Mrs. Magoo Reads

Retrospective (27)

mrsmagooreads@gmail.com (Mrs. Magoo) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:32:00 +0000

Monday: I posted a review video of Things are Gonna Get Ugly, along with a contest to win a copy. The contest ends tomorrow, so hurry over!

Tuesday: I posted the new First Line poll and posted a contest to win both volumes of the Encyclopedia of Immaturity.

Thursday: I reviewed Hate List by Jennifer Brown.

Friday: I reviewed Not Like You by Deborah Davis.

Saturday: I interviewed Justin Allen, author of Year of the Horse.

Saturday's Scribe: Justin Allen

mrsmagooreads@gmail.com (Mrs. Magoo) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:52:00 +0000

Today's scribe: Justin Allen
Author of: Year of the Horse
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Year of the Horse is a mix of western, fantasy, and historical fiction. If you had to pick just one of the three genres to write in, which would you choose and why?

Darn! That’s a beast of a question. The whole basis of what I do, writing-wise, amounts to finding or making connections. How is fantasy connected to western? How is history related to fantasy? I think they’re all intertwined. Have you ever seen any of the old Clint Eastwood spaghetti-western movies? If you’re at all like me, you watch those movies and think – wait a minute, when exactly is this supposed to be taking place? You show me the Civil War, but don’t give me any details. And where are they anyway? How can that great big desert be right outside a Confederate Prisoner of War camp? That doesn’t look like any part of Georgia I’ve ever seen. Plus, how in heaven’s name does Clint’s gun always have just the right number of shells in it?

The realization you come to, if you ponder on such bits of malarkey for long enough, is that those movies are actually fantasies. The whole western genre is a sort of fantasy, I reckon. The heroes are stronger than normal, nobler, purer, faster on the draw, or just plain chuck full of bravery. Sometimes they get hurt or killed, sometimes they even fail. But they never give up, never give in, and always meet every challenge with their head up, their eyes open, and a sneer on their lips. It scarcely matters whether they carry the Sword of Gryffindor or an old brass revolver. We count on them to do what they think is right, to struggle against nearly impossible odds, and to remind us that being on the side of goodness and decency, while not always easy, is a thing to be revered and respected.

I guess that what I am trying to say is that for me these genres can not be separated. They are one and the same. They are ALL fantasy.

Which of the characters in your novel do you most relate to?

You know, I’d like to say Lu. I really, really like Lu. Plus, he is the boy who gets chosen. But facts being what they are, I guess I am probably most like Sadie. Her upbringing is not so very different from mine. She grew up in the west, and so has a generous dollop of that coarseness that we westerners so like and admire. I think I am fairly loyal, as Sadie most assuredly is, and I hope I am as open to new ideas, new people, and new experiences (maybe I’m not, but at least I’m trying). Plus, I gave Sadie my desire to travel. I wish I could be as good-looking as Sadie, and could wind up with all her money, but those are just surface things. Money and looks aren’t everything - they’re not even the most important things. Sadie knows that, I think. I think she would agree with me in saying that character, the deepest most core attributes of a person, are what really count.

Have you ever had any adventures similar to Lu's?

Well, as I said before, I have certainly done my fair share of camping. And I have actually ridden a mule into the Grand Canyon. I hunted as a kid, though I never actually shot anything (never wanted to – don’t tell my Dad). But thus far I have managed to avoid any actual confrontations with either horse-riding fire demons or the devil. I count myself lucky in both regards.

Can you describe your writing process?

I always begin with some overarching idea, some point I am trying to make. I just can’t see how you can begin trying to say a thing until you have decided what it is you want to say. I don’t write any of this down, as a rule, I just have a strong inclination to say something about patriotism, or race relations, or whatever. And with that inclination is an image of a place, a time, and likely a single character. The character that started Year of the Horse was Jack Straw. All of this I think up well in advance. After that, writing for me is nothing more than sitting in front of my computer hitting the keys.

I know, I know, some writers have elaborate rituals they perform before, during and after sitting down to work. I don’t do any of that. Every day, soon as I get up, I make breakfast for my wife and myself, and then I go to work!!!! There is nothing for writing than just to WRITE. You are sure to write a huge amount of nonsense, trash, filler and crap. Far as I can see, there is no way to avoid this. So why spend your time thinking up ways of tricking yourself into writing the exact right word every time? Eventually, you are sure to hit on something that feels right. Then you will hasten along that path for a bit, until the next lot of trash begins to spew out, and you will have to regroup, back up, and search for that clear path once more. Writing is no magic trick. It is just work. It is clearing a path through a jungle of mistakes (sometimes you just can’t clear the path and the mistake stays – deal with it). And that path, that one semi-clear road through the wilderness of your mind, once put to paper, is a book.

