The Best Reader [Search results for research] 

1. What is one if your favorite lines from Sirens?

I have to give you two lines, two sentences, just because they go together (kind of like my two voices, Josephine and Louise): “We were mirrors, reflections, like in a Coney Island funhouse. One of us would levitate, and one of us would disappear, if you get my drift, and the twist was which of us would do what.”

2. What is the hardest part of writing a historical novel?

The hardest part of writing any novel for me is the first draft. That’s because I’m a “seat of the pants” writer. I don’t outline or plan – I just get it out on paper the best way I can. Now, historical novels require a lot of research, and that actually helps, because I feel the time period and the voice so clearly as I research.

But if I had to say what is the hardest thing about writing historicals? It would have to be making sure that I get it right. I hope I never have to apologize for making an historical mistake – getting a fact wrong.

3. Do you ever have certain “playlists” you listen to while writing?

Actually, not while writing. I need pretty much complete silence while I write. That’s not to say I need to close my doors and windows or anything; but I can’t listen even to music while I’m at the computer. Otherwise I just end up sitting back and singing along. Or standing up and dancing.

However, I often have songs in my head and listen to stuff between stints of writing. Sometimes it’s music of the period and sometimes it’s contemporary stuff that just fits the mood. And I love making up playlists to go with the story as I’m puzzling out pieces while I’m walking.

4. Do you have any strange writing habits?

I alluded to the walking thing – I take a walk every day. If I’m trying to sort out a part of a novel that’s giving me fits I take it with me on the walk. And I find that at about the same place on the walk, each and every day, the answer comes to me, or at least I have a new clue. It’s quite rewarding.

Plus, I get my exercise.

Forgiven by Janet Fox
Published: Speak (June 2nd, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Series: Faithful, #2
Kula Baker never expected to find herself on the streets of San Francisco, alone but for a letter of introduction. Though she has come to the city to save her father from a cruel fate, Kula soon finds herself swept up in a world of art and elegance — a world she hardly dared dream of back in Montana, where she was no more than the daughter of an outlaw. And then there is the handsome David Wong, whose smiling eyes and soft-spoken manner have an uncanny way of breaking through Kula's carefully crafted reserve. Yet when disaster strikes and the wreckage threatens all she holds dear, Kula realizes that only by unlocking her heart can she begin to carve a new future for herself.

Siren s by Janet Fox Published: Speak (November 8th) Reading Level: Young Adult Series: Faithful, #3 When Jo Winter’s parents send her off to live with her rich cousin on the glittering island of Manhattan, it’s to find a husband and forget about her brother Teddy’s death. But all that glitters is not gold,. Caught up in the swirl of her cousin’s bobbed-hair set—and the men that court them—Jo soon realizes that the talk of marriage never stops, and behind the seemingly boundless gains are illicit business endeavors, gangsters, and their molls. Jo would much rather spend time the handsome but quiet Charles, a waiter at the Algonquin Hotel, than drape herself
over a bootlegger. But when she befriends a moll to one of the most powerful men in town, Jo begins to uncover secrets—secrets that threaten an empire and could secure Jo’s freedom from her family. Can her newfound power buy her love? Or will it to ruin Jo, and everyone around her?

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HOW THE TOUR WORKS Each day of The Crossroads Blog Tour, a new research question will be revealed on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page: http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/crossroads-2012/ and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all answers by the end of the tour.
Answers are to be emailed to judithgraves @ ymail dot com by October 28th at MIDNIGHT. Winner of the grand prize will be announced on OCTOBER 31st – HALLOWEEN.
The GRAND PRIZE you’re vying for? A brand new KINDLE, preloaded with a title from each of the participating Crossroads Blog Tour Authors. That’s right folks, a free KINDLE and 13 free EBOOKS!

Well folks, you know that dreaded research paper that has been consuming my life? I can officially say that as of 8:58pm on Friday (the official last day before Christmas Break) all of my research papers are graded and done! It was a way grueling process — but I'm done! I'm so proud of myself, I think I'll reward myself with a much needed reading session!

Thanks everyone for sticking with me through purgatory!

Well, this morning I got to work and (as I have first period as a prep) I was just preparing the day's lessons when my mom called. She never calls during the school day so you can imagine all the horrifying news that played through my mind as I answered.

My dad was in a car accident early this morning but is fine. He hit black ice and went into a ravine, but we don't think he rolled. Miraculously he was able to climb out of his Expedition and up the 50 foot incline where a plow (laying sand) and pulled over. We, of course, had no knowledge of his condition when we got the call so my mom left Bemidji (a 10 hour drive to Pierre) and I left Bismarck (only 4 hours) to get to my dad. Dad moved to Pierre a few months ago and has been enjoying his retirement and patiently awaiting the end of the school year when my mom will be able to retire as well.

Needless to say, I unexpectedly am out of school for today and tomorrow. I did grab my laptop (and my few final research papers) but I figured as I have a few hours tonight, all day tomorrow, and part of Saturday until Dan is able to come for the holidays — I might as well read!

So when I stopped by Katie's Book Blog and saw that there is a readathon going on — I decided to join! I haven't heard about it in the blogosphere, but with research papers and the holiday busy-ness — I have been a bit preoccupied. I do have about 12 papers left to grade (each one takes me about 30-45 minutes) so I'm think in between every chapter (or three but no more than five) I'll grade one paper. Kind of like a reward system.

I'm going to start off with "Cinder" (a book I haven't been able to give any time to) and then "Ditched" and "Darlings in Love." I didn't have time to pack anything but my Nook, so I'm hoping I can get Dan to bring down "A Million Suns" as well!

Again, thank you for your patience these past two weeks — I know the majority of my posts have been Pinterest-Holiday related, but really — these papers are kicking my butt.

Anyone else joining the readathon last minute?

1. Can you tell us one of your favorite lines from Anastasia Forever?

My Sourcebooks editor, Leah Hultenschmidt share the same favorite Tess line which comes near the end of the book. “I think Anne just told destiny to suck it.” Makes me laugh every time I read it.

2. What can you share with us about Sweet Dead Life?

Oh how I love this book! I love it so hard! I think the blurb on Amazon gives you the gist:

Fourteen-year-old Janena Samuels is having a very bad 8th grade year. Her single mother spends all day in bed. Dad vanished when she was eight. Her 16-year-old brother, Casey, tries to hold what's left of the family together by working two jobs--difficult, as he's stoned all the time. To make matters worse, Janena is sick. When she collapses one day, Casey tries to race her to the hospital in their beat-up Prius and crashes instead. Janena wakes up in the ER to find Casey beside her. Beatified. Literally. The flab and zits? Gone. Weirder, he makes her feel better. Before long, Janena figures out that Casey didn't survive the accident at all. He's an"A-word." (She can't bring herself to utter the truth.) Soon they both discover that Janena isn't just dying: she's being poisoned. And Casey has been sent back to help solve the mystery that not only holds the key to her survival, but also to their mother's mysterious depression and father's disappearance.

