Spotlight and Giveaway: Rockin' the Boat

Rockin’ the Boat: 50 Iconic Revolutionaries – from Joan of Arc to Malcolm X 

by Jeff Fleischer 

Publication Date: March 3, 2015

Published by Zest Books; distributed by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 

224 pages

Ages 14+

Rockin’ the Boat: 50 Iconic Revolutionaries – from Joan of Arc to Malcolm X

We love to root for the underdog, and when it comes to underdogs, few are more impressive than the world’s great revolutionaries.

After all, it’s pretty hard to find a more powerful opponent than the world’s biggest empires and emperors. And that’s part of why we’re drawn to the stories of revolutionaries. Many of these men and women were born into virtual dystopias, and they fought throughout their lives, against all odds, to forge a path to a better future. And whether they succeeded, failed, or succeeded only to become a new kind of enemy, there’s something inherently fascinating about that effort to change the world.

Rockin’ the Boattells the stories of fifty such iconoclasts — including the gladiator Spartacus, the Carthaginian general Hannibal Barca, the inspired religious fighter Joan of Arc, the abolitionist John Brown, women’s rights icon Margaret Sanger, and Maori chief Hono Heke — from an incredibly diverse set of places and times. Each entry includes a mix of history, biography, and analysis, and is supplemented with photos, sidebars, and an incredible amount of trivia as well.

As a result, Rockin’ the Boat provides a unique and powerful view of history — a view from the bottom up, through the eyes of people who dared to imagine a different world from the one in which they lived.

Find Rockin’ the Boat: 50 Iconic Revolutionaries – from Joan of Arc to Malcolm X:

• Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Rockin-Boat-Iconic-Revolutionaries-Malcom/dp/1936976749

• Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rockin-the-boat-jeff-fleischer/1121062079

• IndieBound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781936976744

• The Book Depository (for those readers outside of the USA, this site offers free shipping internationally to any country)http://www.bookdepository.com/Rockin-Boat-Jeff-Fleischer/9781936976744

• On the Zest Books site has “buy now” options: http://zestbooks.net/rockin-the-boat/

• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22825475-rockin-the-boat

• Library Thing: http://www.librarything.com/work/15696647/book/115912704

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jeff Fleischer is a Chicago-based journalist and author, who has written for Mother Jones, the Sydney Morning Herald, National Geographic Traveler, Mental Floss, and Chicago Magazine.

ADVANCE PRAISE FOR ROCKIN’ THE BOAT

"A gallery of historical troublemakers starting with Hannibal and ending with Martin Luther King, Jr. …Snarky picture captions (‘Emma Goldman is not interested in your nonsense’) and sidebar references to pop culture further lighten the overall tone. … Salutary portraits in radicalism." – Kirkus Reviews

“A lively narrative, an accessible length (while the profiles are dense, they are kept to roughly four pages each), and deadpan humor—particularly in captions (George Washington is ‘tight in tights’ and Sitting Bull ‘sits bullishly’)—allow for irreverent, edifying reading." – Publishers Weekly

GIVEAWAY

Thanks to Zest Books I am giving away a copy of Rockin' the Boat

• To enter for a chance to win: Leave a comment about why you want to read Rockin' the Boat and a method to contact you (twitter handle, blog link, etc)
• Must be 16 years or older to enter
• Ends 3/31/15 11:59 est

FOLLOW ZEST BOOKS ONLINE

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Zest Books website: http://www.zestbooks.net and Blog Tour hub page: http://zestbooks.net/true-stories-blog-tour

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ABOUT ZEST BOOKS: Zest Books is an award-winning publisher of smart and edgy nonfiction books and memoirs for young and new adults. Distributed by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, you can learn more about Zest Books at http://www.zestbooks.net

True Stories Blog Tour: Daisy to the Rescue by Jeff Campbell

Daisy to the Rescue: True Stories of Daring Dogs, Paramedic Parrots, and Other Animal Heroes

by Jeff Campbell

Publication Date: October 7, 2014

Published by ZestBooks

Pages: 336

Source: Publisher

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Purchase Amazon / B&N / Indiebound 

