TLHC Giveway Reminder

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am hosting a giveaway for 3 copies of The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg! The giveaway is on my new blog. 😉

http://upthetowerofbooks.blogspot.com/2010/01/lonely-hearts-club-giveaway.html

The Switch.

First of all, Happy New Year! After posting yesterday (well two days ago now), I decided to switch to blogger. Please update all your links, follow me, and most importantly help spread the word! Thanks! 🙂

http://upthetowerofbooks.blogspot.com/

Blogger vs. WordPress

So, I’m considering making the switch to blogger, but I’m still not fully convinced. I was wondering if the blogger users could tell me why they like blogger. WordPress users can also tell me why they like wordpress. If I do make the change, I have no idea when it will occur (even though Jan. 1 is quite fitting). Thanks!

Ask an Author – Jennifer Echols

Today, I have an author interview from Jennifer Echols, the author of one of favorite reads of 2009, Going Too Far. Jennifer is also the author of several Simon Pulse romantic comedies and Forget You, which will be released in 2010.

1. If you could only use one word to describe Going Too Far, what would you use and why?

Dark. This book is very unlike my romantic comedies–it goes places those books don’t go. Also, almost the entire book is set at night.

2. Do you enjoy writing YA romantic comedies or dramas more? Why?

I enjoy both, and the book I’m working on at the moment is always my favorite ever. That is the truth. I like writing a comedy and then a drama, back and forth, because that keeps my writing fresh. I don’t like writing the same sort of story over and over.

3. What is your favorite thing about being a YA author?

Messages from fans! I was a reader long before I was a writer, and I know exactly what it’s like to love a book so much that you read it ten times. When someone tells me they’ve enjoyed my books as much as I’ve enjoyed books by other authors…that is the best feeling in the world.

4. What is your least favorite thing about being a writer?

The uncertainty. Even best-selling authors know they’d better stay on top of their game, because if just one of their titles doesn’t sell well, they may have a hard time getting another book contract, ever. It’s like the constant fear of being laid off from your job, times ten.

5. What were your favorite books as a teen?

I was a big fan of Lois Duncan, Paula Danziger, and Judy Blume, but my absolute favorites were The Moonspinners by Mary Stewart and The Beginning Place by Ursula K. Le Guin.

6. Do you have any advice for teens?

Enjoy this time safely! You will remember it fondly for the rest of your life.

7. What can you tell us about your upcoming novels?

Oooh, I can’t wait! Forget You is a romantic drama coming from MTV Books on July 20. When swim team captain Zoey wakes up from a car accident with partial amnesia, she is torn between the boy she remembers…and the one she doesn’t.
Two weeks later, on August 3, Simon Pulse will publish my romantic comedy Endless Summer, the sequel to The Boys Next Door. After breaking curfew, Lori and Adam are forbidden to see each other. Lori thinks going out with boys scarier than Adam will force her dad to give in…but Adam’s jealousy may ruin everything.

Special thanks to Jennifer for participating in this interview. 🙂 If you would like to know more about Jennifer or her novels, visit her website or blog.

The Sixth Form – Tom Dolby

When Ethan Whitley’s mom gets cancer, his parents believe it’s best he goes somewhere far for his senior year of high school. Thus, Ethan leaves California for the prestigious Berkley Academy. Before long, Ethan realizes he does not fit in. Then he meets Todd Eldon, a fellow classmate and Hannah McLellan, a seductive teacher.

When Todd Eldon and his girlfriend break up, Todd befriends Ethan. The school knows Ethan as the strange kid from California. Soon, the two become friends. Todd, however, realizes that he starts developing feelings for Ethan, but how could Todd ever compete with Hannah. Not too mention, Ethan is not gay.

Together, Ethan and Todd go through their senior year of high school, a time of change and discovery.

The Sixth Form is difficult novel to review. I enjoyed reading it, but looking back Tom Dolby could have delved so much into the characters, plot, etc. Dolby had a great start to all of his characters, but unfortunately it was only a start. I really would have liked to know more development from Ethan and Todd. Todd’s homosexuality never seemed like a main focus, even though Todd was definitely struggling with it. Ethan’s relationship with Hannah was interesting at first, but then I kind of pitied him. Hannah, who is in her 30s, more than took advantage of Ethan. Eventually, Ethan does end things (I’d call this a spoiler, but come on, you had to see that one coming!), but this was not near as satisfying as I  thought it would be. Throughout the novel, Dolby hints about Hannah’s past. By the end of the novel, readers know about most of her past, but certainly not all of it. I found myself craving to learn more, but I just did not get that.

