Reading Goals for 2015 - Carolyn

Since I (Alyson) seem to be at some kind of weird impasse with my New Year's post, I reached out to Carolyn and asked what she wanted to read or do this new year.  So, I turn it over to her:

As the New Year has just begun, here is a list of books I will be reading and events I will be attending in 2015.

Books released in 2015:

Fairest by Marissa Meyer (Feiwel and Friends, January 2015) and Winter by Marissa Meyer (Feiwel and Friends, November 2015)

The prequel to the Lunar Chronicles, Fairest will explore the past of the wicked Queen Levana. As a huge fan of the series, I'm looking forward to its release. Marissa Meyer is actually blessing us readers with two books this year, as Winter, the fourth and last(?) installment of the Lunar Chronicles is slated to release later this year (and thus the cover has yet to be released).

A Girl Undone by Catherine Linka (St. Martin's Griffin, June 2015)

One of my favorite debuts of 2014 was A Girl Called Fearless, and so one of the books I'm most looking forward to is A Girl Undone, the sequel to Catherine Linka's brilliant first novel. I'm intrigued to see what will happen to Avie, the main character, after the events of the first book.

The Vanishing Throne by Elizabeth May (September 2015)

The Falconer was one of my favorite releases this past year, and so I'm greatly anticipating the release of the sequel, The Vanishing Throne. While it does have a UK release date (fall of this year), a US release date has yet to be announced, so I'm crossing my fingers and hoping it'll be released soon.

The Chess Queen Enigma by Colleen Gleason (Chronicle Books, October 2015)

As a big fan of the Stoker and Holmes novels, I am greatly anticipating the release of the third book in the series. Since the release is scheduled for fall, a cover is yet to be released.

Series to catch up on:

Princesses of Myth books by Esther Friesner 

I've read the first five books of Princesses of Myth series (Nobody's Princess, Nobody's Prize, Sphinx's Princess, Sphinx's Queen, and Spirit's Princess), but I need to read the sixth (Spirit's Chosen) and seventh (Deception's Princess) books in the series before the eighth book (Deception's Pawn) is released in April of this year. The Princesses of Myth series follows the fictionalized yet historical stories of various heroines throughout history: Helen of Sparta, the Egyptian queen Nefertiti, Himiko (the daughter of a 3rd century Japanese cheiftain), and most recently, Princess Maeve of Ireland.

The Maisie Dobbs series, by Jacqueline Winspear

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of the the Maise Dobbs books, a mystery series that follows a detective through the 1930s as she solves a number of crimes, often pertaining to the after effects of the Great War. The eleventh book, A Dangerous Place, will be released this March, so I have some catching up to do - I've only read the first six books. The Maisie Dobbs books, in order, clockwise from top left: Maisie Dobbs, Birds of a Feather, Pardonable Lies, Messenger of Truth, An Incomplete Revenge, Among the Mad, The Mapping of Love and Death, A Lesson in Secrets, Elegy for Eddie, and Leaving Everything Most Loved.

Books to read and series to start:

Maze Runner Books by James Dashner

I've meant to read the Maze Runner books for a while now, but I am seriously planning on reading them, because I just recently saw the movie (yes, I did break one of the cardinal rules of book lovers - I saw the movie before I read the book).

 The Hush Hush Saga by Becca Fitzpatrick

Another YA series I've been meaning to read. After several recommendations, the Hush Hush books have made it into my tbr pile.

All of John Green's books

While I'm a huge fan of the Vlogbrothers (John and Hank Green's Youtube vlog), I've only read one of John Green's books (The Fault in Our Stars). I'm planning on reading the rest of his collected works: Looking For Alaska, Let it Snow, Paper Towns, Will Grayson, Will Grayson, and An Abundance of Katherines. 

Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince) by Antoine de Saint Exupéry

I've read The Little Prince before - both as a child and in my freshman honor's English class - and I utterly adore it. However, now that I'm in my second year of French, I want to read it in the original French. The upcoming movie (at least the French version) will be released this year, so reading the book again will be a great way to refresh my memory.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

My mother bought me a copy of of the book after hearing great reviews about it, but I haven't had a chance to read it yet. I'm super excited to read The Book Thief, and it is at the top of my TBR pile.

Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor

I've already read the first two books of the Daughter of Smoke and Bone Trilogy (Daughter of Smoke and Bone and Days of Blood and Starlight) and haven't had a chance to finish the trilogy with the last book. I loved the first two books, and I hope that the third doesn't disappoint. 

Book Events I'm looking forward to attending in 2015:

SCIBA Children's Literacy Day 

For the past two years, I've had the privilege of attending the SCIBA (Southern California Independent Booksellers' Association) Children's Literacy Dinner in February, where I had the opportunity to socialize with booksellers, authors, and publicists. This year, a day-long event will be held (more information about that can be found here). I'm looking forward to attending; it has been a highlight of my year every time I've gone, and I'm sure it will be just as enjoyable.

Pasadena Teen Book Fest

Last year, the first ever Pasadena Teen Book Fest was held. I had a great time volunteering and attending, and look forward to doing so again this year.

LA Times Festival of Books

A must-do for , the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is a weekend long event featuring author panels, book signings, book sellers, and lots of book-lovers. I've had a blast every time I've attended and look forward to attending this year.

ALA Annual Conference

For something new, I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be attending the American Librarian Association's Annual Conference in San Francisco this summer. I've never been before, but it promises to be a great weekend full of books (as well as a great networking opportunity). 

Happy New Year to you, and I wish you all a lovely year (full of books) to come!

_______________
You can find Carolyn here on Fridays since the summer.  You can follow her on twitter @yalitfrenzy

Favorite YA Picks of 2014

As the New Year is quickly approaching, Kid Lit Frenzy will go through some of their favorite picks from 2014.  You can check out Alyson's best nonfiction for Kids: Part I and Part II.  Today, Carolyn is taking this opportunity to list some of her favorite YA books from this year. 

Here are Carolyn's top YA Picks for 2014, in no particular order:

Let the Storm Break by Shannon Messenger (Simon Pulse, March 2014)

This fantasy novel is the perfect sequel, thrusting Vane (the main character deeper) into the secret world of sylphs and captivating the reader more and more as the book goes on. 

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson (Simon & Schuster, May 2014)

At first appearing nothing more than a simple but enjoyable summer read, Since You've Been Gone surprised me with its interesting plot and covertly-stirring thematic ideas. The book chronicles the summer of one teenage girl as she attempts to navigate her life without the presence of her seemingly-constant best friend.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han (Simon & Schuster, April 2014)

A poignantly hilarious book, To All the Boys I've Loved Before explores the life of a teenager forced to confront the boys she's ever secretly fallen in love with when her private letters are suddenly mailed to every single one. I'm usually not a huge fan of realistic fiction, but this novel was simultaneously funny and touching; overall, a deeply satisfying read.

The Falconer by Elizabeth May (Chronicle Books, May 2014)

The Falconer is the thrilling tale of the young Lady Aileana Kameron, a Victorian debutant by day and a faerie-killer at night. An excellent read for those who enjoy both fantasy and historical fiction.

Midnight Thief by Livia Blackburne (Disney-Hyperion, July 2014)

Livia Blackburne's debut novel is an intriguing book filled with assassins, mysterious barbarians, and the troubling politics the protagonist must navigate while dealing with all the different groups; Midnight Thief is a complex and worthwhile read. 

Cress by Marissa Meyer (Feiwel & Friends, February 2014)

As a huge fan of the Lunar Chronicles, I had been looking forward to Cress for quite some time. Marissa Meyer managed to create an even more complex plot in this third book, as the book artfully weaves together the story of several different characters in the futuristic world of the Lunar Chronicles.

A Girl Called Fearless by Catherine Linka (St. Martin's Griffin, May 2014)

Definitely one of my favorite books this entire year, Catherine Linka's debut novel A Girl Called Fearless is a brilliant and thought-provoking book that uses the backdrop of an alternate history (in which massive amounts of women were tragically killed) to explore ideas of patriarchy and oppressive societies. 

Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo (Henry Holt & Co. June 2014)

Ruin and Rising is the perfect end to the Grisha Trilogy and a superb read (which eases the too-familiar pain that comes when any great series ends).

The Spiritglass Charade by Colleen Gleason (Chronicle Books, October 2014)

This year was full of great fantasy releases, and the second installment in the Stoker and Holmes novels does not disappoint. Exploring the more supernatural elements of the alternate Victorian world that serves as the setting, the Spiritglass Charade is a thrilling mystery that's sure to please. 

I hope you enjoy this holiday season and have a lovely year (full of books) to come.

_________________________________________

Carolyn has been posting on Fridays since the summer. She is an avid consumer of BBC programming, a self-proclaimed nerd, and amateur foodie. She is a competitive archer, and one day hopes to be a book editor. Carolyn is currently a honors student in high school. You can follow her on twitter @yalitfrenzy

Gift Ideas for Book Lovers, Part 3: Gifts that Share a Message

For the past couple weeks, I've shared lists of gift ideas for book lovers. The series continues (and comes to an end) with more recommendations.

The holiday season is upon us, and that means not only gift-giving but also gift-purchasing; here are some great gift ideas gifts for the book lover in your life (in no particular order):

Mugs (and other crockery):

For Jane Austen fans: I'd Rather Be At Pemberley Mug from Etsy and  To Sip in the Shade Mug (covered with quotes from the beloved author) from Modcloth. 

This simple black mug would be a great gift for Edgar Allan Poe fans. Nevermore mug from Etsy.

Mugs can be an important form of communication for some (we all know someone that absolutely needs their coffee before anyone can approach), so these mugs are perfect for those of us who really just want to be left alone (but don't want to have to interact enough to tell others to go away). Go Away I'm Reading mug and Introverting Today mug (both from Etsy).

 Another mug with a great message - Stack of Books mug from Etsy. 

The Literary Audiences Only mug (from Modcloth) would make a great gift for those who appreciate a wide variety of literary fiction. 

For the copy editor(s) in your life - Gourmet Grammarian Plate set from Modcloth. 

A teapot...that's a bunch of books. Just as amazing as it sounds. The 'Poetry Books' Teapot, from Etsy (more similar here).

Pillows:

This gorgeous watercolor pillow can be customized with text from the poem or book of your choice. Abstract Watercolor Poem Pillow, from Etsy. 

Super adorable book pillows, available from Think Geek. Holiday book pillows also available. 

It may not be a billboard, but this Book Club Cozy pillow in Jay is one way to have the eyes of Dr. TJ Eckleburg on you. 

Posters & Wall Decor:

These Library Card posters are available for lots of children's novels and classics. Peter Pan poster and Anne of Green Gables poster, both available from Etsy (more library card posters available here). 

Full text posters of classics - yep, that is the entirety of the text of Walden in one poster. Walden poster, Pride and Prejudice Poster, and Wuthering Heights poster, all available from Etsy (more available here). 

Note - I personally think these would be awesome to have in an English classroom. Kid doesn't bring a book for silent reading? Make them stand up by the wall and read. 

For the Jane Austen fan in your life, this Jane Austen Quote poster (from Etsy) contains numerous words of wisdom from the venerated author. 

This whimsical Mad Hatter poster (from Etsy) is available as a download - no shipping required. 

A lovely print from Le Petit Prince (the Little Prince), one of my favorite children's books. Available form Etsy.  

Wood 'Read' Sign from Etsy - perfect for a desk or up on a wall. 

Bonus:

...and a super-awesome t-shirt that I didn't see until now (which is why it's only in this article, not the first). Come check it out tee for women and for men (from Modcloth). 

I hope that these recommendations have been helpful, and happy holiday shopping! May your days be filled with friends, family, and books. - Carolyn 

Gift Ideas for book lovers, Part 2: Bookends, Bookshelves, & more

Last Friday, I shared my first list of gift ideas for book lovers. The series continues with more recommendations.

