Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan

I realise that I've let my blog slip into disuse in the last year or so, it was the typical story of too much vying for my attention and, sadly, the inessential being trimmed.

This weekend gone I read Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan and suddenly, even if only for this one book, blogging became essential. I don't even know if anyone reads this long dead blog, but that's not what's important here. I need to write about this book regardless of how many people happen to stumble upon this dark corner of the internet.

Each book is a story, obviously, but I'm also strong in the belief that the reading of each book is a story in itself. True, not always an interesting one, but there's always something that led us to chose that particular book at that particular time. If you want to skip to the review of the book itself, I understand. Jump down to where it starts... It's the most important part anyway. I think I've rambled a bit. But, my blog, my rules.

My 'Two Boys Kissing' story starts long before it was even published, not that I knew it. The last 3 years I've been working towards my Masters in Children's literature, and towards the beginning of last year I made an important decision: What to do for my thesis. I'd tossed around a couple of ideas, a research paper analysing Patrick Ness' Chaos Walking Series, or an exploration of gay teen YA, a few other ideas, but what I really wanted to do was write a novel. So I decided to do a creative work: write and submit a novel along with an exegesis about it. So, I stopped writing the steampunk fantasy bizzo that I was working on, and undertook the book I've always known I've had in me. I'll leave the details about that for another time, but I should say that it is a gay teen YA novel. 

I got to writing...

One thing I often hear authors say is that while they were writing any given novel, they read widely, but stayed well away from the same genre as what they were writing. I've had editor friends give me the same advice directly. So, for nearly 18 months, all books with a gay YA theme were hands off. This has been difficult, as, through my studies I've become aware of more books than I ever knew existed. Not only that, but then David Levithan (by all accounts among booksellers the go-to-guy of gay YA) releases a book proudly called Two Boys Kissing with a cover that reinforced its subject matter unapologetically. Further, people who's opinion I trust and are usually aligned with asked me regularly if I had read it yet, because it's so good.

But, alas, I was still only halfway through my own novel and was abstaining.

Then (let's skip forward 6 months) I finally finished my novel (enough for uni, at least). Yet, I still have my exegesis to write before I can hand it in. AND because an academic discussion of a novel isn't really complete without comparing it to others in the genre, I found that the long list of gay YA novels of which I'd been taking note, had to be read all of a sudden in order to be analysed.

Now I know my own book isn't completely polished, and I probably should have held off until I knew it was done and dusted, but uni called for it. Who was I to argue?

So, letting go, I succumbed to the inner urge I'd been denying for months and finally started reading the books I wanted to. The first cab off the rank was one called 'The Boy's Own Manual To Being A Proper Jew' by Eli Glasman. It's not out until July, but a friend scored me an advanced proof because she knew the subject matter of thesis. I won't go on about it, other to say I read it in one sitting and it's great! Definitely look it up.

Then, I reached for my copy of Two Boys Kissing. I'd bought it when it came out, knowing that I had to own it, regardless. (My only grief now is that I will have to buy it again in HB, as you'll find out why)

So then... My Review...

I have to admit that when I began reading I was really worried I'd find the whole thing a bit pretentious. It's not, but I want to say this upfront for those of you who start it and think the same thing and wonder if you should give up. Do not give up. Press on (if indeed you need to be pressed). The reason for my reaction is that the narrator is a collective 'we' made up of the generation of gay men who lived (and died) through the height of the AIDS epidemic. I quickly learned that this is a very effective narrative device. It powerfully brings to light what often remains unspoken or even unknown about their suffering, without the book being about their suffering.

Instead, we follow an assortment of gay teenage boys each trying to find their way through varied levels of acceptance from their families, their friends and their communities. The main story that ties most of them together is that of Craig and Harry who are attempting to break the world record for the longest kiss. They see this as a form of advocacy in light of the recent homophobic assault that put one of their classmates in hospital. This, essentially, is the two boys kissing of the title. Yet, as we also follow Peter and Neil who have been dating for a year, and Avery and Ryan who have only just met and feel those first stirrings of something special, we realise that there are many types of kisses, many types of relationships. There is more, but I'm sure other reviews and blurbs will fill you in. Really, it's even better going into it knowing as little as possible.

I was so utterly moved by this book. Those who know me well will know that I rarely cry (I mean actually cry) in books and films. Sure, I can get teary, sure I get emotionally invested, but actual tears come so infrequently that I can be quite astounded by the books that do manage to get me weeping.