Also, when Casey returns as Janena’s guardian angel, he comes back with all his bad habits firmly intact. Which I also love.

3. Can you describe your writing process? What steps do you take before writing?

I make a huge mug of green tea with honey or Agave. I sit down. I open a new document. I type.

Beyond that, I also do some basic outlining and character brainstorming. And often there’s a number of hours of research involved – like for the book I’m working on right now, I ‘ve extensively researched film noir, both reading it and watching the movies.

4. Do you have plans for any other series or stand-alone books?

Well, as I’m typing this, we have just announced that there will be a follow up book to next year’s THE SWEET DEAD LIFE, It will be out in spring of 2014 and will be the rest of Casey and Janena’s story. I am thrilled! Beyond that, you’ll just have to wait and see.

Anastasia Forever by Joy Preble
Publisher: Sourcebooks (August 1st, 2012)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 304 pages
Series: Dreaming Anastasia, #3
Stories within stories. Secrets within secrets. In accepting powers from the legendary witch Baba Yaga, Anne must tackle a complex set of missions: Discover the secret of their enemy's newfound immortality; decide whether she can kill him to free her family from a vicious curse; come to terms with the magic that now resides inside her; and finally find true love with Ethan. The riveting conclusion to the trilogy that began with Dreaming Anastasia.

Website | Goodreads | Blog | Twitter

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

HOW THE TOUR WORKS Each day of The Crossroads Blog Tour, a new research question will be revealed on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page: http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/crossroads-2012/ and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all answers by the end of the tour.
Answers are to be emailed to judithgraves @ ymail dot com by October 28th at MIDNIGHT. Winner of the grand prize will be announced on OCTOBER 31st – HALLOWEEN.
The GRAND PRIZE you’re vying for? A brand new KINDLE, preloaded with a title from each of the participating Crossroads Blog Tour Authors. That’s right folks, a free KINDLE and 13 free EBOOKS!

I am "stealing" this from The Story Siren. If you want to find out more about it click here . Anyway, these are books I got this week at the bookstore, library, and in the mail, of course.

So, this may, in fact, be the most books I've ever received in one week. I am gearing up to begin three final research papers. The first, for Linguistics, will be a study of the Northern Minnesota Dialect. The second, for my infamous Harry Potter class, is going to be either a character analysis of Draco Malfoy OR a comparison between HP and the story of Christ. The third, for my senior seminar on "Paradise Lost," will be a comparison between Milton's "Paradise Lost," Rowling's "Harry Potter," and Lewis' "The Chronicles of Narnia" and the depiction of Christ and Satan in fiction. So, I've been spending most of my time in the library and have... accumulated... quite a large stack of library books. I've attached pictures for your entertainment.

For Review:

"Da Cajn Critter" by Pamela D. Lyles

Won:

From the library:

• "If Harry Potter Ran General Electric"
• "Reading Harry Potter"
• "Reading with the Heart: The Way Into Narnia"

  

• "The Chronicles of Narnia: The patterning of a Fantastic World"
• "The Chronicles of Narnia: Critical Interpretations"
• "The Magician's Nephew"
• "Harry Potter and Philosophy"
• "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe"
• "What Will Happen in Harry Potter 7"
• "The Psychology of Harry Potter"
• "The Hidden Key to Harry Potter"
• "The End of Harry Potter?"
• "Writing Minnesotan: A Critical Analysis of Dialect and Culture in Upper Midwest Regional Literature"
• "Linguistic Atlas of Upper Midwest: Volume 1"
• "Linguistic Atlas of Upper Midwest: Volume 2"
• "Linguistic Atlas of Upper Midwest: Volume 3"
  

What did you find in your mailboxes this week?

Until next week — Happy Reading!

1. Everlasting was your debut novel. What has been the most surprising part of the process from writing to promotion?
The most surprising part was discovering just how much marketing the authors must do themselves. My expectations were so far above the reality, so with my next few books I feel I much better prepared to be my own advocate.

2. You have done a lot of historical research in the past. What was the most fascinating thing you learned during that experience?
So many amazing tidbits captured my imagination. When researching, it’s a risk that I’ll stumble onto something that will distract me and make me want to write a new book! For Everlasting, I loved learning about sailing and a sailors life at sea. The superstitions, the work sailors were expected to do, the risks and the dangers of the ocean. All very fascinating!

3. If you could go back in time, what time period would you like to visit, and why?
Regency England would be my first stop, and the next would be Civil War era America. Someone better invent a time machine, pronto.

4. Your next book, The Midnight Tunnel: A Suzanne Snow Mystery, is set to be released next March. Can you tell us about this story?
Zanna is an 11-year-old girl who lives at the grand hotel her parents manage in New Brunswick, Canada. All she wants is to be a detective like her famous uncle, Bruce Snow. When a young guest goes missing and her uncle writes off the case as unsolvable, Zanna sets out to prove him wrong. I’m really excited about this new mystery series! It’s a fun one.

5. What other things do you have in the works right now?
Other than a few more Suzanna books and a possible third Everlasting novel, I am concentrating on a new historical paranormal YA. All I can say is Paris, 1899, and gargoyles. I’m still figuring it out!

Everlasting by Angie Frazier Publisher: Scholastic Press (June 1st, 2010) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardcover: 336 pages Sailing aboard her father’s trade ship is all seventeen-year-old Camille Rowen has ever wanted. But as a girl of society in 1855 San Francisco, her future is set: marry a man she doesn’t love, or condemn herself and her father to poverty.

On her final voyage before the wedding, the stormy arms of the Tasman Sea claim her father, and a terrible family secret is revealed. A secret intertwined with a fabled map, the mother Camille has long believed dead, and an ancient stone that wields a dangerous—and alluring—magic.

The only person Camille can depend on is Oscar, a handsome young sailor whom she is undeniably drawn to. Torn between trusting her instincts and keeping her promises to her father, Camille embarks on a perilous quest into the Australian wilderness to find the enchanted stone. As she and Oscar elude murderous bushrangers and unravel Camille’s father’s lies, they come closer to making the ultimate decision of who—and what—matters most.

Beautifully written and feverishly paced, Everlasting is an unforgettable journey of passion, secrecy, and adventure.

