It’s possible that I’d read this book before - like fifteen years ago. Some of it seemed familiar, and I know I read some of Linda Crew’s books back then. However, for the most part, it was like reading a new book, and it’s very funny. It’s well written and there was one spot where I laughed long and loud and then had to give my husband all the back story so I could read it aloud to him. He laughed too. Set on the Oregon coast, it brought up childhood memories of foggy, cold summer vacations spent at a friend’s beach cabin too. It’s a great read and honestly, only a few things like the novelty of a video camera date it at all (published in 1992). All the hair and make-up styles are back in fashion now too, so there you go! A contemporary novel!

So, it may look like I’m crazy for Crew, but it really just turns out that both these books are due back at the library tomorrow so I had to read fast! And actually, I am crazy for Crew. This book is set in 1967-68 and it’s amazing how much the themes of it resonate with what’s going on right now. I’d love to see the publisher re-release it or something. I think it’s great. There was this great part where she talked about what was worrying her (I can’t find it now) and it was something along the lines of war, violence and the environment. Also addressed are freedom of speech, segregation, and the right to congregate. Oh, and sex. That was a biggie for the main character - yes or no? It might sound like, wow, what a heavy book, but it’s not. It’s really just an honest portrayal of what being 17 is all about. This is a perfect book to read right now.

Read what I have to say here…

In the book world, you could probably call Tuesday, January 29th, Patry Francis Day. Today her debut novel is released and bloggers around the world are stepping in to help her promote it because she can’t do it herself. Just when Patry should be concentrating on book signings and release parties, she’s waging her own fight against an aggressive form of cancer, so we have banded together to help her get the word out about her new novel.

If you’re here because you like to read young adult and middle grade, and this book seems too scary to read, consider buying a copy for your library. If it seems like your kind of book, buy one for yourself AND your library!

You can view the trailer here.

And find out more about everyone else who is blogging and check out there sites here.

And read Patry’s blog here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Laurie Connors

A Plume Paperback Plume Publicity

212-366-2222

laurie.connors@us.penguingroup.com

THE LIAR’S DIARY

A Novel

By Patry Francis

“The new questions and revelations just keep coming…Readers will be heartily rewarded.”—Ladies’ Home Journal

When new music teacher Ali Mather enters Jeanne Cross’s quiet suburban life, she brings a jolt of energy that Jeanne never expected. Ali has a magnetic personality and looks to match, drawing attention from all quarters. Nonetheless, Jeanne and Ali develop a friendship based on their mutual vulnerabilities THE LIAR’S DIARY (Plume / February 2008 / ISBN 978-0-452-28915-4 / $14.00) is the story of Ali and Jeanne’s friendship, and the secrets they both keep.

Jeanne’s secrets are kept to herself; like her son’s poor report card and husband’s lack of interest in their marriage. Ali’s secrets are kept in her diary, which holds the key to something dark: her fear that someone has been entering her house when she is not at home. While their secrets bring Jeanne and Ali together, it is this secret that will drive them apart. Jeanne finds herself torn between her family and her dear friend in order to protect the people she loves.

A chilling tour of troubled minds, THE LIAR’S DIARY questions just how far you’ll go for your family and what dark truths you’d be willing to admit—even to yourself.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Patry Francis is a three-time nominee for the Pushcart Prize whose work has appeared in the Tampa Review, Colorado Review, Ontario Review, and the American Poetry Review. She is also the author of the popular blogs, simplywait.blogspot.com and waitresspoems.blogspot.com. This is her first novel. Please visit her website at www.patryfrancis.com.

Praise for THE LIAR’S DIARY:

“Twists and turns but never lets go.”—Jacquelyn Mitchard, bestselling author of The Deep End of the Ocean

“A quirky, well-written and well-constructed mystery with an edge.”—Publishers Weekly

“Outright chilling.”—New York Daily News

“Genuinely creepy…The unlikely friendship between a small-town school secretary and a flamboyant teacher proves deadly in this psychological murder mystery.”—Kirkus Reviews

“A twisting ride full of dangerous curves and jaw-dropping surprises. This is one of my favorite reads of the year!”—Tess Gerristen, bestselling author of The Mephisto Club

“Francis draws and tense and moody picture of the perfect home and family being peeled back secret by secret…Four Stars.”—Romantic Times

THE LIAR’S DIARY

By Patry Francis

Plume Paperbacks / February 2008 / $14.00

ISBN: 978-0-452-28915-4

Readers Guide available at www.penguin.com

For more information or to schedule an interview with Patry Francis, please contact Laurie Connors, Plume Publicity

212-366-2222 / laurie.connors@us.penguingroup.com

This is the second book in the trilogy. You’ll notice that the first book, Gentle’s Holler, is on my Fave Fifteen for 2007. It’s a long year ahead, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see this one on the 2008 list! It’s really, really good. Madden paints such a lovely picture of the Smoky Mountains. I have lived in that part of the country, and have some point of reference for the scenery she describes, but it really made me want to go back and explore it more thoroughly. In fact, I found myself thinking, “Hmmm…I need to keep up this friendship with Kerry so that she can take me through the mountains someday.” (yes, we’ve become friends due to our love for that area and old-time country music). So, read the first one, then read this one, and if you read the third one, don’t tell me what it’s about. I’ve requested that my library buy it, but I may have to splurge and buy it myself (not that I don’t want to…I just don’t have much of a book budget these days) because I can’t be expected to wait forever!

I don’t care what anyone says, I loved this book and think if you liked the first one, you’ll like this one. I’ve heard, although I am not going to go looking for them, nor am I going to read them, that this book did not get good reviews. Who cares? I loved it! And when it comes out in paperback, I’ll buy it so I have both of them. Did you read it? Do you like it?

My Fave Fifteen of 2007.

Many “experts” say that too many boys don’t read, when in reality, what they mean is boys don’t read fiction, which for some reason, seems to be the only thing that counts. Even Jerry Spinelli said he didn’t read as a child, and then he goes on to describe all the cereal boxes, comic books, and baseball statistics from the newspaper that he read. Isn’t that reading? Doesn’t it count? If a boy only reads articles on the internet, in the newspaper, in magazines like Sports Illustrated, comic books, graphic novels, and cereal boxes, does that make his reading less important than if he were reading novels? Why? Why not?

Read here about books for boys vs. books for girls.

If you can’t count on your family to embarrass you, who can you count on?

Click here to read the article.