Crewel Blog Tour - A Special Guest Post from Gennifer Albin

Welcome, readers!  Today's stop on the Crewel Blog Tour features a really fun guest post from the one and only Gennifer Albin.  For those who don't know, the Spinsters are seen as glamorous figures in Arras society.  As such, they are expected to appear flawless and dressed to the nines.  Gennifer has prepared a post to show you just how much of a role fashion plays in Crewel.  It's a lot of fun, so I hope you all will enjoy it as much as I did.

Fashion is key element in Crewel for two reasons. First, it builds the atmosphere of Arras, and second, it’s a lot of fun to write. When I decided to call my girls Spinsters (after a lot of deliberation, see why on my stop at Emily's Reading Room), I wanted to upend expectations, and what better way to do that then to turn them into femme fatales. The girls of Arras are power and dangerous, even if they don’t quite realize it, so I outfitted them like the screen sirens of Old Hollywood.

Spinster Style by gennifer-albin featuring stiletto high heels

Their hair and cosmetics reflected a similar, classic aesthetic.

Cosmetics of Arras by gennifer-albin featuring a wedding nail polish

The male population of Arras has a similar sense of style. This is an outfit you might see Erik, or Jost on his best behavior, wearing on a typical day: a pinstripe suit, polished cufflinks, and a fedora. Who could resist that?

Crewel men by gennifer-albin on Polyvore

About the Author

Gennifer Albin holds a Masters degree in English Literature from the University of Missouri. During her student years she served as an editor for Pleaides and The Missouri Review, and since then she’s founded the tremendously popular blog theconnectedmom.com.  She lives in Kansas with her ridiculously supportive husband, two small children, and a Tuesday cat.

About the Book

Incapable. Awkward. Artless.

That’s what the other girls whisper behind her back. But sixteen year-old Adelice Lewys has a secret: she wants to fail.

Gifted with the ability to weave time with matter, she’s exactly what the Guild is looking for, and in the world of Arras, being chosen as a Spinster is everything a girl could want. It means privilege, eternal beauty, and being something other than a secretary. It also means the power to embroider the very fabric of life. But if controlling what people eat, where they live and how many children they have is the price of having it all, Adelice isn’t interested.

Not that her feelings matter, because she slipped and wove a moment at testing, and they’re coming for her—tonight.

Now she has one hour to eat her mom’s overcooked pot roast. One hour to listen to her sister’s academy gossip and laugh at her Dad’s stupid jokes. One hour to pretend everything’s okay. And one hour to escape.

Because once you become a Spinster, there’s no turning back.

Add It to Goodreads


The Giveaway

One lucky US/Canadian reader will win a copy of Crewel and a Crewel bracelet!  Good luck!

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See More Stops on the Tour

Monday 10/15                   http://www.lushbudgetproduction.com/

Tuesday 10/16                   http://birthofanewwitch.wordpress.com/

Wednesday 10/17           http://hobbitsies.net/

Thursday 10/18                 http://cuddlebuggery.com/

Friday 10/19                       http://www.startingthenextchapter.com/

Saturday 10/20                  http://www.bookswithbite.net/

Sunday 10/21                     http://www.teenlibrariantoolbox.com/

Monday 10/22                   http://fireandicephoto.blogspot.com/

Tuesday 10/23                   http://bookalicious.org/

Wednesday 10/24           http://www.emilysreadingroom.com/

Thursday 10/25                 http://bewitchedbookworms.com/

Friday 10/26                       http://christinareadsya.blogspot.com/

Saturday 10/27                  http://www.twochicksonbooks.com/

Sunday 10/28                     http://www.ibbookblogging.com/

Review - Crewel

by Gennifer Albin
publisher: Farrar, Straus & Giroux
date of publication: October 16, 2012
format: digital review copy
pages: 368
source: the author

From Goodreads:

Incapable. Awkward. Artless.

That’s what the other girls whisper behind her back. But sixteen year-old Adelice Lewys has a secret: she wants to fail.

Gifted with the ability to weave time with matter, she’s exactly what the Guild is looking for, and in the world of Arras, being chosen as a Spinster is everything a girl could want. It means privilege, eternal beauty, and being something other than a secretary. It also means the power to embroider the very fabric of life. But if controlling what people eat, where they live and how many children they have is the price of having it all, Adelice isn’t interested.

