Random Buzz: Teens at Random

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Archives for Dec 2009

Anna Jarzab Visits Random Buzzers Next Week!

Dec 31, 2009

Happy New Year's Eve Buzzers! As you already know, our first author of 2010 is All Unquiet Things author Anna Jarzab! We are so excited to have her with us and we hope you are too. If you haven't done so already, head on over to her forum here or take a look at one of her activities (ALL UNQUIET THINGS: PLAYLIST)! In the meantime, here is a letter from Ms. Jarzab to all of you. Enjoy!

Hey everybody!

I’m really excited to be invited to participate in Random Buzzers and answer your questions—and hopefully your questions answer some questions of mine about how people interpreted certain things in the novel, liked the characters, or experienced the mystery.

I started writing All Unquiet Things what feels like forever ago, back when I was a sophomore in college. I wrote one entire version of the novel over a period of about three years, and as soon as it was finished I chucked it—it was no good. But Neily and Carly stayed with me after graduation, and about half a year later I resurrected the book as a mystery, adding new characters and completely replotting the narrative.

A few things never really changed, though. One of them was the title. I’d known from the very beginning that this novel was going to be called All Unquiet Things, which I took from a nineteenth century epic poem named Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage by Lord Byron. The passage the title comes from contains a warning about an all-consuming drive towards power and greatness that corrupts, and the longer I wrote the book the more it seemed to fit until they were so intertwined the book never could’ve been named anything else!

You can find out more about the book and me online at www.annajarzab.com. My site is where my blog and FAQ lives, but if you find my characters and my book way more interesting than you find me there’s a lot of great stuff on there for you also. A while ago, my friend Eric and I placed all sorts of extra content behind little images of matryoshka dolls (and if you’ve read the book you know why) for people to find and explore, so when you’re done here feel free to go through the site and look for it. I’ll be adding more in the coming months as well, so stay tuned!

I can’t wait to read and respond to all your questions. Ask away!

Cheers,

Anna

by HeadBuzzer | 5 comments |

Filed under: Anna Jarzab
Random Hour #67- The End of 2009

Dec 30, 2009

As December comes to a close we should take a moment to reflect on all of our favorite books that came out this year. Here at Random Buzzers, we think 2009 was a great, exciting year! Some of our favorite authors stopped by, Judy Blume (Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret), David Levithan (Love Is The Higher Law), Lauren McLaughlin (Re-Cycler), Sarah Mlynowski (Magic In Manhattan Series) and so many more!

So as you think about all the great authors and books we’ve featured on Random Buzzers this year, tell us, which were your favorites? Who would you like to see on the boards in 2010?

by Buzzgirl | 5 comments |

Filed under: Random Hour
All Unquiet Things Book Trailer

Dec 30, 2009

Be sure to check out the book trailer for Anna Jarzab's All Unquiet Things. Anna will be joining us next week on the buzz boards to discuss her latest work and answer all of your questions! If there is anything you'd like to discuss with Anna, give her a shout out in her forums here. In the meantime, enjoy her book trailer!

What do you think of the book trailer? Does it make you want to read the book even more?

by HeadBuzzer | 4 comments |

Filed under: Anna Jarzab book trailer
ARC Giveaway Monday: Very LeFreak...And the winners are

Dec 28, 2009

Happy Monday everyone! In anticipation of author Rachel Cohn's visit to Random Buzzers on January 11th, we are giving away 5 ARC copies of her latest work Very LeFreak. In order to enter for your chance to win this book, head on over to author Rachel Cohn's forum here and ask her a question (check back on Jan. 11 to see her responses to your questions!). Winners will be announced tomorrow afternoon on this blog post.

Here's a little description of this book:

Very LeFreak has a problem: she’s a crazed technology addict. Very can’t get enough of her iPhone, laptop, IMs, text messages, whatever. If there’s any chance the incoming message, call, text, or photo might be from her supersecret online crush, she’s going to answer, no matter what. Nothing is too important: sleep, friends in mid-conversation, class, a meeting with the dean about academic probation. Soon enough, though, this obsession costs Very everything and everyone. Can she learn to block out the noise so she can finally hear her heart?

