Making her runway debut... BONJOUR GIRL by Isabelle Laflèche!

HI guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

It's Friday!  Woo hoo!  You made it to the end of another week.  Grant it, for those of you that work in similar fields, weekends don't really mean Saturday or Sunday for days off, but you know, we cater to one and all, so I hope you feel at home anyway.  Moving forward...

I had a rare event this week...two days off in a row from work (whoa...I know, so weird)...and so yesterday, I spent a portion of my time between the epages of today's title in the spotlight.  It's an ebook that features a quirky leading lady trying to escape her past while building her future in all places, the cyber spotlight and fashion industry.  Oh boy...yeah, let's just skeletons do not generally stay in the closet in the biz, nor do secrets stay secrets for long.  Ladies and gents, today's title is on deck...

Bonjour Girl

by

Isabelle Laflèche

9781459742000

Durdurn

About the book...

When Clementine Liu arrives in New York City to study at the Parsons School of Design, she knows that she’s found her place. It isn’t long before she meets her fashionista soulmate, the loud and charismatic Jake, and Jonathan, a dreamy fashion photographer that turns her world upside down.

Between schoolwork and glitzy fashion shows, Clementine launches a blog, Bonjour Girl, and her wit, originality, and flair quickly catapult the site to cult status. Unfortunately, this comes with a price: Clementine is faced with online abuse and public humiliation. In the midst of all the drama, she finds out that a classmate is not what she seems, and Clementine has to find a way to save both her reputation and Jake’s fashion collection.

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The Devil Wears Prada prepared you for the cutthroat world of the Fashion Industry...but did you ever stop to think where those same people got their start?

Clementine Liu knows all too well about the fans and fanatics, the competition and those that will go to the extreme to get what they want...and she's only in college.  Yeah, college!  Grant it, it IS the school to end all school's when it comes ot wanting access to the best of the best in the industry, but really...MUST we sharpen our nails on the backs of our classmates?  Apparently for some the answer is YES...and now Clementine has to find a way to not only rescue her reputation, but her self-confidence, if she's to rise to the top and become the superstar we all know she can be.  Good thing she has a few confidants to lean on, and the sound advice of family long since living...

I adored Clementine for all her quirkiness, for her ability to BE HERSELF even in the face of adversity (or hoards of black, gray, and white clad New Yorker students), and her desire to say true to her inner compass even when things seem to be spiraling out of control.  Now she has a moment of two where a lapse in judgement or an overly kind heart took her away from the proverbial runway, but NOBODY'S PERFECT and sometimes those alterations are the only way to create the grand masterpieces we're meant to become.  With her spunk, and spirit, she's gonna go far...even with the haters harrassing her...and that big heart of hers shines so brightly, the friends, and relationships she gathers are truly meant to be.  I would love to see her site in real life because her goal, her message was all about diversity, and bringing a voice to the creator that is doing BIG THINGS, but getting a bit lost in the shuffle.  She even lends that spotlight to her friends which endears them even more to her and her cause, thus allowing the pay it forward principle to march on.  In short, SO much to love here!  Now for a little cutting room maintence...

For me, there were only two drawbacks.  First is certainly all a matter of opinion (and perhaps my eARC edition as well), the cyberbullying.  I know, it's DEFINITELY a thing nowadays and its reach is worldwide thanks to the net, but the two I was actually able to read in the book, I didn't really think much of.  I mean, I get it...no one wants to be talked about especially in a negative light, but Clementine seemed like such a STRONGER characters than that.  To let some measly little comment stake her versus roll off her back seemed beneath her...but again, it's all a perspective issue.   To her, it was the end of the earth; to me, I say walk away, let it go, and follow Celeste's advice.  Second thing...I was always waiting for the other shoe to drop.  Color me cynical, but there was a lot that just seemed to come up roses for our girl.  Issues at home...new school acceptance accross the pond!  End of a disasterous relationship...BOOM perfectly lovely male specimen that ACTUALLY seems genuine!  Lack of friends...instafriend...with a hiccup or two to keep things interesting!  I'm not saying she didn't have her obstacles to face...hello uber version of MEAN GIRLS...but her life definitely wasn't just the thorns of the bush.

