The Twin's Daughter Contest Winner

The winner of a copy of The Twin's Daughter is...

JENNA!!!

Congratulations Jenna!  An email will be sent to you shortly.

Spotlight on Lauren Baratz-Logsted-The Twin's Daughter Tour

Today I am pleased to welcome the unbelievably talented and kind Lauren Baratz-Logsted back to my blog for a Q&A!  Lauren is the author of a number of books for kids, teens, and adults.  Some of her titles include The Education of Bet and Crazy Beautiful.  More recently she wrote The Twin's Daughter, which is available in stores now!


The Twin's Daughter intrigued me because its premise is unalike any other YA novel.  What inspired you to tell this story?

LBL: I'm really intrigued by twins. Aren't you? But one perspective I haven't seen explored in fiction, or even discussed in general, is that of the child who has a parent who is an identical twin. Imagine if the face you loved most in the world, or at least while growing up, was shared by another person - that's the sort of idea that drove the novel.  

Which of the characters from The Twin's Daughter did you most connect to during the writing process?

LBL: That's actually a really tough question. Lucy and me are different from one another in a lot of obvious respects - age, country, era, and of course my mother's not an identical twin or even a twin - but I suppose I'd have to pick her because in so many ways she lives an isolated existence, and being a writer, I've experienced plenty of isolation too. It gives a person lots of time for mental knitting over ever problem that arises.

You've also written books with your husband and daughter.  How does the writing process differ on a solo project?

LBL: And that's an easy question! The only time I've ever written by committee, as I call it, is with The Sisters 8 series I write with Greg and Jackie. We all have to be in agreement on how things should proceed. When I write solo, no one gets to argue with me about how I think things should be. Well, except for maybe the editor. And later the public. But really, the two ways of writing are different.

What is the most rewarding part about writing for teenagers (or teens at heart, like me)?

LBL: "Rewarding" is the exact word to describe the whole experience of writing for teens and teens at heart. And the reason that's true is because despite the eternal teen pose of wanting to appear jaded, the world is still fresh. Ideas can still seem new, which is refreshing for the writer too, plus today's teens and teens at heart are imaginatively open to such a wide range of books in a way that adults often lose.   

Fill in the blanks:

The color that best describes my personality is sunny yellow.

If my life were like the movie GROUNDHOG DAY, the day I'd like to relive over and over would be any day with my daughter.

My favorite place is my bench outside when I'm reading.

In 11 (my favorite number) words or less, The Twin's Daughter is suspenseful, atmospheric, romantic-one of the best book I've ever written.


Thank you Lauren so much for taking the time to visit the blog again.  As always, it was a pleasure having you!!!

The Twin's Daughter by Lauren Baratz-Logsted & Contest

The Twin's Daughter
Lauren Baratz-Logsted
Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
Release date: August 31, 2010
Source: ARC received from publisher


Summary (from the publisher's website): Be careful who you let in the door . . . they may not want to leave.

Lucy Sexton is stunned when a disheveled woman appears at the door one day…a woman who bears an uncanny resemblance to Lucy's own beautiful mother. It turns out the two women are identical twins, separated at birth, and raised in dramatically different circumstances. Lucy's mother quickly resolves to give her less fortunate sister the kind of life she has never known. And the transformation in Aunt Helen is indeed remarkable. But when Helen begins to imitate her sister in every way, even Lucy isn't sure at times which twin is which. Can Helen really be trusted, or does her sweet face mask a chilling agenda?

Filled with shocking twists and turns, THE TWIN'S DAUGHTER is an engrossing gothic novel of betrayal, jealousy, and treacherous secrets that will keep you guessing to the very end.

Review: Let me start by simply saying, WHOA, I did not see that ending coming!

The Twin's Daughter is an invigorating read, unlike any YA novel I've ever read.  Following the life of young Lucy, this novel is like a roller coaster--so nerve wrecking that you want to close your eyes, yet so thrilling that you have to see what's coming next.  


This novel truly showcases Lauren Baratz-Logsted at her best.  The story is beautifully articulated through her precise writing and fine attention to details.  Such details are presented through her careful attention to developing the characters.  Each of the characters,whether main or secondary, is unique, yet relatable.  Each character is given a strong personality and his/her traits are easily acknowledged through his/her actions, speech, and mannerisms.


Baratz-Logsted obviously did her homework, as it is apparent by the details of the Victorian setting.  Her descriptions of the wardrobes and accurate use of dialect make the reader feel as though they are living in the era.  These historical details mixed with strong characterization make The Twin's Daughter a winner.

