Waiting on Wednesday #4 - Alis by Naomi Rich

At fourteen, Alis has never been outside her strict religious community. But when her parents arrange for her to marry a forty-year-old man, she flees desperately to the dangerous, unfamiliar city. She learns quickly that the only way to survive there is to become a thief—or worse. Facing an impossible choice between a forced marriage or life on the streets, Alis seizes control of her own fate. But the path she chooses sets off a disastrous chain of events that leave her accused of murder. Steadfastly loyal, Alis must decide: will she betray a loved one or sacrifice herself?

Hmm...I haven't read historical fiction in a while and this looks like an interesting plot. Strong female character plus forced marriage plus adventure on the streets equals a good book, I think. As I haven't really heard anything about Alis yet, I'm not going to get my hopes too high, but I'm crossing my fingers that this book won't prove my little hunch wrong. I think it'll be quite good. 

Oh. Just did a little google search and found out that this book has been released in the UK for quite a while. Well. I think it still qualifies for a Waiting on Wednesday post. I'm not in the UK, am I? :P

Today is a day for the books...

I hope you all watched the inauguration. Or at least caught the highlights online after you got home from school. Because today is history. Whether you're a democrat or a republican, you have to realize that the stuff that happened today is bigger than parties. Today was about coming together as a nation. To have our first black president moving into a house built on the backs of slaves is amazing. It shows how much our nation has moved forward. 

While watching the swearing-in and speech on the big screen at school, I started crying. I feel so lucky to be able to live through a moment in history such as this. It's truly monumental. What other changes and advancements am I going to be able to experience? 

And when you saw those wide shots of the whole national mall packed with over a million people, you couldn't help but be awed, right? Gosh. I really wish I could've been there to experience the electricity and hope that must've been running through the crowd. 

The best part is that I think he's going to do a great job. 

So in honor of this day, go Obama yourself. :)

What They Always Tell Us by Martin Wilson

James: Popular, smart, and athletic, James seems to have it all. But the only thing James really wants is his college acceptance letter, so he can get far away from Alabama after high school. He's tired of the same old parties; the tennis team; his so-called girlfriend, Alice; his ex, Clare - and especially his quiet younger brother Alex. In a town where secrets are hard to keep, everyone knows what Alex did at the annual back-to-school party. The only question is why.

Alex: With his friends no longer talking to him and his brother constantly in motion, Alex is prepared to get through junior year on his own. And he would if his ten-year-old neighbor, Henry, didn't keep showing up, looking for company. Even James seems intrigued by Henry, and by the strange cars that come and go from his house across the street. But what Alex cares about most is running, and when he's encouraged to try out for cross-country, he's surprised to find more than just a supportive teammate in his brother's friend Nathen.

(Summary from jacket flap)

Why has no one read this book?! I read one review of it a while back, but for the most part, What They Always Tell Us hasn't gotten then buzz it deserves. I hate it when I read an amazing book and then discover that no one's picked up a copy. So this fan girly post is my humble way to spread the word; What They Always Tell us is AMAZING.

The main thing that I was worried about going into the book was how Alex's homosexuality was going to be portrayed. I didn't want it to be forced or fake. Thankfully, I really didn't have anything to worry about; Alex's character was pulled off beautifully. My favorite thing about him was how his sexuality wasn't what he was all about. It was an important part of who he was, undoubtedly, but he had other things going on in his life; friends, his brother, running, Henry. It showed that, fundamentally, everyone's alike and should be treated as such. Alex and Nathen's relationship was a major point in the book, of course, but Martin Wilson made it seem natural and easy, which was just what I wanted.

I also really enjoyed the portions of the book that centered around James. I almost forgot about him at times, as I was getting wrapped up in Alex's story, but then James' emotions and attitudes grabbed my attention back. He's the guy who's got it all and who you're supposed to hate. And at the beginning I sort of did. He didn't seem to show any care for what was going on with his life or his brother, in particular. But then throughout the book, James started to grow on me. As he discovered who he was, I started to connect with him more and appreciate him more. He proved himself to be a really thoughtful and normal guy who just doesn't know how to deal with all of the craziness going around him.

