Although Jacinda and I are not yet ready to launch the Midwestern Book Bloggers site, we do want to start collecting your information so we can compile a list and get everyone on the blog before we go live. In order to avoid confusion of having the same Google form on two different sites, we are only going to have it here. We will also have a link to the Google form on the MBBs site itself, so if you don’t want to link up right away, or you’re coming upon this post late, it will always be available.
Everything should be pretty self-explanatory. The only thing I do want to note is that we only ask for your email address IF a) you would like to help the site in some way or b) you would like to be added to our newsletter. It is NOT required to share your email address, and we will treat your address as our own (i.e., with care and privacy) if you do.
Here are the descriptions of a few of the “jobs” we will need help with (note: the bookstore person’s title will change once we come up with something better):
Events Coordinator (EC): will be in charge of collecting event information (either through searching or by eliciting the information from other bloggers), and both getting it on the blog, and to the appropriate state delegate for the proper dissemination of information. The EC will also be in charge of making sure that event recaps are posted. Please note that unless the EC attended the event, they are not the one writing the event recap, just the one who gets it up on the blog or newsletter.
Bookstore Whiz: will be in charge of collecting a list of indie bookstores to publish on the blog. Most of this information should come from other bloggers. Eventually, this person may be in charge of spotlighting indie bookstores, which would involve contacting the bookstore as well as any blogger who frequents the bookstore and creating content for either the blog or newsletter.
State Delegates (SDs): will work with the EC and other admins to make sure all events and other important information is passed along to the other bloggers in the state. The SD is, in effect, a team leader, who can be in charge of writing event recaps, getting bloggers in touch with the EC for event recaps, and any other state bonding activities the SD thinks might be of interest.
Thank you!
First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones
(Charley Davidson, #1)
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format: Audiobook
Read: 4/2/2012 — 4/4/2012
In Six Words: It hit all the right notes.
Links
Darynda Jones — Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter
Amazon — Paperback | Kindle | Audiobook
Add it to Goodreads
Book Order
1. First Grave on the Right
2. Second Grave on the Left
3. Third Grave Dead Ahead
4. Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet
Synopsis
Charley sees dead people. That’s right, she sees dead people. And it’s her job to convince them to “go into the light.” But when these very dead people have died under less than ideal circumstances (i.e. murder), sometimes they want Charley to bring the bad guys to justice. Complicating matters are the intensely hot dreams she’s been having about an Entity who has been following her all her life…and it turns out he might not be dead after all. In fact, he might be something else entirely.
-from Goodreads
Why I Started Reading This Book and Final Verdict
This is one that comes recommended from Tara. I borrowed the audiobook, and listened to it within three days. Quite frankly, I was addicted to this story, and even though I normally just listen to audiobooks on my commute (in the car and on the way to or from campus), I actually had to listen to this one while I was at home. First Grave on the Right was a ton of fun.
My Thoughts
For me, First Grave on the Right is like Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum meets the paranormal. Except instead of being a bounty hunter (we’ll leave that to Garrett), Charley is a private investigator. Who can talk to the dead. Because she’s the grim reaper and all. I loved Charley’s world, and her being the grim reaper — the grim reaper being a bright light and the actual portal to heaven.
I love love love the voice of Charley. She’s got an attitude that won’t quit, and most people think she’s crazy (she can see dead people, after all) so she rolls with it rather than fights it. In fact, she’s so much fun that I’m looking forward to diving into the next book right away. The other characters are a ton of fun as well. And the ghosts!
Part of the reason why First Grave on the Right hit all the right notes for me is that it had a little bit of everything I love: mystery, romance, and the paranormal. Well, and it had quirky characters that you can’t help but love. PLUS, Charley Davidson’s name is a play on Harley Davidson, and Charley makes it work.
