Trashionista: December 2007

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December 31, 2007 11:03 AM

Now Marisa Acocella Marchetto is blogging

I told you a while back that author Laura Zigman was contributing to a breast cancer blog and now Cancer Vixen author Marisa Acocella Marchetto has joined her.

According to Galleycat, she'll be combining essay writing with all-new illustrations.

Related: Breast cancer vixens

Posted by Keris on December 31, 2007 in Book related | Permalink | Comments (0)

Is chick lit bad for your love life?

Recently I read an article in the Daily Mail entitled "Read my lips! Love stories are just a con". Written by the enormously successful romance author Josephine Cox, it suggested that "countless young women" remain single "because Mr Perfect didn't appear to sweep her off her feet like he often does in books and films".

Cox continued, "I can't help wondering how much writers like me will be to blame for peddling unrealistic expectations of romance. So many books and films feature main characters who are perfect (heroes strongly chiselled, heroines porcelainlike and perfect in face and figure) that I worry they may give an unrealistic definition of what the perfect partner and partnership SHOULD be."

Just last weekend I found myself discussing this with my cousin who is about to celebrate her 30th wedding anniversary. She said she's often disappointed by her husband because he doesn't live up to the men she reads about in women's fiction and sees in chick flicks. And this is after thirty years! And she's not the only one...

I'm guilty of it myself. Jennifer Crusie heroes are the ones who seem to get to me the most often. I finish her books both with a feeling of satisfaction (because her books are so good), but also thinking, "Why couldn't I find a man like that?" And I've been happily married for almost 12 years.

I know that men like Janet Evanovich's Joe Morelli or Jennifer Crusie's Phin Tucker (Welcome to Temptation) or even Sophie Kinsella's Luke Brandon don't really exist - or at least, if they do, I don't know any woman who has found one, but that doesn't stop me wondering if they really are out there and I just haven't found them.

Of course, there's also the fact that we only read about the best of these fictional men. Who's to say that Sophie Dempsey isn't driven demented by Phin's snoring or that Luke Brandon actually has a lapdancer habit on the side?

Or, as Josephine Cox puts it, "Books invariably end as our happy couples often walk off into the distance, hand in hand. They don't continue through the sleep deprivation of a young family, the mounting bills, then the spreading waistlines of middle age and the first grey hairs."

So what do you think? Is chick lit an escape from the tedium of real life so-called romance or are you holding out for a romantic hero?

Related posts: Who are your favourite chick lit heroes?

Posted by Keris on December 31, 2007 in Opinion | Permalink | Comments (15)

BOOK REVIEW: Secret Diary of a Demented Housewife by Niamh Greene

Secret Diary of a Demented Housewife sits squarely in the Mummy Lit camp. It's chick lit after the heroine has left her job in PR, swopped her city flat for a house in the suburbs and had a couple of children with her dishy but distant hubby.

This is Niamh Greene's debut and I wanted to like it more than I did. Her writing is engaging, funny, and Bridget-Jones style chatty. Plus, the diary format worked very well for a light-hearted look at life as a stay-at-home-mammy.

However, while Greene's panache carried the book along, by about halfway through I had started to play spot the plot. Not an awful lot seemed to be happening and the things that did happen were a little, um, convenient and unbelievable.

Then we come to the cliches. The misunderstandings with the career-girl VBF (Very Best Friend) and her MOM (Man of the Moment), the interfering mother-in-law and cardboard-cut-out school-run mums.

Another problem with writing something so airy-fairy light in this genre is this: self-absorbtion (obsessing over tummy-size and designer bag-envy) is all well and good when you are a single girl about town, but it seems rather, well, whingey and selfish, when it comes from a woman with a kind, hard-working husband, two lovely children and a stable home.

Personally, in a book that focuses on family drama, I like a bit more heart and soul.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try: Rainy Days & Tuesdays by Claire Allan

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 31, 2007 in Irish Authors, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK NEWS: You're Not the Boss of Me by Erika Schickel

Frankly, between the title and the cover there's no way I'll be able to resist this book.

You're Not the Boss of Me (which me and my husband frequently tell our 3-year-old ... but he knows better) is subtitled "Adventures of a Modern Mom" and is apparently a "frequently funny, entirely irreverent and occasionally inappropriate essay collection". Sounds great.

Related posts: Mommies Who Drink by Brett Paesel | Confessions of a Naughty Mommy by Heidi Raykeil | Mommy Confidential by Melinda Roberts

Posted by Keris on December 31, 2007 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

Richard & Judy's 2008 Book Club

Being featured on Richard & Judy's book club is a guaranteed sales-boost for the author, and the ten lucky writers for 2008 have been announced.

The list includes the already-bestselling writer Khaled Hosseini with his (admittedly wonderful) A Thousand Splendid Suns and Master Pip by Lloyd Jones, which won the Commonwealth Writers' book of the year award.

Continue over the cut for the full list.

Blood River by Tim Butcher
A Quiet Belief In Angels by RJ Ellory
Then We Came To The End by Joshua Ferris
Notes From An Exhibition by Patrick Gale
The Welsh Girl by Peter Ho Davies
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones
The Rose of Sebastopol by Katharine McMahon
Random Acts of Heroic Love by Danny Scheinmann
Visible World by Mark Slouka

The first instalment of 2008's Book Club will be shown on January 9.

[Via Guardian]

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 31, 2007 in Book related, Richard and Judy, Television | Permalink | Comments (2)

MORE ON MONDAY: Prince Rupert's Teardrop by Lisa Glass

Reviewed by Luisa Plaja

Prince Rupert's Teardrop is a powerful first novel by Lisa Glass. At the beginning of the book, Mary is having a good day. It’s her 58th birthday and she’s happy to have been signed off work for mental health reasons. But the very next day her mother, who shares a house with Mary in Plymouth, goes missing.

Her mother, Meghranoush, is a 94-year-old tailor and survivor of the Armenian genocide. Mary is thrown into confusion, worry and paranoia as she sets out to find her. She encounters various clues: her mother’s thimble, a menacing trail of glass birds, and rumours of a sadistic serial killer who preys on the elderly.

Prince Rupert’s Teardrop puts you directly into Mary’s erratic mind. You also hear Meghranoush’s harrowing tales of survival, and you’re thrown into the thoughts of a killer at work. There are parts of this book that are difficult to read, not only because the content is harrowing but also because the language is rich and graphic, with nothing held back. It's the kind of book that can give you nightmares, but it's always utterly absorbing. You find yourself constantly questioning what exactly is going on, and there's definitely more than one way to interpret the events reported in the book.

Thought-provoking, unusual and an engrossing psychological thriller, Prince Rupert’s Teardrop is highly recommended.

Adapted from a review first posted on the People's Republic of South Devon (read their interview with the author here).

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Notes on a Scandal by Zoe Heller

Posted by Keris on December 31, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 28, 2007 1:33 PM

BOOK NEWS: Names My Sisters Call Me

Mcrane340names_my_sister Megan Crane's Frenemies made it onto Keris's top ten of 2007 so I thought I'd highlight her forthcoming book Names My Sisters Call Me.

It's out in April 2008, and although I don't love the title (for some reason I keep getting it mixed up) or the cover (yawn), I do fancy the blurb... Apparently it's about three sisters, old loves and skeletons in the family cupboard. Good stuff.

Related posts: Book Covers: More snowglobes | Megan Crane interview

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 28, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Book covers | Permalink | Comments (2)

Keris's Top 10 favourite books of 2007

Oh yes, it's the moment you've all been waiting for (probably). My Top 10 favourite books of 2007!

10. Frenemies by Megan Crane

I loved Frenemies. Lots of the cover reviews claimed it was unputdownable and, while no book is literally unputdownable (sorry, but it's one of my bugbears) I really didn't want to leave Frenemies until I got to the end.

9. Hollywood Car Wash by Lori Culwell

I didn't want to put this book down and I wouldn't have done if I hadn't had other responsibilities. It's entertaining, shocking and completely compelling.

8. The Perfectly True Tales of a Perfect Size 12 by Robin Gold

The Perfectly True Tales of a Perfect Size 12 is a charming, old-fashioned and inspiring book. It's also the first book for a long time that I actually read while walking down the street!

7. Any Way You Want Me by Lucy Diamond

I absolutely loved this book. I read it curled up on the couch laughing, gasping, shouting (yes, I shout at books) and even crying a little. Great sex scenes too!

6. Rainy Days & Tuesdays by Claire Allan

Rainy Days & Tuesdays was one of Jill's favourite books of the year and I loved it too. An incredibly enjoyable and satisfying read.

5. The Fortune Quilt by Lani Diane Rich

I've loved all of Lani Diane Rich's books and The Fortune Quilt is no exception. A lovely, sweet, funny book that I read with a great dopey smile on my face.

4. Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

The only Jodi Picoult book I read in 2007, but it was a good one - an involving and thought-provoking novel that I didn't want to put down.

3. Monkey Star by Brenda Scott Royce

The sequel to Monkey Love, Monkey Star is an absolute delight. I enjoyed it so much that I emailed the author to ask when the third will be out (not something I do every day!).

2. Neat Vodka by Anna Blundy

I completely fell in love with this book and all the characters. I actually slowed down as I approached the end because I didn't want it to finish. Luckily it's part of a series.

1. Forget About It by Caprice Crane

Caprice Crane's debut novel, Stupid & Contagious was one of our favourite books of last year and also one of Sarah's favourites of this year so expectations were high for Forget About It, but it didn't disappoint. In fact, it cemented Caprice Crane as one of my favourite authors. I can't wait to see what she does next.

So there you have it - my top ten faves of the 150-odd books I read in 2007. If you haven't told us already, don't be shy - let us know *your* favourites!

Posted by Keris on December 28, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (4)

FRIDAY FLICK: Shadowlands

Shadowlands At this time of year, when the turkey is but a memory and the Christmas decorations are starting to grate, I like to sit down with an excellent film and bawl my eyes out.

If you can relate to that and fancy joining me in a pre-new-year emotional purge, then grab your tissues of choice and pop Shadowlands into your DVD player.

Directed by Richard Attenborough and adapted by William Nicholson (from his own stage play), Shadowlands is based on the life of C.S Lewis.

The writer and Oxford University professor is a confirmed bachelor. Then he meets the American poet Joy Davidman and slowly falls in love with her. A simple story, perhaps, but wonderfully told.

Anthony Hopkins plays Lewis with his characteristic depth, dignity and restraint, while Debra Winger is superb as Joy.

This film is a happy, sad, romantic treat. Now, where did I put my hankie?

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 28, 2007 in Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK COVER: Jennifer Weiner's Certain Girls

Hands up who's excited to read Jennifer Weiner's new book, Certain Girls? In case you don't know, it's the sequel to her enormously popular debut, Good In Bed, taking place twelve years later.

I love the US cover, left, but I just don't know what's going on with the UK cover on the right ... old-fashioned or what? Plus her previous covers have had a distinctive style and I don't see why a redesign was needed.

Still, I'm looking forward to reading it and it's out in March.

Posted by Keris on December 28, 2007 in Book covers | Permalink | Comments (4)

BOOK REVIEW: The Wag's Diary by Alison Kervin

Despite my general obsession with celebrity, I don't have much interest in the WAGs. In case you're unaware of them, the WAGs are the wives and girlfriends of professional footballers. Victoria Beckham is their Queen (obviously), but there are loads of others, like Wayne Rooney's fiance Coleen McLoughlin and Alex Curran, wife of Steven Gerrard.

Anyway, despite not being interested in the WAGs, I was interested to read The WAG's Diary because I'd heard so much about it and the author, Alison Kervin, gave us such a good interview.

It's the story of Tracie Martin. Married to Luton Town footballer, Dean, she prides herself on being a WAG, believing it to be the pinnacle of achievement for any woman. But things aren't so good in Tracie's WAG world. Dean's playing days look to be numbered (he can still score, but often he does it in the wrong net), their daughter, Paskia-Rose, is more interested in being a footballer than a WAG (the horror!) and the other WAGs aren't towing the WAG line. Some of them even go to matches in trousers. Trousers!

Tracie thinks she should write a How To manual for potential WAGs and enrols herself on a writing course where she meets local reporter, Simon. They strike up a friendship and soon Tracie's writing that manual and everything is changing. And not necessarily for the better.

When I first started to read The WAG's Diary, I couldn't really see the point of it. Obviously, it's a satire on WAG-dom, but the WAGs are really beyond satire. I mean, they're a parody anyway so why bother parodying them? But as I read on, I really started to like Tracie and wanted things to turn out well for her. It's kind of like a cross between Bridget Jones and Footballers' Wives. (So if you didn't like either of them, I doubt you'll like this!)

My other complaint is that Tracie is supposed to be so stupid that she uses "ostrich-sized" when she means ostracised, but then, at other times, is extremely articulate! It makes it a bit of an uneven read. Still, I enjoyed it enough that I'll probably read the sequel, WAG's Diary in LA.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try Everything A Girl Needs To Know About Football by Simeon De La Torre and Sophie Brown

Posted by Keris on December 28, 2007 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Rating: 3/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 27, 2007 6:14 PM

Marian Keyes' Christmas

So how was your Christmas? I hope you had a lovely one and received tons of fabulous books (I only got one, which unfortunately it was one I'd already read and reviewed...).

Anyway, a couple of weeks ago The Times featured a collection of essays about going home for Christmas and, since one of them was by our heroine Marian Keyes, I thought I'd save it until now. Nothing can chase away the post-Christmas blues like Ms Keyes. Enjoy!

Related posts: The Worst Noel | Marian Keyes interview

Posted by Keris on December 27, 2007 in Marian Keyes | Permalink | Comments (0)

MOVIE NEWS: I Think She's Got It by Bridie Clark

Because She Can author Bridie Clark has already sold the movie rights to her next, as yet unpublished book, I Think She's Got It. In fact, the Weinstein Company has bought book, movie and television rights!

According to BuzzSugar, the story is a modern-day Pygmalion, set in Manhattan and focusing on "a shy Midwesterner who is transformed into a sophisticated socialite by a man-about-town who insists he can turn anyone into the latest 'it' girl."

A great idea, but, as BuzzSugar points out, the title references My Fair Lady, which was itself a retelling of Pygmalion. Just shows that a good story can run and run...

