Resolution Violation

I have a confession: I am violating this year's New Year's Resolution of maintaining my status quo.

I am starting something--a writing class.

At first, I rationalized that because the class already existed, it doesn't count as a Resolution Violation. I am not starting  it. I am taking over as the instructor. And I used to attend as a student.

It's not new.

But the role is  new.  So, it counts.

If you live in Western Mass, join me in my new adventure at the Westfield YMCA.

Here's the link for more info:  http://westfieldymca.org/healthy-living/group-interest/

Rocking the Scrub Top

A few months ago, I received an email requesting I sample a new Dickies Scrubs top from Uniformed Scrubs.  I am very glad I accepted.

The shirt is easy to wear, easy to clean and looked great all shift. I'm pretty picky about what I wear to work, but this top is now my favorite.

To check them out some nurse scrubs yourself, here are some links to like them on Facebook, follow their blog, add them to your circles, follow them on Twitter or check out their boards on Pinterest.

And use this 15% off coupon code until August 31st: "trueblue".

Thanks Uniformed Scrubs for thinking of me. :) 

Challenging "Status Quo" Theories

© Mistercheezit | Agency: Dreamstime.com 

What is the definition of status quo?

Dictionary.com

status quo

  [kwoh]  Show IPA

noun

the existing state or condition.

Also called status in quo.

Origin: 
1825–35;  < Latin status quō  literally, state in which

What does status quo mean?

WIKI Answer:

(1) It refers to the present situation.

(2) It is often represented by a law.

(3) It is not a view, but people can be against it.

My New Year's Resolution for 2013 was to maintain my own "status quo." It was born out of a conversation I had with a mentor years ago, when I expressed a need to grow in my current job. She actually asked me, "Why do you need to grow now? What's wrong with just status quo?"

I had no answer for her, except that I was bored and tired and needed something MORE. But I pondered her question for a long time. So, in late December, I asked myself that question.

I decided to give status quo a try. After all, 2012 had been a huge year for me professionally: I released my first co-authored book and found a new job that is completely outside my comfort zone. It was time to build up the skills I already had without adding anything new.

Hence, I chose the words "For once I want to enjoy my status quo" when I declared my goals for 2013.


Who would of thought some of my closest friends would tell me this is a horrible idea? And then they reprimanded me for even thinking it.

But my stance is personal. It's about MY STATUS QUO, not anyone else's. I desire to enjoy my "state in which". I desire to appreciate my "present situation". I want to develop skills I already have, maybe even perfect them. I want to grow taller, not spread out even more. I want my roots to take hold so my foundation feels more secure than it did last year. I want to catch my breath.

So, I am where my mentor was a few years ago. And now, I turn the question around to them and ask: "So what IS wrong with status quo?" because in the end: Everything is in a state of flux, including the status quo. Robert Byrne


PS-I started this blog a few weeks ago. And I may have to declare my New Year's Resolution a wash. I have accepted yet another challenging and growth inspiring professional role. Maybe I'm not meant to have a status quo.

The Next Big Thing: Just a Girl

I am honored to be a part of "The Next Big Thing Blog Tour." My dearest bestie Sera Rivers tagged me months ago. I meant to write this post sooner, but didn't. And for that, I am sorry. However! It's a new year and I have a new focus. I will stop making excuses and start pushing myself into uncomfortable places. That's the only way to grow right? So, here I go, talking about myself and my work, even though it makes me SUPER uncomfortable. Thanks, Sera!

What is your working title of your book?

Just A Girl

Where did the idea come from for the book?

Okay, so here is where I start choke. My head tells me no one really wants to hear about this, so keep it short. But then I have another part of me, okay...another voice in my head that says I am being silly. Of course people want to know. YOU would want to know, right? But then that first voice reminds me I am a nobody and no one cares to here from you. 

See where I'm going with this? Opposing forces with in me say the same thing day after day: 

The negative side: "You are just a girl! No one cares."  

The positive side: " "You are just a girl. The world needs you."

I began this novel to explore my story. I wanted to understand my experiences.  And I wanted to see if I could write a novel. What I found was so much more.

What genre does your book fall under?

Realistic Young Adult Fiction

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?                                                      

Loredonna by Shailene Woodley

Abby by Abigail Bresllin

              

                                

Carra by Laura Marano

Beth by Debby Ryan

Shannon by Vanessa Hudgens

Kate by teen version of Reese Witherspoon

Sam by teen version of Jason Biggs

And for good measure: GEORGE CLOONEY would direct or produce or otherwise be involved  in a MAJOR way

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

What if being Just a Girl is more than enough?

