Books I Enjoyed Giveaway #5 (CLOSED!)

Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston
Publisher: Harper Collins Canada/HarperTeen
Pub. Date: September 9th, 2009 (First published December 23rd, 2008)
Pages: 352
Age Level: 14+
Trilogy: #1

Synopsis
Since the dawn of time, the Faerie have taken. . . .

For seventeen-year-old actress Kelley Winslow, faeries are just something from childhood stories. Then she meets Sonny Flannery, whose steel-gray eyes mask an equally steely determination to protect her.

Sonny guards the Samhain Gate, which connects the mortal realm with the Faerie's enchanted, dangerous Otherworld. Usually kept shut by order of icy King Auberon, the Gate stands open but once a year.

This year, as the time approaches when the Samhain Gate will swing wide and nightmarish Fae will fight their way into an unsuspecting human world, something different is happening . . . something wondrous and strange. And Kelley's eyes are opening not just to the Faerie that surround her but to the heritage that awaits her.

Now Kelley must navigate deadly Faerie treachery—and her growing feelings for Sonny—in this dazzling page-turner filled with luminous romance.

Wondrous Strange is a richly layered tale of love between faerie and mortal, betrayal between kings and queens, and magic . . . between author and reader.


Darklight by Lesley Livingston
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pub. Date: December 22nd, 2009
Pages: 312
Age Level: 14+
Trilogy: #2

Synopsis
"Much has changed since autumn, when Kelley Winslow learned she was Faerie royalty, fell in love with changeling guard Sonny Flannery, and saved New York City from a rampaging Faerie war band. When a terrifying encounter in Central Park sends Kelley tumbling into the Otherworld, her reunion with Sonny is joyful—but cut short. For they’ve been plunged into a game of Faerie deception and wavering allegiances in which the next move could topple a kingdom...or part them forever.

The fans who flocked to Lesley Livingston’s Wondrous Strange will fall hard for Darklight, the soaringly romantic second book in the trilogy. Breathless high stakes and vividly magical characters make this a can’t-miss fantasy for readers of Melissa Marr and Holly Black."

~~~~~~~~~~~
Contest Details

Prize:
Thanks to the lovely Karen with Media Masters Publicity, one lucky winner will receive a paperback copy of WONDROUS STRANGE and a hardcover copy of DARKLIGHT.

Please note: If you happen to win but only need one of the two books, I will choose another winner for the other. In other words, feel free to enter if you already have one of these books.

Rules:
~Comments, though greatly appreciated, do not count as entries. You must FILL OUT THE FORM.
~This book giveaway is open to participants with either a United States or Canadian mailing address only (international readers can enter if they have a friend in the States or Canada who can accept their prizes by mail.)
~Contest will end at 11:59 PM EST on May 16th. Winner will be announced on May 17th and will be given 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

Links you may need for extra entries:
Review: Wondrous Strange
Review: Darklight
Author Interview: Lesley Livingston

Though these won't earn you extra entries, feel free to browse:
Noteworthy Passages: Wondrous Strange
Noteworthy Passages: Darklight

CONTEST CLOSED!

Books I Enjoyed Giveaway #4 (CLOSED!)

The Pace by Shelena Shorts
Publisher: Lands Atlantic Publishing, LLC
Pub. Date: August 19th, 2009
Pages: 312
Age Level: 14+

Synopsis
Weston Wilson is not immortal and he is of this world. But, aging is not part of his existence, and eighteen-year-old Sophie Slone is determined to find out why. In doing so, she could also uncover something about her own life expectancy that she may not want to know. Suddenly, immortality will mean everything and nothing all at the same time.

Intensely fascinating and rich with determination, The Pace brings together romance, mystery, and suspense in a compelling bond that is sure to have readers asking for more.

~~~~~~~~~
Contest Details

Prize:
~Thanks to the awesome Shelena Shorts, one lucky winner will receive a SIGNED! copy of The Pace and some The Pace swag!

Rules:
~Comments, though greatly appreciated, do not count as entries. You must FILL OUT THE FORM.
~This book giveaway is open to participants with a United States mailing address only (international readers can enter if they have a friend in the States who can accept their prize by mail.)
~Contest will end at 11:59 PM EST on May 16th. Winner will be announced on May 17th and will be given 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

Links you may need for extra entries:
Review: The Pace
Noteworthy Passages: The Pace
Author Interview: Shelena Shorts

CONTEST CLOSED!

Books I Enjoyed Giveaway #3 (CLOSED!)

A Golden Web by Barbara Quick
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pub. Date: April 6th, 2010
Pages: 272
Age Level: 12+

Synopsis
Alessandra is desperate to escape—from her stepmother, who’s locked her away for a year; from the cloister that awaits her if she refuses the marriage plans that have been made for her; from the expectations that limit her and every other girl in fourteenth-century Italy. There’s no tolerance in her village for her keen intelligence and her unconventional ideas.

In defiant pursuit of her dreams, Alessandra undertakes an audacious quest, her bravery equaled only by the dangers she faces. Disguised and alone in a city of spies and scholars, Alessandra will find a love she could not foresee—and an enduring fame.

In this exquisite imagining of the centuries-old story of Alessandra Giliani, the world’s first female anatomist, distinguished novelist Barbara Quick gives readers the drama, romance, and rich historical detail for which she is known as she shines a light on an unforgotten—and unforgettable—heroine.

~~~~~~~~~
Contest Details

Prize:
~Thanks to the wonderful Elyse at HarperTeen, one lucky winner will receive a copy of A Golden Web by Barbara Quick.

Rules:
~Comments, though greatly appreciated, do not count as entries. You must FILL OUT THE FORM.
~This book giveaway is open to participants with a United States mailing address only (international readers can enter if they have a friend in the States who can accept their prize by mail.)
~Contest will end at 11:59 PM EST on May 16th. Winner will be announced on May 17th and will be given 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

Links you may need for extra entries:
Review: A Golden Web
Noteworthy Passages: A Golden Web
Author Interview: Barbara Quick

CONTEST CLOSED!

Author Interview: Barbara Quick

Hello everyone! Today I would like to introduce you all to Barbara Quick, author of the marvelous, new historical fiction novel for young adults, A Golden Web. She is also the author of Vivaldi's Virgins. I had such a great time interviewing her and I hope you'll enjoy getting to know her like I did.

