First let’s start with some of the character names: Hashbrown Winters, Brody the Ape Slayer, Snow Cone, Whiz (he has a bladder problem), Hummas Laredo, Butter Bibowski, Bubblegum, Four Hips, Pigeon, Gurgles Dunderland, Squeaky Mittons, Wish Bone Parker, Echo Rodriguez, Fibber Mckenzie, Measles, Yeti, McKean, Twinkles, Brandy Newspickle, Saddle Bags Bollinger, Cup o’ Noodle Hickock, Frosty John, Hambone, Teeter-Totter Williams.  Um . . . yeah.  Seriously not even kidding.  That alone should give you a taste of what kind of book this is.

Hashbrown has a lot of great friends and runs his treehouse club like a well oiled machine but when his arch enemy, Hi Mashimoto, starts his own rival treehouse club, Hashbrown is so jealous that he will do anything to prove that his treehouse is cooler than Mashimoto’s.  What he doesn’t expect is that Mashimoto will go to any length to secure his domination.

Kids will love the story, the antics, the stink bomb during school assembly, the prison out back of the school that holds all the bad kids, and the dungeon in the basement of Prudence Elementary.  Hashbrown Winters and the Mashimoto Madness is so random, so quirky that boys will eat it up.  Lots of strange humor and more than one potty joke.

But more than that, reminds me that reading is supposed to be fun.

Links of interest: Frank L. Cole blog, more book blogger reviews.
Genre:  Fiction, approx ages 9-12.
Publisher: Bonneville.  January 8, 2010
Paperback, 128 pages. ISBN 1599553783
Source copy: Review copy sent from author
Hashbrown Winters and the Mashimoto Madness is available from your favorite independent bookstore, Powell’s, and Amazon.

Copyright 2010. Maw Books Blog

Maw Books has an affiliate relationship with several bookstores, including Indiebound, Powell’s, and Amazon . When you buy a product (not just books – any product), via one of my links, Maw Books earns income from the sale and as always, it’s much appreciated as all affiliate income is used to support the blog. There is no cost to you.

Tired of being treated like a child and eager to make a grandiose impression on the older woman, Charlotte volunteers to care for a baby whose mother died in childbirth and who’s depressed father is not up to the task.  The baby reminds her of her own mother, who also died when giving birth, and while she comes to love little Rose very much, the task is not what she expected.  Taking care of a newborn while pushing a handcart across the plains is certainly no picnic.  Charlotte’s gotten in over her head and while she wants to prove her worth to the company, it may be an assignment that she can’t handle.

The historical background for the book is fascinating.  It’s less about the doctrine of the  Mormon faith  and more about the need for a family to belong to something larger than they are.  It’s great to see historical fiction books in the mainstream markets which tackle this subject .  A subject which I would love to find more of,  as the very premise of the idea lends itself to incredible stories.

The company has a great cast of characters and Charlotte is touched by each of them in different ways.  She’s determined to prove that she has what it takes but discovers that nobody can no anything without a little help.  I enjoyed this coming-of-age novel and am sad to see it out of print.  If you come upon a copy of it, snatch it up!

Links of interest: Ann Cannon blog,  more book blogger reviews.
Genre: Historical fiction, approx ages 9-12.
Publisher: Yearling. 2002
Paperback, 256 pages. ISBN 0440418402
Source copy: Own
Charlotte’s Rose is available from your favorite independent bookstore, Powell’s, and Amazon.

Copyright 2010. Maw Books Blog

Maw Books has an affiliate relationship with several bookstores, including Indiebound, Powell’s, and Amazon . When you buy a product (not just books – any product), via one of my links, Maw Books earns income from the sale and as always, it’s much appreciated as all affiliate income is used to support the blog. There is no cost to you.

Bree shared with us everything that we wanted to know about The Dark Divine, the writing process, getting published, how she cried when she first saw the first (and awful) cover of the book, and even brought us all nail polish.  Unfortunately, she didn’t share what was going to happen in the sequel.  Smart woman, she is.

