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Thursday, December 17, 2015

Going to a Book Signing??

If you’re like me, you love to do fun and exciting things, but sometimes you wish you could get a dossier on how they work. I work at a book store and have helped to host author events and I still get apprehensive about attending one as a reader because omg what happens at one of these things!?

So let’s start off with…

Why Go To an Author Event ?
  • They’re fun!
  • You can get your book signed, which is so special. The person who wrote those words and created that story is there to sign your book. So cool.
  • Events support bookstores and we really need to support brick and mortar stores. We don’t want them on the endangered species list.
  • Events support authors. As fun as these events can be, the author is there to sell their book. And if we, as the readers, want more books, we need to buy buy buy! (And then tell everyone you know about the books you love. Please!)
  • You can meet other readers! Now, admittedly, I am not the best at this because I’m kind of shy in these situations, but one time I “met” someone on twitter while waiting and I think that totally counts. But seriously, have you ever felt like no one else “gets” it? Like, I LOVE some books and it’s nice to be in a room with other readers who are just as crazy excited as I am.
  • Sometimes (not always) you get extra little perks for coming in person to see an author. These can range from a bookmark to a special reading from an upcoming work to advice on writing. Just keep in mind that sometimes events are too large or busy for these extras, but really, a signed book is special enough.


What Exactly Happens at an Event?
This is going to be tough to answer because they’re all so different. Let’s start from the simplest to the more complex.
  • The majority of the events we host at my bookstore involve an author sitting at a table with a pile of their books. We make announcements when we can, but usually it’s curious customers or fans who follow the author online and come in. A lot of these events are from local authors and are not necessarily set up by the publisher. These are great opportunities to get older books signed and to talk to the author about their works.
  • A panel is another popular type of event. For these, 2+ authors will each speak (maybe give a reading of their newest work), answer questions, or just chat and talk about their books/life/writing. Then, the audience can pick up the books they want and get a bunch of signed at once! These types of events are great because you get more bang for your buck (where ‘buck’=time).
  • The next level, if you will, of book signings involve getting a number before it starts, which indicates your place in line. Generally, the author(s) will give a short presentation (just like with the panel type of signing) with readings and/or questions and then the attendees form a line with their numbers to get their books signed. You still get a moment with the author(s) and they will usually personalize your book, but these events have A LOT of attendees so it moves a little quicker. (But don’t fret! I went to the signing for THE ROYAL WE by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan and they were so gracious with their time! I got a personalized book, a photo, and time to discuss the UK.)
  • Festivals. I’ve only been to the National Book Festival many years ago with my sister when it was on the Mall in DC to get Harry Turtledove’s autograph for my brother-in-law. Recently I went to the NoVa Teen Book Festival put on by One More Page Books in Arlington, VA. This event is set up with several events happening at once so you can plan your day. It was organized from a panel level in the auditorium down to intimate Q+As with authors. Festivals and book conferences are awesome because of the hugely well known authors who attend, but they are busy and crowded. If anyone has been to more festivals and conferences than I have, please let me know and I’ll include your advice! It will also depend at these how the signing part will go. At the NBF, the lines are insane and you can't feasibly see everyone. At the NTBF, which is much smaller, they set the authors up in the cafeteria at the school and you could go around to whomever you wanted!
  • Even though more people probably attend festivals and conferences, I am putting ticketed/wristband events at the more complex level. My store recently hosted Rick Riordan who is so wildly popular that one family came all the way from Utah to Virginia for it. We actually didn’t sell tickets to the event- attendees had to buy the book when it came out to get a wristband and then the event was two days later. Another way to handle this type of author is to sell tickets to the event which usually includes admittance and the book. Keep in mind, though, that a lot of times there is not a line to meet the author. Our Rick Riordan event  was a presentation and then you picked up your signed book afterwards. (Just a note: he does this so more people can see him.)