~~~~~~~~
The Book Pixie: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Barbara Quick: If you met me, Briana, face to face, you'd know a whole lot about me right off the bat. It's so much harder to communicate the essence of one's identity without the smiles and friendly body language that tell so much of the story without words!

That said, let's see.... I'm overall a happy, optimistic, and friendly person, very grateful for this chance to be alive. I'm a novelist but I started out writing poetry. And so I love language in the way that poets love language--I like to roll words around in my mouth, to savor them, to hear and enjoy the music they make when they're strung together.

I also love learning other languages. It's sort of a hobby of mine. I learn by listening.

I'm a Californian by birth, of Russian-Romanian-Jewish extraction. I'm very spiritual but I'm not affiliated with any organized religion. I'm literally a tree-hugger. When I'm out walking, I sometimes tell my secrets to old and wise-looking oak trees. I love beauty. I love looking at things closely--examining them from all angles. Watching the sun shine through them. Figuring out what makes people do what they do and say what they say--and trying to look at everyone, myself included, with compassion.

I've been writing, with serious intent, since I was nine--which is kind of funny, when you think about it. I've had artistic ambitions for as long as I can remember. I live in Sonoma County, in the Wine Country of Northern California.

I had a huge amount of theater training when I was growing up--and I've trained and performed as a dancer during my adult life. That's been a lucky thing for me, in terms of being able to enjoy myself when I give a public presentation or do an interview.

My son Julian is a huge and important part of my life. I've loved every minute of being a mom--well, maybe with the exception of a minute or two when Julian was around 14. He's 17 now, a passionate and dedicated musician (he plays the guitar), and about to start college at Humboldt State University in the fall.

It took me ages and a lot of adventures before I found my own Mr. Right. But I'm as happy as can be now, engaged to be married to Wayne Roden, who is a violist with the San Francisco Symphony, a vigneron, a writer, and my best friend.

TBP: Give us a brief description of A Golden Web.

BQ: The novel tells the story of Alessandra Giliani, a brilliant, brave, and ambitious girl in 14th century Italy who manages, against all odds, to pursue her dreams of doing medical research at the University of Bologna. It's a story of triumph and true love set in an absolutely fascinating time and place.

TBP: What made you decide to write a historical novel for young adults and how was it different from writing for adults?

BQ: It was while I was pitching a children's picture book to an editor in New York that the idea for writing a young adult novel--specifically a young adult historical novel--was planted in my head. How A GOLDEN WEB came about is actually a rather interesting story, which I tell at length in an essay on my HarperCollins microsite
http://www.harpercollins.com/author/microsite/readingguide.aspx?authorID=7931&displayType=essay&articleId=8151

I wrote A GOLDEN WEB in the exact same way I wrote VIVALDI'S VIRGINS.

Both novels are cross-over novels, which can be read and enjoyed by readers of all ages. Both books have inspiring and, I hope, endearing heroines: I love Anna Maria dal Violin and Alessandra Giliani just as if they were my own daughters.

I love the idea that I was given the privilege of rescuing these extraordinary young women from the dust-bin of history. I've had letters from all over the world from girls and women (and some men!) who've read, loved, and been encouraged by Anna Maria's story in VIVALDI'S VIRGINS. I'm hoping with all my heart that Alessandra and A GOLDEN WEB will inspire a whole generation of girls to say yes when society says no--to pursue their dreams with courage and passion.

TBP: What was it like researching Alessandra's life/story for the book?

BQ: Oh, I had a wonderful time researching and writing A GOLDEN WEB. Before the ink on my book contract was even dry, I'd flown off to Bologna to dig around in libraries and archives there, soak up the local atmosphere, and see if I could find any traces of Alessandra's world.

Bologna was very good to me! I found kind and helpful friends everywhere--especially in the libraries and archives. I made some friends I hope to keep forever!

But what I hadn't bargained on was how very long ago the 14th century was. You see, I'd had a rather easy time of it, with VIVALDI'S VIRGINS, in that Venice today looks very much like it did in the 18th century. Libraries and archives in Venice were much harder to penetrate than they were in Bologna (where it seemed like all doors were open to me).

But the 14th century has been covered over by 700 years of history and architecture. Even in Bologna's historical center, which I made my home base, I had to go underground--to creep around in crypts--to find traces of Alessandra's world.

I got a great deal of the texture and detail I needed for the story by looking at paintings and illuminated manuscripts of the 1300s. It also helped me a great deal to pay attention to the things that don't change very much over time: to listen to the birds and look at the plants and hike out over the landscape itself. Seven hundred years is a blink of the eye to Mother Nature.

TBP: Are there any other specific women from history that you would love/plan to write about in the future?

BQ: There are--but I don't want to give that information away. I was the first novelist to write about Vivaldi and the Ospedale della Pieta in Venice. And there followed an avalanche of books and films on the same subject, in short order! The highest literary prize in Italy was awarded last year to a novel that an Italian newspaper columnist said was a complete rip-off of the story I told in VIVALDI'S VIRGINS.

Now, I do think that good ideas seem to occur in waves. But I'm trying to be just a little bit cautious (which is completely against my nature!). (Wow, I'd have been a bit ticked and totally don't blame you for not wanting to specify who you plan to write about in future after something like that.)

TBP: Please tell me you are planning or, are already working on, another historical fiction novel for young adults.

BQ: I am... although I haven't decided yet whether the book will specifically be for young adults--or will, like VIVALDI'S VIRGINS, be an adult novel that will cross over to the young adult audience. You'll still want to read my books, won't you, even if they're not packaged as YA titles? Anyway, all of my YA readers will be two or three years older by the time my next book is published!

Seriously, I don't want to pigeonhole myself as any kind of genre writer. I'm trying to write the best books I can, for readers of all ages. A good book is a good book for everyone--don't you think? (I never thought about it that way but now that you mention it, I couldn't agree more. And of course I'll still want to read your books silly! :D )

TBP: What do you hope that readers will take away from A Golden Web?

