Interview: Vicki Green

Author Interview of the Week

This week's author interview is with Vicki Green, author of the Forever Series!

What made you want to be an author?

Seriously, one night I just decided to sit down and put the dream that has been in my head down on paper. I really didn’t know if it would be any good or if I could write it well enough. But, I guess deep down I always wanted to write and I have a very vivid imagination so I thought, why not? The inevitable in all dreams is that you wake up, so you never get the complete story. But as I wrote the story kept unfolding in my mind. The more I wrote the more I wanted to publish it and share it with everyone. To have that feeling that there might be people out there that could love it as much as I do kept me going.

Who has inspired you the most?

Oh, so many! I know it’s a cliché but the first books I really read in my life was Stephanie Myer’s Twilight. But after that, I got into reading Fan fiction for a long time. I actually read some of the most popular Author’s and their stories before they published them as they were writing them chapter by chapter. It was antagonizing waiting for each chapter to be updated but awesome at the same time. Then there are the other Author’s that are so popular that I have come across as their books were recommended by your blog as well as others.

Can you tell us about some of your earlier days of writing?

This is my first book so really I don’t have any early days yet.  J But I can tell you what a thrill it is to get an idea, at 1:00 in the morning, and have to get up to go write it down. Then, while writing, that feeling of your idea’s coming together and when you’re done with a part, the accomplishment you feel is invigorating.

How different is it being an Indie author?

It can be frustrating at times and is a lot of work. You have to self-promote yourself and your book. But it can also be fun, making new friends along the way.

Can you tell us a little about the Forever Series?

My Forever Series #1 of course is My Savior Forever. This is about Cassie, her horrific life growing up and how Jesse saves her from being kidnapped, keeping her protected and safe and how they fall in love while trying to locate her kidnappers. Series #2 is being worked on currently.

Who is your favorite author?

I would have to say Colleen Hoover is one that I respect and admire but I have so many it’s not fair to choose.  

What has been the best experience so far on your journey as an author?

I have made some great new friends and all the people who support my endeavors.

Can you give us some insight on any upcoming projects?

I am currently writing #2 of my Forever Series. I am hoping to release ‘Together Forever’ before the end of 2013.

What advice can you give to any upcoming authors?

Go for your dreams! You won’t know if anything will come from it unless you take that leap! You have to take the bad with the good, but the rewards are so worth it!

Thanks so much, Vicki for interviewing with us! Don't forget to check out her website listed below and pick up your copy of the Forever Series!

Vicki Green Website

Creative Mastermind: Anthony Misiano, aka Harley's Joker.

Many of you may know this guy as one of, if not THE most photogenic Joker to ever walk the planet. And while Anthony Misiano, aka Harley's Joker, is definitely an incredible costumer, he is also an actor, director, writer, song writer and composer just to name a few. Needless to say, Anthony is a talented artist in various forms. As a pretty big fan, I felt honored to have the opportunity to interview him.

Photo: Low Carb Media

So, I must say, as a HUUUUGE Batman fan since as far back as I can remember, it really is an honor to have this opportunity! I can be rather picky sometimes, and you by far have won me over with your incredible costume work as Harley’s Joker. Did you custom make it all yourself?
The costume was all made from scratch with the exception of socks, shoes, spats, gloves and shirt, however all five of those were altered in some way, at least a little if not quite a lot. All pieces are designed by myself, and anything that I personally can do, I do, whether it be making buttons, dying materials, distressing materials, making props, etcetera. I cannot however sew, so when it comes to passing the thread through the needle I call upon the help of a few very talented, extraordinarily patient people who are always open to my sometimes odd ideas. I like thinking out of the box, I think simply because I have no formal training and was never shown the box. I will however admit my underwear is untouched, it's from Macys… I love my Calvins.

 How did this all get started, anyway? You seem to have taken the costuming world, as well as the con world, by storm!
 I’m a born and raised San Diegan, so attending San Diego Comic Con is just sort of a thing you do here. I’ve been going for years. Then last year, without too much motivation, I decided to wear this costume I had been working on. People really responded well to it. It’s all very unexpected.