Movie News archives

Posted by Keris on December 27, 2007 in Movie News | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK NEWS: Time of my Life

We loved The Deparment of Lost and Found, Allison Winn Scotch's debut novel. Her next book isn't due until Autumn next year (boo!), but I thought I'd whet your appetites for it now...

From the outside, Jillian Westfield has a perfect life. An 18-month old daughter, wildly successful investment banker husband, and home to match.

However, Jillian can't seem to escape the 'what ifs'. What if she hadn't married Henry? What if she hadn’t abandoned her job at the first sign of pregnancy? What if she’d never broken up with Jackson?

So far, so usual?

Well, after a massage in which her therapist releases her blocked chi, Jillian wakes up to discover that she has been pulled back in time. It is seven years ago and she is free to make those life-changing decisions all over again. She can live her alternative life and see where those 'what ifs' take her...

Related post: GUEST BLOG: Allison Winn Scotch

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 27, 2007 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: Midnight Cactus by Bella Pollen

Midnightcactus_2 Her marriage at crisis-point, Alice Coleman is desperate to spend time away from her developer husband, Robert.

Robert has bought a ghost town in Arizona with plans to create a luxury resort. Alice takes the opportunity to oversee the work as a means to escape and she and her children decamp to the desert town.

At first, I was frustrated at Alice for taking risks with her children's happiness and safety. Alice takes Jack and Emmy with her against their will and seems utterly unprepared for the harsh realities of the town. However, as I got to know Alice, I warmed to her and to her adventurous spirit.

The town is near the border with Mexico and the landscape is harsh. It's an alien way of life, peopled with strange, wild characters like Duval, the builder hired by Alice's husband, who is both mysterious and captivating.

Alongside the story of a family adventure and of Alice's escape from her old life, runs the story of the border. The many Mexican 'illegals' who risk their lives during the dangerous crossing through the desert.

The border narrative criss-crosses the past with the present and Alice is drawn into this dark, dangerous world. Ultimately, Alice must decide on which side of the line she belongs.

The descriptions of Arizona, of the border guards and the struggle between them, the traffickers and the - often desperate - immigrants, is convincingly portrayed.

I was slightly annoyed by the convenient way in which Alice's children seeemed to disappear from the narrative whenever Alice needed to be free of them (most of the second half of the book), but this is a minor quibble in a rip-roaring adventure story with an exciting setting.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try: Blue Shoes and Happiness by Alexander McCall Smith

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 27, 2007 in British Authors, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

Keris's favourite young adult books of 2007

Yesterday, I told you about my five favourite non-fiction books of 2007, now it's Young Adult's turn.

5. Jinx by Meg Cabot

Fun, funny, charming and totally involving. I'm so impressed at Meg Cabot's seemingly inexhaustible supply of ideas and Jinx is another great one.

4. Forever In Blue by Ann Brashares

This book is intelligent, wise, funny, inspiring and just gorgeous. I'm so sorry it's the last in the series, but I can't wait to see what Brashares does next.

3. Good Girls by Laura Ruby

When I got to the end of Good Girls, I wanted to go back and start reading it again. Despite being entertaining and sweet, it's also an important book and one that teens should read and pass around (yes, even to their parents).

2. A Bad Boy Can Be Good for A Girl by Tanya Lee Stone

I flew through this book, in fact I read it in one sitting. It’s clever, funny, though-provoking, inspiring, in fact, I think it should be compulsory reading for all teenage girls (and probably boys too).

1. I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter

I adored this book. For some reason, quite a lot of YA books seem to be part of a series and so you finish the book knowing that you're going to have to read another to learn everything you want to know. That wasn't the case with I'd Tell You I Love You... - it was one of the most satisfying books I've read for ages (Young Adult or otherwise).

Posted by Keris on December 27, 2007 in Opinion, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (2)

December 26, 2007 11:00 AM

Keris's favourite non-fiction books of 2007

Because I've read in the region of 150 books this year (!), I couldn't just pick a couple of favourites. I was going to do the Top 10 best books I've read this year, but I found I couldn't even narrow it down that far, so instead I've picked my favourite non-fiction, young adult and fiction. Non-fiction is

5. What Would Barbra Do? by Emma Brockes

If you’ve ever felt your heart lifted by The Surrey with the Fringe on Top or cried at Tony’s death in West Side Story (and what kind of cold-hearted creep would you be if you didn’t?) then you’ll love this book. Utterly fabulous.

4. Summer At Tiffany by Marjorie Hart

Honestly, it's some time since I've been as excited about a book as I was about Summer at Tiffany. New York? The forties? The cover? 83-year-old Marjorie Hart's memoir of the 1945 summer she spent working for the famous and glamorous store almost seemed as if it was designed with me in mind.

3. The 4-Day Win by Martha Beck

Readable, fascinating and, because it's Martha Beck, hugely entertaining. Has a diet book ever made you laugh out loud before? No, me neither. (My favourite line: "Tracy and I agreed that she would try a two-pronged approach to changing her body and mind. So we got her a fork with only two prongs...")

2. Home by Julie Myerson

An incredible, joyful, inspiring and life-affirming book. I couldn't read it quick enough but also didn't want it to end.

1. Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

I didn't actually review my favourite non-fiction book of 2007, Diane did (she said it was the best book she read in 2005!), but she then loaned it to me and I adored it too. Diane said, "This is one of those brilliant books that makes you wish you'd written it yourself." I couldn't agree more. It also made me want Amy Krouse Rosenthal for a best friend.

Posted by Keris on December 26, 2007 in Non Fiction, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK NEWS: The Daughter Game by Kate Long

Thedaughtergame Kate Long, author of The Bad Mother's Handbook, has a fourth book due out in March 2008.

Titled The Daughter Game, it features Anna, a woman in crisis. Her marriage is struggling, and the affair she began as consolation has now become a burden. She is happiest while teaching.

Then a beautiful fifteen-year-old named Kali arrives in her English group. Kali is bright, intense, and vulnerable. Anna takes Kali under her wing, but soon the friendship turns into something more unsettling...

It sounds a little like Notes on a Scandal. I'll be interested to see what Kate does with the subject.

Related post: The Bad Mother's Handbook on TV

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 26, 2007 in Book News, British Authors | Permalink | Comments (0)

BiblioGifts Tote Bag

Banignorancetote One of your New Year's resolutions is bound to be 'stop using plastic bags' (and if not, why not?)

Make your goal that bit easier with one of these cotton canvas totes from BiblioGifts. It's machine washable, hard-wearing and a decent size.

Related posts: The Bermudez Triangle banned | Book Bags | Reading is sexy

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 26, 2007 in Bookish products | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: Creating a Charmed Life by Victoria Moran

I love inspirational self-development books. I keep them by my bed and try to read a chapter in morning and another at night. I say I try, but I usually fail, which is why it's probably taken me a year to read Victoria Moran's Creating a Charmed Life.

That's not a comment on the book - I've read a couple of Moran's other books and found them to be charming, wise and entertaining, and this one, subtitled "Sensible, Spiritual Secrets Every Busy Woman Should Know", is no exception.

Moran defines a "Charmed Life" as one "in which serendipity is commonplace and things go right an extraordinary percentage of the time" and the book is filled with tips and advice on how this can be achieved. Both by practical methods like boosting your vitality, asking for what you want or keeping a journal, and in more spiritual and emotional ways: accepting things as they are and trusting your instincts.

I'm making it sound a bit wet, I know, but it's not at all. Moran illustrates each (very short) chapter with examples from her own life, which she has transformed, and which certainly sounds charmed. In fact, her authorial voice is so strong that I was shocked to find there's no photograph of her anywhere in this book - I can picture her so perfectly!

Creating a Charmed Life is a great quick introduction to various self-development concepts. If you're not sure what works for you, read this and see what resonates. There's even a Further Reading section in the back if you want to look more deeply into specific ideas.

But even if you just followed the advice contained in this small book, I'm confident you'd notice changes.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Behind on the Laundry and Living off Chocolate by Lynette Allen

Posted by Keris on December 26, 2007 in American Authors, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5, Self development | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK NEWS: The Writing Diet

One of my favourite self-help type books is Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way (although discussing it with a friend recently, we both admitted we'd never made it all the way to the end of the book; has anyone?). I've read some of Cameron's other books too and found them entertaining and inspiring.

Her latest is right up my street and perfect for the post-Christmas (post-Bailey's, post-Chocolate Orange) "New Year, New You" frenzy. The Writing Diet: Write Yourself Right-Size. Yes, you read that write. I mean, right.

The book has sprung from the fact that Cameron has noticed over the years that whenever her students tap into their creativity, they also lose weight. So in this book, "Cameron illuminates the relationship between creativity and eating to reveal a crucial equation: creativity can block overeating."

Despite sounding a bit woolly and, dare I say it, woo-woo - "count words instead of calories", "use journaling to examine [your] relationship with food", "substitute writing's 'food for thought' for actual food" (I'd probably write "cake" on a piece of paper and then eat that) - I know from experience that Julia Cameron is pretty much a genius, so I'm reserving judgment until I've read the book. And lost the weight. New Year, New Me!

Related posts: The Joy Diet by Martha Beck | Gulp! by Gabriella Goddard | No Plot? No Problem! by Chris Baty (no time to eat during NaNo!)

Posted by Keris on December 26, 2007 in Book News, Self development | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 24, 2007 7:26 PM

A very Shiny Christmas to all our lovely readers

Posted by Keris on December 24, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Romantic Novel of the Year Award 2008

It may still be the tail-end of 2007, but the RNA has announced the long list for the Romantic Novel of the Year Award 2008.

Kate Lace's The Chalet Girl is there, along with Young Wives' Tales by Adele Parks and Pillow Talk by Freya North.

Susan Fletcher, who won the Whitbread for her first novel, is also in the running with Oystercatchers.

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 24, 2007 in Book related | Permalink | Comments (0)

MORE ON MONDAY: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

Thousandsplendid We loved Khaled Hosseini's debut, The Kite Runner, so I couldn't wait to read A Thousand Splendid Suns. It's another fabulous title and another story set in Afghanistan. However, it is a far darker book.

While The Kite Runner was by no means an easy read, A Thousand Splendid Suns, with portions set during the Taliban's rule and its focus, this time, on female characters, is harrowing.

There were parts that - despite Hosseini's evocative, musical prose - I almost skim read, as if watching a film from between my fingers. And, I must warn you, the second half of the book was mostly read through a veil of tears, tears that dripped off my chin as I raced through the narrative, desperate to find out if Laila, Mariam and Aziza would be all right.

With extreme domestic violence, persecution, war, and death, it would be so easy to fall into a 'everything is terrible' mind set, but Hosseini's storytelling and his vivid characters remind you of goodness in the midst of horror, the hope - and beauty - of the country, and the indefinable, indefatigable, inspirational human spirit.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 24, 2007 in More On Monday, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: Save Karyn by Karyn Bosnak

I read Save Karyn a couple of years ago and I really loved it. I loved it so much, in fact, that when I realised we hadn't reviewed it for Trashionista, I decided to read it again.

In case you don't know the story (and, if not, where've you been?) Karyn Bosnak was a TV producer who moved to New York to find herself and ended up with $20,000 of debt. Basically, she was trying to support a New York lifestyle, but she wasn't yet earning New York money. She thought she had it all under control, but then she lost her job and it all fell apart. But then - after realising that if four rich people gave her $5000 or if twenty people gave her $1000 ... or if 20,000 people gave her $1, she'd be fine - she had the brilliant idea to set up a website asking people to help. The website was called SaveKaryn.com and it became a worldwide phenomenon, getting, eventually, over two million hits and enabling Karyn to pay off her debt in five months.

The book begins with Karyn's move to New York and how she got into so much debt - buying clothes, bags, shoes, cosmetics and using credit to pay for day to day living expenses like food and transport. (This is easily done - when I moved to London I did the same thing. Luckily because it was 1989 and credit wasn't the terrifying behemoth it is now, my Barclaycard limit was only £400. Still took me about five years to pay it off though...) Each chapter begins with her American Express and, later, other credit card, statements and, perhaps because I've been there, I actually found watching the debt rising quite stressful.

Luckily for me (and other nervous nellies), it's not long before Karyn hits rock bottom and then has her big idea and I got to see the debt coming down instead. Karyn's website was a success partly because of her honesty, but also because of her humour. She's very funny (which you'll know if you've read her blog or her first novel, Twenty Times A Lady) and she's also brutally honest. She's not afraid to reveal her frivolous purchases (which most of them were) and she also includes information about other websites that were set up to slag her off, plus the hate mail she received (and continues to receive).

I didn't enjoy Save Karyn quite as much the second time, but that's probably par for the course. Still, I'm in agreement with Marian Keyes whose cover quote says, "Funny, sweet, downright scary... and ultimately so uplifting." It really is. If you've ever been in debt, read this book and identify and if you've just got your first credit card, read this book as a warning!

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella or Twenty Times A Lady by Karyn Bosnak

Posted by Keris on December 24, 2007 in American Authors, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

GUEST BLOG: Lola Jaye

Welcome to the second of author Lola Jaye's monthly guest blogs (read the first here) in the run up to the publication of her debut novel, By the Time You Read This...

Lola’s sleigh ride to publication…

(Sorry, couldn’t resist!) It is December after all. Christmas is almost here and it’s freezing outside! Oh and the countdown to publication’s ticking away madly.

When I first announced my book was coming out, there was a collective sigh along with a; “Why does it take so looong to publish a book?’

‘Well, there’s the editing, the book cover, the PR, the Marketing etc etc.’

‘Yes, but why so long?’

However, six months after my ‘announcement’ it’s now; ‘Blimey, Lola, your book’s coming out ruddy soon!’

And excuse the cliché but, doesn’t time fly…?

Since my last scribble for Trashionista: The copy-edited manuscript flew back (literally) from the Copy Editor. After which, I did the amendments and now it’s gone again, only to return in a few weeks time as (drum roll please) a proper book…! Well, sort of. It’ll actually be a ‘mock up’ of how the book will look. You know, pages bound together and everything – the first indication that I’ve actually written a book and not in fact 280 odd pages of A4 text!

More news: I now have a publicist – yes, like, a reeaal one – and she handles all my media stuff daarrling. She also arranged for a rather trendy photographer to come to my flat and take photos for the book jacket along with some ‘publicity’ shots.

And what a fab day that was!