AND THE 5 RANDOMLY SELECTED WINNERS ARE:

PinkDaisy: Hey Rachel! Welcome to RandomBuzzers! Very LeFreak sounds like a fun read, and the topic is so applicable to today's teens. My question is: What type of technology is your addiction? Also, has technology ever caused problems in your life?

Erica: If you were stuck on an island and could only bring one piece of technology with you, what would it be?

Mevurah: I think its awesome for you to write a book about a technology addicted teenager. Lots of us are guilty of becoming a part of that bad habit :/ but its hard not to. Communication is more simpler thanks to cell phones, texting, IM's and Myspace.  What made you decide or want to write about this?

read_dance_4ever: Also I have been wondering this for quite a while now, but how does it feel to have your novel Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist transformed into a movie? Did you feel like it was portrayed correctly?

swanfeather: What was the hardest part of writing your book? Are there any new authors that have grabbed your interest?

by HeadBuzzer | 12 comments |

Filed under: ARC Giveaway rachel cohn
12 Days of Holiday Book Giveaways - WINNERS LIST!

Dec 28, 2009
Hello everyone - we hope you had a great holiday! We want to thank you all for participating in our 12 Days of Holiday Book Giveaways this year! It was such a success and we hope you all fun doing it as well. Here is the full list of winners for each day (in case you missed it!). If you are one of the winners, congrats! Please make sure your address is correct so we can get your book out to you soon. Thanks again to everyone who participated!

Day #1 - Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray
Day #2 - Going Bovine by Libba Bray
Day #3 - Andromeda Klein by Frank Portman
Day #4 - Fairy Tale by Cyn Balog
Day #5 - The Sorceress by Michael Scott
Day #6 - The Treasure Map of Boys by E. Lockhart
Day #7 - Monster Variations by Daniel Kraus
Day #8 - The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Day #9 - Fallen by Lauren Kate
Day #10 - Den of Shadows Quartet by Amelia Atwater-Rhode
Day #11 - Inheritance Cycle Omnibus by Christopher Paolini
- allire: Dear Mr. Paolini, I think that you are a great author. I have a few questions for you, if you don't mind... What do you like to do when you are not writing? What are some of your favorite activities? What helps inspire your books, anything in particular? If you go back and change something in your teen years, would you?
- chloecullen: To Christopher Paolini- The Inheritance books are amazing! I love how you created a new world and made it so realistic and interesting. I wish I had a dragon! My favorite book in the Inheritance Cycle so far is still the first book, Eragon. I can't wait to see what the fourth book will hold for Eragon and Saphira! Keep Writing! Chloe
- hderaps: Dear Mr. Paolini, I have to admit that I have yet to read your work, but I am definitely wanting to do so now that I have an Eragon-obsessed freshman in my English class. He is quite impressed with me at not having read any of your books, and I aim to please so I know that I need to get reading! Thanks for writing books that get kids (and lame English teachers) reading!
Day #12 - Brisingr Deluxe by Christopher Paolini
- AzRagni: Brisingr Alloyed brightsteel, a sword so blue Perfectly matching Saphira's hue. Drawn from beneath the Menoa tree Reluctantly given, not for free. Forged by Rider and by elf Cleverly keeping oath to self. Forged by heat from dragon's flame Instantly combusting at its name. Tested at Feinster's castle gate Steadily cutting through wood and grate. Destined to end Gabatorix's life Eternally freeing Alagaesia from strife.
- TamerLorika: Mr. Paolini Atra esterni ono thelduin. I don't mean to sound completely cliche but I'm a huge fan. Dragon-sized. I can't believe there is a chance that you will read this letter... I've been following the books for six years now, since before Eldest, and I'm so impressed with the story. Its mature and thought out, and the world is palpable. The rules are now all in place, and the story flows so well now that things can be understood. I know there is still a lot we don't know, but I feel as if the series is finally understandable, and everything is almost wrapped up. I'm very excited for the last instalment in the series, the second book of Brisingr. I congratulate you on a monumental acheivement of these books, and wish you luck and happiness in your future career.
- Cories: Boy and a dragon
Travel with and without Brom.

Murtagh’s his brother.

