Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Review & Giveaways: The Dragons Saga: Legend of the Inero Dragon





The Dragons Saga: Legend of the Inero Dragon by J.F. Jenkins
Series: The Dragon Saga # 2
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Pages: 206 (Ereader)
Source (Author) | Twitter
Buy it: Kindle | B&N

Description:
Twin brothers Jason and Matthias Inero are the favorite sons of the great dragon lord of fire. More often than not they get whatever they want. Matt wants to do great things for his people while Jason wants to go off and explore the world. Both can have what they desire, but not until they take a bride and enter into adulthood.
Enter Kat and Gwen, two girls from very different backgrounds. Kat is happy to leave her home when the royal guard comes to bring her to loving arms of her childhood sweetheart, Matt. Gwen on the other hand is livid to be taken from her farm only to be thrust into Jason's life, and he's not to thrilled with the idea either. They have one year to find happiness with each other, or else they will be placed at the mercy of the ruthless dragon lord Lynx. Favorite or not, dragon law must be obeyed. As their nation begins to prepare for war against a neighboring tribe, the brothers find themselves as key components in the battle plans. A dark prophet has had a vision of Inero victory, but at what cost? Both must decide where their loyalties lie and what they're willing to sacrifice – including each other – to achieve their goals.

My Rating:

My Review:

Review: Baker Towers



Baker Towers by Jennifer Haigh
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 330 (paperback)
Source: TLC Book tours
Author's Website | Facebook
Buy it: Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Book Depo

Baker Towers
Description from Publisher's Weekly:
The second novel by the author of the award-winning Mrs. Kimble depicts life in a postwar Pennsylvania mining town and continues Haigh's exploration of the hardships of women's lives. In the town of Bakerton, dominated by the towers of the title (made of slowly combusting piles of scrap coal), poor families live in ethnic enclaves of company houses. Italian Rose Novak broke with tradition by marrying a Polish man, but he dies in the book's first chapter, and Rose and her five children struggle through the years that follow. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
My Rating:

My Review:

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Why I Love Wednesdays...Book Jewelry

Reflections of a Bookaholic

I am returning with my new feature... Why I love which takes place on Wednesdays. Today's proclamation of love concerns Book Jewelry

Why I Love...Mockingjay Earrings


I've finally joined Pinterest and one of  the fun things I've found around the web is...food...okay that's not so relevant.  I also love all the bookish things all over the web.  I've found bookish clothing and tattoos.  It's just crazy out there.  With the Hunger Games around the corner, everything Hunger Games jumps at me and I couldn't help but love these earrings (thanks Pinterest!).  I'm not a necklace or bracelet person but I can wear some earrings.  What do you think?

Which Book Jewelry] do you love? Feel free to create your own post and link up.  Don't want to create an entire post?  Tell me your favorites in the comments.  Thanks for stopping by for another week of Why I Love Wednesdays!!


If you want to play along, feel free to grab the image (there is a button on the right sidebar now) and link your post in the linky. Here goes.

LINKY INSTRUCTIONS:
When naming your link, please choose the name of your post. Mine would say "Why I Love...Rhett Butler."
Please link directly to your post and not your blog.
Please participate :)



Monday, February 27, 2012

Random Acts of Kindness Giveaway Results


RESULTS ARE IN!!


Congratulations to Miranda Grissom. She has won Blood Bound by Rachel Vincent.  


Thank you everyone who entered my giveaway : )

The winner will have 48 hours to respond with their address and confirm their book choice. If there is no response, I will choose a new winner. Thank you everyone for entering the giveaway. The winner was selected by Random.org.

Didn't win this time? No worries, please check out my two current giveaways that end in a couple of dates.
And Ellen's Broom is an adorable Children's Read

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Black History Month Blog Hop: Best of...



The Black History Month Blog Hop, hosted by myself and Mocha Girls Read, is here! It's purpose is to give black authors, books, and those who support them a month in the spotlight.  This hop is open to any blogger who wants to participate at any time of the month.

If you want to participate, just create posts on the weeks topic on your blog, and post a link here or Mocha Girls Read.  Each link enters you into the weekly giveaway.

Not interested in creating a post?  No worries!  Visit the links below and learn about the people, events, websites, and books concerning people of color.

This Week focuses on the "Best of" in Black literature (or authors).  Participants may include links to lists, authors, giveaway, bookish events, etc.  This topic runs from February 26-29th so get your posts in quickly.