Prancing around outside my home like a ZZ list wannabe celeb (all that posing in the mirror as a kid has seriously come in handy!) and almost freezing my fingernails off in the process. But – to quote a five year old – IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!

I’ve also been working with a web developer on my new website, which still has a tiny way to go before completion… erm… what else...? Oh yeah, I’m still updating my other blog on www.upadiary.blogspot.com so feel free to take a peep. And in between all that I’m a few thousand words into the new novel! About time too, because I was getting a little worried there. Endless evenings spent staring gormlessly at a wordless screen, nothing in my head, but blank observations about cheesecake flavours. But once the ideas for the characters came, so did everything else. And it’s all got exciting again as I get to know them one by one. Their personalities, ages, hair styles, shoe sizes; all in my head, ready to burrow their way out and onto the computer.

So, for a while there, I was in this weird position of correcting the first novel whilst starting the new one and hoping I didn’t get in a muddle with all my characters. Haven’t called anyone by the wrong name yet… but give me time.

So, Merry Christmas in advance lovely readers of Trashionista. I’m going to use the time off during the Christmas break to write as much as I can, whilst squeezing in the odd night out.

See ya in ’08 – the year I get published!

Lola’s first novel; By The Time You Read This is out in August 2008 Harper Collins

Posted by Keris on December 24, 2007 in Guest blogs | Permalink | Comments (1)

Jill's best and worst of 2007

Today it's the turn of our Inspirational Chick Lit reviewer, Jill Hart, to pick her favourite (and otherwise) books of the year.

What's the best book you've read this year? This is so hard. I love so many books, that I'm not sure I can pick just one. But, since Keris is making me, I'm going to have to go with Sharon Hinck's The Restorer. Her combination of mom-lit and fantasy was unique and fun. Plus, with two more books to come in the series I still have something to look forward to!

Have you discovered a new author and devoured their back catalogue? Jane Green. I'm not sure what rock I've been under, but I hadn't read anything by her until I was sent Second Chance to review. Then I got to interview her and she's such a doll! I'm proud to say that I now own all of her books. I'm not-so-patiently waiting for her next release...

Have you read the first book in a series and can't wait to read more? I'm gonna pick two: Rainy Days and Tuesdays by Claire Allan [I hate to tell you, Jill, but I don't think it's the first in a series - Keris]. I loved this book for being honest and hilarious. I can't wait to read the next in the series! Also Sushi For One? by Camy Tang. It was a fun read and a great glimpse into the Asian culture in America.

The worst book you've read this year? I hate to be a downer, but since Keris asked I'll be honest. I had no idea what I was in for when I read Little Stalker by Jennifer Belle. The book sounds cute and starts off fine, but then come the part where the main character is basically witness to an older man taking advantage of a 12 or 13 year old girl and she does nothing about it - tries to make it seem normal even. Ewwwww.

Posted by Keris on December 24, 2007 in Opinion | Permalink | Comments (1)

December 21, 2007 5:07 PM

BOOK NEWS: Black Boxes by Caroline Smailes

Helen said Caroline Smailes' debut novel, In Search of Adam, was the best book she read in 2007 "by far". I loved it too, so I was thrilled to see the gorgeous cover of Caroline's next book, Black Boxes, on her site.

When we interviewed Caroline back in April, she told us a bit about Black Boxes:

[It's] a story in two parts - box one and box two. It's loosely based on the idea of the black boxes that are extracted from a plane wreck. The reader is to unravel the story to find the cause of the 'crash.' The voices are of a mother and a daughter, focusing on sounds and lost words.

It sounds like another wonderful read, but we'll have to wait until June 2008.

Posted by Keris on December 21, 2007 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

LG Video Media Talent Award: Still time to enter!

There's still time to enter the competition to win one of two internships with Shiny Media. We’ve received feedback that people would like a little longer to enter and so the deadline's been extended to 1 January 2008. (2008? Shouldn't we all be using flying cars by now?)

If you fancy your chances, then use this handy button

and show us what you've got.

The standard of entries received so far has been very high as you can see:

After the closing date, three people will be shortlisted from each of the two categories (presenting and production) and these six people will need to be able to attend a judging date on week commencing 14^th January at the Shiny Media office in London. Good luck!

Posted by Keris on December 21, 2007 in Competition | Permalink | Comments (1)

MOVIE NEWS: More My Sister's Keeper cast news

First there was Cameron Diaz (which I thought was ridiculous). Then there were the Fanning sisters (which Sarah wasn't too sure about). And now I read that Alec Baldwin has signed on to play the lawyer, Campbell, in the forthcoming adaptation of Jodi Picoult's My Sister's Keeper.

He's much older than the character (who's in his thirties), plus recent revelations about his private life have put me right off Mr Baldwin, but what do you think? Is this shaping up to be an incredible film? Or (like me) do you think the casting director's having a laugh?

[via BuzzSugar]

Posted by Keris on December 21, 2007 in Movie News | Permalink | Comments (3)

Bookchase

L_game_bookchase It simply isn't Christmas without a family board game and this one might make a welcome change from yet another round of Monopoly.

Suitable for everyone aged five and above, the game comes with library cards, bookshelves and tiny books. The aim is simple: first to collect six books wins.

You can collect books by answering questions, visiting the Bookchase shop or Library. If it's your birthday, another player may give you a book as a present, but beware; you can also lose books by dropping them in the bath. So often the way...

Bookchase is available from The British Library priced £29.99.

Related posts: Bookopoly | Ex-Libris: The Game

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 21, 2007 in Bookish products | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK REVIEW: Size Doesn't Matter by Meg Cabot

After reading on Meg Cabot's blog that her third Heather Wells mystery, Size Doesn't Matter (or Big Boned if you hail from the States!) was finally out in the UK, I could hardly contain my excitement.

Former pop star Heather Wells has returned - well, kind of. She still works as a residence hall officer in Fischer Hall (nicknamed 'Death Dorm' for its recent spate of grisly murders), dealing with fussy students and her mismatched bunch of colleagues.

But if there's one thing Heather's totally sure of, it's that she loves her job...even if she IS unsure about her relationship with her math professor Tad, her feelings for landlord Cooper, and of course, her latest diet.

Yep, her job is great...even if her boss has just been shot in the head in his office.

Cue another mystery for past teen queen Heather to try and solve. As the media gets involved due to a union strike in the renowned residence hall, Heather quickly gets on the case to try and figure out just who might be behind this one.

Add to that Tad's recent announcement of "I need to ask you something when the timing's right", her ex-boyfriend Jordan Cartwright's (remember the former boyband member?) latest announcement, and a new job proposal from her dad, and Heather's life just might be getting a little bit busy...

Will Heather Wells, former singing sensation and new girl detective, be able to find out just who shot her boss?

And will we get to see Heather walk down the aisle? (Altogether now: "Eeeee!")

This is the third novel in the Heather Wells series, following Size 12 is Not Fat and Size 14 is Not Fat Either. Personally, I think this might just be the best in the series, albeit a seemingly quicker read than the others. But truly? They're all brilliant. Heather, despite being a former pop princess, is a down-to-earth, funny character who's instantly lovable and easy to relate to. I'd advise you to read the other two books in the series first, although it's pretty easy to follow up and Meg's witty writing style is as fabulous as always.

But I have to say, there is one heck of a downside to this book.

It's so addictive, I read it in a day.

Thankfully, all is not lost - Queen of Babble in the Big City, another follow-up offering from the wonderful Meg, will be out in paperback in March.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try The Ex Factor by Andrea Semple

Posted by Danielle Symonds-Yemm on December 21, 2007 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release, Series | Permalink | Comments (2)

FRIDAY FLICK: It's A Wonderful Life

Wonderfullife In 1943, Philip Van Doren Stern wrote a short story about a man who wishes he had never been born and is temporarily given his desire by a guardian angel.

Frank Capra transformed the story (called The Greatest Gift) into the 1946 film It's A Wonderful Life.

Now, I must admit, I only recently saw this classic film (thanks Kathryn!) but boy, was it worth the wait.

I guess, like most people in the western world, you've probably already seen it. In which case, you don't need me to tell you that the script is sublime, that James Stewart excels as George Bailey - the ultimate good guy struggling against the odds, or that Donna Reed is perfect as Mary Hatch, George's love.

You already know that it is a beautiful slice of retro feel-good cinema, and so much more than the sum of its parts.

If you haven't seen it, I'll just say this: It's a Wonderful Life may be the quintessential yuletide film, but it's so good, it's not just for Christmas...

Related posts: Friday Flick archive

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 21, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 20, 2007 5:01 PM

BOOK REVIEW: it must be love by Rachel Gibson

Itmustbelove Gabrielle Breedlove believes in karma and spirituality. She wants a man who is - first and foremost - enlightened. Problem is, her past dates may have had fantastic auras, but she hasn't wanted to get any closer to their physical bodies.

Detective Joe Shanahan is a man's man. Built like a calendar pin-up; he is macho, bull-headed and thinks meditation is for flakes.

He also thinks that Gabrielle and her business partner, Kevin, are using their shop as a fence for stolen goods. Gabrielle, in an effort to prove their innocence, signs up as a police informant. Joe and Gabrielle are stuck with each other until Joe solves the case...

This is my first Rachel Gibson and I found lots to like.The writing style is snappy, with lots of witty dialogue and one-liners. I liked Gabrielle's character and the descriptions of her shop, Anomaly, her home, friends and quirky family.

Gibson does a great line in funny details - like Joe's Jerry Springer-loving parrot - which lift the story and raise a smile.

However, I do have a nitpick with the romance between Joe and Gabrielle.

Bear in mind, this could just be me, but Joe was a very Alpha hero. Maybe a little too Alpha for my tastes... He did a lot of bossing Gabrielle around (and not just when it was for his job). We were inside his head for a lot of the book and he thought mainly about his 'Mr Happy' and finding a wife who was 'normal' and a good cook.

Fine, you may think, Gabrielle brings out the other, more senstitive side to this man. Well. Not so much. Right up to their (very long, very passionate), um, coming together at the end, Joe laughs at Gabrielle's beliefs, runs hot and cold (getting her half-naked at one point before racing off) and, most unforgivably, laughing at her private passion - her artwork. Ultimately, I didn't believe they truly were twin souls, which rather spoiled the inevitable outcome for me.

Still, this is a funny, engaging read and I wouldn't hesitate to pick up another Rachel Gibson.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try: Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 20, 2007 in American Authors, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

THURSDAY TRAILBLAZER: Martha Gellhorn

Martha41 Martha Gellhorn is considered to be one of the greatest war correspondents of the 20th century.

Born in 1908, Gellhorn was ahead of her time. While women's rights were being fought, and the idea of a female journalist - let alone a female war reporter - was unusual to say the least, Gellhorn forged an admirable career that spans sixty-years.

In addition to extensive journalism, Gellhorn published novels,novellas, short stories, and collections of her travel writing.

She was the third wife of Ernest Hemingway, although when Hemingway sent her a telegram: 'Are you a war correspondent or my wife in bed?' She cut the ties between them and carried on with her adventures.

Aged 81, Gellhorn travelled to Panama to write about the US invasion. Aged 89, suffering from cancer and almost blind, Martha commited suicide with poison. In death, as in life, she commanded things on her own terms.

For more on Gellhorn's extraordinary life, I recommend Caroline Moorehead's marvellous biography.

Related posts: Thursday Trailblazer archive

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 20, 2007 in American Authors, Thursday Trailblazer | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sarah's best and worst of 2007

Now it's Trashi writer, Sarah Painter's turn to share her best and worst of 2007.

Well, I think you can probably guess the worst book I read this year ;o) [Here's a clue - Keris]

As for the best, I read lots of fantastic young adult fiction this year. I loved Looking for Alaska, Let's Get Lost, and Under the Rose (is that classed as YA? [I think it's in that in-betweeny grey area - Keris]), but my favourite would have to be Maureen Johnson's Devilish. Just brilliant. I have been avidly reading her blog and working my way through her others ever since...

Carry on over the cut for Sarah's best chick lit book of the year

Best Chick Lit book of my year (although I think it was published in 2006) was Caprice Crane's Stupid and Contagious. Funny, sharp, funny, good dialogue, great characters, funny.

[Funnily - ha! - enough, Stupid and Contagious was No. 2 on Keris's list last year and No. 6 on Diane's. We LOVE this book!]

Posted by Keris on December 20, 2007 in Opinion | Permalink | Comments (2)

BOOK COVER: More snowglobes

I featured the cover of Kate Atkinson's Not the End of the World a couple of weeks ago and said you couldn't go wrong with a snowglobe. Inevitably, I've found a bunch of other covers featuring snowglobes.

Hester Browne's agent alerted us to the lovely US cover of Little Lady, Big Apple. Idly googling Marian Keyes one day (what? I'm not stalking her ... well, not yet, anyway), I discovered this cover of Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married. Finally, I spotted Jay McInerney's Story of My Life (which Diane LOVED).

So what do you think? Which is your favourite?

Posted by Keris on December 20, 2007 in Book covers | Permalink | Comments (1)

December 19, 2007 6:52 PM

Dog Wit Lit

Howl I've just been reading Alison Pace's blog and I've decided that Dog Lit can now officially be classed as a sub-genre (by me, at least).

The second collection of doggy-related writing from The Bark is out now. It's called Howl and follows on from the successful - and brilliantly titled - Dog is my Co-Pilot.

Plus, there's a plethora of 'me and my dog' type tales; look at Marley and Me, Rex and the City and What the Dog Did.

Not enough to convince you? How about all the Canine Chick Lit? Okay, that phrase is never going to catch on and Thank Goodness, but still... There's Pug Hill, The Dog Walker and, um, Sick Puppy.

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 19, 2007 in Book News, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (2)

Britney's mother's parenting guide delayed indefinitely ... guess why

That'd be because her "other" daughter, 16-year-old Jamie-Lynn, is pregnant.

Good grief.

[via PopSugar]

Posted by Keris on December 19, 2007 in Book News, Celebrity Authors | Permalink | Comments (1)

TELEVISION NEWS: Gods Behaving Badly

Godsbehaving Gods Behaving Badly by Marie Phillips has been optioned by Ben Stiller. Apparently, he's keen to develop it as a television comedy.

I am not at all surprised: The book features Greek Gods living in modern-day London, which gives plenty of scope for a series (as well as being an utterly fabulous idea). We will keep you posted...

