If a book has “girl” in the title, I am instantly drawn to it. I don’t why, but a lot of other readers must be, too, because publishers are pumping them out like crazy. Who knows? Maybe the “girl-”title craze kicked into high gear with the popularity of Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series. Whatever the reason, there are a LOT of books with “girl” in the title!
I’ve read man good books with “girl” in the title, but no GREAT ones yet. Do you have any favorites to recommend? Here are some of the more recent, highly-rated ones.
Currently Reading:
The Girl Who Ignored Ghosts by K.C. Tansley
Want to Read. . . in this order, unless my mood changes:
The Girl with Ghost Eyes by M.H. Boroson
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
The Girl who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente (recommended by Beth @ betwixt-these-pages)
I am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb
These “girl” books were all pretty enjoyable, which made them difficult to rank. . . but I managed. 🙂
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell – technically, this one shouldn’t be on the list because “girl” isn’t a word by itself but, um, it’s my blog and this is too huge of a book to ignore.
The Casquette Girls by Alys Arden
Vanishing Girls by Lauren Oliver
Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier
The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes
Honorable Mention:
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (a popular YA book, but I’m not good with tragedies.)
Hello, fellow book junkies! Just a quick question. . . Do you prefer seeing a movie before or after reading the book?
I am freakishly averse to knowing too much about a story before reading it. I enjoy being tantalized by a vague notion of the plot and characters but am the first to cover my eyes at even a hint of a spoiler. Why? Because if I know too much about the plot, I won’t read the book! I can’t. Because, for me, the most enjoyable aspect of reading a book is the thrill of discovery. Without it, reading a novel feels like going through the motions, as in: Oh, that was nicely written, but I know the girl is going to wind up with guy #2 by the end. You get the idea.
As you may have guessed, my answer to the question of whether I’d like to see a movie before or after reading the book is a resounding AFTER. Reading the book beforehand also gives me a more complete picture of the characters and subplots, which makes watching the movie adaptation feel like a more complete experience.
What do you prefer? Are there good reasons for reading a book after watching the movie?
Erika is the lucky winner of book swag from Kathryn Purdie’s book, Burning Glass, which was featured last week in my “Best YA Debut Novels” interview series. By “liking” that post, Erika was entered to win Burning Glass book swag kindly provided by the author.
Erika, if you’ll message me with your mailing address I’ll be happy to get your prize out to you.
It’s no secret that I adore Lauren Oliver’s novel, Before I Fall. The lovely writing and compelling story make me want to read more, plus there’s a certain male character I’d love to see get another chance–sorry if that’s vague, but we’re spoiler-free here at Eve Messenger’s OtherWORDly Endeavors. 🙂
2. A book/series that TOTALLY SHOULD’VE had a Spin-Off series.
Fangirl already has a spin-off with Simon and Baz in Carry On, but one-of-a-kind, adorable Levi is the character I’d most like to read a spin-off about: growing up with his big, blond brothers, working in the coffee shop, overcoming his unique challenge.
Artist: Noelle Stevenson (I think!?)
3. An author who TOTALLY SHOULD write more books.
V.E. Schwab, V.E. Schwab!
4. A character who TOTALLY SHOULD’VE ended up with someone else.
What randomly popped into my head just now is that Cinderella should end up, not in a cliched relationship with Prince Charming, but in a loving relationship with his dark, lovely, girl-knight sister. That would be cool.
5. A book/series that TOTALLY SHOULD’VE ended differently.
Not that I’d like a different ending, just a more complete one. In Sarah Dessen’s book, The Truth About Forever, a major plot question is raised at the beginning, which is never answered. That was kind of frustrating.
6. A book/series that TOTALLY SHOULD’VE had a movie franchise.
If it’s done right, Patrick Ness’ ChaosWalking would be amazing.
7. A book/series that TOTALLY SHOULD’VE had a TV show.
Off the top of my head, I can’t think of any novels I’d want adapted into a TV series.
8. A book/series that TOTALLY SHOULD’VE only had one point of view
The Future of Us. Emma and Jay’s POV voices were confusingly similar, and the story was really about Emma anyway. One POV would’ve worked great.
