Coffeehouse Angel by Suzanne SelforsPublisher: Walker Books for Young Readers
Release date: July 21, 2009
Pages: 288
Age level: 14+/YA
Synopsis
From the author of Saving Juliet comes a romantic comedy that is good to the last drop. When Katrina spots a homeless guy sleeping in the alley behind her grandmother’s coffee shop, she decides to leave him a cup of coffee, a bag of chocolate-covered coffee beans, and some pastries to tide him over. Little does she know that this random act of kindness is about to turn her life upside down. Because this adorable vagrant, Malcolm, is really a guardian angel on a break between missions. And he won’t leave until he can reward Katrina’s selflessness by fulfilling her deepest desire. Now if only she could decide what that might be . . .
Review
With a unique and enticing plot, Coffeehouse Angel was a funny, enjoyable, and fast-paced book like I have never read before.
The heroine, Katrina, is the picture of your everyday girl. That, my friends, is what I loved so much about her! Never, in all my years of reading, have I been able to relate so utterly and completely to a character. Her sassy wit just tops it all off. From feeling betrayed by her friend to struggling to make ends meet, Katrina is such a genuine and realistic character that is very easy to love.As for the rest of the characters, I felt they were very well developed, with each having there own unique personality. My only complaint would be that I felt there should have been a little more of Malcolm in the story. I would have really liked to get to know his character a little more and his relationship with Katrina seemed a little under-developed.
The actual writing was exactly what I would have expected of this book. I loved the first-person narrative and it helped me connect even more with Katrina.
The ending, though a little rushed, tied everything up nicely.
Of course, I'd certainly love to hear a little more about how Katrina's life went beyond this book. *hint hint Suzanne* ;)All in all, this is a wonderful read that I would recommend to anyone. I truly believe it is a book that most everyone can and will enjoy. This is definitely one I plan to continue to re-read in the future.
Grade
Characters: B
Writing: B
Plot: A -
Ending: B
Cover: A-
Recommendable: A
Overall: B
Age level: 14+/YA
Synopsis
From the author of Saving Juliet comes a romantic comedy that is good to the last drop. When Katrina spots a homeless guy sleeping in the alley behind her grandmother’s coffee shop, she decides to leave him a cup of coffee, a bag of chocolate-covered coffee beans, and some pastries to tide him over. Little does she know that this random act of kindness is about to turn her life upside down. Because this adorable vagrant, Malcolm, is really a guardian angel on a break between missions. And he won’t leave until he can reward Katrina’s selflessness by fulfilling her deepest desire. Now if only she could decide what that might be . . .
Review
With a unique and enticing plot, Coffeehouse Angel was a funny, enjoyable, and fast-paced book like I have never read before.
The heroine, Katrina, is the picture of your everyday girl. That, my friends, is what I loved so much about her! Never, in all my years of reading, have I been able to relate so utterly and completely to a character. Her sassy wit just tops it all off. From feeling betrayed by her friend to struggling to make ends meet, Katrina is such a genuine and realistic character that is very easy to love.As for the rest of the characters, I felt they were very well developed, with each having there own unique personality. My only complaint would be that I felt there should have been a little more of Malcolm in the story. I would have really liked to get to know his character a little more and his relationship with Katrina seemed a little under-developed.
The actual writing was exactly what I would have expected of this book. I loved the first-person narrative and it helped me connect even more with Katrina.
The ending, though a little rushed, tied everything up nicely.
Of course, I'd certainly love to hear a little more about how Katrina's life went beyond this book. *hint hint Suzanne* ;)All in all, this is a wonderful read that I would recommend to anyone. I truly believe it is a book that most everyone can and will enjoy. This is definitely one I plan to continue to re-read in the future.
Grade
Characters: B
Writing: B
Plot: A -
Ending: B
Cover: A-
Recommendable: A
Overall: B
Interview with Suzanne SelforsSuzanne Selfors is the author of two YA novels Saving Juliet (click title for my review) and Coffeehouse Angel, which releases July 21, 2009. She has also written two middle grade novels called, To Catch a Mermaid and Fortune's Magic Farm.
The Book Pixie: Aside from being a writer, what is another career you believe you'd enjoy? Why?
Suzanne Selfors: I would be a teacher, no doubt about it. At the highschool or college level. I've been lucky enough to have had some exceptional teachers in my life.
TBP: What is it you love most about writing?
SS: Meeting the readers. Honestly, that's the best. Especially when it's a little girl and she's cradling your book in her arms and looks up at you with a big pair of eyes and tells you that she's read it three times. I love that!
TBP: Who, would you say, has been your biggest supporter throughout your writing career?