BQ: I hope readers will laugh, cry, and feel inspired by Alessandra's story. I can't tell you how much I loved writing it--and what good company I found in the book's characters to be during the year I wrote it. I hope A GOLDEN WEB will serve as a magic portal for readers, transporting them to the exotic and colorful world of 14th century Italy.

TBP: Of all the places you've been, which would you say is your favorite and why?

BQ: Hmm...that's a very difficult question! I've been to a lot of places in the world that have just seemed magic to me.

One was a hill overlooking a lake in the wilds of Montana, on lands belonging to the Flathead Indians...

There was another very magical place--in Italy--called San Fruttuoso del Mare, near Portofino. I swam in the Mediterranean there--and it seemed as if the water was filled with little sparkling pieces of gold or fairy-dust. I felt so happy swimming there...

There's a State Park, not far away from where I live in Sonoma County, called Sugar Loaf. The forest there is enchanted. The trees are wise and beautiful. I'd like to be a tree in Sugar Loaf State Park, when I grow up...

There's a particular apartment in Montmartre, in Paris, owned by my friends Veronica and Olivier. I love sticking my head out the sky-light and looking at the Eiffel Tower...

There's a beach in Salvador, Bahia, in Northeastern Brazil... and a shack on the North Shore of Oahu... and a flat on Giudecca Island in Venice, that looks out across the water at the church of Santa Maria della Salute, which changes depending on the time of day and the light... There's the magic well of dirt at the sanctuary of Chimayo in New Mexico...

Maybe it's best to say that my favorite place (so far!) is Planet Earth.

TBP: Anything else you'd like to add before you go?

BQ: I'd just like to say what an incredible thing the blogosphere is! I'm so impressed with the passion for reading so evident among young adult book bloggers. It fills me with hope for the future of books--which is, after all, in your hands.

~~~~~~~~~

I think those are some of the most well thought out answers I've ever received when doing an interview. Wouldn't you agree? Of all the author interviews I've done, this is definitely one of my favorites.

I know both Barbara and I would LOVE to hear your thoughts on the interview. I got a feeling she may be checking in later to see what you all have to say. If you would like to read my review of A Golden Web, you can by going HERE.

Also, I thought you might all be interested in knowing that I will be holding a giveaway for a copy of A Golden Web tomorrow so you may want to stop back by and check that out. :D

In My Mailbox (35) & 500 Followers Announcement!!

In My Mailbox

IMM is a weekly meme hosted and created by Kristie at The Story Siren and was inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

Won from Princess Bookie
~Signed! The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard (Donated by Jennifer. Also got bookmark not pictured.)

Won from Edifying and Edgy
~Prism by Faye and Aliza Kellerman

Three Mystery Books and Swag for Giveaway (Not Pictured)

On another note...

I'VE HIT 500 FOLLOWERS!!!!! YAY!!!!!

Thanks so very much everyone. I really appreciate your choosing to follow me and for supporting my blog and me. Despite the fact that 500 followers is a huge milestone, I will not be doing a seperate giveaway for it because of all the giveaways I'm already doing/planning to do for my Blogoversary Countdown Celebration. I did, however, want to thank you all...so...THANK YOU! :D

Hope you are all enjoying your weekend.

Books I Enjoyed Giveaway #2 (CLOSED!)

Far From You by Lisa Schroeder
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's
Pub. Date: January 5th, 2010 (first published December 23rd 2008) Pages: 384
Age Level: 13+

Synopsis
Lost and alone...down the rabbit hole

Years have passed since Alice lost her mother to cancer, but time hasn't quite healed the wound. Alice copes the best she can, by writing her music, losing herself in the love of her boyfriend, and distancing herself from her father and his new wife.

But when a deadly snowstorm traps Alice with her stepmother and newborn half-sister, she'll face issues she's been avoiding for too long. As Alice looks to the heavens for guidance, she discovers something wonderful.

Perhaps she's not so alone after all...

~~~~~~~~~~~
Giveaway Details

Prize:
~One lucky winner will receive a beautiful, signed paperback copy of Lisa Scroeder's Far From You and a signed Chasing Brooklyn bookmark.

Rules:
~Though comments are greatly appreciated, you must FILL OUT THE FORM to gain entry.
~This book giveaway is open to participants with a United States mailing address only (international readers can enter if they have a friend in the States who can accept their prizes by mail.)
~Contest will end at 11:59 PM EST on May 16th. Winner will be announced on May 17th and will be given 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

Links you may need:
My review of Far From You by Lisa Scroeder

CONTEST CLOSED!!!

Giveaway at Karen's Addictions

Win a $25 Barnes & Noble Giftcard
from Karen at Karen's Addictions

Here are the Book Addiction Giveaway Rules:
-You must be a follower of me blog
-You have to have a US address for me to mail to (I'll have international giveaways in the future, not to worry!)
-Winner will be chosen by http://www.random.org/

The Giveaway ends on April 30th! The winner will be announced Monday, May 3rd on my blog (and through email!)

Enter HERE

Noteworthy Passages: Me, the Missing, and the Dead

Me, the Missing, and the Dead by Jenny Valentine
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pub. Date: April 6th, 2010 (first published January 3rd 2007)
Pages: 224
Age Level: 13+

Synopsis
Fifteen-year-old Lucas Swain hasn’t seen his father for five years. One day, his dad just vanished. And the strange thing is, except for Lucas, nobody seems to care.

Then things really take a turn for the bizarre when Lucas discovers someone who might be able to help find his father. Her name is Violet, and she's reaching out to Lucas. But it would all be so much easier if Violet wasn't a pie of ashes in an urn.

Noteworthy Passages

Lucas; pg. 27-28
I do know, I am aware, that a boy my age should have thought more about bringing home a living girl than a dead old lady. And I did care about that other stuff, about girls and sex and stuff; I'm not a total freak. It's just that Violet was becoming my newest friend, and she was working her way to the front of my brain all the time, like new friends do.

