This particular books to read list features forthcoming young adult and juvenile titles. If I read and review an advanced copy, I link the title to my review. At the close of every month, I move that month's remaining titles from this list to my backlist of books to read.

May 2008
Airhead by Meg Cabot (read)
Alive and Well in Prague, New York by Daphne Grab
Climbing the Stairs by Padma Venkatraman
Death By Bikini by Linda Gerber
The Debutante by Kathryn Williams
Ever by Gail Carson Levine
Fact of Life #31 by Denise Vega (read, review to come)
Geek Magnet by Kieran Scott (read, review to come)
Generation Dead by Daniel Waters
Hershey Herself by Cecilia Galante
How I Found the Perfect Dress by Maryrose Wood (sequel to Why I Let My Hair Grow Out)
How to Be Bad by E. Lockhart, Sarah Mlynowski, and Lauren Myracle
How to Build a House by Dana Reinhardt (read, review to come)
A Kiss Before the Apocalypse by Thomas E. Sniegoski
A Likely Story by David Van Etten (Chris Van Etten, David Ozanich, and David Levithan)
Love in the Corner Pocket by Marlene Perez (read)
Madapple by Christina Meldrum (read)
Maggie Bean Stays Afloat by Tricia Rayburn
Mind the Gap: A Novel of the Hidden Cities by Christopher Golden and Tim Lebbon
Moon & Sun: Ruby Key by Holly Lisle
Oh. My. Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs (read, review and interview to come)
Penelope by Megan Shull
Picture Perfect by Catherine Clark
Pretty Little Liars #4: Unbelievable by Sara Shepard
Princess Ben by Catherine Murdock
Savvy by Ingrid Law (interview to come)
Shelter Stories: Love. Guaranteed. by Patrick McDonnell
Shift by Jennifer Bradbury (read, interview to come)
Stealing Heaven by Elizabeth Scott
Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson
Take Me There by Susane Colasanti (read, interview to come)
The Temptress Four by Gaby Triana
Twice Upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris
What Happens Here by Tara Altebrando

( Read more... )

From March 14th until March 27th, Simon & Schuster held a Blogfest featuring over a hundred Simon Pulse authors. Readers submitted their questions via the Blogfest website and MySpace page. S&S then selected questions from that overflowing pool and posted the authors' responses each day of the event.

( Read more... )

( The list of authors scheduled to take part in Blogfest )

Footnotes

mediabistro/GalleyCat noted that this new event was inspired by the success of the 31 Flavorite Authors event held last October by readergirlz and YALSA. Thank you, mediabistro.

From the desk of author Jamie Ponti:

In one twenty-four hour period, I submitted the manuscript for Sea of Love, which will come out from Simon Pulse this December, my new book Prama was released in bookstores, and I got my first interview with Little Willow. That's pretty heady stuff for a guy who only got a 3 on the AP English test. I have dubbed it the YA Triple Play.

. . . and now, the interview, filled with references to Sea World, Shelby Woo, and serendipity.

The title of Prama makes me smile because I enjoy witty wordplay. Did you attend your high school prom?

I too enjoy witty wordplay and wish that I had come up with the title. I got it from my editor and I think she got it from her husband. I went to prom my junior and senior years. Both times I went with a friend and ended up having a good but not particularly memorable night. The main storyline in Prama was inspired by a formal I attended in college. It was the 80's and the theme was Moonlighting. I was set up on a blind date with a girl named Denise who had just broken up with her boyfriend. I agreed to go, but then considered backing out when I found out how much the tux rental was. It was college and $75 was a whole lot of money. My friend Eric was with me at the time and said, "But what if she's the one?" That, of course, made it impossible for me to back out.

Eric turned out to be something of an oracle, because I went, had a great time, and, this November, Denise and I will be celebrating our 19th wedding anniversary. It also created good karma for Eric who subsequently met his wife on a blind date. His wife is the actress Ming Na, so that's really good karma.

( Read more... )

Visit Jamie's website.

In 2004, Simon & Schuster began publishing romantic comedies for teens as part of their Simon Pulse imprint. The titles were few and far between that first year, but as interest increased, so did the number of titles. Quite a few were released in 2005. Now the line has been firmly established and new titles come out every other month. Simon Pulse romantic comedies are finding their way into the hands and hearts of readers and booksellers.

I was delighted to discover that many of the stories have the main characters deal with school, friends, family, afterschool activities, college worries, and more. In other words, the books are not just about getting the guy, but also about getting the scholarship, reconnecting with parents, balancing school with work, and thinking about life and future careers.

All of the stories star everyday American girls. Most of these stories take place in high school, while others are set during the summer or in college. Some of the tales take place in small towns, others big cities, a few overseas. Rather than being pared-down versions of stereotypical adult romances or competing with the current racy and materialistic teen bestsellers, these are contemporary stories that are surprisingly quirky and, for the most part, refreshingly clean. In general, these paperback stories are recommended for readers over the age of 13. If these books were films, most would carry a PG rating, some a PG-13 rating due to dating situations and the occasional curse word. In other words, they would star Amanda Bynes.

