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July 31, 2012

Summer Book Talk: Day 7 - The Wrap Up!

Hello awesome readers! Today is the 7th (and last) day of The Summer Book Talk Event! :( We are sad for this event to end but so happy with the amount of readers and the awesome response we got from all of you! We all have one common thing between us and that is our love of books! So since Maji Bookshelf is hosting contemporary authors/novels/etc I (juhina) thought what way to end this awesome event than to show you guys all the great contemporaries that came/will come out in the months of July, August, and September! bask in the awesome summer and fall contemporaries!







Make sure to check out the previous days on all the blogs! Also we have wrap up posts on Anja and Amber's blogs for paranormal and dystopian titles respectively! Again, all giveaways will continue until august 10th! be sure to enter :D Click one of the links below to enter
THE GIVEAWAYS

July 30, 2012

Summer Book Talk: Day 6 - guest post on CONTEMPORARIES!

Hello lovely readers! The Summer Book Talk event is on its third day! Today we have guest post from the mastermind behind this event! Anjanna from Kindle and Me Will give her opinion and open the floor for discussion about her favorite deep YA contemporaries. Don't be shy and join in on the discussion! We'd love to hear your OWN opinions! 



Young Adult Contemporaries – Should authors stick to fluffy romance or dig deeper?

Thanks so much to Juhina & Farah from Maji Bookshelf for having me today. To the rest of you, I hope you all enjoy The Summer Book Talk!

A few days ago, I had a totally random John Green fan moment. For some reason, I found myself thinking about his book, The Fault in our Stars, which I’m sure most of you have already read. I share a love-hate relationship with it; I love it because his writing is pure poetry and I hate it because I wept like a mad woman when I was done reading (not that it made me love it any less). Okay, so although I’m probably too old for them, I enjoy fluffy, cute YA reads from time to time but nine times out of ten, the highest rating I give those books is 3/5. Usually, that’s okay. It's not a bad rating but if we're talking about books that I fell in love with, those usually have more depth. Today, I’m going to name 5 of my favorite young adult contemporaries of 2012. Not happy, fluffy reads but books that dig a little deeper, the ones that made me feel a whole range of emotions when I was done with them. They’re not flawless but each of these books has something special that makes them memorable. I’m not even going to bother mentioning books by Sarah Dessen, Jennifer Echols or Susan Colasanti because you guys probably already know that they’re good. The books I've mentioned below are all pretty popular so you may have already read/heard of them. If not, I hope you consider giving them a shot.

 
The Fault in our Stars by John Green.
I don't know why I'm mentioning this again. This book turned me into an emotional wreck, in an oh-my-god-I-can't-take-this-anymore-but-I-can't-stop-reading-either kind of way. The Fault in our Stars is the first John Green book that I read and I completely fell in love with his writing.
Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard.
Wanderlove is definitely my favorite YA contemporary book of 2012! At least, so far. I loved everything about this book; right from the characters, the setting, drawings and the writing, it's all fantastic! Personally, this book felt more like an experience than a novel.
Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry.
Addictive. No other way to put it. Pushing The Limits is an intense novel that explores the story/romance between two characters that you wouldn't normally see together.
First Comes Love by Katie Kacvinsky.
I know a few people who didn't like this book but I thought it was amazing! The writing's wonderful; I was highlighting a quote pretty much on every other page. The ending's a little abrupt but it's still worth reading.
My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick.
It's hard to believe that My Life Next Door is Huntley Fitzpatrick's debut novel because the characters are so vivid. This isn't your regular boy next door romance. My Life Next Door has got a wide range of characters, all of them so unique that I wanted to know each of their stories in detail. This is a must-read!








So that's pretty much it. I'd mention a lot more but since I'm sticking to 2012 releases, I just mentioned my favorites! If you've read anything similar or better, I'd love to know =) Thanks again to Juhina & Farah @ Maji Bookshelf for hosting me, you guys rock!

Make sure to come back for the rest of the days in the Summer Book Talk event! As for today, we've also got a post about some to look out for titles at the blog of one of the co-hosts and also an interview with an author at the other! Be sure to head over there! 

At the Paranormal corner, we've got an interview with Amanda Hocking! the author of the highly popular Tryll Trilogy and upcoming new book: Wake.  Be sure to head on over there and check out the post along with entering for a chance to win a copy of EACH ONE of her books!Click on the right button above!
We've got a post of the most anticipated titles this summer from Amber and a giveaway! So be sure to check out what Amber is excited for and let us know what YOU are excited for!! 

July 28, 2012

Summer Book Talk: Day 5 - Jolene Perry

Hello lovely readers! It is already day 5 of the Summer Book Talk event! Today we've got an interview with an author I consider to be one of the contemporary queens in the YA world! I have already read three out of her four released novels and LOVED every single one of them! No kidding here. You can check out my reviews through the links provided below. Since Maji Bookshelf is spotlighting Contemporary themes books/authors, I figured Jolene Perry is the way to go in this genre. I won't babble on any longer other than to tell you to scroll below, enjoy the interview, and enter the giveaway at the end for a chance to win some awesomeness!
Jolene B. Perry 
Jolene grew up in Wasilla, Alaska. She graduated from Southern Utah University with a degree in political science and French, which she used to teach math to middle schoolers.