Photographic proof of Bree’s awesomeness (she’s second from right on top).  Thanks for paying us a visit!  Everybody loved your book!

Copyright 2010. Maw Books Blog

Maw Books has an affiliate relationship with several bookstores, including Indiebound, Powell’s, and Amazon . When you buy a product (not just books – any product), via one of my links, Maw Books earns income from the sale and as always, it’s much appreciated as all affiliate income is used to support the blog. There is no cost to you.

If I may be so bold to say, this is one heck of an author interview.  I love Leeann’s thoughts about her book, autism, reading and her life.   Please leave her a comment!

Maw Books:  Why did you write A Child’s Journey Out of Autism?  What was it that gave you that initial spark?

Leeann Whiffen: I just kept feeling it. I would be going about my day, and then I’d feel it. You need to write this down. So I blew it off for the first few times until I realized that each passing day made it harder for me to remember certain details. Initially, my intentions were to write our story so that Clay and my other two boys would know everything that transpired. But as I began the writing process it became clear to me that there were other reasons why I needed to write and share this book: to give parents hope and inspiration, to bring awareness to the struggles families endure, and so that my book could be the friend and support that many parents need along their own journeys.

Maw Books:  I know you love to read (and I love bumping into you at author signings) but did you love to write previously before writing your memoir?  In other words, did the writing come easily (well as easily as it could get I guess) for you or was it a struggle?

Leeann Whiffen: No. I mean, I know that must sound strange considering many authors seem to kick off their writing careers by winning the fourth grade write-about-your-favorite-tree contest. But, not me. I’ve always had a love for the written word, but I didn’t realize my love for the actual writing process until I began writing my book. I found that I’m able to articulate myself much better in writing than verbally. It gave me a freedom and creativity with language that I had never before experienced. That realization then lit my passion as I spent many hours studying and practicing the craft. I took what I learned and used it as I found my own voice and style.

Maw Books:  Was it cathartic at all to analyze your feelings that you didn’t have time to deal with during Clay’s treatment?  What was it like emotionally to write this book?

Leeann Whiffen: I never intended it to be cathartic, but having to relive every emotion, every experience so I could accurately portray our story was one of the most agonizing yet exhilarating experiences I can recount. There were times where, after finishing a particular sentence or paragraph exactly the way I wanted, I felt light and airy. I’d get silly with my kids and dance around the house for the rest of the day. I’m not sure if I ever really faced the grief the first time around. I seemed to gloss over it while I distracted myself with trying to launch Clay’s behavior therapy program. There were times where it took me quite some time to complete certain parts of the story because it was just too heavy; but afterward I felt like I had just overcome that difficult part of my life, all over again.

Maw Books:  One thing that I was really impressed with is that seemingly within days of Clay’s diagnoses, you had already researched and were implementing a plan of attack for his treatment.  What were those first few weeks like and how important were they?

Leeann Whiffen: The first weeks after diagnosis were a whirlwind of emotions probably due to a combination of grief and pulling all-nighters as I desperately tried to figure out what we were going to do. Suddenly, it became real and impending. I think I was frantically working my way out of the grief, a distraction of sorts. The immediacy was warranted because I had already done so much research, and I knew that timing was vital. The clock became my boss as I began putting the pieces into position.

Maw Books:  As a parent, I can only imagine that losing a child to autism is devastating.  But yet, through early intervention, you were able to reverse Clay’s diagnoses. Have you received any pushback or felt any guilt because of this?

Leeann Whiffen: Guilt, absolutely. I have friends who also worked feverishly to help their child with autism, yet their outcomes weren’t the same. I ache for them. We dreamed the dream together. After Clay’s diagnosis was removed, I found that I couldn’t tell some of my closest autism friends. I knew they would be happy for me, but I also know the feeling of wanting something so much, that you would not hesitate to give your life for it. You’re happy for others, but oh, how you want it for your own child. Mothers place so much guilt on themselves that as women we need to stick together and make sure we support and uplift one another. Pushback, not so much.* Some resentment, yes. But I understand where it comes from.

