Time After Time Playlist: Anna's Pick - Best of What's around by DMB and an INT GIVEAWAY!

This post will be one of the rare times this month I come out of hiding from studying for boards to say hello and do a promised post for a beloved author friend. It seems only fitting that I do this because I absolutely love Tamara Ireland Stone both as a person and as a writer and have been a long time fan of Dave Matthews Band. This way I get to combine my love of his music with my love for YA!

Goodreads Book description: Calling Anna and Bennett’s romance long distance is an understatement: she’s from 1995 Chicago and he’s a time traveler from 2012 San Francisco. The two of them never should have met, but they did. They fell in love, even though they knew they shouldn't. And they found a way to stay together, against all odds.

It’s not a perfect arrangement, though, with Bennett unable to stay in the past for more than brief visits, skipping out on big chunks of his present in order to be with Anna in hers. They each are confident that they’ll find a way to make things work...until Bennett witnesses a single event he never should have seen (and certainly never expected to). Will the decisions he makes from that point on cement a future he doesn't want?

Told from Bennett’s point of view, Time After Time will satisfy readers looking for a fresh, exciting, and beautifully-written love story, both those who are eager to find out what’s next for Time Between Us's Anna and Bennett and those discovering their story for the first time.

My thoughts on this book: I've actually already read this wonderful book (thanks, Netgalley!) and will just say fans of the first book won't be disappointed!

I have to once again post a wonderful picture of both Tamara and me at a book event :-)

Now to the song. It's been a while since I've read the lyrics to this particular song, but they really do fit Anna perfectly. Bennett and Anna are stuck in an impossible situation, separated by space and time, but they are such a great match for each other in every other way. Tamara told me the other day that she got the shivers when she reread the lyrics "Turns out not where but who you're with that really matters." It's so true.

And then the end of the song is so perfect, because it brings both Anna and Bennett full circle, and I can totally see her saying this to him: "Turns out not where, but what you think/ that really matters/ We'll make the best of what's around."

Sigh. YA book boyfriend anyone? OK, I admit it, I have a bit of a crush on Anna too :-)

"Best of What's Around" - DMB

Hey, my friend
It seems your eyes are troubled
Care to share your time with me
Would you say you're feeling low and so
A good idea would be to get it off your mind

See you and me
Have a better time than most can dream
Have it better than the best
So we can pull on through
Whatever tears at us
Whatever holds us down
And if nothing can be done
We'll make the best of what's around

Turns out not where but who you're with
That really matters
And hurts not much when you're around
And if you hold on tight
To what you think is your thing
You may find you're missing all the rest

Well she ran up into the light surprised
Her arms are open
Her mind's eye is

Seeing things from a
Better side than most can dream
On a clearer road I feel
Oh you could say she's safe
Whatever tears at her
Whatever holds her down
And if nothing can be done
She'll make the best of what's around

Turns out not where, but what you think
That really matters
We'll make the best of what's around!

Spotify links:  Time After Time: Anna's Shelf (1991-1995) and Time After Time: Bennett's Playlist (1995-2012)

I hope you enjoyed this stop of the blog hop! Don't forget to see the other stops too and also enter the giveaway!

Here's the link to the entire blog hop :-) 

http://tamarairelandstone.com/tat-playlist-blog-hop/

Now, enter this awesome INT giveaway to win a hardbound book set of Time Between Us and Time After Time OR an autographed copy of Time Between Us!

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Review of Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 by Richard Paul Evans and US giveaway of one of his books SIGNED!

I'm so excited to introduce the next book! I literally just finished it an hour before writing this post. Before I get to the book, I'd like to take a few moments and gush about how awesome Left Bank books, our local bookstore, and the library system are in St. Louis! The reason I know about this book is because I'm an affiliate of Left Bank Books, and they asked if I wanted to publicize this book and author since Richard Paul Evans is going to be in St. Louis IN PERSON for a signing on Monday, September 23rd at 7pm at the St. Louis Public Library, Central Library, 1301 Olive St. Yup, guys and gals, that's TOMORROW!

Anyway, because Left Bank Books is just that amazing, they told me they'd be willing to do a giveaway for a signed copy of one of his books. In response, I was like, welllll, I've never read any of Richard Paul Evans' books so why don't I go to the St. Louis County Library and see if they'll get me a copy. While they didn't have a copy in their library, I requested it, and 24 hours later, the book was ready for me to pick up! That's what I call service!

