Tag Archive | US author

How to Be Brave, by E. Katherine Kottaras (book review) – live large is mom’s last request

Nov21

book cover of How to Be Brave by E Katherine Kottaras published by St Martin Griffin Teen | recommended on BooksYALove.comA challenge from her late mom,
a best friend willing to do anything,
a chance for an epic senior year… and maybe love.

Meet Georgia (and snarky best pal Liss) in this excerpt, courtesy of the publisher – check out her Do Everything Be Brave List, then get the whole story of how she tackles the list, copes with heartbreak, and struggles with body image.

This isn’t one of those “my mom died and I will mope through life until someone else makes it worthwhile” stories. Georgia creates her own ups (and downs), although Liss and Evelyn are with her for many things.

I loved the way that Georgia would reframe negatives into possibilities (although not always with ease) and the winding routes that her thoughts took as time passed, too.

Don’t miss the interactive book trailer so you can help Georgia ‘be brave’ – http://howtobebravebook.com/

What’s on your Do Awesome Stuff list?
**kmm

Book info: How to Be Brave / E. Katherine Kottaras.  St. Martins Press/ Griffin Teen, 2015. [author site]  [publisher site]  [interactive book trailer] Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: Inspired by her late mother’s letter, Georgia makes a list of daring things to do during her senior year, little realizing how much she and her friendships and her dreams will change along the way.

Her Greek-American father tries to keep their Chicago restaurant going despite his grief, and Georgia tries to break out of her shell by following Mom’s advice to “go do anything you like – in fact, do everything” with an I Want to Live Life list – including jump out of a plane, cut class (no, she never has), learn how to draw like Mom, ask him out…

So she and best friend Liss and new pal Evelyn start in the middle of the list and work their way around to tribal dancing (and maybe Georgia will ask Daniel out, some time).

But one ill-timed party fractures their friendship, and senior year’s zip turns to blah.

Is it worth doing the adventures on her list alone?
Can she ever get Liss back on her side?
Will she be brave enough to leave behind her mom’s artistic style?

Change is scary, but staying the same on-the-sidelines-of-life chubby girl is not an option for Georgia after Mom’s last request entreating her to learn How to Be Brave.
(One of 8,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

Temple of Doubt, by Anne Boles Levy (book review) – truth too strong for doubter priests

Nov19

book cover of The Temple of Doubt by Anne Boles Levy published by Sky Pony Press | recommended on BooksYALove.comOnly the Temple spells can heal,
medicines are forbidden –
what can a young herbalist do?
Well, save the world, for starters…

Hadara’s questioning nature is constantly tested in a world where only the god Nihil is allowed to doubt, especially when its priests force her to help them search for a fallen star that they claim is evil.

Grab this recent release at your local library or favorite independent bookstore and travel to a world where being uncertain can be deadly.

Doubts… what’s your strongest?
**kmm

Book info: The Temple of Doubt / Anne Boles Levy. Sky Pony Press, 2015. [author site]  [publisher site]  [book trailer] Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: On a world where doubt is a god’s privilege alone, a less-than-devout teen helps the priests search for a fallen star and is caught up in a tangle of faith and politics that endangers her family and her own sanity.

Hadara resents the priests of Nihil, ever ready to punish her family for herb-gathering instead of relying on the capricious god of doubt to heal through unreliable spell-casting.

When a star falls from the sky and Azwan high priests from the far-off capital need her help to navigate the Wild, the teen and her mother must obey. Hadara’s reaction to one of their soldiers is unexpected, as is the sudden contact by the Gek people of the Wild and the mysterious illness now sweeping through Port Sapphire.

Was it a only falling star or something far more deadly?
Can Hadara keep her healing secrets from the Azwans?
Can she keep the Azwans’ spells away from her family?

Learning her grandparents’ long-hidden legacy, watching the foreordained path of life in her remote town veer wildly off-course, Hadara must hold true to her own beliefs in the face of authority and try to survive until her own birthday. First in a series. (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

Willful Machines, by Tim Floreen (book review) – big worries for First Son, first love

Oct31

book cover of Willful Machines by Tim Floreen published by Simon Pulse | recommended on BooksYALove.comRogue robots,
attacks on America,
risky new love (trumps all the threats!)

Artificial intelligences gone self-aware are US government prisoners, or so AI-in-the-cloud Charlotte claims, as she directs terrorist robot attacks against their captors who are legislating flesh-and-blood as the only humans.

Intrigued by hot new student Nicolas, closeted Lee weighs following his heart against the daunting expectations of his presidential father and war-hero grandfather in this near-future adventure-love story.

