I was supposed to have an author interview today, but things got messed up, and it didn’t work out. I will save that one for another day. In the meantime, I didn’t have anything to write about and decided since I had just gotten home from an Alaskan cruise where I had read not one, but two books, I would do a book review. First off, let me mention that since I have been writing seriously the past few years, reading has taken a back burner. I miss it. Before I left on the cruise, I had just finished a contracted book – under deadline, I might add – and I wasn’t ready to dive into Book Two. So, I indulged myself and read.
First a little story. I had read a blog entry where several agents talked about query letters that really struck a chord with them, and this author was mentioned. Her name is Allison Winn Scotch and her book deals with the protag’s struggle with breast cancer. Since I have a very dear friend who has just completed chemo, I wanted to give her this book. But I worried that it might be too negative for her at this time. I decided I should read it first.
Boy, was I pleasantly surprised.
The Department Of Lost and Found is a beautiful poignant story of a young woman who is faced with a diagnosis of breast cancer in her late twenties. I have to stop and tell you that one of the biggest surprises for me with my friend was that the loss of her hair after her first chemo was way more traumatic to her than losing her breasts. In TDOLAF, the heroine’s reaction is identical. I was amazed when I read the bio on the cover and found out the author herself never had breast cancer. Like me, she had only gone through the disease process with her friend.
TDOLAF isn’t only about her journey with breast cancer. It is a wonderful story about the daily grind of her job as a right-hand man for a politician.
I loved this story and hated when it ended. So, it was with a smile on my face that I gave it to my friend this weekend. I know she’ll love it, too.
I bought Ms. Scotch’s second book, Time of My Life, which is not a sequel and has nothing to do with breast cancer. It’s going with me on Saturday when I leave for another vacation. This time it will be on the beach with my kids and grandkids, although I wonder how much reading time I will actually get.
Now it’s your turn to tell me about any really good books you’ve read lately. I might have to add them to my “going to Lake Conroe” bag.
I also want to let y’all know you should definitely stop by this Friday to read my interview with Christine Witthohn of Book Cents Literary. She'll check in to answer any question or comment you might have. She shoots from the hip and won’t dodge any industry question you want to ask. She’s also a lot of fun. One lucky commenter will get to send a blurb to her on the spot.
And you won’t want to miss my interview next Friday with Jeff Mehalic, an attorney who is well versed in literary contracts. He’ll stop by to tell you how to read a contract and what to look out for. Plus, he’ll answer any questions you might have.
Exciting? You betcha. Okay, I just got back from Alaska and think I should talk like Sarah Palin. Now tell me what books I should read!
14 comments:
Love it Liz! As always, you rock! And I loved Alaska when I went on my 15th wedding anniversary with my hubby.
As far as books, that one sounds very touching. My aunt and my husband's aunt have both had breast cancer and full mastectomy's. Not sure I could handle losing my hair. I admit it, I'm way too vain!
Good books? Hmmm, for me, I'm reading Cozy mysteries since I have to finish mine in, eeeek, 3 months!!!
I love anything funny, and these two authors are a riot:
Donna Andrews (Murder with Peacocks)
Tamar Myers (Larcency and Old Lace)
I recently got an ereader so I have been downloading books like crazy. Now I have a TBR library to carry around with me, just like the TBR pile that keeps growing on every flat surface in my home. I have been collecting mostly paranormals and Regencies. I know, right? My new fave is Nalini Singh. Unbelievably, I brought home Eclipse (Book 3, I think, of the Twilight saga)from my Dad's assisted living residence. Just because it was there, I guess. It's a huge hardcover. Seemed an odd book for senior hands and heads to wrap around so I am imagining the tween grandchild who left it behind on one of the communal bookshelves. So far, not very good.
A novella I wrote as a Halloween story is receiving interest from an ebook publisher that switched it from its paranormal to erotica line and requested that I turn up the heat. So I have been downloading some racy recommendations that I would blush to name.
As I sat, squirming, in the doctor's waiting room this morning, I was very happy to be doing my, er, research, on the Sony pocket reader, rather than show off sexy cover models in birthday suits and steamy poses!
Morning Liz,
To start with, the chicken and potato chip casserole totally rocks.
As far as favorite authors go I don't like mentioning names but love reading Regency and both early and late Victorian.
The Department of Lost and Found just might have to go on my TBR pile, says he who had benign mass removed from each breast and an orchiectomy 28 years ago.