[Via Yahoo]

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 19, 2007 in Book related, Television | Permalink | Comments (1)

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Sarah Nilsen

We'll be reviewing Sarah Nilsen's memoir - Does This Book Make My Butt Look Big? (and who cares anyway, its my butt) - in the near future, but since I thought I'd introduce you to her first. So here's Sarah!

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:

Cheerfully neurotic essays celebrating what it means to be a woman trying to find her inner zen in today’s crazy world.

Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)?

I usually find myself writing at the computer in my home office. Interestingly, I write most of my best work late at night (early in the morning). When I have an idea swirling around in my head, I can’t sleep until I get up and get it out on virtual paper. So most of my book was written at 3am!

Your favourite chick-lit book?

The Devil Wears Prada. I loved that book!! I love books that I can relate to, or that I wish I could relate to!

What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers?

This is a great question. Since publishing the book I am surprised by how many people have the inclination to write a book…but for whatever reason haven’t done so. I think that it isn’t so much that the passion exists to put pen to paper, as much as the fact that people want to “be heard” or otherwise get their story out there. So, my advice is to make the commitment to start the project.

Don’t allow the daunting task of the finishing the book, securing publishing and strategizing marketing deter you from the act of ever starting. If you have a story that you want to share, you should do it. As with anything in life, the very first step is equally as important as the last step. Once you have something on paper, you might be surprised what opportunities present themselves!

What are you reading at the moment?

I am reading Hollywood Car Wash by Lori Culwell and The Vixen Diaries by Karrine Steffans.

What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!)

I am excited to report that I am working on my second book right now! It is shaping up to be a series of hilarious rants sandwiched between some rather thought provoking pieces that tackle more sentimental subjects. Laced with my signature sarcasm and written in the stream of consciousness, it will again resonate with a broad audience looking for a good laugh!

Do you have a theme song?

“Glamorous Life” by Sheila E

I am a closet 80’s hair-band fan. What can I say? But this song still makes me toe-tap like I was 16. And…I love the message of the song!

What question have you never been asked in an interview, but think you should have been? (Tell us the question and answer it too, if you like!)

Q. What has been the best part of having my memoirs published for the world to read?

A. I love the feedback I get from readers. I love the voicemails, emails and notes from women who have read the book and feel normal! They laugh, cry and email me to let me know that they now realize that they aren’t alone in their feelings about themselves…and as a result they can let some of those feelings of confusion, inadequacy and discontent go.

I love knowing that by throwing myself under the proverbial bus, other women can lift their veils of shame and love themselves the way they are. “If Sarah’s okay the way she is, embracing her imperfections, then I must be okay as well!” I truly believe that’s a gift that the book has given to many, many women and I’ve, in turn, been blessed by that as well.

Thanks, Sarah!

Posted by Keris on December 19, 2007 in American Authors, Interviews, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: Amorous Woman by Donna George Storey

I admit I approached Donna Storey's Amorous Woman with trepidation. For one, there's a woman in her underwear on the cover. And then the back cover describes the book as "the erotic secrets of one woman's sexual awakening and her subsequent passions in Japan". Um. Not one to read on the commute then (luckily I work at home).

The book begins with Lydia - the Amorous Woman herself - living in San Francisco and teaching Japanese culture to American businessmen. Following her return to America from Japan, Lydia vowed never to have sex again "with anyone, man or woman" for the rest of her life. Only a few pages in, I got the impression that would be a promise she'd find difficult to keep.

When she goes out for a drink with two of her students, not only does she find herself attracted to them (inevitably), she also learns that she hasn't been able to hide her true self as well as she thought. They have guessed she has secrets and ask her to tell them. So she does. And the reader learns it all at the same time, of course.

If you ignore the fact that, rather than a couple of hours, it would have taken Lydia days to relate her story, the book is compelling and beautifully written. Despite the fact that Lydia behaves fairly appallingly throughout, she is so open and honest about her wants, needs and weaknesses that I couldn't help but like her.

There isn't much of a plot - basically Lydia goes to Japan and has varied sex with varied people - but there is an emotional core to the book, so it doesn't seem gratuitous. But it is erotic fiction, so it is fairly relentless. It's interesting to read about a woman exploring all aspects of her sexuality (almost) without apology.

The Japanese setting is interesting too - I really felt like I'd got an insight into the country's culture - but I've no idea why there's a Japanese woman on the cover. Lydia is American and there are hardly any Japanese women in the novel (plenty of Japanese men though).

Since it's an erotic novel, you probably want to know whether it is indeed "erotic" (that word's never been the same to me since Waynetta Slob). It is. (Ha! Coy enough for you?)

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try White Tigress by Jade Lee

Posted by Keris on December 19, 2007 in American Authors, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

December 18, 2007 1:44 PM

MOVIE NEWS: Sex and the City trailer

30247_p_m Eek! Just in case you haven't caught it yet, here's a link to the trailer for the Sex and the City film... It's due for release (in the US) at the end of May, 2008.

And if that isn't enough to keep you going,check out this New York Times article about the film, the filming of the film, and the relationship between the film and the city it has made (even more) famous. Phew!

(Thanks to IMDB)

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 18, 2007 in Movie News | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sophie Kinsella and others focus on child illiteracy

I was saddened to read recently that England had fallen from 3rd to 19th in the world for reading (Scotland is placed at 26). Then came bleak official statistics that show one in five of our children leaves primary school unable to read to the minimum standard for their age group.

More than 500 authors, including Sophie Kinsella, Nick Hornby and Alexander McCall Smith, have written to Gordon Brown urging him to tackle this problem head on.

They suggest that "children should be taught to read at school for an hour a day until they can do so properly." I have to say, I agree...

[Via Guardian]

Related post: Dolly Parton launches literacy scheme

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 18, 2007 in Opinion | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK NEWS: Dare

Dare is the first novel by American TV presenter, Abiola Abrams.

Described, rather brilliantly, as "a "chick lit version of Faust", it's the story of a sociologist who goes undercover and winds up in too deep as a racy rapper searching for love in the entertainment world.

Related: More book news

Posted by Keris on December 18, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (1)

TELEVISION NEWS: Books on TV over Christmas

The (British) TV schedules are crammed with book adaptations this Christmas. Here are those I think will be of most interest to Trashionista readers...

Vanity Fair - Sunday, 23rd December, ITV1, 9pm

The film version starring Reese Witherspoon. I couldn't make it through the book and I love Reese, so I might well give this a go.

Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfield - Boxing Day (26th), BBC One, 8.30pm

I haven't read the book (I know, can you believe it?!) (and it's Helen's favourite), but I'll definitely be watching this version, which stars Harry Potter's Emma Watson, along with Emilia Fox and Victoria Wood.

Shadow In the North by Phillip Pullman - Sunday 30th December, BBC One, 8.55pm

Billie Piper reprises her role from Ruby In the Smoke.

Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen - New Year's Day, BBC One, 9.10pm

Yes, another Austen adaptation, but this one is by Andrew Davies who created probably the most popular Austen adaptation of all time, the Colin Firth Pride & Prejudice, so it'll be well worth a look.

And if that's not enough for you, there's also a documentary on a year in the life of JK Rowling on ITV1 at 7pm on Sunday 30th December.

For more TV news and reviews, check out our fabulous sister site, TV Scoop.

Posted by Keris on December 18, 2007 in Television | Permalink | Comments (2)

Introducing Angela Richardson

Angela is another of our regular reviewers who, for some reason, always seems to end up reviewing vampire books...

I work as a biochemist in a hospital, where creepy nights doing on call in a deserted laboratory inspired me to write supernatural novels of my own as a hobby. I’ve always loved reading and mostly read chick lit mixed with science fiction and fantasy. I also have a fetish for self-help books, and am still hoping to find ‘the one’ which will solve all my problems!

Favourite chick lit book: Bitten by Kelley Armstrong, she manages to mix fantasy, romance and action seamlessly.

Favourite chick lit author: Laurell K Hamilton. I enjoy her books, but also really admire her for the speed with which she writes them. She always has one or two new books out every year and writes several series at the same time. She’s also very feisty and says when someone tells her they’d like to write a book when they get some time she always replies ‘and I’d like to become a brain surgeon when I get some spare time’.

Favourite fictional heroine: At the moment (it changes regularly) it's Rachel Morgan from Kim Harrison’s series of books. She a witch and a bounty hunter and regularly kicks ass in a mini skirt and heels, that’s when she’s not trying to outwit demons!

Favourite non chick lit book: I have to go back to my teens for this one – I was addicted to the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series by Douglas Adams for years and have re-read those books many times during my school days.

Related posts: Sarah Painter | Jill Hart | Helen Redfern

Posted by Keris on December 18, 2007 in Announcements | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK REVIEW: The Xmas Factor by Annie Sanders

Reviewed by Helen Redfern

The Xmas Factor is the third book by Annie Sanders following Goodbye, Jimmy Choo and Warnings of Gales both of which I thoroughly enjoyed. Annie Sanders (a pen name made up of Annie Ashworth and Meg Sanders) provide real life chick lit which I can relate to as the characters are at similar stages in their lives to me. I picked up The Xmas Factor with high hopes.

Beth was determined that Christmas this year, her first with new husband Jacob, was going to contain the Xmas Factor. Taking time out from preparing three different sorts of mincemeat, she attends the Village Entertainments Group meeting and is coerced into taking on this years Mistletoe Meet.

Thinking a few sausage rolls, drinks and party hats shouldn’t be too hard to rustle up she is alarmed when going through the notes of previous years to find out there were orchestras, lobster and Venetian masks. All organised by her husbands deceased first wife. Feeling threatened by this dead woman there was nothing for it. She had to provide something spectacular both at home, for her husband and his grown up children, and for the Meet.

Meanwhile Carol, a single Mum to Tim, is struggling with a cumbersome magazine title that is threatened with closure, as well as her guilt for not spending enough time with her son. She sees a chocolate box cottage in a magazine and decides this is exactly what she and her son need for their Christmas holidays.

As the shopping days roll by with increasing speed towards Christmas Beth's and Carol's lives are about to collide in one spectacular mess.

I read The Xmas Factor last year when it came out in hardback. With this release of the paperback I thought I’d skim read so I could write the review. It took me longer than I thought as once more I was (willingly) pulled into the lives of Beth, Carol, Tim, Holly and Nick.

In this grown up chick lit story, Annie Sanders demonstrates how Christmas has become a commercialised affair where women shoulder much of the stress in order to provide a perfect Christmas for their family. The book is realistic yet entertaining and Beth is typical of many a woman I know. When talking to them at this time of the year you can almost see the lists of jobs they have swimming around in their heads. My advice? Pick up this book, grab a mince pie (shop bought will do just fine) a hot chocolate, put your feet up and immerse yourself in this non-stressful read. It may be a little cloying at the end. But if we cannot overdo the cloy at this time of year, when can we?

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Tickled Pink by Christina Jones

Posted by Keris on December 18, 2007 in British Authors, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 17, 2007 5:08 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Pact by Jodi Picoult

Thepact As with Picoult's other novels, The Pact takes an extreme situation and then extrapolates the consequences, following the fall-out for the characters, the moral conundrums and legal rigmarole.

Emily and Chris have been inseparable since childhood. Now in their teens, they appear to enter a joint suicide pact, but Emily dies and Chris doesn't. Only Chris knows the truth, but what is it?

Emily and Chris have not just been friends since childhood, they have lived next door to one another and their parents are best friends, too. The grown ups are thrilled when Emily and Chris become 'something more' as teenagers, putting subtle, well-meaning pressure on their romantic relationship.

Emily, aged seventeen, is found dead from a gunshot wound to the head. There's a single unspent bullet in the gun that Chris took from his father's cabinet. Chris tells police he intended it for himself, but he ends up on trial for murder.

The psychological trauma for both sets of parents is realistically drawn, and Emily and Chris's relationship is believably intense. Picoult drip-feeds the secrets and events leading up to the shooting, keeping the mystery throughout the book.

The courtroom drama towards the end, although quite lengthy, is taught and nail-bitingly suspenseful.

However, much as I enjoyed this book, I felt somewhat let down by a couple of aspects. Firstly, I didn't quite believe all of Chris's reactions - or that he would keep certain things to himself for as long as he did. I kept wanting to shout 'just spit it out' at him. Plus, the ending didn't have the 'wow' factor I was expecting.

Still, Picoult not quite on her game still produces a tense, complex read.

Rating: 3/5

Like this: Try: Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 17, 2007 in Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

Call to ban Sarah Dessen's Just Listen

A Florida School System is preparing to ban Sarah Dessen's Just Listen from its libraries.

The book is about a girl who is assaulted at a party, and finds the strength to speak up about what happened to her. But when the passage describing the attempted rape was read out at a school board meeting, chairwoman Jennifer Faliero described the book as "repulsive".

You can email your thoughts on the subject to the school board via this link.

[via Leigh Brescia. Thanks, Luisa!]

Posted by Keris on December 17, 2007 in Book related | Permalink | Comments (4)

Helen's best and worst of 2007

Last week I introduced you to regular reviewer, Helen Redfern. This week she shares her best and worst books of 2007.

The best book that I have read this year – by far – is Caroline Smailes' In Search of Adam. The book tackles a horrifying subject but this contrasts with her beautiful and unusual writing style. I’m predicting a fantastic future for this talented writer.

The most fabulous book(s) of the year was the discovery (for me) of The Princess Diaries series. After Eight was the best one for me and I can’t wait for number nine to come out in January.

Carry on over the cut for Helen's most disappointing read of 2007.

Surprisingly good read of the year was Martina Reilly's All I Want Is You. This had me crying and laughing at the same time.

My biggest disappointment of the year was Sue Townsend’s Queen Camilla. I normally love her books but this was a huge let down.

Look out for more of the Trashionista writers' and readers' bests and worsts through the week.

Posted by Keris on December 17, 2007 in Opinion | Permalink | Comments (0)

MORE ON MONDAY: Seven for a Secret by

Following the untimely deaths of a number of family members, James Mackenzie Wright wrote Seven For A Secret to help children deal with bereavement. Specifically, he wanted to help children see grieving as a positive rather than a painful rite of passage.

The story centres on Holly and George who have lost their 20-year-old sister, Helen. The entire family is in mourning until Holly sees a smiley woman beckoning her up a tree. After climbing the tree, Holly and George are greeted by a group of magpies who take them to meet their sister.