*Of course there’s general pushback from certain groups who believe autism should not be “treated” or “cured” but that we should accept the individual for who they are. I don’t agree that those two things are mutually exclusive. We can accept our children while also helping them cope and reach their full potential in life. That’s also our responsibility as parents of “typical” kids.

Maw Books:  If a parent suspects that their child has autism or is diagnosed with autism what is the first thing that you would want them to know?

Leeann Whiffen: Early intense intervention = best prognosis. That’s not just Leeann’s “I’m a mom of a child who recovered from autism” philosophy. It’s backed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the U.S. Surgeon General, and decades of research. I encourage and urge parents to look beyond what the school district and/or state early intervention program provides. Make sure it is intense enough to make a difference. My early intervention specialist admitted that Clay’s needs were way beyond what they could provide. Unfortunately this often means parents have to find funds (sometimes to the tune of $50,000 per year) to supplement or start their own programs. But it’s worth it. Take action right after diagnosis because time goes on whether or not you stand by and watch, or jump in headfirst.

I try to make it clear that although my son recovered from autism, not all children will have that same outcome. And doing what we did doesn’t guarantee success because each child is unique. But how do we determine who will and who won’t? We can’t. That’s exactly why I continue advocating for early intense intervention and helping parents gain fast access to potentially life saving treatments. Because even if the end result isn’t full recovery, research shows nearly all kids will progress to some extent with early intervention – especially those implemented with a high degree of intensity.

Maw Books:  And where is the first place that they should turn to receive support and information about early intervention?

Leeann Whiffen: Autism Speaks has a 100-day kit for newly diagnosed children here. It includes extensive resources, many of which are tailored to where you live.

I’ve co-authored a fast start checklist with Tina Dyches, Ed.D that outlines the steps to take right before and after diagnosis. It’s geared toward Utah residents, however, it can be adapted for most other states as well. You can find it here.

Maw Books:  Tell us about Clay’s Law and how you have become proactive within the autism community.

Leeann Whiffen: Way back when Clay was diagnosed, I made a commitment that if I were ever to get to a point where my life wasn’t consumed with overseeing and administering his therapy, I would get involved and try to make it easier for other parents to access vital resources. Since then, I’ve been continually active in the autism community through my own efforts or various organizations.

In the Utah 2009 legislative session with the help of Senator Howard Stephenson, we introduced an autism insurance reform bill, Senate Bill 43, or Clay’s Law (named after my son). This bill would have stopped the discrimination from private insurance companies in Utah for diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Ultimately, it didn’t pass, but we plan to keep pursuing autism insurance reform and continue to explore solutions that help families gain access to evidence-based treatment. In pursuing Clay’s Law, I co-founded and serve as the president of the Utah Autism Coalition, a grass roots, non-profit group comprised of over 700 parents and professionals throughout the state of Utah. We will soon be taking applications to assist parents in funding evidence based treatment programs.

If you’d like to donate to our group (in which your funds go directly to help and support our local autism community), please visit www.utahautismcoalition.org.

Maw Books:  How in the world did you find the time to be a mother to three sons, a wife, a passionate advocate and write a book at the same time without seriously losing it all?

Leeann Whiffen: Who says I haven’t lost it? First, I have an extraordinarily supportive husband (who is also well known for giving surprise super wedgies while in a heated game of “tackle Dad”). Second, determination. Third, perseverance. Our family motto is Numquam Cede, which we had made into a sign and hangs above our pantry. It’s Latin for “never give up.” I expect everyone in our family to adhere to that philosophy. One can never expect success unless they’re willing to try, and try again. Hard.

