Author Appreciation: Readergirlz

There are many authors that I have a love for and appreciate all of the amazing things that they do. Some of these authors are Readergirlz divas, Liz Gallagher, Holly Cupala, Melissa Walker, Dia Calhoun, Lorie Ann Grover, Justina Chen Headley, and Mitali Perkins.
I have to honestly say that I would not be a YA blogger without Readergirlz. It is where I first talked to people that loved reading as much as I do. It was the first time that I talked to authors and found out how authors are not some sort of robots.
I have met Liz at a few author events. She always ask how I am and we also talk about what we are writing and reading. She is so awesome. Her book The Opposite of Invisible is set in the Seattle area. I could relate to all of the landmarks and places in the book.
Holly is probably the sweetest person that you will ever meet. The first time that I met her was in line at a Barnes and Noble at a signing for Mitali. She gave me a hug and said that it was awesome to meet me. Holly is just an amazing person. I also can't wait to read her book Tell Me A Secret, which comes out in less then 100 days! I also LOVE her blog...
If you don't know who Melissa Walker is... Then let me start with an energetic, outgoing, and caring person. I have devoured every book of hers and can't wait for more to come out. She also runs I Heart Daily, which I love. I can't wait to meet her.
The first time that I met Dia and Lorie Ann, was when I was doing an interview for Readergirlz for a local news station. Dia is really awesome and her books are amazing to get lost into. Lorie Ann is a fantastic person. She is so caring and awesome. I love how Lorie Ann can make such beautiful verse.
Justina's books deal with what teens need the most. Self confidence and understanding from other's and them self. She weaves together such different stories that you can't help, but love. They just embody being a teen so well.
Mitali is an awesome person. It was so fun to meet her. Her book, Secret Keeper displayed sisters and secrets and how they can effect people. I found it amazing, how she was so true to sisters and their relationship.
Anyways, Thank you, Readergirlz for everything that you have done and continue to do.

Secret Keeper by Mitali Perkins

Rating: 4.5/5
Asha is the second daughter in a very traditional in a Bengali family in the 1970's. There are riot and jobs are hard to find. Asha's father is forced to go to America in order to find a job. Her sister Reet, her mother, and herself are going to Calcutta; They are going to live with her father's family. In Calcutta, Asia is trapped in her Grandmother's house. She is unable to go to school, because of lack of money. Her mother finds it disrespectful for her to go outside of the house, on her own. So her freedom is limited.
Asha finds relief in writing in her diary or as she calls it, her Secret Keeper. She tends to write on the roof, until she find out that her neighbor, Jay has been spying on her. He wants to paint her. Asha's sister, Reet has caught the attention of the young men in town. Many are their cousin's Raj's friends. Asha and her family are left with difficult decisions that would alter their life's.
I found this book to be well descriptive. The characters drew a hole in my heart from how life like they were and how the ending wasn't exactly what I wants. It was still amazing. If you want to discover a book, that will pull your heart strings and makes you wonder... How much would you sacrifice to save someone that you loved? It also was great at making Asha and It seem like real sisters. I really hope that you check this book out.
Also check out, Mitali's Blog.
Here is the trailer...



Happy Reading, Sarah.

Cover Art Saturday: Mitali Perkin's Secret Keeper

I have only read Monsoon Summer by Mitali. It was amazing and I recommend it.

Secret Keeper is about Asha and her older sister, Reet. After her father loses his job, Baba is forced to leave India. Her mother, her sister, and herself are sent to live with her uncle in Calcutta.

They don't find it that pleasant. With little savings and time quickly passes. Ma becomes depressed at times and is having a hard time, submitting to her mother and sister-in-law. Reet attracts unwanted attention and marriage proposals with her beauty. Asha become impulsive, because of taking care of Reet and Ma. Secrets are revealed. Asha can only find solace on the rooftop, with her diary or Jay Sen, the neighbor that likes her. News of Baba reaches them, and Asha has to make a choice that will change their lives forever.

Goodness that sounds amazing to me.

The cover is also gorgeous. I love the colors and design. Also, Asha on the cover appears to have some secrets and is contemplating something.

Secret Keeper comes out on January 13. I am so excited for it.

Visit Mitali at her amazing blog: http://www.mitaliblog.com/

Happy Reading!

Peace out, Sarah.