Helen introduces the children to various big concepts, including the idea that you choose your own life and that the level of difficulty of the life you choose is related to how many times you've lived before and what you want to learn from your next incarnation.

The philosophical lessons are interwoven with Holly and George's more child-like adventures and they're both very sweet characters.

While I found Seven for A Secret thought-provoking, it's intended for children aged between 11 and 16 and I'm concerned that there isn't an exciting enough plot to hold their interest. It might be better investigated and discussed with an adult, rather than read as a story, but it's certainly a good introduction to some difficult concepts.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try Dear Zoe by Philip Beard

Posted by Keris on December 17, 2007 in More On Monday, Rating: 3/5, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

All I want for Christmas is...

Well, there's only six shopping days (or something) left until Christmas and my major panic is pretty much over... My thoughts now, naturally, turn to myself. So what do I hope Santa leaves under my tree this year?

In order of ascending importance/desirability...

3. A book light. The Xtra Flex has an energy efficient super LCD bulb which will 'never' need replacing (it gives 100,000 hours of light) and comes in blue, my favourite colour.

2. Books. Despite writing about and reviewing books for a living, there is still nothing like opening a pile of shiny new releases on Christmas Day. Oh, the anticipation!

1. And in the number one spot this year is (drum roll) - a couple of extra hours in every day. Yep. I'm officially old; time is passing just too quickly. If those extra couple of hours could be spent in bed with my laptop, an endless supply of hot tea, and numbers 2 and 3, then so much the better...

How about you? What are you hoping to find stuffed in your Christmas stocking?

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 17, 2007 in Book related, Bookish products, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (1)

December 14, 2007 3:58 PM

FRIDAY FLICK: Finding Neverland

I must admit, when I sat down to watch Finding Neverland I had a lemon wedge handy to counteract the cloying sweetness I fully expected to encounter. Well, not really, but you catch my drift... Still, I needn't have concerned myself; this is a delightful film and one that celebrates - and captivates - the imagination.

Finding Neverland is a fictionalised account of the family and events that inspired Scottish playwright J.M. Barrie to create Peter Pan.

At the start of the film, Barrie (played with understated perfection by Johnny Depp), is in a bad way. His latest play in London has flopped and his marriage to social-climber Mary, is not doing much better. While walking his dog in the park, Barrie meets four boys and their recently widowed mother, Sylvia Llewelyn Davies (Kate Winslet).

Barrie becomes a playmate to the boys - taking inspiration from their imaginative games and fresh view of the world - and a friend to Sylvia.

Despite disapproval from both his wife and Sylvia's mother (Julie Christie), Barrie stays true to friendship and his art in a truly heart-warming (and, yes, weepy) ending.

Related posts: Friday Flick archive

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 14, 2007 in Book related, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (3)

More WGA Strike news

We told you about the Writers Guild of America strike six weeks ago, when it began. Negotiations were halted on 7 December when the producers' alliance refused to bargain further unless the union dropped six proposals. Today, things have taken a turn for the worse.

The WGA has filed an unfair labour practices complaint, claiming studios broke the law by ending negotiations.

The WGA is demanding (not unreasonably some may say) that the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers returns to the bargaining table to, you know, talk this thing through and reach an agreement.

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 14, 2007 in Movie News, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: Hopscotch & Handbags by Lucy Mangan

I love Lucy Mangan's columns for The Guardian newspaper, so I was keen to read her first book, Hopscotch & Handbags: The Essential Guide to Being a Girl and it was just as good as I expected.

In her typical hilariously dry style, Mangan looks at all aspects of what it means to be female. From early days at preschool, via senior school's obsessive collecting of stickers, keyrings and erasers (called "rubbers" when we were at school, but not any more), to living with a man (and explaining to him - at exhaustive length - why sausages are not actually a health food), motherhood and more.

Like sex, hair and beauty, exercise and health, friendship, working, and dealing with your mother.

Sometimes (and you'll probably already be aware of this if you've read her columns) Mangan has a tendency to be excessively verbose (she says with excessive, er, verbosity) and occasionally I found myself scanning a little to get to the point, but when I finished the book I still longed for more. Plus at least twice I literally laughed until I cried (once was in public and it was rather embarrassing).

Hopscotch & Handbags is one of those books you'll read out over the phone to your friends. Buy it for every woman you know (although, on second thoughts, maybe not your mum...).

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try How to Bring Up Your Parents by Emma Kennedy or My Fat, Mad Teenage Diary by Rae Earl

Posted by Keris on December 14, 2007 in British Authors, Girly Stuff, Non Fiction, Rating: 5/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (2)

Meg Cabot title changes

In the comments to our Chick Lit Heroine Grudge Match featuring Suzannah Simon from Meg Cabot's Mediator series, Robin pointed out that the series' titles were different in the US. She's not wrong.

After the first book (called The Princess Diaries, natch), The Princess Diaries series has different titles too. In the US they're called things like Princess in the Spotlight and Princess in Training, while in the UK they run from Take Two to To the Nines (via Seventh Heaven).

(While I'm on the subject, I don't like the new UK covers (left). They're boring and they look too young for the content.)

But it's not just Meg's YA books that have been renamed, I noticed the other day that the third book in the Heather Wells series is called Big Boned in the US, but Size Doesn't Matter in the UK. It's all very curious...

Related posts: TV & Movie News - Meg Cabot | What's in a name?

Posted by Keris on December 14, 2007 in Book related, Series, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (2)

December 13, 2007 5:23 PM

Chick Lit Heroine Grudge Match: Amy Crane v Kate Reddy

Susannah Simon kicked butt in the last (YA heroine) grudge match.

This week, we're talking about mothers and it ain't all glitter and cupcakes, that's for sure.
Amy Crane is strugggling to get her mojo back after the birth of her first baby, while Kate Reddy is trying to juggle her career, home and children.

Amy Crane

The book: Rise and Fall of a Yummy Mummy

The brood: Gorgeous baby girl Evie.

On being a mummy: Wants to feel like 'herself' again. Amy loves her daugher but feels like she is pretending to be a proper mummy. Plus, she feels about as sexy as an Odour Eater and doesn't recognise her stomach as her own. She just needs... A dose of self-belief.

Kate Reddy

The book: I Don't Know How She Does It by Allison Pearson

The brood: Toddler Ben and five-year-old Emily.

On being a mummy: Kate decides to juggle her career with her children and the results are often hilarious, always poignant, and very real (despite the crazy-big salary Kate commands). She just needs... More hours in the day.

So, there you have it. Two heroines; wonderful mothers and great books. Who gets your vote?

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 13, 2007 in Book related, British Authors | Permalink | Comments (0)

Win a 6-month internship with the UK's leading video blogging team

The LG Video Media Talent Award - the competition to win an internship with Shiny Media, either as a video presenter or in video production - is still open. Here's another presenting hopeful:

If you think you can do better, you can submit your own video via this button

or vote on other people's efforts here.

Posted by Keris on December 13, 2007 in Competition | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK COVER: Cathy Kelly (and more Kinsella)

So last week I featured the UK cover of Sophie Kinsella's next book and said it looked just like someone else's. You kindly made a bunch of suggestions, all of which were similar, but none of them was the droid I was looking for. (I'm not really a dork, I just love that quote.)

Fortunately, I'd been googling Marian Keyes, saw a pic of her with Cathy Kelly and went "A-ha!" (I needn't have bothered, since not long after Helen Costello left a comment saying it was Cathy Kelly - Thanks, Helen!)

But I said it was a bit old-hat, didn't I? And Cathy Kelly's publishers obviously agree since her covers have been updated. Check them out over the cut.

On the left is Lessons In Heartbreak due out in January next year. Much more modern cover, I'm sure you'll agree (if a little Adele Parks...).

Oh and Helen also referred to Cathy Kelly's old covers "with the really sad eighties looking woman on the front!" That's one on the right. She's not wrong, is she!

Related: Musical book covers

Posted by Keris on December 13, 2007 in Book covers, Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tell us what you think of us and win an iPod Touch!

You know we love you, right? Yes, you. All of you. And we think you love us too, but we're not sure. And we're needy. So if you could take three minutes out of your Christmas panicking to complete a survey, we'll love you even more.

Click Here to take survey

But a toasty glow isn't all that's in it for you, oh no. Thanks to our lovely friends at Play.com, one respondent will win a 16GB iPod Touch, which usually retails for £249.99. Have you seen them? They're beautiful. iPods, I mean, not our friends at Play.com, although I expect they're pretty too.

Terms & Conditions apply (don't they always?)

Posted by Keris on December 13, 2007 in Competition | Permalink | Comments (1)

TRASHIONISTA RECOMMENDS: Teen Fiction Cafe

I love young adult fiction probably even more than adult fiction (and not just because I write it). Probably my favourite books of the last couple of years have been young adult (like this one and this one) and there are some great YA blogs out there too.

Teen Fiction Cafe features this week's author interviewee Sara Hantz, along with a host of other amazing authors including Bev Katz Rosenbaum and Lauren Baratz-Logsted.

(And don't forget Chicklish for all your British YA author news and reviews!)

Posted by Keris on December 13, 2007 in Trashionista Recommends, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

PREVIEW REVIEW: Mothernight by Sarah Stovell

Mothernightflat1 Mothernight is Sarah Stovell's debut novel and it is startlingly accomplished.

Leila Hartley is a boarder at an exclusive girls' school in Kent. Leila is a genius, but very much alone - she hasn't even been home to see her family for years. Devestatingly clever, she confounds both her teachers and fellow pupils.

When Oliva Rudham arrives at the school, she is roomed with Leila and the two form an intense friendship.

Despite their intimacy, Leila keeps her past a secret from Olivia. Then, Leila's father invites them both back to the family home for the summer and the truth is finally unravelled.

Written in three narrative voices: Leila, Olivia and Kathryn, Leila's stepmother, this novel is intense and absorbing. The relationship between the girls is convincingly portrayed - as is the gothic, suffocating feel of the boarding school.

I really like Stowell's writing style. It allows for dry humour alongside the drama, and never sacrifices story for literary pretension.

In fact, more important than its intelligence, this book feels real. I believed in the grief and obsession and love so thoroughly that the chacters of Katherine, Olivia and Leila stayed with me long after I finished reading.

A page-turner with soul and a debut author to watch with interest...

Mothernight is out in March 2008.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try: Fingersmith by Sarah Waters

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 13, 2007 in British Authors, Debut Novels, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (1)

December 12, 2007 6:08 PM

BOOK NEWS: Swimming Without A Net by MaryJanice Davidson

Swimmingwithoutanet We liked Undead and Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson lots, and Sleeping With The Fishes (Mermaid Lit!) not quite so much, but one thing is for certain; no one can accuse MaryJanice of dragging her heels.

The undead series - which many credit with launching vampire chick lit - now runs to six books, she has written a couple of YA books, two cyborg books (yes, really) and contributed to various anthologies. Plus, the second mermaid book - Swimming Without A Net - is out in the UK next month. Phew!

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 12, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (0)

Lily Allen - literary judge

Lily Allen joins the judging panel for the Orange Broadband prize for fiction. At 22, she is the youngest ever member.

Kate Mosse, the prize's honourary director, said: "We always try to seek a broad selection of ages and experiences because it is about celebrating international women's fiction and getting outstanding fiction read by as many women and men as possible".

[Via Guardian]

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 12, 2007 in Book related | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK NEWS: Thanks for the Memories by Cecelia Ahern

We've mixed feelings about Cecelia Ahern here at Trashionista. Although I enjoyed PS I Love You and I love the TV show Samantha Who (which was, at least, Ahern's original idea), we haven't enjoyed her other books (like A Place Called Here). But her new one, due out in April, sounds interesting.

How can you know someone you've never met? Joyce Conway remembers things she shouldn't. She knows about tiny cobbled streets in Paris, which she has never visited. And every night she dreams about an unknown little girl with blonde hair.

When she leaves hospital after a terrible accident, with her life and her marriage in pieces, Joyce moves back in with her elderly father. All the while, a strong sense of deja vu is overwhelming her and she can't figure out why!

Justin Hitchcock is divorced, lonely and restless. He arrives in Dublin to give a lecture on art and meets attractive doctor Sarah, who persuades him to donate blood. It's the first thing to come straight from his heart in a long time. [That one line is almost enough to put me off the book - Keris]

When Justin receives a basket of muffins with a note simply saying thank you,he is sure someone is playing a trick on him. But then a series of gifts begin to arrive. Intrigued and disturbed, Justin is determined to find out who is sending them. What he discovers will change his life forever. [via Amazon]

More Cecelia Ahern

Posted by Keris on December 12, 2007 in Book News, Cecelia Ahern | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK REVIEW: Finding Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn

Reviewed by Jill Hart

It’s snowing here in Nebraska, so I decided it was time to find a great Christmas book to help get myself into the Christmas spirit. Robin Jones Gunn’s novella Finding Father Christmas did just that.

It’s just a few days before Christmas and Miranda Carson has just arrived in England on a spur of the moment trip. She’s in search of a father she isn’t sure exists and her only clues are a few mementos left from her mother’s belongings. Miranda doesn’t have much to go on, but she knows she’ll regret it if she doesn’t at least attempt to uncover the truth.

When Miranda is befriended by a family that may hold the key to her secrets, she has a difficult decision to make. Should she open up and risk the possibility of forever changing this family she’s grown to love or should she leave and risk never finding the truth?

The book started off a bit slow and I was afraid for a few pages that I wasn’t going to enjoy it. I’m glad I kept reading, though, because only a few chapters in I was hooked. The story is intriguing and the setting is enchanting. And the best part is Gunn has a sequel planned entitled Engaging Father Christmas. So, I know I’ll have a great read for next Christmas, too!

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try The Three Day Rule by Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees

Posted by Keris on December 12, 2007 in American Authors, Inspirational, Rating: 4/5, Series | Permalink | Comments (0)

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Sara Hantz

Luisa loved Sara Hantz's The Second Virginity of Suzy Green and here's Sara to answer our burning questions.

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or less:

Seventeen-year-old high school student reinvents herself, even wangling entry into the Virginity Club.

Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)?

I mainly write in my office, but now I’ve bought a fabulous new laptop I intend to write everywhere – on the sofa, in the garden, on the beach... You name it I’ll be writing there.

Your favourite chick-lit book?

