Shrinking Violet Review

Shrinking Violet - Danielle Joseph
*May 5th, 2009 MTV Books
High school senior Teresa Adams is so painfully shy that she dreads speaking to anyone in the hallways or getting called on in class. But in the privacy of her bedroom with her iPod in hand, she rocks out -- doing mock broadcasts for Miami's hottest FM radio station, which happens to be owned by her stepfather.

When a slot opens up at The SLAM, Tere surprises herself by blossoming behind the mike into confident, sexy Sweet T -- and to everyone's shock, she's a hit! Even Gavin, the only guy in school who she dares to talk to, raves about the mysterious DJ's awesome taste in music. But when The SLAM announces a songwriting contest -- and a prom date with Sweet T is the grand prize -- Sweet T's dream could turn into Tere's worst nightmare...

Shrinking Violet - an undeniably unique title. And how befitting for a novel whose premise and leading lady are unique! Danielle Joseph's debut is a SLAMmin' success. There's something about the cover image that just pulls you in; kind of shy and in hiding, but at the same time, there's a mysterious, playful air underneath.

Such is the character of Tere Adams. Told from first person perspective from the infamous Sweet T/Tere herself in present tense, Shrinking Violet chronicles her inspiring journey from a painfully shy senior who barely speaks into an enviable young woman who's starting to understand herself. Tere tells it well - the voice in [the novel] is excellent. Quirky and fun, it's distinctively Tere. In her own words, "I was comfortable with my role as the quiet observer" (Joseph 42). And how well she observes the world! Small, unexpected cynically sarcastic comments along the way add a refreshing sort of amusement.

Tere's characterization was credible and relatable. Although most of us probably aren't nearly as shy as how Tere starts out, it's still easy to emphathize with her character. We've all experienced instances of wanting to say something, but feeling too shy, or self-conscious, or doubtful, to voice our opinion. We've all experienced instances of wanting to explain something, but being unable to. And (hopefully) we've all experienced the thrill of standing up for either ourselves or someone else when we see unjust treatment. Shrinking Violet will have readers feeling frustrated and wanting to help Tere out in the beginning. It's magnificent to watch her transition out of her shell, getting caught up in the emotions and feeling that triumphant "yay!" when she experiences successes.

Gavin was definitely an interesting character, as were Stacy and Audrey. However, I would've liked to see a little more depth and development of the supporting cast - but as it's told from Tere's perspective, it's fitting and realistic as is. Her mother, Rob, Jason, Derek, Pop-Tart (aka Kelly)... they're all likeable each in their own way. Each of their flaws only make them more realistic. And it's great to see how they evolve with, and aid, Tere in her journey of self-discovery.

There's a lot of subject matters out there which are now bordering on cliche, when it comes to YA. With Shrinking Violet, Joesph has managed to inject something new onto the scene. This focuses on radio stations and DJs, not exactly your typical reality t.v. And it's great to see more about what goes on behind the scenes, for radio programs. (In fact, the only other DJ/radio book that comes to mind at the moment is Sarah Dessen's Just Listen.) Music is an integral part of Tere's life - I would guess that's an aspect of her life that a lot of readers will be able to relate to. How many of you out there rely on music, while doing homework, running, just chilling...?

The plot... what can I say? Shrinking Violet is a cute YA story about one girl's incredible evolvement from being unbearably shy to being able to hold her own. But let's face it; when it comes to genre, you're not going to find much mystery with this. The ending was pretty predictable. But at the same time, in this context, the perfect-happy-go-lucky resolution works. Definitely an uplifting cheer-up type of read.

Unique concept, fun voice, intriguing characters... Shrinking Violet's definitely got the elements of a memorable debut. Sweet T.

In My Mailbox [8]

Inspired by Alea and hosted by Kristi, Lucid Conspiracy presents In My Mailbox #8...

Silver Phoenix Bookplate & Bookmark

Okay, so I'm too lazy to take a picture, and these (taken from Cindy's 's site) are much better quality anyway. The bookplate even had a personalized message!