Having said all that, The Sixth Form was not really that bad of a novel. The book was pretty easy to get into, and the content itself was not the problem. The lack of content was the problem. Dolby set out to create a heartfelt coming-of-age story, but it feels like he got tired halfway through, so his greatness never truly materialized. Overall, however, I can certainly see myself reading more from him. I actually have The Secret Society, and I look forward to reading it, so there you go. 😛

I recommend this novel if you are looking for a coming-of-age story.

Related Links
Tom Dolby’s Site
Amazon
Powell’s

The Bell Jar – Sylvia Plath

Esther Greenwood is a young woman growing up in the 1950s. She is beautiful and talented, but unfortunately she only realizes her flaws. Eventually, these flaws add up, from not getting chosen for a writing workshop to not wanting to marry the man who loves her. Esther feels that she will never be able to live up to people’s expectations which causes her to be depressed. When Esther’s suicide attempt fails, she is admitted into a mental asylum. Will Esther be able to once and for all move on by finally lifting the bell jar or will the bell jar ultimately trap her, causing infinite misery?

The Bell Jar follows Esther’s descend into a mental  collapse, which reflects Sylvia Plath’s own life. As you have probably guessed by now, this is not a book that will put you in a cheerful mood. Instead, readers will find themselves in a rather bleak mood. One of the most harrowing parts of the novel is knowing that Plath used Esther to reflect her own life. Reading a story about a depressed woman is sad enough, but reading a true story about a depressed woman who later committed suicide is beyond sad.

Throughout the novel, Plath’s writing is sporadic. Esther frequently changes topics, and this gives readers an insight look at Esther’s insanity. Plath also did not hold back anything to readers. For me, the most revealing part of the novel was after Esther’s “meeting” with the math professor. Even right now, I am not quite sure why Plath felt it necessary to go into details about Esther’s after-experience. Anyway, overall I enjoyed The Bell Jar, but I do not think I will ever read it again.

If you have been looking for female version of Holden Caulfied, then Esther Greenwood is your match.

Related Links
Sylvia Plath Legacy Library
Amazon
Powell’s

Youtube Connection 21

First of all, I wanted to wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS! 🙂 Usually, Youtube Connection is a Thursday feature, but since I chose a Christmas-themed book/video, I decided to move it to Friday, to coincide with Christmas.

This week’s book is Dr. Seuss’s classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas. This week’s video is How the Grinch Stole Christmas (surprised, right?) narrated by Walter Matthau. Enjoy!

Alma Short

I normally don’t post random videos, but I just had to share this one. I found it from the Mental Floss blog. It was created by Rodrigo Blaas, a former Pixar artist.

Secret Santa #2

A few days ago, I received a gift from my second Secret Santa!

The gift consisted of Post-Its (!!!), a Borders gift card, and some Burt’s Bees Lip Balm. In the card, my secret santa revealed herself to be Wendy of Wendy’s Minding Spot, so thank you! 🙂

In My Mailbox Dec. 14-19

In My Mailbox was created be Kristi of The Story Siren. This was a big week for me because an order of 14 books came in, and I also received a few other books.

A Nixon Man – Michael Cahill

“My father was a Nixon man. Before that he’d been a Goldwater man. On most nights he could be found roaming the house like a ghost, wearing a tattered robe, reading about Ike. But on November 7, 1972, he wore his suit and tie well past midnight.”

Thus begins a charming yet realistic coming-of-age novel as seen hrough the eyes of a young boy in San Francisco in the early 1970s. A Nixon Man is a funny, perceptive look at the life of a family holding on during the turbulent Watergate years. It is a story of eccentric heroes, necessary secrets, and innocent schemes gone awry, all told by a precocious eleven-year-old Jack Costello.

Balance: In Search of the Lost Sense – Scott McCredie

Balance is the first book written for a general audience that examines the mysteries of the human balance system—the astonishingly complicated mechanisms that allow our bodies to counteract the force of gravity as we move through space. A scientific, historical, and practical exploration of how balance works, Balance also provides the keys to remaining upright for as long as humanly possible. From simple motion sickness to astronauts'”space stupids,” and from fetal somersaults to the Flying Wallendas, McCredie guides readers on a delightful quest to elevate balance to its rightful place in the pantheon of the senses.

Before I Die – Jenny Downham

Tessa has just months to live. Fighting back against hospital visits, endless tests, drugs with excruciating side-effects, Tessa compiles a list. It’s her To Do Before I Die list. And number one is Sex. Released from the constraints of ‘normal’ life, Tessa tastes new experiences to make her feel alive while her failing body struggles to keep up. Tessa’s feelings, her relationships with her father and brother, her estranged mother, her best friend, and her new boyfriend, all are painfully crystallised in the precious weeks before Tessa’s time finally runs out.