FAQ
  • Do I have to buy my book at the event?
    • Wellllllllllll, gray area here. Remember that the event is for the success of the author and the bookstore so yes, please buy your book there. BUT I get it that sometimes you might already own the book and if the author is taking the time to sign the books you already own-awesome! But please buy something else-hopefully by that author!
    • That said, depending on the event, it may be required that you buy the book from the host. Typically that information will be provided on the event page, but when in doubt, call the store.
  • May I bring older books to be signed?
    • Sometimes. Generally, the larger the event, the less likely it is that the author will have time to sign your older books. I’d probably either ask the author on twitter or call the store (but they might not know!).
    • My advice for this is to find out what bookstore your favorite authors love because a lot of times, they’ll sign stock there. I get all of my new Maggie Stiefvater books signed just by pre-ordering them from Fountain Bookstore in Richmond, VA. Sara Raasch and Lisa Maxwell often sign books at the Fairfax, VA Barnes & Noble.
  • Do I buy my book before or after it’s signed?
    • Depends. (Are you sick of that answer yet?) If your book is your ticket for a place in line, then buy it before, but if the author has stacks of books on the table and a more casual line/audience, then you should be fine purchasing it after.
  • What do I do before the event begins?
    • Waiting can be the worst, eh? Like I said, I can be kind of shy, so if I’m there alone, I check out twitter or use my time wisely and read.
    • It’s also a good time to scope out the best spot if there’s going to be a presentation or to get in line for an earlier number for the line.
    • Or just pick up more books to buy. Always a good idea.
  • What do I do after the event?
    • I usually like to hug my book and then tell everyone I know to read it.

So I hope that helps some. Feel free to ask any other questions and I’ll do my best to answer or to find the answer. Reach me on twitter for the fastest response:)

Friday, December 11, 2015

Book Boos: November

And now, what I read in November!

8. REQUIEM by Lauren Oliver (Audio). I really like this series and the characters and I think I just need to read it instead of listening to it. Oh, and I need to reread Pandemonium first! Sheesh! 

7. CITY OF BONES by Cassandra Clare (Audio). Is this what the new Shadowhunters show is based on? I'm excited for that show! I liked this book, but (broken record here) it was a bit long for audio for me. Man, what's with me and audio recently? I really liked the characters in this story and will definitely keep on with the series. 

6. I AM NUMBER FOUR by Pittacus Lore (Audio). This book really surprised me! I liked it a lot! I definitely pictured Alex Pettyfer as the main character the entire time, which made for a really enjoyable story. Have you read the series? Are the others as fun as this one??

5. THE GROWNUP by Gillian Flynn. This is a short story that was creepy and weird and I loved it. 

4. SWORD AND VERSE by Kathy McMillan (ARC). (To be fair, these top numbers are basically all tied.) This is a really cool story about a girl who becomes a tutor in the palace and one of only a few who can read and write. The relationships were all written quite well and I loved how language was used to tell the story. Quite beautiful at times. 

3. EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING by Nicola Yoon (Audio). While I didn't love everything about this novel, I found it to be incredibly charming and I loved the inclusion of IMs and emails to tell the story. Maddy and Olly are great characters and their relationship was so special. 

2. REIGN OF SHADOWS by Sophie Jordan (ARC). It's been 17 years since an eclipse left the world in darkness and danger and life is completely different. It was interesting to read about this very different world, but it was the two main characters who were truly awesome. You guys, Fowler is amazing. 

1. THRONE OF GLASS by Sarah J. Maas. Celaena is such an amazingly badass main character! I could read about her kicking ass all day long. I could also read about her two suitors as well:) Excited to continue this series! I hate that I didn't get into it sooner.

Book Boos: October

I was ignoring my computer for the month of November while I dealt with some very annoying back pain, but I still wanted to do my regular post on what I've read!



8. CARNIVAL OF SECRETS by Melissa Marr. (Audio). This was definitely a case of some of the story being lost because I was listening to it. I really liked some of the characters and the story of the fights, but some other parts lost me and I wasn't sure where/when we were. 
7. THE WINTER GIRL by Matt Marinovich (ARC). The first half of this book was a wonderful, Hitchcockian-inspired story of a man obsessed with the house next door. The second half felt more like a 'trying to hard' thriller movie. To be fair, I'm a huge Hitchcock fan so my lower level of excitement for the ending may have been because I was disappointed it didn't follow the great director's type of story. 

6. MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN by Ransom Riggs. (Audio). I liked this a lot more the second time around, but it still reads just a tad young for me. I know the characters aren't young (*wink wink*), but I kept imagining them all as being 12 or so. That said, I am still VERY excited for the movie!!!!!