Find Angie Frazier Angie Frazier / Blog / Twitter / Goodreads

Purchase Everlasting Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository

This woman <---- is outstanding… but also cruel.; ) She caused me to have a huge reading slump because nothing I've read since reading her books Beyond and Two Suns have compared. *sigh*.

If you are looking for a book totally different, you have to check out this series. I read them in just a few days and now I can't wait till book 3 comes out!

Maureen was kind enough to stop by and tell us a little about the series and you can read an excerpt from Beyond.

1. BEYOND shows readers such a complex"world". How did you first get inspired to write this story?

When I was a little girl I watched all the 'space' shows, and I had a crush on every hero. I dreamed that one of them would come take me from my back yard, away on a wild adventure in space, and that we would fall madly in love. When this never actually occurred and I learned that I was stuck on Earth for the rest of my life, the 'dream' started to turn into a story.

2. What's the hardest part of working on a book where different planets have various elements (like time changes, atmospheres, creatures)?
Your imagination is your greatest asset or your greatest foe. The concept of"time" was tricky. I was more than willing to do the actual research and fly into space to see exactly how long five years would take, but NASA shut their space program down and Richard Branson said his Virgin Galactic plane was sold out for two years. So, I was left with my imagination.: ) One of my favorite creatures is the Sumpum. It has big squashy paws that sound like wet sponges slapping against a car when it walks. It was hard not to laugh at myself as I was writing this book. I'd say,"Come on, Maureen, seriously?" But it was so much fun.

3. For those who haven't read the book yet, can you share some characteristics about Aimee and Zak?

Aimee played the clarinet in marching band. She liked photography, vanilla-scented candles, and she had a copy of Engineering for Dummies on her desk. Maybe on Earth--in high school--those characteristics might have labeled her as a geek, or a loner. But when she is accidentally taken from this planet on board a spaceship that is bound for faraway galaxies, she is starting with a clean slate. No one knows her. Heck, vanilla-scented candles and engineering students might be considered awesome in a foreign world. Not that Aimee really cares what they think. In this new world, there is so much for her to learn, and that is what truly motivates her… a thirst for knowledge.

Zak, (sigh). Zak is a loner for a completely different reason. He is aboard the guardian ship, Horus, but he is not one of them. He was also picked up from another planet. He is a warrior, possessing amazing piloting skills in his craft, the terra angel. Combine his hero and orphan status and you get a man that people feel awkward to approach. Yes, they idolize him, but in doing so, they never actually get to know him.

Oh, and he's hot too.: )

4. This book isn't just about Aimee and Zak. There are so many outstanding characters. I know it's hard to pick, but who do you really love writing about the most?

Without a doubt, it would have to be JOH. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't wish he actually existed, because I sure could use him around the house. JOH is brilliant, and yet remarkably like an eager puppy. He sees life from a very literal perspective. For example, when Aimee says,"JOH, thank God I found you." He responds,"I know of 9022 gods. Which one should I thank?"

5. Can you share a teaser with us?

This is a scene where Aimee has stowed away on Zak's ship…

"Gayat!" Aimee didn't know what the word was, but it had to be one doozy of a curse from Zak’s native tongue.
"Who is back there?" The English translation kicked in.
She hesitated and then cleared her throat."It's Aimee."
There was another muttered curse, followed by a smack against one of the boards. The craft jumped under each of Zak's jerky motions. Aimee knew he was mad, but she refused to cower. She just wanted to go home.
A deeply drawn breath sounded and then he managed a composed voice."What are you doing on my ship?"
Yeah, he was not happy. The notion nearly made her smile.
"I didn't intend to stay on it," she defended."But I climbed in, and then the hatch closed, and then next thing I knew you were on board, and before I even had a chance to say, Zak, I'm here, whooosh, we were off into the cosmos. And then I thought—I thought that maybe I could convince you to fly this thing to Earth."
A heavy silence loomed from the front seat.
Aimee opened her mouth to add more, but snapped it shut when she heard him say,"Stop."
"Stop what?"
"Stop talking."
She opened her mouth again, but snapped it shut as Zak swiped his hand on the side panel and she tumbled onto her side.
"Dammit, you could give me some warning before you do that," she admonished.
"If you were an approved passenger you would be secured in place, and I would not have to give you any warning."
She hated it when people were right.
"I have to concentrate," Zak continued."We're in the approach to Bordran and it is a tricky one. In this atmosphere, I'm unable to rely on the TA's automatic landing references. I have to do this manually—and I need quiet."
Aimee held her tongue… for a second."Am I going to go flying through the windshield when you land this thing?"
"Possibly," he grated.
She thought she detected a grin in his response. It aggravated her because it was at her expense. She climbed up onto her knees and spread her hands out, laying her palms flat on each side of the craft for leverage. No longer concerned about being detected, she could now inch her chin up and look out the panoramic window. She gasped, startled to find that the green planet which had appeared so minuscule on the Horus, now dominated the right side of the craft and seemed only miles away.
"It looks peaceful enough." Oh my God, she was about to land on a foreign planet!
"What you are seeing is a thick cloud of gas. The planet is far beneath that ring, and the voyage through that vapor is not an easy one. So yes, you could quite possibly end up going through the windshield. Fortunately, the windshield is made of a composite strong enough to withstand tremendous air pressure, as well significant fluctuations in temperature." He hesitated while maneuvering the craft, and then added,"And catapulting young women."
"Is there anything I can do?" she cried, oblivious to his sarcasm.
"In front of you there should be a symbol that looks like a—"
"A circle with a line through it?"
"Yes. That one. Run your finger along the line, and back up a bit."
"Run my finger along the line and then back up?" she asked."Or back up and reach forward and run my finger along the line?"
The sigh was unmistakable from the front seat.
"Either. If something hits you, then move."

Beyond by Maureen A. Miller Published: October 2012 Paperback: 302 pages Series: Beyond series, #1 Summary:
It is the day after Aimee Patterson’s high school graduation. College beckons, as does her dream of becoming an engineer. On an early evening walk, her cocker spaniel charges into the woods on the other side of the pond. Aimee trails after him, and in the stillness of that forest the unthinkable happens. She becomes paralyzed and watches in horror as her hands vanish before her eyes.

Waking to the sound of voices, Aimee realizes that she has been kidnapped. Little does she know how far away from home she is, though. In an attempt to flee her captors, she launches from their confines only to freeze at the view outside the window. The sky is black and filled with stars, and in the distance is a familiar blue globe. The planet Earth.

A group of humans forced to flee their planet after an epidemic destroyed their civilization now travel the galaxies in search of an antidote. Retrieving samples of plant life from every solar system, on this occasion Aimee was accidentally seized instead.

