#IndigoYAPreview | September 15, 2019

This past Sunday, I was lucky enough to attend Indigo's YA Preview, hosted by the folks who run Indigo Teen. It's always such a great time to get together with fellow bloggers and talk all things YA. They featured a ton of books for us to learn about and I'm going to share my most anticipated releases for the rest of this year and early next year. If there's anything I didn't touch on, I did tweet a lot a few days ago if you want to go back and check my archives. I will most likely be doing some more posts featuring lists as we gear up for the holiday season featuring a lot of the books that I won't mention today, so be on the lookout for that! Lastly, let me know below in the comments what books you are most looking forward to and why!

HCCFrenzy's Summer 2019 #FrenzyPresents | August 25, 2019

It feels like a hot minute since I last posted an event recap of sorts. I was lucky to be invited to HCCFrenzy's yearly #FrenzyPresents where they gush about all the upcoming releases. It's always a fun time because they highlight books they are most excited for, we are treated to delicious snacks, and I get to see all my blogger friends in one place. It was so big this year that there had to be two sittings! :O

We also got to hear from and meet Jasmin Kaur, author of When You Ask Me Where I'm Going. She read us some passages from her upcoming book (can I just say, I love the way she reads? I found that she really highlighted the silent moments in poetry and the way her voice carries so much emotion. I had chills while she was reading some stuff). Her book is a collection of poetry, free verse, short stories, and some illustrations. The arc copy we received looks beautiful and I can't wait to see the finished copy this October! I can just tell that so many of my friends who read poetry will absolutely adore this book.

All the decor as per usual was stunning. The folks of HCCfrenzy exude the idea of #shelfgoals. They even had a cute bingo activity that some bloggers won some books for. I'm going to highlight the books I'm most excited for and the release info: 

Butterfly Yellow by Thanhhà Lai (Sept 3/19) - story of displacement and follows a young refugee from Vietnam who moves to Texas. It is a story of family and finding one self. As a Vietnamese-Canadian, I am extremely intrigued by this book and I'm so glad that I received an ARC in the swag bag. Be sure to stay tuned for a review of this! I plan to read it very soon. 

Dear Haiti, Love Alaine by Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite (Sept 3/19) - the HCC staff showed a cute intro video featuring Maika and Maritza and they just seem so down-to-earth and I can't wait to pick up this book. They hope that the message will be universal because it is a story of mothers and daughters and it is an inside look into Haitian culture! 

Unpregnant by Jenni Hendriks and Ted Caplan (Sept 10/19) - this book already has movie news which is so awesome to hear! I've been hearing a lot of buzz about this online, and to learn that it is being comped to Juno and has a road trip element of sorts? I'm sold!! 

Break in Case of Emergency by Brian Francis (Sept 10/19) - this book follows a 15 year old who has to live with her grandparents because of the death of her mother by suicide. The HCC staff mentioned that this book was a balancing act of dark and light because years later, the protagonist's estranged father shows up and mentions that he is gay. I can't wait to see how this story all comes together. Every staff member mentioned that they absolutely loved this. 

Dangerous Alliance: An Austentacious Romance by Jennieke Cohen (Dec 3/19) - as an avid romance reader, this is definitely my most anticipated read of the list. Historical romance with some mystery, Jane Austen elements, and what the HCC staff said was basically Victorian tinder. Please sign me up! 

When You Ask Me Where I'm Going by Jasmin Kaur (Oct 1/19) - as mentioned earlier, this beautiful collection is a mix of prose, short stories, and illustrations. Kaur has divided the book into six sections and she touches on various topics such as feminism, sexuality, mental health, cultural dynamics, and more. Having had the chance to hear her read 3 passages, I can just tell this one will be spectacular! 

What books are you most excited to read this Fall? Let me know in the comments! As always, many thanks to the lovely hardworking team at HCC for a lovely Sunday morning! 

