In My Mailbox (38)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. The books you share do not have to be ones you actually received in the mail. They can be ones you bought at the book store, checked out at the library, or downloaded to your e-reader. The idea is just to share what's on your TBR pile for the upcoming week.

This was a much more prolific book week for me than last week!

From Netgalley:
 
Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick
Cook Like a Rock Star: 125 Recipes, Lessons, and Culinary Secrets by Anne Burrell, with Suzanne Lenzer

Purchased:

Shiver, Linger, and Forever by Maggie Stiefvater
Maggie is coming to the Borders in Novi, MI on July 18th and I wanted to get all three books in hardcover for her to sign. I can't wait!

 
Bad Taste in Boys by Carrie Harris
While perusing Nicola's Books yesterday, a wonderful little independent book store in Ann Arbor, I came across their author visit schedule and noticed that Carrie Harris's book launch party for Bad Taste in Boys will be July 23rd. I'm not sure I'll be able to make it since I might have something else going on that day, but I purchased a copy and will be attending if possible. I didn't even realize that Carrie Harris was from Michigan until yesterday. See how much I know.


Faithful by Janet Fox

Nook purchase:
 
The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood
This e-book is only $1.99 for the month of July. Snag it while you can!

I haven't been to my library's used book store in a couple weeks, so I went this week and got some pretty good finds for my own classroom library.
Paperbacks:

The Usborne Introduction to the Second World War
Thistledom by John LaCroix
My life in Pink and Green by Lisa Greenwald
Burger Wuss by M.T. Anderson
Dream Days by Kenneth Grahame
Magic by the Lake and Seven-Day Magic by Edward Eager
Yang the Second and Her Secret Admirers by Lensey Namioka
Birdwing by Rafe Martin
Athletic Shorts: Six Short Stories by Chris Crutcher
Redwall by Brain Jacques
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

Hardcovers:

The Way Things Work by David Macaulay
What's in a Name by Ellen Wittlinger
L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad
How to Build a House by Diana Reinhardt

Library Loot:
 
Dragonbreath by Ursula Vernon
Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon

Monster Hug! by David Ezra Stein
Confessions of a Former Bully by Trudy Ludwig, illustrations by Beth Adams

 
No One But You by Douglas Wood, illustrated by P.J. Lynch
Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival by Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery, illustrated by Jean Cassels

Audiobook Review: Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

In Shiver, Grace meets Sam, the sensitive boy who loves poetry and music and soon discovers that he is one of the wolves in the woods behind her house. In order to be together, they must find a "cure" to prevent him from turning into a wolf whenever the weather turns cold.

In this second installment of the Wolves of Mercy Falls series, Grace and Sam must fight a force that initially seems less powerful than how to get Sam to stay human. In this book, Grace's parents become the main antagonizing force that is keeping them from being together, choosing now to parent their daughter even though they left her to raise herself almost her entire life.

As the story unfolds and her parents continue to become more and more insistent that she never see Sam again, Grace must come to grips with the knowledge that something is happening inside her own body that might be more devastating than her misguided parents' quest to keep her from Sam.

*~*~*~*~*~*

I listened to the audiobook of Shiver a few months ago and was not going to continue with the series after that. It wasn't that I thought it was a bad book, it's just that I've always been a paranormal romance skeptic. I think Stiefvater is a hugely talented author who writes beautiful, lyrical prose, but her lovely writing wasn't enough to pull me into the genre.

But then a few days ago, I discovered that Maggie was coming to Michigan as part of her Forever book tour and it was like a switch had been triggered in my mind that I was supposed to finish this series and go to the signing. I promptly requested the audiobook of Linger from the library and purchased a copy of Forever so I could read it as soon as I finished the second book.

Despite my initial doubts, Linger shockingly pulled me into the Sam and Grace's story more than the first book did, perhaps because this book is more of a character study than anchored by a suspenseful, fast-paced plot. This book had more of a quiet power to it and gave us more time to sit with all of the characters as individuals, which is something I have always preferred as a reader.

Some people have commented that the introduction of Cole and Isabel as narrators seemed to detract from the story, but I wholeheartedly disagree. I think their strong characterization was a great asset to the story, and helped keep readers like me, who are not huge fans of romance to begin with, interested and appreciative that this world that Stiefvater built is much bigger than just Sam and Grace.

