Merry Christmas!

While I know that the day is almost over, I figured it's never too late to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas (Happy Holidays to those who do not celebrate).

I hope everyone had a very peaceful and blessed day!

Spotlight on Kitty Keswick

The end of the year is nearing and I am excited to present my last author spotlight of 2009 with Kitty Keswick!

Kitty is the author of the January 2010 release Freaksville. It will be published on January 8 by Leap Books. I am so excited to read Kitty's work. And you will be too, once you read more about how cool Kitty is!

On your website, you proclaim your love of 80s movies. Which movie for that decade was most like your life growing up?

Ack, that’s a great question. I’d say my life was a John Hughes montage; I liked to dress funky and make my own clothes like Andy in Pretty in Pink. (No, I didn’t have a Ducky…I wish!) I played the drums—although not as great as Watts in Some Kind of Wonderful. (I want to take them up again. And I didn’t get the diamond stud earrings.) I could totally relate to the entire cast of the Breakfast Club.

You stated, "Conflict makes good fiction." Do you find internal conflict or external conflict more important when developing characters and plot? Which is easiest to tackle during the writing process?

External conflict is the easiest for most to write, because it’s obvious it’s happening to the characters. I like internal conflict, the angst the characters go through…being torn over some decision they have to make that will change their life path forever. It’s the conflict you can’t see, but it’s the one that has the most punch. Internal conflict keeps you up at night; it eats away at you. Internal conflict is what will either beat you or make you stronger.

What inspires you while writing?

Everything. My characters speak to me. Many times they inspire me. I get to know them and then build the story around their quirks and dreams. Also art, music, nature—I know it’s cliché, but I draw from them all.

Though you write paranormal fiction, are any of the events/characters inspired by personal experiences?

All writers pull from experiences they’ve had, but I don’t base my stories on me or people I know. Certain aspects of characters are me. For example, Kasey’s mom is an interior designer, so was I. And I was a theater minor, so I used some of my knowledge in the story. I do go a little weak in the knees when I hear a British accent, and so does my heroine, Kasey. I moved from California to Pennsylvania and didn’t like the move at first, so I could relate to Kasey in that way, too. Do I see ghosts and werewolves? Well, my lips are sealed.

What has been the most exciting part of the road the publication?

Everything. Signing the contract, editing, working with the illustrator…It’s a roller coaster!

Fill in the blanks:

If I could collaborate with an author (living or deceased), I would love to write with Rachel Caine, Kelley Armstrong, Maria V. Snyder, P.C. Cast, Jane Austen, and John Hughes.

The most rewarding part of writing for a teen audience is they are so passionate about the characters. Everything in teens’ lives become huge when it’s happening to them. They feel things intensely; the world is full of possibilities, and they haven’t been jaded by it yet. They are standing at the edge of their future with so many paths to take—all they have to do is close their eyes take a deep breath and choose. It’s an exciting time.

If I could land a guest spot on any show, I would like to appear on Supernatural as Dean Winchester’s (Jensen Ackles’) love interest. Oh, but I’d have this really cool power to kick demon butt! Duh! I’d wear some really kickin’ boots and have my own muscle car—deep midnight blue, Chevelle SS… The racing stripe is optional. The rumble is not. Grrrr.

My biggest pet peeve is people that lie.

Freaksville is a novel that should be read by those who love paranormal, humor, have a thing for British hotties, like ghost stories, werewolves, fashion and theater, and believe that love is worth the work.

Thank you, Kitty for taking the time to participate! And best wishes with your upcoming release!

Nonfiction Suggestions

I very rarely read nonfiction writing for pleasure, unless I am reading the newspaper (which I do daily) or a magazine. It's not that I have anything against reading about factual subjects; it is more that I haven't found many nonfiction YA novels that grasp my attention like the creativity of fictional characters and settings.

In my classroom, this past quarter has been devoted to nonfiction, and I must admit that I have had a blast working with the texts I selected for my students. The thing is that many of these informational texts came from online sources and magazines or were excerpts from autobiographies, memoirs, and biographies. When looking for full copies of them, I've had very little luck.

I would like to devote some of 2010 to reading more nonfiction, which is where you guys come in.

I need your help! What nonfiction YA books would you suggest I read? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

In My Mailbox (December 6)

In My Mailbox is hosted weekly by Kristi.

The holidays are such a hectic, yet amazingly fun time. I have tried to limit my spending on books, so that I can spend more on buying gifts for others. So this week, I have two new books added to my collection.