I was crying all the way through this book.

Tears of joy; tears from hard personal memories; tears from sweet personal memories; tears of shared pain in what others have gone through; but, most frequently, pure tears of hope that things are changing, and things can change; get better. That we are moving in the right direction. One particular character brought on these tears of hope more than any other, and he only exists in only 3 paragraphs. I just re-read those paragraphs as I write this, and cried again. He is Max, and I'll let you find him for yourself. (Thank you, David Levithan, for Max).

I finished this book (in fact, it was well before I finished) and knew that it was perhaps one of the most special and important books I had read. I found myself sad that it had not been written 15 years ago so that I could have read it as a teenager and maybe had a much happier time of it. I found myself happy that such a book existed and was now available for anyone to read. Which they should. Anyone. While it is truly a spectacular work of fiction that practically any gay teen in the western world will most likely connect with, it is also one that offers so much insight into what has gone before, and how much further we have to go, and we will never get there if it is only gay teens reading this book. This is a book for everyone. I will try not to get carried away and say that to disregard this book because of its themes is to wantonly perpetuate closed-minded bigotry, but that is how I feel.

If someone had told me that they were attempting to write a novel that encapsulates so much of the joint experiences of multiple generations of gay men, I would have told them that it could not be done. David Levithan has proved me wrong, and I am so happy for it.

So go out and share it. Share it with your partners, your boyfriends and girlfriends. Share it with your teenage children or nieces and nephews. Share it with your parents, with your friends. Because if this book has even a fraction of the power that I feel it has, it will only be realised by people sharing it.

 

5 Gold Stars 

(Can I give it more?)

Find it on Goodreads

 

Blog Tour: The Tribe Series by Ambelin Kwaymullina

Hi Readers!

Today I've got the pleasure of being the first stop on Ambelin Kwaymullina's blog tour.

While readers might be dying to know all about the series, I'd rather start with some fun questions in getting to know you! And, as this is by blog, it's my rules. So when I say let's have fun, you do as you're told!

Well, perhaps if I lose the totalitarian tone, we can begin...

What was the last book you read?

Unravel Me which is the sequel to Shatter Me, by Tahereh Mafi.

Pure by Julianna Baggott

I kept getting told how fantastic this book was, but how off-putting and gross it was because of all the malformed bodies etc that it contains (post nuclear holocaust). Some even said it was hard going because of this. So, I thought to myself, let's see what all the fuss is about.

I found that because I knew that it would have deformities left, right and center, I wasn't grossed out at all. In fact, putting aside the fact that I really think that most of these afflicted people would be dead (which is explained briefly with chemical and nanotechnology which was designed to create this grotesque fusing), I wouldn't have expected any less for the world which was being created.

So, did it all work?

Yes, absoultely! Julianna Baggott has given us a world so vivid and alive and filled with the horror and hope of survival it's almost palpable. You nearly feel gritty, yourself, as you read about the soot and ash and dust that permanently grays they sky and every thing else. All of which is perfectly contrasted with the pure 'Dome' that is so clean and spotless, it's ripe for conspiracy.

I really enjoyed the journey this book took me on. My only criticism is that it felt a little long and perhaps could have been pared back in places to create a slightly more fast pace story. But, even as it stands, it was a great read!

 

4 Gold Stars

Find it on Goodreads

Broken by Elizabeth Pulford

When I heard about Broken, I got excited. I thoroughly enjoyed Tussock and so Elizabeth Pulford’s writing was more than enough to make me want to read it. But then I heard that it is narrated by a girl who is in a coma and my interest spiked. Further, the cover is beautiful!

Zara is broken, the back cover tells us, she’s in a coma, trapped in the world of her subconscious. We learn at the very beginning that she was on the back of her brother’s motorcycle when there was an accident. Jem, tragically, died immediately. Zara is in a coma, unaware of his death, unaware of her own vegetative state. All she knows is the broken pieces of her life, over-lapping, intersecting and scrolling through her mind without much rhyme or reason.

She hears snippets of conversation from the hospital room, she remembers things from the past, she knows Jem is missing and she needs to find him. He is her secret keeper. He is the only one she told the whole story to after she was kidnapped as a seven year old and kept in a cupboard for six weeks. She desperately needs to find him. Has he disappeared into one of his comics that he was so obsessed with? Armed with a pencil and an eraser she draws her way in after him to find out.

