Did you know that Elizabeth Ross is a film editor and had a hand in creating the book trailer for Belle Epoque? That might explain why not only why the trailer is so beautiful, but we can't stop watching!
Watch the book trailer for Belle Epoque!
What did you think, Buzzers? Feel free to chat with Elizabeth on her board about the process of putting together and editing the trailer!
A note from Headbuzzer: Enjoy this guest post Elizabeth Ross wrote for Reading Today Online about her new book, Belle Epoque! You can read the original post here, but we've also crossposted below! Afterwards, why not head over to Elizabeth's board to chat?
Bringing History to Life: Introducing Teens to History through YA Literature
By Elizabeth Ross
I know how reluctant teens can be to immerse themselves in history because I was one of them (perhaps surprising to admit for an author of historical fiction!). In the Scottish education system, at around 13 years old you’re given the choice of studying either geography or history. I chose geography. Why? Because history seemed irrelevant and stuffy—date-laden text illustrated with grainy photographs. The curriculum itself felt dusty and uninspired: coal mining and the industrial revolution, the First World War and so on. It wasn’t for me…or so I thought.
Even though I shied away from history lessons in school, I did love the idea of time travel when I was young. As a child my parents took our family to Scottish castles and country houses in the way that a North American kid might visit national parks. These castles have rooms preserved as they would have been used at the time, containing furniture, fabrics, clothes and objects from everyday life. Experiencing these details, I wondered how a girl my age might live as a Laird’s daughter, playing piano in the music room or as a scullery maid toiling in the kitchens. That was when history was fascinating for me— when my senses and my imagination were engaged.
My historical novel, BELLE EPOQUE, is set in Paris the year the Eiffel tower was under construction (1888-89). I was inspired to write the book when I read a short story by Emile Zola. “Les Repoussoirs” (“Rentafoil” in English) is about an agency of unattractive women rented out as accessories to rich socialites to make them appear more attractive by comparison. It wasn’t my intention to write a novel set in turn of the century Paris. Rather, it was my desire to know what it felt like to be an ugly girl for hire that led me to write the story. I had a visceral reaction to the Zola tale, and couldn’t stop imagining what it would feel like to be in the shoes of one such beauty foil—it was the “what if” moment that led me to write a novel.
The connection I made with the historical context of the Eiffel tower came later. I knew I wanted to set the book during la belle époque. Aside from the fitting irony of the name—the age of beauty—it was a time of peace, prosperity, and a blossoming in art, music, and technology. But as I researched more about the period I was surprised to learn just how unpopular Eiffel’s (now infamous) tower was at the time. Considered a monstrosity, an eyesore, I realized it was the perfect metaphor for my main character, Maude. Unlike the rest of Paris, she is impressed by Eiffel’s iron construction, and finds some comfort in its unique appearance. “Maybe something unrefined can also be beautiful,” she reflects.
“Only connect,” said E.M. Forster in his novel HOWARD’S END. That’s been my mantra towards fiction writing in general, but I think it resonates in particular for historical fiction. Thinking back on my process for creating BELLE EPOQUE, I found my character before I discovered the world events framing her story. And here lies the key to making history come alive—the human connection. As a writer, if my interest is piqued when I discover the person (real or fictitious) behind historical events, this is the same for young readers.
To write a historical novel, the writer’s task is to make history breathe, to make it feel tangible—it’s a feat of world building. In researching BELLE EPOQUE, I brought history to life in different ways—through art, music, novels, poetry, photography, and even food. I researched facts about 1889 French society, of course, but my Paris of 1889 is also the Paris of my imagination. And I was inspired by everything from period film scores to Toulouse Lautrec’s poster art.
I made many discoveries during the process of writing a novel set at the turn of the century, but what fascinated me most in comparing life then and now, weren’t the stark differences in technology, class divides, or gender inequalities—but the similarities to our present world. The experience my main character, Maude, goes through is so resonant for teens today—particularly girls. Who manages to escape adolescence without feeling ostracized at some point?
Paris was a society obsessed with beauty, with an explosion of advertising and self-improvement where women were encouraged to attain some impossible physical ideal. What delighted me in writing the novel was when I could draw a parallel between our world and that of belle époque Paris. What is history, then, if not a lens through which to see ourselves? Like science fiction, it is our world yet different. We engage with history when we recognize ourselves.
I write what I’m curious about. And I think teens will devour historical fiction (and history lessons) if their curiosity is peaked and their imaginations are engaged—and most of all, if they can see themselves reflected in the past.
