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Archives for Oct 2009

• Win an ARC copy of ReCycler!

  Oct 30, 2009

  

  Jill McTeague is not your average high school graduate. Every month for four days she turns into Jack, a guy. So when everyone in her hometown start to catch on that something is up with her, she knows she needs to get away from it all. With her best friend Ramie in tow, Jill sets off to New York City where she’ll have to figure it all out.

  For the chance to be one of 5 lucky winners to receive an ARC copy of ReCycler tell us where you’d run away if you wanted to get away from it all.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Winners List: Friday, October 30
  

  maximumDrider	If I ever wanted to get away from it all I would do the opposite of Jill. Instead of going somewhere central and over populated like NYC I would go to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. I grew up there I have always loved the mountains. Hiking them, biking them, watching them, I just love everything about them. I would find somewhere in the mountains to camp out and spend day after day watching the birds, walking, writing and, of course, reading. The fresh mountain air really clears my mind. I would definitely go there to escape.
  Tek	If I needed to run away from my life, I'm not entirely sure where I would go. I did that a month ago in a sense, becoming a college student in a city two and a half hours away from my old home. I feel like I've started over, seeing as how I don't know too many people here yet.
  TibbyAmberBeeBlakegirl	I would run to New York, really I would. Its probably the one city you can go unnoticed in and its about 2 hour train ride. The only thing though, everyone would know that's where I ran. I probably would try to go cross country and to California, or Florida. These places would be less noticeable.
  guard_girl	When I want to get awayI go out in the woods. There is a clearing about halfway between my grandmothers house and a lake. The clearing is up on a hill so it looks over the lake but down the hill from the house. There is a certain spot that keeps me hidden from both sides.
  berriesrbest	I can't wait to read this book. I read the first one already, and it was great. To get away from it all, I'd go to San Francisco. Most people would say something like Disneyland, but while that would be great, I just love San Francisco. It's so cool, and it's a few hours north of where I live, so it's cooler up there. It's so great because the people up there are so much more like me than the people where I live. We're all weird in the best possible way! I'd honestly probably go to a library there, get a book and sit outside in the cool air reading to get away from my troubles.

  by HeadBuzzer | 5 comments |
  Filed under: ARC Friday Giveaway Re-Cycler

• Author Laura Resau Visiting This Monday

  Oct 29, 2009

  We have some exciting news!

  Author Laura Resau will be visiting Random Buzzers starting this Monday, November 2nd to discuss her new book The Indigo Notebook.

  Take a few minutes now to welcome Laura and ask her your questions in her Random Buzzers forum here.

  
  Here is the letter she wrote to you:
  
  Hey everyone,
  
  I'm excited to be here on Random Buzzers!
  
  Years ago, while I was teaching English in Mexico and backpacking around Latin America on vacations, I thought, 'Hey, wouldn't it be cool if I spent my whole life traveling around from one country to another?'  I loved the idea of always immersing myself in a new culture, learning a new language, having new adventures.  
  
  Alas, I didn't end up doing it.  The homebody in me won out.  I settled down in Colorado and got married and bought a house and formed a close community of friends here.  I still travel as often as I can, but part of me dreams of a completely nomadic existence…
  
  The beauty of writing books (and reading them for that matter)  is that you can lead lots of thrilling, adventure-packed lives instead of just this one.  I started imagining a series about a teen girl named Zeeta, who travels the world with her flighty, English-teaching mom.  Each book would be set in a different country—my way of living a whimsical travelers' life through my characters.
  
  I chose countries that I've felt a special connection with (all places where I wouldn't mind going back to for a "research trip" or two, of course.)  The Indigo Notebook is set in Ecuador, where I'd spent time in indigenous (Indian) villages in the Andes—a region with a breath-taking landscape and fascinating culture.  As with my first two books (What the Moon Saw and Red Glass), many of the people I met and the stories they shared inspired parts of this novel. 
  
  In Ecuador, a friend told me that one day, a teenage boy had come to his village looking for his birth family.  All the stranger knew was that he'd been adopted from this village as a baby.  It turned out that he was my friend's biological half-brother, and ended up being embraced by family.  I loved this story for many reasons.
  