Piece by piece Zara must sift through her past to unlock secrets she has kept deep inside her.

I really liked this book. The fragmented text types, the disjointed narration, the blurring of reality and fantasy within the comic book; they all build to make a believable picture of a girl in a coma. At no point did I feel it was gimmicky or forced. Even as great idea “narrated by a girl in a coma” is, it is a great premise that could have easily fell flat by a less skilled author. Once I had finished I didn’t think the story in Broken could have been told in any other way. It all works.

This is a YA read that is different other things out there.

 

4.5 Silver Stars

Find it on Goodreads

Tamar by Mal Peet

People who have been reading my blog might have realised by now how much I love Mal Peet's writing. Only experiencing it for the first time last year when I read his latest novel, Life: An Exploded Diagram, then further this year when I read Keeper and Penalty.

I'm very excited that I get to meet him this week thanks to Sydney Writer's Festival! But I'm a little sad I didn't get time to read Exposure as well. Needless to say, I'll get to it when I can.

Tamar is made up of two stories: one set in Holland in 1944-45 and one set in England in 1995. They overlap, interweave and are tied in more ways than are instantly clear.

In 1995 Tamar, a fifteen year old girl, witnesses the declining physical and mental health of her grandmother, while her grandfather becomes more distant and eventually commits suicide. Her father, the link between that side of the family disappeared without a trace years earlier.

In 1944 two Dutch operatives, code-names Dart and Tamar are parachuted back into Holland after training in the UK to help organise the resistance.

Like the others of Peet's books, this one is brilliantly written. He has a way of crafting words that is inspirational. This compelling novel looks at only some of the devastating generational effects of war on those who fought, or were witness to the horrible things that happened.

I should point out, that I have never had what could be described as 'an interest' in modern history, historical fiction set in recent times, or war in general. Ancient, mythical and magical has always been a lot more engaging for me. But if more of it were written at the high standard that Mal Peet has set, then I would be interested. Between Tamar and Life, I've discovered that when in the hands of the right storyteller, topics outside of my comfort zone are a must read! I mean, look at how Mal got me reading about football (soccer) - and loving it! (not the sport *shudder*, the reading about it...)

Have I convinced you yet to read any of his books? Let me know if I haven't and I'll try harder!

 

4 Gold Stars

Find it on Goodreads

Girl, Stolen by April Henry

A fairly straight-forward premise leads to a great read, one of those ones that you find yourself needing to know what’s going to happen.

A girl is lying on the back seat of her Step-Mother’s car while she’s fulfilling a prescription for the girl’s pneumonia. Then, the car is stolen, girl and all. Oh yeah, and she’s blind.

This is a gripping thriller where we’re really taken along with Cheyenne and experience it as she would, unable to see, but far from helpless either.

I’m not really sure what to say about this book without giving too much away, other than I really enjoyed it and didn’t want to put it down till I was finished. There are some scenes that are very uncomfortable, as some of her kidnappers are mightily unpleasant men, but that only adds to the edge, the compulsiveness of it.

It’s a straight-up great, realistic, suspenseful read.

4 Silver Stars

Find it on Goodreads

Preloved by Shirley Marr

Shirley Marr’s writing style is crisp, fast paced and snappy. I’ve heard very good things about her novel ‘Fury’ but haven’t had a chance to read it yet, so Preloved was my introduction to her.

The book is from the point of view of Amy who feels like she is a minor character in the ‘movie’ of her best friend Rebecca. Her mother is always offering snippets of Chinese mythology and superstition, that she has trouble identifying with, and her father hasn’t made any attempt to be a father since their separation. One day, a locket finds its way to Rebecca who discards it and Amy becomes focused on getting it open. When she manages to open it, it contains the photo of a very attractive boy from the 80’s – whose ghost starts to follow her around. J

Preloved works on a number of levels. Firstly, it is relatable, in that the characters were like ones I went to high school with. It felt Australian, without the slightest hint of Australiana. Despite one of the main aspects of it being about Eastern philosophy, and the main character’s family being Chinese, at no point did I feel ostracised by this. Amy is trying to reconcile her beliefs and those of her mother throughout the story so it is easy for a non-Chinese reader (such as myself) to identify with her.

