Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Susan's Featured New Release: Jinx
I had so much fun talking music with Christine D'Abo (here's the link if you missed it) that I'd like to make this a regular feature.
Just as it felt natural to feature Christine, it feels natural to feature my next author: the way cool Jennifer Estep. I met her when I won a copy of Karma Girl somewhere online. I immediately offered to review it at Front Street Reviews -- the first of three reviews I've since written about her books.
Let's face it. I'm an Estep Junkie. The woman could probably write greeting cards and I'd buy them.
Like I said, featuring her today, on the day that her third book in the Bigtime series, Jinx, is released, feels natural.
So I dropped her a note: What song (new or old) best describes how you view Jinx?
Here's what she said:
Here's a link to a vid that includes the lyrics. Check it out. Read along. Think about Bella and the angel motif.
But mostly, make sure you buy the book. Let this song play in the background as you read it.
And while you're shopping, pick up the other two Bigtime books, too. They're light, they're fun, and they're worth your time.
Just as it felt natural to feature Christine, it feels natural to feature my next author: the way cool Jennifer Estep. I met her when I won a copy of Karma Girl somewhere online. I immediately offered to review it at Front Street Reviews -- the first of three reviews I've since written about her books.
Let's face it. I'm an Estep Junkie. The woman could probably write greeting cards and I'd buy them.
Like I said, featuring her today, on the day that her third book in the Bigtime series, Jinx, is released, feels natural.
So I dropped her a note: What song (new or old) best describes how you view Jinx?
Here's what she said:
The song that makes me think about Jinx is "Under The Gun" by The Killers. The first lines of the song make me think of my main character, Bella Bulluci, since she:
A) Wears a small charm shaped like a pair of wings
B) Dresses up like an angel (with a halo) for a costume party in the book
C) Her house is full of angel- and halo-themed stuff
D) She's "under the gun" in a number of ways, fighting her feelings for the hero and trying to steer clear of ubervillains and all the other craziness that takes place in Bigtime.
The song starts out like this: She's got her halo and wings, hidden under his eye. But she's an angel for sure, she just can't stop telling lies ...
It's just a fast-paced song that I enjoy. I love The Killers, and this song is on "Sawdust," which I think is their best album so far.
Here's a link to a vid that includes the lyrics. Check it out. Read along. Think about Bella and the angel motif.
But mostly, make sure you buy the book. Let this song play in the background as you read it.
And while you're shopping, pick up the other two Bigtime books, too. They're light, they're fun, and they're worth your time.
Labels: books, Featured New Release, Jennifer Estep
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Susan Speaks: Honey, I'm Home!
I ducked out of the Romantic Times Convention yesterday around 3 and got home a little bit before 4. Those of you who know me or who I freshly met (and I have seen many Google searches for West of Mars already. Whee!) know that I'm a local chick and by the time yesterday afternoon came, when I'd checked out of my hotel SUITE (remind me to tell that story), I was glad. I was itchy to get home.
Anyway, here are some more impressions and things I learned. I want to promise that there will be more of these in the days ahead, but there probably won't be. The only thing I can promise is that there are yet more winds of change afoot...
1. I'm a proud Pittsburgher, but I was amazed and horrified at the condition of the Pittsburgh Hilton. Others can tell you more about it, but let's just say that many, many of us were glad we'd been evicted and sent to the Omni William Penn, even if it was a bit of an inconvenience.
This was my third bad experience in a row at a Hilton hotel. I'm done with you, Hilton Hotels. My money now goes elsewhere, even if I wind up spending more. From what I've seen (including the promised refund that I'm still waiting on, two years later), the problems exist across the board.
I wonder what the Board of Health would say about the servers who stuck their bare thumbs in the pour spout of the water pitchers when they put them on our table.
Yes, friends, I've called the Board of Health for things like that before. Piss me off far enough and I'll make a point of pushing back.
2. The Mystery Chix and a Rooster are amazing, amazing people. Don't ask me which is my favorite; I can't pick. Check out their websites. Tell them I sent you. Read their books. Rave about them with me.
I have lots of promo bookmarks and business cards from this gang. If you'd like some, drop me an e-mail and I'll mail them out to you.
3. Many of the authors whose blogs appear in my Google Reader are way cool. Rachel Vincent. Shiloh Walker. Megan Hart. Lauren Dane. Anya Bast. Ann Aguirre. Aline de Chevigny. Jennifer Estep. None, however, made me squeal the way I did when Colleen Gleason and I ran into each other (inches from literally) and made the connection. That's just to say how awesome Colleen is.
I loved how excited she got when I told her I'd seen Rises the Night for sale in my local GROCERY. Yes, folks, I found a copy there and had to show it to my family, all of whom gave me blank stares. Many of the surrounding shoppers were initially curious but my strange and sudden inability to form words upon discovery of the book might have prevented a few sales I otherwise should have pimped for my bud Colleen.
4. I met Judi Fennell in the shuttle back to the Omni and hooked her up with the woman running the SOS mixer/thingie. I hope she had a great time!
4. Of all these cool people, none were cooler than Ann. Let me tell you, I'd have been lost without Ann. She's the ultimate fan girl, in the perfect sense, because she is a librarian who is also the library's buyer. It was a LOT of fun to walk up to editors and hear her ask for their list so she can buy their books.
Even better was meeting her cast of characters, her friends. Particularly that moment during the Faery Ball when MaryJanice Davidson came and plunked down on the couch beside me. Why? 'cause she knew Ann, who was on my other side.