Then for the double win, I read the book, and it's terrific!

Goodreads Book Description: My name is Michael Vey, and the story I’m about to tell you is strange. Very strange. It’s my story.

To everyone at Meridian High School, Michael Vey is an ordinary fourteen-year-old. In fact, the only thing that seems to set him apart is the fact that he has Tourette’s syndrome. But Michael is anything but ordinary. Michael has special powers. Electric powers.

Michael thinks he's unique until he discovers that a cheerleader named Taylor also has special powers. With the help of Michael’s friend, Ostin, the three of them set out to discover how Michael and Taylor ended up this way, but their investigation brings them to the attention of a powerful group who wants to control the electric children – and through them the world. Michael will have to rely on his wits, powers, and friends if he’s to survive.

My Rating: Somewhere between 4 and 4.5

My Review:  As mentioned above, I was asked by Left Bank Books to check out this book. Man, I'm glad they pointed it out to me. Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 was an unexpectedly good read for me. I actually didn't know too much about the book before reading it, so all I knew going in was that it vaguely had to do with super powers.

Michael Vey seems to be an ordinary 14 year old, but we find out in the first chapter that he has a hidden power. To make matters worse, he has Tourette's, which gets him in trouble since he says the wrong thing at the wrong time because of it. His powers are a secret, however, so he is forced to suffer in silence. When the prettiest girl in school approaches him, Michael realizes that maybe it's not so bad being him after all. The two of them and Michael's best friend Ostin (yes, his mother mispelled the name of the Texas capital) band together to try to figure out the mysterious origin of their powers. They discover deeply buried and explosive secrets (pun completely intended), and Michael has to decide between what is right and what is easy.

Okay, so I totally ripped off a promo for a movie or something. Not sure which one that phrase came from (maybe Spiderman?), but just let it suffice to say that I totally didn't make that up by myself. Anyway, what makes this book is the characters. We've all read books about kids with secret powers-- it's been overdone. How many books similar to the X-men have we all read?  But Michael is hysterically funny and has a unique voice, which completely makes this book succeed. Add a feisty, cute love interest and a hilarious, sidekick best friend who is smarter than everyone else combined (including the adults), and you get a terrific, fast paced read. 

This book doesn't reinvent the wheel, and I'd like to see more growth in the main character, which is why it didn't get a perfect score, but this is only the first book, and it sets up the next two in style. 

Overall, a terrific and fun read, and I can't wait to pick up the next book in the series. 

Now, enter to win a book from the Michael Vey series signed by Richard Paul Evans (US only)! Winner gets to choose which book!

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Character interview with Roemi from Tag Along by Tom Ryan and US/CAN giveaway of a signed copy of his book!

I'm so excited to introduce Roemi, my favorite character from Tag Along by Tom Ryan!

Goodreads Book Description: It’s junior prom night. Andrea is grounded, Paul is having panic attacks, Roemi has been stood up, and Candace is trying to avoid one particular cop. Over the course of eight eventful hours, paths are crossed, plans are changed, messages are mixed, and four near-strangers form some unlikely bonds.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Blurb about the Author:
Tom Ryan was born and raised in Inverness, on Cape Breton Island. He spent his childhood reading, wandering the countryside, making up stories and bossing around his younger brothers. After high school, he studied English at Mount Allison University and then moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he studied film production. He currently lives in Ottawa, Ontario, with his partner and dog. In the future, he would like to write more books, travel the world, direct a feature film and eventually move back to beautiful Nova Scotia.

Character Interview with Roemi

Thanks for visiting my blog, Roemi! Can you tell us a little about your family and where you grew up?

My parents are both doctors who grew up in India. They emigrated to Canada before I was born, and so I’ve spent my entire fabulous life in not so fabulous Granite Ridge. They’re always telling me that they came to Canada so that their kids (i.e. yours truly, I’m flying solo here) would have more opportunities than they had, and I’m sure that’s true, but there are moments in January when I would kill to be chilling with my cousins back in my Mom’s hometown instead of staring out the window of a snowstorm, feeling totally tragic.

What is your favorite TV show? 
Omigod, where to begin? I was into True Blood for a loooong time, for obvious reasons, but now it’s just kind of ridic, so it’s not must-see-TV for me anymore. I just TIVO it and save up the episodes for sick or lazy days. I’m totally over Honey Boo-Boo, that kid got on my last nerve pretty quick. I’d have to say that at this point, the show I love the most is Breaking Bad, because that shizz is thirty-three million percent cray. Also, Jesse Pinkman is totally hot. Sorry, not sorry.

