Stacy Alesi's BookBitch.com™

Guest Author: Julie Buxbaum

December 7, 2015

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Q & A with Julie Buxbaum

Your previous novels, After You and The Opposite of Love were written for adults. Why did you transition to Young Adult?

Ironically, I transitioned into writing for young adults when I finally felt like a grown up, which I’ll admit happened a bit later than I care to admit. But one day I woke up and realized I was married, with two kids, a writing career and a mortgage, and so all of those big life questions I’d had for years—who was I going to be?–were fixed. I had grown into my future, if that makes sense, which is a terrifying thing to realize. And so of course, I desperately missed the magic of being a teenager, when everything is still an open question and unanswered. I figured it was finally time to revisit those years in fiction.

What is your favorite part of writing and the most difficult part?

I love those rare quiet moments when you nail that perfect sentence. It doesn’t happen often. There are whole days, weeks even, when I don’t love what I’ve put down on the page, but when I think I’ve gotten it right, there really is no better feeling in the world. The most difficult part for me is when I’m in-between projects. I always look forward to this time, since I use it as an opportunity to catch up on reading and movies and television—to basically refill my creative well—which sounds fun in theory. In practice, I always end up feeling unmoored when I’m not writing.

Did you find it difficult to find your “teenage” voice? Why or why not?

Surprisingly, not at all. It felt strangely natural for me. Clearly, I’m really just a sixteen year old trapped in a 38 year old’s body. I’m living Freaky Friday.

What was your favorite scene or character to write?

I loved writing the messages between SN and Jessie. They are fun and silly at first and slowly morph over time to show a real connection between these two strangers. I love how our words on paper (or I guess the screen) can really reveal who we are, even sometimes when we don’t want them to.

Why do you think so many adults are reading Young Adult literature now?

Honestly, I think it’s because some of the best, sharpest, cutting edge writing is coming out of the YA world these days. Why would anyone want to miss out?

What is your best advice for hopeful YA writers?

Read widely. Seriously, read everything you can get your hands on. And then sit your butt down and write. And then write some more. Let yourself be bad at it. Everyone is at first.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I enjoy nothing more than a good Taylor Swift pajama dance party with my kids.

What are you working on now?

I just sent my editor a rough draft of my next YA novel. So really, I’m just sitting around waiting to hear what she thinks. It’s terrifying. And I’ll probably get carpel tunnel syndrome hitting refresh on my email. My iphone is like: “what part of ‘updated just now’ do you not understand?!?”

About the Book

What if the person you need the most is someone you’ve never met?

Julie Buxbaum mixes comedy and tragedy, love and loss, pain and elation, in her debut YA novel whose characters will come to feel like friends. Tell Me Three Things will appeal to fans of Rainbow Rowell, Jennifer Niven, and E. Lockhart.

Everything about Jessie is wrong. At least, that’s what it feels like during her first week of junior year at her new ultra-intimidating prep school in Los Angeles. Just when she’s thinking about hightailing it back to Chicago, she gets an email from a person calling themselves Somebody/Nobody (SN for short), offering to help her navigate the wilds of Wood Valley High School. Is it an elaborate hoax? Or can she rely on SN for some much-needed help?

The thing is, Jessie does need help. It’s been barely two years since her mother’s death, and because her father eloped with a woman he met online, Jessie has been forced to move across the country to live with her stepmonster and her pretentious teenage son.

In a leap of faith—or an act of complete desperation—Jessie begins to rely on SN, and SN quickly becomes her lifeline and closest ally. Jessie can’t help wanting to meet SN in person. But are some mysteries better left unsolved?

12/15 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

TELL ME THREE THINGS by Julie Buxbaum. Delacorte Press (April 5, 2016). ISBN 978-0553535648. 336p.

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Audiobook

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LIKE FAMILY by Paolo Giordano Giveaway!

