Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick to become a GRAPHIC NOVEL!!!

*This post was borrowed from Paperback Dolls
Sea Lion Books to publish Becca Fitzpatrick's Hush, Hush as a graphic novel.

ATLANTA, GA – March 31, 2011 – Sea Lion Books announced today the acquisition of the comic book and graphic novel rights to Becca Fitzpatrick's New York Times bestselling Young Adult novel Hush, Hush. A romance laced with intrigue, it is the story of a young girl torn between desire and suspicion in her love for a fallen angel. A true psychological thriller, Hush, Hush was the first book in a trilogy, with the story continuing in Crescendo and concluding with the forthcoming Silence, which is scheduled for release in October 2011. The series has a worldwide following, with sales of more than 1 million books in 35 countries.

“Becca Fitzpatrick is a huge bestselling author,” said Kuo-Yu Liang VP Sales & Marketing for Diamond Book Distributors. “I think this series is a great addition to Sea Lion Books line up of projects and should be a major hit for them”.

Hush, Hush is the story of Nora Grey, a studious sixteen-year-old girl from Coldwater, Maine. It has been a year since her father's murder and she is not interested in much other than her schoolwork. Then she meets Patch, a bad boy—and fallen angel. Though unwisely attracted to him, Nora finds herself caught in a battle between the fallen and the immortal. Choosing the wrong side could cost Nora her life.

Becca Fitzpatrick is delighted to have her book brought to graphic novel form. "Hush, Hush was my first book, and it's so thrilling that it has been embraced by so many readers. I'm delighted to be working with Sea Lion to tell Patch and Nora's story through graphic novel format!"

Sea Lion Books shares the delight in working alongside the bestselling author on the adaptation, and feels that Becca Fitzpatrick's Hush, Hush series is a fantastic addition to its graphic novel line.

Hush, Hush #1 is scheduled to debut in winter 2011. The creative team on the project will be announced at a later date.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Becca Fitzpatrick was born in Utah, and raised in the Midwest. After graduating as valedictorian of her high school class, she attended Brigham Young University where she earned a degree in Community Health. After her husband surprised her with a writing class as a present she began work on Hush, Hush. Becca Fitzpatrick is a #1 New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today Best-Selling author. Her novels have been awarded the prestigious: YALSA's Teens' Top Ten pick, included in the 2009 Association of Booksellers for Children Best Books for Children Catalog, Winter 2009 Indie Next List Top Ten pick, Spring 2011 Indie Next List pick, Barnes & Noble's Best Teen Books of 2009 selection, 2009 Barnes & Noble Dark Romance for Teens Holiday Gift Guide selection, CBC Favourite Children's Books Top Ten Pick, First YA title selected for Barnes & Noble's First Look Book Club, and Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Young Adult Series. Becca Fitzpatrick lives in Colorado with her family. You can visit Becca on the Internet at http://beccafitzpatrick.com/


ABOUT SEA LION BOOKS:
Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Sea Lion Books LLC is a newly established publishing house which specializes in all formats—hardcover, trade paperback, and mass market and in urban fantasy and young adult genres. Sea Lion Books LLC recent roster of authors include: International Bestselling author, Paulo Coelho, New York Times Bestselling authors, Richelle Mead, Richard A. Knaak and F. Paul Wilson plus more to be announced in the upcoming months. Contact David Dabel at David@sealionbooks.com . You can visit Sea Lion Books on the Internet at http://www.sealionbooks.com/

Review- Wither by Lauren DeStefano

By age sixteen, Rhine Ellery has four years left to live. She can thank modern science for this genetic time bomb. A botched effort to create a perfect race has left all males with a lifespan of 25 years, and females with a lifespan of 20 years. Geneticists are seeking a miracle antidote to restore the human race, desperate orphans crowd the population, crime and poverty have skyrocketed, and young girls are being kidnapped and sold as polygamous brides to bear more children.

