Bake Sale by Sara Varon

Publisher: First Second

Release Date: August 30th, 2011

Source: My workplace (so thanks, public library!) 

Synopsis: Cupcake’s life is pretty good. He’s got his bakery, and his band, and his best friend, Eggplant. His days are full of cooking, socializing, and playing music. But lately, Cupcake has been struggling in the kitchen. He’s sure the solution to all his problems is out there somewhere. But maybe that solution is hiding closer to home.

Sara Varon returns with an ageless tale as dreamy and evocative as her break-out hit graphic novel Robot Dreams. At once deeply metaphorical and hilariously literal, Bake Sale is a story for anyone who’s ever looked for an easy answer to life’s intractable difficulties. It’s also a cookbook: Varon includes seven delicious recipes, from classic cupcakes to sugared flower petals to marzipan.

Review: I picked this up on a whim because it looked like a cute graphic novel to breeze through. I was right, it was cute and it was very easy to read but my only question is...what's the point of the story?!?

Our main character is Cupcake, a--surprise--cupcake who owns his own bakery and spends his time baking so that his inventory is fresh every single day for his patrons. His life is nice, he works at a bakery and tries out new recipes, he plays drums in a band with a group of vegetables and he hangs out with his bestie, Eggplant. Then Cupcake finds out that Eggplant is traveling to Turkey to visit his aunt Aubergine...whose business partner is none other than Turkish Delight, his baking idol. Eggplant invites Cupcake to join him but can't pay for his ticket. So Cupcake decides to do everything he can to pay for his own ticket to meet Turkish Delight.

Ok, so let's start with the fact that this book features a cast of characters that are anthropomorphic food groups*. I know. I don't get it either BUT if you suspend your confusion about this, you'll  enjoy the story more. Varon's drawing style is clean and easy on the eyes; there isn't much dialogue but the little that appears is straightforward. Cupcake's decision to work more in order to earn more money to see Turkish Delight takes a toll on him  financially and socially: he feels lonely now that he's not needed by his band mates and he's in a baking slump that results in icky coffee and crappy pastries for his business. What I liked about BAKE SALE was that despite the silliness of a cupcake being a narrator, his life and his troubles are human experiences. I appreciate that Varon presented all  of  the highs and lows we go through in a way that's accessible (and cuter) for a young child to understand. What was also sweet (haha) about BAKE SALE was the friendship between Cupcake and Eggplant--they support each other and near the end, Cupcake decides to make some sacrifices for his friend. I won't say what Cupcake does but it ends up altering the direction of the story and I was left pondering for a few days what was the main point of BAKE SALE. 

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Final Verdict: BAKE SALE is a quirky novel for sure. It's cute, it'll make you go 'awww' but I'm left scratching my head and wondering if there's even a message in this story. Or if the message is that there IS no message. Even though it had a meandering plot pace until its rushed (and frankly out of nowhere) ending, I still enjoyed BAKE SALE. Definitely give it a try if you find it in your library, if not for the fluffy story then for the recipes it has. I'm not a baker but even I was tempted to try out the delicious-sounding recipes! (highlight for a teensy baby of a spoiler) P.S. I'm also wondering: did Cupcake win the contest?!?! (end of slight spoiler)

Clickables: {main site} 

*Cupcake being the exception because he's not a vegetable or meat or dairy. But whatever, let's go with it. 

Interview & Giveaway with Kat Ross, author of SOME FINE DAY

Whew! It's been a while since an interview has happened around these parts. Kat happily remedied this by reaching out to me and inviting me to participate in her blog tour for her debut novel. So I'm happy and proud to have her as a guest on the blog today. Give a virtual round of applause to Kat Ross, author of SOME FINE DAY. 

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If you had to explain SOME FINE DAY in ten words or less, how would you describe it?

