In Celebration of Dr. Seuss

Not that Dr. Seuss is particularly known as a young adult author, but there are many teens out there that (whether they want to admit it or not) still appreciate the honest and ridiculous qualities of their favorite Dr. Seuss books. So while I wouldn't normally feature a children's book author...I'm making an exception because Dr. Seuss is appropriate for all ages and...tomorrow's his birthday!

So Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! To find out more about the man check out this fun site: Seussville.

And if you're thinking about celebrating with a recreation of Dr. Seuss's magical world you should try one of these fun recipes.

Moose Juice and Goose Juice:

Moose juice is a dreamy orange and Goose juice is a sleepy green just like in the stories!

Ingredients for Moose Juice:

3/4 cup orange juice

1/2 cup orange sherbert

1/2 banana, sliced

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon whipped cream

Ingredients for Goose Juice:

3 kiwis, peeled and sliced

1/4 cup lime juice or 1 1/2 tablespoons frozen lime concentrate

1/2 cup lime sherbert

3 ice cubes

1 tablespoon whipped cream

Moose Juice directions:

1. Combine the juice, sherbert, banana, and extract. Mix it in a blender until smooth.

2. Pour it in a glass and top with the whipped cream.

Goose Juice directions:

1. Get out the blender again. Mix the kiwis, lime juice or concentrate, sherbert and ice cubes and puree until smooth.

2. Pour the mixture in a glass and serve it topped with whipped cream.

Both recipes are for 1 serving! Enjoy.

Other ideas I've heard mentioned in connections with celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday this week included:

1. to wear pajamas to school

2. to wear a wacky hat on Wednesday

3. to miss school because you're "sick today"

4. make your own "Foot Book" by painting with your feet

5. eat green eggs and ham for breakfast (stock up on the green food coloring)

6. dress like a Sneetch (wear all yellow and put a star on your belly)

7. only eat foods beginning with a "d" or "s" for a whole day

8. plant a tree for the Lorax

These are just a few suggestions...what did you come up with?

Step Two: Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards 2010

Well...the initial rush has passed and I've stopped texting my sisters randomly reminding them that Meeting Lizzy has been pushed through to the next round in the 2010 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards. Now that I'm a bit calmer I've realized that I didn't provide you with near enough information about the actual process.

So! The initial submissions for the 2010 Amazon Breakthrough Novel awards were sent in between 1/25/2010 and 2/7/2010. The contest accepts no more than 10,000 submissions per year. The entries were plowed through (very quickly) and the selected novels in both general fiction and young adult fiction were announced on 2/25/2010.

Meeting Lizzy was amongst those selected to move forward in the competition. (Again...yeah!) The next step involves Amazon editors and Amazon Vine Reviewers reading 3,000 to 5,ooo word excerpts of each entry that passed through the first round of competition.

500 Quarterfinalists will be announced on 3/23/2010. The 500 Quarterfinalists' manuscripts will then be read in full by Publishers Weekly. They will be rated and reviewed based on five elements:

1. originality of idea

2. plot

3. prose/writing style

4. character development

5. overall strength

100 Semifinalists will be announced on 4/27/2010 and Publishers Weekly reviews will be posted for the selected group's manuscripts.

Penguin editors will then read each Semifinalist's manuscript using the same 5 element judging criteria to select three entries in each category (YA and general fiction). The 6 Finalists will be announced on 5/25/2010.

At this point it will be time for Amazon readers to weigh in on the subject! Excerpts will be posted for Amazon customers to read and then vote for the best in each category. Amazon readers will select the final winners who will then be announced on 6/14/2010. During this final stage of the contest there will be a celebrity judging panel that will post their professional opinions and comments regarding the entries so they can be considered by Amazon readers when voting for the winners.

Exciting, right? I hope it continues to be fun for Meeting Lizzy, but if the fun ends here then I have to say...that it was already pretty fun!