This is the last week of the Black History Month Hop.  Don't forget to tell us what you thought  about it.  Also, we will be randomly drawing a winner from each week's participants.

Don't miss out on the awesome posts from the previous topics.  Take a look at posts from
Week 1: Around Town,
Week 1.5: The Business of Black Books.
Week 2: Black Love
Week 3: Black Books

Friday, February 24, 2012

Author Interview & Giveaway: Christopher Grant

I want to welcome Mr. Christopher Grant, author of the wonderful YA book Teenie.


Christopher Grant, a Stony Brook University graduate, was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. An insatiable reader, his influences range from Tom Clancy to Junot Diaz. Currently a professional equities trader, he lives in Harlem, New York and spends his free time traveling the world with his family.


 Can you tell me a bit about your writing journey?

I've been writing for about thirteen years. I've always been a bit of a joker and story teller. My friends encouraged me to put my stories on paper. By the grace of God, I have one novel out and another on the way.


What inspired you to write Teenie?

I read an article that stated publishers were looking for men writing as women. I grew up in a household dominated by strong female personalities. I felt I was uniquely equipped to write from the female perspective. Teenie is like the sister I never had. She is made up of people that I have come across in my life, and is based primarily on one of my nieces.

What advice would you give aspiring authors?

 Getting published is filled with rejection, revision, and more rejection. I got over 100 rejection letters with TEENIE and used them as motivation. I read an author interview a few years back, and one of the quotes really resonated with me. The author being interviewed was asked what advice she would give to aspiring writers. She responded, "You may not be published if do write, but you'll never be published if you don't."

Mr. Grant has graciously offered to give a signed Hardcover of his book Teenie to one US winner.  You can find my review here.  This giveaway will end on February 29th.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Review: Teenie



Teenie by Christopher Grant
Genre: YA, Cultural - African American
Pages: 272 (Hardback)
Author's Website | Twitter | Facebook
Publisher: Knopfb
Buy it: Amazon | Kindle | B&N |

Teenie
Description:
High school freshman Martine (Teenie for short) is a good student, with a bright future ahead of her. She's desperate to be accepted into a prestigious study abroad program in Spain so that she can see what life is like beyond the streets of Brooklyn. She wouldn't mind escaping from her strict (though lovable) parents for awhile either. But when the captain of the basketball team starts to pay attention to her after she's pined away for him for months and Cherise, her best friend, meets a guy online, Teenie's mind is on anything but her schoolwork. Teenie's longtime crush isn't what he seemed to be, nor is her best friend's online love. Can Teenie get her act together in time to save her friendship with Cherise, save her grade point average so that she can study in Spain, and save herself from a potentially dangerous relationship? Christopher Grant makes a stunning literary debut with this warmly told story about friends, family, and finding oneself.

My Rating:
My Review:

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Why I Love Wednesdays... Book Worlds

Reflections of a Bookaholic

I am returning with my new feature... Why I love which takes place on Wednesdays. Today's proclamation of love concerns our Favorite Book Worlds

Why I Love...Hogwarts
I really try to diversify my answers.  I don't want to rave about the same thing every week.  Well I try not to.  Sometimes despite my best intentions, this sometimes happens (see the many references to Gone with the Wind and Rhett Butler).  This is one of those topics where I just can't stop myself.  My favorite book world is most definitely the world of Harry Potter.  I would so love to visit Hogwarts.  I'm getting kind of old, but I look young so maybe there is still time (*crossing fingers*).

Anyways, I love Hogwarts and the magical world presented in the Harry Potter series because it is one of the few worlds that I would love to live in.  Some of my favorite books (i.e. Gone with the Wind, The Hunger Games, etc.) have book worlds, I would NEVER want to live in for obvious reasons.  I will admit that I have some magical capabilities when I imagine myself in this world, but you know...anything's possible right?  Don't answer that.

I couldn't think of any honorable mentions off the top of my head.  Maybe the world in Dragon Bound?  Thoughts?