I have spoken to many authors whose stories have been published by Simon Pulse, as well as Amy Saidens, who designs the book covers for the line. Every single author responded to the interview questions with enthusiasm and kindness. Nearly all of them share my love for The Great Gatsby. Check out our exclusive interviews!

Niki Burnham (Do-Over)
Jennifer Echols (Major Crush)
Kelly McClymer (Getting to Third Date)
Aimee Friedman (A Novel Idea)
Erin Downing (Dancing Queen)
Micol Ostow (30 Guys in 30 Days)
Amy Saidens (book cover artist)
Wendy Toliver (The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren)
Jamie Ponti (Animal Attraction)

Here is a full list of Simon Pulse romantic comedies in order of release:
( Read more... )

Jennifer Echols created a blog for the Simon Pulse Romantic Comedies. Add it to your bookmarks!

Colleen of Chasing Ray asked bloggers to name some books they are looking forward to reading this year. I have my eyes set on many forthcoming releases. (Check out the entire list.) Below are some highlights, including some titles I was fortunate enough to read in advance and others I can't wait to read:

January 2008
Girl Overboard by Justina Chen Headley - Recovery and self-discovery. (Read my review.)
I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder - This verse novel, Schroeder's debut, sounds literally haunting.
The Opposite of Invisible by Liz Gallagher - Growing up doesn't have to mean growing apart. (Read my review.)

February 2008
Crimes of the Sarahs by Kristen Tracy - Quirky-funny, like her previous novel Lost It, but more of a dark comedy.
The Squad: Perfect Cover and The Squad: Killer Spirit by Jennifer Lynn Barnes - Spy cheerleaders = bring it on!

March 2008
42 Miles by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer - I adored her 2006 release Reaching for Sun.
The Fortunes of Indigo Skye by Deb Caletti - I was truly fortunate to read this early. (Read my review.)
A Little Friendly Advice by Siobhan Vivian - I read it, loved it, and passed it to my most discerning teen customers, who loved it as well. (Read my review.)

April 2008
Feathered by Laura Kasischke - Utterly captivating and engrossing. I want to put this in the hands of adults and teens alike. (Read my review.)
Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen - A girl lost and found. (Read my review.)
Wish You Were Here by Catherine Clark - An unexpected and unusual road trip. (Read my review.)
Zibby Payne & the Party Problem and Zibby Payne & the Trio Trouble by Alison Bell - The third and fourth books about a headstrong sixth grader that would become fast friendswith Ramona Quimby. (Read my reviews.)

May 2008
How to Build a House by Dana Reinhardt - A solid story that will hopefully move others into action.
A Kiss Before the Apocalypse by Thomas E. Sniegoski - Tom's first solo adult novel!
Mind the Gap: A Novel of the Hidden Cities by Christopher Golden and Tim Lebbon - It's like Neverwhere, but with Golden touches and Tim trimmings. (Learn more.)
Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson - A family tries to keep up a hotel that's been passed down through the generations. This book has burnt food, fresh bagels, unicyclists, Hamlet, a former actress, and shiny things. What more could you want? (Read my review.)
What Happens Here by Tara Altebrando - Perfect title for a story set in Vegas. (Read my review.)

June 2008
A La Carte by Tanita S. Davis - I'm so excited for Tanita, I could burst. (Read my review.)
Almost Alice by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor - I've been reading this series for decades.
House of Dance by Beth Kephart - The slow-quick-quick movement of life and loss. (Read my review.)

July 2008
Poison Ink by Christopher Golden - A new Golden thriller means a new chance to introduce him to teen and adult readers. Start thirsting for it now, people. It's worth it.

August 2008
The Brimstone Network by Tom Sniegoski - The start of a juvenile action-adventure/fantasy series.

September 2008
living dead girl by Elizabeth Scott - I've read two of Scott's novels and am anxious for more. She has three coming out this year: Perfect You comes out in March, Stealing Heaven in May, then ldg. The title has me, and you can thank Faith from Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Angel for that.

October 2008
My So-Called Family by Courtney Sheinmel - Debut novel for middle schoolers.

November 2008
Dog and Bear: Two's Company by Laura Vaccaro Seeger - This is the second book about these fun friends. The first book, simply titled Dog and Bear, had three adorable stories, one of which was meta-fiction. That's right - META-FICTION in a picture book! Loved it!

December 2008
I So Don't Do Mysteries by Barrie Summy - Mysteries and ghosts and rhinos, oh my!

For more titles, check out my entire list of books to read.

