#Whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge
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A little belatedly, I am joining the What’s on your Bookshelf challenge hosted by Donna, of Retirement Reflections as well as her friends Sue Loncaric, Debbie Harris, and Jo Tracey. The challenge, open to anyone, is for folks to share their love of books by posting what they’ve read each month. Catnip to this book nerd, that’s for sure. On Donna’s post, there are basic guidelines for readers who are interested in joining the challenge.
Recently, when I expressed interest in the Bookshelf challenge, Donna generously suggested I could start by featuring my own books. I must admit that this had not occurred to me. But after considering the idea for about two seconds, I thought, “Well, why not?” As an indie writer, I am always grateful to have venues for sharing my books, especially during this fourth wave of Covid, when we are staying pretty close to home.
Thanks, Donna, for letting me toot my own horn. Next month, I’ll feature what I’ve been reading rather than what I have written.
So here are the three YA fantasy novels in my Great Library Series, in order from left to right:
For readers who are unfamiliar with my books, here is a brief synopsis:
In my Great Library Series, two forces—Time and Chaos—battle each other for control of the Great Library, that mysterious place at the center of the universe where all information flows. When the series begins, Time is in charge of the Great Library, where the sentient Books of Everything are made. Then, the Books are sent to various planets to help guide the inhabitants.
Earth has a Book of Everything, and it is in big trouble. The Book is being pursued by Chet, aka the man who doesn’t smile. Chet belongs to a shadowy organization called APO, which wants to kidnap the Book and stop it from helping Earth.
When Maya and the Book of Everything opens, Maya Hammond, a teenager, is on a train heading to Maine to visit her grandparents. On the train, she inadvertently gains possession of Earth’s Book of Everything. Once at her grandparents, Maya discovers the Book can take her back in time, and she goes to Waterville, Maine, in the 1970s, where she meets a boy named Andy.
From Waterville, Maine, it’s off across the universe—actually two universes—where Maya is caught in the battle between Time and Chaos. There are some victories, but there is also heartbreak and destruction. With strong forces working against her, it seems unlikely that Maya will prevail.
But onward Maya goes, despite her doubts and fears.
I am currently working on the fourth book in the series, and the planned release is fall of 2022.
Laurie, what age range are your books most likely to appeal to? Is a mature 15-year old girl a good age or too old?
My books are for 12 and up. Fifteen would seem to be the right age, but it all depends on how mature she is. What else is she reading right now?
Well, I actually have a list of the 5 books she bought when she was just visiting us (hurray!). They’re on Grandma’s receipt! Darkness Outside Us. You know Me Well. Two Can Keep a Secret. King of Scars. One Last Stop. Does this tell you anything?!
Yes, it does. I think my books would fit right in with the ones you have listed. Thanks so much for thinking of me.
OK, I’m going to send her the first one this afternoon! 😊
Many, many thanks!
I enjoyed the adventures and action in all three of your books and I think they appeal to all ages, not just YA. I am anxiously awaiting the next installment to find out what next happens to Maya!
Thanks so very much, Eliza! I really appreciate the kind words.
If I wanted to spend more time on WP, I might sign up for the challenge myself. But as it is, I will enjoy reading about your favorite books, Laurie. I think it’s wonderful that your fourth book is in the works and I hope the writing is going well.
Happy reading and writing,
Tanja
Thanks, Tanja. Time is always a consideration. But because I am such a book nerd, I couldn’t resist this challenge.
It sounds really good, Laurie, I understand why you are going for it.
Who knows, maybe after my break I will, too. 🙂
Lovely idea to feature your own books!
Thanks! Glad Donna suggested it. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have thought of it.
From the description of your books they fit right into life today! Time and chaos….. they are great topics and YA readers would absorb these themes like a sponge. I bet you must really enjoy writing on these topics, your enthusiasm shines through. Best wishes and, as I wrote on Judy’s post…. stay safe and cool!
Thanks so much! There is a far amount of realism in my books, and yes, taken from the situation we are facing today. The central theme of the series is that facts do matter. This has become a quaint notion.
Fact do matter….well that has become a MOST important teaching point. Well done!
Thanks! It is heartbreaking to witness how little facts matter to a large number of people in this country.
and increasingly in Australia, what a strange world we live in!
So true. Sigh.
Perfect!
Many thanks!
Hi, Laurie – Thank you so much for joining us at WOYBS and for featuring your books (I was hoping that you would). I love the creativity and adventure of your stories … and your podcasts as well!
Thank you, thank you! Never would have thought of featuring my books if you hadn’t suggested it. Getting next months challenge organized. As I mostly read library books, I have to think ahead.
I am glad you enjoy reading but it makes me want to go to sleep. 🙂 Most of the books on my shelf are cookbooks and books about gardening and plants. I hope you and yours are doing well.
Lots of different books of all the different kinds of readers.
Your books sound very interesting and hats off to you for getting them out into the world for others to enjoy!
Thanks, Anne!
What a good suggestion of Donna’s
Thanks, Derrick!
Excellent idea.
I am waiting impatiently for book 4 because I enjoyed the first 3 so much! I’m still a big kid at heart! And I shall look forward to seeing what you choose next time for these posts.
Thanks so very, very much!
I hope those computer keys are flying on your next edition. 🙂
Thanks, Judy!
Good job.
Thanks, Rupali!
I agree with Eliza that the Great Library Series is wonderfully addictive for older readers too. Anyone who likes fantasty novels should have these on their reading list. As you know, I’m eagerly awaiting your fourth!
A-w-w-w, thanks, Susan! So appreciate the kind words.
It must make you justifiably very proud to be able to feature your own books on your own bookshelf.
I will admit it is nice to see them lined up like that.
Yes, looking forward to the next book.And the one after that . . .
Thanks, Quercus!
🙂
I love that you featured your own books. I also love the artwork on the book covers. I’m asking myself why I haven’t bought your books yet. They sound like stories I would thoroughly enjoy. I’m going to remedy that now. 🙂
Thank you, thank you!
Love discovering what’s on everyones bookshelves and looking forward to the fall 2022 release!!!
Yes, yes!
I am waiting for that 4th book!