Photo: Nicotinamida Adenina Dinucleótido

What inspiration did you draw from for your costume? My favorites being The Killing Joke and Batman: The Animated Series, I can see similarities in the costume and the way you portray the Joker. Am I right, or am I bonkers? What are some of your own favorite versions of Mr. J?
I pulled visual inspiration from a very large number of artists renderings, though pretty much 100% from the comics. In reference to “The Killing Joke”, whether or not that’s my favorite Joker COSTUME is neither here nor there, it IS however my favorite depiction in the comics of the characters emotional range and expression. As far as comics in general I was always drawn to the artwork. If you haven’t seen it, check out “Arkham Asylum: A Serious House On Serious Earth”, the artwork by Dave McKean is absolutely stunning.
What’s the best thing that has come from your popularity as Harley’s Joker?
I have an audience with which to share some of my creative passions and projects. :)
I’m very excited about The Batman Chronicles, from both the teaser trailer and images, to the descriptions I’ve read on the Indiegogo page. FINALLY! An excellent looking adaptation true to the comics! The teaser especially gives me chills. What involvement, besides being the Joker (of course), did you play in the development?
I was also on the project as a producer, helping orchestrate certain elements of the production and assisting in guiding the creative vision. Fortunately there was little to no
butting of heads when it came to the piece of work we wanted to produce, everyone had nearly the same ideas in mind. It was a great experience.

(You can check out the teaser, featuring Anthony, here!)
I adore Joker’s Harley! *excited waving to Alyssa* Harley Quinn has been my favorite since her debut. How’d you guys meet, and when did plans for a Harley costume come in? (If you don’t mind my asking.)
I adore her as well. We actually met via a mutual friend online, however I’m not even sure if that person knows that she and I are dating, haha. When we met I was still working on my costume, then after we had been dating a few months San Diego Comic Con happened and everything sort of blew up online. Over the next four to six months or so we pretty much made up our minds that Harley needed to be the next project, so we got to work.
Over the years, I’ve acquired a somewhat ridiculous number of Batman things, most of which are very random, some are pretty nifty collectables. There’s even an autographed picture of this one awesome costumer guy in there. Do you collect any Batman stuff yourself, or have any nifty collections or interests you might want to mention?
I have comics, but nothing of an official collectable status. Outside the realm of Batman I do have a number of unique and wonderful Michael Jackson collectables. I’ve been a fan of his my entire life, since before I can remember.
Random and somewhat off yet on subject – have you ever heard “Joker’s Song” by Miracle of Sound?
About once a day someone will send it to me on my facebook page or post it on my wall. I have heard it plenty of times. :)
You’re an all around creative guy from what I gather. Actor, costumer, director, and I believe I’ve even seen writer. The work on The Batman Chronicles, your con-going as the Joker, and Reel Butter. That’s a lot on your plate! Anything else you do?
Whatever the Universe will let me. I only wish I didn’t need sleep, I could get a lot more done.
What have been some of the most exciting or interesting things that have happened to you between your work as an actor to your time as Harley’s Joker? Have any funny stories? Meet any interesting people?
As far as the Joker stuff goes, conventions are always full of interesting and wonderfully unique people from all walks of life, there’s never a dull moment if you keep your eyes open.
What are some of your favorite roles you’ve gotten to portray as an actor?
Nothing most non-theatre lovers would really know. I suppose the two I enjoyed most were Gary in “Noises Off”, and Picasso in Steve Martin’s play, “Picasso at the Lapin Agile”.
Have there been any books, movies, people, artists, etc. that have influenced you considerably?
 Hundreds. But then again you sort of asked about EVERYTHING, haha.
What’re five random facts or quirks most people don’t know about you that you’d like to share?
1. There’s not a day gone by I don’t wish I could just be by the bay riding a bicycle. 2, I’m a vegan (though my girlfriend makes me cheat and have cheese fairly often now). 3, I write songs and compose music, it’s one of my greatest loves though it will probably never be exercised in any commercial sort of way. 4, I’m compulsively productive and a bit intense at times when I’m working, so I greatly admire the patience of those who actually choose to spend time with me, haha. Fortunately I’m eccentric and entertaining as well. 5, While not afraid of spiders or snakes, bees still freak me out a bit.
Any final comments before you go? Anything you want to ask me or the readers?
Lather, rinse, and repeat. Unless you don’t really care about repeating, then it’s alright. Redundancy is for schmucks anyway. Redundancy is for schmucks anyway.