The Book Depository / ZestBooks 

from Goodreads

Who rescued who? This popular animal-shelter bumper sticker captures an enduring emotional truth: With their love and companionship, animals of all species save our lives every day. But sometimes, to our utter amazement and everlasting gratitude, animals literally save our lives, and this heartwarming book collects over 50 real-life stories of animals rescuing people, in which the actions of animals have meant the difference between life and death. Today, scientists vigorously debate questions regarding the sentience, intelligence, and emotions of animals. In particular, they want to know whether animals share with humans the highest emotions of empathy, compassion, and altruism. This book also poses these questions for readers to consider, and using current research on animal minds and emotions, it examines these extreme life-saving situations for possible evidence. Where appropriate, skepticism and doubt surrounding particular stories is included, but gathered together, these anecdotes make a compelling case for the presence of altruism in animals. Thus, this book provides dramatic, thrilling, and moving stories that convey a hopeful message about our world. But these stories also provide startling evidence of the mental and emotional capacities of animals, those being we share the world with.

My Thoughts

I wanted to read this book because I thought it would be a great book to read with my animal loving niece. We haven't had a chance to read it together yet, but I know that she will love the stories of how the animals were heroes and the connections between humans and animals.

The introduction raises the questions that we all may have, can animals really save lives? Are their actions intentional, instinctual, or coincidental? Are there other explanations for their behavior? How is this all possible?

I liked how the book is set up - stories of domestic animals, trained animals, animals in the wild, and animal legend and folktales. It is possible to read these stories in sequence or in random order. I decided to pick and choose which stories I wanted to read. Stories of a variety of animals are shared from all over the world. Some stories are touching, inspiring, and pulled at my hearts-strings with the lengths that the animals went to in an effort to protect humans and keep them safe.

Daisy to the Rescue is a great book for animal lovers young and old. It is easy to read, educational, and the illustrations throughout the book are wonderful. It is a perfect addition to any personal library collection.

Disclaimer:  I received this promotional finished copy from Zest Books  in exchange for my honest review.  I was not compensated in any way other than the book provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

 

FOLLOW THE TRUE STORIES BLOG TOUR

hosted by Zest Books

 As part of the True Stories Blog Tour, I am giving away a copy of Daisy to the Rescue.

Giveaway Details

Prize donated by Zest Books
Must be 16 years or Older to enter
U.S. addresses only
To enter, fill out Rafflecopter below
Giveaway ends November 22, 2014 

 

If I cannot verify an entry, that entry will not count.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

True Stories Blog Tour: Tomboy by Liz Prince

Tomboy: a graphic memoir

by Liz Prince

Publication Date: September 2, 2014

Published by Zest Books

Pages: 256

Source: Publisher

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from Goodreads
Growing up, Liz Prince wasn't a girly girl, dressing in pink tutus or playing pretty princess like the other girls in her neighborhood. But she wasn't exactly one of the guys, either. She was somewhere in between. But with the forces of middle school, high school, parents, friendship, and romance pulling her this way and that, "the middle" wasn't exactly an easy place to be.

Tomboy follows award-winning author and artist Liz Prince through her early years and explores--with humor, honesty, and poignancy--what it means to "be a girl."

My Thoughts

I loved reading Tomboy. I decided to read it during a 24 hour readathon because I knew that I could read it in just a little over an hour - that is part of the appeal of reading a graphic novel (or memoir in this case). I rarely read graphic novels, but while reading Tomboy, I am convinced that I need to read more.

I loved how the corresponding images added to the story by helping express the emotions that Liz was experiencing through her childhood and teenage years. Through the text and through the images, Liz Prince shares her story letting everyone know she is who she is. She was confident in what she liked and didn't but reveals that it can be confusing when others don't understand or accept her. She shares how her friendships developed, changed, ended, and which ones she maintained over the years. We get to see how her friendships with girls and boys change as they begin to accept their societal roles.

This book is entertaining and eye-opening and makes you reconsider gender stereotypes. This is the first work that I've read by Liz Prince and I enjoyed it so much that I plan to seek out her works and read more. 

