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In My Mailbox (24)

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Welcome to another edition of In My Mailbox, hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It’s a showcase of books received for review, at the library, or purchased in the last week.

Another quiet week! I’m actually kind of glad because I have been in a wicked reading slump lately. Fortunately, I am reading one now that’s really working for me.

For review:

Dark Mirror by MJ Putney (March 1, St. Martin’s Griffin): This looks radically different from most stuff I read and that’s why it excites me. It looks like it’s part regency romance, part fantasy.

Paradise by Jill Alexander (July, Feiwel & Friends/Macmillin): A romance set in Texas that has to do with music. It sounds a little bit like Lovestruck Summer meets Somebody Everybody Listens To.

Don’t Stop Now by Julie Halpern (June, Feiwel & Friends/Macmillin): A road trip born of a fake kidnapping. Julie wrote Into the Wild Nerd Yonder which I really enjoyed, and not only that, but she works as librarian not too far from where I live.

From the library:

Dani Noir by Nova Ren Suma: I finished Imaginary Girls a couple weeks ago (and you’ll get that review closer to release date) and quite liked it. I’m eager to see what her first release, a middle grade mystery, holds. I think it’s one I will be book talking to the 7th grade in a few weeks.

In My Mailbox (23)

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Welcome to another installment of In My Mailbox, hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It’s a weekly showcase of books received for review, purchased, or picked up at the library.

And thus, I share with you the sad news that my mailbox is completely destroyed. Gone. What started as a break from the mail man has turned into no mailbox at all. It got plowed in the blizzard. Alas, may it rest in peace.

For review:

Divergent by Veronica Roth (May, HarperCollins): A dystopian set in Chicago. I picked up a copy at ALA, this one one will be going to my teens this week.

Strings Attached by Judy Blundell (March, Scholastic): A historical fiction that I’ve read may be stronger than her NBA winning What I Saw and How I Lied.

This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel (August, Simon and Schuster): I read the news this week that this title got optioned for film, and I think I walked around all week wishing in my head I could read it. I mean, it’s a prequel to Frankenstein. And it was really played up as Oppel’s best writing to date. A really nice surprise to come!

Bitter End by Jennifer Brown (May, Little Brown): About an abusive relationship. Brown’s Hate List was good, and I’m eager to see her sophomore effort.

Bird in a Box by Andrea Davis Pinkney (April, Little Brown): A middle grade historical fiction that involves Joe Louis. Looks interesting!

I’ll Be There by Holly Goldberg Sloan (May, Little Brown): A debut novel about family and relationships. Sounds pretty powerful.

The Time-Traveling Fashionista by Bianca Turetsky (April, Poppy/Little Brown): Fashion and time travel. A fun, lighter hearted title.

Purchased:

One Lonely Degree by C. K. Kelly Martin: I may have read I Know It’s Over this week and cried more than I have ever cried while reading a book. The voice is so strong and compelling and the story killed me (in a good way). And immediately, I bought Martin’s second book. I’m so excited about this. You have no idea.

In My Mailbox (22)

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Welcome to In My Mailbox, a weekly feature hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren to highlight the books purchased, received for review, or picked up at the library in the last week.

It’s been a rough week – extremely busy with little pay off. Fortunately, there were some good books picked up during the week and a spot of awesome news that came through Friday night. I’ll share that at the end.

For review:

Jenna and Jonah’s Fauxmance by Emily Franklin and Brenden Halpin: This one looks like a lighthearted comedy. I read the pair’s Notes from the Blender and loved it, so I’m excited for this one.

These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf: I got my first ever pitch via Twitter for this one, and it is completely up my alley. Secrets, sisters, and an Iowa setting.

Wither by Lauren DeStefano: This one came in a cool black box. It was packed in pink confetti and came with a small tube of pink candy. Since it’s my third copy of this dystopian, I guess that means I really should bump it up my to-read list since it’s one that’ll be getting a lot of buzz when it drops in March. The other copies I plan on passing off to my teens at work after their first book club meeting (more on that in a second!).

