I came across Kate Kae Myers web site a few days ago and read up a little on her. Having been raised in Boise I noticed that she was from there and decided to check out some of her writing.

In the book section of her blog, I came across a chapter from one of her novels entitled, The Third Freak. I liked the title, so I read the summary.

The idea sounds great. The basic plot seems to revolve around a young woman who while dealing with the death of her twin brother, receives what she believes to be an envelope from him with an coded return address and a newspaper clipping inside. Believing him to be alive she decides to track him down. This leads her back to Canada and the foster home the two of them shared when they were children. Apparently, this was a place she swore never to return to because of strange events that occurred there. Along the way, she seeks out Noah, the third in the friends group of self-dubbed “freaks,” a young man she cared for when she was little. She needs his help, but he is not the same person she remembers.

I decided to read the chapter that the author posted below her synopsis and I’m very glad I did.

The chapter seems to not be the first chapter in the book, although if it is, it would make for a great narrative hook, putting you right in the middle of the story and then demanding that some things be explained. I hesitate to explain or tell you what happens in this chapter because really, I would much rather you go to her site, click on the link and read it yourself.

Here, I’ll make it easy for you.

I got the same feeling reading this short chapter, that I had when reading Dean Koontz’s Intensity. There is an urgency that comes through with the main character, a desperation and determination that is wonderful to have when reading a novel. It kept me going and had me more than interested in what would happen to Jocelyn.

I can’t wait to read the whole book. Also, there is a fun book trailer on the site as well.

Check it out.

I came across this post that highlights some of the stranger things that you can stumble across while searching for Waldo in Martin Handford’s Where’s Waldo/Wally? books.

9 Strange Things Found While Searching for Waldo

Speaking of things that are hard to find, Karen over at the blog Munrovian won the Murder By The Book contest. However, she has completely neglected her duties of responding to the e-mail I sent her asking where I can send the present. Shame on you Karen! No, but seriously. E-mail me? :-)

I like reliving my childhood by buy old Choose Your Own Adventures books whenever I visit Powells. I came across this rather in depth analysis of how the books are organized (complete with pictures). If you like CYOA books, you should probably check this out.

Anybody use Shelfari and want to be my friend?

http://www.shelfari.com/thebookpirate

James Frey.

I’m just saying. I don’t -hate- people that often. But it seems that in between stroking his own ego and being obnoxiously cocky that he got away with lying in a “memoir”, he has managed to secure a four book deal with Harper.

And now, for some links:
daydalus blog – Why I hate James Frey
Flavorwire – James Frey Is Addicted to Controversy
Bookpublishing – Because what’s funnier than deriding James Frey?
words for my enjoyment – Today’s Imaginary Conversation With James Frey
Gawker – James Frey Answers Your Gawker Intern Questions (with sass I might add)

Happy Monday!

I came across these two links which I found interesting/humorous and I wanted to share them with you.

- First is a blog post from John Green who wrote a Really Long & Boring Post about Book Advances and Publishing. Sadly, the post fails to live up to its title because I found it more interesting than boring.

- Secondly, do you live in the UK? Do you like books and are seeking someone to read over your shoulder for the rest of your life? If yes, then Borders Bookstore has FINALLY opened up an online dating portion of their site. Called Happily Ever After, you can now search for true love in the comfort of your own home instead of cruising the aisles of your local bookstore.

Today is National Punctuation Day. I know. Exciting, right?

To celebrate I thought I would draw your attention to The “Blog” of “Unnecessary” Quotation Marks. It’s a collection of pictures of signs and what not that improperly use quotations marks. Also, there are witty comments made by the author.

I think I’ve found a new fetish. Literary Tattoos.

Entertainment Weekly has taken up the task of selecting the best “new classic” books of the last 25 years. While I’m hesitant of the reliablity of a periodical that names Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire as #2 (please, Prisoner of Azkaban was far surperior) and one that considers The Da Vinci Code (please, Angels and Demons was far surperior) as a classic. I’d rather get my “new classics” from a source that doesn’t use book reviews to fill up the space between advertisments for TV shows.

Either way, check it out here.

Here are some random book related links I found interesting this week.

- After Snuff, you have Pygmy, Chuck Palahniuk’s 2009 novel to look forward to.
- More book pirates. Publisher allowing people to download their two Mac books.
- This man fears he may have killed the author of The Little Prince author, or maybe he’s promoting his forthcoming book.
- Worried about the environment and buying books effect on it? Plant a tree.

and my personal favorite..

- Novelist strike continues, but nobody cares.