Aimee must learn to avoid the advances of an awkward young scientist who seems intent on dissecting her, as her own fascination turns to the exotic young warrior, Zak. Having fallen in love with Zak, she is now torn with the decision to return to Earth or live beyond the stars.

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

For the third year in a row I am participating in the Crossroads blog tour! This tour will feature 13 outstanding authors and people who follow along with the tour will have a chance to win a KINDLE. The kindle will be preloaded with a title from each author!

To be entered, your readers MUST complete all the research questions (a new one will be posted each day) and email their answers to judithgraveswrites@gmail.com by midnight on October 30th — correct entries will go into a draw for the grand prize.

You can find more details here.

Twitter chat will be: Monday the 29th from 8-9 CST / 9-10 EST. Hosted by Mundie Moms
PARTICIPATING AUTHORS
Judith Graves – Leap Books – Under My Skin, Second Skin, Skin of My Teeth, Killer’s Instinct

Joy Preble – Sourcebooks – Dreaming Anastasia, Haunted, Anastasia Forever. Soho Press (forthcoming May 2013) – The Sweet Dead Life

Stacey Kade – Hyperion – The Ghost and the Goth, Queen of the Dead, Body & Soul

Amanda Ashby – Speak – You Had Me at Halo, Zombie Queen of Newbury High, Fairy Bad Day, Demonosity

Lucienne Diver – Flux – Vamped, Revamped, Fangtasic, Fangtabulous

Kiki Hamilton – Teen / Macmillian – The Faerie Ring, The Torn Wing

Jackie Morse Kessler – Harcourt Graphia – Hunger, Rage, Loss

Christine Fonseca – Compass Press – Transcend, Libera Me

Carrie Harris – Delacorte Books for Young Readers -Taste In Boys, Bad Hair Day

Dawn Dalton – Leap Books — SPIRITED Anthology, Killer’s Instinct

Leanna Renee Hieber — Sourcebooks – Darker Still (Magic Most Foul, #1), The Twisted Tragedy of Miss Natalie Stewart (Magic Most Foul, #2)

Ty Drago — Sourcebooks – The Undertakers: Rise of the Corpses, The Undertakers: Queen of the Dead

Janet Fox – Speak – Faithful, Forgiven, Sirens
______

PARTICIPATING BOOK BLOGGERS: Late Bloomer Online
A Simple Love of Reading
Scribing Shadows
For What It’s Worth
Confessions of a Bookaholic
Mundie Moms Book Reviews
Most-Wanted Monsters
A Life Bound by Books

The tour Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Crossroads-Blog-Tour/218310244897337?ref=hl And Twitter account: @TheCrossroadsBT

I'd like to welcome Carla Buckley, author of "The Things That Keep Us Here, " as my guest. Everybody say, "Hello Carla."

Tell us a bit about you — who is Carla Buckley?
I’m a wife, mother of three, and coddler of two small dogs. Growing up, I was passionate about both art and writing, studied both in college, worked as an artist and a writer afterward, but it wasn’t until I decided to stay home following the birth of my first child that I narrowed my focus to writing.

How long did it take you to write "The Things That Keep Us Here?"
Six months to produce a draft I could share with my literary agent, another six months working on the feedback she gave me, then a final six months revising it with my editor.

Explain the process you went through after you had finished writing the novel.
Usually, after I’ve finished a manuscript and sent it off to my agent to be shopped to publishers, I immediately begin writing the next book. This time, however, I held off. The Things That Keep Us Here was a different kind of book to me, one that represented a huge leap forward in my writing, and I wanted to see how it fared before I re-committed myself to the writing process. The Things That Keep Us Here was turned down three times--because publishers didn’t want to touch the topic of bird flu--before it found a home at Bantam Dell, with an editor I’m privileged to call mine.

Do you have any writing habits or anything you HAD to do before sitting down to write the novel?
Years ago, a screenplay writer taught me how to plot according to a three-act structure, and that’s what I follow before I begin writing: I set up the three acts, each with their turning points, and pretty much lay out the entire novel in my head before I start.

There is a lot of scientific information that, as a non-scientist, sounds completely plausible in your novel; where did you get this information or are you a closet-scientist?
I am a confirmed non-scientist! In school, science terrified me, with all its intricacies and seeming irrelevance, and I avoided it wherever I could. It’s ironic, perhaps, that I married an environmental scientist, which allowed me to see science from a different perspective, and understand its own serene beauty. When I undertook to write The Things That Keep Us Here, I did a great deal of research: I read everything I could on avian influenza, and interviewed scientists from The Ohio State University who actually do the work that my character, Peter, does. It’s these scientists, whom I acknowledge in my book, who made the science leap from the page for me.

What is your favorite thing about your novel?
This is such a great question. I’d have to say it’s the turning point in the middle, where my character Ann, surrounded by death and fear and confusion, confronts who she really is at heart, and makes an impossible choice. For me, this is what my novel is really about: who are we deep inside, when we can’t rely on someone else to save or protect us, and how do we live with the choice we make? I’ve heard from many readers on this part of the book, which delights me.

If you had to describe "The Things That Keep Us Here" in three words — what words would you choose?
Frightening, poignant, and real

Where did the title come from?
My original title was Flu Season, which my publisher felt wasn’t a perfect match. Over the course of six or so months, I tried out other options: Six Hours, Flight Risk. My book was sold to the UK and Germany as Out of Thin Air. None were quite right. Finally, facing a catalog deadline, the senior people at Random House got together and brainstormed, and my editor called me the next morning with the final title, The Things That Keep Us Here. I’m deeply honored that my publishing house was so invested in finding the perfect title for me.

What are you currently working on?
My next book also focuses on a global threat, as shown from the perspective of the non-scientist. In it, a woman, long estranged from her hometown and her family, returns to find her sister dead and others sick from the same disease. Although I don't want to reveal the source of the illness, I will say it's based on a truly frightening phenomenon that few people are aware of, but scientists are looking into, and I predict it will start making headlines shortly.

What are you currently reading?
I’m halfway through two novels, both debuts. The Murderer’s Daughters, by Randy Susan Meyers, which is a heart-rending story about two young girls who witness their father’s murder of their mother, and how their lives are forever shaped. Meyers does a fantastic job of moving the action forward, and it’s hard to believe this is her first novel. And The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book so driven by voice as this one is, and I’m loving every page.

Where can you be found offline?
The very few hours that I’m not writing, I’m walking my dogs, working out at my local rec center, and ferrying my children around to their various activities. Sometimes, I make dinner! My sister is my writing partner (and the best writer I know), and we regularly get together for a many-hour lunch at a local sandwich shop to pound out various issues in both our works in progress.

