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

My #ctbs wrap-up!

#ctbs = Conquering the Book Stacks

I had high hopes and lofty plans for CTBS. I was Icarus, flying too close to the sun. And like Icarus, well, things did not work out so well for me!

Here are my lofty goals and here is an update!

Books I read in August:

Pickle in Middle Murder by Jessie Chandler (review)

The Lake House by Marci Nault (review)

Big Girl Panties by Stephanie Evanovich (stacks)

The Lemon Orchard by Luanne Rice (review)

The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop and Café by Mary Simses (review)

The Violets of March by Sarah Jio (stacks)

The Never List by Koethi Zan (review)

Seed No Evil by Kate Collins (library)

The 9th Girl by Tami Hoag (library)

The Outcast by Jolina Petersheim (review)

Speak of the Devil by Allison Leotta (review)

Whistling Past The Graveyard by Susan Crandall (review)

The Tao of Martha by Jen Lancaster (stacks)

The Comfort of Lies by Randy Susan Meyers (stacks)

Hotshot by Julie Garwood (review)

You Knew Me When by Emily Liebert (review)

While We Were Watching Downton Abbey by Wendy Wax (stacks)

The Last Camellia by Sarah Jio (stacks)

A True History of the Captivation, Transport to Strange Lands, & Deliverance of Hannah Guttentag: A Novel by Josh Russell (stacks)

The Heist by Janet Evanovich (stacks)

The Mourning Hours by Paula Treick DeBoard (review)

Shut Up, You’re Welcome by Annie Choi (review)

22 books! Sounds good, right? Yes, but only 8 were from the stacks! 😦 Sigh…..

But at least I read 8 from over stacked shelves! There’s 1 positive! The other- I DID NOT BUY ANY BOOKS in August. I looked temptation in the eye and walked away like a winner!

How do you think I did? Room for improvement? Or A for effort?

The Sensory Child Gets Organized by Carolyn Dalgliesh

Photo Credit: Amazon

More and more children are being diagnosed as a “sensory child”. What does this mean> A “sensory child” is a broad term that can describe the following: Sensory Processing Disorder, AD/HD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, OCD and Bipolar Disorder. Each of these diagnoses challenge the child’s day to day life. Because of their diagnosis, a “sensory child” needs structure, routines and extra help to make connections that non-sensory children do in different ways. A “sensory child” has their strengths and weaknesses just like anyone else, but to reach the full potential of their strengths, they need various things to help in the day to day life. Sadly, many “sensory kids” will not be eligible for special services and in over-crowded classrooms could be overlooked. This is where Carolyn Dalgliesh comes in!

Carolyn is not just writing this book- she also has a sensory child. Some of the tips and techniques are approaches she has used as well. While reading Carolyn’s book, I found myself nodding in several places and thinking that this book should be read by many. Carolyn tackles topics in The Sensory Child Gets Organized such as picking out clothes, daily schedules and ways to help with homework. She suggest ways to help with those situations by organizing and scheduling but still allowing the “sensory child” freedom of choice.

Another thing is schedules! There should be a master schedule where the “sensory child” can look, see what the plan for the day is (chores, homework, social outings) and begin the plan. Carolyn mentions holidays and summer break that some downtime is needed, but a schedule of some sorts should still be in place- as sensory kids thrive when routines and expectations are in place.

There are tips for handling birthday parties- role-play the experience before, bring a separate car if possible for if the sensory child is ready to leave before others. With each scenario, expected and desired behavior is modeled, but the child also knows that when they are tired or feel a meltdown approaching- there are other ways to handle it and that it’s ok to leave a party early.

Organization is key- Carolyn gives tips for how to organize the medical binder for the sensory child, their medicine, and their therapy binder. With each section organized, a person can procedures and medicines that are working (or what is not.) There are also tips for how to be an advocate at school (which is very important for your child to get the best education possible).

Lastly, Carolyn speaks of taking time for yourself. Raising a “sensory child” is hard work so she advises to find activities you enjoy and take breaks. Form a support system. You and your child will benefit.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

Fascinating, so interesting to read about the tips and plans to help make a “sensory child’s” life the best possible life it can be. The book is easy to follow with simple guidelines. A must read for parents or educators.

*This book was sent to me by the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Interview with B.A. Shapiro- author of The Art Forger

The Art Forger, by B.A. Shapiro, was She Reads January 2013 book club selection. And I LOVED this book! I loved it so much- that Allison @ The Book Wheel- went through a snowstorm to get me a signed copy of this book (Note: I didn’t ask her to do that- she just knew how much I adored The Art Forger and wanted to get me a signed copy!)

