Isn't that a great cover?! Here's the blurb from Susan's site:
Sixteen-year-old Kira Moore is a zero, someone who can't read thoughts or be read by others. Zeros are outcasts who can't be trusted, leaving her no chance with Raf, a regular mindreader and the best friend she secretly loves. When she accidentally controls Raf's mind and nearly kills him, Kira tries to hide her frightening new ability from her family and an increasingly suspicious Raf. But lies tangle around her, and she's dragged deep into a hidden world of mindjackers, where being forced to mind control everyone she loves is just the beginning of the deadly choices before her.
Unique concept! Love it.
In honour of Susan's release today, I'm talking about #keepingOPENMINDS. As a teacher this is a topic near and dear to my heart. I've taught a lot of kids over the years. None of them fit the same mould. Thankfully.
It's difficult growing up. No one feels like they fit in all the time. We all have moments (sometimes long ones) of insecurity and self-doubt. Some kids grow up tough. Without love. Without security. Without any way to build their own self-esteem.
Then comes school. Where some people are looking for someone lower on the list. Kids who are so broken or hurt inside, they can only feel good by making someone else feel bad.
Teasing. Bugging. Nit-picking. Name calling. Poking. Tripping... You know.
Until one day the Ray of Sunshine walks in. The one who IS secure in his/her own skin. The one who likes people. All people. The one who makes an effort. Reaches out. Cares. The one who lets the bully's words slide off with a smile. Who knows the world is better when we're all unique - when we all have a chance to shine. The one whose mind is always open.
These Sunshines with their open minds do more than reach out. They save. They bring back from the brink. I've seen kids who felt helpless and hopeless, kids who've attempted the unthinkable, kids who had no one who now suddenly have someone in their corner. That sunshine spreads, grows, nurtures. And the kids are no longer helpless, hopeless or alone.
#keepingOPENMINDS is what it's all about. Try it.
So, have you met any of these Sunshines? Any stories to share?
*********************
Three ways to enter (you can have multiple entries):
1) Leave a comment here or at the Virtual Launch Party post
2) Tweet (with tag #keepingOPENMINDS)
- Example: When everyone reads minds, a secret is a dangerous thing to keep. #keepingOPENMINDS @susankayequinn #SF #YA avail NOW http://www.susankayequinn.com/
- Celebrate the launch of OPEN MINDS by @susankayequinn #keepingOPENMINDS #SciFi #paranormal #YA avail NOW http://www.susankayequinn.com/
- Example: Celebrate the launch of paranormal/SF novel OPEN MINDS by @AuthorSusanKayeQuinn for a chance to win Open Books/Open Minds prizes!
47 comments:
I agree the cover is certainly eye catching,The books sounds as though it is an excellent read.
Yvonne.
Yvonne - I agree! I've got the book on my Kindle, but NaNo is here, so it's going to have to wait! :)
So happy for Susan! I've met plenty of Sunshines, yes :o)
Off to tweet, etc! :o)
I so love your story! Thank you for sharing that, and yes - open minds not only make the world a better place, they save people. #awesome :)Thanks for being a part of the Virtual Party!
I'm excited for Susan Kaye Quinn. Thanks for posting about her book!
That is super unique. I love the concept :)
All the best to Susan and her Open Minds! Yay! take care
x
I'm seeing this book promoted on quite a few sites in Blogdom today. I love the mindjacking concept. Good luck to Ms. Quinn and Keeping Open Minds!
You're right, it's a great cover.
About fitting in... I don't know... I don't think we are meant to blend in.
I just finished Susan's book and I loved it. It's a fantastic read - congrats to Susan! :)
Not entering to win (I'm buying her book) but those positive people make all the difference in the world, Jemi!
I know exactly the kind of kid you're talking about. I wish they could all be like that.
I wish their skin didn't feel wrong to them.
Great post -- and I can't wait to read Open Minds!
Jessica - yay indeed! I'm glad you know a lot of Sunshines!
Susan - you're very welcome! It's a pleasure to host you and help launch the book!
Theresa - you're welcome! I'm thrilled for her too :)
Elisabeth - it is a unique idea for sure!