The audiobook of Linger was a wonderful presentation, and I was pleased that they chose a different actor to narrate for Sam this time. He sounded a tad more young and innocent than I imagine him in my mind, but he was still a much better choice than the last actor who narrated for him, whose voice sounded too gritty and mature to be Sam. Cole and Isabel's narrators were also perfectly on point, and Jenna Lamia as Grace was a great choice as well.

As an extra-special bonus, if you listen to the audiobook, the last two tracks are original music pieces composed by Stiefvater herself who is not only is she a gifted author, but she is clearly talented in many other artistic endeavors as well. Even if you've already read the book, I would recommend listening to the audiobook because it is an experience unto itself.

There is no doubt in my mind now that I want to finish this series. While I was initially skeptical and almost tragically let this series go, I've already got my copy of Forever waiting for me to start reading as soon as I hit "publish post."

I'm looking forward to going to see Maggie at her book signing at the Borders in Novi this Monday, July 18th. Is anyone else reading this blog right now going?

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater, narrated by Dan Bittner, Pierce Cravens, Emma Galvin, and Jenna Lamia
Published: July 2010 by Scholastic
Pages: 360
Audiobook length: 10 hours, 43 minutes
Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal
Audience: Young Adult

Hugo Trailer

I had heard recently that The Invention of Hugo Cabret was becoming a movie, but I didn't realize that it was coming out so soon - in November. What struck me dumb, however, was that Martin Scorsese directed it! That's just strange to me.

I just watched the trailer. It looks like it will be a stunning adaptation but nothing will ever match the magic of the book. What do you think?

Of Roadtrips, Barbecue, and Southern Hospitality

Over Fourth of July weekend, my husband and I drove from Michigan to North Carolina for a family wedding. I am never one to pass up an opportunity for a trip to revolve around food in some way, so I promptly researched the barbecue options in the area since we all know North Carolina has a proud barbecue tradition.

Upon consulting the North Carolina Barbecue Trail map (Did you know there was a North Carolina Barbecue Trail?) I found a place in Mocksville called Deano's that sounded promising.

Upon arriving in Bermuda Run at 6:00 on Friday evening, we checked into our hotel, then drove 15 minutes southwest to Mocksville. We had a little trouble finding Deano's because our GPS navigated us a bit funny, but we soon stumbled upon it which felt like we were pulling into a barbecue oasis:

The second we walked in the door, I could tell that people knew we weren't from these parts. The door closed behind us and it was like those scenes in a movie where the jukebox is playing and as soon as you walk in, the music stops and everyone turns to look at you.

OK, so it wasn't that extreme, but that's what it felt like.

This was clearly a local establishment and everyone sized up we were visitors as soon as we walked in. But the looks and stares didn't last long because they were soon replaced with welcomes and friendly chatter. There were two waitresses working at Deano's the evening we were there and they both helped us and chatted about what brought us to North Carolina.

This place defined southern hospitality. Not only was the staff helpful and accommodating, but Deano himself, walked around and chatted it up with his patrons.

That's Deano standing up on the left

Even though there weren't many people sitting around eating, there were constantly people coming in and out to pick up take-out orders. This place had a "we just stepped back in time" feel to it, but in a homey, comfortable way, not a "OMG! Get me out of here!" kind of way.

I mean, just look at the staff entrance to the kitchen behind my husband - it's one of those old wooden screen doors that you always tell everyone is annoying when it slams 100 times a day but you secretly find the sound comforting. It's the sound of porch swings, lazy summer days, and kids coming in and out of the house from playing outside until it's too dark to see the game of kickball they were playing, so they go back outside to catch lightning bugs instead.

Everything about this place shouted, "You are our guest, but we want you to feel at home."

 We didn't have to wait long before these beautiful plates of barbecue were placed in front of us:

I got the barbecue pork plate with fries, red slaw, and hush puppies (because in North Carolina, their barbecue is all about the pork!)

My husband got the barbecue chicken plate with all the same sides

There was no fanfare or fancy presentation. It came out on a styrofoam plate. Then again, barbecue isn't supposed to be fancy. What it lacks in appearance it makes up for in flavor and that satisfied sigh of a full stomach .