Best of all was at the Vampire Ball, when I pretty much dumped Ann in favor of a new bud (who also dumped a friend in order to bond with me). Ann understood, and then some. I still feel bad about it 'cause Ann's too cool to do that to. But once the whole story behind that comes out, you'll agree with Ann.
So to make up for it, I played Tour Manager for HER at the huge book signing. While I'm a bit too incapacitated to carry the LOAD of books she'd brought from home to be signed, I did carry her new purchases for her, help the authors spell her name right, and generally have fun.
No, I did NOT tell a single one of those authors to please spell her name S-U-S-A-N. But there were a few times there that I was tempted.
Be sure to become one of Ann's fan girls. She deserves it.
Anyway, here are some more impressions and things I learned. I want to promise that there will be more of these in the days ahead, but there probably won't be. The only thing I can promise is that there are yet more winds of change afoot...
1. I'm a proud Pittsburgher, but I was amazed and horrified at the condition of the Pittsburgh Hilton. Others can tell you more about it, but let's just say that many, many of us were glad we'd been evicted and sent to the Omni William Penn, even if it was a bit of an inconvenience.
This was my third bad experience in a row at a Hilton hotel. I'm done with you, Hilton Hotels. My money now goes elsewhere, even if I wind up spending more. From what I've seen (including the promised refund that I'm still waiting on, two years later), the problems exist across the board.
I wonder what the Board of Health would say about the servers who stuck their bare thumbs in the pour spout of the water pitchers when they put them on our table.
Yes, friends, I've called the Board of Health for things like that before. Piss me off far enough and I'll make a point of pushing back.
2. The Mystery Chix and a Rooster are amazing, amazing people. Don't ask me which is my favorite; I can't pick. Check out their websites. Tell them I sent you. Read their books. Rave about them with me.
I have lots of promo bookmarks and business cards from this gang. If you'd like some, drop me an e-mail and I'll mail them out to you.
3. Many of the authors whose blogs appear in my Google Reader are way cool. Rachel Vincent. Shiloh Walker. Megan Hart. Lauren Dane. Anya Bast. Ann Aguirre. Aline de Chevigny. Jennifer Estep. None, however, made me squeal the way I did when Colleen Gleason and I ran into each other (inches from literally) and made the connection. That's just to say how awesome Colleen is.
I loved how excited she got when I told her I'd seen Rises the Night for sale in my local GROCERY. Yes, folks, I found a copy there and had to show it to my family, all of whom gave me blank stares. Many of the surrounding shoppers were initially curious but my strange and sudden inability to form words upon discovery of the book might have prevented a few sales I otherwise should have pimped for my bud Colleen.
4. I met Judi Fennell in the shuttle back to the Omni and hooked her up with the woman running the SOS mixer/thingie. I hope she had a great time!
4. Of all these cool people, none were cooler than Ann. Let me tell you, I'd have been lost without Ann. She's the ultimate fan girl, in the perfect sense, because she is a librarian who is also the library's buyer. It was a LOT of fun to walk up to editors and hear her ask for their list so she can buy their books.
Even better was meeting her cast of characters, her friends. Particularly that moment during the Faery Ball when MaryJanice Davidson came and plunked down on the couch beside me. Why? 'cause she knew Ann, who was on my other side.
Best of all was at the Vampire Ball, when I pretty much dumped Ann in favor of a new bud (who also dumped a friend in order to bond with me). Ann understood, and then some. I still feel bad about it 'cause Ann's too cool to do that to. But once the whole story behind that comes out, you'll agree with Ann.
So to make up for it, I played Tour Manager for HER at the huge book signing. While I'm a bit too incapacitated to carry the LOAD of books she'd brought from home to be signed, I did carry her new purchases for her, help the authors spell her name right, and generally have fun.
No, I did NOT tell a single one of those authors to please spell her name S-U-S-A-N. But there were a few times there that I was tempted.
Be sure to become one of Ann's fan girls. She deserves it.
Labels: Aline, Ann Aguirre, Colleen Gleason, Jennifer Estep, Susan Speaks
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Sunday Best: Six Things
This was the week to Tag Susan For a Meme She's Already Done. One of the reasons I didn't stick with academia was that I hate repeating myself.
So this Sunday Best is better than that stupid meme. It's about people OTHER than me. People who deserve your attention.
1. My eroti-chick friend Christine had a new release this week, Wizard's Thief. You eroti-readers might want to check it out here. I think Christine is awesome, even though I have yet to read her fiction.
2. Ann Aguirre has a new book out, too. Get your hands on Grimspace! I hear it's killer.
3. One of my favorite Thirteeners has her first release, too. Xakara's debut is out through Samhain. Get it and tell me what I'm missing!
4. Want a peek at Jennifer Estep's latest cover? Mark your calendars for September 2 and start counting the days!
5. Sort of about me, but more about Linda Fairstein. I finished the copy of Bad Blood that she was kind enough to send my way. It was her best book yet! Full of fascinating facts about a part of New York City 99% of the world doesn't get to experience, and Coop at her best. She's one gutsy woman, Coop is. Relating back to this week's Booking Through Thursday question and the discussion that followed in the comment trail, Alexandra Cooper fits the bill.
6. Speaking of Linda, remember this date: March 12. That's when Killer Heat will be released. I hope Luc comes back, and that's all I gotta say about THAT.
Trust me. This is a series you can jump into at any point and be able to follow what's up, so g'wan and click my links. Buy Bad Blood. Pre-order Killer Heat.
Heck, buy ALL these books. But I'll warn you now: Bad Blood is the only one I've read, so if you take my suggestions but don't like what you encounter, well, have your head examined. (although if you read Jennifer Estep's two current books and don't like them, I'm sure the person examining your head will have lovely drugs for you.)
