Book Review: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?
(And Other Concerns)
by Mindy Kaling

Synopsis

Mindy Kaling has lived many lives: the obedient child of immigrant professionals, a timid chubster afraid of her own bike, a Ben Affleck–impersonating Off-Broadway performer and playwright, and, finally, a comedy writer and actress prone to starting fights with her friends and coworkers with the sentence “Can I just say one last thing about this, and then I swear I’ll shut up about it?” 
 
Perhaps you want to know what Mindy thinks makes a great best friend (someone who will fill your prescription in the middle of the night), or what makes a great guy (one who is aware of all elderly people in any room at any time and acts accordingly), or what is the perfect amount of fame (so famous you can never get convicted of murder in a court of law), or how to maintain a trim figure (you will not find that information in these pages). If so, you’ve come to the right book, mostly!
 
In Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, Mindy invites readers on a tour of her life and her unscientific observations on romance, friendship, and Hollywood, with several conveniently placed stopping points for you to run errands and make phone calls. Mindy Kaling really is just a Girl Next Door—not so much literally anywhere in the continental United States, but definitely if you live in India or Sri Lanka.

Review

I really love Mindy Kaling. I say that first because this may be a biased review. But really - how could I dislike a book that is clever and full of truth? Mindy's background was nothing that I expected, really. I tend to have a certain view of television stars. In reading this book, however, I learned ho much more Mindy really is. Much more than a "mere" television star. 

Mindy describes her life with all it's expectations, hope and mistakes. It reads as if nothing is held back. She is a funny writer, so of course her unique brand of humor is in every chapter. But what I didn't expect was the tenderness when she writes about her true friends, love of comedy and love of family. She truly loves her parents. I say that surprisingly only because I hardly ever read in memoirs and autobiographies how much the writer loves/loved his/her parents. It really is a beautiful thing to read. 

Verdict

It's a different kind of humor from Amy Poehler's Yes Please - but it is clever and funny all the same. Pick it up for the humor, but hold onto it for the hidden hope and tenderness. 

Review: Stolen Sharpie Revolution

Stolen Sharpie Revolution
by Alex Wrekk

Since 2002, Stolen Sharpie Revolution: a DIY Resource for Zines and Zine Culture has been the go-to guide for all things zine-related. This little red book is stuffed with information about zines. Things you may know, stuff you don't know and even stuff you didn’t know you didn’t know! 

Stolen Sharpie Revolution contains a cornucopia of information about zines and zine culture for everyone from the zine newbie to the experienced zinester to the academic researcher. Stolen Sharpie Revolution consists of thoughtful lists and step-by-step how-to guides on everything from definitions of a “zine,” where to find zines, why they are important, how to make them and how to participate in zine culture. 

This book has everything you need to get started creating your own zine, or to figure out what to do with the zine you just made. Stolen Sharpie Revolution serves as both an introduction into the wide world of zine culture and as a guide to taking the next step to become a part of it. 

Review

This is any grrrl's dream publication, basically. It's an awesome little book that will "talk" to you about zines, their importance, and how to get started on your own. It is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in the culture or for anyone who has been reading zines (or read A zine) and thought to themselves, "Hmm, I think I could do this." Trust me - I've been there. It's not as easy as just writing or cutting and pasting - there is this whole process that is rewarding, but hard work. 

Don't take my words as discouragement. This is the kind of work that leaves you with something to show for it. But if you're like me, you want someone or something there to kinda hold your hand because putting pieces of yourself on paper and having people actually read it is a terrifying feat for most people. Consider this little red book your hand to hold in your journey of further self-discovery. 

Verdict

Read this. Be creative. Let me know where I can get your zine 💕

About the Author

Alex Wrekk’s life revolves around making things; primarily zines, custom pinback buttons(badges), vegan food, travel plans, and space for a cat in her bed. 

Alex Wrekk has lived in Portland, Oregon since 1999 and has been creating the zine Brainscan since 1997. Brainscan zine has grown and changed with Alex over the years with stories ranging from travel, reproductive health, love and loss, emotional abuse recovery, zine culture, and even fiction all wrapped up in text and photocopier art. She also wrote the book Stolen Sharpie Revolution: A DIY guide for zines and zine culture that is now entering its 5th edition. 

When Alex isn't doing zine things she is doing other zine things like organizing the Portland Zine Symposium, establishing July as International Zine Month, commiserating with Zine Event Organizers around the world, updating the zine event listings on StolenSharpieRevolution.org, hosting the podcast Nobody Cares About Your Stupid Zine Podcast, fidgeting with her Risograph printer, reading from her zines out loud on zine tours or singing in a zine themed pop-punk band called The Copy Scams. 

Alex has been making custom pinback buttons since 2000 under various business names. In 2012 Alex opened Portland Button Works and zine distro, an online and brick and mortar shop in Portland, Oregon selling zines and books and making custom buttons, bottle openers, and magnets in 4 different sizes. She also maintains an Etsy shop with the same name. 