"[Deltay] - Never stop chasing your dreams! xo Cindy"

Is the artwork gorgeous, or what?
Thanks, Cindy!

*I've also recently interviewed the formidable Cindy Pon - scroll down to read our conversation!

Little Oink - Amy Krouse Rosenthal & Jen Corace

From the creators of Little Pea and Little Hoot comes this tidy tale of a decidedly different pig. Little Oink is a neat little fellow. Clean, clean, clean, that's all he wants to do. But Mama and Papa won't have it! They say in order to be a respectable pig, he has to learn to make a proper mess. "Don't come out until your room is a pigsty," they chide. A humorous twist on a universal dilemma.

*Chronicle Books, Spring 2009.

Okay, so in my defense, this one was actually more for my little sister than me. (Yes, it's a picture book.)

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How was your week, & what did you receive?

Buttons & an Award

The multi-talented Kate from Green Skies (of The-Dark-Mark fame) was kind enough to make a series of 100x35 Lucid Conspiracy buttons for me. I figured I'd share them below; aren't they just darling? Thanks, Kate!
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Ack, sorry it's taken so long to finally put this up! Anyway, the lovely Dahlia of Dahlia's Eclectic Mind has nominated me for the Your Blog Rocks! Award, which is really awesome. Thanks a bunch, Dahlia!

The rules are:

1. Rockin' bloggers who are awarded should pass it on to up to 5 blogs that rock your world either for content, writing, layout, or whatever!

2. Be sure to display the badge on your blog and leave a link to the person who gave it to you.

3. Write a post about it, and don't forget to thank the one who gave you the gig!

4. Oh yeah, and be sure to inform your nominees about their award by leaving them a comment. It's just good manners.

As such, I nominate:

`Bri of What Bri Reads (Bri's Book Reviews)

`Steph Su of Steph Su Reads

`Jenny of Wondrous Reads

`Iryna of A Garden of Books

`Stephanie of Juiciliciousss Reviews

There are just so many rocking blogs out there, I wish I could nominate everyone! Alas, the rules state 5, so I figured I'd try and spread the wealth.

Interview: Cindy Pon

The fabulous Cindy Pon is the author of Silver Phoenix, which was recently released by Greenwillow Books. In addition to writing, Cindy also paints beautiful Chinese brush art. Visit her home on the web at CindyPon.com.Without further ado, Lucid Conspiracy presents...

Do you have a special thought process to come up with your ideas?
i don't. i'm pretty intuitive as a writer. i like to daydreamand think, and when things come to me, i'll mull them over.i also scribble things in a notebook or type it in my ideas document.usually, they make it into the novel. the ones that make mego A-HA! i call them diamond plops. they are wondrous things!

Diamond plops - I like it! What do you do when inspiration is lacking (i.e. the muse has gone on vacation)?
i just make myself write. i'm not a write very day type of writer, i've learned. i write in month spurts. revising, i canrevise forever. but rough drafting, i really have to just tell myself, i'm writing this month and i'll stop when i'm done.

What advice would you give to other young aspiring writers?
to keep reading. to read widely and beyond your favorite genres.to keep writing. to remember my mantra : I AM ALLOWED TO WRITE UTTER POO.
as writers, we tend to be our own worst critics and enemies.we can scare ourselves out of writing. believe me, i know!so keep writing and challenging yourself! as you will grow and come to find your own voice!

That's a good outlook on things. Words of wisdom - give a quote of personal significance?
i always abide by : expect nothing, be pleasantly surprised.

Oh, I really like that! Speaking of debut novels, let's talk about Silver Pheonix. It's pretty obvious that being of Chinese origin has had some impact on the setting of the story - but would you say that it had any influence on the writing itself or your career choice?
i think the setting most certainly did affect my writing.i couldn't write in a voice that was entirely modern or "western".i could write in my cali speak of whatevers, dudes and mans. ha!i felt the prose and voice had to lend itself to the feel of anotherworld and culture--and i hope i accomplished that.
as far as career choice, i never thought i could be a writeras a career, tho i've written since i was in elementary school.with Silver Phoenix, i wanted to combine my love of fantasy as well as chinese culture.

