Rookie Wednesday: Gail Carriger

This week's interview is with author Gail Carriger who's first published novel, Soulless: The Parasol Protectorate, hits shelves tomorrow!

What's one random tidbit about yourself?

I find endless comedic enjoyment in the ridiculous: the Westminster Dog Show, rubber animals, string cheese, squid, that kind of thing.

What were you doing the moment you found out that Soulless had sold?

I was drinking an excellent latte at my favorite local coffee shop. There might have been sputtering and a certain amount of foam loss as a result of The Call.

What's the best book that you've read over the past six months?

Roman Diary by Richard Platt and David Parkins, a kid's picture book. Fantastic.

Read more after the jump »

Waiting on Wednesday: An Education by Nick Hornby

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, where we post future releases that we can't wait to get our hands on.

An Education by Nick Hornby

Adapted Screenplay

Riverhead (Oct 6, 2009)

ISBN: 978-1594484537

208 pages

Synopsis from Amazon.com:

From the New York Times bestselling author-the shooting script to his award-winning film, with an original Introduction and vivid stills from the movie.

Jenny is a 16-year-old girl stifled by the tedium of adolescence; she can't wait for her sophisticated adult life to begin. One rainy day her suburban existence is upended by the arrival of David, a much older suitor who introduces her to a glittering new world of concerts, art, smoky bars, urban nightlife, and his glamorous friends, replacing her traditional education with his own version. It could be her awakening-or her undoing. This edition of Hornby's adapted screenplay, which includes stills from the film, is a perfect accompaniment to the highly anticipated movie, which stars Carey Mulligan as Jenny, Peter Sarsgaard, Emma Thompson, Dominic Cooper, and Alfred Molina. It is a must-have for fans of Hornby's novels, featuring his signature pitch-perfect dialogue, mordant wit, and the resonant humanity of his writing.

I've only read a couple of screenplays that were converted into novels before. This should be interesting to see how it will compare to the film.

In My Mailbox (17)

In my mailbox is an awesome weekly meme hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren

I got a buttload of books from different places this week so I'm just going to highlight 5 that I haven't seen much of on other blogs.

The Goldsmith's Daughter by Tanya Landman

YA Historical Fiction

Candlewick (Sept 8, 2009)

ISBN: 978-0763642198

304 pages

Synopsis from Amazon.com:

A bearer of doom, or a bringer of change? As the Aztec empire falls, one girl defies her destiny.

In the golden city of Tenochtitlán, the people live in awe of Emperor Montezuma and in fear of blood-hungry gods. Under an ill-fated sky, a girl is born, facing a life of submission and domestic drudgery. But Itacate has a secret passion for goldwork, forbidden to women, and is forced to disguise her identity to protect herself and her family. When her city is shaken by Cortez’s invasion, Itacate challenges fate, culture, and faith by crafting golden statues — and pursuing the love of a man who should be her enemy. From the author of I AM APACHE comes a tale of clashing cultures, a rich and powerful depiction of Aztec life during the Spanish conquest of Mexico.

I find the history of the Aztecs fascinating and I'm eager to read about it from a YA perspective.

Set Up in Soho by Dee Davis

General Fiction/Chick Lit

St. Martin's Griffin (Oct 27, 2009)

ISBN: 978-0312367619

320 pages

Synopsis from Amazon.com:

When Andrea Sevalas’ long time boyfriend announces he’s seeing someone else, Andi’s thrown for a loop—well, actually, down a cellar. Head throbbing and nose out of joint, she’s rescued by one of New York’s finest – attorneys that is. Ethan McCay is the Upper East Side heir to the kingdom of Manhattan. But Andi isn’t interested in princes. At least not the uptown variety. She’s a downtown girl with no time for Park Avenue royalty.

So what’s a fairy godmother supposed to do? Well, if she’s Andi’s Aunt Althea (the infamous Manhattan matchmaker) a little manipulation is in order. After all, even Cinderella needed a little prodding to go to the ball. And with a little help from her friends, Althea’s plan goes charmingly – until the clock strikes midnight and the truth is revealed. Certain that she’s been betrayed by the people she trusted the most, Andi runs for the safety of Soho. But matchmakers don’t give up that easily, and with Althea at the helm, Andi will discover that love comes in all kinds of packages, and that sometimes, all it takes to recognize the fact is opening your heart to the possibility.

Looks like one of those cute mindless fluff books for when your brain needs a break.

The Concubine's Daughter Pai Kit Fai

Historical Fiction

St. Martin's Griffin (Sept 29, 2009)

ISBN: 978-0312355210

496 pages

Synopsis from Amazon.com:

An epic, heart-wrenching story of a mother and daughter’s journey to their destiny.

