and because it deserves a separate post, ~ma to Askye and family. I presume her doctor already mentioned hospice options? it's a tough choice to make, but wonderful for pain management and supporting the caregivers.

So, I finally found the Kirkus review- thankfully, not a savaging. Actually, for a first Kirkus review, not too bad. The thing the reviewer was most critical of is actually something I feel is subjective. Most people who've read the book like the descriptions. And I suspect if I'd gone thinner on the descriptions I'd be getting criticized for glossing over an activity people aren't as familiar with, so it's just One of Those Things.

Soledad Reyes, a Cuban-American high-school senior, lives to dance and hopes to win a spot in a professional ballet company. When classmate Jonathan Crandall, a handsome and hunky horn player, suggests she audition as Carmen in the competitive world of drum and bugle corps, she’s intrigued—and ends up nabbing the role as well as Jonathan’s heart. Hampered by hazy descriptions of the competitive action, the conflict-free overlong middle section drags, though it eventually becomes clear that something is off with Jonathan. His feelings for Soledad have a suffocating intensity, and he’s locked in an unhealthy battle with his controlling father. For her part, Soledad, who is experiencing intangible knee problems, enjoys a forbidden flirtation with a handsome Spanish futboler. Finally, in a gasp-out-loud moment around the three-quarter mark, the novel takes a shocking turn then moves at a swift pace as all the loose ends are neatly tied up. Soledad’s first-person narration feels authentic, but the material would engage more if it were shorter and sharper. (Fiction. YA)

Quick pain relief ~ma for Plei's dad

Comforting ~ma for askye's family

Continuing to send good thoughts out to Ray and loved ones.

Woo Hoo! It is really your wedding day tomorrow, sj. Very exciting.

Trudes, look for directions in your emailbox!

Oh, Plei. My thoughts are with you and your dad. I hope the stone loses quickly and as painlessly as possible given the circumstances.

Barb, huh I'm not sure how to take that review. I rarely read reviews but it looks to me like a quick recitation of stuff that happens with a couple vague comments about how the reviewer thinks it flows. Not really bad or really good.

Yeah, but see the art of using a review is in getting a pull quote. For example, this is what my publisher is likely to use:

"In a gasp-out-loud moment, the novel takes a shocking turn then moves at a swift pace as all the loose ends are neatly tied up."

Or perhaps,

“Soledad’s first-person narration feels authentic.”

The first one, in particular, will capture people's attention-- most people won't go to look for the full review or care about it. But they might see that quote, with Kirkus attached to it and at least take a second look.

Considering that Kirkus has a history of absolutely eviscerating people (as a friend of mine said, "You're nobody until Kirkus hates you,") the fact that I have something positive I can pull from it is definitely a win.

Plei, would lithotripsy help with the stone? When Hubby had renal shutdown because of a ginormous stone, they had to lithotripsy the thing.

Good deal, Barb!! My sister works at Border's, and I've persuaded her to face your book out on the shelves when it gets there.

Good deal, Barb!! My sister works at Border's, and I've persuaded her to face your book out on the shelves when it gets there.

the fact that I have something positive I can pull from it is definitely a win.

Shiny! The review clearly didn't eviscerate! And yes it has some very nice quotes.

I know I wouldn't be able to take bad reviews no matter how common. Good thing I don't get reviewed because I suck at taking criticism.