Child 44 – Tom Rob Smith

A propulsive, relentless page-turner.
A terrifying evocation of a paranoid world where no one can be trusted.
A surprising, unexpected story of love and family, of hope and resilience.
CHILD 44 is a thriller unlike any you have ever read.

“There is no crime.”

Stalin’s Soviet Union strives to be a paradise for its workers, providing for all of their needs. One of its fundamental pillars is that its citizens live free from the fear of ordinary crime and criminals.

But in this society, millions do live in fear . . . of the State. Death is a whisper away. The mere suspicion of ideological disloyalty-owning a book from the decadent West, the wrong word at the wrong time-sends millions of innocents into the Gulags or to their executions. Defending the system from its citizens is the MGB, the State Security Force. And no MGB officer is more courageous, conscientious, or idealistic than Leo Demidov.

In the Cherry Tree – Dan Pope

An ordinary suburban Connecticut summer in the seventies is the stage for the miraculous world of Timmy. Twelve years old and full of boundless curiosity, Timmy lives an ever-expanding life of record collections (of which Elton John is king), neighborhood bullies (of whom Franky DiLorenzo rules), best friends, and the darker, more lasting secrets of family. Over the course of the summer, Timmy will kill a frog, lose his baseball-card collection, alienate a friend, and witness his parents’ separation. An intruder will hide in his treehouse; his mother will threaten divorce; his father will move out and back in. Timmy’s childhood will end and his adolescence begin.

One of the most remarkable child narrators to come along in recent years, Timmy is the achievement of a stunning new voice in American fiction. In the Cherry Tree is an addictively clever and appealing novel of our universal coming of age.

My Father’s Scar – Michael Cart

Eighteen year-old Andy Logan has finally made it to his first year og college, but not without some struggle. As he tries to settle in this new environment, he cannot help but recall the events and experiences that have led him there.

It is in these recollections that we meet a vast array of people–those who had either helped Andy along the way or had threatened his hope to escape. These are the stories of his hope to escape. These are the stories of his great-uncle, the one person who seemed to understand him; his father, who domineering presence and unwavering anger were the rules, not the exeptions; and Evan, an older boy who became his first true love.

Rarely does a writer capture the essence of the journey from a child to adult so acutely. Cart’s dazzling novel is a potent reminder of the pain and the euphoria that come from growing up and how we remember our family, friends, and first loves.

100 Young Americans – Michael Franzini

One Hundred Young Americans is the first book to paint the full picture of youth culture in America today.

Gorgeously photographed and meticulously researched, this year-long project represents photographer Michael Franzini’s 30,000 search of what it truly means to be a teenager in this hyper-connected, media-driven society.

The book is packed with first-hand accounts of youth culture in America from 100 teenagers in 50 states. More than two hundred stunning images show every kind of teenager from every part of our nation, mirroring census data for gender, race, religion and sexual orientation and to strike a balance between urban, rural, suburban and small-town locations.

Someday This Pain will be Useful to You – Peter Cameron

Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You is the story of James Sveck, a sophisticated, vulnerable young man with a deep appreciation for the world and no idea how to live in it. James is eighteen, the child of divorced parents living in Manhattan. Articulate, sensitive, and cynical, he rejects all of the assumptions that govern the adult world around him–including the expectation that he will go to college in the fall. he would prefer to move to an old house in a small town somewhere in the Midwest. Someday This Pain will be Useful to You takes place over a few broiling days in the summer of 2003 as James confides in his sympathetic grandmother, stymies his canny therapist, deplores his pretentious sister, and devises a fake online identity in order to pursue his crush on a much older coworker. Nothing turns out how he’d expected.

Such a Pretty Girl – Laura Wiess

They promised Meredith nine years of safety, but only gave her three.

Her father was supposed to be locked up until Meredith turned eighteen. She thought she had time to grow up, get out, and start a new life. But Meredith is only fifteen, and today her father is coming home from prison.

Today her time has run out.

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay – Michael Chabon

This brilliant epic novel set in New York and Prague introduces us to two misfit young men who make it big by creating comic-book superheroes. Joe Kavalier, a young artist who has also been trained in the art of Houdiniesque escape, has just smuggled himself out of Nazi-invaded Prague and landed in New York City. His Brooklyn cousin Sammy Clay is looking for a partner to create heroes, stories, and art for the latest novelty to hit America the comic book. Inspired by their own fears and dreams, Kavalier and Clay create the Escapists, The Monitor, and Luna Moth, inspired by the beautiful Rosa Saks, who will become linked by powerful ties to both men.

