December: Discussion Roundup

Did you miss any of the December discussion? Speak up!

Compassion:

White Cat with Holly Black

Holly Black on Compassion for Flawed Characters

Love is the Higher Law with David Levithan

Love is the Higher Law: The Personal Side of History

Sorta Like a Rock Star with Matthew Quick

Sorta Like a Rock Star: Amber's Hope and Compassion

 

Happy New Year, rgz! 

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!

Sorta Like a Rock Star: Amber's Hope and Compassion

Matthew Quick's Sorta Like a Rock Star introduces us to Amber Appleton, a contagiously upbeat protagonist who lives with her alcoholic mother in a school bus. She has a lot going on in her world, though, and her hope manages to shine through, even when tragedy strikes.

For those who've read the book: What did you think of Amber in terms of this month's theme of Compassion? Where did her well of Compassion come from?

And, what other books have you read that include a protagonist who manages to let hope rise to the surface, even in dark situations?

Want to share how you are showing compassion this season? Anything special, or just the daily walk to think of others kindly and act when you can? 

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:

Love is the Higher Law: The Personal Side of Huge Events

David Levithan's Love is the Higher Law tackles the tough subject of September 11, 2001 in a very personal way—through the lives of three teenagers who happen to live in New York City on that day. Their individual experiences come together to create the picture of a city in crisis, and the compassion that can arise out of unthinkable tragedy.

For those who've read the book: What is it about David's way of telling this story that puts this huge-scale event in a very personal light?

And, what other books have you read that deal with something on a grand scale -- war, a big historical event, etc. -- and also manage to make the characters' stories shine through?

Also, if you were born, where were you that day?

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"?

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

December Community Service Spotlight

Ready to reach out? Join the Young Artists for Peace and Justice!

In their own words: Young Artists for Peace and Justice (YAPJ) is a youth outreach division of Artists for Peace and Justice, founded by Paul Haggis and friends, an organization that has been providing basic healthcare and education in Haiti since 2008, and has most recently opened the first free secondary school for the children of the slums.

Inspired by her experiences in Haiti before and after the earthquake, Olivia Wilde created YAPJ with friend and fellow APJ enthusiast Barbara Burchfield to mobilize America's Generation Y to be a part of a movement to empower youth throughout the developing world with education.

Visit the Young Artists for Peace and Justice website.

Visit the Artists for Peace and Justice website.

Attend or book an event.

Want to get active in your community, but not sure where to start? Check out Yes You Can!: Your Guide to Becoming an Activist by Jane Drake and Ann Love. This awesome book will inspire you to get up, help out, and speak out. Yes You Can! shines the light on some of the world's most famous organizations, such as Greenpeace, as well as groups that may not be as well known but could make just as much of an impact. It details how these groups began and what they do, and why and how the authors themselves have been moved to help change the world.

Suggest Songs for Our December Playlist

Hey rgz!

We are building the playlist for December. Our theme is Compassion. Give me your suggestions in the comments below, and I'll compile the list for us to rock our November reads.

Suggestions so far:
Sally by Jonatha Brooke
Serena by Duncan Sheik

What songs would you like to hear on the Compassion playlist? Let me know!