5. THREE WISHES by Liane Moriarty (Audio). This is only my second novel by this author, but I really like how her stories all come together in the end and you realize how the pieces fit together. The audio was also a lot of fun because the reader is Australian, like the characters.

4. HOLLOW CITY by Ransom Riggs (Audio). I liked Hollow City more than the first installment in the series and especially enjoyed the journey the peculiars had to take to save one of their own. 

3. LEXICON by Max Barry (Audio then PB). I think I need to reread this, actually. My friend and I listened on the ride to NYC earlier this year and I really enjoyed it, but we'd get distracted at times so I know I missed stuff...and then it was many, many months later when I picked up the paperback to finish it up. I love the premise of this book, though. So cool.

2. RED QUEEN by Victoria Aveyard. I fell in love with this cover the second I saw it earlier this year and I am so pleased that the story is just as good! (But seriously, THAT COVER! I love it so much!!!!) This book was a lot of fun to read and I literally had no idea how it was going to end, which was so refreshing. I can't wait for the sequel in 2016.

1. A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES by Sarah J. Maas. I read this while on vacation and I remembering finishing it and just sighing. Like, "Ahhhh, did that just happen!?" Saying this was life changing would actually not be an exaggeration. I'm completely obsessed with it and the characters and world Maas created. It's epic and beautiful and romantic and fierce and just perfect in my opinion. PLEASE READ THIS!

Thursday, December 03, 2015

Frock You: Jessica Jones

So much fun talking about Jessica Jones this week on Frock You because the show is AWESOME!


Check it out!





Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Frock You: A TV Fashioncast...GIRLS!

On this week's Frock You, Serena and I discussed HBO's Girls, which was very interesting! More than a lot of shows, the four main characters wear more "real" clothes...or do they? Once you start to look closely at what they're wearing, you realize it might be "NY real", but it's not very real for me and my friends.

And do you have a favorite girl? Mine's always been Marnie and, like Serena points out on the podcast, it's probably because she dresses the nicest...or, rather, she looks the most high end, which is what I like most in fashion. Hey, I'm not shy about admitting that!


So, check out the episode here and let me know what you think!




Saturday, October 17, 2015

Red Reviews: October


I'm super late with this month's magazine covers, but I've been on vacation and sans wifi for much of it.


15. The best thing about this cover is that Sofia Vergara is wearing something a little different than she usually does. I get soooo bored of the same silhouettes she wears. Her hair does look great, though.


14. Unfortunately, Cosmo is hardly ever going to rank high for me because I tend to like the more artsy/high fashion type covers. I love LC, but I definitely prefer her sweet side. The lilac is very pretty, though. And, as always, her hair and  makeup look amazing.
13. Nothing about this covers makes me think of October and I don't like that. Sure, we're already thinking about Spring fashion in these magazines, but I'd still like an autumn color palate!




12. A literal cover. The best of beauty so a close up of a beautiful woman. Julia Roberts has amazing hair! I cover it often.

11. Is it daring because half of her face is covered? Because she has a pixie cut? Because it's Lena Dunham? I don't really know (or care), but I love the colors on this one. She has great eyes and this shot gives them a chance to really stand out. Also, I'm a sucker for a sweater.

10. Orange for October! Yay!
9. For a shot with no neck, this works quite well. Her arms look great, her expression looks great, and the red really makes it pop!

8. Mary Kate Olsen looks great here! Wait, it's Claire Danes? Really? Oh! W, always doing something different...and different looks good.

7. So, first of all, Serena and I have a new podcast and in our premiere episode we talk all about the fashion in Empire! Check it out here. So, I like this cover because of the orange plus pink, but also because Taraji P. Henson looks awesome and that belt feature on the dress is great.
6. Sorry, but I'm a sucker for sequins.
5. I actually stopped and stared when I saw this cover in the store. The creamy white that dominates the cover is exquisite, especially when played against Michelle Dockery's hair. I appreciate that this cover looks very "Lady Mary" since we're about to have the last season of Downton Abbey. That said, this cover wouldn't jumped ahead a few spots if there had been just a little more of a smirk or smile in her expression.
4. To me, Amy Schumer is saying "What?" in this photo. Like, "Yeah, I'm awesome...what?" She is great and I love that she is getting these awesome covers and knocking them out of the park.
3. Hot damn is this a great cover! Miley Cyrus looks incredible: the white suit with the black accents is both striking and not too attention grabbing and her hair and makeup are both strong and soft at the same time. Combined with the splattered paint behind her, it all combines for an A+ cover.
2. Yes! This is the "high style" they're advertising! Sienna Miller is staring you down from this cover with those piercing, beautiful eyes and her hair! OMG, her hair. I die for it. Plus, the dress (?) she is wearing, plus the jewelry, is so on point.
1. This is quite possibly the greatest cover I have ever seen and, if it isn't, it's tied for first. Lupita Nyong'o looks like an Egyptian princess in this gorgeous golden dress and her entire being just glows. Props to Vogue for putting her against a taupe background and for matching the magazine name to her dress. On a scale of 1 to 10, this is an 11.



