PRE-PUB PARTY: Someone Else's Summer by Rachel Bateman

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Is it just me or is May off to an AWESOME-TASTIC start...at least in the reading department?  Hopefully it's not just me, but if it is, feel free to follow in my page turns to turn your frown upside down because my reading forecast has been nothing but blue skies here lately.  Speaking of which...

Today, we're diving between the pages of a forthcoming release via Running Press Teens, that stars a Young Adult title that's the perfect addition to your summer reading.  Well, the title ALONE would lead you to believe that, but the content is of two worlds.  It's both easy breezy, and heavy hitting...in more ways than you might imagine.  Ready to get the scoop on this BUZZ worthy title?  Let's!  Ready or not, here comes today's book of choice...

Someone Else's Summer

by

Rachel Bateman

9780762462193

Running Press Teens

About the book...

Anna's always idolized her older sister, Storm. So when Storm dies in a tragic car accident on the night of her high school graduation, Anna is completely lost and her family is torn apart. That is, until she finds Storm's summer bucket list and decides to honor her sister by having the best summer ever—which includes taking an epic road trip to the coast from her sleepy Iowa town. Setting out to do everything on Storm's list along with her sisters best friend Cameron—the boy next door—who knew that Storm's dream summer would eventually lead to Anna's own self-discovery?

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This is the story of how one summer turned into a time to remember.

It all begins with an ending, and ends, ironically, with a new beginning. 

Anna's sister is graduating high school...cue the balloons, fanfare, and party music...except, not.  You see, tragedy struck that very day and what should have been a celebration of life, became a memorial of those days that had passed.  The town was shocked, and though friends rallied, the family was rocked to its core.  How do you get over losing a loved one?  A daughter, a sister...someone you saw every day, loved, laughed, and tangled with?  How do you move on?  The parents are seeking their own route through the grieving process, but Anna is taking a less traditional one.  As it turns out, their childhood traditions were not completely done away with despite their growing apart as they navigated their teen years.  In fact, one specific part of that shared past is going to turn this summer from just another few months out of school into days they won't forget.

Right from the start, I was taken by surprise at how the author was able to put us right there in the situation.  We can feel the loss from all sides, see the struggle to make sense of it all, and marvel at the way the pieces fit back together.  I was really caught up in Anna's journey, so much so that I never saw the bigger twists coming.  Well, okay, I suspected something, but not exactly what occurred to occur.  I mean, how could you when you're busy LIVING LIFE, making memories, BEING BRAVE, and riding shotgun on a summer adventure to remember.  Speaking of memories, the tender touches along the way as Anna's relationship blossoms made my heart skip a few beats.  They're not earthshattering or jaw dropping instances, but special moments in the everyday that bring a smile to your face or a glint to your eye...the parasailing, the tattoo parlor, and the photo book...oh the photo book. 

In the end, it shares a story of life after loss and the bravery it takes to allow happiness back in. I loved Anna, adored Cameron, felt for Storm, and wished everyone to have an adult in their life as amazing as Aunt Morgan. If this book is not on your radar, I suggest you change that, STAT.

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About the author...

Rachel Bateman is a writer and editor who spends too much time thinking she can out bake the Cake Boss. (Spoiler: She can’t.) She lives in the middle of Montana, but dreams of the South. Rachel is the owner of Metamorphosis Books, an author services company offering formatting and interior layout for independent authors. When not writing, editing, or reading books, she can be found playing with her husband, young son, and small zoo of pets.

SITE  |  TWITTER

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Special thanks to Valerie at Running Press for the ARC for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is set to celebrate its book birthday NEXT WEEK (May 9th, to be precise) via Running Press Teens, an imprint of Perseus Books, LLC, so mark your calendar or pre-order your copy today! 

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

BLOG TOUR: When You Leave by Monica Ropal

Hi there!

Welcome back to the Friday edition of Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're going....

INTO THE WOODS,

INTO THE WOODS;

Skipping merrily into the woods!

There are wolves about

And time is short;

But here we go

INTO THE WOODS!

*-*

Um, sorry about that misguided musical interlude.  I was slightly brainwashed from FINALLY getting to watch INTO THE WOODS last night and let me just say that while I respect the actors/actresses and Disney is normally a sure thing, THIS was anything but.  #epicfail

Anywho...

Despite that being my final verdict on the movie, the only baring it has on today's book post is simply that the characters do indeed go into the woods.  The outcome?  Stolen kisses, shared moments, and a murder most unexpected.  In other words, a sure fire WIN!  Ready to meet and greet my most recent bookish adventure?  Ladies and gents, courtesy of Running Press, join me in welcoming today's blog tour guest and book of choice...

When You Leave

by

Monica Ropal

9780762454556

Running Press Teens

About the book...

