Blogger Confidential: Author Love

Have you ever been faced with an issue while reading or blogging and thought: I wonder what other bloggers think about this?  No matter what genre or audience you blog for, we all face the same problems.  Are you a publisher or author wondering what goes on in a blogger's (and by extension a reader's) head?

Blogger confidential is a series of 12 questions asked to 11 bloggers about the nitty gritty details of blogging. Everything from what prompts a blogger to pick up a book, to what happens when a book doesn't live up to its hype.  This series was inspired by Wastepaper Prose's Author Insight series.

If you feel inspired by any of these questions, leave your answer in the comments, or create your own post!

This week's question:

Does love of an author always translate into love of their book? How do you handle situations where it doesn't?

"Not always, no. Though I don’t have a lot of relationships with authors whose books I haven’t read or don’t love, for obvious reasons. And unless I have an actual relationship with them, I don’t think I tend to say I love the authors themselves. Just their work. In some cases, I do develop a friendship with an author whose books I love and I treasure those interactions, but the friendship is not based on the fact that I love their books. It’s based on a mutual love for books in general, often the same ones or the same types, and thus it can withstand the occasional lackluster response or difference of opinion. When that happens it’s sometimes sad, but it can also be even more interesting because we get to discuss why we differ or why we think we responded the way we did.

Again, it’s all about maturity, a real love of reading, and an appreciation for the great variety of books and readers out there. There are only a very few authors whose entire bibliography I have read and who I could say I literally love every book they’ve written. In most of those cases, I don’t know the author personally and, if I did have the chance to meet her, I would no doubt make a fool of my gushing self or be so tongue-tied that she would eventually edge quietly away from the crazy person." Angie from Angieville

"No, unfortunately it doesn't. I recently had an author send me a book for review and included a lovely hand written note thanking me in advance for the review. It was one of the most difficult reviews I've ever written, because in the end I truly did not like the book at all. I ended up writing the review, honestly and constructively, and then moved on. Fortunately, the author was aware of the review date and ended up sending a quick thank you after reading it. Though I'm sure she hoped for a better review, she was still happy I had mentioned the book in a "fair and honest" way." Danielle from There's a Book

"I wish that love of an author translated to love of their book! In the past, when I've met the author, and then read their book and don't like it, I type up the review, send it to them, and let them know how hard it was to write. I've had two authors just never respond to my email, but I had one author, who, when she read my review, wrote the nicest comment. I wish I could clone that author." Trish from Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin'?

"I do think that I'm a bit more forgiving of books from authors that I love but sure, there are moments where I may be disappointed.  This is particular apparent when as a reader turned blogger, I'm now communicating with these authors and am now able to call them my friends.  How do I handle situations like this?  I remember to talk about the book itself with professionalism rather than attack the author. I've never had any problems." Natasha from Maw Books

"This is a problem I am dealing with now, or should I say one that I am waiting to occur.  Most of the authors I really love are particularly strong writers, so for me not to like their book would be more due to premise than writing itself.  I was terrified when Elizabeth Scott's book came my way.  Grace is about a suicide bomber...not something I wanted to read but I trust her as an author and BOY did that pay off.  There are some authors I love for their personalities (blogs, vlogs or twitter) but just don't mesh with their writing. It is frustrating." Adele from Persnickety Snark

"This is something that is really coming up a lot lately.  Especially with how easily accesible so many authors are on Twitter and Facebook.  I have met some authors on these networks and really like them a lot, then read their book and don't like it at all.  It makes it very difficult to write an honest review.  I've decided to try to take a step back from authors whose books I haven't read yet, so that I won't feel pressured into writing a false review.  I also decided that if I don't like a book, I'll wait until after the release day to write my review, so the author has plenty of time to get lots of different perspectives in.  Luckily, though, most of the time if I like an author, I do like her/his book!" Andye from Reading Teen

"I think I've managed to create and hold onto my reputation as an honest reviewer. My relationship with an author might slightly influence the tone I take in my review, but I try my hardest to separate work from author when reviewing. Personal attacks are unnecessary and unprofessional, you know? I'm not sure what's the best thing to do when you don't love the author's work as much as you love the author. I think it really depends on both people, and if they're able to live with this between them." Steph from Steph Su Reads

"Unfortunately, no. And it’s always awkward when these situations arise. I strive to fully explain my reasoning when I give a book a negative review, which I think helps in these situations. Also, most authors are realists and are aware that not every reader will love and connect with their novel – they appreciate the negative and positive reviews!" Sara from The Hiding Spot