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Review: 5 Reasons to Leave a Lover




5 Reasons to Leave a Lover - A Novella and Other Short Stories by Carolyn Moncel
Genre: Novella, Short Stories
Pages: 106 (ebook)
Author's Website | Twitter | Facebook

Description:
In 5 Reasons to Leave a Lover, author Carolyn Moncel offers up a fresh batch of stories based on love and loss. As singer/songwriter, Paul Simon so eloquently suggested in a famous song from the 1970s, there are many ways to leave a lover. However, Moncel's characters demonstrate that the reasons for leaving in the first place are quite finite. Encounters in Paris` Ellery and Julien Roulet return, picking up their lives where the short story, "Pandora`s Box Revisited," ends. This time the Roulets are involved in a love triangle, and along with two other couples, must explore how love relationships are affected and splinter due to abuse, ambivalence, deception, cheating and death. This bittersweet collection of tales proves that some breakups are necessary; while others are voluntary; and still others are simply destined and beyond anyone's control.

My Rating:

My Review:

Monday, February 20, 2012

Ellen's Broom Feature & Giveaway

There are lots of goodies today! Check out Ellen's Broom, the perfect children's read and/or gift. Also, Ms. Kelly Starling Lyons joins us to tell us a bit about her writing journey.  She even has coloring pages and printables for kids!  But don't leave without checking out the giveaway for one lucky US winner.


Ellen's Broom by Kelly Starling Lyons;
Illustrated by Daniel Minter
Genre: Children Books, Picture Books
Pages: 32 (Hardcover)
Purchase: Amazon
Other Goodies: Coloring Pages and Printables for kids (Scroll down to 'Just for Kids')
Author's Website | Facebook

Description:
Ellen always knew the broom resting above the hearth was special. But after it’s announced in church that the marriages of former slaves will be registered, she hears more about why it matters so much. For her mama and papa, who could be sold away at a master's whim and whose union had no legal protection, jumping the broom was a way to show their commitment to being husband and wife. Now, as the whole family travels to the courthouse dressed in their best, Ellen carries the broom with them. With love, ingenuity and pride, she finds a way to celebrate her parents' right to be legally married and remember their past.
Quote:
"Ellen looked around at the parade of strutting families and her parents holding hands . . . She held the broom high. "








Kelly Starling Lyons is a children's book author whose mission is to transform moments, memories and history into stories of discovery. Her books include chapter book, NEATE: Eddie's Ordeal (Just Us Books, 2004), and picture book, One Million Men and Me (Just Us Books, 2007). She has two forthcoming picture books with Penguin/G.P. Putnam's Sons. Ellen's Broom, illustrated by Daniel Minter, will debut on January 5, 2012. Tea Cakes for Tosh, illustrated by E.B. Lewis, will be released that fall.


I'm so grateful that Ms. Lyons took the time to answer a few of my questions!

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Black History Month Hop: Black Books


The Black History Month Blog Hop, hosted by myself and Mocha Girls Read, is here! It's purpose is to give black authors, books, and those who support them a month in the spotlight.  This hop is open to any blogger who wants to participate at any time of the month.

If you want to participate, just create posts on the weeks topic on your blog, and post a link here or Mocha Girls Read.  Each link enters you into the weekly giveaway.

Not interested in creating a post?  No worries!  Visit the links below and learn about the people, events, websites, and books concerning people of color.

This Week focuses on books from all genres.  Read, review, and talk about any and as many black books as you can. Any genre, any author, anything related to black books.

Don't miss out on the awesome posts from the previous topics.  Take a look at posts from
Week 1: Around Town,
Week 1.5: The Business of Black Books.
Week 2: Black Love

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Review: I Loved You First




I Loved You First by Reena Jacobs
Genre: YA, Coming of Age
Pages: 159 (ebook)
Source: Author
Author's Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Description:
My best friend was more than just a best friend to me. Three words summed it up: I heart him. I’d never tell him though. I wasn’t stupid. Besides, what he’d told no one, but me, was a little something I wished I could forget… or ignore. He was gay. I guess gay wouldn’t be bad if I wasn’t so in love with him. Now it was just cruel.
 Stereotypes run amok in this college love story: Parties, alcohol, hookups, and breakups. Alexandria Carmichael may find it a bit much as she deals with the unreturned love from the boy who completes her. When all is revealed, not only does she risk losing her best friend forever, but also herself. Without her childhood companion for support, Alexandria takes a journey of self-discovery but fears what she’ll find at the end

My Rating:

My Review:

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Giveaway Hop: Random Acts of Kindness


The Best of 2011 Giveaway Hop is hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Read for your Future. It will take place from February 17th - 21st.
 My Giveaway? I'm giving away a book of your choice (under $15).