Elizabeth Ross studied French and film studies at university in Scotland. She lives in Los Angeles, California, where, when she isn’t writing, she edits feature films. Her debut novel, BELLE EPOQUE (Delacorte, 2013) was published earlier this week. You can visit her at www.elizabethrossbooks.com and follow her on Twitter @RossElizabeth.
This post was originally published on Reading.org on June 13, 2013.
Eiffel Tower photo courtesy of Xavier Donat via photopin cc
We're so excited to have author Elizabeth Ross visit us this week to chat about her debut novel, Belle Epoque! Not only is this Elizabeth's first book, this is Elizabeth's first ever visit so join me in welcoming Elizabeth!
Elizabeth will be on her board all week chatting with you about Belle Epoque, the 1800s in Paris, and whatever else you'd like to talk to her about, so stop by!
A LETTER FROM ELIZABETH ROSS
Bonjour Random Buzzers,
Glad to be joining you this week to chat about my book!
What’s that moment when you realize you have a novel in your head – when it’s gone beyond the spark of an idea and is now a vision for a complete book? For BELLE EPOQUE that happened after I read a short story by French author, Emile Zola. The story was about a rather horrible yet fascinating agency, which rents ugly girls as props to society women to make them appear more attractive. I kept asking myself: what would it feel like to be a girl in that situation? I was both intrigued and horrified. And so BELLE EPOQUE began life with a question I needed to answer.
Throwing myself into the world of 19th century Paris was a lot of fun, including a research trip to the city itself (where I managed to eat and shop my way across the Left Bank!). But as well as imagining the past, I began to realize the obvious connection between BELLE EPOQUE and today’s beauty obsessed world. In the excitement of having a story whirling around your brain, you suddenly see your book wherever you look. And believe me, the theme of beauty is everywhere. From the contestant on ‘What Not to Wear’ who inspired a line in my book, to the teenager who convinced Seventeen magazine not to Photoshop their models, I realized that even though my book is set in another time and place, it’s a story that I think today’s teens will find relevant.
For me BELLE EPOQUE is a story about finding your voice. And in a way I found my own voice through my characters, Maude and Isabelle. It was hard to let go of them when I’d finished the book. I remember feeling really flat when the last draft was complete. But I didn’t realize then, that one of the best parts of being a writer was still to come. After you emerge from the writing cave with the finished book, you get to share your story with the world. It’s such a privilege to have your book live on through others and I think I’m going to discover new things about BELLE EPOQUE from readers, which is pretty special. With that, I’m very much looking forward to your questions and this week’s chat!
Thanks for having me!
Elizabeth
About Elizabeth Ross:
Follow Elizabeth on Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook
Elizabeth Ross grew up in Scotland where she studied French and Film Studies at the University of Glasgow. After graduation she worked in the film industry in Montreal for several years, becoming a film editor. That career path eventually led to Los Angeles where she now lives with her husband.
Her debut novel, BELLE EPOQUE, will be published in June, 2013 from Delacorte Press/Random House. She is currently at work on a new novel set in 1940’s Los Angeles.
A note from Headbuzzer: We love TeenReads' new feature, He Said/She Said! Every month a different book is selected to be reviewed by both a male and female reader - without them knowing who the author is or what the cover looks like. Brilliant, right?
The latest He Said/She Said featured Tandem by Anna Jarzab, out on shelves October 8th! You can read the original post here, but we've also crossposted it below!
He Said/She Said: Tandem by Anna Jarzab
By Kate F. and Patrick C.
Stereotypically, girl books are pink, have a girl on the cover and FILLED with sickeningly sweet romance. Boy books, on the other hand, are darker, have blood dripping or something more creepy on the cover and there are NO girls to be found. But we all know this isn't true, right? There are books that boys AND girls love!!! Teenreads.com's “He Said/She Said” feature aims to highlight a book each month to discuss its guy and girl appeal.
Last week, we put up a cover survey to ask YOU if you thought TANDEM by Anna Jarzab looked like a boy book, a girl book or both based on it's cover. Out of all of you who answered, 70% said the book looks like a girl book, 30% of you said it looked like it could be for girls AND boys...and none of you said it was just for boys.
In this blog, Patrick C. and Kate F. from our Teen Board talk about their thoughts on the book. The twist? They never saw the cover, title or author name! So they are weighing in without the visuals or context which may sway their opinions. Let's see what they have to say!
How would you describe the book?
He Said: I was so surprised about the book! The beginning was shaky, but I loved how it developed so much more! I was blown away at the world I was taken into, and I'm eager to find out the title of the book.
She Said: This book was adventurous, exciting and had a hint of romance. Additionally, the whole world of this novel was incredibly interesting to read about and pulled you into the novel.
What are three words that you would use to describe it?