9. A book/series that TOTALLY SHOULD’VE had a cover change.
I wholeheartedly agree with Brittany @ Grisha Lieutenant on this one. I love the story Ella Enchanted, but nothing about this cover works.
10. A book/series that TOTALLY SHOULD’VE kept the original covers.
I appreciate beautiful covers but am not adept at keeping track of originals vs. new edition covers, etc., so I abstain from answering this question.
11. A series that TOTALLY SHOULD’VE stopped at book #1.
I must have issues with attention span or something because I rarely stick with a series past books one or two–with some notable exceptions, including Throne of Glass and A Darker Shade of Magic. . . . SQUIRREL.
Marie Lu, V.E. Schwab, Gretchen McNeil – photo by Eve Messenger
Within a week of reading (and loving!) my first V.E./Victoria Schwab book, A Darker Shade of Magic, the author tweeted that she would be doing a book signing 15 miles from my home. My first book signing? With my new favorite author? Sign me up!
Though I was crazy nervous, I got myself to the event without hyperventilating. Alas, I had to go alone because I couldn’t find anyone else who was available.
My First Book-Signing Event was. . .
PERFECT
Perfect even though the meet-and-greet line was super long and slow-moving (over a hundred fans were there!) But here’s thing, the REASON the lined moved slowly was that fabulous Victoria Schwab spent lots of time talking with each and every fan. I LOVED watching fans step away from the authors’ table carrying freshly-signed books in their hands and HUGE GRINS on their faces.
Perfect because Marie Lu and YA horror writer Gretchen McNeil were there, too! Marie Lu signed my copy of Legend. 🙂 All three super-talented authors were friendly, enthusiastic, smart, and super fun. They were obviously good friends, and their banter created a positive vibe for the entire event. (Note to self: Someday, when I have my own book signings, I will ask author friends to join me.)
Perfect because, even though I THOUGHT I didn’t know anyone there, I ended up running into and chatting with a writer I’d met through NaNoWriMo. Unbeknownst to me at the time, writer/reader/blogger, Jennifer F. Santucci, was also there. And SHE noticed that Nicola Yoon (Everything Everything) was there as a fan, too!
Author/fan Nicola Yoon is on the left. The top of a blonde head in the back is me. 🙂 Photo by V.E. Schwab.
Meeting Victoria Schwab
Okay, so I mustered up the courage to ask Victoria Schwab if–since I am an aspiring writer–she might write something inspirational in my copy of the first book of hers I’d read. She wrote something nice in all three books. 🙂 Thank you, Victoria Schwab!
Interesting Things the Authors Said
Victoria, Marie, and Gretchen have known one another since before they were published, as members of a writers’ group called “YA Rebels.” They initially “bonded over all things evil.”
Victoria Schwab calls herself a “chipmunk author,” or a “connect the dots writer,”gathering little pieces for a year and a half until she has enough for a story. Darker Shade of Magic started with an image of a boy walking through a door covered with blood and then running into a girl dressed as a boy. Once she has images for her story, she asks herself questions about them to fill out the plot. Before she starts writing, she needs to have five to ten moments, one of which must be the ending.
Gretchen McNeil’s microphone kept cutting out, so she said, “No problem. I can project because I used to be an opera singer.”
Marie Lu said that when she was a little girl there were two things she wanted to be, a writer and a fighter pilot.
Marie Lu said that her agent, Kristin Nelson, is so blunt that when Marie sent Kristin the first 100 pages of her early draft of Young Elites, Kristin asked,“Marie, when you sent this to me, did you think it was good?” Ouch. Marie ended up completely rewriting Young Elites from the villain’s point of view.
All three authors agreed that every single book is, in its way, painful to write.
Victoria said she bought an audio version of her own book, A Gathering of Shadows, so she could repeatedly listen to pp. 307 to 308– a super hot scene between Prince Ry and his ex-boyfriend. 😉
One of My Favorite Author Questions: Do You Listen to Music While Writing?
