At the Great Lakes Booksellers convention this last weekend, I was lucky enough to score ARCs (Advance Review Copies) on several books I've been wanting, none more than Extras, the fourth book in Scott Westerfeld's Uglies series. It's what I would classify as YA sci-fi, and I've loved all the books. I think it's some spectacular world-building, not to mention some really cool (and creepy) ideas.
In this world, everyone is ranked based on fame. Your life is better the more famous you are. However, everyone is competing for that fame so getting it is a bit tricky. Aya, our heroine, wants nothing more than to be someone. Because in this world, you're no one if you're not famous. And she's not. But what is she willing to do to be famous? How far is she willing to go?
I liked the reflection back on our culture and our obsession with fame, not to mention our obsession with people who are famous for being famous (Paris Hilton, as one example). It's always interesting to see ourselves in something else, just a little removed.
Because I got quite a few books for free this weekend, watch here for additional info and reviews. It's my little way of trying to pay it forward. The publishers were kind enough to give me the books, the least I can do is tell people about them if I like them!
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Second random thing...
First casualty of the fall season at my house? Journeyman. Watched the first episode last week, but couldn't summon enough interest to even hit the record button this week.
First season pass awarded? Aliens in America. Traditional midwestern family (the actress who plays the mom does a kickass Wisconsin/Minnesota accent) signs up for an exchange student to help their nerdy son have a friend at school. But instead of getting a young, confident European blonde guy, they end up with Raja, a sweet boy from Pakistan. I can't even describe how funny it is and yet it has really sweet moments, and somehow manages to balance both deftly. It's on Monday nights at 7:30 p.m.
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And finally, with my birthday coming up this weekend, among other things (you all are coming to see me at the Valpo Book Center on Saturday right? ), Stacy G. and I met for lunch. And she has such a knack for finding cool gifts. This year, I got a mug with one of those older photos (from the fifites or sixties) with a woman all done up, her hair pulled back and big smile on her face and it says "'High Maintenance' doesn't begin to cover it." And I also got two AWESOME t-shirts form her. The first is red and it says in big white letters across the front, "Please remain calm." And then under that in smaller letters, it says, "It's no use both of us being hysterical at the same time." I laughed so loud and hard at this when I opened it, I think I scared the hell out of people at the restaurant.
Second shirt is black and in old timey letters, it says, "Lead me not into temptation..." And beneath that it says, "especially bookstores."
How freaking perfect is that? I'm planning to wear them this weekend and will try to take pictures!
Thanks, Stacy G.!
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