So this Sunday Best is better than that stupid meme. It's about people OTHER than me. People who deserve your attention.
1. My eroti-chick friend Christine had a new release this week, Wizard's Thief. You eroti-readers might want to check it out here. I think Christine is awesome, even though I have yet to read her fiction.
2. Ann Aguirre has a new book out, too. Get your hands on Grimspace! I hear it's killer.
3. One of my favorite Thirteeners has her first release, too. Xakara's debut is out through Samhain. Get it and tell me what I'm missing!
4. Want a peek at Jennifer Estep's latest cover? Mark your calendars for September 2 and start counting the days!
5. Sort of about me, but more about Linda Fairstein. I finished the copy of Bad Blood that she was kind enough to send my way. It was her best book yet! Full of fascinating facts about a part of New York City 99% of the world doesn't get to experience, and Coop at her best. She's one gutsy woman, Coop is. Relating back to this week's Booking Through Thursday question and the discussion that followed in the comment trail, Alexandra Cooper fits the bill.
6. Speaking of Linda, remember this date: March 12. That's when Killer Heat will be released. I hope Luc comes back, and that's all I gotta say about THAT.
Trust me. This is a series you can jump into at any point and be able to follow what's up, so g'wan and click my links. Buy Bad Blood. Pre-order Killer Heat.
Heck, buy ALL these books. But I'll warn you now: Bad Blood is the only one I've read, so if you take my suggestions but don't like what you encounter, well, have your head examined. (although if you read Jennifer Estep's two current books and don't like them, I'm sure the person examining your head will have lovely drugs for you.)
Labels: Ann Aguirre, Christine D'Abo, Jennifer Estep, Linda Fairstein, Xakara
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Booking Through Thursday: May I Introduce?
What a great question from our friends at Booking Through Thursday to help me get back into the swing of things!
1. How did you come across your favorite author(s)? Recommended by a friend? Stumbled across at a bookstore? A book given to you as a gift?
2. Was it love at first sight? Or did the love affair evolve over a long acquaintance?
To answer the first question, all of the above. I'm always glad to talk books with people, and that includes reading book reviews (usually PW, but I found Pam Houston through the NYT Book Review) and book blogs. Not to mention the book sites I used to hang around (and have been trying to visit more often lately; I miss those guys!) -- after awhile, you know whose recommendations to trust.
Some of my favorite discoveries that spring immediately to mind:
Well, I mentioned Pam Houston and the New York Times Book Review.
Jeanne Ray was a hand-sell at a bookshop on Sanibel Island, Florida.
Kim Harrison... not sure. I think from my friends at one of those book sites. (I'm not naming it to help preserve its sanctity, but those of you who know it should take a bow)
Jennifer Estep was a discovery I made because I won a copy of her book and offered to review it for Front Street Reviews.
Linda Fairstein is a really good example of the books I've discovered just because their plots intrigued me, so I decided to take a risk on them.
Overall, I'd have to say that's how I find most of my favorite authors. I find a book with an intriguing plot (NOT hook, but plot) and read it. If I love it, I go find other books by the same author. If not, I move on. I've got literally hundreds of books waiting for me in my office. I'm not going to hold up a discovery so I can read the backlist of an author I'm lukewarm about.
Which pretty much answers the second part of this question. It's either love at first sight or I'm moving on. There's just too much out there, waiting for me to discover it.
Now, if I find a book by an author I was previously lukewarm about but the plot's intriguing? Well, I'll give them another shot, sure. Intrigue is intrigue and I like to have my curiosity satisfied; what can I say?
1. How did you come across your favorite author(s)? Recommended by a friend? Stumbled across at a bookstore? A book given to you as a gift?
2. Was it love at first sight? Or did the love affair evolve over a long acquaintance?
To answer the first question, all of the above. I'm always glad to talk books with people, and that includes reading book reviews (usually PW, but I found Pam Houston through the NYT Book Review) and book blogs. Not to mention the book sites I used to hang around (and have been trying to visit more often lately; I miss those guys!) -- after awhile, you know whose recommendations to trust.
Some of my favorite discoveries that spring immediately to mind:
Well, I mentioned Pam Houston and the New York Times Book Review.
Jeanne Ray was a hand-sell at a bookshop on Sanibel Island, Florida.
Kim Harrison... not sure. I think from my friends at one of those book sites. (I'm not naming it to help preserve its sanctity, but those of you who know it should take a bow)
Jennifer Estep was a discovery I made because I won a copy of her book and offered to review it for Front Street Reviews.
Linda Fairstein is a really good example of the books I've discovered just because their plots intrigued me, so I decided to take a risk on them.
Overall, I'd have to say that's how I find most of my favorite authors. I find a book with an intriguing plot (NOT hook, but plot) and read it. If I love it, I go find other books by the same author. If not, I move on. I've got literally hundreds of books waiting for me in my office. I'm not going to hold up a discovery so I can read the backlist of an author I'm lukewarm about.
Which pretty much answers the second part of this question. It's either love at first sight or I'm moving on. There's just too much out there, waiting for me to discover it.
Now, if I find a book by an author I was previously lukewarm about but the plot's intriguing? Well, I'll give them another shot, sure. Intrigue is intrigue and I like to have my curiosity satisfied; what can I say?
Labels: Booking Through Thursday, Jennifer Estep, Linda Fairstein
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Susan's Book Talk: 2007 Reading Roundup
Wow. What a year it's been. Lots of new characters here at the blog, particularly Roadie Poet and Springer. You'll definitely see more of RP; I'm into him, too.
