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April 11, 2013

20SomethingReads.com Newsletter April 11, 2013
Spring Break --- On OUR Terms
Author Interviews
What's NEW on 20SomethingReads.com?
What's Still Coming Up on 20SomethingReads.com?
Reviews
Spring Break --- On OUR Terms

It's been a bit of a wild past two weeks here at 20SomethingReads.com as we have Spring Break on our minds. Two weeks ago Carol was off shredding the slopes in Crested Butte, CO. She had not skied in almost two decades, but joked that many kids on the slopes wanted to buy her "vintage skiwear." Note to self, and to all of you, that neon will ALWAYS come back into style, even when it temporarily leaves the runway for a decade --- so NEVER get rid of it. On every lift she and her husband had offers for their clothes --- from twentysomethings.

As you read this I will be soaking up some serious rays in the California sun and dancing all night under the stars at Coachella; I know, someone had to do it. And Greg will be off in Norway sailing on the Hurtigruten and touring fjords. On his way back, a stop in Iceland, just to see it and because they offer cheap airfares . We could not be more excited for our own special spring vacations and have decided that the best part of being out of school is that you can travel whenever you want instead of when the school calendar demands it.

There was also some office drama last week as I made a midday popcorn snack snafu that resulted in a larger office, fire-alarm commotion. For all of the popcorn lovers out there, I now urge caution as you toss a bag in the microwave. Forget what the bag says about cooking time; watch the bag cook! I did not and BAM it burned, smoked, alarms and lights went off and the fire department was dispatched. It was not fun hearing over the loudspeaker that the incident was caused by "overzealous cooking in Suite 1228," nor was it fun showing the burnt bag to the fireman who "wanted to be sure there were no embers burning." I did tell Carol that if the sprinklers had gone off I would have just run into her office yelling, "I quit!"

In between all this we've pulled together a huge update for you. LOTS of great books to share.

We have a number of featured reviews on the site right now that should not be missed as well as three interviews. To start be sure not to miss Z: A NOVEL OF ZELDA FITZGERALD, which hit the NY Times bestseller list last week. For all of you who read THE GREAT GATSBY and wondered just how much it was influenced by Scott and Zelda's own lives, you will want to read this! The author Therese Anne Fowler stopped by the office a few weeks ago, and besides being incredibly nice and fun to talk to, she showed us and explained the stories behind her beautiful tattoos; she has some beautiful work done. Admittedly, this spurred a little fake tattoo obsession around the office! I keep trying new ones, though I still am not ready to commit to any permanent designs.

It's always such a pleasure, and an opportunity, to meet the authors. So with this personal experience, I urge you to read up on this spell-binding novel (imagine the research as you read it) about the relationship between Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald. A perfectly fitting read for all the THE GREAT GATSBY pre-summer movie blockbuster buzz swirling around!

Up for a psychological mystery about a girl lost in her own mind? In Liz Coley’s PRETTY GIRL-13, 16-year-old Angie Chapman must piece together the story of her kidnapping and abuse. PRETTY GIRL-13 is a disturbing --- and ultimately empowering --- page-turner about accepting our whole selves and the healing power of courage, hope and love. As Rebecca Kilberg explains, "While what happened to Angie is unbelievable, Coley’s telling of it aims to be believed...all in all, Coley paints an extremely compelling picture of a girl trying to put together her horrific past without falling to pieces." This chilling narrative is well-worth the read.

Sheryl Sandberg's LEAN IN is STILL making headlines all over the newspapers, weekly magazines and especially online! It's still buzzworthy at the office as well. We've had lots of conversations about "leaning in" and the roles of women today. In our blogs we looked at LEAN IN in reference to the return of two of spring's most-anticipated TV series --- "Mad Men" and "Game of Thrones."