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

I don't want to self publish because I don't want to go down this road alone. So, a very supportive small house or an agent would suit me.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

At least two years. I'm not quite sure exactly how long, but I've been revising it FOREVER!!

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

This is a section that makes me cringe. How on earth do I compare myself to others? But, well, here goes. I dream to influence the world the way Judy Blume did with Deenie. I would love for my books to have the emotional punch of Gayle Forman's if I stay. And I'd give anything to have the voice of John Greene in The Fault in Our Stars.  My story, though is closest to Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr or Just Listen by Sarah Dessen.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

My original inspiration was to explore my teen story. However, as the characters and plot continue to develop, my inspiration comes from seeing girls continue to struggle with the same issues I faced: low self-esteem, poor body image, immense pressure to be perfect and lack of decent role models.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

The best way I could find to tell this story is through a friendship triangle. And from what I've heard, many people can relate. So if you love to read about the terrible things we do to each other, this may be the book for you.

So, that's it. I did it. PHEW! I need to stop talking myself out of doing the things I want to do.  Thanks Sera again, for kicking me in the rear. LOVE YOU TONS!!

I'll Be Back....Eventually

I haven't been blogging as much as I 'should'. Okay...I haven't been blogging at all. But I HAVE been doing other things. So, until I return on a regular basis (soon, I think), please enjoy a video of my 13 year old, aka: my retirement policy.

Today, at the gym...

I love music.  I'm not so much about creating it, but about feeling it.  I love lyrics and rhythm and the way my body moves when it catches just right.  Sometimes I'll choose a machine at the gym over classes because I prefer my playlist over the instructor's choice of music.

But today...I was inspired.

I'm revising a new novel now and the themes are still floating around in my head.  How do I want to make the reader feel?  What do I want to think about as I'm writing?

Every word of every song matters when I am seeking an emotion to write about.

I nearly fell over in conditioning class today when one song started.  The words swept me away.  I knew what they were singing about and now I have to write about it too.  So, this video is for you Rio.  Thanks for sharing your back story with me today.

It's DONE!!

Here it is: still empty, but complete.

MY OFFICE!!

It's bright, warm and cozy.

Best of all, it's 

JUST IN TIME!!

A special thanks goes out to my husband, Mark, who spent countless hours designing and building this space for me to creatively express myself.


I promise; it will be worth every second!!

Guilt and Shame Need Not Apply

I don't blog regularly.

I feel bad about it.

WHY?

Because "they" say I should.

But who's "they"?

I guess I'd call "they" the promotion and/or blog experts.  You know, the ones who advise you on how to get and keep followers?

Well guess what? "They" don't live my life. "They" don't grapple every day with trying to balance it all out.

But I do.

So, for 2012, I have a saying: GUILT and SHAME need not apply HERE!

I am going to do the very best I can and be proud of it.

(I blogged more in 2011 than in 2010, so YAY ME!!)

I am going to stop reaching for perfection.

(No more of that: MUST post or else...)

This year, I think this blog is really going to focus on what I read and how it benefits me.  It could be a writing skill I'm studying or the way a book touched my heart.  Either way, I want to have a heck of a lot more fun with what I think.  But most importantly: GUILT and SHAME shall not be included!!

Six Months After the Springfield Tornado

June 1, 2011 changed the lives of everyone living in Western Massachusetts.  On that day, a historic tornado ripped through, leaving a path of death and destruction.

Restoration continues, despite damage from other episodes of severe weather.

But the tornado is not forgotten.

On this six month anniversary, I'd like to take a moment to thank everyone who has contributed stories and pictures to the Springfield Tornado Website and Facebook Page.  Shawn Morse and I are in the final stages of compiling them for use in a book.

Our targeted release date is June 1, 2012.

Because "We Must Stand Together"....

Book Review: SHINE by LAUREN MYRACLE

When her best guy friend falls victim to a vicious hate crime, sixteen-year-old Cat sets out to discover who in her small town did it. Richly atmospheric, this daring mystery mines the secrets of a tightly knit Southern community and examines the strength of will it takes to go against everyone you know in the name of justice.