That's great - after all, when it comes to writing, personal enjoyment and fulfillment is pretty important. What were your favourite/least favourite parts about Silver Phoenix (story, process, or otherwise)?
rough drafting and especially the dreaded MIDDLE were very difficult for me. i'm a revising kind of writer. the rough draft, when you don't know what may happen, is scary for me!
story wise, i love the climax. i also love the scene in the bamboo forest.

How did that intriguing title come about?
originally, my novel was titled as Spirit Bound.which makes sense to the story. but it was ambiguous so my editor and i had many brain storming sessions to comeup with another title. Silver Phoenix was one of the last suggestions made.

It's definitely a pretty cool title! Can you give us a little-known tidbit? About either yourself or the book is fine.
how about that my husband was my first boyfriendat twenty-one?i was def a late bloomer. =)i married him two years later.

Aww, that's adorable; and inspiring for others out there who may be late bloomers. There's hope yet! Any peculiar fetishes or fascinations?
other than good food? ha! i love color and flowers and spring time and rebirth. this may come across in a few scene from the novel--but it really explains why i enjoy chinese brush art so much. i guess that's not very peculiar.

Care to share any of your literary crushes?
i am a puddle of fan girl for neil gaiman.it's not just because he's a brilliant writer and oratorand multi-talented all around. it's mainly because he's just so darned nice and charming. you can just tell heis a good soul. fans can't help but adore him.
one of my favorite writers is ursula le guin. suchan inspiration--both in her themes as well as beautiful prose.

Anything to add?
thank you so much for having me, lucid! =)this was a fun interview!!

And thank you, Cindy, for taking the time to answer my questions!

*Silver Phoenix - Greenwillow Books (an imprint of Harper Collins) April 28, 2009.

In My Mailbox [7]

Inspired by Alea and hosted by Kristi, Lucid Conspiracy presents In My Mailbox #7...

After - Amy Efaw
Who would do something so terrible?

Certainly not someone like Devon—straight-A student, soccer player with Olympic dreams, more mature than her own mother. But desperation and panic drove her to do what most people can’t even imagine. Now Devon ’s in a juvenile detention center charged with attempted murder. If she’s tried as an adult, she faces life in prison. Does Devon deserve that punishment? Your answer depends on whether you believe her story.

*Viking Juvenile August 11th, 2009.


Shrinking Violet - Danielle Joseph
High school senior Teresa Adams is so painfully shy that she dreads speaking to anyone in the hallways or getting called on in class. But in the privacy of her bedroom with her iPod in hand, she rocks out -- doing mock broadcasts for Miami's hottest FM radio station, which happens to be owned by her stepfather. When a slot opens up at The SLAM, Tere surprises herself by blossoming behind the mike into confident, sexy Sweet T -- and to everyone's shock, she's a hit! Even Gavin, the only guy in school who she dares to talk to, raves about the mysterious DJ's awesome taste in music. But when The SLAM announces a songwriting contest -- and a prom date with Sweet T is the grand prize -- Sweet T's dream could turn into Tere's worst nightmare....

*MTV Paperbacks May 5th, 2009.

What did you receive this week?

The Chosen One Review

The Chosen One - Carol Lynch Williams

Thirteen-year-old Kyra has grown up in an isolated community without questioning the fact that her father has three wives and she has twenty brothers and sisters, with two more on the way.

That is, without questioning them much---if you don't count her secret visits to the Mobile Library on Wheels to read forbidden books, or her meetings with Joshua, the boy she hopes to choose for herself instead of having a man chosen for her.

But when the Prophet decrees that she must marry her sixty-year-old uncle---who already has six wives---Kyra must make a desperate choice in the face of violence and her own fears of losing her family forever.

Carol Lynch Williams' The Chosen One has been the recipient of a multitude of high praise, despite the fact that it has yet to be released. In fact, right on the cover of the ARC edition, it's referred to as "compelling", "powerful", "a masterpiece", "an important book"... With heralds like that, one begins the book with high expectations.

