"Waiting On" Wednesday + Contest

This meme was started by Jill of Breaking the Spine.

I have been eagerly awaiting PLEASE IGNORE VERA DIETZ, by A. S. King, who wrote the little-indie-that-could, DUST OF 100 DOGS.  DUST OF 100 DOGS was one of my top books of summer last year, and A. S. King was kind enough to guest blog during my first blogiversary.  So I was sad to learn that certain chains won't be carrying her debut.



Here's the flap copy and details:

"PLEASE IGNORE VERA DIETZis a 'please go away and don't bother me, I have to finish this book before I do anything else' kind of book. Brilliant. Funny. Really special." --Ellen Hopkins, author of NYT bestselling Crank, Glass and Tricks

PLEASE IGNORE VERA DIETZ Coming from Knopf --October 12, 2010--ages 14+

Is it okay to hate a dead kid?

Even if I loved him once?

Even if he was my best friend?

Is it okay to hate him for being dead?

Vera's spent her whole life secretly in love with her best friend, Charlie Kahn. And over the years she's kept a lot of his secrets. Even after he betrayed her. Even after he ruined everything.

So when Charlie dies in dark circumstances, Vera knows a lot more than anyone—the kids at school, his family, or even the police. But will she emerge and clear his name? Does she even want to?

An edgy, gripping story, PLEASE IGNORE VERA DIETZ is an unforgettable novel: smart, funny, dramatic, and always surprising. Find more info and an excerpt here: http://www.as-king.com/html/vera.php.

Then, I found out from Cecelia Bedelia that also isn't carrying SHADES OF MILK AND HONEY, Mary Robinette Kowal's debut novel, in its stores. Ya'll may remember Kowal as one of the first authors I reviewed. I first posted about SHADES OF MILK AND HONEY in a "Waiting On" Wednesday February 25, 2009. And now I can't go out and buy it at my favorite bookstore.



CONTEST:

E-mail proof of a preorder of PLEASE IGNORE VERA DIETZ or a purchase of SHADES AND MILK HONEY to inbedwithbooks AT yahoo DOT com to be entered. In two weeks, I will select a winner to receive a $10 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble.

Here are some links to help you out:
PLEASE IGNORE VERA DIETZ on Amazon and IndieBound
SHADES OF MILK AND HONEY on Amazon and IndieBound

Mary Robinette Kowal

Portrait of Ari

Artist Tom cuts his thumb while attempting to cut a mat and learns something strange about Ari, his lover. The moment where he accidentally cuts himself is beautifully done – anyone who has ever cut a mat will feel a small surge of fear and remind themselves to be careful. (They will also promptly not be careful the next time they cut a mat since it is drudge work.) The story starts innocently and builds subtly to the tragic conclusion. The last line is a punch to the gut.

The Bound Man

This excellent fantasy story follows Li Reiko, a mother bound to the will of the gods, after she is pulled into the time of Halldór. In less than ten thousand words Mary Robinette Kowal builds a full world and rich characters. Li Reiko and Halldór both demonstrate the unconditional love of a parent, but they never act sentimental or insipid. From the beginning, Kowal offers hints to Li Nawi’s future. “The Bound Man” starts somewhat slowly, but quickly becomes an intriguing, human tale.

[Warning: Mentions of rape and subtle on-screen rape.]

Cerbo en Vitra ujo

This is horror. In a future where children who cannot afford school are often sold to body harvesters, the privileged Grete searches for her beautiful boyfriend Kaj. Kowal’s use of imagery only makes the story that much more repulsive and creepy. Well-written and well-executed, this unsettling story may not be for all readers. Once again, Kowal ends the story with a powerful blow. She has an excellent grasp of atmosphere and uses it to great effect.

[Warning: Explicit sex.]

Death Comes But Twice

Kowal manages a strange combination of cautionary tale and spirituality. The former follows a fairly normal trajectory, but the spiritual touch gives it an original feel. The reader understands the narrator’s choices as he explains them to his wife Lily. Kowal could have chosen once more to end a story with tragedy, but “Death Comes But Twice” feels hopeful despite its dark subject matter.

For Solo Cello op. 20

Julius, a world-class cellist, lost his hand in an accident that was only tangentially his wife’s fault. I understand how much he hates living unable to play, constantly aware of his phantom hand. But I cannot sympathize with him. He is a loathsome creature who gets what he deserves. I pity his wife as well, but also feel disconnected from her. I understood her guilt and despair, but I wished she possessed more fight. Leonard’s simply a worm – there’s no offer of his motivations. While “For Solo Cello op. 20” is well-written, I cannot recommend it.

This Little Pig

Young Aage longs for a 1952 MG-TD in British Racing Green and to impress his crush Concetta Dumas-Chan. Instead, he humiliates himself on his first day mucking pens on a pig farm. Aage manages to overcome his embarrassment and realizes the scene was probably quite funny. The thought that Concetta saw his humiliation terrifies him, but he still manages to converse with her and begin a real connection. “This Little Pig” is a sweet story that will appeal to teens particularly, but adults as well.

All six stories are available here.

Kowal has been nominated for the Campbell award.

Coming Next: ROGUE by Rachel Vincent