Destination YA: The Beach

Where better to visit during the summer than the beach? The water is refreshing (or chilling if you spent your summer days at Lake Michigan like me). The warm sand feels like your own personal foot massage (until it gets too hot). And lounging under an oversized umbrella is about as relaxing as it can get. Let your worries slide into the ocean and disappear forever (or until you get back to your car).

© Billyfoto | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images

Here are some great YA gems that aren’t only awesome beach reads, but that take place near the beaches of the Carolinas, Hamptons and England too. Dive right in!

　

Along for the Ride: Sarah Dessen

Along for the Ride takes place in the fictional coastal town of Colby during the bright days of summer. Auden and Eli are both struggling to overcome their pasts, in Auden’s case her parent’s divorce which caused her to grow up too quickly and Eli is haunted by a friend that passed too soon. Together they learn what it means to be young and carefree, along the always comforting Carolina shore.

　

Rules of Summer: Joanna Philbin

When Rory signs on to be a summer errand girl for a wealthy family in the Hamptons, she descends into another world of beachfront mansions, expensive cars and the latest fashion, not to mention a summer romance that is all her own. The other staff warns Rory not to get close to the family she’s working for, but soon she’s friends with Isabel Rule. It’s all fun and laughter until some hidden Rule family secrets come to the surface and their picture-perfect summer takes a turn like a storm approaching shore.

　

The Prince of Mist: Carlos Ruiz Zafón

This isn’t your typical beachy-fun novel with swimsuits, cute lifeguards and a plethora of pool floaties. The Prince of Mist takes places in an English coastal town during World War II, where three young teens are confronted with a legend of old that manifests into a ghostly, deadly prince of the mist. The coastal environment plays a role as Max, Alicia and Roland explore the old house where they just moved and fields and beach surrounding it. If you’re looking for something a little darker to beat away the perpetual sunshine, this is it!

　

More books with beaches:

The Lifeguard: Deborah Blumenthal

The Moon and More: Sarah Dessen

The Summer I Turned Pretty: Jenny Han

　

Don’t forget to wiggle your toes in the sand!

Keeping Up the Juggling Act of Writing and Life

Juggling my work, passion and everything else seems to be more of a job than anything these days. In balancing my work and passion (which I posted about last month), I have so many balls in the air that I’ve created an unsteady balance, which I’m desperately trying to keep manageable. Metaphorically, I’ve become quite the juggler. Luckily I’m a natural at organization (thanks Mom & Dad for those genes!) so it’s not as difficult as it could be to keep everything straight. However, sometimes it seems that if I get distracted in making sure one ball flies high, the rest might tumble down on my head.

Then at least I'd have my own ball pit to go nuts in.

Here’s what I have in the air at the moment:

Passion:

·         Novel Writing

·         Short Story Writing

·         Blogging

·         Tribe Writers course

·         Freelance work

·         Reading (books, blogs, etc.)

 

Work:

·         Work #1: Bookstore

·         Work #2: Bank

Personal:

·         Boyfriend time

·         Family time

·         Me time

·         Cleaning/Cooking/Keeping my life livable

I have to admit that I don’t spit my focus equally. If I tried, I would likely fail. But I think the point is to keep all these aspects of my life in the air, yet really concentrate on two or three at a time. I strive to make sure that all my focuses are kept at a manageable level (clean clothes to wear, blog kept up-to-date, showing up at work on time and with a smile) but I need to ensure that I’m thriving at the most important.

Some suggestions that help:

1.       Write every day! Or (if I’m working a double) at least contemplate my story daily to keep the plot and my characters in the front of my mind

2.       Passion first: On my days off, I try to write/blog/read first, so if I run out of time/caffeine by the end of the day, the other stuff (cleaning/errands/miscellaneous) will get cut

As I keep up this crazed, caffeine-charged juggling act, I can’t forget why I have so many balls in the air. The reason behind the madness is my passion for writing, and the goals I'm working toward. These can’t fall by the wayside. Keeping up the juggling act is hard work, but hopefully, one day, accomplisihng my dream will be the ultimate reward.