From the library:

Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A. S. King: I’ve been wanting to read this one for a while, and now that it got a Printz honor, I am trying to bump it up my list.

XVI by Julia Karr: This debut title is a dystopian got high praises from some folks I know and trust, and it also happens to be the book my teen book club chose as their first title. Looks like excellent discussion material. And since I’ve been asked kindly by more than one person, I will share how the discussion goes when we finish — we’re lucky enough to also get a chance to chat with the author during our book club meeting. I’m all about the interaction and cannot wait to see the looks on my teens’ faces.

Other:
I had a program to go to on Friday as a kickoff to planning Summer Reading at the library, and on the way, one of my colleagues had two graphic novels to pass to someone more interested. I was glad to take those off her hands. Then, I was also a door prize winner at the event, which meant I got to pick up another prize book from a small pile.

Level Up by Gene Luen Yang: Family, video games, and a bit of magical realism in this graphic novel.

Empire State: A Love Story (Or Not) by Jason Shiga: Shiga wrote Meanwhile which got a lot of praise recently. This one looks really, really up my alley after my Julia Wertz binge, even though the stories are quite different. This one’s about romance and New York City and the illustrations looks excellent.

How Lamar’s Bad Prank Won a Bubba-Sized Trophy by Crystal Allen: This tween/early teen novel is about a guy who likes to bowl. Supposed to be quite funny and has a little romance in it.

So on to the good news from this week:

This week, I finally heard word that a proposal Sarah and I put together for this summer’s American Library Association annual conference was accepted! We’ll be running a table talk all about (drum roll!) contemporary young adult literature and why it’s such an important collection area, despite being overlooked again and again on so many “best of” lists. We’re focusing on a number of different topics, including the ways today’s debut and new authors match up with standard authors, crucial themes emerging in the literature, names you need to know, websites to keep track of, and more. To say we’re thrilled would be an understatement. There is nothing more exciting than sharing something I’m passionate about and firing other people up about them, too. So if you’ll be in New Orleans this summer for the conference, stop by our session! Even if you can’t make it there, we’re hoping we can post something on our blogs to share ideas with all our readers.

In My Mailbox (22)

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Welcome to another installment of In My Mailbox, hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It’s a chance to highlight the books received for review, from the library, or purchased in the last week.

Can I just say how nice and quiet it was? Because it was! I’ve had a chance to catch up on some back list titles lately, as well as some new ones, without a lot of review obligations.

For review:

Nada!

From the library:

Paranoid Park by Blake Nelson: I read this one this week after finishing Nelson’s classic Girl. Let’s say I’m on a kick here. I will post a review soon, but this one is high on guy appeal, is fast paced, and reminded me a bit of Mark Shulman’s Scrawl.

Bought:

Entangled by Cat Clarke: This debut book made its way from the UK for me. A contemporary fiction that I’m about half way through. Great voice in this one.

In My Mailbox (20): ALA edition

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Welcome to In My Mailbox, hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It’s a weekly look at the books received for review, purchased, or picked up at the library.

I’d like to call this week’s a sneak peek at a ton of great books to come. Links take you to GoodReads.

Picked up at ALA Midwinter, organized by publisher. Not all of the books listed are pictured.:

Candlewick

The Piper’s Son by Melina Marchetta (March) — This one is supposed to be much different than Marchetta’s Jellicoe Road, which I did not love.

Blink & Caution by Tim Wynne-Jones (March) — The rep talked this one up a lot.

The Anti-Prom by Abby McDonald (April) — McDonald writes great lighthearted reads.

What Comes After by Steve Watkins (April) — A book about grief.

Sister Mischief by Laura Goode (July) — Debut novel about a lesbian band.

