The kids and I are off to see a children’s play this afternoon. Every February, Missoula Children’s Theater comes to our community and puts on a production using local kids. The kids rehearse every weeknight, and then on Saturday they do two performances. This year, one of Natalie’s best friends, Kari, got the part of “Pea” in The Princess and the Pea, so we are very excited to see her interpretation of a singing, talking, and dancing legume. 
While it was a busy week compounded by yet another cold virus making the rounds of the household, I did manage to save a few links for all of you.
Author news:
~ The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet was one of my favorite reads of 2010. In this video, you can see a grade school boy interviewing author Jamie Ford about the book and his writing process – and upcoming projects.
~ Scott Westerfeld has completed Goliath, the final book in the Leviathan trilogy. The book will be released September 13th of this year.
~ I’m so jealous! Sandy’s book club got to have a speakerphone conversation with Tatjana Soli, author of The Lotus Eaters. Wish I could have been there!
Discussion starters:
~ Debbie’s World of Books: Do you write reviews on ‘meh’ books?
~ Bookalicious: Word to your mother – a reaction to some unflattering remarks about book bloggers in this week’s Twitter YA Lit Chat.
~ There’s a Book: What makes YA so appealing?
Reviews and blog posts that have me adding to my to-read list:
~ Winterland by Alan Glynn, reviewed by Bernadette at Reactions to Reading
~ This Book is Overdue! How Librarians and Cybrarians can Save Us All by Marilyn Johnson, reviewed by Vasilly at 1330v
~ The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears by Dinaw Mengestu, reviewed by Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea
Other bookish links:
~ The New York Times: The problem with memoirs
~ The Guardian: Is speculative fiction poised to break into the literary canon?
Book blogger news:
~ The Story Siren‘s six-year-old cousin Kaylea is undergoing treatment for leukemia. Read Kaylea’s story and then do whatever you can to help, whether it is to send books to keep her occupied while in the hospital, or sending finances to help the family. The kids and I went through some books and sent a package earlier this week – Josiah was excited to share his beloved Littles series by John Peterson with her.
~ Presenting Lenore is hosting Dystopian February.
~ I’ve been meaning to read Charlotte Bronte’s Vilette for ages, and Wallace’s read-along at The Unputdownables is the perfect opportunity – especially since it’s spread out over two months. Very doable.
Other links of interest:
Twitter: Vasilly
says:
Good luck with the Villette read-along! I love the NYT post about memories. It was hilarious and true at the same time. Not every story needs to be published. I wished more people understand about internet illiteracy. So many people don’t know how to judge a website as being a good source or not for information. I’m forever grateful to my psychology professor who taught me how a few years ago. Have fun at the play.
Vasilly´s last post ..DNF- Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
V – we had so much fun at the play – thanks!
Love this post! And of course, I’m loving your new look!
Thanks for the link love and also for mentioning Lenore’s Dystopian month, I’d almost forgotten about it! Off to click around!
The1stdaughter (Danielle)´s last post ..A Bit of MeMe – Pick a Color- Any Color!
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Thanks, Danielle – I’m loving my new look, too.
Twitter: bookjourney
says:
Looks like I have a few posts to check out! I too loved The Hotel On Bitter and Sweet and it won our Book Clubs best read of the year for 2010
Sheila (Bookjourney)´s last post ..The Secret Life Of Emily Dickinson by Jerome Charyn
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Sheila – I wish his new book was coming out this year, but we have to wait until 2012.
Thanks for all the links and updates! I might participate in the Vilette read-along.
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Misha- I loved Jane Eyre, so am looking forward to getting into Vilette!
Loved the Word to your Mother link. Thanks as always for sharing all.
Kathleen´s last post ..Commentary- This Book is Overdue by Marilyn Johnson
Twitter: booksandmovies
says:
Kathleen – I liked it too – made me laugh.