Category: Update Post

• Finding Yourself in YA Contemporary

  Posted at 7:55 am by Laura, on February 14, 2015

  

  YA offers so many great stories across all genres and I’m constantly pulled in. Lately, it’s within contemporary realistic fiction. Why is that? Well, I have a theory…

  As readers, we want to see a bit of ourselves in a story, even when we’re actively escaping our world. How many of you have read a book and loved it on some level because of a shared personality trait with the main character? You didn’t have to like the character, or relate to their situations — in fact, their personal circumstances could be vastly different from your own. But you still feel a connection.

  We want validation of our experiences here and now or from when we were younger. Seeing another character experience something we experienced/are experiencing reminds us we’re not alone.

  So what prompted this post in the first place?

  I just finished reading The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord, out in stores the end of March. I thought it would be impossible to top my Book Boyfriend Matt Finch from Lord’s debut, Open Road Summer, but it happened. Max Watson is it. He reminded me so much of my type in high school (and now, let’s be real): well-dressed but slightly dorky, a nerd and proud of it without being condescending (he’s all about Firefly and Quiz Bowl, but he’s not arrogant or a brainiac), a great listener and down for conversations and activities with you and your friends. Just…good, smart guy.

  But before I continue to gush about him, there’s Paige, the protagonist in Lord’s novel. She constantly plans ahead, creates a list of happy things to get her out of her grief, is a bookworm and a bit of a nerd herself, and fancies the idea she could date the charismatic boy in her grade. Um…me. All me. Toss in the fact this book is basically set in my hometown (literally — its rival schools are my high school’s rivals) and I was locked in and in love.

  The reality of YA contemporary fiction: finding pieces of yourself in modern books.

  I’ve said this before about several books, though, haven’t I? That I loved the book because the character reminded me of me. But that’s exactly the appeal of contemporary fiction. Several books come to mind that reveal different parts of who I am and who I was. And I love them dearly for it.

  

  
  Shyness, racing thoughts, writing letters to express emotions. Lara Jean was me at fifteen. I was shy around boys, my thoughts constantly jumping to conclusions, alternate realities, and worst-case-scenarios. Because of that, I always wrote things down. Every little thing that happened each day was written in a notebook, most especially the things I wanted to say to the guys I crushed on.

  
  Nostalgic, not-so-spontaneous, dependable. Allyson was stuck on a big event in Paris while she went abroad and it left her hanging for a year. But that worry and concentration over one particular day is a sense of nostalgia. I’m very much a nostalgic person, especially when it comes travel. And, like Paige in The Start of Me and You, I prefer to have whole weeks planned out. Allyson was the same way. Because of that, she’s seen as a dependable person. I never saw that as a bad thing, but it’s certainly a character trait we share.

  Fandom immersion, social anxiety. Cath was and is me in these respects. While I am better than most introverts in social situations, I’m still sweating and shaking underneath it all. A friend of mine in college summed up this introvert-who-can-work-a-room quality perfectly: “I hate crowds and small talk, it makes me feel sick. But it’s a survival tool. If you told me I had to be the fastest runner in the world in order to get away from that bear, then by God I’m gonna be the fastest runner in the world.” Now put me in a room full of people obsessed with my own obsessions, and this little fangirl is as happy as a clam!

  
  Overanalyzing, awkward, obsessively clean. Anna was like my giggly spirit, tapping into my girly side. But at the same time, she could be very awkward (and recognize it, but still dig deeper, more awkward holes), and she was constantly assessing the tiniest situations. Not to mention straightening things without realizing it. That, right there, is me my entire life.

   

  YA contemporary connects us to others, fictional or otherwise, that remind us who we are and what we can do about our own lives. What steps can we take to achieve our goals? What Would [Your Favorite Character] Do? How would we do something different in a similar situation? The more YA I read, the more I find myself drawn to contemporary fiction because it helps me on my own personal journey — recognizing and accepting my flaws, making sense of my past and forging my future.

  What are your thoughts on YA contemporary fiction? Which character is most like you? Does this happen to you across other genres?

  Posted in books, Update Post | 4 Comments | Tagged books, genre: contemporary, genre: young adult, personal

• Bookish Resolutions

  Posted at 8:30 am by Laura, on January 1, 2015

  

  Book Expo America

  I’ve wanted to attend for several years now. While I lived closer just a few months ago, the draw to BEA is stronger than ever now that I’ve moved inland. Attending as a book blogger and bookseller and literary agent feels like the trifecta of incentive, so I’m hoping I can scrap enough together to make it back out east and experience the bibliophile chaos. Back-up: attend YALLfest or YALLwest.