The other thing that really made me love What They Always Tell Us, besides Alex and James, was its gritty real-ness. It was just real. The characters, the plot, the issues, the relationships; they were all real. And not in a boring way. Wilson took the real (like how much I've used that word?) life struggles of teens everywhere and made them interesting and striking. And he did it with almost nonchalance; like he was just putting the facts of the story out there for you to take and interpret however you wanted. I love that. My favorite books are the kind that are thoughtful and provocative and which don't shove their morals and conclusions in your face. I really enjoy being able to make of a story what I want. 

The beauty of What They Always Tell Us was that it was simple, real, and all-encompassing. It dealt with a plethora of issues, including suicide, homosexuality, popularity, bullying, and adultery. It's the book that gives you everything with an even and unbiased voice while still drawing you in. And I loved it. Completely loved it. Please go read it now.

***and for those of you doing the V.C. Andrews challenge, Flowers In The Attic was mentioned in this book - and I happen to be reading that next...weeeiiirrddd.

"He's wearing shades and reading a creepy novel about a grandmother who locks her grandchildren in an attic." Yeah.

Booking Through Thursday/Saturday #18: Sing! Sing a song.

On Saturday

If you’re anything like me, there are songs that you love because of their lyrics; writers you admire because their songs have depth, meaning, or just a sheer playfulness that has nothing to do with the tunes.
So, today’s question?
What songs … either specific songs, or songs in general by a specific group or writer … have words that you love?
Why?
And … do the tunes that go with the fantastic lyrics live up to them?

I'm a music FREAK. I love it. I may not listen to grungy indie bands or undiscovered lyricists, but I love what I do listen to and I'm constantly adding to my little iTunes library.

Favorite artists with good lyrics = Newton Faulkner, Ingrid Michaelson, The Hush Sound, Regina Spektor, Ben Kweller, John Mayer, KT Tunstall, Rachael Yamagata, MoZella, Joss Stone, MIKA, Sara Bareilles, Landon Pigg, Meiko, A Fine Frenzy, Ben Folds, The Weepies, Hellogoodbye, aaaand ADELE. 

Specific songs?

You and I - Ingrid Michaelson

Don't you worry there my honey
We might not have any money
But we've got our love to pay the bills

Maybe I think you're cute and funny
Maybe I wanna do want bunnies do with you if you know what I mean

Oh lets get rich and buy our parents homes in the south of France
Lets get rich and give everybody nice sweaters and teach them how to dance
Lets get rich and build a house on a mountain making everybody look like ants
From way up there, you and I, you and I

Well you might be a bit confused
And you might be a little bit bruised
But baby how we spoon like no one else
So I will help you read those books
If you will soothe my worried looks
And we will put the lonesome on the shelf

Lets get rich and buy our parents homes in the south of France
Lets get rich and give everybody nice sweaters and teach them how to dance
Lets get rich and build a house on a mountain making everybody look like ants
From way up there, you and I, you and I

Lets get rich and buy our parents homes in the south of France
Lets get rich and give everybody nice sweaters and teach them how to dance
Lets get rich and build a house on a mountain making everybody look like ants
From way up there, you and I, you and I

To The Light - Newton Faulkner

I'm taking a break because I'm losing it again
And I wanna relate without you thinking I'm insane.
Oh, it's the same another train. Just sitting around with record in my brain.

You could have everything you wanted
But you would still be wanting more.
Cos the sun is always in your eyes.
You search for stillness on a rock. Thats spinning round and round and you're surprised.

Take a break from all i know
Just sit back and let it flow.
Then I find I've broken through.
To the light again.

Everytime I find I'm thinking about the things I wanna.
That is the time I have nothing to sing.
And everytime I find i'm thinking about things that don't matter.
That is the time I see everything.

I want to know lord why it's got to be so hard.
I want to know lord why it's got to be so hard.
I feel like a muppet with a drunken puppeteer but I'll survive.
I will survive.

Take a break from all I know
Just sit back and let it flow.
Then I find I've broken through.
To the light again.
To the light again.

Take a break from all I know.
Just sit back and let it flow.
Then I find I've broken through.
To the light again.

And some others (The Heart of Life - John Mayer, Letter Read - Rachael Yamagata, Love Is Something - MoZella, etc.) Mostly soft rock-ish stuff. Relaxing music. :)

Now that I've thought about this, I'm kinda in the mood to make a mix CD...anyone want one? :P

Bits 'n Pieces - Robin Wasserman

Robin Wasserman is the marvelous author of the YA novel, Skinned and it's sequel Crashed, to be released in September! I have yet to read Skinned, and based on all of the reviews it's received, I'm seriously missing out. I need to read it! You can learn more about Robin and her books at her site. I hope you guys like the interview. :)

This or that:
Rain or shine?

