Sunday, April 25, 2010

A Blue So Dark

Remember back in January, when I first got up the guts to do an author interview? The smileyitis, the nervousness, all of that? And remember how Holly Schindler gave an absolutely amazing interview?
Well, I had the chance to meet her yesterday, and I was lucky enough to get a copy of her book, which officially comes out this coming Saturday. It was a truly awesome experience meeting Holly--I had to keep from squealing and clapping.
Anyway, I finished the book last night.


Now, I'll be the first to admit--I was predisposed to liking this book. For one thing, Holly was the first author to give me an interview. For another, the fabulously beautiful cover appeals to my shallow side. Yet another, I got to actually MEET the author, and for a fourth, she signed it to me personally. I'm pretty sure it's the best early birthday gift I could have gotten.
So, yeah. I'm sure that I was set out to be biased.
But I've got to tell you--that doesn't matter. Not at all. Because this book?
It was amazing. Aura, the main character, is dealing with one of the most terrifying situations in the world--a mentally ill family member. She's got a best friend who seemed utterly real, and another family member (I don't want to say who in case of spoilers) that I would love to be related to. There's poetry inside the pages, too--both literal poems and some of the prettiest writing I've ever read.
The book was real, honest, at points horribly sad, and at others, uplifting. I couldn't believe it was her debut book, and I don't think you'll be able to either. In a way, her style of writing reminds me of Maggie Stiefvater, the author of Shiver--it's the same rich, really beautiful way of weaving words together.
Seriously, go read it. Check out her blog--it's linked up above. Check out the interview, also linked, if you like.
That's about it for now. Maggie, though, is doing an author interview, and is taking questions over at her blog. She's interviewing Kiersten White. I suggest going over there. I mean, come on--just look at what happens after the interview comes out. :P
More later.

6 comments:

mo said...

Oh, she was so nice. :D I probably looked insane the whole time though; we were talking to an author! (I had never actually *met* an author before that.) Holly was very sweet.

Gah, I can't wait for the book!! I mean, I planned on reading it before, but I'll be the first buyer at the store now that you mentioned it reminds you of Maggie Stiefvater's writing. You know how I'm in love with her. :P
I can't wait for the book. *impatient huff*

And yes! Thanks for linking! :)

Aspen Arnthors said...

awesome! going on my amazon list! (I'm allowing myself a big box of books as soon as school is out)

GreenBeanTeenQueen said...

How did you get to meet her? That is very cool!:) And I'm so glad you loved the book!

Unknown said...

Exciting! I've never had that experience... maybe I'll sign my own personal copy for the heck of it. :) Yay interviews!

Lisa Gail Green said...

Okay! You've sold me on the book. Yet another on my TBR list which is now longer than an anaconda.

Sam said...

Maggie: Yes. Yes she was. That was one of the top best days of my life so far. I felt very cool. :P And yes, I know how much you love Maggie Stiefvater. You were actually who I was thinking of when I wrote that.

Aspen: I like that plan. :P My birthday is next week--I'm spending all the money I get on books.

TeenQueen: I actually met her at the library. :P The cafe, inside. It was really, really cool.

Cipherqueen:Haha, you should. I've met authors before, in like, mass signings, but this was much cooler.

Lisa: Hah, I'm glad! My list keeps growing too. It's quite annoying, but spectacular all at once.