  Reading 10 Library Books

  This was a resolution last year, and it was not upheld whatsoever. I’ve gone to the library, but I haven’t checked out books. I work in a bookstore that has a hardcover-exclusive library system for the booksellers, but I only took advantage of it once and didn’t even read the book. Lame. I need to do that right now, especially if I’m in the habit of buying hardcovers lately. Plus, there are so many books available in libraries that are on my TBR list. I should take advantage of this!

  Buy 1 for Every 5 Read

  I tried this last year, and it worked for a while. I was cranking out ARC reviews, occasionally read a book from my shelf, and then immediately purchased a book. But once my birthday hit (gift cards! Free books!), and then employee appreciation weeks (heavily discounted books!), and then the beginning of lit agenting (more gift cards!), I lost track of how many books I read to warrant how many I could buy. For shame. I have 175+ books I own but haven’t read, and I really need to start working on that.

  The Re-Read Challenge of 2015

  Having said that, I do want to reread some of my favorites. Belle of Literati and So Obsessed With are hosting a Re-Read Challenge, a break from TBR piles and re-experiencing our favorite books. (Thanks Lindsey for pointing this out!) It’d be nice to not feel the pressure of reading for the sake of reviewing, or reading before publication. Read more about the challenge the and books I chose here!

  Read 50 Books

  10 library books + 10 favorites = 20 already in line. The next 30 will be a mixture of ARCs, books I’ve purchased but haven’t read yet, and any new ones coming out in 2015. When you think about it, this really narrows down my selection. While I’ve surpassed my goal of 50 Books in 2014, I’m also not counting the endless number of manuscripts I read as an agent for potential representation, the hours of editing the acquired manuscripts, etc. So…in a way…50 books might be a bit difficult to reach this year.

  What are your 2015 bookish resolutions?

  Posted in books, Update Post | 6 Comments | Tagged books, personal, reread2015, resolutions

• End of Year Book Survey

  Posted at 8:00 am by Laura, on December 30, 2014

  

  This is the first year I’m participating in The Perpetual Page-Turner‘s End of Year Book Survey. Jamie is something of a goddess in the blogging world (I remember the first time I saw her I just stared in awkward silence. Guys, bloggers are real people! Who knew?!), and what started off as a fun recap on her blog has turned into an excellent way for other bloggers to catch up with each other and what happened to them/the blog that year.

  So without further ado, here are some of my reflections on my 2014 book life! Note: This includes all books read in 2014 – it doesn’t have to be published in 2014. 

  

  Number Of Books You Read: 67
  Number of Re-Reads: 0
  Genre You Read The Most From: Contemporary YA & Fantasy

  

  1. Best Book You Read In 2014?

  This is way too hard. Thank goodness I made a Top Five Books of 2014 post! What pops into my head is Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell, but you could ask me this same question in an hour and I’d say something else. So many great discoveries this year!

  2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?

  I was excited about Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins, as well as The Secret Place by Tana French. I thought I’d love Lola as much as Anna but that wasn’t the case; and Secret as much as The Likeness. Though I didn’t love them like I thought I would, I still very much enjoyed the books!

   3. Most Surprising (in a good way or bad way) Book You Read in 2014? 

  Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch surprised me in a good way. Sometimes high fantasy YA can be just as cumbersome as high fantasy adult — and with loads of hype surrounding it, I was wary. I can be pretty picky about the fantasy I read. And sometimes those physically and mentally and emotionally strong female protagonists all blend together and become way too Mary Sue. But Meira stood out for me in this magical world. I can’t wait for the next book! Such a wonderful concept.

  I was also surprised by my disinterest in the first half of Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon. Come on, more Jamie and Claire, right? I should love it! But I didn’t. Stupid, stupid France. The rest of the book was great, though!

   4. Book You “Pushed” The Most People To Read (and they did) in 2014?

  Recently, Anna and the French Kiss. Earlier this year (and pretty much always) it was Between Shades of Gray and Fangirl. Between wasn’t read in 2014, though. It’s just the book I’m always recommending to YA readers. Same with Night Circus — always recommending, even though I didn’t read in 2014. There was also Letters From Skye that I would recommend to historical fiction/war fiction readers, and they always buy it, but I wouldn’t say I pushed it on them. It was more of an excited suggestion!

   5. Best Series You Started in 2014? Best Sequel of 2014? Best Series Ender of 2014?
  

  Best series started: Outlander, hands down.
  Best sequel: Possibly The Lovely and the Lost by Page Morgan.
  Best series ender: This is TOO HARD. The Caller by Juliet Marillier? Deliverance by CJ Redwine? Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins? The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness? Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor?

  2014, the year all of Laura’s favorite series ended.