After living in Washington, Utah and Las Vegas, she now resides in Alaska with her husband, and two children. Aside from writing, Jolene sews, plays the guitar, sings when forced, and spends as much time outside as possible.

She is  the author of contemporary novels such as: The Next Door Boys, Night Sky, Knee Deep, and My Heart For Yours. Check out my reviews of The Next Door Boys Here, Night Sky Here, and Knee Deep Here.

She is also the author of newly released and upcoming anticipated titles such as Left To Love (The Next Door Boys #2), Spill OverAfter All, and Want To Be, a companion novel to The Next Door Boys.
 
Here are her already released YA Contemporary titles.

However the title I'll be spotlighting is the newest title I've read by her and is my favorite! You can check out the rest by clicking on their titles above to direct you to their goodreads page.

Shawn is the guy Ronnie Bird promised her life to at the age of fourteen. He's her soul mate. He's more uptight every day, but it's not his fault. His family life is stressful, and she's adding to it. She just needs to be more understanding, and he'll start to be the boy she fell in love with. She won’t give up on someone she’s loved for so long.

Luke is her best friend, and the guy she hangs with to watch girlie movies in her large blanketopias. He's the guy she can confide in before she even goes to her girlfriends, and the guy who she's playing opposite in Romeo and Juliet. Now her chest flutters every time he gets too close. This is new. Is Ronnie falling for him? Or is Juliet? The lines are getting blurry, but leaving one guy for another is not something that a girl like Ronnie does.

Shawn’s outbursts are starting to give her bruises, and Luke’s heart breaks as Ronnie remains torn. While her thoughts and feelings swirl around the lines between friendship and forever, she’s about to lose them both.
1. Describe your books in three words
Knee Deep Love. Power. Strength. 

Night Sky Love. Choices. Honesty. 
My Heart For Yours Love. Forgiveness. Home. 
Spill Over Love. Loss. Importance. 
The Next Door Boys Love. Acceptance. Friendship.

2. What inspires you to write realistic contemporary novels?
Real life experiences. This may seem like a copout answer, but my life experiences, and the realistic fiction that I loved as a teen.

3. When did you realize that you wanted to be a writer? 

I first realized that I might be able to do it at the end of 2009 – beginning of 2010. 

4. Do you base your writing on your own past experiences? 
I put some of myself into everything I write. Sometimes it’s experiences of people I know and love, and sometimes it’s bits of my experiences, and sometimes it’s something that I’ve wanted to experience. No matter what, though. There’s some of me in everything I write.

5. Where do you usually like to write or read? Right now I’m sitting in bed because I like my room and it’s quiet in here. There’s a nice coffee shop in town I go to, and my kitchen counter on a bar stool is probably where I do most of my writing.



6. What are some of your favorite books you’ve read recently? Easy by Tammara Webber. Boy Toy by Barry Lyga. Sweethearts by Sara Zarr. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins. Wedding Cake Girl by Anne Pfeffer. Those are my most recent.


  7. Any favorite movies and shows? Do you get any inspiration from them? 
I’m lame and get no channels at my house. I get more inspiration from music.


8. What is one thing that you can’t do without when you’re writing? Music, a cup of tea?

The only thing I NEED is my computer. Writing longhand is NOT for me. What I love to have is potato chips, dark chocolate almonds, and a big bottle of Pellegrino.
 
9. How is the writing process for you? Do you sit and write until you are out of ideas or do you set a schedule for yourself? 
I would wither away if I had a writing schedule. My kids are out of school right now, so I’ve been doing a lot of writing in the morning while still in bed just because I CAN, lol. I try to work on whatever I FEEL like, but sometimes there are editing schedules, or schedules with co-authors. Then I do that first, and rewar myself by writing what I can’t WAIT to dig into.


10. What are your plans for the next book? Different genre? A standalone, or a series? 
Funny thing – I’m editing my paranormal series right now. They’ll be the last books I self-publish for a while… 

I’m writing a YA contemporary murder mystery with a good friend of mine, and then working on a book called Deal, which I love and which makes me want to finish up other projects so I can work on it! 


Thanks so much for being interviewed Jolene! 
Thanks so much for having me on!!!
If you've already read all the titles above, don't fret, she has some more YA titles that already came out this summer and are still coming out in september! and YES you don't need to wait a whole new year for a book! She's a writing machine! 










Jolene has graciously offered an Advanced Reader Copy of Night Sky and an digital copy of Spill Over! I know you all want! So fill the rafflecopter below for a chance to win this swag! It is open INTERNATIONALLY



Make sure to come back for the rest of the days in the Summer Book Talk event! As for today, we've also got a publicist interview at the blog of one of the co-hosts and a blogger guest post at the other! Be sure to head over there! 