PRHC Kids Fall-I-Day Preview | November 1, 2018

A few days ago was the annual PRHC Fall-I-Day Kids and Teen Preview for booksellers and bloggers. I always love attending events like this because it definitely helps me as a bookseller when they give you great pitches on what to sell for the holiday season, and also to share with you all as a blogger. They mentioned some highlights that were already out and also some upcoming books for 2019 to look forward to. We also had the lovely Susin Nielsen come talk to us about her two new upcoming books Princess Puffybottom ...and Darryl & No Fixed Address! She is definitely one of my favorite authors and I've had the pleasure of meeting her a few times now, so it's always so much fun to hear her talk and share her stories. I can't wait to check out her two new books!

Below are some books that I'm adding to my TBR. Some are already out in the world, some I plan on giving as gifts (so you have to read them first before you gift them ;)), and some I'm super excited for them to release early next year!

Corduroy Takes a Bow by Viola Davis - I absolutely adore Viola Davis as a human being, so if she's writing a kids book, I'm buying it and adding it to my life. 

Princess Puffybottom ...and Darryl by Susin Nielsen and Olivia Chin Mueller (February 5/19) - I'm mostly a dog person, but this story sounds super adorable. I can't wait to read this and see all the illustrations. 

Narwhal's Otter Friend by Ben Clanton (February 5/19) - I love the Narwhal and Jelly books so much. They are hilarious and super cute. Can't wait to meet this new character! ;) 

The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier and Douglas Holgate - the folks at PRHC were talking about this series and how the story is really good and the art is amazing. I've always loved graphic novels but I want to read more young readers graphic novels. This apocalyptic setting sounds great! 

Hilda and the Troll by Luke Pearson - This has been adapted into a netflix show. I watched an episode when I got home from the preview and I really enjoyed it. I'm totally here for a magical girl going on adventures. 

The Strange and Deadly Portraits of Bryony Gray by E. Latimer - If you know me, you'll know that The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is my ALL-TIME-FAVORITE book. I own an unhealthy and ridiculous amount of copies of that book. I just love it so much. So when they told me this was a young reader's version inspired by it? I'M SO THERE. 

Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier - story about an girl and her monster in a Victorian setting? ALL. THE. YES. I love Auxier's writing and this book was recently named as a winner for the 2018 Governor General's award in young people's literature! *slow clap* 

Tales from the Inner City by Shaun Tan (November 6/18) - A combination of poetry, short stories, and beautiful artwork. I can't wait to see this blend of writing and surrealist art! 

No Fixed Address by Susin Nielsen - this story sounds like it's going to be super sweet and also heartbreaking at the same time. It follows Felix and his mother, Astrid, who after losing their apartment in Vancouver must live in a camper van and how they come to terms with that massive change in their life. I love Nielsen's writing so I'm sure this one will be no different. 

The Beauty of the Moment by Tanaz Bhathena (February 26/19) - I read A Girl Like That earlier this year and it is one of my favorite books from 2019. I absolutely loved it and when I heard Bhathena was coming out with a new book, I actually jumped for joy! The story follows Susan who is an artist, and she meets a friend at a fundraiser Syrian Refugees. The premise promises romance, family, and finding yourself. I can't wait to dig in to my copy and start reading it soon! 

Rayne & Delilah's Midnite Matinee by Jeff Zentner (February 26/19) - Jeff Zentner is definitely one of my all time favorite YA authors. The Serpent King will always have a special place in my heart forever. The folks at PRHC promise that this upcoming release by Zentner will have more laughs than tears for the reader. I love YAs that focus on senior year! Can't wait for this! 

Skyward by Brandon Sanderson (November 6/18) - ok, so before you come for me, please know that I have every intention to, but I just haven't. *whispers* I haven't read a Brandon Sanderson book before. *immediately runs and hides* - I will say, I'm also a bit intimidated by some of his series and just the pure length of them. I will however check this one out, because I love starting series as they come out rather than catching up afterwards. This story follows a girl who dreams of being a pilot. Sign me up!! 

Well that's it! Those are the books I've added to my TBR, started pre-ordering, and also begging my local library to stock. What books sounds like your cup of tea? Let me know in the comments below! 

