I was blog-jumping today, following various links around kid lit blogs, and came across this list of “Justina’s Fab Five Ways to Support Your Local Bookstore.“ Since #1 was to attend an in-store author event, I immediately went to the Powell’s website to see what was coming up that I could go to. I spotted Kirby Larson (author of the excellent historical YA Hattie Big Sky) but of course that’s on a Thursday night when I’m at work. Boo. But – squeal! – Shannon Hale and Libba Bray are coming on the 26th. Kitri also squealed at the news, and squealed again when I reminded her that now she could get that copy of Book of a Thousand Days autographed, and so we’re going! Like the overgrown geeky fangirls that we are. Oh boy. I hate to admit this, but I’ve never ever been to an author event before (outside of college, that is, and those were always for classes).
In related news, I finished up Lloyd Alexander’s last book ever (sob) which was a good, old-fashioned adventure story, and, I discovered when I just had to share a section with Jenna, a great read-aloud. Now I’m moving on to the enormity that is Jennifer Donnelly’s The Tea Rose. I loved her A Northern Light, so I’m hoping for good things. I’m also thoroughly enjoying Ann Patchett’s Run on audio – a good wintry book.
In unrelated news, I got to hold a tiny, perfect bundle of a baby tonight – my friend Maren’s four-day-old daughter Olivia. It was with great reluctance that I handed her over to her grandmother after a quick visit and dinner delivery (coming by with food really is the best way to worm your way in when people with new babies aren’t really having visitors yet).
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January 17, 2008 at 8:01 am
babelbabe
same Shannon Hale that wrote Austenland? That was a fun book…but now I need to go request Bk of a 1000 Days.
and yes, the best way to see new babies IS to bring food to the mom. I LOVE people who do that : )
January 17, 2008 at 9:59 am
jessmonster
Yes, the very same Shannon Hale. She also has a Goose Girl retelling with some sequels, and Princess Academy which was great despite the title. All fun.
January 18, 2008 at 1:34 am
Julia
Definitely with the food! Don’t you want to come to Prague in May?
And I love Lloyd Alexander. I think I’ll have to start putting together a huge box of your book recommendations to slow boat ship over here this spring. It could be the start of an English library for YA in the Czech Republic!
January 18, 2008 at 10:46 am
jessmonster
Of course I want to come to Prague in May! Between you and Babelbabe, I’ll get my traveling in for the year.
I think I would die without an English library.
January 19, 2008 at 12:09 am
Julia
I miss an English library more than the sun in winter.
On the other hand, it does mean that I read the books I do have over and over again (I’ve read through Jane Austen each year for eight years straight). And when we travel to the States we generally bring at least two empty suitcases with us to fill up. One for new clothes and one for used books!
January 19, 2008 at 11:43 am
jessmonster
That would be an excellent excuse to reread! I often feel like the fine art of rereading is lost to me these days as I whip through so many new books.