Today, B.A. Shapiro is here to talk about The Art Forger– on Thursday, she will be back to discuss #literaryconfessions and more!

Interview with B.A. Shapiro

Barbara- The Art Forger, in part, was inspired by the real life Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist of 1990. What was your inspiration for Claire? Did you consider setting the novel in an earlier time- closer to the art heist?

Claire is a struggling artist, semi-confident in her talent, strong on ambition and feeling like she’s getting nowhere in her career despite past successes. When I was working on The Art Forger, I was a struggling writer, semi-confident in my talent, strong on ambition and getting nowhere in my career despite past successes. Need I say more?

How long did The Art Forger take to write?

It’s always hard to answer this question as you don’t start one day and end on another. Writing a novel is a process for me, it includes lots of planning – plotting, multi-colored file cards, character sketches – lots of research – including books, interviews, Internet – and then writing and rewriting and rewriting some more. If you count all of those things, my guess is it took me between three and four years start to finish.

Are any of the characters in The Art Forger based on people you know in real life? Or are they created from your imagination?

Some of them are, some are composites, some are completely fictional. But even if you start with a real person in mind, the story changes them and they become the character rather than the person. For example, Rik is based on a friend of mine; he fits the general description and behavior of the real Rik, but he’s a curator at the Gardner and the real Rik owns a boutique on Newbury Street.

Claire is the great imposter in the art world. Is that fair? Or is Claire being punished too severely?

This is a question I hope the reader will consider. How do we get labeled as good or bad? And who does the labeling? Human beings are complicated. I’m sure Mother Teresa did a few “bad” things in her life, and that the Boston Strangler did many good ones. What is fair? And is fairness something we can expect from life? From a novel?

If The Art Forger was made into a movie- do you have a dream cast?

I’d love to see Claire Danes and Jude Law.

Have we, as readers, heard the last from Claire and others in The Art Forger?

All of my books have been stand-alones, although I did once have a major character from one book (Shattered Echoes) become a minor character in another (Blind Spot). Although the temptation is there – and lots of people have told me they’d love another Claire book – I think that in most cases, one book is enough for a character. I worry she’d lose her freshness.

What are you working on next, Barbara? Can you give us any hints?

I’m working on another book about art, which also goes back and forth in time, but this one focuses on the past story. This story takes place right before WWII in New York City where the future abstract expressionists – Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner, Mark Rothko, etc. – are all young, unknown and working for the WPA. My fictional character is one of the gang, but aside from her passion for art, she is trying to get her French Jewish family out of France before the war begins. And as in all good stories, she finds trouble, trouble, trouble.

*Special thanks to B.A. Shapiro for agreeing to be interviewed!

B.A. Shapiro, author of The Art Forger (which can be bought in paperback now!) can be found on Twitter, Facebook, and has a website.

To read my review of The Art Forger, visit here.

Let’s Talk About Nerds

This goes hand in hand with my thoughts of “be a happy bookworm- don’t be an unhappy bookworm”!

Well I De-Claire

Okay y’all, let’s talk about something. I’m a nerd. I admit it! And you know what else? I love it! Being a nerd means I get excited about things I love like Harry Potter and Doctor Who and books and Star Trek and sports and boy bands. And you know what? I think that’s the greatest thing ever! Don’t you? Like isn’t it amazing to be able to get excited about stuff and write about it and read about it and dress up like it? I think it’s fantastic! But you know, some people don’t think so.

Some people like to shame others for being passionate about things. Some people like to make fun of nerds, whether they be sports nerds or sci-fi nerds or book nerds just because they’re nerds. And that’s not cool.

Why am I suddenly using run on sentences and an aggressive tone to preach to…

View original post 770 more words

Kathleen Tessaro – Author Interview – The Perfume Collector

Great interview! Kathleen Tessaro talks of perfume, soap and many other things! Def worth a read!

The Fragrant Man

Tonight in The Scented Salon we have with us is Kathleen Tessaro, the novelist. You may have read her book Elegance about a modern woman who changed her life by reading a French style manual called A Guide to Elegance written in the 1960’s by Madame Genevieve Antoine Dariaux. Before publishing this work of fiction Kathleen was able to meet the now 80-year-old author (still living elegantly in the South of France) of the original style manual that inspired her book.

Kathleen’s latest book could have been named after you, yes, you, and you and you and you; it is called The Perfume Collector. Maybe you will find yourself in the plot as well as in the title.

Let’s chat with Kathleen now. Welcome Kathleen; you are married with a son, live in Pittsburgh, America and have written 5 novels.

We would like to know…what was your first fragrance?

View original post 1,151 more words

The Wrong Girl by Hank Phillippi Ryan

Photo Credit: Amazon

In the world of adoption agencies and foster care- some secrets are worth killing over….