15 Must-Read Teen Books: 2013 Update

Just about a year ago, I gathered a list of the top 15 must-read teen books (that can be found in the teen section in a bookstore). At the time, I thought it was a pretty solid (though slightly subjective) list. Recently, I took a look back and decided I would change a few things. (That happens with time.) So here’s my 2013 update, with many repeats, but with some new (though not necessarily newly published) and awesome teen books!

All Unquiet Things: Anna Jarzab (new)

Truthfully, this should have been on last year's list. All Unquiet Things is murder mystery set in California. It’s intelligent, intriguing and profound not to mention one of the best teen books I read in 2010. Jarzab's debut continues to impress me, as well as her follow-up works The Opposite of Hallelujah and Tandem.

Boy Meets Boy: David Levithan (new)

This is an expertly crafted book about a boy who loves another boy and the crazy unique high school that they attend. Its ground-breaking impact continues to be felt throughout the YA genre, especially as it’s celebrating its 10^th anniversary this year.  

Divergent: Veronica Roth (new)

When Tris Pryor chooses to leave her family behind for the danger of the Dauntless, she has no idea the hard work, controversy and ultimately the consequences and heartbreak that will come. Roth creates a magnificent dystopian tale where Tris, Four and others are not only in the midst of the action, they are the action.

Eleanor & Park: Rainbow Rowell (new)

The relationship of Eleanor and Park is not only moving, but makes for an astounding and unputdownable read. It's ground-breaking in its realness, and their love is relatable in its imperfection. This is the only book on my list published in 2013, and it's quickly becoming a headliner of YA.

Ender’s Game: Orson Scott Card

Ender's tale is not only a teen mainstay but a science fiction classic as well. With the story soon to grace the big screen, the popularity (and controversy) will surely increase in the coming months.

Graceling: Kristin Cashore

This is Cashore's debut novel, and a repeat on this list. Katsa is a strong, Graced but flawed girl struggling to break from her uncle's control. Her world is medieval fantasy, and the story is definitely worth the read. Katsa appears in the sequel Bitterblue and briefly in the companion Fire.

Heist Society: Ally Carter

Kat Bishop is from a family of thieves but strives to use her skills for good, which equals an intriguing yet mischievous female Robin Hood. Carter writes light-hearted teen novels that are fun yet entrancing reads. Heist Society is the first in her second series, and is a repeat from last year on this list.

If I Stay: Gayle Forman

Mia is in a coma after a devastating car accident that took the lives of her family. In an out-of-body experience, she relives past events and watches her friends and family gather around her. Will she join her family on the other side, or wake to the everyday struggle that is life? This is a profound, moving YA book about the importance of choices and the will to fight. This is its second year on this list.

Levithan: Scott Westerfeld

Westerfeld writes an alternate version of WWI in a story that pits the Darwinists (British, French) and their living creatures against the Clankers (Austro-Hungarians, Germans) and their war machines. Imaginative, full of action with sprinkles of history, this tale is not only a repeat on this list, but on the forefront of YA steampunk.

Shadow & Bone: Leigh Bardugo (new)

When Alina, a lowly mapmaker in the nation of Ravka, discovers an ancient and terrifying power, she's whisked away by the mysterious yet alluring Darking. Bardugo crafts an intriguing, new tale with hints of Russian legend and lore. I devoured this debut as well as its sequel Siege & Storm and am anxiously awaiting the third and final in this must-read trilogy.

The Book Thief: Marcus Zusak

This historical fiction novel has quickly become a modern classic, and is a repeat on this list. Narrated by Death during the Holocaust, the story follows Liesel and her life in Nazi Germany. This is a fascinating, powerful tale and a new take on this time in history.

The Fault in Our Stars: John Green (new)

Hazel and Augustus’ story caused my heart to break and to leap with joy (though not at the same time). Admittedly, I took my time picking this one up, which is why it's not a repeat this year but a new addition. It will surely be a bestseller, must-read and feat of YA fiction for years to come.

