"Essential Pictures has launched development of "Outlander" as a potential franchise based on the Diana Gabaldonseries of fantasy novels. (Via variety.com, October 29, 2008)
There seems to be a wealth of books by celebrities coming out lately. I know creative people are often creative in more than one way, but can these people really write? Probably more accurate, can their ghost writers write?
The first one that caught my eye was the book written by the popular country duo, Brooks and Dunn. THE ADVENTURES OF SLIM AND HOWDY, a novel about their alter egos has several positive reviews on Amazon.com. I am curious about how much input they had in the novel (the third name listed as author is Bill Fitzhugh, called a collaborator). Either way, might be an interesting read.
Adding to the canon of country music stars writing a book, Tim McGraw (and Tom Douglas) wrote a children's book called MY LITTLE GIRL. This book was not as favorably received as the novel above, but is a cute concept. Basing the book on his vast experience as a father of daughters ages 11, 10 and 6, he is sure to have some good points in the book.
Mo'Nique, one of my favorite comediennes, has several books out. SKINNY WOMEN ARE EVIL and the related cookbook SKINNY COOKS CAN'T BE TRUSTED are based mostly on her own experiences. Venturing into fiction, along with Sherri McGee McCovey, she has recently released the young adult novel BEACON HILLS HIGH. I am more likely to believe Mo'Nique had a lot to do with these books, since, as a comedienne, she writes much of her own material. I admit, I would love to read her novel someday.
There are more, but I think I made my point. I am not saying the people above are not creative enough to write their own books. I am mostly just curious as to what induces famous people to produce books, on top of their other career.
Rebecca York's latest release is CHRISTMAS SPIRIT, in stores now:
More video interviews coming up. Stay tuned!
Marjorie M. Liu ( Nov 08 ) Melissa Marr ( Nov 08 ) Sherry Thomas ( Dec 08 ) Susan Elizabeth Phillips ( Dec 08 ) CJ Lyons ( Jan 09 ) Suzanne Brockmann ( Jan 09 ) Anne Stuart ( Feb 09 ) Karen Rose ( Feb 09 ) Linnea Sinclair ( Mar 09 ) Sophia Nash ( Mar 09 ) Catherine Asaro ( Apr 09 ) Teresa Medeiros ( Apr 09 ) Rachel Gibson ( May 09 ) Brenda Novak ( May 09 ) Alyssa Day ( June 09 ) Mary Jo Putney ( June 09 )
Harry Potter may have illuminated it, but there has long been a debate about what is appropriate for our young adults. Everyone who reads this blog or talks with me, knows I am a huge fan of YA novels. But knowing what to let our young children read is still a dilemma.
As I read books aimed at the YA crowd, I get concerned about whether it's really something I want to share with my nearly 14-year-old sister.
For instance, the book IDENTICAL by Ellen Hopkins, which I recently read. Ms. Hopkins in known for unconventional writing style and her subject matter often involves the darker side of being a teenager. IDENTICAL told the story of two sisters, whose family had been in a horrific car wreck, causing a ripple effect in their family. Their mother leaves to run for office, essentially abandoning her family. Their father drinks and sexually abuses one of the daughters. Binge drinking, marijuana use, indiscriminate sex and other things made me wonder if I really wanted to share this with an impressionable teenager. However, once I read the end, I considered the message and I might very well offer it to her.
In related books, is THIRTEEN REASONS WHY by Jay Asher, is another that focuses on the dark side of youth. Asher's debut novels has an interesting premise - a young woman commits suicide and leaves behind tapes explaining the thirteen reasons she killed herself. She leaves them to a friend, who by listening to the tapes, begins to realize the horrible things have happened to her.
Do I want my sister to read such dreary, possibly suggestive literature? The answer is yes, I do, within reason. She loves all the vampire and scary books and movies that are out right now. But it's the real life stories that seem to resonate more. I read GO ASK ALICE when I was a child and it did not lead me to suicide. It caused me to understand a culture I had no access to and was grateful I had experienced. It is still one of my favorite books.