What advice would you give to any aspiring young writers?

I’ll give you two pieces of advice - no extra charge.

First of all, read! And don’t just keep reading the same thing over and over. Read widely. New insights will come from reading books, articles and stories that seemingly have nothing whatsoever to do with the subject you think you are trying to hack out of the jungle of your mind. Read comic books and medical manuals, newspapers, blogs, the backs of cereal boxes, children’s picture books, mysteries, science fiction, the textbooks you are supposed to read for school anyway (but often don’t), plays and movie scripts, books that feel beyond your level, and books that are too young for you by far. Doesn’t hardly matter WHAT you read, merely that you READ.

And second, strike adverbs from your writing. The adverb is the single most poisonous thing to be injected into any sentence. It steals from your verb, leaving it wimpy and weak. Worse yet, the adverb seldom (maybe never) adds any useful information to a sentence. The context of most any story or novel is such that the adverb is almost always superfluous. I tell you, adverbs ought to be declared illegal.

But maybe you don’t believe me? Fine, so let’s have an example:

“Good luck,” said Ron quietly. Harry walked into the Great Hall, clutching his wand so tightly his hand shook. “Professor Tofty is free, Potter,” squeaked Professor Flitwick…

Now, as to that first sentence… Looking at it, we can’t help but feel badly for that poor little word ‘said.’ Oh how it has been abused with that ‘quietly.’ And as for ‘quietly’… what does it even mean? Has Ron’s volume been turned down? Is he speaking in a voice such that he hopes other won’t hear? Maybe Ron whispered? Imagine for a moment that ‘Ron whispered.’ Is our sentence any different? Yes, we now have put that poor little ‘said’ out of its - and our - misery. Plus, we have a perfectly marvelous verb now, a verb which itself seems to whisper.

I say, in our writing let’s look for words like whisper, and avoid abusing words like poor little ‘said.’ ‘Said’ is a perfectly lovely word, when allowed to stand alone. Let ‘said’ be ‘said’, and ‘whisper’ be ‘whisper’, and lets us keep the adverbs out of things, shall we?

The above example also offers, in the very next sentence, an opportunity for you to try your own hand at criticizing the adverb. I ask you, what do you think about ‘so tightly?’ How would you eliminate the adverb? Go ahead, be brutal. It’s fun to abuse your literary betters (JK Rowling is most assuredly my better), and so to learn to avoid their mistakes.
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Thanks, Mr. Allen, for such a great interview!

Not Like You

mrsmagooreads@gmail.com (Mrs. Magoo) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:12:00 +0000

Title: Not Like You
Author: Deborah Davis
Grade: A-
Ideal Audience: Girls & Some Boys, 13+

Summary: At fifteen years old, Kayla has grown accustomed to her mother's alternative way of life. Every few months, her mom decides to stay off the alcohol (Kayla now knows not to get her hopes up), and pack up and move. Now, they've moved to a dumpy trailer in New Mexico. Both are trying to start accomplishing something with their lives, although Kayla isn't sure how long the kick will last.

Quickly, Kayla garners clients to dog-walk for. Her business is successful and she loves the job: she feels connected to the dogs, and forms friendships with one dog's owners in particular: Shirley and Sherrie, two middle-aged women who run a clothing store. The women listen to Kayla's problems and offer her advice when she needs it.

Kayla is also forming a- could she call it a relationship?- with Remy, who, at twenty-four, is much too old for her. It also doesn't help that she told him she's seventeen instead of fifteen. Can Kayla make sense of her emotions, and work out the rocky connection she has with her mother?

My thoughts: Not Like You is moving and touching, and paints a realistic portrait of a young woman struggling to find out who she is in life. Many girls, even if their situation is unlike Kayla's, will be able to relate to her honesty and hopefulness.

Deborah Davis has proven herself as a talented writer in this impressive novel.

Buy Not Like You from Amazon

Buy Not Like You from IndieBound

Hate List

mrsmagooreads@gmail.com (Mrs. Magoo) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:34:00 +0000

Title: Hate List
Author: Jennifer Brown
Grade: B+
Ideal Audience: Boys & Girls, 14-18

Summary: When Valerie's boyfriend, Nick, came to school and shot students and a teacher, and then committed suicide, Valerie was sure she was just having a nightmare. Now, five months later, Valerie has to deal with the fact that the school shooting was very much a horrendous reality.