Can I make that books? I love all the Shopaholic books by Sophie Kinsella. Actually, I love any book by Sophie Kinsella – she’s my hero!

Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!), and why?

Becky, from the Shopaholic books because she’s so funny, and for all trouble she causes, and scrapes she gets into, there isn’t a malicious bone in her body.

What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers?

Just do it! I spent a number of years thinking I wanted to write, instead of biting the bullet and actually doing it. I regret not starting sooner, it’s the most enjoyable and satisfying (and frustrating!!) job I’ve ever done.

What are you reading at the moment?

Saving Zoe by Alyson Noel. It’s a young adult book and is absolutely brilliant.

What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!)

A book called Dating the Megan Russell Way, about a teenage girl who sells psychic dating advice at school so she can pay off a huge debt.

Do you have a theme song?

I don’t know whether you’d call it a theme song, but It's Not Where You Start (It's Where You Finish) from the musical Seesaw is a song that inspires me.

What question have you never been asked in an interview, but think you should have been? (Tell us the question and answer it too, if you like!)

What underwear are you wearing? Ok, maybe not as I really don’t want to talk about my well worn M & S knickers which I can only stock up on when I visit my rellies in the UK once every three years.

How about… It’s been said that everyone has an age they feel, whatever their real age. What’s yours?

In my head I’m twenty-two. It feels right. And being twenty-two helps when writing for young adults. To me it feels like yesterday when I was a teen. I still remember angsting over all sorts of things. The only problem with being 22 is that in the not too distant future my children will be older than I am!

Thanks, Sara!

Posted by Keris on December 12, 2007 in Interviews | Permalink | Comments (1)

Readers' books of 2007

Last week I asked for your best and worst book of 2007 and we've received a few ... but we want more!

Megan said: Succubus Blues was a new fantasy series I discovered. I don't really read fantasy but this new series is so awesome and I just ate it up. It is a great foray into the a fantasy series. Georgina Kincaid will lure you in with her succubus charms but win you over with her heart, love of books and white mochas.

Tami said: Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen won my "best of" award. Pontoon by Garrison Keillor and Pretty Little Mistakes by Heather McElhatton bringing up the rear.

Robin said: The Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. I read the first five books back to back, and am fixing to start the sixth book. I don't want this series to ever end.

What about you? What have you loved? What have you loathed? Enquiring minds need to know!

Posted by Keris on December 12, 2007 in Opinion | Permalink | Comments (3)

December 11, 2007 4:01 PM

BOOK COVER: Pastures New

Pasturesnew Pastures New is the debut novel of Julia Williams, and it follows Amy Nicolson and her young son as they swap London life for country living.

Now, it could be because I'm getting in the festive mood and the illustration looks very much like a Christmas card, but I rather like this cover.

Related posts: Does a book cover matter? | Musical book covers

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 11, 2007 in Book covers, Book related, British Authors, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

What are your reading deal-breakers?

The other night I started reading Louise Candlish's Since I Don't Have You. The title, the cover featuring a small blonde child, and a back cover blurb speaking of "tragedy" led me to believe that Rachel, the main character's, six-year-old daughter may die, but when I actually got to the relevant point in the book I had to stop reading.

I've got a 3-year-old son and there was just no way I could read a book about a mother losing a child and still keep my wits about me (or, you know, be able to sleep). I read primarily for pleasure and I just wouldn't find that pleasurable.

I've also received Lullaby by Claire Seeber, a book about a missing baby. I'm sorry, but I can't read that one either.

I know that, for chick lit author Meg Cabot, a child dying in a TV series is a deal-breaker - once a TV shows kills off a child, Meg stops watching ... forever - but I haven't heard of any other reading deal-breakers.

Do you have them?

Posted by Keris on December 11, 2007 in Opinion | Permalink | Comments (16)

BOOK REVIEW: Holly's Inbox by Holly Denham

When I discovered the Holly's Inbox website, I had to force myself to stop reading or I wouldn't have got anything else done. I started reading the book on Saturday morning and pretty much didn't get anything done until I'd finished it on Sunday evening.

Written entirely in the form of emails to and from Holly, who has just started work as a receptionist at a large London bank. Her colleagues are generally awful (apart from Jennie who Holly went to school with ... at least to begin with) and it's only the emails from her friends Jason and Aisha that are getting her through. Until she starts a flirtation with James, one of the company's Vice Presidents. A flirtation that will eventually change everything. (Duh duh duhhhh!)

Holly's Inbox is an extremely easy read, but a totally compelling one. Very little really happens - the plot-based emails are interspersed with the kind of emails most women working in offices get: horoscopes, offers of cheap flights, money-laundering requests from Nigerian princes - but Holly's voice is so real that I was just as happy reading about her struggles to get her broken washing machine collected by the manufacturer as I was to read about her weekend in Spain with James.

Really, Holly's Inbox is the kind of book that gives chick lit a bad name, but it made me laugh and I struggled to put it down, so I just don't care. Great fun. (It was also written by a man, but I'm going to have to go and find out more about that...)

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try Boy Meets Girl by Meg Cabot

Posted by Keris on December 11, 2007 in British Authors, Rating: 3/5 | Permalink | Comments (5)

Introducing Helen Redfern

Helen is one of our new regular reviewers. You can read all about her at her blog, Redders Ramblings.

Favourite chick lit book: For their simplicity I would choose both Chloe by Freya North and Jemima J by Jane Green

Favourite chick lit author: For pure escapism and because she reminds me of being young, free and single I would have to choose Freya North. I adore Pip, Fen and Cat and love it when previous characters pop up unexpectedly.

Favourite fictional heroine: Georgina Kirrin - one fifth of the Famous Five. What a girl! As brave and as strong as any boy! But don’t make her do the washing up just because she’s a girl.

Favourite non chick lit book: Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfield. I discovered this when I was younger and can read it again and again. It is such a beautiful, gentle story.

Do you have a theme song? If I need inspiration I put on the soundtrack of Something’s Gotta Give. A fabulous film about a writer.

Related posts: Introducing Sarah Painter | Jill Hart

Posted by Keris on December 11, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK NEWS: Friday Nights by Joanna Trollope

Fridaynights Back when I was a teen, I used to read Joanna Trollope, as if it were science fiction. At a time when husbands (adulterous or otherwise), my own children and, of course, Agas, were a brave new world.

I have to admit, she doesn't really come onto my reading radar these days, but this cover caught my eye. It looks very, well, contemporary.

From her window, Eleanor sees two young women, with small children, separate, struggling and plainly lonely - and decides to ask them in, and see what happens. From that first act of friendship, a group of six different women, become a circle of friends, meeting every Friday night.

Friday Nights is out in hardback on 4 February 2008.

Related posts: Book News archive

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 11, 2007 in Book News, British Authors | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 10, 2007 7:09 PM

BOOK NEWS: Elmore Leonard's 10 Rules of Writing

Elmoreleonard Okay, I'm going to help you out with your Christmas shopping, now.*

For the Elmore Leonard fan who has everything...

HarperCollins is publishing a limited edition, leather-spined, cloth-bound hardcover of Elmore Leonard's 10 Rules of Writing. It has a signed, numbered first page, making it a collector's piece and is released on 18th December.

Related posts: Out of Sight | Jackie Brown | Get Shorty

*For the sake of my sanity, please don't tell me that you have finished and wrapped all of yours...

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 10, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Crime / Mystery | Permalink | Comments (1)

MORE ON MONDAY: Exit Music by Ian Rankin

Exitmusic Lovers of fascinating, intelligent crime fiction mourned the news that Exit Music was to be the final Rebus novel in the series. But, oh, what a send off.

The plot is complex with a mystery that leaves you guessing right to the end. A Russian poet has been murdered in Kings Stable Road, and, true to form, DI Rebus is soon annoying his superiors and making enemies by rattling the cages of Edinburgh's high and mighty.

It looks as if the murder may have connections with politicians, big business and even Rebus's nemesis - Edinburgh gangster Big Ger Cafferty.

Exit Music can't have been an easy book to write; tying up enough loose ends to be satisfying, while avoiding maudlin sentimentality or simple answers, but Rankin makes it look effortless.

This is one of the best Rebus books I have read (and I've read 'em all) and one I think will bear re-visiting. The relationship between Cafferty and Rebus is brilliantly drawn; both men older, maybe a little wiser, certainly more cautious. The parallels between the characters are handled with subtlety, adding depth and understanding.

Sioban Clarke, Rebus's partner, is as convincing and engaging as ever. Rankin has left the door wide open for Sioban to take centre stage, but we don't know as yet whether she will.

I salute Ian Rankin for this crowning achievement, and I raise a glass of malt to DI John Rebus. Thanks for the memories...

Rating: 5/5

Like this: Try: Any and all of the previous Rebus novels.

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 10, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Crime / Mystery, More On Monday, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: The Bermudez Triangle by Maureen Johnson

Maureen Johnson's second novel, The Bermudez Triangle, was famously banned by a school library in Oklahoma. Why? Lesbian content. I know! In a young adult book! Whatever next? Is it shocking and likely to corrupt our teenagers? Is it heck!

When Nina Bermudez goes attends a college study program during the summer, her best friends and the other two sides of the triangle (I wanted to say "titular triangle" there, but I thought, given the whole banning thing, I'd better not), Avery and Melanie don't know how they're going to manage without her. But before too long, they find that they're interested in being more than friends and soon they're managing just fine.

At Stanford, Nina's coping without them too. She's met a boy, Steve, and fallen madly in love. But, of course, summer doesn't last forever and soon Nina's back home. And not only is she missing Steve terribly, she's also finding her friends don't want her around so much anymore. And soon she finds out why.

The Bermudez Triangle is relentlessly entertaining, sensitive, sweet and wise, with one of the cutest supporting characters in the girls male friend, Parker. All three girls are beautifully drawn and their issues are neither sensationalised nor treated tritely. Of course, it's not just about young lady love (what?), it's also about growing up and finding your own identity and place in the world. Universal themes, in other words. All teenagers should read this book. Yes, even those in Oklahoma.

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Forever in Blue by Ann Brashares

Posted by Keris on December 10, 2007 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (5)

Authors on Coronation Street

No, not actually appearing, writing about it.

Our sister site, Corrieblog, is now edited by Sue Haasler, author of Time After Time, True Colours and more and the latest Coronation Street fan of the week is author Christina Jones (pictured), revealing why she'd like to see Norris in a pole-dancing club... (the mind boggles).

Related posts: Tickled Pink by Christina Jones | By Jack Rosenthal by Jack Rosenthal (former Coronation Street scriptwriter - I'm on linking fire today!) | Chick lit authors' favourite TV shows

Posted by Keris on December 10, 2007 in British Authors, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK NEWS: Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs

I loved Kate Jacobs' debut, The Friday Night Knitting Club, so I'm really looking forward to her next book, Comfort Food, out next May. (It'll be here sooner than you think!)

It's about "a celebrity chef, about to turn 50, who suddenly has to deal with her now-grown daughters, a beautiful, young, and pompous competitor at the Cooking Channel, and a blossoming attraction to her sous-chef."

Sounds good, but I'm not sure about the cover. Looks a bit dark to me (in more ways than one). What do you think?

Related posts: Book news: Secrets & Sweaters | The Perfectly True Tales of a Perfect Size 12 review (also about a celebrity chef - no flies on me!)

Posted by Keris on December 10, 2007 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (1)

December 7, 2007 4:43 PM

BOOK NEWS: Tell No Lies by Julie Compton

Tellnolies Tell No Lies is a psychological thriller and lawyer Julie Compton's debut. It's being compared to Jodi Picoult for its mix of intrigue, realtionships and ethical debate.

Jack Hilliard is a 35-year-old assistant DA who appears to have it all, including a great job and a solid marriage with his wife, Claire.

However, a flirtation with his lawyer friend, Jenny, gets rather more serious and Jack realises how easy he finds deception.

Despite his wife's advice that he should stand by his beliefs, Jack misrepresents his position on the death penalty to secure the top spot at the DA's office. Then, Jenny is accused of murder. Only Jack can prove her innocence, but he stands to lose his marriage and promotion by doing so...

Now, publishers have been (understandably) keen to find the 'new Jodi Picoult' and quick to label something as such, but Tell No Lies certainly sounds promising...

Related posts: Jodi Picoult interview | More crime and mystery

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 7, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Crime / Mystery | Permalink | Comments (0)

FRIDAY FLICK: Sense and Sensibility

Senseandsensibility Unsurprisingly, this film is based on Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility. A book I haven't actually read since my university days, but remember enjoying...

It features not just a stellar cast - including Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet and Alan Rickman - but a stellar director, too, in Ang Lee.

Emma Thompson plays Elinor - the sensible one - while Winslet is her more romantically-inclined sister, Marianne. The interplay between two sisters with very different temperaments is beautifully done, and the script fairly sparkles.

Speaking of the script, Emma Thompson proves yet again that some people are born with talent, and some are born with more talent than seems strictly fair. Not only does Thompson turn in a fabulous performance as Elinor Dashwood, she also wrote the excellent screenplay - deservedly winning an Oscar for it.

Greg Wise is perfect as Marianne's dashing - but ultimately feckless - suitor, Willoughby, while Alan Rickman plays against type as quiet, kind, Colonel Brandon. Hugh Grant acquits himself very well as Elinor's love interest - shy Edward Ferrars.

As always with Austen, the film says a great deal more about society and human nature than simply the search for a suitable husband. Thanks to splendid cinematography, stunning scenery and costumes, it looks very pretty while doing so.

It's my favourite of the Austen adaptations and the perfect Sunday afternoon film.

Related posts: Austen Week | Flirting with Pride & Prejudice | Lost in Austen

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 7, 2007 in Book related, British Authors, Friday Flick | Permalink | Comments (2)

MOVIE NEWS: Bride Wars

Anne Hathaway has signed on to star with Kate Hudson in a new comedy called Bride Wars about best friends who are pitted against each other when their wedding dates clash.

Gary Winick will direct and the script has been written by June Diane Raphael and Casey Wilson. Karen McCullah Lutz, author of The Bachelorette Party, and Kirsten Smith also wrote on the project.

For more wedding fun, check out our sister site, Bridalwave.

Posted by Keris on December 7, 2007 in Movie News | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK REVIEW - The Second Virginity of Suzy Green by Sara Hantz

Reviewed by Luisa Plaja

When Suzy moves to a new town after the death of her perfect older sister, she decides it's time to create a new identity for herself. She's going to get top grades, stop getting into trouble at school, take out her tongue stud, join the virginity club. Yes, the virginity club.