Against a backdrop of poverty, clannishness, drugs, and intolerance, Myracle has crafted a harrowing coming-of-age tale couched in a deeply intelligent mystery. Smart, fearless, and compassionate, this is an unforgettable work from a beloved author.

Description:  Lauren Myracle really knows how to place the reader in the scene.  Her use of description adds an emotional element that I think many attempt  and few achieve.  I mean, the entire opening is description.  Most of the time, that's an immediate turn off for me.  But with Shine, I was drawn in to each beautiful word and found myself yearning for more.  There were times I did feel a little bogged down, but overall, I learned a lot about description with this book. (Score: 9/10)


Narrative:  A lot of Shine happens inside the main character Cat's head.  This made for an emotional read, but sometimes I found myself a little lost in flashbacks.  For the most part, Lauren Myracle, really made the transitions easy but there were a few blips on my radar, especially toward the end.  I am a fast reader and details sometimes escape me, but I really think in this situation it was the style that threw me off.  I can say that I learned about narrative from reading Shine and enjoyed it more often than not. (Score: 8/10)


Dialogue:  Shine is set in the south, so Lauren Myracle really has to depend on dialect.  She does it really well. I found myself lost in the language and even desiring to speak in the drawl of the the characters. (It made my family crazy! LOL) Dialogue is an area of Shine that was very easy to read and enjoyable. I'm not from the south-so maybe I'm not a good judge-but to me,  the conversations felt real and authentic. (Score: 10/10)


Characterization: Cat, the main character, was very well developed as well as Patrick-a sort of absent but still important character.  I really felt I knew them.  The other, secondary characters, sometimes felt vague, contrived and/or predictable.  THAT said-I think it's important to note Shine is written in first person.  That person is troubled with an altered vision of those around her.  She's unreliable.  So, as a novice writer, I'm left to wonder if what I'm feeling toward the secondary characters is what Lauren Myracle intended. Considering how well the book was written, I'm betting this was the case. (Score: 10/10)


Resolution: I didn't like the ending of Shine.  I wanted to like it, but, well, nope, it didn't happen.  I loved the book right up to the "matchbook" clue. (I use this term to avoid a spoiler for those who haven't read it.) At that point, things quickly escalated to outlandish.  All the typical tasks were performed, all loose ends wrapped up, but it didn't feel as authentic as the beginning. (Score: 8/10)

I devoured shine.  I sucked in the words quickly and with tears in my eyes.  So, I really hate to say this, but I was disappointed in the ending.  I believe in love and that it saves all, but in this case it just didn't develop that way.  I also believe in forgiveness, seeing the story from the other person's perspective, however, in Shine I almost got the sense that bad behavior was justified.  I felt sad and let down.  There was tons of action, that's for sure, but I found it distracting and a little disturbing.  Maybe others feel differently or maybe that's what the author intended.  If so...well, good. I appreciate other view points and think they should be shared. So, I'd recommend this book to teen both teen boys and girls, because both of the important topics need to be discussed.  I rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.     

Fourteen Years Ago Today....

Mr & Mrs Mark D. Kapinos

I married the man of my dreams on November 7, 1997.

Yes, I really did have dreams about him before we met.

Weird, but true.

And since that day, I've had a best friend beside me.

We've disagreed, fought, had our issues, but it's always come down to one thing: US.


And neither one of us has forgotten that through the chaos of life and the whirlwind of kids.

So, thank you Moosey for a great fourteen years and here's to MANY MORE!!!!  I LOVE YOU!!

Love, ME

A Bit of Silliness....

Dear J. Lo,

I SO know how you feel.

Sincerely,

Lo Jo

Book Review: CALEB'S WARS by DAVID DUDLEY

Caleb lives in a world at war. War news is on everyone’s mind, and Caleb’s older brother, Randall, is likely to be sent overseas. The presence of German POWs in Caleb’s rural Georgia community is a constant reminder of what’s happening in Europe. Locked in a power struggle with his domineering father and fighting to keep both his temper and his self-respect in dealing with whites, Caleb finds his loyalties shifting and his certainties slipping away. This coming-of-age story, set in a time before the civil rights movement emerged, traces one young man’s growing commitment to justice and to the courage needed to protect it.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Imprint: Clarion Books Pub Date: 10/24/2011

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Imprint: Clarion Books
Pub Date: 10/24/2011