Maw Books:  What has been the most memorable experience that you have had from reader reaction to your book?

Leeann Whiffen: This is a tough question because I’ve received moving feedback and personal stories from all over the United States and the world including South Africa, Macedonia, Bermuda, and Ireland to name a few. In fact, this may sound lame, but I keep all of them in a special file. There’s something about being an author and getting feedback from your readers, telling you that your book touched their life in some way.

Here are some that left an indelible impression:

- I lost my husband on 9/11. He was a firefighter, and I never thought it would be possible to experience the despair and sadness that I felt after that happened. For the first time since then, I feel that way. I’m hoping you can pass on your strength.

- I’ve decided to dedicate my life to find either the cause or cure for autism (10-year old girl)

- We are starting to get our little boy back because of your book

- You make us cry a lot, but you give us hope.

- I’m a junior majoring in special education. Before your story I was set on being a second grade teacher, but now I’m so inspired to learn more about helping children with autism.

- I’m re-reading your book for inspiration. It gives me more strength to carry on.

- Having been raised in the tough streets of Sydney, Australia, I can tell you that I was in tears after reading the section when Clay was reassessed.

- I’m re-energized. I don’t expect recovery, but you’ve given me renewed energy.

- I’m a preacher’s daughter, and I normally don’t speak out like this, but you’ve inspired me to work with kids and families affected by autism.

- Whenever I feel sad, especially deep in the night, I will read a few pages from your book, and it consoles me.

- I live in Russia and we don’t have any of the therapies or resources you mention in your book. Pediatricians and neurologists say there’s nothing we can do. But you gave me hope that my son can recover and I’ll do everything I can to educate myself.

Maw Books:  Those are beautiful.  What are your boys favorite books to read right now?

Leeann Whiffen: Clay is a huge Fablehaven fan. When book five came out, Clay would get up an hour before school to squeeze in as much reading time as possible. He finished it in two days. Brandon Mull, if you’re listening, Clay’s dying for Candy Shop Wars II, so could ya hurry it up already? Brandon’s practically our neighbor and we didn’t even know it until we were at a book signing and he asked where we’re from! My oldest, Drew, has loved and read all of the books in the Percy Jackson, Lightning Thief series. Judd, my five-year-old loves the book I Love You More and tells me daily (in keeping with the theme of the book) that he loves me more than the greatest lego structure ever made.

Maw Books:  And you?  What’s the last book that you loved that you would recommend?

Leeann Whiffen: I would be dishonest if I didn’t say that the last book I read and loved in a way only a mother loves a child is The Help by Kathryn Stockett. (Oh, how I wanted instead to tell you the name of some obscure literary treasure that practically no one knows about.)

The book that has changed my life is On Becoming Fearless by Arianna Huffington.

Maw Books:  I know you are so excited to see Kathryn Stockett next week while she’s on tour here in Salt Lake City.  I can’t go *sob* so you must tell my everything! Do you read books that feature autistic characters?  Any that you were particularly impressed with?

Leeann Whiffen: I don’t read books that feature autistic characters anymore than I read any other book. However, Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time was extraordinary; it’s one of the most creative novels I’ve ever read right down to the simple, sporadic illustrations. The voice and character development of Christopher, the high functioning autistic teenager, was spot on.

Maw Books: Did you learn anything about yourself while writing this book?

Leeann Whiffen: I’ve emerged from a shy girl raised on a small ranch in Idaho to a fearless woman who believes that monkeys occasionally do fly out of butts.

Maw Books:  You’ve got me laughing now! What do you believe the secret to happiness is?

Leeann Whiffen: The secret to happiness for me is the following: 1) social interaction and relationships. I’m more of an introvert, but if I don’t consciously work to spend a certain amount of time with friends or family, I start having symptoms of PMS. 2) being a part of something much bigger than myself – altruism 3) doing something new and novel. This is often scary and difficult, but necessary to grow and push myself in different directions.