The Opposite of Music – Janet Young

At first Billy’s father just seemed distant, as if he had something on his mind. Then he stopped listening to music, saying it hurt his ears. After a while he stopped eating and sleeping. And after that he just stopped. Stopped being Billy’s father and his friend and became someone else. Someone who was depressed and withdrawn and wouldn’t respond to treatments.

Determined to help their father, Billy and his family devise a series of unconventional therapies for him. But the strain of looking after Dad begins to wear on them all. Billy stops writing songs and starts avoiding his friends. His sister wants to suicide-proof the house. And his mother worries about losing her job because she takes so much time off. Taking care of Dad is starting to sap the strength they need to keep him alive.

The Opposite of Music is a powerful and realistic debut novel about the lengths a family will go to in order to save one of their own, and the strength it takes to learn how to ask for help.

Year of Ice – Brian Malloy

It is 1978 in the Twin Cities, and Kevin Doyle, a high school senior, is a marginal student in love with keggers, rock and roll, and-unbeknownst to anyone else-a boy in his class with thick eyelashes and a bad attitude. His mother Eileen died two years earlier when her car plunged into the icy waters of the Mississippi River, and since then Kevin’s relationship with his father Patrick has become increasingly distant. As lonely women vie for his father’s attention, Kevin discovers Patrick’s own closely guarded secret: he had planned to abandon his family for another woman. More disturbingly, his mother’s death may well have been a suicide, not an accident.

Complicating the family dynamic is the constant meddling of Kevin’s outspoken Aunt Nora-who will never forgive Patrick for Eileen’s death-along with Patrick’s inability to stay single for very long. His loyalties divided between his father and his aunt, between his internal reality and his public persona, Kevin is forced to reevaluate his notions of family and love as painful truths emerge about both.

Violet and Claire – Francesca Lia Block

This is the story of two girls, racing through space like shadow and light. A photo negative, together they make the perfect image of a girl. Violet is the dark one, dressed in forever black, dreaming Technicolor dreams of spinning the world into her very own silver screen creation. Claire is like a real-life Tinker Bell, radiating love and light, dressing herself in wings of gauze and glitter, writing poems to keep away the darkness. The setting is L.A., a city as beautiful as it is dangerous, and within this landscape of beauty and pain Violet and Claire vow to make their own movie. Together they will show the world the way they want it to be, and maybe then the world will become that place—a place where people no longer hate or fight or want to hurt. But when desire and ambition threaten to rip a seamless friendship apart, only one thing can make two halves whole again—the power of love.

Wuthering High – Cara Lockwood

Fifteen-year-old Mia is not exactly thrilled when she gets the news that her parents are shipping her off to boarding school. It’s not like she did anything that bad — all she did was wreck her dad’s car and max out her step mum’s credit cards. So, off she goes, from Chicago to Bard Academy, an exclusive prep school that treats troubled teenagers with a healthy dose of higher learning and old-fashioned discipline. But all is not what it seems at this educational institute, and Mia and her classmates soon discover that the teachers are actually ghosts, stuck in limbo, some of them famous authors who died before their time, including Virginia Woolf, Ernest Hemingway, and Charlotte Bronte. And what’s even more disturbing is that not all the ghosts have good intentions. Mia and her friends must stop one evil instructor’s plan to bring down the school — and the entire student body with it.

The Lonely Hearts Club – Elizabeth Eulberg

Penny is sick of boys and sick of dating. So she vows: no more. It’s a personal choice. . .and, of course, soon everyone wants to know about it. And a few other girls are inspired. A movement is born: The Lonely Hearts Club (named after the band from Sgt. Pepper). Penny is suddenly known for her nondating ways . . . which is too bad, because there’s this certain boy she can’t help but like. . . .

The Dark Divine – Bree Despain (ARC)

Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared–the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in his own blood–but she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night held.

The memories her family has tried to bury resurface when Daniel returns, three years later, and enrolls in Grace and Jude’s high school. Despite promising Jude she’ll stay away, Grace cannot deny her attraction to Daniel’s shocking artistic abilities, his way of getting her to look at the world from new angles, and the strange, hungry glint in his eyes.

The closer Grace gets to Daniel, the more she jeopardizes her life, as her actions stir resentment in Jude and drive him to embrace the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind the boy’s dark secret…and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it–her soul.

New Moon – Stephenie Meyer

I felt like I was trapped in one of those terrifying nightmares…

For Bella Swan, there is one thing more important than life itself: Edward Cullen. But being in love with a vampire is even more dangerous than Bella ever could have imagined. Edward has already rescued Bella from the clutches of one evil vampire, but now, as their daring relationship threatens all that is near and dear to them, they realize their troubles may be just beginning. . . .