Bloggers Made Of AWESOME: Drey @ Drey’s Library

Another AWESOME blogger! Drey of Drey’s Library is a blog I started keeping up with months ago. Why? I never knew what to expect at Drey’s blog- 1 day it’d be a fantasy type book, another a chick lit- maybe some historical fiction- and on and on!

Drey’s Library was like walking in a candy store and being able to sample all the goodies in one place!

So I approached Drey about an interview- and I’m so glad she said “yes!” Even better- I found out she was totally Team Peeta (I knew I liked Drey!)

Bloggers Made Of AWESOME: Drey @ Drey’s Library

Drey- when did you begin blogging?

I started in November 2008, so it’s been a few years now. O.o

How did you come up with the name Drey’s Library? Did you consider other names? Or did you want something simple and to the point?

Well, my real name’s Audrey, and a lot of friends shorten it to “drey”. And when I started blogging, I wasn’t sure if I was going to stick to books, or if I wanted to chat about movies, TV shows, and music too. I did the others for a bit on my other blog, but it’s probably defunct now – I haven’t updated it in over a year, I think. *hides in shame*

What are your thoughts on blogging today in an ever-changing book-ish world? Are blogs helping other readers connect with good books?

Bloggers do help readers find good books, and vice-versa – I’ve had quite a few awesome titles recommended by readers. I’m also glad that publishers work with us – I wouldn’t be reading as much as I do now if they didn’t. And while not all the books sent out are out-of-this-world awesome, there’re still gems to be found. I’ve been introduced to so many new authors (new-to-me, that is), and I’ve had the pleasure of sharing these with my readers. Hopefully they feel the same!

When you are not blogging (or reading!)- what do you like to do?

I don’t have much time to do anything else! I work full-time, and between that and running my son all over (school, sports, etc.) I’m happy to be able to blog and read! J

Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

Hmm. Do I really want to share? I’ve had a copy of Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse Five sitting on my shelves for YEARS. I want to read it, I really do. One of these days…

Do you have a #literarycrush?

Ah, how does one pick and choose? I read a lot of fantasy, and while I love the characters, I wouldn’t say I had a crush on them… On the other hand, I also read a lot of romance novels, and it would be fair to choose one (or two). Now, if you’d asked Team Peeta or Team Gale, it’s Peeta all the way. 😉

What books are you looking forward to reading in 2013?

I can’t wait for Max Gladstone’s follow-up to Three Parts Dead – TWO SERPENTS RISE comes out in October. And add me to the list of fans waiting for Veronica Roth’s ALLEGIANT (Oct.), Jay Kristoff’s KINSLAYER (Sept.), Maggie Stiefvater’s THE DREAM THIEVES (Sept.), Margaret Atwood’s MADDADDAM (Sept.), Seanan McGuire’s CHIMES AT MIDNIGHT (Sept.), Kiersten White’s THE CHAOS OF STARS (Sept.), Julie Kagawa’s THE IRON TRAITOR (Oct.), Devon Monk’s HELL BENT (Nov.), Cherie Priest’s FIDDLEHEAD (Nov.)… The list goes on. And on, and on, and on…

In your opinion, what book has been the best book you have read (so far!) in 2013?

Well, let’s see. I loved Stephen Dobyns’ THE BURN PALACE, Susanna Kearsley’s THE FIREBIRD, Sandra Byrd’s ROSES HAVE THORNS, Rod Rees’ THE DEMI-MONDE, and R.S. Belcher’s THE SIX-GUN TAROT. But my favorite has to be Elizabeth Chadwick’s SHADOWS AND STRONGHOLDS. I love her historical fiction, her characters are always three-dimensional and real.

You have a beach vacation planned. What are the 3 books that you must bring?

Beach vacations are for books yet unread. And so it’ll have to be 1 contemporary romance (Jill Mansell, Jill Shalvis, etc.), 1 urban fantasy (I have tons of favorite authors, so it’ll be whomever has just released a novel), and 1 funny, no-thinking-required mystery or chick-lit.