Where can you be found online?
My website is my online home: www.google.com. There, readers can contact me, or reach me through Facebook, Twitter, goodreads, and LibraryThing.

Any last comments?
Thanks for hosting me here, Miss Remmers. It’s always a delight to meet another reader as passionate about books as I am!

Not only do Carla and I share a passion for reading — we also have similar roots. Her husband is from Northern Minnesota and it turns out that she frequently visits my own home town of Cass Lake, MN for summer vacations!

If you haven't read, "The Things That Keep Us Here, " you are definitely missing out. This is one of the best adult fiction books I've read. Highly recommend it.

Carla, thank you so much for stopping by!

Hey everyone. Sorry for my epic lack of posts. It is finals week for me. Hooray. *sarcasm* This is currently me (above) as I type up my 40 page paper for my Child and Adolescent Development course that is due by Sunday.

Some of you may know my school journey… because it seems to never end!! However, after Sunday I will only have 1 course to go on my path to having a Master's Degree in Psychology.

I will be a PRO-fessional, just like this…
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My next class starts in 3 weeks and then I'll have a Research Thesis course where we just spend 10 weeks writing a bazillion pages for a thesis paper. Joy. Can't wait.

Next week I should be back on track. I have lots of great posts coming up (including another ARC/Book giveaway).

Thanks everyone! Hope you all have a fabulous weekend.

1. How do you know when someone is a zombie?

Well now hold up! If we’re talking about THE UNDERTAKERS, then don’t call ‘em zombies! Zombies are slow and stupid, while Corpses – the villainous invaders who animate the dead and wear them like suits of clothing – are fast, smart and well organized. They project an illusion of normalcy around themselves, so that 99.999% of the world see ordinary men and women. Only kids, and only a few kids, are “lucky” enough to be able to penetrate these masks, and spot the rotting cadavers underneath.

So, to answer the question: you don’t.

Not unless you’re an Undertaker.

2. Can you give us a teaser from Queen of the Dead?

Thirteen-year-old Will Ritter and the rest of the Undertakers have won their first victory, but the celebration is cut short when a new threat emerges through the Void between worlds. Lilith Cavanugh, the Queen of the Dead, is even more ruthless and dangerous than her predecessor, and her ambitions are even more sinister.

To defeat her, the Undertakers will need to prevent an assassination, rescue Will’s family, and somehow convince a skeptical F.B.I. agent that their cause is just. But how to you convince a grown-up that monsters are real?

3. Are you addicted to any TV shows? What do you watch in your spare time?

I am a crazed Doctor Who fan and have been since I was a teenager. When it’s on, it’s my favorite show. When it’s not, I mourn it and wait for my other favorite shows: Fringe, The Walking Dead, How I Met Your Mother and NCIS!

4. What are some of your favorite Young Adult novels?

I enjoyed the Harry Potter and Percy Jackson series. I loved Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games Trilogy. But my favorites in YA have to Jackie Kessler, A. S. King and Heather Brewer! YA has come a long way since I was a kid, when Nancy Drew the Hardy Boys were about the only games in town. It’s edgier now, more challenging, and I think that’s being reflected in the number of young readers we’re picking up out there.

The Undertakers: Queen of the Dead by Ty Drago
Publisher: Sourcebooks (October 1st, 2012)
Reading Level: Young Adult/Middle Grade
Paperback: 432 pages
Series: The Undertakers, #2
Twelve -year old Will Ritter and his rag-tag army of teenage resistance fighters may have triumphed over the Zombies last time, but that's the thing about the dead: they keep coming back.

A new Corpse leader has crossed the rift and taken command of the invasion: The Queen of the Dead is even more brilliant and ruthless than her predecessor, and her ambitions are even deadlier. Will and the crew must somehow rescue his mother, prevent an assassination, and show FBI Agent Ramirez the truth about the Corpses-and the danger the world faces.

But how do a bunch of kids prove to a grown-up that monsters are real?

Website | Goodreads | Facebook

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

HOW THE TOUR WORKS Each day of The Crossroads Blog Tour, a new research question will be revealed on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page: http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/crossroads-2012/ and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all answers by the end of the tour.
Answers are to be emailed to judithgraves @ ymail dot com by October 28th at MIDNIGHT. Winner of the grand prize will be announced on OCTOBER 31st – HALLOWEEN.
The GRAND PRIZE you’re vying for? A brand new KINDLE, preloaded with a title from each of the participating Crossroads Blog Tour Authors. That’s right folks, a free KINDLE and 13 free EBOOKS!

Once again please welcome Sheila, from One Person's Journey Through a World of Books, as this week's Guest Reviewer. This is Sheila’s second time as a Guest Reviewer – check out her review of The Book Thief.
******************* Nothing But Ghosts – Beth Kephart
“Grief and all its anguish is at the heart of this story. Reeling from her mother’s death, Katie, 16, takes a summer job on a nearby wealthy estate as part of a work crew constructing a gazebo. As she bonds with her fellow teen worker, Danny, she stumbles across secrets about the beautiful, rich recluse who lives in the big house. Why has wacky Miss Martine not been seen for over 50 years? Is the hole that they’re digging really for the gazebo? With the help of the glamorous town librarian (yes, glamorous), Katie and Danny research local lore in newspaper files and microfilm. The connections between solving the mystery and Katie’s bereavement struggle are sometimes overstated. Her first-person present-tense narrative is clear and lyrical, though, especially in her portrayal of her genius dad, an artist who asks, “How do you paint regret?” and in her discovery that “beauty and sadness can both live in one place.” I found Beth’s writing to be wonderful and detailed. I enjoyed the flash backs of Katie’s mom and even though she was a character who had passed on, her presence in this book is sensed as well as felt, and I think appropriately so. I could imagine the pain of Katie losing her mother at such a tender age, yet trying to be strong for herself as well as her dad – as her dad was for her.
The mystery of Miss Martine in the book is actually a salvation for Katie and her dad. While going about doing what they do, they stumble blindly into something that not only brings them fully into the situation… but binds them together. As the book ends I had a sense of good things to come. The book left me feeling that they would be alright, that doors were opening to a future that in the final chapter as they all sit around the dinner table.
This book is categorized as Young Adult and I can see this being enjoyed by that age group. I certainly enjoyed the read and I will be looking for more from Beth Kephart in the future. Readers, I recommend you spend some time this summer with Nothing But Ghosts.
******************* As always, I really want to thank Sheila for taking the time to come up with such a great review! If anyone else has a great book to recommend to high school students, please email me (my profile has the address). Check out this post for more information on how to become a guest reviewer.
Please remember to check out Sheila's blog, One Person's Journey Through a World of Books, and share some book love.