Because the beginning of the novel moved quite slowly, I struggled to get into The Twin's Daughter at first.  However, after the background information was presented, the pace of the book quickly picked up, almost like a snowball.  The further I read, the more I could not put it down!  The excitement and suspense just kept building up, until the unimaginable ending.


The Twin's Daughter is much more than a satisfying read--it is one that keeps you on the edge of your seat and leads to an unforeseeable climax and resolution.  With vivid descriptions of the setting, beautiful imagery, and realistic, yet unique, characters, Lauren Baratz-Logsted's novel plays out like a movie on the big screen.

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


Bloomsbury has been so kind as to offer a copy of The Twin's Daughters to one lucky reader.  


This contest is open to those with a U.S. mailing address.  Entrants must be 13 or older, and if you are under the age of 18, please be sure to receive permission from a parent/guardian before entering.


The contest will end at 12:00 AM Friday, October 1.


For your chance to win, please complete the secure Google Docs form located here. Good luck to all!

Tutored by Allison Whittenberg

Tutored
Allison Whittenberg
Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Release Date: December 14, 2010
Source: ARC from Around the World Tours


Summary (from Goodreads):  Wendy Anderson and Hakiam Powell are at opposite ends of the spectrum—the social spectrum, the financial spectrum, the opportunity spectrum, you name it. Wendy lives in an all-white suburb of Philadelphia, where she’s always felt like the only chip in the cookie. Her dad, who fought his way out of the ghetto, doesn’t want her mingling with “those people.” In fact, all Wendy’s life, her father has told her how terrible “those people” are. He even objects to Wendy’s plan to attend a historically black college. But Wendy feels that her race is more than just the color of her skin, and she takes a job tutoring at an inner-city community center to get a more diverse perspective on life.


Hakiam has never lived in one place for more than a couple of years.  When he aged out of foster care in Ohio, he hopped a bus to Philly to start over, but now he's broke, stuck taking care of his cousin's premature baby for no pay, and finding it harder than ever to stay out of trouble.  When he meets Wendy at the tutoring center, he thinks she's an uppity snob--she can't possibly understand his life.  But as he gets to know her better, he sees a softer side.  And eventually--much to the chagrin of Wendy's father and Hakiam's cousin--they begin a rocky, but ultimately enlightening, romance.


This edgy story about a star-crossed couple features strong African American characters and sparkles with smart, quirky dialogue and fresh observations on social pressures and black-on-black prejudice.


Review:  I absolutely adored Tutored!  I have a very short attention span, so it often takes me longer than most readers to complete a book.  Not this one!  From the first page, I was captured.


Told in chapters that alternate Wendy's and Hakiam's viewpoints, I had a deep connection to Tutored.  Though neither of my parents share Wendy's father's ignorant sentiments, I grew up one of few Black students in my school.  We were the only Black family in my neighborhood and church.  And while I was accepted by my peers, I often felt like an outsider.  This novel made me see that I was never alone, as so many other people from many racial backgrounds go through the same thing everyday.  Hopefully this book will make a difference for teens in similar situations.


In addition to my personal connection to the story, I was impressed by the two main characters.  Both Wendy and Hakiam went against racial stereotypes and were portrayed in positive lights.  Wendy was strong, intelligent, and profound.  I admired her willingness to disobey her father because morally it was the right thing to do.  Through her actions, she was able to show her father that his actions, words, and thoughts promoted Black-on-Black prejudice, rather than uplifted people to follow in his own successful footsteps.  Hakiam, though he made many mistakes in his past life in Cincinnati, was a dynamic character.  I enjoyed watching him learn about himself and grow as a person.  He was sensitive, responsible, and it was great to see a young Black male beating the streets and brightening his future.  


The romantic aspect of the novel was sweet.  At times, it brought a smile to my face.  What I most enjoyed about Wendy's and Hakiam's relationship was that it was realistic.  They had good times, but their relationship was not perfect.  In addition, it developed at a realistic pace.  


The writing in Tutored was clear and easy to follow.  The pacing was appropriate, and the voices of Wendy and Hakiam were distinct.  Kudos to Allison Whittenberg for jumping right into the storyline.  Rather than being bored to tears with useless background information, I was introduced to two unforgettable characters and found myself fascinated by a unique, yet realistic plot.  I will definitely be reading Whittenberg's other titles.


Since this novel is so amazing, I will be purchasing a final copy that I plan to reread many times over!  I highly recommend that lovers of contemporary YA novels give this one a go.  You will NOT be disappointed.


Rating:  9-You've gotta read this one!

Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli

Maniac Magee

Jerry Spinelli

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Released: April 2, 1990

Source: Purchased 


Summary: Jeffrey Lionel Magee is an orphan sent to live with his aunt and uncle.  When he tires of their constant arguing, he runs away, never to look back.  A year later, he ends up in Two Mills, PA.  While there Jeffrey teaches the citizens, young and old, lessons on friendship, courage, and how wonderful it is to be different.


Review: I very seldom reread novels, especially those that fall in the middle grades category.  Maniac Magee is a definite exception to the rule.  I recently read this novel for the one millionth time (ok, slight exaggeration) with a group of students during a summer literacy camp and was reminded of why I love it so much!  


One of the reasons Jerry Spinelli's masterpiece is amongst my favorite all-time reads is its cast of characters.  Focused primarily on Maniac, this novel hosts an extraordinary group of main and secondary characters, most of whom are dynamic.  Seeing John McNab and Mars Bar Thompson--the town's two bullies--grow and change throughout the novel as a result of the main conflict excited me and kept me enthralled.  Very rarely do secondary characters leave lasting impressions, however those like Mrs. Beale, Hester and Lester (twin children), and an old man simply called an old ragpicker have a major impact on the unfolding of the novel's events.  I could continue to gush about Spinelli's exceptional characterization skills, but this literary work is full of special moments.


Throughout much of the story, Maniac is running.  However along the way, fascinating events take place.  From Maniac performing athletic feats, like hitting a "frogball" to teaching someone to read, the many exciting events keep the plot moving at a fast pace.  These events, along with the novel's themes of courage, prejudice, friendship, homelessness, death and family, make Maniac Magee a real gem.


With crisp, clear writing, this book never ceases to amaze me.  With each read, I fall more in love with the characters and their individual stories and take note of the hilarious, yet remarkable events. 


If there were ever a book I wish I had written myself, Maniac Magee is that book!  Equally driven by its characters and plot, Jerry Spinelli has perfectly crafted a novel that will be enjoyed by people of all ages for centuries to come.


I highly recommend that everyone give this novel a chance.  It has a fantastic mixture of humor, drama, history, and warm your heart moments--in other words, there is something for everyone.


Rating: 10-Stop what you're doing...No, I'm not kidding.  Drop everything and read this book!

I Now Pronounce You Someone Else by Erin McCahan

I Now Pronounce You Someone Else
Erin McCahan
Arthur A. Levine Books
Released June 1, 2010
Source: Library


Summary: Bronwen Oliver has spent years of her young life thinking that she must have been switched at birth.  With a cookie cutter mom and a perfect older brother, there is no way that she could possibly be a part of such an dysfunctional family. Fortunately, her days of longing for a happier life may be over after she falls in love with Jared Sondervan.  He comes from the type of family she has always dreamed of and introduces her to feelings she hasn't felt since the death of her father.  Now she must decide: Is she better off being Bronwen Oliver or Someone Else?


Review: I initially picked up I Now Pronounce You Someone Else because I was looking for what I expected to be a "cute" read.  I quickly found out that this book is SO much more!


Bronwen Oliver made for an extraordinary character.  She was charming and relatable.  More importantly, she was real.  In so many contemporary YA novels, the main character seems flawless.  Bronwen, on the other hand, was a typical teenager, conflicted by a desire to be loved and a need to find her true identity.  Her quests, in addition to her humorous personality, made her a multi-dimensional character, who I very much enjoyed. I excitedly cheered her on during her quest to find true happiness.  I winced along with her during each misfortune.  But most of all, I was proud to witness Bronwen's growth and final acceptance of herself.  


In addition to the characterization of Bronwen, the development of the relationship between Bronwen and Jared kept the novel moving at an appropriate pace.  It provided many sweet moments that caused me to smile and sigh.  It allowed me to see why Bronwen so quickly feel for Jared and led me to support Bronwen's ultimate decision.


While I loved the outcome of the novel's events, my only complaint is the rushed ending.  As I stately previously, the pacing throughout the novel is very well suited to the story.  It slowly unfolds, and then the ending hits you like a brick--and not due so much to unexpected events, but more so due to its abruptness.  If McCahan had slowed the ending down and allowed it to further develop, I would have been more satisfied with the conclusion.


If you are hesitant about reading I Now Pronounce You Someone Else, don't let the cover fool you.  If you think that the baby blue background and pink letters with flowers mean the content is also light and fluffy, I think you'll too be surprised at the depth that lies on the pages between the two covers.


