January Book: The False Princess

I apologize for the lateness of this entry.

Synopsis/Review:   Nalia goes to bed a princess and wakes up a pauper in Eilis O'Neal's debut novel The False Princess.  Nalia has spent her life in the palace of Thorvaldor. Her best friend is the son of an Earl and she has received the best education her country has to offer.  Then one day she is called to a meeting with her parents where she is informed that her parents are not actually her parents and she is not really Nalia!  She is actually Sinda, a stand-in for the real princess, and she is being sent to a small village to live with her only remaining relative--a penniless washerwoman.  Sinda finds herself inept at the daily drudgery required of a washerwoman and she is scorned by the local teens.  She soon discovers that she possesses the gift of magic and she returns to the city to find answers.  Along with the answers she seeks, Sinda rediscovers the boy she tried to push away and a secret deep and dark enough to repave the course of history for Thorvaldor!  The False Princess is a fast read, filled with action and intrigue.  The characters are lifelike, lovable, and enjoyable.  You are sure to enjoy this book.

Book Club Questions:
1. Sinda goes to sleep a princess and wakes up to discover that her entire identity, even her name, is false. Have you ever discovered something about your own past that changed the course of your life?

2.  Why do you think Sinda initially forsakes her friendship with Kiernan? Do you think this response is acceptable?

3.  What parts of the book surprised you?

4. What does friendship mean to you?  What about loyalty?  Trust?

5. What are your overall impressions of the book?

New Stuff and a Reminder...

Rain is beating a subtle rhythm against my windows and pattering against the leaves I never seem to get around to raking.  The sun never brightened the sky today, huddled as it was behind a thick mass of clouds.  It was a gray day.  It was a lazy day.  I spent most of the day curled up on my couch, covered with a thick blanket and wiping at my nose with a handful of tissues.

I haven't managed to accomplish a thing I wanted to do today. My hamper is overflowing with dirty clothes.  Last night's dishes are stacked in the sink.  A pile of wadded, used kleenex peeks out from behind my feet because I'm too lazy to get off my rear and throw them away.  I haven't even managed to make the short jaunt to my local bookstore to pick up January's Debut Novel pick for this blog (it was released today). 

In my defense I think I have the flu.  I did slink off the couch just long enough to take my temperature and the thermometer glared a rude 102 at me.  My body aches and my nose has turned into a broken faucet.  Plus I have this horrible cough and my throat feels so raw if I didn't know better I'd think I must have swallowed broken glass.  I'm sick and I am not good at being sick.  I get mad when I'm sick.  I get mad that I can't find the energy to get up and do the stuff I need to do. 

So I'm cranky and I haven't accomplished a darn thing today.  What was the point of all this?

Oh yeah!  I wanted to tell you some things.  First, next month I will begin highlighting one independent bookstore each month!  I am really excited to support indie bookstores and our first store is a good one!

I also hope to begin my Teens Speak Series next month.  If you're a teen and you think you might want to guest write for me click here to find out more.

I would also like to remind all of you of the Debut MG/YA Writer Challenge/Book Club. I've had a reader request to extend book discussions to one month after the date of publication for each book.  Our first book is The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal.

It was released yesterday.  I haven't gotten my copy yet, but I will be picking it up ASAP!  I will post a book review and some discussion questions to get people talking one month after the publication date (so February 25th).  I hope some of you will be reading along with me!

The rain has slowed a bit, but my dog is howling.  I guess it's his way of reminding me to feed him.  He must be hungry and no matter how sick I am, he's gotta eat.  Happy reading!