Lucas; pg. 49
Pansy has a dog called Jack (Russell), and sometimes I have no idea if she's talking about the dog or Grandad.
"He's been under my feet all day and his breath smells terrible." (dog)
"He's not been for three days. I think he needs a good walk." (Norman)

Lucas and Pansy (his grandmother); pg. 52
..."What's a seventy-year-old woman doing in a cab office on a Friday night?", which was the question I'd been waiting for.
"She was on a shelf," I said a bit too quickly, and Pansy glared at me.
"Have you been smoking that wacky baccy again, Lucas?"
I glared back. "Gran, you know that's not really relevant."

Lucas; pg. 55-56
I had to leave the room then because Norman had woken up and was misbehaving in the kitchen. Norman and the dog scoff chocolate together behind Pansy's back. It's like she's running a prisoner-of-war camp and him and Private Jack Russell have got contraband.

Nick (Lucas's mom); pg. 78
"When I'm not livid with Pete for abandoning me, I'm jealous of him for getting out first. It was only ever going to be possible for one of us to escape."

Lucas; pg. 140
I know that mom didn't mean it, the whole heart-of-stone, let's-get-this-over-with act. I think she had to choose betwen hard as nails and mushlike jelly. Mushlike jelly doesn't do when you're clearing out your disappeared beloved's junk with your wreck of a son. So, hard as nails it was.

~~~~~~~

I have to say, I had an especially hard time choosing the Noteworthy Passages for this particular book. Originally I had ten but knew I was going to have to narrow it down. I tried to pick ones that would give you a taste of both the humorous and emotional seriousness of this book. I hope these will make you want to read Me, the Missing, and the Dead. If you still want more, you can read my review HERE.









PLEASE NOTE: This is a feature hosted here at my blog in which I present you with selected passages or quotes that I deem Noteworthy from a book I've just reviewed. My hopes are of course, that these passages will make you want to pick the book up and read it. This feature was started and created by me in January in hopes of making my blog more unique. That being said, I would like to kindly request that you do not use this feature as it was intended to be for my blog only and is not a meme. If you see some one else using it, please know it is without my permission. Thank you.

Review: Me, the Missing, and the Dead

Me, the Missing, and the Dead by Jenny Valentine
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pub. Date: April 6th, 2010 (first published January 3rd 2007)
Pages: 224
Age Level: 13+

Synopsis
Fifteen-year-old Lucas Swain hasn’t seen his father for five years. One day, his dad just vanished. And the strange thing is, except for Lucas, nobody seems to care.

Then things really take a turn for the bizarre when Lucas discovers someone who might be able to help find his father. Her name is Violet, and she's reaching out to Lucas. But it would all be so much easier if Violet wasn't a pie of ashes in an urn.

Review
At a time when I’m starting to notice numerous patterns throughout YA literature, I finally find the book that breaks them all. Me, the Missing, and the Dead is that unique breath of fresh air I’ve been so desperately needing.

Lucas is an observant and perceptive character; the way he views things, on both simple and more complex levels, is just so intriguing and enlightening. This combined with his dry humor, which I find much more appealing than your typical, “outright, trying to be funny” humor, makes for an excellent combination. Lucas also has this slight innocence and a hopefulness about him which I found to be heartwarming and a bit sad, all at the same time. On top of that, he is just so real, relatable, and well-developed; I feel like he's someone I could just happen to meet one day and I automatically felt a connection to Lucas along with an urge to learn his story. In other words, Lucas Swain is mine so don't even bat an eyelash at him, capiche?

As for some of the other characters, I found Violet to be unique and intriguing. I'm sure this has something to do with the fact that she's a dead ole lady in an urn but also because of the profound effect she had on, well, everything. I loved Lucas's grandmother, Pansy; she was just so spunky and she really made me laugh. Jed, Lucas's brother, was adorable. Mercy, Lucas's sister, is a serious piece of work as was Lucas's mom, Nick(y). At times I hated Nick(y) but I also really pitied her too. Then Martha, she wasn't in the book much but I couldn't help wishing I had her for a best friend.

Me, the Missing, and the Dead is simple yet effective and wholly satisfying. There's only a hint of romance, no supernatural element, and no serious action; instead, it’s just the story of a boy searching for the truth about his father. That and he just so happens to have a somewhat spiritual connection with a dead ole lady, which does have it's role in the story. There was a sense of mystery and suspense that kept me eagerly turning the pages and the book centers around family and truth more than anything else, which was an aspect I loved and respected. It was also the perfect blend of humor and seriousness; at times I'd be laughing out loud, and at other times, tears would be forming in my eyes. I also think Valentine did an excellent job plotting out the story.

The writing style was very refreshing and enjoyable. One thing I liked about it was that it was slightly more internal than most books. Normally, this might would bother me but Lucas is just such a great and fascinating character that I ended up really enjoying this about the book. It was also a fast paced and fairly easy read and I loved how noticeably British it was in atmosphere, context, and dialogue.

The ending was gripping and really sent me down a bit of an emotional roller coaster. I was a mixture of happy, angry, and sad all jumbled in together. I wasn't really sure what kind of an ending I was going to get so I was a bit surprised and I got to say, I was really proud of what Lucas did in the very end. I found I wanted to pick this book right back up and read it again after finishing it.

In the end, even what I've already mentioned isn't enough to describe how much I truly loved this book. It's everything I've been looking for; compelling, original, and not relying on romance, action, or supernatural creatures to drive the story. Though it still has an excellent and enticing plot, it's definitely more of a character driven novel and what lovely, emotional and thought-provoking characters it has too. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone, young and old. It's an absolute favorite of mine and I can't wait to read it again.

Grade
Characters: A+
Writing: A-
Plot: A
Ending: A-
Enjoyment/Likability: A+
Recommendable: A+
Cover: B+

Overall: A

Books I Enjoyed Giveaway #1 (CLOSED!)

Mackenzie, Lost and Found by Deborah Kerbel Publisher: Dundurn
Pub. Date: November 17th, 2008
Pages: 220
Age Level: 14+

Synopsis
Fifteen-year-old Mackenzie Hill knows something is up when she arrives home to find her father making a home-cooked dinner, instead of his standard delivery pizza. But nothing prepares her for the bombshell announcement: Mackenzie and her dad, alone since the death of her mother a year ago, are moving to Jerusalem, where her father has taken a position as a visiting professor university.

The adjustment from life in Canada to life in Israel is dramatic - though it's eased somewhat when Mackenzie is befriended by an American girl in her new school. The biggest shock of all comes when Mackenzie faces the wrath of her new friends, new community, and even her own father after she begins dating a Muslim boy.


Girl on the Other Side by Deborah Kerbel
Publisher: Dundurn
Pub. Date: October 30th, 2009
Pages: 184
Age Level: 12+

Synopsis
Tabby Freeman and Lora Froggett go to the same school, but they live in totally opposite worlds. Tabby is rich, pretty, and the most popular girl in her class. But behind closed doors, her 'perfect' life is rapidly coming apart at the seams.

On the other side, Lora is smart, timid, and the constant target of bullies. While struggling to survive the piranha-infested halls of her school, she becomes increasingly nervous that somebody might discover the unbearable truth about what's been happening to her family.

Despite their differences, Tabby and Lora have something in common - they're both harbouring dark secrets and a lot of pain. Although they've never been friends, a series of strange events causes their lives to crash together in ways neither could have ever imagined. And when the dust finally settles and all their secrets are forced out into the light, will the girls be saved or destroyed?