What makes a being human?
**kmm

Book info: Willful Machines / Tim Floreen. Simon Pulse, 2015.  [author site]  [publisher site]   Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: Constantly watched by bodyguards and dronecams, Lee completes his robotic creations and endures boarding school for future world leaders, until new student Nico steals his heart and a self-aware computer threatens world peace – what should US President’s teen son do now?

His mother killed by humanoid robot Charlotte that she helped to create and his father propelled to the Presidency by the resulting Human Values backlash, Lee can’t imagine what his war-hero grandfather/headmaster or dad would do if they discovered he was gay.

But so-hot Chilean transfer student Nico looses Lee’s tightly-boxed heart as they evade surveillance for stolen moments alone – until Lee’s clever robots turn against them, controlled by Charlotte who demands release of imprisoned 2B humanoids.

Can Lee really trust Nico?
Is Charlotte acting alone?
Just how different are humans and self-aware machines?

At the gothic elite school built atop a waterfall, secrets long-buried threaten not only Lee and Nico’s happiness, but humankind’s role on earth in the not-so-distant future.

 

Plotted, by Andrew DeGraff (book review) – mapping literary landscapes

Oct22

book cover of Plotted by Andrew DeGraff published by Zest Books | http://BooksYALove.com reviewBefore and after of Robinson Crusoe‘s island,
Moby Dick and the ship chasing him,
Huckleberry Finn‘s meandering voyage down the Mississippi with Jim…

Happy book birthday this week to Plotted: A Literary Atlas!

I liked it so much that I almost posted this recommendation well before its publication date, but rescheduled so as not to whet your appetite for these uniquely visualized story-maps before you could actually acquire this fascinating book.

Enjoy literary maps of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol  and of Richard Adams’ Watership Down  in this free preview from the publisher, then go get this book to see all the intricately detailed maps, so evocative of each of the 19 books selected while using no quotations at all.

Do you create mental (or actual) maps as you read a book?
**kmm

Book info: Plotted: A Literary Atlas / art by Andrew DeGraff, essays by Daniel Harmon. Zest Books, 2015.  [artist’s site]  [publisher site]  [time-lapse artist’s video] Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: Mental maps created by reading stories blossom into intricately designed maps on the page in this “literary atlas” covering 19 selections from ancient days to the present, as seen through one artist’s eyes.

Whether mapping the movements of selected characters (as in his panels for A Wrinkle in Time) or conveying a wider sense of the book’s narrative (like the Kafka story, “A Report to the Academy”), DeGraff includes numerous details from each work in his hand-painted maps.

Says the artist, “These are maps for people who seek to travel beyond the lives and places that they already know (or think they know). The goal here isn’t to become found, but only to become more lost. Like a poorly informed but over-confident urbanite, I seek to help you get more lost.” (Introduction)

Wander through Elsinore act by act with the many characters of Hamlet, travel the Mediterranean with Odysseus, and trace the complicated path of true love in Pride and Prejudice. Essays by Daniel Harmon accompany each nearly wordless map-set which brings fresh views of stories for readers to consider and appreciate.

Mug It!, by Pam McElroy (book review) – cool cooking for one, the easy way

Sep17

book cover of Mug It! by Pam McElroy published by Zest BooksHungry & solo?
Don’t settle for ramen (again) –
quick-cook something delicious!

More than just cupcakes, Mug It!  serves up single-serve portions of  breakfast yummies, savory supper choices, and worth-the-splurge sweets.

Hit up your local library or independent bookstore for this September release, grab your favorite microwavable mug, and cook yourself happy!

If Pam’s name sounds familiar, you probably remember The Green Teen Cookbook  she edited (my recommendation here).

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I hear that Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake calling my name!
**kmm

Book info: Mug It! Easy & Delicious Meals for One / Pam McElroy. Zest Books, 2015.    [publisher site] Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: Cooking for one gets a new twist with microwaved mugs of deliciousness and mason jars bearing yummy solo selections when you Mug It!

Begin with breakfast, from Overnight Oats with flavor variations that don’t come from a packet to perfect Sunday Quiche and other egg dishes.

Liven up lunchtime with a variety of Mason Jar Salads (Spinach Chicken Pesto sounds great) or Seven-Layer Dip in a mug.

Mugs go main-meal for dinner with Meatloaf and no-box Mac & Cheese in the microwave.  Gotta have dessert, too, so choose from Oatmeal Cookie for one, an oversize mug of Red Velvet Cake with Homemade Frosting, or Strawberry Shortcake.

