Apr 29, 2012

In My Mailbox (15): A personal statement and then some fun!

So this past week the book blogging community had a pretty caustic atmosphere.  And I stayed out of it.  But then, the weekend rolls around, and I’m faced with a decision that will put me into the argument whether I want to be or not: In My Mailbox: to participate, or not to participate, that is the question.  And here is my answer:

Yes!  I am going to continue to participate in this meme, but I want to clarify why.  First off, I need to say that plagiarism isn’t a ‘little mistake’, it is a crime.  It’s stealing.  The same way walking into a store and taking a shirt off the rack without paying is stealing.  I do not think that we need to forgive and forget this serious issue, I think we need to remember and learn from it.  HOWEVER I also do not think that it is productive to make personal attacks towards those involved, and especially not towards the victims.  I have been embarrassed for quite a few people on both sides of this argument this week, and as someone who is also friendly with people on both sides of this argument (not the embarrassing ones Smile with tongue out), it’s been very uncomfortable.  I do not know Kristi, but I get the impression that she is a lovely, kind, friendly, and caring individual.  Honestly, I haven’t ever reached out to or spoken to her at all, nor has she reached out and spoken to me—and that’s fine!  Yes, these events, which were handled poorly, will affect my opinion of her, but as someone who has no personal experience with Kristi it honestly doesn’t affect me or our relationship in any way. 

I choose to continue to participate in In My Mailbox not as a statement for or against The Story Siren, but because—get this—I do it for me!  In My Mailbox is fun.  It allows me to fangirl, and get oh so excited when I finally get a certain book in my hands, and I love sharing that enthusiasm.  In My Mailbox is the #1 way I am introduced to books I hadn’t seen before, whether they be forthcoming or a hidden gem that’s been around for a lifetime.  In My Mailbox is how I’ve found some new blogs to follow, blogs I love, and bloggers who are wonderful.  It’s how some people have found me.  Yes, I am grateful and happy for the blog traffic I receive each week as a result of IMM.  Maybe the bulk of people only visit in hopes that I will visit their own blogs and bump up their stats, but you know what?  That’s just how some relationships start, and having someone tell me they’re a new follower?  That makes my day. Every. Time. 

So yes, I will continue to participate in In My Mailbox.  No, I do not think plagiarism is a minor issue or okay, but nor do I think Kristi is a horrible or malicious person.  So now that that’s all out there, let’s move on to the fun part, shall we?  Because, quite frankly, my mailbox this week was stuffed full of AWESOME.

In My Mailbox by Bunbury in the Stacks

In my mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren in which you share the books you added to your collection in the past week.

Do you love Middle Grade?  I certainly do!  And really, If your answer is no, I feel you may not enjoy life quite well enough.  This week I picked up THREE awesome new and coming MG titles:

book cover of The Sinister Sweetness of Splendid Academy by Nikki Loftinbook cover of The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsenbook cover of Storybound by Marissa Burt

From NetGalley:
The Sinister Sweetness of Splendid Academy by Nikki Loften [Amazon|GoodReads]
If you haven’t seen this one yet, go check it out, because it sounds, well, splendid.  Mysterious Middle Grade boarding school fun, I love the cover, and I want to do a back to back reading of this and The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls.  Thanks Razorbill!

From the library:
The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen [Amazon|GoodReads]
I’ve been pining for this one for some time.  It just sounds so adventurous.  That said, I’m a little wary.  Reviews, from reviewers I trust, have been all over the map on this one.  Some pledged their undying love, some said ‘meh’.  I’m excited to see where I fall, after all, I cannot resist a book when the hero has been frequently compared to Eugenides of The Queen’s Thief.
Storybound by Marissa Burt [Amazon|GoodReads]
Unlike The False Prince, I’ve heard only positive things about Storybound.  Sounds kind of like The Neverending Story gone fairy tale to me, and who could resist that?