But she has even more to deal with that just being Nick's former girlfriend. Nick picked his victims from a list he and Valerie created together: a hate list. Now, some people believe that Valerie was involved with planning the shooting, and perhaps even pulled the trigger a time or two herself. Valerie is now surrounded by suspicions, held even by her own family.

Despite these accusations, everyone knows that Valerie was shot in the leg when she stopped the shooting, and saved the life of a student, by jumping on Nick. Now, Jessica, the girl whom Valerie saved, is trying to create a fragile friendship between the two.

Valerie has to find a way to navigate her forever-changed world, and must find a way to gain other's trust... and see if she can even trust herself.

My thoughts: Hate List is an emotional novel, featuring a believable main character, and, yes, even a believable situation. Jennifer Brown carefully explores the driving force behind Nick, and the confusion, guilt, and pain that Valerie is feeling.

Many teenagers will be able to relate to this novel, and may even be able to learn a lesson or two from it.

Buy Hate List from Amazon

Buy Hate List from IndieBound

Win Encyclopedia of Immaturity Vol. 2!

mrsmagooreads@gmail.com (Mrs. Magoo) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:26:00 +0000

First, the winners of the Cirque du Freak set are Tracee and Ann Diana Dinh.

ENCYCLOPEDIA OF IMMATURITY VOL 2
Recommended for ages 9-99!
Klutz Book Release

THREE winners will win The Encyclopedia of Immaturity AND The Encyclopedia of Immaturity Volume 2!

Product Page
Facebook Fan Page

From Klutz: The Encyclopedia of Immaturity has been such a hit that Klutz is following up with a second book! The Encyclopedia of Immaturity Volume 2 includes thought-provoking topics such as how to slide down a banister, what we talk about when we talk about wedgies, how to send a toiletgram, and more. It’s all new and all hopelessly goofy.

To get an entry, leave a comment on this post with your name and email address. For additional entries:

+1 Follow this blog
+1 Follow me on twitter
+1 Link to this contest
+1 Vote here
+3 Buy something from one of these stores

Be sure to list everything you have done in your comment! Also remember that simply commenting- even if you do none of the above- still gets you an entry. I will announce the winner on December 1st. Good luck!

Note: it's extremely helpful to me if you format your comment like this:

Email: whatever@something.com
+1 Comment here
+1 Following the blog
+1 I voted in poll
+3 I bought Twilight from your store
(Or whatever it is you did.)

October: Best First Lines

mrsmagooreads@gmail.com (Mrs. Magoo) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:22:00 +0000

The winner of September's First Line contest is "You would think it'd be easy to get along with a person after she's dead.", from Give Up the Ghost by Megan Crewe.

Here are the first lines of all the books I read in October 2009. Please vote on which you think is the best! You can check to see which book they are from here.

Which do you think is the best first line of a novel?(survey software)

Thanks for voting! The winning first line will be announced on December 1.

Movie Monday & Contest: Things Are Gonna Get Ugly

mrsmagooreads@gmail.com (Mrs. Magoo) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 04:54:00 +0000

Interested in winning a copy of Things Are Gonna Get Ugly? Keep reading!

The winner of the Give Up the Ghost swag bag is Sheere.

Click here to read the text review of Things Are Gonna Get Ugly.

To win a copy of Things Are Gonna Get Ugly, all you have to do to enter is watch the video above from beginning to end- it's about a minute and a half- and leave a comment on this post with your email address. For an extra entry, link to this contest. For another, follow my blog. I will announce the winner on Monday, November 9.

Retrospective (26)

mrsmagooreads@gmail.com (Mrs. Magoo) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 04:21:00 +0000

Monday: I posted a review video of Give Up the Ghost, along with a contest to win a "swag bag". The contest ends tomorrow, so hurry over!

Tuesday: I hit the 400 follower mark! Thank you, everybody!!

Wednesday: I reviewed the movie Valkyrie. I also received an award from Donna!! Thanks!

Thursday: I reviewed Ash by Malinda Lo.

Friday: I reviewed Invisible I by Stella Lennon.

Also, don't forget to check out my interview with Sara Bareilles!

Invisible I

mrsmagooreads@gmail.com (Mrs. Magoo) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 04:19:00 +0000

Title: Invisible I: The Amanda Project
Author: Stella Lennon
Grade: A-
Ideal Audience: Girls, 12-16

Summary: Callie is a member of the I girls, the most popular girls in her school's ninth grade. Lately, she's also been hanging out with Amanda, a free spirit unlike anybody Callie's ever known... and somebody who is definitely not liked by the I girls.