   6. Favorite New Author You Discovered in 2014?

  ACK another hard one. Right now, let’s go with Gayle Forman.

  7. Best Book from a Genre You Don’t Typically Read/was Out of Your Comfort Zone?
  

  I read mostly within the genres I enjoy. Though I typically don’t read books with much (explicit) sex in it, Outlander was tipping the borderline. That’ll just have to be my answer.

   8. Most Action-packed/Thrilling/Unputdownable Book of the Year?
  

  Action-packed: Geek Girl by Holly Smale (ARC), in a strange, non-action way. Every chapter ended with a witty cliffhanger, making me turn the pages fast. Review to come in January! 
  Thrilling: Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman. So fascinating!
  Unputdownable: Anna and the French Kiss. I just…I couldn’t. I also read the book while on a mini-vacation with friends, and only got three hours of sleep that night because I simply couldn’t stop reading!

  Note: This is the only time I’ll ever use the non-word “unputdownable.” *shudders*

   9. Book You Read in 2014 That You are Most Likely to Re-Read Next Year?

  So glad this was asked! One of my resolutions for 2015 is to participate in a 2015 re-read challenge. Anna and Fangirl are definitely on the re-read list.

  10. Favorite Cover of a Book You Read in 2014?

  The Winter Witch by Paula Brackston, hands down.

  11. Most Memorable Character of 2014?
  

  The men of the books! James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser (Outlander). Matt Finch (Open Road Summer by Emery Lord). Etiénne St. Clair (Anna). Willem (Just One Day by Gayle Forman). Levi (Fangirl). I know that was more than one, but seriously, how can I narrow these down?

   12. Most Beautifully Written Book Read in 2014?

  Oooooh. That’s hard. Maybe…Blythewood by Carol Goodman.

  13. Most Thought-Provoking/Life-Changing Book of 2014?

  If I Stay by Gayle Forman. I really don’t know what I would’ve chosen if I were in Mia’s situation.

   14. Book You Can’t Believe You Waited UNTIL 2014 to Finally Read? 

  Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell. Seriously, why did I wait?

   15. Favorite Passage/Quote From a Book You Read in 2014?

  To belong to someone – I didn’t know it, but now that I think about it, it seems like it’s all I’ve ever wanted. To really be somebody’s, and to have them be mine. —To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, by Jenny Han

  16. Shortest & Longest Book You Read in 2014?

  Longest: Voyager by Diana Gabaldon
  Shortest: One of the children’s picture books, most likely Edgar Gets Ready for Bed by Jennifer Adams

   17. Book That Shocked You the Most
  

  Oh, that’s hard! Possibly Dreams of Gods and Monsters, only because I had no idea what direction Taylor was going.

  18. OTP OF THE YEAR (you will go down with this ship!)
  

  JAMIE AND CLAIRE.

  19. Favorite Non-Romantic Relationship of the Year

  The friendship and sisterhood between Lara Jean and her sisters in To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. It’s so nice (and refreshing) to see realistic, friendly, companionable relationships between girls in YA books.

  20. Favorite Book You Read in 2014 from an Author You’ve Read Previously

  This was a year of series completions and new author discoveries. Because of that, I wouldn’t say this book was a favorite, but it fits with “author you’ve read previously.” The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness would have to be the book.

  21. Best Book You Read in 2014 That You Read Based SOLELY on a Recommendation From Somebody Else/Peer Pressure:

  Jackaby by William Ritter (thanks, Hannah!).

  22. Newest Fictional Crush from a Book You Read in 2014?

  Matt Finch (Open Road Summer) and Jamie Fraser. Actually, everyone mentioned in #11 fits here, too.

  23. Best 2014 Debut You Read?

  I really enjoyed A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall. So unique! I’m feeling all the warm fuzzies just thinking about it right now.

  24. Best World-building/Most Vivid Setting You Read This Year?

  Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch, of course, for world-building. Most vivid setting belongs to Outlander. Gabaldon just goes to town describing the landscape.

  25. Book that Put a Smile on Your Face/was the Most FUN to Read?

  A Little Something Different and Geek Girl take the cake on this! Both made me smile and laugh out loud.

  26. Book That Made You Cry or Nearly Cry in 2014?

  The Major’s Daughter by JP Francis made me cry, and as well as If I Stay by Gayle Forman and Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson.

  27. Hidden Gem of The Year?

  Winter is Coming by Tony Johnston, a picture book with vivid artwork and stunning writing.

  28. Book that Crushed Your Soul?

  Possibly Just One Day by Gayle Forman. How is it one can have such a wonderful, rebellious day in Paris, and wake up the next morning in a confused panic and not know what happened? The whole journey Allyson went through made my heart ache.