Disclaimer:  I received this promotional finished copy from Zest Books  in exchange for my honest review.  I was not compensated in any way other than the book provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

FOLLOW THE TRUE STORIES BLOG TOUR

hosted by Zest Books

 As part of the True Stories Blog Tour, I am giving away a copy of Tomboy by Liz Prince.

Giveaway Details

Prize donated by Zest Books
Must be 16 years or Older to enter
U.S. addresses only
To enter, fill out Rafflecopter below
Giveaway ends November 19, 2014 

 

If I cannot verify an entry, that entry will not count.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

True Stories Blog Tour: Alice + Freda Forever by Alexis Coe

Alice + Freda Forever: A Murder in Memphis

by Alexis Coe

Publication Date: October 7, 2014

Published by Pulp/Zest Books

Pages: 224

Source: Publisher

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from Goodreads

 In 1892, America was obsessed with a teenage murderess, but it wasn't her crime that shocked the nation—it was her motivation. Nineteen-year-old Alice Mitchell had planned to pass as a man in order to marry her seventeen-year-old fiancée Freda Ward, but when their love letters were discovered, they were forbidden from ever speaking again.

Freda adjusted to this fate with an ease that stunned a heartbroken Alice. Her desperation grew with each unanswered letter—and her father’s razor soon went missing. On January 25, Alice publicly slashed her ex-fiancée’s throat. Her same-sex love was deemed insane by her father that very night, and medical experts agreed: This was a dangerous and incurable perversion. As the courtroom was expanded to accommodate national interest, Alice spent months in jail—including the night that three of her fellow prisoners were lynched (an event which captured the attention of journalist and civil rights activist Ida B. Wells). After a jury of "the finest men in Memphis" declared Alice insane, she was remanded to an asylum, where she died under mysterious circumstances just a few years later.

Alice + Freda Forever recounts this tragic, real-life love story with over 100 illustrated love letters, maps, artifacts, historical documents, newspaper articles, courtroom proceedings, and intimate, domestic scenes—painting a vivid picture of a sadly familiar world.

My Thoughts 

Alice + Freda Forever is a fascinating and compelling read. Alexis Coe, through her research and presentation, captures the cultural climate of the time, as she shares the story of Alice Mitchell and Freda Ward.

I enjoyed how the story is presented through narrative, images, and letters. The Introduction was most helpful to explain Coe's motivation and intent for sharing their story. It is more than just a love story gone wrong. It takes a look at the aftermath of an unfathomable situation.

The media sensationalism of 1892 could be compared to the methods of reporting the news of today presenting whatever makes a good story regardless to the amount of truth that exists. She also reflects on the science of the time when not much clinical science is involved. I am amazed (although I shouldn't be) how much of "fact" was actually speculative opinion. 

What I was most surprised about their story was how much of it wasn't actually their story, but it is story about public perception, political and personal motivation. Even with all of the newspaper articles, letters, recounted stories, so much about Alice and Freda still remains a mystery. Readers interested in gender studies, history, true crime stories, and even folklore will want to read this book.

Disclaimer:  I received this promotional finished copy from Zest Books  in exchange for my honest review.  I was not compensated in any way other than the book provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

FOLLOW THE TRUE STORIES BLOG TOUR

hosted by Zest Books

 As part of the True Stories Blog Tour, I am giving away a copy of Alice + Freda Forever.

Giveaway Details

Prize donated by Zest Books
Must be 16 years or Older to enter
U.S. addresses only
To enter, fill out Rafflecopter below
Giveaway ends November 11, 2014 

If I cannot verify an entry, that entry will not count.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I'm Blogging for Regine and Giveaway; Regine's Book: a teen girl's last words

I'm Blogging for Regine

Right now I'm taking my time reading Regine's Book. I want to honor her by reading her story thoughtfully instead of rushing through it just so I can have a review to post on my blog tour date. I knew that this book would evoke many emotions while I read it, but I just didn't realize how much so. I, like many readers, know someone whose life has been affected by cancer and have lost someone to cancer. While reading Regine's story and the thoughts of her loved ones, I continue to think about those people in my own life and realize that I really have no idea what they experience when living with cancer. I am not involved in their day to day reality of medications, treatments, and uncertainties of the future. 