But this is about the books I've read over the past twelve months. I'm not quite at 100 read for the year, but there are five days left and a trip in there (more on that trip to come), and I know it'll be close. I can do it.
So let's take a few minutes and look at some of the highlights from my reading year:
It took me five books before I fell in love with something this year, and when I did, it was a doozy. Clay's Quilt, by Silas House. I even blogged about it here, so go back and see what I had to say.
Then I began my year-long reviewing blitz, as I think of it. First was LL Cool J's Platinum Workout. Check out the name of my post when I told you about it! Now that I'm reviewing a bit more steadily, it seems funny to see how excited I was.
I also read two good ones: The Potter's House by Rosie Thomas and The Wild Girl: The Notebooks of Ned Giles, by Jim Fergus. I'd loved Fergus' debut, One Thousand White Women, and this follow-up was not a letdown. The Potter's House was a neat read with a kicker of an ending.
Unthinkable? I don't think so. Joshua Braff's debut novel knocked my socks off. Will there be more from Braff? I don't know, but I certainly hope so -- so long as it's of this same quality.
I revisted a now-favorite writer, Jeanne Ray, this time with Step-Ball-Change, a dance move that always makes me smile when I hear it used in real life, like it has been lately in my household. And right after, I had my first taste of James Alan Gardner via Expendable, which gave new meaning to the phrase, "Oh, shit."
2007 was the year to catch up on my Linda Fairstein books. I'm now up to Entombed. I can see it from where I sit; that's a good sign. Hopefully it'll get read in 2008. You'd think after reading four or so of her novels in a fairly short period, I'd burn out, but nope. I can't wait to see what trouble lies ahead for Alex next.
My first Tess Gerritsen, whose blog I really like, my first Nancy Martin (who is a local!), my first Susan McBride, my first Allana Martin, catching up with oldies by Marcia Muller and Edna Buchanan... it was a big year for reading mysteries, so I softened it up with some of my favorite graphic novelist's works: Joann Sfar writing with Lewis Trondheim.
Nevada Barr's books run hot and cold with me, but the discovery of debut author Jennifer Estep sure soothed my crankies. As you guys know, I've become a huge Estep fan and can hardly wait for the 2008 release of Jinx.
My favorite book title of the year? Lily Bret's You Gotta Have Balls. NOT what you're thinking, folks. This was a fun, breezy read that my book club chose, probably so I'd stop having fun with the title. And did I have fun!
I did some cross-cultural reading, with Victor Villasenor's Rain of Gold. This huge, fat book was a great read, although I'm not sure if his follow-up works could come close to matching the scale of this debut. And I kept up the cross-cultural stuff, sort of, with the self-published phenomenon, Rashi's Daughters: Book One: Jehoved. Another book club pick, I can see why this did well. It's well-crafted and I'm eager to see if author Maggie Anton's shift to a major publisher fixed the nits I had with her writing, itself. So yes, my book club will be reading Book Two: Miriam at some point.
Speaking of book club, we also read Mary Doria Russell's A Thread of Grace. Read what I had to say about it here.
At long last, I got into Kelley Armstrong's Women of the Underworld series, reading the first two. I spent some time with Rachel Caine, again, and, of course, finished off the Harry Potter series.
More reviews, this time for Colleen Gleason's first two books. Make that another sequel I hope to get my hands on during the upcoming year...
And more local writers: Lila Shaara's beautiful Every Secret Thing and Rebecca Drake's The Next Killing (the review for which is up at Front Street). Friends, too: Ann Pino's My New-Found Land was great fun, and KL Going's The Garden of Eve is a quick, thought-provoking middle-grade book. I can hardly wait to catch up enough to sink into Going's St. Iggy. And my e-published friends, who have shown me a whole brave new world and new ways of reading. Robyn Rotham and Red Garnier; you guys rock. What a great way to be exposed to e-books.
But the read of the year? The one that has impacted me the most deeply? Nope, not The Unthinkable Thoughts of Jacob Green, even though I can't believe I said that. You guys know what my best of the year pick is -- Nikki Sixx's The Heroin Diaries. I still say it's a marketing failure, given that it's got its own soundtrack. And I still say it ought to be required reading in high schools. There's nothing like a funeral to make you feel alive.
Happy reading in 2008, everyone. Let me know if you read any of these; I'd love to know what you think. As always.
But this is about the books I've read over the past twelve months. I'm not quite at 100 read for the year, but there are five days left and a trip in there (more on that trip to come), and I know it'll be close. I can do it.
So let's take a few minutes and look at some of the highlights from my reading year:
It took me five books before I fell in love with something this year, and when I did, it was a doozy. Clay's Quilt, by Silas House. I even blogged about it here, so go back and see what I had to say.
Then I began my year-long reviewing blitz, as I think of it. First was LL Cool J's Platinum Workout. Check out the name of my post when I told you about it! Now that I'm reviewing a bit more steadily, it seems funny to see how excited I was.
I also read two good ones: The Potter's House by Rosie Thomas and The Wild Girl: The Notebooks of Ned Giles, by Jim Fergus. I'd loved Fergus' debut, One Thousand White Women, and this follow-up was not a letdown. The Potter's House was a neat read with a kicker of an ending.
Unthinkable? I don't think so. Joshua Braff's debut novel knocked my socks off. Will there be more from Braff? I don't know, but I certainly hope so -- so long as it's of this same quality.
I revisted a now-favorite writer, Jeanne Ray, this time with Step-Ball-Change, a dance move that always makes me smile when I hear it used in real life, like it has been lately in my household. And right after, I had my first taste of James Alan Gardner via Expendable, which gave new meaning to the phrase, "Oh, shit."