But wait! That’s not all.  I also got these lovelies to have and to hold:

book cover of Awkward by Marni Batesbook cover of Of Poseidon by Anna Banksbook cover of Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews

Won (because sometimes, even I get lucky):
Awkward by Marni Bates [Amazon|GoodReads]
WHY AM I SO AWKWARD?!  The world may never know.  But I’m about to find out why this chick is so awkward, and I’m totally excited for this hilarious, fun YA.  Thanks to the lovely Amy of Tripping Over Books and everyone else involved in this blog tour, I was lucky enough to win a finished copy of Awkward.  YAY!  Awkward happy dancing abounds.
Of Poseidon by Anna Banks [Amazon|GoodReads]
Who wants to take bets on whether or not I can correctly spell Poseidon by the end of reading this book and typing my review?  Anyone?  I won an ARC of this one courtesy of the lovely people at Feiwel and Friends and Erica of The Book Cellar, and I want to thank them both!

Purchased:
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews [Amazon|GoodReads]
I’ve had this one on hold at the library for about two months, but it was just not happening.  At least not fast enough.  I had to have it.  I mean, a girl’s gotta get her some Beast Lord when she wants her some Beast Lord.  Amirite or amirite? So I finally broke down and bought this one. So. Worth it.

A Week of Bunburying

I wrapped up my participation in Dewey’s Readathon.
I reviewed the audiobook of Princess Academy by Shannon Hale
I listed my Top Ten Favorite Chicks in Books
I saluted my shorts with a review of Faery Tales and Nightmares by Melissa Mar
I announced that I’m waiting on Envy by Elizabeth Miles
I reviewed the graphic novel Kill Shakespeare Vol. 1
I reviewed *cough* bemoaned The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa
I reviewed/fangirled over Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

So let’s have some hugs and love all around, and let me know what you got in your mailbox this week—whether or not you’re still participating in the meme!

22 comments:

  1. Heidi, your statement on why you are participating in IMM makes me so glad that Jamie told me to check out your blog way back when we were talking about new blogs worth following. It just reaffirms my choice to subscribe to you. :-)

    ALSO? I just returned an overdue item to the library and since it's ILL like I have to wait until Thursday to come back for them to take the item off my account before they let me pay the fine. BUT OMG LOOKING AT THIS, I CAN'T WAIT TO USE THE LIBRARY AGAIN! AHHH. The first things I will check out will be The False Prince and Storybound and also a Terry Trueman book.

    AND OMG AWKWARD! I love the noise out of that book.

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    1. Thanks so much, April! <3

      And that sucks about the week-long ban from the library, but you MUST get False Prince and Storybound. (She says with absolute certainty not having read either yet). I've actually instituted a library ban on myself until I get through my current holds and what I have at home in hopes that I'll make time to read some of the books I actually own! Like Awkward. :P

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  2. WOW, I must have been under a rock this week. I have no clue as to what your talking about. I participate in IMM every week. I get the idea that Kristi or someone else stole some work. Who or what I have no idea. I can't or won't pick a side because I just don't do those things. I am sorry to all who are involved. I will continue to participate in IMM it's not about the blogger who hosts it. It's about learning of new bloggers and books. At least to me.

    Hope you enjoy your week and reading!

    Mary
    http://sweepingme.com/2012/04/in-my-mailbox-32/

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Mary. I completely agree that it's not about the host, it's about the participants, which is why I'm continuing to participate as well. Honestly, be happy you missed the drama. I'm sure there will be some new fiasco to gasp at soon...

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  3. This is a great haul. I especially love the cover of 'Poseidon'...so pretty! Congratulations on winning- you must have been extra lucky this week! I won 'Vicious Deep' this week although it hasn't come through the letterbox yet- I think it is a mermaid book too...not sure though. Hopefully!

    As to the personal statement...I was fascinated by the whole 'scandal' and read through all the posts and reactions to it as they came out. I have nothing against Kristi personally (I don't know her and can't judge her...nobody's perfect) but on reflection I did decide to no longer participate in IMM because I felt that the whole thing was handled really badly and I didn't want to become the hypocrite I feel she has become by still supporting her blog and linking back to it when I disagree with how she's conducted herself and how she runs her blog. That being said, I still look at other people's IMM's and I have no problem whatsoever with other people participating...I don't want to boycott her blog or try and preach that people shouldn't support her- everybody is entitled to their opinion on the matter and feels differently about it!

    Anyway, I will probably do a book haul or the Monday Mailbox tomorrow...I'm not sure, I haven't yet decided! Decisions decisions!

    I apologise for how much I have written...essay much!? x

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    1. I don't usually go in for the water covers, but I am loving Of Poseidan's as wll! I think you're right that The Vicious Deep is a mermaid book, congrats!

