Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday, #8

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we can't wait to get our hands on.

Personal Effects by E. M. Kokie
Expected Publication Date: September 11, 2012
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Pre-Order: Amazon / Barnes & Noble
Ever since his brother, T.J., was killed in Iraq, Matt feels like he’s been sleepwalking through life -- failing classes, getting into fights, and avoiding his dad’s lectures about following in his brother’s footsteps. T.J.’s gone, but Matt can’t shake the feeling that if only he could get his hands on his brother’s stuff from Iraq, he’d be able to make sense of his death. But as Matt searches for answers about T.J.’s death, he faces a shocking revelation about T.J.’s life that suggests he may not have known T.J. as well as he thought. What he learns challenges him to stand up to his father, honor his brother’s memory, and take charge of his own life. With compassion, humor, and a compelling narrative voice, E. M. Kokie explores grief, social mores, and self-discovery in a provocative first novel.

After his older brother dies in Iraq, Matt makes a discovery that rocks his beliefs about strength, bravery, and honor in this page-turning debut.
One thing I really love about being surrounded by a great group of avid readers is that (1) you’re never in need of a book recommendation, and (2) you come across books you would have never known were out there by shamelessly stalking your book flist. I discovered Personal Effects by E. M. Kokie through Joy from Joyousreads. Her review caught my attention pretty hard and all she used was one powerful word… LOVE. After reading the overview, checking out some of the preliminary reviews and buzz, as well as some small chat with Joy, I can’t wait to read this book. I mean, check out the praise this book is getting:

Preliminary Buzz from Amazon
PERSONAL EFFECTS is one of the best novels I've read in a long time—it's complex, moving, and beautifully written. I want everyone I love to read this book.
—Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award Finalist, Coretta Scott King Award winner, and Newbery Honor winner

With a pen dipped in adrenaline, E.M. Kokie tells a harrowing story of profound grief and powerful honesty. Read it immediately.
—Ellen Wittlinger, author of the Michael L. Printz Honor winner Hard Love

PERSONAL EFFECTS is a courageous book about the anger and pain of loss. But most of all, it is about different kinds of love.
—Francisco X. Stork, author of Marcelo in the Real World and The Last Summer of the Death Warriors

Timely, passionate, and political, PERSONAL EFFECTS is a story that needs to be told. Heartbreaking and heart-opening at the same time.
—James Howe, author of The Misfits and Totally Joe

The devastating power of secrets and grief are perfectly captured in Matt's journey to finding the truth about his brother—and ultimately, himself.
—Jo Knowles, author of Jumping Off Swings and See You at Harry’s

PERSONAL EFFECTS is a smart, rugged, hugely insightful book that elevates an already soaring genre. E.M. Kokie glides along that fine line between comedy and tragedy to tell a sensational story.
—Chris Crutcher, a Margaret A. Edwards Award-winning author
Definitely caught my attention!
So, what book are you waiting on?

25 comments:

  1. "A story that needs to be told" that's some pretty impressive praise! This one sounds amazing - definitely getting put on the TBR list!

    My WoW

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    1. I know! That totally grabbed my attention! I hope you like it =D

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  2. Oh, I agree! It's awesome being part of this community, you get to hear of the best books! So thanks for featuring this one, I haven't heard of it before. But it sounds awesome - thoughtful and beautiful story!<3 *adds book to TBR*

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    1. Yay I hope you like it! I love going from blog to blog and to Goodreads to see what everyone is reading =) Thank you so much for commenting!

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  3. Flipping heck, this book sounds fantastic! Good choice :D

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  4. Great pick! This sounds really good :)

    Thanks for stopping by!

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  5. That sounds SO good! :D So many great picks today! :D
    My WoW!

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    1. I know! I have added at least 20 to my tbr lol!!

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  6. This sounds really interesting! I will have to look it up! Thanks for sharing!

    My WoW!

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    1. I hope you like what you see when you look it up =D

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  7. Very true, Arlene, we are never in want of a good book recommend. This one looks heartbreakingly good and I know Joy has great taste. Nice find Arlene. :)

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    1. Thanks Rachel! Yes, Joy does have good taste in books. So glad I was stalking her shelves. :P

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  8. I haven't heard of this book yet, but it looks really interesting!

    Awesome pick and thanks for stopping by!

    -Marybeth P.

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  9. I have this ARC, it's coming up in my pile within the next week. I am excited to start it. Great choice.

    New GFC follower. :]

    Check out My WoW!

    -Kait @ YA Vixens

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    1. Looking forward to hearing what you think of it. Stopping by you wow next. :)

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  10. I saw this one around, and it sounds really good!

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  11. Aw. Thanks, Arlene!

    I hope you'll enjoy this book because this one was hard to forget. It stayed with me for a while.

    xoxo

    Thanks for the shout out!

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  12. Oohh nice pick! I love issue books and this one looks amazing. :)

    My WoW

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  13. Totally agree! Thanks for stopping by!

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