Not that her feelings matter, because she slipped and wove a moment at testing, and they’re coming for her—tonight.

Now she has one hour to eat her mom’s overcooked pot roast. One hour to listen to her sister’s academy gossip and laugh at her Dad’s stupid jokes. One hour to pretend everything’s okay. And one hour to escape.

Because once you become a Spinster, there’s no turning back.

Prepare yourselves, because when it comes to this book, I'm barely going to be able to contain myself.  You know I'm not usually one to outright gush, but Crewel is a book that deserves copious amounts of it.  When I got the chance to read it this spring, I'm pretty sure I may have hurt my husband's ears in my excitement.  When I actually read it, however, I was rendered speechless.  How do I even begin to describe all that is spectacular about Crewel?  I'll do my best, but please pardon me if I use too many exclamation marks.

First, I simply must get this off my chest: Adelice is a freaking awesome character!  Even though it gets her in trouble, her sardonic sense of humor and biting retorts make her a character that keeps you on your toes.  Also, I have to give it up for kick-ass redheads!  Ahem.  One moment while I put on my "I'm a proud, nerdy redhead," shirt.  Moving on!  Adelice is a compelling character in so many ways besides those I already mentioned.  From her refusal to be bought by the trappings of Spinster life to her determination to help those around her, Adelice is a character you can't help but connect with.  Just wait until you learn about her abilities.  That is seriously some mind-bending stuff.

When it comes to world-building, Gennifer Albin amazes me.  From the setting to the politics to the people, Arras is so far beyond imagining.  The construct of this world is intricately woven (you know I had to go there) and has so much to reveal to readers.  The make-up of society is also very well done and becomes very alarming at times.  As for the people, let me just say that the commonalities between many of the people involved serve to highlight just how special Adelice is while they each still maintain their own personal spark that makes them recognizable when it comes to personality.  I found much to appreciate all through this book and I can't wait to find out even more.

Crewel remains one of my favorite reads of 2012.  With its fabulous characters, amazing setting, and harrowing challenges, Crewel is a story more than capable of keeping its readers ensnared and entertained.  If you're looking for a dystopia with a little something fresh and new, you should definitely check out Crewel.  This is simply an amazing book that I imagine I will be recommending for a long time to come.  Expect to see it on my top 10 list this year!

Buy Crewel at the Following Locations:

Amazon / IndieBound / B&N / The Book Depository

Obligatory legal statement: This digital review copy was provided to me free of charge by the author. No monetary compensation was received in exchange for this fair and unbiased review.

Special Note
Be sure to come back to Starting the Next Chapter on Friday for a guest post from Gennifer Albin.  It's all part of the Crewel Blog Tour, so stop by for a great post and even a giveaway!

 

Owl's Eye View #6 - Gennifer Albin

It's the first day of October, my favorite month out of the entire year.  It also happens to be the first Monday of the month, so it's time for another installment of Owl's Eye View.  This month's author has been causing quite a stir with her forthcoming debut, Crewel, which I have already read and absolutely loved.  I am talking, of course, about Gennifer Albin, who is a very busy lady this month.  Since she is such a busy author, who better to give us an intro to the world she has created than the heroine of Crewel, Adelice?  Gennifer has passed along Adelice's answers to some of the most burning questions I could come up with.  Take a look and enjoy, and don't forget to add Crewel to your TBR shelves if you haven't already!

Marla: Hi, Adelice!  Welcome to Starting the Next Chapter.  The Crewel buzz tour back in May/June was so much fun, so I'm very happy to have you for Owl's Eye View this month.

First question: How did you feel when you found out the full extent of your ability?

Adelice: A little confused and like I wanted to throw up.  I can capture time - excellent, where’s the toilet?  You know?

Marla: What is the best part of your capabilities?  The worst?

Adelice: That, uh, thing I can do in my room with Jost.  Well, that’s probably the best... I’d say the whole killing people thing sucks though.

Marla:If you could go anywhere and do anything, where would you go and what would you do there?

Adelice: Honestly, I’d just like to go home, maybe a teacher, blend in a bit.  I’d miss the food here though.

Marla: It's all about books here on Starting the Next Chapter.  Can you tell us about some of your favorite books from your world?