Books Purchased:

Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott

(summary from Amazon): Kate Brown's life has gone downhill fast. Her father has quit his job to sell vitamins at the mall, and Kate is forced to work with him. Her best friend has become popular, and now she acts like Kate's invisible.

And then there's Will. Gorgeous, unattainable Will, whom Kate acts like she can't stand even though she can't stop thinking about him. When Will starts acting interested, Kate hates herself for wanting him when she's sure she's just his latest conquest.

Kate figures that the only way things will ever stop hurting so much is if she keeps to herself and stops caring about anyone or anything. What she doesn't realize is that while life may not always be perfect, good things can happen -- but only if she lets them...

Snow Queen by Emma Harrison

(summary from Amazon): Chamberlain Ski Resort and Spa

Welcome to the 10th Annual Snow Queen competition!

I can't believe I got roped into this.

Snow Princesses must attend all pageant rehearsals, with appropriate outfits.

Well, no matter what it takes, I'm going to wipe that smirk off Layla Chamberlain's face.

Our rehearsal space can be booked to practice your talent.

Um, does "looking dumb in a dress" count as a talent?

See Grayson Chamberlain, the assistant director, with any questions.

If you insist! First question: How can someone so sweet (and hot!) be a Chamberlain?

Good luck! One of you will soon be our new Snow Queen!

Oh joy.

Unless Grayson comes with the tiara . . .

The Naughty List by Suzanne Young

The Naughty List

Suzanne Young

Razorbill

Published February 4, 2010

Source: Around the World ARC Tours

Summary: Tessa Crimson is the captain of the cheerleading squad and dating the school's basketball star. As if that is not enough, she is also the leader of SOS (Society of Smitten Kittens), a secret organization dedicated to catching cheating slimeballs and adding them to the infamous Naughty List. When new girl Chloe arrives at school, she has her eyes set on Tessa's boyfriend. Will he become the newest addition to The Naughty List?

Review: The Naughty List by debut author Suzanne Young is sure to be a hit! With characters that most readers will enjoy and a plot that never lets you down, this book is certainly entertaining.

While reading TNL, I became quite fond of SOS members Tessa, Kira, and Leona. Each character had a distinct personality and brought something new and creative to the table. What I liked most about the girls was that all three had depth. Rather than being perfect, perky cheerleaders, each was battling her own conflict.

Suzanne Young covers each of the girls' conflicts in a dynamic plot. I was intrigued and did not want the book to end. While I was expecting the book to be predictable, it was not at all. The constant twists, turns, and action of the girls' sleuthy work kept me laughing and on the edge of my seat.

While I found the book to be fantastic, it was not perfect. There were two things about The Naughty List that irked me. The first was the excessive amount of sexual references. Though most were tastefully written, they began to annoy me a bit. The second thing that bothered me was the excessive amount of cute sayings. "Strawberry smoothie!" was adorable and all, but some of the sayings were overpowering and made parts of the book extra cheesy.

Overall I found The Naughty List to be great fun and can't wait to read So Many Boys, the next book in the series!

Score: 8-You've gotta read this one!

You Know a Book is HUGE When...

Okay, when People debuts the cover of your book, you know it's a HUGE deal. That happens to be the case with Candace Bushnell's YA debut The Carrie Diaries.

I first saw the cover on People, but since this morning, it's been on every major internet news site and on a couple of YA book blogs. Let me tell you, it is one stunning cover! The cover is eye catching, chic, and very pink--exactly what you'd expect from a Candace Bushnell teen edition.

Even though I did not follow the show during its popularity, I can't wait for April to come because I am dying to read the prequel to this pop culture phenomenon. As you can tell, my expectations are very high and I doubt I'll be disappointed in this one!

Holiday Reading Challenge 2009

I very seldom sign up for challenges because I never make my goal. I feel my luck may change with bookwormygirl's 2009 Holiday Reading Challenge.

The challenge simply consists of reading 1-5 holiday related books between November 20 and December 31. I am super excited about this challenge because I already planned on reading a number of holiday themed books during Thanksgiving Break and Winter Break. The holidays are my favorite time of year, and I really go all out for them. In fact, most of my winter related books were put in a special place on my bookshelf in February (yeah, I've been excited about reading them for a LONG time)!

Here is the list of books from which I'll be choosing. I hope to read at least four of them. If you've read any of these or want to help me choose, feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.