"Lotus Feet. He would give his daughter the dainty feet of a courtesan. This would enhance her beauty and her price, making her future shine like a new coin. He smiled to himself, pouring fresh tea. And it would stop her from running away…"

When the young concubine of an old farmer in rural China gives birth to a daughter called Li-Xia, or “Beautiful One,” the child seems destined to become a concubine herself. Li refuses to submit to her fate, outwitting her father’s orders to bind her feet and escaping the silk farm with an English sea captain. Li takes her first steps toward fulfilling her mother’s dreams of becoming a scholar—but her final triumph must be left to her daughter, Su Sing, “Little Star,” in a journey that will take her from remote mountain refuges to the perils of Hong Kong on the eve of World War II.

Asian cultures are really interesting to me, so I'm really looking forward to this one.

Giving Up on Ordinary by Isla Dewar

Literary Fiction/Women's Fiction

St. Martin's Griffin (Oct 13, 2009)

ISBN: 978-0446199483

320 pages

Synopsis from Amazon.com:

In this funny and charming novel, Megs is a woman whose ordinary life is about to become absolutely extraordinary. . . .

When Megs became a house cleaner to make ends meet as a single mother of three, she didn’t realize that people would be so blinded by the cleansers and mops, they would fail to see her as an actual human being. As “the housekeeper” she’s become invisible to them all. Little do these upper-crust clients realize that her life is just as full as theirs, although perhaps a bit less high end.

Megs sings the sultry blues at a club each weekend, begins a secret affair, and drinks her troubles away with her saucy best friend, Lorraine---all while trying to keep her children happy and her head above water. But with help from an eccentric professor whose house she cleans, her life is about to get a shot in the arm. Megs begins to speak her mind, stand up for herself, and live her life in color.

I've never heard of this author before but the blurb has me intrigued. I mean, a blues singer, an affair, alcoholism - sounds like the makings of a great story to me.

Metamorphosis: Junior Year by Betsy Franco, Tom Franco (Illustrator)

YA/Mythological Adaptation

Candlewick (October 13, 2009)

ISBN: 978-0763637651

128 pages

Synopsis from Candlewick.com:

Life. Love. Death. Identity. Ovid’s got a lot on his mind, and he pours it all -- as confessions, observations, narrative poems, and drawings -- into the pages of a notebook. Inspired by his namesake, he wryly records his classmates’ dramas as modern-day Roman mythology. There’s Sophie and Caleb, the Psyche and Cupid of cyber-couples; poetic Paula, who pursues filmmaker Franny like Apollo chasing Daphne; and graphic novelist Duwayne, a Proserpina shuttling between divorced parents. Meanwhile, Ovid hides his own Olympian struggles: his meth addict sister Thena has run off, leaving him with a suffocating home life and a disturbing secret. In her striking YA debut, Betsy Franco introduces an expressive soul with a heartbreakingly authentic voice. Fantastical ink illustrations by her son Tom Franco enhance the intimate tone, delving deep into one intriguing teen’s imagination.

He’s a young artist obsessed with myths. But can he fix his own fate? Acclaimed author Betsy Franco and her talented son collaborate on a hip YA novel of "epic" proportions.

Asian cultures are really interesting to me, so I'm really looking forward to this one.

I also got...

The School For Dangerous Girls by Eliot Schrefer

The Season by Sarah MacLean

Marcelo In The Real World by Francisco X. Stork

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan

Crash Into Me by Albert Borris

Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles

Sleepless by Thomas Fahy

Tricks by Ellen Hopkins

The Hollow by Jessica Verday

Devoured by Amanda Marrone

Winter's Child: A Retelling of "The Snow Queen" by Cameron Dokey

Dani Noir by Nova Ren Suma

Ballad: The Gathering of Faerie by Maggie Stiefvater

Forest Born by Shannon Hale

Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale

The Waking: Dreams of the Dead by Thomas Randall

Lady Macbeth's Daughter by Lisa M. Klein

Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines

Pastworld by Ian Beck

Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore

The Way Home by George P. Pelecanos

Road Trip of the Living Dead by Mark Henry

Bloody Good by Georgia Evans

Bloody Awful by Georgia Evans

Thorn Queen by Richelle Mead

Bloody Right by Georgia Evans

Born of Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Shadowfae by Erica Hayes

Crimson by Jordan Summers

A Deep Kiss of Winter by Kresley Cole and Gena Showalter

Knit the Season: A Friday Night Knitting Club Book by Kate Jacobs

The Sari Shop Widow by Shobhan Bantwal

Review: Goldengrove by Francine Prose

Goldengrove by Francine Prose

Literary Fiction

Harper Perennial (Sept 8, 2009)

ISBN: 978-0060560027

288 pages

Synopsis from Amazon.com:

After the sudden death of her beloved older sister, thirteen-year-old Nico finds her life on New England's idyllic Mirror Lake irrevocably altered. Left alone to grope toward understanding, she falls into a seductive, dangerous relationship with her sister's boyfriend. Over one haunted summer, Nico faces that life-changing moment when children realize their parents can no longer help them as she experiences the mystery of loss and recovery. Still, for all the darkness at its heart, Goldengrove is radiant with the lightness of summer and charged by the restless sexual tension of adolescence.

