John Jacob she's not...: Namesake by Sue MacLeod

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the place to be every day of the week for good times, fair weather and of course, great reads.

Today, we’re taking a look at a title via Pajama Press.  It’s from the Young Adult genre, steeped in history but only so far as to reach out and connect you directly with a time, place and person…not so much as to feel preachy, teachy, or any other word you’d care to add a “y” to that fits.  (^_^)  Of course, it also opens up the avenue of further investigation for you since it has real life connections, but we’ll get to that a little later.  Ready to greet today’s featured title?  Practice your curtsey and your bow, today’s book of choice is…

Namesake

By

Sue MacLeod

9781927485293

Pajama Press

Look familiar?  Well, it darn well better…or else you haven’t been visiting the blog these past few months and then, and then I might just have to cry.  *sad face*  You don’t want me to burst out in tears now do you?  *sniff*  I didn’t think so.  *blows nose*  Besides, it wouldn’t be nearly as much fun as sharing my thoughts on this book because honestly, it SURPRISED me.

Okay, I admit it. When I hosted a spot on the blog tour back in September, I initially had my wires crossed.  I thought I was to review it for my day instead it turned out I was spotlighting it and so in my whole rush to read it before the supposed deadline that was about to pass…I was just NOT into it.  I couldn’t connect, no if’s, an’s, or but’s about it.  Turns out the reason was simply because I was too rushed.  Once my reading schedule kink was worked out (i.e. I read my own sticky note on the cover of the book…*hand to face*), I put it aside until its proper time and thus discovered a book much more fascinating than my first pass revealed.

This is the story of Jane Grey…and Jane Grey.  The only thing separating them is the inclusion of the name/title “Lady” and a couple of centuries.  No big deal, right?  Umm…well, here’s the thing.  JG from the here and now lives in Canada, crushes on TK (Tom Kantor), and has a history report coming up that she is doing on LJG.  Convenient considering the events that are about to unfold…plus of course the same name aspect.  LJG from the past was the teen ruler of Tudor England for about nine days…before she was imprisoned and executed.  Dun dun dunnnnn.  Her Booke of Prayre seems to have survived her beheading (~shudders~) and finds its way into the hands of our current JG with very unexpected results; for it’s not just a first hand account of LJG’s days, but a portal of sorts…or so it seems.  I mean, come on!  Do you really expect us to believe that she’s traveling back to the final days of the young ruler’s life, playing chess, dancing, and trying to find some way to stay her execution?  Pfft!  *chuckles*  Oh wait…unless the way there and back works BOTH ways…   ~oooh~

Image from actual Lady Jane Grey's Booke of Prayre via http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/histtexts/ladyjane/index.html

Curiosity may have injured the cat, but revealing the final plot line has off’ed enough readers and reviewers for me to know better than to spoil the mystery.  Suffice it to say, you’ll grow close to both young ladies as they explore each other’s lives in the here and there.  You’ll grow to understand both their positions and the choices they make regarding their own fates.  You’ll realize that it’s not just a history project in the making nor a chance to see life as it once was, but a story that reminds us that EVERYONE has difficult times in life; some struggles just aren’t as obvious to Johnny Q. Public.  It doesn’t make them any lesser or greater, it just makes them as tough to manage on your own.  You have to let others in for help to be lent; after all, not everyone is as discerning of the pains we have grown so accustom to hiding.  Share your true self with the world, the good and the bad.  Let them make their decisions regarding you with the whole picture in front of them…just don’t let their “judgment” determine your self worth.

Recommended read for Young Adult fans of all ages and beyond.  Whether historical read inclined or not, there’s still something to connect with and reflect on in this story.  Review copy received courtesy of Pajama Press.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, be sure to stop by their official site, pin them on Pinterest, friend them on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter.  Oh…and one more thing.  Seeing as how a lot of the events included actually happened, I do believe you’d be interested in knowing that the ‘Booke of Prayre’ mentioned actually exists…or at least the one widely accepted to have been hers does.  Thanks to the author’s note, we’ve got a lead on where to find it.  Just click here and then search for “Lady Jane Grey’s prayer book”.  (*types…clicks…reads*)

Until next time…happy reading!

BLOG TOUR: Namesake by Sue MacLeod

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place where rain nor sleet nor dark of night, can keep this reader from sharing the bookish love with all of you.  Yes, it's been quite a week (well, few weeks actually) life wise but this reader is still ticking.  Pages are being read, posts are being typed, and seeing as it's Tuesday, teasers are being shared!  But today's teaser is EXTRA special.  Wanna know why?  Well...I'll tell you!  ^_^

Today, we are playing host to a Pajama Press blog tour starring a Young Adult title that infuses the present in the past and vice versa.  It's different, it's curious, it's downright something to ponder while adding it to your wish list, and today, we're gonna give you something else to "chew" on.  But first, let's learn a little about the book...