  During the year I was writing The Indigo Notebook, I was also in the process of adopting a baby from Guatemala, and imagining how he might feel about his adoption when he grew older.  (Sidenote: He's a wild-haired, adorable toddler now and I love him with every particle of my being!)  So naturally, one of the plots in The Indigo Notebook involves a boy's search for a birth family.  As Zeeta helps Wendell look for his biological parents, they grow closer, but find themselves facing obstacles and danger and mystery along the way. 
  
  Ultimately, The Indigo Notebook is about what happens when your biggest wish is about to come true… and then you wonder if it's what you truly want after all.  There might be something better…
  
  Can't wait to hear your questions!
  
  Happy reading,
  Laura
  
  

  by HeadBuzzer | 0 comments |
  Filed under: featured author Laura Resau The Indigo Notebook

• Random Hour #58: Scary Reads

  Oct 28, 2009

  Halloween is just around the corner and that means ghosts, goblins, and all things scary! I have to admit that I'm a bit of a scaredy cat. Horror films and books terrify me and I find Haunted Houses equally as scary and unnecessary.

  Some people crave the thrill and excitement of being scared. I am not one of these people. Despite my reservations, each year when October 31st rolls around, I always manage to put on a brave face and get into the spirit. This year I am even thinking about conquering my irrational fears and picking up a scary book.

  What about you? Do you like scary reads? Which ones are your favorites? I am looking for recommendations!

  by HeadBuzzer | 7 comments |
  Filed under: Random Hour

• Brisingr Deluxe Release Week Winners!

  Oct 26, 2009

  Dear Dragon Riders,

  
  Our Brisingr Deluxe Release Week Celebration was a huge success! Thank you for all of your wonderful submissions and for all of the hard work you put into making your videos and writing your reviews. I am so excited to announce the winners of our Grand and Ultimate Prize Winners!
  
  Ultimate Prize Winner-
  jad73994 - checkout jad73994's video above where he tells us why he is the Ultimate Inheritance Fan!

  He will score: Eragon & Eldest Boxset, Eragon Official Guide, Mythic Vision, Eragon DVD, Brisingr Hardcover, Eragon PS Game, Alagaësia Mousepad, Eragon Computer Game

  Grand Prize Winners-
  RAVENSWING93
  MAGUZATA

  The winners will score an amazing prize pack that includes:
  Eragon DVD, Eldest Paperback, Eragon Official Guide, Mythic Vision, Brisingr Hardcover, Eragon PS game

  My Brisingr Deluxe Winners -
  Erica
  JediTears09
  kitty_committee

  The winners will each get receive an AUTOGRAPHED set of The Inheritance Cycle - all 3 books hand signed by Christopher Paolini!

  Congratulations to all of the winners and thank you for all of your great submissions!
  

  by HeadBuzzer | 8 comments |
  Filed under: Brisingr Deluxe Christopher Paolini

• The Treasure Map of Boys reviewed by Khyrinthia

  Oct 26, 2009

  

  I didn't realize how much I missed Ruby Oliver until I started reading this third book in the series. I haven't read The Boyfriend List or The Boy Book in nearly a year, but as soon as I picked this one up, I was instantly sucked back into Ruby's crazy, "Ag" filled world.
  
  Ruby's strong voice and writing style are once again present in this book. Her footnotes, her notes at the beginning of the chapters, and uncommonly used words are all back and make Roo as entertaining as ever. The best part about Roo in this book is that she finally learns to grow. She still has her panic attacks, and freaks out over boys, but by the end, she really learns some lessons she needed to learn in order to make herself a better person. It got a little preachy when she went over all the things she had learned throughout the book, but it still showed that she is finally growing up.
  
  There was a bunch of little things happening in the book along the way, so there was a lot of build up to the events of the end, which was kind of annoying, but it's worth it. The ending events show Roo's development extremely well, and I was actually proud of Roo for a certain event. But I can't tell you what that is. ;)
  
  Fans of the first two books shouldn't be disappointed in the third installment, because The Treasure Map of Boys is absolutely spankin'.
  
