Love in the Time of Influenza: In the Shadow of Blackbirds Review

I am a sucker for all things Gothic. The Victorians may have had some weird ideas about things, but they certainly make for excellent fiction. Such is the case in this debut YA novel, In The Shadow Of Blackbirds, which lacked a little in richness and depth but nevertheless was a compelling and original story.

It’s 1918 and the United States is at war with Germany and in the grip of the Spanish Flu. Mary Shelley is sent to live with her aunt in San Francisco after her father is accused of being a traitor and her mother dies. There, Mary learns that her childhood friend and sweetheart Stephen has been killed in action. But Stephen appears at her bedside every night, screaming about blackbirds and covered in blood. A woman of science, Mary doesn’t believe in spirits but she cannot deny Stephen’s presence. Why is he haunting her? Is he caught between worlds, or is there something about his death he wants her to know?

I first picked this book up because I liked the setting of San Francisco at the tail end of WWI and in the throes of the Spanish Flu. It is easy to forget that this flu killed 20 million people world wide. Some estimates are as high as 100 million. Author Cat Winters does a great job re-creating this era of uncertainty, death, and superstition. Much research has gone into the odd remedies people used to ward off the flu, including wearing necklaces of garlic and burying themselves in onions.

This book unfolded like a traditional mystery and felt quite procedural at times, with Mary Shelley puzzling over clues, questioning possible suspects, and then arriving at the scene of crime only to have the perpetrators appear, confess, and threaten her own life. Cat Winters‘ writing style is brisk and well-paced and the book was extremely visual. At times I wanted her to flesh out the secondary characters a bit more. Particularly Aunt Eva, who felt under-developed to me.

This is a moody book, full of nightmares, a ghost suffering from shell shock, desperate people and illness. What happens to Stephen is truly horrible, but their is relief at the end when Mary Shelley is able to help him rest and she herself goes forth to do good in the world. A great read for fans of gothic fiction such as This Dark Endeavour, Masque of the Red Death, The Madman’s Daughter and The Diviners.

In The Shadow of Blackbirds is available now in hardcover from Amulet Books.

The Recipe for a Perfect Summer Novel

We are now three weeks away from the launch of my new book, Summer Days, Starry Nights- an ode to summer, the 1960s, and friendship- three of my favourite things! I thought I’d answer some basic questions here to get people excited.

Q: Why the 1960s?

Carole King in 1962

A: I love the 1960s, particularly the music. For the first time, women were singing songs that other women could relate to. I read Girls Like Us, an amazing in-depth triple biography of Carole King, Joni Mitchell and Carly Simon and Girl Groups, Girl Culture, a great book about popular music in the 1960s, which helped flesh out what was going on with women, music, and social change during the time period.

Music and identity play big roles in Summer Days, Starry Nights. Both Gwen, mysterious wayward ballerina, and Reenie, dependable country girl and a classic middle child, are trying to figure out who they are and what their place in the world is. Gwen introduces Reenie to girl bands like The Shirelles, The Crystals, and The Chantels. It seemed natural to set a coming of age story at a time where the whole world was coming of age.

Q: Is the resort Sandy Shores based on a real place?

A: When I was young my family spent a number of summers at a resort near Orillia, Ontario called Lake Dalrymple Resort. I have fond memories of the resort, and the layout of Sandy Shores is based on the layout of this resort, more or less. Of course I changed things to suit the plot, which is one of my favourite elements of fiction writing.

Q: What inspired the book?

A: The name Reenie Starr came to me first. I started to think about who this Reenie Starr was, how she did or did not live up to her name. I gave her two siblings, Scarlett and Bo, and then I wondered who would name their children after movie stars and lo and behold their mother- a woman who prefers to be called Mimi, not Mama- was born.

Margaret Langrick in My American Cousin

I also wanted to write a summer book and for me summer is always connected to the 1960s, probably because of movies like Dirty Dancing, My American Cousin, The Man in the Moon, and A Walk on the Moon. I remembered how much I loved the resort on Lake Dalrymple and how as a kid I thought it would be absolute heaven to live there all year. So through the magic of fiction I got to experience that by having my protagonist live on a summer resort.

Anna Paquin in A Walk on the Moon

I had a lot of fun (and spent a LOT of time) creating and seeking out inspirational playlists, like this one from songza. You can check out some of my inspirational images, girl groups, etc on the Summer Days, Starry Nights pinterest board here.

