Picture drawn by Maggie Stiefvater, 2009. Header made by S.F. Robertson, 2010.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

In My Mailbox- Week of April 5

Hey everyone! Here's my post for In My Mailbox this week!



Hope you like it! And also be sure to check out my previous two posts that have updates from my participation in BEDA!

Here's my BEDA post from Saturday:

So I have to get up way early tomorrow (6:40am) to go to Easter mass with my mom. But at least she's making waffles for breakfast afterward, so that's a plus.

Anyway, I'm just gonna do a quick post. I was listening to the audio book of 3 Willows by Ann Brashares on my way back home today (it's a 4 hour drive, made an hour longer due to traffic on 95N) and, while I haven't finished it (I'm not even close- I ended up putting some music on midway through the second disc), I have some thoughts on the story so far.

It's a good book. I love Ann's writing because it flows so well and it's so calm and everything. BUT what's bugging me is the constant references back to the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Now, I like it when authors who set a book in the same place as their previous novels make little references to other characters from those other novels (like Sarah Dessen does) but she's taking it a bit too far. Any time, and I do mean ANY time, a Sisterhood member is mentioned, there's a whole paragraph about that girl was part of the legendary Sisterhood. And I'm only on the second disc, so like 5 chapters in, and there's been about as many references, if not a few more, already. It detracts from the story and pulls me out from the novel, jarring my listening. I mean, I think perhaps one reference to the Sisterhood would be enough toward the beginning and then any time a member is referenced, it should be a subtle reference, hidden in the story for fans of Ann's previous books to find and enjoy, not boldly put out there which becomes annoying after a while.

So that's my take on it. Anybody else want to chime in?

Time for sleep now. See you all tomorrow!

8 comments:

  1. can i pay you to give me Awakening??? lol I WANT!!!

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  2. Happy Easter!!! I loved Wings, It is one of my favorite reads this year. I cannot wait to see what you think about it.

    Hope you enjoy your waffles :)

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  3. You never get anything when the other bloggers do!

    Wings looks pretty awesome. I'm supposed to get an ARC soon. The main character has the same name as my sister so she's probably going to try to steal it from me.

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  4. Hi :]
    Sorry If I'm bothering you, but how did you get one like say - penguin's book review list? Do you still have to ask for books or do they just send some now?

    Sorry if Its a stupid question, but I was wondering lol.

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  5. Reverie- Unfortunately, someone already claimed it before I posted this vlog. Oh and not all Tamora Pierce books are long. It's only been like the past 5 of 6 books (Melting Stones is more regular length). But the majority of her books are like 250 pages, so give her earlier books a shot. :)

    Ravenous Reader- The waffles were awesome. :) I can't wait to read Wings- it should be great!!

    Hillary- I know! It used to be that I had like everything first but now I'm always behind, lol. That's funny about your sister having the same name as the character and wanting to steal the book for that reason, lol.

    bookloverforever- When I talked about a list in this particular vlog, Susane had emailed me for my address so she could put it on a list of bloggers that she wanted to have recieve an ARC of her book. Many authors do this. I am not on any Penguin review list, so I have to request certain books. Does that answer your question?

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  6. You are lucky you recieved Wings. I hope you enjoy it!

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  7. Hey James!

    I really love your vlogs. But i think you should shorten them up a bit, maybe talk fast, plan what u will say, and etc. But other then that it is awesome.

    And I also think you should always link to your myspace reviewing blog. I was reading on someone else's blog (comment section) about how there is a blogger who only has videos of them getting free books, and I thought about this blog. But I KNOW that u actually read and review ur books but just on another site. So PLEASe for the betterment of your sake just link to your myspace blog ALL the time no mater what.


    And also include on profile for blogger your myspace URL or even better the header.

    Your like THE 1st ever reviewer and i hate how ppl bash some of the reviewers.

    also i've been of fan of urs ever since i seen u defend another fellow blogger and your own beliefs. that takes a lot of courage so keep up the great work!

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  8. I have heard good things about her books and I remembered I've seen shorter ones at bookstores. Will def give them a try.

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