Orders not followed,

Punished even though correct,

Poor Roran got screwed.
by HeadBuzzer | 4 comments |
12 Days of Holiday Book Giveaways -Day #11 & #12- Inheritance Cycle Omnibus & Brisingr Deluxe

Dec 25, 2009

Happy holidays everyone! Today we are giving away our last two books in the 12 Days of Holiday Books Giveaways and we are giving away two Christopher Paolini books: Inheritance Cycle Omnibus and Brisingr Deluxe. As always, if you would like to enter for your chance to win these books, please head over to this activity and submit! And now for yesterday's winners:

AND THE THREE WINNERS WHO WILL RECEIVE A COPY OF DEN OF SHADOWS QUARTET ARE:

Thunderrider: Dear Amelia Atwater-Rhodes, The Den of Shadows Quartet sounds like an interesting series to read. The idea of vampires, however, is the newest, what with Twilight and all, but I wanna see your take on vampires as well. It's always interesting to see mythical creatures portrayed in a different light; so many different ideas, so many different possibilities. I'm rather excited to read one of the books in particular, actually: Demon in My View. The reason why is because of the author part; what irony it would be if that actually happened to you! That would be awesome, yet creepy in the same package!

Gwynith: Dear Amelia Atwater-Rhodes, I like reading new books. Unfortunately, its hard to find new books that fit in the genres I like. So I go onto B&N.com and look through the book selection they have, putting books on hold at the library that I think seem interesting. Then I came across your books, Shattered Mirror and Midnight Predator. I got them at the library and I liked them so much I read both of them in 2 days! I knew from those two books that no book you write would ever put me to sleep like some of the others would. I went online, and looked up what books you had written and tried to put them on hold at the library...sadly, the library didnt have a copy of them so I still haven't read them. Hopefully I win this copy of the Den of Shadows Quartet and I can finally finish the series that I started. :)

KACPDrummer: Dear Amelia Atwater-Rhode, Wow, what a long name you have! Ha-ha anyway I just wanted to let you know that ever since I found your first book on the bookshelf of my local library, I could not get enough. I read through them all as fast as I could find them. With some of the books, when I first read them, I got upset with the outcome. But after rereading them, I found that I could not think of a better way without making it cheesy. Anyway, is there a possibility of a sequel or continuation to some of them? Even a Prequel would be nice!

by HeadBuzzer | 3 comments |
Buzz Blogger Guest Post: Love Trianges

Dec 24, 2009

Love Triangles - The Geek vs. Mystery Man: Who wins?

Many contemporary books rely on love triangles to keep a plot moving. A common example: Edward vs. Jacob from Twilight. Why does Edward get to end up with Bella instead of Jacob?

Is there some hidden law in the universe that says the Mystery Man always gets the girl? Well, not always… For example:… Are there any examples? I can name at least 5 books off the top of my head where the girl ends up with a mysterious guy who happens to come from a hairy-background and have emotional issues, not to mention a hot body and a killer smile.

What well known book has a girl end up with a caring, loyal, cute and funny geek? There is nothing saying she can’t end up with him. So, why is it then that that rarely happens in fiction?

But think: Do we really want the girl to end up with the kind geek? Or do we want the girl to end up in the arms of a deep and good looking guy?  What do you say? When you read a book with a love triangle, who do you want to end up with the girl?

-TheBookWorm

by HeadBuzzer | 5 comments |

Filed under: Buzz Blogger
12 Days of Holiday Book Giveaways - Day #10 - Den of Shadows Quartet

Dec 24, 2009

Greetings everyone! Hope you are all having a lovely week. We are excited for our 10th book in our 12 Day of Holiday Book Giveaways! Today's book is Den of Shadows Quartet by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes! As usual, if you would like to enter for your chance to win this book, please head over to this activity and submit! Good luck everyone! And now for yesterday's winners (both The Maze Runner and Fallen)...

AND THE 3 WINNERS WHO WILL RECEIVE A COPY OF THE MAZE RUNNER ARE:

rosittaa: Mazes are, let us say, trouble

They twist and turn and have a lot of doubles.

When I think of a maze it makes my stomach turn,

I don't know if I will make it or get lost in that furn.

Now Thomas had it tougher,

it was much harder for him.

He didn't even have his memory to guide him.

He new that the gates would open up every morn,

but that just made him torn.

He new that boys had been coming every thirty days,

why he did not know but that is what they say.