Are you an e-book or tree book lover? Or does it not matter?

It doesn’t matter, I’ll read both. I do prefer review copies in print though, because then I can arrange them in the order I need to read them in. J

Drey, your blog is an eclectic mix of books that you review. Did you consider narrowing your blog to focus on only 1 or 2 genres- or is variety the spice of life?

Ah, if only I could narrow it down! I think genre-specific blogs are more popular than the eclectic mix on mine, but I cannot bring myself to drop genres. I read EVERYTHING – well, almost! I skip the memoirs (though I’ve reviewed a couple of ‘em!), biographies, and all non-fiction. If I dropped mysteries and thrillers, I never would’ve read Elizabeth Haynes. And how can I not pick up multi-cultural fiction? There’s just no way. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

If you could best friends with a character from a book- who would you pick? And why?

I couldn’t. Don’t make me – I might spontaneously combust!

If the books on your book shelves could talk, what would they say about you?

Either that I’m very eclectic, or that I can’t make up my mind! There’s everything from fantasy to YA to thrillers to President Obama’s The Audacity of Hope and Randy Pausch’s The Last Lecture. Folk tales from China and Malaysia. Amy Tan and Gail Tsukiyama share space with Neil Gaiman, Ian Tregillis and Scott Westerfeld.

Liked reading about Drey @ Drey’s Library? For more information- blog, Twitter, Facebook

October Book Lovers Unite: The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman

I debated. I hem’ed. I haw’ed. I looked at tons of books. Pro and con lists were made. I even considered calling a psychic about what should the October Book Lovers Unite book be. I was *this close* to naming MOONRISE by Cassandra King- and yet, I held off. And then I made a choice (and one that I hope you, Book Lovers Unite folks, will like!) I chose: THE LIFE LIST by Lori Nelson Spielman!

Here’s the synopsis from Goodreads:

In this utterly charming debut — one woman sets out to complete her old list of childhood goals, and finds that her lifelong dreams lead her down a path she never expects.

1. Go to Paris
2. Perform live, on a super big stage
3. Have a baby, maybe two
4. Fall in love

Brett Bohlinger has forgotten all about the list of life goals she’d written as a naïve teenager. In fact, at thirty-four, Brett seems to have it all—a plum job at her family’s multimillion-dollar company and a spacious loft with her irresistibly handsome boyfriend. But when her beloved mother, Elizabeth, passes away, Brett’s world is turned upside down. Rather than simply naming her daughter the new CEO of Bohlinger Cosmetics, Elizabeth’s will comes with one big stipulation: Brett must fulfill the list of childhood dreams she made so long ago.

Grief-stricken, Brett can barely make sense of her mother’s decision. Some of her old hopes seem impossible. How can she possibly have a relationship with a father who died seven years ago? Other dreams (Be an awesome teacher!) would require her to reinvent her entire future. For each goal attempted, her mother has left behind a bittersweet letter, offering words of wisdom, warmth, and—just when Brett needs it—tough love.

As Brett struggles to complete her abandoned life list, one thing becomes clear: Sometimes life’s sweetest gifts can be found in the most unexpected places.

Reading schedule will be posted later this week- but go ahead and reserve the book from the library or buy from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or your local indie!

*Current prices: Amazon: $10.99 for paperback, $7.99 for Kindle; Barnes and Noble: $11.55 for paperback, $9.99 for Nook.

Lori has already agreed to a Q&A session- the format is to be determined, though. We may email her questions or have a set time for discussion with author on blog. As soon as I have those details finalized- you will know!

Spread the word- and tell your mama and friends to come to discuss this book with us!

What A Mother Knows by Leslie Lehr

Photo Credit: Amazon

Imagine being the only survivor of a fatal car crash? Imagine suffering incredible pain, then being in a coma for months, to wake up and have to go through months of physical therapy? To not have a memory of how you ended up in the hospital? And to feel like people are keeping secrets from you? This is Michelle Mason’s life.