Oh, this is hard! Here goes:

Girl gets kidnapped, meets boy, saves boy, ends up in…[insert spoiler here] 

SOME FINE DAY is your debut novel (which recently released-congrats btw!). How did you celebrate on your release date? :D

Sipping lemonade on the beach in the Florida Keys! I'd booked the trip before I knew my release date, but I tend to be an introvert, so I was actually kind of relieved I didn't have to throw a big party (:  (Lucky....I'd give anything to escape this arctic winter we've been having.)

When I looked into your debut, I read about hypercanes…which sound legit scary. How did you discover hypercanes? What is it about them that caught your interest?

I was researching extreme climate change scenarios and that word just caught my eye. They're a (still theoretical, thank God) class of mega-storm predicted by Kerry Emanuel at MIT, and yes, they are legit scary! I thought I'd have to make something like that up, so I was delighted to discover that under particular conditions, they could actually exist in the real world. We're talking storms the size of continents, with wind speeds in the many hundreds of miles per hour. And then I thought, what if there was more than one? And they never went away, like the Great Red Spot on Jupiter? Things would get ugly in a hurry.

I found this nifty chart that explains how hypercanes contrast with hurricanses. Gulp. Source

What was your process for writing SOME FINE DAY? It seems like you’d have to do a lot of research just to write about hypercanes.

I really enjoyed that part of it. One of the biggest challenges was figuring out how people could survive so deep underground. Where would the air come from? The water? What would they eat? How would they travel and communicate? And conversely, how would you survive on the surface under such hostile conditions? I tend to get obsessive about accuracy. There a scene in the sequel (still unfinished) where the main character, Jansin, has to climb out of one of the ventilation tubes, and I actually spent hours digging out biomechanics studies about the maximum speed a human can climb a ladder (it's something like three feet per second).  (O_O!!!!)

Having gone through the process of publication (and knowing what you know now), what advice would you give to your past self?

Be in it for the long haul. Don't let the bumps in the road derail you. Just keep writing, and write what you want to, not what you think will sell. This is supposed to be fun, after all. 

If you could live in any fictional world, what would you choose and why?

Maybe the alt-world London of Jonathan Stroud's amazing Bartimaeus trilogy—but only if I had my own personal djinn. (Did you hear that thunk? It was the sound of more books being added to my TBR pile.)

What are some awesome books you’ve read lately? YA or otherwise! 

I adored Grasshopper Jungle by Andrew Smith. He's just brilliant on every level, and does the best genre mash-ups. Also Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein, and Night Film by Marissa Pessl. Now I'm reading Feed by M.T. Anderson, which isn't new, but has one of the best first lines: "We went to the moon to have fun, but the moon turned out to completely suck."

Are there any characters from different novels that you’ve read that you think would make a cute couple? Hehe. Or maybe a character of yours paired up with another book’s character?

I could totally see Jansin having a major girl-crush on Amy Gumm from the Dorothy Must Die series.

Do you have any fictional crushes? ;)

Team Gale, all the way. (THANK YOU. I totes agree.)

What “buzz words” or phrases in book descriptions make you pick something up? Modern retellings, spies, forbidden romance….? There are so many options. :D

Gothic, eerie, darkly funny, time travel, myths with a twist, bad-ass girls…

And now.... Lightning round!

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Jane Eyre or Jane Austen? Jane Austen (especially if there's zombies) 

Brackets or parentheses? Parens

Star Trek or Star Wars? Star Trek

Night owl or early bird? Early bird, to an extreme

Gel pens or sharpies? Precise V7 rolling balls! I'm an addict. 

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Synopsis: A generation ago, continent-sized storms called hypercanes caused the Earth to flood. The survivors were forced to retreat deep underground and build a new society. This is the story that sixteen-year-old Jansin Nordqvist has heard all of her life.

Jansin grew up in a civilization far below the Earth’s surface. She’s spent the last eight years in military intelligence training. So when her parents surprise her with a coveted yet treacherous trip above ground, she’s prepared for anything. She’s especially thrilled to feel the fresh air, see the sun, and view the wide-open skies and the ocean for herself.