With true-to-life characters and clear and concise writing, I recommend I Now Pronounce You Someone Else to those who are looking for a well developed YA novel with a romantic feel.


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

I Am A CSN Preferred Blogger!!!

I am so excited to have been invited to review another product from CSN Stores.  CSN is home to over 200 online stores!  The many shopping sites feature everything from dining room tables to cookware to shoes and more!

Some of you may remember that in September, I was given the opportunity to review a piece of luggage from CSN Stores. It was a pleasant experience, so I am looking forward to work with CSN again!

Because CSN has so many wonderful products to choose from, I am having a terribly difficult time deciding on which one best meets my current needs/wants, which range from a bean bag chair for my classroom to wall art for my bedroom, and I really could go on and on.

Be sure to check back soon to find out which product I choose!

Maus I: A Survivor's Tale by Art Spiegelman

Maus I: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History

Art Spiegelman

Pantheon Books

Released November 1, 1991 (first published in 1986)

Source: Purchased

Summary (from Goodreads): Some historical events simply beggar any attempt at description--the Holocaust is one of these. Therefore, as it recedes and the people able to bear witness die, it becomes more and more essential that novel, vigorous methods are used to describe the indescribable. Examined in these terms, Art Spiegelman's Maus is a tremendous achievement, from a historical perspective as well as an artistic one.

Spiegelman, a stalwart of the underground comics scene of the 1960s and '70s, interviewed his father, Vladek, a Holocaust survivor living outside New York City, about his experiences. The artist then deftly translated that story into a graphic novel. By portraying a true story of the Holocaust in comic form--the Jews are mice, the Germans cats, the Poles pigs, the French frogs, and the Americans dogs--Spiegelman compels the reader to imagine the action, to fill in the blanks that are so often shied away from. Reading Maus, you are forced to examine the Holocaust anew.

This is neither easy nor pleasant. However, Vladek Spiegelman and his wife Anna are resourceful heroes, and enough acts of kindness and decency appear in the tale to spur the reader onward (we also know that the protagonists survive, else reading would be too painful). This first volume introduces Vladek as a happy young man on the make in pre-war Poland. With outside events growing ever more ominous, we watch his marriage to Anna, his enlistment in the Polish army after the outbreak of hostilities, his and Anna's life in the ghetto, and then their flight into hiding as the Final Solution is put into effect. The ending is stark and terrible, but the worst is yet to come--in the second volume of this Pulitzer Prize-winning set.

Review: I recently decided to venture out into some genres that I had not yet experienced. One such genre was the graphic novel. I opted to read Maus because of its mixture of raving reviews and criticism.

The Maus Collection has become a contemporary classic and understandably so. A moving story backed by unforgettable images makes this one fascinating addition to any library.

One reason I steered clear of graphic novels is because I felt they may "dumb down" content and rely too heavily on pictures, or they may be too juvenile. Maus proved me wrong, as it is creative and thought-provoking, yet definitely not for young readers due to sensitive content. Another of my hesitations with reading graphic novels was because I am very easily distracted, and I felt that I would lose focus because of the images and words placed in the same frame. With Maus, I was so lost in Vladek's story, there was no possible way that anything could steal my attention.

I have read a number of texts that retell the events of the Holocaust and World War II, but Mr. Spiegelman's work moved me in a way that very few books have. He captured his father's personal experiences in a story, all while telling the story of his own research process. This invited me, as a reader, to take a more intimate look at Spiegelman's relationship with his father.

Perhaps the most intriguing thing about Maus is that even though the characters are portrayed by animals, it is so real! So often, only the positive traits of admirable people are shown. Art Spiegelman presents his father, who is truly a remarkable person, as an intelligent, heroic man, who is not without faults. The sharing of his imperfections shows that Vladek Spiegelman is not a character in a book, but rather a genuine human being, and in my opinion, it made this graphic novel even more engaging.

After reading Maus, I took a more in depth look at some of the criticism Spiegelman has received. While some felt this book gave an inaccurate portrayal of the Holocaust, the thing to remember is that this is his father's personal account, and I, for one, am so glad he shared it with the world.

Honest, suspenseful, and inspiring, Maus is a one-of-a-kind novel that I highly recommend to mature readers.

*Usually upon the completion of a novel that I truly enjoy, it typically takes its place on my shelf, so that it can remain in its precious, like new condition. The day after I completed this unique read, I passed it along to a friend, as it is a book that should not sit unmoved on a bookshelf, but instead should be read continuously. I will be sharing this book with other readers until it completely falls apart, at which point, I'll run out to buy another copy!

Rating: 9-You've gotta read this one!