Thanks again, Sheila, for the great review and for being the first Guest Reviewer to make a second appearance! Thanks!

I am so happy to be part of the 12 days of Morganville Madness tour! The Morganville series by Rachel Caine was one of the first I picked up, and even after a few years, I still find myself hooked to this series. I am featuring the 10th book in this incredible series, Bite Club, and Rachel is here to tell us a little about it. Be sure to sign up below for a SIGNED copy of Bite Club and a Black Dawn bookmark.

Tour Stop #10 – BITE CLUB
1. What kicked off the concept for this book?

You know, it seemed pretty obvious to me that Shane had anger issues to work through, and that he’d jump at the opportunity to join up with people who promised to provide a way to fight vampires. And that it would go badly, somehow.

2. Which character do I think stood out in this book, and why?
I think this was Shane’s book, through and through; it was also the first time I ventured into his point of view, because I knew that what he was going through wouldn’t be nearly as understandable if we just say what Claire saw. We needed to feel how he felt about it. And luckily, he had a lot to say.
3. Five things I loved about writing this book:

A. Changing POV. After 8 books written exclusively from Claire’s POV, this was a great way to break free and experiment. B. This was a seriously dramatic turn of events – Shane, suddenly beginning to turn on his friends, and lose control of his temper. And his friends doubting him. C. Fencing! I love fencing. D. I really enjoyed finally pitting Shane and Claire against Bishop in a cage match. E. Oh, hey, Mr. Bishop! Where you been?
4. Five things I didn't love about writing this book

A. Mr. Bishop. Man, that guy is no fun to write. B. Shane’s descent into Angry Shane was difficult for me, since it contrasted so sharply with his usually snarky, funny tone in my head. C. It’s surprisingly difficult to write a bunch of ‘roided-up angry people in groups, too. I just don’t know that many of them in real life. D. I wanted more fencing. MORE. E. There is no E.
5. If I could do this book over, what would I do differently, and why?
I would probably make Michael a little edgier, but I was intending to save that for the future.
6. Favorite quoted passage from the book
Myrnin sent a message through the portal — well, more of a rock with a note tied to it, which rolled across the floor and scared Eve into a scream before the portal snapped shut.
Eve kicked the rock resentfully with her thick black boots and glared at it, then the wall. Claire, who was coming down the steps, gave her a what-the-hell kind of look.
"Your boss," Eve said, and reached down to grab the rock,"needs to figure out texting. Seriously. Who does this? Is he actually from the Stone Age?
7. What I learned from this book
I need to go to the gym more. A lot more. 8. Fun research moment

I ended up Googling all kinds of strange stuff for some reason, including fencing videos, which rekindled my love of movies with swords. Win!

Short Review I wanted to share a short version of my review. The full review will be posted later today.

I'm not sure how Rachel Caine is able to keep this story flowing so well. There are so many series out there that seem to lose their spark after a few books. That is not the case with the Morganville series! The characters are so spectacular that you can't help but want to know what will happen to them next. Claire continues to change and grow, and the rest of the Glass House is just so darn entertaining that it makes you wish they were part of your group of friends. Yes, even though Michael is a vampire: ).

Bite Club by Rachel Caine
Publisher: NAL Hardcover (May 3rd, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardback: 340 pages
Series: The Morganville Vampires, #10
After discovering that vampires populate her town, college student Claire Danvers knows that the undead just want to live their lives. But someone else wants them to get ready to rumble.

There's a new extreme sport getting picked up on the Internet: bare—knuckle fights pitting captured vampires against each other—or humans. Tracking the remote signal leads Claire—accompanied by her friends and frenemies—to discover that what started as an online brawl will soon threaten everyone in Morganville.

Prize:

• 1 winner will receive a SIGNED copy of Bite Club by Rachel Caine.

• You must be at least 13 (or have permission) to enter.
• Name and email must be provided.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US only and ends May 13th.
• Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads | LiveJournal

Amazon | The Book Depository | Barnes & Noble Next Tour Stops April 30: LAST BREATH (Book 11) http://www.literaladdiction.com/ MAY 1: BLACK DAWN (Book 12) http://mundiemoms.blogspot.com/

I have had a wonderful time with the Crossroads tour. I can't believe it ends Sunday! It feels like we just got started: ) But now it's time for the CONTEST!! The authors were kind enough to donate some swag and a book for the tour and the book I have to give away is Magician's Muse by Linda Joy Singleton. In order to sign up to win this prize pack just fill out the form below. This is a quick contest! It will end at midnight (ET) on Halloween!

Magician's Muse by Linda Joy Singleton Publisher: Flux (October 1st, 2010) Reading Level: Young Adult Series: The Seer, book #6 The Final Book in Linda Joy Singleton's Popular Paranormal Series, The Seer

A whisper, too soft to swirl wispy candle smoke, carried across time, beyond life and death—and was heard."Our bargain is sealed. My secrets will be yours-when the girl dies."

In the thrilling climax to The Seer series, Sabine's psychic abilities, sleuthing skills, and courage are pushed to a dangerous edge as she deals with the mysterious disappearance of her ex-boyfriend Josh, a new threat against her boyfriend Dominic, evil magicians (both living and dead)—and a coldblooded murder.

Giveaway Prize:

• 1 winner will receive a signed copy of Magician's Muse by Linda Joy Singleton and swag from the Crossroads tour participants!

• You must be at least 13 to enter.
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US/CANADA and ends Sunday night, October 31st.
• Once contacted the winner will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

Also, for the huge prize pack giveaway, each day of The Crossroads Tour, a new research question will be revealed here on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page (http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/), and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the 16 different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all 16 answers by the end of the tour, on Halloween.

YOU MUST send your answers to judithgraves at ymail dot com by midnight on October 31^st

By: Simone Elkeles

I’ve always been a complete wimp with a capital W, and I still am. My mom took me to a “stranger-danger” movie when I was seven and I freaked out. I used to hide behind trees if I saw a car drive by when I walked to my friend Dayna’s house.

I’m still afraid of rollercoasters, because they’re scary. When I was a kid I refused to go into the “scary house” and put my hand in the “eyeball jar” in order to get my Halloween candy. And in 5^th grade I threw up and had to go home early from Tracy’s sleepover party when everyone watched the horror movie Beyond the Door (seriously, the girl in the movie was possessed and her head turned completely around 360 degrees… can you blame me for puking?).

I called 911 last year when I heard noises in my basement, but then realized I forgot that my assistant was working in my house that day. To make a long story short, my life is full of scary stories… or maybe I just have an overactive imagination and freak myself out unnecessarily because I am, after all, a storyteller.

