Book News: Madame Tussaud

I am so thrilled to tell you guys that Michelle Moran's most recent novel, Madame Tussaud: A Novel of the French Revolution has been optioned for a mini-series! This is exciting news for any writer, even if they have to hand over the creative licenses to someone else.

I couldn't be happier for her! I have enjoyed all 3 of her novels (Nefertiti, The Heretic Queen, and Cleopatra's Daughter) in addition to Madame Tussaud and highly recommend them, especially if you are a huge historical fiction reader.

For more details on the deal click here.

As more details on casting, director and air dates come to light I will definitely keep you informed!

Congratulations to Michelle!

Amanda Hocking: Publishing Contracts & Movie Rights

This was a big week for news from Amanda Hocking, a wildly successful, self-published YA author that I, and many other bloggers have been raving about.  On Thursday the NY Times reported that she had signed a deal with St. Martin's Press for a new four-book series called Watersong.  The first book, Wake, is planned to be released in the fall of 2012.  I was thoroughly excited for Ms. Hocking (read her comments here) because I could only imagine that she was on the road to even bigger things.

Then yesterday, I read even more exciting news for Ms. Hocking and fans alike.  The Hollwood Reporter reported Media Rights Capital has purchased the movie rights for the Trylle Trilogy!  They intend to make two movies of the three books and I can't wait!!!

I promised myself I wouldn't think about casting, as long as they stay away from Kristen Stewart, but I can't help thinking Helena Bonham Carter would make a great Elora... and for Willa, I'm going out on a limb here, but what do you think about Molly Quinn?  Feel free to jump in anytime, guys... I didn't promise myself that you couldn't think about casting.  *wink*

 

In Memoriam: Diana Wynne Jones

1934-2011

Madeleine L'Engle introduced me to fantasy, but it was Diana Wynne Jones that hooked my on YA Fantasy for life.  She wrote characters that I related to as a child, and still do as an adult.  Of how many writer's can you say that?  She wrote for a range of age groups (I remember being frustrated as a child when I accidentally picked up a Middle Grade read when I was looking for a Young Adult), including novels for adults.

To this day, one of my favorite books is her Fire and Hemlock.  It was the first book I ever read that dealt with parental mental health issues from a child's point of view.  It wasn't overly serious, but it was another complication with which the heroine had to deal.  The book has a "believe in yourself" type of message, but doesn't clobber you over the head with it.  Once a year or so I re-read this book to remind myself to never let anyone control me through my own embarrassment.

Her books ranged from magical worlds to worlds with a little magic and I love them all ...and still have more works of hers yet to read.  I am saddened, however, that her creative genius has left us, for no one had a voice quite like hers.

New Release Today: Virals by Kathy Reichs

Just wanted to remind everyone that the first novel in Kathy Reichs' new YA series, Virals, is out today.  It's a little paranormal, a little forensic, a little thriller... a lot of fantastic. (My review)

I will be heading out to buy it in hardcover today. Yes, I have a paperback ARC, that I begged off a fellow blogger, but this one's a keeper! ...So I wanted to take a minute and encourage you to do the same.   Really, it's worth it!

Summary: Tory Brennan, niece of acclaimed forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan (of the Bones novels and hit TV show), is the leader of a ragtag band of teenage "sci-philes" who live on a secluded island off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina. When the group rescues a dog caged for medical testing on a nearby island, they are exposed to an experimental strain of canine parvovirus that changes their lives forever.

As Tory and her friends discover their heightened senses and animal-quick reflexes, they must combine their scientific curiosity with their new found physical gifts to solve a cold-case murder that has suddenly become very hot –if they can stay alive long enough to catch the killer's scent.


Fortunately, they are now more than friends: they're a pack. They are Virals.

Book to TV: Tess Gerritsen's Rizzoli & Isles

I heard rumors that there was a new novel-based series coming to TV, but I don't know if I realized it was from Tess Gerritsen. I've read some of her medical thrillers (in my quest for more books along the same vein as Kathy Reichs & Iris Johansen) but somehow I missed her Rizzoli & Isles series. I'm currently reading an advance copy of Tess Gerritsen's upcoming release in the Rizzoli & Isles series, Ice Cold, and loving it... and it's got me excited about the premiere of Rizzoli & Isles on TNT this summer.

