Bug Boy Release Day

One of the best books I’ve read so far this year is Eric Luper’s Bug Boy and today is the day it is released out into the wild!

When’s the last time you read a page turning book about horse racing in the 1930s told from the point of view of a young up and coming jockey? A book that’s about a dirty and corrupt industry and some of the people who get involved with it out of love for the horses and for the life. Yes, there’s even some romance in it.

I love historicals and this one is particularly fine. Run out and get it now! Or if you’re broke, get someone you know has money to buy it so you can borrow it. Or see if you can get your library to order a copy.

You all need this book.

Posted by Justine at 8:30, 21 July 2009 under Young Adult literature | 3 Comments »

Comments

Natalie Says:

Thanks for the excellent book recs here. Some books get such massive hype it’s harder to find out about new interesting (just not as hyped) books. I live in a fairly small city with an amazing library … it just takes a long time to get new titles here So I truly appreciate the cool books you mention. Have you heard of Stitches by David Small (I think?)? I can’t wait to get my hands on that one. It’s YA/Memoir told via a graphic novel (from what I’ve read on it). I was late to the graphic novel train and only got interested after I read Hamlet as a graphic novel. It is so well done! Stitches looks like something quirky and off-beat you would recommend on here (I mean it as a compliment!)

Question for you: I’ve read several posts where you talk about how different races are portrayed in books. I read this blog about your book LIAR:

http://editorialanonymous.blogspot.com/2009/07/this-week-in-publisher-gossip.html

And I was wondering if you agree with it? I know your main character is, obviously, a liar so I thought maybe the issue played into that. Otherwise, should I buy the Australian version of the book? If you can’t answer (or don’t want to post this) I totally understand. I was just curious. Regardless, thanks for your fabulous blog.

July 21st, 2009 at 4:34 PM
2. Justine Says:

Natalie: Thanks! I do try hard to let people know about good books they might not hear about otherwise. I have heard about Stitches. Sounds great.

I’ll have more to say about the US cover of Liar later. But I think it’s important to remember that covers are outside an author’s area of control. So if people have a problem with the cover they should be letting the publisher know because they’re the ones who have the power to change it.

July 21st, 2009 at 4:56 PM
Natalie Says:

Cool. Thanks for answering my question Can’t wait to read Liar!

July 21st, 2009 at 10:48 PM