 

(Photo: Low Carb Media)

I would like to thank Anthony for taking a moment out of his busy schedule for us! Please check out Anthony Misiano and Harley's Joker at the links below:

 

IMDB

Harley's Joker on Facebook

Joker's Harley on Facebook

Moonflower (2011) on IMDB 

Batman Chronicles: Teaser Trailer

The Batman Chronicles on Facebook

 

Photo credit goes to:

Low Carb Media (majority of the images)

Subversive Photography (Joker and Harley image)

Nicotinamida Adenina Dinucleótido

 

 

~Angel



Review: HUNGER by Jackie Morse Kessler

[Info:]

{Title:} HUNGER (Riders of the Apocalypse, Book One)
{By:} Jackie Morse Kessler
{Publisher:} Harcourt Graphia
{Release Date:} October 18, 2010
{Pages:} 180

[Description:]
Lisabeth Lewis is seventeen, anorexic...
and the new Famine, one of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse.


[Thoughts:]


When I heard the concept of HUNGER, as well as who was writing it, I was incredibly excited. Jackie has a brilliant gift, and her premise was just the sort of story I've been waiting for. It took me damn near forever to get ahold of a copy of HUNGER (right after it's sequel, RAGE, debuted), but I finally picked up both books whenever my local Walmart started carrying them.


So, was it well worth the wait?

Did it meet my already high expectations?
No, it didn't meet them... it exceeded those expectations.

HUNGER is a painfully real look at a very hard to swallow (excuse the pun) issue -- and I don't mean the Apocalypse. Lisabeth Lewis struggles with her Thin voice, an ever present reminder of how she isn't thin enough, forcing her to obsess over calories, exercise way too much, and eventually attempt an overdose to rid her of her wretched life.

That is, until salvation comes in the form of Death, who bears no only a striking resemblance to a beloved dead rockstar, but also a scale -- the sign of office for the horsemen, Famine, the Black rider of the Apocalypse.

Lisa denies she has a problem for quite some time, as most girls do. But as she sets off into the night to do her job as Famine, she sees what real hunger is. To make any difference as Famine, Lisa must realize what she's doing to herself as well.

HUNGER is the sort of book the world needs right now, and it should be gracing the shelves of every library and every bookstore -- not sparkly Mormon propaganda.

It's a smart way of showing the real life horror in eating disorders, without sounding preachy or making it seem "cool". HUNGER shows girls struggling with self image that they aren't alone, while also opening their eyes to just how difficult it is in other places, and that the food they waste is food that could save some child somewhere else. I see HUNGER helping at least some girls to get help. And even if it changes only one life, then that's a damn good step in the right direction.

So, find HUNGER by Jackie Morse Kessler and buy it now. Stay tuned for my review of the sequel, RAGE, about War, as well as the next two books - LOSS and BREATH!

~Angel

Sound like something you'd like to read? Click on any of the links below!
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Wal-Mart

Interview: Brooke Cumberland

A Thousand Lives Reviews gives you our very first Author Interview!

This week's author is Brooke Cumberland, author of The Riverside Trilogy.

Taken by Brooke Cumberland

What made you want to be an author?