Monday, October 05, 2015

Book Boos: September

Of course, after I raise my 2015 reading goal, I only manage to finish five books in September. *sigh*

5. THE TREATMENT by Suzanne Young. This month's books are more of a #1 and then a bunch of #2s. I love this series and felt that THE PROGRAM was one of the best YA books I've read. I love the relationship the main characters have and, even though sometimes the world they live in is hard to imagine, the plot is interesting. 

4. SAVE HAVEN by Nicholas Sparks (Audio). I love the movie based on this book and LOVE Southport where the story takes place. I don't know why Nicholas Sparks gets such a bad rap- This was totally enjoyable. 

3. WE'LL NEVER BE APART by Emiko Jean (ARC). Love this cover! The story brings a lot of tension to the surface as the story unfolds and even though I knew something was up with someone in the story, I didn't guess the plot twist. 

2. HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS by JK Rowling (Audio). I think I've said it before, but I really get into this series at the end of this book when things get pretty dark. The part at the end with the sorting hat and sword gave me chills! 

1. WOLF BY WOLF by Ryan Graudin (ARC). The premise of this book is so original and cool and I loved it! There isn't a weak character in the entire book and it read like the race at the center of the story: I couldn't stop. I hope you all read this so we can discuss it and gush over it.

Saturday, September 19, 2015

My Emmy Ballot

Not sure if my Emmy ballot got lost in the mail, or what, but here are my choices for Sunday's ceremony.


Supporting Actress, Comedy:

Mayim Bialik, “The Big Bang Theory”
Niecy Nash, “Getting On”
Julie Bowen, “Modern Family”
Allison Janney, “Mom”
Kate McKinnon “Saturday Night Live”
Gaby Hoffmann, “Transparent”
Jane Krakowski, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”
Anna Chlumsky, “Veep”

I've never seen Getting On or Transparent, I hate Modern Family, and I get bored with The Big Bang Theory getting awards. My vote here is for Jane Krakowski because her humor, at times, was so subtle in that show. 

Supporting Actor, Comedy:

Andre Braugher, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”
Adam Driver, “Girls”
Keegan-Michael Key, “Key & Peele”
Ty Burrell, “Modern Family”
Tituss Burgess, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”
Tony Hale, “Veep”

I haven't watched this past season of Girls, but I love Adam Driver and want him to win! Or Keegan-Michael Key because he is hilarious. 

Supporting Actress, Drama:


Joanne Froggatt, “Downton Abbey”
Lena Headey, “Game Of Thrones”
Emilia Clarke, “Game Of Thrones”
Christine Baranski, “The Good Wife”
Christina Hendricks, “Mad Men”
Uzo Aduba, “Orange Is The New Black”

THIS CATEGORY IS SO TOUGH!!!! I'm throwing out Uzo Aduba because I don't watch/like that show, as well as Christine Baranski because I'm only on S2 of The Good Wife. I love Mad Men, but Joan is not my fave. Joanne Froggatt won the Golden Globe, yes? I think she's great, and so is Emilia Clarke, but my vote goes to Lena Headey who really showed such variety in her character last year. 

Supporting Actor, Drama:

Jonathan Banks, “Better Call Saul”
Ben Mendelsohn, “Bloodline”
Jim Carter, “Downton Abbey”
Peter Dinklage, “Game Of Thrones”
Alan Cumming, “The Good Wife”
Michael Kelly, “House Of Cards” 


Another tough one, but Peter Dinklage deserves every award ever for that scene during his trial. But I wouldn't cry if Ben Mendelsohn won because he is incredible, as is Alan Cumming, but that's more a vote for being awesome in life since I'm so behind on that show. "It's Saturday night on Broadway!!! It's Saturday night on Broaddwaaayyyyy!"