Description:  Caleb's Wars  is a historical novel set in 1944, during World War II. David Dudley gives just the right amount of description to make the setting clear without overloading the reader.  Many of the details are hidden in the narrative so I did not feel burdened or distracted.  By the end of the first chapter, I felt like I was in rural Georgia with the heat and dust standing outside the Dixie Bell Cafe.  (Score: 8/10)


Narrative:  David Dudley chose first person to tell Caleb's story.  This POV lead to a sharing of intimate thoughts and feelings of the main character.  The narrative used was well organized, concise and interesting.  A lot of detail was given in a way that helped move the story along.  I really enjoyed seeing the world through Caleb's eyes.  It was often I found myself lost to the emotion of Caleb's Wars. (Score: 8/10)


Dialogue:  Okay, here is an area where Caleb's Wars is very unique.  David Dudley uses dialects, rural southern and African American in a most talented way.  It's part of the story and adds to the authenticity of the characters.  What I found most interesting, was the way David Dudley shows the reader how the African Americans were forced to speak in a degrading way, even when they knew proper grammar.  So, if you want an example of how to properly use dialect in a novel, Caleb's Wars is one I would recommend. (Score: 8/10)


Characterization:  It's interesting to note that there's quite a few characters in Caleb's Wars.  Many of them are minor or temporary. But to me, that adds to the realism of fiction.  In real life, we have people who only serve one purpose. Many times as I've revised my novel, I've been encouraged to cut out ones that don't accomplish multiple tasks.  But in Caleb's Wars, it works really well to establish timeline and sense of place.  (Score: 8/10)


Resolution:  I was pleasantly surprised and mildly disappointed in the ending of Caleb's Wars.  I think I expected the usual wrap it up and neatly packaged ending.  And that's a thought I can not explain.  Maybe because it was a historical novel or possibly because I was enjoying it so much, but the book just sort of ended. OR MAYBE...I felt unsatisfied because I couldn't believe those final few scenes could be the truth.  But it is.  And I have a pretty strong feeling that is exactly how David Dudley wants us to feel.  After all, it's how Caleb felt. (Score: 7/10)

As a reader, I enjoyed Caleb's Wars.  It's not earth shattering or fast paced, but it's not meant to be.  It's a snapshot glimpse into the life of someone else during a different time.  And it's clear David Dudley is not only familiar but passionate about his characters.  I think this book is a great addition to any library of history teachers, especially in middle or high schools. I'd recommend Caleb's Wars to lovers of history, haters of discrimination and supporters of standing up for your rights.  I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Why I Love Whitney on NBC

I'm not much of a TV watcher...never really have been.  Well, there was this time, a few years back when Thursday was reserved for "Friends" night, but that ended with the demise of the series.  Since then, I've been channel surfing and coming up with nothing.

That's okay.  I've filled my time with family, reading and writing.

But I think...THAT'S ABOUT TO CHANGE!!

I can not watch an episode of Whitney on NBC without rolling in laughter.  I cry tears and my ribs hurt when it's over-even if I'm watching it for the fourth or fifth time.

I don't know...maybe because it feels like I'm watching someone I can finally identify with...a woman with a few hang-ups, a lot of opinions and no fear about expressing them.  Someone like that is special and pretty hard to find. (Wink, wink to anyone who knows me.)

So, here's one of my favorite clips.  I love it-especially Whitney's thoughts on roses.  Enjoy and may you'll laugh as hard as I do every time I see it!!

I Laugh in the Face of Failure

GROOVY HEART
© Dejan Savic | Dreamstime.com

I LAUGH in the face of failure? 


Who says that? 


Actually: ME. Failure does NOT exist in my world.


So, I bet you think I'm cool, huh?


Yeah, um, not so much.


You see, the problem I really have is that I fear SUCCESS.

HUH??

Yup. You heard me.

I can fail over and over again.  No problem, well, maybe I'll get a little frustrated or something, but so what?  It means I  try again.

BUT SUCCESS??

What does that even mean?

How is it measured?

Maybe that's the problem.  There's no clear-cut way to decide if you're successful or not. 

OR MAYBE....

The lack of definition is the answer!!

Oh, yeah, I got it now.

I'll never be successful.

SO!

I'll never stop trying to get better.

And I no longer need to be afraid of success.