The holiday season is upon us, and that means not only gift-giving but also gift-purchasing; here are some great gift ideas gifts for the book lover in your life (in no particular order):

Bookends:

These super cute children's bookends are an adorable addition to any young child's bookshelf. From top right, going clockwise:

• Elephant Bookends (with customizable colors) from Etsy
• Moon and Stars Bookends (with customizable colors) from Etsy
• Fox Bookends from Etsy
• Initial Bookends (with personalized letters and colors) from Etsy

What better to hold your books in place than...other books? These ceramic bookends are hollow and open at the top, perfect for storing bookmarks. Preference for Self Reference Bookends from Modcloth.

Any of these bookends would make great gifts for those who have large travel sections in their home library. Train Bookends, Clipper Ship Bookends, and Airplane Bookends are all available from Etsy.

These Cog Bookends and Edison Lamp Bookends (both from Etsy) are perfect for book-lovers who have a flair for steampunk.

Bryant and Whittier Bookends - perfect for poetry lovers. Available from Etsy.

These delightfully nerdy bookends are available from Think Geek. From top right, clockwise:

• Star Trek Bookends
• Portal Bookends
• Imperial Seal Bookends (Star Wars)
• Tardis Bookends (Doctor Who)

Bookmarks:

Yet another great present for Austen fans (...guess who my favorite 19th century author is!). Six Austen Bookmarks, from Etsy.

Lovely wood Harry Potter Bookmark, from Etsy.

Personalized Bookmark from Etsy.

Gorgeous gold celtic bookmark from Primitive Earth Beads.

For those of us who enjoy reading in bed. You fell asleep Here bookmark, from Etsy.

Pretty brass feather bookmark from Etsy. 

Bookshelves:

Quite possibly the coolest bookshelves ever invented. Floating Bookshelves from Amazon. 

...But this may be even better. Custom Book Rack from Etsy.

I hope that these gift ideas have been helpful. You can expect part 3 soon! Happy Holidays! -Carolyn. 

Gift ideas for book lovers, Part 1: Apparel and Accessories

The holiday season is upon us, and that means not only gift-giving but also gift-purchasing; here are some great gift ideas gifts for the book lover in your life (in no particular order):

Jewelry 

Great Gatsby necklace set available in gold and silver from Modcloth for literary couples.

Taken with Tomes necklace from Modcloth, for those truly devoted to literature.

A gorgeous Book Locket, from Etsy; I would recommend personalizing it by putting a literary quote inside before giving.

Carefree Verse Ring from Modcloth.

Tolkein Quote Pendant from Etsy.

Whether Tis Nobler Earrings from Modcloth - great for Shakespeare fans.

Mary Shelley Quote Ring from Etsy.

A variety of Alice In Wonderland themed jewelry (from top left, clockwise):

• Wonderland of Whimsy bracelet from Modcloth (Quote reads, “I can’t go back to yesterday because I was a different person then”)
• Bookclub Classic Necklace from Modcloth.
• Never Too Late Ring from Modcloth.
• Alice in Necklace from Modcloth.

T-shirts

Don't Judge a Book by its Movie T-shirt, from Etsy. Great for those of us who abhor movie adaptations of books.

Novel Tee in Max, from Modcloth.

I Like Big Books T-shirt, from Etsy. You other readers can't deny how awesome this shirt is.

Novel Tee in Arthur, from Modcloth. 

I like to Party and by Party I mean Read Books t-shirt. Perfect for the more introverted book lovers.

Novel Tee in George from Modcloth.

Mr. Darcy Proposal Shirt, from Etsy. 

Beloved Bildungsroman shirt from Modcloth.

Frankly My Dear top from Modcloth.

Accessories

Bibliotheque Trek Tote from Modcloth - a great present for librarians.

Bookshelf Bandit Tote in Elizabeth from Modcloth.

Pride and Prejudice Writing Gloves from Etsy.

Sherlock Holmes pillow cover from Etsy.

More great t-shirts and tote bags from Modcloth can be found here. More great gloves, infinity scarves, and pillow covers from Storiarts (Etsy) can be found here. Happy Holidays! ~ Carolyn