When Rhine is kidnapped and sold as a bride, she vows to do all she can to escape. Her husband, Linden, is hopelessly in love with her, and Rhine can’t bring herself to hate him as much as she’d like to. He opens her to a magical world of wealth and illusion she never thought existed, and it almost makes it possible to ignore the clock ticking away her short life. But Rhine quickly learns that not everything in her new husband’s strange world is what it seems. Her father-in-law, an eccentric doctor bent on finding the antidote, is hoarding corpses in the basement. Her fellow sister wives are to be trusted one day and feared the next, and Rhine is desperate to communicate to her twin brother that she is safe and alive. Will Rhine be able to escape--before her time runs out?

This is the most interesting book I have read in a while. Sure, I've read good books that I have loved, but this story was deeper and darker than others I've read lately. I'd say that WITHER impacted me in ways similar to Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins-not because they are remotely alike as far as storylines go-but because of the emotions both books conjured inside of me.

I read this book in one sitting-most likely biting my lip while letting the story penetrate my thoughts all the while my hands grasping the cover so tightly my palms were sweaty and knuckles white.;) It was so mentally intense for me. The subject matter is not a romantic one and the issues addressed in the story are hard to fathom yet, at the same time I believed the scenario full heartedly.

From the very beginning readers are witness to the actions that have become everyday occurrences in the world the author writes. The world's (future America's) vain attempts to play God and create a super human race has backfired and doomed the next generations to short lifespans. Very short. Some people are trying to fix the genetic glitch but in order to do so they need more test subjects. What this means is that wealthy families with money and sons turn to plural marriages. The boy weds multiple girls and has children with them providing scientist new blood to hopefully come up with a cure for all mankind. However, polygamy isn't even the biggest issue...the means that some of the families go to in order to get new wives for their sons are the real problem.

Pretty young girls are kidnapped and thrown into a truck with 20 or more girls and paraded in front of potential buyers then sold as wives. There is even more to this part of the story that is disturbing but I don't want to spoil it for you, all I will say is that it reflects on an issue that the real world deals with and that is human trafficking. I applaud the author for going there in a young adult novel. It is a very real problem that more young girls and boys for that matter should be educated on and because it is a real issue it adds to the believability.

As I read Rhine's struggle with her predicament I began to see that everything was not exactly as it seemed. The girls are treated relatively well, given first class lodging, great clothes and waited on hand and feet, it would be easy to almost forget that they were victims. In fact, I found myself sympathizing with one of the captures, Rhine's new husband, despite some of his questionable actions. I also saw how the girls that were taken and forced to become sister wives to Linden (the boy that bought them) grew to actually care for one another. The whole thing was very moving.

However, despite the touching moments between the girls and their new husband, the fact that they were kidnapped and taken from families remained in the back of my mind. Especially when Linden's father, a scientist, began to play a bigger, more villainous role in the story. It was quite the nail-biting, page turning story with really interesting characters. Prepare yourselves though-there is a bit of a cliffhanger.;)

I realize that this book will not be for everyone. It deals with issues that are difficult to think about, and though s-e-x isn't actually described in the book, the fact that it takes place (with young girls) is obvious to readers and some people might be uncomfortable reading those type of actions in a story-even if they are only alluded to. That being said, I think this book was amazing! It made me think long after I had finished it and though it isn't necessarily a "message" book, it inspired me to educate myself more on human trafficking, genetic engineering and other things that are subject in the book but factual issues in today's world. WITHER is beautifully written and possibly the best book I will read this year, it certainly has one of the most awesome covers I have ever seen...and it's the author's debut work! How amazing is that?

Lauren DeStefano is an author I think I will automatically buy books by in the future. I really can't wait for the next book in the series due for release 2012!

~Peace & Love

Visit Lauren DeStefano's

WEBSITE - TWITTER - FACEBOOK

This book was given to Paperback Dolls courtesy of Simon & Schuster

The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver

Riley Blackthorne just needs a chance to prove herself – and that’s exactly what the demons are counting on…

Seventeen-year-old Riley, the only daughter of legendary Demon Trapper, Paul Blackthorne, has always dreamed of following in her father's footsteps. The good news is, with human society seriously disrupted by economic upheaval and Lucifer increasing the number of demons in all major cities, Atlanta’s local Trappers’ Guild needs all the help they can get – even from a girl. When she’s not keeping up with her homework or trying to manage her growing crush on fellow apprentice, Simon, Riley’s out saving distressed citizens from foul-mouthed little devils – Grade One Hellspawn only, of course, per the strict rules of the Guild. Life’s about as normal as can be for the average demon-trapping teen.