Victoria said she listens to a lot of music–but never while writing. Because she started out as a poet, listening to music messes with the rhythm of her words. Instead, she listens to white noise and uses a site called noisli to build her own white noise with sounds of rain, static, coffee shop sounds, etc.
Marie Lu said she has to listen to music while writing because the “silence gets too loud.” She splits up her playlists by mood, e.g., exciting, evil, happy (which she says she never uses, haha).
Writers are fangirls, too.
All three authors talked about writers they get totally starstruck around. Victoria is a huge Neil Gaiman fan and wears her WWNGD (“What Would Neil Gaiman Do?”) bracelet every day. Why? Because Neil Gaiman was the first writer to teach her that she didn’t just have to write one thing, that no matter what genre she writes, her voice will still come through.
I am now seriously toying with the idea of getting my own “What Would V.E. Schwab Do?” bracelet. I am so glad I overcame my introverted nature and got up the nerve to attend my first book signing. I honestly don´t think it could have gone any better. I´d love to attend another one, and the only thing I´d change is to find other people to go with next time– there was just too much excitement to keep all to myself!
Huntington Beach Public Library – As an elementary school student, I used to ride my bike here and spend the afternoon reading books and magazines.
For a huge book nerd like me, libraries are a retreat, a sanctuary even. Sometimes, like today, a library can even be an adventure. Some libraries are tiny, old, and in need of fresh paint. Others are vast, with elevators, conference rooms, fancy patrons’ plaques on the wall, row after row of study carrels, sometimes with gardens and statuary on the grounds outside. As long as friendly books line the walls, I’m happy; I feel safe.
When I have time, I like to leave the house to write. With fewer distractions and a deliberate plan that includes getting dressed up and packing supplies (laptop, bottled water, sometimes notes), I usually accomplish a lot more. In the evenings and early mornings, I’ll write at Starbucks, but libraries are my preferred destination. Usually I write in our awesome, recently remodeled local library or sometimes at the university library a 15-minute walk from home. On the weekends, I might visit the regional library in the next city where a friend works as a children’s librarian.
I live 15 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, but today I happened to be in a coastal town called Corona del Mar. I had my laptop with me, so after completing my errand I decided to go on a little writing adventure to a library I’d never visited before. Thanks to Siri, it was easy to find the nearest library just a couple of miles away. I took the elevator up to the second floor and set up my laptop in a cozy alcove near a window overlooking a perfect Southern California day. A short while later a woman joined me in the alcove. She tapped away at her laptop, too, and it was nice to have writerly company.
I had so much fun today on my mini-adventure to a new library that now I want to library-hop every week. Maybe, with each new library I write in, I’ll take a picture and post it on my blog.
Talented super writer/reader ladies Melanie Noell Bernard and Elena Johansen both tagged me for the 7/7/7 Challenge, so does this mean I should do a 14/14/14 tag? Okay, not.
When I first saw this tag (two months ago, yes, it’s taking me that long to get caught up on book tags)I assumed I was supposed to type 7 lines from page 7 of a book I am READING. Of course, the directions clearly state the passage should come from MY OWN work in progress, which I didn’t notice until after I’d already located and typed out 7 lines from The Casquette Girls.
Anywho. . . here’s the not-exactly-earth shattering passage from my work in progress, a modern day YA paranormal that’s been a ton of fun to write.
Rules
Go to page 7 of your work-in-progress.
Scroll down to line #7.
Share the next 7 lines of your manuscript in a blog post.
Tag 7 other writers (with blogs) to continue the challenge.
Eve’s 7/7/7 Snippet
“Adam?”
From the other side of the door, Adam clears his throat and answers in a voice much lower than I’ve ever heard from him. “What is it, Callie?”
It feels strange to hear him say my name since he’s never used it before.
“How’s the cat?” I ask.
“Not. . . good.” Adam still hasn’t opened his bedroom door.
Hello, book lovers! In this, the “month of love,” I’m celebrating one of our greatest loves, YA fiction, by featuring Tuesday interviews with authors of 2016’s BEST YA DEBUT NOVELS.
Today’s Must-Read Debut YA Author is. . .