The Giver: Lois Lowry

A classic dystopian novel, this is a quick, intriguing read that leaves the reader thinking. A precursor to today's dystopian sub-genre and a repeat on this list, Lowry created a classic in her telling of Jonas and his seemingly perfect world. Son, the last in the Giver quartet, was released just last year.

The Hunger Games: Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games will likely be immortalized as the poster-child for YA dystopia. In a televised fight to the death in a futuristic world where the U.S. has fallen and the Capitol controls twelve districts in a grueling manner, one girl starts a revolution. With the movie sequel to be released this November, if you haven't heard of the awesomeness of this trilogy, then I don't know where you've been hiding.

Thirteen Reasons Why: Jay Asher

This thought-provoking novel lists the thirteen reasons why Hannah committed suicide. It's a heart-wrenching, masterfully-written story and a must-read for the YA genre (as it's a repeat on this list). Asher has only one other YA novel, The Future of Us co-authored with Carolyn Mackler.

 

Let me know your thoughts! Thanks for reading!

Poison as Motivation

I picked up Poison because I liked the cover. How many times have you done that? This one had a girl in the woods and a near-hidden piglet. It was colorful and intriguing and I felt, just by seeing the cover, that it would be something I’d like. And after reading the description, I knew this would be my next read.

Right as I was making my final decision, something on the back inside cover caught my eye. The word “was” doesn’t usually make an appearance when describing the author. So I read through and discovered the tragic news: the author of Poison, Bridget Zinn, had not lived to see the book published. Over two years ago, she passed away from cancer.   

Suddenly my desire to read this book catapulted into an aching need. I felt that I owed it to Bridget, who hadn’t lived to see her dream of publication come true. I wanted to experience her writing and pass it along. As I read the book and grew to love it, it was difficult to know that I wouldn’t be able to dive into a sequel or another story by her. There was so much potential between the lines: Bridget’s potential to create more and to write more.

Poison is quirky, fun, imaginative and engulfing. The organization of the book was expertly crafted,and the surprises continually astonished me, particularly the last one which I didn’t see coming. It was gasp-worthy and smile-worthy and even though I wish there was a sequel, I appreciate Poison as a great stand-alone fantasy tale.

For me, Poison serves as a reminder that life is unpredictable. There are many people whose lives are lost before their dreams come true. For Bridget, the love of her husband and the help of many friends led to her dream being accomplished posthumously.  But for the vast majority of people, their passing means their dreams perish as well.

It is a reminder, and a motivator. I may have decades to achieve my dreams, but I can’t rely on it. I can hope for years upon years, but that doesn’t mean I can procrastinate. I need to work toward my dreams now. I need to work hard to accomplish what I want to now. Life is unpredictable. Anything can happen, which can be both a blessing and a curse.  

Cheers to Bridget, and the accomplishment of Poison. Cheers to all those that assisted with its publication.

Find out more about Poison here!

Review of 101 Secrets for your Twenties

So the 101 secrets aren’t exactly secrets (at least not now that they’re published). But they feel like secrets. They feel like something I’d pass between cubicles disguised as some-report-or-another as to hide it from my boss, who’s parading as a real-life, half-dead adult. They’re secrets in that I didn’t realize how true they were until I read them. I knew they existed, but I didn’t know how to put them into words. But thankfully Paul did that for me.

The best thing about this book is when I realized that I’m not alone (Secret 32). I’m not alone in my lousy job, frustration, disappointment, confusion and insecurity. I’m not alone feeling as if my dream is so far away from coming true. But this book didn’t gloss over or skirt around the truth. It’s real and relatable, and proclaims truths which may be hard to swallow (like 73). However it’s what I need. It’s what most twenty-somethings need. Oh so desperately.