Following Sunday's premiere of "Mad Men" Season 6, Carol has drawn very interesting parallels between GIRLS' Hannah Horvath and Mad Men's Peggy Olson in Peggy/Mad Men vs Hannah/Girls: Exactly Why LEAN IN is Generating Conversation. While we have never publicly vocalized many of our energized opinions about GIRLS, we have talked about (and continue to talk about) it nonstop around the office. I could not be happier to finally share some of these collective thoughts as we all see what Carol is talking about. Also in a similar vein and initially inspired by NY Post's "Dame of Thrones," I discuss the role of strong, powerful women in "Game of Thrones" as seen through LEAN IN. Click here to read on and be sure to share your comments and thoughts on these thought-provoking topics via the 20SomethingReads.com Facebook page.

The Special Feature contest-giveaway for HER ended last Tuesday, April 2nd with an overwhelming number of entrants. Author Christa Parravani's moving memoir recounts not only the joys of being an identical twin, but also the wretched emptiness that follows after her sister Cara “accidentally” overdoses on heroin at 28. We'd like to thank everyone who participated and congratulate the lucky 25 winners. See if you were one of the chosen ones!

As the NCAA March Madness came to a close on Monday night, so did our SLAM DUNK feature. In the world of college basketball, that means that Louisville walked away with the win (sorry University of Michigan fans), and in the world of The Book Report Network, that means that FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN by Terry Bisson is the reigning champion. Bisson was the author alumni that we paired with Louisville. So whether you’re celebrating your lucky pool win and buying something new and shiny, or sobbing over that $10 entry fee that you could have spent on a beer or two, revisit OUR bracket to see the authors associated with each school whose work outlived time on the court.

As always, we love to hear from you so don't forget to share your thoughts with us via Facebook and Twitter. If you are going on any spring vacations of your own, we wish you safe travels and exciting adventures! Until next time, happy reading!

--- Nicole Sherman (Nicole@Bookreporter.com)

Author Interviews

INTERVIEW: Therese Anne Fowler talks about Z: A NOVEL OF ZELDA FITZGERALD

Therese Anne Fowler’s highly-anticipated novel, Z, details the romantic, tumultuous and extraordinary marriage of Zelda Sayre and one of the 20th-century’s greatest American writers, F. Scott Fitzgerald. In this interview, conducted by Bookreporter.com’s Bronwyn Miller, Fowler discusses her inspiration for the book and her extensive research, which involved studying newspaper clippings, photographs, book reviews, Zelda’s artwork, even ticket stubs. She also addresses Zelda’s mental health, explains the nod to Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s HERLAND in the story, and talks about the benefits and drawbacks of competition, which plays a big part in the novel.

INTERVIEW: Laura Lee Smith talks about HEART OF PALM

Laura Lee Smith has been called an “enchanter casting her spell with lyrical prose,” and her first novel perfectly exemplifies this praise. HEART OF PALM tells the story of the Bravo family living in Utina, Florida, right before the tide of development rocks the small town. When things start to change, the family has to face not only an uncertain future, but also a tragic past. In this interview with Bookreporter.com’s Alexis Burling, Smith discusses her brilliant use of dialect, her inspiration for the town of Utina, and how to handle rejection with perseverance. She also touches on point of view, survivor’s guilt and emotional attachment to objects, which are all important aspects of her debut.

INTERVIEW: Deborah Cloyed talks about WHAT TEARS US APART

Deborah Cloyed’s second novel, WHAT TEARS US APART, is the story of Leda and Ita’s blooming love for each other in the aftermath of the riots that ensued following Kenya’s 2007 presidential election and the secrets that threaten to tear them apart. Bookreporter.com’s Norah Piehl talked with Cloyed about her experiences in Kenya, her inspiration for the book, and how the process of writing this story deeply affected her. She also explains her intentions behind some of the characters and offers additional titles for those looking to better understand Kenya and its people.

What's NEW on 20SomethingReads.com?

BLOG: Game of Thrones and LEAN IN: Rediscovering and Redefining Female Power
Nicole Sherman looks at the correlations between the powerful female characters of "Game of Thrones" and how it is relevant to Sheryl Sandberg's NY Times bestseller LEAN IN.

