J. Kaye's Book Blog

Thursday's Weekly Book Talk: Book Controversy

jkayesbookblog@yahoo.com (J. Kaye) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 03:30:01 PST

One of the best young adult books I’ve read this year was LIAR by Justine Larbalestier, and I’ll be honest, I almost didn’t read the book. The reason was the controversy over the book’s cover. I have very mixed feelings about this whole affair. Maybe by sharing, I can achieve some clarity.

Correct me if I am wrong, but didn’t the author publicly criticize the cover? And then, it was the massive support from readers that motivated the publisher to change the original cover? I think that was the condensed version of what happened. I’ve always thought authors should have the final say when it comes to book covers. Even so, the controversy over this book turned me off – sort of surprising since I’m normally curious. What were your thoughts when you read about the author’s issue over the book’s cover? Click here to read one article.

Here’s the blurb:

Micah freely admits that she's a compulsive liar. And that may be the one honest thing he'll ever tell you. Over the years she's duped her classmates, her teachers, and even her parents. But when her boyfriend, Zach, dies under brutal circumstances, the shock might be enough to set her straight. Or maybe not. Especially when lying comes as naturally to her as breathing. Was Micah dating Zach? Or was Sarah his real girlfriend? And are the stories Micah tells about inheriting a 'family gene' real or are they something that only exists in her mind?

Breathtaking in its plotting, and narrated by one of the most psychologically complex young women to emerge since Sybil, Liar is a roller-coaster that will have listeners grasping for the truth.

Honestly.

Is this a book you would or would not like to read and why? Also, how do you feel about books that end up in controversial debates as this one did? Do you turn away or are you curious to see what all the fuss is about?

Update: 1st in a Series & 2nd Reading Challenge

jkayesbookblog@yahoo.com (J. Kaye) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 07:30:00 PST

A couple of weeks ago, I posted an update about the 2010 Reading Challenges, the ones I will host and the ones that are being passed on to other book bloggers. I promised to keep you all updated.

Here's the latest:

Royal Reviews is taking over the 1st in a Series Challenge and a sign up page is ready. Click here for guidelines. They are also taking over 2nd Reading Challenge. Click here for more information about that reading challenge.

Book Review: PRIMITIVE by Mark Nykanen

jkayesbookblog@yahoo.com (J. Kaye) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 07:30:01 PST

Book Info

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: BelleBooks, Inc. (October 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0982175647
• ISBN-13: 978-0982175644

Steve’s Thoughts

“Primitive,” by Mark Nykanen, is a fast-paced, action-packed political thriller. Themes are global warming, terrorism, military ‘contractors’, and government cover-ups. Sonya Adams, a forty something model, is abducted while going to a photo shoot. The group responsible has a secret CIA document about how the frozen methane now warming up would destroy modern civilization and multi-nationals companies who are behind this. The group is using pod-casts showing Sonya and promoting their points from Aboland, somewhere in the frozen north.

Nykanen writes a good story and weaves Al Gore, fringe groups, modern technology and primitive lifestyle all together is his story. The Aboland group has a compelling narrative since it is experiencing effects of global warming, and knowingly sacrifices itself to make their message known. Some of radical groups are well-known; others are just small and secret. It is also a modern with the military troops just back from operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the “tech” toys used.

“Primitive” has a political and environmental message. However, this message in so interwoven in the other themes, it fits really well. I read this all in one sitting it was that fast paced and easy-to-read. Both sides of the political divide can find something to agree with or argue about in this story, however they call all agree, it’s one exciting thriller.

My rating is here.

Upcoming Read-Alongs

jkayesbookblog@yahoo.com (J. Kaye) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:54:56 PST

Thanks to the Monday meme, I am connecting with bloggers who have some of the same books on their shelf as I do. Some of those have agreed to a read-along which we’ll be chatting on Twitter.

Here is what’s on the list so far:

Title/Author: TRUE BLUE by David Baldacci
Beginning Date: 11/30/09
Twitterers: @MSEREADS & @J_Kaye
Hashtag: #TrueBlue

Title/Author: SHIVER by Maggie Stiefvater
Beginning Date: 12/2/09
Twitterers: @wellreadreviews & @J_Kaye
Hashtag: #Shiver

Title/Author: STRANGE ANGELS by Lili St. Crow
Beginning Date: 12/7/09
Twitterers: @PonderingBks & @J_Kaye
Hashtag: #StrangeAngels

Title/Author: GETTING LUCKY by Carolyn Brown
Beginning Date: 12/14/09
Twitterers: @MSEREADS & @J_Kaye
Hashtag: #GettingLucky

Title/Author: FALLEN by Lauren Kate
Beginning Date: ??
Twitterers: @baileysandbooks, @bibliofreakblog & @J_Kaye
Hashtag: #Fallen

Title/Author: WICKED GAME by Lisa Jackson and Nancy Bush
Beginning Date: 1/4/10
Twitterers: @madscrapper, @teddyree, @bookdragonslair & @J_Kaye
Hashtag: #WickedGame

For those who have no idea what a hashtag is, click here. If you'd like to join in, please feel free. Post your Twitter URL in the comment section and I'll add you to list above. Be sure to let me know which read-along you'd like to participate in.