Toronto friends I hope you’ll join me at 3030 on May 28th for the launch. I will also be making appearances in Woodstock, London, Brampton, Erin Mills, Creemore and Orillia in the next two months- stay tuned for dates.  Remember you can pre-0rder on Amazon, Indigo, or at your local bookstore. 

Gold and Gators: The Girl From Felony Bay Review

There is nothing more comforting to read than a classic middle grade novel. After the death of my family cat (RIP dear Cocoa, almost 20), I was in need of some serious comfort reading. Something about the setting and situation of The Girl From Felony Bay reminded me of The Rescuers, a wonderful but often overlooked Disney classic loosely based on a fantastic children’s novel by Margery Sharpe.  Minus the talking mice, of course.

Abbey knows her beloved father did not steal an old woman’s jewels. But since he is in a coma after a mysterious fall, he can’t exactly defend himself. Now Abbey lives with her mean Uncle Charlie and his equally sour wife, Ruth. It is clear she is not wanted, let alone loved. So Abbey seeks solace on the grounds of her old home, a sprawling plantation, looking after the horses. Here she meets the daughter of the new owners, Bee, who despite being friendly and up for almost anything, is clearly hiding a sad secret of her own. The two girls team up to prove that Abbey’s father is innocent, uncovering a number of surprises along the way.

J.E. Thompson’s style seems effortless. Clear, rich and effective storytelling but with enough character flavour and detail to make the book memorable. He has crafted the perfect setting for a middle grade novel, a sprawling estate full of secret paths, gators, and possible hidden treasure. Without leaving the property, Abbey has enough to keep her engaged and busy all summer. With the exceptions of a few scenes, most of the action takes place in and around the plantation, which is becoming more rare in children’s books. A writer must be confident and extremely accomplished at world building to rely on one basic set.

I loved the friendship between Bee and Abbey, which is considerate and helps both girls  heal from their past tragedies.  Bee’s Grandmother belongs to the middle grade trope of a wise old woman who seems stern but has a heart of gold  and also happens to cook up delicious and wholesome food. Uncle Charlie is fairly un-redeemable (he has little to no qualms about murdering children), but I like how Thompson doesn’t feel the need to go too much into his backstory to explain his behaviour. He is a true villain- sometimes I think we need to let villains be villains.

I also loved the inclusion of the plantation’s history and how Thompson handles the delicate issues of race, slavery, and ownership. Like Abbey, Bee’s last name is also Force, which suggests that her ancestors were one slaves of Abbey’s ancestors and took on their name when they were freed.  Although this novel is not about race, history and racism pop up from time to time in a way that feels natural and is well-handled.

This book has the feel of a classic. I could read it now, ten years ago or ten years from now and it would not feel dated. A great summer read for fans of traditional mysteries or novels with a southern setting.

The Girl From Felony Bay will be available in hard cover from HarperCollins Canada on April 30th.

Summer Days, Starry Nights Toronto Launch: Party Like it’s 1962!

It’s party time! If you’re in the Toronto area on Tuesday, May 28th come celebrate the launch of SUMMER DAYS, STARRY NIGHTS with me at one of my favourite Junction hotspots, 3030.

Starting at 7pm, this is an all ages event and will feature a reading by yours truly and a performance by the amazing Miranda Mulholland, of Great Lake Swimmers and Belle Starr fame. Miranda is also an accomplished solo artist and I could not be more thrilled that she is sharing this night with me. Also, look at her wicked hair:

When Miranda is not singing, expect a great mix of late 1950s and early 1960s vinyl, perfect for dancing! This is not a costume party, but if you come dressed in 60′s attire you will earn my undying respect and devotion. Books will be sold by Toronto institution Mabel’s Fables and I will be happy to sign one for you, your niece, your grandmother, or anyone else you’d like to give a first edition signed copy to!

Located at High Park and Dundas West, 3030 is easily accessible by TTC (walk north from High Park station or take the 40 bus from Dundas West Station) and there is a Green P parking lot nearby (south of Dundas West, between Pacific and Medland) for those who will be driving.

Can’t wait to see you! Bring your dancing shoes and we will party like it’s 1962!

