Waiting on Wednesday: Teardrop by Lauren Kate

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Breaking the Spine to showcase upcoming titles readers simply can't wait for!

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This week, I chose Teardrop by Lauren Kate! I'm a huge fan of Ms. Kate's Fallen series and cannot wait for her new series to start. Let me know what you think!

Never, ever cry. . . . Eureka Boudreaux's mother drilled that rule into her daughter years ago. But now her mother is gone, and everywhere Eureka goes he is there: Ander, the tall, pale blond boy who seems to know things he shouldn't, who tells Eureka she is in grave danger, who comes closer to making her cry than anyone has before.

But Ander doesn't know Eureka's darkest secret: ever since her mother drowned in a freak accident, Eureka wishes she were dead, too. She has little left that she cares about, just her oldest friend, Brooks, and a strange inheritance—a locket, a letter, a mysterious stone, and an ancient book no one understands. The book contains a haunting tale about a girl who got her heart broken and cried an entire continent into the sea. Eureka is about to discover that the ancient tale is more than a story, that Ander might be telling the truth . . . and that her life has far darker undercurrents than she ever imagined. From Lauren Kate comes an epic saga of heart-stopping romance, devastating secrets, and dark magic . . . a world where everything you love can be washed away.

GoodReads

FIlm Review: Man of Steel

from official website

With its major pre-release buzz, all-star cast, and talented creative team, Man of Steel was poised to be a hit from the get-go. Despite a weak script, overdone action, and a ridiculous villain, the film is an enjoyable, thrilling, and refreshing movie that is sure to win over the summer box office.

As the leading man, Henry Cavill presents a thoughtful, tormented, and lonely interpretation of Clark Kent. His performance resonates with a profound sense of humanity that will have viewers rooting for him from the start. His acting is solid all around and the way he handles Clark’s transition from outsider to hero is well executed. Also, Mr. Cavill is a very, very beautiful man. One question, though: When did Clark have time to shave between meeting his birth father and getting in the suit?

Amy Adams as Lois Lane is feisty, confident, and charming in all the right ways and her portrayal is rewarding to watch. Instead of taking a back seat in the action scenes, the filmmakers bring her character to the front lines and present her in a modern and successful light.

While the leads handle their roles wonderfully, other key elements of the film fail to succeed. Michael Shannon as General Zod is almost laughable due to overacting, which results in a tiresome and overdramatic villain with little believability. This could be a result of the weak script, which is seemingly riddled with inconsistencies and plot holes. Additionally, the editing is choppy, especially in the first half of the film where viewers are treated to haphazard flashbacks of Clark’s childhood. The action is never-ending, which, in this case, is damaging rather than beneficial. Last, but not least, Hans Zimmer's score is sweepingly epic and carries the film with strength and precision.

Despite the film’s major flaws, Man of Steel still manages to soar to a solid ending and leaves the story open enough for the proposed sequel while providing some closure. Henry Cavill and Amy Adams should be proud of their performances and are sure to bring even more to the table in the next film.

Also, Mr. Cavill is a very, very beautiful man.

from Collider

Hot YA Summer Chat Series!

Simon and Schuster has partnered with Shindig to bring YA enthusiasts the "Hot YA Summer Reads Chat Series"! This summer long video chat series will feature some of the hottest YA authors and gives readers the chance to interact with their favorite writers. The first event, which happened last night, was with Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian, authors of Burn for Burn. Below are the dates and authors for the rest of the series. Be sure to tune in--you won't want to miss these!

June 18 – Lisa McMann (CRASH)

(RSVP Here: http://www.shindig.com/event/crash)

June 25 – Andrew Smith (WINGER)

(RSVP Here: http://www.shindig.com/event/winger)

July 2 – Corey Ann Haydu (OCD LOVESTORY)

(RSVP Here: http://www.shindig.com/event/ocdlove)

July 9 – John Corey Whaley (WHERE THINGS COME BACK)

(RSVP Here: http://www.shindig.com/event/wherethingscomeback)

July 16 – Abbi Glines (BECAUSE OF LOW)

(RSVP Here: http://www.shindig.com/event/becauseoflow)

July 23 – Neal Schusterman (UNWHOLLY)

(RSVP Here: http://www.shindig.com/event/unwholly)

July 30 – Carmen Rodrigues (34 PIECES OF YOU)

(RSVP Here: http://www.shindig.com/event/34pieces)

Waiting on Wednesday: Isla and the Happily Ever After

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Breaking the Spine 

that showcases the books people are eagerly awaiting.