Smart, funny, fashionable Randi Pink whose talent and passion for beautiful writing is about to skyrocket her to literary stardom.
The Book:
Into White is set to release in September 2016.
Why Into White is a must-read:
Compelling, controversial, magical. “In a moment of desperation, a black girl prays for the power to change her race and wakes up white.”
The Interview:
Eve:In the early days of crafting your novel, were you shy about sharing what you’d written with others?
R.P.: I was terrified! I wrote the first chapter of INTO WHITE as an assignment in a Children’s Literature Workshop, and I was so nervous that I could hardly sleep the night before. I knew the subject matter was controversial, so I feared judgment, but the class was so supportive and kind!
Stepping into that class and opening myself up to criticism taught me a valuable lesson about writing – as long as the story is rooted in truth, the audience will respond positively. I also learned that fear and creativity can’t live in the same place – one kills the other.
Eve: Many YA writers also seem to be music lovers. If you created a playlist for your novel, what are some of the songs on it?
R.P.: Yes! I wouldn’t have made it through the process of creating this novel without Johnny Cash, India Arie, Cyndi Lauper, and especially Willow Smith. Every musician on INTO WHITE’s playlist has one thing in common, they embrace their own artistic uniqueness. I imagine Toya listening for the courage to be herself, because that’s what I listen for.
[Click here to hear some of the songs on Randi Pink’s Into White playlist.]
Eve: Do you have a critique group and, if so, how did you find them?
R.P.: I do! We’re called The Night Writers, and we met at an SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) conference. We had our first meeting nearly three years ago, and the group has produced such beautiful writing! I encourage every aspiring children’s book author to join, not only SCBWI, but a critique group. Creative minds need to be around other creative minds. Even the most solitary writer needs a regular dose of creative companionship.
Eve: What’s your typical writing schedule? Do you reward yourself for meeting writing goals?
R.P.: I don’t do writing schedules. I write because it’s my compulsion. Example: I can’t get through the pastor’s sermon without scribbling a haiku, poem, or short story on the tithing envelop. J
I usually don’t do rewards either. My reward is the calm that comes when I search my mind for innovative ways to articulate a story. And the feeling of accomplishment when I read (and love!) my own words.
Eve: What’s something you really hope people say after they read your novel?
R.P.: I hope INTO WHITE encourages an honest dialogue about self-denigration. In many ways, we are all Toyas. Hoping to lose those extra pounds. Praying for lighter or darker skin. Wishing for a smaller or larger nose, or waist, or rear-end. Secretly haunted by our own self-doubt.
I sincerely hope that Toya’s vulnerability and openness will inspire the reader to reveal his or her own insecurities to someone they trust, because honesty is the first step to self-love. Accessing true happiness begins with accepting ourselves as imperfect beings. If you’re chasing perfection, there will be no rest.
For more information about Randi Pink and her exciting new YA debut novel, visit:
Ah, classic literature, I’ve loved it since 9th grade when my beloved English teacher (“Mama B,” we called her) got me hooked. Today is my birthday, so I’m especially grateful to Charley @ BooksAndBakes for giving me this opportunity to walk down Classic Book Memory Lane by tapping me for this Classic Books tag. Here goes. . .
An overhyped classic you didn’t really like:
Anything by Ernest Hemingway (except The Old Man and the Sea). His sparse writing style and testosterone-fueled navel-gazing just doesn’t suit me.
Favorite time period to read about:
1800s England–thanks in no small part to Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters, and Charles Dickens.
Favorite fairy tale:
I’m having a conniption trying to limit myself to one favorite fairy tale. Fairy tales are life! How to choose? I’ll compromise and say my favorite is any fairy tale with a princess in it. Wait, then there’s Jack and the Beanstalk. But that’s not my favorite. Hansel and Gretel? Rumpelstiltskin? No, how about anything by the Brothers Grimm? Does Peter Pan count as a fairy tale? Alright…I’ll go with Cinderella. Yes, I love the magic and how the good-hearted, mistreated girl gets her comeuppance.
Art by DylanBonner.deviantart.com
What is the most embarrassing classic you haven’t read?