Bloomsbury

Mad Love by Suzanne Selfors (available now)

Taking Off by Jenny Moss (available now) — For some reason, when I first heard of this book, I thought it was middle grade. Then I got really excited hearing the main character is a senior in high school. An interesting take on the Challenger explosion. I’ve been into the 80s historical fiction lately.

Sean Griswold’s Head by Lindsey Leavitt (March) — This one is part of the Contemps challenge.

In the Shadow of the Lamp by Susanne Dunlap (April) — A London girl gets the chance to work with Florence Nightingale. This one sounded like it might be up Kim’s alley.

Flawless by Lara Chapman (May) — This debut is a retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac.

Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey (June)

Vicious Little Darlings by Katherine Easer (June) — A debut drawing comparisons to Pretty Little Liars.

Small Town Sinners by Melissa Walker (July) — A Contemps book. I read this one already and am impressed with the departure Walker makes from her previous titles. There is a fuller review to come when it gets closer to pub date, but the teaser is this: this is a story about religious conviction and the discomfort one has when their worldview is challenged. It is one of the most fair and thoughtful takes on this topic I’ve read.

The Death Catchers by Jennifer Ann Kogler (August) — A little supernatural and a little historical fiction, a la King Arthur.

Amulet

Shine by Lauren Myracle (May) — A southern mystery.

Francis Lincoln

Almost True by Keren David — The companion to When I Was Joe, which I reviewed here.

Egmont

Family by Micol Ostow (April) — This verse novel is part of the Contemps challenge and is loosely based on the Manson family murders.

The Sweetest Thing by Christina Mandelski (May) — The rep sold this debut as similar to Sarah Dessen.

Little Brown

The Time-Traveling Fashionista by Bianca Turetsky (April) — Debut

The Midnight Palace by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (May)

Bitter End by Jennifer Brown (May) — I found Brown’s Hate List extremely powerful and expect the same of this story about abuse.

Harper Collins

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand (available now) — This is a debut paranormal about angels, but I’ve been assured it is top notch in the genre.

Father of Lies by Ann Turner (February) — A historical fiction about the Salem Witch Trials.

Cloaked by Alex Flinn (February) — Flinn’s known for her fairy tale mash ups, and this one fits into that niche she’s made.

Rival by Sara Bennett Wealer (February) — Another debut but this one’s about rivalry and friendship over music.

Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting (March) — Sequel to The Body Finder.

Illegal by Bettina Restrepo (March) — A debut that sounds a bit like Crossing the Wire by Will Hobbs but for the older set. We need more books like this, so I am really excited to see this one.

The Incorrigible Children of Aston Place: The Hidden Gallery by Maryrose Wood (March)

Through Her Eyes by Jennifer Archer (April) — This debut looks like a bit of a mystery. It’s also set in West Texas which is an area that fascinates me to no end. Honestly, most books set in Texas do it for me.

Fury of the Phoenix by Cindy Pon (April)

Divergent by Veronica Roth (May) — A debut dystopian. If that weren’t enough, this one’s set in Chicago, a city that does NOT get enough stories set in it.

The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson (May)

The Berlin Boxing Club by Robert Sharenow (June) — I read Sharenow’s My Mother the Cheerleader, which is about a group of women in 1960s New Orleans who harass a black student in the first segregated school in the city. I loved this story and am eager to see what this one brings.

Shadowcry by Jenna Burtenshaw (July) — A debut that begins in a book store and a crime that may be solved through a book.

Ten Things We Did and Probably Shouldn’t Have by Sarah Mlynowski (July) — Sounds a little like a bucket list for teens.

Withering Tights by Louise Rennison (July) — I loved (but got burned out on) Georgia Nicholson. I love the humor with which Rennison writes, and since this one’s garnered a lot of praise in Britain, I am even more excited.

A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young (July) — I’m eager to see Young’s writing progress from her first book, The Naughty List. And boy, did the lovely people at Harper work hard to find this book for me. Thank you!