Kari, I, too have been reading cozies. I'll have to check out the ones you mentioned since I love funny as much as you do.
Oh no, three months to finish a manuscript??? Get your butt off the Internet and start writing!
Kari,
I have faith that you'll come through with a fantastic manuscript.
Terri, let me know how you like that e-reader. I was in B & N a few days ago and they were pushing the Nook. I keep resisting because I'm one who says she likes holding a real book in my hands. I know most people who have e-readers love the convenience of them. Why did you choose the Sony?
Woo hoo on the interest on your novella. It's funny that you were squirming at your doctor's office as you "researched." Sometimes on a plane when I get to a steamy scene, I move as close to the window as I can so the person sitting beside me can't read over my shoulder. That probably only draws more attention to me and ups their curiosity!!
Thanks for commenting.
Lindsay, I told you the Potato Chip Chicken recipe was awesome. Did Kebi get any?
You are very brave to tell us about your surgical experiences. You never think about men having problems with breast cancer. Glad your masses were benign.
Liz,
My Bad. No Kebi didn't since I don't like giving him nuts. He's crazy enough.
I was plotting out a book about breast cancer survivor and found out that men do get it but it's never talked about. Threw away the book idea since I couldn't get the story the way I wanted. And other reasons.
Liz,
I was alerted to an amazing sale and got a Sony Pocket Reader for under $115. They are normally between $149 and $199.
It doesn't have the bells and whistles of, say, an iPad. But it lets you store downloaded books and read them. I've uploaded all the PDF books in my Adobe file. It accepts some other formats, as well.
You can also upload documents from your computer. You can bookmark, but you can't take notes.
I balked at the whole epub, ereader thing at first, too. But having the Sony Pocket IS like holding a paper book in your hands. Smaller and lighter than most of them, so you can slip a whole library (or mss)into your purse. (It even fits into the pockets of some of my jackets and slacks.)
There are 3 font sizes, small, medium and large.If you stop reading somethig in the middle, it will return you to the place you left off. You can also bookmark pages.
I love it because I always have something available to read now while waiting on line or in an office.
I don't have to sit at the computer to read books that I've downloaded in eformat. (I can't get those from the Barnes&Noble for PC reader or the Kindle for PC reader. There are ways to break the DRM, I'm told, but I haven't figured that out and don't want to fiddle.)
For the price, and as a starter ereader, it can't be beat and I'm loving it.
You won't have to worry about people seeing what you're reading on planes and trains anymore!
I'll have to check this book out. The premise sounds amazing.
As for recommended books, I've had little time to breathe let alone read. And I'm in mourning for my Legend of the Seeker TV show being canceled, so I've started to read the books.
Outside of this, most of the books I've read lately have fallen flat. I wouldn't recommend them. I even tried to read books outside my normal choices to see if my tastes were changing. Newp.
Who knows...maybe I'm too cranky to be reading. LOL
Miss you!
All my best,
Gin
Gin,
It's Monday. You're allowed to be cranky.
Terri, now you've got me interested. Maybe I'll watch for a sale and get a deal like you did. I bought a few raffle tickets for a Kindle on Brenda Novak's auction for juvenile diabetes, but I didn't win.
My iPhone has a Kindle application, but I can't even imagine reading on that small thing.
Speaking of the auction, I won the bid for a trailer for my book. As it turns out, the person who will do it has guest blogged on M & M. Isn't that a small world? Of course, I have to wait until the editor reads my story and decides if she'll keep the title.
And, oh God, the rewrites!!
Good morning, cranky Gin! Good to see you here.
I have no idea what TV series you're talking about, but I'm guessing it's sci fi, which I am not a fan of. Anyway, glad there are books to soothe your craving.
Isn't it funny that when you read some books, you have no doubt your writing is way better? I do that all the time, yet I'm not getting the big bucks like they are. Obviously, publishers see it a different way!! LOL
I miss you, too and hope all is going well. You will keep u informed, right?
Kindle and the IPhone,
I've got the app for my phone and it's not as bad as I thought it would be. On the plus side-one less electronic gadget to carry with you. Down side-doesn't show a whole page.
Legend of the Seeker is sort of an otherworld type of show.
Me, I'm an NCIS and Bones show kind of viewer with some JAG thrown in for good measure.
Reality TV-the news.
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