Variety Sketch Series:

“Drunk History”
“Inside Amy Schumer”
“Key & Peele”
“Portlandia”
“Saturday Night Live”

 Sheesh, there is some quality tv out there! Can we have a tie? I kind of want Drunk History to win because the entire premise is so genius. Also one time my dad did his impression of Will Ferrell doing an episode and that was Emmy-worthy on its own.

Variety Talk Series:

“The Colbert Report”
“The Daily Show With Jon Stewart”
“Jimmy Kimmel Live”
“Last Week Tonight With John Oliver”
“Late Show With David Letterman”
“The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon”

While I love David Letterman, Jimmy Fallon is so creative that he deserves to win everything. 

Lead Actress, Comedy:

Lisa Kudrow, “The Comeback”
Lily Tomlin, “Grace And Frankie”
Amy Schumer, “Inside Amy Schumer”
Edie Falco, “Nurse Jackie”
Amy Poehler, “Parks And Recreation”
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, “Veep”  

So JLD wins every time she is nominated, right? I love her, but I'm ready for a new winner and I would like that winner to be Amy Poehler. I've never seen (and never will see) Grace and Frankie.  

Lead Actor, Comedy:

Anthony Anderson, “black-ish”
Matt LeBlanc, “Episodes”
Don Cheadle, “House of Lies”
Will Forte, “The Last Man On Earth”
Louis C.K., “Louie”
William H. Macy, “Shameless”
Jeffrey Tambor, “Transparent”  

This is when I realize I don't watch many comedies. I hear Jeffrey Tambor is awesome in Transparent, but since I haven't seen it, I'll vote for Will Forte

Lead Actress, Drama:

Taraji P. Henson, “Empire”
Claire Danes, “Homeland”
Viola Davis, “How to Get Away with Murder”
Tatiana Maslany, “Orphan Black”
Elisabeth Moss, “Mad Men”
Robin Wright, “House of Cards”

OH BOY! I like Viola Davis, but I actually don't think her role is Emmy-deserving (don't hate me!). This is another TOUGH category! Claire Danes has won before, as has Robin Wright (?) and Taraji P. Henson is awesome in Empire, but I'm going to vote for Tatiana Maslany because she should have won three years ago! Sheesh! Elisabeth Moss is so deserving, though-ahhhh!

Lead Actor, Drama: 

Bob Odenkirk, “Better Call Saul”
Kyle Chandler, “Bloodline”
Kevin Spacey, “House of Cards”
Jon Hamm, “Mad Men”
Jeff Daniels, “The Newsroom”
Liev Schreiber, “Ray Donovan”

If Jon Hamm doesn't win, I will cry. Am I going to end up crying!? 

Outstanding Comedy Series:

“Louie”
“Modern Family”
“Parks and Recreation”
“Silicon Valley”
“Transparent”
“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”
“Veep” 
 
Oh gosh. Just no Modern Family, please. I'd like to see Silicon Valley win because it would be such a shock:)  

Outstanding Drama Series:

“Better Call Saul”
“Downton Abbey”
“Game of Thrones”
“Homeland”
“House of Cards”
“Mad Men”
“Orange is the New Black”

Games of Thrones, DUH! Listen, if Orange is the New Black beats any of those other shows, I will flip a table. It would also be nice to see Mad Men win, but I don't see it happening, sigh. 


Now, more importantly, who am I most excited to see on the red carpet?? I can't pick just one, so a list will have to do:
  • Elisabeth Moss
  • January Jones
  • Michelle Dockery (my fashion spirit animal)
  • Kerry Washington
  •  Sophie Turner
  • Tatiana Maslaney 






Wednesday, September 09, 2015

Summer Into Autumn Reading List

As we move from Summer into Autumn (YAY!), it's essential to have some good reading material for sitting outside at cafes while enjoying the cooler temps* and changing leaves. Or for while you're sitting inside avoiding the leftover summer heat while daydreaming about sweaters and scarves.


THE ROYAL WE by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan. Seeing as how it's 91 degrees out while I write this, I suppose including a "summer read" is appropriate. Not that this book will make you think of days at the pool or wearing sandals since it's set in England, but it's deliciously fun, which is something I think we all crave during the warmer months. Inspired by William and Kate, this book feels both like you're reading Hello and watching a BBC special on the monarchy. I had so much fun reading this one.  