Namesake

by

Sue MacLeod

 978-1-927485-29-3 

Pajama Press

All Jane did was read aloud from an old book—but suddenly she’s face to face with her history project, Tudor England’s Lady Jane Grey.

It started with a history project. Mr. Gregor assigned a research paper on a figure from the Tudor era, and of course Jane Grey had to pick her namesake—Lady Jane Grey, the fifteen-year-old girl whose parents schemed to place her on the throne of England, then abandoned her to face the executioner. The project is engrossing from the start, but when Jane opens a mysterious prayer book and finds herself in the Tower of London in 1553, she ends up literally drawn into her namesake’s story. Soon, Jane is slipping into the past whenever the present becomes too unbearable, avoiding her mother’s demands, her best friend’s fickleness, her crush’s indifference. In the Tower she plays chess with the imprisoned Lady Jane, awed by her new friend’s strength and courage. And it is in the Tower, keeping vigil as the day of the execution draws near, that Jane learns that she, too, must have the courage to fight for her own happiness.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pretty cool, right?

Sounds good to me...and seeing as it's Teaser Tuesday, I thought the PERFECT match for today's feature and a great way to share the reading run with you, would be with a special excerpt!  Sound good?  You're welcome.  ^_^  Ready, set...be teased and read!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT:  Namesake

That night, I heard Mom’s boot heels tapping down the hallway.

Her black suede boots; I knew the sound. All the rules,

like No Shoes in the House, turned to smoke when Analise

was heading for a bender. The back door slammed, and then

her old Volvo chup-chupped into gear.

I flicked my light on after a while, and lay there staring at

the ceiling. I couldn’t concentrate to read. Couldn’t turn on

my music, not with one ear cocked in case she came back.

And Tom. Couldn’t think about Tom. He was like a gift. And

if a gift got unwrapped in this atmosphere, the sweetness and

excitement might get contaminated....

If only I could drift off to sleep, like I could drift from

my century to Jane’s and back. Sometimes I wondered how

that looked to her: when I’d hear something calling me and

suddenly be—gone....

In the end I got the prayer book from my drawer. One of

the most comforting things ever was just to look at it and hold

it. It really took me someplace—in the figure-of-speech way,

I mean. It fell open to a page with an illuminated letter O. A

swirl of curlicues. No clear path in or out. A maze.

What can I do, my lady? Is there some way I can save you? Is

there somehow a parallel universe where you could get to live your

life? Are you holding this book too, right now?

Can we both be?

I decided to go.

Everything was black.

Was time unwinding faster? Had it all—had it happened

already?

I felt colder than I remembered feeling.

Jane?...

It was her room. I could just make out the outline of the

window now, and a thread of light across the floor.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Pretty heavy scene...or so it sounds.

What say YOU readers?

Yay or nay?

It's just a few choice words, but they can both hook or hinder.

The comments are open; I'm all ears.

Special thanks to Erin at Pajama Press for the chance to participate in this tour...as well as the review copy for my full post coming this November!  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, be sure to stop by their official site, like them on Facebook, pin them on Pinterest, or follow along on Twitter.  To see just where the blog tour leads next (*hint* - Bookish Notions - tomorrow!), be sure to join the "Pajama Party"....and finally, to learn more about the author behind the work, pay a visit to her virtual doorstop.

Until next time...happy reading!

Emily For Real by Sylvia Gunnery

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place to be when the need to read strikes and you're looking for a few good books.  (Speaking of which, don't forget to check out the right hand side bar for your chance to win a few titles currently up for grabs!) Take today's for example...

We have a Young Adult choice that deals with real life in a REAL way.  Ups, downs, and everything inbetween are housed within the pages of this short read and they come together to an ending that is almost anything but.  Allow me to introduce you to today's book of choice...

Emily for Real

by

Sylvia Gunnery

About the book...

Seventeen-year-old Emily’s world crumbles when her boy friend dumps her, and when she thinks her life can’t possibly get any worse, a series of secrets are revealed that threaten to tear her beloved family apart. Emily’s heart has been broken into a hundred pieces and she feels like there is no one to turn to, until an unexpected friendship blossoms with a troubled classmate named Leo. Sometimes moody but always supportive, Leo is Emily’s rock in an ocean of confusion and disbelief.
But Leo doesn’t have an easy life either. He struggles to be both mother and father to his little sister while his mom battles her alcohol addiction. His deadbeat dad darts in and out of the picture, and Leo would rather he stay away, permanently. The two friends lean on each other, and in the end discover the inner strength to face whatever life throws at them.