Maw Books:  And I’m sure one of the most often asked questions you receive, but I can’t help asking myself.  What’s Clay like today?

Leeann Whiffen: Are you ready for what will sound like the world’s worst family Christmas letter? Clay recently took first place at a state gymnastics competition, and sixth nationally. He also the chess tournament in his fourth grade class and is at the top of his class academically. His teacher has even assigned him to tutor a couple of his classmates. He has lots of friends and loves playing “speed” (a basketball game) during recess with his buddies. Best of all? He has one of the most optimistic personalities of any kid I know. When I’m in a crappy mood, I just go talk to Clay and I remember why life is so good. He cheers me on with school and my advocacy efforts. He cheers his brothers on. He sets goals and works hard to achieve them. One day he came home from school and told me that he sat by the boy at lunch who doesn’t have any friends. Our downfall? We like to sing “Telephone” by Lady Gaga in the car together, but I realized the other day that we just sound like dogs howling at a fire truck.

Maw Books:  How awesome is that?! Any last words that you would like to share?

Leeann Whiffen: One of my favorite authors, Jeanette Walls (The Glass Castle, Half Broke Horses) said once, “The shame is not in falling, the shame is in staying down.”

Maw Books:  Beautiful.  Thank you Leaann!

Links of interest:  Leeann Whiffen website, blog and Twitter.  Maw Books review of A Child’s Journey Out of Autism which is available from your favorite independent bookstore, Powell’s, and Amazon.

Copyright 2010. Maw Books Blog

Maw Books has an affiliate relationship with several bookstores, including Indiebound, Powell’s, and Amazon . When you buy a product (not just books – any product), via one of my links, Maw Books earns income from the sale and as always, it’s much appreciated as all affiliate income is used to support the blog. There is no cost to you.

Autism.

It’s a word that Leeann refuses to even say.  While she still has big hopes and dreams, they have suddenly shifted to something much more immediate.  Each day Clay slips farther into his shell.  This is something that she can not ignore or wait out.  Through immediate and exhaustive treatment, Leeann fights as only a mother can fight.  A fight to reclaim her son before it’s too late.  The title of her moving memoir, A Child’s Journey Out of Autism: One Family’s Story of Living in Hope and Finding a Cure by Leeann Whiffen, is aptly named.  For it is a fight that she wins.  Clays diagnosis is completely removed.

This family’s story however is not as simple as the above description makes it seem.  The research that Leeann conducts is overwhelming.  The intensive, in-home therapy treatments are not covered by insurance and the $40,000 price tag is a financial strain.  Add on top of that the added strain of relationships, friendships and simply on oneself, and the years of treatment are exhausting

In A Child’s Journey Out of Autism, Leeann shares her darkest moments, the lowest of lows, her guilt, worry, sadness, unbelief, and her highest of highs, her determination, strength, energy, and the happiness in reclaiming her son.  She writes with such honesty and beauty.  Such an important book to read regardless if you know somebody with autism or not.  Every child is different and this is just one family’s journey of customized treatment and recovery but it’s a testament to a mother’s love for her child.  It is a testament to empowered parents.  It is a testament to the joy of a child.  To reclaiming that which was once lost.

Watch this short trailer for the book featuring Clay himself and then watch for my author interview with Leeann Whiffen immediately following this post.  Leeann lives locally to me and I’ve been fortunate to meet her on several occasions.  Reading her book is like discovering a friend that you wish you always had and if it’s not to bold of myself to say, I feel fortunate to now call her one myself.

Links of interest:  Leeann Whiffen website, blog and Twitter. More book blogger reviews. Did you know April is National Autism Awareness Month?  Check out all my book reviews that address autism.
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir
Publisher: Sourcebooks. March 1, 2009
Paperback, 336 pages. ISBN 1402218389
Source copy: Review copy
A Child’s Journey Out of Autism is available from your favorite independent bookstore, Powell’s, and Amazon.