Read more after the jump »

Rookie Wednesday: Kelly Gay, author of The Better Part of Darkness

This week's interview is with author Kelly Gay who's first published novel, The Better Part of Darkness, is due out November 24th!

What's one random tidbit about yourself?

I adore strawberry milk.

What were you doing the moment you found out that The Better Part of Darkness had sold?

I was out of town for my sister's graduation from nursing school. It was Friday the 13th, in the afternoon, and we were just hanging out downstairs when the call came to my cell phone. It wasn't completely out of the blue; I knew there was interest from Pocket, but not what the offer was or how many books they wanted. I ran upstairs, sat on the floor of my nephew's bedroom and got the news. And then I got to share the news with my mom and sister in person!

What's the best book that you've read over the past six months?

No fair! Just one? It would have to be a tie between Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews and City of Souls by Vicki Pettersson.

Read more after the jump »

Review: The Better Part of Darkness by Kelly Gay

The Better Part of Darkness by Kelly Gay

Urban Fantasy

Pocket (Nov 24, 2009)

ISBN: 978-1439109656

384 pages

Synopsis from KellyGay.net:

Divorced mother of one, Charlie Madigan, lives in a world where the beings of heaven and hell exist among us, and they aren't the things of Sunday school lessons and Hallmark figurines. In the years since the Revelation, they've become our co-workers, neighbors, and fellow citizens.

Charlie works for ITF (Integration Task Force). It's her job to see that the continued integration of our new "friends" goes smoothly and everyone obeys the law, but when a new off-world drug is released in Underground Atlanta, her daughter is targeted, and her ex-husband makes a fateful bargain to win her back, there's nothing in heaven or earth (or hell for that matter) that Charlie won't do to set things right.

Read more after the jump »

Waiting on Wednesday: The Well by A.J. Whitten

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, where we post future releases that we can't wait to get our hands on.

The Well by A.J. Whitten

Young Adult Thriller

Graphia (Sept 21, 2009)

ISBN: 978-0547232294

336 pages

Synopsis from Amazon.com:

If Hamlet thought he had issues, he should have talked to Cooper Warner.

His mother’s normally sunny demeanor has turned into something—homicidal.

And what’s worse, she has help in her hunt for Cooper: A ravenous monster living at the bottom of the old well in the woods behind their house. She’s determined to deliver her 14-year-old son straight into the creature’s eager clutches. Cooper turns to his girlfriend, Megan, for help, but then, to his horror, the creature takes her prisoner.

Now, it’s up to Cooper to fend off his murderous mother, finish his Hamlet paper, and enter the putrid lair at the bottom of the well to rescue Megan. And when he confronts the creature, Cooper must make the toughest decision of his life: kill, or be killed.

Inspired by Hamlet, THE WELL puts a terrifying twist on the Shakespearean classic.

I love re-tellings of classics and Hamlet is one of the best!

Teaser Tuesday: The Better Part of Darkness by Kelly Gay

Teaser Tuesday is an awesome weekly meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading

The Rules:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Today's teaser is from The Better Part of Darkness by Kelly Gay:

"Hank didn't have a clue what it was like to have your entire world pulled out from under you, to grieve for the loss of the fucking fairytale you thought you had. Fuck Hank." ~p. 177

Synopsis from KellyGay.net:

Divorced mother of one, Charlie Madigan, lives in a world where the beings of heaven and hell exist among us, and they aren't the things of Sunday school lessons and Hallmark figurines. In the years since the Revelation, they've become our co-workers, neighbors, and fellow citizens.

Charlie works for ITF (Integration Task Force). It's her job to see that the continued integration of our new "friends" goes smoothly and everyone obeys the law, but when a new off-world drug is released in Underground Atlanta, her daughter is targeted, and her ex-husband makes a fateful bargain to win her back, there's nothing in heaven or earth (or hell for that matter) that Charlie won't do to set things right.

Make sure to stop by tomorrow for my interview with the author, Kelly Gay!

Chicagoland Vampires Swag!

Author Chloe Neill has asked a few of us to spread the word about the contest that she has going on over at her blog.

She's giving away some great swag in a Cadogan House gift pack ! All you have to do is comment on the interviews that she's specified. Check out Chloe's blog post for details. Good luck!