TeensRead Preview with Raincoast Books - Winter & Spring 2019 | October 21, 2018

Yesterday was the annual Winter/Spring TeensRead Preview hosted by Raincoast. The main one takes place in Vancouver, but we have some lovely organizers here in Toronto who put it together via livestream at a local public library. There was tea, pie, and donuts! It was the perfect atmosphere to hear about all the exciting and upcoming books. Faith Erin Hicks also came up to talk to us about her upcoming release and also her exciting collaboration with Rainbow Rowell for "Pumpkin Heads." Thanks so much to Raincoast for the invite and to the Toronto organizers for a lovely event. I went home full on sugar and with a way bigger TBR list! 

Here are some of the upcoming titles that I'm most excited for: 

You Owe Me A Murder by Eileen Cook (March 5/19) - twisty take on the classic Strangers on a Train. I love all thrillers that Eileen writes so I'm super excited for this one. I got a copy of this in my swag bag, so be sure to look out for a full review of the book early next year ;) 

The Similars by Rebecca Hanover (January 1/19) - new duology with the second book coming in 2020. You've got a boarding school setting and clones! 

Enchantee by Gita Trelease (February 5/19)  - another first in a new duology. It is being pitched as Caraval meets Marie Antoinette. The setting is Versailles during the French Revolution and the main character is present at the court of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. For those of you that know, Marie Antoinette, the film, is my favorite film ever. Can't wait for this! 

Dark of the West by Joanna Hathaway (February 5/19) - debut novel from a Canadian author. It's a historical fantasy, first in a series. It's being compared to Code Name Verity meets The Winner's Curse. We've got action-packed, missions, mystery, and of course, romance! 

The Lost by by Natasha Preston (April 2/19) - I don't think I'll ever tire of reading thrillers. I love guessing them. This however is completely new because if you are a fan of escape rooms, this is an escape room thriller! Protagonist and her friends are kidnapped and taken to a building where every room is a test :O 

Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan (April 2/19) - Another first in a new series. It is inspired by Joan of Arc with a peasant girl working to assassinate the mad king. There are conspiracies uncovered and the lead is stuck in between the politics of a Holy War. I have a soft spot for Joan of Arc related content. She was the first person I ever presented on in middle school, and also someone I wrote reports on frequently. I was also so fascinated by her. I'm so pumped for all this new content coming out inspired by her story! 

A Place for Wolves by Kosoko Jackson (April 2/19) - It is being pitched as Code Name Verity meets Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. It takes place in the late 90s and it is an #ownvoices historical YA thriller. Also Jeff Zentner blurbed this book. That's enough for me. 

Finale by Stephanie Garber (May 28/19) - The third and finale book in the Caraval series. You all know that I loved the first book in that series. I still need to get around to reading the second one.. whoops. But omg, Entertainment Weekly released the cover for this book and it looks stunning! I can't wait to see how it all ends for Tella and Scarlett! 

Voices by David Elliott (March 26/19) - Another book that I got in my swag bag and I actually started reading it on my commute home yesterday. Again, the subject matter is Joan of Arc (hooray).. but the unique thing about this book is that it is told in verses. There's also passages from the trial documents. I'm about 1/3 of the way through and I'm really enjoying this. This is something super unique and I can't wait to read the rest of it! 

What books are you most excited for that is coming out next year? Let me know in the comments! 

Penguin Random House Canada Fall Preview | October 2, 2018

Hi everyone! I hope you are all doing well. The lovely folks at PRHC had their Fall Preview again earlier this week for booksellers and bloggers. I was so excited to attend because they always put together a great presentation showcasing all the great books for the holiday season. This helps so much for someone who is a bookseller, but also someone who has no self-restraint and loves adding more to their TBR pile ;)

They mentioned a ton of books that have been recently released and are coming soon, and I can't wait to read so many of them. Here are the ones I'm most excited for: 

 

The Greatest Love Story Ever Told by Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally sounds absolutely hilarious and charming. It's basically a conversation between the two about life and all things love. I saw them read an excerpt on a late night show and I immediately added it to Audible. 