At Anja's blog, we've got an interview with a publicist from Entangled Publishing. Entangled publishes many YA books such as Chosen Ones, and upcoming titles such as Gravity. Also there will be a chance to win some bookish awesomeness so head on over to Kindle and Me by clicking on the button on the right




At Amber's side, She's got a guest post by a booktuber, Raeleen from Padfootandprongs07. Be sure to head on over there for some fun and discussions! All you have to do is click on the button on the right

July 27, 2012

Summer Book Talk: Day 4 - KTeen

Hello Lovely readers for the fourth day in The Summer Book Talk Event that is hosted by Majibookshelf along with Annja from Kindle and Me and Amber from Books of Amber! If you saw the introductory post you would know what this event is all about, and if not then click here and read up! For today, we have another publicist interview but from Kensington Teen this time! Why not check out the publicist's side of the publishing story? Also, be sure to check out previous dates and the other two blogs for other fun stuff! 


The KTeen imprint publishes young adult titles that reflect the emotionally authentic teen experience by featuring unique voices and imaginative storytelling, all with an underlying, universal theme of self-discovery.

"In other words, we publish kickass books you want to be reading!" They have published books such as the Mythos Academy series by Jennifer Estep, The Bound trilogy by Erica O'Rourke, Awkward by Marni Bates, and much more!
Hello Alexandra! Let's get this interview started!

1. As bloggers/readers, we only know our side of it - the part involving ARCs. Could you please tell us more about your role as a publicist for books and what it involves?
Actually, I don’t work specifically as a publicist here at Kensington. I am the Digital Content/Marketing Manager—which basically means that I oversee most of our digital publishing and marketing. Since the online space has so many dedicated bloggers, I’m lucky enough to interact with them, provide early copies (ARCs), and help them create buzz for the books they love most (and the ones we love most too!) We have an amazing publicity department here as well, that does a great job reaching out to dozens of different channels—both online and in print.

2. How did you get into the publishing industry? Is it as glamorous as it seems to us bibliophiles? 
I always loved to read—and I started writing “books” when I was just about 5 years old, so you could say I was destined for this. It’s not an easy industry to break into, and I spent a long time trying, but I finally got my “big break” when Steven Zacharius (CEO, Kensington) and Laurie Parkin (VP & Publisher, Kensington) hired me. My husband thinks it’s very glamorous, but to me it’s just the job I’ve always wanted with the chance to not only read more books than I could ever finish while working with the amazing authors who create them, but also to share my excitement with the blogosphere and online retailers—so that they might love these books and authors too.

3. What’s a typical day at work like? 
Every day has something new in store—new books, new authors, new ways to interact with readers online. It keeps my job very fresh…and very busy! Between working with online retailers, managing our social media and eBook production, and developing digital marketing strategies, every day is hectic—but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

4. Tell us your top 3 favorite books. 

This is a hard question, because much like my three favorite Beatles songs, they change all the time. But the first three that come to mind are:
 1)  The Stand by Stephen King  
 2) Persuasion by Jane Austen
 3) The Hungry Season by T. Greenwood
I couldn’t possibly have a list where I didn’t include the entire Harry Potter series, which I also love more than I can describe. In fact, my bridal bouquet and wedding party flowers were made from the pages of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
                                              
<<< Omg how epic is that?  
                                                                                         
5. Could you tell us about a few exciting upcoming titles from Kensington Teen?
We have a great deal of exciting books that are coming up, but right now, I’m really happy to be working on KTeen and many of the new and continuing series that we publish. I’m a huge fan of Brigid Kemmerer’s Elemental Series, and the new book, Spark, will be coming in September. In addition, Nina Berry’s first book, Otherkin, will be on sale in August…so there is a lot happening in our YA program that I’m looking forward to reading and sharing with our amazing group of fans.


Also, some current and upcoming Kensington Teen titles include:
   




are offering ONE paperback of STORM by Brigid Kemmerer along with a Mythos Academy bookmark (US/Canada)!



Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys - all the ones she doesn't want. Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her. Then she saves Chris Merrick from a beating in the school parking lot. Chris is different. Way different: he can control water just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. They're powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death. And now that she knows the truth, so is Becca.

Secrets are hard to keep when your life's at stake. When Hunter, the mysterious new kid around school, turns up with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Becca thinks she can trust him. But then Hunter goes head-to-head with Chris, and Becca wonders who's hiding the most dangerous truth of all. The storm is coming.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Make sure to come back for the rest of the days in the Summer Book Talk event! As for today, we've also got another publicist interview at Anja's blog and Amber's blog! Be sure to head over there! 






We've got a guest post done by US! at Anja's blog, where you get to discuss with us about the YA trends, the beautiful, the ugly, and the damned! Head on over to Kindle and Me blog for an awesome discussion!  All you have to do is click on the button to the right.




At Amber's side, we've got an interview with debut dystopian author Diana Peterfreund. She is the author of the recently released novel "For Darkness Shows the Stars". This novel has a twist of one of Jane Austen's novels. You don't want to miss it! Head on over to Amber's blog by clicking on the button to the right