Blogs participating in today's highly anticipated round-up include:
Abby (the) Librarian
Angieville
Archimedes Forgets
Bildungsroman
Bookshelves of Doom (Post 1)
Bookshelves of Doom (Post 2)
Bookwyrm Chrysalis
Charlotte's Library
Chasing Ray
Confessions of a Bibliovore
Finding Wonderland (Post 1)
Finding Wonderland (Post 2)
Fuse #8
HipWriterMama
Interactive Reader
Jen Robinson's Book Page
Marlene Perez
Miss Erin
Not Your Mothers Book Club
The Reading Zone
S.A. Harazin
Sarah Miller
Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast
Shaken & Stirred
Teen Book Review
Wizards Wireless
Writing and Ruminating
The YA YA YAs

Whether it's performing in front of a camera, sharing a book with her young sons, or writing a tale of her own, Wendy Toliver likes being a part of a good story. Her debut teen novel, THE SECRET LIFE OF A TEENAGE SIREN, has been released as part of the Simon Pulse Romantic Comedies.  Wendy and I recently talked about playacting, playing the flute, and playing the freelance game.

Congratulations on your SECRET.

Thank you, Little Willow! I am extremely excited and honored to be a Simon Pulse Rom Com author.

I love mythology. For readers who aren't familiar with the myth of the siren, care to explain, and share the basic premise of your novel?

According to Greek mythology, three Sirens lived on an island. They played beautiful music for passing sailors, luring them closer, right into a wall of deadly rocks. But when Odysseus heard their song and lived to tell about it, the Sirens threw themselves into the sea and drowned.
When I read that one of their bodies had been found washed up on a southern Italy shore, it got me thinking. What if one or two of the Sirens didn't drown after all? ( Read more... )

Visit the author's brand spankin' new pretty purple website at WendyToliver.com - then swing by the Simon Pulse Romantic Comedies blog.

Micol Ostow is a writer, a student, a runner, a dog owner, a Scrabble enthusiast, and a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup. Yes, you read that correctly. Now read the interview to find out how she manages to juggle it all.

You drew upon your Puerto Rican and Jewish heritage to write Emily Goldberg Learns to Salsa, which comes out in paperback today! Tell us more about the story, and what else you and Emily have in common.

That's a good question! I think that because Emily and I share similar cultural backgrounds, people expect the story to be much more autobiographical than it actually is. Like Emily, I was raised Jewish (my mother converted before she married my father), but I have more contact with my Catholic family than Emily does. My mother's mother passed away a few years ago, and while it was very traumatic and emotional for all of us, as a catalyst, it sort of functioned exactly the opposite of Emily's grandmother's death.

( Read more... )

Anything else you care to share?

Support your local libraries and independent booksellers! And read read read!

I agree! Thanks, Micol.

Visit Micol in person today at NYPL's Teen Central Jewish Book Month panel featuring Micol Ostow, Judy Goldschmidt, David Levithan, Sarah Mlynowski, and Lisa Ann Sandell

Thursday, November 8th at 4 PM
Donnell Library Center
20 West 53rd Street
(212) 621-0619

Visit Micol online at her website (I hope you like it!) and blog.

Read my previous interview with Micol.

Check out Gwenda's WBBT interview with Micol.

Today's WBBT Schedule
David Mack at Chasing Ray
Paul Volponi at The Ya Ya Yas
Elizabeth Knox at Shaken & Stirred
Ellen Emerson White at A Chair, A Fireplace and A Tea Cozy
Jack Gantos at Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast
David Levithan at Not Your Mother's Book Club
Micol Ostow at Bildungsroman
Laura Amy Schlitz at Miss Erin
Kerry Madden at Hip Writer Mama
Sherman Alexie at Interactive Reader

A person should never judge a book by its cover. However, you can't deny that the Simon Pulse romantic comedies have incredibly cute covers - all of which have been created by artist Amy Saidens. ( Read more... )

To see more of Amy's artwork, please view amysaidens.com

You could say that Micol Ostow and I go way back - back to the days (and nights) when a certain Slayer ruled the airwaves. We knew each other by association; mutual friends gave us one or two degrees of separation, but we never met in person or worked together directly.

Now Micol is an established author in her own right, and I'm pleased as peaches for her. Our paths crossed again recently, and she allowed me to interview her as part of the Simon Pulse blitz. ( Read more... )

Click over to Micol's official website and blog. Pick up EMILY GOLDBERG LEARNS TO SALSA at your favorite local bookstore or library.

Erin Downing's books are fun. So is she. After reading her debut novel, which made me sing ABBA songs all day long, I had the chance to interview her.

Dancing Queen is a romantic comedy that is "clean" enough for younger teens to enjoy. Was that, er, cleanliness a conscious choice on your behalf, or due to protocol for the line of S&S romantic comedies?

The book sounds so prissy when you call it "clean"! But yes, the cleanliness was a somewhat conscious choice. ( Read more... )

Read my full-length review of Dancing Queen.

Visit Erin at her official website and her LiveJournal.

Learn more about the Simon Pulse Romantic Comedies.