Brief Answers to the Big Questions by Stephen Hawking is his final book to us which is going to be published posthumously. The foreword is by Eddie Redmayne who played Hawking in a movie and the afterword is by his daughter. I loved Hawkings writing so much and I'm sure this one will be a bittersweet read. 

The Winters by Lisa Gabriele is pitched as a modern day Rebecca (by Daphne du Maurier) and also compared to Curtis Sittenfield's Eligible. I loved both books so I'm totally here for this. Also can we talk about the cover? It's stunning! 

Killing Commendatore by Haruki Murakami - I mean, are you surprised that I'm excited for this one? I am over the moon excited for this to release and I will drop everything to read it. I've been eagerly awaiting this and I already know I'm going to love it. 

Becoming by Michelle Obama - I don't read a lot of non-fiction and usually when I do, it's often memoirs or essays. I'm so excited for this one because I just admire Michelle so much as an individual and all the work that she has accomplished. I'm also longing for a time when she was our First Lady so much. I can't wait to read this and I think I'll definitely opt for an audible version if she's going to narrate it! 

The Kingfisher Secret by Anonymous - the details for this book are still very vague and the author will remain anonymous. All I know is that it's a fun spy thriller and it takes place in the White House. There may or may not be some links to factual stuff, but I think it will be fun trying to decipher things as I read along ;) 

Are you excited for any of the titles mentioned above? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! :) 

TeensRead Preview Winter & Spring 2018 | September 30, 2017

This past weekend, a bunch of book bloggers gathered at the Bloor-Gladstone Library to hear about some new and upcoming excited reads coming Winter & Spring of 2018. The event was hosted by Raincoast Books, and for the Toronto one, we had the lovely Jenn from Lost in a Great Book & Vanessa from Ampersand Inc. as our great hosts! 

Frenzy Presents Fall Preview | September 10, 2017

Hi everyone! I hope that you are all having a great week. I recently attended another book preview and I wanted to share with you all what happened and some exciting upcoming YA releases. The event was hosted by the lovely folks at HCCFrenzy (many thanks to Ashley for the lovely invite). I always look forward to the Frenzy events because they honestly put on such a good time for us bloggers with so many treats, special guest authors, and its just a nice way to spend a Sunday catching up with fellow book bloggers. 

Penguin Random House Fall Preview | September 8, 2017

Hi everyone! I hope you are all having a lovely week. I was lucky enough to attend the Penguin Random House Fall Preview this year where they hold a three hour information session of upcoming releases and book highlights for bloggers, booksellers, and librarians. It was such a great time and I could honestly listen to the PRHC team talk about books all day (well done, Taylor, Evan, Christina, Justin, and Aleks!)

We were also visited by three lovely authors who came to talk about their book a bit. We first met Alison Pick who spoke about her new historical fiction book Strangers with the Same Dream, set in 1921 Palestine which tackles utopian ideals, social dynamics, politics, and at its heart is a universal story about people. Next, we had Carol Off, a CBC journalist discuss her new book All We Leave Behind, which is about her journey in how she crosses lines of journalism to save someone she now considers family. Listening to her describe the journey she took to Afghanistan and learning of what happened really got to me and I started welling up a bit. I can't wait to read this one. Lastly, the very funny and charming, Tom Wilson, came by to talk about Beautiful Scars, where he speaks about learning that he was adopted at the age of 53. He sang some songs for us too. It was such a lovely time meeting these three authors, and you can be sure I will be diving into their books ASAP!

We were given a ton of information on upcoming releases and I went home that night and filled out my agenda with important dates for all the releases I'm most excited for. Below are some titles that I'm absolutely over the moon pumped for and I can't wait to read them. It's going to be a good Fall/Winter season with so many amazing books being released. I love that a good mix of genres intrigued me and I'm so excited for all the great non-fiction that is coming out soon. As always, many thanks to the lovely folks at PRHC for the invitation to this great book preview! :D

 

What titles are you most excited for this coming Fall/Winter? Let me know in the comments below!