It all starts with a death in the family...a simple enough start it would seem and yet the tragedy itself it not what has Emily all torn up on the inside.  Nope.  In typical teenage fashion, it's the ironically timed break up from her long distance boyfriend (over the phone no less!) that has her heart in shambles.  You can't truly blame her, after all she wasn't really close to her grandfather and yet with all that's about to be uncovered, apparently, NO ONE really was.

Author Sylvia Gunnery

The secrets begin to reveal themselves at the funeral with an unexpected (and at the time, unknown) guest and continue through books end when more than one person's whole world will be shaken not stirred.  How does Emily deal with the news?  Well, the immediate revelation has more to do with her parents than with her but with the emotional hurricane she's rolling through at the moment, that's probably best.  She decides to take the "lets-try-to-focus-on-someone-elses-problems-not-mine" route and in turn meets the new guy in school that seems to be a walking add for anger management.  Don't worry, he's not completely self destructive or about to turn his blossoming friendship with Emily into a Jerry Springer episode but he does have his issues as well as a few good reasons for their existence.  I'm not excusing his acting out (including a stolen/misplaced incident with his Dad's truck) but it certainly is understandable.  The yin and yang of these two seemingly polar opposites aids in them both rectifying their situations to the best of their abilities but if you're looking for a neat and clean tidy type of ending, think again.

This is not the story of what once was, what could have been and what will be with wishes becoming horses and the less fortunate riding.  This is a story of the crud that life can deal us and how our story is not written by its appearance but by our reaction to it.  The author does a good job of getting us inside the heads of Emily and Leo....even Emma and Dana whom me meet more in-depth later on and have their own stories to share.  If we choose to breakdown and hide away from the world, then our downfall becomes our ending.  If we choose to accept the change, muddle through our feelings and move on, then our recovery and new found stronger self will be our victory song.  Emily is dealt a rather LARGE load of...problems.  Some are typical teenage land stuff, others not so much...and one still felt a little "added" much like the straw on the camel's back in lieu of actually being needed, but the way she finds her way back, the way she picks up the pieces to put things not back together but to form a new masterpiece are real.  The decisions are filled with drama.  Emotions are spent time and time again yet still ready for another go round. With the somewhat help of her new friend, she comes to terms with what happened and what's happening, realizing that the grass is not greener on the other side, just simply another shade of mixed up and confused.

Recommended read for YA fans of all ages though I think those literally living in the moment of their later teens will be spoken to most clearly.  At times, it might even take a page out of your own diary....but that's okay, life happens in reality and between the pages.  Review copy courtesy of Erin at Pajama Press.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their complete catalog, be sure to visit them online, catch up on their blog, pin them on Pinterest, like them on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter.  This title is distributed by Orca Book Publishers and should be available now on a bookstore shelf near you.

Until next time...happy reading!

Lumpito and the Painter from Spain by Monica Kulling

Hi there!

Welcome back to the place that aims to please readers of all ages at some point or another throughout the course of a week....Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're heading back to the realm of storybooks only this time, it's based on a true story.  Pretty cool, right?  Oh, it only gets better from here on out.  The tale is one that will enchant the hearts of readers young and old as well as capture the attention of art connoisseurs too...of course being a dog lover doesn't hurt either.  ^_^  Curious how this puzzle fits together?  (< - There's a pun there which you'll get in a second...) Wonder no more!  Today's book of choice is....

Lumpito and the Painter from Spain

By

Monica Kulling

Illustrated by

Dean Griffiths

About the book...

A true story of the determined little dachshund who stole Picasso’s heart
Lump the dachshund is content living with David in Italy. But he is not happy living with Big Dog, who hounds him day and night. Lump needs a holiday. So when David announces that he’s off to the south of France to photograph a famous painter, Lump positively scrambles at the chance to ride along. At the villa, Pablo Picasso greets them and is enchanted with the little dog he calls Lumpito. The feeling is mutual; from that moment on, the two become soulmates. Lump loves David. But how can he show his master, and Picasso, that he is home at last?

Take two parts ADORABLE, one part fiction, one part truth...mix well and the masterpiece you are about to meet is the end product.