In My Mailbox (16)

In my mailbox is an awesome weekly meme hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren

For review:

Monday

How to Rob an Armored Car by Iain Levison

Humorous Fiction

Soho Press (October 1, 2009)

ISBN: 978-1569475997

304 pages

Synopsis from Amazon.com:

In a dying Pennsylvania coal town, three firends are looking for a way out. Mitch is a rebellious malcontent whose bad attitude gets him fired from a chain big box store. Doug can identify any pill by sight and any ‘80s rock song by the first three notes but doesn’t understand credit scores. Kevin got married and had a kid too soon and is now on parole after serving jail time for growing marijuana. The three of them dabble in petty crime and believe they have a talent for it. They start by stealing a high-definition TV, then set their sights on bigger scores. Soon things begin to get out of hand.

I've started this one and, so far, I'm really liking it.

Viola in Reel Life by Adriana Trigiani

Young Adult Commercial Fiction

HarperTeen (September 1, 2009)

ISBN: 978-0061451027

256 pages

Synopsis from Amazon.com:

I'm marooned.

Abandoned.

Left to rot in boarding school . . .

Viola doesn't want to go to boarding school, but somehow she ends up at an all-girls school in South Bend, Indiana, far, far away from her home in Brooklyn, New York. Now Viola is stuck for a whole year in the sherbet-colored sweater capital of the world.

Ick.

There's no way Viola's going to survive the year—especially since she has to replace her best friend Andrew with three new roommates who, disturbingly, actually seem to like it there. She resorts to viewing the world (and hiding) behind the lens of her video camera.

Boarding school, though, and her roommates and even the Midwest are nothing like she thought they would be, and soon Viola realizes she may be in for the most incredible year of her life.

But first she has to put the camera down and let the world in.

Should be cute - it's been getting decent reviews.


Tuesday

Seduce Me (Legend Hunters, 1) by Robin DeHart

Historical Romance

Forever (August 1, 2009)

ISBN: 978-0446542005

304 pages

Synopsis from Amazon.com:

Fielding Grey is the second son of the Marquess of Eldon and fortune hunter by night. He's on a mission for the Legend Hunters--a group of wealthy, titled, and heart-breakingly gorgeous men, each of whom are after the find of the century--he has his eyes set on obtaining the illustrious Pandora's Box. But before he finds it, he encounters an equally alluring treasure--the woman bold enough to look inside.

Esme Worthington can't resist taking the tiniest peek inside when fate drops the real Pandora's Box in her lap. Thus, she unleashes one of Pandora's irresistible curses: the curse of lust. Now, both Esme and Fielding must deal with this passionate curse--or blessing?--before unknown implications of Pandora's Box overpower them both.

Historical romances are my new crack.

Dark Hunger (Demonborn, 2) by Rita Herron

Paranormal Romance

Forever (August 1, 2009)

ISBN: 978-0446199483

291 pages

Synopsis from Amazon.com:

HE'S EVERYTHING SHE FEARS...

Reporter Annabelle Armstrong will go to any lengths to deliver a story, even track down Quinton Valtrez, a man she believes is a coldhearted assassin. Yet the truth about the darkly sensual Quinton is even more shocking...and the overwhelming desire he ignites is one she vows to resist.

SHE'S EVERYTHING HE CRAVES

Quinton has fought his demonic powers since he was a child. Now using his gifts for the good of national security, he can't let himself be distracted by the beautiful, determined Annabelle. But his need for her is sudden, fierce--and could soon cost Annabelle her life. For a wicked enemy is out for vengeance, a demon who wants to draw Quinton into a life of pure evil and is willing to use Annabelle as bait. To save her, Quinton must achieve the near impossible: tame the sinister force that is both his inheritance and his curse before it claims him forever.

I haven't read anything by Herron yet, so this should be interesting.

Lucan (Pendragon Legacy, 1) by Susan Kearney

Futuristic Romance

Forever (September 5, 2009)

ISBN: 978-0446543316

325 pages

From Amazon.com:

THEIR LOVE IS FORBIDDEN

Healer and high priestess of her people, Lady Cael is fated to life without a mate. But a mysterious explorer named Lucan Rourke doesn't know her secrets, and his touch makes her crave a future that her extraordinary birthright has forbidden her. . .

BUT DANGER IS NO MATCH FOR DESIRE

Lucan has just one mission on Pendragon: to find the mythical Holy Grail, Earth's only hope for survival. His powerful attraction to Cael is a distraction he can't afford, unless he convinces her to join forces with him. Yet working so closely together only heightens their passion . . . even when the terrifying truth of Cael's heritage threatens to shatter Lucan's every belief-and the galaxy itself.

Wednesday

Invisible I: The Amanda Project by Stella Lennon and Melissa Kantor

Young Adult Mystery
HarperTeen (September 22, 2009)

ISBN: 978-0061742125

352 pages

From Amazon.com:

Amanda Valentino changed everything.

