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Hi there! I wanted to reach out about an upcoming YA event that might be of interested to the Charlotte FYA book club. Author Rachael Allen (A TAXONOMY OF LOVE) and Laurie Devore (WINNER TAKE ALL) will be presenting their newest books at Park Road Books on Thursday February 1 at 6:00 PM. We'd love to have the Charlotte FYAers join the crowd for a fun evening of YA and discussion. More info is available on abramskids com if you're interested in checking in out!

Awesome! We will let the club know!

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Wish Catering’s Carolina Peach Mojito (Recipe)

From or spin landing on The Truth about Forever by Sarah Dessen, we created a Wish Catering Carolina Peach Mojito. Because the book is set in North Carolina and uses lots of tasty business from the catering company where the characters work, we wanted to use all local ingredients. The rum is from a distillery in walking distance from Heather's house where we had the party and the peaches and mint are all locally grown produce. A tasty, pretty cocktail that would do Wish Catering proud - from our beloved Carolina book club. Enjoy!

Wish Catering’s Carolina Peach Mojito 2 oz. rum carbonated water 10 mint leaves ½ of a peeled and pitted peach 3 lime wedges ice peach slice and mint for garnish

Place 10 mint leaves, ½ of a peeled and pitted peach, and 1 lime wedge into a sturdy glass. Use a muddler to crush the mint, peach and lime to release the mint oils and juices. Add 2 more lime wedges and the sugar, and muddle again to release the lime juice. Do not strain the mixture. Fill the glass almost to the top with ice. Pour the rum over the ice, and fill the glass with carbonated water. Stir, taste, and add more sugar if desired. Garnish with a peach slice and sprig of mint.

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(via https://vimeo.com/226591401?ref=tu-v-share)

Lydia Deetz bridal gown Lewk for Less, because Beetlejuice always. This one is made from a red tablecloth ($1.99) I safety pinned ($3.69) to my own bra and chip clipped in the back. I am also wearing some black Halloween Hay ($2.99) seasonal decoration on my head in lieu of a standard wig (note to self - keep this in mind for Wallace and Grommit heroine costumes in the future). Last, but not least, red glitter swirl tulle bunting ($4.99) up top for that formal look. So much glitter still....sweet Jesus.

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Swap 1: Two female troublemakers looking for revenge and/or a chance to make a statement, both involving elite school settings. Frankie would TOTALLY also carry a firecracker as part of one of her infamous school pranks, just like Astrid does here on the Firecracker cover.

Swap 2: Geeky pursuits and unlikely match-ups between characters abound in these two books, and romances grow between people more v. less experienced in their geeky realms. In Ana & Zak, it’s comic-con and Zak is the geek. In Guy in Real Life, it’s online role-playing games and D & D and Svetlana is the geek. Also, both covers have similarly designed main character appearance - blocky and simply drawn like gaming characters.

Swap 3: Both are fables, dealing with time and connections with others sacrificed to a supernatural power. In Wintersong, it’s a Goblin King and the Underworld and in Thief of Always, it’s a house full of demonic monsters where kids run wild, but every day deceptively means a year in real life (is THAT why it’s Christmas here every night? SMDH). Pssst, also - read this Clive Barker, it’s legit addictive and contains bad-ass illustrations. He’s more than just Hellraiser, people!

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Meghan tries to run from Heather, angry paper heart bearer that she is. Kindergarten crafting skills ftw!! 

Photo Hunt 3 of 5

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So for our hometown hero post, we in CLT decided to contribute to two different organizations by purchasing items they need for donation. The two organizations we chose were Spay Neuter Charlotte and Reading Partners. Spay Neuter Charlotte requested cleaning/health supplies for sanitation of the kennels and the important medical care they give every day to cats and dogs. In the second picture, you can see Meghan’s cat, Juliet, inspecting the items (she’s a Q-tip hoarder). Heather and Meghan also bought books for Reading Partners - they were looking for reading materials for their one on one tutoring services for students reading two or more grade levels below, improving literacy across the county to kids. We loved reading the picture books and the bilingual books, plus those with feminism and diversity. Books with Latina characters and language/number development skills were a big draw and diversity and language was requested by the organization on their wish list for donations. The last picture is from Reading Partners itself. As a book club, of course we dig any chance to help kids learn to love reading as much as we all do.

https://sharecharlotte.org/nonprofit/spay-neuter-charlotte/wish-list

https://sharecharlotte.org/nonprofit/reading-partners-charlotte

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This kid in green is Jamie - it’s a good thing even random college kids have good taste in craft beer and frequent my favorite spot. He was game to participate in Wild Cover Cosplay for “Half Wild” after asking if I was a “PI sent by his girlfriend”. The things we do for book club :-)

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A collection of big faces/beauty sashes. Shout-out to Terry Pratchett in the middle with “Wee Free Men”!

