August 26, 2011
by Valya
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First exciting news of the week…my sister gave birth to her second daughter, and she is a beautiful, healthy baby!We are all excited and proud and so grateful! Next, book update! I know it’s just a number, but it’s happy … Continue reading
July 19, 2011
by Valya
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My last entry was one month ago. I need to update more regularly because a month seems daunting when so much has happened. So I’ll be (relatively) brief. In between a holiday in the desert (a landscape I love more … Continue reading
June 7, 2011
by Valya
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Today my friend in Paris sent me a link to Guardian editor Alison Flood’s response to the Wall Street Jounral commentary on YA Literature. I’d recommend reading Flood’s article: Teen fiction accused of being ‘rife with depravity.’ It discusses the reactions … Continue reading
February 4, 2011
by Valya
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I’ve had a lovely day that began with no lines at the DMV when I went to renew my license and included cupcakes from my sister, so many wishes from friends near and far, and cards from the kids. In … Continue reading
December 8, 2010
by Valya
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Busy with the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame, I had not heard that Goodreads has a 2010 Goodreads Choice Award in several genres and categories until someone let me know they had written in a vote for The Silence of … Continue reading
November 1, 2010
by Valya
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Joy. See Neil’s expression? I love it. That is the kind of unrestrained smile that one gets when given the chance to ride the World’s Largest Carousel for the first time. The Gathering of American Gods at The House on … Continue reading
May 12, 2010
by Valya
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Mistakes are almost always of a sacred nature. Never try to correct them. On the contrary: rationalize them, understand them thoroughly. After that, it will be possible for you to sublimate them. Salvador Dali Yesterday was the anniversary of Salvador … Continue reading
September 13, 2009
by Valya
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Kevin Neilson turned me onto John Crowley’s novel Little, Big earlier this year, and I loved it. For those unfamiliar, Little, Big is a literary feast of the finest craftsmanship: full of families, fairies, secrets, love, loss, and magic. It’s … Continue reading
September 7, 2009
by Valya
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September is here, and summer is ending in the northern hemisphere. I’m not sad to see it go, being a lover of Autumn and all that comes with the falling leaves and breezes whispering winter psalms. It’s the perfect time … Continue reading