First things first, the name.  It begins as Lump but is pronounced "Loomp", meaning rascal in German and transforms to Lumpito when he finds a new forever home that fits everyone like the missing puzzle piece of a forgotten puzzle.  A great tail...excuse me, tale for readers of all ages that will capture your heart from beginning to end, or even cover to cover;  Lumpito is such a little star that it takes both sides of the cover to display is adorableness or rather for both ends to meet.  ^_^  I have to admit, my instant attraction to this book was the cover...he reminded me greatly of my little fur baby Winston (a doxy who passed away a year or so ago); there's just something about their sweet little faces that really pours on the charm.  The illustrator, Dean Griffiths, really brought that to life from start to finish without neglecting any of the other characters within.  From the paint smudges on Lumpito's nose to Yan's elation at making a new friend, Picasso's obvious joy over his new little muse and so on, there is fun to be had and joy to discover on every page.  So, in essence, I came for the cover but STAYED for the story.

This is not simply a story about man's best friend but rather a journey that finds our lumpy boy in a new forever home better suited for all members of the family.  Any pet owner knows, just because we want two of our fur babies to get along, doesn't mean they always do.  Sometimes, it's just not meant to be and though it's hard, the best thing for everyone is to seek out a new situation for them.  Such was the case presented in this story and such are the circumstances that landed Lumpito with new digs...and also the role of muse to one infamous artist.  That's right.  The tie in to Picasso is all TRUE.  Don't believe me?  Check out some of his work, specifically his series of Las Meninas (The Maids of Honor) paintings, some of which I've included here thanks to online search options.  FIFTEEN of them feature the little pup...how cool is that?!  (Thank you to the author for pointing out this COOL factoid!  Definitely opens up the door for more research after the story!)

So, in conclusion, an adorable story ripped right from the pages of history and presented in a tidy little paint splatters package of furry wonder for all to see.  It will appeal to young readers right from the start with illustrations to adore (and really, who could say no to THAT little face?), while still giving older readers something to capture their interests and investigate after the tale has reached its end.  Another fantastic release, from an author that's certainly made her mark in the Children's Edutainment arena, and one whose work I will recommend (and follow) for many moons to come.This book just celebrated its official BOOK BIRTHDAY this Monday and should be readily available on a bookstore shelf near you.

Review copy received courtesy of author Monica Kulling and Erin at Pajama Press.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their complete catalog, stop by the publisher's site, blog, Pinterest board, Facebook page, or follow along on Twitter.  To discover more of the creative world of Monica Kulling, stop by her official site, or like her on Facebook.


Until next time...happy reading!

Don't Laugh at Giraffe by Rebecca Bender

Hi there!

Welcome back to the weekend edition of Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers... the place that doesn't care if you sleep in late or stay up all night, we'll be here whenever you're ready for a bookish break in your day.

Today, we're taking a look at a Pajama Press title that broaches the subject of tolerance, acceptance, and friendship...in a rather interesting way. It's a Children's picture book starring a duo of animal friends that... well perhaps friends is too strong a word here, because the looks they give each other combined with the tendency to be WAY way competitive lend more to frenemies, but I digress; allow me to properly introduce today's book of choice...

DON'T LAUGH AT GIRAFFE

BY

Rebecca Bender

Giraffe and Bird run with the same crowd, but a friendship it is not, or at least not quite yet and certainly not in the traditional sense of the word.  One way or another they manage to compete against each other for the title of "most obnoxious" throughout the course of any given day but just because they don't share each others clothes and gossip all the time, doesn't mean that they don't have mutual respect for one another. The truth of this matter is exposed when one average day at the watering hole turns into a moment of embarrassment that sends one slightly awkward friend away with his head hung low. What created this sad turn of events? The thoughtless words or rather giggles and guffaws of another... good thing he has someone willing to show his true colors in order to set things right.

I first referred to this as an unusual read.  The reason?  Simply because the behavior these two exhibit is much less than the usual friendship picture books tend to portray. Its not all hugs and smiles but it is all about respecting one another and not allowing mistreatment to befall them. You see a problem, you fix it; same applies here as well. You don't just idly stand by and watch bullying happen. You step in, in your own little way, to make sure the affected party is alright and try to bring a smile to their day. Combine the lessons with the adorable and hilarious illustrations and you'll be well on your way to appreciating those you call friend a whole lot more.

Recommended read for all ages as there's a little something in it to capture the hearts and minds of anyone able to appreciate the warmth of a friendship not made in a passing glance but heartily built. Not all friendships are emerge from an exact likeness to one another, some take time and the pursuit of common ground...BUT those differences we uncover in each other are something to be celebrated. So who will you be celebrating today? I choose all of you! :-)

Review copy received cosy courtesy of Pajama Press. (Thanks!) For more information on this title as well as their complete catalog, be sure to visit them online (http://www.pajamapress.ca). This book is available now

on a bookstore shelf near you, so be on the lookout!

Until next time... Happy reading!