I felt this was a well done twist on the paranormal romance genre, as it wasn’t anywhere near as other-worldly and soppy as others in this genre. And despite the myriad of 80’s references, it had a very contemporary feel to it. It’s definitely one that I can see teen readers devouring, much like the hungry ghosts the book deals with.

4 Silver Stars

Find it on Goodreads

Sea Hearts by Margo Lanagan

So this is how it went for me and Margo Lanagan: I had a long-standing love affair from a-far with Tender Morsels which you can read about HERE, which sadly remains unresolved, as I haven't got around to reading it yet.

Then, last semester, her collection of short stories 'White Time' was a set text for my masters subject. I liked what I read there, I liked that I had to fit myself into each story like someone doing advanced yoga of the mind. But alas, Tender Morsels still waved, sadly-unread, from my shelf.

Then there was the release of Sea Hearts AND the possibility of meeting Margo at an event at Better Read Than Dead, a beautiful bookshop in Newtown where a friend of mine works as the Children's specialist. What was I to do? I'll tell you what: I got my hands on a copy, forced myself to take a break from work reading (it was well timed really) then Sea Hearts jumped the queue. I had accepted the invitation to the event, so I knew I had to have it read.

The plan was to read Tender Morsels as well, so I could seem switched on and genuine in my apparent fandom. Because, lets face it, despite having only read some of her short stories last year, I have thought of Margo Lanagan as an author that I love for years. (it might have something to do with the jacket of Tender Morsels - See the other post) But I know I loved the idea of her.

This has turned into a rather long pre-amble for my review of this book, I know. But partly the time it took me to read it is needed to explain how I felt about it. I read each night when I climb into bed. It's the one time of the day I can guarantee myself the time to read. Unfortunately, I picked a time to read Sea Hearts when I was particularly exhausted from work and life in general. One thing I discovered when I picked up this book is it's the kind of writing that you sort-of need to pay attention to (not quite as hard as the aforementioned mind-yoga, but still) and this is difficult to do when your eyes are struggling to stay open as it is. Therefore, it took me much longer to get through this book than I had hoped. (then along comes reading for work again, and unless I can read three books in the next 2 days, there no chance of be even attempting to start Tender Morsels before the event on Wednesday.)

Enough already! I hear you sighing, tell us about the book! Ok, here it goes:

It's a moving re-work/fleshing-out of the Selkie legends from the regions of the far-North Atlantic Ocean. Now I had only a passing/second hand knowledge of these legends, so for me, it read like a well thought out fantasy. I can see how others who know the tales better would enjoy it even more than I did. Margo Lanagan's writing is superb. She doesn't fluff around, but fills her prose with the magic of time and place. Her conviction to the story she is telling is striking. This is a book for anyone who loves a tale of love, loss and a spot of magic.

I feel like I have to say, though, that as a male reader, I felt appalled at the state of men in this book. Every single female character was wronged at the hands of a male, and absolutely none of the men had any redeeming characteristics, save for one pre-pubescent boy who devised a way to help his mother. I understand that in the context of the story that the sea-wives were enchanting, but I would have loved to see at least one man resist. As you do with books, I put myself in their shoes and asked: What of a gay man? would he be equally beguiled? (Although I must admit that the Seal King magiked into a man was rather steamy...) Or are all men destined to hurt the women in their lives and rely on their young sons to make amends on their behalf?

That said, I loved reading this. There was a sequence in it that was one of the most exciting-cannot-put-down-what's-going-to-happen things I've read in at least 6 months (and I've read a lot in that time). It's a beautiful novel that reveals the devastating effects of taking things from where they naturally belong for your own personal gain.

I really need to stop writing now, so I can go and read and hopefully - finally - find the time to read Tender Morsels.

4.5 Gold Stars

Find it on Goodreads

TopographicalFeature: Sea Hearts - Margo Lanagan

Something You'd See In The Sky:

Creepy Crawly:

Type Of House:

Something You'd Carry In Your Pocket, Purse, or Backpack:

Something You'd Find On A Calendar:

JudgeABook: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

This is my 2nd JudgeABook post! I'm enjoying them. Feel free to join in the game any time you like! Read about it HERE

Shiver by Maggie Stefvater

My first reaction to this jacket was that it caught my eye and made me think 'ooo look at that!' I'm partial to tree designs and the simple, layered graphic nature of this one is very striking. I quite like that the leaves are reminiscent of hearts too, and the drop of blood is a nice touch. This is another one that I acquired because I liked the look of it, but it has been sitting on my shelf for a long time, unread.