  

  by HeadBuzzer | 3 comments |
  Filed under: Buzz Blogger

• Win an ARC Copy of the Hunchback Assignments!

  Oct 23, 2009

  

  Modo is a hunchback who was born with the gift of being able to transform his appearance. He is taken in by Mr. Socrates, a member of the shadowy Permanent Association, and is trained to become a secret agent.

  
  When Modo turns fourteen, he is left on his own and must use the skills he’s learned to survive. Along with the help of Octavia, he uncovers a sinister plot being carried out on the dark streets of London and it’s up to them to stop it.

  
  What do you think the evil plot is? Let us know your predictions here for the chance to win an ARC copy of The Hunchback Assignments!

  
  

  Winners List: Friday, October 23
  

  chillngirl12	Evil Plots? I want to say it's obvious, like world domination or killing off all the puppies of the world, but this book seems like the kind of book with a million twists. After all, the main character is a fourteen year old hunchback secret agent, and that's something you don't see every day. So I'm guessing it's more along the lines of gangs and using mind control to take over London. Also, probably Modo is gonna get tied into it all, like he's the son of the head of the gang... or, err, something like that. But this is just a guess after all.
  dragonlover312	The evil plot of The Hunchback Assignments is that the evil group wants Modo to transform into someone important like the Prime Minister to get control of the people.
  berriesrbest	This sounds great. I can't wait to read it. I'm having a premonition that the sinister plot has to do with an evil group, maybe the Permanent Association (the premonition isn't very clear with names), and the group is going to kidnap all the young boys they can find because they want to raise them all and create a "righteous" army of followers. Modo and Octavia will have to help protect the children and stop the kidnapping from happening.
  GRgenius	Well, with most evil plots there is a plan to take over the world or in this case they probably want to start with control of the city. Just a guess, nothing more, nothing less... Thanks for the chance to win this intriguing ARC!
  cassandra	The evil plot has something to do with spies. Also, Modo will discover something unusual about his past

  by HeadBuzzer | 7 comments |
  Filed under: ARC Friday Giveaway

• What If Finalists!

  Oct 22, 2009

  
  We received so many great submissions to our What If contest where we asked the question - Do you or someone you know resemble one of the What If... characters?  It was hard to narrow it down but I am happy to announce the 5 finalists.

  
  Now it’s your turn to decide who you think should be the winner. Read the descriptions of the What If characters HERE . Then, checkout the finalists and their submissions below . Take our Poll and vote for who you think had the best submission. Whoever gets the most votes wins a complete set of WHAT IF books!

  Finalists:

  EllyBean	WHAT IF Character: SASHA LEWIS Characteristics: This is my best friend Heather. She is one of the sweetest girls I know. She is drop dead gorgeous, a straight-A student, and completely down to earth. She is an amazing soccer player and tennis player and does a lot of volunteer work. She is definitely an all-around amazing girl, just like Sasha Lewis.
  Demifan	WHAT IF Character: REESE HIGHLAND Characteristics: My best friend would make a great Reese Highland! He's gorgeous! Every girl in School is crushing on him so badly! He's a good athlete and he dresses very well! He's great to talk to and has an awesome smile! So him= REESE HIGHLAND!
  suprbee	WHAT IF Character: ANNIE ARMSTRONG Characteristics: The "roster" for Annie Armstrong sounds very similar to me. The one point at which we differ is I was never on a debate team, but school is my #1 priority, and Poly-Sci is one of my favorite classes. I do have a purity ring, and I don't believe in drinking. Some people might scoff at this character and call her a prude, but there is nothing wrong with having high-moral standards, and pursuing your academic goals!
  bballchica1106	WHAT IF Character: DREW NAPOLITANO Characteristics: This is my friend Ryan, and I think he seems just like Drew Napolitano. He's the biggest jock I know and plays every sport. From track to baseball, you name it, he does it. He really is a nice guy though and is that cocky cutie that everyone loves!
  zacx10	WHAT IF Character: IRENE CHEN Characteristics: She's definitely is crazy (in a good way) and is very arty with her bright red spiky hair (dyed but not in this picture) and she dresses in the craziest outfits and takes the craziest pictures (like above). Her room is covered with her art and she is definitely an Irene.

  by HeadBuzzer | 4 comments |
  Filed under: what if

• Vote for a winner in the Teen Book Video Awards!

