Author Archives: Liliana M.

Event Recap: Cassandra Clare’s Clockwork Princess Tour

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This is the final entry in our series of Cassandra Clare Clockwork Princess Tour recaps. Click here and here for other perspectives on this bestselling author’s visit to Mission Viejo.

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I could feel the excitement building up as I walked through the various doors to finally reach the busy hall. The room was full of fans, unable to keep from talking about the person they had been waiting to meet for so long. And when we found out she was running late, it was obvious that the anticipation was killing everyone. But the wait was not in vain. Two lucky girls rock-paper-scissor battled for a Jem poster. We also found out people came from as far as Northern California to the book signing, so the person that traveled the farthest won a poster of one of Clare’s popular characters, Will Herondale. (We were all pretty jealous!)

When the one and only Cassandra Clare finally arrived with her allies, Maureen Johnson and Sarah Rees Brennan, everyone exploded with happiness. And they were right to do so, because the three authors were extremely funny and charismatic, eager to answer the endless questions.

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The waving of hands in the air never seemed to finish, so we all learned so much. Just to mention a few:

How do you feel to know that you are influencing people everywhere?

Cassie’s first reaction was to say it’s “terrifying” because she is influencing people with her “strangeness,” but she loves how she comes together with readers with her books.

Where did you get your inspiration for your series?

Cassie’s tattoo artist friend told her about how in the old days, people thought that tattoos gave them protection. So Cassie thought that it would be really cool if there were a whole race of people that had that.

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Book Review: Golden, by Jessi Kirby

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golden_coverDo you often find yourself wondering, what if? What if I would have done that instead? What if I would’ve taken the risk?

Jessi Kirby’s latest novel, Golden, which hits bookstores everywhere on May 14, explores these questions and more.

After I read about Parker Frost and her journey to discover not only what happened with the town’s golden couple that died in an accident ten years ago, but also what she truly wants for herself, I felt like I really understood Parker. It amazed me how Jessi Kirby found words to paint such a realistic world. I could visualize everything and really put myself in the situation, almost shedding a tear or two in some instances. And, the connections Kirby creates with Robert Frost and his work throughout the novel was really cool because it made the book more unique and added layers to it.

But maybe, it is because I completely relate to Parker, her goals, and the way she has led her whole life that I really loved this book. The story revolves around a journal that Parker finds that leads her to making choices that she never might have had the courage to make otherwise. Yet there was so much more to the book than a girl breaking out of her shell; I felt that I learned so much from conclusions that Parker makes. Jessi Kirby eloquently states the things that we already know but ignore or are too afraid to state sometimes.

Two of my favorite quotes are:

“People always put their own spin on things, remember what they want to remember, and somewhere in the middle of it all is the truth – the real version – one you could only write yourself if you were willing to.” (p. 33)

“…chance brought them together and choice made them stay.” (p. 108)

The way I was able to get wrapped up in the book made it impossible for me to set aside. I was sad it was over so soon. So, if you are looking for something quick and worthwhile to read, Golden should definitely be on the top of your list! And if you love plot twists as much as I do, the end will definitely catch you off guard. Enjoy!

-Liliana M., 12th grade

Editor’s note:  This review was based on an Advance Readers Copy generously provided by Simon & Schuster.

Don’t miss author Jessi Kirby when she visits Mission Viejo on Saturday, May 18th! As part of the Summer Lovin’ tour, Kirby will speak alongside other popular YA authors, Kimberly Derting, Megan Matson, Shannon Messenger, Sarah Ockler, and Suzanne Young. This exciting event begins at 3:00 pm in the Friends of the Library Storytime Room at 100 Civic Center.

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This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Mission Viejo Library and A Whale of a Tale Bookshoppe. Books will be available for purchase and signing. For more information or to make a reservation contact the Reference Desk at (949) 830-7100, ext. 5105.

Event Recap: Lauren Oliver’s Requiem Tour

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Boy, had I been missing out!

Ever been to a book signing? As surprising as it may be for some people, I had never been to one before. And boy, had I been missing out! But I was lucky enough to have had Lauren Oliver’s book signing at the Mission Viejo Library as my first ever. She was such an engaging speaker, full of funny comments and remarks that created a relaxed and fun vibe during her presentation.

Lauren Oliver started off by telling us about how she became a writer because she has had a “lifelong love of reading.” She explained how ever since she was little, she would read a book, completely fall in love with it, but then sadly it would have to end. (Know the feeling?) So, she would write short stories or sequels about the books she read, which I thought was pretty cool. I had never thought about doing that before. And yet it was interesting to hear that the first time that she wrote a complete novel was not until her senior year in college! Continue reading →