New Friends

   

I couldn't pass up putting this little guy here. He's the hero in Bruce Hale's kids' detective books. Name of Chet Geeko. (see below)

Today was a kind of exciting day. Not a 'usual' exciting day, but a kind of exciting day. I made new friends. Now, you might laugh, for they are Facebook friends and LinkedIn friends. I don't know if I'll ever meet them or speak with them or even Skype them, but I don't care. They are new friends.

They are also authors. I went to the library today and took out some of their books. With a friend, you want to share and what better way to share and know someone than by reading their books. (BTW - I will buy everyone's books when I am published. Well, maybe not everyone's books. Maybe not each ones bunches of books, but I'll try.)

First friend is Yanitzia Canetti. Isn't that a great name?!? The library only had one of her books, 'When Times Are Tough.' They are expecting her Spanish alphabet book soon and I got put on the waiting list for it. Reading the picture book, 'When Times Are Tough,' was a bit difficult. My parents lived through the 'Great Depression' and never stopped telling stories of picking coal from the railroad tracks and standing in soup lines. My dad worked for the WPA building roads and such. It was an incredibly difficult time. This book brought a lot of my parents' stories to life. Though geared for children, it mirrors what is happening in their world today. Too many children are living with grandparents, or worse yet, in the family car. Too many don't have enough food or clothes or dignity. Yanitzia's book shows that this time of tumult can be a time of learning and caring and sharing. That good things can come from it. I liked it a lot, but I'm glad I read it first before I read it to my little one. I know she's going to have questions.
http://www.yanitziacanetti.com/

The second friend is Bruce Hale. Bruce writes detective stories for kids. His 'hero' is an unlikely one - a geeko. The book I took out was 'Farewell My Lunchbag.' It's fun. Bruce has a wicked sense of humor. 'The bittersweet perfume of stinkbug muffins filled the air.' Bruce has got a great feel for what makes kids laugh. I'm only on chapter four, but I'll finish it tomorrow. My little one swore she'd be able to read this - it's for 8 and up - but I doubt it. I know she'll enjoy the story. Besides all the fun stuff, there is definitely a mystery and a good one, too.
http://www.brucehale.com/booksp1.htm

Lastly, friend #3 is David Macinnis Gill. I'm a sci-fi fan, but have been away from the genre too long. I'm glad I 'ran into' David over at Facebook. I took out his 'Black Hole Sun,' and am looking forward to reading it. I cut my teeth on Heinlein, Asimov, Bradbury, and Clarke. I spent my entire teen years locked away, reading into euphoria.
http://davidmacinnisgill.com/category/blog-posts/

And then there's my one and only love, Bernard Cornwell. I've been so busy with writing my three books, editing and such, that I haven't kept up with the man. At the library today, on a whim, I asked if there was anything new. Hooray! There was. I took out 1356. And Bernard always puts maps in his books. I love maps. Oh well. I digress. 1356 looks like it's about finding a weapon, St. Peter's Sword, to win the battle. Both sides, French and English, seek this treasure. I can't wait to read it. But I must. I have to put it off til the week-end 'cause the little one is still with me. If you love historical fiction, you've got to read Bernard. He doesn't stay with one era, either. He's all over the place. His website's been redone and it looks awesome.
http://www.bernardcornwell.net/

I spent much of the day reading the Scholastic Fairy Princess stories to my little one. *g* This week-end will be mine.

Life is adventure.

PS - watched The Hobbit again today with the little one. We have such fun with it. Whoo hoo!