For those of you outside the GTA area I will also be doing events in Woodstock, Brampton, Erin Mills, Creemore, Orillia and London. Schedule coming soon!

Perfectly Creepy: Doll Bones Review

I don’t know what it is about dolls, but they are the perfect subject for creepy stories. One of my favourite scary stories is The Dollhouse Murders by Betty Wren Wright, which I recommended on Bookish Notions last Halloween . Doll Bones is a rare breed, a true cross-genre tale with both literary and commercial appeal.

Zach, Poppy and Alice have created a fantastic, elaborate game involving dolls, pirates, mermaids and other worlds. Despite their differences, the game binds them together, that is until puberty kicks in and suddenly they find themselves with doubts, new allegiances, and their friendships hanging in the balance.

Warning, this review contains spoilers!

This is a fantastic blend of creepy and poignant, as only Holly Black can do. I love the double-barreled plot, with the story of The Queen and putting her to rest mirroring the story of the trio’s friendship. This gives the story some depth, so readers who don’t gravitate towards ghost stories have a more traditional contemporary friendship story to hook them, and those who read only scary stories have something a bit meatier to read. This blend of ghost story and contemporary real-world conflict is very similar to the structure of The Doll House Murders, an is one of the reasons I love that book, as well.

‘The Queen,’ perfectly captured by the cover art of Eliza Wheeler, is of course not JUST a doll, but is made from the ground bones of a child who died tragically. The reader is unsure if it is The Queen making the children do things, or if the children are using The Queen as an excuse to act. The uncanny qualities of The Queen truly set the story apart from other ghost stories.

There is a very industrial, lower-income feel to the setting. During their journey, the villages the trio pass through are full of abandoned businesses and homes and the people are down on their luck. None of the children are wealthy and there are a variety of non-nuclear family situations. Zach’s dad has returned after abandoning him and his mother for three years, Alice lives with her strict Filipina grandmother, and Poppy is one of a large family, her brothers often getting into trouble with the law. The game is made up of toys from found objects and toys from goodwill. There is something very contemporary and authentic about Black’s setting and her characters, it feels as though it has been informed by the recent recession and it’s effects on the average American family.

Betsy Bird at Fuse #8 did an excellent review of this book, describing it as ” what would happen if R.L. Stine ever wrote a Newbery quality horror book for kids.” I will be curious to see how award committees react to this book. It has a lot of kid appeal and is on one hand, a ghost story. But the richness of characters and the authenticity with how Black portrays the growing pains of friendship during puberty sets it apart. The most uncomfortable bits are not the scary parts, but when the friends talk about each other behind their backs, deal with crushes, or secret notes. Doll Bones walks many different lines (genres, commercial vs literaty) and is yet another feather in the highly decorated cap of Holly Black.

Doll Bones will be available in May from Simon and Schuster Canada.

New Book Announcement: SUMMER DAYS, STARRY NIGHTS

I am thrilled to announce a new book, Summer Days, Starry Nights, due out June 1st! This is my love letter to summer, the 1960s, and growing up. Pretty much all of my favourite bookish things in one novel! I am beyond thrilled with this gorgeous cover, which captures the essence of the novel beautifully.

Summer Days, Starry Nights is the story of 14 year old Reenie Starr, who loves her family’s summer resort, Sandy Shores, more than anything else on earth. The resort falls on hard times the summer of 1962, so the Starrs decide to hire a young dancer from the city to come up and run an entertainment program. When 17 year old Gwendolyn Cates arrives, Reenie is starstruck by her glamorous looks and exciting lifestyle. But Gwendolyn is not exactly who she seems to be, and her arrival sets off a series of events that will change Reenie’s life forever.

Hmm, you’re thinking. That sounds kind of like the movie Dirty Dancing.

I have been known to describe the book as ‘Dirty Dancing without the Dirty.’ There are some similarities in that it takes place on a summer resort during the same time period and is very much about the music and culture of the 1960s, however Reenie is significantly younger than Baby (aka Frances) and Summer Days, Starry Nights is more about friendship and family than romance. But there is some romance. And secret letters. And missing persons. And campfires. And late night dance parties…

Summer Days, Starry Nights will be available in June, 2013. Just in time for summer reading! You can pre-order on Amazon, Indigo, or visit your local bookstore. I will also be throwing a super-fun 60s style launch party in Toronto, which you are all invited to! More details to come.