Callie Leary has exactly one thing, and one thing only, in common with Nia Rivera and Hal Bennett: They were each chosen by Amanda to be her guide. When Amanda arrived at Endeavor High, she told Callie she moves around a lot and always picks one person to help her navigate the choppy waters of a new school. Why did Amanda lie?

Following a course that they suspect Amanda deliberately plotted, Callie, Nia, and Hal piece together some cryptic clues. But they find more questions than answers and quickly realize that before they can figure out what happened to Amanda—the girl who changed their lives—they'll need to solve the most important mystery of all: Who is Amanda Valentino?

I love the unique idea behind this series!

Thursday

Haunting Bombay by Shilpa Agarwal

General Fiction

Soho Press (April 1, 2009)

ISBN: 978-1569475584

368 pages

Synopsis from Amazon.com:

After her mother’s death crossing the border from Pakistan to India during Partition, baby Pinky was taken in by her grandmother, Maji, the matriarch of the powerful Mittal family. Now thirteen years old, Pinky lives with her grandmother and her uncle’s family in a bungalow on the Malabar Heights in Bombay. While she has never really been accepted by her uncle’s family, she has always had Maji’s love.

One day, as monsoons engulf the city, Pinky opens a mysteriously bolted door, unleashing the ghosts of an infant who drowned shortly before Pinky’s arrival and of the nursemaid who cared for the child. Three generations of the Mittal family must struggle to come to terms with their secrets amidst hidden shame, forbidden love, and a call for absolute sacrifice.

I'm looking forward to this one - it just sounds good!

The Renegade Hunter (Rogue Hunter, 3; Argeneau Vampires, 12) by Lynsay Sands

Paranormal Romance
Avon (October 1, 2009)

ISBN: 978-0061474316

384 pages

From Amazon.com:

The Argeneau family has a secret . . . one of their own is a rogue vampire!

Nicholas Argeneau was once a successful hunter who went after rogue vampires who broke the immortal law. Except no one has mentioned his name in the last fifty years, not since he turned into a rogue himself. But once a hunter, always a hunter. When Nicholas sees a bloodthirsty sucker terrifying a woman, it's second nature for him to come to her rescue. He had no idea he would also want to kiss her senseless . . .

One minute Josephine Willan is taking in a breath of fresh air, and the next sharp fangs are heading straight for her neck! Luckily, a gorgeous stranger saves her life . . . and gets locked up for his troubles. Can a man who kisses so lovingly and passionately really have committed the crime he's accused of? Jo isn't so sure . . . and she's determined to prove that this renegade hunter is worth fighting for.

Hmmm, I've tried the first 2 in her Argeneau series and they were so-so. We'll see about this one...

Friday

After the Moment by Garret Freymann-Weyr

Young Adult
Houghton Mifflin (May 18, 2009)

ISBN: 978-0618605729

336 pages

From Amazon.com:

A new novel by the Printz Honor author Garret Freymann-Weyr, about a boy who discovers what happens when love fails us—or we fail love.

Maia Morland is pretty, only not pretty-pretty. She’s smart. She’s brave. She’s also a self-proclaimed train wreck.
Leigh Hunter is smart, popular, and extremely polite. He’s also completely and forever in love with Maia Morland.
Their young love starts off like a romance novel—full of hope, strength, and passion. But life is not a romance novel and theirs will never become a true romance. For when Maia needs him the most, Leigh betrays both her trust and her love.
Told with compassion and true understanding, After the Moment is about what happens when a young man discovers that sometimes love fails us, and that, quite often, we fail love.

This one looks really good - and sad.

Ice by Sarah Beth Durst

Young Adult Fantasy
Margaret K. McElderry (October 6, 2009)

ISBN: 978-1416986430

320 pages

From Amazon.com:

When Cassie was a little girl, her grandmother told her a fairy tale about her mother, who made a deal with the Polar Bear King and was swept away to the ends of the earth. Now that Cassie is older, she knows the story was a nice way of saying her mother had died. Cassie lives with her father at an Arctic research station, is determined to become a scientist, and has no time for make-believe.
Then, on her eighteenth birthday, Cassie comes face-to-face with a polar bear who speaks to her. He tells her that her mother is alive, imprisoned at the ends of the earth. And he can bring her back -- if Cassie will agree to be his bride.

That is the beginning of Cassie's own real-life fairy tale, one that sends her on an unbelievable journey across the brutal Arctic, through the Canadian boreal forest, and on the back of the North Wind to the land east of the sun and west of the moon. Before it is over, the world she knows will be swept away, and everything she holds dear will be taken from her -- until she discovers the true meaning of love and family in the magical realm of Ice.