December 6, 2015

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“Combining the edginess of modern life with the touching theme of losing someone who has become just like family, [this book] confirms Giordano as a writer who understands contemporary science and the complexities of human relationships.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Beautifully crafted…its themes are universal and it will appeal to anyone who treasures the gifts of others.” —Library Journal (starred review)

Paolo Giordano’s prizewinning debut novel, The Solitude of Prime Numbers, which has been translated into more than 40 languages since its release in 2008, catapulted him into the literary spotlight. In his new novel LIKE FAMILY (Pamela Dorman Books; On-sale: December 1st; $22.00; 9780525428763)—a nuanced portrait of marriage, adulthood, and the meaning of family—Giordano once again returns to the intimate domestic setting that first made him an international sensation. A writer exquisitely attuned to compassion, isolation, and the sometimes overlooked yet startlingly powerful details of our daily lives, here he chronicles the tribulations of a married couple whose lives are indelibly changed by their housekeeper and nanny, Mrs. A.

Nora and her husband, the story’s unnamed narrator, solicit Mrs. A., a middle-aged widow, to help out with Nora’s difficult pregnancy. Mrs. A soon becomes a confidant and her exacting yet reassuring presence is swiftly and deeply felt by the entire family, including their young son, Emanuele. For Nora and her husband, Mrs. A.’s influence allows them to negotiate the complexities of married life. She becomes, as the narrator suggests, the sole “witness” to their love, someone who validates their relationship. And for Emanuele, Mrs. A. is the shield protecting him from his parents’ high expectations and disappointments. But when Mrs. A. is diagnosed with metastasizing cancer, the delicate fabric of the young family comes swiftly undone.

Elegiac, heartrending, and deeply personal, LIKE FAMILY asks a profoundly simple question: What does it mean to love someone? Giordano confronts this perhaps unanswerable question with the kind of tenderness that a husband reserves for a wife, or a parent for a child. And through his wholly realized characters—a widowed nanny, an introverted scientist, an outgoing designer—he proves that love has many forms and gives meaning to any existence, no matter how ordinary. Short yet powerfully affecting, and arguably Giordano’s most accomplished work, LIKE FAMILY will strike resounding chords with readers of Colm Tóibín, Andrew Sean Greer, and Akhil Sharma.

AUTHOR BIO:

Paolo Giordano is the author of the critically acclaimed The Human Body and the international bestseller The Solitude of Prime Numbers, which has been translated into more than 40 languages. He has a PhD in particle physics and is now a full-time writer. He lives in Italy. LIKE FAMILY is his third novel.

To win LIKE FAMILY by Paolo Giordano, please send an email to contest@gmail.com with “LIKE FAMILY” as the subject. You must include your U.S. street address in your email.

All entries must be received by Dec. 21, 2015. One (1) name will be drawn from all qualified entries and notified via email. This contest is open to all adults over 18 years of age in the United States only. Your prize will be sent by Penguin Random House.

One entry per email address. Subscribers to the monthly newsletter earn an extra entry into every contest. Follow this blog to earn another entry into every contest. Winners may win only one time per year (365 days) for contests with prizes of more than one book. Your email address will not be shared or sold to anyone.

LIKE FAMILY by Paolo Giordano. Pamela Dorman Books (December 1, 2015). 978-0525428763. 160p. $16.00

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DIG TWO GRAVES by Kim Powers

December 5, 2015

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Ethan Holt overcomes an abusive childhood – or perhaps because of it – becomes an Olympic gold medalist in the Decathlon and the press nicknames him Hercules. Many years later he is teaching at his college alma mater and struggling to raise his teenage daughter Skip alone after his wife dies in a car wreck.

Then Skip is kidnapped and Holt’s life careens out of control, especially as the kidnapper has proffered a rhyming list of challenges to be completed in order to get Skip back. Eventually Holt realizes that he is being tested through the Twelve Labors of Hercules and the kidnapper knows way too much about him, his family and his childhood.