BLOG: I'll Have a Tom Collins with a Side of Christian Grey: Books and Boozin'
Alina Berganovsky shares Flavorwire's 15 amazing book-filled bars and easily homemade cocktails inspired by great novels.

BLOG: Leafing Through Lyrics: Comparing 5 Top 40 Hits with Books of the Same Name
Alina Berganovsky listens to 5 recent hits and compares them to books with the same title.

BLOG: Peggy/Mad Men vs Hannah/Girls: Exactly Why LEAN IN is Generating Conversation
Carol Fitzgerald talks about how 20something female characters from two of TV's hottest series are "leaning in."

BLOG: Our First Wedding Announcement!
Carol Fitzgerald sends her congratulations to authors Casey Scieszka and Steven Weinberg on their marriage.

What's Still Coming Up on 20SomethingReads.com?

We're still looking forward to these bookshelves...and we hope you are, too!

Bookshelf: Books to Bring Home to Mom --- Gifts for Mother's Day (April)

Bookshelf: All Grown Up --- Graduation Books (May)

Reviews

Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler (Historical Fiction)
Before F. Scott Fitzgerald was a literary darling, he was a young World War I army lieutenant who fell hard for a spirited Southern belle named Zelda Sayre. The life he and Zelda would lead together in New York, Long Island, Paris, Hollywood, and on the French Riviera made them legends even in their own time. Set amidst the glamour of the Jazz Age and the Lost Generation’s vivid world abroad, Z brings Zelda and Scott’s romantic, tumultuous, extraordinary journey to life. Reviewed by Bronwyn Miller.

LEAN IN: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg (Memoir/Self-Help)
Thirty years after women became 50 percent of the college graduates in the United States, men still hold the vast majority of leadership positions in government and industry. In LEAN IN, Sheryl Sandberg examines why women’s progress in achieving leadership roles has stalled, explains the root causes, and offers compelling, commonsense solutions that can empower women to achieve their full potential. Reviewed by Pauline Finch.

LIFE AFTER LIFE by Kate Atkinson (Historical Fiction)
On a cold and snowy night in 1910, Ursula Todd is born to an English banker and his wife but dies before she can draw her first breath. On that same cold and snowy night, Ursula Todd is born and embarks upon a life that will be unusual. As she grows, she also dies --- repeatedly, in a variety of ways --- while the young century marches on towards its second cataclysmic world war. Does Ursula's apparently infinite number of lives give her the power to save the world from its inevitable destiny? Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

STARTING NOW: A BLOSSOM STREET NOVEL by Debbie Macomber (Romance)
Libby Morgan, who gave up everything for her legal career, has been laid off. With no prospects of a new job, she volunteers at a hospital, where she meets a handsome doctor who is a bit of a workaholic himself. At the yarn store on Blossom Street, Libby rediscovers the art of knitting. But just when everything is coming together, Libby is offered her old job back, forcing her to choose between what she thought she always wanted and what she knows matters most. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

THE PARADISE GUEST HOUSE by Ellen Sussman (Fiction)
Like many of you, I follow my favorite authors. Thus, when I saw that Ellen Sussman’s new book, THE PARADISE GUEST HOUSE, was coming out, I was eager to read an advance copy (I loved her 2011 title, FRENCH LESSONS). Here, Ellen sets her story in Bali. Jamie, who is an adventure guide, returns to Bali years after she was injured in the 2002 nightclub bombings. She longs to reconnect with Gabe, who rescued her that evening. I confess that while I remember these bombings, I had forgotten the details. The intertwining of that history along with their personal stories was so well handled here.

ORPHAN TRAIN by Christina Baker Kline (Fiction)
Christina Baker Kline’s latest novel, ORPHAN TRAIN, introduces readers to Vivian Daly, a now-90-year-old woman who has had a chaotic past --- from her difficult childhood in Ireland to her turbulent adulthood Midwest. This story specifically documents the “orphan trains” that transported more than 200,000 orphaned, abandoned and homeless children to the Midwest for indentured servitude. Those of you who read THE CHAPERONE, another Bookreporter.com Bets On selection, will remember that its plot touched on the orphan trains. It left me wanting to hear more about it, which made this book even more of a delight. Christina did very extensive research, which authenticates her characters.

