Maybe I picked this up because I've been reading teen books centred about being gay and / or being bullied, but whatever the reason, I'm so glad I did... I'll be putting a proper recommendation in the next Teen UBG, but I have to mention it here, as it is a book that needs to be read. Yes, there are flaws, and yes, some of the emotions arc is simplistic, but it is still overwhelmingly powerful, with characters you love and situations you recognise. I can't remember when I last read a teen book I didn't want to end, and this one I didn't. In fact I'd happily read a sequel...
The one thing I'm curious about is whether B R Collins cut her writing teeth online, as there are elements in it that are closer to fanfiction than professional fiction - and this is in no way a criticism!
I have to go write the recommendation now. Hmm, maybe I'll need to re-read too...
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11 years ago
8 comments:
Hello. I was just doing my usual googling-myself-before-I-start-work procrastination (I must stop, it's very unhealthy) and found your blog. I'm so glad you enjoyed the book - thanks for your lovely comments!
Incidentally, I've never actually read any fanfiction, being the sort of person who's at least ten years behind everyone else... But you've piqued my interest - I'll have a quick search... which won't be procrastination at all, because it's RESEARCH.
Oh, and no plans for a sequel as yet, I'm afraid, but my second book is coming out in early autumn next year. Just so you know...
So happy to help with the procrastinating - oops! research... Though if you do dip yout toe into the fan fiction waters, avoid ff.net (fanfiction.net) until you know a bit more, as the site is a morass of sef-indulgent prose which hides the few gems present! Look instead for 'rec' sites for personal recommendations in fandoms you recognise - TV shows, movies etc. As for what about your writing reminded me of ff? Well, i'm not entirely sure, but it was something to do with the quality of the emotions. Like I said - definitely NOT a crit!
As for a sequel to The Traitor Game? I wasn't really serious, as I'm not sure where you'd take them. And besides, they're living in my head quite happily now, thank you!
Oh, and who deals with you at Bloomsbury? I'd love a copy of the new book, as we're putting the next Teen guide together now...
Thanks for commenting!
Apparently Bloomsbury are hoping to have bound proofs for the next book in early January, so if you let me know your details I can get someone to send you one. Hope you enjoy it!
I'm getting worryingly into fan fiction (I can even distinguish between "fan fiction" and "slash fiction" - hope you're impressed). And somehow I know exactly what you mean about TTG...
I only found this website only through trying to find an email address or some contact details to write fan-mail to B. R. Collins!
I seriously enjoyed this book and would love a sequel (Thought I have no idea where'd she'd take it) and even though I have never cried at a book before I cried several times during reading this book.
hi JulietteC! yep, I'm with you about The Traitor Game, I adored it! It's not often a book comes along that just gets it ALL right, and I think BR succeeded. I cried too...
BR, (if I may...) I'm glad to see that fanfiction has been of interest. I love some of it, and the ff-specific language and mores fascinate me. I have to admit that slash is definitely the ff genre that intrigues me most - and that I've found the best writing in (so far).
Oh, and I got the ms. It's next on my reading pile - thank you!
I purchased this book for my 12y.o boy at Christmas and read it before I gave it to him (sad I know). I'm glad I did, because even though he has an advanced reading level I feel he's not ready to deal with the subject matter brought up in the book.
I loved the book and am looking forward to reading more from the author. And when he's ready I will happily hand The Traitor Game over to my son and then recommend it to the parents of his friends.
Dear Anonymous (I love writing that!) - there is nothing sad about reading your kid's books first! Me, I have to fight the boys at school for first read of all sorts of things. Sadly some of the boys are now bigger than me and actually win!
Seriously, regarding The Traitor Game, I do see where you concerns are coming from as the issues involved are not easy ones. Obviously too your son is known better to you than to anyone, and your decision is perfectly right and I wouldn't think to tell you otherwise.
I do think though that there are 12 year old boys out there who would love TTG, and who would benefit from some of the insights that it offers. I know for certain that its compassionate look at what it might be like to know you're gay and to be very scared of all that might mean, is very useful for boys in the same situation.
Do come back and comment anytime, I love to know what adults who read kids' books think about them!
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