Penguin

Across the Universe by Beth Revis (available now) — Another debut dystopian.

Leverage by Joshua Cohen (February) — This debut is about steroid use and is supposed to be incredible realistic and heart stopping. I don’t read enough sports stories, either.

No Passengers Beyond This Point by Gennifer Choldenko (February)

Close to Famous by Joan Baur (February)

Glitz by Philana Marie Boles (February)

Chime by Franny Billingsley (March) — And here’s another debut.

Where She Went by Gayle Forman (April) — I really didn’t think this book needed to happen. I thought that If I Stay was such a wonderful standalone with the perfect conclusion. It almost feels like cheating that there is a second book. And yet, I’m also a little curious if I’m judging too soon. I’m guessing I’ll still hold my convictions here, but I thought I’d be fair.

Back When You Were Easier to Love by Emily Wing Smith (April) — A quirky romance that’s part of the Contemps challenge. Also, this one fits into the other theme I’m seeing this year, which is characters named Xan/Zan.

The Returning by Christine Hinwood (April) — This debut is set during war and is supposed to be a literary story.

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen (May) — All of Dessen’s books feel the same to me but it doesn’t stop my desire to want to read the new one.

Flutter by Erin E. Moulton (May) — This debut is a story about sisters and miracles. Sisters seem to be one of the emerging trends in 2011.

Displacement by Thalia Chaltas (June) — Verse novel in the style of Ellen Hopkins. I really dug her first book.

Crossing Lines by Paul Volponi (June) — Jocks and bullying. It sounds very timely.

Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma (June) — Probably the book I was most looking for. It, too, is a sister story and it sounds a little like Feathered by Laura Kasishke which I liked quite a bit.

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer (July)

Scholastic

Sequins, Secrets, and Silver Linings by Sophia Bennett (available now)

Warp Speed by Lisa Yee (March) — This middle grade novel was hand sold by the rep as one of her favorites of the season.

Strings Attached by Judy Blundell (March) — 1950s New York. This is Blundell’s second novel writing as herself. I wasn’t a huge fan of her first title, What I Saw and How I Lied, but I can’t resist the setting here again. Anyone else find it impossible not to refer to her only as Jude Watson?

Clarity by Kim Harrington (March) — A debut paranormal murder mystery.

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray (May) — Confession: I’ve never read Libba Bray. Well, actually, I tried to read the first book of the Gemma Doyle series but failed. I’m hoping this one is just the right mix of bizarre and funny to work for me.

Disney Hyperion
* I won’t say much about these, since you can read my report on the preview here.

Love, Inc. by Yvonne Collins and Sandy Rideout (available now) — I went out with Drea a couple of weeks ago to a book store and we saw this book and both were embarrassed we didn’t know the authors, since they’ve put out a few books. Glad to be able to “meet” them.

The Darlings by Melissa Kantor (January) — A trio of friends.

Mission (Un)popular by Anna Humphrey (June)

Mercy by Rebecca Lim (May) — Debut fallen angel novel.

Girl Wonder by Alexa Martin (May) — Debut.

Putting Makeup on Dead People by Jennifer Violi (July) — Can I just say this debut novel looks so good? It’s about a girl who, after losing her father, wants to become a mortician? How many books like this exist?

Sharks and Boys by Kristen Tracy (June) — This book falls in with the contemps challenge.

Nerd Girls: The Rise of the Dorkasaurus (July) by Alan Lawrence Sitomer

Flux

The Latte Rebellion by Sarah Jamila Stevenson (available now) — I’m really excited about this debut. It’s a poc title and hits on topics that aren’t covered enough in ya lit.

The Shadow Walkers by Brent Hartinger (available now)

Chasing Alliecat by Rebecca Fjelland Davis (available now) — Another debut and this one’s got a bit of mystery, a bit of adventure, and biking.

Playing Hurt by Holly Schindler (March) — I liked Schindler’s A Blue So Dark and am eager for this sophomore effort.