But then a Grade Five Geo-Fiend crashes Riley’s routine assignment at a library, jeopardizing her life and her chosen livelihood. And, as if that wasn’t bad enough, sudden tragedy strikes the Trappers’ Guild, spinning Riley down a more dangerous path than she ever could have imagined. As her whole world crashes down around her, who can Riley trust with her heart – and her life?

Ommigosh! This is the most original and interesting new book I have had the pleasure of reading. I finished it and immediately began to obsess about the next book in the series which is over a year from being published!

Why do I love it so much? Let me count the ways...

To start the heroine, Riley Blackthorne, is the type of girl you would want to be friends with. She isn't snobby. She marches to the beat of her own drum but she has the usual insecurities that teen girls have. She is easy to relate to, plus I love how she is described as being attractive but she doesn't have a big head. She also has this really cool job trapping demons. Oh and if that isn't enough she is smart, brave, humble and has a great relationship with her dad. Riley Blackthorne is incredibly strong in ways that are believable and inspiring.

Next reason to love this book is the setting of a future Atlanta where demonic creatures run around causing trouble and even killing people, the city and nation has become a place where school is held in old grocery stores for a couple hours in the evenings, and rich people hire necromancers to raise the dead just so they can have a servant. Sounds interesting huh?

Other than the world and the amazing heroine the other reason I think this book is the bomb is because of the supporting characters. Jana Oliver has written a book where every character is interesting and layered, even the ones you don't want to like you end up caring about. *Sigh* I personally have a soft spot for Denver Beck who is a sweet talking 22 year old good ol' boy with a tough exterior and heart of gold.

I seriously could go on and on and on and on...I loved it that much. I want more please, NOW!;)

If you are getting tired of reading about angels, vampires, or fairy's and are desiring a new type of Young Adult urban fantasy, do yourself a favor and read this book.

Peace & Love-

This book was given to PBD for review courtesy of St. Martins Press

The Demon Trapper's Daughter is available for preorder now and will be on shelves in the UK 1/7/11 under the title Forsaken and in the US 2/1/11. Also don't forget to download Jana Oliver's FREE short story, Retro Demonology, on Amazon that is a small prequel to the first book.

Teen review- Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton

*this review was originally posted on Paperback Dolls

Ari can’t help feeling lost and alone. With teal eyes and freakish silver hair that can’t be changed or destroyed, Ari has always stood out. And after growing up in foster care, she longs for some understanding of where she came from and who she is.

Her search for answers uncovers just one message from her long dead mother: Run. Ari can sense that someone, or something, is getting closer than they should. But it’s impossible to protect herself when she doesn’t know what she’s running from or why she is being pursued.

She knows only one thing: she must return to her birthplace of New 2, the lush rebuilt city of New Orleans. Upon arriving, she discovers that New 2 is very...different. Here, Ari is seemingly normal. But every creature she encounters, no matter how deadly or horrifying, is afraid of her.

Ari won’t stop until she knows why. But some truths are too haunting, too terrifying, to ever be revealed.

*this review contains mild spoilers*

I couldn't put this book down. Right away the story grabbed my attention and I was along for the ride...

The story starts off with a young woman, 17 year old Ari visiting an insane asylum looking for information on her mother who was a resident/patient there until her death. What Ari discovers is that her mother apparently committed suicide and what's more is she left some bizarre clues behind for her daughter...including a warning to stay away from New Orleans--or what used to be New Orleans.

See, in Keaton's world New Orleans was pretty much wiped out due to the devastation of two MAJOR hurricanes that hit the southern city back to back. The government, wanting to wipe their hands of another expensive recovery opt to sell the city and surrounding area to the Novem, a separate organization made up of nine well to do families from New Orleans. The city is now referred to as New 2.

New 2 has become a safe haven for all things supernatural, paranormal, and the people who practice voodoo lifestyle. The Novem plan to restore the city to it's once "glorious splendor" but so far haven't gotten to every area. Because New 2 is separate from the US, they have their own way of doing things and it is very different than what Ari, and other normal people are used to...but Ari isn't exactly normal.