But when raiders attack Jansin’s camp and take her prisoner, she is forced to question everything she’s been taught. What do her captors want? How will she get back underground? And if she ever does, will she want to stay after learning the truth

Kat Ross was born and raised in New York City and worked several jobs before turning to journalism and creative writing. An avid traveler and adventurer, she now lives with her family—along with a beagle, a ginger cat, and six fish—far enough outside the city that skunks and deer wander through her backyard.

Clickables: {website} {twitter} {book trailer} {blog} 

We hope you've enjoyed the interview! Kat is being super generous and hosting a giveaway with amazing prizes! The grand prize is a Kindle Paperwhite with a custom cover, preloaded with SOME FINE DAY while the other two winners will receive a signed copy of Kat's novel and a CD audiobook. Best of all, THIS IS INTERNATIONAL. So jump on it, friends! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Note: all images and GIFs were found via search engines. I've credited them as best as I can. Just to be clear--none of these belong to me. 

Adult Wednesday Addams: my new favorite thing

This video has made the internet go nuts but in a (mostly) good way. Adult Wednesday Addams is another awesome web series that I recently found thanks to HuffPost. However it's not new. Two seasons are already available on Youtube and each episode is great. I can't decide if this one or the babysitting one is my favorite...or maybe the dog-walker one. Idk! Watch this one and see for yourself! (I will say that this episode has a lot of cursing so if that isn't your thing, this episode might not be the best one to start with...but I think its message is important.)

I'll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios

Publisher: Henry Holt & Co. 

Release Date: February 3rd, 2015

Source: Publisher (thank you!)

Synopsis: If seventeen-year-old Skylar Evans were a typical Creek View girl, her future would involve a double-wide trailer, a baby on her hip, and the graveyard shift at Taco Bell. But after graduation, the only thing standing between straightedge Skylar and art school are three minimum-wage months of summer. Skylar can taste the freedom—that is, until her mother loses her job and everything starts coming apart. Torn between her dreams and the people she loves, Skylar realizes everything she’s ever worked for is on the line.

Nineteen-year-old Josh Mitchell had a different ticket out of Creek View: the Marines. But after his leg is blown off in Afghanistan, he returns home, a shell of the cocksure boy he used to be. What brings Skylar and Josh together is working at the Paradise—a quirky motel off California’s dusty Highway 99. Despite their differences, their shared isolation turns into an unexpected friendship and soon, something deeper. 

Review: I had such a book hangover after I finished I'LL MEET YOU THERE late last year. To be honest, I don't think I'm over this story because it was so utterly brilliant. 

Skylar is one tough cookie. She's had to shoulder a lot of responsibility ever since her dad passed away and her mother subsequently fell apart. Skylar's willingness to sacrifice her own happiness so she could help her mother was a loving gesture and a frustrating experience for me to read.  I appreciated that Demetrios explored this aspect between Skylar and her mother; the fact that they essentially switch roles as parent and child and how this in turn affects Skylar in ways even she doesn't realize in the beginning of I'LL MEET YOU THERE. Other relationships I'd like to highlight are Skylar's friendships with her besties Dylan and Chris. I've mentioned in a past review that I'd like to see more guy-girl friendships that remain platonic and yay, I found this with Skylar and Chris. They may not always agree on things but their friendship is unbreakable--just like Skylar's friendship with Dylan, a girl who is the toast to Skylar's butter. Lol. I wish I could read a companion novel about either Chris or Dylan...or both? Please?

*puppy eyes*

As for the setting, it's also crucial that I mention that Sky's hometown of Creek View reads so realistic with its small-town feel and how everyone ends up doing the same thing as their parents and never leave. Much like her relationship with her mother, Sky's feelings towards her hometown are a jumble of emotions that she sorts through as we read along. Sky's only safe place is at her job in Paradise Hotel, run by the super awesome Marge. Marge is Sky's boss but she is also the mother figure that Sky lacks in her life. Marge is literally the best you guys. She's full of love and wisdom but she's also not afraid to be blunt with our protagonist. Marge is also an important figure in Josh's life and continually proves herself as an amazing character. (Plus she ships Sky and Josh. She is the captain!)

