Cover Lust Friday: Nevernight by Jay Kristoff

   Cover Lust Friday is a weekly meme that's all about covers. Pick a cover that stands out to you, add your reason why you've chosen that particular one or what you like about it. Let's have fun with it and share the love for our favorite covers.

   The Cover:

Nevernight by Jay Kristoff

Expected Publication: August 9th 2016 by Thomas Dunne Books

Number of Pages: 384 Pages (Hardcover)

Series: Yes, #1 in the Nevernight Chronicles

   In a land where three suns almost never set, a fledgling killer joins a school of assassins, seeking vengeance against the powers who destroyed her family.

   Daughter of an executed traitor, Mia Corvere is barely able to escape her father's failed rebellion with her life. Alone and friendless, she wanders a city built from the bones of a dead god, hunted by the Senate and its thugs. But her gift for speaking with the shadows leads her to the hearth of a retired killer, and a future she never imagined.

   Now, Mia is apprenticed to the deadliest flock of assassins in the entire Republic—the Red Church. Treachery and trials await her with the Church’s halls, and to fail is to die. But if she survives to initiation, Mia will be inducted among the chosen of the Lady of Blessed Murder, and one step closer to the only thing she desires.

   Revenge. (goodreads.com)

   The Reason:

   This cover is absolutely gorgeous, 'nuf said.

   No, but seriously, just look at it! I'm nota fan of fantasy and even I'm sitting over here like "I must have this book" even if only so I can have that cover standing on my shelf. Sure, never judge a book by its cover, but if the inside of the book is anything like the cover, color me intrigued! This cover is mysterious, intriguing and contains a tiny bit of an creepiness factor which makes it all even better, and that font in amazing. Whoever designed this cover, he or she did an outstanding job.

* * *

Want to join in? No problem! Just follow the 'rules' below:

1. Write a blog post (or post a picture using #CoverLustFriday on Instagram) about a cover you love.
2. Add your link in the comment section of the original post (click here) so we can have something like a list going on.
3. And if you’d be so kind, I’d appreciate a link back from your own post.
4. Check out other posts, and have fun!

Waiting om Wednesday: Wanderlost by Jen Malone

   Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine in which we discuss our most anticipated upcoming releases.

   The book:

Wanderlost by Jen Malone

Expected Publication: May 31st 2016 by HarperTeen

Number of Pages: 352 Pages (Hardcover)

Series: No

   Seventeen-year-old Aubree has always idolized her adventurous older sister, even while utterly content to track Elizabeth’s antics from the cozy comforts of home, in the tender care of doting parents. So when Elizabeth gets herself in "a touch of trouble” and, for the first time ever, actually needs Aubree's help, Bree is flattered but insistent.

   There’s no way she can do what Elizabeth is asking. Impersonate her recent-college-grad sis all summer, just so Elizabeth can score the recommendation she needs to land her dream position? Nope, nope, not gonna happen.

   ESPECIALLY when Elizabeth’s summer job is leading a bus tour.

   A bus tour across Europe.

   A senior citizens' bus tour across Europe.

   And that's even before Bree finds out that the tour owner’s super-cute son (who is decidedly NOT elderly) will be a last-minute addition.

   Bree would have to be crazy. Or would she? (goodreads.com)

   My thoughts:

   This story sounds a little far fetched but the whole Europe and travel aspect has me intrigued. I love YA stories that play outside of the US or England, since those two are the most common ones. Besides that, as someone who's traveled across Europe herself, I'm curious to see how well that aspect is executed.

* * *

   Let me know in the comments below or via twitter (@Alice_Reeds) which books you're waiting for this Wednesday!

Ask the Author: Karen Fortunati (The Weight of Zero)

   For this weeks Ask the Author I'm bringing you the amazing Karen Fortunati, author of The Weight of Zero. When I first came across this book I knew that this was something I would love, I mean, it deals with hard topics - bipolar disorder and depression - which already is a big plus, but additionally this story sounds really amazing. So, of course, I e-mailed Karen to ask for an interview. She was extremely friendly and fun to talk to. She agreed to do it so, below, discover her book and her amazing A's for my Q's.