Cass has a theory: everyone eventually leaves. Her father walked out, her mother is starting a new family, and she almost lost her best friend to cancer.

When Cass transfers to a preppy new private school, her plan is to stay anonymous by hiding her skater girl veneer beneath plaid skirts and knee socks. But when her cute locker neighbor, Cooper, takes an interest in Cass, keeping a safe distance isn't easy. And once Cass lets her guard down, the unthinkable happens: Cooper is mysteriously murdered.

As the investigation unfolds, Cass's close friend, Gav, is suspected as the killer. Determined to find answers, she must go through her list one by one until somebody cracks. However, will uncovering the truth really give Cass what she is looking for?

AMAZON   |   B&N   |   INDIEBOUND

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This is definitely not your typical YA story.  Our leading lady is a refreshing release of cold Winter air into the early Spring landscape.  Where she could be your model private school girl, scoring A's and praise from all the other elitists, she DOES the first and throws her finger up at the latter.  Her crew is not from the neighborhood she now resides in and much prefers surfing a half-pipe to catching up on the latest gossip at the local coffeehouse.  Preppy by day (thanks to the uniform) and skater in every hour thereafter, if it wasn't for the great education and reaching her potential, she'd trade it all in for the hallways of her old alma mater.  As it is, she's stuck with the highfalutin crowd and plans to fly under the radar til graduation day.  Funny how plans can all go to s*** when you least expect it.

Enter one locker neighbor by the name of Cooper.  His official introduction to Cass is a kiss, stolen at a moment opportune for the both of them; in her case, it got her out of detention, in his case, it kept Sister from asking why he was rummaging in her desk.  Hello to you too!  Talk about a "meet cute" moment!  After this meeting, the connection seems to have been made despite the obstacles standing in their way and until the moment of their final parting, it doesn't seem to fizzle.  To me, he seemed like an okay guy though doubt is definitely cast on his character at many junctions along the way, but sometimes that's just the way we want to see things, especially when tragedy strikes.  Oh buddy, does it strike here.  It's both unexpected and hair raising, even more so by the fact that you know the killer is among them.

As the story unfolds, I really appreciated the birds eye view we got of everything transpiring.  From relationships to family, every day life to sleuthing, it all felt natural with real results.  Even the danger that persued them as their investigation continued kept you biting your nails.  Looking back those relationships mentioned, I feel obligated to spotlight two additional ones besides the Cooper and Cass connection.  First up, we have Cass and her little brother Henry.  He's a special little guy that relates to the world differently than most (rates on the autism scale) but his insight into things is incredible.  He can reach right to the heart of the matter with a few chosen words dispelled in a round about fashion and be  spot on.  A great little guy indeed...and speaking of great guys, can I say a word about Mattie?  He may not be the most talkative fellow due to circumstances beyond his control but his connection with Cass is amazing.  Just a look, a glance, a gesture communicates so much between these two and though they are both rough and tumble on the outside, they'll melt your heart.  Promise.

So, let me draw this to a conclusion for you.  This is a Young Adult pick for those readers that love your less-than-typical leading lady, kicking butt and taking numbers all in the name of love, for friends and those that could have been more.  There's the usual journey of learning to show others your true self regardless of what they might think.  There's young love despite the fact that's it's hidden in more ways than one and by more PEOPLE than two.  There's jealousy and reputation.  There's rumors heard through the grapevine and the die hard search to cut through all the bull**** in order to get to the TRUTH of the matter not simply for truth's sake but also so the heart can settle.  It's a labyrinth of feelings and emotions strewn across a familiar landscape made disconcerting by the mysteries  running round like kids on a sugar rush.  It all blends together into a story that's much bigger and better than you would ever first guess, and lives up to the buzz that's been building here of late.  Though I had my gut feelings about who did what, the story was never transparent to where the journey to reach the certain end felt unnecessary.  Definitely an author to watch.

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About the author....

Monica Ropal lives in friendly St. Paul, Minnesota with her husband and three children—whom she lovingly refers to as her three-ring circus. In addition to writing and playing ringmaster, Monica also works as a hospice nurse.

SITE   |   FACEBOOK   |   TWITTER

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ARC for review courtesy of Valerie at Running Press.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this tour, this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is set to celebrate its BOOK BIRTHDAY this coming Tuesday (04/07/15) via Running Press Teens, a member of the Perseus Books Group, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.  Of course, you can always pre-order it...just to make sure you can call dibs on a copy before they all fly off the shelf.  Just sayin'...  ^_^

Until next time...happy reading!

WATCH THIS: Press Play by Eric Devine

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers, the place to be when you're looking for your next read....I've got your back.

Well now, would you look at that?

It's NOVEMBER.  Can you believe it?

