Whatever Wednesday: September Book Review Club

August 31st, 2010

Wow. Summer is winding down already. But, my usual sadness is sugar sweet this year. Why? HEAD GAMES is almost here! Four months and counting! Yay!

The first Wednesday of the month means another edition of The Book Review Club hosted by Barrie Summy, author of the I So Don’t Do Mysteries series. Today, I’m featuring three books by the amazing Lauren Myracle - Eleven, Twelve, and Thirteen.

Recently, I picked up this highly acclaimed middle grade series for two reasons. One, I’m heading back to the classroom this fall and I was in need of a brush-up on the perils of adolescence. And two, author Lauren Myracle’s writing is always incredible. Her books are never a disappointment.

Here are the five reasons why I loved yet another one of Myracle’s series…

1. Voice – Myracle’s voice is one of the best. Distinct, unique, and amazing, I could recognize Myracle’s one of a kind voice with my eyes closed.  One word – wow.
2. Characters – Once again, Myracle nails characterization. Winnie is likable, fun, and ferocious. She journeys through middle school in a realistic, genuine way. Myracle consistently creates characters I care about.
3. Fearless Writing – Myracle doesn’t hold back. Her work is consistently fearless, honest and real. She tackles ‘make you cringe’ moments like no one else.
4. Must Read Middle School Material – Like Judy Blume books, this series is a great read for middle schoolers to meander and test out adolescence through the eyes of Winnie.
5. Sweetie – And to top it all off, Lauren Myracle is one of the nicest authors ever!

Okay, I promise, I’m done gushing over Lauren Myracle (Love her!). For more middle grade, young adult, and adult book reviews and recommendations, click here.

Happy Wednesday! 

Disclosure: I often receive ARCs and/or books for reviews (most of the time due to my Chick Lit column for South Jersey Mom magazine and sometimes because I’m an author and other times because I beg). However, I do not blog about every book I receive, only the ones I absolutely adore or feel the need to recommend to fans of sporty lit.

Modeling, Basketball, and Fashion Savy Editors…

August 30th, 2010

Don’t miss my interview with the fabulous Book Scout today! I answered questions about the Pretty Tough series, fashionistas, and much, much more. Check it out here.

Happy Monday!

Whatever Wednesday: Teen Writers Workshop!

August 25th, 2010

Hey, everyone!

Take a close look at this pic…

Because this group of future famous authors are going to be at a bookstore near you very soon! I was lucky enough to spend some time with this talented bunch as they shared their fantastic short stories during our Teen Writer’s Workshop at the Cape May County Library. I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy of TEEN TALES: VOLUME TWO this winter! It’s an amazing collection!

Happy Wednesday!

Sporty Saturday Spotlight is Back!

August 13th, 2010

Hey, everyone!

It’s that time of year again. We’re gearing up for another season of Sporty Saturday Spotlights! If you or someone you know is a sporty girl and would like to be spotlighted on Pretty Tough, please email me at kerimikulski(at)gmail(dot)com. We’re searching for all sports and still have slots to fill for the 2010-2011 season. Check out an interview from last year here.

Happy Friday!

Whatever Wednesday: August Book Review Club

August 4th, 2010

Whew. It’s been too long. After two months of barely any books, I’m back. In fact, this past July, I read over twenty novels. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating a little and it was more like fourteen, but honestly, it felt like twenty. Gotta love the summer.

The first Wednesday of the month means another edition of The Book Review Club hosted by Barrie Summy, author of the I So Don’t Do Mysteries series. Today, I’m featuring two books by the sensational Cylin Busby – one co-written with her father, The Year We Disappeared, and the other, a short story anthology, First Kiss (Then Tell).

First off, I have a complaint. The Year We Disappeared cost me some serious sleep time. Once I began reading this novel, I could not put it down. Written by Cylin and her police officer father, John, The Year We Disappeared is presented in alternating father/daughter points of views about a moment that changed the Busby family forever – John’s attempted murder. In an instant, the Busby’s normal family life is shattered when John is shot at close range on his way to work. Stuck in an endless web of corruption and lies, the entire family struggles to cope with their new world. What do you do when the people paid to protect you might be in on the murder plot? Don’t miss this page turner!

Cylin Busby’s second book, First Kiss (Then Tell), is a fabulous first kiss short story anthology featuring popular young adult authors Alyson Noel, Lauren Myracle, Micol Ostow, Sarah Mlynowski, Scott Westerfield, and many, many more. The touching and hilarious ‘true’ kiss stories brought back so many wonderful memories – like my first kiss. Picture it – a boyfriend, the beach, gentle waves, and a gorgeous sunset. It was magical… Not quite.  My first kiss included a serious lack of patience (always gets me in trouble), a basement, a birthday party, a spinning bottle, and a washing machine. Seriously.

How about you? Tell me about your first kiss.

For more book reviews and recommendations, click here.

Attention: Athletes (specifically field hockey players) – Check out Mary Marino’s Freshman Season. Mary is a former field hockey and lacrosse coach, a member of the New Jersey Lacrosse Hall of Fame, and the author of the non-fiction lacrosse book, On Attack. Mary was kind enough to slip me a copy at an event last month. Thanks, Mary!

Happy Wednesday! 

Disclosure: I often receive ARCs and/or books for reviews (most of the time due to my Chick Lit column for South Jersey Mom magazine and sometimes because I’m an author and other times because I beg). However, I do not blog about every book I receive, only the ones I absolutely adore or feel the need to recommend to fans of sporty lit.

The HEAD GAMES cover is here!! :)

July 30th, 2010

What do you think??

I’m soooooooo excited! Only five more months!

Happy Friday!

Jersey Shore Sunday

July 24th, 2010

One of the best kept Jersey Shore secrets is a serene spot that runs right along the coast. Deserted most of the time, the Delaware Bay is the perfect place to watch an amazing sunset, check out nature, or take a long quiet stroll on the sand. In fact, the only regular visitors to the Delaware Bay are turtles, seagulls, clams, snails, a ton of horseshoe crabs (especially when they’re laying their eggs in May), fishermen, bird watchers, and an occasional watercraft.

Check out these shots of my tribe enjoying the Delaware Bay.

Hope you’re having a fabulous weekend! Happy Sunday!

Jersey Shore Sunday

July 17th, 2010

Hey, everyone!

This week’s edition of Jersey Shore Sunday features one of my daughter’s favorite summer events – the annual 4-H Fair. An organization for kids and teens, 4-H stands for heart, hands, health, and heart. And according to this website, members take a pledge and strive to accomplish these actions through different tasks. The actual 4-H Fair (where members showcase their hard work) features food, fun, pony rides, amusements, and tons of animals. Every year, I’m always impressed by the dedication and enthusiasm of the 4-H members.

Does your town host a 4-H Fair? Have you ever been to one?

Happy Sunday!

Whatever Wednesday

July 7th, 2010

Hey, everyone!

Hope you enjoyed the holiday weekend. It was so nice to catch up with some friends and veg out at the beach with the family.

Speaking of the fourth, I was so excited to open up the newspaper on Sunday and read this article – WRITER LINKS CHILDREN WITH SPORTS on the front page of the Living Section. Wow! Thanks so much, Kevin!

Then, the next day, the amazing Alek Kosinski sent me this link to my very first SCREWBALL book trailer. Love it.

Finally, the fabulous Liz Tigelaar, the author of the first two Pretty Tough books and the creator of Life Unexpected gave this incredible interview. I’m so proud to write for the Pretty Tough series.

Whew.. What a weekend! How was your holiday?

Happy Wednesday!

Jersey Shore Sunday: Happy Fourth of July!

July 4th, 2010

Enjoy!