The Weight of Zero by Karen Fortunati

Expected Publication: October 11th 2016 by Delacorte Press

Number of Pages: 400 Pages (Hardcover)

Series: No

   Seventeen-year-old Cath knows Zero is coming for her. Zero, the devastating depression born of Catherine’s bipolar disease, has almost triumphed once, propelling Catherine to her first suicide attempt. With Zero only temporarily restrained by the latest med du jour, time is running out. In an old ballet shoebox, Catherine stockpiles meds, preparing to take her own life when Zero next arrives.

   But Zero’s return is delayed. Unexpected relationships along with the care of a new psychiatrist start to alter Catherine's perception of her diagnosis. But will this be enough? This is a story of loss and grief and hope and how the many shapes of love – maternal, romantic and platonic – impact a young woman’s struggle with mental illness. (goodreads.com)

Interview with Karen Fortunati

   1 - Describe The Weight of Zero with a twitter pitch.

   Supported by friends, doctors and family, a young girl moves beyond thoughts of suicide toward a better future.

   2 - What was the first initial thought or thing that sparked the idea of The Weight of Zero? Was it a name or the most basic idea of a story about a girl with depression caused by having bipolar disorder?

   In 2012, I was attending a writing workshop and had to come up with a first page of something brand new. Catherine, the main character of The Weight of Zero, and the general idea of her story came to me almost immediately. I knew right away that she was considering suicide because she had little hope that a life with bipolar disorder could be meaningful. And I knew it would be a story of hope. When you first meet her, Catherine is seriously struggling and her doctor has made some changes that include a new group therapy program. So the story unfolds from there and we see how these new supports impact her struggle.

   Looking back now, I think I understand why her story called to me. I’ve seen first hand the impact of suicide. I know people who suffer from depression, anxiety, addiction and bipolar disorder. And for these family members and friends who have battled these issues, I’ve also seen them get through it and emerge to a place of stability and peace. My husband’s work continues to support my own experiences. He’s been a child and adolescent psychiatrist for sixteen years and through him, I have a good understanding of the potential of mental health treatment. My unwavering belief that there is always hope is what propelled me to write Catherine’s story.

   3 - How much research did you do on bipolar and depression? And did you, at some point during research, feel discouraged or anxious in terms of writing about it, or rather incorporating it into your story?

   My first manuscript was a middle grade fantasy so when I started writing The Weight of Zero, I felt a frightening amount of responsibility in getting it as authentic as possible. I read all the time, scoured the Internet reading personal accounts, subscribed to blogs, etc. I found Kay Redfield Jamison’s An Unquiet Mind especially moving and that helped me a lot in understanding Catherine. My husband was invaluable in explaining the symptoms of bipolar disorder and the different types of treatment. I was really lucky that way to have him as a resource 24/7.

   4 - Did you have a personal motivation behind writing a story dealing with mental illness or was it out of pure interest in the illness itself?

   I definitely felt compelled to write about high school and what it’s like with the added weight of a mental illness. High school can be tough – intense pressure to have your life completely planned out by age sixteen, social media, peer pressure, bullying, the stress of friendships and romances beginning and ending or not starting at all, college applications, etc. This is what I remember and these are some of the things I’ve seen my own kids struggle with. So Catherine has to deal with all of that. And come to terms with her bipolar disorder. A struggle that’s complicated by the very real stigma having a mental illness often carries. The story follows Catherine as she learns to navigate the built-in stressors of high school along with her mental health and treatment.

   5 - How long did it take you from first thought until publishing deal? Out of curiosity, how many queries did you have to send until you found 'the one'?

   I wrote the first page of The Weight of Zero in the fall of 2012 but didn’t really dive into writing it until a year later. It took me a year and I finished it in November of 2014. Things moved really fast from there. Sara Megibow of KT Literary, my dream agent, offered me representation in January 2015 and Delacorte Senior Editor Kate Sullivan bought it in February 2015.

   Regarding the number of queries, once The Weight of Zero was finished, I queried around fifteen agents.

   6 - How do you feel about the fact that in only a few more months thousands of readers will be able to hold and read your debut novel?