I think YA books are wonderful books as a whole - the genre has only increased in quality and quantity since I was in that demographic. I do think knowing what your child is reading is important and I do not advocate censorship. But I hope that you discuss with your children what they are reading, and answer any questions they may have. Literature can be one of the best avenues to reach past that shell so many teen-agers seem to have.
December 08 issue book titles and ratings are now up on the site. Magazine subscribers have access to reviews online. Non subscribers can access December issue reviews on January 1st.
Go to "Current Issue" page and use "Book Reviews" drop down menu or see below.
In conjunction with "Adult's Guide to Teen Fiction" feature in November 2008 issue of RT, we've organized a giant giveaway to get you started on your YA reading.
It's known around the office that I am the one to go to when it comes to books. Want a recommendation, come to me. Want to hear some gossip about an author or a book-to-movie? I am your girl. So when a co-worker wanted to clear out some books, I got a wonderful surprise waiting for me the next year.
Bookshelves are wonderful mirrors to the soul. They can tell you a lot about the inner workings of the mind. Do they read a lot of classics? Lots of romances? Maybe a lot of books on the linguistic skills of monkeys? All of these indicate something about the character of the soul who reads them.
This box was a small mirror to that soul. Going through this box meant I got to learn a lot about this other person (the wife of a coworker). She buys most of her books from Wal-Mart. She loves the older-style covers of ripping bodices and manly men. She has a penchant for Victorians and Regencies, but with a few futuristics and contemporaries thrown in.
I went through the box with my best friend, pulling out the books we each wanted. She picked favorite authors like Christina Dodd, Nicole Jordan, Victoria Alexander and more.
My collection featured more Amanda Scott, Julia London and Connie Mason.
Even our picks say something about us, too. I am not going to analyze what any of it means, as they can often be very personal views into someone. But books do give one a window to the soul.
While traveling the last couple of weeks, I needed something to read, of course. Long waits at the airport, boring flights, nights in strange bedrooms (and not in a good way) - books were my constant companion.
Along with a couple of books on writing and my journal, I also brought the first two books in the Anna Strong series by Jeanne C. Stein. I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Stein at the RT Book Fair (part of the annual convention) and picked up all three books offered: THE BECOMING, BLOOD DRIVE and THE WATCHER. When looking for something that might keep me engaged, this series jumped off my TBR pile.
I zoomed right through the first two books. I enjoyed the concept of a bounty hunter turned vampire. The characters were strong and the plot was planned well. I admit I peeked at the end of the first book to see how things resolved (a bad habit I try very hard to control). Her world-building was pretty smooth and I jumped right into the second book.
It took me a little bit longer to get to the third book (I accidentally left it at home), but again, I went through it pretty quick. For the most part, I liked the plot in this story as well, though I did feel it went into pretty strange territory towards the end. But even with that deviation, I picked up the fourth book in the series, LEGACY, and plan to read it soon.
I have seen some mixed reviews for this book, but I am looking forward to reading it (RT gave it 4.5 stars). I have plenty of paranormal series that I follow, however, I am happy to add Anna Strong to the list of heroes and heroines I will keep in touch with.
Based on a collection of short stories by New York Times bestselling author, Zane, Cinemax presents the first urban adult series on television, Zane's Sex Chronicles. (Friday, October 10 at midnight ET)
Read or listen to Alexander McCall Smith's serialized novel CORDUROY MANSIONS at telegraph.co.uk. New chapters will be posted every weekday for 20 weeks from Sep 15, 2008 - Feb 13, 2009. The best-selling author welcomes your suggestions as the story unfolds.
• ANN AGUIRRE The latest on this rising star's newest novel.
• ALAFAIR BURKE What's it like to be a part of a writing dynasty? Author DeLauné Michel interviews her cousin Alafair Burke about family, career and the biz.
September 08 issue book reviews can now be accessed by general public (magazine subscribers can access October and November issue reviews). Go to September Back Issue page or see below.