Adelice: Shhhh!  We “don’t have books.”  We have lots of catalogues, though, I can’t say I’m a fan.

Marla: What's your favorite thing about Jost?  How about Erik?

Adelice: Jost has the best soul.  He wants to do good things so badly, even if he can’t.  And his eyes.  Definitely his eyes.  Erik - he makes me laugh.  He makes me all giddy, but I’m not sure I like that.

Marla: If you weren't a Spinster, what do you think you would be doing?

Adelice: Hopefully, I’d be a teacher, but I’d probably end up being a secretary or something boring.

Marla: What's your favorite past-time?

Adelice: I really miss hanging out with my kid sister.  We used to just hide out in her room with the daily bulletin and read it.  I could get completely lost in her world.  It was a nice change from how serious my parents were.

 

Marla: For the last question, let's have a little fun.  Has Gennifer introduced you to the wonderful world of Gilmore Girls yet?  If so, what do you think?

Adelice:Ugh, I wish.  Although she tells me I have a fair bit of Lorelai and Rory in me.  I sure wish she’d prove it.

Marla: Thanks for stopping by, Adelice!  I'm looking forward to reading more about your adventures.

About Gennifer

Gennifer Albin holds a Masters degree in English Literature from the University of Missouri. During her student years she served as an editor for Pleaides and The Missouri Review, and since then she’s founded the tremendously popular blog theconnectedmom.com.  She lives in Kansas with her ridiculously supportive husband, two small children, and a Tuesday cat.

Find Gennifer on: Her Site / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

About Crewel

Incapable. Awkward. Artless.

That’s what the other girls whisper behind her back. But sixteen year-old Adelice Lewys has a secret: she wants to fail.

Gifted with the ability to weave time with matter, she’s exactly what the Guild is looking for, and in the world of Arras, being chosen as a Spinster is everything a girl could want. It means privilege, eternal beauty, and being something other than a secretary. It also means the power to embroider the very fabric of life. But if controlling what people eat, where they live and how many children they have is the price of having it all, Adelice isn’t interested.

Not that her feelings matter, because she slipped and wove a moment at testing, and they’re coming for her—tonight.

Now she has one hour to eat her mom’s overcooked pot roast. One hour to listen to her sister’s academy gossip and laugh at her Dad’s stupid jokes. One hour to pretend everything’s okay. And one hour to escape.

Because once you become a Spinster, there’s no turning back.

Day 5 - Crewel Pre-BEA Buzz & Swag Tour

When I received an invitation from Gennifer Albin to participate in this buzz tour, there was much celebrating in my house.  Okay, okay.  By "celebrating" I mean that I made some rather high-pitched noises (my high school choir teacher would be proud) after I managed to pick my jaw up off the floor.  I had been ogling Crewel for several weeks and was dying to read it, so such an email was received with scads of excitement!  I was even more pleased to learn that being a Gilmore Girls fan means I'm "good people."  When I learned that Gennifer is a Gilmore Girls fan, as well, the hills might as well have been alive with the sound of music.  Now this is an author of my own heart.  HOW COULD I SAY NO!?

Crewel has been chosen as a BEA Buzz pick this year.  I have to say, they definitely picked right!  If you're headed to BEA, you should definitely be on the look out for this book.  It is a must-read of epic proportions and you definitely won't be sorry! 

I can't say a lot about the finer details of Crewel yet (you'll have to wait until closer to release date for the full review), but I was able to read it, love it, gush over it to my long-suffering husband, and write up a buzz review.  For my buzz review, I thought, why not run with the Gilmore Girls angle?  To help me share my reading experience, I've compiled a list of Gilmore Girls quotes that match up very well with my thoughts while reading Crewel.  It's my way of talking up a fantastic book and incorporating something we both enjoy.

Crewel by Gennifer Albin

Coming October 16, 2012 from Farrar, Straus, & Giroux BFYR

Add Crewel on Goodreads! 

Incapable. Awkward. Artless.

That’s what the other girls whisper behind her back. But sixteen year-old Adelice Lewys has a secret: she wants to fail.

Gifted with the ability to weave time with matter, she’s exactly what the Guild is looking for, and in the world of Arras, being chosen as a Spinster is everything a girl could want. It means privilege, eternal beauty, and being something other than a secretary. It also means the power to embroider the very fabric of life. But if controlling what people eat, where they live and how many children they have is the price of having it all, Adelice isn’t interested.

