This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Dana Hammer will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
What is the favorite book you remember as a child?
When I was a child I mostly read V.C. Andrews and Stephen King books. I especially liked The Stand.
What is your favorite book today?
Geek Love! I am an a radicalized evangelist for this book, and if I have more than a fifteen minute conversation with you, I will try to make you read it.
Tell us about your current book in 10 words.
Fanny has to deal with Athena’s wild, partying brother, Dion.
What are you reading right now?
Summer Sisters by Judy Blume, and Murder Your Employer, by Rupert Holmes.
What books do you have on hold at the library?
The Woman in Me, Britney Spears
The Heart Principle, Helen Hoang
North Woods, Daniel Mason
Yours for the Taking, Gabrielle Korn
Don’t Let Her Stay, Nicola Sanders
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, Gabrielle Zevin
The Burnout, Sophie Kinsella
Oath and Honor, Liz Cheney
Do you have any bad book habits?
Yes. I put way too many books on hold at the library, and then they all become available at once, and I can’t read all ten books in two weeks, some of them just get put on hold again, and again.
E-Reader or print? and why?
E-reader. I used to be a strictly print girl, until I had the money to buy as many books as I wanted, and did so. Eventually I had four full bookshelves, a full mantle full of books, and stacks of books all over the place. This was fine, until I had a baby, and then the leaning towers of hardcover books became a safety issue, and I was forced to pare down. Now I mainly do e-books, because they take up much less space.
One book at a time or multiples?
I usually read two books at a time, but sometimes three, or sometimes one.
Dog-ear or bookmark? (don't worry—Librarian Judith won't hold it against you—much)
With ebooks it doesn’t matter, but when I read physical copies, I fold pages, and I don’t care who judges me. Books are meant to be enjoyed, not protected like delicate butterfly wings. I also eat while holding books, and I take books into the bathtub with me. I shove them into backpacks with bottled drinks and chocolate. I IMMEDIATELY remove dust jackets and throw them in the trash, because they annoy the fuck out of me. As long as the book is still readable, I believe that any and all alterations to the book are valid and fine.
Least favorite book you've read this year?
I try not to publicly bash books.
Favorite book you've read this year?
Well, it’s day nine, so the selection is limited. I’m really enjoying Murder Your Employer — the idea of a murder academy is delicious.
When do you do most of your reading?
I read throughout the day.
Favorite place to read?
Bed, of course. Or laying on the couch. Anyplace where I can recline, while covered in a blanket.
Favorite genre?
Horror
Do you loan your books?
Doesn’t everyone?
Favorite book to recommend?
GEEK LOVE
How do you keep your books organized?
I don’t. They are stacked in no particular order on shelves, or listed on my ipad in the order in which I acquired them. I know how to find what I’m looking for, which is what matters.
Re-reader or not?
Oh yeah. I reread things over and over and over. I’m not the kind of person who gets bored, or hates spoilers. There are books that I’ve read probably a hundred times.
What would make you not finish a book?
An insufferable, pretentious narrator who is supposed to be likeable. Once I started a book (which I will not name) and the protagonist was talking about Burger King like it was something from an alien planet. Dude, you know what Burger King is. You are not above fast food. I couldn’t spend another moment in his company, and I quit reading.
Keep books or give them away?
I typically keep them, but occasionally I’ll do a big purge, when my collection gets out of hand.
Meanwhile, Fanny’s mother is suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, which basically means she pukes all the time, because she’s pregnant. With her mom unable to work, her dad is taking extra shifts to make more money, and things are getting tense at home. Fanny is excited to be a big sister, but all this sickness and stress over money are starting to take their toll on her.
Can Fanny save her friends from Dion’s negative influence, while also solving her family’s money problems? Of course she can. She’s Fanny Fitzpatrick.
I hope Mom doesn’t have breast cancer. She would have told me about that though, right? You don’t hide cancer from your only daughter. That would be messed up. I get out of bed and pad down the hallway until I get to the bathroom. The puking is louder now, and I can hear Mom gasping between retches. I knock on the door.
“Mom? Are you OK?”
“I’m fine, Sweetie.”
Then she retches again.
“No you’re not Mom! You’re sick! Do you want some Sprite?”
Mom gives me Sprite when I’m nauseated, and it usually helps.
“Mom? I think you need to see a doctor. You’re not getting better.”
“Fanny! Go away!”
I don’t know what to do. My dad has already left for work, so he can’t help. I think about calling an ambulance, but then I remember that 911 is only for emergencies, and I don’t think this counts as an emergency.
“Mom, I’m gonna call an ambulance,” I say.
“NO!”
“But Mom—”
“Fanny, go decorate the tree!”
This stops me for a moment. Decorate the tree? Why?
“Why?”
“I’m not feeling up to it. Go decorate the Christmas tree. It’ll be a big help.”
I stand by the door, not knowing what to do. Is Mom trying to be tough, like the time she hurt her ankle and refused to go get X-rays, and she just limped around the house for a week until it swole up to like twice its size, and Dad finally made her go to the hospital, and it turned out she’d FRACTURED IT? Should I be like Dad and put my foot down and call an ambulance?
Dana Hammer is a novelist, screenwriter and playwright. She has won over forty awards and honors for her writing, few of which generated income, all of which were deeply appreciated. She is not a cannibal, but she is the author of A Cannibals Guide to Fasting. Dana is also the author of middle grade fantasy My Best Friend Athena which was inspired by a desire to write something her 9 year old daughter could read.
Website: https://www.danahammer.com/
Buy Links:
https://www.amazon.com/Fanny-Fitzpatrick-Brother-Problem-Hammer/dp/1962308014
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/book/1144280278
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ReplyDeleteIf you could live anywhere in the world, where you live?
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a great read.
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