Michelle knows that a person died in the car crash. What she doesn’t know is this: Why was the boy riding in the car with her? What caused the accident? And is it better to be alive and have these questions or to be dead?

As Michelle tries to figure out what happened that fateful night, she’s also trying to find her daughter. Because she knows her daughter is the key to helping her remember the night. Michelle does not know why her daughter left. What she is running from. Or if her leaving had anything to do with the fatal accident. She does know this: She won’t rest till she finds her daughter. Till she finds out the answers to the questions that have been plaguing her.

With a husband who may or may not be keeping secrets, friends who are unsure of how to treat Michelle now, and secrets and betrayal all around- Michelle has a long way to go before she can feel good about life.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

The reader starts off knowing what happened- but the why and how are slowly revealed. Like Michelle, the reader is not sure who to trust- who has an agenda, who doesn’t. The reader is not even sure if they can trust Michelle since her memory is compromised. Interesting. Mysterious. Psychological thriller.

Beautiful Day by Elin Hilderbrand

Wedding day- arguably one of the happiest day of a woman’s life. Beginning your life with your love, creating a new family, and basking in the love of your mom and dad as they watch their little girl take the steps into her new life as a married woman.

However, when your mother has already passed away- this day can be bittersweet. Beth Carmichael knew her days were numbered- so instead of focusing on what she was going to miss about Jenna, her youngest child’s life, she channeled her energy into making a notebook, a plan for Jenna’s future wedding. Jenna, armed with The Notebook, feels her wedding day will be in fact, a beautiful day.

While Beth may have given Jenna a game plan for her wedding day, several of the other family members need a game plan as well. There’s a maid of honor who does not believe in love, a bridesmaid who is turning into a bridesmaid-zilla, and a marriage that is falling apart. The Carmichael children are having hard times knowing that Beth would have loved to be at the wedding, and that each problem they are facing- she would have advice or at least be able to listen.

As the wedding day approaches, tensions arise. People are reminded of past betrayals. One person finds out what love truly means. Another begins to question everything they thought they knew about love. And new families and relationships begin.

A wedding- happiness, sadness, beginnings and endings. Elin Hilderbrand covers it all.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

Enjoyable. Fun. Heartwarming at times. Sad- especially how some of the characters are treated. Overall, if you enjoy Elin Hilderbrand books- this will be right up your alley!

*Beautiful Day was a book I checked out from the library!

Interview with Holly Goddard Jones, author of The Next Time You See Me

I had the opportunity to review Holly Goddard Jones debut novel, The Next Time You See Me, and I really enjoyed the book! So much so that I decided to ask Holly if she would come by Traveling With T for an interview- and lucky for me, she said yes!

Interview With Holly Goddard Jones

Holly, how did the idea of The Next Time You See Me happen?

I read a story about a little boy going into the woods and getting scared by a hermit, and it got me to thinking about a little scraggly, undeveloped area near the subdivision where I grew up. As a girl, I went into that wooded area sometimes to explore, play pretend, gather bugs and leaves for school science projects. My parents didn’t like me going—partly because it was private property, partly because they didn’t like me venturing so far out of sight of adults—and of course that was part of the attraction and the thrill. When I was a girl, about eight, a woman’s dead body was found about half a mile from my home, and so I always wondered what would happen if I’d have been the one to find the body. So the book took off from that premise: a girl finds a body. In this case, she makes an unusual choice about what she finds.

Are any of the characters based on you, Holly?

All of the characters I write have some of me in them. The story above might make you think that the little girl, Emily, is based on me, and she has a few things in common with my 13-year-old self. Or you might see me in Susanna, an English teacher in her late 20s. But I identify as much with the characters in the book who aren’t obviously like me: Wyatt, Tony, Sarah. In fact, if there are tender truths about me in my fiction, I tend to place them with unexpected characters, as a way of forging a connection with them.

How long did it take to write The Next Time You See Me?

About four years.

