We are so excited to introduce a new book review blog chain called The Bookanistas. We're a group of writers who are at various stages in the publishing process and have decided to band together to recommend and promote the books we love. As writers we've made a conscious decision to post only about books that we're excited to read or books that we've already read and loved.
We will post reviews every Thursday that cover various topics – upcoming ARCs, books we've read and enjoyed, and even cover reviews. The Bookanistas think books are the new black, so if you'd like one of us to review your book or ARC, feel free to contact us and we will add it to our list.
This week we've decided to recommend STRANDED by J.T. Dutton
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How is Kelly Louise supposed to shed her virginal status when the baby in the cornfield shadows her every hair flip, every wink? And the one boy around who rates anywhere near acceptable on the Maximum Man Scale only has eyes for her cousin, Natalie (who only has eyes for Jesus).
But Natalie has a secret. Everyone is so busy burying the truth about Baby Grace, they can’t see who they’re burying alive.
Welcome to Heaven, Iowa.
LiLa's Take: We fell in love with this book when we attended the book launch and heard the author read an excerpt. Kelly Louise's voice is engaging and often times laugh out loud funny.
According to Kelly Louise, the Sorenson family is very emotional, "possibly the reason we have a history of farm foreclosure and alcoholism." Yet her Nana is always hoping they'll turn things around which might explain the reason "she opted for the white rug in the living room, instead of a more practical color for soda and gin drinkers like bright orange. The Sorensons had such a bad track record maybe we should be a little more humble in our decorating choices."
Dutton's lyrical and entertaining voice really brings Heaven, Iowa to life. The themes throughout the book are dark, but Dutton has a light touch and handles difficult situations deftly. In Kelly Louise's world wearing a beret is "like wearing a wink." There's magic in her words and her story, and we hope you'll check it out.
Here's a list of the other amazing book recommendations you can check out this week:
29 comments:
So really this is just a clever way for you all to get more ARCs? Very smart, great idea!
Thanks for the great suggestions. ANd bookinistas...love it.
Ooh, that sounds like a great book. Thanks for the suggestion.
Ladies, this is great! Just came from a few of your fellow Bookanistas. I love the avatar and the title. Looking forward to reading.
This book looks awesome! I'm off to goodreads to add it to my list...
Okay I MUST READ THIS BOOK because it sounds awesome. Oh and anything that is in Iowa is something I fully support since I am a native Iowan :)
sounds great! and yay to a fantastic idea!
Great review, LiLa!
Ooh! This one looks really good! More to read!
Check out my BEA BONANZA BOOK GIVEAWAY!
This group is cool because you are compiling all these ARCs that Ive been drooling over and making me want them more. Hm...meanies.
OOHHH...Sounds so good!
This is exciting! I've never heard of this one.
I haven't heard of this one before. Thanks for passing the title along. Now I am off to go buy stock in Barnes and Noble, thanks to you Bookanistas!
Marissa
Great idea! This book is new to me - sounds great! :)
Wow, I'm excited to hear about this book! I can't wait to read it. =)
This looks amazing! Sounds like nothing I've heard before. And I'll root for any book that glorifies the Midwest. "Welcome to Heaven, Iowa." LOVE it. Beautiful play on words. I want to go to this Heaven.
Wait. Shoot. Irony. Hm. Just as well. I'm pretty sure Indiana is the only real Heaven on Earth anyway.
Drip. Drip. Drip.
[That's my sarcasm]
Anyway, looking forward to reading this one.
ooh, I love your list! I have heard such good things about Anna and the French Kiss! It's totally on my list!
that bookanista sounds real cool. im gonna share out this post with my family cause all of us are book readers. could you tell me what does ARC stand for? thanks!
...smiles from lenny
Oooh, since The Sky is Everywhere, I'm all over lyrical. I'll be reading this one for sure.
i think this cover is airy and fun.
Yep, definitely sounds like I need to give this one a try. You make it sound all kinds of awesome! :)
It sounds really good. Love that line abut the boy having eyes for her cousin who only has eyes for Jesus. That's funny.
My blogger feed:
Bookinistas
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See a pattern here?? I do. :)
I'll definitely throw this on one my tbr pile. Sounds terrific!
You guys are going deep lately. This sounds both dark and engaging. Thanks for the rec and best wishes on Bookanistas!
Hey guys! I just checked out your reasons for blogging on Kimberly Derting's blog! I just wanted to say it made me smile and it was great! I already am "following" your blog (number 802, in fact) and just wanted to say hi!
Nice review, Ladies! I love the cover!
I'd never heard of this one, and it sounds good. Thanks for the review!
I adored Stranded as well. Huge love, as expressed here: http://joysnovelidea.blogspot.com/2010/05/book-review-saturday-stranded-by-jt.html
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