   Incredibly grateful, excited and nervous!

   7 - Why do you think the readers out there should pick up The Weight of Zero? What makes the story stand out and, in a way, important?

   The story explores the culture of high school and what it’s like for kids who have the added burden of a physical or mental disorder. The story focuses on Catherine’s journey – how she adjusts to changes in treatment: a new psychiatrist, a new group therapy program and a new medication. What’s different about The Weight of Zero is that it shows treatment making a positive change in Catherine’s life! It’s about what can happen when doctors and therapy and medication align. Catherine gets this new, expanded support network from the most unexpected people (including one tiny, Italian grandmother!) These changes and these new supports turn out to be critical.

   8 - While writing the story did you ever imagine how a cover might look like and what do you think about the absolutely gorgeous final version?

   I had a very specific image of Catherine and was really worried that the image of her on the cover wouldn’t be right. My editor Kate Sullivan shared that concern and I know she went through tons of images before coming up with the final version. I can tell you that the cover still blows me away. I love the bright yellow and how Catherine is positioned in the middle of the scribbled zeroes. It perfectly captures her and the essence of her story.

   9 - Did you listen to any particular songs or artists while writing The Weight of Zero? If so, could you give us an example?

   I didn’t listen to a specific playlist or artist while writing. In fact, most of the time I wrote without music. But there was one song I heard after I finished the story. It reminds me of Catherine especially as she is in the last three or four chapters of the book - Kelly Clarkson’s “Catch My Breath.”

   10 – What advice could you give aspiring authors?

   Don’t quit! Find critique partners that you trust and enter contests. Contests open up new ways of networking and mentor possibilities.

   11 – If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

   Flying. I have always wanted to be able to take flight like a bird – just start running and then go airborne. Probably because I’m lazy and flying looks effortless.

About the Author

   I’m a writer of contemporary, realistic YA. The subject of my first book, The Weight of Zero, is mental illness, specifically bipolar disorder, and it explores the shame, stigma and anxiety that often complicate the management of this chronic condition. The issue is personal to me having witnessed the impact of depression and bipolar disorder in relatives and friends. My goal was to write a story of hope for teens who struggle with mental illness. (karenfortunati.com)

Cover Lust Friday: We Are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson

   Cover Lust Friday is a weekly meme that's all about covers. Pick a cover that stands out to you, add your reason why you've chosen that particular one or what you like about it. Let's have fun with it and share the love for our favorite covers.

   The Cover:

We Are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson

Published: January 19th 2016 by Simon Pulse

Number of Pages: 464 Pages (Hardcover)

Series: No

   There are a few things Henry Denton knows, and a few things he doesn’t.

   Henry knows that his mom is struggling to keep the family together, and coping by chain-smoking cigarettes. He knows that his older brother is a college dropout with a pregnant girlfriend. He knows that he is slowly losing his grandmother to Alzheimer’s. And he knows that his boyfriend committed suicide last year.

   What Henry doesn’t know is why the aliens chose to abduct him when he was thirteen, and he doesn’t know why they continue to steal him from his bed and take him aboard their ship. He doesn’t know why the world is going to end or why the aliens have offered him the opportunity to avert the impending disaster by pressing a big red button.

   But they have. And they’ve only given him 144 days to make up his mind.

   The question is whether Henry thinks the world is worth saving. That is, until he meets Diego Vega, an artist with a secret past who forces Henry to question his beliefs, his place in the universe, and whether any of it really matters. But before Henry can save the world, he’s got to figure out how to save himself, and the aliens haven’t given him a button for that. (goodreads.com)

   The Reason:

   I think this cover is absolutely stunning. Sure, it might not be the most intricate one, but it's relative simplicity has something intriguing in it, the sky in vivid colors and the design of lines behind and around the title. This definitely is a eye catcher, not in the most classical and obvious way, but I think it's definitely a great one. It's one of those covers that I would definitely place face out on my shelf to showcase it.

