is not your typical romance because Perkins is not your typical writer. The characters are so wonderfully nuanced that the book ends up going much, much deeper than you'd expect it to. It's simply a joy to read through and through. Two companion books are due to come out this year and next and you can bet I shall be purchasing them.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
I realize saying I recommend this book is something akin to saying, "Have you heard of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer? It was good! You should read it!" Speak is a YA classic and a seminal work, end of story. I'm still going to tell you how much I was blown away by it, though. Nothing felt cliched, nothing felt overwrought because Anderson embodies main character Melinda's pain, but also her wit, in such a real way. Just tremendous writing and I'm in awe.

What about you? Is there a book you know "everyone has already read" that you just got around to? Is there one you fell in love with?

Have You Met Miss Jones?

Tomorrow, I'll be co-leading a writing workshop for Girls Write Now, the volunteer program I'm a part of that pairs pro women writers with teen mentees. The workshop is on screenplay adaptation which means I've spent a lot of this past week thinking about them.

As I've mentioned before, it's very rare for me not to come out of a movie and think "the book was better." But there ARE some exceptions to that. One of which is the great and powerful...Bridget Jones's Diary.

I happen to love the book and the movie equally (and a lot). AND the two are very different from each other. So, how can that be?

First of all...the book. Bridget was a groundbreaking character, a really unique voice, and she helped usher in a certain genre of British chick lit for sure. She was also hilarious. That's one of those books that makes me laugh out loud every time.

But if you think about it, the book is literally a diary and almost all of its humor comes from Bridget's internal voice. Not so easy to adapt into a visual medium.

So the screenwriters Andrew Davies (of BBC Pride and Prejudice fame), Richard Curtis (of Love Actually fame) and Helen Fielding (the author herself) had to change some things around to make it work. One of the biggest changes, I think, was in Daniel Cleaver's character. In the adaptation, Daniel is much more of a cad than he comes across as in the book. He's also set up as much more of a rival to Mark Darcy. Making an archetypal character and conflict like that are great for screen adaptations (when they're done well, of course).

And then there's the casting. Could there be any two people more perfect to play Daniel and Mark than Hugh Grant and Colin Firth? I also know that Renee Zellweger's casting was highly controversial (especially for Brits). But I actually think she did an excellent job of conveying Bridget's lovable loopiness. Plus, I think the film uses its soundtrack to excellent effect.

The main thing is the film is just as funny as the book, even if it uses some different jokes and set ups, and it gets across the same tone and themes.

An excellent week's progress, Bridget. Or, er, you know, however long it took Fielding, Curtis and Davies to write that screenplay!