All in all, I enjoyed my time with "Fashion Week" a lot more than I thought I would.  The characters were fresh, the diversity plentiful, the surprises forthcoming, and the payback oh so sweet.  Definite recommend for Young Adult fans of all ages!

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About the author...

Photo: © Emmanuel Bévia

Isabelle Laflèche worked for more than 10 years as an attorney in New York City, Montreal, and Toronto before pursuing her passion for writing. Her debut novel, J’adore New York, is an international bestseller, and her series of J’adore novels are enjoyed by readers worldwide. She has lived in New York and Toronto, and currently lives in Montreal.

Visit her ABOUT ME page for a fun list of TEN THINGS you may not know about her!

SITE  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER  |  INSTAGRAM  |  PINTEREST

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Special thanks to Kama at Kama Timbrell Communications for the ebook for review as well as the chance to bring this title to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, or the publicity team, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title sis set to celebrate its BOOK BIRTHDAY September 18th, 2018 via Durdurn, so mark your calendar or pre-order your copy today!

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

2016 Review Wrap Up PLUS Evil Librarian GIVEAWAY!

HI guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

The race is on to the 2016 finish line and I don't know about you, but I've still got books I want to read and share...but today's post is a smidge different.  You see, once upon a time there was a blogger (no idea who THAT could be) who had a hard time saying "no" to review requests (and quite possibly still does, but really WHO IS THIS PERSON?!) and while her intentions were great, sometimes the calendar wasn't so kind (i.e. she's still trying to figure out that darn create-more-reading-and-blogging-time formula!).  What does all that mean?  Here and there, surprise titles arrived on her doorstep, said title were read, and then...disappeared into TBR2 (aka to-be-reviewed mountain). Their time is NOW....or at least a good portion of their time is now.  

That's right.  Today, we're setting our sights on clearing out a portion of those titles that were patiently waiting their day in the sun and if you make it to post's end (which I've not doubt you will), not only will the identity of the blogger in the "fairy tale" mentioned above be abundantly clear (*wink*), but you'll score a CHANCE TO WIN A FAB CANDLEWICK TITLE you're gonna want to dive into STAT.  So, if you think you're up to the challenge, LET'S DO THIS!  Readying the spotlight and here...we...go...

Olivia Loves Owl
by
David McPhail
9781419721274
Abrams Appleseed

In this charming board book perfect for the tiniest of hands, we get to know Olivia and Owl.  They may be different in many ways, but they complement each other perfectly.  Where one sees things far away, the other notices those things nearer.  Where one flies through the air as she leaps into a pile of freshly raked leaves (so much fun!), the other can fly high in the sky. Where one is tired, the other is wide awake...until...*YAWN*...finally bedtime rolls around and both say good night.  It's a sweet story to help little ones wind down from the day filled with equally sweet illustrations for all to enjoy.








What This Story Needs is a Munch and a Crunch
A Pig in a Wig book

by
Emma J. Virjan
9780062415295
Harper

As the title states, this is a step into reading title that features....a pig in a wig.  Yes, I blinked a few times at that two, but hey...who am I to judge?  If the piggy wants to wear a wig, go for it!  She does look rather dashing in it.  Anyway, in this installment of the series, Pig and friends set out to have a picnic with all the best munchies, and outdoor fun you could mustard...I mean, muster.  They're having a marvelous time until...Mother Nature decides to go all wet an gray.  What's Pig and her friends to do?  Get creative...and remind us that just because things don't go exactly as planned, it doesn't mean the new option can't be as good if not better, as long as we have good friends.  With simple but vibrant illustrations, this will have kiddos hungering for the next release....