2007 was the year to catch up on my Linda Fairstein books. I'm now up to Entombed. I can see it from where I sit; that's a good sign. Hopefully it'll get read in 2008. You'd think after reading four or so of her novels in a fairly short period, I'd burn out, but nope. I can't wait to see what trouble lies ahead for Alex next.
My first Tess Gerritsen, whose blog I really like, my first Nancy Martin (who is a local!), my first Susan McBride, my first Allana Martin, catching up with oldies by Marcia Muller and Edna Buchanan... it was a big year for reading mysteries, so I softened it up with some of my favorite graphic novelist's works: Joann Sfar writing with Lewis Trondheim.
Nevada Barr's books run hot and cold with me, but the discovery of debut author Jennifer Estep sure soothed my crankies. As you guys know, I've become a huge Estep fan and can hardly wait for the 2008 release of Jinx.
My favorite book title of the year? Lily Bret's You Gotta Have Balls. NOT what you're thinking, folks. This was a fun, breezy read that my book club chose, probably so I'd stop having fun with the title. And did I have fun!
I did some cross-cultural reading, with Victor Villasenor's Rain of Gold. This huge, fat book was a great read, although I'm not sure if his follow-up works could come close to matching the scale of this debut. And I kept up the cross-cultural stuff, sort of, with the self-published phenomenon, Rashi's Daughters: Book One: Jehoved. Another book club pick, I can see why this did well. It's well-crafted and I'm eager to see if author Maggie Anton's shift to a major publisher fixed the nits I had with her writing, itself. So yes, my book club will be reading Book Two: Miriam at some point.
Speaking of book club, we also read Mary Doria Russell's A Thread of Grace. Read what I had to say about it here.
At long last, I got into Kelley Armstrong's Women of the Underworld series, reading the first two. I spent some time with Rachel Caine, again, and, of course, finished off the Harry Potter series.
More reviews, this time for Colleen Gleason's first two books. Make that another sequel I hope to get my hands on during the upcoming year...
And more local writers: Lila Shaara's beautiful Every Secret Thing and Rebecca Drake's The Next Killing (the review for which is up at Front Street). Friends, too: Ann Pino's My New-Found Land was great fun, and KL Going's The Garden of Eve is a quick, thought-provoking middle-grade book. I can hardly wait to catch up enough to sink into Going's St. Iggy. And my e-published friends, who have shown me a whole brave new world and new ways of reading. Robyn Rotham and Red Garnier; you guys rock. What a great way to be exposed to e-books.
But the read of the year? The one that has impacted me the most deeply? Nope, not The Unthinkable Thoughts of Jacob Green, even though I can't believe I said that. You guys know what my best of the year pick is -- Nikki Sixx's The Heroin Diaries. I still say it's a marketing failure, given that it's got its own soundtrack. And I still say it ought to be required reading in high schools. There's nothing like a funeral to make you feel alive.
Happy reading in 2008, everyone. Let me know if you read any of these; I'd love to know what you think. As always.
Labels: books, Colleen Gleason, Jeanne Ray, Jennifer Estep, Joann Sfar, Joshua Braff, Karma Girl, KL Going, Linda Fairstein, LL Cool J, Mary Doria Russell, Nikki Sixx, Red Garnier, Susan's Book Talk
Friday, December 21, 2007
Booking Through Thursday: And the Nominees Are...
Oops. Almost forgot this week!
Booking through Thursday asks:
1. What fiction book (or books) would you nominate to be the best new book published in 2007?
(Older books that you read for the first time in 2007 don’t count.)
2. What non-fiction book (or books) would you nominate to be the best new book published in 2007?
(Older books that you read for the first time in 2007 don’t count.)
3. And, do “best of” lists influence your reading?
Let's go backwards.
Yes, best-of lists influence my reading. If a book shows up on 90% of the lists, I'll often refuse to read it, figuring it's overhyped and I probably won't like it. The list of books I've been stung with like this is pretty long.
As for non-fiction, you guys know me. Other than the occasional rock-and-roll-themed book I'll review for Front Street Reviews, I avoid non-fiction.
So... that brings us to fiction. And to be honest, I have no clue, other than Jennifer Estep's books, and the latest Colleen Gleason, what else I've read this year that was actually published in 2007.
I'd do better to give you a round-up of what I've read in 2007, and I'll be doing that before the 27th, so if you're in town, stay tuned. If you're going to be travelling, add me to your reader so it'll be there when you get home.
Merry Christmas to my celebrating friends, happy Eid to those who are about to end their celebrations, and safe travels to all.
And if you need something to fill your time, there's a cool interview posted at Front Street you shouldn't miss, as well as Bunnygirl's Holiday Flash Fiction Carnival.
Booking through Thursday asks:
1. What fiction book (or books) would you nominate to be the best new book published in 2007?
(Older books that you read for the first time in 2007 don’t count.)
2. What non-fiction book (or books) would you nominate to be the best new book published in 2007?
(Older books that you read for the first time in 2007 don’t count.)
3. And, do “best of” lists influence your reading?
Let's go backwards.
Yes, best-of lists influence my reading. If a book shows up on 90% of the lists, I'll often refuse to read it, figuring it's overhyped and I probably won't like it. The list of books I've been stung with like this is pretty long.
As for non-fiction, you guys know me. Other than the occasional rock-and-roll-themed book I'll review for Front Street Reviews, I avoid non-fiction.
So... that brings us to fiction. And to be honest, I have no clue, other than Jennifer Estep's books, and the latest Colleen Gleason, what else I've read this year that was actually published in 2007.