"I try to not have many relationships with authors other than some mindless chatting on Twitter. I don't want any "hey she knows that person of course she will say that." scenarios." Pam from Bookalicious

"No.  I have met and made friends with some amazing people who write books and then I don't end up loving their books.  This is really really tough, because as someone who recommends and suggests books, I feel like I need to keep it honest.  But friendship is also important obviously.  I have in the past chosen not to review a book I didn't love by someone I love." Amy from My Friend Amy

"For me, the answer is not always. In the cases were it does not, I believe that as a blogger, you can find yourself on a slippery slope. I believe that authors are normal people, just like I am, and so they reserve my respect. They have taken their blood, sweat, and tears into creating a novel, so when I review the novel, I take that into consideration. Personally, I have written reviews for authors where I disliked aspects of the novel and have said so in my review. However, if you read the review, it is not mean or even critical. I believe that it is done respectively. And to be honest, I have even had authors email me about a negative review that I have written for their novel saying basically that I am sorry to hear that you did not like X, but thank you for giving me something to work on. I feel like in these situations, it is ALWAYS best to be honest, but respectful." Kate from The Neverending Shelf

What to read after: Mockingjay

You've finished Mockingjay.

You're hungry for more end of the world awesomeness.

What do you read next?













Dystopian:

1. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
2. The Giver by Lois Lowry
3. Anthem by Ayn Rand
4. Unwind by Neil Shusterman
5. The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson
6. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
7. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
8. Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder
9. Little Brother by Cory Doctorow
10. The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer
11. Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Post-Apocolyptic

1. Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
2. City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
3. Maze Runner by James Dashner
4. Forest of Hands and Teeth
5. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
6. The Alliance by Gerald N. Lund
7. Gone by Michael Grant

 What others would you add to this list?

Rose Sees Red by Cecil Castellucci: Review

Rose Sees Red
By: Cecil Castellucci
Copy received from publisher for review

Synopsis (From Goodreads): Rose has given up. She's given up on friendship, on happiness, on life being anything other than black, black, black. Yrena wants out. She's a dancer ...more  Rose has given up. She's given up on friendship, on happiness, on life being anything other than black, black, black. Yrena wants out. She's a dancer who doesn't want to dance, a prisoner in her own home, a resident of New York who never gets to see the city. To Rose, Yrena has always been the Russian girl who lives next door, seen through the window but never spoken to. At least not until Yrena crashes into Rose's room-and Rose's life-and sets in motion a night in New York City that none of them will ever forget. 

From YA superstar Cecil Castellucci, this is the story of cold hearts and cold wars warmed by simple human connection and the liberty of being young and free in the early hours of a new day.

My Review: Here are some facts about my reading experience with Rose Sees Red:

• It took me almost two weeks to finish
• When asked by Angie what the book was about, I was unsure. (I was 3/4 of the way finished)
• I am still not entirely sure how I feel about it.

I think the reason I was not immediately taken with this book is because I didn't understand what the purpose was. Is it coming of age? Is it about bridging the gap between those we disagree with? Was it about a girl's adventures in NYC with a girl she'd never met before? Is it about learning to trust again after being hurt by someone you love?  I was confused.

I think the book was about all those things. And I liked it. I really loved Rose's journey to come to know herself. By making spur-of-the-moment decisions and putting herself out there, she had some wonderful experiences.  Castellucci is a master at her craft. I cannot complain at all about the quality of writing, it was impeccable.


I think my hang-up over this book was my own personal preference. And since this blog reflects my opinions, I feel comfortable sharing it. The ending was entirely too political and naive for my taste. I have come to the realization that because my career is in politics/government, I am not interested in reading about political/government things. Particularly when they preach such a strong platform.


Not that this is a bad thing in and of itself. I think many will like the development of Rose's political feelings, and will really be able to identify with them. I was not able to.  The conclusions that she came to were really foreign to me. Again, it's not that I don't appreciate opposing views or don't ever listen to them. I do. Every single day. I just find it exhausting when it worms its way into my fiction.

I'm not really sure I know who to recommend this book to. I think it's more appropriate for an older, more mature YA reader. Not because of possibly inappropriate content, but more because the themes are a little older, and I probably would not have appreciated it until I was at least 18.