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Dead Feminists: Historic Heroines in Living Color - from top left, clockwise… Our beloved sassy Joan Rivers, a comedic icon - and also, this movie is amazing. Mary Tyler Moore, naturally. Also, because men can be feminists too, this year saw the passing of director Jonathan Demme, who did so many strong-female-led films, including Silence of the Lambs and Rachel Getting Married. Iron-Jawed Angels is an inspiring film focusing on suffragettes Alice Paul and Lucy Burns, overcoming major uphill battles to get the 19th amendment passed. Psst, see this movie now! Zora Neale Hurston, who wrote Their Eyes were Watching God. RIP Princess Leia. Shirley Chisolm (she ran for federal office back in the 70s). And of course the Golden Girls - thank God Betty White is still with us!!

Photo 2 out of 5.

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Map with directions and pictures of each site can be found at the above link. Here’s the details, friends:

Welcome to the Raven Boys’ hike along the ley lines in search of Glendower, the ancient Welsh king. My name is Blue Sargent and I’ll be your mystery hike leader. However, because for this part of our quest, we’re in Charlotte, NC, which is vast and currently 98 degrees with punishing humidity, you will need to take one of Ronan’s dream cars instead of actually hiking this route. Trust me on this one - even in Virginia, you know we were driving whenever we could.

First Stop: Duck Donuts

1710 Kenilworth Ave.

If you want to track the ley lines, you will need some coffee and donuts first to fortify you. It helps if they can be topped with bacon or Oreos, drizzled with peanut butter, or iced with blackberry glaze.

Second Stop: Paper Skyscraper

330 East Blvd.

Then it’s over to this local gift shop - Persephone ALWAYS needs more candles and maybe you could use some too.

Third Stop: Park Rd. Books

4139 Park Road

Now it’s time for books - this indie spot has a particularly killer YA section, so I’ve heard…

Fourth Stop: Heist Brewery

2909 N. Davidson St.

I envy you for being old enough to partake of the finer local beers and cocktails at this next stop. Rowan with his fake ID has recommended trying out the Pecan Smoked Manhattan or the French I-77, which has local gin, lemon syrup, and champagne.

Final Stop: Amelie’s French Bakery & Cafe

2424 N. Davidson St.

The stellar FYA book club meets here, so you can finish off your journey at Amelie’s and get yourself some tasty dinner and fancy pastries before heading home.

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Map with directions and pictures of each site can be found at the above link. Here’s the details, friends:

Welcome to the Raven Boys’ hike along the ley lines in search of Glendower, the ancient Welsh king. My name is Blue Sargent and I’ll be your mystery hike leader. However, because for this part of our quest, we’re in Charlotte, NC, which is vast and currently 98 degrees with punishing humidity, you will need to take one of Ronan’s dream cars instead of actually hiking this route. Trust me on this one - even in Virginia, you know we were driving whenever we could.

First Stop: Duck Donuts

1710 Kenilworth Ave.

If you want to track the ley lines, you will need some coffee and donuts first to fortify you. It helps if they can be topped with bacon or Oreos, drizzled with peanut butter, or iced with blackberry glaze.

Second Stop: Paper Skyscraper

330 East Blvd.

Then it’s over to this local gift shop - Persephone ALWAYS needs more candles and maybe you could use some too.

Third Stop: Park Rd. Books

4139 Park Road

Now it’s time for books - this indie spot has a particularly killer YA section, so I’ve heard...

Fourth Stop: Heist Brewery

2909 N. Davidson St.

I envy you for being old enough to partake of the finer local beers and cocktails at this next stop. Rowan with his fake ID has recommended trying out the Pecan Smoked Manhattan or the French I-77, which has local gin, lemon syrup, and champagne.

Final Stop: Amelie’s French Bakery & Cafe

2424 N. Davidson St.

The stellar FYA book club meets here, so you can finish off your journey at Amelie’s and get yourself some tasty dinner and fancy pastries before heading home.

[cltfya]

I raised my eyebrows, waiting to be surprised and, impatient with Diana’s dramatic pause for effect, I blurted out, “Okay, spill!!” Diana then fiddled with her phone for a moment to pull up a picture, then passed it my way.

I tilted my head and smirked, barely holding back laughter, “....is that...a fucking red cloak? With a hood on it....? Do you mean to tell me....” I put the phone down and shook my head. I passed it her way, almost insulted at the implication from such a seeming bad-ass as Diana. Did she really think I was this gullible?

Diana said, “No, I’m telling you the truth - I didn’t believe it at first either, but the fact that my brother is now kidnapped for stealing it? So yeah...that’s Little Red Riding Hood’s cloak. That’s what giving La Lupine her power and I don’t know where he hid the damn thing. Or how we can get him back from this bitch. I think I need help. My brother was in over his head and I just want him home safe, reading his comics and dreaming the dream. Can you help me?”

So next time on Exquisite Corpse....how will Haven help Diana bring down La Lupine? Where’s this cloak? Ball’s in your court, @cifya.

I’d known that this tryout was going to be hard, but I had no idea it would be impossible. I mean, basically impossible. I’d spent all summer training, focusing on my reaction speeds just like EJ warned, only to show up and find out that everything had changed. Like, CHANGED. Overnight.