2010 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards

The Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards for 2010 are underway. Meeting Lizzy was sent in for consideration. Why not, right? And guess what? The list of books that are moving on to the second round for award consideration was released today. And yours truly saw her book listed on the list of Young Adult Fiction Entries moving on to the next round.

Can I release a quick, "Wahoo!!!!" for that? I've approved my own premature celebration because sometimes it's exciting just to be considered for winning...even if the contest isn't yet over.

So the basics of the 2010 Amazon Breakthrough Awards are looking for the next "popular novel." It's an international competition being hosted by Amazon.com, Penguin Group (USA) and CreateSpace. 2010 marks the third annual Amazon Breakthrough Awards competition and for the first time there will be two grand prizes awarded; one in each category. The categories are: General Fiction and Young Adult Fiction. Each winner will receive a publishing contract with Penguin (which includes a respectable $15,000 advance).

To view the full list of books selected to move on to the next round of review...click here.

For contest details...click here.

Where to Buy Used Books:

Is it bad mannered of me to admit that I love buying books at used book prices? I'm thinking it might be, but I'm going to go ahead and do it anyway. I love buying books at used book prices. I love keeping books after I read them. I'm one of those fanatics who will check books out at the library in order to cut back on the amount I spend at the bookstores, and then have to go out and purchase the books after I've read them if I REALLY liked them. Is this strange? I've never actually questioned it before, but I'm afraid that's because I already know the answer.



I like to have a small library of my own so I can remind myself of all the good stories and characters I've read in the past, recommend books to friends and family, and suggest appropriate (and GOOD) books to my kids. They're getting old enough now that they are interested in some of the same books as their mom!



So what with all the book purchasing...I need to keep the costs down somehow so I like to get books used. I figure I'm going to use them anyway so what's the difference? Here are a couple of my favorite online destinations for used books:



1. abebooks.com: At abebooks.com I try to watch out for the shipping costs. The price of the books is often ridiculously low, but they do have typical $2-4 shipping costs depending upon the seller. And since it's a directory of sellers you will accrue more than one shipping fee if you don't pay attention to which books you're ordering from which bookseller.



2. betterworldbooks.com: This is a site I ran across fairly recently. It offers books at good used book prices and doesn't charge shipping within the US. And worldwide shipping is only $3.97. This particular bookseller seems to be dedicated to making the world a better place and offers a running tally of books they've saved from landfills (29,861,420) and funds raised for global literacy ($7,280,541.87)...at least those were the numbers last time I looked. You'll have to check out current stats for yourself. They're right at the top of the home page so you can't miss it.



So there you have it; two of my favorite spots for purchasing books online. You should check them out!

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The general public only becomes more and more aware of the issue of domestic violence. And I can only hope that awareness continues to spread and safe solutions continue to be offered to those in need.

The first time I can remember being aware of the issue of domestic violence was when a friend played a Tracy Chapman song for me in Junior High School. It was Chapman's "Behind the Wall." I remember struggling not to cry and simultaneously thinking that my friend was absolutely so amazing for knowing such a fabulous song and wondering how she could listen to it over and over without breaking down. I still love that song and I still struggle not to cry whenever I listen to it. My children think I'm a bit of a nutcase since I advise them to avoid things that make them sad or hurt, yet I play music that brings tears.

As the YA book this blog is dedicated to is a fictional account of a teen dating violence situation I feel it's only right to dedicate a bit of space to recognizing what's being done to generate more awareness of the issue during Domestic Violence Month.