  29. Most Unique Book You Read in 2014?

  If not A Little Something Different, then Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by David Levithan and Rachel Cohen, only because the concept is so fun. Texts From Jane Eyre by Mallory Ortberg is a great parody, as well.

  30. Book that Made You the Most Mad (doesn’t necessarily mean you didn’t like it)?

  Panic by Lauren Oliver because it didn’t seem at all like any of her other books. It didn’t sound like her. The concept wasn’t what I was expecting. I was disappointed — and frowned a lot while I was reading.

  

  1. New Favorite Book Blog You Discovered in 2014? 

  Lindsey’s Bring My Books and Morgan’s co-blog Gone With the Words, but I’m probably biased because we text each other every single day now.

  2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2014? 

  Maybe one that’s not published yet, like I Was Here by Gayle Forman because of all the meaty content, or Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins because it was so fun. Usually when I write reviews they follow the same standard format and I do my best to stick to them. When I really enjoy the book, the format blurs, and the review may come across as sloppy — but it’s my fangirling showing through.

  3. Best Discussion/Non-review Post You had on Your Blog?

  The guest blog post with Lindsey for our Jane Eyre appreciation! Check out her post here, and my post there!

  4. Best Event that You Participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?

   Meeting Victoria Schwab (and other authors) at Children’s Book World in Haverford, PA! Second would be #TBTBSanta. That book swap was so much fun!

  5. Best Moment of Bookish/Blogging Life in 2014?

  Becoming a literary agent! What a silly question 😉

  7. Most Popular Post This Year on Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?

  According to the stats, my most popular post of 2014 was “Plowing Through the Piles,” with the most views. Not surprised. It has pictures of my bookshelf, features a TBR jar, and exposes my insane Excel spreadsheet, haha. “Nonfiction Selections for the Bookish Fan” was also big, thanks to Ortberg’s retweet.

  8. Post You Wished Got a Little More Love?

  I was expecting more love on my Outlander review, only because I posted it in the middle of the first half of the TV show season.

  9. Best Bookish Discovery (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?

  Not so much a discovery as an achieved goal — I visited Tattered Cover Book Store in Denver, CO!

  10.  Did You Complete Any Reading Challenges or Goals that You had Set for Yourself at the Beginning of This Year?

  I sure did! I set a goal to read 50 books again this year, and I surpassed that. I also unexpectedly read more ARCs than ever this year and set up a monthly update “Advance Excitement at a Glance” that I was able to keep up with as well.

  

  1. One Book You Didn’t Get To in 2014 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2015?

  Dream Boy by Mary Crockett and Madelyn Rosenberg and White Space by Ilsa Bick only because I’d purchased them with a friend with the intention we’d read those books together. Obviously we haven’t gotten around to it!

  2. Book You Are Most Anticipating for 2015 (non-debut)?

  Conspiracy of Blood and Smoke by Anne Blankman. Gotta know what happens to Gretchen and Daniel in their flight from Hitler!

  3. 2015 Debut You are Most Anticipating?

  Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, mostly out of curiosity. I mean, look at that cover!

   4. Series Ending/A Sequel You are Most Anticipating in 2015?

  There are so many, but what pops to my head right now is Maureen Johnson’s The Shadow Cabinet!

  5. One Thing You Hope to Accomplish or Do in Your Reading/Blogging Life in 2015?

  Reading: Find the nice balance between reading manuscripts, reading ARCs, and reading published books. I’ve stumbled around this fall and I think the new year will give me a chance at solid footing.
  Blogging: Re-reading more and sticking to my resolutions. I gotta stick to those resolutions!

  6. A 2015 Release You’ve Already Read & Recommend To Everyone:

  It’s already released in the UK, but I highly recommend Geek Girl by Holly Smale. It’ll be a debut here in the US and I’m beyond excited for it. Fully plan to push it into people’s hands.

   ~

  That was exhaustive and fun! What books were highlighted in your End of Year survey?

   

  Posted in books, Update Post | 10 Comments | Tagged books, End of Year Book Survey, personal

• Bookish Tidings from Bookish Friends

  Posted at 10:44 am by Laura, on December 27, 2014

  Earlier this month I dedicated a post to the bookish friends in my life. They each received books and little goodies for Christmas. Now’s the perfect opportunity to share what I received from them — and to tell you what exactly they received from me!

  Morgan, Lindsey, and Stina received . . . little vials with a slightly burnt scroll that said Expecto Patronum, to keep the darkness away. I ordered this from allthingsharry on Etsy. Morgan, Hannah, and Alyssa received . . . Between Shades of Gray, Jackaby, and Love Letters to the Dead, respectively. All purchased with eager enthusiasm at the bookstore. My #TBTBSanta recipient received . . . a sassy bookmark about how books don’t need batteries, cocoa mix and peppermint drops, Cinder, and a necklace from A Series of Unfortunate Events. The necklace was ordered from PaperHeartGallery on Etsy. The book and goodies were purchased at the bookstore.