Tuck, a friend of Jane Ryland’s asks Jane one to look into a personal matter. Recently Tuck had been reunited with her birth mother, but after meeting her, Tuck couldn’t shake the feeling that the adoption agency had reunited her with the wrong mother. Tuck tells Jane “What if I’m the wrong girl?” Jane agrees to look into this matter, not knowing what she would find. However, Jane quickly finds that some secrets are so far-reaching, people will go to incredible lengths to keep them buried. Even as far as murder.

Across town Jake Brogan is at a crime scene. A young woman with 2 young children is found dead in the kitchen. First glance, this case looks to be domestic abuse. Jake’s got a nagging feeling, though, especially when he finds an empty cradle. Where’s the baby? And who called 911?

When two employees at the Brannigan are found deceased- Jane and Jake wonder what is going on? And if those deaths have anything to do with the cases they are investigating? Jane is convinced that something is happening at the adoption center- and is determined to find out what it is- and help Tuck in the process. Jake wants to know why someone would go to the trouble to kill the young woman and potentially steal a baby?

Jane knows she is on to something- she just can’t make all the pieces fit together. When she gets a threatening call, though, she knows she needs to get to the bottom of this case- fast! Can Jane help Jake piece together the clues to the crimes he’s trying to solve? And are the crime’s Jake’s working on related to Jane’s search for knowledge of the foster care system?

Jake and Jane, a cop and a reporter. An unlikely pair to say the least. Sparks fly when they are together, though. Will they team up to solve the case? Or will they team up for much more than case-solving?

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

Jane Ryland and Jake Brogan are two characters that a reader should meet. Smart, interesting, and tons of chemistry- the twists and turns of The Wrong Girl would not have been half as fun without those 2 characters. The Wrong Girl has a big cast of characters- and each character slowly reveals a piece of the puzzle needed to solve the mystery. Entertaining, enjoyable, and most worth a read- The Wrong Girl is filled with suspense. Recommended for readers looking for mystery/suspense and fans of authors like Mary Higgins Clark and Sue Grafton.

The Sassy Belles by Beth Albright

Photo Credit: Provided by Author

Meet Blake O’Hara Heart. Southern Belle from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. Lover of pearls, Alabama football, sweet tea and family (not necessarily in that order!) And fiercely protective of her best friend forever, Vivi. And boy, does Vivi need some protecting after the latest mess she’s found herself in!

It’s Blake O’Hara Heart’s 10 year anniversary with her husband, Harry, and she’s planning on asking him a biq question. But when her best friend, Vivi, and fellow Sassy Belle calls to say she need her, Blake lets thoughts of anniversary and other topics fly out the window. When Blake and Harry arrive at Mother’s (Blake’s grandmothers house- plus the place where you go to escape your problems), Vivi is beside herself. Vivi thinks she has killed a man during a certain vigorous romp at the Fountain Mist hotel. Not just any man, though. Lewis Heart, voice of the Crimson Tide and Harry’s estranged brother.

Vivi, Blake and Harry go back to the hotel to check on Lewis; only, there is no body. Did Lewis walk away? Did someone else see fit to hurt Lewis? Is Lewis on another get rich quick scheme? When the police get called, Blake is happy to see her long ago sweetheart, Sonny (and he’s pretty happy to see her!) Sparks still fly between Blake and Sonny- but Blake is a good girl. Or is she?

As news gets out that Lewis is missing, people worry and wonder. After all, football season is fast approaching and the fans need the voice! Dallas, a shapely and beautiful reporter, makes finding Lewis her top priority- which just drives Blake crazy, because she knows that Dallas has an ulterior motive. Dallas does make time for 1 more thing besides finding Lewis, which prompts Blake to do some more long term thinking of her future.

The search continues for Lewis and Blake feels unsettled. Not herself. Her marriage is not what she wants it to be- and Harry doesn’t seem to be able to help fix it. Blake begins to wonder about the future and sparks flying with Sonny is only showing her how different she wishes her marriage was.

Blake’s got her hands full- worrying about her marriage, trying to find Lewis, and keeping a shady land developer from bulldozing a treasured landmark. However, if anyone can handle it, it’s Blake. After all, she is a Sassy Belle!

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

Beth Albrights uses words like paint to create a picture of The Sassy Belles in action- fun, friendship, and sisterhood. With her descriptions of scenes in Alabama and the characters themselves- each word on the page is dripping with honey. To describe The Sassy Belles, think Steel Magnolias meets Divine Secrets of Ya Ya Sisterhood with a helping of high fashion. Fun, charming, cute- this book will you were a Sassy Belle!