There were actually two separate storylines going on here: one regarding the mystery of who killed the three lawyers, and the mystery regarding Charley’s orgasmic dreams and the “big bad” who has been saving her all her life. Despite Charley’s crazy attitude, she has really been through a lot, and we did get a number of stories about Charley’s past and how these shaped who she became. The mystery was pretty standard — but well done — and the other, well, that was fascinating, and I hope we learn more about it in the next book. Even though we’ve learned a lot about Charley, it’s hinted that there’s more to know.
Audiobook specific: I think the Iron Druid Chronicles and Luke Daniels are like a double edged sword; they got me into audiobooks, but they’re a tough act to follow. I wasn’t quite as charmed by this narrator, especially regarding different voices, but it was still enjoyable.
You Might Enjoy This Book If…
If you love Stephanie Plum and you like a little paranormal, the Charley Davidson series might be something you would like.
Other Reviews
It’s that time again — Tuesday! — which means I give you shirtless men and you try to steal them away from me. Top Off Tuesdays was started by Felicia, Christi and me. It is where we (and you!) share the book covers that make us swoon. Head over to Felicia’s blog to share your Top Off Tuesday link or to see what everyone has posted.
Game ON!
Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews
(Kate Daniels, #4)
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format: paperback
Read: 4/13/2012 — 4/14/2012
In Six Words: This series continues to get better.
Links
Ilona Andrews — Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook
Amazon — Paperback | Kindle
Add it to Goodreads
Book Order
1. Magic Bites
2. Magic Burns
3. Magic Strikes
4. Magic Bleeds
5. Magic Slays
6. Untitled (Feb. 2013)
7. Untitled (2013)
Why We Started (and Continue) Reading This Series
Kelly and I started this series together because neither one of us had read it, and yet it was recommended to us. So we started the series. Then we continued. And there was much swooning and puddling and more swooning. And then we started talking about magical lion babies and lion loins and we were GONE. Head over heels for this series. And Curran. But also the series. Magic Slays will happen soon!
Synopsis
Atlanta would be a nice place to live, if it weren’t for the magic. When the magic is up, rogue mages cast their spells and monsters appear, while guns refuse to fire and cars fail to start. But then technology returns, and the magic recedes as unpredictably as it rose.
Kate Daniels works for the Order of the Knights of Merciful Aid, officially as a liaison with the mercenary guild. Unofficially, she cleans up the paranormal problems no one else wants to handle—especially if they involve Atlanta’s shapeshifting community.
When she’s called in to investigate a fight at the Steel Horse, a bar midway between the territories of the shapeshifters and the necromancers, Kate quickly discovers there’s a new player in town. One who’s been around for thousands of years—and rode to war at the side of Kate’s father.
This foe may be too much even for Kate and Curran, the Lord of the Beasts, to handle. Because this time, Kate will be taking on family…
-from Goodreads
Thoughts on Book 4
Kelly: The beginning of this book was so hard to read. OMG! Kate and her broken heart. It hurt. She hurt. I wanted to hurt Curran. It was tough transitioning from the end of book 3 where things felt like they were looking up between Curran and Kate to this heartache. *cries a little inside* That said, I was instantly, irrevocably, undeniably hooked and I HAD TO KNOW what was going on because WOE! KATE DIDN’T DESERVE THIS!
Amanda: Yes. And, like I texted you at the beginning of the book, there were two things I wanted to see happen. 1. An explanation of Curran’s douche baggery (I had really wanted to use douche canoe here but douche canoery didn’t have quite the same ring to it). And 2. more sexy times. Until I got both of those, I wouldn’t be happy. And let’s just say that I got happy. *holds up seven fingers*
Kelly: *laughs long and hard* Yes! YES! That!
Amanda: Oh! And let’s not forget about all the pranks that happen. The tension between Kate and Curran is irresistible. And hilarious. But if I had to sum up this book in a few words, I’d have to say: a lot of shit goes down. Kate can’t really catch a break. Her secrets are getting out. Everyone wants a piece of her.