Getting beyond my own personal tastes, I do believe this book serves a purpose. This book read more to me like a book that a teacher would use as assigned reading in a classroom than something I would pick up off the shelf and say, "Huh, that looks good. I guess I'll read it."

My Rating:

 

Profanity: Moderate

Sexuality: Mild

Drugs and Alcohol: Quite a bit of drug use

Violence: None

Blogger Confidential: Edgy Fiction

Have you ever been faced with an issue while reading or blogging and thought: I wonder what other bloggers think about this?  No matter what genre or audience you blog for, we all face the same problems.  Are you a publisher or author wondering what goes on in a blogger's (and by extension a reader's) head?

Blogger confidential is a series of 12 questions asked to 11 bloggers about the nitty gritty details of blogging. Everything from what prompts a blogger to pick up a book, to what happens when a book doesn't live up to its hype.  This series was inspired by Wastepaper Prose's Author Insight series.

If you feel inspired by any of these questions, leave your answer in the comments, or create your own post!

This week's question:

Fiction has become progressively edgier in recent years. Where do you as a reader draw the line?

"The best way I can answer this is that I don't really have a line.  There's nothing that I will rule out really in a book as long as it's organic to the story and serves it well.  Gratuitous violence and sex don't appeal to me and there are certain ideas I don't enjoy seeing, but if a story feels human and if it depicts life as it really is and is important to understanding the characters and the story, then it belongs in the book.  I do think sometimes less is more, though.  We have imaginations for a reason." Amy from My Friend Amy

"I honestly don't often put a book down but I do admit that when I'm considering a book to read the first thing I usually will do after getting my hands on it, is to flip through the pages quickly.  I personally don't like books with an unusual amount of foul language or sex.  If they pass the flip test without me noticing anything than usually I'm good.  I have always liked "issue books" and I love that teens are able to find books that reflect their true lives.  Where were some of these YA books when I was younger?!" Natasha from Maw Books

"It has. I recently read a book in which a minor is brutally gang raped and killed after having gotten drunk and drugged at an earlier party.

This was a young adult book. I understand the need to "relate" to younger readers, but I also feel there are quite a few topics better left for an older age or even just discussion within a family setting.

For me personally, it has more to do with my own morals and what I feel I can honestly read without being ashamed to have read it. For me, this means no erotica type books as well as books with too many intentionally violent scenes (ie. violence for the sake of having violence). There should be a purpose to have a scene in a book and a maturity accompanying it." Danielle from There's a Book

"I don't draw the line because I don't think I read particularly edgy books. I read what I like, and if that means it has cursing or sex or whatever, then I roll with it because I assume the author has put it in the book for a reason."  Trish from Hey Lady! Watcha Reading? 

"Hm. I’m not sure I agree that fiction in general has been getting “edgier” in recent years. Some of the grittiest, most avante garde stuff I’ve read was written back in the forties or the sixties, some of it even centuries before that. And, upon more recent re-readings, those books haven’t lost their punch over time. I often find myself amazed at the inventive and unprecedented things writers were doing before my time, before their own time, you might say. So I wouldn’t categorize today’s fiction as edgier than that of previous eras. Just different." Angie from Angieville

"I don't like to read books that have excessive cussing or teenage sex.  I feel like it's distracting to the story, and often feel those books are lacking in actual storyline and have to make up for it by adding all of that content to make it appeal to teens." Andye from Reading Teen

"I’ve read many books that feature 'edgy' subjects that some say push YA’s limits, but, personally, I haven’t found my limit! I think it’s important to incorporate that edge because real life is not perfect and fluffy. There are sharp edges and pretending that they don’t exist doesn’t make them go away." Sara from The Hiding Spot

"I don't think there should be a line.  Teens exist within a spectrum of experiences and behaviours.  It doesn't cut off magically at one point because adults like to think it does.  Cursing, drugs, sex, etc all happen in real life.  If we draw a line then really important subject matter gets censored by authors or organisations with ulterior agendas.  It's important to read stories about coming out, about teens breaking the law, of making mistakes and taking chances.  We learn and grow from the mistakes we make - there's no line when it comes to mistakes.  To only thing that matters is how well those stories are told." Adele from Persnickety Snark

"Umm, define "edgier"? I suppose more subjects are being broached in YA lit that were once taboo. I don't really have a problem with this, as long as the concept's done well; some of the edgy books strike important chords in some readers. I think I actually draw the line at the opposite end of the spectrum: trope-ridden, melodramatic, "tru luv" stories, usually of the theoretically gasp-inducing paranormal romance kind. *sigh*" Steph from Steph Su Reads