Apparently, in her new school, it's cool to pledge that you won't be tempted by the opposite sex (and that means no touching at all - and no kissing). But Suzy decides to join as part of her new image, with just one tiny technicality - she's not actually a virgin. But if she follows the VC rules from now on, then who could know the truth, except perhaps her ex? And then he turns up...

I can't think of a single YA title set in Australia that I haven't loved, and this book is no exception. Suzy is a sweet character who means well but never quite manages to adopt her new 'perfection', or at least not in every way. This means we still get to benefit from her brilliantly irreverent 'fringes of Goth' outlook, even as she struggles to be one of the glamorous, rich gang. My favourite moments were when her old voice came through loudly at unexpected moments, and always to great effect.

The characters are wonderful, especially Suzy's friend from home Maddie, who only features on the other end of the phone, but really shows us what the old Suzy was like. I also loved the ex, Ryan. We don't get to meet him directly until relatively late in the book, but it doesn't matter because this is an easy, fast read and one of those books where you're halfway through before you know it, desperately turning the pages to find out what happens next. I was surprised to find that the story doesn't dwell for long on the sadder aspects of Suzy's life, but this is something that fits well with Suzy's character. I should also point out that it's amazingly clean for a book with 'virginity' in the title (er, if that makes any sense).

The Second Virginity of Suzy Green has everything - laugh-out-loud humour, exciting cliffhangers, cringey embarrassing incidents, and also some total lump-in-your-throat moments. Plus a lovely cover, featuring two cherries - nice touch!

If you'd like to win a copy of this book, check out the giveaway on Chicklish!

Rating: 5/5

Like this? Try Good Girls by Laura Ruby

Posted by Keris on December 7, 2007 in American Authors, Rating: 5/5, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (1)

The best of 2007

One of the many things I love about Christmas is all the end of year best ofs. Best telly. Best films. Most impressive celebrity meltdown (lot of competition for that one this year) and, of course, best books.

We'll be telling you about our favourite books of 2007, but first we'd like to hear about yours. What's the best book you've read this year? Have you discovered a new author and devoured their back catalogue? Have you read the first book in a series and can't wait to read more? I suppose, for the sake of balance, you could tell us about the worst book you've read this year too (*evil cackle*).

Leave a comment and we'll feature your recommendations (and otherwise!) later this month.

Related posts: Top 100 Extravaganza!

Posted by Keris on December 7, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (4)

December 6, 2007 4:39 PM

Fancy working at Shiny Media?

You haven't forgotten that Shiny Media has two fantastic internships available, have you? In case you have (or if you weren't paying attention the first time I told you), you can win an internship, either as a video presenter or in video production, via the LG Video Media Talent Award. Here's a presenting hopeful:

Yes, she has got pretty hair. But what about her presenting skills? Think you can do better? Then submit your own video to our YouTube channel via this lovely smart button

If you don't fancy presenting or producing then click here instead and vote on other people's videos. You know, so you don't feel left out.

Posted by Keris on December 6, 2007 in Competition | Permalink | Comments (0)

THURSDAY TRAILBLAZER: Louisa May Alcott

Louisa Louisa May Alcott is probably best known for Little Women, her semi-autobiographical novel. Jo March, the heroine of the story, has captured generations of hearts and minds with her feisty, strong personality.

Alcott was born in Germantown, Pennsylvania on November 29, 1832. She and her three sisters, Anna, Elizabeth and May spent their childhood in Boston and in Concord, Massachusetts.

Like Jo March, young Louisa was a tomboy. She also loved reading, writing and putting on plays with her sisters.

The family were poor, and Louisa took a series of different jobs to help out. She continued writing, though, and when she was just 22, her first book Flower Fables was published.

As well as the extremely popular Little Women, with its follow-ups, Good Wives, Good Men and Jo's Boys, Louisa wrote racy 'pot-boilers' under the pseudonym A. M. Barnard. I had no idea!

I also didn't realise that Louisa published over 30 books and collections of stories in her lifetime. Louisa died from mercury-poisoning (she had been exposed during her nursing service in the American Civil War) aged 55.

Did you know? Alcott was an abolitionist and a feminist. She supported women's suffrage and was the first woman to register to vote in Concord, Massachusetts.

The Alcott's family home, Orchard House, is open for guided tours. Or you can take a virtual look around.

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 6, 2007 in American Authors, Book related, Thursday Trailblazer | Permalink | Comments (1)

How much would you pay for a Marian Keyes book?

Lovely Marian (to give her her full name) recently auctioned off the manuscript of her next book, This Charming Man, for the To Russia With Love charity she's supported for a while now.

It went for 3500Euro, which is about £2,500 (US$5000). Now I'm really looking forward to reading Ms Keyes book, but not *that* much...

[via Marian Keyes - if you only do one thing today (apart from reading Trashionista), please read this Marian Keyes newsletter. You will cry with laughter.]

While we're on the subject, you can catch Marian on Strictly Come Dancing's It Takes Two again this very night (BBC2, 6.30pm).

Posted by Keris on December 6, 2007 in Marian Keyes | Permalink | Comments (2)

BOOK REVIEW: Under the Rose by Diana Peterfreund

Undertherose Keris loved the first book in this series, Secret Society Girl, so I was excited to read Under the Rose. It's the second book and follows on from Amy Haskell's initiation into the prestigious Rose & Grave society at Eli University.

I like to read books in order, where possible (doesn't everyone?), but I needn't have worried. Peterfreund weaves in the back-story from the first book seamlessly and I never felt lost.

Amy's club is the first in the society's long history to include women and some of the patriarchs aren't too happy about it. The book opens with mysterious threatening emails to each of the female members (the Diggirls) and continues on a rollercoaster ride of intrigue and suspicion.

I loved dipping into a world of Ivy League life and secret society rituals; this book really made a change from my usual reading. I felt exhilarated by Amy's schedule of papers, meetings and romantic liaisons with the delicious George 'Puck' Harrison. In truth, I was compelled to snatch moments with this book until I had devoured the entire thing.

The third book in the series, The Rites of Spring (Break), is scheduled for next summer and I will definitely reach for another slice of this smart, exciting, and very witty world.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try: Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 6, 2007 in American Authors, Rating: 4/5, Recent Release | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK COVER: Remember Me?

I mentioned Sophie Kinsella's new book, Remember Me?, a little while ago and featured the American cover (right).

At the time, the UK cover wasn't on Amazon and now it is. That's it on the left. It's nice enough, but it seems a bit old hat to me. What do you think? (It also really reminds me of someone else's covers, but I can't put my finger on whose. Any ideas?)

Posted by Keris on December 6, 2007 in Book covers, Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (8)

BOOKS FOR CHRISTMAS: Boys and Girls

If, like me, you haven't started your Christmas shopping yet (seriously, what happened to November?!), then look no further.

Obviously, if you're reading this blog, you'll either be buying books as presents or putting books on your list for Santa, and so for the next couple of weeks we'll be making a few recommendations.

First up is Boys and Girls: A Ladybird Book of Childhood. I only have to look at the cover of a Ladybird book and I'm swept right back into a time "When a BlackBerry was something you picked in a country lane and not something you spent your weekend ignoring." The perfect Christmas afternoon nostalgia book.

Related posts: The Xmas Factor | The Worst Noel

Posted by Keris on December 6, 2007 in Book related | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 5, 2007 5:31 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Rules for Saying Goodbye by Katherine Taylor

Reviewed by Helen Redfern

Rules for Saying Goodbye is the debut novel by Katherine Taylor. Many writers' first novels are autobiographical or semi autobiographical. Katherine’s is no exception except she goes further and names her main character after herself.

At the age of twelve Katherine, the book's central character, is sent away by her mother from the town in California, where she lives with her parents and two brothers, to an East Coast boarding school where she discovers boys, the cruelties of teenage girls and pink cocaine. She then drifts from New York to London, back to New York, to Rome, back to New York before finally settling in LA. Most of the story takes place in New York. But Sex and the City this isn’t. To be fair though, I don’t think that was Taylor's intention.

In an interview reported here on Trashionista Katherine the writer has stated that it’s hard “when you’re blonde and attractive and you live in LA and you’ve written a book about a young woman in New York, not to be called ‘chick-lit’”. This is definitely a darker, more satirical book than the more frothy contemporary women’s fiction around and I applaud Katherine the writer for that and for her brave style of writing.

But, in all honesty. I didn’t get it.

Fellow writer Polly Williams in an interview with Trashionista describes Rules for Saying Goodbye as "hilarious". Much of Katherine’s satire and punchy one liners however were lost on me. Where, I suspect, Katherine is being satirical, I just found it depressing. In fact the whole book has a sense of doom. Whether this was because she tended to focus on the more negative things that happened to "her" or she is being dry, making clever observations about life and I am just too stupid to see the humour.

But those things she does mention - the cancer of her best friend, her mother’s depression - we don’t actually get much depth from. Like 9/11 - she makes reference to it, but it is casual - although her hints at the depression that lies over New York in the days, weeks and months that follow are perhaps more real than what has been written about elsewhere.

As for Katherine the character I get to neither like her or know her during the course of the book. I got the sense when researching Katherine the writer that she is determined and feisty but this doesn’t come across. Had it done so, I think I would have actually liked the book.

For me, the book is summed up when Katherine meets a long lost elderly acquaintance and opts not to say hello because she has "nothing interesting to tell her". Quite. So why write a book about this "nothing interesting"?

Rating: 2/5

Like this? Try The Wonder Spot by Melissa Bank

Posted by Keris on December 5, 2007 in Rating: 2/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK NEWS: Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich

Plumlucky The roaringly successful (and Trashionista-favourite) series of Stephanie Plum novels are numbered for easy ordering.

However, Janet Evanovich also treats her fans to the occasional 'between the numbers' novella to keep us going between the main events... We've had Visions of Sugar Plums and Plum Lovin' and now - Plum Lucky.

In Plum Lucky, Grandma Mazur has high-tailed it to Atlantic City with a winnebago and a bag of stolen money and Stephanie needs to get her back. It's out on 8 January 2008 and looks like a good way to chase away the post-New-Year-blues.

Related posts: One for the Money | Two for the Dough | Twelve Sharp

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 5, 2007 in American Authors, Book News, Crime / Mystery, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

YAY OR NAY WEDNESDAY

So last week I asked you what you thought of the proposed cover for Hester Browne's third Little Lady book, What the Lady Wants, and we were unanimous in our nays. Since then I've heard from Hester's agent, publisher and Hester herself that that's probably not going to be the cover after all. Sadly not because of our nays (the power!), but ... well, just because. Even more sadly, the book's release has been postponed from January 2008 to the end of May. But I have no doubt that it will be worth waiting for.

On to this week's question. I recently read Shari Low's The Motherhood Walk of Fame and, on the back of the book, discovered some little categorising icons. The choices are Terror, Thrills, Drama, Love, Sex, and Humour, each with their own little illustration (an Oscar for Drama, a pair of pants for Sex, etc.) and then there's a pie chart to let you know what to expect from the book you're holding in your hot little hand.

For example, The Motherhood Walk of Fame is approximately 60% Humour, 20% Love and 20% Drama.

What do you think of this kind of information on a book? Is it simply a helpful indication of what you might expect or a patronising insult to the reader's intelligence? In other words...

Book category icons: Yay or Nay and Why?

[Don't forget it's Yay or Nay day at Hippyshopper, Bridalwave, Dollymix, Corrie Blog, Catwalk Queen, Kiss and Makeup, The Bag Lady, Shoewawa and Shiny Shiny, too!]

Posted by Keris on December 5, 2007 in Yay or Nay, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (3)

BOOK NEWS: The Xmas Factor by Annie Sanders

If you've been playing close attention over the last year or so, you'll know that I can't stand punning titles, so Annie Sanders The Xmas Factor was bound to bug me. I also don't like people pronouncing Christmas "Exmas" and I'm no fan of The X Factor TV show. So why am I mentioning this book? Because it's not all about me!

The tale of two women with two totally different approaches to the festive season, The Xmas Factor has had great reviews and is probably the perfect book to curl up with on Christmas (sorry, Exmas) afternoon when you've eaten too many sprouts.

Posted by Keris on December 5, 2007 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (4)

INTERVIEW: Jane Espenson (interviewed by Shanna Swendson)

A doubly exciting author interview this week since we've not only writer and producer of shows such as Buffy and Gilmore Girls, Jane Espenson (right) answering questions, the questions were set by one of our favourite authors, Shanna Swendson (left).

Jane recently edited the essay collection, Serenity Found - about Joss Whedon's TV series Firefly - so some of Shanna's questions relate to the show, but even if, like me, you've never seen the show, there's plenty here to enjoy.

A lot of your TV writing career has involved science fiction and fantasy (Buffy, Angel, Firefly, Battlestar Galactica), but you're also a big fan of Jane Austen (and contributor to Flirting with Pride and Prejudice) -- that seems like a complete opposite, but do you see any similarities or parallels between those vastly different genres?

Parallels! First off, is life in Jane Austen's England any less exotic and strange than life on Galactica or Serenity? But the real parallel is a set of characters who seem completely fresh and real and identifiable no matter how alien the world they're inhabiting.

You know what current show I also see as having this quality? Friday Night Lights. It's a gorgeous show that consistently reminds me of Battlestar Galactica and Firefly -- it creates/reflects a real world filled with lots of real and complex characters with consistent but constantly-changing relationships, shot as if the camera just happened to be catching slices of real lives... the fact that FNL is set in small-town Texas instead of on a spaceship doesn't matter one bit to me. Both worlds are a little bit strange to me -- what does it matter that one requires artificial gravity and other artificial turf?

What do you think Firefly fans will get out of reading this essay collection?

They will not just be educated and entertained, but also delighted and outraged! Actually, I think they'll get a couple different things. Several of the essays, including the fine ones by Nathan Fillion and Loni Peristere, give an insider's look at the show, that I think fans will find fascinating. Others, like Orson Scott Card's outstanding contribution, discuss the show's place in the history of this kind of production/literature. I found that particularly interesting. Still others analyze the show from a wide variety of social and political points of view that highlight how much viewers can draw from this show to support or challenge their own opinions.