 Shine (unless I’m cranky, then rain)
iPod or mp3 player? 

iPod
Movies or TV? 

TV!!!
City or country? 

City if it’s Paris, otherwise, country
Mountains or beaches? 

Mountains (weirdly, until about five years ago, my answer to this question was always “Beaches – what kind of nutcase picks mountains?”
Dots or stripes? 

Stripes
Dogs or cats? 

I’ve always considered myself a dog person…but recently, I’ve begun to accept the fact that [small voice] I might actually prefer cats.
Cooking or eating out? 

Eating out
Coffee or tea? 

Hot chocolate
Books or magazines? 

Books

Favorites:
Book- 

The Hotel New Hampshire, by John Irving
Book store- 

The Barnes & Noble in the town where I grew up (many hours logged with friends in the teen section – when we were very much no longer teens -- reading sweet valley high and Christopher Pike and hoping no one would spot us)
Movie- 

Princess Bride
Music artist- 

I honestly don’t have one. I get bored listening to more than three songs in a row by the same people. I did used to be obsessed with Billy Joel.
Website- 

Television Without Pity (before Bravo bought it and completely screwed it up)
Designer- 

Tim Gunn
Coffee chain- 

I hate them all (easy, when you hate coffee)
Guilty pleasure- 

One Tree Hill
Restaurant- 

This tiny Italian place in the west village, whose name I won’t say here because I don’t want anyone else going there but me
Color- 

Green

Have you ever:
Lived abroad? 

For one month. And it was the best thing ever. I regret never doing it for longer.
Gotten a tattoo? 

No
Stayed up for the midnight release of a movie or book? 

Does it count that I once slept on the street in front of the Rent theater to get front row seats?

[Um, YES that counts. I wish I had gotten to see Rent live. I had to settle for the movie. :P]
Disliked your job? 

Yes. And yes again.
Cried during a movie? 

Yes. (Most embarrassing movie to have cried during? Rudy. Runner-up, that horrendous Hilary Swank movie, PS I Love You – especially embarrassing b/c I was on an airplane.)
Sang karaoke? 

Yes, unfortunately.

Questions:
If you were on a desert island, what 5 things would you bring with you?

 1) a boat. 2) suntan lotion. 3) a personal chef. 4) a snorkel mask. 5) I should probably say a notebook, but the more honest answer is a big stack of books.
What’s on the list of things you have to do during your life? 

Write a TV show.
If you could have one super power what would it be? 

Teleportation.
What’s your perfect music playlist? 

Oh jeez, I hate this question. My perfect playlist would be one created for me by someone else, so I didn’t have to think about it. But I suppose it would be equal parts Broadway soundtracks, 80s nostalgia tracks, and the occasional indie band from this decade (Decemberists, the Format, New Pornographers, etc)
What’s the one food you could eat day after day and not get sick of? 

Cheese. Mmm, cheese.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? 

Paris. Unless it’s summer – then Cinque Terre.
What moment in history do you wish you could’ve experienced? 

Fin-de-Siecle Vienna.
What does your dream library look like? 

A lot like this, actually:
http://www.wired.com/images/article/magazine/1610/ff_walker_f.jpg
And this:
http://www.wired.com/images/article/magazine/1610/ff_walker4_f.jpg

When you walk into a bookstore, where do you head first? 

The YA and children’s departments. (I realize this probably sounds like I’m looking for my own books and, okay, that’s true. But this has been my first stop for years and years, since long before I got published. There’s something very reassuring about all the familiar titles, like a piece of home in a foreign city.)
If everyone had to read one book, what would you have it be? 

This is a sort of depressing note to end with, but maybe Survival in Auschwitz (Primo Levi) or Slaughterhouse Five (Kurt Vonnegut)

Thank you sooo much Robin. :) I am really looking forward to reading Skinned. Especially after seeing the cover for Crashed

Doesn't that look amazing?! Ah. I swear I'm reading Skinned by the end of this month. That's my goal for January. :) Haha.