"I have no line, the edgier the better!" Pam from Bookalicious

"Honestly, I am not sure if I have a specific line that I draw. I personally do not mind sex, drugs, etc. in the novels that I read. However, for me, they have to have a point or a moral. For example, if I read a Young Adult novel and it has drug usage in it, I will not be turned off by the novel unless it is just there. Meaning the characters do Drug X for no other reason than they want to. But if the novel ties this usage into the story line somehow and makes it relevant, then as a reader, I understand why Drug X is being talked about. The same can be said about sex." Kate from The Neverending Shelf

Gallagher Girls 1-2 Mini Review

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You
By: Ally Carter
Copy purchased from Paperbackswap.com

Synopsis (From Goodreads): The Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women is a fairly typical all-girls school—that is, if every school teaches advanced martial arts in PE, ...more The Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women is a fairly typical all-girls school—that is, if every school teaches advanced martial arts in PE, chemistry always consists of the latest in chemical warfare, and everyone breaks CIA codes for extra credit in computer class. So in truth, while the Gallagher Academy might say it's a school for geniuses what they really mean is spies. But what happens when a Gallagher Girl falls for a boy who doesn't have a code name?

Cammie Morgan may be fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways (three of which involve a piece of uncooked spaghetti), but the Gallagher Academy hasn't prepared her for what to do when she meets an ordinary boy who thinks she's an ordinary girl. Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, and track him through a mall without him ever being the wiser, but can she have a regular relationship with a regular boy who can never know the truth about her? Cammie may be an elite spy in training, but in her sophomore year, she's doing something riskier than ever—she's falling in love.

My Review:  This book was utterly charming. I have found myself recommending this book over and over again to people, and I only read it about a week ago.  Through a glitch on my part with Paperback Swap, I ended up with a paperback and hardback copy. I have lent them both out.


This book isn't filled with fantastic prose that makes you feel 30 years old and educated. However, after just having finished LAST NIGHT I SANG TO THE MONSTER, and BEAUTIFUL, I needed this book. It was fun, and light-hearted. I could see myself being a lot like Cammie.  She is smart, but blends in. She is rarely noticed, especially when she doesn't want to be.  I think many girls feel like they fall in this same category. Plus, as a spy in training, she has access to tools that give information about her crush, Josh, that I would have KILLED for in high school.  Hacking into email, digging through garbage, tracking devices on shoes, you name it.


However, the best thing about this book was the witty dialogue. Both internal and external. This is my favorite part from the book:

"His name is Josh," I said finally.


"Cammie!" Liz cried, as if she couldn't believe I was giving such sensitive intel to the enemy.


But Macey only repeated, "Josh," as if trying it on for size.


"Yeah," I said.  "I met him when we had a mission in town, and... well..."


"Now you can't stop thinking about him... You always want to know what he's doing... You'd kill to know if he's thinking about you..." Macey said, like a doctor reeling off symptoms.


"Yes!" I cried. "That's soooo it!"


She shrugged. "That's too bad kid."


[....]


"He thinks I'm homeschooled for religious reasons."


"Yeah," she said, nodding as if that were answer enough. "I'd say you've still got a shot."


OH.MY.GOSH. It was if the gray storm clouds had parted and Macey McHenry was the sun, bringing wisdom and truth into the eternal darkness.  (Or something a lot less melodramatic.)

It is very rarely that I laugh out loud when reading a book. But, I was so smitten by the witty dialogue and fun characters that I was laughing until tears came.  Well played, Ms. Carter, well played.


This series is a must-read for young teenage girls. I found myself dreaming about what it would be like to go to a secret school for spies. You'll love it.

(spoilers from first book ahead!)




Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy
By: Ally Carter
Copy purchased from Paperbackswap.com

Synopsis (From Goodreads):  After staking out, obtaining, and then being forced to give up her first boyfriend, Josh, all Cammie Morgan wants is a peaceful semester. But that's easier said than done when you're a CIA legacy and go to the premier school in the world... for spies.

Cammie Morgan may have a genius IQ and attend the best school in the country, but as she starts the spring semester of her sophomore year there are a lot of things she doesn't know. Like will her ex-boyfriend even remember she exists? And how much trouble did she really get in last semester? And, most of all, exactly why is her mother acting so strangely?