* * *

Want to join in? No problem! Just follow the 'rules' below:

1. Write a blog post (or post a picture using #CoverLustFriday on Instagram) about a cover you love.
2. Add your link in the comment section of the original post (click here) so we can have something like a list going on.
3. And if you’d be so kind, I’d appreciate a link back from your own post.
4. Check out other posts, and have fun!

Waiting on Wednesday: If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo

   Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine in which we discuss our most anticipated upcoming releases.

   The book:

If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo

Expected Publication: May 3rd 2016 by Flatiron Books

Number of Pages: 272 Pages (Hardcover)

Series: No

   A big-hearted novel about being seen for who you really are.

   Amanda Hardy is the new girl in school. Like anyone else, all she wants is to make friends and fit in. But Amanda is keeping a secret. She's determined not to get too close to anyone.

   But when she meets sweet, easygoing Grant, Amanda can't help but start to let him in. As they spend more time together, she realizes just how much she is losing by guarding her heart. She finds herself yearning to share with Grant everything about herself--including her past. But Amanda's terrified that once she tells him the truth, he won't be able to see past it.

   Because the secret that Amanda's been keeping? It's that she used to be Andrew.

   Will the truth cost Amanda her new life--and her new love?

   If I Was Your Girl is a universal story about feeling different--and a love story that everyone will root for. (goodreads.com)

   My thoughts:

   This is a story about a transgender girl featuring a transgender girl on the cover - count me in!

   I am so excited about this book, seriously, May cannot come quick enough. This story sounds amazing in so many ways, especially because it deals with being transgender and what that means for you in society, making this book one of my beloved hard topic ones, so of course I had to find my way to it sooner or later. I cannot wait to read it, hoping that it will be all sorts of brilliant. We need more such stories, more diversity.

   Let me know in the comments below or via twitter (@Alice_Reeds) which books you're waiting for this Wednesday!

Cover Lust Friday: Binge by Tyler Oakley

   Cover Lust Friday is a new weekly meme that's all about covers. Pick a cover that stands out to you, add your reason why you've chosen that particular one or what you like about it. Let's have fun with it and share the love for our favorite covers.

   The Cover:

Binge By Tyler Oakley

Published: October 20th 2015 by Gallery Books

Number of Pages: 303 Pages (Hardcover)

Series: No

Pop culture phenomenon, social rights advocate, and the most prominent LGBTQ+ voice on YouTube, Tyler Oakley brings you his first collection of witty, personal, and hilarious essays written in the voice that’s earned him more than 10 million followers across social media. (goodreads.com)

Tyler Oakley himself actually
liked this picture on twitter
so that's pretty awesome!
@Alice_Reeds

   The Reason:

   As you guys know, if you follow my twitter and/or Instagram, is that I adore Tyler Oakley. He is an amazing YouTuber and seems to be an extremely fun person that actually as something to say and uses his "fame" to do good. 

   I love the cover for Binge because it fits both the title and Tyler perfectly. It's colorful, eye-catching and fun. I have the book displayed on my bookshelf cover out so everyone who comes over can admire the beauty of it. And, above that, I was lucky enough to actually get a signed copy that nicely matches my signed poster, which you can see on the picture on the right. 

* * *

   Want to join in? No problem! Just follow the 'rules' below:

1. Write a blog post (or post it on Instagram using #CoverLustFriday) about a cover you love.
2. Add your link in the comment section of the original post (click here) so we can have something like a list going on.
3. And if you’d be so kind, I’d appreciate a link back from your own post.
4. Check out other posts, and have fun!

Waiting on Wednesday: The Weight of Zero by Karen Fortunati

   Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine in which we discuss our most anticipated upcoming releases.

   The book:

The Weight of Zero by Karen Fortunati

Expected Publication: September 6th 2016 by Delacorte Press

Number of Pages: 400 Pages (Hardcover)

Series: No

   Seventeen-year-old Cath knows Zero is coming for her. Zero, the devastating depression born of Catherine’s bipolar disease, has almost triumphed once, propelling Catherine to her first suicide attempt. With Zero only temporarily restrained by the latest med du jour, time is running out. In an old ballet shoebox, Catherine stockpiles meds, preparing to take her own life when Zero next arrives.