But then Amanda mysteriously disappears, right after she graffitied the vice principal's car... and implicated Callie as an accomplice in her "crime", along with Nia, the school geek, and Hal, a recovering dork. Although the three don't understand why they've been thrown together, they realize that Amanda wants them to work together to find her.

As Callie struggles to decipher Amanda's cryptic clues, she realizes that she knew Amanda even less than she thought she did. Finally, the search begins to center around identity- not only questioning who Amanda truly was, but wondering who Callie herself is.

My thoughts: Invisible I was engaging and suspenseful, and many readers will be tearing through the pages. Part of an eight-book series, Invisible I provides a delightful beginning to the search for Amanda. However, I wish the novel could have provided more information about Amanda's personality, so that we could have gotten to know her a little better.

Also part of an online project (click here to view the site), The Amanda Project will appeal to many teenage girls.

But Invisible I from Amazon

Buy Invisible I from IndieBound

Ash

mrsmagooreads@gmail.com (Mrs. Magoo) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 03:59:00 +0000

Title: Ash
Author: Malinda Lo
Grade: A
Ideal Audience: Girls & Some Boys, 13+

Summary: After Ash's mother dies- providing quite a blow to the young girl- Ash is quite surprised to see her father remarry within a few months. But nothing at all can prepare her for the death of her father, leaving Ash to the mercy of her stepmother and stepsisters. Soon, Ash has gone from looking upon a bright future to being her stepfamily's maid.

While mourning the deaths of her parents, especially her mother's, Ash seeks refuge in the magical, forbidden dream world of the fairies. Traipsing through the forest near her home, Ash encounters Sidhean, a mysterious fairy who is determined to claim the girl for his own- and Ash is not inclined to refuse him.

But then Ash meets Kaisa, the king's huntress. The two begin meeting everyday, and Kaisa even teaches Ash how to ride a horse, how to hunt. As Ash's heart is torn in two, she has to discover the difference between magical bindings and her true feelings.

My thoughts: Ash is a darker retelling of Cinderella. Ash herself is nothing like the bouncy, happy Cinderella seen in Disney movies: rather, she mourns the death of her parents, and yearns to escape her harsh reality by retreating into strange and forbidden worlds.

Furthermore, there is a twist in Ash's love interests: in Malinda Lo's novel, the heroine does not fall for the handsome and rich prince. However, she is still conflicted about where her heart lies. Teenagers and adults alike will find Ash to be a lyrical, honest fairy tale.

Buy Ash from Amazon

Buy Ash from IndieBound

Valkyrie

mrsmagooreads@gmail.com (Mrs. Magoo) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:10:00 +0000

Colonel Stauffenberg is determined to serve Germany during World War II. However, after considering what Hitler is doing, he decides that it would be better for Germany if Hitler were to be defeated. Out of loyalty to his country, Stauffenberg enters into a dangerous scheme to assassinate Hitler and take control of the German government without triggering the SS.

Based off of a true story, Valkyrie portrays German soldiers' plot to kill Hitler, all while pretending to be loyal to Hitler and "Hitler's Germany". The lines are spoken in English rather than German, and it is up to the viewer to suspend disbelief.

Valkyrie was a fast-paced and suspenseful movie, perfect for film and action lovers. I also found it to be a unique World War II movie as I had never before heard of Stauffenberg or the German attempts to assassinate Hitler.

Movie Monday & Contest: Give Up the Ghost

mrsmagooreads@gmail.com (Mrs. Magoo) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:31:00 +0000

Interested in winning some Give Up the Ghost swag? Keep reading!

The winner of Dreaming Anastasia is elaing8!

Click here to read the text review of Give Up the Ghost.

To win one ghost scent sample, a mini paper lantern, a friendship bracelet, a bookmark, a sticker set, and a button, all you have to do to enter is watch the video above from beginning to end- it's about a minute and a half- and leave a comment on this post with your email address. For an extra entry, link to this contest. For another, follow my blog. I will announce the winner on Monday, November 2.

Retrospective (25)

mrsmagooreads@gmail.com (Mrs. Magoo) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:14:00 +0000

Monday: I posted a review video of Dreaming Anastasia, along with a contest to win a copy. The contest ends tomorrow, so hurry over!

Tuesday: I reviewed the movie An Education.