Not that her feelings matter, because she slipped and wove a moment at testing, and they’re coming for her—tonight.

Now she has one hour to eat her mom’s overcooked pot roast. One hour to listen to her sister’s academy gossip and laugh at her Dad’s stupid jokes. One hour to pretend everything’s okay. And one hour to escape.

Because once you become a Spinster, there’s no turning back.

I adored Adelice!  She is one of my favorite female main characters of all the books I have read this year.  You have to admire her spunk and she doesn't take anything lying down.  Her abilities are, simply put, intriguing and astounding.

"She’s the essence of cool. Cool’s her street name. She’s got it monogrammed on her towels and everything."

from Gilmore Girls, season 5, episode 20 - "How Many Kropogs to Cape Cod"

The lengths the Guild will go to to get their way is chilling.  There are some serious "Big Brother is watching you" vibes that makes Crewel all the more riveting. 

"RORY: You were watching me.
LORELAI: I created you. It’s biologically predetermined that I watch you."

from Gilmore Girls, season 3, episode 9 - "A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving"

The conflicts are brutal and, let me tell you, Maela is a scary, scary woman.  Never fear, though!  Adelice is no punching bag.  This girl can definitely stand up for herself.

"It’s getting a little West Side Story here, Dean, and I gotta warn you, my dancing skills are not up to snuff."

from Gilmore Girls, season 3, episode 9 - "A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving"

I spent a great deal of time mentally cheering on Adelice as she (figuratively) gave the Guild the finger.  She makes for a canny opponent for this organization of megalomaniacs.

"LORELAI: Okay, maybe, maybe it is. But just once, just once, I want you to get exactly what you want, and me to get exactly what I want, and them to get nothing.
RORY: Well, we’ll see if we can’t arrange that sometime."

from Gilmore Girls, season 3, episode 22 - "Those are Strings, Pinnochio"

When Adelice makes quite possibly the biggest revelations in the book, I definitely took notice and the pages flew by even faster!  I'm pretty sure the words, "No way!" were exclaimed pretty often (you'll have to verify that with my husband, though; he tends to say, "What!?" a lot while I'm reading).

"RORY: The right moment arrived in a big pink hat full of feathers screaming, “Notice me because I am here!”
LORELAI: Oh, well, if it was wearing a hat"

from Gilmore Girls, season 4, episode 3 - "The Hobbit, the Sofa, and Digger Stiles"

And that ending!  Oh, my goodness, that ending!  You could have knocked me over after that culmination!

"PARIS: How shocked are you?
RORY: Do you have a resuscitator?"

Gilmore Girls, season 4, episode 2 - "The Lorelais' First Day at Yale"

So, was Crewel good?  Yes!  It was beyond awesome and I can't say enough about it!  Perhaps I should try interpretive dance to fully express the love I have for this book.

"I’m not just saying that. I can also sign it, mime it, Morse code it, and do an interpretive dance to it."

from Gilmore Girls, season 3, episode 6 - "Take the Deviled Eggs"

Gennifer Answers a Question!

I was able to ask Gennifer a question for this buzz event that is in keeping with the theme du jour.  I asked:

From one Gilmore Girls fan to another, which character do you most relate to and why?

Here is Gennifer's answer:

I think I relate most to Lorelei, because I talk too fast, have a crazy mom, and love coffee.  But seriously, Lorelei's take charge attitude and ability to pick herself back up always resonated with me, and I really hope that I have a great relationship with my own daughter.  I like to think that some of her witty, fast-paced repartee made it into Crewel!

I certainly think so!  Adelice is a card!

 

The Giveaway

Macmillan and Gennifer have a whole lot of awesomeness up for grabs for you all!  There are 3 prizes that you can enter for the chance to win via the Rafflecopter widget below.

The Prizes

The Grand Prize

A Macmillan Anniversary Package!  Macmillan has provided the grand prize in this giveaway.  In celebration of the one year anniversary of Crewel's book deal, they have provided some truly awesome swag as a prize, including an impressive stack of books and a 50th Anniversary Wrinkle in Time tote and t-shirt!

Second Prize

 A SIGNED ARC and bookmark of Crewel!

Third & Fourth Prize

SIGNED Crewel bookmarks and buttons!


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