tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259325291907281485.post1897871138789252161..comments2024-03-14T08:18:20.779-04:00Comments on Sarah Laurence: Jersey Tomatoes are the Best by Maria Padian: mom and daughter review & interviewSarah Laurencehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00423008641739156182noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259325291907281485.post-70932128677436791282011-03-12T09:49:52.994-05:002011-03-12T09:49:52.994-05:00Bee, some publishers include author interviews in ...Bee, some publishers include author interviews in the back of paperback editions. I always enjoy that feature although it makes me less inclined to interview the author myself. I do like digging for the personal story behind the book.<br /><br />Cynthia, I agree that Maria made a good point about emotional truth. However, it is easier for novice writers to start out with what they know both emotionally and factually via experience. After the first book, though, I can understand why authors want to explore beyond the immediate. Part of the fun of writing is having new experiences to write about them. I like how Maria combined book research with interviews and even trying to stand on point herself and then grounded it in her own experience of performing musically on stage. Still, the tennis parts seemed a bit better informed due to her personal experience or maybe it’s just that my daughter and I know more about ballet than tennis. The emotional truth, however, was equally balanced between the 2 narratives. That’s what makes it believable.Sarah Laurencehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00423008641739156182noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259325291907281485.post-48827001112703265772011-03-09T16:31:19.565-05:002011-03-09T16:31:19.565-05:00Another wonderful combo combo: mother-daughter and...Another wonderful combo combo: mother-daughter and review-interview. So much here to enjoy, Sarah. I really appreciated Maria's answer to the question write what you know--write what you know is emotionally true. Well said.cynthiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17191343885172954990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259325291907281485.post-85156125050512874992011-03-09T16:25:54.084-05:002011-03-09T16:25:54.084-05:00Eating disorders -- and negative body images -- ar...Eating disorders -- and negative body images -- are issues that most women deal with at some point in their lives. I really liked the fact that this book seemed to deal with the issue realistically -- and yet have a lot of other positive things going on, too.<br /><br />Your author interviews are always so interesting! Publishers are missing a trick, I think. They should consider putting something similar in the back of novels --for those readers (and there are many of us, I'm sure) who would like to know more about the author and the novel's inception.Beehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02375981493145612394noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259325291907281485.post-77518917877244216962011-03-07T12:08:50.078-05:002011-03-07T12:08:50.078-05:00Cat, I’m sorry your daughter’s friends are struggl...Cat, I’m sorry your daughter’s friends are struggling with anorexia, but they are lucky to have a supportive friend who is concerned.Sarah Laurencehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00423008641739156182noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259325291907281485.post-61465945053035892512011-03-07T11:50:09.180-05:002011-03-07T11:50:09.180-05:00I'll mention this book to my 18 year old daugh...I'll mention this book to my 18 year old daughter. I think she would find it interesting. She has a couple of friends who are anorexic and she often struggles with how to maintain their friendship without being preachy or judgmental but instead trying to help them lovingly...it's sometimes a tight rope to walk. I like your mother/daughter perspectives as well. And lastly, LOVE the photographs of your daughter - simply enchanting.Cathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03872899189875117518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259325291907281485.post-388760727891513682011-03-07T10:51:19.246-05:002011-03-07T10:51:19.246-05:00Alyssa, thanks, I do try to feature a good selecti...Alyssa, thanks, I do try to feature a good selection of Maine authors here.<br /><br />Ellen, good point about how realistic, well-researched details can bring fictional characters to life. You and Maria need to meet some day, as Maine authors writing for tweens and teens.<br /><br />Rose and Amanda, yes, the comic and tragic stories balanced each other well.<br /><br />Barrie, thanks for adding your endorsement of the other 2 novels and for hosting the book review club. If you loved those books, you’ll love TOMATOES too.<br /><br />Edith, yes, I think this novel will encourage discussion and taking action on anorexia.<br /><br />ACIL, I love that image of your transformation.<br /><br />Jenn, I’m sure you were a wonderful teacher.<br /><br />Carol and Elena, thanks!Sarah Laurencehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00423008641739156182noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259325291907281485.post-53168198080727234622011-03-06T11:17:30.436-05:002011-03-06T11:17:30.436-05:00I enjoyed the interview and the personal touch. Go...I enjoyed the interview and the personal touch. God bless you.Elenahttp://www.squidoo.com/top-10-books-to-fight-cancernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259325291907281485.post-92211973912138845922011-03-05T16:28:40.051-05:002011-03-05T16:28:40.051-05:00Dear Sarah, What an interesting post. Review and i...Dear Sarah, What an interesting post. Review and interview by two about two is quite unique! Well Done! Your silhouettes of your daughter are charming!Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01067132532095325169noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259325291907281485.post-63819990252718018852011-03-03T12:53:55.174-05:002011-03-03T12:53:55.174-05:00Sarah, an important topic. I taught gr. 7 & 8&...Sarah, an important topic. I taught gr. 7 & 8's and know they are at-risk in many ways!<br />Well done. You did her justice. Thanks for visiting my review, too.Jenn Jilkshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05259681360456905055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259325291907281485.post-26850828326655521382011-03-03T07:02:27.609-05:002011-03-03T07:02:27.609-05:00Great review and interview. Of course, following y...Great review and interview. Of course, following your visit, I couldn't miss the bit concerning Cuban-Americans, a group much talked about in the Diaspora but very rarely talked to. I loved the novel's title. I like names that bear a cultural imprint. What Maria says about her mum being one character in English and another in Spanish certainly rings true with me. My inflection, accent and tone in English change depending on whom I'm talking to. Whereas in Spanish I let my hair (in twists at the moment) go completely. My kids can tell the difference.<br /><br />Funny, also, that one of my blog-buddies is called Yoli. That's short for Yolanda, the name of one of the more beautiful songs ever to be penned in Spanish, by the Cuban singer songwriter Pablo Milanes.<br /><br />Thank you very much for such a fab post.<br /><br />Greetings from London.A Cuban In Londonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16423293358605007539noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259325291907281485.post-56786003091600921092011-03-03T06:38:43.423-05:002011-03-03T06:38:43.423-05:00Dear Sarah and Daughter, Once again I have been th...Dear Sarah and Daughter, Once again I have been thoroughly intrigued by your comprehensive reviews and interview. 'Jersey Tomatoes are the Best' certainly does cover a number of challenging and thought-provoking themes. I was particularly interested to read that the author had to carry out so much research as many of the themes were outside her own immediate experience. I agree that Anorexia is a most worrying disease....a silent killer which needs a voice in order that young people can hear the warnings. I am sure, from what you write, that this book would do this most successfully.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259325291907281485.post-66270538950846302092011-03-03T04:05:24.099-05:002011-03-03T04:05:24.099-05:00Thank you for these two fine reviews and an author...Thank you for these two fine reviews and an author interview. I loved Winter Girls and Just Listen. Jersey Tomatoes sounds wonderful as well. Maria, what a fun 16 y.o. photo of you!Barriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04678698296265168217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259325291907281485.post-36826695221417428162011-03-02T17:22:17.667-05:002011-03-02T17:22:17.667-05:00once again, excellent reviews by both mother and d...once again, excellent reviews by both mother and daughter. the double narratives are intriguing from both a story standpoint as well as a stylistic device. as you mentioned, the henry character seems a suitable foil for eva, as well as helping to avoid the book becoming quagmired into yet another anorexia narrative. i also like the pairing of two distinctive activities for young women. sounds like a great read!<br /><br />btw love the shadow photos of your talented dancer/athlete!Amanda Summerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00942636545948440422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259325291907281485.post-34229260223918852882011-03-02T16:45:31.942-05:002011-03-02T16:45:31.942-05:00I like the way the character of Henry balances out...I like the way the character of Henry balances out the character of Eva; sometimes a little comic relief helps in getting across a very serious message. Another great review, Sarah, and I always enjoy the interview with the author. Love the shadow shots of your daughter!Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01384059342847120951noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259325291907281485.post-57337438992731352152011-03-02T15:39:14.376-05:002011-03-02T15:39:14.376-05:00As usual, the complete package, except with TWO re...As usual, the complete package, except with TWO reviews this time! Very informative....thank you.<br /><br />I'm deeply impressed by the level of research for this book--one reason why the characters come across as real, I'm sure. Congratulations, Maria!Ellen Booraemhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12751047743172852013noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259325291907281485.post-31260366858964370832011-03-02T15:35:25.173-05:002011-03-02T15:35:25.173-05:00Sarah, loved the reviews/interview as usual. You ...Sarah, loved the reviews/interview as usual. You always bring so many perspectives on the book you're reviewing and its themes. Tomatoes sounds like a really interesting and relevant read.<br /><br />And it's great to see so many Maine authors spot-lighted!Alyssa Goodnighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12563271888054706202noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259325291907281485.post-825042174224281102011-03-02T15:07:01.385-05:002011-03-02T15:07:01.385-05:00Beth, thanks!
