I enjoyed this book so much, and was lucky to do an interview with Antoine Laurain during his US book tour for Words With Writers: http://wordswithwriI enjoyed this book so much, and was lucky to do an interview with Antoine Laurain during his US book tour for Words With Writers: http://wordswithwriters.com/2013/10/0...
Interview excerpt: Q. What do you hope readers will take away from your book?
A. I hope they will enjoy this book. It’s a very optimistic novel. It’s like a fairy tale, and I think we need fairy tales not only for children, but for grown-ups too. I say fairy tale, but it is not just for entertainment. It has different levels you can appreciate. There’s also a philosophical part, about the self-confidence you can possess, destiny, and the chance you have to make things happen in your life. ...more
Evison has this knack for breaking your heart and making you laugh at the same time.
Jonathan Evison gave a candid (and hilarious!) reading for The ReEvison has this knack for breaking your heart and making you laugh at the same time.
Jonathan Evison gave a candid (and hilarious!) reading for The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving at Rakestraw Books in May: "All I need is a character," he said. And, here's his Words With Writers interview from when his previous novel, West of Here, hit the shelves: http://wordswithwriters.com/2011/03/0... ...more
This moving story made me think about what memories mean and how they become a part of who we are. How powerful are our interactions and connections wThis moving story made me think about what memories mean and how they become a part of who we are. How powerful are our interactions and connections with other people! Shortridge has a way of depicting the sense of solitude people feel inside, and the longing to be understood and to understand another. It isn't easy to bridge the canyons between us.
"Bauermeister’s new book brings back a few familiar characters from her first book and introduces some fresh faces. At Rakestraw Books last month, Bau"Bauermeister’s new book brings back a few familiar characters from her first book and introduces some fresh faces. At Rakestraw Books last month, Bauermeister talked about her writing process and how this novel came together in bursts and small sections, like fireworks building toward a finale. It pulls the reader in effortlessly, even if you haven’t read The School of Essential Ingredients. Each chapter explores a different character’s perspective, and readers gain insight into every side of the story. Add in the delectable descriptions and details that pepper Bauermeister’s prose and you’ve got an elegant and fulfilling read. You’re in for a treat with Erica Bauermeister."
In this engaging debut novel, The Delivery Cut, Joseph Rakowski demonstrates a strong sense of character and pacing as the young protagonist navigatesIn this engaging debut novel, The Delivery Cut, Joseph Rakowski demonstrates a strong sense of character and pacing as the young protagonist navigates a gritty, wild Miami and reconsiders what he wants in life.
In her latest novel, Davies continues to weave the language of legend with that of scholarly work to examine how history is created and colored by difIn her latest novel, Davies continues to weave the language of legend with that of scholarly work to examine how history is created and colored by different perspectives. Lily will capture your heart as you learn her story through her daughter Sophia's investigation into the history of the kingdom of Arcadia. Through adventures wondrous and horrifying, Lily becomes a heroine with reserves of strength to fight for the greater good even when it means breaking her own heart. And in the end, Sophia asks the question that we should all ask about our world: "How is it best for us to live? If I can't discover the answer, I have to leave the question for someone else, the way my mother did, handing it down like an unlit torch from one to another, waiting for the day the light will come to it" (p239 in the advance uncorrected proof). With that, the torch is passed to readers.
PS. I enjoyed this book even more than the first in the series, Snotty Saves the Day (The History of Arcadia, #1), and Mike Madrid's elegant illustrations are beautiful! ...more
It's easy to say this is a novel about politics, journalism, and cities. What has stayed with me after reading the book is that in its heart Truth LikIt's easy to say this is a novel about politics, journalism, and cities. What has stayed with me after reading the book is that in its heart Truth Like the Sun is about people and growing up. Nobody's perfect, and you can't escape who you are; you can't escape the past. Part of growing up, no matter how long it takes, is recognizing those things (that goes for people and cities). Lynch creates a vivid picture of Seattle during both the 1962 World's Fair and in the weeks before September 11, 2001, and he deftly navigates a story about how the past shapes the future. Roger Morgan's life catches up with him when he decides to run for mayor. As reporter Helen Gulanos chases after Morgan and tries to understand who he is, she's forced to examine her own life, too.