Wednesday: Mini Magoo reviewed Secrets of a Christmas Box by Steven Hornby.

Thursday: I profiled the blogger Steph Bowe along with a contest to win a copy of Intertwined.

Friday: I reviewed The Horrifying Tale of Mrs. Trollope by Martin Dubow.

Saturday: Daniel Nayeri, co-author of Another Faust, wrote a guest blog.

Also, don't forget to check out my interview with Sara Bareilles!

Saturday's Scribe: Daniel Nayeri

mrsmagooreads@gmail.com (Mrs. Magoo) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 04:06:00 +0000

Daniel Nayeri is the co-author of Another Faust and would like to tell you about an awesome contest he's running!
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*Another* Another Faust Contest

Hi everyone. Dina and I are about to kick off a month-long tour for our book, Another Faust, and we want to do it by announcing a contest! We are looking for the most promising writers out there (that’s YOU). And then we want to showcase their work, so that all of the Internet can bask in their awesome writing might (and, you know, give them prizes).

HERE’S HOW IT GOES.

We want you to write your own short story, re-imagining of the Faustian Bargain. (For inspiration, check out Bedazzled, Simpsons “Tree House of Horrors IV,” and The Little Mermaid). It can be about anything you like (but let’s keep it PG-13, and under 3,000 words), and it’s open to everyone.

All you have to do is send your entry to dviergutz@gmail.com before January 31.

Rules and details can be found here: http://www.danielanddina.com/site/2009/10/writing-contest-create-another-ano ther-faust/

Make sure to read them so you don’t get DQed.

And the winner gets all kinds of sweetness:

A signed copy of Another Faust
A handwritten deleted scene
A featured article & interview on our site
An author’s galley of the sequel Another Pan

Though we’ll feature the top five on our site for comments, the judging WON’T happen by popular vote (so basically, we don't care which contestant has the most friends). Dina and I will personally read them.

So, spread the word! Tweet, retweet, forward, thread, spread, embed this post.

Good luck!

D & D

The Horrifying Tale of Mrs. Trollope

mrsmagooreads@gmail.com (Mrs. Magoo) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 03:45:00 +0000

Title: The Horrifying Tale of Mrs. Trollope
Author: Martin Dubow (author of Francey)
Grade: A-
Ideal Audience: Boys & Some Girls, 12-16

Summary: When Jack and Clara knock on a large door attached to what looks like a haunted house on the Night of Dread, the only thing that warns them against doing so is Clara's "premonition of doom". Little do they know that Clara's instincts are actually being subtle in their predictions on this fateful night.

The door is answered by Mrs. Trollope, a little old lady who is far from harmless. With a creepy demeanor and overly friendly attitude, she invites the couple to stay for the night. Jack and Clara politely refuse, as they had only wanted to make a phone call. But they find that their way out of Mrs. Trollope's yard is blocked... by wolves.

Suddenly, Jack and Clara have seemingly been taken captive. Although Mrs. Trollope remains as pleasant as ever, she is politely denying their requests to leave her house. After discovering Mrs. Trollope's true identity as a vampire, it's up to Jack and Clara to find their way out of the mess, and destroy Mrs. Trollope, before it's too late.

My thoughts: The Horrifying Tale of Mrs. Trollope is an action-packed vampire story. Although the plot did not quite live up to Dubow's debut Francey, the writing is just as elegant and lyrical.

The novel will also appeal to both boys and girls, as many boys will enjoy the (non-Edward Cullen) vampire scenes and girls will enjoy the mysteries that enfold throughout the book. I'm looking forward to more from Martin Dubow!

Buy The Horrifying Tale of Mrs. Trollope from Amazon

The Covers

Although the front cover is somewhat creepy, I'm happy to say that I've been quoted on the back! Be sure to buy a copy so you can see it!

Blogger Profile: Steph Bowe (& Contest)

mrsmagooreads@gmail.com (Mrs. Magoo) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 03:21:00 +0000

If you're interested in winning a copy of Intertwined, keep on reading! Alexa is the winner of Bad Girls Don't Die.

Steph blogs at "Hey! Teenager of the Year". Below you can find out more about her and her blog.
_____

Name: Steph Bowe
Alias: Steph Bowe
Blog name: Hey! Teenager of the Year
Blog URL: http://heyteenager.blogspot.com

Can you give us a quick bio about yourself? I'm a fifteen-year-old YA author represented by Ginger Clark of Curtis Brown Ltd. I blog about books for teenagers at Hey! Teenager of the Year and live in Victoria, Australia with my parents, sister and dog. I love zombie movies, the colour red and cupcakes.