  Oct 22, 2009

  Kirkus Reviews/Nielsen Business Media and Random House Children’s Books are excited to announce the finalists for the fourth annual Teen Book Video Awards, a competition that challenges student filmmakers to create video trailers based on three young adult novels published by Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers and Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers. The winning filmmaker will be announced at a reception and screening of the three finalists’ work to be held in mid-November in New York City.
  
  Barnes & Noble will be hosting the voting for the video trailers on their website from 10/16-10/30.
  PLEASE VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE HERE!
  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/kirkusbva/?cds2Pid=29166&linkid=1479619
  
  This year’s finalists and the subject of their book trailers are:
  
  Brighton Linge – The Maze Runner by James Dashner
  (Delacorte Press; on sale October 6, 2009)
  
  Benjamin Bliss – Fallen by Lauren Kate
  (Delacorte Press; on sale December 8, 2009)
  
  Rosie Lambert – Very LeFreak by Rachel Cohn
  (Alfred A. Knopf; on sale January 12, 2010)
  
  After narrowing the field to three finalists, each filmmaker was assigned one of the three teen novels and was asked to create a 90-second trailer based on the book. The final winner will be chosen based upon various criteria including best script, cinematography, casting, costumes and set design. The winner will receive a cash prize.
  
  The competition increases awareness of these soon-to-be-released novels and encourages young people to spend more time reading. At the same time, it provides aspiring filmmakers an opportunity to hone their skills and gain exposure for their work.
  
  Make sure you tell us who you voted for below (and why!)

  by HeadBuzzer | 25 comments |
  Filed under: Fallen Teen Book Video Awards the maze runner Very LeFreak

• Check out this awesome video for Cycler!

  Oct 21, 2009

  Have you read author Lauren McLaughlin's book Cycler yet? We featured it earlier in the year on Random Buzzers and we love this new video for it!

  If you've read it make sure you tell us what you think below in the comments!

  About Cycler:

  AS FAR AS anyone at her high school knows, Jill McTeague is an average smart girl trying to get her dream date to ask her to the prom.
  
  What no one knows, except for Jill’s mom and dad, is that for the four days Jill is out of school each month, she is not Jill at all. She is Jack, a genuine boy—complete with all the parts. Jack lives his four days per month in the solitude of Jill’s room. But his personality has been building since the cycling began. He is less and less content with his confinement and his cycles are becoming more frequent. Now Jill’s question about the prom isn’t who she'll go with, but who she'll be when the big night arrives.

  
  

  
  

  by HeadBuzzer | 5 comments |
  Filed under: Cycler Lauren McLaughlin

• Random Hour #57: Guy Reads for the Fall

  Oct 21, 2009

  While I usually tend to go for books written in a female voice, I am thrilled about two of our Guy Reads for Fall, Muchacho and We Were Here. Both books have so many similarities and they are both told from a male perspective which is always interesting. Both stories revolve around boys who are juvenile delinquents, but who aren’t living up to their potential.

  In Muchacho, Eddie comes off as an angry juvenile delinquent who cuts school. But the truth is he is really just hiding an intellectual and creative mind behind a façade of anger. Everything changes when he meets Lupe. She sees that there is so much more to Eddie.  And when he sees himself through her eyes, he sees it too.

  In We Were Here, Miguel is sentenced to one year in a group home. But Miguel has other plans, and when he ends up running away to Mexico to get away from his life, he realizes that no matter how far you run, you’ll have to face yourself sooner or later.

  We find the main characters from both books essentially on a journey to find themselves. I can’t wait to dive into both books and enter a “guy’s world” for a little while.

  What about you? Do you tend to read books told from a male or female perspective? What differences do you find between the two or does it not matter?

  by Buzzgirl | 5 comments |
  Filed under: Random Hour