I wouldn't say anything in particular made me want to be an author, I've always enjoyed writing. Doing college papers were always my favorite - weird I know, but it was just something about putting my thoughts on paper that intrigued me. After reading several New Adult books over Christmas break last year, I decided to put my characters into a story. I found a website where people posted short stories for fun and started writing Kitchen Affairs in there. It had a great response, so I decided to finish the story and started looking into publishing. 

Who has inspired you the most?

An author that has inspired me is the wonderful and talented, Colleen Hoover. Just hearing her story, knowing a little about her background inspires me to keep going and that dreams can happen. My readers always inspire me. I never thought people would want to read my work, it still blows my mind. And my family - my husband, my children, and my dad (who calls me every day and asks how far I am into my next WIP). 

Can you tell us about some of your earlier days of writing?

I remember writing short stories and song lyrics as young as 15. Perhaps sooner, but one of my first "loves" - more like lust, inspired me to write song lyrics. I used to have a small notebook with pages and pages of lyrics. And then I wrote a story and even printed it out. Ironically, I still have it and have yet to read through it - it's on my very long to-do list. I write from pure raw emotion - it gets the best words out of me. 

How has your life considerably changed since you've been published?

Honestly, I am so humble, it's weird hearing people call me an "author." I think what's changed the most is the amount of time I spend writing and networking with readers and bloggers. I absolutely love it! I was stunned when I was asked to be apart of a signing next year. It blows my mind, but I'm so honored and feel blessed to have the readers/bloggers/fans in my life during this journey!

What sparked the idea for The Riverside Trilogy? 

My husband and me met in a restaurant - that is where the main idea came from. He was my general manager and I was the cook. I have a 2 1/2 year old daughter and that is where Stella came from. Although Stella is older, I wanted my heroine character to have a child because I don't see it in many other romance/new adult books. I wanted to portray a love/connection where single parents can still find love and be accepted even as single parents. My husband has 2 kids and so I know firsthand what it's like to be a stepmom and how it feels to go into a relationship that has "baggage" or higher priorities. 

You studied psychology, counseling and education in college. How do you think this has helped you as an author? 

I think it's the main reason I am here writing today! I love writing - but with so much work in college, I didn't have time to write for pleasure. I have learned writing techniques, time management, and how to be thorough in my writing. I know I still have a lot to learn, but I think college and grad school have shaped me as the writer I feel I am today.

What has been the best experience so far on your journey as an author?

Meeting you all!! The readers, bloggers, fans, everyone!! It's seriously the best part. I love meeting new people, but with my lifestyle in my real life, it's very hard to stay in contact with friends. We all have families and jobs that keep us busy, so I seriously feel like you are all family to me. I don't know them personally, but I feel so close to all of you. 

Can you give us some insight on any upcoming projects?

Yes, I have 2 stand alone novels coming this year! Spark releases very soon - August 6 about a sexy firefighter, Eric, who meets Velaney as he's saving her from a burning apartment building. This is very different from the Riverside novels, and I'm enjoying finishing it up! Wonderstruck, comes out in October. It's also very different from the Riverside novels, but it deals with a lot of issues that makes or breaks a person. I'm excited to bring these 2 to my readers! And then of course, Kitchen Promises releases in December - the final book in the trilogy.

What advice can you give to any upcoming authors?

I have so much, where to begin... Well, first off, networking. Something I didn't do until very late in the game. I wrote Kitchen Affairs first then I created an author page. I was so naive and new that I didn't do things the way I am doing them now. But, this whole process is a learning experience, and I'm a fast learner, so I use those opportunities to learn and develop for my future projects. Also - you need to have a thick skin and I say this because you will be criticized - it's inevitable. What you say, what you write, what you post - is all public. I try to remain to myself about major issues because they are my opinions and I don't feel the need to share them with the world. If something is bothering me, I say it in the nicest way possible. 

Be prepared for piracy. It happens. Honestly, I don't even care anymore. I know it happens, it sucks, but I move on from it. If someone is that desperate to steal my work and give people free downloads, they truly are missing out on life. So I say, whatever. 

Write for YOU. No one else. Writing is artistic, full of expression. Don't worry if people will like it or hate it. 