Ari has grown up in and out of foster homes and it hasn't been easy for her. She has finally found a foster family that loves her, though they aren't your average Joe family either...they are bondsman. Think-Dog the bounty hunter...yeah. Despite the less than traditional lifestyle of her foster parents, or maybe because of them Ari has found a reliable family unit that also trains her in the biz, so Ari is a pretty tough cookie.

Anyway, her foster parents have allowed Ari the opportunity to search for answers to her past, with one catch...if the clues lead to New 2, Ari is not to drive there and needs to ask one of them to go with her to find what she is looking for.

Then things get kind of creepy. A strange man, speaking a strange language shows up and tries to kill Ari outside her motel. After battling with the man she manages to slay him...but the body disappears.

Frantic to find answers and not totally thinking things through, Ari hitches a ride with a delivery truck headed back to New 2. The driver is young and seems to know a lot about things so Ari tags along with her and pays to stay in a room at the drivers house (which happens to be in Historic Garden District). Once there, Ari meets the rest of the gang living in the house, and they are all peculiar...at least to what Ari is used to, yet she strangely feels at home in the city and even more at home with people in the house. Especially the handsome young man Sebastian, who she is drawn to and a little annoyed with at first...though she does give him props for his mad-drumming skills. They kinda spark up a little romance that even though it was unrealistically rushed, I couldn't help but want them to hook up.

This is all just the tip of the iceberg folks...so much more happens it makes my head spin just thinking about it.

I do not want to spoil things for you so I will tell you this, I LOVED the authors world building. Considering home many supernatural concepts and mythology things she has going on in this book, Kelly Keaton did an amazing job of pacing everything and creating the atmosphere for readers to really feel like they were in the story. The places and characters just seemed to come alive!

The world itself kind of reminds me a of Sherilyn Kenyon's Chronicles of Nick series only from a girl's perspective, and this book has a darker tone to it than Kenyon's YA series. There are a couple places that describe some harsh situations including abuse and rape that might be tough for some people to read, and some of the language was more R rated than PG-13, but it went with the story so it didn't seem unnecessary.

I admit, I kinda cyber stalked the author's website and discovered how much research she actually did to create her world. Many of the places mentioned in the text are real places in New Orleans, including the streets, houses and cemeteries. It's pretty cool...here is what she said on her site:

* Most of the landmarks in New 2 do exist. Lafayette Cemetery, Cafe Du Monde, Cabildo Building, French Market… But please keep in mind that some of these landmarks have changed a bit to reflect the fictional world of New 2 and the decade + of neglect and abandonment in some areas. (Lafayette Cemetery, for instance, is in ruins, it’s walls compromised, and is now surrounded by an iron fence…). But these places all exist in real life, and are wonderful sights to visit if you get the chance!

Some local place names have been slightly changed as well to reflect the new city (though they’re recognizable to their counterparts).

* The Garden District Mansion (1331 First Street) exists as well. It’s known as the Morris-Israel House. (The house no. in the ARC appears incorrectly as 1239 — for some reason I was channeling Anne Rice, LOL. But it was corrected in copy edits and the correct no. is in the final copy of the book). ~Kelly Keaton

I was captivated by this book. I found it to be a fun and entertaining read. I finished the book wanting more and literally google-ing New Orleans and the places in the book. I even pondered dyeing my hair silver...probably not the best hair color for a natural red head, but I was a little obsessed (in a good way). Sure, there are some things that I didn't absolutely love and a couple of "what the heck?" moments but for the most part it was fantastic. With such an incredibly cool take on New Orleans and all the magical lore that is associated with the city...you can't really go wrong. Add to that the really fun supporting characters and it is a double win!

~Peace & Love

Kelly Keaton

Website - Facebook - Twitter

This book was given to Paperback Dolls for review courtesy of Simon & Schuster.