My interpretation of the cover:

It was hard to tell if the trees held the frost with their branches, or if the frost had the forest firmly in its grasp. No matter how tight the grip of either, the wolf slipped between their fingers, stalking his prey. The last remnants of summer dropped one at a time from the branches, falling with her memories of the love she had left behind. This was her future, she must submit to it. With the realisation that she would never leave the forest again, she shivered, and set her jaw against the years ahead. 

Cover rating:

3.5 Gold Stars

Find it on Goodreads

Other JudgeABook posts.

JudgeABook: Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan

Welcome to the inaugural post of my new series called JudgeABook that is all about the cover. You can read all about where this came from HERE.

Let's jump straight into it:

Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan

(In the rules, I've said that you should only write one sentence about how the cover made you react, but I'm going to expand a bit.)

When I first saw this book, I was riveted by it. I visit a lot of book shops and I think 2 or 3 of them had it in stock and every time I went back I would find myself picking this one up and just looking at it. I'm pretty sure it was a long time before I even read the back cover. In any event, after 6 months of periodic gazing at it, I finally bought it, still knowing very little of what the book was about. I have now owned it for almost a year, but I haven't gotten around to reading it yet. It even has a spot on my coveted spinner (one of the beautiful, wooden Vintage Classics ones I scored from one of my old jobs) which is in my lounge room and reserved for my favourite books as that's the shelf that gets browsed by visitors. But there it is, it's gorgeous cover staring at me while I watch TV. 

A while into my affair with this cover image, a friend of mine told me it's a Shaun Tan cover! Amazed, I looked in the publishing details and lo an behold, there it is, copyright Shaun Tan. I basked in the confirmation of my own good taste. Later, when he released The Bird King, I would discover a preliminary sketch of this very cover image. 

In all honesty, the amount I think about this book, I cannot believe I haven't read it yet. Maybe I'll select it for my choice next time for Bookclub. 

But that's enough of that. I'm sure you can see by now how I feel about this cover. On to part 3!

Rather than a synopsis, I think I'll write a glimpse of the story that the cover tells me.

The time she had spent in that forest would surely be coming to an end soon. Scratched and bruised, she clung to her friend who had been more humane to her than the man she had fled. Tear-matted fur stuck to her face; she could feel the setting sun on her back, falling beyond the reach of the trees (for the last time?). The wrath of an ignorant man is a terrible thing; too ready to trample and claim. She shivered as the last of the light died on a barcoded horizon. Was this the price of love? 

Cover Rating:

5 Gold Stars

Find it on Goodreads

Other JudgeABook posts.

Blog Tour: Pan's Whisper by Sue Lawson

Very excited to be hosting a stop in Sue Lawson's Blog Tour for Pan's Whisper!

If you haven't already, you can read my review of it HERE (I'm still a little chuffed that my review made her speechless!)

The other stops on the tour have been asking all the hard and interesting questions about Pan's Whisper and the writing process and all that melting pot of goodies that resulted in the brilliant book. These are all great, and I wanted to know them too, but I read them elsewhere and decided to do something a bit different here.

I thought I'd use this as an opportunity to get to know Sue a bit more, so I've asked her a series of less serious questions for a fun and frivolous way to start this, the last week in the lead up to Christmas.

So let's jump in!



What was the last book you read?
I’m studying my masters, so the last book I read was for that – Pagan’s Crusade – loved it! 
Now I’m reading masses of short stories.
Plus, I have also just read Karen Tayleur’s latest manuscript. WOW!
(Oo! I've got Six sitting on my to-read-sooner-than-later pile at home. And Snap! I'm doing my Masters too.)

Score out of 10?
Pagan’s Crusade – 8/10
Short Stories – vary
Karen Tayleur’s manuscript. 10/10 
(Can't wait to read it then!)


Any books you have re-read over and over?
Heaps – The Outsiders, SE Hinton, Dirt Music and The Riders both by Tim Winton, To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee and a few others. Generally though I’m flat out keeping up with my reading pile, so it’s not often I re-read books.
(I know what you mean! Sometimes I find myself thinking I'd LOVE to re-read something, but where's the time?)