Kelly: Her secrets are flying around like monkeys with wings, if you ask me. That said, I loved how the bad guys in this book helped reveal more about Kate’s heritage. Her family tree is one gnarly mess, isn’t it?
Amanda: Yes. And you thought YOUR family was bad. I think I’d take a pig slaughter conversation over dinner than any time spent with Kate’s family. Seriously though, I was utterly and completely captivated by this book. This series has a way of pulling me under its spell and only releasing me once it is finally over. Returning to earth is like coming up for air after holding your breath underwater for as long as possible. It makes you want to pick up the next book in the series the minute you catch your breath after finishing the previous one.
Kelly: Uggh. In case you’re wondering, I know far more about pig slaughtering than any person who isn’t a butcher should know. *shudders* I am wicked glad we decided to start this series, btw. The books really have gotten stronger as the series goes on. The bad guys keep getting more terrifying and everything is pointing toward a showdown of epic proportions in later books.
Amanda: The Kate Daniels series is slowly inching into the category of my favorite series. You’re right. These books only get better. And scarier. So much happened in Magic Bleeds that I wasn’t sure how Kate was going to come out on top. I love how Kate has evolved as a character; she is so different from the Kate we met in Magic Bites, determined not to form any attachments. Kate has attachments in spades now. I loved the addition of the attack poodle. LOVE.
Kelly: Who wouldn’t love the attack poodle? That ferocious beast! But, yes. I agree with you that Kate has developed nicely as the series progresses. She has people she’s willing to fight for now. She has ties that she’s unwilling to sever.
Amanda: I just love everything about this series. I love Kate. I want her life. Minus the fighting and getting hurt and everyone trying to kill me. But I like Curran and I’d have magical lion babies with him.
Kelly: We had magical lion babies with Curran’s magical lion loins in the last review, didn’t we?
Amanda: I think so. But you know what? No one said having magical lion babies was a one time thing.
Kelly: Good point. And Curran’s magical lion loins don’t shut down after the first time.
Amanda: *holds up seven fingers again*
Kelly: *laughs uproariously*
Clock Rewinders on a Book Binge is where Tara @ 25 Hour Books and I shamelessly plug each other, share the fantastic posts, giveaways, or whatever else we’ve found and loved by other awesome bloggers (or authors!) during the week, and talk about the books we plan on reading in the coming week.
Announcement
Starting this week, Clock Rewinders will no longer have a linky.
The past two weeks have taught me that I do not have the time nor energy to shoulder the responsibility of hosting a growing meme. Neither does Tara. I do not think that either of us expected that people would want to participate in something that was originally our own feature, and one that we did on our own for over six months until we were approached by another blogger who wanted to join. I know that many people really enjoy Clock Rewinders, but if I am being honest, I know that I cannot keep up with it if CR continues to grow. Quite frankly, last week I was feeling overwhelmed enough that the thought of completely stopping CR crossed my mind.
And so, it is with many apologies that we are reverting back to what Clock Rewinders was always intended to be: a place for Tara and I to promote each other, share what happened around the blogosphere, and talk about the books we read or are looking forward to reading. These are the things that I feel are most important to building community: spotlighting other bloggers and talking about books. I can do that on my site. You can do that on your site. But I can’t do that if I’m stretched between my blog and everyone else’s that participates. My Sundays are being consumed by Clock Rewinders, and that’s not even including the time I spend on Friday and/or Saturday to prepare my own post.
While I know that this may upset many of you, in the end, Tara and I have to do what is best for our blogs and how much time we are realistically capable of devoting to CR (and blogging in general). You are still welcome to continue posting your own Clock Rewinders post every Sunday, or Monday as Tara is doing it. But we won’t have a linky. If you choose to continue posting we do want to make sure you are acknowledged in some way, so please let us know if the lack of linky will not deter you from posting your own CR.
On a Book Bender Recap
- Joint Review with Kelly: Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews – Tragic case of death by swooning.