NEW F. PAul Wilson Graphic Novel- Jack: Secret Histories

SEA LION BOOKS AND

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR

F. Paul Wilson

Present

Jack: Secret Histories

Repairman Jack's early years become a graphic novel series

ATLANTA, GA – March 25, 2011 – Sea Lion Books announces the acquisition of the comic book and graphic novel rights to F. Paul Wilson’s young adult novels Jack: Secret Histories, Jack: Secret Circles and Jack: Secret Vengeance. The books form a prequel trilogy to the New York Times bestselling author’s Repairman Jack novels, and not only explore the background of the adventurous problem solver, but also provide clues to the origins of the “Secret History of the World” that forms the nexus of the Repairman Jack universe. Scripted by Wilson himself, the adaptations will feature new material not found in the novels.

"We are thrilled to bring F. Paul Wilson's Jack: Secret Histories, Jack: Secret Circles and Jack: Secret Vengeance series of young adult books to graphic novel form,” said Derek Ruiz, Executive Vice President and Publisher of Sea Lion Books. "Our partnership with F. Paul Wilson is another step in the right direction for Sea Lion Books, with our continued desire to bring the best of the best to the graphic novel market."

Fans of the Repairman Jack series have long wanted to know where the character began; that story begins in Jack: Secret Histories. As Wilson explained, "The series follows the adventures of a 14-year-old boy named Jack, his best friend Louise ‘Weezy’ Connell, and her brother Eddie. Jack will grow into the mercenary known as Repairman Jack, but here in 1983, he is just a boy with a destiny." That destiny includes a knack for “repairing” situations, whether it’s dealing with the troublesome teens who destroyed a neighbor’s lawn—or protecting his friends and family from the dangers presented by the mysterious Ancient Septimus Fraternal Order.

Jack is a kid nobody knows—not his parents, not his few friends, not even Jack.

"Jack thinks he's a regular kid,” Wilson said, “but forces of destiny are swirling around him, drawing strange people to his little town, which is situated on the edge of the mysterious and fabled New Jersey Pine Barrens, where strange lights jump from tree to tree and the Jersey Devil supposedly roams."

It’s the perfect setting for the story of a boy destined to do great things—and for a dynamic graphic novel series.

Jack: Secret Histories #1, adapted by F. Paul Wilson and artist Jorge Correa Jr, is scheduled to debut later this year.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
F. Paul Wilson was born and raised in New Jersey where he spent hours reading Uncle Scrooge and E.C. comics, Lovecraft, Matheson, Bradbury, and Heinlein. Listening to radio programs featuring Chuck Berry and Alan Freed, and spending hours watching Soupy Sales and Shock Theatre with Zacherley on television. His writing awards include the first Prometheus Award in 1979; the Porgie Award from The West Coast Review of Books; the 1999 Bram Stoker Award for short fiction; the Inkpot Award from the San Diego ComiCon and the Pioneer Award from the RT Booklovers Convention. F. Paul Wilson is on the young adult recommended reading lists of the American Library Association and the New York Public Library, among others; and is listed in the 50th anniversary edition of Who's Who in America. You visit F. Paul Wilson on the Internet at http://repairmanjack.com/

ABOUT SEA LION BOOKS:
Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Sea Lion Books LLC is a newly established publishing house which specializes in all formats—hardcover, trade paperback, and mass market and in urban fantasy and young adult genres. Sea Lion Books LLC recent roster of authors include: International Bestselling author, Paulo Coelho, New York Times Bestselling authors, Richelle Mead and Richard A. Knaak plus more to be announced in the upcoming months. Contact David Dabel at David@sealionbooks.com . You can visit Sea Lion Books on the Internet at http://www.sealionbooks.com/

Matched by Ally Condie (my review)

*This review was originally posted on Paperback Dolls

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

I'd heard of this book sometime last year and had seen reviews for it on other blogs, but for some reason or another I hadn't pre-ordered it or picked it up on one of my trips to the bookstore. When winter break for me came along I had a long list of books that I wanted to read while on vacation from school and was already reading those when I started getting headaches and was unable to read as much as planned. But that didn't stop me, I had some credits saved on audible and got some audio books to entertain me and Matched was one of them.

I fell in love with this book instantly. I found myself sitting and just listening to this book even when my headache had gone away. I couldn't do anything else while in the midst of this story but listen to the narrator tell Cassia's story. Her voice was so sweet and clear, it was like I was listening to a friend (my age) tell me about her life and I was enchanted by every word.