Despite that, The Chosen One does not disappoint. In fact, it even surpassed those high expectations, for the most part. (Just a random side observation - this is also a book written in present tense; how uncanny!) Williams has boiled down to the essence of a thirteen year old voice with the bare minimums in Kyra. The storytelling style is simultaneously captivating and credible. The flashback memories are incorporated well, the tale flows beautifully, and a sense of immediacy is created between the reader and Kyra. The one thing that irked me slightly was the random changes to poetry format. A few of them worked well, but some of the others just felt like overkill. Had the transition been a little more smooth, they might all have worked, but as it were, a few of them just felt fragmented and interrupted the otherwise amazing flow.

Kyra is characterized fantastically as a main protag. Pathos is generated masterly, and readers will be carried along on the intense ride of emotions, feeling their hearts go out to this thirteen year old girl with whom they may not have a lot in common with, but will find themselves unable to remain removed from her compelling tale. Emotions were conveyed beautifully. The supporting cast was also portrayed very well. It was easy to be swept along with the story. When Kyra was wronged by those around her, I felt angry at the perpetrators, at the Prophet, at her uncle. And such was the power of Kyra's narration - the emotions of the characters have the ability to overtake the reader before he or she is consciously aware of it.

A lot of the concepts in this novel offer insight into a world that's so close to our own, but that we don't really know a lot about. It's thought-provoking, and it'll probably draw in some controversy after its release, but especially with the amount of polygamy stories hitting the news recently, the conversations provoked will definitely be interesting.

The Mobile Library on Wheels - now that is one awesome thing. The many twists towards the end though - and this is a book which pulls you along in the story really well, without having you try to predict the answers beforehand because you're too engrossed in the present - those are very shocking and powerful. I, for one, was pretty much blown away by the progression of the climax.

The Chosen One is definitely going to be a book widely discussed after its release. From the awesome hook of an opening line, " 'If I was going to kill the prophet,' I say, not even keeping my voice low, 'I'd do it in Africa.' (Williams 1, ARC Edition)" to the chilling climax, to the hopeful end, The Chosen One is an unforgettable, heartbreaking tale.

*The Chosen One will be released by St. Martin's Griffin on May 12th, 2009.

In My Mailbox [6]

Inspired by Alea and Kristi . . .

Only one book this week, but it was a great one, and it was nice to hop back aboard the book-getting bandwagon as well. In fact, watch for a review coming very soon.

The Chosen One - Carol Lynch Williams

Thirteen-year-old Kyra has grown up in an isolated polygamous community without questioning her father’s three wives and her twenty brothers and sisters. Or at least without questioning them much—if you don’t count her secret visits to the Mobile Library on Wheels to read forbidden books, or her meetings with the boy she hopes to choose for herself instead of having a man chosen for her. But when the Prophet decrees that Kyra must marry her 60-year-old uncle—who already has six wives—Kyra must make a desperate choice in the face of violence and her own fears of losing her family.

Set for release by St. Martin's Griffin on May 12, 2009.

What was in your mailbox?

Readers as Writers, & vice versa

What came first, the writer or the reader?

After conducting a couple interviews, it would appear that there is a general consensus in terms of advice for aspiring writers: read. So of course it comes as no surprise that most of us who write also love to read.

But does that also hold true inversely? Just out of curiousity, how many of you book bloggers out there also write (prose, poetry, song lyrics, journalism, diary entries, etc. anything at all)?

I've also been wondering (and the fact that I'm currently in the midst of The Chosen One, by Carol Lynch Williams, may or may not have anything to do with it) some other questions, especially since a few days ago, a spam filter question on a contest asked something along the lines of if you could only choose one, who you rather have writing or reading?

I'd originally had a couple other concepts up for discussion, but alas, SAT cramming seems to really fry the brain. ;) It would be great to see what other people think of this.

Just to sum up, for those skimming, and feel free to interpret them however you like:
~Writers, do you all read?
~Readers, do you write as well?
~If you could only have one, reading or writing, which would it be/why?
~Anything else you'd like to add ;)