I am not proud to admit I’ve never read a Shakespearen play in its entirety. I’ve seen Shakespearean plays–does that count?
Top 5 classics you’d like to read soon:
The Art of War by Sun Tzu
Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Faust by Goethe
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
Yes, that is six, which is five in book junkie terms.
Favorite modern book/series based on a classic:
A Thousand Acres by Jane Smiley (a modern retelling of King Lear). Not that I looooved A Thousand Acres, but it’s the only retelling of a classic book I’ve read that comes to mind.
Favorite movie version / TV series based on a classic:
1. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962). Watching this movie honestly felt like seeing the book come to life.
2. Sense and Sensibility (1995)starring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet, screenplay by Emma Thompson, directed by Ang Lee. Loved it!
Worst classic to movie adaptation:
A classic novel that made a big impression on me emotionally was The Scarlet Letter by Nathanial Hawthorne. Unfortunately, the movie adaptation with Demi Moore (who I’ve liked in other films) didn’t do the story justice.
Favorite edition(s) you would like to collect more classics from:
I’m not gonna lie, I do not understand this question.
An under-hyped classic you’d recommend to everyone:
The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. It’s weird in the best way and masterfully written.
I Nominate:
While I admit I’m really interested in reading your responses to this Classic Books tag, if you’re, y’know, busy getting ready for Valentine’s Day or whatever, feel free to pass. 🙂 –Eve
Happy February, fellow book lovers! Ah, February. . . the month of love, what better time to do something extra special to honor one of our greatest loves, young adult fiction? Every Tuesday in the month of February I’ll be posting interviews with authors of 2016’s best YA debut novels–yes, BEST YA debut novels, meaning every book has ALL the earmarks of a MUST-READ:
compelling premise
unforgettable characters
lyrical and/or voice-y writing style
a speculative/fantasy element (yes, I am admittedly biased)
and a pretty cover. 🙂
Today’s Must-Read Debut YA Author is. . .
The about-to-become-very-famous Roshani Chokshi (“Rosh” to her friends). She’s talented, gorgeous (half-Indian and half-Filipina!), and one of the nicest people in the world.
The Book:
The Star-Touched Queen is set for release in April 2016. In case you can’t wait to start reading, St. Martin’s Press plans to release a teaser of the first several chapters in March!
Why The Star-Touched Queen is a must-read:
Indian mythology, gorgeous writing style, wildly imaginative world-building (trees that bear memories instead of fruit!?), and a cover so beautiful it feels like stepping into a dream.
The Interview:
Eve: Roshani, YA fans are already talking about your gorgeous Pinterest page. Where did you find such beautiful pictures to represent The Star-Touched Queen?
RC: Thank you! I guess I got ridiculously lucky on Pinterest. But I also typed in strange things in the search box, like, “gothic jeweled fruit” and “bloody hands.” You’ll get some interesting stuff…
Eve: What made you fall in love with your novel?
RC: I love this question! I fell in love with it because of its ease. It’s not a new story. It’s threaded with a thousand and one familiar tales, from fairytales to folklore all across the world. But what made me so excited about writing it was tweaking little things and pushing the worldbuilding farther.
Eve: Are you planning a book tour? If so, what is a question you hope someone asks?
RC: Not sure yet! I know we’re doing a blog tour, and I’m very excited for that. I hope someone asks me what my job would be in the wizarding (and witches!) world of Harry Potter.
Eve: Now I have to ask. . . What would your job be in the wizarding world of Harry Potter?
RC: I would love to be MINISTER OF MAGIC!!! Thank you for asking. 🙂
Eve: The publishing industry is a notoriously slow-moving machine. From writing to publication, how long was the “birthing” process of your book? What have some of the highlights been?
RC: From writing to sale…about two years. The highlights have been working with my agent and editor who have been incredible champions throughout all my doubts, rewrites and crazy revision ideas.
Eve: Many YA writers also seem to be music lovers. Did you create a playlist for your novel and, if so, what are some of the songs on it?