Read the Words With Writers interview with Jim Lynch to learn more about the author, his thoughts on the writing life, and how Truth Like the Sun came together: http://wordswithwriters.com/2012/08/2......more
Looking forward to the third book. It was a pleasure to dive back into the magical world of Diana and Matthew. The writing is really 5-star, but to raLooking forward to the third book. It was a pleasure to dive back into the magical world of Diana and Matthew. The writing is really 5-star, but to rate the books individually, I have to confess that I like A Discovery of Witches a little bit better.
I also had the pleasure of doing an interview with Deborah Harkness for Words With Writers when A Discovery of Witches came out. This summer I published a follow-up Q&A with Harkness when Shadow of Night was released. The interviews introduce readers to Harkness, and she shares her thoughts on the writing life: What's New With Writer Deborah Harkness (2012): http://wordswithwriters.com/2012/08/2... Interview With Writer Deborah Harkness (2011): http://wordswithwriters.com/2011/02/1......more
White’s background as a garden and landscape architecture writer seems absolutely fitting. In her poetry, the natural world intertwines with an intellWhite’s background as a garden and landscape architecture writer seems absolutely fitting. In her poetry, the natural world intertwines with an intellectual and philosophical world to create thoughtful tension as the narrator searches for balance and an understanding of her place in this space.
I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Mehrdad Balali, and do an interview with him. Here's a snippet about his first book, Houri, from my introductiI had the wonderful opportunity to meet Mehrdad Balali, and do an interview with him. Here's a snippet about his first book, Houri, from my introduction: "In Houri, Balali relays a coming of age story about Shahed, an Iranian boy raised in poverty, who finds himself constantly torn between his devoted mother and his larger-than-life, exciting, but often thoughtless, father. Despite all odds, Shahed is able to move to the US for college, where he struggles to make his way as a young man. When Shahed returns to Iran for his father’s funeral, the story unfolds as Shahed confronts childhood memories and a drastically changed Iran. Stark scenes informed by the journalist’s experiences underpin Balali’s engaging and moving novel. Shahed’s tale is rooted in Iran’s history, full of life and heartache."
To learn more about Balali's work as a journalist in Iran and the Middle East, his fiction projects, and his thoughts on the writing life, check out the interview on Words With Writers: http://wordswithwriters.com/2011/12/1......more
Krivak's novel reveals the uncompromising realities of World War I through the eyes of sharpshooter Jozef Vinich. In lean, attentive prose Krivak follKrivak's novel reveals the uncompromising realities of World War I through the eyes of sharpshooter Jozef Vinich. In lean, attentive prose Krivak follows Jozef as he grows from boy to man, and comes to understand how where he is from has shaped who he is. It is a story of survival, loss, and love. It is also a reminder of the atrocities that people are capable of inflicting upon one another, and the reserves of strength that move a person forward even when it seems impossible to carry on.
Keating's story left me thinking about my relationship with my family, my parent's histories, and how their lives have influenced who I am and I how IKeating's story left me thinking about my relationship with my family, my parent's histories, and how their lives have influenced who I am and I how I think about what's happening in our world. It sparked some interesting conversations about politics and history.
Mohr's latest book details the intersecting lives of a few rough-and-tumble characters whose paths converge at a dive bar in San Francisco’s Mission DMohr's latest book details the intersecting lives of a few rough-and-tumble characters whose paths converge at a dive bar in San Francisco’s Mission District. It’s a novel that embodies the grit, uncertainty, and strength of desire that line real life. Don’t let the dark nature of the story be an obstacle, Mohr has a way of illuminating the heart of outwardly unsavory characters. Just as his candid prose pulls readers into his writing, Mohr’s genuine, warm manner will draw you in if you have a chance to meet him in person.
In Gillenkirk’s debut novel, the main character, Jason Thibodeaux, has a contract to pitch for the Colorado Rockies baseball team when the son he lostIn Gillenkirk’s debut novel, the main character, Jason Thibodeaux, has a contract to pitch for the Colorado Rockies baseball team when the son he lost in a custody battle re-enters his life. With baseball as a backdrop, Home, Away explores family, what it means to be a father, and what people do for the ones they love. It’s a moving story and an inspiring look at how families can learn to pull together to face challenges in life.
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