- Top Off Tuesday — I want my semester break to be like this!
- Review: Catching Fire + Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins – Catching Fire instills more stark horror. | Mockingjay is stunningly bleak and hopeless.
- Kristin Cahore Book Signing
- Who Am I Stalking [8] — Jess @ Gone with the Words
- Bout of Books 4.0 Goals + Updates
Meanwhile, in Amanda’s World…
- The beginning of the week was really rather stressful for me, and I pretty much made my Internet presence minimal through Thursday morning.
- Rather than spend a lot of time on the Internet, I read. It was good. I don’t think I’ve had a four book week in months.
- This week has been FULL of Bout of Books planning. Have I ever told you guys how freaking difficult it is to put together a readathon?
- I said Kelly’s Tumblr was like going on a peen safari.
- Amy @ bookgoonie just TOTALLY understands me.
On 25 Hour Books
- A Deed Without a Name [1]
- Clock Rewinders 5/7/2012
- Ava of the Gaia [mini review] – too many pet peeves to enjoy
- Bout of Books 4.0
Around the Book Blogging Community
Bloggers
- The ever awesome Bookish Brunette is looking for an associate reviewer/partner-in-crime. Great opportunity!
- Isalys has a great discussion about genres going on over at Book Soulmates.
Authors
- M.R. Merrick had two very amazing and insightful posts this week. The first was about why critical reviews are necessary. This is from an author’s point of view, but I think it’s vital for bloggers to read, too. The other post he wrote was about the path to success. While, again, geared towards authors, I think it can be applied to any career (or, let’s face it, hobby).
- Tahereh Mafi announces a new novella! WARNING: if you haven’t read Shatter Me, DO NOT WATCH THIS VIDEO. There are major Shatter Me spoilers.
- Thea Harrison gave us an excerpt of Lord’s Fall of Chapter 2. Dragos is back!
- Jeaniene Frost (in conjunction with Vampire’s Book Club) is giving away two advance reading copies of Once Burned (Sarah/saz101)! If you haven’t entered this yet, it’s INTERNATIONAL! Go! GO!)
Search Terms
amanda top off tuesday — This term disturbs me slightly. Am I supposed to take my top off?
get people to read my book on blogger — Step 1: Don’t be a douche canoe. Step 2: Well, um, step one pretty much covers it. In case you need more help, I once wrote a post about five things you should never do if you want someone to review your book.
list of don’t likes in boyfriend — I once made a list of qualities important in a boyfriend. Ex. “Must not have more boob jiggle than I do.” (the boyfriend passes this requirement, by the way, in case you were wondering)
shirtless men in water — Does this week’s Top Off Tuesday count?
please tell me the answers to the questions on accelerated reader to the hunger games — No.
vempayrs sexy galrs imege.com — Searching the first time didn’t get you what you wanted, so why the other two?
torture shirtless man blog — Is that what you really think my blog is? For shame.
Goodreads Stats*
*in an effort to take the focus off books I received, I’m switching to Tara’s Goodreads stats section that gives me a little more leeway to discuss books I’ve been thinking about (in some way or another) during the week. Any books listed are specifically ones I’ve read/am reading this week, or books I’ve bought, downloaded for free (legitimately, of course), or added to my wishlist for the previous week only.
Read in 2012 (40)
- Darkhouse by Karina Halle (7)
- I loved the horror parts, but rest I waffled on a bit.
- The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest by Steig Larsson (7)
- Ahh! This was a brick at 655 pages. I’m so glad I could finally finish this trilogy, but the latest installment took a good 200 or 300 pages to get to a point where I didn’t want to put it down.
- Social Suicide by Gemma Halliday (8)
- Loved the second book in the series! It was a big improvement over The Perfect Dish, which I started, and then abandoned at 33% when the predictability of it all bitch slapped me in the face.
- Pyxis by K.C. Neal (7)
- I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I don’t think it will be reviewed on the blog, but you can find my Goodreads review here.
- Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
- listening to this one, and since I’m not driving, I’m stuck somewhere around Chapter 19. But it’s awesome! Libba Bray is an amazing narrator. She’s up there with Luke Daniels. I’ll pick this back up at the end of May when I start working again.
Own-Must-Read (115)
- Graceling by Kristin Cashore
- I picked up all the Cashore books in preparation for the signing last Sunday.
- Fire by Kristin Cashore
- Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore
- The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
- I won a signed copy through a giveaway on Supernatural Snark. A big thanks to Jenny and Harlequin Teen!
- What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen
- Amy sent me this after she and Jess discovered I haven’t read any Sarah Dessen yet. Thanks, Amy!
Free Ebooks (23 unread)
- Red Fox by Karina Halle
- Kelly bullied me into downloading this one.
Amazon Wishlist
- None. Sadly, I haven’t added a book to my wishlist since APRIL. Nothing has caught my fancy lately.
Bout of Books
Eeeee! Bout of Books starts TOMORROW. I made a vlog. If you didn’t see it yesterday, watch it now! Also, go sign up if you haven’t yet. There’s still time!
Fellow Clock Rewinders
Rather than the linky, Tara and I are instead going to list people who participate in CR at least twice a month. We still want to acknowledge you all in some way, and this is our way of doing so.
Alexa @ Pages of Forbidden Love
Angelya @ Oaken Bookcase
Ash @ Smash Attack Reads!
Hannah @ Once Upon a Time
Jess @ Gone with the Words
JJ @ JJiReads
Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
For all Bout of Books 4.0 information, please visit the Bout of Books blog.
Time Devoted to Reading
I will be committing myself to reading the entire week.
Vlog
I made a vlog with my goals and books. You can watch the vlog or read what I have below. Or you can do both. Whichever you prefer.
Goals
- Have fun!
- Establish a computer usage schedule (and stick to it).
- Read 5 books
Get stuck in Twitter jail(added this one late, so it’s not on the vlog)
Books to Read
- Where She Went by Gayle Forman
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie PerkinsGraceling by Kristin Cashore- Insurgent by Veronica Roth
- 1 free ebook (
Ascension by Felicity Heaton)
Updates
5/14
Number of books I’ve read today: .61
Today #insixwords: Started off great, then petered out.
Books: Graceling (286)
Things I learned on Twitter: Peen Safaris are fun, though slightly distracting.
5/15
Number of books I’ve read today: .54
Total number of books I’ve read: 1.15
Today #insixwords: I finally finished a book! Huzzah!
Books: Graceling (185), Ascension (15%)
Things I learned on Twitter: Graceling (and Fire and Bitterblue) are very well-loved books. Kelly likes to talk about me when I’m not around. I start acting weird when I’m still groggy and pretend to launch water balloon announcements at everyone, and threaten to ask questions about giraffe shifters if no one gives me Twitter chat ideas. Peen safaris are still fun.
5/16
Number of books I’ve read today: 1.17
Total number of books I’ve read: 2.32
Today #insixwords: I read! Tweeted! Went to jail!
Books: Ascension (85%), Anna and the French Kiss (118)
Things I learned on Twitter: I need to learn how to pace myself. Not only did I get myself jailed within 15 minutes of the Twitter chat, but I landed @boutofbooks in jail before my hour was up. Does this mean I completed my goal twice?
5/17
Number of books I’ve read today: .68
Total number of books I’ve read: 3
Today #insixwords: It ended better than it started.
Books: Anna and the French Kiss (254)
Things I learned on Twitter: Nothing I didn’t already know. Twitter has been lackluster in terms of learning new things lately.
