Author Archives: Bookshop Staff
Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth
Get your tickets today for Roth’s one and only Northern California event! Monday, January 23rd
Reviewed by Sierra Belgard
In a world where the current is strong, everyone gets a gift. As to what that gift may be is a mystery. Although gifts are not rare, fates are. Many believe that it is only highborn families that receive these unique fates, but it is really the fates that make you highborn.
In the latest story by Veronica Roth, two teenagers whose families are enemies become unlikely friends. Akos is the son of the sitting oracle of Thuvhe and Cyra is the daughter of the Shotet leader. When the Shotet leader dies, his son (Cyra’s older brother) takes charge of the Shotet and kidnaps Akos and his brother. This sets a number of things in motion and creates the improbable friendship between Akos and Cyra. She relies on him for pain relief, he relies on her for security and safety from a brutal family. As the story progresses, their relationship strengthens and they become closer.
As the pages pull you in, your feelings for Roth’s characters twist and turn. Her character description is so vivid that they could be sitting right next to you. This book is a must read and will always have a spot on my bookshelf.
Get Your Veronica Roth Tickets!
Bookshop Santa Cruz presents international bestselling author Veronica Roth (Divergent) for an in-conversation event and Q&A about her latest novel, Carve the Mark, the first book in her stunning new YA science-fiction fantasy series. This offsite and ticketed event, Roth’s only Bay Area appearance on her Carve the Mark tour, will take place at Santa Cruz High, 415 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz. Receive a signed copy of Carve the Mark with every ticket package purchase and be entered into our Super Fan raffle: 100 lucky winners will get to meet Veronica Roth, have their books personalized, and take a photo with the author after the event.
Add it to your Wish List–it makes a perfect gift! Buy your tickets in-store or online!
Branciforte Middle School interview with Marie Lu
After a fantastic Marie Lu event at Branciforte Middle School, Kaylee Howser was able to interview Marie about the Legend series as well as her latest book, The Young Elites.
Levitation!
Students from SLVHS who attended Bookshop Santa Cruz’s Neil Patrick Harris event with their principal Karen Van Putten, levitating as only NPH fans know how!
Elena levitating . . . it’s pure magic!
The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place
Great visit by Len Vlahos
Teen Book Crew reviewer Caleb meets author, Len Vlahos
Both Santa Cruz High School and San Lorenzo Valley High School were excited to welcome author Len Vlahos today. He presented his debut novel, The Scar Boys, to enthralled audiences at both schools. Len recorded students playing the guitar and will be posting that on his website, lenvlahos.com. He also took questions, shared information on becoming a writer, and answered student questions. It was an inspiring afternoon.
Len Vlahos at Bookshop Santa Cruz
Len Vlahos and Teen Book Crew facilitator Jakeh Hall
The Fault In Our Stars
The official trailer for the long-awaited adaptation of John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars has been released!
CONGRATULATIONS TO MATT DE LA PEÑA!
His young adult novel, The Living, was just named a Pura Belpré Author Honor Book. The Pura Belpré Awards celebrate Latino/Latina writers and illustrators whose children’s books best portray, affirm and celebrate the Latino cultural experience. Ryan W. of our SC Teen Book Crew recently reviewed it calling it, “One of the best adventure novels I’ve ever read.” Read that review.
Matt de la Peña on ‘Tough Teens,’ reading, and writing
One of our favorite authors has written a blog for NPR about books changing lives. We love it! Just wanted to share it with you as well.
Even more surprisingly, though, when I turned the last page I found myself on the verge of tears. I was shocked. How could black and white on a page make me feel so emotional? I was a tough kid from a tougher family. I hadn’t shed a tear since elementary school. And here I was, choked up. From a book.
-Matt de la Peña, Sometimes The ‘Tough Teen’ Is Quietly Writing Stories
Matt talks with passion about literature in his own life and the lives around him. We’d love to hear any stories you’d like to share about books and reading and the changes they bring. And don’t miss Ryan W.’s review of Matt’s new book The Living.