Secret Santa by Sabrina James

The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Catherine Hapka

Confessions of a Bitter Secret Santa by Lara Bergen

On Christmas Eve by Ann M. Martin

Searching for David's Heart by Cherie Bennett

Ex-Mas by Kate Brian

Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson & Lauren Myracle

Mistletoe by Hailey Abbott, Melissa De La Cruz, Aimee Friedman & Nina Malkin

Wish me luck!

In My Mailbox (November 15)

In My Mailbox is hosted weekly by the fabulous Kristi!

Purchased:
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

When I found out that BC was already in stock at Barnes and Noble, I had to have a copy! Unfortunately, there weren't any at my local store, so I purchased this online. It is so gorgeous in person!

The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove by Lauren Kate

I have wanted to get my hands on this one since I first read its summary. It sounds right up my alley and I plan to begin reading it pretty soon.

I Will Always Love You by Cecily von Ziegesar

Gossip Girl! My secret obsession. I love this series; I own them all even though I haven't read them all yet. Can't wait for summer because I plan to read the entire series from start to finish! Another book with a beautiful cover!

From Princess Bookie's Around the World Tours:
The Naughty List by Suzanne Young

I was tickled pink (to match the cover) when I found out this book was being offered. This one arrived this afternoon, and I've already started reading it. I'm loving it so far!

I also checked out a million books and audiobooks at the library. I'll post them next week.

I feel like I've had a pretty exciting week in books!

So what was in your mailbox?

One Reason I Can't Wait for Thanksgiving!

One of the things I love most about Thanksgiving (other than the fact that I have a little bit of free time to catch up on my reading) is that every year I actually get to go to the movie theater! To a lot of people this may not sound like a big deal, but for me it is HUGE!

This year I am going to see what I think may be a real gem--The Blind Side. This movie shares the heartwarming true-life story of Michael Oher, who went from being homeless to a college graduate and a first round pick in last year's NFL Draft.

If you haven't had a chance to read The New York Times article "The Ballad of Big Mike" by Michael Lewis please take the time to do so. It is inspiring and well worth the read.

And just in case I haven't provided you with enough about why am I psyched to see this movie, check out this trailer. It's been months seen I first saw the preview, but I still can't make it through it without crying--I can only imagine how I am going to react when I actually see the entire film.

In My Mailbox (November 8)

This week I did not buy any books, because I ordered them online and am impatiently awaiting their arrival. I did, however, visit my library for a few new reads.

Give Up the Ghost by Megan Crewe

Cass McKenna much prefers ghosts over “breathers.” Ghosts are uncomplicated and dependable, and they know the dirt on everybody…and Cass loves dirt. She’s on a mission to expose the dirty secrets of the poseurs in her school.

But when the vice president of the student council discovers her secret, Cass’s whole scheme hangs in the balance. Tim wants her to help him contact his recently deceased mother, and Cass reluctantly agrees.

As Cass becomes increasingly entwined in Tim’s life, she’s surprised to realize he’s not so bad—and he needs help more desperately than anyone else suspects. Maybe it’s time to give the living another chance….

Immortal by Gillian Shields

Wyldcliffe Abbey School for Young Ladies, housed in a Gothic mansion on the bleak northern moors, is elite, expensive, and unwelcoming. When Evie Johnson is torn away from her home by the sea to become the newest scholarship student, she is more isolated than she could have dreamed. Strict teachers, snobbish students, and the oppressive atmosphere of Wyldcliffe leave Evie drowning in loneliness.

Evie's only lifeline is Sebastian, a rebellious, mocking, dangerously attractive young man she meets by chance. As Evie's feelings for Sebastian grow with each secret meeting, she starts to fear that he is hiding something about his past. And she is haunted by glimpses of a strange, ghostly girl—a girl who is so eerily like Evie, she could be a sister. Evie is slowly drawn into a tangled web of past and present that she cannot control. And as the extraordinary, elemental forces of Wyldcliffe rise up like the mighty sea, Evie is faced with an astounding truth about Sebastian, and her own incredible fate.

Last Night I Sang to the Monster by Benjamin Alire Saenz

Zach is eighteen. He is bright and articulate. He's also an alcoholic and in rehab instead of high school, but he doesn't remember how he got there. He's not sure he wants to remember. Something bad must have happened. Something really, really bad. Remembering sucks and being alive—well, what's up with that?

I have it in my head that when we're born, God writes things down on our hearts. See, on some people's hearts he writes Happy and on some people's hearts he writes Sad and on some people's hearts he writes Crazy on some people's hearts he writes Genius and on some people's hearts he writes Angry and on some people's hearts he writes Winner and on some people's hearts he writes Loser.