I'd do better to give you a round-up of what I've read in 2007, and I'll be doing that before the 27th, so if you're in town, stay tuned. If you're going to be travelling, add me to your reader so it'll be there when you get home.
Merry Christmas to my celebrating friends, happy Eid to those who are about to end their celebrations, and safe travels to all.
And if you need something to fill your time, there's a cool interview posted at Front Street you shouldn't miss, as well as Bunnygirl's Holiday Flash Fiction Carnival.
Labels: Booking Through Thursday, Colleen Gleason, Front Street Reviews, Jennifer Estep
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Tagged: A Weekend in Pittsburgh
Since Rhian (and hopefully Lisa) and Jennifer Estep and Colleen Gleason, Tilly Green, and Shane Gericke and everyone else I've forgotten (leave your name in the comments and I'll add you) are coming to my fair city in April for the Romantic Times conference, Rhi thought it would be fun to tag me for the Weekend in (insert your city here) meme. (but feel free to give her some garbage 'cause she's not supposed to be tagging me for things! she's supposed to be designing a ShapeShifter logo!)
Since you guys should be able to look cool and sound like you've got a clue, here's a primer, in the form of the meme.
Best Place to Eat: The Carlton in the Mellon Building. Can't walk there from the hotel, the tablecloths are white and the wine's famously priced at $10 over cost, but this is my favorite. Hands down. Sure, you'll spend $25 an entree, but you'll be in ecstasy with every bite. (DO NOT, I repeat, do NOT look at their dinner menu! Aaugh! Take me there now!)
There's also the Church Brew Works, in Lawrenceville. This is where we bring out-of-town friends to eat (assuming they don't keep kosher). Slightly cheaper and instead of wine, go for the beer. They're not making the Belltower Brown Ale at the moment. It's my favorite. They serve bison, too, from time to time. And if you can get the rattlesnake and cactus pierogies, you're set. Don't forget the ice cream!
Best Shopping Mall: Downtown? Forget it. Try Macy's or Saks. Otherwise, it's out to the Burbs with you!
Famous Landmark: Duh... the Point. You'll be able to see the famed fountain from the ballrooms of Hilton, which is located across the street from another famous landmark: Point State Park. (see a pattern?)
But be sure to spend any free time on the inclines or the Gateway Clipper. I wish the convention was going to be small enough for us to party one night on the Majestic. It's always fun to cruise the city's other famed landmark: its three rivers. If your hotel room's high enough, you'll be able to see them. Assuming you're facing the right way.
Take a trip into Oakland and check out the Cathedral of Learning. More famously called the Tower of Ignorance, or the Pittsburgh Phallus, it's a mastery of gothic architecture. If you have time (which I doubt you will), take a tour of the Nationality Rooms. Classrooms on the first, second, and third floors have been reconfigured to show and celebrate the different countries around the world. I had classes in the Chinese room and the one on the third floor with the lights that took forever to warm up and the chairs we weren't allowed to move into a circle. That made it hard to hold a really good writer's workshop, but the professor more than made up for it.
Have I mentioned PNC Park or Heinz Field? This is a sports town, baby. If the Pens are in the playoffs, I'm bailing on you guys for a few hours!
Best Tourism Attraction: Any and all of the above, but don't forget to add in a Just Ducky tour if you have the time. And remind me to tell you the story of how I managed to get a group of fifteen or so of us bicyclists chased by a Just Ducky boat...
Best Place for the Kids: The Carnegie Science Center. No contest. The Children's Museum is fun, but it's nothing compared to the Science Center. And don't accuse me of being biased; I've got memberships at both places. Like you'll be bringing the kids anyway...
Popular Outdoor Activity: Must be a Pirates game 'cause there's no other reason why people go when they stink so bad...
Seriously. Biking is gaining a foothold in the city; bike paths are springing up all over the place. Soon, you'll be able to bike from Pittsburgh to Washington, DC. Not in one day, though.
And if the timing is right, check out the Head of the Ohio. Since it won't be, come back in October.
Breathtaking Views: I'm partial to the view of the Bayer clock on Mt. Washington, as seen from the banquet rooms in the Hilton, but that's because I watched the minutes tick away during my wedding to the Tour Manager.
For better ones, be sure you're watching as your taxi or limo brings you through the Fort Pitt Tunnels and you've got the famed panoramic view of the city stretched out before you. Or ride the incline and see the city from Mt. Washington. Keep your eyes open; a tornado's been known to touch down on Mt. Washington. And keep your hands on your wallets, too. They've been known to find new owners while you're up there.
Riverside, there's always the Gateway Clipper. You'll be able to look inside the bowl of Heinz Field, which we know a certain author will be doing, to snap pictures to bring home and hang on her walls. Hallowed ground, Heinz Field.
Only found in Pittsburgh: What? All that's not enough??
Well, then, let me remind you of this: ME.
If you'll be joining me in April, be sure to let me know. I'd like to try to take you guys out for the best fries you'll ever taste. Followed up by even better ice cream.
I'll bring the Zantac, have no fear.
Since you guys should be able to look cool and sound like you've got a clue, here's a primer, in the form of the meme.
Best Place to Eat: The Carlton in the Mellon Building. Can't walk there from the hotel, the tablecloths are white and the wine's famously priced at $10 over cost, but this is my favorite. Hands down. Sure, you'll spend $25 an entree, but you'll be in ecstasy with every bite. (DO NOT, I repeat, do NOT look at their dinner menu! Aaugh! Take me there now!)