I think everyone is going to come away from the collection with a different favorite essay, and probably a different disfavorite too. (I know, but it COULD be a word.) It's not just a paean to the show -- it actually adds to the experience of watching. At least I hope so. Read it, watch, and then let me know.

Do any of these essays change your perception of the series in any way?

I was fascinated to read about the history of the SciFi-Western as discussed in the essay by Bruce Bethke. I had no idea this had been a pre-existing model and CERTAINLY no idea that it had been a disrespected one and why. I was riveted by this. I also adore the essays by Natalie Hayes and Maggie Burns, both of which shed intelligent light on Joss's treatment of female characters. But the two that most literally changed how I watch the show are probably those by Loni and Nathan -- it's the inside knowledge that these two bring that actually pulls me INSIDE the scenes.

Why do you think this series has had such enduring popularity, in spite of being cancelled midway through its first season?

I'm starting to think that it's as much "because of" as it is "in spite of." There's something about a life tragically cut short that stokes fascination because of the sense of what might have been. "Firefly" is James Dean, you know? But that's only a small factor. I think the show, with its crystal-clear vision, simply gave people something they were hungry for: a show with a point of view, with something to say, and very human characters to say it. Audiences now are enjoying shows with moral complexity, and "Firefly" had that. The wonderful thing about flawed and complex characters is that you never feel like you've fully gotten to know them, so you keep wanting more. And there you are, around at that James Dean thing again.

What more "girly" stuff (books, TV, movies) would you recommend for the Austen side of the brain?

I think it's all the same side of the brain, but I have to recommend Margaret Atwood's classic "The Handmaid's Tale" and Kazuo Ishiguro's "Never Let You Go," both books that take a scifi-ish premise and then install strong female (Austeny, if you will) characters that project utter reality.

What are you reading now (or most recently)?

Roots -- "reading" it in the unabridged audio book form, with Avery Brooks from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine doing the reading. It's wonderful and long... fills weeks of commuting time and makes me sorry to leave the car! I'm also reading (actually reading this time), Stephen Colbert's book, "I Am America (And So Can You)". Hilarious -- the marginalia stuff is just the kind of thing that most amuses me.

Your Flirting with Pride and Prejudice essay was a follow-up to Pride and Prejudice. Have you found yourself coming up with additional story ideas for the TV series you've worked on after you've left the staff or the series has been cancelled? Do those characters keep living in your head, or do you have to move on for the sake of your own sanity?

I generally move onto a new show right away, and I always think the characters have gone away, but I have to say that at least once a week I'll think of some little joke or funny observation that references pop culture and I'll think to myself, "Ooh, maybe I could work that into my next script -- Anya or Willow could--" And then I'll remember that there's no way to joke a pop culture joke into Battlestar.

If you were going to suggest a topic for another pop culture book, what topic would you choose?

Jon Stewart/Stephen Colbert and their fake news empire. I'd love to read more about the backstage workings of putting together those shows, and more about their impact, too. I'm baffled by the way they put those shows together four nights a week. Genius!

Is there an essay you're dying to write about some aspect of pop culture?

I want to write a book about how to write for television, but that's not really the same thing. An essay about pop culture? Well, I'm very interested in the evolution of joke styles in broadcast comedy -- from radio to classic television to today. Not just the topics of the jokes, but the way the information is presented in the joke. I think there's an interesting analysis to be done there.

Thanks, Jane and Shanna for a fascinating interview!

Posted by Keris on December 5, 2007 in Interviews, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

Dolly Parton launches literacy scheme

Having recently read that children in England have dropped from 3rd to 19th in the world for reading skills, I was hoping for some kind of a shot-in-the-arm for the nation's literacy.

I didn't, however, expect it to come from a diminutive Grammy-award-winning country star. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library involves posting children a book every month up to the age of five and is being launched in Rotherham.

The Imagination Library is already active in 40 US states and is funded by the Dollywood Foundation.

[Via AOL]

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 5, 2007 in Book related, Opinion | Permalink | Comments (2)

December 4, 2007 5:35 PM

BOOK NEWS: Spinster's Quest: 50 Ways to Meet a Lover

Yet more blook news...

Actress Lucy-Anne Holmes has just signed a two-book deal with Pan Macmillan, the first of which is based on her blog.

Titled Spinster's Quest: 50 Ways to Meet a Man, it's being billed as the adventures of "a Bridget Jones for the 21st century". We'll have to wait until 2009 to find out how accurate that is...

[Via Bookseller]

Related posts: From blog-to-book | Blooker Prize

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 4, 2007 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

TUESDAY THREE: In the money

One of my recurring fantasies as a teenager (along with the one about George Michael rescuing me from school ... the mean girls would have died of envy!), was inheriting a frighteningly huge amount of money from a relative. It never happened (nor did the George Michael thing, sadly), but inheritance plays a part in the following three books.

Belinda Jones’s I Love Capri features Kim, who is down on love and down on life. Following the death of a grandfather she's never met, Kim inherits £5,000, which she plans to spend on liposuction for her and her long-suffering flatmate. Before she can book an appointment, however, her mother whisks her off to Capri, home of the deceased grandfather, to do the translating as her mother prepares to take over her grandfather's boutique.

Initially terrified of leaving her comfort zone, Kim finds that life in Capri is better than she could have imagined. But self-discovery isn't all that Capri has in store for Kim. Oh no. After all, it wouldn't be chick lit without a love affair, and spokes in wheels, and heartache, and more love, and extra suitors - inappropriate, natch - hiding in the wings.

Practically Perfect by Katie Fforde centres around Anna, a qualified interior designer who decides to spend her inheritance money on a little cottage in Amberford. Quickly Anna begins to wonder if she has bitten off more than she can chew. She feels worse still when her next door neighbour, Chloe, mentions the fact that the row of cottages is listed and extra planning permission is required to do anything. As if looking after a dog - Anna's landed with the care of Caroline the rescue greyhound - and effectively rebuilding a house is not enough to contend with, Anna soon finds herself crossing swords with Rob Hunter who happens to be the one person she could do with keeping on side!

Marina Lewycka’s debut novel, A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian, turns up frequently in the Tuesday Three. I can only imagine she had that in mind when she wrote it. No? Anyway, sisters Nadia and Vera have an antagonistic relationship, thanks, in part, to their unequally-split inheritance. See, I just wanted to mention that inheritances aren’t always good news. But that George Michael visit would've been ace...

Posted by Keris on December 4, 2007 in Tuesday Three | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK REVIEW: The Forever Summer by Suzanne Macpherson

I know it seems weird me reviewing a book called The Forever Summer in the depths of winter (well, I'm trying to pretend this is the depths and it's not going to get much worse...), but this book isn't really "summery". In fact, it's rather cosy.

When beautiful but bitchy Emily Ruth Griffin drops dead in the produce aisle of the supermarket where Lila works, Lila's immediate worry is that she's poisoned her with the Cheese Whiz and crackers Emily had just sampled.

But when Emily Ruth starts haunting both the produce aisle and Lila herself, Lila's got more to worry about. Like the kid in the Sixth Sense, Lila sees dead people. But not All The Time, just when they've got a beef. But what's Emily Ruth's beef? Lila doesn't know. It's got something to do with lemons and babies, but she's not making herself clear.

Could it be that Lila has started dating Emily Ruth's sexy ex-husband, Lucas? Probably not since Emily Ruth cheated on him with his own brother... And what about the man Emily Ruth was preparing to have dinner with on the day he died? And what's with all the dead wives in this town, anyway?

So many questions... And, actually, not so many answers. I really enjoyed this book, but that's mainly because the characters are so good rather than the plot. I didn't guess what Emily Ruth was after, but I worked out whodunnit very early on. It didn't matter though, because Lila and Lucas (along with the minor characters) are very entertaining and I was happy to join them for the ride.

The other thing I loved about this book was the setting. It's a small town in either Ontario or Washington State (apologies if this is clear in the book; if so, I missed it) and it reminded me a bit of Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls and you know how much I love Gilmore Girls.

This is the first of Suzanne Macpherson's books I've read, but I'll definitely look out for more.

Rating: 3/5

Like this? Try The Fortune Quilt by Lani Diane Rich

Posted by Keris on December 4, 2007 in American Authors, Crime / Mystery, Rating: 3/5, Romance, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (0)

Movie News: I am legend

Holy Smoke! I just watched the preview for I am legend (courtesy of Meg Cabot's blog) and my heart is racing.

Based on Richard Matheson's 1954 novel of the same name, I am legend depicts New York City after a virus has wiped out every human bar one. Will Smith plays Robert Neville, the last man alive, but he is Not Alone.

It's out later this month and I want to see it. I may have to watch it from between my fingers, but I want to see it...

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 4, 2007 in Movie News, Opinion, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 3, 2007 4:41 PM

BOOK REVIEW: The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets by Eva Rice

Lostartofkeepingsecrets Eva Rice, daughter of famous lyricist Tim Rice, has penned a charming book in the fine tradition of Nancy Mitford.

Set in the 1950's England, The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets, is the enchanting coming-of-age story of Penelope Wallace.

Penelope lives in a vast but crumbling family home called Milton Magna Hall. Her mother, widowed at a young age, is beautiful and difficult, while her brother, Inigo, is obsessed with Elvis Presley.

Penelope is befriended by the confident and glamorous Charlotte Ferris, and her world widens to encompass Charlotte's Aunt Clare and enigmatic cousin Henry.

I love Eva Rice's writing style - so simple and elegant - and the way she (seemingly) effortlessly evokes the time period.

It is one of those delicious reads that you finish and want to turn over and begin all over again...

Rating: 4/5

Like this: Try: I Capture the Castle by Dodi Smith

Extra! Eva Rice's new book is scheduled for release in April 2008. It's called The Dragonfly Summer and I, for one, can't wait.

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 3, 2007 in Book News, Book related, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (3)

BOOK NEWS: The Worst Noel

Yesterday I bought a Christmas tree and I'm very excited, not least because we'll be decorating it tonight with mince pies and Bailey's. I don't mean we're decorating the tree with mince pies, I mean we'll be eating the mince pies while decorating ... oh, never mind.

Anyway, I was also excited when I spotted this Christmas collection, The Worst Noel, which includes an essay by Marian Keyes on preparing dinner for her Irish family of 13, "when she's never cooked a day in her life and only owns four chairs" along with essays from Trashionista faves, Valerie Frankel and Amy Krouse Rosenthal.

Related posts: Marian Keyes interview | Hex and the Single Girl by Valerie Frankel | Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Posted by Keris on December 3, 2007 in Book News, Marian Keyes | Permalink | Comments (2)

MORE ON MONDAY: My Take by Gary Barlow

I was recently in the position of having to be on a train for a total of ten hours (it was only a five hour journey, but travelling on the weekend doubled the time!). I wanted to take a guaranteed good read. A book that would see me through both the journey and any additional delays. Along with four other books (I wouldn't want to be caught short, would I?), I decided on Gary Barlow's autobiography.

I was (let's face it, still am) a huge Take That fan and, while Gary wasn't my favourite, his speedy fall from grace following the band's split, along with the feud with Robbie, of course, meant I knew this book would be fascinating. And it was. From his childhood in Frodsham, Cheshire, we're quickly launched into Gary's passion for music and his early years entertaining in working men's clubs. While interesting, this part soon got old, but luckily Gary's Take That audition arrived to liven things up.

Gary took his (self-made) demo tape to Nigel Martin-Smith's management company. Nigel loved Gary's songs (his looks, less so) and decided he'd be perfect for the boy band he was forming to compete with New Kids on the Block. Gary was introduced to Robbie, Mark, Jason and Howard and the rest is pop history.

Gary is brutally honest in his treatment of Nigel Martin-Smith and Martin-Smith himself sounds like a fascinating character, both genius and control freak. Gary is also honest about his own control freak tendencies, but he's not quite as hard on himself as he is on Nigel. Of course, he was young when Take That started and he does admit that he gave Robbie a hard time, but he claims he was clueless about it all, which I'm not sure is true. He does, however, include a telling conversation with Jason following the band's break-up, in which Jason told him what a nightmare he was.

The book's been fully updated since the reunion and towards the end, I started to feel very warm towards Gary (no, not like that; I save that for Jason). Gary loves his family, is mad about his wife and kids, and thrilled to be given a second chance at stardom. No, it's not the way he wanted things to go, but he's more than making the best of it. Plus he's traded in his ridiculous Elton-style mansion for a 3-bed semi, bless him. How could you not love that?

It's a gripping read and Gary's also got an entertainingly dry sense of humour, but it's probably for Take That fans only.

Rating: 4/5

Like this? Try Feel by Chris Heath

Posted by Keris on December 3, 2007 in British Authors, Celebrity Authors, Memoirs, Rating: 4/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

Introducing Sarah Painter

If you're observant, you've probably noticed that, since Diane left Trashionista, we've had a few different reviewers. So I thought I'd introduce them. Writing for Trashi every day (along with me) is Sarah Painter.

Favourite chick lit book: Heartburn by Nora Ephron or High Fidelity by Nick Hornby.

Favourite chick lit author: This has got to Jennifer Crusie. I love her characters, her humour, and the worlds she creates. In fact, I'd like to live in one...

Favourite fictional heroine: I would find it very difficult to play favourites with a Crusie heroine, so I'm going to plump for Buffy. Yes, the vampire slayer. Yes. I am a geek.

Favourite non chick lit book: Impossible to choose just one. You have a gun? Okay, then... A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. Or Wonder Boys by Michael Chabon. Or Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman. Or The Magician's Assistant by Ann Patchett. Bang! Oops.

Do you have a theme song? I listen to music specific to the book when I'm writing - so at the moment it's lots of Elvis and Johny Cash. Theme song for real life would be Moving On Up by Primal Scream.

Thanks, Sarah!

Posted by Keris on December 3, 2007 in Announcements | Permalink | Comments (5)

Don't Quote Me and Love Writing notebooks

Dqm_coloursjp Bookery has created a host of fabby journals and diaries, but these little hardback notebooks are just right for a Christmas gift. Yes, Christmas. It is December, you know.

They are hand-bound and cost £17.95 from notonthehighstreet.com. Don't Quote Me has embossed quotation marks on the front and back cover and Love Writing has hearts. Look at the pretty colours!

Posted by Sarah Painter on December 3, 2007 in Bookish products | Permalink | Comments (1)