Here are a few items worth noting:

1. The Family Crisis Center in Rexburg Advertises Domestic Violence Awareness Month

2. Organizations and Individuals Promote Domestic Violence Awareness in October and All Year Round

3. BlogTalk Radio had an expert scheduled to discuss Domestic Violence as Directly Related to the Military

4. National Coalition Against Domestic Violence Continues to Support those who have suffered through their Remember My Name Program

5. President Obama Speaks Out About the Issue

6. The National Domestic Violence Hotline Continues to Aid Those in Need: They began their work in 1996.

7. Domestic Violence Vigil in Hanover Park

8. The National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center Continues to Provide Necessary Info Regarding How the Issue Affects our Nation's Youth

This is, of course, a very limited list. The amount of time and effort and thought that is put into the cause by professionals and organizations dedicated to the issue and individuals who have decided on their own to make it their business are truly making a difference. While there is still a lot of work to be done to eradicate the problem (I continue to long for the possibility of perfection) we've really come a long way. Sometimes it might not seem like we've made a difference, but all I have to do is listen to Tracy Chapman's song "Behind the Wall" and I know that we've made progress. I like to think that that the situation described by Chapman in her astounding song is no longer the norm, but the worst case scenario.

Books Made into Movies, Summer 2009

This summer seems to be the summer of books I've read and loved being made into movies. Besides the obvious Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince and XMen Origins: Wolverine...there's The Time Traveler's Wife, My Sister's Keeper and Julie and Julia.

I tend to look on the bright side of things when it comes to movies. They're fabulously entertaining for me. I was even able to take my kids to see G Force and once I was actually sitting in my seat and the lights went down it wasn't that bad. I gave it a 6 out of 10. (Just to be fair, my son, upon whose insistence we actually ventured out to see this particular film gave it 9 out of 10). So I'm sure that there will be many who disagree with my favorable view of the movies based on books that have been released recently because I'm just not very critical. But here's my take on it!

XMen Origins: Wolverine, 9 out of 10

I loved it, of course. But I love the stories presented by the XMen. I was actually quite depressed when the show came to a screeching halt before the stories in my head had been recreated in full on the big screen. I would have sat there enthralled for hours...well, I guess I should say many more hours. It was a great story with lots of action, drama, romance, twists and turns and openings for more movies to come. And Wolverine himself was utterly yummy. It just had to be said.

Julie and Julia, 8 out of 10

This is another great film. I'm not an avid cook and I enjoyed it. I say this because I've heard a few friends say that it's only fun if you are a big fan of Julia Child or a very involved cook. I am neither and I'm still intrigued by the story. I especially loved the presentation of the two different stories. They were both very interesting and very different and equally meaningful in my mind.

My Sister's Keeper, 7 out of 10

I only give this one a 7 out of 10 because the book was so utterly amazing that I was disturbed by the few changes made to the story line. I always expect things to be cut from the story because they just have to remove parts of the story in order to stick to the general time limitations of the theatre. But there seemed to be unnecessary and odd changes to the story in this movie that I would have avoided. I missed several aspects of the story as presented in the book that were cut out as well. But I wouldn't have knocked the movie score for that purpose alone. Other than that...it's a very well done movie with a lot to offer.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Price, 8 out of 10

I love the Harry Potter movies. It seemed that they had a hard time jamming the story into the limited time frame for #6. That's not surprising since the books get longer as they progress. But it is, as always, a great story. My one biggest worry regarding the Harry Potter movies is that the actors/actresses won't be able to last in the roles cast. I'd hate for them to get too old to play the parts before the series is complete. This movie left me feeling the same way that book 6 left me feeling...a bit on edge until the next one comes out. The Harry Potter books are usually really good about giving enough closure at the end of each volume that you're okay with waiting for the next release. But if any of them end without closure...I'd say it's number 6.

The Time Traveler's Wife, 8 out of 10

This is based off such a fabulous, amazing story. I really liked the actor/actress cast for the roles. They seemed to fit perfectly. It was very well done and nearly as gripping (and heart wrenching) as the book; which is saying a lot.

On a similar note...I'm absolutely excited to see what Hollywood comes up with for Where the Wild Things Are and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Seeing how other people envision some of my all time favorites on the big screen is always exciting!