Review: Temptation of a Good Man





Temptation of a Good Man by Delaney Diamond
Hawthorne Family #1
Genre: Romance, Cultural, African-American
Pages: 82 (ebook)
Author's Website | Facebook | Twitter

Description:
Can true love be found after one night of passion?
 Celeste Burton goes out with her girlfriends to celebrate turning thirty and winds up spending an unforgettable night with the man of her dreams. One week later, as a favor, she attends a wedding with a friend as his date and is shocked when she sees Roarke again.
 Roarke Hawthorne despises cheating. Cheating tore apart his family years ago. When the physics professor sees the woman he spent the night with show up at his sister’s wedding on the arm of his brother, he knows he should keep his distance. But because of the night they set fire to the sheets in his hotel room, he can’t resist the urge to be close to her–nor can he resist the temptation to have her back in his bed

My Rating:

My Review:

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Review: Spin: A Novel





Spin: A Novel by Catherine McKenzie
Genre: Chick Lit
Pages: 438 (Paperback)
Source: TLC Booktours
Author's Website | Twitter | Facebook

Description:
Katie Sandford has just gotten an interview at her favourite music magazine, The Line. It's the chance of a lifetime. So what does she do? Goes out to celebrate - and shows up still drunk at the interview. No surprise, she doesn't get the job, but the folks at The Line think she might be perfect for another assignment for their sister gossip rag. All Katie has to do is follow It Girl Amber Sheppard into rehab. If she can get the inside scoop (and complete the 30-day program without getting kicked out), they'll reconsider her for the job at The Line. Katie takes the job. But things get complicated when real friendships develop, a cute celebrity handler named Henry gets involved, and Katie begins to realize she may be in rehab for a reason. Katie has to make a decision -- is publishing the article worth everything she has to lose?

My Rating:

My Review:

Why I Love Wednesdays... Love Stories

Reflections of a Bookaholic

I am returning with my new feature... Why I love which takes place on Wednesdays. Today's proclamation of love concerns our favorite love stories

Why I Love...Love Stories!


There are so many love stories that touch my heart in different ways.  I've decided to provide a list :)

Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
I have often said how much I love this book.  The romance between Rhett and Scarlet is something I swoon over just thinking about it.  I love that neither get what they want for a long time but it is a bit sad that keep missing each other.


Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
Oh you know the scripture that starts: "Love is patient, love is kind..." I think of this book when I think of that type of love.


Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Now I know this love story starts with 3 failed marriages but when Janie meets Tea Cake it all seems worth it.


I guess I like love stories where love doesn't come easy.  I learned something new about myself today!

Which love stories do you love? Feel free to create your own post and link up.  Don't want to create an entire post?  Tell me your favorites in the comments.  Thanks for stopping by for another week of Why I Love Wednesdays!!


If you want to play along, feel free to grab the image (there is a button on the right sidebar now) and link your post in the linky. Here goes.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Black History Hop Giveaway Winner!


RESULTS ARE IN!!


Congratulations to Jewel! She has won a book of her choice that supports diversity in novels.  


Thank you everyone who entered my giveaway : )

The winner will have 48 hours to respond with their address.  If there is no response, I will choose a new winner. Thank you everyone for entering the giveaway. The winner was selected by Rafflecopter.

Didn't win this time? No worries, A new giveaway starts in just a couple of days!  Also, there will be giveaway winners for those who participate in the Black History Month Hop.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Review: Night Swim



Night Swim by Jessica Keener
Genre: YA, Young Adult
Pages: 284 (paperback)
Source: TLC Booktours
Author's Website | Facebook | Twitter

Description:
Sixteen-year-old Sarah Kunitz lives in a posh, suburban world of 1970 Boston. From the outside, her parents’ lifestyle appears enviable – a world defined by cocktail parties, expensive cars, and live-in maids to care for their children – but inside their five-bedroom house, all is not well for the Kunitz family. Coming home from school, Sarah finds her well-dressed, pill-popping mother lying disheveled on their living room couch. At night, to escape their parents’ arguments, Sarah and her oldest brother, Peter, find solace in music, while her two younger brothers retreat to their rooms and imaginary lives. Any vestige of decorum and stability drains away when their mother dies in a car crash one terrible winter day. Soon after, their father, a self-absorbed, bombastic professor begins an affair with a younger colleague. Sarah, aggrieved, dives into two summer romances that lead to unforeseen consequences. In a story that will make you laugh and cry, Night Swim shows how a family, bound by heartache, learns to love again

My Rating:

My Review:

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Black History Month Hop: Black Love


The Black History Month Blog Hop, hosted by myself and Mocha Girls Read, is here! It's purpose is to give black authors, books, and those who support them a month in the spotlight.  This hop is open to any blogger who wants to participate at any time of the month.