He Said: Enticing. Captivating. Gripping.
She Said: Mysterious, Adventurous and Enthralling
What was your favorite part?
He Said: I would say my favorite part had to be when Sasha discovers what the king was saying about the numbers and the operation. It was very climactic to see how all the clues started to fall in their places.
She Said: My favorite part was when Sasha tries to escape from Thomas when she first arrives in Aurora. There, I felt like we learned that she has a strong spirit and wasn't afraid to try an find her way back home.
Did you have a favorite character and if so, what did you like about him/her?
He Said: My favorite character had to be either Sasha or Thomas because I liked how they relied on each other to get through situations, and it flowed. They also had highlights in each of their personalities that I grew to love.
She Said: I really liked the character of Thomas. In the beginning of the book, he seemed so rigid and cold. He always did what his government asked of him. However, slowly he begins to learn that his government is not always correct, especially in its morals. Through what Sasha tells him, he begins to reform himself and not worry about the consequences.
Would you recommend this book to your friends who are girls? Why?
He Said: Yes, because it was a touch of that fantasy everyone wants to experience, and there's romance.
She Said: Yes, I would recommend this book to my friends who are girls. I would recommend it to them because it has adventure, which a lot of my friends like. Additionally, it also has a little bit of romance. I feel that these two things make this novel a perfect book for girls to read.
Would you recommend this book to your friends who are boys? Why?
He Said: Yes, because I loved how there were some parts with Thomas's POV, and I was so surprised at how I liked those scenes a lot. Plus, the action is great :)
She Said: Yes, I would recommend this book to my friends who are boys because it's adventurous, and has a fair share of action. These two elements make this novel exciting to read, which I feel appeals more to boys.
There you have it! Both Patrick C. and Kate F. would recommend it to their friends who are boys AND girls. Do you think YOU are going to pick up a copy of TANDEM? It will be on sale on October 8th.
About Tandem:
Add to your RB bookshelf | Goodreads | Buy a copy
Everything repeats.
You. Your best friend. Every person you know.
Many worlds, many lives--infinite possibilities.
Welcome to the multiverse.
Sixteen-year-old Sasha Lawson has only ever known one small, ordinary life. When she was young, she loved her grandfather's stories of parallel worlds, inhabited by girls who looked like her but led totally different lives. Sasha never believed such worlds were real—until now, when she finds herself thrust into one against her will.
To prevent imminent war, Sasha must slip into the life of an alternate version of herself, a princess who has vanished on the eve of her arranged marriage. If Sasha succeeds in fooling everyone, she will be returned home; if she fails, she'll be trapped in another girl's life forever. As time runs out, Sasha finds herself torn between two worlds, two lives, and two young men vying for her love—one who knows her secret, and one who believes she's someone she's not.
Enjoy this MSNBC Morning Joe interview with author Fred Hiatt, as he discusses his political thriller, Nine Days!
Fred, an editor at the Washington Post, was inspired to write Nine Days after receiving an op-ed piece from Ti-Anna Wang, who wrote about her father's (Wang Bingzhang) imprisonment for promoting democracy in China. Ti-Anna wanted to make sure that people didn't forget about her father and wanted to make sure that his political imprisonment wasn't forgotten as she continues to campaign for his release.
You can read Ti-Anna's original and moving op-ed piece here. After watching the interview, you can watch Ti-Anna's in-depth interview, or read further here. If you're curious about Nine Days, read the Kirkus Review here!
Watch the Morning Joe interview with Fred Hiatt and Ti-Anna Wang!
About Nine Days:
Add to your RB bookshelf | Goodreads | Buy a copy
A fast-paced contemporary thriller in the vein of James Patterson and Anthony Horowitz set against the bustling backdrop of Hong Kong, Vietnam, and the border of China.
This heart-pounding adventure takes place as two teens, an American teenage boy and his friend, a Chinese girl from his Washington, DC-area high school, must find her father who has been kidnapped—and they only have nine days. Although the characters in the novel are fictionalized, they are based on a real Chinese family who were part of the Chinese Democracy Movement and inspired this story.
This week, Tom McNeal's been chatting it up with Buzzers about his newest book, Far Far Away! We've been following the conversation on Tom's author board to see what he had to say about the Brothers Grimm, fairytales, and what to expect for Jeremy Johnson Johnson!
Here's what we learned about Tom:
That's just a bit of what we learned about Tom this week! Tom's still answering some questions on his board, so head on over! If you're curious about Far Far Away, read the chapter sampler or watch the awesome book trailer!
If you missed Tom's visit, don't fret! Next week, Elizabeth Ross is visiting to chat about her debut novel Belle Epoque! We're giving away ARCs so don't miss out - stop by Elizabeth's board and leave a question to enter to win!
