Rachele Alpine's Blog, page 6

Writing in Progress

This is a sure sign that I've been writing.  Nothing else is getting done in the house.  Good thing I have a guest room, or I'd have nowhere to through my clean laundry!

Try To Stop It, Speak Out About It, Don't Be Silenced

A lot of people have contacted me this past week about the Steubenville rape case and CANARY.  I believe the decision to write my book speaks to my view on many of the issues that are embedded in the case, so instead, I'd like to point you to some important resources on the topic:

A well written article providing background on the case.

A powerful blog post written by a friend about the case.

A brave piece written by a rape survivor for The New Yorker.

Resources if you would like to speak to someone or need help.

Books I believe every teen should read:

Speak (Laurie Halse Anderson)

The Mockingbirds (Daisy Whitney)

Inexcusable (Chris Lynch)

What Happens Next (Colleen Clayton)

I also think it's important to remember what each and every person's duty is as a human being. 

If you see something wrong happening...TRY TO STOP IT. 

If you can't stop it or it has happened to you, SPEAK OUT ABOUT IT. 

Whatever you do, DON'T BE SILENCED. 

Speak out, even if it's the hardest thing you've ever done in your life. 

Speak out.

Let your voice be hard.

Always.

Christmas Gifts X3

So I gave my husband the first season of Homeland for Christmas.

He then gave me a copy of the first season of Homeland for Christmas.

My brother in law and girlfriend proceeded to give us our third copy of the first season of Homeland for Christmas.

I think the universe was trying to tell me to watch that show, which was very wise of the universe.

We devoured it in four days.

Four days, I tell you!

Obsessed.

Now I need the second season to come out, so we can buy a million copies of that one too!

Canary's First Blurb

CANARY received it's first blurb last week from the wonderful Colleen Clayton (she wrote WHAT HAPPENS NEXT...and if you haven't read it, you must!).


If you don't know what a blurb it, it's when a published author (whose book(s)' themes often match your own book's theme) is sent an advance copy of you book to read.  If they like the book, they'll give you a blurb (which often goes on the front or the back of a book).  It's like a celebrity endorsement on a product.

So do you want to read Colleen's blurb???

"Alpine’s Canary is a deeply-felt, poignant account of someone trying to find strength in a world that has hurled its worst at her.  Alpine has created a compelling narrator in Kate and the challenges she must face are both realistic and heartbreaking." 

~Colleen Clayton, author of WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

Well, Hello There, 2013!

Never have I been more excited or nervous to see the date of a new year.  Ready or not, 2013 is here!
Happy debut year, CANARY!!!  : )
Can't wait for the world to meet you on August 1, 2013!!!

Click "Like" on CANARY's Amazon page if this makes you excited!
Or add CANARY to your Goodread's shelf!

Favorite Reads of 2012

In keeping with tradition (2011), I wanted to list my best reads for this year.  I was lucky enough to discover some great great book, and I'd love to share them with you!

My favorite reads (in no particular order):

Wonder (R.J. Palacio): 
I can't gush enough about this book.  I've already bought numerous copies for people I know and have lent mine out so much that it's started to wear and tear.  This book has so much heart and love, and Auggie is one of my favorite literary characters now.  I have a feeling this book is going to win the Newbury this year.


Tell the Wolves I'm Home (Carol Rifka Brunt):
I tried to read this book as slow as possible, because I didn't want it to end.  It's set in the 80s and narrated by a girl who reminded me a lot of myself when I was young.  The social times and topics were ones that concerned me growing up, and Brunt writes beautifully.  I cried numerous times during this novel and had to sit and quietly think about it for a long time when I finished.  I read it a few months ago, and it's still present in my mind.


What Happens Next (Colleen Clayton):
This is a book that is so much grounded in setting that you can't help but want to live in Syd's world (which I kind of do, because it takes place in the setting where I grew up!).  This is also an important book for teenagers to read because it deals with some tough issues that aren't always talked about.  It's a very powerful read, the writing is beautiful, and sid is one of the characters I've met in a long time.


Dare Me (Megan Abbott):
This is a bad girl book about cheerleaders gone very very bad!  I was drawn in by Abbot's dark, noir-like writing and the book moved at a fast pace that kept me turning the pages.  I wanted to find out what happened and Abbott didn't hold back.  It's a wild ride.


Infinite Sky (C.J. Flood):
This book is cheating a bit, because it's an ARC and you can't read it yet (but you can soon!).  This is Flood's first novel and everything about this book is gorgeous.  The world that Flood creates is so vivid and heartbreaking.  It's a stunning debut and a book that I know I'll read more than once.


The Fault in Our Stars (John Green):
Do I even need to explain why I picked this one?  Just go back to my past posts and watch me turn all fan-girl over John Green.  How to sum up this book...I cried, and then cried, and then cried some more.


Butter (Erin Jade Lange):
Oh goodness, BUTTER is just so great.  I had read the premise of the book over a year ago and instantly knew I wanted to read it.  You fall in love with the main character "Butter" right from the start and cheer for him the entire book.  My students love this book.


Cracked (K.M. Walton):
This book wowed me because of Walton's ability to show bullying from both sides...the victim and the bully, and you end up connecting to both of the characters.  This is another book that I push into the hands of my students and they all come back to me telling me how incredible it was.


I know there are books I've forgotten, but these are some of the ones that have stuck with me.  What about you?  What have some of your favorite reads of 2012 been?

Debut Author Challenge 2013

You only have a few more days to sign up for the Debut Author Challenge at Hobbitsies' blog!

Right now there are over 250 people who are up to the challenge.

It should be a lot of fun, and CANARY has been appearing on many people's lists (yay!).

If you've added to CANARY to your challenge list, add the link to your post in the comment box or e-mail it to me (ralpine@aol.com).  I'll contact you, so I can mail you a swag pack of CANARY goodies!

2013 is going to have some great books!

Snowy in Cleveland

We're covered in about six inches of snow here in Cleveland right now, but it's all good.  I've got lots of coffee, lots of writing, and the first season of Homeland.  Have you watched it?  It's addicting!

Radley is loving herself some snow!


Hope it's warmer where you are!

Merry Christmas!

Radley hopes you got everything you asked for!

Great Gatsby Movie Posters

I honestly don't think I can wait until May 10th.  I might explode from excitement!