Book Review: HOW TO SAVE A LIFE by SARA ZARR

Photo Property of Hachette Book Group

How to Save a Life

By Sara Zarr

ISBN: 9780316036061
Published by: LITTLE BROWN BKS YOUNG READERS
Genre: JUVENILE FICTION
Published on: 10/18/2011
Subformat: YOUNG ADULT


Jill MacSweeny just wishes everything could go back to normal. But ever since her dad died, she's been isolating herself from her boyfriend, her best friends--everyone who wants to support her. And when her mom decides to adopt a baby, it feels like she's somehow trying to replace a lost family member with a new one.

Mandy Kalinowski understands what it's like to grow up unwanted--to be raised by a mother who never intended to have a child. So when Mandy becomes pregnant, one thing she's sure of is that she wants a better life for her baby. It's harder to be sure of herself. Will she ever find someone to care for her, too?

As their worlds change around them, Jill and Mandy must learn to both let go and hold on, and that nothing is as easy--or as difficult--as it seems.

Critically acclaimed author and National Book Award finalist Sara Zarr delivers a heart-wrenching story, told from dual perspectives, about the many roads that can lead us home.

Description:  Sara Zarr has a poetic way of describing scenes and people.  It's almost musical. Her words flow easily through my mind, painting a clear picture without overwhelming the senses.  Right from the start, How to Save a Life  drew me in and held my attention. (Score: 9/10)


Narrative:  Jill and Mandy are teens from different backgrounds brought together because of their own individual circumstances. How to Save a Life is told from alternating perspectives of the two girls.  To accomplish this, Sara Zarr utilized quite a bit of narrative.  This lead to a lot of background information presented per character.  And it's done beautifully.  I felt I was able to really know both girls. True fact: I couldn't read this book in public due to inability to control spontaneous tearful outbursts.  Yup-the narrative in this story was every thing a great book should be. (Score: 10/10)


Dialogue: I think Sara Zarr is really a teen hiding behind an adult.  The dialogue in this book is so authentic I could hear the voices in my head. (Okay, maybe I shouldn't admit that, but it's TRUE. lol) Sometimes in books, though, it's tough to tell the grown up speech from the teen speech; but not in How to Save a Life.  Even without tags, it was easy to pick up who was speaking when. (Score: 9/10)


Characterization: The characters in How to Save a Life stay in my mind even though I finished the book weeks ago.  To me, they were real people who shared their stories only with me.  I wonder how things are working out, and then laugh at myself because it's all made up.  That's great characterization and I can only hope to be that talented one day. (Score: 9/10)


Resolution:  Sara Zarr's book endings always make me sad because the experience is over.  Other than that, the resolutions are always perfect for me in every way: conclusive yet open ended enough to think for myself.   I want more.  I need more.  It's rare that I read a book over again, but ALL of Sara Zarr's books are on my bookshelf to be pilfered through when I need a fix.  I guess I'd say her books never end for me and that's the greatest resolution of all. (Score: 9/10)




I'm not going to lie.  I'm biased.  I've loved Sara Zarr's books since I first stumbled upon Story of a Girl while doing research for my own YA novel. Oh, and yeah, I took a workshop with her in June, but besides THAT I really think she is one of the greatest writers of realistic fiction out there.  ALL of her books have touched upon issues of my heart-personal things that I really don't think I can talk about here. 


But, How to Save a Life's impact I can discuss.  My father died suddenly seven years ago.  I'm an adult and was an adult when I lost him, but Jill's expression of grief was SO VERY close to mine that it felt like I lost him yesterday.  This summer, after reading How to Save a Life I grieved his loss all over again.  Even writing this blog has tears forming in my eyes.  Sara Zarr put thoughts into words that I can't verbalize.  Better yet, she gave me tools to share with others what it feels like to lose a parent. And that's only ONE of the issues she touches upon in this book.




How to Save a Life is a great read for anyone who enjoys heart wrenching, inspiring and beautiful stories all wrapped up in one.  It's genre is Young Adult, but I believe it's much broader than that.  The topics are applicable to most age groups.  I'm thinking this one, much like her others, will be up for many different awards.  I'd rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.


For a great review with a discussion of a different issue, check out Sera River's blog. 


AND for an inspiring interview of Sara Zarr click on over to Thalo Magazine.

Overcoming the Fantasy

White Horse Beach Plymouth MA

It's October 2011.

That means next month is November, also known in my world as NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month).

I won't be participating, though, as I have a very exciting non-fiction project due December 1st AND I'll be spending 9 glorious days in Disney World (my heaven).