   But Zero’s return is delayed. Unexpected relationships along with the care of a new psychiatrist start to alter Catherine's perception of her diagnosis. But will this be enough? This is a story of loss and grief and hope and how the many shapes of love – maternal, romantic and platonic – impact a young woman’s struggle with mental illness. (goodreads.com)

   My thoughts:

   When I saw a tweet about this book I immediately knew that yes, this is definitely something I'm interested in. In true Alice fashion this is a hard topic book dealing with depression and bipolar disorder, which, let's face it, screams my name. You know how dear books with hard topics are to my heart so of course I want this book asap. Because I'm me, I've already contacted the author for an interview and everything because I'm intrigued as heck by this book. Mental illnesses are definitely something we need to discuss more in our society, meaning that YA books about them are incredibly valuable, in my opinion, so September can't come quick enough for me so I can read this!

   I so wouldn't mind getting an ARC of it, just saying... ;)

   Let me know in the comments below or via twitter (@Alice_Reeds) which books you're waiting for this Wednesday!

Ask the Author: The Girlfriend Request by Jodie Andrefski

   Welcome to the second edition of Ask the Author of 2016!

   This time I'm bringing you the lovely Jodie Andrefski, author of The Girlfriend Request, who was so nice to take her time and answer my 11 question about her book and random stuff. Check our her book and her A's to my Q's below!

The Girlfriend Request by Jodie Andrefski

Published: January 11th 2016 by Entangled: Crush

Number of Pages: 216 Pages (Paperback)

Series: No

   Updating best friend to girlfriend is more than a change of status…

   Emma has been best friends with Eli since she moved to his neighborhood ten years ago. Tired of being cast in the role of the girl next door, Emma creates a fake Facebook profile in the hopes of starting an online friendship with Eli, which would hopefully lead to more. Like...way more. From friend request to In a Relationship--it all seemed so completely logical when she'd planned it.

   Eli can't figure out what Emma is up to. He’s pretty sure she's the one behind the Facebook profile, but then again, why would she do something so drastic instead of just admitting she wants to be more than friends? And who the heck is this new guy he saw her with? Eli starts to think that just maybe...he missed his chance with the girl next door.
Two best friends, one outlandish ruse. Their status is about to become way more than It’s Complicated… (goodreads.com)

Interview with Jodie Andrefski

   1 – Describe The Girlfriend Request with a twitter pitch.

   Falling in love with your BFF? Bad. Creating a fake Facebook profile to get him to love you? Worse.

   2 – What sparked the idea for The Girlfriend request?

   I love the trope of best friends to “more” and tried to think of a unique way to utilize social media at the same time. I knew I wanted it to be a complete comedy of errors, so felt this would be a great opportunity to meld that trope with a silly mess of circumstances at the same time. I hadn’t read any YA novels dealing with a catfish scheme, so I thought it could be fun!

   3 – What do you like most and least about your protagonist Emma? 

   I think one of the things that I like best about Emma is the fact that she is real. She is smart, yet does completely not well-thought out plans, as so many of us did when we were sixteen. She is also a loyal friend. As for what I like least about her, I wish Emma (like so many of us!) didn’t lack the self-confidence to realize how awesome she is even without a boyfriend.

   4 – What do you think makes The Girlfriend Request stand out? 

    I think the fact that it involves social media along with the romance. The characters struggle with communication because of their feelings…and all of the awkward situations that Emma and Eli find themselves in are realistic. They don’t always behave like completely rational people---because really, how many of us do when it comes to matters of the heart? But when it all comes down to it…Emma and Eli are there for each other…period.

   5 – In retrospective, is there anything that you’d change about the story or are you happy with the way it turned out in the end?

   I am happy with how the story turned out, although if I were to change anything, I might make there be a little more build up to when Eli realizes he likes Emma.

   6 - How long did it take you from first idea until publishing deal? 

   From starting my first draft through signing my contract to publish, it probably took me a little over a year. However, that doesn’t take into account revisions and so on with my editor and copy editor after the contract was signed. The drafting process usually goes fairly quickly for me…it’s all the drafts after that that take some time.

   7 - How do you feel about the fact that from January 11th 2016 on thousands upon thousands of people will be able to read your book? 