Josh+Skye 4eva

Then we have Josh Mitchell. Where do I start with this boy? Irrevocably changed from his tour in Afghanistan, Josh can't go back to being the carefree guy he once was. Haunted by his memories and coping with his injuries, he tries to find meaning back in Creek View. You guys, I loved his character. Josh has so many layers and carries so much grief due to his time in war but when he meets Sky he's able to breathe and be himself. I loved how his unexpected friendship with Sky gradually transitioned into this amazing romance that was incredibly realistic. Demetrios does not shy away from making these two work for their relationship; Sky and Josh challenge each other in different ways and each have their own demons to contend with...but when they're able to trust in each other, they're magic.

At the risk of making this review too long, I have to talk about one more aspect about this story: the sex positivity in I'LL MEET YOU THERE. I won't spoil any details but this is a much needed topic that needs attention. I'LL MEET YOU THERE does a fabulous job exploring this topic with certain characters. :) 

Final Verdict: I could go on about I'LL MEET YOU THERE. This book is so deserving of all the praise it's received. It really is. From the fully-fleshed cast of characters, the setting of Creek View which is a character in itself, and the slow, unfurling relationship that blossoms between Skylar and Josh.... it's breath-takingly gorgeous. Even the messy parts are beautiful. SIGH. I can't recommend this book enough. Seriously--Pay list price for this book. It is worth the money and it has a spot on my keeper shelf. 

Clickables: {main website} {twitter} {tumblr} 

Note: all GIFs (and image) were found via Bing, the search engine that wants to be Google. 

discussion post: how did you come up with your blog name?

source: found via google!

This is something I always think of whenever I find a new blog. I've seen so many that take the term 'bookish,' 'bookworm,' 'biblio-,' etc... and some of them are quite clever! It's not surprising to find so many variations with the word 'book' since we're a community of readers but I think it's cool whenever I come across a blogger who's managed to think of another name to go by. Or they incorporate books/reading into it in a fun way. Some of my favorites just off the top of my head: Supernatural Snark, Tales of Whimsy, Inkcrush, Chachic's Book Nook, The Book Smugglers. (I've linked them all if you're interested in checking them out--they're all awesome.) 

I've been asked by more than one person about my blog name but honestly it's not an exciting story. When I was still brainstorming about creating a blog and wondering what to name it, I had considered 'book mouse' or 'book faerie' but again, I wanted a name that stood out. Also, I wanted a cute name. That same day my mom came home and, knowing her only daughter loves toys, surprised me with a stuffed penguin (this was around the holidays btw). It was an adorable medium-sized penguin wearing earmuffs. EARMUFFS. I was enchanted. Then I swear to you, I looked at it and thought, "Penguin...what would sound nice with penguin?" 

"Pirate," my brain quickly supplied. 

"Pirate Penguin!" 

Then I tagged on "Reads" and viola, "Pirate Penguin's Reads" was born. I liked the sound of it, the alliteration. And it was cutesy (or so I think). The name felt right, and so I went with it. Sometimes I wonder now if it's too restrictive but I'm so used to it and it takes more work to reinvent oneself with a new blog name and a new blog. So Pirate Penguin's Reads is here to stay for the long haul :) 

Not all that interesting right? xD So I'm curious to know how you decided on your blog's name. Did you have a set plan when you decided on a name or did you just go with it as I did? Let me know in the comments.

Since my name stuck, I've also become more of a fan of penguins (I liked penguins before but I never thought about them until my blog name--funny how things work!) and I have a little penguin collection happening. Here are all my toy penguins as of now: 

The penguin that sparked the idea behind my blog name...along with his blue companions xD 

The trio of blue penguins ;D The one in the middle is actually a hand cream container! (Bought by my mom as well--she's da bestest ♥) 

I have other penguin-y things (earrings, watch, clip-on bookmarks...) but the little guys hang out on my bookshelf while the big guy sits on top of another bookshelf. I've actually taken the blue penguin on the far right to BEA with me!