Who would you say your best friend is and why?

I’m not into the besties thing, although I let some of my friends at school think they’re the most important thing that’s ever happened to me. It’s just too much effort to spell it out for them. I like to think of myself as a lone wolf, a dazzlingly, dramatically, effortlessly, suave lone wolf with killer moves.

What's your favorite quote?

“I am a star. I am a bright big shining star.” Marky Mark in Boogie Nights 

Coffee or hot chocolate?

If I had sunglasses right now, I’d push them to the tip of my nose and give you a withering stare. Do you really need to ask? Chocolate beats rock, paper, and scissors, every time.

Would you rather-- get $1000 or receive a trip to the Caribbean that is double that amount?

A thousand bucks, any day. If I had a thousand bucks, I’d blow it on one incredible night with my friends. It’d be the kind of night that people talk about decades down the road. Legen – wait for it – dary.

Describe your perfect date.

Oh, it would have to start with a killer outfit. Skinny jeans, white belt, popped collar, you get the idea. I’d want to be a full on swag-demon, and it goes without saying that mister lucky had better show up looking pretty slick himself. Then we’d go for a romantic walk at the beach or some park or something like that before hitting up a fancy restaurant in the city. After that, we’d get milkshakes from Bizzby’s, and he’d take me for a fast drive on the highway. To finish it all off, a lingering kiss in the driveway before he drops me off. I’m swooning already.

Thanks, Roemi! It's been so awesome having your unique commentary on my blog :-) Hope you guys enjoyed it as much as I did! Now enter to win a signed copy of Tag Along!

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Interview with Tom Ryan, author of Tag Along and US/CAN giveaway of signed copy of his book!

I'm so excited to introduce Tom Ryan, the author of the wonderful Tag Along, which totally took me by surprise! (In a good way, of course!)

Goodreads Book Description: It’s junior prom night. Andrea is grounded, Paul is having panic attacks, Roemi has been stood up, and Candace is trying to avoid one particular cop. Over the course of eight eventful hours, paths are crossed, plans are changed, messages are mixed, and four near-strangers form some unlikely bonds.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Blurb about the Author:
Tom Ryan was born and raised in Inverness, on Cape Breton Island. He spent his childhood reading, wandering the countryside, making up stories and bossing around his younger brothers. After high school, he studied English at Mount Allison University and then moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he studied film production. He currently lives in Ottawa, Ontario, with his partner and dog. In the future, he would like to write more books, travel the world, direct a feature film and eventually move back to beautiful Nova Scotia.

Author Interview

1. I always love hearing about how authors got started. Can you regale us with your story?

I’ve been making up stories since as long as I can remember. I lived in a really rural part of the world – in an old farmhouse on a dirt road surrounded by fields and forests and the low lying mountains of the Cape Breton highlands – so I spent a lot of time by myself, wandering around and imagining myself getting caught up in adventures. 

I also read books constantly. I grew up in the 80s, pre-internet, and we didn’t have cable, just a couple of local Canadian channels with very little to watch, so books were my world. I’m so happy that I was pretty much forced into that corner, because I’m still not sure if I would have become the reader I am today if I’d had access the distractions of today’s world!

I loved books so much, in fact, that I ended up studying English literature at university. One of the courses I took was a creative writing workshop. It was my final year, and every Friday afternoon ten of us would meet with our amazing professor in a wood paneled room high in the rafters of the old stone humanities building. That course totally changed the way I looked at myself as a writer. Having the opportunity to discuss my work with other fledgling writers under the guidance of a creative and enthusiastic teacher, really lit a fire under my butt. I kept writing after I graduated, and eventually that lead to the opportunity to publish my first YA novel, WAY TO GO. 

2. My favorite part of your story is how amazingly real all of your characters seem. Did you have a personal favorite? (I did). Did any of them surprise you?

I’m really happy to hear you say that! One of the things I remember most clearly and fondly about high school is how so many crazy combinations of friends were able to develop in unusual but organic ways. I wanted to write a book that followed a few different characters through the same night, and it was really important to me that each of the four main characters – Paul, Andrea, Candace and Roemi – have distinct voices.