The detective assigned the case is biased by her own personal history, but that is a definite advantage here. Eventually the FBI gets involved but it is up to Holt to complete the challenges and win his daughter back.

There are the usual kidnapping tropes in play and no real surprises here until the very end but the story pulls the reader in nonetheless. Should appeal to readers who enjoy Harlan Coben or Linwood Barclay type suburban thrillers.

12/15 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

DIG TWO GRAVES by Kim Powers. Tyrus Books (December 4, 2015). ISBN 978-1440591921. 304p.

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BURNING BRIGHT by Megan Hart, et al

December 4, 2015

Four Chanukah Love Stories

I love holiday romances, but I can’t remember reading any Chanukah romances before so I was delighted to find this downloadable egalley. As far as I can tell, there is no print edition so download from your favorite bookseller.

A synopsis from the publisher:

This December, take a break from dreidel spinning, gelt winning, and latke eating to experience the joy of Chanukah. When you fall in love during the Festival of Lights, the world burns a whole lot brighter.

Miracle by Megan Hart: It’s definitely not love at first sight for Amanda and her cute but mysterious new neighbor, Ben. Can a Chanukah miracle show them that getting off on the wrong foot doesn’t mean they can’t walk the same road?

A Dose of Gelt by Jennifer Gracen: Lawyers in love, Shari Cohen and Evan Sonntag are happy together. But in a moment of doubt, he pushes her away—then soon realizes he made a huge mistake. To win her back, it might take something like a Chanukah miracle.

Home for Chanukah by Stacey Agdern: When impulsive interior designer Molly Baker-Stein barges into Jon Adelman’s apartment and his life intent on planning the best Chanukah party their building has ever seen, neither expects that together they just might discover a Home for Chanukah.

All I Got by KK Hendin: All Tamar expected from her Israel vacation was time to hang out with one of her besties and to act like a tourist, cheesy t-shirt and all, in her two favorite cities. She definitely was not expecting to fall for Avi, a handsome soldier who’s more than she ever dreamed.

I didn’t love this book. “Miracle” was a bit rough going, it felt forced and didn’t flow properly. The characters were too one-dimensional.

I enjoyed “A Dose of Gelt,” the characters were somewhat developed and the story was fun until the abrupt ending.

I liked “Home for Chanukah” but again, like “Miracle,” the characters weren’t developed and it didn’t feel quite natural or real, but the story was good.

The last story, “All I Got” was set in Israel and I didn’t understand why there were quotes scattered throughout the story – I didn’t know who was being quoted (all that was offered were initials) and why they were necessary to the story. The Israeli aspect was interesting, but I don’t speak Hebrew and didn’t understand most of the Hebrew words, beyond what I could figure out from the story. Didn’t love this one either.

But given the dearth of Chanukah romances, if you like that sort of thing, go for it.

Note: ebook only

12/15 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

BURNING BRIGHT by Megan Hart, KK Hendin, Stacey Agdern, and Jennifer Gracen. Avon Impulse (December 1, 2015). HarperCollins Publishers. ASIN: B015WXSMPE. Print Length: 248 pages

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DOROTHY PARKER DRANK HERE GIVEAWAY!

December 3, 2015

“[Meister] does a lovely job of imagining the voice of Dorothy Parker with equal parts wit, heartbreak, and practicality.” —Booklist

“A quicky, charming read that will delight Parker fans and stoke the curiosity of those unfamiliar with her great wit.”—Library Journal

“A wacky tale with hilarious cameo appearances…liberally sprinkled with Parker’s signature acerbic humor, wisecracks, and put-downs.”—Publishers Weekly

In a prequel to her appearance in Ellen Meister’s “delicious”* Farewell, Dorothy Parker, the acid-tongued writer haunts the halls of the Algonquin Hotel with her piercing wit and unexpectedly tender wisdom.

Death cannot quell the feisty spirit of Dorothy Parker.