Measure carefully, follow the experienced cook-author’s clear instructions, and enjoy many solo meals with this new cookbook.  (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy (book review) – big heart, big-boned, beauty queen?

Sep15

book cover of Dumplin' by Julie Murphy published by Balzer + Bray | booksYALove.comBeauty pageants are for Barbies,
Only perfection allowed –
says who?!

Happy book birthday to Dumplin’ as Willowdean decides that the size of her heart matters more than the size of her thighs when pageant season arrives.

Glad that the author finally made it to Texas herself, although breaking the name of our state flower into two piece for the pageant title is dang near treasonous.

Today is also “Sing It Out Day” – how appropriate! Dolly Parton‘s 40 albums and self-acceptance inspire Willowdean to “go big or go home” – what inspires you?
**kmm

Book info: Dumplin’ / Julie Murphy. Balzer + Bray, 2015.   [author site]  [publisher site]   Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: A small Texas town beauty pageant gets a big shake-up as non-traditional contestants enter, led by sizeable and sassy Willowdean who’s ready for new things and her share of love.

Mom relives her Miss Texas Blue Bonnet days each year, helping slim cheerleaders prepare for the pageant as her own daughter enjoys being fat and almost happy.

Dumplin’ (oh, Mom, drop that nickname, please!) moons over handsome Bo at work and wonders if she’ll get stuck in this small town like recently deceased young Aunt Lucy whose size finally kept her housebound.

Willowdean and Lucy loved Dolly Parton’s songs and self-acceptance, so when classmates say the pageant isn’t for her, the teen decides it’s time to challenge the system – and so do other not-gorgeous girls from school!

Hone your talent? Time for a roadtrip to Aunt Lucy’s favorite music venue!
Find the perfect dress? Hello, vintage stores!
Get an escort for the pageant? Oh… maybe Bo?

She’s not entering the pageant to piss off Mom, but this sassy sweetheart and her new friends have read all the rules and know it’s their right to try – in front of the whole town.  (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

Hunter, by Mercedes Lackey (book review) – against monsters, against deceit

Sep5

book cover of Hunter by Mercedes Lackey published by DisneyHyperion | BooksYALove.comHer gift and her hounds, against evil.
Rift between worlds admits monsters,
as does envy and fear…

In this future time after the Diseray blasts, the barrier between humanity and the Otherworld is weaker, the monsters of myth are getting stronger, and Joyeux knows that Hunting them to protect the remaining citizens is her duty and her calling.

So why is it like a media circus in Hunter headquarters? Do the citizens think these creatures are make-believe? And who is covering up reports that the deadliest monsters are appearing inside the city’s unbreakable walls?

The story and writing are great, even if the title is rather humdrum. Head to your favorite local library or independent bookstore to request this Sept. 1 release.

**kmm

Book info: Hunter / Mercedes Lackey. Disney Book Group, 2015. [author site]  [publisher site] Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: Called from the remote Mountain to protect citizens from constant monster attacks, Joyeux finds that her magical skills may not help her cope with reality TV hovercams, living in Apex city, or the traitor within its walls.

Joyeux was sent by her uncle to the off-grid monastery after she was orphaned, later discovering her magical talent for hunting the mythological monsters that prey on what’s left of humanity.

Citizens watch the Hunters’ daring attacks on dedicated vid-channels, safe indoors – will Joy ever get used to being followed constantly by videocams?

She and her mystical hounds patrol Apex with her mentor, finding small monsters appearing inside the city walls faster than they can exterminate them – why hasn’t this upward trend been noted already?

And now some large monsters are getting through the city’s impenetrable defenses – who is helping them and why?

Dealing with big egos at Hunter headquarters and the suave attentions of her uncle’s assistant with psychic abilities, Joy’s concern about the city’s fate grows daily as Ketzels, Gazers, Vampires, and worse monsters converge on Apex – with a human’s assistance.  (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

Jillian Cade: (Fake) Paranormal Investigator, by Jen Klein (book review) – eerie stuff unbeliever gets schooled

Sep3

book cover of Jillian Cade-Fake Paranormal Investigator by Jen Klein published by Soho Teen | BooksYALove.comElectronic gadgets to “see” spirits – check.
Computer-savvy cousin with adventurous streak – yep.
Belief in the paranormal – nah.

Jillian’s disgust with her charlatan dad fleeing home for “research” after Mom’s death doesn’t stop her from taking new cases for Umbra Investigations – just because ghosts and demons aren’t real doesn’t mean she wants to starve.