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2013-2014 is going to have spectacular seasons of exciting new releases and while there are many that I am looking forward to, I am super eager to read is Stephanie Perkins' Isla and the Happily Ever After. I don't read as much contemporary YA as I should, but Anna and the French Kiss and Lola and the Boy Next Door are two of my absolute favorites and I can't wait for this one!

From the glittering streets of Manhattan to the moonlit rooftops of Paris, falling in love is easy for hopeless dreamer Isla and introspective artist Josh. But as they begin their senior year in France, Isla and Josh are quickly forced to confront the heartbreaking reality that happily-ever-afters aren’t always forever.

Their romantic journey is skillfully intertwined with those of beloved couples Anna and Étienne and Lola and Cricket, whose paths are destined to collide in a sweeping finale certain to please fans old and new. (GoodReads)

GoodReads | Indiebound | Barnes and Noble | Amazon

Cover Reveal: Blood Revelation by Jamie Manning

Are you all ready for some awesomeness? Well, today I'm helping out with Jamie Manning's cover reveal for the third book in his Blood Prophecy trilogy, Blood Revelation! Release information is TBA.

What I love about these covers is that they all match and they utilize the people really well. I'm also a sucker for filigree/swirls, so I love the border effect. Can't wait to read it!

Book Expo America 2013

I'm on my way to BEA! Woot, woot! I'll be attending this year's show as a book blogger and would love to meet you if you're going to be there, so don't be afraid to say hello. :-)

Safe travels, everyone!

First Time BEA-er?

Book Expo America is a chaotic, fun, and informational industry event that is a definite must for anyone who takes publishing and reading seriously. I was fortunate enough to attend last year as an author and this year I will be attending as a book blogger. Last year was my first time attending BEA and I met so many wonderful people, and am looking forward to seeing old and new faces this year. I know a lot of you are attending for the first time this year, so I thought I'd share some helpful tips to help make the show less stressful for you. If you have any of your own tips, leave them in the comment section!

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1. Bring business cards

Having professional, easy-to-read business cards is instrumental for BEA. Make sure to have them on you at all times because you never know who you're going to meet. BEA is not only a great event to meet authors, it's also a great place to network. My suggestion is to make sure your card is simple, yet personalized enough to help publisher reps identify you and your work. Include contact information, including your name, email address, and URL. Some people put their mailing addresses on their cards, but I prefer not to hand out my personal address unless asked to. If I worked for a specific company, I'd be willing to put the company's address, though.

Last year, I used VistaPrint for my cards, but this year I went with TinyPrints because I wanted something that was more me. Definitely check out Moo and GotPrint, too.

Front of new card

Back of card. Blurred part is my phone number.

2. Make your schedule

The BEA website allows you to make a list of all the events you'd like to attend at the show and I highly recommend doing this. You can print the list and highlight the ones you really want to attend. Many events overlap with others, so double check times. 

3. Don't follow your schedule

I know, I know--this negates #2. While having a schedule is helpful, I don't advise following it to the T. You'll miss many other wonderful signings and giveaways if you only follow what you've printed.

4. Wear comfortable shoes

You're going to be doing a ton of walking, both inside the Javits and outside. So be sure to wear comfortable footwear.

5. Bring suitcases

There are a couple of luggage check-in areas where you leave your suitcase to fill up with books later. This will keep you from having to walk around with a mountain of items and gives you a nice little break from the show here and there. Be sure to keep your ticket on you at all times. No ticket, no luggage area entry.

6. Have fun

While BEA is a professional, industry event, it is important to have fun, too. This is a great way to meet other readers, writers, bloggers, etc...and you won't be sorry you went. Don't try to do everything at once. Go slow, be patient, and enjoy the show.

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If there is anything in particular you have a question about, let me know in the comments!