I can’t wait to share this book with you!

 

I Wanna Be a Bank St. Irregular: Kiki Strike & The Darkness Dwellers Review

I adore the Kiki Strike series. I still can’t believe it’s not bigger than it is. It is one of my missions in life to make The Irregulars a household name.One can only hope with all the spy and international intrigue “Bourne books” on the rise that people will get another chance to discover The Irregulars.

A good part of the book takes place in Paris, but author Kristen Miller does not abandon her beloved New York completely. NYC is just as much a character in the series as any of the girls, and I’m glad she found a way to include it yet again. The Darkness Dwellers refers to a secret society living in the catacombs of Paris. Throw in an upscale girl’s finishing school, some WWII intrigue, and two cases of mistaken identity and you have the recipe for a killer adventure.

For some reason I never think to categorize these books as fantasy, despite obvious made-up elements (a fake European kingdom complete with it’s own history & traditions or massive man-eating rats that live in a made-up city underneath NYC). Instead, I consider it a kick-ass mystery series featuring a troupe of almost super-hero like teenagers.

Picking a favourite Irregular is like picking  a favourite Spice Girl: impossible, and I resent being asked to choose. Why can’t I like ALL of them equally? I love how vindictive but surprisingly sensitive Oona is, I love Ananka’s deadpan narration, and I love Iris the 12 year old side-kick who kidnaps delivery boys when she has crushes on them. But this book was an ode to Betty Bent, the kind-hearted master of disguise who until now, is often underestimated by the rest of the team. Betty could come across as sickeningly sweet, but Miller avoids this and instead she projects quiet confidence. I loved the image of her in a super-hero esque catsuit with killer boots when she descends into the catacombs of Paris. There were so many get up and cheer moments for Betty that I lost count and just continued to grin through the whole book.

Miller does a great job juggling not only a number of plot lines, but a large cast of characters. The Irregulars never feel interchangeable and even the supporting cast members feel distinct. I loved the addition of a love interest for Kiki (who would have thought!)

My only question is WHY hasn’t this series been made into a movie yet? The books are fabulous on their own, but they would make one fist-pumpingly good movie. Seriously with all the superhero flicks out there what’s stopping producers? It would be like Kick-Ass meets The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants only set in NEW YORK!

I think everyone should read this series, but fans of The Red Blazer Girls, Nancy Drew, Ally Carter’s Gallagher Girls books, Maureen Johnson fans will especially love it.

Kiki Strike and the Darkness Dwellers is available now from Penguin Canada.

The Spy Who Loved Me: Also Known As Review

Remember how much I loved Robin Benway’s Audrey, Wait? Well I was thrilled to receive an advanced copy of Also Known As. There seem to be lots of spy and international intrigue books on the market right now, both in middle grade and YA, ranging from high-octane thrillers like Don’t Turn Around  by Michelle Gagnon to fun friendship stories like ally Carter’s The Gallagher Girls books. This one falls more on the fun end of the spectrum.

At sixteen, Maggie is a professional spy. Her superior safe-cracking skills have proved useful in more than one international intrigue. Maggie enjoys her life of globe-trotting and adrenalin- fueled raids. That is until her parents sign her up for a mission that requires her to go undercover in a high school in New York City. Maggie has never been to school before and is not used to dealing with people her own age. She feels completely out of her depth- especially when the mark turns out to be handsome and witty.

This is excellent fun. Maggie is a funny and proactive heroine. It is endearing to watch her try to navigate the social minefield of high school. Her wry observations convey her intelligence but also her naivete, which is a compelling combination.

I love a good sidekick (remember Victoria in Audrey, Wait? Best friend perfection!) and Roux is a treat. Basically abandoned in a slick apartment by her wealthy but totally useless parents, Roux is the epitome of the poor little rich girl. I like how Benway gives her a past as a powerful meangirl who has fallen and never regained her position. There are hints of that mean girl in some of her actions but I did truly believe that Roux was remorseful and lonely and willing to do what it takes to be a good friend. Like go on spy missions.

The boy is perhaps a bit too good to be true, but I’m hoping there is a second book, perhaps in which the boy proves to be less than perfect. Also Known As is grade A YA fun, a little bit Ally Carter, a little bit Kiki Strike, with some Maureen Johnson thrown in for good measure, and yet still with Benway’s unique voice and sense of play.