Gillian Flynn wrote a blurb for The Next Time You See Me. How was having an author like her, months after her Gone Girl success, writing a blurb for your book?

I was so grateful to her. I loved Gone Girl, and so it was an honor.

Do you think The Next Time You See Me would make a good movie? Have you ever wondered who could make up the dream cast?

I think it would make a better television show than a movie—something in the vein of Twin Peaks or The Killing. As for casting the characters, I find that really hard. I have a vision of each of them in my head, and they’re not really people who’d fit some typical Hollywood standard for beauty. Anna Kendrick could maybe play Susanna, just because she’s close to the right age and to me she’s pretty but very real looking. I had to think hard to come up with that one. It seems to me that there’s someone obvious out there who’d be great as Wyatt, but I’m drawing a blank. Wyatt’s supposed to be 55 in the novel, but I think he’d have to be played by someone older, since your average overweight Kentucky factory worker is going to wear 55 a lot differently from, say, Kevin Bacon, who is 55 according to IMDB. Maybe Phillip Seymour Hoffman in 10 years.

Do you have a writing space? A writing routine?

I just moved my office to a downstairs bedroom, so that’s where I’m writing now. I don’t have much of a routine. I wish I did.

Holly, are there any upcoming events that fans can attend to meet and greet with you?

I’ll be doing some festivals this fall: The Eudora Welty Writers’ Symposium, the Kentucky Book Fair, and the Southern Festival of Books. All that info will be up on my website at some point.

The ending- did the ending of The Next Time You See Me reveal itself as you were writing? Or, Holly, did you know how the book should end from the moment you began writing?

I had a vague sense of what the tone of the ending would be, but I didn’t know the specifics until about two thirds of the way in. Then I had the idea for the Thanksgiving epilogue. I skipped ahead to write that—I hardly ever write out of order—then went back and wrote to the end. If you write a character-driven novel, I do think that the book you write has to teach you what it’s ending will be.

What are you working on next, Holly? Are you still gathering ideas or do you have a book in mind?

I’m working on a new novel and am perhaps a quarter or a third of the way into the rough draft.

*Thank you Holly Goddard Jones for agreeing to be interviewed!

Holly Goddard Jones debut novel, The Next Time You See Me, was published February 2013 by Touchstone Publishing. To connect with Holly, please visit her website or Facebook page!

Literary Friday ya’ll….

Friday 🙂 🙂 🙂

1. Deep South Magazine and their #literaryfriday: Giveaway for RIVERS by Michael Farris Smith, Top 10 Literary Landmarks of the South, SoFest news and LA Book Festival news, as well! Plus much more!

2. 3 reviews posted this week on Traveling With T: The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro, The Wrong Girl by Hank Phillippi Ryan, and The Sassy Belles by Beth Albright!

3. How did you do in August for #ctbs (Conquering The Book Stacks)? Here is how I did!

4. 2 features this week on Traveling With T: Interview with B.A. Shapiro and Bloggers Made of AWESOME: Melody @ Read, Baby, Read!

5. My #fridayreads: THE FUNERAL DRESS by Susan Gregg Gilmore, W IS FOR WASTED by Sue Grafton and GROUNDED by Angela Correll.

6. I just got a 2 thumbs up email from the author of the book I selected for Book Lovers Unite October pick! Sorry, sweets, you’ll have to wait until NEXT week to hear the good news- but it’s been a book that I have been raving about lately!

Happy Reading!

Murder of a Stacked Librarian: Sept Cozy Discussion

It’s time to start the discussion of MURDER OF A STACKED LIBRARIAN.

Being a member of Swanson’s Sleuths Street Team, naturally, this had to be the book of September.

Skye’s latest adventure is filled with laughs and good times (plus the characters we love in Scumble River!)

Here are some questions/thoughts to begin a discussion:

1. Skye is getting married, but as the wedding approaches, she’s beginning to feel some nerves. Can you understand what makes Skye nervous?

2. Wally is working quite a bit. Is he working so much to avoid helping out with the wedding details? Trying to catch up with work load before he gets married?

