Yesterday we got our first review back from a major book reviewer, Kirkus. I'm very happy with it, mainly because this is the first time in my career I've been reviewed by one of the "Big Boys" and it just seems kinda cool. Especially since they didn't rip it to shreds! Let me know what you think.
Here it is:
THE JOURNAL OF CURIOUS LETTERS
A boy . . . a mysterious letter . . . twelve clues . . . a girl . . . a dad . . . two very strange strangers. These are just the basic ingredients in this adventure served up by Dashner in what is the start of a series that will capture the imagination of young and old alike. Atticus Higginbottom (Tick to all who know him) is smart, well-adjusted and something of a loner at school, preferring his family, the library and the Internet to his classmates. So he’s surprised to receive a letter postmarked in Macadamia, Alaska, from someone he’s never even heard of. But he’s intrigued and makes a commitment to join with his correspondent to “save many lives.” Though there are chunks of text that are overwritten, the telling is generally laced with a strong sense of humor and a sure hand at plot; the author is plainly in tune with today’s fan base. Let the adventure begin! (Science fiction. 10-12)
A boy . . . a mysterious letter . . . twelve clues . . . a girl . . . a dad . . . two very strange strangers. These are just the basic ingredients in this adventure served up by Dashner in what is the start of a series that will capture the imagination of young and old alike. Atticus Higginbottom (Tick to all who know him) is smart, well-adjusted and something of a loner at school, preferring his family, the library and the Internet to his classmates. So he’s surprised to receive a letter postmarked in Macadamia, Alaska, from someone he’s never even heard of. But he’s intrigued and makes a commitment to join with his correspondent to “save many lives.” Though there are chunks of text that are overwritten, the telling is generally laced with a strong sense of humor and a sure hand at plot; the author is plainly in tune with today’s fan base. Let the adventure begin! (Science fiction. 10-12)
Posts
17 comments:
oh VERY exciting Jamestown!
eeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Oh, I think that's a good review. Congratulations. I am so excited for you. I'll be buying two copies, one for my library and one for nephews and nieces library.
Your first big review seems to be quite positive. Very exciting! It seems you are well on your way. Congratulations!
AWESOME! Kirkus...I can only imagine...ahhhh.....
Thanks, guys!
I just want to point out that "Macotar" is the dude who did the audio for my new book (Mark Wright). I can't wait for people to hear him do the voices, especially Mothball.
You da man, Mark! Maybe we can actually meet someday. :-)
This is great, James. And she/he is absolutely right--you are completely in tune with your fan base. As you know, my 11-year-old thinks you're the next best thing to sour candy and squirty cheese. As he told you in his letter, you're his new favorite author and "13th" is his new favorite book. Relax and enjoy, my friend! And thanks for writing back to Tommy. Now I'm cool by association.
Awesome review! Congrats!
Congrats! This is truly an accomplishment.
Awesome, James! Print it out and frame it or something :)
If you find yourself in Salt Lake, look me up, we can have lunch any time. Riding on your coat tails appears to be a good ticket ;).
Very nice! I'd take it in a heartbeat.
I really appreciate the compliments. Tamra, it always blows me away when a kid thinks my book is his or her favorite. That's just awesome.
Mark, I live in Salt Lake. Like Tracy said, we'll all have to get together and eat food that's really bad for you.
I did not think any of the text was over written at all.
But congrats.
Thanks, Ron. I'm not sure I even know what overwritten means, but I was too embarrassed to say it. Doh!
I think 'Overwritten' is probably given in the same context as the kings comments in the movie Mozart when he said 'too many notes'. The only critics that matter are the accountants, and I'm certain they will be plenty happy.
Lets get Master Mangum to arrange us on a lunch. I look forward to it.
You made it! YIPPEEEE!!!!!!
This just ROCKS, Dashner. :)
I thought over-written meant too wordy or going into too much detail to describe scenes. I have seen some of that before. But in this case, the scenes kind of required it to be seen through Tick's umm... unique point of view.
Post a Comment