It's all like a game to him. Him. God. And it's all pretty much random. He takes out his pen and starts writing on our blank hearts. When it came to my turn, he wrote. I don't like God very much. Apparently he doesn't like me very much either. Sad.

Fat Cat by Robin Brande

You are what you eat. . . .

Cat smart, sassy, and funny—but thin, she’s not. Until her class science project. That’s when she winds up doing an experiment—on herself. Before she knows it, Cat is living—and eating—like the hominids, our earliest human ancestors. True, no chips or TV is a bummer and no car is a pain, but healthful eating and walking everywhere do have their benefits.

As the pounds drop off, the guys pile on. All this newfound male attention is enough to drive a girl crazy! If only she weren’t too busy hating Matt McKinney to notice. . . .

This funny and thoughtful novel explores how girls feel about their bodies, and the ways they can best take care of their most precious resource: themselves.

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi. What was in your mailbox this week?

Hold Still Contest Winner

Thank you so much to everyone who entered the Hold Still contest.

With the help of Randomizer, a winner has been chosen.

Congratulations to...

ELNICE!!!!!!!!

Again thank you all so much for entering. If you did not win, don't worry. Since I recently reached the 200 followers mark, I'm hoping to have a celebratory contest.

Happy reading, y'all!!!

Once Upon a Week Blogger Interview

This week Vanessa of Today's Adventure is hosting Once Upon a Week, a week dedicated to fairy tales. I'm already behind, but am super excited about the blog event.

Today I am pleased to welcome Anna of Book Nerds to share her thoughts about some of her favorite fairy tales!

What do you enjoy most about fairy tales?
I think the best part of fairy tales is being transported to a place and a time that you can't actually travel to physically. It's not just a location on a map, that a flight can be booked for - it's a whole world, a feeling, an emotion that is all your own. Even if a hundred people before you have been asked the same question, or read the same story, your answer and your interpretation completely changes the outcome.

With which fairy tale character do you most relate?
Oh geez. I have no clue. I don't think I have an answer for this. Fairy tales are so outside of things that we experience that even those that we do (emotions/thoughts) are sort of out of reach sometimes because of their context.

If you could live in a fairy tale, which would you choose?
Any fairy tale.. ever, in the history of fairy tales? Again, no clue. I am not a huge fan of the Disney fairy tales, and the classic ones usually have a sad ending, which is no fun. I think that although it's a high-tech sort of modern day fairy tale I would probably have to go with the Artemis Fowl books/world/etc (by Eoin Colfer). Okay, it's very modern, but I just love the world that Artemis lives in with the fairies, and other creatures, and everything seems to turn out alright in the end, which is always nice. I WOULD say Fablehaven (by Brandon Mull) but to see the fairies you have to drink milk, and well, I just don't really like milk.

If you were to write an original fairy tale, what would the plot be?
About a sister and her little brother who have to help a wizard escape a tree in order to save an entire forest of fantasitcal creatures from dying by the hand of a wicked wicked fairy!

What is your all-time favorite fairy tale?
My all-time favourite fairy tale... hmm... Honestly, although (like I said about classic fairy tales) it's not a happy-ending one I would probably have to say The Lady of the Lake by W. Jenkyn Thomas. I read it in high school, and it's stuck with me ever since. I really also love The Lady of Shalott by Tennyson, which is just an incredibly beautiful poem.

Thanks so much for participating Anna!

In My Mailbox (November 1)

Yay! It's the first day of November! I love the weather and smells of November (think pumpkin pie!). Now onto the books I purchased this week:

Girl Stays in the Picture by Melissa De La Cruz

(from Amazon) Devon -- one name only, please -- is the latest and jail-bait-est pop star to hit number one on the Billboard chart, and she's making her big-screen debut in Juicy. But after her stint in rehab, the studio isn't so sure she's their girl anymore. If they cut any more of her lines, she'll be a silent film actress! Can Devon regain her star status? She needs to watch her back and make sure that flash doesn't catch her causing a scene, and we don't mean the kind you can yell "Cut!" after.

Livia has lost the weight and gained the attitude in the Hollywood party scene. Her dad's an Oscar-winning producer, and with a hot Beverly Hills boyfriend on her arm as well as her photos all over the pages of Gosizzle.com, Livia looks like she has a perfect life. But looks can be perfectly deceiving....

And there's fresh-faced Casey, who left a job bagging groceries at the Piggly Wiggly to play personal assistant to her best friend...and Devon's rival. She's got the biggest crush on the biggest star of the film -- a hot Brit known for loving and leaving. Will Casey stay true to herself while trying to find a place in his universe?

