The wonderfully talented Elizabeth McKenzie, author of STOP THAT GIRL and (the newly released) MACGREGOR TELLS THE WORLD has this to say about THROUGH THICK AND THIN:
"A tale of two sisters that charmed me, and even better, introduced me to the wry and artful writing of Alison Pace."
Very happy. Thanks to Elizabeth.
Well, hola.
I left the city right before the 4th, and haven't been back since. Partially this is due to the fact that it was really hot in the city, partially due to the fact that I was, very uncharacteristically, getting a bit tired of the city, but mostly due to the fact that I felt the time was nigh for a lockdown.
The lockdown is the part of the novel-writing process which for me means not seeing anyone, not going out, not really doing anything other than being virtuous and writing, the goal being 2000 words a day, which I've been told is insane. But I read that Jesse Kellerman aims for ten new pages a day, which is more like 5000 words a day, so when you look at it that way, not so insane. Since my third book, as you know, or at least as I hope you know, comes out AUGUST 7, August is not a good time for lockdown. So, here I am. Ironically writing a book called THINGS TO DO IN THE CITY WITH YOUR DOG, away from the city, but of course with the dog.
Some things that are new:
*I finished reading Cathleen Schines' The New Yorkers, which is also about New York City, and dogs, and quite charming. Very well written, I recommend it.
*I've started reading Alexandra Fuller's Don't Lets Go To The Dogs Tonight. I'm not actually trying for a theme of dog books (though I could see how one would think that), rather I'm reading this fascinating book about an African childhood for my new bookclub. My downstairs neighbors asked me to join and I'm very much looking forward to it. Haven't had the best luck or longevity with my previous bookclubs, more on that later.
*Carlie went swimming for the first time. Didn't love it.
*I have some good pictures of Carlie communing with nature, but don't have the thingy that connects my camera to my computer
*THROUGH THICK AND THIN received a five star review from Harriet Klausner on Barnes & Noble.com. Hi Harriet.
*The Romantic Times, which had previously been put on my bad list for not being super jazzed about PUG HILL, has been put back onto the good list for saying this about THROUGH THICK AND THIN:
Pace's revealing tale about the bond between two sisters reflects the very real and complex nature of relationships. Her novel is simultaneously heartwarming and emotionally charged, and the author's depiction of each sister's outwardly perfect life propels the storyline with fascinating detail.
Okay, back to work...
No, really, I am.
Back in the blogosphere, a look around reveals that Jill Kargman, co-author of The Right Address and Wolves in Chic Clothing (and more) lists If Andy Warhol Had a Girlfriend as one of her favorite books in the Shizzle I Worship section of her website....and over on Jennifer Weiner's blog, Pug Hill is praise-worthy for a piece that almost ran in The San Francisco Examiner (I'm in the last Q)...
Thanks to both!
(And, yes, the above more than makes up for the charming Barnes&Noble.com reader-reviewer, "Sheila S." who feels her pug could write a better book than I did. Sheila S.: you're on my list.)
Pug Hill has been selected by Target as a Breakout Book!
This post might be considered braggy, and though I like to condemn and mock those who are braggy, one could imagine --optimistically imagine, that is-- that with Pug Hill's imminent release, this here blog could take a turn or two to Braggyville. Yes, it is a ville to which I try not to go very often, but for now, let's take a visit.
The good people over at Galleycat have called me a literary babe. Click here to see what I'm talking about. My inner vain girl is quite pleased (who am I kidding, she's not so inner), and I'm also very happy with the good words about the book.
Go Galleycat!
Robin Epstein and Renee Kaplan, the fantastic co-authors of Shaking Her Assets have this to say about Pug Hill:
Pitch-perfect and deftly written, PUG HILL is a funny, charming and touching novel.
And Robin also sent me this. Definitely click.
Here's what Joshilyn Jackson, author of gods in Alabama (one of my favorite books of last year) has to say about Pug Hill:
Alison Pace isn't afraid to tackle serious subjects, even as she delivers a wry and witty portrait of a woman growing up and growing into herself at long last. The aptly named Hope has such charm and self-deprecating humor, I felt that she could be a friend of mine.
Here's what Nancy Levine (and Wilson the Pug), esteemed authors of The Tao of Pug, have to say about Pug Hill:
Pug Hill is a delightful romp! Alison Pace's dry and breezy wit make this a delightful, funny read for pugs and humans alike. If Bridget Jones kept a must-read book list in her diary, Pug Hill would most certainly be at the top.
Pug Hill has its very own Amazon page already. And if you're the type of person who likes to wait six months for your book purchases, you can pre-order your copy today. Of course, should you decide to wait, I'll be sure to remind you closer to the release date. That's May 2, 2006, just fyi.
And this is what wonderful author Melissa Senate has to say about Pug Hill on her blog:
Last week I finished reading an advance review copy of a novel that won't be published till May: Pug Hill by Alison Pace. To paraphrase Woody Allen (who's mentioned a few times in this book), love is too weak a word to describe how I feel about this novel. I lurve it. I loove it!
The very first praise has arrived for Pug Hill. And not only that, it's from Elinor Lipman, divine and talented author of such favorite books as The Inn at Lake Devine, The Ladies' Man, and The Pursuit of Alice Thrift (and the upcoming My Latest Grievance). Here's what she has to say about Pug Hill:
PUG HILL is all at once touching, witty, and so very smart. I love this nervous and self-deprecating narrator who makes low self-esteem not only funny and endearing but enviable. There’s a terrific comedic eye at work here and a tender heart—a most satisfying combination.
Thank you, Elinor Lipman!
It's a Wonderful Lie: 26 Truths About Life in Your Twenties
"Hired, Fired, and What I Wore," about my professional and sartorial choices prior to becoming a novelist
Jennifer O'Connell: Everything I Needed to Know About Being a Girl I Learned from Judy Blume
"Are You There, Margaret?" about things I shared with the title character of Judy Blume's Are You There, God? It's Me Magaret
Bark Editors: Howl: A Collection of the Best Contemporary Dog Wit
"Can We Interest You in a Piece of Cheese?" about growing up with at least five dogs at any given time....Coming in October, 2007