~~~~~~~~

Hi everyone! As part of my Blogoversary Countdown Celebration I will be holding a series of 'Books I Enjoyed' Giveaways. These are all books that have gotten a 'B' or better in my reviews and I feel haven't gotten near as much attention as they deserve. My first 'Books I Enjoyed Giveaway' features what are probably the least known books of the ones I'll be giving away. This is a real shame as both books are in my favorites and I feel they are truly worth being read by everyone. So if you would like a chance to win these two terrific books, read the details and enter below.
Contest Details

Prizes
~Thanks to Deborah and her publisher, one lucky winner will receive a copy of both Mackenzie, Lost and Found and Girl on the Other Side by Deborah Kerbel.

Rules
~Comments, though greatly appreciated, do not count as entries. You must FILL OUT THE FORM.
~This book giveaway is open to participants with either a United States or Canadian mailing address only (international readers can enter if they have a friend in the States or Canada who can accept their prizes by mail.)
~Contest will end at 11:59 PM EST on May 16th. Winner will be announced on May 17th and will be given 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

Extra Entries (Do as little or as many as you like)
+3 For followers. (Old or New)
+2 For commenting on my review of Mackenzie, Lost and Found or Girl, on the Other Side
+2 For commenting on my interview with Deborah Kerbel
+2 Tweeting [(No link, no entry.)(Please use @thebookpixie and @deborahkerbel)]
+3 Sidebar (No link, no entry.)
+1 For being referred or for referring someone else.

CONTEST CLOSED!

Author Interview: Deborah Kerbel

Good day everyone. The first author to be interviewed for my Blogoversary Countdown Celebration is the wonderful Deborah Kerbel; she is the author of the YA novels Mackenzie, Lost and Found and Girl on the Other Side, both of which are in my favorites. So give her a warm welcome as she talks to us about her life and her books.

~~~~~~~~
The Book Pixie: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Deborah Kerbel: I was born in England 38 years ago (my father was a foreign correspondent stationed in the U.K. at the time I was born). Now I live in Canada just north of Toronto with my husband and our two kids (a 7 year old son and 4 year old daughter). I’m impulsive, a bit of a trivia nerd, I have a huge sweet tooth and a totally irrational fear of tomatoes and large dogs. And of course, I love books. Growing up, I was an avid reader but I never imagined I’d ever be an author...it was only as an adult that I started to write creatively. Now I can honestly say that I have the best job in the world! (lol. Tomatoes? Come on, really Deborah? I can see where you might be afraid of large dogs, but tomatoes? Well I guess we all have atleast one irrational fear. Mine is talking on the phone. XD)

TBP: Give us a brief description of both Mackenzie, Lost and Found and Girl on the Other Side.

DK: Mackenzie, Lost and Found is a coming-of-age story about a girl who moves to Israel for a year. When I first sat down to write this novel, my goal was to explore the notion of what would happen to a typical Canadian teenager who was taken out of her comfort zone and dropped into a completely foreign environment. But as I got further along in the writing process, other themes emerged that begged to be addressed. Themes like interfaith relationships, the Arab-Israeli conflict, coping with loss, and cultural division in society.

While Mackenzie, Lost and Found explores the themes of cultural and religious division, Girl on the Other Side focuses on the theme of social division. This novel tells the story of two seemingly opposite teenage girls who find out, through a series of strange events, that they aren’t as different as they once thought. It’s a story that takes a close look at bullying, empathy, loneliness, peer pressure, and ultimately, forgiveness.

TBP: What inspired you to write Mackenzie, Lost and Found? Girl on the Other Side?

DK: The inspiration for Mackenzie, Lost and Found came to me one day over lunch in a north Toronto restaurant. A good friend of mine lit the spark of the idea in my head talking about how her parents moved her from Canada to Israel when she was fifteen and how the experience changed her life. I was on the look-out for a new book idea at the time and this concept seemed like one with HUGE potential for drama, high emotion, and forbidden love. I went home and wrote the first chapter that same day.

Girl on the Other Side was inspired, believe it or not, by Britney Spears. On the day she shaved her hair and started on that awful, public downward spiral, the wheels in my head began to turn and the character of Tabby was born. I wanted to examine the idea of a teenage girl who, on the outside, looked like she had the perfect life while inside she was dealing with a lot of private pain and loneliness. (Wow, didn't see that coming. I never would have guessed Britney Spears inspired you to write Girl on the Other Side but I guess I can kinda see where you're coming from.)

TBP: What characteristics would you say that you, as a teenager, shared with your characters, Mackenzie, Tabby, and Lora? Do you feel you more closely resembled one than the others?

DK: There are always some subtle traces of me in every female main character I write about, but I probably resemble Mackenzie the most out of the three. Like her, I was pretty naive as a teenager. Also like her, I usually go out of my way to avoid confrontations. Also, neither of us can ever get a suntan.

Lora and I are similar in that we both love books, were good students in school, and neither of us had grandparents who lived long enough for us to remember them.

As far as Tabby goes, she’s a bit of a drama queen and I was known to be guilty of the same thing from time to time in my teenage years. But I think all writers need a flair for drama, don’t you? (So intriguing to get to see which characteristics you shared with your characters.)

TBP: Writing a book is no easy task but would you say that you found it easier to write one than the other? If so, why?

DK: Girl on the Other Side was easier, probably because I had a better idea of how to construct a story and I was a more seasoned writer at the time. Everything gets easier the more you practice.

TBP: What do you hope your readers will learn from Mackenzie, Lost and Found and Girl on the Other Side?

DK: Mackenzie, Lost and Found offers readers a glimpse into a part of world that not many North American teenagers are familiar with. And I think it’s a romantic, exciting book that I hope will leave readers thinking, asking questions, and remembering the importance of considering both sides to every story.

As for Girl on the Other Side, I hope my readers will learn about compassion and the importance of being able to put themselves into another person’s shoes.

TBP: Mackenzie, Lost and Found ends with quite a bit of a cliffhanger; can we expect to see a sequel or companion novel in the future?

DK: I’ve always thought I’d write a sequel and still hope to one day. But I need to be in the right creative space to do it. I’ve been rolling possible storylines around in my head for a while but for now, all I can say is that the sequel will take place three years after the first book when Mackenzie returns to Israel for her first year of college. (Ooooo, now that you've said that you HAVE to write the sequel. I'm growing impatient. lol. I do understand your need to be in the right creative space though.)

TBP: Is there anything else you are currently working on?

DK: I have a new YA novel coming out in September, 2010. It’s called Lure and it’s a semi-historical ghost story about a real-life haunted library that’s around the corner from where I live. I’m in the final editing stage of that book now and I promise it’s going to be creepy.

Also, I’m about half way through a new YA tentatively titled Under the Moon. At this point, I don’t want to say too much about it aside from the fact that it’s a coming-of-age story about a girl who’s lost her sleep and a boy who’s lost his dreams. (Oh gosh both of those sound amazing. I can't wait!)

TBP: Who are some of your favorite YA authors?

DK: Oh gosh, I LOVE reading YA, so to name every one of my favourite authors would take up a lot of space. But a few great ones off the top of my head are Laurie Halse Anderson, Suzanne Collins, C.K. Kelly Martin, Tim Wynne-Jones, Mahtab Narsimhan, and Marina Cohen.

TBP: What is one of your favorite memories from childhood?

DK: It’s actually hard for me to pick one specific one because my memory is like a sieve. But I can tell you that I had a great childhood. My parents loved nature and would take me and my siblings to the country on fishing trips a lot. I think all those quiet, peaceful hours on the lake taught me patience, an appreciation for silence and definitely shaped the writer I am now.

TBP: Anything else you'd like to add?

DK: If your readers want to learn more about me and my books, they can visit my website at www.deborahkerbel.com

And a big, giant thank you to Briana, for inviting me here today!
Happy, Happy Blog-o-versary!