If you want to participate, just create posts on the weeks topic on your blog, and post a link here or Mocha Girls Read.  Each link enters you into the weekly giveaway.

Not interested in creating a post?  No worries!  Visit the links below and learn about the people, events, websites, and books concerning people of color.

This Week focuses on black romance novels and love stories.  It is February after all right?  This topic will run from the 12th through the 18th.

Don't miss out on the awesome posts from the previous two topics.  Take a look at posts from Week 1: Around Town, and Week 2: The Business of Black Books.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Black History Month Hop: Author Interview Quiniece Sheppard


Quiniece Sheppard has returned to answer a few questions about her journey and marketing strategy.  Ms. Sheppard writes Christian non-fiction,  established Chasing books Book Club, and is the founder of a women's ministry.  For more information about Ms. Shepard, please check out her websites: www.iamthechase.com or www.chasingbooks.com.  Feel free to check out yesterday's post as well.

Could you please tell us a little bit about your writing journey?

I started my writing career with the publication of my first book titled “The Seven Deadly Sexual Sins” in April 2009, which was very difficult for me to do because I didn’t know how I or my book would be received by the public since it a taboo topic. When God called me to write this book, it took me a year to get started because I was so scared of the rejection, but out of obedience to God, I finally surrendered to his will.

 I released a free e-book in January 2011 titled “Walking the Path to Real Love:12 Steps to Practice Abstinence and Celibacy” and this was released to prepare people for my third book which was just published in June 2011 and that book is titled “Before the Lights Go Out:11 Keys to Achieve Real Physical Intimacy”. I’m learning more and more with each book and since both of my books are totally different, it’s great because it gives people more to choose from based on where they are in their lives.

 The recent book is a self-help relationship book based on Christian principles and it was written to combat the dissolving relationships that are happening right now and to provide a greater level of understanding of what intimacy is about and how to achieve it in your relationships. It goes way beyond sex, but real intimacy is about having an emotional and spiritual connection. Those two areas are where a bond and a connection are truly established. You can’t get that bond solely in the bedroom. I’m hoping people will grasp that in this book.

 It appears that authors are now responsible for much of their own marketing efforts. How did you do this for your books and what advice would you give other authors? I

 have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communications and I have an emphasis in Marketing, so I had a little knowledge of how to market my books. I always tell aspiring authors or other authors that you have to know who your target audience is and how to reach your target audience. This information is so important because if you don’t know who you’re writing to, then you definitely won’t know how to reach them. Both of my books have a wide audience of readership, but my second and most recent book which is called “Before the Lights Go Out:11 Keys to Achieve Real Physical Intimacy”, is targeted towards couples. I wanted to those people who were in a committed relationship and married. Also, I wanted the single men and women to read it as well to give them some helpful advice and tools on what a godly marriage should look like. I wanted a book that everyone could read and benefit from, but from all the reviews I have received so far from the book, people consider it a book for couples. I began targeting book clubs as most book clubs are comprised of women, so I definitely wanted the ladies to read it. I also targeted churches and was blessed to have two local churches consent to having my book inside their church’s bookstore and some have even told me that would be using the book as a bible study guide for couples as well as singles. I use a lot of social networking tools such as Facebook and Twitter to market my book. I also do a lot of book signings and blog talk radio interviews as well. Whatever I can do to get my books out there, I do it, but mainly I want to target churches with marriage ministries.

Do you think it is more difficult to market some genres over others? If so, why?

 I’m not sure how other genres market their books, but I have seen that people tend to like urban fiction books a lot. From my experience in doing numerous book signings, people always go for the urban fiction, erotica type books before they will read an inspirational book. This tells me that sex still sells and is still such a huge driving force in our communities. With the rise of HIV, AIDS and teen pregnancy, people continue to put more and more books out there about sex; therefore, continuing to feed into people’s habits. I know there are more books written on sex than there are on the prevention of HIV. It’s sad, but a proven fact. Just like there are a lot of reality shows on television and dating sites on the internet, there’s even more influences in books. Anyone can write a book, but not everyone can be on reality television.