Alex Wrekk twitter http://twitter.com/alexwrekk 

Stolen Sharpie Revolution Facebook https://www.facebook.com/stolensharpierevolution 

Stolen Sharpie Revolution.org http://www.stolensharpierevolution.org 

Portland Button Works Website www.portlandbuttonworks.com 

GIVEAWAY INFO: Alex is giving away 5 print copies of Stolen Sharpie Revolution + a Custom Stolen Sharpie with each one. This is an international giveaway! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Getting Over Garrett Delaney

Getting Over Garrett Delaney
by Abby McDonald

Synopsis

Seventeen-year-old Sadie is in love: epic, heartfelt, and utterly one-sided. The object of her obsession — ahem, affection — is her best friend, Garrett Delaney, who has been oblivious to Sadie’s feelings ever since he sauntered into her life and wowed her with his passion for Proust (not to mention his deep-blue eyes). 

For two long, painful years, Sadie has been Garrett’s constant companion, sharing his taste in everything from tragic Russian literature to art films to '80s indie rock — all to no avail. But when Garrett leaves for a summer literary retreat, Sadie is sure that the absence will make his heart grow fonder — until he calls to say he’s fallen in love. With some other girl! 

A heartbroken Sadie realizes that she’s finally had enough. It’s time for a total Garrett detox! Aided by a barista job, an eclectic crew of new friends (including the hunky chef, Josh), and a customized self-help guide, Sadie embarks on a summer of personal reinvention full of laughter, mortifying meltdowns, and a double shot of love.

Review

I was in the mood for some light-hearted contemporary. Most of the time, when I read YA contemporary, it gives me a feeling much like the one I get when I'm eating popcorn (i.e. it's gone so fast!). This book was as yummy as popcorn, but I also found that it stuck with me. There's nothing really profound about it, but it has a really great message. Namely - your life does not need to revolve around a guy. Also - it's important for you, whether you are male or female, to have your own identity that is not fully defined by another person. 

Sadie is a very likable character who portrays weakness as well as strength in her character. I feel that in most YA books, we get the idea that the lead girl either always needs to be "saved" or is so strong she doesn't need anyone. Sadie, thankfully, gives us a balanced look at a real girl who is both weak and strong. Very realistic, in my opinion. 

Verdict

Read it if you're going through a breakup or have gone through one. Reading one while you're feeling it will help you feel less alone and sad. Reading it when you've already gone through it will make you wish you had this book when you were experiencing that heartbreak. I know I did. 

Interview: Sage Adderley - Author of Invoking Nonna

Invoking Nonna
by Sage Adderley

Note: As you can see, dear reader, I am running late on this interview! No fear because my good friend Sage, author of the lovely book Invoking Nonna (how AWESOME is that?) has been quite understanding of my lateness. Now, onto the good stuff!

Book Synopsis  

Maggie Sloan is a free-spirited teenager growing up in rural Georgia. Unlike her peers, Maggie is a witch and so is her mother. In addition to normal teenager rites of passage, she must learn about her family lineage and witchcraft. Her mother, Laura, keeps a tight lid on their family secrets - like the mysterious life and death of her grandmother who passed away before Maggie was born. 

Practicing the craft will test solid friendships and introduce Maggie to new realms. While seeking the truth about herself and her family, Maggie is faced with danger from churchgoing classmates who will stop at nothing to make sure she is found out. Laura and Maggie strengthen their bond through witchcraft and work together to overcome their enemies. Are their magical gifts enough to keep them safe? 

Interview 

 1. What inspired you to write a book about a strong teen who becomes/realizes she’s Wiccan? 

 I love YA novels, but it’s rare you come across a teen character that practices witchcraft in modern times without some fantastical theme or character, like dragons or witches flying on broomsticks. I enjoy fantasy stories, but I wanted to depict a teen girl who happens to practice Wicca in present day. I also wanted to show how hard it can be to publicly practice a religion other than Christianity, especially in the deep south of the US. 

 2. How did you do your research for the Wiccan details in your story? It’s detailed in the best way! 

 Thank you! I’ve been reading about Wicca since I was a teenager. So, roughly twenty years. I’ve always been drawn to Pagan spirituality, so I am very familiar with Wicca. I also took advantage of books at my local library. 

 3. I love that you used the library! Many young adult authors appear pressured to include a love story in their books – was this something you considered for Invoking Nonna? 

 Well, I didn’t want a love story, but I was concerned this would be an issue for readers because it’s extremely common in most young adult books these days to have a romance and/or love triangle. Actually, I am surprised by how many people have commented that it’s refreshing not to have a love interest for Maggie. Who knows what the future has in store for Maggie, but right now, her family is the main focus. 

 4. I know I definitely appreciated how strong Maggie was without a male counterpart. Maggie and her best friend are so different – was that difficult for you to write as your story moved forward? 