~~~~~~~~

And a big thanks to you, Deborah, for allowing me to interview and include you in my celebration. :D

I hope you all enjoyed reading my interview with Deborah Kerbel and will leave your thoughts in the comments. Also, stay tuned because tomorrow begins a series of giveaways, starting with one for Kerbel's awesome books.

In My Mailbox (34)

In My Mailbox
So I seem to have had a pretty good week this week.

For Review from HarperTeen
~Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr
~Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr

Won at Princess Bookie
~Fallen by Lauren Kate

Bought with B&N GC I won at Authors Now
~Kiss Me, Kill Me by Lauren Henderson
~Candy by Kevin Brooks

HarperTeen Prize Pack Giveaway (CLOSED!)

Well I hope you're all excited because I know I am. Thanks to the oh so awesome HarperTeen, I have four terrific 2010 releases up for grabs. What better contest to kickoff my blogoversary celebration with, eh?

Details

Prize:
1 winner will receive the following:
~Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
~The Heart is Not a Size by Beth Kephart
~The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong
~Voices of Dragons by Carrie Vaughn

Rules:
~Though comments are apprecited you MUST FILL OUT THE FORM below.
~This book giveaway is open to participants with a United States mailing address only (international readers can enter if they have a friend in the States who can accept their prizes by mail.)
~For this particular giveaway you MUST BE A FOLLOWER since this is to thank all those who have supported me in the last 11 months...aka...my followers.
~Contest will end at 11:59 PM EST on May 16th. Winner will be announced on May 17th and will be given 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

CONTEST CLOSED!

Blogoversary Countdown Kickoff

That's right everyone! The Book Pixie is only a month away from being 1 YEAR OLD! I'm so thankful for those of you who have been with me through this wonderful journey.

To celebrate my upcoming blogoversary, I will be doing a month long countdown from now until May 17th, the big day! During this time period you will be able to find giveaways, interviews, guest posts, and more! I hope you'll all stop by throughout the celebration to check out everything that's going on.

So, what are you all waiting for? It all starts...NOW!

Noteworthy Passages: Darklight

Darklight by Lesley Livingston
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pub. Date: December 22nd, 2009
Pages: 312
Age Level: 14+
Series: #2 in Wondrous Strange Trilogy

Synopsis
Much has changed since autumn, when Kelley Winslow learned she was Faerie royalty, fell in love with changeling guard Sonny Flannery, and saved New York City from a rampaging Faerie war band. When a terrifying encounter in Central Park sends Kelley tumbling into the Otherworld, her reunion with Sonny is joyful—but cut short. For they’ve been plunged into a game of Faerie deception and wavering allegiances in which the next move could topple a kingdom...or part them forever.

The fans who flocked to Lesley Livingston’s Wondrous Strange will fall hard for Darklight, the soaringly romantic second book in the trilogy. Breathless high stakes and vividly magical characters make this a can’t-miss fantasy for readers of Melissa Marr and Holly Black.