I haven't seen a lot of promotion for this, but I don't start watching TNT until Leverage and The Closer return, so that's not a huge surprise. It stars Angie Harmon as Jane Rizzoli, detective, and Sasha Alexander as Maura Isles, medical examiner. If you're not familiar with the series, here's TNT's official summary:

RIZZOLI & ISLES follows Boston detective Jane Rizzoli (Harmon) and medical examiner Maura Isles (Sasha Alexander), complete opposites and good friends who solve crimes and bust some of Boston’s most notorious criminals. Growing up at opposite ends of the economic spectrum, the two remain strikingly different from one another in many ways. Jane, the only female detective in Boston’s homicide division, is a tough and gutsy cop who doesn’t let her guard down (except with Maura), dodges her overprotective mother and is better at basketball than her other. Maura, meanwhile, is usually more comfortable among the dead than the living. She is always impeccably dressed in designer duds with a steady, sometimes icy temperament. And she is working on curbing her tendency to diagnose the people she meets – including her first dates. Jane and Maura often find themselves working together as both use their brilliant minds and expertise to figure out the “who done it” as well as the “how done it” of Boston’s most complex cases.

Despite their many differences, Jane and Maura are best friends, with a quirky and supportive relationship. As Tamaro explains, “That Jane and Maura are so different and yet so effective as a team makes them unusual.… There’s something rare about their relationship that I see in the world but not enough on television: two smart, strong, competent women who instinctively drop the protective shield when they’re with each other.”

Is there room in the TV repertoire for another crime show, especially a book to small screen series? I think so. While Patterson's Women's Murder Club failed at it's attempted jump to the little screen, Kathy Reichs' Temperance Brennan series has thrived with Bones going into it's 6th season with a 7th season already signed. I think Reich's series had an edge because it was so different and well scripted whereas WMC seemed to have some plot direction problems.

Will Gerritsen's series be able to hold it's own? I hope so. It's not under as much pressure being a summer show on TNT. Angie Harmon is a perfect choice ~I love her and am thrilled to see her back in this type of roll (although she is still the voice of Lindsay Boxer, even as I read). TNT has also taken a leaf out of Castle's book and they have created twitter accounts for their characters which is great transmedia without being too much (like Heroes online comic books that I never had time to keep up with).

There is a niche out there for this kind of show and I think this might fit the bill. TNT does 'know drama' and I look forward to this new venture. I know I'll be tuning in July 12th at 10pm!

GJR in a new Book Lover's Journal

Read, Remember, Recommend: A Reading Journal for Book Lovers by Rachelle Rogers Knight brings exceptional works of fiction to the attention of readers while inciting their overall enjoyment by exploring thoughts, feelings and emotions through the course of reading. The journal features dozens of cross-referenced lists of literary awards and notable picks and offers more than 2,500 suggestions to help readers discover great literature and new authors. Users can record books read, jot down thoughts and ideas, and keep track of recommendations, books borrowed and loaned, and book club history.

We are delighted that Girls Just Reading was included in the reference pages in this reference/source book. I received mine over the weekend and truly enjoyed flipping through the pages. The one thing I didn't enjoy; realizing how many books I've never read. ;)

I also noticed that a lot of the book blogs I read are mentioned in the references with us. As well as some that I don't currently read, that will be added to my blog roll.

I think that Read, Remember, Recommend: A Reading Journal for Book Lovers would be a fantastic gift for the bookworm in your family.

She also has one specifically for the YA reader in your house. Read, Remember, Recommend for Teens: A Reading Journal for Young Adult Book Lovers

The author, Rachelle Rogers Knight has her own blog, Bibliobabe where she incorporates parts of the journal into her blog. I have added her blog to my favorites as well.

Book News: Perfect on Paper

More exciting news from Maria about Perfect on Paper. Amazon has announced that it'll be one of 3 books that they publish early in2010 as they launch Amazon Encore, their new publishing venture. You can read about it from the press release. Perfect on Paper will be reissued on 2/9/2010.

I loved her original cover but I do think the new cover is lovely. I love the bright colors.

Maria wanted me to let our readers know that she has some first edition copies that she'd love to autograph and sell to you guys. It's pretty rare to have a first edition, so I might just jump on this as well. If you are interest drop her a line at Maria@mariamurnane.com and let her know you read about it here.

What do you guys think about Amazon venturing into publishing? Natural for them or a mistake? I think it's kind of brilliant myself. I don't know about you guys but I buy the majority of my books from them and if they do the marketing well, it could really take off.

I'm extremely excited for Maria! Although, Maria (if you are reading this), I'm ready for your next one. :)

Book Alert: New Jodi Picoult Book

Ok, I know I always jump the gun with her books but I just can't resist. At this time there is no art work or but the title, House Rules and description definitely means that I will be reading it.