If you’re a twenty-something, this book has something for you. It addresses work, love, dating, marriage, relationships, friendships, faith, passion, emotional, financial, and physical health, goals, etc. The advice is concise,and comes from someone who (you can just tell) has been there, done that. Paul’s voice is clear and friendly, as if he’s sitting next to me at a bar, telling me how it is in a straight forward yet encouraging tone.

Plus, 101 Secrets for your Twenties is unbelievably quotable! Consider these great selections:

·         “You have to be on stage to win.” Secret 2, pg19

·         “Attack your insecurities before they can attack you.” Secret 33, pg74

·         “Complaining is passive and powerless. Creating is proactive and powerful.” Secret 38, pg84

·         “Change or die! …Those who know how to change will win.” Secret 62, pg125

·         “Complacency is a disease!” Secret 69, pg139

·         “Declare the truth of your bright future instead of the reality of your lackluster present.” Secret 83, pg165

·         “All explorers have to get lost. That’s when they make their biggest discoveries.” Secret 93, pg182

There were so many connections and ah-ha moments for me, including but not limited to secrets 19, 29, 68, 69, 73, 86, 87. And as I read, I found secrets to share with my boyfriend (43, 96), my brothers (55, 87), high school friends (10, 66), co-workers (11, 45) cousins (15) and on and on.

Out of 101 secrets, there was only one that I’m in denial about (52) and that’s just because I’m not a fan of wine. (I’m a mixed drinks kind of girl.) But even so, that’s a great percentage of relatablility. I can imagine that not every twenty-something would connect with every secret, but I’d bet every twenty-something could find at least one (if not dozens) that speak to their situation. There were even secrets that relate to writers like me. Secrets 4 and 21 had writer-specific inspiration, if not directly then in metaphor.

“Don’t cram your plotline into someone else’s story!” (pg53)

This book isn’t just a list of secrets that you chuckle at then set aside. It is an affirmation. It is a call to action. It’s a reminder not to dismiss your 20s, but not to put them on a pedestal either. So many of the secrets aren’t just oh-that-makes-sense moments, but they require contemplation. And so many beg to be applied to real life.

101 Secrets for your Twenties is a connection and a community. It makes life less lonely (as well as a great college graduation gift). It’s something not to keep secret, but to share. To yell about from the top of a mountain (or here in Indiana, the top of a barely-there hill). It’s something to tweet about, blog about and is worthy of a status update… or seven. It’s just that good!

To Be Released: TOMORROW, July 1

Find it here: Barnes & Noble

                      Amazon

Experience the community: All Groan Up

 

Balancing Work with Passion

In the past few weeks, I’ve been struggling with this question:

How do I balance what I need to be doing to survive with what I should be doing to achieve my dream?

A little back story… Three months ago, I took a second part-time job (who’s offering full-time jobs these days?). It’s a steady position with set hours. I kept my part-time position at a retail bookseller where I’ve been for almost five years. The schedule there varies each week; sometimes I work 15 hours a week while sometimes I’m close to 30. Many times (already) I’ve had to work doubles and even weeks straight without a day off. It’s affected my health, happiness and of course, my writing. However, I’m finally able to pay my bills and save a little something every month.

So, where do I draw the line between happy, healthy and pursuing my dream of being a YA writer while working two jobs (up to 50 hours a week and 19 days straight at the longest) to keep my head above water and build my savings?

                *crickets*

Here’s where I’m supposed to share my brilliant, poignant, life-changing answer, right? Except I don’t have one. There isn’t a solution, perfect or otherwise. In short, I don’t know what to do.

I know that big quit-my-job (at least one of them) moment won’t happen for me. There are solid advantages to both positions. I’ve thought a lot about which one I should pursue further, which one I would keep if it came to that, but there’s no easy answer. Ideally, someday in the future, I would leave both jobs and be able to make a living with writing. Then my passion would be my work. However, I'm not there yet. 

On an optimistic note, there are a couple things I’ve done/plan on doing that may help.

1.       Say “NO”            

This is the classic: “No I can’t pick up that shift.” “No I can’t take on that commitment.” “No I can’t do this/that/the other thing.” Unless it's family or writing-related, I probably shouldn't take time away from writing for it.