Noteworthy Passages

Sonny; pg. 84
That's when he saw Kelley, perched on a rock that jutted out into the water ahead of where Sonny and Fennrys floated. She must have cut across the spit of land that formed the inside curve of the river. It looked as though she was holding some kind of lumpy, uneven rope looped between her hands. She threw it to him just in time before he and Fennrys swept on past, and it was only when Sonny grabbed hold that he realized Kelley had knotted together the sleeves of all the shirts he'd left lying in a heap on the bank of the river. His laundry had become his lifeline!

Kelley & Quentin (acting director); pg. 204-205
"I'm sorry Quentin," Kelley said apologetically. "I'm feeling a little off my game. Maybe we should just jump to where I stab myself and call it a day."
"Don't tempt me." Quentin spun sharply and hallooed up to the stage manager in the tech booth. "Mindi! Check the newspaper. Weather forecast."
There was a far off rustling of papers.
Mindi's voice drifted down: "Thundershowers through the evening and into the night."
"Miss Winslow," Quentin turned on his heel, "you are dismissed."
"...You're kidding."
"Your acting assignment for the evening is this: Go play in the rain. Jump over puddles. Experience the lightning. Experience joy. Just do us all a favor and don't stand under any tall trees. I don't have an understudy for this show."

Tyff; pg. 282
Next thing she knew, Tyff came stalking through the loading doors, carrying a lead pipe in one fist and trailing a hulking menace in her wake.
"I heard there's a party going on in here," the Summer Fae sang out. "I forgot snacks, but I brought my own ogre!"

~~~~~~~~

As always, I hope you all enjoyed my Noteworthy Passages and will feel free to tell me your favorite in the comments. Also, if you haven't already, you can check out my review of Darklight here. Hope you are all off to a great start to your week and if not, I hope it gets better for you. :D








PLEASE NOTE: This is a feature hosted here at my blog in which I present you with selected passages or quotes that I deem Noteworthy from a book I've just reviewed. My hopes are of course, that these passages will make you want to pick the book up and read it. This feature was started and created by me in January in hopes of making my blog more unique. That being said, I would like to kindly request that you do not use this feature as it was intended to be for my blog only and is not a meme. If you see some one else using it, please know it is without my permission. Thank you.

Review: Darklight

Darklight by Lesley Livingston
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pub. Date: December 22nd, 2009
Pages: 312
Age Level: 14+
Series: #2 in Wondrous Strange Trilogy

Synopsis
Much has changed since autumn, when Kelley Winslow learned she was Faerie royalty, fell in love with changeling guard Sonny Flannery, and saved New York City from a rampaging Faerie war band. When a terrifying encounter in Central Park sends Kelley tumbling into the Otherworld, her reunion with Sonny is joyful—but cut short. For they’ve been plunged into a game of Faerie deception and wavering allegiances in which the next move could topple a kingdom...or part them forever.

The fans who flocked to Lesley Livingston’s Wondrous Strange will fall hard for Darklight, the soaringly romantic second book in the trilogy. Breathless high stakes and vividly magical characters make this a can’t-miss fantasy for readers of Melissa Marr and Holly Black.

Review
Darklight was a series of small, wonderful surprises all rolled into one. I honestly didn't know 2nd books could be THIS good. Lesley Livingston does an absolute marvelous job of continuing Kelley and Sonny's story.

I admit I was surprised by how much the characters continued to grow and develop in not only personality, but also internal conflict and motive in Darklight. I didn't just get to know some of the characters better, like Sonny and Kelley; instead, it seemed I got to know them all better. For example, I really thought I had Auberon, Kelley's dad and King of the Unseelie Winter Court, all figured out in Wondrous Strange. However, I was very mistaken. And with Sonny, I soooo didn't see that twist coming. I grew to understand and love Kelley's character even more. Fennrys and Tyff are also two other characters whom I got to see a lot more of than in Wondrous Strange and I really loved getting to delve into their characters more, especially Tyff. When it comes down to it, I would probably have to say that this trilogy has one of the best cast of characters I've ever come across.

Until I read Wondrous Strange I didn't really think it was possible for a book to have absolutely no slow spots, but it didn't and nor did Darklight; at least not that I recall. Even though not all of the scenes are action packed somehow these books manage to carry on a quick and consistent pace without being overloaded or rushed. The plot for Darklight was slightly more twisted and way less predictable than in Wondrous Strange making Darklight even better than it's predecessor. Not too mention that it still manages to hold on to that great suspense level and story line, a unique Shakespearean aspect, and an enchanting quality of writing.

The ending...OMG...don't even get me started! Talking about a serious cliffhanger. I understand why Kelley thought she had to do what she did but it still made me want to throw the book at the wall; which I didn't, by the way, because I love and cherish my books and would never want to cause one harm. And those last two pages have got me planning how I'm going to manage to steal the manuscript for the third and final installation in this terrific trilogy.

What can I say, I figured Darklight would be great but it really out shined my expectations. I just hope that the final book can live up to just how wonderful Darklight is. If you have not read this trilogy yet, you are REALLY missing out; it has the entire package of dynamic characters, a gripping plot, lovely writing, cliffhanger endings, and gorgeous covers. What more could you ask for?

Grade
Characters: A-
Writing: B+
Plot: A-
Ending: A
2nd in Trilogy: A
Enjoyment/Likability: A
Recommendable: A+

Cover: A-

Overall: A-


You can read my review of Wondrous Strange HERE!

Book Trailer: Restoring Harmony

Well wasn't that just AWESOME! Lovely music and photos. If that wasn't enough to make you want to read Restoring Harmony then check out my Review and Noteworthy Passages. You can also check out this really great Guest Post that Joelle did. :D

In My Mailbox (33)

In My Mailbox
So I only got three books this weeks but I did also manage to get some awesome swag.

Won from Not Enough Bookshelves
~Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta
~Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
~Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta
&
~Some very cool swag.

Won from Red House Books
~Two Signed Shadowed Summer Bookmarks

From Christy Raedeke (Cause she's awesometastic like that.)
~Five Signed Prophecy of Days bookmarks (The backs are signed in a really pretty silver, hard to see in photo though.)

Now on a completely unrelated note, I've been noticing a good many bloggers have featured a picture of their pet(s), aka reading buddy, in either their sidebar or atleast a post. I figured it's about time ya'll got to meet my partner in crime...er...I mean partner in reading.

So if you'll direct your attention to the right sidebar, you will see a picture of Rudy. Shall I introduce you? *gestures back and forth* Rudy, meet my fellow book lovers. Fellow book lovers, meet Rudy. Ok, now I've got that taken care of; I hope you all got some great books this week and are having a great weekend. :D

Contest at Ramblings of a Wannabe Scribe

Agent Signing Celebration Contest
at Ramblings of a Wannabe Scribe

SIX books!
SIX winners!

All books are signed!

Up for Grabs:
Tricks by Ellen Hopkins
The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
The Emerald Tablet by P.J. Hoover
Fat Cat by Robin Brande
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

To Enter:
1. You must be a follower of her blog
2. You must have a mailing address in the US or Canada
3. You must fill out the form at the end of this post
4. You must enter before 11:59 pm PST on Saturday, April 10th

Enter HERE

Sneak Peek: A Blue So Dark

Guess what time it is? Time for the sneak peek into A BLUE SO DARK by Holly Schindler. Yay! I hope you are all as excited as me cause here it is folks. :D