I did a lot of planning before I wrote, since I had to weave together four different plotlines, and so I had a pretty good idea of what was going to happen with each character, but I have to say that at the end of everything, Candace really surprised me. Her story took me in a different direction than I’d originally expected, and her outcome was maybe the most satisfying for me. 

As for favorite character, that’s like asking someone about their favorite kid! I will say that the idea for the book came to me when Roemi burst into my mind, fully formed. It’s a special thing as an author to have a character show up ready to roll. I just had to sit back and let him do all of the work, so I definitely have a special fondness for him.

 3. In three words, how would you describe Tag Along?

Good question! Hmmmm…. I’m going to go with “unexpected friendships develop.”

 4. Did you come up with the title Tag Along? If so, how did you come up with it?

Yep, it’s my title. The funny thing is, I just stuck it onto the manuscript when I submitted it, because I couldn’t think of anything better. I always figured I’d change it, but as the book went through several rounds of editing, it became clearer and clearer that it had a nice ring to it and it really does fit the story.

 5. What is a book you wish you could read again for the first time?

Oh man, this is a tough one. There are so many. I’m going to go with “The Secret History,” by Donna Tartt, because I absolutely love that book. I read it on vacation about five years ago – we were renting a little cottage on the South Shore of Nova Scotia and I sat on the beach and devoured it. Now whenever I see a copy for sale at a yard sale or secondhand bookstore, I grab it and give it to the next friend who admits they haven’t read it.

I also love her second book “The Little Friend,” and I’m super excited for her third book, “The Goldfinch,” which comes out in October!

6. What person have you always wanted to meet?

Oprah. Don’t judge me.

7. What do you have on the horizon? Will we ever see the characters from Tag Along again?

I have a couple of middle grade novels coming out, one in October, at the same time as TAG ALONG, and one in the spring. They’re called TOTALLY UNRELATED and BIG TIME, and they are both part of a new line of books Orca Book Publishers is releasing about young teens in the performing arts. They were a lot of fun to write.

At the moment I’m working exclusively on a manuscript that I hope to use to find an agent. I was lucky enough to get into the publishing biz without even querying, but I’m at a point now where I could really use some advice and help developing my career. As for what the book is about, I’ll just say that it’s book one in a trilogy, and I’ve been working on it for over a year and hoping to wrap it up over the next couple of months. It’s been a departure for me, since it’s my first non-contemporary, but I’ve loved every second of writing it!

Thanks so much for joining us, Tom, and enter to win his awesome book! Also, stick around for tomorrow's interview with the fabulous Roemi, my favorite character in Tag Along!

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Review of Tag Along by Tom Ryan and US/CAN giveaway of Signed copy of his book!

Goodreads Book Description: It’s junior prom night. Andrea is grounded, Paul is having panic attacks, Roemi has been stood up, and Candace is trying to avoid one particular cop. Over the course of eight eventful hours, paths are crossed, plans are changed, messages are mixed, and four near-strangers form some unlikely bonds.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

My Review: 
I received an ARC of Tag Along by Tom Ryan from the Librarything Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review.

Tag Along is a book about four very different teenagers who are almost strangers even though three of them go to the same school. The night of their prom, they're thrown together unexpectedly, and hilarity and a surprising depth ensue. There's Andrea, a good girl who always obeys the rules until now. There's Paul, who is dating the hottest and most popular girl at school but has a panic attack prior to prom. There's Candace who is an artist, with a penchant for breaking the law by vandalism, and last but hardly least, Roemi, an adorable gay Indian guy who has more balls than most straight guys I've known.

Don't get me wrong-- I had some questions about the book. I was wondering about Roemi's very liberal Indian family, which was extremely surprising to me. I also had some doubts that things would really happen so clean cut at the end of the book with all the stories tied up into a bow.

But you know what? I don't care. I loved the characters-- so much, that I was either laughing out loud, harder than I have in a long time, or almost moved to tears. I stayed up late at night reading this book until the wee hours in the morning because I couldn't put that down. So questions or not, I was willing to put them aside because there was so much heart to this story.

Tom Ryan has a gift-- and it shines in the wonderful characters that he's created. I'm so glad this was a standalone, but these characters could easily live on in other books, they are that quirky and unique.

Tag Along is a must read, and the most fun book I've read in a while. Pick up this book! And I'll be definitely following Tom Ryan's career from here on out.

Enter to win this awesome book signed from Tom Ryan or some great swag! Also, tune in for Tom's interview and Roemi's interview! :-)

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