  The first gift to arrive was from Lindsey, and Rossetti and I had a lovely time unwrapping each item and, in her case, climbing into one of the gifts: a tote bag.

  

  

  Mountains of chocolates and Starbucks-at-home packets, ribbon hair ties, a beautiful handmade ring, cleaning wipes for the obsessive cleaner (haha), socks, and books! I’ll admit I was a bit confused that I received the second book in a series, but figured I didn’t have to read it in order. It was far more exciting seeing how much thought Lindsey put into the gift!

  The second gift to arrive was from Morgan, the same day I received my #TBTBSanta gift. When I opened the box, I had to laugh. What catches your eye first?

  

  Was it Zayn? Cause that’s the first thing I saw. Haha!

  

  

  More chocolates, a wonderful candle, tea, gum, and two great books — one of them the first book in the series Lindsey sent me! They conspired with one another! Morgan also has really great book recommendations based on our many conversations. The thoughtfulness in her gift was incredibly touching as well.

  The book swap gifts with another Morgan, Hannah, and Alyssa were opened on Christmas day!

  

  What cracks me up is that the list we gave each other reflected our own reading preferences, and the books we picked from that list to buy and send off reflected even further our reading preferences. For example, I sent the three of them my list, which was mostly MG and YA or slightly dark in theme. Hannah chose to send me Pennyroyal Academy, which is light and fun and MG and a genre she wants to dive into. Morgan chose The Book of Lost Things, which is adult and dark and veering away from the genre she was most submerged in recently. Alyssa chose Made for You, a YA romantic thriller, something I think Alyssa loves without realizing it.

  

  My family purchased THE DIVINERS, my aunt and uncle UNDER THE WIDE AND STARRY SKY, and uncle THE MISTRESS OF ROSEMERE. All in all, a good Christmas!

   

  Yesterday was another great surprise, this time from Stina. She likes to send goodies year-round, and she puts so much thought into everything.

  

  She said to me, “What does one buy a Janeite who already has so many Austen copies?” Well, the graphic novel version, of course! I’m so happy she chose Marvel’s Sense & Sensibility, as Pride & Prejudice is not my go-to Austen novel despite owning multiple copies. The number of graphic novels I’ve read I can count on one hand, and Stina’s always introducing me to new media. So this is really exciting! There’s also the small Austen quote book — and Stina knows how much I love quotes.

  I’m thrilled with the gifts. Everyone put so much thought into it!

  What did you receive this holiday season?

  Posted in books, Update Post | 3 Comments | Tagged book swap, books, holiday, personal

• From My Secret Santa!

  Posted at 8:30 am by Laura, on December 20, 2014

  On a very bleak and busy Monday, three packages arrived from three amazing people, and one of those amazing people was Michelle @ Unraveling Books — my #TBTBSanta!

  

  

  Michelle sent a great, eye-catching box filled with goodies wrapped in One Direction paper. I had to laugh — Morgan, Lindsey, and I text each other daily and somehow, someway, the conversation turns to 1D. I thought maybe Michelle saw a Twitter conversation. Her response? “You like English things and I like 1D, I didn’t care what you thought!”

  

  

  The smaller goodies pertained to Harry Potter. Michelle mentioned in her card that she’s only ever seen the movies, and hoped I liked the Potter-themed goodies. Um, YES! A beautiful wooden bookmark and the best drink ever in candle form? Thank you!

  

  I gave her a list of 10 books to choose from — old and new, hardcover and paperback, YA and adult — and she picked a great one: Love, Rosie by Cecelia Ahern, the author who wrote PS I Love You. This looked cute and quirky, and it was recommended to me by Lindsey @ Bring My Books. A breezy version of David Nicholl’s One Day, one of my favorite books. Can’t wait to read it!

  What did YOU receive from your #TBTBSanta?

   

  Posted in books, Update Post | 0 Comments | Tagged books, holiday, TBTBSanta

• Top Five Books of 2014

  Posted at 8:40 pm by Laura, on December 17, 2014

  The most difficult post of the year: selecting five fantastic books from the 66, as of December 17th, I read this year!

  

  Goodness. This year was full of discoveries. If last year was deemed The Year of Gothic Literature, this could be called the ARC Frenzy (so. many. ARCs.) or The Year of Contemporary YA. Seriously, why hadn’t I read Gayle Forman sooner? Or Rainbow Rowell? Or Stephanie Perkins? They’re definitely my top YA authors now — I will follow their publishing career to the ends of the earth. This was also the year I stumbled upon Morgan Matson, Jenny Han, and Huntley Fitzpatrick. What a fun experience!