There's also the Church Brew Works, in Lawrenceville. This is where we bring out-of-town friends to eat (assuming they don't keep kosher). Slightly cheaper and instead of wine, go for the beer. They're not making the Belltower Brown Ale at the moment. It's my favorite. They serve bison, too, from time to time. And if you can get the rattlesnake and cactus pierogies, you're set. Don't forget the ice cream!
Best Shopping Mall: Downtown? Forget it. Try Macy's or Saks. Otherwise, it's out to the Burbs with you!
Famous Landmark: Duh... the Point. You'll be able to see the famed fountain from the ballrooms of Hilton, which is located across the street from another famous landmark: Point State Park. (see a pattern?)
But be sure to spend any free time on the inclines or the Gateway Clipper. I wish the convention was going to be small enough for us to party one night on the Majestic. It's always fun to cruise the city's other famed landmark: its three rivers. If your hotel room's high enough, you'll be able to see them. Assuming you're facing the right way.
Take a trip into Oakland and check out the Cathedral of Learning. More famously called the Tower of Ignorance, or the Pittsburgh Phallus, it's a mastery of gothic architecture. If you have time (which I doubt you will), take a tour of the Nationality Rooms. Classrooms on the first, second, and third floors have been reconfigured to show and celebrate the different countries around the world. I had classes in the Chinese room and the one on the third floor with the lights that took forever to warm up and the chairs we weren't allowed to move into a circle. That made it hard to hold a really good writer's workshop, but the professor more than made up for it.
Have I mentioned PNC Park or Heinz Field? This is a sports town, baby. If the Pens are in the playoffs, I'm bailing on you guys for a few hours!
Best Tourism Attraction: Any and all of the above, but don't forget to add in a Just Ducky tour if you have the time. And remind me to tell you the story of how I managed to get a group of fifteen or so of us bicyclists chased by a Just Ducky boat...
Best Place for the Kids: The Carnegie Science Center. No contest. The Children's Museum is fun, but it's nothing compared to the Science Center. And don't accuse me of being biased; I've got memberships at both places. Like you'll be bringing the kids anyway...
Popular Outdoor Activity: Must be a Pirates game 'cause there's no other reason why people go when they stink so bad...
Seriously. Biking is gaining a foothold in the city; bike paths are springing up all over the place. Soon, you'll be able to bike from Pittsburgh to Washington, DC. Not in one day, though.
And if the timing is right, check out the Head of the Ohio. Since it won't be, come back in October.
Breathtaking Views: I'm partial to the view of the Bayer clock on Mt. Washington, as seen from the banquet rooms in the Hilton, but that's because I watched the minutes tick away during my wedding to the Tour Manager.
For better ones, be sure you're watching as your taxi or limo brings you through the Fort Pitt Tunnels and you've got the famed panoramic view of the city stretched out before you. Or ride the incline and see the city from Mt. Washington. Keep your eyes open; a tornado's been known to touch down on Mt. Washington. And keep your hands on your wallets, too. They've been known to find new owners while you're up there.
Riverside, there's always the Gateway Clipper. You'll be able to look inside the bowl of Heinz Field, which we know a certain author will be doing, to snap pictures to bring home and hang on her walls. Hallowed ground, Heinz Field.
Only found in Pittsburgh: What? All that's not enough??
Well, then, let me remind you of this: ME.
If you'll be joining me in April, be sure to let me know. I'd like to try to take you guys out for the best fries you'll ever taste. Followed up by even better ice cream.
I'll bring the Zantac, have no fear.
Labels: Jennifer Estep, meme, Pittsburgh, Rhian/Crowwoman
Friday, August 10, 2007
Susan's Book Talk: Multiples and other things
First off: this week's Booking Through Thursday:
Do you have multiple copies of any of your books?
If so, why? Absent-mindedness? You love them that much? First Editions for the shelf, but paperbacks to read?
If not, why not? Not enough space? Not enough money? Too sensible to do something so foolish?
I have a lot of multiples that have come to me through BookCrossing -- I'll forget to take something off my wishlist (with 1200+ books on there, can you blame me?) or someone will think I'll like a book, so they send it to me, not knowing I've got a copy here that I haven't registered at BookCrossing yet.
And I buy multiples, too -- to share via BookCrossing or the book trading sites ('cause whenever I offer you guys my books, you don't take me up on it. What's up with THAT?). Those multiples are books I loved and want to help spread the word about. You know, sort of like my own way of helping people find a Hidden Treasures book.
Speaking of Hidden Treasures, there's only five days left in the contest. Get your last reviews up! If you're web wandering and you find a review posted, why not encourage the writer to submit it to the contest?? They've already done the hard work; invite them to come get rewards and some extra linkie love for it.
I hear that Jennifer Estep, one of our Hidden Treasures authors, has a few ARCs for the second in her Big Time series, Hot Mama. I'll let you know when the review's up at Front Street Reviews.
And lastly (I think), I'd love to thank Robin L. Rotham for pulling my very own name out of a hat and declaring me the winner of a copy of her new short, Seniorella. This is going to be my very first foray into e-books, so if you prefer Microsoft Reader to PDF format, or the other way, you'd better weigh in on that subject now...
Happy reading, everyone! Let's get some last reviews in for the Summer's Hidden Treasures contest, okay?
Do you have multiple copies of any of your books?
If so, why? Absent-mindedness? You love them that much? First Editions for the shelf, but paperbacks to read?
If not, why not? Not enough space? Not enough money? Too sensible to do something so foolish?
I have a lot of multiples that have come to me through BookCrossing -- I'll forget to take something off my wishlist (with 1200+ books on there, can you blame me?) or someone will think I'll like a book, so they send it to me, not knowing I've got a copy here that I haven't registered at BookCrossing yet.