Name & describe your blog features: I write in-depth reviews, interview agented and published authors, and blog about issues pertinent to teenagers. I use my blog as a way to express my views on things and I love generating discussions.

Describe your review system: I don't give a star rating - instead I write an in-depth analysis of the book - saying what I did and didn't like. From there, I like to think people can judge whether or not the book is for them.

How is your blog unique from other blogs? I'm an author as well as being a blogger! Also, I live in Australia, and I try and explore issues outside of books that affect teenagers. I aim to be both informative and funny in my blog posts.

How do you market your blog? I interview a lot of book bloggers, I hold competitions, I email people, I engage in discussion on other blogs -- I also promote via Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads and Myspace, as well as blogging at two other sites - Prom Mafia and We Love YA.

Can you give us 3 tips about content?
1) Write what you want to write
2) Try and make your content stand out
3) Update regularly and be interesting

Can you give us 3 tips about blog promotion?
1) Read a lot of other blogs
2) Join social networking sites
3) Be willing to promote other bloggers, and they'll probably return the favour.
_____

Thanks so much, Steph!

To win a copy of Intertwined, leave a comment on this post with your name and email address. You MUST follow both my blog AND Steph's blog to enter. To get an entry, link to this contest. I'll announce the winner on November 19.

Mini Magoo Review: Secrets of a Christmas Box

mrsmagooreads@gmail.com (Mrs. Magoo) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 03:09:00 +0000

REVIEWED BY MINI MAGOO

Every year, Christmas time comes. And every year, a Christmas tree goes up in each house, and ornaments decorate each Christmas tree. For most people, the ornaments stay there until they are removed. But in one house, strange things are happening with the ornaments.

When the ordinary people in an ordinary family in an ordinary house go to sleep, things start to wake up on the Christmas tree: The ornaments have come to life! One happy little snowman, Larry, is walking around the tree with his puppy, Tinsel, and his girlfriend, Debbie. While greeting old friends, Larry realizes that his brother is nowhere to be seen!

After meeting a newcomer, Splint, Larry and Splint plan to remove themselves from the tree (which is absolutely forbidden) and look for Larry's brother. As Tinsel goes wherever Larry goes, and Debbie reluctantly agrees to come along, the four begin their journey the next night.

However, unexpectedly things begin to happen and Larry, Splint, Debbie, and even Tinsel must use more courage than they ever imagined to do what’s right.

Secrets of a Christmas Box was very well-written and the plot was exciting. It was a story filled with excitement, suspension, imagination, and unexpected turns. However, some parts were a bit slow, and others too abrupt. Overall, I thought the book was very enjoyable and would appeal to 9 to 12 year olds.

Buy Secrets of a Christmas Box from Amazon

Buy Secrets of a Christmas Box from IndieBound

An Education

mrsmagooreads@gmail.com (Mrs. Magoo) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:30:00 +0000

Living in England in the 1960's, Jenny is bored. At the top of her class, an excellent cello player, and likely to go to Oxford to study English, still, Jenny is bored with the drab life around her. She dreams of Paris, of French culture, of excitement- not of sitting in a classroom learning pointless lessons.

Then, along comes David, a grown man (compared to Jenny's sixteen years) who is no stranger to adventure. Although she is little more than half their age, Jenny quickly enters his circle of friends. Suddenly, Jenny is living the life she has always dreamed of. Her appearance receives a makeover, and her evening activities involve clubs and visits to the countryside instead of textbooks.

But then Jenny is faced with a choice: David or Oxford. Is David, considering his age and questionable activities, really the right future for her? Or should she attend Oxford, so that she can spend the rest of her life bored? It's up to Jenny to determine what is right and what is nothing more than smoke and mirrors.

An Education was absolutely superb. The plot was compelling, the acting brilliant, and the cinematography was gorgeous. It was excellently compiled and forces the viewer to question the aspects of his or her own life.

However, the movie was also disturbing, and several scenes slightly sickening. An Education will appeal to those who enjoy artistic, but edgy, films.

Movie Monday & Contest: Dreaming Anastasia

mrsmagooreads@gmail.com (Mrs. Magoo) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:18:00 +0000

Interested in winning a copy of Dreaming Anastasia? Keep reading!

The winner of Simply Irresistible is Shadowofwonder47.

Click here to read the text review of Dreaming Anastasia.