Keri, you especially will LOVE this...Beth, thanks!<br /><br />Keri, you especially will LOVE this book. I’ve been wanting to connect you and Maria.Sarah Laurencehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00423008641739156182noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259325291907281485.post-10865402170979000082011-03-02T14:58:21.130-05:002011-03-02T14:58:21.130-05:00Can't wait to read this one! Sports and Jersey...Can't wait to read this one! Sports and Jersey - yay! I'm also fascinated by the alternating point of view. <br /><br />Thanks so much the review and interview.Keri Mikulskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10674081854220914215noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259325291907281485.post-87403920266321683082011-03-02T14:05:31.584-05:002011-03-02T14:05:31.584-05:00What amazing photos of your daughter! This book so...What amazing photos of your daughter! This book sounds really great for teen/preteen girls with a message that is too often drowned out. Thanks for a great review!Beth Yarnallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10456953708066018896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259325291907281485.post-13786964698543948282011-03-02T13:24:04.371-05:002011-03-02T13:24:04.371-05:00David, I love that you are already making a TBR li...David, I love that you are already making a TBR list for your newborn – lucky girl! I had a monthly book allowance growing up and have passed that tradition on to my own kids. <br /><br />Tracy, our town in Maine is a writer’s haven. It’s crawling with authors. I love the stimulation of having others close by to talk about writing. Maria is one of the local authors who encouraged me to try my hand at YA. <br /><br />Stacy, I love alternating narrators and am employing that POV in my WIP. It adds so much to a story to get a dual perspective, but it’s much harder to write and to revise. I was impressed by how well Maria handled this – she makes it look easy.<br /><br />W2W, it’s extra special having a personal connection to Maria. I feel like I grew up with TOMATOES, hearing Maria talk about its evolution over the years she was working on it. I’ll show your comment to my daughter, thanks! I actually suggested to Maria that they put a silhouette of a dancer and a tennis player on the cover. The book is way better than the conventional cover. Authors don’t get much say on covers.<br /><br />Stacy, thanks! <br /><br />Kaye, I actually think it’s more important that moms and daughters read this book before the problem develops to avoid it.<br /><br />Linda, it’s natural to feel repulsion for this disturbing topic, but the books are very readable and all quite different. I also prefer watching ballet to doing it.Sarah Laurencehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00423008641739156182noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259325291907281485.post-74018359831233886342011-03-02T12:58:03.295-05:002011-03-02T12:58:03.295-05:00Good review and interview. The books sounds much m...Good review and interview. The books sounds much more interesting than I expected. Loved the silhouette photos of your daughter. I love ballet though I could never do it.Linda McLaughlinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15291670592316021851noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259325291907281485.post-887123351653197272011-03-02T12:42:32.454-05:002011-03-02T12:42:32.454-05:00Loved your review, interview and the photo's. ...Loved your review, interview and the photo's. This book sounds like an important read for mother's and daughters dealing with anorexia. <a href="http://ladygaladrielkj.blogspot.com/2011/02/book-review-tiger-rising.html" rel="nofollow"> Kaye—the road goes ever ever on </a>kayerjhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08479123027080062607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259325291907281485.post-26254605390865014282011-03-02T11:47:35.546-05:002011-03-02T11:47:35.546-05:00Love the mother/daughter reviews. And wonderful i...Love the mother/daughter reviews. And wonderful interview.Stacyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03980711066816198415noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259325291907281485.post-59886344961619726652011-03-02T10:41:25.346-05:002011-03-02T10:41:25.346-05:00Thanks for another great mother-daughter review! Y...Thanks for another great mother-daughter review! Your personal connection to the author makes the interview extra special. I felt like I was walking along with the two of you and listening in on the conversation. That term--tomato equals girl--is a new one on me. Quite appropriate, I think. <br /><br />Sarah, those shadow pics are exquisite! Your daughter is a beauty.walk2writehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13501812375142037251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5259325291907281485.post-58151230605523236342011-03-02T10:08:05.176-05:002011-03-02T10:08:05.176-05:00I am intrigued how more and more authors are emplo...I am intrigued how more and more authors are employing alternating storylines to deepen YA fiction. It's an approach I have yet to attempt, but makes the book feel more like a dialogue among peers in some ways and for that reason, is very tempting.Stacy Nyikoshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07830844058919457619noreply@blogger.com