Jeff Rivera Reluctant Readers

Lunch with Harlequin Teen Sr. Editor, Natashya Wilson

Yesterday, one of my assistants, Brenna and I had a great lunch with Harlequin Teen Sr. Editor, Natashya Wilson. She's such a down-to-earth sweetie.  She's good friends with our mutual friend, Julie Barrett who was an editor at Harlequin and now does freelance editor while raising her two kids. Speaking of which, congrats to Natashya on our pregnancy. We ate at Woolworth Kitchen and had a really good lobster Mac & Cheese. I was going to eat half the portion but I couldn't help myself, it was so good.

We talked about what she's currently looking for that she's not getting from agents or writers in terms of submissions and how to reach the growing Hispanic market. Had a really great time.

Yesterday, one of my assistants, Brenna and I had a great lunch with Harlequin Teen Sr. Editor, Natashya Wilson. She's such a down-to-earth sweetie.  She's good friends with our mutual friend, Julie Barrett who was an editor at Harlequin and now does freelance editor while raising her two kids. Speaking of which, congrats to Natashya on our pregnancy. We ate at Woolworth Kitchen and had a really good lobster Mac & Cheese. I was going to eat half the portion but I couldn't help myself, it was so good.

We talked about what she's currently looking for that she's not getting from agents or writers in terms of submissions and how to reach the growing Hispanic market. Had a really great time.

Gay-Themed Novels for Teens: Is it Appropriate?

Last night I attended a book reading for an article I was writing for GalleyCat where the authors were all openly gay authors who had written gay-themed novels. While I admired their courage for being openly gay, I could not help but wonder about the high school librarians, teachers and parents of teens and wonder what were their thoughts? Is it appropriate to  have gay-themed novels in schools or is this somehow promoting or endorsing homosexuality to teens? What are your thoughts?

Eat This, Not That! Thousands of Simple Food Swaps that Can Save You 10, 20, 30 Pounds--or More!

Title: Eat This, Not That! Thousands of Simple Food Swaps that Can Save You 10, 20, 30 Pounds--or More!

Written by: David Zinczenko and  Matt Goulding

Publisher: Rodale Books

Summary:

Eat what you want, when you want--and watch the pounds disappear! 

Americans spend more than $400 billion a year eating out, and behind each burger, turkey sandwich, and ice cream sundae is a simple decision that could help you control your weight--and your life. The problem is, restaurant chains and food producers aren't interested in helping you make healthy choices. In fact, they invest $30 billion a year on advertising, much of it aimed at confusing eaters and disguising the fat and calorie counts of their products. 

All of that has changed with EAT THIS, NOT THAT!. This book puts the entire food industry under the spotlight, and arms you with the savvy tricks and insider information it takes to eat well no matter where you are. With EAT THIS, NOT THAT! you're the expert in every eating situation, from the frozen food aisle to your favorite fast food joint to your local sports bar. You control your food universe--and lose the pounds you want--because, unlike every other customer, you'll know the smart choices to make--instantly!

How to Build a Robot Army: Tips on Defending Planet Earth Against Alien Invaders, Ninjas, and Zombies

Title: How to Build a Robot Army: Tips on Defending Planet Earth Against Alien Invaders, Ninjas, and Zombies

Written by: Daniel H. Wilson

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA

Summary:

It goes without saying that robots kill. They hunt, swarm, and fire lasers from their eyes. They even beat humans at chess. So who better to stand with us when the real villains arrive? Movies instruct us that, whether we like it or not, we will one day be under siege by pirates, ninjas, zombies, aliens, and Godzilla. Also great white sharks. And—let’s face it—we’re not prepared. But with the advice contained in this brilliantly illustrated, ingenious book, you can build your own robot army to fend off hordes of bloodthirsty foes. From common-sense injunctions (“never approach an unfamiliar robot in a militarized zone”) to tactical pointers (“low-power radar beats cameras for detecting mummies in a fog-shrouded crypt”) to engineering advice (“passive-dynamic exoskeleton suits will increase sprint speeds but not leg strength”), this book contains all the wisdom you’ll need to fend off the coming apocalypse. Witty, informative, and utterly original, How to Build a Robot Army is the ideal book for readers of any age.

Ghosts Caught On Film

Title: Ghosts Caught On Film

Written by: Melvyn Willin

Publisher: David & Charles

Summary:

Rise in public interest fuelled by TV shows such as Most Haunted, about to broadcast its 9th series and Afterlife, averaging 6 million viewers.

This is the only book of its kind showing the paranormal caught on camera.

Contains intriguing images investigated by the Society for Psychical Research.