~~~~~~~~
SNEAK PEEK

In the prologue of A BLUE SO DARK, we find Aura on a family vacation in Florida , when Aura is only ten years old. This is before her parents’ divorce, before her mother begins to sink dangerously into the darkness of schizophrenia. The Florida Aura finds on her vacation doesn’t live up to the paradise she had imagined. But a tub of mermaids, carved from driftwood, that she discovers in a souvenir shop, offers a chance for Aura and her mother to share a moment together…the kind of sweet moment that seems gone for good when we next encounter Aura, at fifteen, in the book’s opening chapter.

...From the prologue:

I dug through the lot, picking up each new treasure and turning it over the way I’d imagined, before leaving Missouri , that I’d turn over seashells along the fringes of the exotic Florida shore. “Mermaids $2,” a sign taped to the gray metal tub advertised, and suddenly, I knew exactly what I wanted to take home from our disappointing trip. I was still trying to pick which mermaid I’d buy when a redheaded sea creature with a shiny gold tail was snatched from my hand.

“How much for all of them?” Mom asked, tossing the mermaid back the way a fisherman tossed back a tiny catch that just wasn’t enough. Her smiling face glowed from behind the curtain of her long black hair. God, that smile, it had a thousand watts of pride in it, and stretched farther across her cheeks than the grin she’d worn when I’d won Best Painting in the All School Art Exhibition the year before.

“All?” the man at the counter laughed. “Good grief, lady, waddaya want ’em all for?”

“For my daughter,” Mom said softly. She looked down at me, her eyes not just glittering, but snapping with fire, like two 4th of July sparklers. “She can’t decide which one she wants. I know, because I’d never be able to, either.” She ran her finger down the length of my nose, almost like you’d stroke a favorite pet, adding, “We’re just alike, me and Aura.”

And you know, back then, the idea of that didn’t scare the absolute hell out of me.

~~~~~~~

Was that amazing, or what? If that sneak peek doesn't get you wanting to read A BLUE SO DARK, I don't know what will. I already got a feeling I'm going to absolutely LOVE this book. And yes, Holly, I see what you mean about your case of metaphor-itis. lol. What did you all think?

Oh, and in case you missed them, be sure to check out my Interview with Holly and her Guest Post.

Guest Post: Holly Schindler

~~~Guest Post~~~

WRITING IN MULTIPLE GENRES
by Holly Schindler
My debut novel, A BLUE SO DARK, is a literary YA that tackles mental illness, the nature of creativity, and the healing power of art, and is due out from Flux Books May 1!

My sophomore YA, PLAYING HURT, a summer romance that occurs between two athletes, is due out from Flux in ’11.

I know this might, at first, seem a little strange—following a literary novel with a romance. When I was in college, literary (character-driven) work and genre (plot-driven) work were discussed as two COMPLETELY different forms of writing. But the revision process I went through to sell these two novels proves just how much the two genres depend on one another.

Let me explain:

I wrote A BLUE SO DARK in an explosion of creative energy—the whole process took just a little over two months! I cleaned it up, polished it, and began to submit…and the rejections started flooding my inbox. I was hearing that the book had some good literary writing but was just plain too internal. The novel took place FAR too much in Aura’s head. So I had to insert some action—instead of Aura TELLING the reader how she felt about her mother or her school life or her art or her best friend, I began to devise scenes in which we could see her interact with the people in her life.

Once Aura was talking and moving about in the world, she became a fully rounded character. Those editors I was submitting to could actually understand Aura BETTER when they witnessed her interacting with the world around her than they could when she told them who she was straight-out!

PLAYING HURT was originally a romance about a couple of teens who found love through a summer affair. The main character, Chelsea, basically learned, in the initial draft, that there was a difference between friendship and romantic love—for the first time, she learned what lust, what passion felt like. But while the first draft of this book was filled with dramatized scenes, there just didn’t seem to be enough going on internally with the characters.

So...I took a look at my draft, and thought my main character, Chelsea, seemed kind of...athletic. She liked the outdoor activities that took place at the resort where she met Clint, her love interest. So I thought—what if she’s an EX-athlete? What if she’s been hurt, and is at the resort to get some confidence...and then I thought, what if CLINT’s been hurt...I began to build them up internally, focusing on character development rather than plot this time to fully round out the story.

Basically, I had to use what I’d learned from all my reading of genre fiction to infuse drama into A BLUE SO DARK, my literary novel. And I had to use what I’d learned about character development from literary fiction in order to fill out PLAYING HURT, my romance!

...So, yeah, literary and genre...I think they ABSOLUTELY go hand-in-hand...

~~~~~~~

You know, I had never really thought about that before but Holly is absolutely right; literary and genre do go hand in hand. Terrific guest post Holly!

I certainly hope the rest of you enjoyed Holly's guest post and will comment with your thoughts. If you haven't already, you may want to check out the interview I did with Holly HERE. Also, stay tuned because a Sneak Peek at A Blue So Dark is still to come.