So until I can share my final thoughts on Regine's Book, here's the press release from Zest Books.

Regine’s Book: A Teen Girl’s Last Words

DIARY OF A DYING GIRL:

17 year old blogs about living with leukemia and accepting death

Regine Stokke began her blog after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia in 2008. Her goal was to paint a realistic picture of what it’s like battling a life-threatening illness—and to share her experience with the world. During the 15 months Regine was sick and to her death she transformed from an average teenage girl, upset that she doesn’t have a private hospital room, to a grateful and humble young woman with a deep appreciation for the beauty all around her.

Regine’s Book (Zest Books, October 2012) is Regine’s story as it was written on her blog and is supplemented with a selection of photos as well as comments from blog readers and entries from those who loved her most. The book deals with all the facets of living with cancer, from the good days to the bad and everything in between.

“I’ve been thinking a lot about people who permanently lose their hair,” wrote Regine, who had lost her own hair due to chemotherapy. “Can people actually get used to it? I haven’t. Society today is obsessed with looks. [But] I wore a wig to the hospital today and finally avoided all the stares. That felt good…”

At an age when Regine’s biggest concern should have been what dress she was going to wear to prom, she was worrying about whether or not the wig she’s wearing looks natural and about all the things she may soon be leaving behind. “The fear of no longer existing never goes away,” Regine laments only a few months before her death. “I’m afraid to leave the world and I don’t want to do it. I think about my family, and about my friends. I have to fight for them. I can’t leave them behind with that sorrow. I have to try everything I can, despite how bleak everything looks.”
   
It was this incredible hope and love for others that carried Regine through the 15 months of her illness. During this time she also had her photographs displayed in a museum exhibit, attended concerts, enjoyed her friends and family and advocated for others to register as blood and bone marrow donors. Regine’s Book shows her as a typical teenager in a terrifying situation, with an amazing will to live, and the lessons she learned have relevance for all of us. Through her eyes, readers will discover a more vivid world—and a new appreciation for life, art, and the power of the human spirit.

Regine Stokke was a lover of life—a poet, photographer, blogger, and leukemia patient, who blogged about her devastating struggle with the illness and shared her story with a world of strangers. Originally published in her homeland of Norway, Regine’s Book is being considered by the Norwegian Literature Abroad (NORLA) foundation for a translation grant. Regine was a very gifted photographer whose photos were exhibited at both the 2009 and 2010 Nordic Light photography festivals.

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Cancer affects millions of Americans every year. According to the American Cancer Society:

• Half of all men and one third of all women in the U.S. will develop cancer during their lifetimes
• Cancer is the second leading cause of death in children under 14 years of age
• 1,638,910 new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the US in 2012
• Nearly 50,000 new leukemia cases will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2012

Most teens likely know someone affected by cancer, but don’t know the details of what it’s like to live day to day with the disease. Regine’s Book tells the intimate story of one teen living with cancer—putting a face on this terrible epidemic and illuminating the importance of becoming a bone marrow donor.

Zest Books will make a donation to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training in Regine’s honor upon publication of the book.

*************************

Zest Books is generously offering a copy of Regine's Book to one of my blog readers. 

For a chance to win, please enter the Rafflecopter below. 

U.S. addresses only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Other blog tour stops can be found here: 

Zest Books Regine’s Book “Blogging for Regine” blog page:

http://zestbooks.net/blogging-for-regine/

Zest Books Regine’s Book book page: http://zestbooks.net/regines-book/

Regine’s Book on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13435892-regine-s-book

Regine’s Book LibraryThing: http://www.librarything.com/work/12421089

Books can be ordered from these online booksellers, as well as from any bookstore.

IndieBound 

Amazon

BAM (Books a Million)

Barnes and Noble

The Book Depository

Zest Books Dear Teen Me book page also has a “buy now” button: http://zestbooks.net/regines-book/