It's the end of the work week, the weekend looms,
and so do two great memes:
and so do two great memes:
It's Book Blogger Hop and Follow Friday time!
This week's Book Blogger Hop question:What is the thing you like most about reading book blogs? Is it the reviews, author guest posts, articles, giveaways, or something else entirely?
It would have to be a combination of several things for me. Certainly the reviews of books, because that's the real purpose of this type of network, isn't it? To receive new book recommendations? But I also really enjoy thought-provoking articles about the state of the book industry itself, whether they're about new book awards, banned books, independent bookselling news, new bookstores opening, or anything else topical. Posts like those help me catch up if I've missed something and keep me feeling connected to this wonderful, ever-changing, enormous industry.
This week's Follow Friday question:Do you have an under-noticed author that you think we should all know about?
I am a total evangelist for Australian young adult author, Melina Marchetta.
Melina Marchetta? you might say. Isn't she the author that won the Printz award for her young adult novel, Jellicoe Road?
Why yes, I would answer. The book that is so good that I read it at least once a year and always sob my heart out in the best way possible each time? Yes, she is. But did you know about her recent epic fantasy novel, Finnikin of the Rock?
No, you might respond.
Ah, I would nod wisely. I thought not. Few seem to, despite it being published by Candlewick Press, a fantastic, Boston-based, independently-owned children's/YA-book-only press.
For my review of Jellicoe Road, click here.
For my review of Finnikin of the Rock, click here.
To find out what the Printz award is, click here.
To find out what the Printz award is, click here.
Both of these books, though completely different in genre and scope (Jellicoe Road is realistic young adult fiction set at an Australian boarding school and Finnikin of the Rock is a sweeping young adult fantasy set in an imagined world), have a similar depth of character, context, and complete world immersion. Her writing is tight, clean, beautifully wrought, and emotionally charged. Please run to your nearest library or independent bookstore to pick up a copy of any of her four books, though Jellicoe Road and Finnikin of the Rock are my two personal favorites.
Her complete book list (clicking on the title will bring you to indiebound.org, the independent bookselling website):
I agree that variety is a great thing for blogs. :-) Happy hop!
ReplyDeleteI'm a new follower!
ReplyDeleteI have Finnikin in my TBR pile, but I haven't gotten to it yet.
Have a great weekend!
Julie (Manga Maniac Cafe)
Oh wow, we practically match on our answers, except I am trumping for Kirsty Eagar!
ReplyDelete-Linds, bibliophile brouhaha
I don't know that we're organized to have a unified purpose. May many different ones but not a single one. Here is why I read book blogs. Happy blog hop!
ReplyDeleteOh God I have died I must have because of the beautiful pictures on the right hand side of your blog. Especially a beach with a book market two of my most favorite things. Where does such a thing exist? And the tea party and Octopus out of paper? And books by color is my favorite way to categorize. Thank you for the eye candy. You must share your resources. Or maybe not. It will keep me coming back.
ReplyDeleteThe indie stores may be closing, but the biggies are closing as well. My favorite chain, Joseph Beth is down to selling it's fixtures and I hear Borders isn't far behind which I find far superior to Barnes and Noble. So maybe the indies can hang on.
Having a giveaway of Tyger, Tyger by Kersten Hamilton. She isn't being carried by the Chains, just indies so I'm trying to drum up attention to her book. It's excellent. Irish Folklore, slight love story, action all the way through. Please join. (not all the gobbledy gook just a few questions to answer)
Heather
My answer-- ELIZABETH ISAACS- I even have a contest for her book The Light of Asteria. It is so beautifully written and has an amazing premise, main character and love interest.
ReplyDeleteI am hopping by from Follow Friday. I am following you and would love it if you follow me back! Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog
I'm your newest follower!
ReplyDeleteJust blog hopping by! Nice to meet you. :-) My hop is at The Lit Express.
Come check out our 100 follower giveaway. Prize is an amazon gift card!
I've heard of that author, but haven't read any of her books yet. Soon, I hope.
ReplyDelete