Old Kitty - Yay indeed! I hope it's a big hit! :)
Stephen - it really is a cool idea! :)
Agnes - great point! I do like the idea of us all being unique and standing out, but for kids and teens that can be so hard!
Talli - awesome! I haven't been able to read my copy yet (life is crazy at the moment) but I'm looking forward to it!
Alex - I agree Alex! Those people make the world a kinder, more positive space!
Elana - me too! It would be nice to be able to wave a magic wand and give each kid that boost of confidence to realize they are okay - they are special. I wish...
it looks interesting - I'll have to watch out for it ;)
I'm fortunate to have some Sunshines in my classroom. They make things so much easier.
I've also had Sunshines in my life when the going was rough.
Congrats to Susan on her release. :)
Michelle - it sure does! I think it'll be a hit! :)
Medeia - those Sunshines really do make a difference in a classroom and in the world. I'm glad they're all around us!
I was talking about those "rays of sunshine" with my Sunday school class last weekend. They are the ones that make teaching;/learning/being at school worth it for everyone. Great post! :-)
Shannon - exactly! Those kids are worth SO much to everyone around them. Special, special people! :)
The amazing thing about Sunshines in the classroom is they grow up and continue to make a difference in their world.
Great post, Jemi, and Susan's book sounds awesome!
VR - thank you!
Those Sunshines seem to go on to do wonderful & amazing things in the grown up world - so glad they're able to remain polished! :)
@Elisabeth Thanks for the kind words!
@Everyone Thank you for making my Virtual Party a hoppin' one!
@Jemi Thanks so much for sharing your lovely story and being such a great Party Host! :)
Susan - you're very welcome! It's been a lot of fun! :)
You're right Jemi! It's that one person who turns it around that makes all the difference. Good to be that person; good to have that person around. Yay for Susan! :o) <3
The book sounds great, and I love what you said. Thank goodness for the Sunshines. :)
Leigh - THose people really are so very special! It's awful nice having them around for sure.
Dawn - I agree! On both counts :)
Love the cover of that book and the idea sounds gripping.
I wish a Ray of Sunshine type of person had walked into my school day life. That would have been great.
Great cover!
Rosalind - I agree - unique idea and sounds awesome! Those Sunshines really can (and do) change the worled around them.
Jo - I agree - love it! :)
Great thoughts, Jemi. We just had an episode of cyber bullying on FB between 10 year olds at my school. Sad state of things. I loved Kira's moral/ethical highground of taking a stand in OPEN MINDS.
Leslie - thanks Leslie. It's awful when kids get into the bullying. And the internet makes it so easy. Sad.
That book looks fabulous! Must read!
Also, working in schools as well, I'm sad to say that I see bullying too. When I see kids helping each other and working together (especially kids of different social circles), I make sure to praise them and encourage them.
Shelley - I agree, it is a must read!
Good plan! We've been pretty lucky at our school. There's teasing, but little bullying. I hope to see it not only remain the same, but get better and better!
The cover is beautiful and I'm excited for Susan.
Wishing her all the best!
R Reader - me too! I hope she sells a bazillion copies! :)
I'm super excited for Susan Kaye Quinn. Thanks for posting about her book!
Wishing her mega sales success!
Nas - I am too! I'll second your wish! :)
How wonderful of you to post this and tell us a story as well!
I loved this book! Susan definitely delivers!
Terry - thanks! Susan is a terrific author and it's fun to help others promote their good news :)
I'm definitely going to put, Open Minds, on my 'to be read' list.
Love the cover! Good on you for posting this, Jemi :)
Wendy - thanks!
The cover is gorgeous and Susan is a great author! :)
Yay for Susan! And yay for Open Minds. I have to admit, I think my oldest son is a Sunshine. I sincerely hope he stays this way...
Julie - it's so awesome to have a sunshine in your midst! That fact that one of your kids is one doesn't surprise me in the least! :)
I just finished reading this book and really enjoyed it--definitely looking forward to book 2! :)
Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse
Angela - I've got my copy waiting for me on the Kindle - I wish my life was less crazy so I could get to it! :)
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