RC: Yes! “Satellite” by Guster, “Nagada Sang Dhol” from the Bollywood film Ram-Leela and, don’t laugh, “679” by Fetty Wap. My brain is a many-fangled beast…
Eve: Your eclectic song choices make me want to read the book even more! Speaking of music, YA authors Libba Bray, Natalie Standiford, Barnabas Miller, and Daniel Ehrenhaft have been known to perform at publishing industry events with their band, Tiger Beat. If you were in an authors band, what instrument would you play?
RC: Glass harmonica. It’s just so strange. I must possess it.
Eve: I LOVE the glass harmonica. Great pick. . . What are some books you recently read that you loved?
Eve: Having an online presence is a big deal for writers. How do you balance writing and social media?
RC: I think putting my phone on Do Not Disturb has been the most helpful. Maybe it’s just me, but I can get anxious on social media. So, if I’m not careful, it can take up way more hours of my day than it should.
Eve: In the early days of crafting your novel, were you shy about sharing what you’d written with others?
RC: Very much!!! But that’s part of the beauty of writing. We want it to be read, seen and felt. So taking that first step with beta readers and critique partners is a wonderful and terrifying moment.
Eve: Do you have a critique group and, if so, how did you find them?
RC: Yes. I found them on sites like Ladies Who Critique or Twitter!
Eve: Your novel has such an evocative title. Who came up with the title, The Star-Touched Queen? Was this the same title you used when querying agents?
RC: When I queried agents, I used the title “THE GLASS GARDEN.” After signing with my agent, we sold the book when it was titled THE BRIDE OF DUSK AND GLASS. AFTER selling, we changed it to THE STAR-TOUCHED QUEEN thanks to the geniuses over at MacMillan.
Eve:What’s your typical writing schedule? Do you reward yourself for meeting writing goals?
RC: I try to get most of my writing done in the morning-early afternoon. The light in my favorite room is at its softest, and it makes me feel deliciously inspired. I do reward myself! Every 1k gets me half a Cadbury bar. I do, however, frequently break these rules…what are rules for after all…
Eve: Many writers have dark moments while working on their novels, times when they’re not sure they’ll ever finish. If you encountered hurdles like this, how did you overcome them?
RC: When I get this way (and it does happen), I read my favorite books. I return to the worlds of Neil Gaiman, Laini Taylor and Catherynne Valente. I let them guide me back to why I love writing.
Eve: Was there any particular epiphany you had while writing your novel when you said to yourself, “Hey, I can do this. I’m going to publish this thing.”
RC: No, actually! And I WISH I DID! When I finished TSTQ, there was a great surge of “wow. I did the thing!” But that was what I was celebrating. Not the idea that I could actually find it on bookshelves one day.
Eve: Lately, YA book lovers seem to be saying there is an overemphasis on romance in YA fiction. What are your thoughts on this?
RC: I love reading romance in YA. But I don’t think it’s critical to a plot. There are some books, like SIX OF CROWS by Leigh Bardugo, which deftly handle characterization and takes the focus away from the characters’ romantic entanglements. Other beautiful books, like ALL OUR PRETTY SONGS by Sarah McCarry, have romance but focus on the friendship and the experience of growing. I have no problem with romance, but I personally prefer books where romance is not the ONLY motivation for the character.
Eve: Who are some of your favorite fictional characters and why?
RC: Howl, from HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE because he was vain and wonderful and my first serious book boyfriend.
Kaye, from Holly Black’s TITHE because she was fierce and gritty.
Razgut, from Laini Taylor’s DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE trilogy because he was pitiful and deranged and wildly funny.
Eve: What’s something you really hope people say after they read your novel?
RC: I hope they forget they were reading. I hope they think they’ve tasted fairy fruit and fallen in love and spent time wandering through Otherworldly palaces.
Eve: Best of luck to you, Roshani. Ever since I read your short story, The Star Maiden, in Shimmer magazine, I knew you’d be a great success. Thank you for all your fantastic answers to my questions.
RC: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to talk about writing. I deeply appreciate it.
favorite room is at its softest, and it makes me feel deliciously inspired. I do reward myself! Every 1k gets me half a Cadbury bar. I do, however, frequently break these rules…what are rules for after all… 
Eve Messenger 