In a matter of time, it'll be Thanksgiving, then Christmas, then hello 2015!  Whew!  That'll make your head spin...but I digress, there are still a few weeks of great reading ahead so before we start planning our resolutions, let's jump into today's featured title.

It comes to us from Running Press, a member of the Perseus Books Group, and stars a hard hitting title you won't want to miss.  It deals with bullying in the extreme and shows not only the effects it can have, but what happens when one voice becomes many against it.  WARNING:  Some content will be hard to read but it's worth it in the end.  Without further ado, today's book of choice is...

Press Play

by

Eric Devine

9780762455126

Running Press Teens

About the book....

Does the truth really set you free?

Pound by sweaty pound, Greg Dunsmore’s plan is working. Greg is steadily losing weight while gaining the material he needs to make the documentary that will get him into film school and away from the constant jeers of “Dun the Tun.”

But when Greg captures footage of brutal and bloody hazing by his town’s championship-winning lacrosse team, he knows he has evidence that could damage as much as it could save. And if the harm is to himself and his future, is revealing the truth worth the cost?

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This is one of those stories that may be a work of Fiction but is seriously grounded in reality...and that in and of itself is scary.  At times, this was a hard book to read not due to the writing style or my lack of enjoyment because believe me, I was right there with them, committed 100% to the cause, but the nature of the crimes being committed, by whom, and to what degree those higher and higher up were involved was shocking.

It begins with a film project and a commitment to bettering oneself through hard work, diet and exercise.  It ends with more harsh truths being exposed than intended, friendships being put to the test, and a plan to take down those that would keep everyone "in their place" if they had their way.  Will they succeed?  Perhaps the better question would be will they SURVIVE to see the outcome in either case.  

The things Greg and his friends are put through are horrendous, both in and out of school.  The fact that no one sees through their white lies and thread bare cover ups seems absurd yet I can't help but think it happens all the time.  Learning what happened to Ella was heartbreaking but those four little words that pushed her over the edge, will stop you cold.  The tenacity with which the bullys and bully-ettes of the school persue their chosen victims is astounding...talk about not taking no for an answer!  The ending is completely justified; hat's off and bookmarks up to the author on creating something so fitting indeed.

Author Eric Devine

If you don't think hazing is a crime, this book will change your mind.  If you don't believe that there is a darker side to the here-and-now-tell-me-as-it-happens world we live in, this story will make you think again.  In the end, it's about doing what's right, standing up for those that can't (or won't) and owning your life.  It's a push to not be a silent enabler but to help put a voice to the faceless, nameless, and shamed.  It's about doing all we can, whenever and wherever needed in order to make a better tomorrow for those suffering today.  Sounds much bigger picture than a simple Young Adult book, right?  It is...and in the best way possible.  Once I started, I couldn't put it down and I doubt you'll be able to either.  Though the content is rough and the language crass at times, I'd still recommend it to mid to older teens and beyond, after all...you want to hit the age range that might actually be experiencing such things, though I hope beyond hope that they are not.

Review copy received courtesy of Valerie at Perseus Books.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, be sure to visit their official site, like them on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter.  To discover more about the author behind the work, connect with him online, friend him on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter.  This title just celebrated it's BOOK BIRTHDAY this week, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.  

Until next time...happy reading!

Happy Valentine's Day...with Running Press Teen!

Hi there!

Welcome back to the place that knows that the PERFECT DATE can always be found right between the pages this Valetine's Day and every day....Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!

That's right!  Today is VALENTINE'S DAY!  If you're in love or involved, be sure to snag something for your significant other.  If you're single like me, celebrate it the best way you know how and to the fullest.  I plan on spending the night with a few good flicks, and some good reads.  However, if you're in the first throes of young love, experiencing the rush of feelings, thoughts, emotions, and let's face it, confusion that follows suit, there may a reading choice that stands out from the rest JUST for you.  

From the folks at Running Press Teens, might I introduce you to your not-so-blind bookish date....

Seventeen Ultimate Guide to Guys

by

Ann Shoket and the editors of Seventeen

9780762448913

Running Press Teens

...a hip magazine-style romance guide aimed at your teen readers. It’s the perfect book for the girl who is in her first relationship, the girl who is trying to impress her crush, or the girl who just likes to take quizzes with her friends.

 

Drawing from Seventeen’s popular Hot Guy Panel, the magazine’s trusted editors polled real-life guys to provide readers with insight into their thoughts on flirting, texting, and even kissing. In addition to advice on girls’ top relationship concerns, [it] also features hundreds of photos as well as quizzes that make the book a fun, interactive experience.

AMAZON   |   BAMM   |   INDIEBOUND

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Oooh, opinion time!

Thoughts?  Comments?  