2.       Kick my boyfriend out (temporarily)

We spend time together most days of the week, but occasionally I should take an hour or two from our time to spend with my words. And he can spend it with his music.  

Basically, I’m tired of using my jobs as an excuse not to write. It’s like justifying ignoring my passion by saying work is more important just because it pays the bills. And that’s just depressing. The end-all-be-all is that my writing is should be a need. It needs to be a need.

               *scurries off to work on that*

Are you in the same position, struggling to balance writing (or your passion) with everything else? How do you take on that challenge? Let me know in the comments!

Most Anticipated Teen Books: Summer 2013

Here are eight novels coming this summer that will be perfect reads for the beach, pool or anywhere the sun's shining! (Okay, they're good for dreary days too...)


July 9

Half Lives – Sara Grant

What it’s about: Half Lives follows two unlikely heroes as they fight to survive, centuries apart but with surprising ties. Icie’s parents have news of an imminent viral attack, so they give her cash, a map to a secret bunker and tell her to get there by any means necessary. Along with three other teens, Icie lives locked away for months with no news of the outside world. Decades into the future, a mysterious cult worships on the same mountain where Icie’s secret bunker was located, and they’re ruled by a teenager with surprising ties to Icie.

Why I’m excited: Because Grant’s from Indiana (though now she lives abroad), and the concept behind the book is particularly intriguing. I’m curious about the cult and their teenage leader, since the book description is particularly vague on that aspect. I read Grant’s YA debut Dark Parties, which is a thrilling dystopian book and although this new release seems more post-apocalyptic, I bet she will shine just the same.

July 30

Boy on the Bridge – Natalie Standiford

What it’s about: American Laura Reid studies abroad in Leningrad during the height of the Cold War in 1982. A young Russian artist named Alexei becomes her guide and she is soon immersed in the real Russia, but their relationship must remain a secret. If found out, Laura could be sent home and Alexei could be punished for associating with Americans. When Laura’s return to the United States approaches, Alexei asks Laura to marry him. She’s not ready to settle down, but what if Alexei is the love of her life? Can she leave him behind?

Why I’m excited: Because I have a soft spot for well-done YA historical fiction, and I’m betting this will be quite well-written. I’m not familiar with too many Cold War era teen books, and I’m interested to see how Standiford will write the love of a young American and Russian in the midst of such deep tension. Also I adore that this is a historical romance novel set barely thirty years ago, so even though it will feel like long ago, it isn’t quite outside of my life span and therefore closer than one might think.

Earthbound – Aprilynne Pike

What it’s about: After Tavia Michaels is the sole survivor of a plane crash that killed her parents, she starts having visions of a boy she’s never spoken to in real life. Tavia searches for answers, but when she discovers that the aunt and uncle who took her in after the plane crash may have been responsible for her parent’s deaths, she flees for safety of Maine, where the boy in the visions tells her to go. Suddenly, Tavia is on the run with no one to trust, and is torn between Benson, the boy who has been by her side the whole way and the mysterious boy who appears to her at night.

Why I’m excited: Because Pike impressed me with her debut series, Wings, and I’m curious to see how she’s grown as a writer. This is her second new release in just a few months, though I haven’t gotten to Life After Theft yet. The book description is detailed and vague at the same time (isn’t that intriguing?) which will surely make the read full of surprises, twists and turns. I’m expecting a mysterious, cross-country adventure with life-changing decisions that will surely make this an unputdownable read!

August 20

Doon – Carey Corp & Laurie Langdon

What it’s about: Veronica starts seeing a mysterious blond boy wherever she goes, and soon she realizes she’s the only one that can see him. When her best friend, Mackenna, invites her to spend the summer in Scotland, Veronica jumps at the chance. But when the imaginary boy follows her to Alloway, she and Mackenna discover a strange set of rings and an unnerving letter, they soon find themselves transported to a land that defies explanation. Doon seems like a real-life fairy tale, but the girls learn it has a dark underside as well. If they break the enchantment, they might end up trapped in a world that has quickly become a nightmare.