Research. Yes, I said research. Research the best way for you to publish. There are many options. Research editors, cover designers, and other authors. Get in the "know." 

Be willing to support other authors - yes you are trying to become an author yourself, but it's not a one person game. Work together - be a team. I help anyone who asks - if I can that is. It's a scary and crazy journey becoming a self-published author, so direct others on how to get there. 

Have fun. The moment you stop enjoying being a writer, stop. Writing should be able expressing your creativity. If it becomes a chore, it no longer becomes a passion.

Thanks so much, Brooke for interviewing with us! Don't forget to follow Brooke on one of her many outlets! You can also buy her books through the links below!

Amazon Author Page

Goodreads

BlogSpot

Twitter

Kitchen Affairs: 

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Kitchen Scandals:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Interview: Stephanie Kuehnert

Photo by Chad McGavock

NOTE: This is an interview I did quite a while back, before BALLADS came out in stores! But, I still found it interesting and thought it was worth a repost. Hope you enjoy and check out her books!

 

Can you tell us some about your earlier days with writing?

 

Well, I've been writing seriously since high school. In high school, I focused more writing 'zines. I wrote a series of feminist zines and then three per-zines (or personal zines), which contained personal essays, mostly about the things I was going through at the time, getting through the pain from an abusive relationship and trying to help drug-addicted friends. Those were some pretty painful years. After high school I wrote a bunch of short stories... if you can call them that. They were really more prose poems. I desperately needed feedback to help me find my voice and the direction of my work and I finally got that when I was 21 and started attended the Fiction Writing program at Columbia College Chicago. Being around other writers really inspired me and I started writing furiously and getting feedback that helped me shape my stories into something. That early work would lead to my first and second novels.

What sparked your inspiration for I WANNA BE YOUR JOEY RAMONE?

I've loved punk rock since junior high and have been particularly inspired by female punk musicians. I wanted to be one, but I don't have that kind of talent, so I created Emily because I wanted to live vicariously through her. I also would love to live in a world where a female-fronted band is the biggest thing out there, so I created that world in a novel. It's a tribute to all the female musicians I've loved.

Has your life changed considerably now that you're a published author?

Nah, not really except for that now I get fanmail which is awesome and makes me happier than I can tell you. I did quit my full-time job, but that's not because writing is paying the bills. I'm back to the part-time job I had in grad school, bartending. It gives me more time to write and I'm taking a gamble, hoping it will pay off and I don't regret giving up benefits and retirement and all of that!

What is one of the most unusual events that has occurred since IWBYJR debuted? Any bizzare signings?

I did have a kind of bizarre event recently. A reading where my audience was two librarians and a teenage girl (those are the people I'd expect) and then a younger boy and two older men. Like the boy was probably in 6th or 7th grade which is too young for my book and one of the older men was probably in his 70s or 80s. He asked me to define punk rock. He also asked why my hair didn't match my shoes (my bangs and converse sneakers are both pink, but different shades). I still had fun though. I had to choose a new section to read at the last minute because of the age of the boy, but both of the older men bought the book. I don't think the one who asked me about punk rock will read it, but I think the other might! On the other hand, this Sunday I am reading a major rock club in Chicago with Irvine Welsh, the legendary author of Trainspotting. It's going to be a much different audience and *gulp* way bigger... It takes all kinds. That is the fun of it!

What has been the best experience on your journey to becoming an author so far?

Oh there are so many! I've meet some amazing authors. I've done some great events. I've gotten to talk to musicians I admire. Working with MTV Books has been totally amazing. But probably the best thing of all is hearing from and especially meeting people who enjoyed the book. Especially meeting teen girls who remind me of me at that age. I am so happy that my book provided them with an outlet because I know how much I needed that.

"Women Who Rock Wednesday" is a brilliant idea! Why did you decide to honor women of the arts in your blog?