At the heart of the story is a very real kind of love triangle and contrary to the way I normally despise these types of plots, this one I didn't mind. Both potential suitors are equally good, in very different ways. The way the author introduced Xander and Ky to readers we feel the same uncertainty and confusion that Cassia does. It was very interesting and full of mystery because we as readers aren't positive what is real and what is simply orchestrated by The Society (government officials that are in charge of practically everything). I found I was putting myself in the heroine's shoes and wondering what I would do and feel in her place.

By the end of the story I had fallen in love with the characters and anxious to find out what happens next. Matched is such a thought provoking read that has just enough feeling of "what if" and "it could happen" that makes everything so believable. It made me stop and think about things in ways I hadn't since reading Suzanne Collins Hunger Games trilogy, but in less violent and graphic ways. This book really showcases what a world *could* become if the government forced everyone to be more equal and stripped the individual ways we can express ourselves. Good stuff!

Peace & Love
~Desilula

The next book in the series is due out November 1, 2011.
Visit Ally Condie's WEBSITE to learn more about her works.

Decisions, decisions, decisions...

Sometimes having too many options isn't a good thing...

I think I have shared before how much I hate (and fear) being left out. I really can't stand the thought of missing out on all the fun, it is one of my greatest weaknesses and insecurities. But, what happens when three very different opportunities for fun come along and you can only choose one???

Case in point: This weekend I was invited to go camping with one of my BFF's. I really want to go and am super excited. I love camping, and going with this friend- it is bound to be uber fabulous- laugh a minute- good time. So what's the problem? Good Question. It should be a no brainer decision, but a couple curve balls got thrown my way.

Another friend (that I am hoping to get to know better but I enjoy hanging with all the same) invited me to go to the carnival. I LOVE CARNIVALS!!! Carnival food, like Carmel apples, corn dogs, cotton candy, roasted corn on the cob, strawberry crepes, Indian tacos...Oh and the rides! Can't forget about the rides, I love scary rides!!! Going to the carnival with a group of friends is totally my style of a good time, so you see, it's not such an easy choice to make between the two options-without adding another to the mix!

Option three is the emotion factor. A friend, that I used to be close with but not so much anymore, invited me to a movie and sleepover. A big part of me wants to go just to try to be better friends again, but the other part still feels uncomfortable spending that much time with her by myself. It might be a different story if there were other "buffer friends" that would be there to take the pressure off of me feeling like I had to act a certain way. It's tough because I am just starting to be friends with her again and don't want to hurt her feelings.

So...now do you see my dilemma? It's times like these when I actually appreciate having a parent that has the last word. As my mom so plainly put it "who asked you first? And, if you aren't comfortable going then that is your first clue that you probably shouldn't. Of course, you can always stay home and help move." That settled it for me folks. When all else fails sometimes my mom knows exactly what to say to either nudge me in the right direction or shine the light on the alternative.

Guess I'm going camping amigos!

Hello. My name is ____ and I am a bookaholic.

Hello. My name is Desi and I'm a bookaholic.

Ok... so the title may seem a little harsh or whatever, but in a way the Nancy Drew mysteries are responsible for my book addiction.

Much to my mother's chagrin (I love that word) I wasn't really into reading until around fourth grade. I went to a private school pre-K-2nd grade and their reading curriculum was really hard for me to grasp and I struggled. One of my mom's friends offered to tutor me at the public library and through my sessions with her (I love you Ms. Kelley) and being at the library itself I slowly began to fall in love with reading.

I always loved having books, but reading was a different story...ha...get it...story...anyway, when I transferred to a public school and we started having big book fairs I remember realizing that my parents didn't mind buying me books. That realization was like a light bulb moment. I figured out that I could shop for books but because I didn't really read much for recreation I had no idea what books to put on my tab...and since my parents were willing to shell out $$$$ for books I wasn't about to let the opportunity go to waste! I watched what the other more popular kids were reading (remember I am a new kid and low man on the social totem pole at that time) and they were getting lots of Nancy Drew books, American girls, and Harry Potter.

Harry Potter looked rather ambitious for my first time out and the American Girl books I already owned, though I hadn't read them yet. So, I got a bunch of Nancy Drew books and a couple others that I thought had cool covers like "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver, "Series of Unfortunate Events" by Lemony Snikett and "Princess Academy" by Shannon Hale. I even squeezed in some non-book items like smelly pens, stickers, a poster and a webkinz puppy (don't judge).