But that doesn't mean I'm not thinking about fiction.  Actually, I am.  A LOT.  Because last year, I started a project titled "White Horse Beach" and I need to finish it.

 One problem though:  I absolutely HATE it!

Okay, I don't hate it.  Actually, I haven't even looked at it since last year.  But I've been thinking about what it's missing.  And three things have inspired me to give up my fantasy of keeping the main characters friends.

1)  I DON'T WRITE FANTASY and let's face it, a teen girl and teen boy staying friends during the summer at a beach town is pure fantasy, in my world anyway.

2) While reading The Hunger Games (I'm on book two of the triology, Catching Fire) I came to realize that a romantic relationship at White Horse Beach isn't necessarily a bad thing.

3)Finally, I heard Lady Antebellum's Just a Kiss and KNEW, right away...that's the story I NEED to tell.

Book Review: CHOICES by Kate Buckley

Family secrets, binge drinking, and teen pregnancy clash then erupt in Choices, a compelling coming-of-age journey for fifteen-year-old Kara MacNeil. A sophomore at an all-girls Catholic academy in Colorado, Kara finds herself crossing the line into womanhood far sooner than expected. Panic, fear, and confusion enclose her as she grapples, seemingly alone, with life-altering decisions. Facing a major confrontation with her conservative Catholic parents, Kara discovers her own inner strength and opens to allies that help her heal and move forward with confidence. Choices is the powerful story of a teenage girl who learns to think for herself, takes responsibility for her choices, and uncovers her solid sense of self, emerging from pain different yet strong and secure.

Description: The words in Choices were well chosen.  I didn't feel overwhelmed with details or lost in the scene.  Everything was set right to my preference, clean and simple. Some settings were a little vague, but I found it left more room for the story. I'd have to say for the story, it fit just right. (Score: 7.5/10)


Narrative:  Kate Buckley chose first person point of view (POV) to tell the story of Kara MacNeill.  This style tends to require quite a bit of narrative to move the story along. Inner thought and views are limited only to the main character. Despite a few minor issues, first POV works really well.  The story itself is fast paced and very intense. I think it's a good break for the reader that the narrative is simple, concise and easy to read. Also, I think the way Choices is written widens the reader level, meaning younger, as well as older teens/adults can appreciate this book. (Score: 7.5/10)

Dialogue:  I found the dialogue to be a little distracting.  The main character Kara is fifteen and a sophomore, yet her language is a little young for today's teens, at least in my opinion. Some of the exchanges seem a little forced.  And yet, I found I could overlook it because it was consistent with the voice of Kara.  As a sheltered, protected Catholic schoolgirl, it kind of makes sense that the story feels innocent.  (Score: 7/10)

Characterization:  There's a moderate number of characters in Choices and some of them are a little less defined than others.  Also, it's interesting to note that one character, rather significant to the resolution was introduced very late in the book.  In real life, this actually happens, so though it goes against the "rules" of novels, I think it added to the realism of the story.  As far as the main character, Kara, she was sympathetic to me as a reader. But as a writer, I wanted more.  She did show excellent character growth, but something was missing.  I'm not quite sure what that something is. (Score: 7/10)


Resolution:  Kate Buckley stuck to an authentic, realistic ending that I adore.  The growth of Kara was slow, well defined and then BAM, it all came together.  The character changed, but the reader wasn't told what to think or how to feel.  I found some predictability, but it was a comfort in the heavy content of the novel.  Overall, I liked the resolution and how it left me feeling after I put the book down.  (Score: 8.5/10)


I was nervous about reviewing this book, for a number of reasons.  Mostly, I feared the fact that Choices was self-published. It's not that I'm prejudiced against it; I've just read some substandard books that could have been so much better if only edited more.  BUT, when I did my research on Book Publishers Network and saw they offered editing services, I felt more confident.  And I'm glad I reviewed this book.  Kate Buckley tackles some very serious issues in Choices and does it well.  I know that even as a married woman with two kids, I STILL blame myself for situations when I shouldn't. As a matter of fact, LOTS of people blame me for being "too sexy" or "asking" men to hit on me.  But, that's our culture, I guess.  And I'm thankful for this book, because it puts the truth out there-why girls and women feel pressured in so many ways.  I'd recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt less than precious because she or he had to say no.  Be prepared to feel, because Choices is heavy with emotions.  I give this novel 3 out of 5 stars. 

I Love It....

It's one of those songs.