5/18
Number of books I’ve read today:
Total number of books I’ve read:
Today #insixwords:
Books:
Things I learned on Twitter:
5/19
Number of books I’ve read today:
Total number of books I’ve read:
Today #insixwords:
Books:
Things I learned on Twitter:
5/20
Number of books I’ve read today:
Total number of books I’ve read:
Today #insixwords:
Books:
Things I learned on Twitter:
Some of you may recognize this feature from 25 Hour Books. I was in the market for a feature to showcase the bloggers I simply can’t live without, Tara usually lets me do whatever I want if I pester her enough, and Who Am I Stalking? seemed appropriate. Win-win. But please, no restraining orders are necessary. I stalk with love, people. It is a badge of honor. Wear it with pride!
I do not remember how exactly I found Jess — or if she found me. All I remember was that one Friday, she posted that I was one of her six bloggers that made her smile, and after my jaw dropped a little, I was like, “Someone likes me! They really really like me!” And that’s when our love affair started. True story. The thing about Jess — and quite frankly, most of the Texan bloggers I’ve met — is that her heart is as big as her state. And that’s just one of the many reasons I love her.
1. Describe yourself in six words.
Would rather be at home reading.
2. What has been your most exciting moment as a book blogger?
There’s been a couple of times where an author has recognized my blog name and that is totally insane (and exciting) to me! Name drop, you say? Ok! Andrea Cremer and Stephanie Perkins are the two authors I’ve seen a couple of times that always recognize it. Eeeeep!
Then again, anytime an author tweets me it’s just as exciting too. :)
3. In the last year, what is the best book that you have read? The worst?
The best book I’ve read so far was the first one I read this year: The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson. It’s a YA Contemporary and the writing is just beauuuuutiful. READ IT!
Worst? I haven’t read a bad book this year yet, but the one at the bottom of the totem pole of books read this year is probably Populazzi by Elise Allen. You can read my review to see why.
4. Why is reading important?
Reading is what will keep our minds young and bright and active. Books are viagra for the brain. Keep it up! Teehee.
5. What are some of your favorite reviews (or memes, features, discussions, etc) that you have written for Gone with the Words?
By far my favorite and most fun to create have been The Boys of Dessen posts, which I did last year for Sarah Dessen Week. I’ve read all but one of Sarah Dessen’s books and I’ve loved them all, especially her boys. I had a lot of fun finding the perfect pictures for each one and selecting my favorite quotes featuring them. Check them all out HERE.
6. You are a regular participant in Ginger’s Tune in Tuesday meme. Why do you think there is such a strong connection between books and music?
I think it’s mainly because, as avid readers, we look for stories everywhere. And music tells a story in every song. Sometimes music is like an extension or continuation of whatever story you’ve just read and it’s impossible not to connect the two.
Find Jess here:
Blog | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook
On Sunday, my mom and I drove down to the Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul (MN) to see Kristin Cashore, author of Graceling, Fire, and Bitterblue. I want to take a moment and plug the Red Balloon, because they’re an indie bookstore that has been in business for over 27 years. Since that’s older than I am (though not by much), I have to admit that is pretty darn cool. The Red Balloon Bookshop is one of three places I know of that frequently hosts book signings in the Twin Cities area (Mall of America and the B&N in Roseville being the other two), though the Red Balloon often has their events at a local library, since their store is on the smaller side. It was my first time at the Red Balloon, but I look forward to future events there.
I want to preface this recap by saying that I have not read any of Cashore’s books yet, though I do now own all of them, and have every intention of reading them. I love book signings, but you will always get more out of them if you have read the books by the author(s) present. The book signing was pretty standard: Kristin introduced herself, talked a little bit about her writing process, took some questions, and then signed some books.
RECAP. DONE.
Kidding.
What was extra awesome about Kristin’s talk was that she had a slideshow for us. She started off talking about the process of writing Bitterblue, and telling us that not only does she write by hand (which has to be extremely hard work) but that after turning in the first draft of Bitterblue to her editor, her editor told Kristin to start from scratch and rewrite the whole thing. In the slideshow, Kristin shared some of the pages from her notebooks, complete with notes and crossed out words (and lines, and pages). Every signing I go to renews and strengthens my respect for authors and what they do. The writing process plus the editing process has to be incredibly exhausting.