For more than forty years, Mrs. Parker has been spurning the white light and wandering the famous halls of the Algonquin, drink in hand, searching for someone—anyone—who will keep her company on this side of eternity.

She may have found the perfect candidate in Ted Shriver, a brilliant literary voice of the 1970s, silenced early in a promising career by a devastating plagiarism scandal. He is now a recluse hiding away in the old hotel, waiting to die.

But when a young, ambitious TV producer enters the hotel in search of Shriver, she and Dorothy Parker begin to discover a host of secrets surrounding the life of the famous man—and why he seems as anxious to enter the beyond as Mrs. Parker is to avoid it.

To win DOROTHY PARKER DRANK HERE by Ellen Meister, please send an email to contest@gmail.com with “DOROTHY PARKER” as the subject. You must include your U.S. street address in your email.

All entries must be received by Dec. 15, 2015. One (1) name will be drawn from all qualified entries and notified via email. This contest is open to all adults over 18 years of age in the United States only. Your prize will be sent by Penguin Random House.

DOROTHY PARKER DRANK HERE by Ellen Meister. Berkley (December 1, 2015) 978-0425278093. 384p. $16.00

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FATAL COMPLICATIONS by John Benedict

December 2, 2015

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Doug Landry is an anesthesiologist just out of school and working his first job at a private hospital. His wife is pregnant with their first child and life is looking good until something goes wrong with his first case. Then another disaster happens when a mother-to-be in labor has a bad reaction to the anesthesia and the obstetrician panics.

Landry rushes to the operating room to help out and saves the mother’s life, but his boss, Dr. Katz, puts him on probation. Then another patient has an extremely rare anesthetic reaction and dies, but Landry is suspicious. Something isn’t right but he can’t quite put his finger on it.

When something goes wrong with his wife’s c-section, it is up to Luke to save her and their baby. There is a lot of subterfuge going on in this hospital along with an undercurrent of religious fanaticism, creating a tense page turner of a thriller.

This is a fast moving story but the characters too undeveloped to invoke much emotion or attachment. Fans of medical thrillers from Robin Cook or the late Michael Palmer will feel right at home here.

12/15 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

FATAL COMPLICATIONS by John Benedict. Oceanview Publishing (December 1, 2015). ISBN 978-1608091560. 288p.

Kindle

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Win the December ’15 bookshelf of signed thrillers!

December 1, 2015

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Can you believe 2015 is coming to an end? I’m not sure how this snuck up on me but here we are with the last International Thriller Writers contest for the year. But no worries, January will bring even more! Best of luck, and don’t forget to check back…you never know when new titles will be added. To enter, go to the Win Books page.

TRICKY TWENTY-TWO by Janet Evanovich
A Stephanie Plum Novel
This 22nd entry into the Stephanie Plum series brings back all the beloved characters, from Joe and Ranger to Grandma Mazur. GQ says, “Among the great joys of contemporary crime fiction.”

THE GIRL WITH THE DEEP BLUE EYES by Lawrence Block
In the depths of her blue eyes, he glimpsed… murder. “MWA Grand Master Block adds a generous dollop of eroticism to this ingeniously plotted study in criminality and corruption. Noir fans will be pleased that the book contains not a single likable character.” Publishers Weekly

GUILTY AS CINNAMON by Leslie Budewitz
Murder heats up Seattle’s Pike Place Market in the next Spice Shop mystery from the national bestselling author of Assault and Pepper.

BACKSTABBLING IN BEAUJOLAIS by Jean-Pierre Alaux, Noël Balen, Anne Trager
Winemaker Detective Series
Do you know a better combo than French wine and a mystery? Perfect for a cozy end of the year. “Summer in French wine country with murder on the list… a classic vintage.” Fresh Fiction

You can win autographed copies of all these books! If you are new to the site, each month I run a contest in conjunction with the International Thriller Writers organization. We put together a list of books from debut authors to bestsellers, so you can win some of your favorites and find some new favorites.