ORDINARY GRACE by William Kent Krueger (Historical Fiction)
In ORDINARY GRACE, William Kent Krueger departs from his Cork O’Connor series with a stand-alone title, and it is a winner. Set in New Bremen, a small town in Minnesota in 1961 during what we know as “The Kennedy Years,” this coming-of-age story is beautifully told in a style that reminds me of some of my favorite Southern writers, which is interesting since Krueger is Midwestern through and through. The prose wraps around you, and suddenly you look up and wonder where you are as the writing has been so vivid and clear that your sense of place has been redefined.

HEART OF PALM by Laura Lee Smith (Fiction)
Utina, Florida is a small, down-at-heels southern town about to meet the tide of an economic growth that it hasn't seen in decades. The Bravos, a local family held together in equal measure by love, unspoken blame, and tenuously brokered truces, have been complacent with the stagnant ways of the sleepy town. So when opportunity knocks, tempers ignite, secrets are unearthed, and each of the Bravos is forced to confront the tragedies of their shared past. Reviewed by Alexis Burling.

RECONSTRUCTING AMELIA by Kimberly McCreight (Fiction)
Kate learns that her daughter, Amelia, has been suspended from school. Upon her arrival, she finds the school surrounded by police officers, fire trucks, and an ambulance. An academic overachiever despondent over getting caught cheating has jumped to her death. At least that’s the story Grace Hall tells Kate. And clouded as she is by her guilt and grief, it is the one she forces herself to believe. Until she gets an anonymous text: She didn’t jump. Reviewed by Sally M. Tibbetts.

IF YOU FIND ME by Emily Murdoch (Realistic Fiction)
A broken-down camper hidden deep in a forest is the only home 15-year-old Carey can remember. All she and her younger sister, Jenessa, have is each other, as their mentally ill mother comes and goes with greater frequency. Until that one fateful day their mother disappears for good. Now, Carey must face the truth of why her mother abducted her 10 years ago, while haunted by a past that won’t let her go.
Reviewed by Caroline Osborn.

CLOCKWORK PRINCESS: Infernal Devices, Book Three by Cassandra Clare (Historical Fiction/Fantasy)
If the only way to save the world was to destroy what you loved most, would you do it? The clock is ticking. Everyone must choose. Danger closes in around the Shadowhunters in the final installment of the bestselling Infernal Devices trilogy. Be sure not to miss the special first edition, complete with an exclusive family tree. Reviewed by Kate F., Teenreads.com Teen Board member.

PRETTY GIRL-13 by Liz Coley (Social Issues)
In Liz Coley's alarming and fascinating psychological mystery, 16-year-old Angie Chapman must piece together the story of her kidnapping and abuse. PRETTY GIRL-13 is a disturbing --- and ultimately empowering --- page-turner about accepting our whole selves and the healing power of courage, hope and love. Reviewed by Rebecca Kilberg.

MY LIFE AFTER NOW by Jessica Verdi (Social Issues)
Lucy just had the worst week ever. And suddenly, it's all too much --- she wants out. Out of her house, out of her head, out of her life. She wants to be a whole new Lucy. So she does something the old Lucy would never dream of. Now her life is completely different...every moment is a gift. Because now she might not have many moments left. Reviewed by Liz Kossnar.