I've been looking forward to this one and I've only heard good things so far! I got an extra copy too, so there'll probably be a giveaway.

Across the Endless River by Thad Carhart
Historical Fiction
Doubleday (September 1, 2009)

ISBN: 978-0385529778

384 pages

From Amazon.com:

From the acclaimed bestselling author of The Piano Shop on the Left Bank, a historical novel about Jean-Baptiste Charbonneau, the son of Sacagawea, and his intriguing sojourn as a young man in 1820s Paris.

Born in 1805 on the Lewis and Clark expedition, Jean-Baptiste Charbonneau was the son of the expedition's translators, Sacagawea and Toussaint Charbonneau. Across the Endless River compellingly portrays this mixed-blood child's mysterious boyhood along the Missouri among the Mandan tribe and his youth as William Clark's ward in St. Louis. The novel becomes a haunting exploration of identity and passion as eighteen-year-old Baptiste is invited to cross the Atlantic in 1823 with young Duke Paul of Württemberg.

During their travels throughout Europe, Paul introduces Baptiste to a world he never imagined. Gradually, Baptiste senses the limitations of life as an outsider. His passionate affair with Paul's older cousin helps him understand the richness of his heritage and the need to fashion his own future. But it is Maura, the beautiful and independent daughter of a French-Irish wine merchant Baptiste meets in Paris, who most influences his ultimate decision to return to the frontier.

Rich in the details of life in both frontier America and the European court, Across the Endless River is a captivating novel about a man at the intersection of cultures, languages, and customs.

I bought these two online and they came Saturday:

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

Mystery/Thriller

Doubleday (September 15, 2009)

ISBN: 978-0385504225

528 pages

From Amazon.com:

In this stunning follow-up to the global phenomenon The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown demonstrates once again why he is the world’s most popular thriller writer. The Lost Symbol is a masterstroke of storytelling--a deadly race through a real-world labyrinth of codes, secrets, and unseen truths . . . all under the watchful eye of Brown’s most terrifying villain to date. Set within the hidden chambers, tunnels, and temples of Washington, D.C., The Lost Symbol accelerates through a startling landscape toward an unthinkable finale.

As the story opens, Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned unexpectedly to deliver an evening lecture in the U.S. Capitol Building. Within minutes of his arrival, however, the night takes a bizarre turn. A disturbing object--artfully encoded with five symbols--is discovered in the Capitol Building. Langdon recognizes the object as an ancient invitation . . . one meant to usher its recipient into a long-lost world of esoteric wisdom.

When Langdon’s beloved mentor, Peter Solomon--a prominent Mason and philanthropist--is brutally kidnapped, Langdon realizes his only hope of saving Peter is to accept this mystical invitation and follow wherever it leads him. Langdon is instantly plunged into a clandestine world of Masonic secrets, hidden history, and never-before-seen locations--all of which seem to be dragging him toward a single, inconceivable truth.

As the world discovered in The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons, Dan Brown’s novels are brilliant tapestries of veiled histories, arcane symbols, and enigmatic codes. In this new novel, he again challenges readers with an intelligent, lightning-paced story that offers surprises at every turn. The Lost Symbol is exactly what Brown’s fans have been waiting for . . . his most thrilling novel yet.

I've been waiting so long for this! I'm addicted to Dan Brown's Robert Langdon books.

The Sartorialist by Scott Schuman

Paranormal Romance

Penguin (Non-Classics) (August 12, 2009)

ISBN: 978-0143116370

512 pages

Synopsis:

Scott Schuman just wanted to take photographs of people on the street who looked great. His now famous blog ('the bellwether American site that turned photo blogging into an art form' - "New York Times") was an attempt to showcase the wonderful and varied sartorial tastes of real people - not only those of the fashion industry. The book is a beautiful anthology of Scott's favourite shots from around the world. They include photographs of well-known fashion figures as well as those shots of the anonymous passerby whose imagination and taste delight the viewer. From the streets of Rio to Bejing, Stockholm to Milan, these are the people that have inspired Scott and in turn, inspired designers and people of all ages, wages and nationalities with an interest in fashion. Intimately designed and created with Scott, the book is a handsome object in its own right, in full colour on hand-picked, quality paper.

I believe that I've already been effusive in my praise of Scott Schuman

Winner: BBAW Giveaway

Thanks so much for entering! I've received a bunch of great blog recommendations from you guys.

And now for the winner . . .

Mishel who blogs at Mis(h)takes and recommended Book Chick City!

After going through those entries, I realized that I really need to update my blogroll. Not only do I read Mishel's blog, but I also frequent her recommendation too. Whoops, my bad.

Still, most of the entries are new to me and I'm grateful for them!

The winner was chosen through Random.org

My Adopted Words

I found out about this over at Misfit Salon (a blog I've recently discovered through BBAW).