 

The Little Mermaid and Little Red Riding Hood
from the Hello Kitty Storybook Collection

by
Sanrio
9781419718250 / 9781419721120
Abrams Appleseed

With unquestionably adorable illustrations (because really, who doesn't love Hello Kitty?!), these two storybooks allow for a gentler introduction to the classic fairy tales of old.  How so?  Well, outside of the familiar characters and beautiful color palette utilized, the folks at Sanrio decided to put less of a dark spin on the stories themselves.  So, instead of the sea with being utterly evil, scary, and interfering in the young mermaid's quest for true love, she's still magical, and the consequence of losing her voice forever is still there, but all the other dreary-ever-after potential disappeared like so much krill before a whale shark.  The same is done with LR, but despite the changes, they still retain their charm.






I Don't Want to Be Big
by
Dev Petty
Illustrated by Mike Boldt
9781101939208
Doubleday Books for Young Readers

This is the story of a little frog who doesn't want to eat his dinner.  Why?  Because...he doesn't want to grow up...literally, as in get any bigger than his tiny little self is at the moment.  The way he sees it, he's got all he needs in his height range now and anything outside of it, well he has BIG friends and family so THEY can get it for him.  What's a Dad to do?  He tries reasoning with him, but to no avail (though much humor is there for readers to enjoy)...until a few BIG friends decide to show him how wondrous it is to be BIG, making our little frog rethink his "little life plan".  It's a fun and funny story with illustrations that drag you right into the mud puddles, that will not only entertain but give little ones that extra boost of confidence as they continue on their own journey through childhood.







Ada Twist, Scientist
by
Andrea Beaty
Illustrated by David Roberts
9781419721373
Abrams Books for Young Readers

Diversity in books is all the rage these days, and this one takes the cake times two!  Here, we have little Ada Twist (inspired by the accomplishments of Marie Curie and Ada Lovelace), a wonderful girl who wants nothing more than to know all about the world in every which way and is not afraid to ask the questions that her curiosity sparks!  I, for one, understand her desire because as a child (and still today), my curiosity was never quenched with the answer "because" or "that's the way it is".  I wanted to KNOW.  So, hat's off to the author and illustrator for bringing this little girl wonder to life.  May her exploits reach kiddos far and wide to remind them that the only silly question is the one not asked because the only way to learn more is to ask.







The Berenstain Bears' Caring and Sharing Treasury
by
Jan & Mike Berenstain
9780310753582
Zonderkidz

I grew up reading the original Berenstain Bears adventures, but the Living Lights extension of the series provides faith based options for parents and children that are just as heart filled, moral based, and wonderful for today's generation.  In this collection, we get the chance to...

...check out just what roles many of the grown bears fill in Bear Country and how important each one really is
...learn that lending a helping paw (or hand) when able is not just something to do, but a privilege
...remember to not judge another by their "cover" as some of the best souls are in the simplest of life's stations
...see how gossip hurts everyone involved whether the teller, the listener, or the subject
...think twice about being a brag-gert because humility in the soul is the only way to go.

A great addition to the kiddos reading library with lessons to take forth into their everyday lives.

The Giggler Treatment
by
Roddy Doyle
Drawings by Brian Ajhar
9780439162999
Arthur A. Levine Books

This title was a find in our library's second chance bookstore and boy was it a find!  It's all about The Giggler Treatment which is well, okay, I can't really tell you without spoiling it, but the whole story revolves around this particular moment when Mr. Mack is going to get what's coming to him...but does he deserve it?  Uh-oh.  PANIC!  PROBLEM!  Solution?  A very funny tale that will have kiddos searching high and low for the little scoundrels in charge of this particular treatment, and have parents thinking twice about scolding a child in any fashion.  Just trust me...seek thee out a copy.