  In no particular order, here are my Top Five Books of 2014!

  For more favorites: Top Five of 2013, Top Five of 2012. To see the full list of books I read in 2014, feel free to see my Goodreads Challenge!

  

  

  

  Outlander by Diana Gabaldon || Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins ||
  Just One Day by Gayle Forman

  A time-traveling historical fiction with a dash of romance, now a hit TV series, is totally worth the volume of words and pages. If you haven’t giggled in a while, travel to Paris and relive your first romance! And finally, one magical day abroad can change your life forever.

  Clearly there’s a foreign theme going on…

  

  

  Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell || Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman

  Break personal barriers and overcome anxiety your freshman year in college, or shatter your entire belief system to save hundreds of people your uncle despises. These young women are daring in their own way!

  Some honorable mentions include Indiana author Sharon Biggs Waller’s A Mad, Wicked Folly, the Buffy-esque series starter Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins, and quietly beautiful The Winter Witch by Paula Brackston. There are two great books coming out in January 2015 that I read this year and loved (and will most likely make it into the Top 5 of 2015!), Geek Girl by Holly Smale and All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven — reviews to come.

  Which books made it to your Top Books of 2014 list? 

  Posted in books, Update Post | 7 Comments | Tagged books, genre: adult fiction, genre: contemporary, genre: fiction, genre: historical fiction, genre: romance, genre: young adult

• To My Secret Santa Recipient

  Posted at 8:00 am by Laura, on December 4, 2014

  It’s that time of year! I work in a bookstore, I work with books and authors and editors and agents, I get steep discounts during the holidays, I have to buy presents…so obviously the gifts are books. Even my family is getting books. But this year is extra special — a Secret Santa, a book swap, and bookish surprises for friends!

  As I mentioned before, I’m participating (for the first time) in The Broke and The Bookish‘s (fifth annual) Secret Santa, or #TBTBSanta on twitter and instagram. This brought on a whole new level of holiday book swap: somewhere in the world another book blogger you may have never “met” or “read” has sent you a list of books and ideas for goodies, and somewhere in the world a blogger received your own list of books and ideas for goodies. Sounds easy! But it’s quite tricky…

  

  1 book + 1 necklace + edible goodies + a bookmark!

   

  First off, while I knew which book to pick, I didn’t know what to do about goodies! Should I send a bookmark — and if so, which one? Should I send chocolate — and if so, what kind? Should I send tea or cocoa or coffee? What other gift can I give? I browsed her blog, scrolled through her twitter, and spied on her Goodreads, and while it didn’t answer my edible questions, it certainly gave me the idea to buy a piece of jewelry that all bibliophiles would love, even if they’ve never read A Series of Unfortunate Events (note: she has!). I hope she likes it!

  

  “BOOKS ARE EVERYWHERE WHY HUMAN WHY!”

  This year I not only participated in TBTBSanta, but continued the book swap concept with three of the girls from my program. In 2012 and 2013, we hosted a Secret Santa Ugly Christmas Sweater Book Swap party, and everyone received one book on their wishlist and one book their Secret Santa read and thought they’d enjoy as well. This year, since we’re scattered after graduation and still wanted to keep in touch, we came up with a list of ten books to share to the others. We emailed everyone (except the recipient) which book we were getting the recipient so no one bought the same book accidentally. Three books purchased, one book mailed to each of the three girls, and receiving three books in the mail to put under the tree. Considering we’re all in different states across the country (literally North, South, East, and West represented!), we thought we were being clever to continue the book swap this way. It’s definitely been fun! Our book lists really reflected who we are as readers. Can’t wait to discuss the books we receive!

  

  A book-related piece of jewelry for my dear bookish friends.

  I surround myself with people who enjoy reading, but three girls in particular (none of whom were in the graduate program) are quite close to me and we always have something to say about books. Stina (whom I met at a Harry Potter party and who introduced me to Nerdfighteria), Lindsey (of Jane Eyre guest blog fame), and Morgan (introduced by Lindsey after I fell into the Outlander fandom) are amazing women. Stina and I constantly exchange gifts and letters just because, and Lindsey, Morgan, and I have epic text conversations midnight every night. So…I bought the four of us a tiny little something, and I hope they love it!

  

  Rossetti wishes you a merry Christmas!

  Are you participating in #TBTBSanta?
  What bookish gifts have you purchased for loved ones?