Kristin said that Bitterblue took up 7 notebooks (she had a picture of all of them, but I missed it!). When she transcribed the manuscript to her computer and printed it out, it came out at 750 pages. When she started her second draft, rather than using new notebooks, she took a printed copy of her first draft, crossed out nearly EVERY LINE and rewrote it. She also makes notes to herself, both positive and negative.
(this one is hard to read, especially with the head, but it says: “This is crap but push on thru 2 the other side. The only way out is through.”)
Some of the tidbits I remember from the Q&A*:
- Kristin wants to revisit the characters she’s created in the Graceling realm in the future, but it all kind of depends on what happens when she sits down to write.
- She has work pajamas.
- Normally, as an author, she has no control over the book covers for her books. However, because it took so long to write Bitterblue, she was asked for input on Bitterblue’s cover. Thus, there is both a literal and figurative (ciphers) importance for the three keys on the cover of Bitterblue.
- Failure as an author is IMPORTANT. She stressed this a few times.
- To build on that, she said that she has a negative voice (e.g., this is crap). She imagines him as a sad man sitting in a chair next to her, and when he gets too negative, she gives him a hug and moves on.
- She wrote a contemporary around the time she was shopping Graceling around. She says the contemporary is in her closet and will stay there. I gathered she wasn’t very proud of it.
- She’s also writing a contemporary novel right now, but said she wasn’t ready to talk about it. She said either her agent or editor had it.
- Kristin has an English degree and a Master’s in Children’s Literature. I believe that before she became a full time author, she was a freelance writer for textbooks (what, exactly she wrote is fuzzy for me)
- She is a very moody reader, and said that part of this reason was that after spending the day picking apart sentences, it can carry over into reading. (and I so understand this)
- She also lets her emotions dictate when she writes. Sometimes she find herself at the end of a day, and realize that she “took the day off.”
- How much time Kristin spends writing a day (and during what time) depends on where she is in the process. When she is near the end or in a really good scene, she can write for up to 14 hours. On days where she is is doing research or “drudge work” she may only spend 2 or 3 hours writing.
- When she was transcribing her manuscript (through voice recognition) she finds that there are some words that the voice recognition software does not pick up. The biggest offender for Bitterblue? Queen. Kristin said that she had to come up with a code word of sorts to use to replace queen. So she chose telephone, as the word telephone does not appear in Bitterblue, and was therefore a suitable alternative.
- Her idea for Graceling started when she had three characters arguing her in head. Kristin said they were very angry with each other, and that she spent some time learning who these characters were and how to write a story about them to connect some of their conversations/arguments. The three characters ended up being Katsa, Po, and one other character I’d probably remember if I had read the book. But I didn’t, so I don’t.
*Please note that I am writing these at least six hours after the event, and I am reconstructing what was said from my memory (no notes were taken, though I wish I had). If I have given incorrect information, I apologize, as it is completely my own mistake.
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
(The Hunger Games, #2)
Genre: Dystopian
Format: borrowed hardcover
Read: 4/10/2012 — 4/13/2012
In Six Words: Catching Fire instills more stark horror.
Links
Suzanne Collins — Website
Amazon — Hardcover | Kindle
Add it to Goodreads
Synopsis
Sparks are igniting, flames are spreading and the Capitol wants revenge.
Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol– a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.
Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she’s afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she’s not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol’s cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can’t prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.
In Catching Fire, the second novel of the Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, testing her more than ever before… and surprising readers at every turn.
-from Goodreads
Thoughts on Book 2
I was not really sure where Suzanne Collins would take this series after The Hunger Games, but what happened took me by surprise. Even with how widely popular this series has been and how many people I know who have read (and either loved or hated) this series, I have managed to isolate myself from everything. The only thing I knew about Catching Fire was that the love triangle came to play in full force.