My big competition for goalkeeper, Taylor, got bit this summer, the night of the Fourth of July. She and her brothers were lighting illegal fireworks out on the basketball court, late, after everyone had gone home from the city-sponsored show, and when the cops showed up she ran blindly into the woods toward the park, and that’s where it happened. I didn’t find out until I showed up at tryouts, of course, otherwise I wouldn’t have come, or I would have went out, maybe, for volleyball instead. Because if you’ve seen Teen Wolf (and who hasn’t) you know that no one can beat a werewolf on a court or a field. No one. I looked like an idiot out there.

You’re up @vancityfya

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Dead Feminists: Historic Heroines in Living Color - from top left, clockwise... Our beloved sassy Joan Rivers, a comedic icon - and also, this movie is amazing. Mary Tyler Moore, naturally. Also, because men can be feminists too, this year saw the passing of director Jonathan Demme, who did so many strong-female-led films, including Silence of the Lambs and Rachel Getting Married. Iron-Jawed Angels is an inspiring film focusing on suffragettes Alice Paul and Lucy Burns, overcoming major uphill battles to get the 19th amendment passed. Psst, see this movie now! Zora Neale Hurston, who wrote Their Eyes were Watching God. RIP Princess Leia. Shirley Chisolm (she ran for federal office back in the 70s). And of course the Golden Girls - thank God Betty White is still with us!! Photo 2 out of 5.

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+5 Very detailed - I love the Jessica Darling details and the pictures. Well done, gang! (CLTFYA - MS)

Today’s Mystery Trail Hike will be led by your co-leaders, Jessica Darling and Marcus Flutie. They are prone to bickering and getting lost in their own world, but you’re in good hands for your hike. Since Jessica and Marcus hail from Pineville, New Jersey, this jaunt in Normal, Illinois is a little more urban than your average hike.

While there’s no dress code, we highly recommend you wear either a day of the week t-shirt (ironed if you can manage it) or a shirt with the simple words - you.yes.you. Running shoes are great for today’s hike - we’re spending our time on a paved trail, so really any shoes will work.

We start at the Circle. This is part of our Uptown area. Jessica would want to hate it, but it’s pretty cool, so she’ll give it a chance. We suggest you do the same. If you have time, stop at the Coffee Hound to grab a drink. This is going to be a pretty leisurely stroll. Marcus may be late - depends on if he arrives with Jessica or arrives on his own. 

Marcus and Jessica are a perfect fit to lead the hike. Marcus will be a more calming influence, and will happily hang out with the back of the pack. No hurrying for Marcus. Jessica will lead the group at a brisk pace - her running background has prepared her well, along with her type A personality. Her keen observation skills will make sure you don’t lose any hikers, that you stay on time, and that don’t miss anything! 

Head north on the trail. Now, this is a nice, paved trail - lots of shade, some streets to cross. You’re starting by heading through an area with lots of adjacent college student apartments. Feel free to make snarky remarks about other people - it will make your leader, Jessica, feel right at home.

Be on the lookout for lots of runners, walkers, and bike riders. And dogs - lots of dogs. Feel free to say hello or offer a little wave to the people you pass - central Illinois can be a pretty friendly place. Or ignore everyone else. You do you.

On your hike you’ll also probably see lots of squirrels. (Side note about squirrels - Our squirrels here are brown, but in nearby Champaign-Urbana where some of our Book Club group members live an hour away, their squirrels are gray. It has something to do with the Chicago World’s Fair. In Leroy, which is between Bloomington-Normal and Champaign-Urbana our squirrels are an ugly gray-brown mix. And everyone feels smarter for knowing this, right.)

If you pass a bench or enticing place to sit, this would be an excellent place to rest and write a letter to your best friend, or do some journaling.

There will be a break for Krispy Kreme doughnuts midway through today’s hike. Ask Marcus to perform some spam email poetry for the group.

Feel free to start a Barry Manilow sing along at any time. If you know any Len Levy Four, you can bust that out too.

At the end of your hike, you’ll end up back at the Circle. This may be a good time to stop in at Emack and Bolio’s for some ice cream - it’s no Wally D’s Sweet Shoppe, but it will do.

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This kid in green is Jamie - it’s a good thing even random college kids have good taste in craft beer and frequent my favorite spot. He was game to participate in Wild Cover Cosplay for “Half Wild” after asking if I was a “PI sent by his girlfriend”. The things we do for book club :-)

[cltfya]

A collection of big faces/beauty sashes. Shout-out to Terry Pratchett in the middle with “Wee Free Men”!

[cltfya]

CLTFYA Ships Mixology Party

In clockwise order from the top left…

Drink #1 - Mycroft’s Mind Eraser, our MLD special from “Every Breath”

Drink #2 - Wish Catering Carolina Peach Mojito, from “Truth about Forever”, our club’s favorite of the night

Drink #3 - Dr. Furukawa Whittier’s Water Shots, from “Everything, Everything”, safe for sufferers of all allergies and illness for sure. Because CLT rolls hard.

Drink #4 - Santiago Family Rum Punch, Elizabeth made this and it was so dangerously yummy, from “Shadowshapers”