Synopsis: HOUSE RULES is about Jacob Hunt, a teenage boy with Asperger’s Syndrome. He’s hopeless at reading social cues or expressing himself well to others, and like many kids with AS, Jacob has a special focus on one subject – in his case, forensic analysis. He’s always showing up at crime scenes, thanks to the police scanner he keeps in his room, and telling the cops what they need to do…and he’s usually right. But then one day his tutor is found dead, and the police come to question him. All of the hallmark behaviors of Asperger’s – not looking someone in the eye, stimulatory tics and twitches, inappropriate affect – can look a heck of a lot like guilt to law enforcement personnel -- and suddenly, Jacob finds himself accused of murder. HOUSE RULES looks at what it means to be different in our society, how autism affects a family, and how our legal system works well for people who communicate a certain way – but lousy for those who don’t. ~jodipicoult.com

As always, she takes a very relevant social topic and puts an interesting spin on it. It's already on my wish list. As the book art becomes available, I'll keep you guys updated.

The book is set to be released on March 2, 2010.

Book News: Perfect on Paper

I received great news from Maria Murnane, author of "Perfect on Paper": It has been picked up by a publishing house. Amazon is branching out into publishing and have chosen Perfect on Paper to be one of their books. The book will be revamped and re-released in early 2010.

Based on my review, I highly recommend that you don't wait until amazon releases this funny novel in 2010, go to amazon and buy one now! Once you've read it and love it, contact Maria so she can put you on her email list. Maria@mariamurnane.com

Congratulations to Maria on her hardwork to get this book published in mass quantities!

Book News: Michelle Moran's New Book

I was very excited to receive the following video in my inbox from Michelle Moran this week. As you know I LOVED Nefertiti: A Novel when I read it earlier this year (read review here) and have The Heretic Queen: A Novel in my short TBR pile.

The link is a commerical for her new book Cleopatra's Daughter: A Novel. Let me just say if all books were advertised like this, people might go back to reading for entertainment.

Take a peek and let me know what you think. I know what I think...I'll be in line on September 19, 2009 to buy this book!

Sneak Peek..Cleopatra's Daughter

Book News: Emily Giffin's New Book

If you read this blog with any consistency you know that Lisa and I have both read Emily Giffin's Books and have enjoyed them. I'm excited to let you guys know that she has a new book coming out in Spring 2010...Heart of the Matter.

The following link will take you to a sign up page so that you can get a adobe file via your personal email to a sneak peak.

Sneak Peek: Heart of the Matter

I just signed up to get mine and I know I'll be anxiously waiting for the book.

A Review of Lauren Groff's new book:

Julie noticed a review of Lauren Groff's new book, Delicate Edible Birds, and we wanted to pass it along to everyone, so here's the link:

EW.com Review

If you're reading this book, be sure to come back and tell us what you think too!

A Note From Lauren Groff:

Author of The Monsters of Templeton

Dear Friends,

I am delighted to announce that my second book, a collection of short stories called Delicate Edible Birds, is in stores today. I'm skipping around the house like a madwoman in glee. In one short year, I had two books and a baby. Frankly, I'm pooped.

The good news is that there will be a launch party tonight in Gainesville, FL at Wild Iris Books (6-7:30--everyone is welcome) and I am going on tour tomorrow. On this trip I'll visit Madison, Denver, Seattle, Portland, Bellingham, WA. and Oakland and Corte Madera in California. At the end of the month, I'll be in Cincinnati, Louisville and Nashville. If you'd like to attend an event, or keep up with Groffian news, please go to my website: www.laurengroff.com for more information. I even have an RSS feed. Hello 21st century!

Thank you, and I hope you have a fantastic day.

With love and warm wishes,

Lauren

The Girl Who Chased the Moon: Sarah Addison Allen's New Book

I can't wait for this to come out on May 12, 2009! It sounds magnificent!

Summary: In her latest enchanting novel, New York Times
bestelling author Sarah Addison Allen invites you to a quirky little Southern town with more magic than a full Carolina moon. Here two very different women discover how to find their place in the world…no matter how out of place they feel.

Emily Benedict came to Mullaby, North Carolina, hoping to solve at least some of the riddles surrounding her mother’s life. For instance, why did Dulcie Shelby leave her hometown so suddenly? Why did she vow never to return? But the moment Emily enters the house where her mother grew up and meets the grandfather she never knew—a reclusive, real-life gentle giant—she realizes that mysteries aren’t solved in Mullaby, they’re a way of life.

Here are rooms where the wallpaper changes to suit your mood. Unexplained lights skip across the yard at midnight. And a neighbor bakes hope in the form of cakes.

Everyone in Mullaby adores Julia Winterson’s cakes. She offers them to satisfy the town’s sweet tooth and in the hope of bringing back the love she fears she’s lost forever. In Julia, Emily may have found a link to her mother’s past. But why is everyone trying to discourage Emily’s growing relationship with the handsome and mysterious son of Mullaby’s most prominent family? Emily came to Mullaby to get answers, but all she’s found so far are more questions.

Is there really a ghost dancing in her backyard? Can a cake really bring back a lost love? In this town of lovable misfits, maybe the right answer is the one that just feels…different. ~amazon.com

Anyone else adding this to their wishlist???