I'LL GIVE YOU THE SUN by Jandy Nelson. I would love to give someone the sun- I am so over summer! So, not only is this book incredible (my favorite of 2014!) but it does give a good sense of fall as a leather jacket is part of it as well as some time spent in school. Fall=School as you will see in this list. I loved how this book was told from twins at different ages and the way Nelson writes how these characters think was so amazing. She is such a good writer.


THE GREAT GATSBY by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I actually love this book because of the partying, which I realize isn't really the English class reason, but to each their own, right? Not only do I love this book, but it has one of the best lines ever, which is so true: "Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall." A lot of people look to the first of the year as a time to reinvent and get inspired, but for me? It's Autumn. Love.


HELLO, GOODBYE, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN by Jennifer E. Smith. This entire book takes place on the last night of summer break before two teens leave for college the next day. They're trying to figure out if they should break up before heading to opposite coasts for college or to try to stay together. Incredibly satisfying book, much like a pumpkin muffin. 

ALL UNQUIET THINGS by Anna Jarzab. Another sensational book that takes place right as summer moves into fall. This was Jarzab's debut novel and I was floored as I finished it. It's a convoluted mystery that also has a lot of character depth- not easy! 

BELZHAR by Meg Wolitzer. This book made me want to put on boots and a sweater and head to Vermont. Another story that takes place in school, but with some added mystery with one of my favorite writing styles, the unreliable narrator. I picked this book up because I loved THE BELL JAR and this book was such a creative way to incorporate Plath's book. 


THE MARTIAN by Andy Weir. While I don't think Mars has much of an Autumn, this book is incredible (!!!!) and the movie adaptation comes out in October! I usually prefer to read the book after the movie, but space movies make me so anxious that I picked up (and sped through) this one. I think this book is special because it combines drama, action, and humor so effortlessly. 

VICIOUS by V.E. Schwab.  Expertly told from different times in the story with part of it occurring while at school (aka Autumn!), this is an awesome book that always reminds me of X-Men. 

THE KILLING WOODS by Lucy Christopher. Christopher excels at writing books where the setting is as much a character as the humans are. This book takes place in Autumn and much of it has to do with, yes, the woods behind the main character's house. (Is there anything better in Autumn than the forest as the leaves change colors?)

THE 5TH WAVE by Rick Yancey. Unfortunately the movie adaptation isn't coming out until January, but the book will be perfect for the fall. I always think about the stars when it's time for the colder months because the air is crisp again and our views toward the sky are so much more clear. (Or maybe it's just because I like to be outside when it's cold and I take the time to look up.) This book, that's about surviving an alien invasion, talks a lot about the stars and the main character is even named after a constellation.
STATION ELEVEN by Emily St. John Mandel. My staff rec at work says, "Don't read this during flu season," but that's actually exactly what I want you to do. I thought this was a masterpiece. I loved how it was the story of a flu pandemic and the people who survive it, but the way it was told was so lovely. The story doesn't get into the gruesome details of millions of people dying, it gets into the gruesome details of those left who are trying to survive. 


MISS PEREGRINE'S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN by Ransom Riggs. We have to wait way too long for this movie to come out (slated for March 2016), but this is the perfect book for reading right around Halloween. The photos are creepy enough to give you nightmares, I promise. 

SHIVER by Maggie Stiefvater. Beautifully written (so lyrical!), but it's the inclusion of temperatures that reminds me of Autumn. Put this towards the end of your Summer to Autumn Reading List because things really heat (ha!) up as this story gets colder and colder.
BORN WICKED by Jessica Spotswood. Another perfect book for closer to October. A book about witches who have to hide their skills, but most notably, this has one of the great first kiss scenes I've ever read. 

THE NIGHT CIRCUS by Erin Morgenstern. This book takes place over many months and years, but something about it makes me think of Autumn. I think it's again, the crispness of the nighttime that the majority of the story takes place during. This book is so amazingly good. It was truly a magical experience to read it. 




Well, there you go! Those options should keep you busy until Winter! Any titles you'd suggest for me??


XO,
SVR

*Will it ever be cool?


*Hopefully soon!