And it does. But you know what? I’m okay with that. Well, wait. So maybe I can never be completely satisfied with any story that has a love triangle, no matter how well executed they are. Let’s just clear that up (in case there was any ever doubt). But there are a couple reasons why this one works. 1. Peeta and Gale both represent paths Katniss can take for the future, and they both represent integral parts of her past. She could not be who she is without those experiences — or people. 2. Katniss is not your typical heroine; she’s more focused on keeping her loved ones alive than on romance. In some ways, this makes it makes the choice of which hero to choose less rooted in emotion and more in logic. Kind of. I caught myself switching sides occasionally, which is not something I do. It seemed to be more who is the right fit for Katniss more than anything else. The boyfriend said he was team Katniss. I see the logic in this.
So, there. I’m team Katniss.
As though the idea of a world that makes a concept such as the Hunger Games possible isn’t horrifying enough, Catching Fire brings even more stark horror to the world. The reach and strength of the Capital is stunning in its absoluteness. Just when you think there might be triumph, it is squashed. Ruthlessly, and with much blood shed. It took me the better part of the first part of the book to really get into the story, but once I did, I found it hard to put down. I cursed myself for not being able to read faster. Catching Fire is the type of book that has you wanting to seek out spoilers or flip to the back of the book. I’m going to resist the obvious comparison that the story makes you feel like you’ve caught fire and the only way to put out the flames is to read faster, and just move on. No silly analogies to see here. Run along now.
If I remember correctly, I believe that Katniss bothered me a bit in The Hunger Games. Her characters grows (or perhaps adapts is a better word) in Catching Fire. Her feelings tend to swing wildly, but it is mainly in response to the politics of… well, everything that is happening in the districts. She cracks. She becomes human. She is absolutely determined to do whatever she feels is what is right. And this time, there is far more at work than she could guess, which leads to a nasty cliffhanger.
But Catching Fire is still good. Very good. As good as or better than The Hunger Games.
____________________________________________________________________
Mocking Jay by Suzanne Collins
(The Hunger Games, #3)
Genre: YA Dystopian
Format: borrowed hardcover
Read: 4/17/2012 — 4/21/2012
In Six Words: Mockingjay is stunningly bleak and hopeless.
Links
Suzanne Collins — Website
Amazon – Hardcover | Kindle
Add it to Goodreads
Synopsis
My name is Katniss Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead.
Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss’s family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.
It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plains–except Katniss.
The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss’s willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels’ Mockingjay–no matter what the personal cost.
-from Goodreads
Thoughts on Book 3
So, we have finally arrived at the end, haven’t we? I had not originally planned to do this as a double review, but I don’t know that there is really much to say about this book. While I did not hate Mockingjay as some do, I do think it is the weakest of the three books. It just doesn’t have the gripping story line that both The Hunger Games and Catching Fire did. Mockingjay does have an eerie distrustfulness to it, though, that makes it bleak and hopeless. One would think that being rescued by District 13 would actually be a good thing. It is not. It is just as bad. Or worse.
Life under the Capitol with yearly Hunger Games is brutal enough, but there is something about the war and the rebels in Mockingjay that reveal the true brutality of human nature. No side is exempt from this brutality, and I think almost every character goes through their own period of utter ruthlessness. Sometimes it was really hard to like the characters we had come to love (or, like reasonably well) and sometimes — okay, most of the time — they were put through some really shitty situations. These characters change. Drastically. No one comes out unscathed.
No one.
And I kind of liked how much hell Suzanne Collins put her characters through.
It’s that time again — Tuesday! — which means I give you shirtless men and you try to steal them away from me. Top Off Tuesdays was started by Felicia, Christi and me. It is where we (and you!) share the book covers that make us swoon. Head over to Felicia’s blog to share your Top Off Tuesday link or to see what everyone has posted.
Rawr.