Upon paying our bill, we waved goodbye to our new friends, and were warmly serenaded with express hopes from everyone, even Deano himself, that we come back some day. These are the types of dining experiences I long for when I travel. Off the beaten path, comforting, but most of all, true to the region and culture of the area. We could have just as easily driven to the Wendy's down the street from our hotel to get dinner. But instead, we took a little time to go out of our way to seek out something authentic and satisfying. I encourage you to do the same.

What has been your favorite authentic food experience while traveling?

Waiting on Wednesday: Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine and is meant to showcase upcoming books that you can't wait to read.

My anxiously awaited title this week is:

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver
Publish Date: March 6, 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 448
Genre: Dystopia
Audience: Young Adult

From Goodreads: 

Lauren Oliver captivated readers with Delirium, the first book in a thrilling dystopian trilogy in which Lena Haloway dared to fall in love with Alex and escape the cure, the government-mandated procedure that renders a person immune to the disease of love.

Pandemonium continues Lena’s gripping story. After escaping from Portland, Maine, Lena makes it to the Wilds and becomes part of an Invalid community, where she transforms herself into a warrior for the resistance. A future without Alex is unimaginable, but Lena pushes forward and fights, both for him and for a world in which love is no longer considered a disease. Swept up in a volatile mix of revolutionaries and counterinsurgents, Lena struggles to survive—and wonders if she may be falling in love again.

Full of danger, forbidden romance, and exquisite writing, Lauren Oliver’s sequel to Delirium races forward at a breathtaking pace and is sure to appeal to fans who crave the high-stakes action of The Hunger Games and the bittersweet love story of Romeo & Juliet.


I am not someone who likes to re-read books. I just have so many other books on my TBR pile that I don't have the time or inclination to re-read anything. But I read Delirium AND I listened to the audiobook a few months later. This is huge for me. So to say that I'm looking forward to Pandemonium is an understatement. 

Recently Lauren Oliver revealed the paperback edition of Delirium on her blog and I'm happy to see that the same model is on the Pandemonium cover as well. I think this model is a much better representation of what Lena looks like than the hardcover model, in my mind anyway. 


What title are you anxiously awaiting on this week?

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Authors I'd Love to Meet

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

This week's Top Ten list is the top ten authors I'd love to meet:

1. Stephanie Perkins
I read Stephanie's blog, I follow her on Twitter, and I will read every book she publishes. I am a Stephanie Perkins groupie. If she ever goes on tour and lands in a spot within 250 miles of my house, I will go see her. Plus, I'm dying to tell her that no one pulls off blue hair like she does!

2. John Green
I think John will be on just about everyone's Top Ten list this week, but for good reason. He's smart, he's funny, and he is fiercely loyal to his fans. Plus, anyone who can have a #1 bestselling book before anyone even knows what it's about is pretty darn awesome.

3. Jackson Pearce
Like John Green, Jackson has quite a YouTube following with her hilarious videos about writing, tidbits of wisdom, or just her crazy rants and randomness. I almost look forward to her videos more than the Vlog Brothers

4. Lauren DeStefano
Lauren is recently starting to show a YouTube presence and she is HILARIOUS! She's definitely someone I'd want to hang with - or at least get her to sign my copy of Wither and tell her how awesome she is.

5. Julie Klam
Julie wrote the book You Had Me at Woof (among others) and it is such a testament to the joy and wonder of having dogs in your life. Julie works with Boston Terrier rescues and I love any dog that has a face that looks like it was hit by a truck. I'd love my dogs to have a playdate with hers.



 

6. Jennifer Donnelly
Revolution was by far one of my favorite books I read this year and I had such a strong reaction to it, that I am DYING to ask Jennifer her inspiration for creating  a fictitious classical composer. She described this composer's music with such detail and passion that I was CONVINCED that he was a real person and went so far as to look him up at the library because I wanted to hear some of his music. Needless to say, I was devastated when I discovered that HE DOESN'T EXIST!

7. Alison Pace
Alison Pace writes chick lit, but there are always lovable dogs in her stories, and anyone who writes books with pugs in them is someone I want to meet. You can tell she is very sensitive and caring about the dogs in her life and about the dogs in her books.