Then along comes this girl but that is not right,

she comes not at the appointed time but right after that night.

She has a message and it involves him,

if only he could remember,

if only he could remember.

Now that is all I know of this story for I have no book to read,

But if I get this book I am sure to succeed.

So please, if you could, grant me this wish,

for I would love to have this book for Christmas.

jeditears09: Boxed in on all sides

Which way to go?

Night approaches

They're closing in

Run, run, run,

As fast as you can

Don't let them catch you

You won't get out alive

No chance of escaping

What's there to do?

Run.

sakuragirl: You wake up to an acrid stench,

inside a moving metal trench,

then emerge to a "sunlit" place,

where you don't know a single face.

They only left you with a name,

you don't know who, or what's, to blame,

for isolating teenage boys,

and treating them like plastic toys.

Outside the haven of the Glade,

are monsters of an evil shade,

that probe the maze with spikes and saws,

viscous robot cows with claws.

Each day throughout the walls you run,

but you must beat the setting sun!

For at that time the walls will slide;

there's nowhere in the maze to hide.

AND THE THREE WINNERS WHO WILL RECEIVE A COPY OF FALLEN ARE:

cories: Hi, Lauren! I've been wondering, in many YA stories in which the protagonists are immortal (or at least been alive for well over 20 years), why do they still act their physical-appearance age (i.e., teens) instead of their chronological one? Is this so that they'd be on an equal footing emotionally with the non-immortal characters who are still teens? Wouldn't a person get tired of being treated like a teen for decades? How did you handle this with Daniel?

shadley: Dear Lauren Kate,   We all now there is a surplus of books involving vampires, werewolves, and the supernatural. What I want to know is, with all this other competition how do you think you have made Fallen stand out? And what is one of the things that made you want to write in a genre already so written about? I look forward to reading your book.

cosmicdustbunny: I have heard rumors that Disney is looking at your book to become a film, is there any truth to these rumors?

by HeadBuzzer | 7 comments |
Random Hour #66 - Holiday Stories

Dec 23, 2009

One of my favorite holiday traditions is to read all those great holiday books you received as a kid. There is something so comforting about reading those classics, they never get old and they always delight.

Some of my favorites are The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg, How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss and of course The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffman.

So what I would like to know is, what are your favorite holiday books?

by Buzzgirl | 13 comments |
12 Days of Holiday Book Giveaways - Day #8 & #9 - The Maze Runner & Fallen

Dec 23, 2009

Hello everyone! We have a special deal today with our Holiday Book Giveaway Bonanza! Today we are giving away 2 different books: The Maze Runner by James Dashner and Fallen by Lauren Kate. HERE'S THE CATCH: Read carefully because each book has its own entry method.

To enter to win The Maze Runner: Go to this activity and submit.

To enter to win Fallen: You must submit a question for Lauren Kate on here forum here.

You may enter to win both books, three winners will be chosen for each book and the winners will be announced tomorrow (as usual). Good luck! And now for yesterday's winners...

AND THE THREE WINNERS WHO WILL RECEIVE A COPY OF MONSTER VARIATIONS ARE:

writergirl24: It's summer

A time of live and laughter

It shall never be a bummer

Denying thoughts of school that will come after

It's night-time

Across the sky the stars have bled

A truck screeches by committing a horrid crime

Another boy lies dead James, Willie, and Reggie stay out at night risking their lives

Growing up all the while

What should come next is no surprise

Who knew life could be so hostile

Will the boys grow up

Or will they lie dead in the streets

Can they overcome life's half empty cup

Or become monsters haunting life's elites

brainlair: Boys to men, that's where we're headed,

Slowly,

But we're running out of luck

Boys to men, "the monster" is not all that's dreaded '

Quickly

Try to avoid that truck!

sagiwolf: Corpses line the ground

Male, young, innocent

Drowning in red blood

Corpses line the ground

Fear attacks us all

Gripped to this reality

A nonfiction horror story

Fear attacks us all

The monster lurks around

Vicious, mysterious, deadly

Unknown to us all

The monster lurks around

A killing that cannot stop

No one has a clue

Nobody has a solution

A killing that cannot stop

by HeadBuzzer | 2 comments |