  Posted in books, Update Post | 2 Comments | Tagged book haul, book swap, books, holiday, TBTBSanta

• Goodreads Choice Awards, NaNoWriMo, and Secret Santas

  Posted at 8:27 pm by Laura, on November 3, 2014

  

  It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Goodreads Choice Awards 2014: Opening Round! And let me tell you, there are some fantastic books up on the ballot! I’ve reviewed several of them this year, so hop on over to my 2014 Reviews and check them out.

  

  You may have noticed I haven’t blogged an Advance Excitement at a Glance post for November. While I like to think I planned out the following situation, I regret to say I did not. It was just a happy coincidence.

  There are many great books coming out in November, and a few of them I was lucky enough to receive ARCs. Unfortunately I haven’t had the time to get around to reading them properly for review, so there will be no November ARC updates. (However, there’s a book coming out in December whose review will be posted mid-November — look out for that!). I’m also busy this month for a completely different reason: NaNoWriMo. Academic papers? Got it. Critiquing and editing creative works? No problem. Coming up with plot ideas and characters and the whole world? Fine. But actually completing a novel-length creative piece? Wow. So I’m a bit frightened, but my writer friends have rallied around me and so far I’m doing pretty well with this whole NaNoWriMo thing!

  

  Um, book bloggers? Sign up for this now. The Broke and the Bookish is hosting a Secret Santa, and it looks like so much fun. Sign-ups end November 14th, so hurry on over and fill out your form to give to and receive bookish goodies from another book blogger this holiday season!

   

  Did you vote for your favorite books of 2014?
  Are you participating in NaNoWriMo?
  Have you signed up for #TBTBSanta?

   

  Posted in books, Link, Update Post | 1 Comment | Tagged awards, books, goodreads, NaNoWriMo, personal, TBTBSanta

• Advance Excitement at a Glance IX + September Book Haul

  Posted at 1:14 pm by Laura, on September 25, 2014

  

  This year, in an effort to blog more, to become more involved with the blogging community, and to keep up with the latest publications, I thought I’d create a monthly post about the ARCs I’ve received. These ARCs will be read and reviewed a month prior to the publishing date. The Advance Excitement at a Glance posts will feature one or two (or more!) books to look forward to.

  Last month I previewed four ARCs I’d hoped to get to, but was only able to read and review one, The Caller. Lark Rising, though, is now available in stores, and I highly suggest you dash after it, especially if you’re a Juliet Marillier fan.

  October is another big publishing month, and I was once again overwhelmed with the number of fantastic ARCs. I can assure you you’ll see far more reviews this upcoming month, so be on the lookout! Here are two of the billions I’m really excited to share with you.

  

  My True Love Gave to Me edited by Stephanie Perkins and written by
  all your favorite YA authors ever 
  (October 14, St. Martin’s Press)

  A collection of holiday/winter-themed short stories for your enjoyment. Rumor has it there are twelve illustrations inside as well, one for each story! Just looking at the cover makes me think of the Rainbow Rowell cover art trend (surely there’s a more formal name for it, but her covers are so iconic now), which I’m a huge fan of. I’m usually not much of a collection/anthology reader — I prefer my stories long — but this seems so perfect, like little bits of peppermint candies.

  

  Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch 
  (October 14, Balzer + Bray)

  Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. Now, the Winterians’ only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been waiting for the opportunity to steal back Winter’s magic and rebuild the kingdom ever since.

  Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee, raised by the Winterians’ general, Sir. Training to be a warrior, she would do anything to help her kingdom rise to power again. When scouts discover the location of the ancient locket that can restore Winter’s magic, Meira decides to go after it herself. But the mission doesn’t go as planned, and Meira soon finds herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics – and ultimately comes to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own.

  Meira, orphaned as an infant, has only ever heard stories of the beautiful, frozen Kingdom of Winter. She’s heard so many that sometimes she feels these stories are her own memories. But when she goes on a mission to recapture the lost locket, a conduit for the royalty’s magic, she accidentally sets in a motion a future she never thought possible.

  If you haven’t noticed by now, I’m a huge Balzer + Bray fan. I’ll read just about any YA they publish. Gimme gimme. Apart from that, I really like the idea of a set of kingdoms based on the seasons. Throw in a girl who can fight, who’s playful and funny and passionate, who fights for a cause she doesn’t fully understand but feels should be part of her blood, and I’m ready to read.

  Which ARCs did you receive for October? What books are you looking forward to reading?

  ~

  September Book Haul
  

  Because this month’s spending was way out of control and totally violated Resolution #4.