 

Well, I started by featuring 5 women who rocked during the week that IWBYJR came out. It seemed right since IWBYJR was a tribute to the women who rocked my world in many ways. And then I realized that there were so many more women that I wanted to feature and that unfortunately in many artistic fields (music certainly comes to mind), women still aren't given as much attention as men. I wanted to do something about that, so I decided to start featuring women that rock my world. I'm trying to mix it up and feature all kinds of artists and people at different places in their careers. This month I already interviewed a young fashion designer and I will be interviewing a pretty well-established author and a band that I think is going to be the next big thing. At least they deserve to be. Since I understood what feminism was, I've been trying to empower women, so this is just another part of that. And Wednesdays definitely get more hits on my blog than any other day so I'm glad people are enjoying it!

Who is your favorite rockstar?

My all-time favorite rock star is Kurt Cobain. It sounds cheesy but Nirvana truly changed my life. I admire Kurt as a musician and a human being. He used the fame he had to get the word out about causes that meant a lot to him and about bands that deserved attention. He was very supportive of women and I quoted him at the beginning of IWBYJR about women being the future of rock n roll. I wish he'd stuck around, the world needs him.

My favorite living rock star is Courtney Love. I know she's controversial, but she's total rock 'n' roll, baby and her lyrics, particularly on her first two albums, I wish I could write the novel equivalent to that. She's so honest and raw.

Finally, do you have any upcoming projects? Can you tell us a little about them?

Yep, my second book, BALLADS OF SUBURBIA, is due out from MTV Books in Summer 2009. Probably in July. It's about a teenage girl who has always felt like a misfit in her suburban town. She finally finds her place among the other punks, skaters, freaks, and geeks that hang out in a park at the center of town, but her life and the lives of her friends are pretty troubled and things start to spiral out of control. It's basically a classic coming of age story. And since I'm pretty terrible at these summary things, you can just read the first chapter on my website at http://www.%20stephaniekuehnert.com/backstage.html

Thanks for dropping by, Stephanie!

Visit her website:
http://www.stephaniekuehnert.com/

~Angel

A Book by It's Cover(s): Prophecy of the Sisters

I love seeing the changes in covers that some books get. A lot of the time, it does wonders for the author and for the sales of the book itself. And as I've noticed this, I've also found myself wanting to make some posts about some of my favorite or some of the most recent changes. For instance...

The gifted author, Michelle Zink, had some changes with the cover of her incredible debut gothic novel, PROPHECY OF THE SISTERS.

+ The ARC cover:

+ The First Edition Cover:

+ The Newest Cover:

Now, personally, I have the first two versions myself ( the ARC and the hardback first edition.) But I do adore the new cover, and find myself tempted to add it to the collection. I'm very glad the ARC cover changed, because I wasn't all that fond of it. And I love the first edition cover, the mysterious appeal of the twin statues and the rose -- plus, there's something almost... unsettling about it, which I found to be an ideal fit with the gothic theme. But the newest cover is rather stunning, and showcases the sisters for us. It has a nice composition to it, still holds some mystery about it, and will probably draw more appeal to more readers with this fresher cover. I definitely don't see this as a bad cover upgrade.

And, no matter what cover it has, I still say you need to rush out and get yourself a copy of Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink. She's extremely gifted, not to mention a wonderful woman all around.

~Angel

Review: Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert

[Info:]

{Title} Ballads of Suburbia
{By} Stephanie Kuehnert
{Publisher} MTV Books
{Release Date} July 21st, 2009
{Pages} 368

[Description:]


Kara hasn't been back to Oak Park since the end of junior year, when a heroin overdose nearly killed her and sirens heralded her exit. Four years later, she returns to face the music. Her life changed forever back in high school: her family disintegrated, she ran around with a whole new crowd of friends, she partied a little too hard, and she fell in love with gorgeous bad-boy Adrian, who left her to die that day in Scoville Park....
Amid the music, the booze, the drugs, and the drama, her friends filled a notebook with heartbreakingly honest confessions of the moments that defined and shattered their young lives. Now, finally, Kara is ready to write her own.