Copyright 2010. Maw Books Blog

Maw Books has an affiliate relationship with several bookstores, including Indiebound, Powell’s, and Amazon . When you buy a product (not just books – any product), via one of my links, Maw Books earns income from the sale and as always, it’s much appreciated as all affiliate income is used to support the blog. There is no cost to you.

Kathryn Lynard Soper is the mother of six children and discovers at the birth of her seventh child that something has gone seemingly horribly wrong.  Newborn Thomas was diagnosed with Down Syndrome.  Gone were her expectations of what this child would be and in its place was fear, doubt, and anxiety.

Could I love such a son?

I rubbed my arms and legs with a rough washcloth, determined to scrub away not only blood and sweat and oil, but also doubt.  Of course I could love Thomas.  I already did. I loved him as I’d loved each of my new babies with a primal strength full and fierce .  . .

Yet I knew the bond wouldn’t be enough, not for long.  It was instinctual.  Even animal.  Thomas deserved human love, the delight and appreciation and tenderness one unique person feels for another.  I’d never felt this for a person with Down syndrome or any other disability. I didn’t know if I could.

Goose bumps rose on my arms – the hot water was gone.  And my time to indulge in weakness was gone.  A child waited in a plastic box down the hall, and six more were waiting at home, waiting for security to surround them like a warm mantle, soft yet strong. Waiting for their mother.

The Year My Son and I Were Born follows the first year of Thomas’s life.  The writing is raw, stark, and so completely honest.  Soper holds nothing back. All of her emotions are laid out for everybody to see.  There are highlights and extreme low lights and we, as readers, are privy to it all.

Read this book and watch the video.  I dare you to  not cry.  I dare you.  Because it just can’t be done.  It can’t.

One of the very best and compelling memoirs I’ve ever read.

Links of interest: Kathryn Lynard Soper website, more book blogger reviews.
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir
Publisher: GPP Life. March 3, 2009.
Hardcover, 336 pages. ISBN 0762750618
Source copy: Library
The Year My Son and I Were Born is available from your favorite independent bookstore, Powell’s, and Amazon.

Copyright 2010. Maw Books Blog

Maw Books has an affiliate relationship with several bookstores, including Indiebound, Powell’s, and Amazon . When you buy a product (not just books – any product), via one of my links, Maw Books earns income from the sale and as always, it’s much appreciated as all affiliate income is used to support the blog. There is no cost to you.

• James Dashner
• Jessica Day George
• Frank Cole
• G.G. Vandagriff
• Bree Despain
• Jillayne Clements
• Wendy Paul
• Nichole Giles
• Cindy Beck
• Terri Ferran
• Ronda Gibbs Hinrichson
• Heather Justesen
• Linda Chadwich
• Berin Stephens
• Dan Willis
• Cory Paulson
• Lisa Mangum
• Mettie Ivie Harrison
• Emily Wing Smith
• Sharlee Glenn
• AlvinaKwong
• Kristyn Crow
• Carol Lynch Williams
• Ann Cannon
• Ann Dee Ellis
• Kevin Hall
• Larry Myler
• Mike O’Reilly
• Zane Taylor
• Jack Nelson
• Rebecca Lerwill
• Kim Williams Justesen
• Bobbie Pyron
• Aubry Mace
• Sydney Salter
• Nathan Hale
• Bron Bahlmann
• Alan Bellows
• Paul Genesse
• Larry Correia

I also ran into Suey from It’s All About Books, Heather from Fire and Ice Photos and Brodi Ashton. Going to these type of events is so much fun.  I didn’t take any pictures this time around but I did take video.  I REALLY apologize for the sound in this video.  I wish for the authors sake that it had turned out better because many of them are an absolute riot.  Obviously, there were tons of people there and let me tell you . . . when Utah authors get together, it’s a party!