Why I’m excited: Because it’s a retelling of Brigadoon, only updated and YA-ified. Scotland plus a fairy tale-like hidden village and the potential for love? It all adds up to Brigadoon come to the 21^st century, which is a fairly unexplored concept in teen fiction in my experience. I’m excited to see these authors collaborate to take on this legend, and I’m sure the read will be fun and fantastical!

August 27

Love in the Time of Global Warming – Francesca Lia Block

What it’s about: Penelope has lost everything—her parents, younger brother and her home. This world is on the edge of destruction, but still beautiful and lovely at the same time. As Pen navigates this dark world which is full of strange creatures, she gathers companions and loses them, finds love and loses it, and comes face-to-face with her mortal enemy.

Why I’m excited: Because Block is a YA mainstay, with over 30 novels to her name. The title itself is intriguing (remember Love in the Time of Cholera?), and even though the book description is short, I have a feeling this will be a full-tilt adventure, maybe with a little social commentary on global warming mixed in. I’ll be sure to pick this one off the shelf come late August!

Two Boys Kissing – David Levithan

What it’s about: Based on true events, this novel tells the story of Harry and Craig, two 17-year-old boys who take part in a 32-hour marathon of kissing in hopes of setting a new Guinness World Record. While the two teenage boys are locking lips, they are trying to figure out their own feelings for one another. But they manage to become the focal point in the lives of other teen boys dealing with languishing long-term relationships, coming out and gender identity issues. This novel comes as the 10^th anniversary of the publication of Levithan’s ground-breaking, Boy Meets Boy, is being celebrated.

Why I’m excited: Because Levithan is a YA master, and I’m sure this will be another revolutionary read. I’ve been trying to catch up on his collection ever since I read Boy Meets Boy last winter, and even though I have a ways to go, I think this will be my next selection. It sounds like a great exploration of gay teen culture and I’m expecting a read full of realness and relatability no matter your gender, age or orientation.

September 10

Fangirl – Rainbow Rowell

What it’s about: Cath is a Simon Snow fan. Well, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan, but for Cath, being a fan isn’t just part of her life, it is her life. Cath and her sister Wren ensconced themselves in the fandom to get them through their mother leaving, but while Cath’s sister has grown up and away from Simon Snow, Cath can’t let go. Now they’re going to college and Cath is on her own, with a surly roommate, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the world and a handsome classmate who wants to talk about words. Can Cath let go of Simon Snow and start living her own life?

Why I’m excited: Because I adored Eleanor & Park for its realness and freshness (enough to read Rowell’s adult fiction novel), and I’m expecting the same from Fangirl. The concept is relatable—who hasn’t gotten a little over-obsessed with a book, movie or band? Cath could easily be a Potterhead or Twihard, which I think is exactly what Rowell is going for. I’m sure this story will suck me in and become quite unputdownable in its reality and relatability.

Relativity – Cristin Bishara

What it’s about: Ruby Wright knows that wishes can’t come true and that some things can’t be undone. But if she had her way, her dad would never have married her stepmother Willow, her best friend George would be more than a friend, and of course her mom would still be alive. When Ruby discovers a tree in the middle of an Ohio cornfield with a wormhole to nine alternative realities, suddenly Ruby is seeing what could have happened if her wishes came true. Her ideal world—one with everything and everyone she wants most—could be within reach. But is there such a thing as a perfect world?

Why I’m excited: Because parallel universes are in, at least in my world (see my review of Tandem, coming this October). I think it’s an up-and-coming niche for YA, and Relativity sounds like a well-done take on this concept. The idea that Ruby has not just one parallel universe but nine to explore will surely make this a complex tale. This is Bishara’s debut effort and I’m eager to dive into what will hopefully be an intriguing yet heart-wrenching story.

 

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!

Thanks for reading!

 

*Book descriptions are adapted from those on the Barnes & Noble website.