For research this weekend, I’m going to put on a bulletproof vest and ride with the undercover detectives from the Chicago Police Department’s Gang Homicide/Sex crime division. Wish me luck that I don’t barf on the detectives if I see some scary stuff! ~Simone Elkeles

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers (December 23rd, 2008) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardcover: 368 pages Series: Perfect Chemistry, book #1 A fresh, urban twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers.
When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.
In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.

Prize:

• 1 winner will receive a signed copy of Perfect Chemistry.

• You must be at least 13 to enter.
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US ONLY and ends November 13th.
• Once contacted the winner will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

- Thanks so much Simone for participating and for the donation!

Find Simone Elkeles
Simone Elkeles / Twitter / Myspace / Goodreads / Facebook

Purchase Perfect Chemistry
Amazon / The Book Depository / Barnes & Noble

* Check out Lisa's Haunted Halloween post.

*Reminder: If you are interested in the COMMENT CONTEST, remember to include your email address with your comment for an extra entry! Please read full entry rules here.

BBAW is finally here and I am so excited to welcome Chachic from Chachic Book's Nook.

You're from the Philippines! That is so cool! Are there other book bloggers in your area? If so, what are they! I'd love to visit their blogs!
I'm so glad you think it's cool that I'm from the Philippines! There are actually a number of book bloggers here. I only started blogging this year but I noticed that there have been Filipino book bloggers for several years and more and more are popping out lately. I noticed that we didn't have a site that brings together all Filipino book bloggers so I decided to create Filipino Book Bloggers (http://filipinobookbloggers.wordpress.com/) . I know the name isn't that creative but I'm happy to get to know some of the book bloggers out there. We're having our first meet up soon and I'm really excited for that.

That's so awesome about the meet up! I hope it goes awesome! Because English is your second language, is it hard to read YA novels written in English? What about writing the reviews? Here in the Philippines, we actually use English as the medium of instruction. The Philippines was colonized by the United States and it was Americans who established education in the Philippines. All of our subjects, starting from nursery up to college, are taught in English except for Filipino and a couple of other History subjects. That's why English books aren't translated to Filipino over here and I'm comfortable with reading books and writing reviews in English. Also, I've never mentioned this on my blog but I actually work with Americans. I'm a research analyst for a Business Process Outsourcing company and I report directly to people in the US.

As an international book blogger, what differences in book blogging have your noticed between international and US book blogging?
One of the main differences is we don't get review copies. International shipping is really expensive so I understand that publishers would have a hard time sending review copies and it also takes a couple of weeks for the books to get here. I've never received a copy for review and most of the other Filipino book bloggers that I've talked to also haven't received any review copies. The books that I review on the blog are given as gifts, bought, or borrowed.

On a positive note, I love it when US book bloggers are amazed with some of the things that I mention in reviews like how I've never seen snow or how we don't have public libraries over here. You don't have public libraries! Wow, that really makes me appreciate my library.
You host a meme called "Want Books?" where readers can highlight books that they want but can't have either to it not being released in their country yet, not having the money for it, a far-out release date, etc. Where did you come with the idea? When is your weekly post up? How many bloggers generally participate? I love the photo too! Are you familiar with the meme Waiting on Wednesday (WoW), which is hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine (http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/) ? In WoW, you can feature upcoming releases that you're eagerly waiting for. I used to use that meme but then I realized that it would be better if there's a meme that lets you feature books that have already come out that you can't get for some reason. Instead of complaining about books not being available here, I thought it would be better if I could create a meme to highlight them. So that's how I came up with Want Books. I put up a post every Saturday and anyone can participate. It isn't a popular meme though and only a handful of book blogger friends have participated. I don't mind because I don't think I'll ever run out of material for the meme, there will always be books in my wishlist.:)

I see that you have a giveaway ending TOMORROW! What is it and who is eligible? Yes! I have a Mortal Instruments giveaway but sadly, it's only for residents of the Philippines. All you need to do to enter is tell me what review of mine is your favorite and why. Learn more about it here. We both read a lot of YA, what books would you recommend to struggling young adult readers? Oh gosh, I have so many recommendations! Here you go:

Fantasy
The Queen’s Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner
Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith
Sasharia En Garde duology by Sherwood Smith
The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley
Graceling and Fire by Kristin Cashore
His Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Pullman
Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
The Bartimaeus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud
The Changeover by Margaret Mahy

Fairy Tale Retellings
Beauty by Robin McKinley
The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

YA Contemporary Fiction
Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta
Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols
Jessica Darling books by Megan McCafferty

Historical Fiction
Sunbird, The Lion Hunters, The Empty Kingdom by Elizabeth Wein
A Countess Below Stairs, The Reluctant Heiress and A Company of Swans by Eva Ibbotson
Thanks for all the great recommendations! Wow! I'm going to steal one of your questions because it was so good! What is your "good read" preference — contemporary YA, epic fantasy, urban fantasy, science fiction or dystopian? I read read books from all of those genres but I have a special place in my heart for epic fantasy.

What are your comfort reads? Books that you go to on a rainy day for a reread when nothing seems to be going your way. The books that I listed in the recommendations section are my favorites so they're really my comfort reads. I've reread most of those several times already.

What book are you pinning for — that you can't wait to get your hands on? Oh so many! Check out my Want Books meme because I have weekly posts on books that I'm pining for. Although if you're asking for books that are yet to be released, I can't wait to get Bayou Moon and Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews, Pegasus by Robin McKinley and Seer of Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier.

Chachic, thank you so much for stopping by! It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know you and discovering your blog. Readers, please remember to stop by and visit Chachic at Chachic Book's Nook.

This weekend I did some baking and I thought these cookies (Pinterest Link) were super cute! The recipe (direct link to recipe and directions) calls for almost everything I had in my home with me — all I really needed to buy was the cookie icing.

• 1 package Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix
• 10 large marshmallows
• Betty Crocker Cookie Icing (white and orange)
• Wilton Decorating Icing Tubes in Black, Red, Green, Blue and Pink (although I only used orange and black)

I like this guy because he looks like he is actually melting

So as you can see, without the right icing and the small(er) mallows, these snowmen don't really have the "puddle effect."

Now, these cookies weren't exactly hard to make — they were actually pretty easy and they are adorable! But the reason the Final Verdict is BUST is because these cookies are impossible to eat (and retain their cuteness) and impossible to transport (and really, who is going to eat ALL of these cookies!). So in conclusion — despite the cuteness, it's just a sugar cookie and mallow so unless I'm going to show them off to others (in which case I'd need to transport them — which is impossible) — it's kind of pointless. Very cute cookie but not worth it (in my opinion).