   It is super exciting to think of people reading THE GIRLFRIEND REQUEST, but at the same time, it is a tiny bit nerve wracking in a way, since I hope everyone enjoys reading it as much as I loved writing it. It’s always fun to hear from readers, to get their thoughts and reactions, and to hear what parts they liked best.

   8 – What lead you to writing and wanting to be an author? Is it the way you imagined it would be?

   Growing up, I was always an avid reader. My family teases me that from the time I was small I always had my nose in a book. That love of reading kind of naturally progressed to me to wanting to write. I have my undergraduate degree in Secondary Education – English, and one of my favorite parts of when I did teach high school was teaching a Creative Writing elective. In some ways being an author is what I expected, and in other ways….not exactly. Going in, I didn’t fully appreciate just how many layers there are to the publishing process. I am very lucky to have a great team working with me through Entangled Teen—from my editor to my publicist and everyone else. I also have some great CPs (Critique Partners) who were with me through the drafting process. The hardest part is probably (as with any job) finding the time to write and juggle family and other commitments. Also, realizing that during the editing process for one book, you also need to find time to be writing your next plot bunny. But bottom line, I love it and feel so blessed to be able to do what I love.

   9 – Which do you prefer: Facebook or Twitter? 

   Twitter. I like the quick short bursts, which sounds so funny considering I just wrote a book about Facebook! LOL I do have accounts on both though. You can find me on Twitter @2000_words or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JodieAndrefskiWriter

   Also, you can “like” Eli’s page (from #TGR) at https://www.facebook.com/EliPerryTGR/ or the Facebook page of Emma’s alter-ego, Kelli Summers, at https://www.facebook.com/Kelli-Summers

   10 – What advice could you give aspiring authors? 

   STAY WITH IT! Seriously. If it is your dream to write, then don’t give up. It takes perseverance and hard work, and thick skin (rejection is completely normal in this field)…but it is so worth it. Also, get yourself a good critique partner to read what you write and offer feedback…this is so important. After you write your first draft, stick it in a drawer and leave it alone for at least 30 days, then go back and re-read it with fresh eyes. Also, set time each and every day to write, even if it is just 30 minutes or so.

   11 – If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? 

   Fun question! I think if I could have any super power, I would love the ability to read minds. Or…to teleport myself anywhere I like in an instant. That would be awesome, Paris one day and Ireland the next! No TARDIS needed!

   Thanks so much for having me on your blog, and I hope all of your readers enjoy THE GIRLFREIND REQUEST! You can also connect with me on my website at www.jodieandrefski.net

About the Author

   I've been passionate about reading since I was a little girl, which lead to a love of writing. I write YA- -especially if it involves at least some kissing.

   I have my B.S. in Secondary Education-English from Penn State University, and am also pursuing my M.S. in Mental Health Counseling.

   I live in a small town in Pennsylvania with my teenage daughter.

The Unlucky Number 69

   Welcome to this rather sad post.

   Today I will not be talking about some book I read, a movie I watched, or even discuss the pros and  cons of fan fiction. Today I'm here to talk about two brilliant men who died at 69. Both were British and both died due to cancer. I know I usually never write about famous people who died, but these two, they are dear to me, dear to my family, so I think it would be wrong of me not to write something.

   Let me start with David Bowie who died on Sunday, January 10th 2016, only two days after turning 69 due to cancer. He was a brilliant musician who changed the course of music history, was brave enough to embrace his weird side and show all of us that being weird, different then everybody else, is more then okay. He broke the rules of gender, appearing almost androgyne on stage, but he never looked silly, like a caricature, while doing so. His music was outworldly, just like he himself, a Starman who didn't seem human.

   Personally, I've never considered myself a fan, rarely listened to his music, despite knowing many of his songs well, yet his passing had a big impact on me. David Bowie was before my time, yet I can see the value of everything he'd done and impact he had on everyone around me and on music. I come from a family of artists, my mother said that Bowie greatly influenced her, and her generation, that back in the times when Poland was hidden away behind the iron curtain, Bowie was the symbol of everything that waited on the other side, the crazy, colorful world that seemed so unreachable to everyone on else who wasn't on that side of the curtain. When news broke that he'd passed away, she told me she feels as if a loved person died, someone you know, even though you've never met them. Many people I follow on twitter said that it felt as if your first love died, your first celebrity crush.