 

8. Maureen Johnson
Not only is Maureen a wonderfully talented author, but she is always giving back to the community and she is fiercely loyal to YA authors and readers. She knocked it out of the park the other day in a radio face-off with erroneous Wall Street Journal book critic Megan Cox Gurdon.

9. Donalyn Miller
Donayln is my teaching idol. She wrote a book called The Book Whisperer: Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child and showed teachers how you can make kids lifelong readers. And let me give you a little hint: it's not by using textbooks and mind-numbing worksheets. I used her reading workshop method for the first time this past school year and can't tell you how rewarding it was. Her book is definitely my literature teacher bible. If you teach reading in any capacity, you need to read her book!

10. Daniel H. Pink
If you haven't read the book Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, then go to the book store right now, or turn your e-reader and download it ASAP. Anyone who is responsible for overseeing small or large groups of people needs to see that all of the information we originally thought about human motivation is WRONG. This book has HUGE implications for the business and education world. Every politician that is shoving high-stakes testing and merit pay down teachers' throats needs to read this book like YESTERDAY. If I could meet Daniel, I would actually want it to be in a room full of politicians where he shows them all the research and tells them to stop this ridiculous game of undermining teachers' authority by trying to motivate them with carrots and sticks.

Whale Talk by Chris Crutcher

Words cannot express what an amazing novel this is. Chris Crutcher has built a writing career out of being a controversial presence in YA literature, but when you look past the convenience and ease of calling him controversial, you see a sensitive artist who cares about getting the story right. His experience as a family counselor gives him the authority to write the way he does. When people complain about him being too hard-hitting, I consider that an insult to all of the kids and families he's had to work with whose lives mirror what characters in his novels are going through. 


Whale Talk is a novel about a misfit group of boys who start a swim team at their high school and all of the prejudice - individual and collective - that they experience from the adults and students at their school due to their "lack of respect" for the Cutter High School name. You see, sports at Cutter is an institution. Earning a varsity letter is like earning your stripes. Many people feel that TJ Jones and his group of misfit boys are making a mockery of what it means to earn a varsity letter.

But this book is about so much more than varsity sports. It's about friendship, racism, family issues, abandonment, setting goals and achieving them, the list goes on. 

I honestly don't care how controversial Chris Crutcher is. There is so much more that is teachable and relatable in this novel than there is controversial material. Yes, he uses strong language, but he's doing it to be authentic, not just to ruffle feathers.

One particular passage in the book that didn't even take up a quarter of the page was so powerful and so heartbreaking that it moved me to tears:

"Over and over I tell you, racism is --"
"Ignorance," I say back.
The sound of running water brings our attention to Heidi in the kitchen, squeezing dish soap into the filling basin. She pulls herself up onto the lip, stretching to snag a bristle brush, then begins scrubbing her arms. Georgia sighs, closes her eyes, whispers, "She thinks if she can wash it off, her daddy will love her." (69)

Ironically enough, the fact that racism is such a huge issue in this book makes it even more outrageous that the first cover of Whale Talk prominently features a white high school-aged boy when the main character is frequently targeted by people in his school for being black (he's actually black, Japanese, and white, but the hard-core racism he experiences is due to his blackness). Pardon my language, but what the hell kind of marketing strategy was that? Here we have a book that so clearly focuses on the ignorance and heartbreak of racism and you're going to feature a white kid on the cover when the main character in the story is so obviously NOT? At least they attempted to make up for this ignorance with the second cover, but still. In my opinion, the damage was clearly done. 

Whale Talk was first published in 2001 and even though it's ten years old, I highly encourage you to pick this book up in the near future. I know many of us want to pick up the shiny new books with the enchanting, sparkly covers, but this book has such heart and will never date itself. The struggles and issues that the characters in this novel go through stand the test of time and it feels just as current in 2011 as it did ten years ago.


Whale Talk by Chris Crutcher
First Published: April 2001 by Greenwillow
Pages: 304
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Audience: Young Adult

If you buy this book or any book through Amazon, it is my hope that you also regularly patronize independent bookstores, which are important centerpieces of thriving communities. While I am an Amazon Affiliate, that by no means implies that I only buy my books through their website. Please make sure you are still helping small, independent bookstores thrive in your community. To locate an independent bookstore near you, visit IndieBound.