And yes, I'm still grading research papers.

1. You write YA and MG titles. Which do you find to be more difficult?

Oh, great question! I find MG books a lot harder to write, which was a real surprise since I wasn’t expecting it! I love writing YA books and I never have to force them but with MG I felt really restricted. It was a lot harder for me to get my heroine out of the house and away from the protection of her family. Plus, it probably doesn’t help that my daughter is almost 12 and I keep freaking out at the idea that she might get up to the same things my heroine does!!!

2. What can you tell us about Demonosity?

Cassidy Carter-Lewis inadvertently becomes the guardian to an ancient alchemist treasure called the black rose and is forced to fight a horde of medieval demon knights. Along the way she also meets two demon brothers and learns that while not all demons are bad, not all of them are good either and soon the battle is a lot more personal than she ever expected.

There are so many things that I love about this book, not only my tortured demon knights but also Cassidy’s best friend Nash who is a total hottie! I also love Cassidy herself and she is going through a lot of personal struggles that I could really relate it. It’s definitely my favorite book so far!

3. What are your writing habits? Have you developed any new ones over the years?

My writing habits were actually a lot more structured before I sold a book. It was because my children were babies and so I only had specific times when I could sit down and write. However, now that they are in school I tend to flit around a lot more and then write in bursts (normally about ten minutes before they are due home!)

4. Do you have any special Halloween traditions?

We don’t really celebrate Halloween in Australia, though my kids always try and convince us to take them out Trick-or-Treating, which can be embarrassing since most doors they knock on are answered by grumpy people who don’t have any candy!

Fairy Bad Day by Amanda Ashby Publisher: Speak (June 9th, 2011) Reading Level: Young Adult Paperback: 336 pages
While most students at Burtonwood Academy get to kill demons and goblins, fifteen-year-old Emma gets to rid the world of little annoying fairies with glittery wings and a hipster fashion sense. She was destined to be a dragon slayer, but cute and charming Curtis stole her spot. Then she sees a giant killer fairy — and it's invisible to everyone but her! If Emma has any chance of stopping this evil fairy, she's going to need help. Unfortunately, the only person who can help is Curtis. And now, not only has he stolen her dragon-slayer spot, but maybe her heart as well! Why does she think it's going to be a fairy bad day?

Website | Blog | Twitter | Goodread

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

HOW THE TOUR WORKS Each day of The Crossroads Blog Tour, a new research question will be revealed on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page: http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/crossroads-2012/ and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all answers by the end of the tour.
Answers are to be emailed to judithgraves @ ymail dot com by October 28th at MIDNIGHT. Winner of the grand prize will be announced on OCTOBER 31st – HALLOWEEN.
The GRAND PRIZE you’re vying for? A brand new KINDLE, preloaded with a title from each of the participating Crossroads Blog Tour Authors. That’s right folks, a free KINDLE and 13 free EBOOKS!

"I've been spoiled recently with all of the good books I've been reading and 'Double' definitely fits into this category." — Miss Remmers

Release Date: February 27th, 2012
Publisher: Hyperion
Challenges: eBook Challenge, +75 Challenge, NetGalley Challenge

"When the sixteen-year-old runaway Chap is mistaken for a missing boy named Cassiel, his life changes dramatically. Chap takes on Cassiel's identity, gaining the family and friends he's always dreamed of having. But becoming someone else isn't as easy as he hoped--and Chap isn't the only one hiding a secret. As he teeters on the brink of discovery and begins to unravel the mystery behind Cassiel's disappearance, Chap realizes that he's in much deeper danger than he could have imagined. After all, you can't just steal a life and expect to get away with it. Award-winning author Jenny Valentine delivers an explosive mystery where dark secrets, betrayal, and loss pave the way for one teen's chance at redemption."

"Double" turned out to be a fast-paced, amazing read! I enjoyed every minute of it! My students (as I was finishing this book during Recreational Reading Friday last week) kept asking why I was in such a good mood and all I could say was that I was reading a fantastic book! This week when we do book talks I'll tell all my classes about it because I know they'll be curious. While reading this book I got completely lost in the (digital) pages. I've been spoiled recently with all of the good books I've been reading and "Double" definitely fits into this category.

The plot was flawlessly woven together; it included some big twists and some great feeling in regards to the well being of the characters. There were parts that I felt like I needed to begin writing down all the unanswered questions, but everything was solved in the end. Ever other chapter (another great book with short chapters) we found out about Chap's grandfather. This plot line was just as riveting as the 'present day' plot.

Overall, "Double" was a surprisingly fantastic book! I highly recommend it and "Dead to You" by Lisa McMann (plus, "Double" is a stand alone — how often does that happen!?).

-Connect with the Author: Goodreads
-BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

To the FTC, with love: eGalley received through NetGalley

From Frugal Plus...
"This stylish, witty, and ambitious book is ideally suited for high school and college students, SAT and ACT test

takers,
business people, and anyone who just wants to know the correct way to write something.
Practice exercises are filled with fascinating, quirky information, making this grammar book actually fun to read. Examples: “The band UB 40 got its name from an unemployment form in England,” or the more somber fact, “Sixty percent of all professional athletes have filed for bankruptcy five years after retiring, regardless of how much money they made in their careers.” Grammar rules are deftly and clearly presented. Even more important, more than 2,000 sentences in over a hundred integrated practice exercises-more than any other grammar book — enable users to attain genuine grammar mastery of even long-standing grammar problems. This book is comprehensive without burdening the reader with grammar drudgery, using and explaining only those grammatical terms which are necessary to avoid mistakes or to improve writing skills. (Good-by subject compliments and predicate nominatives!) The extensive writing section provides systematic writing exercises to help users write clearer, more concise, and more readable sentences. Practical writing advice is included for writing essays, research papers, and business letters. The text covers essential sentence structure, including sentence fragments and run-on sentences, using correct pronouns, verbs, capital letters, apostrophes, and all punctuation as well as a usage glossary to sort out confusing words such as accept and except and imply and infer. In the front of the book there is a Diagnostic Test to take, as well as, on the Great Grammar Book’s website to help you determine your areas of strength and weakness. Soon you’ll be able to banish your grammatical errors and write with confidence and style."
I'd like to thank Bostick Communications for sending me a review copy of the Great Grammar Book. Unlike any other book I've accepted for review, this book is, in fact, a grammar book. I very much like the Diagnostic test at the beginning of the book and I can see myself giving this test to every student at the beginning of the year. I can also see myself using this book throughout my classroom in regards to grammar instruction. This book would be great for English Language Learners, students, and adults wanting to better their grammar. If you are interested in learning more about prescriptive grammar — I highly recommend this book.