What makes this contest really special is that all of the books (except eBooks) are signed by the author! Books with multiple authors will be signed by at least one of the authors.

Don’t forget, if you subscribe to the newsletter or follow this blog, you get an extra entry into every contest you enter. Check out the Win Books page for more information on all these books and how you to enter this month’s contest.

Thanks for reading, and good luck!

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Happy Thanksgiving!

November 26, 2015

Happy-Thanksgiving Thank you all for reading, for sharing my reviews with your friends and family, and for letting me know how much you’ve enjoyed (or hated!) a book I’ve recommended.

Thanks to those of you who click through the links I provide when you want to buy a book online that I recommend. I didn’t make enough money this year to break even on website fees, but I’m always hopeful.

Since a few of you asked, here is my Thanksgiving menu this year, which we are calling, “The year Daniel comes home!” I make everything from scratch, which is why I take the week off from work, but it’s a labor of love. If you want any of the recipes, just ask, I’m happy to share.

Melody Scalera’s Hot Clam Dip with Trader Joe’s Brioche Toasts
Friendsgiving Cocktail

The Main Event:
Turkey, Stuffing, Gravy
Cranberry Sauce Two Ways
Mashed Yukon Gold Potatoes
Marsha Gilarmo’s Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Bobby Flay’s Parker House Rolls

White Wine: Conundrum
Red Wine: not sure yet, either a Barolo or Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

Rose Levy Beranbaum’s Apple Pie
with Jeni Britton Bauer’s Milk Chocolate and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Pumpkin Pie with Bourbon Whipped Cream

I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving,

filled with love, good food, and gratitude!

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HEADS IN BEDS by Jacob Tomsky

November 25, 2015

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A Reckless Memoir of Hotels, Hustles, and So-Called Hospitality

Jacob Tomsky works the front desk of high end, luxury hotels. Here he offers up the inside dirt on what really goes on, how to get the most bang for your buck, but really his point is how to beat the system – all told in a most entertaining fashion. Think of it like Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential for the hotel industry.

Not all of his tips are, how shall I put this…ethical? But he explains why you shouldn’t worry about it. Personally, I have to sleep at night so his tips on how to avoid paying for in room movies and the minibar just didn’t sit right with me. But I will definitely use his tips on how to avoid paying the cancellation fee, how to get upgrades, why and when you need the concierge, and why you should always use and tip the bellman.

I listened to the audiobook, which the author reads, and he does a really good job. I actually had to stop it a few times to take notes! But for the most part, the note taking portion is in the appendix. The book itself is by turns funny, horrifying and always interesting – at least to anyone who has ever stayed or is planning to stay in a hotel. A fun and informative read.

11/15 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

HEADS IN BEDS by Jacob Tomsky. Anchor (July 30, 2013). ISBN 978-0307948342. 320p.

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Audiobook

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THE SPINSTERS GUIDE TO SCANDALOUS BEHAVIOR by Jennifer McQuiston

November 24, 2015

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Seduction Diaries, Book 2

Lucy Westmore has no interest in getting married. She vaguely remembers a spinster aunt, long estranged from the family, who dies and leaves Lucy her farm in Cornwall and her diary.

Lucy’s father decides to sell the farm but Lucy rebels and reminds her father that she is the proper owner. Then she takes off for the farm, determined to see her property and perhaps live there as well. On her journey, she reads her aunt’s diary that is filled with advice on men, being a spinster, and more.

Lord Thomas Branston has been taking care of the property and is the potential buyer. He is determined to convince Lucy to sell, but she is just as stubborn as he is. As she adjusts to life in Cornwall, romance ensues with the young, damaged Lord.

As usual, I missed the first book in this series but I’m going to find it. This was terrific!

11/15 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE SPINSTERS GUIDE TO SCANDALOUS BEHAVIOR by Jennifer McQuiston. Avon (November 24, 2015). ISBN 978-0062335128. 400p.

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