Faithgirlz: Glimmer Girls:  Miracle in Music City
by
Natalie Grant
9780310752509
Zonderkidz

In this charming reading for Middle Grade to Tween readers, Mia, Maddie, and Lulu are just your average sisters, going to school, dancing with friends, and...traveling the country on a fantastic music tour?  You bet!  The girls are musically gifted, which is great...but the time away from their friends and normal lives has taken a toll.  Add to that obstacle, the disappearance of a valued guitar from their next venue (a holy grail of sorts for musicians) and they've more troubles on their hands than they first imagined.  Not to worry...with a helping hand from up above, and some resourcefulness on their parts, things will be sorted right in the end...and you can bet it will sound wondrous too.  It tugs at the heart while bringing a smile to your face...a winning combination, if I do say so myself.







A Week of Mondays
by
Jessica Brody
9780374382704
Farrar Straus Giroux

Think Groundhog Day meets YA. Wait no that's not quite right because that's pretty much Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver. OK think Before I Fall, but with a less permanent ending. Oh don't get me wrong things change, but of course after seven attempts at the same day one would hope that it would, just in Ells case, she discovers it's not just the results she's trying to alter but her self, or rather the one she presents to the world. How DOES one accomplish that? Simple...a change of heart. 

Both the trys and the final results are totally worth the journey through the 400+ pages presented here. Seeing Ellison try on a different version of herself everyday just to try to make things stick was touching. I mean, there's not one of us out there that hasn't done it to some degree growing up... it's a part of life, finding yourself, and something that not everyone is lucky enough to actually do.

Next up on the list....

THE CONTEST!

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That's right!

You made it...and just look how your reading/wish lists have grown over the past few minutes.  *smirk*  You're welcome.  Anywho, I'm about to add to your lists once again but this time, you're getting a chance to win the title in question.  Sounds awesome, right?  Oh, but it is!

Thanks to the FAB folks over at Candlewick Press (Hi, Raquel!), YOU HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN your very own copy of THE EVIL LIBRARIAN by Michelle Knudsen!  Not in on the awesomeness that is this title yet?  No worries.  Here's the book trailer to get you in the know...

Sounds like fun, right?
RIGHT!
CLICK HERE for a quick peek between the pages...

Now, I'm about to embark on my own journey through the pages (review to come in the new year) in preparation for the release of book 2, Revenge of the Evil Librarian, due out Valentine's Day 2017 (something tells me he won't be giving out CANDY hearts to library patrons.... *gulp*), and thought you might want to come along with me.  So, do you?  *plugs ears to avoid squealing*  Okay, okay, calm down just smidge because to win it you have to enter...and all the yelling and jumping may make it hard to click and/or type the needed info.  Deal?  Good.  Now, here's the details...

The Prize:
(1) paperback edition of The Evil Librarian by Michelle Knudsen

The Rules:
Entries accepted now through January 4th, 2017.
Open to US residents only; no P.O. Boxes please.
Winner will be drawn and emailed with 48 hours to respond with mailing information to be sent over to the publisher for prize send out.  If response is not received in given time frame, a new winner will be chosen.  SFIR is not responsible for lost or undelivered prizes, though if you let me know, I'll gladly contact the sponsor to follow up!


How to Enter:
Fill out the Rafflecopter form below and BAM!  You're in it to win it!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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My thanks to all the publicists and marketing teams that work hard day in, day out to get the word out about all the great titles hitting the shelves, both virtual and tangible, every day of the year...and for the review copies!  (THANKS!)  Many thanks as well to the author's working their craft and sharing their creative works with readers like me.  Please know, if someone hasn't told you already, you are FABULOUS and provide so much more than simply a beautiful addition to our growing shelves.  You touch lives and hearts, send us on journeys to the stars and back, and provide an avenue for escape from the daily humdrum like no other...all from the comfort of our favorite reading spot. (THANK YOU!)

Until next time (because let's face it, this isn't my last post of the year!), remember...if it looks good, READ IT!