Win Sorta Like a Rock Star by Matthew Quick!

One of our featured titles this month, Sorta Like a Rock Star by Matthew Quick, has a fantastic trailer. Watch it below, and then head over to melissacwalker.com for a chance to win the book!

Compassion & Converse

While discussing this month's theme, Compassion, with three readergirlz, we realized that their outfits had a common theme: Converse sneakers. Say hi to Natalie, Tate, and Arielle -- at least, say hi to their shoes.



Arielle was previously seen in last week's rgz vlog. She was also one of the readergirlz (and boys) who finally met John Green and David Levithan in person this past summer, an event which was captured on video - and then the footage was lost. (Woe!) The point is, Arielle wanted to have the authors sign her Converse sneakers, but such a thing wasn't permitted. Maybe next time...

Matthew Quick on Compassion and Kindness

Featured author Matthew Quick left this comment on the previous post, and we felt the need to highlight!

"Amber does have faith in her god, although it is somewhat nontraditional in nature. But I think much of her strength comes from action. She puts herself into the world the best she can, shows compassion through her deeds, and helps to make the lives of those around her better, which in turn makes Amber stronger and her life richer. Her attitude is important; it's what buoys her. For Amber, compassion is synonymous with action.

"My wife (novelist Alicia Bessette) and I run a blog called Quest For Kindness. Each Thursday we publish an essay on the subject of kindness. As you might imagine, the topic of compassion comes up quite a bit. Many authors--including YA writers Francisco X. Stork, Lisa Schroeder, and Beth Kephart--have already added their voices. We invite all of you to read and submit."

Thanks, Matthew!

Arielle Discusses Compassion

When asked to define and discuss this month's theme, Compassion, here's what readergirl/high school student/Nerdfighter/Doctor Who fan/all-around awesome Arielle had to say:

Featured Title: SORTA LIKE A ROCK STAR, by Matthew Quick

When I heard that the postergirlz had picked Sorta Like a Rock Star as a December Featured Title, I was immediately intrigued. What can I say? I'm drawn to books that reference rock in their titles. But, you know, maybe that's just me. 

Besides - this book has WAY more to offer than just a rad title. My oh my, was I in for a treat! Here's what Booklist has to say about SLARS: 

Although Amber and her single alcoholic mother are currently homeless and have been secretly crashing in a school bus, the 17-year-old remains a self-proclaimed princess of hope. And why not, when she has an adorable rescued dog and fellow socially challenged friends in the Franks Freak Force Federation? She is teaching English after school to Catholic Korean women, the Korean Divas for Christ, through classic R & B music; she is learning the art of haiku from a once-reclusive Vietnam vet; she is the reigning champion in a weekly word battle against a Nietzsche-loving senior at the Methodist Retirement Home; and she lives according to her tremendous faith. Her world and faith shatter, however, when her mother suffers a violent tragedy, and afterward, Amber struggles to reclaim her belief in God. This memorable teen’s fresh voice and uplifting spirit will endear readers (word!), while a bring-down-the-house ending will inspire them to find the best in humanity (true!). 


Amber's voice is fresh, quirky, and unique - I'd direct any aspiring writers to SLARS pronto for a lesson in crafting authentic, original characters. Unsurprisingly, just as unique is her creator, Matthew Quick, who's here to wax contemplative on this month's theme, Compassion: 


When I started writing SORTA LIKE A ROCK STAR, the first-person voice of my protagonist, Amber Appleton, just sort of popped into my head. Part of me worried Amber’s voice was too intense, too Amber. Should I really be writing from the POV of the opposite gender? Did Amber talk about God too much? Would readers tolerate her quirks and catchphrases? But the more time I spent with Amber, the more I grew to love her, until I knew I had to complete her story.

I wrote SLARS during a happy period in my writing life. I felt good about who I was. I felt confident about my writing. This is not always the case. But at the time, I was strong enough to allow Amber to exist on the page exactly how she wanted to exist. I felt strong enough to offer my character, story, and myself compassion.

Since SLARS was published, many people have also fallen in love with Amber Appleton, quirks and all. I’ve received e-mails from teenagers who wish Amber were real, because they want to hang out with her. Some people have told me that Amber makes them aspire to be a better person. Others have proudly told me that they know someone who is very much like Amber Appleton. A few have said that SLARS got them through a tough time. And some have simply said that Amber makes them happy.
    
And so Amber and I are glad to bring you this story and hope that it will lift your spirits—or at least make you smile.  And we, of course, hope you’re having a great day.


Thanks so much for stopping by, Matthew! You can definitely add me to the list of people who'd kill to hang with Amber. And as much compassion as you showed her (and yourself!) during the writing process, as a reader I'm impressed with Amber's continued compassion and empathy for others despite her own difficult circumstances. 


So, readers - have you read Amber's story, and did it inspire you to show more compassion to others? Is there an Amber in your life? 

Featured Author Quote: Holly Black on White Cat

Holly Black stopped by to add her input on our discussion of Compassion and White Cat, so we thought we'd highlight that for anyone who missed it! Holly says:

"It is so interesting to hear people talk about my characters like they're people you know -- it's one of the things that I think writers like best, because most of the time we're alone with these characters for long stretches of time. They become real to us and we have strong feelings about them - but we're the only people who do - so when we meet readers who want to talk about them, it makes us feel less crazy.

"The thing I have been continuously surprised by is the compassion that readers have for Barron. He's a troubled and troubling guy, but many feel sorry for him in a way that I don't!"

Thanks, Holly! White Cat readers: Thoughts? Have you ever felt compassion for a character who wasn't necessarily "good"?

White Cat: Characters with Compassion

This week's focus is on Holly Black's White Cat and it's an excellent representation of this month's theme: Compassion. Cassel is a character with great compassion in the midst of a cold, calculating, con-artist family.

For discussion: If you've read White Cat, how do you think Cassel developed his own deep compassion in this harsh setting?

And, in general, what books have you read where a character has great compassion, and how did it shape the story?

December Playlist

Hey readergirlz! We asked you to suggest songs suitable for this month's theme, Compassion, and here's what you came up with:

(If you can't see the playlist above, you need Flash.)

Note: Not all of the recommended songs were available at the Project Playlist website. Here's the full list of tracks suggested by readergirlz:

Sally by Jonatha Brooke
Serena by Duncan Sheik
Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel
One by U2
Fix You by Coldplay
Explode by The Cardigans
Love a Diamond by Tonic
When You Come Back Down by Nickel Creek