According to the "Save the Words" folks at the Oxford English Dictionary, every year hundreds of words are dropped from the English language because they are seen as antiquated. Apparently, 90% of what we write is communicated by a group of 7,000 words.

I've decided to adopt 6 of these unloved words and try to use them as often as possible.

n.

continued passion; an unyielding disease

As in: My aeipathy for books puts a serious dent in my wallet!

adj.

very fat; overweight; grossly obese

It's always good to have a nice way to say something negative, especially when the word you want to say is "fat".

n.

vinyl phonograph records that play at 33-1/3 revolutions per

Vinyl albums are cool! The terms, like the items, should be treasured.

n.

the killing of a teacher or master

Who hasn't wanted to commit magistricide at some point during their schooling?

n.

female power that generates or gives birth to something

I am woman!...

n.

dishonest or immoral speech

Yay! Another word, other than "propaganda", that I can use to call someone's bull!

Now go adopt your own!

Friday Feature: Blogs I found thanks to BBAW

Who: A few bloggers across the web that I've recently found.

What: Their awesome book blogs.

When: BBAW, Sept. 14th - 18th

Where:

Bloggin' 'Bout Books

Book Nut

The Electrical Book Cafe

Book Nerds

At Home With Books

The Epic Rat

Bookworm 4 Life

Write Meg!

Bookluver-Carol's Reviews

Strange Epiphanies

Stop, Drop, and Read

My Blog 2.0

Yankee Romance Reviewers

The Literate Housewife

Number One Novels

Bookshelves of Doom

YA Fabulous

Misfit Salon

Parajunkee's View

Park Avenue Princess

The Neverending Shelf

GreenBeanTeenQueen

Book, Line, and Sinker

The Little Bookworm

TinasBookReviews

Book Whisperer

These are just a few of the ones that I've found. I'm still wading through links over here, but you should check these all out.

Why: Because book blogs need love too!

BBAW: All About Me!

Today's task:

". . . There’s also probably something you really love about your blog, too, something you’re really proud of. It’s time to show off! Tell us and this is really important, in 50 words or less what you love best about your blog! And then in 50 words or less where you want your blog to be by the next BBAW!"

I heart . . . my interviews.

It probably doesn't seem like much, coming up with a few questions especially after having read someone's book. But I've been trained as a journalist, so the art and importance of interviewing is a big deal to me. I love coming up with creative questions and uncovering great info about books and their authors that I can't find elsewhere. I'm especially proud of my "Rookie Wednesdays" feature that spotlights debut authors. Of course, none of it would be possible without the awesome authors!

I hope . . . just to keep on going and provide content that people enjoy.

I can't say that I've thought about the blog thing long term. I don't have any grand scheme to take the blogging world by storm or turn this into a full-time gig. I just have fun talking about books and I hope to continue doing just that.

Don't forget! My BBAW giveaway, for an ARC of Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick, ends at noon today!

Review: Friday Night Bites by Chloe Neill

Friday Night Bites (Chicagoland Vampires, 2) by Chloe Neill

Urban Fantasy

NAL Trade (October 6, 2009)

ISBN:978-0451227935

368 pages

Synopsis from Amazon:

The story of a young heiress's initiation into the dark society of the Chicagoland Vampires continues...

Ten months after vampires revealed their existence to the mortals of Chicago, they're enjoying a celebrity status usually reserved for the Hollywood elite. But should people learn about the Raves-mass feeding parties where vampires round up humans like cattle-the citizens will start sharpening their stakes.

Read more after the jump »

BBAW Meme: Thanks for Introducing Me to This Book!

Today's BBAW meme:

". . . Let’s talk about that book you know, the one you discovered only because you read about it on a book blog and then you realized you couldn’t live without it! And then you read it and you loved it so hard! Tell us about it and about the blogger (or bloggers!) that introduced the book to you!"

I love The Book Smugglers for many reasons, not the least of which is because they have a knack for featuring books that I haven't seen on other blogs.

So, for today's BBAW meme, I'm spreading the word about Jennifer Echols' Going Too Far.

I recently found out about this great YA romance thanks to Ana's review over at The Book Smugglers during their YA Appreciation Month. It's funny, touching, sweet - pretty much everything that you could want from a book in this genre. If you're into YA and/or love stories (who isn't?), then you should definitely check this one out.

HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO?

All Meg has ever wanted is to get away. Away from high school. Away from her backwater town. Away from her parents who seem determined to keep her imprisoned in their dead-end lives. But one crazy evening involving a dare and forbidden railroad tracks, she goes way too far...and almost doesn't make it back.