Does it speak to you...or bring memories to mind?

From the sound of it, it's chock full of guidance straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak.  I mean, they polled a portion of the actual teen guy population as research for the book; if they don't know their own minds, who would?  Really, there's no one out there that can say they couldn't benefit from a little help getting inside the psyche of the male species.  (At any age for that matter?  *ahem*)  But that's not all....if you noticed in the description, there are also quizzes and photos and what not to make it an even more personal experience for each reader. I know I use to sit there for hours going through my teen mags, especially the ones that were ALL QUIZES.  What?  Hey, some of them were pretty insightful so long as you answered them honestly...and you just never knew what you'd discover about yourself...and in this case, the potential guy of your daydreams.  

So, whether this book is a consideration for you personally or a teen in your life, you can guarantee fun will be had, a few lessons will be learned and another soul will be comforted that they are not in fact alone.  Now, to brighten YOUR day a bit more...how about a chance to win?

That's right!

Thanks to the generosity of the folks over at Running Press Teen, a division of Perseus Books, YOU have the chance to win ONE copy of this insightful little read.

TO ENTER:  

Share with us your secret crush or if that's too personal for you, your celebrity crush and what makes them the cats pajamas (aka AWESOME sauce) in your eyes...in the comments below!

BE SURE TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS SO IF YOU WIN I CAN REACH YOU!

EXTRA ENTRIES:

+1 for each!  Just include your links in the comments for verification.

Follow the publisher on Facebook.

(https://www.facebook.com/RunningPressTeens)

Follow my site via GFC, BlogLovin', Google+, Twitter, Facebook, and/or Pinterest.

Open to US residents; no P.O. Boxes please.

Entries accepted today through Friday, February 21st, 2014 at midnight CST.  Winner will be drawn, contacts, and must respond back within 24-48 hours with mailing information.

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Special thanks to Valerie over at Running Press for the chance to share this promotion with all of you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, be sure to stop by their official site.

Until next time...I wish you a very HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY....and happy reading!

Broken by Elizabeth Pulford

Why hello again!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the site that’s not afraid to try something new in a genre well loved; after all, how else are you going to find your next favorite read?

Today, we’re taking a stroll into the land of Young Adult books with an interesting contribution to the literary scene.  It’s a work of fiction and yet the events that transpire could realistically happen presenting us with a unique look at what happens, or might happen, behind the closed eyes of one with us but only just.  Confused?  Don’t be.  The book takes care of writing the perspectives beautifully and makes sure you (the reader) are up to speed on what’s happening so there will be no cries of being lost heard here.  Ready to make the acquaintance of today’s book of choice?  Coming at you in 3…2…1…

Broken

By

Elizabeth Pulford

Illustrated by

Angus Gomes

9780762450046

Running Press Teens

This is a story about familial love, lives lost both physically and in essence, and finding oneself again through the muck of life.  It’s told through an interesting perspective, that of 15 going on 16 year old Zara…who happens to be in a coma; she just doesn’t know it.  In truth, there’s a lot she doesn’t know quite yet, some of which is being withheld from her (to protect her of course), other things she has to discover the truth of on her own.

Told through both recollections of times gone by (harrowing as well as happy) and current events as they unfold, you get to know the many sides of young Zara.  From the strong willed teenager stubbornly seeking her own path to the dutiful kid sister playing her brother like a well loved guitar to get what she wants, the loved though perhaps overlooked at times daughter spinning circles with her pink sparkly scarf to the young lady laying broken before us into more pieces than can be imagined yet still fighting her way back from the brink.  It’s a hard journey filled with empty valleys of guilt, dreams shattered by sorrow and loss beyond compare, but with the support system she has in place and her own inner strength, I’d place my money on Zara.

In conclusion, a story that will appeal to both the avid and reluctant reader as it blurs the line between Young Adult Fiction and the artistry of the Graphic Novel with a well sharpened pencil.  The characters are believable even when they err on the side of the fantastical.  The events are complex yet still easy to follow.  The eventual outcome stays partially hidden like the face of Hoodman in the comics her brother Jem favorited, or for that matter, Jem himself, letting readers wander through the landscape of Zara’s mind as she seeks a path back to herself in more ways than one.  Despite the fact that some of the reviews I’m seen rated this one lower on their star scales, my own (if I used them) would reach much higher.  I not only enjoyed the read but was happily surprised by it as well and I think you will be too if you give it a chance.  Just sayin’.  ^_^

ARC for review courtesy of Seta at Running Press Teens.  (THANKS!)  For more information regarding this title as well as their full catalog, be sure to stop by their official site.  This title celebrated its book birthday a few weeks back via Running Press, a member of the Perseus Books Group, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf near you.

Until next time...happy reading!