Enjoy the book trailer for Far Far Away by Tom McNeal! tom is chatting it up with everyone on his author board, so stop by and ask him your questions about fairytales, the Brothers Grimm, and anything else you'd like!
Want to read Far Far Away but haven't picked it up yet? Read the chapter sampler here!
Far Far Away by Tom McNeal
A note from Headbuzzer: Enjoy this post from MTV's Hollywood Crush about which Judy Blume novels they'd like to see adapted into movies! You can read the original post here, or read below!
Don't forget - Tiger Eyes is now playing in select theaters, available through Video on Demand, and iTunes! This is the official list of theaters playing Tiger Eyes! Visit the official website for more information.
Three More Judy Blume Books Made for the Big Screen
by Kat Rosenfeld
It took a few decades to get us here, but the big day has finally arrived: "Tiger Eyes," the only movie ever to be made based on a book by YA literary grande dame Judy Blume, is hitting theaters on Friday (June 7)! The movie stars Willa Holland as Davey, a teenage girl who finds herself uprooted and adrift in an unfamiliar place after her father's tragic death—and who ultimately finds her place in the world through her own inner strength and moving interactions with a memorable cast of friends and family.
The story is classic Judy Blume: quiet, contemplative, and intensely character-focused, and we're so psyched to see one of her books finally make it to the big screen. In fact, we never want it to stop! We need more Judy Blume book-movies! Beginning with this wishlist of three totally screen-ready stories that someone should really make right now. (Pretty please, Hollywood?)
The book: Forever
The story: A frank, intimate, candid exploration of a teenage relationship—without vampires, love triangles or the sickly sweet farce of a too-happy ending. The book follows Katherine, a high school senior, as she negotiates the natural evolution of her first serious relationship. (The book, which has been consistently controversial since its publication in 1975, was reportedly written in response to a plea from Judy's daughter for a story about "two nice kids who have sex without either of them having to die."
The dream cast: We suggest the delicious Brenton Thwaites as high school heartthrob Michael; and Mae Whitman, who was so great in her "Perks of a Wallflower" supporting role, could really shine in a starring role as Katherine.
The book: Then Again, Maybe I Won't
The story: A coming-of-age story centered on a nouveau riche Jersey teen, this novel followed Judy's "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" in exploring the (hee, hee) ups and downs of puberty from a guy's perspective. From a cinematic standpoint, it has all the makings of a great, quiet, indie ensemble drama with a strong 1970s vibe.
The dream cast: Kodi Smit-McPhee as main character Tony Miglione; Jaden Smith as his troublemaking rich-boy BFF Joel Hoober; Naya Rivera as Joel's hot sister, Lisa. Bonus: Tap the entire cast of "Freaks and Geeks" to play various adult roles in the movie, and it's a shoo-in for awesomeness.
The book: Blubber
The story: Imagine "Mean Girls," only dialed back to a middle school setting and with none of the sexy snark. The story follows Jill, a girl on the fringes of the popular crowd, who slowly starts to wake up to the fact that her BFFs are vile little bullies.
The dream cast: We'd love to see "Hunger Games" alums Amandla Stenberg and Willow Shields face off as Jill, the uncertain protagonist, and Wendy, the evil Queen Bee.
Which Judy Blume book would you want to see on the big screen next?
This post was originally published on HollywoodCrush.MTV.com on June 6th, 2013.
With Tom McNeal visiting this week, we're so excited to have share the chapter sampler for his new book, Far Far Away!
Enjoy the chapter sampler here! When you're done reading, why don't you head over to Tom's author board and chat with him about Jeremy, Jacob Grimm, and all things fairytales!
Far Far Away by Tom McNeal by RandomBuzzers
What did you think, Buzzers? Have you read Far Far Away yet?
Hooray! Release days are always my favorite times of the month because all the books I've been ranting and raving about finally hit the shelves!
Happy Book Birthday to these books!
The Secret Ingredient by Stewart Lewis:
Add to your RB bookshelf | Goodreads | Buy a copy
Sixteen-year-old Olivia loves living in Silverlake, Los Angeles, with her dads, Bell and Enrique, and her brother, Jeremy. But when Olivia discovers that Bell's restaurant, FOOD, is in trouble, she applies for a job at a casting agency.
The day of her interview, Olivia meets a psychic in an elevator who tells her that this summer will be pivotal. Soon after, Olivia stumbles upon a vintage cookbook with handwritten notes in the margins and starts to date a gorgeous boy named Theo.