Popular by Alissa Grosso (May) — Another debut. I am so impressed with how many debuts have been available this year.

Macmillan

The Flirt Club by Cathleen Daly (available now) — Another debut novel.

The Girl Who Became a Beatle by Greg Taylor (available now)

The Lover’s Dictionary by David Levithan (available now) — I am curious about Levithan’s first adult novel.

Dark Mirror by M. J. Putney (March) — A debut historical mystery. Sounds up my alley.

The Pull of Gravity by Gae Polisher (May) — I’m really excited about this debut. It came highly recommended via some folks on Twitter.

Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier (May) — This book is an import from Germany, where it’s been a huge hit. It was a hand sell from the rep.

My Life Undecided by Jessica Brody (June) — Brody’s sophomore effort after The Karma Club. I’m curious about this one since it centers on a girl who uses her blog to determine what she does in life.

Queen of Hearts by Martha Brooks (August) — A 1940s Sanitorium story.

Glow: The Sky Chasers by Amy Kathleen Ryan (Fall 2011) — Hand sold this one twice. I’ve read it already and cannot express how eager I am to discuss it with other readers. It’s a space fantasy with Puritan ties and is a story about religion and secularism and leadership. It’s meaty and dense and one I can’t stop thinking about.

Simon and Schuster
Again, since most of these were covered here, I won’t talk much about them.

Cryer’s Cross by Lisa McMann (February)

Haven by Kristi Cook (February) — Debut

Red Glove by Holly Black (April)

Small Acts of Amazing Courage by Gloria Whelan (April)

Stay by Deb Caletti (April) — The rep said this was her favorite Caletti title to date.

Blood Red Road by Moira Young (June) — And you already know this is a debut.

Random House

Timeless by Alexandra Monir (available now) — A debut that was named Goodreads best for January 2011.

Something Like Hope by Shawn Goodman (available now) — I’m kind of tired of the fact so many books featuring African American characters take place inside juvenile facilities.

Other Words for Love by Lorraine Zago Rosenthal (available now) — Another debut title. It’s gotten a lot of good blogger buzz.

The Running Dream by Wendy Van Draanen (available now) — This one sounds so good. About a girl with a prosthetic limb who wants to run.

Exposed by Kimberly Marcus (February) — A debut that’s being compared to Ellen Hopkins for its gritty, edgy flavor. The rep told me this was her favorite of their offerings this spring.

Like Mandarin by Kirsten Hubbard (March) — This book is both a debut AND part of the contemps challenge. It’s one I’ve been looking forward to a while. It sounds a bit quirky and is set in rural Wyoming. It really takes little for me, I’m seeing.

Rotters by Daniel Kraus (April) — I remember Kraus talking about this at Anderson’s two years ago. I’m eager to read it because it’s about grave robbing. What a rich (hee) subject.

The Lucky Kind by Alyssa Sheinmel (May) — I realized how much I’ve read in the past year when I asked the rep if this book was by the same author as The Beautiful Between and she didn’t know. It is, by the way.

My Not-So-Still Life by Liz Gallagher (May)

Paper Covers Rock by Jenny Hubbard (June) — A debut set in a boys’ boarding school. Should be interesting to see a story like that from a guy’s perspective. Maybe flavorings of some well-loved classics?

Hooked by Catherine Greenman (August) — This debut is the only pregnant girl story I picked up. Is this a dying trend?

And if that wasn’t enough, when I got home, I also had this one in my mailbox!

The Liar Society by Lisa and Laura Roecker (March, Sourcebooks)

Bought:

Before I left for my trip, I ended up buying a book for my nook. I haven’t read it yet but am eager because it sounds so good and up my alley for a love story. And actually, I did buy another book this week but it hasn’t come yet. Maybe next week!

The Big Crunch by Pete Hautman — Love without being about love and romance without being romance while being romance. It makes sense, right?