But this new (cute) guy at school and new missing person case are weird, very weird…

Be sure keep an eye out for Jillian Cade: (Fake) Paranormal Investigator, published on Sept. 1st… and for otherworldly creatures, just in case.

**kmm

Book info: Jillian Cade: (Fake) Paranormal Investigator / Jen Klein. Soho Teen, 2015.  [author site]  [publisher site]  Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: Not believing in spooks or demons doesn’t stop Jillian from running the family paranormal business, but the teen may get more than pizza money when the cursed boyfriend case takes her and too-smart new student to LA’s seedy side.

Keeping her dad’s dubious investigation service going while he’s off chasing secrets in the wake of Mom’s agonizing death does let Jillian eat, but the high school junior’s next case is full of shocks – a client who holds back vital information, a cute new guy who knows too much about occult phenomena, and an obituary dated six months in the future, her own!

How can she “be survived by sister Rosemary” when she’s an only child?
Why did Corabelle report her boyfriend missing after just one day?
What’s the real story behind Sky’s sudden appearance at her school?

Creepy things are definitely camped out in LA, ready to wipe out anyone who trespasses in their territory – of course, Jillian soldiers on to find that disappearing boyfriend and who’s behind that scary obituary. (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

Ink and Ashes, by Valynne E. Maetani (book review) – Dad’s secrets, her peril

Aug22

book cover of Ink and Ashes by Valynne E. Maetani published by Tu Books | BooksYALove.comStepdad knew their late father?
Business trips were really what!?
Is that black SUV still following us?

When Claire discovers that her long-dead father was part of a Japanese organized crime gang, her whole world begins shaking – and here come the bad guys who want to make sure that the Utah teen goes under for good!

If your local library or independent bookstore doesn’t have this summer 2015 release on the shelf, ask for it!

Family secrets – key to one’s own history or ticking time-bomb?
**kmm

Book info: Ink and Ashes / Valynne E. Maetani. Tu Books, 2015.  [author site]  [publisher site]  Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: Claire’s search for answers on the tenth anniversary of her father’s death inadvertently alerts the yakuza to her family’s location – and the race for survival is on!

The Japanese-American teen can’t believe that her stepfather knew her father and never told her, that a simple phone call could unleash a horde of bad guys intent on wiping out her family, that best buddy Forrest could think of her as more than a friend…

The letters that Claire wrote to Otochan in the years after his death appear throughout the book, as the straight-A student weathers accusations of cheating at school, uncovers many strange things about her late father, and must rely on her group of guy-friends more than ever when objects symbolizing death start arriving at her Utah home.

Why would Mom lie about her father’s past?
Why does the Japanese crime gang care about her family after all this time?
Can she stay alive long enough to figure out Forrest?

Action, intrigue, friendship, love, and revenge – watch out for black SUV following you!  (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)

Flawd, by Emily-Anne Rigal (book review) – honest options for positive change

Aug18

book cover of Flawd by Emily-Anne Rigal published by PerigeeFlaws… we all have them.
Most people hate them.
How can you learn to live past them?

From bullied to bully to accepting herself, Emily-Anne found ways to get beyond bad life situations and into a better life framework, establishing WeStopHate.org so other teens could share their struggles and strategies for higher self-esteem.

Many “you can love yourself” books are just the same ol’ advice recycled, but Flawd‘s new ways to think and do things will help you gradually adjust your mental outlook to more-positive – and keep it there.

Happy book birthday to Flawd!

**kmm

Book info: Flawd: How to Stop Hating on Yourself, Others, and the Things That Make You Who You Are / Emily-Anne Rigal, with Jeanne Demers; illustrated by Jeanne Demers. Perigee Books, 2015.  [author site]  [publisher site]  Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.

My book talk: When you stop spending mental energy hating your flaws or those of others, you can use it to change the world, love yourself, and make life better.

If you could magically erase your biggest flaw, then another shortcoming would start to bother you – so read Flawd  and learn how to:
See yourself as imperfectly imperfect,
Treat life as playfully as possible,
Think about what really matters,
Embrace all that makes you, you,
Understand influence and how to use it,
Know you can be part of a flawd and powerful transformation. (Flawd, pg. xviii)

Unlike many “we will fix you” self-help books, Flawd  recognizes that transformation is a continuing process using incremental changes in attitude and actions.

The author experienced extreme bullying as a teen, was a bully herself as backlash, and finally began choosing to accept her differences as strengths. Many of the insights shared by other teens on the WeStopHate.org website are included in this book as affirmations that the six Flawd principles can be positively life-changing.   (One of 6,000 books recommended on www.abookandahug.com)