Remember when I said I was the new kid...well because of my newbie status I wanted desperately to get in good with the cool girl table and they were all reading and talking about the Nancy Drew mystery so I decided I'd read it too...that way we'd have something real to talk about. Pretty clever, huh? That day, I came home from school and was determined to read some of the book so I could say something to the girls the next day. I remember it so well...I came home and fixed myself a cup of noodles (ramen) and sat at the kitchen table ready to get the reading over with...but the unexpected happened.

I actually got into the story. I sat at the table and read until it started getting dark. My mother thought I was sick or something because I was so absorbed by the story and the characters! Books were fun! Who knew?!?

I will be honest and tell you that I'm not sure which book out of the series it was...I read them all back to back in one week and they kind of slur together. But what I am positive about was that after that week, I read the entire Series of Unfortunate Events and like the Nancy Drew stories, that led to bigger and better things like Harry Potter. And, here is the kicker...I wasn't reading to get in good with a group of girls or anything else, I was reading for me because I LOVED it. I loved the cliffhangers (though they made me crazy) I loved trying to speculate on the "whodunnit" and why's behind everything. In fact, at the heart of nearly every story I adore lies a good mystery.

The moral of this story folks, it only takes one good story to make a bookaholic out of anyone. I read so much now. Sometimes as many as 6 books a week (my benders) but almost always at least 1 (I'm a functioning bookaholic with school , theatre, and track competing for my time). But, I have The Nancy Drew books to thank for sparking that reading passion, and the other books I've read after that for fanning the flame.

I can't imagine how boring life would be without a little mystery and a lot of books to keep things interesting!

 

Peace & Love-

The Hunger Games and City of Bones movie buzz...

So Happy St. Patty's Day to everyone!

It is a super exciting day for booklovers and uber fans (like me) of Suzanne Collins and Cassandra Clare books.

Say hello to the face of Katniss Everdeen...

OMG!!! It looks like Jennifer Lawrence will be Katniss Everdeen! A little hair coloring, the right clothes... I think she could really be amazing. She definitely has the acting chops, but I confess I am a little bummed she is an older actress. I was really hoping for once that Hollywood would cast age appropriate actors in the roles. Don't get me wrong. I think Lawrence is gorgeous and at the ripe old age of 20 (teasing) she she will be able to really give a mature performance. But...part of the drama and heartache in The Hunger Games is the fact that these are kids being sent off to fight to the death on reality TV. With older actors I'm not sure if the same shock and awe of visualizing (in the movie case seeing) the horror of it all will be the same. But, I am totally prepared and optimistic!

The next awesomely exciting news is that the casting for the role of Jace in The City Of Bones is officially CLOSED! *SQUEE* That means that very soon Mortal Instrument fanatics will have a face to put to their movie Jace! How exciting!!! Who do you suppose it is going to be????

Now...Peeta, Gale, Haymitch and Rue....I really cannot wait to see who gets play those parts! I pray to the casting gods that they please, please, PLEASE get Peeta right. I'm not sure if my little heart can take a bad Peeta!

PS- I am still available to play Foxface ;)

New trailer from author Alyson Noel!!!

CHECK IT OUT!

Alyson Noël, author of the Immortals series, continues her new series about Ever's younger sister, Riley.

Having solved the matter of the Radiant Boy, Riley, Buttercup, and Bodhi are enjoying a well-deserved vacation. When Riley comes across a vicious black dog, against Bodhi's advice, she decides to cross him over. While following the dog, she runs into a young ghost named Rebecca. Despite Rebecca's sweet appearance, Riley soon learns she's not at all what she seems. As the daughter of a former plantation owner, she is furious about being murdered during a slave revolt in 1733. Mired in her own anger, Rebecca is lashing out by keeping the ghosts who died along with her trapped in their worst memories. Can Riley help Rebecca forgive and forget without losing herself to her own nightmarish memories?

*Find out more about Shimmer here, including audio excerpts and Riley's diary:
http://www.alysonnoel.com/radiance/shimmer.php