John made a choice to stay. To enforce the rules. To serve and protect. He has nothing but contempt for what he sees as childish rebellion, and he wants to teach Meg a lesson she won't soon forget. But Meg pushes him to the limit by questioning everything he learned at the police academy. And when he pushes back, demanding to know why she won't be tied down, they will drive each other to the edge -- and over....

Read the first chapter

Review: Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabaley

Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabaley

Young Adult

Razorbill (August 6, 2009)

ISBN: 978-1595142313

321 pages

Synopsis from Amazon.com:

Sometimes a good-bye is just the beginning…
When Emily Carson’s parents die in a plane crash, she's left with nothing but her mother’s last words scrawled in lipstick on a tray table: “Emily, please forgive me.”

Now it’s fall and Emily moves to New York City— where she attracts the attention of two very different boys: the cute, popular Owen, and her quirky chemistry partner, Anthony. With the help of some surprising new friends, Emily must choose between the boy who helps her forget and the one who encourages her to remember, and ultimately heal.

Read more after the jump »

Rookie Wednesday: Jennifer Jabaley, author of Lipstick Apology

This week's newbie author is Jennifer Jabaley, author of Lipstick Apology which is in stores now!

What's one random tidbit about yourself?

I refused to eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich until I was 30 years old. I know, I'm strange, but the idea of it just never appealed to me. But once I tried it, now I love it.

What were you doing the moment you found out that Lipstick Apology had sold?

I returned from lunch with my husband and heard the message from my agent on our answering machine. I had a six week old infant so I was totally sleep deprived and wasn't entirely sure what had just happened. My husband actually picked up the phone and made me call her back.

What's the best book that you've read over the past six months?

Hmm, that's a hard call. But I will say I just started When You Reach Me by Rachel Stead and I have a feeling that it will top my list.

Read more after the jump »

Waiting on Wednesday: Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, where we post future releases that we can't wait to get our hands on.

Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby

Literary Fiction

Riverhead (Sept 29, 2009)

ISBN: 978-1594488870

416 pages

Synopsis from Amazon.com:

Annie loves Duncan-or thinks she does. Duncan loves Annie, but then, all of a sudden, he doesn't. Duncan really loves Tucker Crowe, a reclusive Dylanish singer-songwriter who stopped making music ten years ago. Annie stops loving Duncan, and starts getting her own life.

In doing so, she initiates an e-mail correspondence with Tucker, and a connection is forged between two lonely people who are looking for more out of what they've got. Tucker's been languishing (and he's unnervingly aware of it), living in rural Pennsylvania with what he sees as his one hope for redemption amid a life of emotional and artistic ruin-his young son, Jackson. But then there's also the new material he's about to release to the world: an acoustic, stripped-down version of his greatest album, Juliet-entitled, Juliet, Naked.

What happens when a washed-up musician looks for another chance? And miles away, a restless, childless woman looks for a change? Juliet, Naked is a powerfully engrossing, humblingly humorous novel about music, love, loneliness, and the struggle to live up to one's promise.

I've been meaning to pick up a Nick Hornby novel for a while. This one caught my eye, so I might as well start with it.

BBAW Reading Meme

BBAW has hit the halfway mark! Today's special is this interesting little reading meme. If you participate in this activity, link to it in the comments so I can compare. If you don't have a blog, tell me how you stack up in the comments.

Do you snack while you read? If so, favorite reading snack?

Ice cream, gummy worms, or anything chocolate. Except for the gummies, probably not the most paper friendly foods :)

Do you tend to mark your books as you read, or does the idea of writing in books horrify you?

In general, it horrifies me. Although there were a few books in school that I just didn't give a damn about...

How do you keep your place while reading a book? Bookmark? Dog-ears?

Bookmarks for all, unless it was a school book that I didn't plan on selling.

Laying the book flat open?

No! Creases = blasphemy!

Fiction, Non-fiction, or both?

Both, unless you're talking about self-help ::shudders::

Hard copy or audiobooks?

Hard copy. I don't think I could ever get into the audiobook thing - might as well watch TV or listen to the radio.

Are you a person who tends to read to the end of chapters, or are you able to put a book down at any point?

End of chapters. If I don't make it at least to the end of that chapter, then I probably won't be picking it up again soon.

If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop to look it up right away?

Yup

What are you currently reading?

Casting Spells by Barbara Bretton

What is the last book you bought?

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown and The Sartorialist by Scott Schuman

Are you the type of person that only reads one book at a time or can you read more than one at a time?

I'm currently in the middle of about 20 books.

Do you have a favorite time of day and/or place to read?

Anytime, anywhere.

Do you prefer series books or stand alone books?

No preference.

Is there a specific book or author that you find yourself recommending over and over?

Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel

How do you organize your books? (By genre, title, author’s last name, etc.?)

Organize?? Lol! On Goodreads and LibraryThing, they're organized by genre and a few other tags. At home, uh...