To win a copy of Dreaming Anastasia, all you have to do to enter is watch the video above from beginning to end- it's about a minute and a half- and leave a comment on this post with your email address. For an extra entry, link to this contest. For another, follow my blog. I will announce the winner on Monday, October 26.

This contest is international!

Retrospective (24)

mrsmagooreads@gmail.com (Mrs. Magoo) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 02:41:00 +0000

Monday: I posted a review video of Simply Irresistible, along with a contest to win a copy. The contest ends tomorrow, so hurry over!

Tuesday: I profiled the blogger Liyana.

Wednesday: I reviewed The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon.

Thursday: I reviewed Year of the Horse by Justin Allen.

Friday: I reviewed His Eyes by Reneé Carter.

Saturday: I interviewed Megan Crewe, author of Give Up the Ghost.

Also, don't forget to check out my interview with Sara Bareilles!

Saturday's Scribe: Megan Crewe

mrsmagooreads@gmail.com (Mrs. Magoo) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 04:10:00 +0000

Today's scribe: Megan Crewe
Author of: Give Up the Ghost

Check out the interview!
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If you could meet one ghost, who would it be and why?

I'd like to meet the ghost of my grandfather, if he's still around. He died when I was in my preteens and so I never got to know him really well. I think he'd have a lot of interesting stories to tell.

Do you believe in ghosts? How has your opinion in their existence evolved over the years?

I'm on the fence. I think it's possible ghosts exist, and I've certainly heard many convincing stories of people's experiences with them. But I've never encountered one myself, and it's hard for me to totally believe in them just from hearsay. That's pretty much how I've always felt about it.

What are your three favorite YA novels?

Narrowing it down to just three is pretty much impossible! My favorite YA as a teen was BIRTH OF THE FIREBRINGER by Meredith Ann Pierce. And a couple I've totally loved in recent years are DRAMARAMA by E. Lockhart and THE KING OF ATTOLIA by Megan Whalen Turner.

How do you deal with writer's block?

I make myself keep putting words on the page. Usually after a little while I get back into the flow. If I don't, then I let myself walk away from the story, and find somewhere comfortable to sit and let my mind wander (in a directed sort of way). Often when I'm stuck it's because I've been trying to force the story down a certain path, or I haven't thought it through properly. If I give my imagination free reign, it comes up with a solution pretty quick.

What advice would you give to any aspiring writers?

Keep at it. I was trying to get published, in one way or another, for more than ten years before it happened. I had to write several books before my skills were at a publishable level and I found the right idea. Sometimes it takes a long time. But if you keep trying, reading, writing, and learning everything you can, you'll get there.
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Thanks for such a great interview, Ms. Crewe!

His Eyes

mrsmagooreads@gmail.com (Mrs. Magoo) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 03:15:00 +0000

Title: His Eyes
Author: Reneé Carter
Grade: B+
Ideal Audience: Girls & Some Boys, 13-17

Summary: Desperate for money so that she can get into the (expensive) college of her choice- Evanston- Amy answers an ad for a babysitting position. However, when she arrives for an interview, she realizes that a few things were left out of the ad. For one, the boy she's supposed to look after is newly blind, and won't cooperate with professionals. Secondly: he's her age.

Amy is initially inclined to turn down the job, but when an enticing $20 an hour is thrown her way, she can't help but accept. Now, she has to "babysit" Tristan, a surprisingly attractive eighteen year old boy who refuses to comply with anything she suggests or asks.

However, within a few days, Amy and Tristan find themselves falling for each other. But just when Amy thinks she has found happiness, a monumental obstacle is thrown her way. Can their new relationship survive?

My thoughts: His Eyes is a fun, heartwarming romance. All aspects of the novel- Amy's college plans, family quirks, and, of course, relationship with Tristan- are successfully, neatly tied up in the end. Reneé Carter will garner many fans with her debut, and I'm looking forward to what she has to offer in the future!

Buy His Eyes from Amazon

Buy His Eyes from IndieBound

Year of the Horse

mrsmagooreads@gmail.com (Mrs. Magoo) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:02:00 +0000

Title: Year of the Horse
Author: Justin Allen
Grade: B
Ideal Audience: Boys & Some Girls, 11-15

Summary: Year of the Horse takes place in the mid-1800s, in what is commonly referred to as the Wild West. When Lu, an adventurous Chinese boy, is invited to join an expedition to find some long-lost gold, he immediately snatches up the opportunity.

Lu is accompanying several others: Jack, Chino, Henry, MacLemore, and MacLemore's daughter Sadie. As their journey continues, all become great friends and experience life-changing episodes together. They grow so close that it seems that, even if they don't strike it rich, the trek will have been made worth it.

