Thought for the Day:
“Success? I don’t know what that word means. I’m happy. But success, that goes back to what in somebody’s eyes success means. For me, success is inner peace. That’s a good day for me.”
~ Denzel Washington ~
Gifts for My Writer Friends:
Becca Puglisi has a spectacular post HERE on Writers in the Storm with 9 Ways to Originalize Your Story. Do NOT miss this post.
We could all use more humor in our lives and also in our writing. HERE is a terrific post from Gay Merrill with 7 Simple Tricks to Add Humor to Your Writing (without offending anyone).
Janice Hardy at Fiction University ALWAYS has something of value on her blog. HERE are 10 Things That Will Sink Your Novel’s Opening Pages.
Upticks in Covid 19 numbers and continuing evidence of racism in many parts of our governm
ent, especially in policing, make me want to stay home and pull the covers over my head. Matt Sweeney left a comment on my post last week that started with “Dear 2020, please stop. Just stop…” Yup. That’s how I’m feeling. But we all have to keep on keepin’ on, so I keep on trying to find good quotes, links, and memes and keep on posting. I have to say, though, finding it to be Sunday when I woke up today was a bit of a shock. Somewhere this week, I seem to have misplaced a day. I was pretty sure it was Saturday until my daughter assured me it was Sunday. Am I the only one having trouble keeping track of time? Every day is just like the others — stay in, wash your hands a hundred times, read, read, read, watch the news which looks the same as every other day.
A few months ago, I ran across a book called Wrong Way Summer by Heidi Lang on the available list for the Tulsa Book Review. I checked it out online, and it looked pretty interesting, so I claimed it. I’m glad I did. It’s a really good book. Here is the review I wrote.
Claire is used to her father’s stories. They are a bit outlandish, but he has been telling them since Claire’s mother left when Claire was only four and her brother, Patrick, was just a baby, eight years ago. Now Claire’s father shows up with a big van. He says they are going to outfit it like an RV and have a Grand Adventure. Claire doesn’t want to leave her best friend Ronnie (or her slightly younger brother who is suddenly pretty cute), but Claire’s father says he’s sold the house and off they go. There seems to be no plan, but they stop in different places to visit some of Dad’s old friends, and then they leave quickly with Dad always disappointed. They end up at Dad’s sister’s home in Utah when Patrick runs away. Can this family ever get on solid footing?
Author Heidi Lang has written an interesting story of a family in a very realistic crisis of disfunction. There are far too many middle-grade readers who will identify with this story of a broken family, homelessness, parents making lousy decisions, and more. It is a frustrating story to read, but only because it’s pretty realistic.
I have a gently-read ARC for one of you. All you need do is be a follower or subscriber (it’s free!), have a U.S. address, and leave a comment below. If you would like extra chances, please share the link to this post on Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media outlet and let me know you have done that. And don’t forget to check for other Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday posts at the Greg Pattridge’s blog HERE.
Rosi Hollinbeck 
I’m not sure where, but I know I saw this book somewhere. It sounds like a great read for summer. And yes, you’re not alone in feeling like the days are merging into each other.
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Greg Pattridge featured it on his blog a few weeks ago. It is a good read for summers. Thanks for the comment. Good luck in the drawing.
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I’ve seen quite a bit of praise for this book, and it sounds excellent! I also agree about this year—it’s really been miserable, and I just wish it would stop! Thanks for the excellent review!
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Yes, it is an excellent book. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. God luck in the drawing.
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I enjoyed reading the humor article–thanks for sharing. As our state reopens restaurants and salons this week, I’m just going to let everyone “get it out of their systems” before I venture out more. I figure I’ll know in a couple of weeks if all the reopening and protesting here has made a negative impact on health. On a lighter note, books have kept me sane and I would enjoy reading this book too, so I shared on Twitter, Facebook, pinterest, and tumblr.
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I’m glad you found a link that was useful for you. Thanks for letting me know. Also thanks for sharing my link. I apprecite it. Good luck in the drawing.
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Great links this week. I am revising a story and they all came in handy.
I get the “What day of the week is this?” problem. In fact we almost had Marvelous Middle Grade Sunday this week!
I enjoyed this summer read very much. Claire’s internal dialog was emotional and heartfelt. No need for me to win a copy as I have one in my stack of books to donate.
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So glad the links were helpful. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
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There will be so many teens that will relate to Claire’s dysfunctional family. Both the title and book cover hint at the dystfunction!
I completely understand. I tend to get my Saturday/Sundays mixed up. Even listened to the co-hosts on the TODAY SHOW saying that the days run together and they dont know what day it is. And they are youngsters.
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Yes, so many kids will relate — unfortunately. Thanks for the comment. Good luck in the drawing.
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Thank you for this honest and poignant post, Rosi. You are not alone in feeling like the days are running together. Thank you for the post about this book; I love the brilliant cover art. I appreciate your sharing this post for MMGM!
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The cover is great, isn’t it? Glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks for the comment. Good luck in the drawing.
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Thanks for the review, but I think I’ll pass this week. It sounds like a great book though.
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Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
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Thank you for the calendar. Yellowstone is next? Well, okay.
This book sounds a bit challenging, but something people need to read. Since I have no idea what day it is until I look at my phone these days, I could maybe make time to read a good book. Thanks for finding it.
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You’re welcome. It is a really good book. Thanks for the comment. Good luck inthe drawing.
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This sounds like an intriguing read. The cover just feels like summer, even though it sounds like it’s not a typical road trip. I loved your Denzel Washington quote at the beginning. So very true. And I will be checking out your writing humor links. That’s been something I’m working on incorporating more into my writing. I’ve been watching a lot of comedies (like Mr. Bean), and it helps.
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No, it sure is not a typical road trip but a really good book. I’m glad you liked the quote. I sometimes wonder if people read them. I hope the link is a good one for you. Mr. Bean. I haven’t thought of him in years. Funny guy! Thanks for the comment. Good luck in the drawing.
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I somehow missed this one– and my daughter’s name is Claire! Summer stories are always popular at my library. Heading off to tweet!
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I think a lot of your students might like it. I hope you get a chance to read it. Thanks for stopping by. Good luck in the drawing.
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I think I saw someone else post about this book several weeks ago, and it sounds interesting. My reading list is backed up–and my kids just received a box of books too :)–so no need to include me in the giveaway.
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Greg Pattridge reviewed it a few weeks ago. It’s an interesting one. Thanks for the comment.
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I’m so with you in mixing up the days! I lost one myself last week. Thanks for your ongoing reviews and excellent links! You rock, my friend!
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