The Ring of Honor
Happy book birthday to Sam, Martina, Theo, and Alexander Hamilton! The third book in the Secrets of the Seven series is out today.
Sam, Martina, and Theo race through New York City, hot on the trail of a ring cast from the bullet that killed Alexander Hamilton. Old enemies and surprising new allies appear, as well as puzzles and traps and brainteasers and plenty of facts about American history. (How many presidents’ last words do you know?)
Are you as good at puzzles as Sam and Marty? Find out here!
Read MoreWhat I’ve Been Reading
Beauty Queens by Libba Bray. One of the sharpest books I’ve ever read…a feminist outcry, a simultaneous parody of Lord of the Flies and James Bond movies, a biting critique of commercialism, all punctuated by hysterical fake commercials for beauty products (“Because there’s nothing wrong with you that can’t be fixed!”).
Anyway, you really have to like a book that starts off with a planeload of teenage beauty queen contestants crash landing on a remote desert island and ends up with a profound message about growing up female in a country that’s happy to judge you on how well you can walk in high heels while wearing a swimsuit and smiling.
Read MoreHoliday Mingle at Print Bookstore!
Don’t miss this chance–signed book for all the people on your gift list, plus chance to support a great local business and chat with Maine authors and illustrators! Merry merry!
Print Bookstore is at 273 Congress Street in Portland. See you there!
Read MoreVictory Over Adobe!
One of the photos I very nearly paid $142 for.
I needed some good-quality images to use in a presentation, so naturally, Adobe Stock Photos was the place to go. I was irritated to find out that I had to sign up for a monthly membership in order to download ten or fifteen photos–this seems to be more and more of a trend these days, doesn’t it, companies trying to hook you into a long-term relationship when you just want a date? Er, I mean, a single commercial transaction? (I’m looking at you, Microsoft.) But the site said I could cancel at will, so I went ahead and signed up.
Of course, I forgot to cancel. As one does. A thirty-dollar charge showed up on my credit card. Rats. Oh well, lesson learned. I went to the site to cancel my membership.
Only to learn that I’d be charged $142 for cancelling before the end of the year.
Now, I may have missed some fine print, but I swear I didn’t know I was locking myself into a twelve-month membership with significant penalties for opting out. I stared at the screen in dismay. It’s nearly December and I’m a freelancer. December is an expensive month for most people, and even more so if you pay your own health insurance (HSA contribution!) and manage your own retirement funds (Roth IRA!) I’ve got a lot of use for $142. But I figured it was probably my fault. I’d made a mistake, I hadn’t read the information carefully enough, I’d suck it up and pay the fee.
Wait. No I wouldn’t.
Read MoreSarah L. Thomson
A children’s book author publishing award-winning nonfiction, poetry, picture books and novels including…
“Thomson focuses on newfound connection, magic, and suspense to conjure a fast-paced, heartwarming mystery. Thomson’s world is populated by resourceful protagonists, fanciful creatures, and quirky supporting characters.”
—Publishers Weekly