 As a reader, I've found that it can be difficult to find books that feature minorities as characters. Where would you tell readers who are looking to diversify their reading experiences to look? 

I write non- fiction Christian books, so I don’t use characters in my book. My books come from real life personal experiences and situations that I’ve gone through or that others have gone through. They are in-depth and meaningful. I do enjoy reading fiction Christian books and there are so great books out there that depict minorities as characters. I suggest readers look in the Christian fiction section to find those types of books.

What advice you give authors who are just starting out in the process? 

My advice to authors is to make sure that you have a passion and desire to write a book because it is so time consuming and demanding and if you don’t have the passion for it, then you won’t do well. You’ll just put a book out there and let it die with the rest of the books. You have to put a lot of effort and time into it and make it look professional and well written. I recommend hiring a professional editor and graphic designer as your book has your name on it, so you want represent yourself well. Your book cover can sell your book, so make sure it’s done by a good graphic designer. What you put into your book is what you will get out. The key to selling books is great marketing. Learn how to get yourself out there and market your books to your target audience. Continue having a presence and let yourself be seen. If you believe in yourself and in your book, then others will as well.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Black History Month Hop: Guest Author Quiniece Sheppard


As part of the Black History Month Hop, we are focusing on the Business of Black Books. I am so excited to welcome Quiniece Sheppard. Today, we'll learn more about Quinience the author.  Tomorrow, stop in because she was gracious enough to answer some pretty deep questions.


Quiniece Sheppard is the author of “The Seven Deadly Sexual Sins”, published in April 2009, co-author of an e-book anthology titled “Christmas is More than a Myth: There is a Reason for the Season, published as a free e-book in December 2010, author of an e-book titled “Walking the Path to Real Love: 12 Steps to Practicing Abstinence and Celibacy, published as a free e-book in January 2011 and author of “Before the Lights Go Out: 11 keys to Achieve Real Physical Intimacy published in June 2011.

 Ms. Sheppard also established Chasing books Book Club in March 2011 for African American self -publishers and independent authors. Ms. Sheppard is founder/CEO of “I Am the Chase Ministries, LLC”: a single women’s ministry whose mission is to promote abstinence and celibacy. Ms. Sheppard wants to help every woman define and understand her self-worth and value so she can live out her purpose and destiny.

 Ms. Sheppard has spoken at several women’s conferences, a parent-teen retreat speaking on abstinence, held her own seminar in September 2010 and held her first single women’s conference in April 2011. Ms. Sheppard currently resides in Alexandria, VA but frequently travels as a motivational speaker to deliver messages of inspiration, transformation and enlightenment to make a lasting impact to audiences everywhere. Ms. Sheppard speaks at workshops, conferences, seminars, book clubs, churches, youth groups and more. To contact Ms. Sheppard, please visit her website at www.iamthechase.com or www.chasingbooks.com for more information about her ministry and book club.


Thanks Quiniece!  Stop in tomorrow to read about her experiences.


Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Why I Love Wednesdays... Favorite Author Blogs

Reflections of a Bookaholic

I am returning with my new feature... Why I love which takes place on Wednesdays. Today's proclamation of love concerns our Love for Author Blogs

Why I Love...Lena Sledge's Blog
Oh it was tough this week!  There are so many author blogs that I love.  I'm continually inspired by authors who can keep up a blog with everything else they have to.  I had a hard time narrowing it down, but I just love Lena Sledge's Blog.  Every time I visit, I find the content fresh and interesting.  I remember one post included instructions on how to make some of the beautiful bookish things (jewelry, covers, etc.) that we see around.  I haven't had a chance to try it yet but definitely bookmarked the post.  I also love how she provides resources for other authors that are interesting to those of us don't write (and don't want to).  I have to admit that I appreciate her giveaways as well.  They are always different and fun.  I've won a couple and she puts so much thought into them.  I can go on and on but you really just need to give her a little visit.

Oh and there are so many more author blogs that I enjoy.  I don't want to start a list, because if I forget someone, I will feel sooo bad.  You guys are wonderful :)

P.S.  Thank you everyone for being understanding about my random schedule and meager posts.  I'm still helping out my family and going to class when I have free time.  Oh and there's moot court this weekend.  Wish me luck!!  I have a couple of great posts and reviews coming up soon. So there's that as well.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Black History Month Hop: The Business of Black Books





The Black History Month Blog Hop, hosted by myself and Mocha Girls Read, is here! It's purpose is to give black authors, books, and those who support them a month in the spotlight.  This hop is open to any blogger who wants to participate at any time of the month.