SS: Well, my family is great. My kids read everything I write. My husband supported me during those years when I had no idea what I was doing. ANd my mom has always encouraged my writing. I would say that my worst supporter has been myself--I had lots of doubts and very little self-confidence early on.
TBP: What inspired you to write Coffeehouse Angel?
SS: I've always wanted to own a coffeehouse. And I spend a lot of time in them writing. If you visit my website, http://www.suzanneselfors.com/, you can see where I wrote most of the book, and you'll see how the location influenced me.
TBP: In your opinion, what makes Coffeehouse Angel different from other YA novels?
SS: Honestly, I don't know. My stories are quirky, no doubt about that. While the setting might seem like the real world, there's always a lot of otherwordly elements. And while there is a "romance", I never focus on it.
TBP: In Coffeehouse Angel, Malcolm is a messenger. Could you tell us a little more about him?
SS: Malcolm is based on the Greek Messenger God, Hermes. I'm crazy about Greek mythology. He's a bit of a mischief-maker, and he has all of Hermes attributes, including the winged sandals. Because angels are messengers, I've always thought of Hermes as an ancestor to the angelic tradition.
TBP: Can you give us a hint as to whether or not you are working on anything else at the moment?
SS: I'm busy busy busy, and the book is due in a month. It had another "otherworldly" relationship in it and that's all I'm going to say at this point.
TBP: What is your favorite comfort food?
SS: Cozy Shack Rice pudding.
TBP: Where is your favorite place to shop?
The Book Pixie: Aside from being a writer, what is another career you believe you'd enjoy? Why?
Suzanne Selfors: I would be a teacher, no doubt about it. At the highschool or college level. I've been lucky enough to have had some exceptional teachers in my life.
TBP: What is it you love most about writing?
SS: Meeting the readers. Honestly, that's the best. Especially when it's a little girl and she's cradling your book in her arms and looks up at you with a big pair of eyes and tells you that she's read it three times. I love that!
TBP: Who, would you say, has been your biggest supporter throughout your writing career?
SS: Well, my family is great. My kids read everything I write. My husband supported me during those years when I had no idea what I was doing. ANd my mom has always encouraged my writing. I would say that my worst supporter has been myself--I had lots of doubts and very little self-confidence early on.
TBP: What inspired you to write Coffeehouse Angel?
SS: I've always wanted to own a coffeehouse. And I spend a lot of time in them writing. If you visit my website, http://www.suzanneselfors.com/, you can see where I wrote most of the book, and you'll see how the location influenced me.
TBP: In your opinion, what makes Coffeehouse Angel different from other YA novels?
SS: Honestly, I don't know. My stories are quirky, no doubt about that. While the setting might seem like the real world, there's always a lot of otherwordly elements. And while there is a "romance", I never focus on it.
TBP: In Coffeehouse Angel, Malcolm is a messenger. Could you tell us a little more about him?
SS: Malcolm is based on the Greek Messenger God, Hermes. I'm crazy about Greek mythology. He's a bit of a mischief-maker, and he has all of Hermes attributes, including the winged sandals. Because angels are messengers, I've always thought of Hermes as an ancestor to the angelic tradition.
TBP: Can you give us a hint as to whether or not you are working on anything else at the moment?
SS: I'm busy busy busy, and the book is due in a month. It had another "otherworldly" relationship in it and that's all I'm going to say at this point.
TBP: What is your favorite comfort food?
SS: Cozy Shack Rice pudding.
TBP: Where is your favorite place to shop?
SS: Lucky.
TBP: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
TBP: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
SS: London.
TBP: Anything else you'd like to add or say before we wrap this up?
SS: Please visit my website and join my mailing list! I'm trying to locate the girl who modeled for the cover of Coffeehouse Angel and would love some help finding her.
TBP: Anything else you'd like to add or say before we wrap this up?
SS: Please visit my website and join my mailing list! I'm trying to locate the girl who modeled for the cover of Coffeehouse Angel and would love some help finding her.
Visit Suzanne's website here
Pre-order Coffeehouse Angel here
Order Saving Juliet here
Kozy Shack is my favorite too! I've entered like a million contests to win her book :) It sounds so great.
ReplyDelete-Briana
I really love the cover! Especially the girl, she's super cute. :] Lol, I never answer the door. I always wait till I know for certain I'm by myself. Have you read any other of Meg Cabot's books? Airhead's really funny...I read it a while ago so I was double-shocked when I won it. xD
ReplyDeleteAh, greek mythology! I wonder if she's read Oh. My. Gods? That's cool that she links Hermes to Malcolm. I never thought of it that way. :D
First of all: Congrats on your first interview, Bri!! Fantastic job!
ReplyDeleteAnyways, this looks like a cute book. Great review!