Also Known As is available in hard cover from Penguin Canada in February.

The Secret Lives of Dogs: Metro Dogs of Moscow Review

As a child who could not get enough of ‘the secret lives of animals’ narrative- think 101 Dalmations, The Rescuers, The Aristocats- I very much appreciated this fun romp which seems tailor made for an animated film adaptation from Canadian author Rachelle Delaney.

JR is the dog of George, who works for the Canadian embassy. George travels a lot, which means JR doesn’t get what he most wants in the world: a home. When they arrive in Moscow, JR decides not to get too attached to the city, since they’ll probably be leaving sooner or later. But then he has a chance encounter with a group of savvy stray dogs who introduce him to history, delicious Russian food, and most importantly, adventure.

The premise is like catnip (pardon the cat reference in a post about dogs) to kids. The secret lives of dogs in a foreign city is not only a genius concept, it’s one based on  reality! Check out this savvy stray on the metro system in Russia:

Delaney folds in bits of history and Russian culture throughout the narrative in a manner that is natural and not overwhelming. I particularly enjoyed the parts about ‘dog’ history, perfectly in keeping with the canine characters’ interests but also fun for readers.

Rachelle Delaney has a very classic take on the middle grade narrative. Her stories are gentle, well-paced, full of light humour, imagination, and carefully delivered character growth. I hesitate to use the term old-fashioned, because there is nothing stuffy or out-of-date about her writing. It is timeless rather than trendy. Her books would be comfortable alongside the work of Enid Blyton or Mary Norton. Younger readers  (grade 2-4) who can handle novels but perhaps not older subject matter will be right at home with the Metro Dogs of Moscow,  along with fans of the animal narrative, humour, and a unique concept.

The Metro Dogs of Moscow is available now from Penguin Canada.

Stay tuned for a Q&A with Rachelle sometime this month!

Vancouver folk! Rachelle will be holding a book launch at Kidsbooks  (West Broadway location) on February 7th at 7pm. Click here for more info!

So Many Ways to be Haunted: Paper Valentine Review

I really must learn to not judge a book by its cover. I looked at this beautiful cover and thought, steampunk horror story, ala Masque of the Red Death. Paper Valentine is in fact an unusual blend of ghost story, murder mystery, issues novel and romance. Although I had some issues with the characters and the murder mystery plot, Brenna Yovanoff has a great writing style and I was fascinated with how she handled anorexia.

The city of Ludlow is in the grip of a serial killer who murders teenage girls and leaves them surrounded by an assortment of children’s toys and old valentines. Meanwhile, Hannah is being haunted by her best friend Lillian, who starved herself to death six months ago. Her group of friends is lost without Lillian at the centre, and Hannah isn’t sure how much she enjoys them anymore, anyway. She is curious about Finny Boone- handsome and tortured local delinquent- but Lillian’s ghost is holding her back from pursuing him. But when Hannah starts seeing the ghosts of the murdered girls, she realizes she needs to focus on the living before she ends up among the dead.

I found the relationship between the girls the most interesting part of this unusual book. I was fascinated with the group dynamics and how Lillian’s death seems to set them free, except for Hannah, who relied on Lillian’s support and leadership, or so she thinks. Even in death, Lillian is a bully, but we get glimpses of the sad, desperate, and ultimately tragic figure she once was. Yovanoff does not glamourize anorexia, but humanizes it. Slowly the author reveals how such a promising and popular young woman could succumb to death. Lillian’s regret is the most haunting part of the novel.

Finny was a bit stereotypical for me (lumbering misunderstood bad boy who is kind to children and animals), but Yovanoff is skilled at creating tension and heat between him and Hannah. I loved the energy and innocence of Hannah’s younger sister Ariel, and her family situation in  general was loving though strained as Hannah deals with her own depression. I found the murder mystery element tertiary to the other two storylines (Hannah and Finny and Hannah and Lillian) and at times I wondered if it was even necessary. It does add a nice ominous tone to the overall atmosphere and those who like mystery may appreciate a break from the heavier emotional drama of the book. Fans of Speak (Laurie Halse Anderson), Mister Death’s Blue-Eyed Girls (Mary Downing Hahn), and contemporary YA in general will enjoy this unique novel.

Paper Valentine is available now in Canada from Razorbill.