Wow, November turned out to be busier than I expected. Which means I fell behind in my reading and reviewing, unfortunately. I am sorry to report that although I started NaNoWriMo and wrote 9,000 words in the first week, I realized that it would be almost impossible to keep up the pace with so much going on in my non-blogging life, and so I threw in the towel. Darn! However, I’m very happy and proud to report that my thirteen-year-old son Duncan participated in the NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program and completed his novel of 30,000 words!! It was one of those Proud Mom Moments when he showed me his winner’s badge:)
So, it’s on to December! And here we are, four days into the month already! Here’s what I hope to accomplish this month (click on covers to go to Goodreads):
For Review:
The Merchant of Dreams by Anne Lyle. Release date: December 18 2012 (Angry Robot). This fantasy is the second in a series, and although I have not read The Alchemist of Souls, I’m very much looking forward to reading this.
Splintered by A. G. Howard. Release date: January 1 2013 (Amulet Books). Finally! I’ve had the NetGalley ARC for a while, and it’s finally time to read it!
Broken by A. E. Rought. Release date: January 8 2013 (Strange Chemistry). This modern spin on Frankenstein is one I can’t wait to start reading!
The Miniature Wife and Other Stories by Manuel Gonzales. Release date: January 10 2013. Won from Library Thing. I’ve already started reading these stories, and they are amazing. I can’t wait to post my review!
Indie Books for Review:
Tears of Min Brock by J. E. Lowder. There are lots of really good reviews of this book on Goodreads, which is one of the ways I decide whether or not to read an Indie book.
Fighting the Storm by Jarrah Loh. This is a bit out of my comfort zone, and not the sort of book I usually read. But the author’s email convinced me to give it a try.
Rift Healer by Diane M. Haynes. This is from small publisher Crescent Moon Press and is another book that has great reviews on Goodreads. Can’t wait to read it!
Special Review & Giveaway:
Touching the Surface by Kimberly Sabatini. I was hoping to read and review Kimberly’s book by the release date (October 30) but obviously that didn’t happen! Oh well, better late than never. Kimberly was kind enough to send me some signed *swag* including bookplates, postcards, rubber bracelets and some adorable origami cranes (!) to help her promote Touching the Surface, and in addition to giving away the swag, I purchased an extra copy of the book to give away as well. Stay tuned, review and giveaway coming soon!
Blog Tours and Hops:
Embrace by Cherie Colyer. I’ll be reviewing and participating in Cherie’s Blog Tour. I actually won a signed copy of Embrace months ago, and now I will have the opportunity to read it! My tour date is next Monday December 10.
End of the World Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not a Writer & My Life With Books. I just discovered giveaway hops, and they are a lot of fun! I haven’t decided what to give away for this one, but it will be good:) It runs from December 14-21, when the world will hopefully still be around.
Don’t forget to check out my 2013 Catch Up Reading Challenge! I’ll have a giveaway for every ten people who sign up! Click below for more info:
In addition to these, I have two indie books that I’ve read but haven’t reviewed yet. Apologies to those authors, but both reviews will be posted by the end of the week. Such a busy month, and the holidays are upon us as well! Here’s hoping that the world doesn’t end, and I can finish everything my plate:)
Congrats to Duncan-that’s a huge accomplishment! Looks like you have some good reading in store for December. I hope to get to my copy of Touching the Surface too. There are too many good books coming out in 2013 so hopefully the world will still be around then 🙂
No way you should be embarassed about not doing NaNo. I’ve been involved with the program since… wow, I don’t even remember when — maybe 2003? And there have been WAY more years that I didn’t finish than when I did. So take the victories when they come and try again another time.
Congrats to your son! I can’t even imagine finishing a whole NOVEL at that age! I was way more into angsty poetry back then. 😉
I think both of you did fine and what a great connection with your son. Can’t ask for more than that.
I was happy to see Rift Healer in your TBR pile. I hope you love it. (Btw, life got in the way of my NaNoWriMo as well.)