It meets all the requirements I have to include it on my playlist.

This song is familiar: I know it. I've lived it.

Instantly, I cranked it, because I had to. I loved it from the first word.

And then I was inspired.  I can survive it, because I can sing the lyrics when I need to.

So what song is it?  Mr. Know It All by Kelly Clarkson.  And you can play it below.

Book Review: BROOKLYN BURNING by STEVE BREZENOFF

Photo property of Lerner Publishing Group

When you’re sixteen and no one understands who you are, sometimes the only choice left is to run. If you’re lucky, you find a place that accepts you, no questions asked. And if you’re really lucky, that place has a drum set, a place to practice, and a place to sleep. For Kid, the streets of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, are that place. Over the course of two scorching summers, Kid falls hopelessly in love and then loses nearly everything and everyone worth caring about. But as summer draws to a close, Kid finally finds someone who can last beyond the sunset.

Description:  I am not from Brooklyn, but I've been there once.  That said, Steve Brezonff did an amazing job of putting me right in the heart of the borough without boring me.  I loved his use of description all throughout Brooklyn Burning.  It feels weird to say, but his description was conversational. What I mean: is I felt spoken to, part of the story, drawn in.  Often description makes me stop and think to figure out what I'm supposed to know.  But not in this book.  I felt in the story right from the start. (Score 8.5/10) 

Narrative:  Brooklyn Burning was written from first person Point of View (POV).  There's quite a large amount of narrative, which works really well for this story.  Yet, my very favorite and most amazing aspect of the story is when the main character, Kid, has inner thoughts in SECOND person POV.  At first, it's startling, but not in a bad way-it's attention grabbing.  And it held me.  But not only that, I felt hugged by it-meaning it gave the book a VERY intimate feeling.  In ALL I've learned about writing, second person is difficult to use and generally frowned upon.  BUT, Steve Brezenoff makes it work beautifully. If you are considering writing using second person POV, I recommend you take at look at this book for direction.  (Score: 9/10)

Dialogue:  When I think about conversation in Brooklyn Burning I realize I barely noticed it.  The characters speaking to each other flowed in a natural and easy way.  Steve Brezenoff's writing style is very conversational so the dialogue matched it well.  I didn't feel as if I were an outsider looking in-I felt involved. I really think the use of second person POV added to that feeling. It also added to the mystery/tension of the story. Sorry, no spoilers here.  You'll have to read it to see what I mean.  (Score: 9/10) 

Characterization:  Brooklin Burning contains a cast of diverse characters.  The main character, Kid, felt very real, down to earth and not at all stereotyped. Actually, I felt very free, as the reader, to apply my own interpretation of the characters and THAT is hard to find in literature. Kid clearly had issues but the story wasn't overtly "dark" or"sexual" and I loved the themes it enveloped.  There was one point where I found myself confused, but that was close to the beginning.  There are two characters: Jonny and Konny.  The similarities in their names led me to believe, at first, this was a typo (it happens sometimes in Advanced Reader Copies/ARCs), but over time, I saw realized they were different people.  It worked, but I really wished for a little more variety in name choices.  Personalities, however, were a very different story.  Each character was unique, multi-dimensional and real feeling. By the end, I felt I knew everyone and cared enough to be sad the book was ending. (Score: 8/10)

Resolution:  I really liked the way Steve Brezenoff told Kid's story of Brooklyn Burning.  The back story unfolded alongside the current events which led to a build up of tension and release as the resolution.  And to be honest, I most definitely prefer reading this type of novel.  It feels more real to life and less contrived.  I also believe this time of resolution is the hardest to achieve because the writer only has reality on his side...and we ALL know, reality never really ends or resolves.  S0-YES!  I loved the resolution. (Score: 9/10)


One of the last things I'd ever want to do is spoil this book for the readers.  I despise telling people what to think or how to feel.  So, I'm going to make this section short and vague.  Brooklyn Burning is a coming of age story about a teen on the streets of NYC.  To be honest, I really didn't know what to expect when I started reading the ARC I received via NetGalley.com.  But once I got started, I was pleasantly surprised.  I read the book in one day.  Brooklyn Burning, for me, was a little about self-discovery, love, friendship, trust, and finally self-acceptance.  It has a component of romance, but I wouldn't call it a love story. It's so much more.  And to categorize it as anything other than a very readable Young Adult Novel would go against, what I believe, the author would want.  I'd rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.