As Olivia reads the notes in the cookbook and cooks the recipes, she forms a kinship with the previous owner and becomes increasingly aware of the emptiness she feels without a mother. When Olivia discovers her birthmother's name and address, there's nothing to stop Olivia from meeting her. But sometimes the things we search for are the things we've always known.
Far Far Away by Tom McNeal:
Add to your RB bookshelf | Goodreads | Buy a copy
It says quite a lot about Jeremy Johnson Johnson that the strangest thing about him isn't even the fact his mother and father both had the same last name.
Jeremy once admitted he's able to hear voices, and the townspeople of Never Better have treated him like an outsider since. After his mother left, his father became a recluse, and it's been up to Jeremy to support the family. But it hasn't been up to Jeremy alone.
The truth is, Jeremy can hear voices. Or, specifically, one voice: the voice of the ghost of Jacob Grimm, one half of the infamous writing duo, The Brothers Grimm. Jacob watches over Jeremy, protecting him from an unknown dark evil whispered about in the space between this world and the next. But when the provocative local girl Ginger Boultinghouse takes an interest in Jeremy (and his unique abilities), a grim chain of events is put into motion. And as anyone familiar with the Grimm Brothers know, not all fairy tales have happy endings...
Belle Epoque by Elizabeth Ross:
Add to your RB bookshelf | Goodreads | Buy a copy
When Maude Pichon runs away from provincial Brittany to Paris, her romantic dreams vanish as quickly as her savings. Desperate for work, she answers an unusual ad. The Durandeau Agency provides its clients with a unique service—the beauty foil. Hire a plain friend and become instantly more attractive.
Monsieur Durandeau has made a fortune from wealthy socialites, and when the Countess Dubern needs a companion for her headstrong daughter, Isabelle, Maude is deemed the perfect adornment of plainness.
But Isabelle has no idea her new "friend" is the hired help, and Maude's very existence among the aristocracy hinges on her keeping the truth a secret. Yet the more she learns about Isabelle, the more her loyalty is tested. And the longer her deception continues, the more she has to lose.
Burning by Elana K. Arnold:
Add to your RB Bookshelf | Goodreads | Buy a copy
A sizzling love story between a small-town boy and a Gypsy girl unfolds as the Burning Man festival is in full swing.
Ben: Having just graduated from high school, Ben is set to leave Gypsum, Nevada. It's good timing since the gypsum mine that is the lifeblood of the area is closing, shutting the whole town down with it. Ben is lucky: he's headed to San Diego, where he's got a track scholarship at the University of California. But his best friends, Pete and Hog Boy, don't have college to look forward to, so to make them happy, Ben goes with them to check out the hot chick parked on the side of Highway 447.
Lala: She and her Gypsy family earn money by telling fortunes. Some customers choose Tarot cards; others have their palms read. The thousands of people attending the nearby Burning Man festival spend lots of cash--especially as Lala gives uncanny readings. But lately Lala's been questioning whether there might be more to life than her upcoming arranged marriage. And the day she reads Ben's cards is the day that everything changes for her... and for him.
A Matter of Days by Amber Kizer:
Add to your RB bookshelf | Goodreads | Buy a copy
On Day 56 of the pandemic called BluStar, sixteen-year-old Nadia's mother dies, leaving her responsible for her younger brother Rabbit. They secretly received antivirus vaccines from their uncle, but most people weren't as lucky. Their deceased father taught them to adapt and survive whatever comes their way. That's their plan as they trek from Seattle to their grandfather's survivalist compound in West Virginia.
Using practical survival techniques, they make their way through a world of death and destruction until they encounter an injured dog; Zack, a street kid from Los Angeles; and other survivors who are seldom what they seem. Illness, infections, fatigue, and meager supplies have become a way of life. Still, it will be worth it once they arrive at the designated place on the map they have memorized. But what if no one is there to meet them?
My Chemical Mountain by Corina Vacco:
Add to your RB bookshelf | Goodreads | Buy a copy
Rocked by his father's recent death and his mother's sudden compulsion to overeat, Jason lashes out by breaking into the abandoned mills and factories that plague his run-down town. Always by his side are his two best friends, Charlie, a fearless thrill junkie, and Cornpup, a geek inventor whose back is covered with cysts.
The boys rage against the noxious pollution that suffocates their town and despise those responsible for it; at the same time, they embrace the danger of their industrial wasteland and boast about living on the edge.
Then on a night the boys vandalize one of the mills, Jason makes a costly mistake--and unwittingly becomes a catalyst for change. In a town like his, change should be a good thing. There's only one problem: change is what Jason fears most of all.
Which of these books have you already picked up, Buzzers? Which ones can you not wait to read?
© 2012 Random House. All Rights Reserved.