  

  If you’re following me on instagram, you would’ve noticed several things: 1) I’m obsessing over Outlander, and 2) there’ve been more book purchases than book reviews this month. And I’m blaming it on Outlander. I’d owned the book for months, watched the first episode when it aired, and then devoured the book. Which then prompted the intense desire to purchase Dragonfly in Amber…and Voyager and Drums of Autumn. All of Gabaldon’s books are massive, which means if I have wandering attention I end up turning back to the ARCs that need to be read or the books that look so gosh darn pretty and I want to read right now but can’t because Gabaldon’s taken my soul. So that prompted The Caller (already read and reviewed!), This is What Happy Looks Like, Winterkill, Summer & Bird, The Swallow, Jackaby, and The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place. I can’t explain myself. I just can’t. I’m ashamed and at the same time I just don’t care — breaking resolutions for books is acceptable in this community, right? Right.

  Posted in Advance Excitement, books, Update Post | 0 Comments | Tagged advance excitement at a glance, advance reading copy, ARC, book haul, book hoarding, books, personal

• Packing Tips From a Nomadic Book Hoarder

  Posted at 10:38 am by Laura, on August 7, 2014

  There’s been a bit of a silence on this blog. Two reasons for that: 1) I’ve moved (again), and 2) I’ve read many ARCs and those reviews are in the queue for you. But today’s post will focus on the first reason: my experience moving (again).

  Knowing there are hundreds of books at home sitting on shelves unread does not stop the compulsion to buy a book (or two or three) when I wander into a bookstore. You’d think that, after moving several times in my short life, I’d learn how to part with books and embrace the digital age. It’s very hard to part with books, it’s difficult to pack them, and it’s a pain to move them – but they’re like little children you love and care for. Book babies.

  I’d blame my issues on parting with books on Toy Story, because it made my generation believe inanimate objects had feelings, but we’ll just move on with the notion that I’m a crazy bookworm and leave it at that. It’s why I had to create a resolution to Read 5 Buy 1, because my compulsion to buy books was becoming outrageous.

  This compulsion was most noticeable when I had to pack ~500 books and move them from my shoebox Philly studio to my parents’ Midwestern home, where I’m temporarily staying. The moving truck was mostly packed with boxes of books. I thought I’d share with you my packing tips — the way packing books really works — for all my fellow book hoarders out there.

  

  Stare at your shelves in despair. You used to stare at them in wonder and bliss. Look at all the stories! The worlds! The characters! The adventures! But now, with the impending move…look at all the weight.

  I really did stare at them in despair.

  Sigh dejectedly and contemplate packing options. Should you pack in alphabetical order? By collection? By the size and weight of the books? By Read and To-Read? Should you pack all of them at once and resort to reading off your ereader the next few days, or should you pack all but a few just in case? And how in the world do you choose those select few?

  I separated by Read and To-Read, and then alphabetized.
  My collections (Austen, Bronte, Potter and Taylor) were separated out as well. 

  Pack in a frenzy. Don’t think, just do! Build those boxes! Place the books inside! Tape it up! Lift the box to stack in a corner! Un-tape the box because it’s too heavy! Take books out! Re-tape the box! Stack! Realize you’re going to need another 10 boxes! Repeat!

  Rossetti thought I was crazy.

  Label them. Nothing’s worse than opening a heavy box and finding that the book you’ve been eagerly anticipating putting on the shelf first is not, in fact, in that box but in a box that won’t be opened for another hour.

  This happened when I couldn’t find a few children’s books and the massive Potter book about the films. Frenzy!

  Pack the remaining items in your home. And find yet more books stowed away in your sock drawer, sitting in the pantry, buried in a bag. Sigh, pack, label, repeat.

  Every box was literally marked with “a few more books.”

  Employ friends to help lift the boxes on (and when you’ve moved, off) the truck. Cause that’s what friends are for! Your bookish friends are the best ones – they totally understand.

  Thank you, Barnes & Noble coworkers and alma mater’s English major friends!

  Unpack and nest like crazy. Those books will feel so unloved if you don’t unpack them first! Not your clothes, not your cookware, the books. And it doesn’t matter if you’ll be at that place for two weeks, a few months, or years — the books will always be unpacked first. Remember to flatten and save those already-labeled boxes!

  ~

  Have you had issues packing and moving books? How do you handle this undertaking?

  Posted in books, Update Post | 8 Comments | Tagged books, bookshelves, moving, packing, personal, tips

• 

• Hello, I’m Laura!

  I'm a bookish bookworm and book hoarder. By day I'm a literary agent, and by night I'm forever rearranging my bookshelves. I could talk your ear off about Gothic literature, and in my past life people thought I'd become a professional musician. I have a fluffy black cat named Rossetti, I love to travel, tea is my drink of choice, British TV is the best, and I'm always down for chips-and-queso nights. Welcome to Scribbles & Wanderlust! Grab your favorite hot beverage and let's chat books!

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