Note: both photos shown here are mine. I doubt anyone would take them but whatever. Precautions. ;P 

two bookish finds that I stumbled upon

 

A retelling of JANE EYRE where Jane is Korean-American? And Mr. Rochester's wife is in fact present in the story by not being an insane woman trapped in the attic? HOT CHA CHA, I'm in. You can read the official synopsis at Penguin's official website.  

Not sure if this is the official cover or a draft or a fan-made photo but ERMERGERD. I didn't know about this book until a few days ago. Maybe you're all shaking your head at me going, "Really?" but YES REALLY. I DIDN'T KNOW LYDIA WAS GETTING A BOOK. I'm so happy. I admit that I'm way more excited about her book instead of Lizzie's. (Which I never got around to reading, aha...) More official info from S&S's website. 

Monthly Wrap-Up(s): December & January

December 2014 & January 2015: Um...a lot happened. Not a lot of reading however. 

I had to look back at the blog's archives during these months to remember what happened because I truly could not remember what I did blogwise for the last of 2014 and the beginning of 2015. Oops. 

Snapshot of December: 

• I linked the video for I SHIP IT, this awesome short movie featuring Mary Kate Wiles AKA Lydia Bennet from The Lizzie Bennet Diaries. If you like HP, music and crushes, you'll enjoy this short. 
• I posted about how 2014 has been a crazy year of transformation and self doubt on all fronts. But along with commenting on how happy I was to see 2014 end, I mentioned my internal struggle on whether I should continue blogging. Short answer: Yes, I will continue blogging. Long answer: Hell yeah I'm going to keep blogging and middle finger to stressing myself out over updating consistently. This is my blog, and I will blog as I please. 
• A review!!! About a pretty badass comic called FABLES.. Just think of all the childhood fairy tales turned on their heads with swearing, sex and other shenanigans. I loved it. BIG THUMBS UP. 
• I did my roundup for the Best Books of 2014. :D
• I wished my bestie in blogging, Alex, a happy birthday ♥ 

Snapshot of January:

• My first post of January was about my reading goals for 2015. My approach this year is low-key; no stressing out over reading and using my library card more!
• Later after posting my first entry in 2015, I FREAKED THE F*CK OUT when I found out there was a web series adaption of Elizabeth Gaskell's NORTH & SOUTH. Ok, so I didn't freak out A LOT but internally I was shrieking with joy. 
• I reviewed ISLA AND THE HAPPILY EVER AFTER. ERMERGERD. I loved it. I used happy GIFs and just....sigh. It was soooooooo awesome. 
• I mentioned Classic Alice's campaign to earn more funding so that they can continue making more episodes for their series! It ended on a good note but they could make so much more....so def donate! There's still time left to. 
• I checked in with 5 thoughts on a cold Tuesday. I mention that I recently DNFed a Juliet Marillier book (I think I hear many of my blogging buddies crying...sorry...) and I did read one book! For my YAckers club, our choice was A.S. King's GLORY O'BRIEN'S HISTORY OF THE FUTURE. Have I reviewed it? Nope. But I did enjoy it for the most part.
• I posted about how I found out there's a web series for The Secret Garden. 

Holy crap, you guys. Laying everything out from the archives, it looks like I did manage to do some blogging. A lot of it was not reviewing but whatever. You can tell that I've been more on youtube though (there's so much happening with these web series!). Anyway, here's to a hopefully more productive February. I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to juggle reading for pleasure vs. reading for grad school homework. (There's so much to read already, argh!) 

How is everyone doing? If you're buried under snow like I am, I hope all is well and that you are keeping warm! If you're not buried under snow...I envy you. Lol.