NO WAY BACK by Andrew Gross (Thriller)
A chance meeting with a stranger in a hotel ends in a shocking murder. Wendy Gould is an average mom --- and the only witness. Nanny Lauritzia Velez knows a shocking secret that could prove to be deadly. With both of their lives in danger, this unlikely pair must work together against a network of dangerous men who want nothing more than to see them dead. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

THERE WAS AN OLD WOMAN by Hallie Ephron (Psychological Suspense)
When Evie Ferrante learns that her mother has been hospitalized, she finds her mother's house in chaos. Sorting through her mother's belongings, Evie discovers objects that don't quite belong there, and begins to raise questions. Evie renews a friendship with Mina, an elderly neighbor who might know more about her mother's recent activities. As Evie investigates her mother's actions, a darker story of deception and madness involving Mina emerges. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

501 BASEBALL BOOKS FANS MUST READ BEFORE THEY DIE by Ron Kaplan (Sports)
Baseball literature is formidable --- vast and varied, instructive, often wildly entertaining, and occasionally brilliant. From this bewildering array of baseball books, Ron Kaplan has chosen 501 of the best, making it easier for fans to find just the books to suit them (or to know what they’re missing). From biography, history, fiction and instruction to books about ballparks, business and rules, anyone who loves to read about baseball will find in this book a companionable guide. Reviewed by Stuart Shiffman.

SUMMERSET ABBEY: A BLOOM IN WINTER by T. J. Brown (Historical Romance)
After Prudence’s desperate marriage and move to Devonshire, sisters Rowena and Victoria fear they have lost their beloved friend forever. Guilt-ridden and remorseful, Rowena seeks comfort from a daring flyboy and embraces the most dangerous activity the world has ever seen. Victoria, meanwhile, defies her family and her illness to make her own dream occupation as a botanist come true. Reviewed by Melanie Smith.

WHILE WE WERE WATCHING DOWNTON ABBEY by Wendy Wax (Fiction)
When the concierge of The Alexander, a historic Atlanta apartment building, invites his fellow residents to join him for weekly screenings of “Downton Abbey,” four very different people find themselves connecting with the addictive drama --- and, even more unexpectedly, with each other. Reviewed by Jane Krebs.

WHAT TEARS US APART by Deborah Cloyed (Romance)
When Leda desperately flees her life of privilege to travel to Kenya, she unexpectedly falls for Ita at a boys' orphanage in the slums of Nairobi. Their love should be enough to withstand outside forces, but as political unrest plagues the country, Leda and Ita are left to face the reality that sometimes the most treacherous threat is not the world outside, but the demons within. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

DAMAGE CONTROL: Stories by Amber Dermont (Fiction/Short Stories)
DAMAGE CONTROL displays Amber Dermont's remarkable gift for portraying characters at crossroads. In “Damage Control,” a young man works at an etiquette school while his girlfriend is indicted for embezzlement. A widow rents herself to elderly women and vacations with them as a “professional grandchild” in “Stella at the Winter Palace.” And in “The Language of Martyrs,” a couple houses a mail-order bride on behalf of the husband’s Russian mother. Reviewed by Harvey Freedenberg.

THE GATE THIEF by Orson Scott Card (Fantasy)
Here on Earth, Danny North is still in high school, yet he holds in his heart and mind all the stolen outselves of 13 centuries of gatemages. The Families still want to kill him if they can't control him…and they can't control him. He is far too powerful. When Danny comes face-to-face with the mages who call themselves Bel and Ishtoreth, he will come to understand just why Loki closed the gates all those centuries ago. Reviewed by Stephen Hubbard.

THE GUILTY ONE by Lisa Ballantyne (Psychological Thriller)
Solicitor Daniel Hunter is called to defend 11-year-old Sebastian, who has been charged with the murder of a young boy on a London playground. While examining Sebastian’s life in order to save it, Daniel can’t help but be transported to his own difficult youth spent in foster care --- a time when the one he trusted the most was the one who betrayed him. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

ICE COLD KILL by Dana Haynes (Thriller)
A former Shin-Bet agent now in exile in the U.S. and under the protection of the FBI, Daria Gibron works primarily as an interpreter but still can't resist the occasional freelance job as an operative. En route to an impromptu meeting with an old contact from her days in the Israeli Secret Service, Daria learns that she's about to walk into an ambush. Someone has linked her to a much sought-after terrorist, and now all the resources of the U.S. intelligence community are being marshaled against her. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

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