Copyright 2010. Maw Books Blog

Maw Books has an affiliate relationship with several bookstores, including Indiebound, Powell’s, and Amazon . When you buy a product (not just books – any product), via one of my links, Maw Books earns income from the sale and as always, it’s much appreciated as all affiliate income is used to support the blog. There is no cost to you.

Jack describes himself as a criminal mastermind but with an unfortunate amount of bad luck.  He was born to scheme and spent his childhood thinking up one caper after another.  But when one caper goes too far and results in him both being a wanted man and a disappointment to his mother, Jack leaves the city for the wild west where he meets Rapunzel.  Of course, you have to check out Rapunzel’s Revenge for that adventure.

Calamity Jack picks back up with Rapunzel and Jack on their way back to the city where Jack discovers that the Giants have not only taken over the city but are also holding his mother captive as ransom.   Jack must try to make up for his past deeds, rescue the city from doom, regain his mothers trust, and not lose Rapunzel’s love in the process.

While I enjoyed Rapunzel’s Revenge more than Calamity Jack, it’s still a fun story.  Honestly, I just couldn’t get past the idea of giant ants in the story.  But that’s me talking as an adult and let’s face it, kids will think that giant ants are the most awesome thing ever!  I think I mentioned this in my Rapunzel’s Revenge review, but I’m not totally in love with the illustrations as I would have preferred cleaner and simpler lines. But as a graphic novel should, half of the story is in the illustrations and I lingered over them.

Very whitty dialouge and fun bantering with a lot of action adventure make Calamity Jack a worthy retelling of the Jack and the Beanstalk story.

I went to the launch party for Calamity Jack, so check out my post with video if you missed it!

Links of interest:  Maw Books review of Rapunzel’s Revenge, Rapunzel’s Revenge launch party, The Actor and the Housewife, Austenland, Book of a Thousand Days, and Princess Academy. Maw Books interview with Shannon and her yummy zuchinni soup.  Shannon Hale’s website, Dean Hale’s website, and Nathan Hale’s blog.
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Graphic Novel
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books. January 5, 2010
Hardcover, 144 pages. ISBN 1599900769
My copy source:  purchased
Calamity Jack is available from your favorite independent bookstore, Powell’s, and Amazon.

Copyright 2010. Maw Books Blog

Maw Books has an affiliate relationship with several bookstores, including Indiebound, Powell’s, and Amazon . When you buy a product (not just books – any product), via one of my links, Maw Books earns income from the sale and as always, it’s much appreciated as all affiliate income is used to support the blog. There is no cost to you.

Calamity Jack, the follow-up graphic novel to Rapunzel’s Revenge (my review), written by duo married team Shannon and Dean Hale and illustrated by the ever hard working Nathan Hale (no relation) was just released January 5th.  And of course they had to party.  And of course, I had to go.  Especially if it was going to be anything like the launch party for Rapunzel’s Revenge.

Shannon and Dean Hale talked about what it was like to write the graphic novel, Nathan had a presentation about how is life was sucked away from him as he illustrated the book (a fun project – but wow – what a lot of work!).

I captured a few videos for you because I always feel so sorry for the rest of the world to not be at these awesome events.  In this first, Shannon and Dean Hale talk about the beginnings of Calamity Jack:

And I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again but Utah is home to a lot of AMAZING authors.  Shannon answers the question: What the heck is up with Utah and writers?   The voice speaking off-screen is that of Jessica Day George.  One such author.

And then the best video for last. This is why I secretly wished I lived next door to the Hales.  Would it be too stalkish for me to move? Are they fun or what?!  This is how they explain the often asked question:  What is it like to collaborate together?

And of course, Shannon and Dean signed books and chatted up a storm.

I’m digging into my copy of Calamity Jack and will have a review for you tomorrow!