But as characters from the past re-enter the group's lives, and mysterious threats and warnings are issued, it seems as if there are only two options: find the gold and distribute it amongst themselves, or be struck down by mysterious and magical beings.

My thoughts: While Year of the Horse started out somewhat slow, it gradually picked up speed and resulted in a thrilling climax and satisfying ending. Mr. Allen did an excellent job of mixing fantasy with a western tale, and there were several nods to other literary stories within the book.

This will be a favorite to anybody who enjoys historical fiction and/or western novels.

Buy Year of the Horse from Amazon

Buy Year of the Horse from IndieBound

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

mrsmagooreads@gmail.com (Mrs. Magoo) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:48:00 +0000

Title: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Author: Mark Haddon
Grade: A
Ideal Audience: Boys & Girls, 13+

Summary: Christopher, a teenage boy, has Asperger's Syndrome. He has an extremely logical, high functioning mind, but has trouble relating to people and their emotions: Christopher finds that he is much better at relating to animals than to humans. Perhaps this is why Christopher decides to investigate the murder of his neighbor's dog.

But after a little bit of nosing around, Christopher is forbidden to continue on trying to solve the mystery. His father, who has had to raise his son on his own ever since his wife died, demands that Christopher stop questioning neighbors and digging up the past. Still, Christopher refuses to give up so easily, and continues his investigation by skirting past his father's commands.

However, after Christopher uncovers a shocking secret about his family, his life is forever altered. He has to overcome his disability to embark on an adventure of his own. On the way, Christopher learns more about himself and others in his life.

My thoughts: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a touching and moving story. The fact that it is told in first person makes it all the more powerful. Christopher is a character that is hilarious without trying to be, and it's interesting to hear and follow his thought process.

I literally could not stop reading this novel from the first page, and teens and adults alike will enjoy it.

Buy The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time from Amazon

Buy The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time from IndieBound

Blogger Profile: Liyana

mrsmagooreads@gmail.com (Mrs. Magoo) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:42:00 +0000

Liyana blogs at "LiyanaLand". Below you can find out more about her and her blog.
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Name: Liyana
Alias: The girl previously known as the-girl-whose-nose-was-stuck-in-a-book. Now my nose is too long to get stuck in a book. ):
Blog name: LiyanaLand!
Blog URL: http://liveandbreathesmexily.blogspot.com

Can you give us a quick bio about yourself? I'm a pretty fun loving, easy going person who's currently enjoying life, school and all its heartaches to the fullest. :) I'm going to be eighteen in October, but I keep calling myself a seventeen year old. Being an adult is scary! Reading is my favourite leisure activity. There's the occasional bout of playing volleyball, but I'd rather curl up with a book. I loved reading adult books when I was younger. Now that I'm getting older, I love reading YA books. Is that odd? Anyone else like me? :D Other than reviewing on my blog, I'm also a reviewer on http://theroyalreviews.blogspot.com

Name & describe your blog features: There's the usual In My Mailbox and Waiting on Wednesday feature. I used to have a Tell Them Thursday feature, where I'd concentrate on something other than books. But that was before Twitter entered my mind. Now there's an author week feature. That week is held during the launch week of the featured book. There will be author and character interviews, reviews, giveaways and other fun stuff! Right now I'm holding the Fallen ArchAngel: A Becca Fitzpatrick week. It focuses on Hush, Hush, the first Tenner week.

Describe your review system: There's no fixed system. Usually I post the summary of the book, then my review, I'll list my favourite parts and which parts didn't work for me and why.

How is your blog unique from other blogs? I guess because of the author weeks and character interviews. There are loads of stuff not included in the book which will be on my blog. Also, the winners themselves might get more exclusive stuff in addition to books and ARCs and SWAG!

How do you market your blog? I don't really market my blog. I just talk to other bloggers, and that's really the best form of marketing.

Can you give us 3 tips about content?
1. For reviews, write what you feel. No really. But be considerate of the author's feelings.
2. Try not to have the same content as the other blogs. Too much of a good thing isn't a good thing.
3. Insert your personality and make everything more fun and approachable!

Can you give us 3 tips about blog promotion?
1. Talk to the other book bloggers, get more tips from them. (Fountain of information, that they are.)
2. Follow other blogs, leave meaningful, personalised comments on their blogs.
3. Talk to authors. Approach them, they love us book bloggers. :D
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Thanks so much for the great interview, Liyana!