[Angel's Thoughts:]

I fell in love with I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone the first time I read it, placing Stephanie Kuehnert on my list of favorite writers ever. Her right to remain on this list was confirmed with her second novel, Ballads of Suburbia.

I've gotta say, I really think I might love Ballads of Suburbia a little more than I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone, mainly because I could really closely relate to Kara, the main character, probably more than any character I've ever read before. She feels real, and that's something I adore about Kuehnert's writing. Both of her books feel like they could be real, either like you're reading a memoir, or you're remembering your past or listening to a friend's story. There were definitely several parts that felt like pieces of my past. I had a few dreams that I was Kara while I was reading it. This book is that powerful. Not to mention, you laugh, cry, and actually get a little depressed once you finish reading it, because you really don't want it to end. Ballads is one of the few books to actually make me cry, and I think it's because of how similar I felt to the main character.

Ballads is right up there with my top favorite books of all time. I've said it a few times, and I'm more than willing to say it again -- Stephanie Kuehnert deserves to be a New York Times Bestseller. She's a talented writer with amazing books, and one of the authors I'll always be looking forward to new work from.

So, head out to your local bookstore or get on Amazon RIGHT NOW and purchase this book. I promise -- you will NOT regret it.



~Angel

{Alesha's Thoughts:}

I will admit that I have never read a book that dives as far into the alternative teenage lifestyle as Stephanie Kuehnert does in Ballads of Suburbia. This is an amazing book that pulls at your heartstrings and leaves you wondering whatever happens to the characters after the book ends. I fell in love with every couple, every single character, every mistake and more. I loved reading and realizing that there are people who experience these things in every day life. It explores topics such as self-harming, substance abuse and recreational drugs. This book is raw and is very straight to the point. It sucks you in and makes you feel as if you are walking right beside every character and living the book. I would definitely suggest this book to anyone!

~Alesha

Sound like something you'd like to read? Click any of the links below!
Amazon
Ballads of Suburbia
Wal-Mart

Review: I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone by Stephanie Kuehnert

[Description:]

Punk rock is in Emily Black’s blood. Her mother, Louisa, hit the road to follow the incendiary music scene when Emily was four months old and never came back. Now Emily’s all grown up with a punk band of her own, determined to find the tune that will bring her mother home. Because if Louisa really is following the music, shouldn’t it lead her right back to Emily?

[Info:]

{Title} I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone

{By} Stephanie Kuehnert

{Publisher} MTV Books

{Release Date} July 8, 2008

{Pages} 352

[Angel's Thoughts:]

 

~To be fair, I both read this excellent book and wrote this review back in 2009 – but it’s one I still believe in and adore, hence the repost of my review. Enjoy! ~

Now this, my dear readers, is the book I’m always pleased to find when I buy new books. Stephanie Kuehnert has a gift when it comes to writing. Especially writing books that feel unbelievably real. In her debut novel, I WANNA BE YOUR JOEY RAMONE, Stephanie introduces us to Emily Black, a girl born to rock. You journey through her life, the formation of her band — She Laughs — and her desire to find her mother again, and understand just why she left in the first place.

When I started reading I WANNA BE YOUR JOEY RAMONE, I was working the 9 to 5 life as a volunteer in a medical clinic. I would take books in to read on my break. Needless to say, I hid out whenever I could once I began reading, and somehow managed to read every page in one day. There were times in which I completely forgot I was reading fiction because it felt so absolutely real and raw. There were times that I felt like I knew exactly what the characters felt, and times where I felt like I was being shown a life unlike my own. All the while, I still couldn’t get a grasp on the fact I was reading a fictional story about a fictional girl, though I’m sure her story is likely to be lived out somewhere.

If I could, I’d kick Twilight off the “Bestseller” list and place I WANNA BE YOUR JOEY RAMONE where it should be — on the Bestseller list. This is a book for the young, and the old. For the reader, and for the one that is searching for something that really speaks out to them about the chaos in their life.