All Cammie wants is a nice, normal semester, but she's about to learn her greatest lesson yet—that when you go to a school for spies, nothing is ever as it seems.

My Review: This book picks up almost right where the first leaves off. I found this book to be a little less satisfying than the first. Mostly because the plot was pretty much the same. A few of the characters were swapped, but there was a lot of the same types of actions.

Like Cammie, I kept wondering how much of her world was genuine.


But, much of the things I loved about the first book are still there. Witty dialogue, fun characters, and an imaginative twist on high school life.  Cute, nice (albeit sarcastic) boys abound, and her friends are behind her 100%. Two thing I'd like to see, however, are more of Bex's personality. I feel like she's just Cammie's sidekick. I want Bex to come out and shine a little more. Macey as well. Macey is developing into a character that I really love. She's very sarcastic, but loyal all at the same time.


I wasn't blown away by this sequel, but it was worth reading. I definitely want to continue on with the story since there is so much that can still be done with this world.


My Rating:
 

Profanity: None
Sexuality: Mild kissing and hand-holding
Drugs and Alcohol: None
Violence: Mild 

Weekly Digest: August 22

I've decided to go ahead and combine In My Mailbox and It's Monday! What Are You Reading? into one post each week. It's nice to summarize all my weekly content and do all the announcements in one post.

First of all, I went to the Writing for Charity evening extravaganza last night. It was an extravaganza to be sure.  I went for a couple reasons. One, Natasha from Maw Books had promised I could borrow FORGE  from her. Two, there was a silent auction, and a character in one of Jessica Day George's books was up for grabs.

I totally screwed up on the time, and thought it started at 7 instead of 6. So, at 5:20 I scurried out the door. (I live about an hour away from where the event was being held.  I had to stop and get gas. As I was pumping, this elderly gentleman and his wife got out of their car, and struck up a conversation with me. I've never met them before in my life. However, this happens to me pretty frequently, so I wasn't that alarmed.  They asked where I was headed. I told them a little about the Writing for Charity event, and they were really interested in it. After I finished explaining that some of these kids that will be receiving these books have never owned a book in their lives, he pulled out two $100 bills and gave them to me. He asked me to donate them. I was very moved.  It was certainly a miracle.

So, I went to the extravaganza. Divine Comedy did a really funny show. James Dashner and Shannon Hale were fantastic. The panel of authors was great! There was Bree Despain, Brandon Sanderson, Brandon Mull, Ally Condie, Jessica Day George, Sara Zarr, and probably some other people I am missing. If you weren't there, you missed this:



I also met up with Natasha from Maw Books, Suey from It's All About Books, and Heather from Fire and Ice.

I did quite well in the silent auction department as well. I won the Jessica Day George character. And, after speaking with her, decided that I was going to be a cavalry office in THE HORSE BRIGADE.  It's going to be awesome.

I also won a prize pack from Bree Despain. It had a signed copy of THE DARK DIVINE, and a signed ARC of THE LOST SAINT, plus chocolate, nail polish, and other bath stuff, and a pretty necklace. Very cool.

I got MATCHED, THE SCORCH TRIALS, and DRAGON FLIGHT signed by their authors. James Dashner tried to keep my copy of SCORCH TRIALS. Which was weird since he wrote the book. I ended up lending it to Natasha anyway.

In my mailbox I received:

From Paperbackswap.com:
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Beastly by Alex Flinn (read it last year, but wanted a copy to lend out)
Eat, Pray Love: One Woman's Search for Everything.... by Elizabeth Gilbert
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen, Seth Grahame-Smith

For Review:
Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
Cloaked by Alex Flinn
The Fool's Girl by Celia Rees
Cate of the Lost Colony by Lisa Klein
Secondhand Charm by Julie Berry
Matched by Ally Condie (I gave this copy, signed, to my coblogger, Julie to read to her English class)

Won in contests:
Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder (SIGNED!)
I Am Number Four t-shirt from HarperTeen


Posts Last Week:

Blogger Confidential
Writing for Charity Event

Upcoming this Week:
I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You/Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter mini reviews

Blogger Confidential

Rose Sees Red by Cecil Castellucci review

Ask HTMiLy: Creating a blog button

What to read after Mockingjay

*note* I will be in Washington, DC from August 24-29. I'll have limited access to email, but will respond when I can.

If you are in the DC area and want to get together for dinner or something, let me know!