Walking a new way…plus MMGM shout out for The Library of Ever, by Zeno Alexander

My friends, the time has come and the time is now, as Dr. Seuss would say. I am temporarily putting my blog on hiatus, and stepping back from MMGM posts. I’m not gonna lie, I got a little teary in making this decision because I love these marvelous Monday celebrations of middle grade! But, I find myself more involved in other parts of social media–including #MGlitchat, so stop by and say hi on a Thursdays at 9pm EST whenever I’m hosting!–and I’m actually toying with turning my youtube channel into a real thing. And then in addition to those more fun developments I’m finding myself in the position of helping an elderly friend separate from her husband and start life fresh…at nearly eighty. She’s the dearest soul and super awesome, but she needs good friends right now and I won’t leave her to navigate this without my help.
Aaand then of course there’s my third Willowdale book that really needs to crank along if I’m going to get it back to my publisher, and then edits on my MG project to my agent, and you see how it goes? When it feels like I’m putting on a juggling performance I remind myself I am–literally! Learning to juggle is part of my research for Willowdale book three, which features a pov heroine who is a fire dancer. So far all I’ve done is drop things and get really sore in muscles I never knew I had, but don’t worry–if I progress to the point of lighting up, I will post pics and/or a video! 😀

Before I go, I want to give one last shout out! This one is for my dear friend Stephen’s book, The Library of Ever! You’ll find it listed under Zeno Alexander–who helped Stephen enough in the writing that apparently he decided to take all the credit–and it’s gotten all kinds of fabulous reviews and recognition, including recently being named one of A Mighty Girl’s best books of 2019!

You’ll love Lenora, the main character, who is spunky and smart and willing to learn. Moreover, when she’s stuck with an inattentive nanny and told (pretty much) to be brainless and useless, instead she takes off into the shelves of the library and goes on a grand adventure! Better yet, she discovers a fantastic magical kingdom and takes a solemn vow to join with the forces of light and learning, by becoming the Fourth Assistant Apprentice Librarian.

This book is something of a mad caper and I don’t want to give too much away, so I’ll just say that I loved the robot, as well as the penguins and the whales, who were all so helpful to Lenora. Also, I think you should never leap out of your conveyance onto a rather large model of a world without planning how you intend to get off. And, apparently, calendars and their history are way more interesting than any of us knew–a fact that feels especially pertinent given that we’ll be celebrating our once-every-four-years bonus day this very month.

I must confess that I didn’t love the cliff-hanger ending, but since the second book is already available for pre-order that’s more forgivable than if it weren’t. I’m looking forward to reading more of Lenora’s adventures, and finding out the scoop on Zeno himself, as well! This is the kind of book that will delight adults and kids alike, and make for an instant family hit, I think.

But enough from me. Let’s see what Apricot-kitty’s final words are!

If you still can’t discuss a book without forgetting to mention the all-important cat who played a crucial part, perhaps it’s just as well you’re stepping away. What good does it do to blather on about these other things, and leave that out?

Ah yes, I seem to have failed to mention that there’s a cat in the library, toward the end of the book. And I suppose you could say that Lenora’s aid of this cat–who is really a kitten–does play a pretty significant part. And there was the beautiful description of–but, you see? That’s why I didn’t mention it. That particular adventure of Lenora’s was really lovely to experience, but it was also loaded with spoilers. You will have to take our word for it, and cheer for the cat–on Apricot-kitty’s behalf–when you get there.

And with that it’s time to close my very last-at-least-for-now Marvelous Middle Grade Monday spotlight! But this is most certainly not goodbye. Despite my new direction, I promise to pop around all of your blogs on Mondays, and may even manage it more often. I can’t wait to hear what you’re reading, and wish you the very best in your dreams and goals! May each day be as wonderful as the stories we love to read.

For the full round up of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday reviews, spotlights, interviews and giveaways, stop by our host Greg Pattridge’s blog, and as always, happy reading, my friends!

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14 Comments

  1. Reply

    The best word in this post is “temporarily.” I will miss your pithy reviews and will be glad when you return from the hiatus. Thanks for telling me about The Library of Ever. I love the title and Apricot-Kitty’s comment. Good luck with your endeavors.

    • Reply

      Thank you so much, Rosi! Temporary it is, and I’m looking forward to popping in on your blog regularly in the mean time. I hope you pick up The Library of Ever and get a kick out of it!

  2. Reply

    Wishing you all the best in your writing endeavors and in life, Suzanne. We will miss your posts for MMGM, but take care and keep us posted on your projects and progress!

  3. Reply

    I’m sure deep down Apricot-kitty is just as upset as your devoted readers. Best of luck with all your writing and life’s other adventures. I’ll be waiting back at MMGM headquarters when you decide it’s time to give this another go. Thanks for the background on The Library of Ever (great title by the way). I’ve added it to my list of books to read this year. So long but not farewell!

    • Reply

      You know, she probably is. Cats generally think everyone should be giving them all the attention and all the love. 😉 Thanks for the support and always being the best of hosts! I will definitely see you around!

  4. Reply

    We are really going to miss you. Please stop back occasionally and give us an update. Good luck on your third book. Enjoyed your review of The Library of Ever — sounds like a great fantasy I’d enjoy getting lost in! Sending good wishes for your future …until we hear from you again!

    • Reply

      Thank you! I will definitely drop in, as well as popping around. And I do think you’d love Library of Ever so make sure you pick it up! 😀

  5. Reply

    It sounds like you have a lot going on, and yet still have time for another great review! This sounds like a fun book! Best of luck with your other adventures!

  6. Reply

    I hope you enjoy your hiatus! Sounds like you have a ton going on. Always hard to juggle everything- especially when more things get put in the mix. I hope you will now have more time to focus on the the things that need your attention. 🙂

    The Library of Ever has a beautiful cover and it sounds like a must read to me. As a librarian, I have a feeling I am going to get really into the book. Good to know it ends on a cliffhanger, as those aren’t my favorite. But- if I can have the next book on hand then I will feel a bit better. Great review.

    Wishing you all the best!

    • Reply

      You describe my situation so well! Thank you for the well wishes. I agree that this book will thrill you through so I hope you get to read it! Really, every librarian should. It’s a fantastic homage to the profession. 😀

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