If you want to participate, just create posts on the weeks topic on your blog, and post a link here or Mocha Girls Read.  Each link enters you into the weekly giveaway.

Not interested in creating a post?  No worries!  Visit the links below and learn about the people, events, websites, and books concerning people of color.

This week focuses on business related topics pertaining to black authors. Each blog has created posts on their own sites and provided a link to share. If you are interested in support. Have a great week!

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Around Town: Brown Bookshelf & the 28 Days Later Project

As part of the Black History Month Hop, we are focusing on Black bookish events Around Town. I am so excited to feature the 28 Days Later campaign, which celebrates children's authors and illustrators, of color.  The Brown Bookshelf was kind enough to stop by and tell us about their 28 Days Later campaign.  I'll let their interesting post tell you about this wonderful event.  When you are done, hop on over and check it out for yourself.


The fraternity of African American authors and illustrators focused on children's literature is more extensive than most think and that's exactly how the Brown Bookshelf and our 28 Days Later campaign was born. Without it, librarians, teachers and even parents would continue to assume that great authors like Christopher Paul Curtis, Mildred Taylor and Walter Dean Myers were the only artists creating stories featuring characters of color. We wanted to honor the past and celebrate the future of those books, so we structured 28 Days Later to feature vanguard authors who blazed trails and those authors and illustrators that aren't nearly as well-recognized.

Every day in February a new author or illustrator, their body of work and latest project are featured. It's pure, unadulterated immersion in kiddie lit by creative artists of color.

The Brown Bookshelf filled a void, but we and our campaign haven't been without its controversies. Among them, our name. We actually selected the term "Brown" as opposed to "Black" because brown was more inclusive. Although we primarily feature African American authors during the campaign, throughout the year we highlight children's books by authors of color, in general, and those by Caucasian authors that feature brown characters. It's as inclusive as an initiative can get while still serving an under-served niche.

Another controversy, that we celebrate 28 Days Later during Black History Month. Some authors and illustrators believe that by doing so, we're supporting ignoring great brown books the other 11 months of the year. False. We selected Black History Month because many gatekeepers are actively looking for good books by and for African Americans to feature, at that time. It's great to walk into your local library and see a display with books by vanguards, but it minimizes the wealth of other books that are out there. 28 Days Later was our way of waving a flag reminding gatekeepers - hey, don't forget these when you're looking for work to booktalk or display.

Then there's the issue of featuring "under the radar" authors. There's a school of thought that it diminishes an author's work to call them under the radar. Another way to look at it is, would you rather be known as a really good under the radar author or not known at all?

If you go to a parent and ask them to name an African American author who writes YA or MG see how long it takes them to come up with someone at all, much less one who isn't among the already recognized. Now go ask that same question to a librarian, someone who is around books eight to ten hours a day. Don't be surprised if you're greeted with silence from both. It's because many brown authors writing for children are simply not profiled enough to mainstream gatekeepers or the readers.

28 Days Later was inspired by a genuine interest, among its founders Varian Johnson, Paula Chase Hyman, Kelly Starling-Lyons, Don Tate and Carla Sarratt, to serve as a resource for both readers and literary gatekeepers looking for children's lit by and about people of color. Since our inception in 2007 we've been joined by Tameka Fryer Brown, Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, Gwendolyn Hooks and Crystal Allen. We all share two things in common, we're all creative artists and we believe in uplifting our fellow authors and illustrators. And we're proud to present this year's roster of authors and illustrators

Thank you for telling us about your wonderful project!  I look forward to reading about the 2012 honorees.


Black History Month Blog Hop: Around Town



The Black History Month Blog Hop, hosted by myself and Mocha Girls Read, is here! It's purpose is to give black authors, books, and those who support them a month in the spotlight.  This hop is open to any blogger who wants to participate at any time of the month.

If you want to participate, just create posts on the weeks topic on your blog, and post a link here or Mocha Girls Read.  Each link enters you into the weekly giveaway.

Not interested in creating a post?  No worries!  Visit the links below and learn about the people, events, websites, and books concerning people of color.

 This week, blogs will be sharing black history month events and/ bookish events in their city, state, or on the web. Each blog has created posts on their own sites and provided a link to share. If you are interested in support.

Have a great week!


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