Gut Wrenching, Nauseating Books That I Often Recommend

Anyone who knows me would attest to the fact that I love (and definitely believe in) happy endings. Everyone gets one in my world. But that doesn't mean that the road there isn't a bit (or really, really, really) rocky.

So today I'm going to throw out a few books that I frequently recommend to friends and acquaintances and readers who ask that don't necessarily come with a happy ending and are, in fact, slightly nauseating and definitely gut wrenching.

1. My Sister's Keeper: Please don't think you've got it covered because you've seen the recently released movie. The movie was really good, but it doesn't cover nearly as much ground as the book (isn't that just always the case?)

2. The Time Traveler's Wife: You still have time to sneak this one in before the upcoming movie release because I'm sure it will be another good movie that isn't as good as the book. It just couldn't possibly be THAT good. If it is...I'll eat my copy of the book (but I claim the right to flavor it with salsa).

3. Outlander: The woman who originally recommended this book to the woman who recommended it to me said, "This book changed my life." I wouldn't say that it has resulted in any drastic changes to my day to day life. But I'll definitely act differently if I ever find myself in the midst of an ancient circle of stones or if I ever find myself spontaneously traveling through time. And it left a definite mental mark that isn't going away any time soon.

Now...if you disagree with me, feel free to email me and let me know. I enjoy hearing other people's perspectives on my favorite book choices! And if you've read any lately that are worth a really severe gut wrench; pass the word. I love recommendations.

The Newest Addition to "Readers Who Write"

This is the most recent addition to the Tell Me a Story portion of "Readers Who Write." I ran across this fabulous little treasure on the road in Mesa, AZ. I couldn't help but whip out the camera even though I was driving. (Although I must point out that this sort of behavior is absolutely out of the norm for me). I tried to get around the front and get a sneaky pic (or maybe just a glance) of who was driving, but they were driving like a maniac! I couldn't get in front of them. And that's really saying something because I can be something of a maniacal driver myself. But I did get a picture of the back end of the hearse before they zipped through a very, very yellow light and left me behind. I can't wait to use it at the next "Readers Who Write" event. It should provide the inspiration for some interesting stories!

The back window reads, "LUCKY STIFF FUNERAL HOME...We put the word FUN back in FUNeral!"

New Blog Feature: Great Books and Books to Read

Just letting you know that after several requests for book recommendations I've decided it would be a great little addition to the blog. So from now on you'll be able to scroll down the sidebar and access lists of:

1. Books I Recommend
2. Books In My "To Read" Pile
3. Books Meeting Lizzy Readers Recommend

If you happen to see one in my "To Read" pile and you have a definite opinion on it, let me know! I'd love to hear what you think (just no spoilers, please!) I've found some of my all time favorite books by listening to other people's recommendations. And if you've got a book that you'd like to recommend...email it my way and I'll add it to the list of books the Meeting Lizzy readers have recommended.

Keep in touch. I love getting emails from readers and hearing what you think about Meeting Lizzy and all the other great YA books out there.

And on another note...I'm not quite ready to release a sneak peek at my next book. Sorry! But I'll keep you updated and as soon as it's a possibility I'll make it happen.

On the Shelf...

There's nothing like seeing your book on the shelf at your favorite bookstore. I have to admit...the first time I walked into my local Barnes & Noble and saw Meeting Lizzy on the shelf I snapped a photo to document the happy moment. It was quite lovely. So I thought...better late than never! Why not share? So here's the photo of the first time I saw Meeting Lizzy on the shelf at my nearest bookstore.

I wandered into the Mesa, AZ Barnes and Noble at Val Vista and Baseline (I believe the center is called Dana Park). It's my favorite; possibly because it has a fountain out front where I like to throw coins and request wishes. You should give it a try. That particular fountain has a pretty good track record.

The only strange thing about the moment was my weird inclination to buy a copy even though I had a stack of promotional copies at home. I withstood the temptation, just so you know!