And I buy multiples, too -- to share via BookCrossing or the book trading sites ('cause whenever I offer you guys my books, you don't take me up on it. What's up with THAT?). Those multiples are books I loved and want to help spread the word about. You know, sort of like my own way of helping people find a Hidden Treasures book.
Speaking of Hidden Treasures, there's only five days left in the contest. Get your last reviews up! If you're web wandering and you find a review posted, why not encourage the writer to submit it to the contest?? They've already done the hard work; invite them to come get rewards and some extra linkie love for it.
I hear that Jennifer Estep, one of our Hidden Treasures authors, has a few ARCs for the second in her Big Time series, Hot Mama. I'll let you know when the review's up at Front Street Reviews.
And lastly (I think), I'd love to thank Robin L. Rotham for pulling my very own name out of a hat and declaring me the winner of a copy of her new short, Seniorella. This is going to be my very first foray into e-books, so if you prefer Microsoft Reader to PDF format, or the other way, you'd better weigh in on that subject now...
Happy reading, everyone! Let's get some last reviews in for the Summer's Hidden Treasures contest, okay?
Labels: book reviews, BookCrossing, Booking Through Thursday, books, Front Street Reviews, Jennifer Estep, prizes, Summer's Hidden Treasures, Susan's Book Talk
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Summer Hidden Treasures Author Spotlight
Yeah, I know I raved about Jennifer Estep and her debut, Karma Girl, before. And yeah, you'll be hearing more from me about Ms. Estep, especially next winter, when Debut a Debut returns.
BUT since I can't get enough, if you head over to Front Street Reviews and click on Interviews, you'll see a short conversation the lady and I had. It blew me away how similar our thought processes are; I hope to one day be able to sit and compare notes with the lovely Jennifer Estep.
Be sure to check out my review of Karma Girl, too, while you're there. And if you missed yesterday's outtake as part of the Poetry Train, make sure you scroll down (or click through and then scroll down, you feed readers). Definitely one of my favorites.
And on a personal note, I mastered the bun! It was actually quite easy. Now, getting all that gel and spray out may be a different story, but getting it together turned into a no-brainer breeze. I'll take it.
BUT since I can't get enough, if you head over to Front Street Reviews and click on Interviews, you'll see a short conversation the lady and I had. It blew me away how similar our thought processes are; I hope to one day be able to sit and compare notes with the lovely Jennifer Estep.
Be sure to check out my review of Karma Girl, too, while you're there. And if you missed yesterday's outtake as part of the Poetry Train, make sure you scroll down (or click through and then scroll down, you feed readers). Definitely one of my favorites.
And on a personal note, I mastered the bun! It was actually quite easy. Now, getting all that gel and spray out may be a different story, but getting it together turned into a no-brainer breeze. I'll take it.
Labels: Front Street Reviews, Jennifer Estep, Karma Girl, Summer's Hidden Treasures
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Susan's Book Talk: Reviews and a contest or two
Bunches of little things and one big one...
1. Check out Front Street Reviews for two (not one! Two!) of my latest book reviews -- one for Catch a Wave: The Rise, Fall and Redemption of the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson, by Peter Ames Carlin. (the link's to buy the book. Use the Front Street Reviews link to read what I had to say about it.)
The other review is for a new rave of mine: Karma Girl, by Jennifer Estep. (Oh, just check out both links, then the Front Street one for the review!) This is a writer worth watching; her vision is incredible. She creates a totally believable world that you'll want to live in. I promise.
2. Have you been to Dewey's place lately? She's running this really cool contest and yours truly has offered to throw in for the prizes. Come jump on the fun.
3. And finally, speaking of contests and Jennifer Estep, I'm looking for more authors who've published fiction by royalty-paying publishers. Yes, gang, it's time for our summer reading contest, and I am hoping some of you authors, or friends of authors, will stop by and offer up not only prizes, but up to five books or authors who fit the theme of Hidden Treasures.
I've noticed that this is a hot theme this year; I picked it way back in February, so I may be late to the bandwagon, but that's cause I was busy hitching the horses up to it.
Drop me an e-mail for more details. Authors only right now, though! The rest of you can wait a scant two weeks. (Go hunt down Karma Girl in the meantime, okay?)
1. Check out Front Street Reviews for two (not one! Two!) of my latest book reviews -- one for Catch a Wave: The Rise, Fall and Redemption of the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson, by Peter Ames Carlin. (the link's to buy the book. Use the Front Street Reviews link to read what I had to say about it.)
The other review is for a new rave of mine: Karma Girl, by Jennifer Estep. (Oh, just check out both links, then the Front Street one for the review!) This is a writer worth watching; her vision is incredible. She creates a totally believable world that you'll want to live in. I promise.
2. Have you been to Dewey's place lately? She's running this really cool contest and yours truly has offered to throw in for the prizes. Come jump on the fun.
3. And finally, speaking of contests and Jennifer Estep, I'm looking for more authors who've published fiction by royalty-paying publishers. Yes, gang, it's time for our summer reading contest, and I am hoping some of you authors, or friends of authors, will stop by and offer up not only prizes, but up to five books or authors who fit the theme of Hidden Treasures.
I've noticed that this is a hot theme this year; I picked it way back in February, so I may be late to the bandwagon, but that's cause I was busy hitching the horses up to it.
Drop me an e-mail for more details. Authors only right now, though! The rest of you can wait a scant two weeks. (Go hunt down Karma Girl in the meantime, okay?)
Labels: book reviews, books, contest, cool stuff, Front Street Reviews, Jennifer Estep, Susan's Book Talk