Ghost Caught on Film presents an extraordinary collection of strange and unexplained photographs that offer the exciting possibility of ghosts and paranormal activity captured on film. The book features early photographs from the Society for Psychical Research of psychics and mediums producing ectoplasm, ghost pictures and other paranormal phenomena as well as celebrated modern images such as the Hampton Court ghost. Each picture is accompanied by a description of its circumstances and the steps taken by Willin, the Society for Psychical Research and the Royal Photographic Society to establish that there is no `normal' explanation for the phenomena. The incredible photographs will stimulate the interest of everyone who sees them. Whether you are a complete sceptic or a semi-believer, you can't help but be drawn into the mystery.

Appetite for Detention

Title: Appetite for Detention

Written by: Sloane Tanen and Stefan Hagen

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books

Summary:

Following the success of Sloane Tanen’s adult books comes a title aimed directly at teens. From back-to-school anxiety and chick cliques to gym class, teachers, and other eye-rolling icons of school life, these photographic scenes of the teen experience are as ingenious as they are hilarious. Specifically concerned with the trials and tribulations of high school and teendom, this book will have teens everywhere (and more than a few adults) laughing with recognition.

Japan Ai: A Tall Girl's Adventures In Japan

Title: Japan Ai: A Tall Girl's Adventures In Japan

Written by: Aimee Major Steinberger

Publisher: Go!Comi 

Summary:

Accompanied by two friends, Steinberger, a professional animator and devotee of that special brand of cuteness that hails from contemporary Japan (think Sanrio’s Hello Kitty and similar artistic and commercial ventures), provides a charming recapitulation of their visit there. Steinberger’s height (she’s six feet tall), along with such things as the language barrier, immediately marked the trio as tourists, but their devotion to such Japanese-inspired pastimes as cosplay (dressing up as manga, anime, and fantasy characters) and Steinberger’s interest in Japanese Volks dolls gave them several avenues into popular culture, where they found considerable enjoyment. Steinberger tells their story largely in black-and-white, manga-style line drawings, with the occasional application of bright colors. Manga and anime fans will appreciate the gentle travelogue, and even readers unfamiliar with Japanese culture today will like Steinberger and her pals and be intrigued by their observations on what it can be like to be a tourist.

Black Metal Volume 1

Title: Black Metal Volume 1

Written by: Rick Spears and Chuck BB 

Publisher: Oni Press

Summary:

Twin brothers, Shawn and Sam, aren't typical kids -- their grim dedication to metal isn't that unusual but their mysterious parentage sure is! Empowered by the legendary sword of Atoll, these kids are determined to battle however many demons it takes in order to fulfill the ancient prophecy of the Hell Baron! Infused with the ancient myth and high adventure of the music that inspired it, BLACK METAL is a truly epic tale.

Custom Kicks

Title: Custom Kicks

Written by:  Kim Smits and Matthijs Maat

Publisher: Laurence King Publishers

Summary:

Customizing is hot. Everything can be customized: from pimped cars to retro furniture. This major trend is especially popular in footwear. Customizing your own shoes is a way of stepping out of the crowd, of showing your personality. Just about every sneaker brand has found a way to put street art into their products; rain boots have never been more hip; and there are even customize festivals and exhibitions. 

By inviting 150 artists and illustrators to show/create customized shoes the book will appeal not only to sneaker freaks, fashion fetishists, and trend watchers, but also to the graphic design and art audience. The main focus is on the artwork but the text examines the trend and asks: How did it start? What materials do the artists use? There are also tips and tricks on how to create your very own unique shoes.

Not Quite What I Was Planning: Six-Word Memoirs by Writers Famous and Obscure

Title: Not Quite What I Was Planning: Six-Word Memoirs by Writers Famous and Obscure

Written by: Rachel Fershleiser and Larry Smith

Publisher: Harper Perennial 

Summary:

Can you describe your life in six words? That's what the editors of storytelling magazine SMITH asked readers in 2006; the results, though decidedly uneven, make for compulsive reading and prove arguably as insightful as any 300+ page biography. Taken as a whole, this cascade of quotes from contributors famous and unknown creates a dizzying snowball effect of perspectives and feelings. Highlights from professional writers and artists include journalist Chuck Klosterman wondering, "Nobody cared, then they did. Why?"; pop singer-songwriter Adam Schlesinger lamenting, "We still don't hear a single"; and comic strip artist Keith Knight illustrating "I was a Michael Jackson impersonator." At their best, these nano-memoirs evoke the same kind of rich emotional responses as a good story: 9 year old Hannah Davies considers herself "Cursed with cancer. Blessed by friends"; Zak Nelson says "I still make coffee for two"; Scott Birch claims "Most successful accomplishments based on spite." Some entries read like bumper stickers (Rip Riley: "No wife. No kids. No problems"), and others are just plain weird (Amy Sedaris: "Mushrooms. Clowns. Wands. Five. Wig. Thatched"), but this compelling little book will have readers and their friends hunting for favorites and inventing six-word self-definitions of their own.