There's something really beautiful about being one of the first. It's a privilege and an honor. This is especially true for getting to read someone's book baby. It does take an extremely long time to write and then publish something. Although 2020 has been an absolute wild ride of a year, there have been silver linings. Advance reading copies, or ARCs, has been a delight for me this year. I've been able to read fabulous work from both established and new authors. In the above photo, … [Read more...]
Tips on Virtual Speaking
June 29, 2020 Leave a Comment
Whew! I just finished my first virtual reading last Thursday. It was a fun time with other great authors (see flyer below). Plus, it even raised much-needed money for a Minneapolis nonprofit & an amazing bookstore. After this speaking experience, I tweaked some advice for typical real-time readings and learned to: 1) Look at audienceWhen speaking to a live audience, it’s definitely good to break contact from the page and visually connect with listeners. A few of the other authors … [Read more...]
#BookReview: Every Soul a Star
January 22, 2018 Leave a Comment
“You will live a long, prosperous life.” Every Soul a Star 5 stars Pros: Science made interesting Different perspectives True teen voices Cons: May be too sweet for some I really enjoyed Every Soul a Star. Since I recently saw the solar eclipse, I had to check out this read. I love how Mass incorporated scientific facts in this book. Every Soul is a slow, thoughtful read. Some people might find fault with that (see my con above), but I found it refreshing. The voices … [Read more...]
#BookReview: The Sun is Also a Star
August 7, 2017 4 Comments
"Now is the time to go ahead and pursue that love interest!" The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon 5 stars Pros: Quick pace Timely discussion (immigration issues, cross-cultural relationships) Love story Cons: Different narrative formats (could be disorienting for some) Belieavability about love at first sight (for those who don't think it exists) The Sun is Also a Star is an amazing book. I love how it deals with really sensitive issues like immigration and … [Read more...]
#BookReview: Under the Feet of Jesus
May 15, 2017 2 Comments
“You have an accurate and professional mind.” Under the Feet of Jesus by Helena Maria Viramontes 3.5 stars Pros: Clear snapshot of farming life Complex characters Cons: Not plot-paced, a slower read Less about the teen protagonists (though they serve as main characters) 3.5 stars. I really liked the picture Viramontes gives us of field workers. It's a fascinating and heartbreaking world that I didn't have much exposure to. The words in the novel are all beautiful, … [Read more...]
Angels Flight Reading
March 27, 2017 4 Comments
"Meaningful relationships bring meaning to life." It's nice to live in a city pulsing with culture. Once in a while, I'll pop by a reading. Sometimes they're held in cool places like Clifton's Republic, complete with stuffed animals. (Clifton's is a rebooted historical cafeteria that features woodland decor.) My impetus to go was my friend Siel Ju's newest book, CAKE TIME. Winner of the 2015 Red Hen Press Fiction Award, it officially launches April 6th, but I got a freshly minted … [Read more...]
Sailouh- The Power of Words
June 4, 2012 2 Comments
Sailouh: children, kids. Sailouh meant "little boy" in ancient China. King Mouh, the first ruler of the Chou dynasty, introduced his younger brother as sailouh. (The term subtly shifts to "sailou" when describing one's own younger brother.) Triad gangs use these family terms, with the leader addressed as "Daaihlou" (elder brother) and the man under him known as "Sailou." Thus, one simple phrase can yield various meanings. It is the power of words that first lured me into reading as a child. … [Read more...]