3. Skye’s house has a spirit that prevents her and Wally from romance at Skye’s. What have you thought of the spirit?

4. May is not calling Skye so much in Murder of a Stacked Librarian. Skye is curious b/c in her experience silence from May is never a good thing. Is Skye right to be curious?

5. How did you like the mystery? Did you solve the mystery?

6. What do you think is in Skye’s future?

Thursday Mashup

I’m in the process of adjusting some things on my blog- tabs for interviews, author spotlights, finally posting my review policy and more. It’s slow going because of just TIME (and also the whole work thing) but sometime, in the future, (hopefully not in a galaxy far, far away tho) Traveling With T will be a bit more updated!

#reviews

The Sensory Child Gets Organized by Carolyn Dalgliesh

The Sunflower by Simon Wiesenthal (the real-life version of The Storyteller by Jodi Piccoult) reviewed by Love At First Book

Just What Kind of Mother Are You? by Aimee Bender reviewed by Ivory Owl Reviews

#bookclub news

Love at First Book and The Book Wheel are still discussing LEAN IN by Sheryl Sandberg! Still plenty of time to join in!

#bookloversunite September pick is ASTOR PLACE VINTAGE- hosted by Book-alicious Mama this month. Next month is right back here at Traveling With T!

#authorspotlight and #interviews

B.A. Shapiro stopped by Traveling With T for Author Spotlight: B.A. Shapirio. She’s the author of The Art Forger– which you must check out!

Hank Phillippi Ryan, author of THE WRONG GIRL interviews Susan Boyer, author of LOW COUNTRY BOIL on Jungle Red Writers!

Read it Forward interviews Susan Gregg Gilmore, author of THE FUNERAL DRESS

#giveaways

Chick Lit Central is giving away Emily Liebert’s debut novel, YOU KNEW ME WHEN and the Zoya Nail Polish set created foe the book!

Author Spotlight: B.A. Shapiro

On Tuesday, B.A. Shapiro stopped by to talk about The Art Forger. Today she is back to tell her #literaryconfessions and more!

Author Spotlight: B.A. Shapiro

Barbara, when you are not writing- what do you like to do with your time?

I’m sure you won’t be surprised to hear that I love to read novels, go to the theater and watch movies. I love stories, all kinds, and eat them up in any fashion I can. I also often be found in an art museum, gallery or haunting artists’ studios.

Could you tell us who some of your favorite authors are?

I don’t have favorite authors as much as I have favorite books. Barbara Kingsolver’s Poisonwood Bible, Jeffrey Eugenides’ Middlesex, Ann Tyler’s Accidental Tourist, Jane Smiley’s A Thousand Acres, Jane Hamilton’s Map of the World, Anna Karenina, etc. etc. etc.

Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

I have three degrees in sociology and took only the required English classes as an undergrad, so I’ve read very few of the great books, can’t spell and I’m still learning correct grammar. (The spell checker just picked up original misspelling of grammar.)

Do you have a #literarycrush?

Although it’s incredibly politically incorrect, I’ve always wanted to be Scarlett O’Hara.

What are some of the books you are looking forward to reading in 2013?

Flight Behavior, Barbara Kingsolver; The Season of Open Water, Dawn Tripp; The Good Braider, Terry Farish

If you could be best friends with a character in a book- who would you pick? And why?

Sully in Richard Russo’s Nobody’s Fool. If you know Sully, you know why.

What is your idea of a perfect day?

A perfect work day would be one where I spend all day in the zone and don’t notice the day at all. My perfect play day would be on a beach with friends, family – especially my two-year-old granddaughter and a pitcher full of icy cold, perfect dirty martinis.

What is your favorite “guilty pleasure” song?

Well, I’ve been singing I’ve Been Working on the Railroad to my granddaughter a lot. Does that count?

*Special thanks to B.A. Shapiro for agreeing to the Author Spotlight.

Want more information on B.A. Shapiro? Check out her website, Facebook and Twitter pages.