Stars. They're just like us. But what does that mean for the rest of us? Stay tuned, people.

Nothing Like You by Lauren Strasnick

(from Lauren Strasnick's website) “You think he’s yours but he’s not, I thought. You think he’s yours but really he’s mine.”

When Holly loses her virginity to Paul, a guy she barely knows, she assumes their encounter is a one-night stand. After all, Paul is too popular to even be speaking to Holly, and he happens to have a long-term girlfriend, Saskia. But ever since Holly’s mom died six months ago, Holly has been numb to the world, and she’s getting desperate to feel something, anything—so when Paul keeps pursuing her, Holly relents. Paul’s kisses are a welcome diversion, and it’s nice to feel like the kind of girl that a guy like Paul would choose.

But things aren’t so simple with Saskia around. Paul’s real girlfriend is willowy and perfect… and nothing like Holly. To make matters worse, she and Holly are becoming friends. Suddenly the consequences of Holly’s choices are all too real, and Holly stands to lose more than she ever realized she had.

Borrowed from the library:

Undone by Brooke Taylor

Rage: A Love Story by Julie Anne Peters

Stitches: A Memoir by David Small

In My Mailbox is hosted weekly by Kristi.

A Beautiful Tribute

I know this is a book blog, but because it is my personal space, I decided to do something a little different today.

Michael Jackson's This is It is now out and I am not at all shocked by the fact that it's sold out in most places. As a child, I was in awe of Michael's creative genius. I mean how many artists premiere their videos in front of millions of people on a major television network? I don't know that anyone else has or ever will touch the lives of as many people through their smile, music, dancing, and showmanship. In all honesty, if not for Michael Jackson, some of our favorite stars may not have been inspired to take the stage. But of course, celebs aren't the only ones who were affected by this one man.

I heard about this amazing video and had to share it with my readers because I was so inspired by it. Although it looks like a stage full of young men, it's only one guy singing! And man, is he talented? On top of that, he's a Yale student! The two men responsible for this--Sam Tsui (the singer) and Kurt Hugo (the producer) have some bright futures ahead of them! The music is phenomenal and the video editing is brilliant!

This tribute to a timeless artist touched my heart, and I hope it moves you as well. Enjoy!

Oh My! I Can't Believe It!

I can't believe I missed a monumental event--my one year blogoversary! As of last Thursday, I have been blogging about books for one year!

For me, it is totally unbelievable because I lack "stick-with-it-ness" (I think I just made up a new word)--meaning I find new hobbies all the time, but don't ever stick with any of them for very long. Just goes to show how much I adore the book blogging community.

I began my blog with this review of Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott (which in my eyes is still one of the best written YA novels of all time). And 190 posts later, I am still here!

So thank you all for a wonderful 1st year. I look forward to many more!

Princess Bookie's Mini Challenge

As I posted earlier, Cindy of Princess Bookie is hosting the contest of all contests--and there is still time to enter!

In addition, Cindy is hosting a mini challenge/surprise contest.

The topic:

Name your 8 favorite things (not all books either LOL)

My Top 8

1. My fiance (He's the world's greatest!)

2. The rest of my family (My two wonderful parents and little sister)

3. The color yellow (it always makes me smile :D)

4. Chocolate Oatmeal No Bake Cookies

5. Oreo Cookies (sensing a pattern here???)

6. The CW (How can you not love 90210, One Tree Hill and The Vampire Diaries?)

7. Cheesy pop music (Think 80s music, N'Sync, LFO, Britney Spears!)

8. Books, of course!!!!!!!!

Your turn! Be sure to head here to join in the challenge.

Contests Galore!!!

Cindy of Princess Bookie is hosting a massive load of contests in honor of the 24 hour read-a-thon!

She is giving away some of the most sought after YA novels including The Naughty List (squee!!!), Captivate, a signed copy of Hate List, Twenty Boy Summer, and a 4 ARC bundle that includes The Dark Divine, Bleeding Violet, Voices of Dragons, and The Unwritten Rule (which I absolutely must have because I love Elizabeth Scott's novels and Tenner books), plus tons of other AMAZING books!!!

If you're feeling lucky, join in the fun here! All contests end tonight at 11:59 PM, so hurry!

