CELEBRATE FAMILY

Hip hip hooray for two books hitting the shelves TODAY, one of which I read and loved, and one I can't wait to read, because I know I will love!

First, SPLIT by Swati Avasthi.



Swati is not only my studio sib (we have the same agent), but she is also my classmate in Class of 2k10. And this book is POWERFUL. I was fortunate enough to win a signed ARC from Jame Richards, and I was riveted. Swati takes heavy subject matter (domestic violence) and shows all sides of it. I loved Jace and how his relationship with his brother (and definition of family) changed through the book. Really strong stuff.

Next, ESCAPING THE TIGER by Laura Manivong.



You may remember me gushing about Laura's book trailer. It's a book about family and history and survival and another culture... what's not to love? Can't wait for mine to arrive from Amazon!

Meanwhile, it has been my privilege to read a few other ARCs I am dying to tell you about. I'm going to start with two that were edited MY editor at Putnam: RESTORING HARMONY by Joelle Anthony and SEA by Heidi R. Kling. So interesting, the similarities in the three (vastly different) books! Will share.

Hope to see some of you tonight, 6:30 at Birmingham Public Library, where I'll be talking about Writing What You DON'T Know.