Where’s your favourite place to read?
I’ll read anywhere. I do love reading in bed, though I often read until my eyes hurt and have had the book fall on my face more than once.
(What I've noticed recently, is that I'll be reading in bed and then I'll find myself thinking, Wait, why isn't the story progressing? oh, that's right, my eyes are closed!)


What book would you most like to see turned into a film?
That’s a tough one as generally I don’t love film adaptations (see below for those I did!). I’d probably like to see Dirt Music because the setting (WA) is so amazing.
(Hehe, I've got a t-shirt that says: 'MOVIES: Ruining the book since 1920')


What is the best film adaptation of a book that you can think of?
Atonement. Man I loved that book and to be honest was a little scared about the film, but loved it. My advice to anyone who is a romantic, leave or turn it off when the old lady is about to be interviewed!
The other film adaptations I’ve enjoyed are Lord of the Rings (Wow! I like that far too much!) and Harry Pottter.
(Have to say, I'm a bit more than partial to the last two... I've never read Atonement though, but I thoroughly enjoyed the first half the that movie.)


Where was the best Holiday you’ve taken to?
Last year, my husband, daughter and I went to Italy, Switzerland, France and England. We had the most amazing time.

(Nothing like a bit of public nudity :)


Favourite Dessert?
Baked Cheesecake with berries. Or Lemon Tart.
(Mmm Cheesecake with berries...)


Dogs or Cats? (or something else entirely?)
Dogs – preferable robust, loving and personality filled dogs like Labradors (We had two labs when I was growing up – Sam and Rocky) We used to have a Cairn Terrier called Dougall – now he was a sensational dog!
(Is it too embarrassing for me to say I've got a soft toy dog called Dougall?)


Who would you cast in a Bio flick about you?
Susan Saradon. She is just a fantastic actress.
(Ooo, good pick! She's great! I loved her in Elizabethtown)


Ideal night out?
With friends, at a restaurant – Thai, Indian or maybe Malaysian. 


Ideal night in?
Either have friends over for a barbeque or watch a movie with my husband and daughter.


If you had to pick one food that was the only thing you could eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
One food – you’re kidding. Okay - fruit, especially berries. So it’s cheating, but I love food too much to be stuck to only one kind!
(Yes, I know what you mean, Just one??? It is a cruel question.)


Name a guilty pleasure when it comes to your reading life.
Jilly Cooper. I love her books – they baddies are so bad and the goodies so good.
(They do look like a bit of a guilty pleasure...)


Are your dinner plates patterned or plain?
Plain. Hope that isn’t indicative of my personality! In my defence, I love the look of food on plain plates – we eat lots of veggies and the colours are spectacular. Okay, now I just sound weird!
(Not at all! In my opinion, patterned is a thing of by-gone tastes - with few exceptions - who knows, in another 30 years our children or grandchildren might think we're so daggy for having plain plates!)


How many members are there in your family? (let’s start with immediate then move to extended)
Immediate – three of us – my husband and daughter.
Extended – two brothers, one sister, Mum, Dad, (who died 14 years ago) two sister in laws, one brother in law, two nieces, three nephews, six cousins, 17 second cousins, two aunts, one uncle…then there is my husband’s family…his parents, sister and brother, sister in law, six nephews…okay I’ll stop.
We’re a relatively small family. A friend of mine is one of 18 brothers and sisters!
(Sounds like it's big enough when you start looking at extended members.)


What was your favourite board game as a child? (or now, if you’re anything like me).
As a child I loved playing Monopoly – not so much now. My daughter has been able to whip me since she was about 8. Not good for the ego.
(Monopoly was never one of my favourites, I always seem to loose. But I'm a sucker for Board games in general)

And finally,
What’s the most random/left-of-field thing anyone has ever said to you?
“Oh – I thought you’d be blonde.” (Guy at a pub when I worked in radio. He was so disappointed when he saw me. Wish I had the words to describe his face! Apparently I sounded short and blonde when I was on radio – not sure how to take that.)
Then there was the time when…I’ll stop shall I?

(Well, sometimes you just can't live up to expectations! But, that's his problem. I can think of a few witty remarks, but lets keep it PG, shall we?)

Sue Lawson (Left) at the Pan's Whisper book launch with Corinne Fention.

Thanks so much, Sue, for your fantastic answers! I've had so much fun reading them through and putting this post together. It was such a pleasure!

-

Here are some of the places you can find Sue and discover what she's up to:

Website - Facebook - Twitter - Blog

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