Links of interest: Maw Books review of Rapunzel’s Revenge, Rapunzel’s Revenge launch party,  interview with Shannon. Shannon Hale’s website, Dean Hale’s website, and Nathan Hale’s blog.
Calamity Jack is available from your favorite independent bookstore, Powell’s, and Amazon.
Today’s post is part of the Kidz Book Buzz Blog Tour. Check out these awesome bloggers who are also participating:
Whispers of Dawn, Reading is my Superpower, firesidemusings.blogspot.com, Through the Looking Glass Book Review , Booking Mama, Cafe of Dreams, Becky’s Book Reviews, The Hungry Readers, The Friendly Book Book, My Own Little Corner of the World, Book Blather, GreenBeanTeenQueen, Book Crumbs , Abby (the) Librarian, Dolce Bellezza, Homeschoolbuzz.com, The Book Cellar, Carrie’s YA Bookshelf, Bookshelf Monstrosity, Everyday Reading, Frenetic Reader, and KidzBookBuzz.com.

Copyright 2010. Maw Books Blog

Maw Books has an affiliate relationship with several bookstores, including Indiebound, Powell’s, and Amazon . When you buy a product (not just books – any product), via one of my links, Maw Books earns income from the sale and as always, it’s much appreciated as all affiliate income is used to support the blog. There is no cost to you.

Twelve year-old Eddie only wants a bike for Christmas.  He makes sure that his widowed mother knows it whenever she’s in earshot.  He’s been working hard all year and knows that he deserves this bike.  But his mother breaks his heart when instead of his shiny new read bike on Christmas morning, he receives an ugly, hand-knitted sweater.  He is devastated and hurts his mom deeply when he crumples the sweater and throws it in the corner.

That day when returning from a Christmas dinner at his grandparents house and not yet reconciling, his mother falls asleep at the wheel.  While he is unhurt, she dies.  Now living with his grandparents and mad at the world, he further distances himself from the grandfather that he always adored.  His journey through grief, healing, forgiveness, faith and redemption is just beginning and it will take a literal and figurative storm to bring him back from his wayward path.

What I liked:  the overall idea of the story.  I liked what Beck was trying to do.   I like Christmas stories.  I liked the message.  It was heartwarming.  I liked the characters.  I LOVED the grandfather.

What I didn’t like:  That is was SO obvious that you knew what he was trying to do.  It’s like he is trying WAY too hard to tug at your heart strings.  Just when he can’t plunge the knife into your heart any deeper, he twists it. I liked it until the storm came and then it was no longer a story but rather a hit-you-over-the-head with this message disguised as a story.  And I even LIKED the message!!  There was nothing wrong with the philosophy.   I knew that this would be a message book going into it.  But I just felt that less subtle would have been better. And the ending!  I did not like the ending at all.  *SPOILER ALERT*  The whole thing is a dream!  He wakes up and his mom is alive!!  He’s given a second chance at making the right choices and being happy with his sweater, instead of mad.  It was a real cope out ending.  Surely, there could have been a better way to end it.

So, I would recommend this one based solely on who you are (well . . . isn’t that the case with all books – but I know some of you would like it, others I wouldn’t recommend it at all) .  Some will love it, others might hate it.  With the exception of another book clubber, everybody really liked it.  So it might be worth trying to see where you fall.  And while I liked much of it, personally, I felt that it was a book that was trying too hard and it showed.

The Christmas Sweater book trailer:

Links of interest:  Glenn Beck website, more book blogger reviews.
Genre: Fiction, Holiday
Publisher: Threshold Editions. November 11, 2008
Hardcover, 284 pages. ISBN 141659485X
The Christmas Sweater is available from your favorite independent bookstore, Powell’s, and Amazon.

Copyright 2010. Maw Books Blog

Maw Books has an affiliate relationship with several bookstores, including Indiebound, Powell’s, and Amazon . When you buy a product (not just books – any product), via one of my links, Maw Books earns income from the sale and as always, it’s much appreciated as all affiliate income is used to support the blog. There is no cost to you.