So, if you haven’t read I WANNA BE YOUR JOEY RAMONE, do so. Stephanie Kuehnert does not disappoint. Look forward to my review of her second novel, BALLADS OF SUBURBIA, soon to come!

~Angel

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Top 20 To Be Read: Angel

 

1. “Breath” (Riders of the Apocalypse Book #4)  by Jackie Morse Kessler
2. “The Nightmare Garden” ( The Iron Codex Book #2) by  Caitlin Kittredge
3. “Guardian of the Gate” (Prophecy of the Sisters, #2) by Michelle Zink
4. “Circle of Fire” (Prophecy of the Sisters, #3) by Michelle Zink
5. “The Pleasures of the Damned” by Charles Bukowski
6. “The Last Night of the Earth Poems” by Charles Bukowski
7. “Horns” by Joe Hill
8. “NOS4A2″ by Joe Hill
9. “Cryptic Cravings” (Vampire Kisses, #8) by Ellen Schreiber
10. “Immortal Hearts” (Vampire Kisses, #9) by Ellen Schreiber
11. “The Madman’s Daughter” (The Madman’s Daughter, #1) by Megan Shepherd
12. “The Collected Poems of Emily Dickinson”
13. “Crash” by Lisa McMann
14. “Sharp Objects” by Gillian Flynn
15. “Beautiful Darkness” (Caster Chronicles, #2) by  Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
16. “Beautiful Chaos” (Caster Chronicles #3)  Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
17. “Please Ignore Vera Dietz” by A.S. King
18. “Everybody Sees the Ants” by A.S. King
19. “Ask the Passengers” by A.S. King
20. “Looking For Alaska” by John Green

An Introduction to Angel.

My name is Angel Young, and I'm a bit eccentric by nature.

I’m a writer, photographer, artist, student, and weirdo. I do a little bit of everything. Most of the time I work in a doctor’s office, but I also sell wick-less candles on the side. But some of my more favorite jobs have been at a haunted house, reviewing for various sites – including my own, being a staff writer for Ax Wound, and working seasonally for a Halloween supply/costume store called Johnnie Brock’s Dungeon. =)
I was diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome in May 2013 after well over a year of trying to figure out what was wrong with me. It’s a struggle to deal with an autoimmune disease, especially one that is shrugged off by others a lot. But I don’t let it stop me from chasing my dreams.
I’ve always been interested in creative outlets and I’ve decided to follow my dreams of being a writer. But I refuse to stop there – hence why I’m a photographer and artist, as well as the occasional makeup artist, etc.
Comic book junkie that requires lots of caffeine. Cut teeth on vampire movies and carried around a Wolfman doll when I was very young. He was named Wolfy. I loved him dearly.
Obsessed with Batman, Converse, tattoos, zombies, Universal Monsters (the goodies but oldies) and Harry Potter – I’m kind of a nerd. I have an insane amount of Batman stuff that I’ve been collecting since I was a kiddo.
I refuse to live an ordinary life. It’s simply not for me. So, I try to do as many amazing things as I can. I’m doing fairly well so far:
I’ve been to various amazing shows (Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Batman Live, etc – I’m a theater junkie), met some amazing authors, artists, actors and comedians (and I’m not done yet), and before I turned 18 I went to a writer’s conference in New York to meet some amazing people, learn a lot more about the publishing world, and showed my work to two agents that were very interested in me. I’ve reviewed for several authors in the past, as well as for horror-web.com. I’m also a staff writer for Ax Wound and have had a few photos published with them as well. Pretty awesome feeling to grace the same pages as people like Eli Roth and the incredible Soska Sisters (of the recently released American Mary and, before that, Dead Hooker in a Trunk)
Yeah, I’m not in this life to do it half-assed.
So, to put it simply – I’m a Batman obsessed little freak of nature, covered in tattoos, almost always in Converse, running around in my own little LaLa Land.
You can follow my journey here on my blog, or like my facebook page – Misadventures of a Misfit
~Angel