Hauptstrasse 155, Berlin

   Two days ago I visited the street in Berlin where Bowie used to live and found myself amongst a smilier pictures to that we've seen from Brixton, London. People standing on the sidewalk, singing Bowie songs together, putting down flowers, pictures, messages and candles, honoring this man who did so much. I found myself crying amongst them, touched by the impact he had on the people, surprised to find not only people my age, but also elderly ones bringing flowers or singing, sharing memories. I heard the people of Berlin started a petition to rename the street he'd lived on after him, which I think is a beautiful gesture which I hope will go through.

   Next I want to talk about the second man who died, the news came today: Alan Rickman died at 69 due to cancer. When I saw a post about this on Instagram, I swear I though someone was making a really dumb joke, I hoped it was just a joke, but once I went on google I realized that it wasn't a joke at all. I was shocked and speechless, I still am, tears pooling in my eyes.

   The first thought that came to my head was a quote he once said about Harry Potter about how, when he'll be eighty years old, he'll be sitting in his rocking chair reading the Harry Potter books even after all this time. Immediately I thought that now, unfortunately, it will never happen.

   As weird as it may sound, seeing as I belonged to the Harry Potter generation, the first memory of Alan Rickman I have isn't actually of him playing Snape, but Hans Gruber in Die Hard. It is one of my absolute favorite movies and he was perfect for the role. Then, of course, he was Snape, an iconic role that was written for him, as if it were his alter ego, natural and brilliant. I loved the way he played Snape, especially since Snape was one of my favorite characters along with Tom Felton as Draco, because I have a thing for the "villains".

   Alan Rickman has played many amazing roles in his life, was a outstanding actor and just seemed like a wonderful person, though I'm sad that I never got to meet him in person, like many others. We've lost a wonderful actor and someone who was part of so many childhoods. It is hard to believe that he is truly gone, and it saddens me even more since it is a sign that slowly other actors with whom we grew up will follow, a thought that brings tears to my eyes, our icons dying away, leaving our world.

   Before I will melt into a puddle I will end this post. I am deeply saddened by the loss of David Bowie and Alan Rickman. May they rest in peace!

Waiting on Wednesday: How to Keep Rolling After a Fall by Karole Cozzo

   Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine in which we discuss our most anticipated upcoming releases.

   The book:

How to Keep Rolling After a Fall by Karole Cozzo

Expected Publication: August 2nd 2016 by Swoon Reads

Number of Pages: 256 Pages (Paperback)

Series: No

   The party was at her house. The photos were posted to her Facebook account. That's all the evidence anyone needed to condemn Nikki Baylor for a cyberbullying incident that humiliated a classmate and nearly resulted in the girl's suicide. Now Nikki's been expelled from her old school, her friends have abandoned her, and even her own parents can't look her in the eye. With her plans for the future all but destroyed, Nikki resigns herself to being the girl everyone hates - almost as much as she hates herself. But then Nikki meets Pax, a spirited wheelchair rugby player who knows what it's like when one mistake completely shatters your life. Refusing to judge her because of her past, he shows her that everyone deserves a second chance... and everyone deserves to be loved. (goodreads.com)

   My thoughts:

   Basically, everything, and I mean literally everything, about this book screams ALICE MUST READ THIS ASAP. I'm not exaggerating, not at all. I mean, a former mean girl and a wheelchair bound rugby player, hello, I want, now. I've never even seen a book with a wheelchair bound character as lead so that in itself is amazing! We need more such stories. 

   All in all this sounds like a brilliant story that I cannot wait to get my hands on as quickly as only possible. Also, look at that gorgeous cover! Totally wouldn't mind if Swoon Reads would send me an (e)ARC, not at all...! So, I need this story in my life, can't wait until August!

   Let me know in the comments below or via twitter (@Alice_Reeds) which books you're waiting for this Wednesday!