*Another* Another Faust Contest Announcement

*Another* Another Faust Contest

Hi everyone. Dina and I are about to kick off a month-long tour for our book, Another Faust, and we want to do it by announcing a contest! We are looking for the most promising writers out there (that’s YOU). And then we want to showcase their work, so that all of the Internet can bask in their awesome writing might (and, you know, give them prizes).

HERE’S HOW IT GOES.

We want you to write your own short story, re-imagining of the Faustian Bargain. (For inspiration, check out Bedazzled, Simpsons “Tree House of Horrors IV,” and The Little Mermaid). It can be about anything you like (but let’s keep it PG-13, and under 3,000 words), and it’s open to everyone.

All you have to do is send your entry to dviergutz@gmail.com before January 31.

Rules and details can be found here:

http://www.danielanddina.com/site/2009/10/writing-contest-create-another-another-faust/

Make sure to read them so you don’t get DQed!

And the winner gets all kinds of sweetness:

A signed copy of Another Faust

A handwritten deleted scene

A featured article & interview on our site

An author’s galley of the sequel Another Pan

Though we’ll feature the top five on our site for comments, the judging WON’T happen by popular vote (so basically, we don't care which contestant has the most friends). Dina and I will personally read them.

So, spread the word! Tweet, retweet, forward, thread, spread, embed this post.

Good luck!

D&D

Unraveling by Michelle Baldini & Lynn Biederman

Unraveling

Michelle Baldini & Lynn Biederman

Delacorte

Published July 8, 2008

Source: Borrowed from Library

Summary: Amanda Himmelfarb lives a far from perfect life. She never quite measures up to the expectations of her mother--The Captain. She is the target of popular girl Courtney "Fakey Flakey". And her year long crush, Paul, is far from Prince Charming. So when Rick, Courtney's boyfriend, offers Amanda a deal that is sure to make her popular, will Amanda be able to resist or will she have to suffer the consequences?

Review: Since reading a starred review of Unraveling in Publishers Weekly, I have been dying to get my hands on this book. While I found the book to be entertaining, it fell short of my expectations.

I was far from impressed by the character development. Very simply put, Amanda lacked depth. While I was hoping Amanda would eventually become a strong, independent young woman, she remained spineless throughout the novel. Being a static character, she never quite mustered up enough courage to stand up for herself, but in the end it showed an accurate portrayal of a typical teenaged girl.

In addition, while this book was full of bright moments which made me laugh, it had its equal share of moments that fell flat. I was not consistently immersed in the book until the last 60 pages or so, and I wanted to give up on it a few times. I am glad I stuck it out because the resolution left me satisfied.

Perhaps the best thing about Unraveling was its format. Rather than just your typical prose, this novel consisted of emails and fortunes from fortune cookies (Amanda collects them). In addition, each altercation between Amanda and her mother was given a clever name, such as Commotion at the Ocean, Slayed over Grades, and Butting Heads over Threads. Finally, Amanda's poems (written by Gabrielle Biederman) breathed life into this book. These beautifully written pieces gave us insight as to whom Amanda truly was.

While this book had its flaws, it provided an authentic look into the life of a teenager and is worth a read.

Score: 6-Good, enjoyable, but not great

Special Note: This book contains mature content that may be better suited for older readers.

Hold Still Contest

Hold Still is officially released as of today!

From Amazon:

An arresting story about starting over after a friend’s suicide, froma breakthrough new voice in YA fiction

dear caitlin, there are so many things that i want so badly to tell you but i just can’t.

Devastating, hopeful, hopeless, playful . . . in words and illustrations, Ingrid left behind a painful farewell in her journal for Caitlin. Now Caitlin is left alone, by loss and by choice, struggling to find renewed hope in the wake of her best friend’s suicide. With the help of family and newfound friends, Caitlin will encounter first love, broaden her horizons, and start to realize that true friendship didn’t die with Ingrid. And the journal which once seemed only to chronicle Ingrid’s descent into depression, becomes the tool by which Caitlin once again reaches out to all those who loved Ingrid—and Caitlin herself.

Sounds amazing, right?

To celebrate the release of Hold Still, Penguin Young Readers Group will provide an ARC to one lucky reader! The contest will be open to residents of the United States and Canada and will end at 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, October 30.

There are 4 ways to be entered in the contest.

+1 leave a comment with your email address

+1 follow or become a follower

+1 link to this contest on your blog (leave the link)

+1 watch & comment on one of the two trailers below

Also, on October 28th at 7p.m. PST, Nina will be doing an author event at

Borders in San Francisco. The event will be streamed live here.

For more information on Hold Still or Nina LaCour, be sure to check out Nina's

website.