Bloggers Made Of AWESOME: Melody @ Read, Baby, Read

Another AWESOME blog! I found Read, Baby, Read because of a giveaway I was interested in- then started tweeting with Melody- a fun and bright person. She’s always tweeting these great books- and her blog is adorable!

Bloggers Made of AWESOME

Melody- when did you begin blogging?

I began in January of 2012, although it seems like it was yesterday!

How did you come up with the name Read, Baby, Read ?

I had originally planned on running a children’s blog that reviewed literature designed for young readers, and that offered insight and tips for parents and families. My goal was to encourage more families to create life-long reading habits, and a passion for reading at home. I created the name because I thought it was catchy.

What are your thoughts on blogging today in an ever-changing book-ish world? Are blogs helping other readers connect with good books?

I know that blogs are helping connect readers with great books. I have had a lot of feedback from readers telling me, “thank you for recommending _______ to me! It was fantastic!” Everyone is so connected through social media, I think blogging is a great way for authors to connect with readers. I also think it is a fantastic way for bloggers to connect with authors. I’ve loved both connecting with authors and readers as a blogger. For me, authors are like celebrities.

When you are not blogging (or reading!)- what do you like to do?

I am loving Zumba classes. I don’t care how foolish I look, I love taking those classes. If I’m not reading, or blogging, you’ll find me hanging out with my family, or taking Zumba!

Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

My literary confession is that I have never read To Kill a Mockingbird completely. Bits and pieces, yes, but the whole thing? No. (hanging head in shame)

Do you have a #literarycrush?

I’m going to break the rules and choose one way off the beaten path. This is the craziest example I think you will get, but my literary crush is Nick from Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. I mean, who wouldn’t want a man that stuck by you when you have proven yourself to be an absolute NUT?! Always keep them on their toes is what I say!

What books are you looking forward to reading in 2013?

Jane Porter’s The Good Wife, Karen Joy Fowler’s We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves and Liane Moriarty’s The Husband’s Secret (and many more!)

In your opinion, what book has been the best book you have read (so far!) in 2013?

I truly enjoyed Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Forever, Interrupted. So beautifully tragic, but heart-warming at the same time. I also really liked The Yonahlossee Riding Club for Girls by Anton DiScalfani.

You have a beach vacation planned. What are the 3 books that you must bring?

A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams, The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling), and The 5^th Wave by Rick Yancey.

Are you an e-book or tree book lover? Or does it not matter?

I am a book lover, but I try to read all of my galleys as e-versions. I am a book lover because I honestly think it uses more earthly resources to power up an e-reader, than it does to print a book. At least that is what I have tricked myself into believing. I love everything about a physical book!

Melody- you are a reading teacher. How does your love of reading impact the student?

It is so important for me to love books, and enjoy sharing books with my students. I have the best job in the world! I get to promote books ALL DAY LONG, and inspire children who would have not otherwise picked up a book to become readers! We run a challenge with our students to read 40 books a year, and we have so many students read a lot more than that! I love getting parents involved in reading as well, as children will look to their parents as reading role models. My “job” is so gratifying, and I get paid to do it. I’m a lucky girl!

What is your favorite line/quote from a book?

“Be who you are, and say what you feel, because those that mind don’t matter, and those that matter don’t mind.” Dr. Suess

Do you judge a book by it’s cover?

Yes. Every. Single. Time. Truthfully, I have missed out on some quality reads because I loathed the cover.

Do you participate in reading challenges/ virtual blog tours? If so, are there any that you think are just fantastic?

I do participate in both! I have worked with Chick Lit Plus, and have been a part of going on two virtual book tours. I also participate with my students in the 40 book challenge, and I post the book I am currently reading on my classroom door, and tally the number of books I have read this year. The students always try to beat me! It’s adorable to have them look at my number and say, “I’ve read more books than you Mrs. Simons!”

Like my interview with Melody? Think she’s made of AWESOME? Follow her blog, Read, Baby, Read and follow her on Twitter