 Not really. I wanted them to have a good connection while maintaining their own identities. I think that is important. 

 5. Definitely! Also, the mother/daughter relationship is dealt with heavily in your book – something that many women can sympathize with. Why did you pick this particular theme to center your story around? 

 I think many readers can relate to the issue of disconnect with their parents. I wanted to show a particular situation that could be mended between a mother and daughter no matter how bleak things seemed to be. 

 6. In general, what motivated you to write your story? What motivates you to continue? 

 Fun fact about how the story started - The first scene I wrote for the book was about the family of healers that have a magical shop set up at the local flea market. They were my inspiration. I built the Sloan family around Ana and Claudia. I have to continue because there is so much more to this family. More secrets, more pain, more love … and more magic! 

 7. We know you can’t tell us everything, but can you give any hint as to where Maggie’s story is going? 

For you, I will give some hints. In book two we will delve deeper into “the curse” and I think readers will learn more about Maggie’s father, too. The dynamic between Ruby and Maggie has changed, I’ll be touching on that. 

8. Thank you for the exclusive! Do you have any other projects in the works? 

Aside from writing book two of the Triple Goddess Series, I am also churning some ideas for a preschool story that I have in my brain. 

Many thanks to author, Sage Adderley, for taking the time to answer my questions and providing us an inside look into her world of Invoking Nonna. If you haven't read it, keep reading this to find out where you can order your copy today!

Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5Dnc1YczF0 

Purchase Links: 
Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Invoking-Nonna-Sage-Adderley/dp/0989709825 
Etsy (print & digital available) - https://www.etsy.com/shop/sage 

Follow Sage: 
Website – http://sageadderley.com/ 
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7559413.Sage_Adderley Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MyNameIsSage 
Twitter - https://twitter.com/sageadderley 

About the Author

Sage Adderley is a single (and very busy) mom of three humans and one cat. She is passionate about kindness, coffee, mental health, fat activism, and the DIY lifestyle. 

Sage is the owner of Sweet Candy Distro & Press, Sage's Blog Tours, and writes the zines Tattooed Memoirs and Marked For Life. She is also the creator of FAT-TASTIC! 

Sage currently resides in the magical land of Olympia, Wa.

Top Shelf Short Stories: His Delivery Chick

No, this is not the cover of the story.
This is lovely Pusheen.

His Delivery Chick
by Entice_

Okay so I had this brilliant idea earlier - if I'm reading short stories, why not also read some from independent authors (i.e. not yet published/internet peeps). I actually think I want to read an indie story a day for next month. But I digress.

I thought, why not read at least one for this short story month? So I chose a cute one because my day has not been very cute.

I chose "His Delivery Chick" located at  Entice_'s Wattpad. It's a really cute story! I think young adults would like this best, but I thought it was a good pick me up for a not so good day. It's basically about Maxine, a girl who delivers pizza, and Nick, a well-off guy who orders and seemingly eats pizzas. Maxine and Nick have a run in one day when Maxine delivers a pizza to Nick's house. Some misunderstandings later and you have the budding love story. 

I have to be honest - when I started reading the story, I thought it was finished. I don't think it is. I'm going to go with my gut and say it isn't. So, you may ask, why am I writing about it - well, one because I totally thought it was finished and two, because even if it's not, it's a cute story and the author would benefit from feedback so she can mold her story. Every story worth telling evolves, so hopefully this helps her. 

Now, we're talking about a work that probably doesn't go through as many edits as your average published work. So, there are typos and some sentences that need to be looked at. It needs to be polished and have some details added here and there. That is coming from a reader and former writing tutor. No one's writing is perfect, that is why we re-write re-write re-write. 

Verdict

I am enjoying the story and plan to stay tuned for any future added chapters. It's definitely worth taking a look!

Top Shelf Short Stories: Some Desperado

Some Desperado
by Joe Abercrombie

This is going to be an interesting review as I'm currently posting from my iPhone at a coffeehouse as I'm waiting for my husband to come get me. Photos and fancy banner to come later. 

Today I'm reviewing Joe Abercrombie's "Some Desperado" from the collection, Dangerous Women. "Some Desperado" is a story that takes place in the time of riding horses and bank robberies. It's about tough girl, Shy (sometimes referred to as Smoke) who is on the run after robbing a bank herself. Why had partnered up with a small band of thieves who suddenly decided the bank money wasn't enough and decide to turn Shy in for her reward money. 

Not waiting for anyone (especially a man) to come to her rescue, Shy has her brains and kickass strength to fall back on. That's when the hunters become the hunted, that's for sure!

I've never read anything by Abercrombie, but I'm definitely going to look for more stories by him! So far, I really enjoy how he writes his female character. To tell you the truth, his story just happened to be the first in the Dangerous Women collection I'm sampling from Amazon on my Kindle. It was a happy coincidence. 

Verdict

If you like kickass women and a bloody fight, you'll like this story!