Interview with Tish Cohen, author of "Switch"

A little while ago, I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing Switch by Tish Cohen (you can read my review here). Ironically, the same week I finished reading the book, I ran into Tish at a book launch for Lesley Livingston...ok, I'll stop with the shameless name dropping now :) I stopped Tish while she was (probably) on her way to the Ladies' room, but she was gracious enough to chat with me for a little while. (I still find it a bit overwhelming how book blogging has started to make me feel a little less fan girlie ...though not by too much :-p )

In the meantime, I had interview questions out there in cyber space about Tish and her latest book. I have the answers here, so without any further preamble, please help me welcome Ms. Cohen today:

(Note: Switch released here in Canada on May 9th but will be releasing next week in other countries).

Jackie - Can you tell the readers a little of what we'll find in the pages of Switch?

Tish - Switch is all about learning to recognize what, in our lives, is good and valuable. Andrea Birch is having a rough time being the only biological daughter of parents who take in many foster children. Because Andrea's parents view her own troubles are seen as minor in comparison to those of her foster siblings, she wishes she could switch lives with a girl she perceives as much luckier.

J - On your website, you tell a poignant tale of the girl that inspired parts on Inside Out Girl.  Where did you find inspiration for the characters in Switch?

T- I read an article in London's Daily Mail about a woman who lived a life much like Andrea's--she grew up with 35 foster siblings. She inspired the character of Andrea.

J -  From The Prince and the Pauper to Freaky Friday, the idea of switching lives seems a recurring theme. Why do you think this notion appeals to so many people? 

2nd Blogoversary Celebration - Day 5 (and giveaway!)

Well, I bailed on the Day 4 celebrations yesterday. I was too busy schmoozing with Penguin Canada the night before which left me no time to prep. But, all is not lost! I will just incorporate my idea for that post into this, my final day to celebrate 2 great blogging years.

Yesterday, I wanted to offer my own Top 5 list. All of the previous days, I had great recommendations from some of my best blogging buddies. Without a doubt, most of those books (if not all) will be going on to my TBR list very soon. What I want to share are the Top 5 books I have on my shelves that I really want to read, but haven't yet had the chance to. Without further ado, here are my picks:

2nd Blogoversary Celebration - Day 3

It's day 3 of my anniversary celebration, and I have one last guest post to share. Today, Mel from He Followed Me Home has agreed to share her Top 5 YA books that I really should read (and she keeps telling me this all the time ;) but haven't yet. Mel, my best friend and book cohort, has been an integral part of my blogging success. I'm not sure I would have made it these last two years without her. It is fantastic to have someone to bounce ideas off of, to share the milestones, and to enjoy the love of reading overall. (Btw, Mel is still celebrating her 2nd blogoversary with an awesome giveaway here!) Thanks Mel! And take it away:

Congratulations on two blogging years Jackie!!! You are my go to person for the fun, quirky reads (and maybe now romance?) but you know I’m a bigger sucker for YA so here are my five YA recommendations for you:

2nd Blogoversary Celebration - Day 2

Welcome to day 2 of the week long celebration for my 2nd year blogging anniversary! I've gathered a few of my book loving friends this week to stop by and share with me their must reads...you know, the ones they are always telling me about but I just haven't been able to squeeze in yet?! Today, Melissa from My World...in words and pages is here. Melissa and I have worked on a few book club reads together this year and we're always chatting about our mutual lack of time to read, lol. Today, she's going to share her version of the 5 Urban Fantasy reads I should read (when I finally have the time): 

Thank you for inviting me over to chat about Urban Fantasy must reads. :) I love sharing books with friends, and learning about so many new ones too! I worked on coming up with ONLY 5 Urban Fantasy reads, I think would be wonderful reads for you. And boy was this a tough one. There are so many great books out there. You have read many great sounding ones (which have been added to my TBR pile or WANT list) and there are so many great ones out there that neither of us have touched on yet. But, only 5 is a hard number. But I narrowed it down as best I could. :)

2nd Blogoversary celebration!

This week marks two years here at My Ever Expanding Library! I'm very thrilled to actually be celebrating this year (cause I let it just slide on by last year.) I've cooked up some guest posts, an unveiling of a new blog layout later in the week, and maybe definitely a giveaway to come.... ;) So, stick around this week and see what's in store!

Two years is pretty momentous, considering there is actually a syndrome for those who don't last called "blogger burnout" (it sounds serious but it is not fatal by any means ;). It can be a lot of pressure at times, but I think the fun totally outweighs that. These last two years, though, have made me realize how much I've been missing in the reading world. To that effect, I've asked a few of my favourite book bloggers to share with me some books that they think I should read but just haven't been able to fit in (yet).

Today's guest is Caroline from The Secret HEA Society and one of my co-bloggers at The Book Lovers Inc. Caro has been significantly influential in some of my favourite reads over the last little while, so I totally trust her recommendations now. Here are her picks for the Top 5 HEA's that I really need to get to. Take it away, Caro!:

In My Mailbox - July 25 - August 7, 2011

I missed last week's IMM so I thought I'd post my books received over the last two weeks. Once again, I have lots to show. Now, I just really need the time to read them all. As always, IMM is hosted by The Story Siren, who's site can be reached by clicking on the image.

Here's what I've added to my reading list:

Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter

Dark Souls by Paula Morris

Nicole Reviews: Not Dead and Not For Sale: The Earthling Papers- A Memoir by Scott Weiland with David Ritz

Click here for the book description.


Available at Amazon, Book Depository, Chapters, Simon and Schuster Canada

Scott Weiland is my most favourite musical artist of all time.  When I found his book sitting on the biography table at Chapters, I knew that I had to have it.  My birthday was the next day, so I told my husband that this book was the one thing that I truly wanted.  As always, he came through- and now it has become one of the most cherished books on my book case.

  

To me, Scott and the band STP represent my youth.  I was introduced to their music over 15 years ago, and I was an instant fan.  Scott's lyrics are honest and deep, and the band's music is out of this world.  I fell in love with Scott right away.  I find it funny that now, in my thirties I still have my teenage crush on him.  I know that he has made many wrong choices and through the writings of this book, he is the first to admit them.

Scott's memoir is a brief overview.  It was a quick, raw and honest look into his life.  I wanted to see more depth, but understandably he was reserved, as his life has been plastered in the media.  I mean everything has been out on display for years.  That is what happens when you are a rock star, and find yourself deep in trouble.

One good reason to look forward to autumn....

The summer seems to be flying by, but Simon and Schuster Canada has given us a reason to look forward to the fall season: they have a sweeps starting today (Aug. 2, 2011) and running until August 31, 2011. There are 3 prizes packs up for grabs for you and your book club. Check out the great titles featured:

The Distant Hours / Kate Morton
Left Neglected / Lisa Genova
Wildflower Hill / Kimberley Freeman

The Memory Palace / Mira Bartok

The Red Queen / Philippa Gregory

A Mountain of Crumbs / Elena Gorokhova
The Hundred-Foot Journey / Richard C. Morais

Each prize pack includes 10 copies of the book you chose for your book club, with a grand prize including a cheese basket to share at your next meeting! Interested in entering? Just click the image above to be directed to the Sweeps page. Good luck!

(The Fall Sweeps are open to Canadian addresses only!)