Discovering Pig Magic by Julie Crabtree

Mattie, Ariel, and Nicki are fast friends facing the pitfalls of life at thirteen. Mattie's kitschy pig collection and agoraphobic mother might completely derail her social life. Ariel's attempts to follow in Rachael Ray's culinary footsteps have landed her in hot water. And Nicki is carrying a secret that threatens to cut her off from her best friends.

After discovering a mysterious book of spells and performing a ritual, the girls leave their troubles far behind. Or so they think. Several disasters later, Mattie and her friends fear that their ritual is working against them. Can they break the spell before their problems spiral out of control?

(Summary from back of book)

I never really read any MG books. I don't think I ever read very many even when I was a "Middle Grader". They just always seemed sort of simplistic and below me. Not to sound hoity-toity or anything, but I do think there is some validity in that assumption. MG books ARE simple. The authors don't normally risk throwing in complex plot developments or themes for fear that they might lose their hold on their audience. Preteens have notoriously short attention spans so reading a book tailored to their needs when you yourself don't have those needs is rather trying. I'm used to reading really complex books. Or at least the books that are my favorites and which really capture my attention are detailed and thoughtful. 

There was something about the simplicity in this book that I liked, though. The plot was rather stereotypical and I was able to predict all the turns the book took, but I sort of liked it. It was weirdly comforting. Like an old friend that you've shared all your secrets with; not to sound cliched or cheesy. This book took me back to my middle school and preteen days, with their friendship dramas and awkward adolescent moments. It was like one big ol' flashback for me.

 

That's not to say that this book was perfect. It wasn't. The characters were very stereotypical and some of the moments that were meant to be climactic weren't. The characters were what really brought the story down for me. The three main girls had the most overused family issues and run of the mill appearances. I wish there had been some more thought and energy put into the character creation and development. I also wish that Ms. Crabtree had tried to make the climaxes for climax-like. I read what I think was meant to be the main turning point of the book and thought to myself, "That's it?" To add to that, the writing was pretty plain. It didn't add much to the story. I would've enjoyed a few more flourishing adjectives and sprightly verbs. 

But despite all that, I wouldn't tell you to disregard this book. It's a good comfort read. You won't get anything enormous out of it, but hey, when you were in your preteens, did you want to be hit over the head with deep philosophical novels? I think not. Read Discovering Pig Magic for yourself first and then gift it to a younger sister or cousin. They'll love you for it, I promise.

*This book is published by an awesome non-profit Minnesota publisher. :) All the more reason to buy, eh?

I'm sorry for all the horrible memes...

...but I really can't control myself.

Taken from Steph and John Green. Again, sorry.

Type in "[your name] needs" in the Google search.
"Liv needs a man!" Well I suppose that is rather true.

"LIV NEEDS DRUGS." Ummm...

"Liv needs a stylist or even an honest relative with good taste." Why thank you.

Type in "[your name] looks like" in Google search.
"Liv looks like a little rock 'n roller." Is that because I need a stylist?

"Liv's upper lip looks like a slug." :(

Type in "[your name] says" in Google search.
"Liv says blogging about blogging is verboten."

"Liv says she never felt the pressure to be wild." Alrighty then.

Type in "[your name] wants" in Google search.
"Liv wants to give marriage another go." Oh yes. Because you know that previous one I had? It didn't work out very well. Messy divorce and only partial custody of the children. Very bad situation.

Type in "[your name] does" in Google search.
"The Liv is a simple, affordable, and reliable electric bicycle." Why yes. Yes I am.
"I think Liv does it better!" Aw. 

Type in "[your name] hates" in Google search.
"Liv hates boys. Boys always tease her, call her fatso." ...

Type in "[your name] asks" in Google search.
"Liv asks about the apartment hunt and is very disappointed to discover that it's over." DARN.

Type in "[your name] likes " in Google search.
"Liv likes cheese sticks." I do! They're nummy.

Type in "[your name] eats " in Google search. 

"Liv eats babies."

"Liv eats people." CAROL! What have you done to me?!

Type in "[your name] wears " in Google search.
"Ever wondered what an elf wears under her dress? Lord of the Rings star Liv Tyler has revealed that they are naked." Oh fun! 

Type in "[your name] was arrested for" in Google Search.
"Olivia was arrested for chaining herself to the door of the Bush Cheney Administrative Headquarters." (Liv didn't turn up any good stuff...)

Type in "[your name] loves" in Google Search.
"Lady Liv loves saving the planet." It is a very noble cause, I must agree.

Take part in this meme if you must.