      Don't apologize, I really value what you have to say on the matter! I appreciate the stance you've taken very much. I totally respect those who have chosen to no longer participate, but I appreciate even more that you've chosen not to judge someone personally that you don't know and that you are determined not to judge those who took a different route. I hate that this event caused ripples that will affect so many people, but I'm hoping we can all take something positive from the matter.

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  4. Thank you for your honest views on the whole 'incident' from this past week and I just LOVE your personal statement. It speaks volumes and I 100% agree that I do IMM for me... not to give anyone else stats or whatnot. I am a TOTAL fangirl for new books - as clearly evidenced by my continual IMM posts. I am with you on this! Thank you again.

    Now, onto the more pressing matter... BOOKS! I am so desperate to read Awkward... it just looks so fun! Enjoy

    Here is this week's Mailbox Post

    Also, don't forget to enter the AWESOME giveaway (ends today)

    Happy Reading!
    Lindsay @ Turning the Pages
    *new follower*

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    1. Thanks so much Lindsay! I love the bloggers who blog not to get free stuff, or to garner attention, but because they're just genuinely excited about reading and want to spread the love! Which makes books the most pressing matter of all! I hope you do get to awkward, Marni Bates is hilarious just from Twitter, and I'm certain the book will have my crying with laughter.

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  5. Obviously, your statement totally rocks. Like, the wheels in my mind are still turning over whether or not to go back and add one of my own, but I'm a fretter. Your statement is basically the EXACT same thoughts I'm having, as you know, so I COSIGN ALL OF IT. FANGIRLING ALWAYS WINS.
    Now, the books. I CANNOT wait to read The False Prince. I bought it a while ago and it's staring at me. Didn't you say something a while back about needing to read books that you actually OWN? ME TOO. It's getting crazy over here, and that book sounds fantastic. Same with Storybound; I can't wait to read that one either. And I think you're going to love Awkward. Well, I HOPE you do!
    Super mailbox, friend. :-)

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    1. Thanks Amy!! I will take your cosign, because YES FOR FANGIRLING!

      The False Prince and Storybound were very near the last books I allowed myself to put on hold (I still have 2 others that haven't come in yet). After that, I am taking a break to read books I own! This has been an ongoing issue with me my entire life. Seriously, there's books on the shelves in my parents house I would love that I haven't read because I OWN THEM. Terrible. I'll have to make a Sophie's Choice between these two on what to read next...though I suppose it's not THAT dramatic since I'll get to read the other one after...

      I know I will love Awkward, I've been loving Marni Bates on Twitter, she's hilarious. #50ShadesofFey kinda made my Friday night.

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  6. Ooh, The False Prince is absolutely awesome. I loved it. Hope you do too :)

    http://carabosseslibrary.blogspot.com/2012/04/in-my-mailbox_29.html

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  7. I like what you said about why you participate. I can see where you are coming from, even if I chose for myself to not participate in the meme anymore.

    Also, this is a great haul and I hope you'll enjoy all of your reads!

    Patricia // My Week in Review

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  8. I have mixed feelings on the social memes, so I don't know what I'd do in your shoes, but I support your right to make whatever decision you want on IMM.

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  9. It looks like you've got some brilliant books. I love the cover of all three MG books. Hope you enjoy reading your haul.

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  10. I really like your personal statement and it pretty much sums up how I feel as well, although I have met Kristi in person before. In My Mailbox is such a great way to be introduced to books, like you said. I have added many to my TBR just based on people putting them in these posts!

    On a personal note, I am starting my MLIS next week and am happy to see that you are a librarian! I love finding librarians' blogs and it seems like you and I have similar tastes. I'll definitely be back :)

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  11. Looks like you had a yummy week!!

    Thanks for sharing,
    Dani
    http://paulettespapers.com/?p=1992

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  12. The Sinister Sweetness looks awesome, must check that out, and I'm so curious about Of Poseidon (I normally don't go for mermaid stuff but...) Can't wait to read your reviews:)

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  13. I feel like, yes In My Mailbox is hosted at The Story Siren, but participating in it isn't choosing one side or another. IMM is so much more than that, you know?

    Awkward was a cute, quick read and I hope you enjoy it :D
    I'm really looking forward to Of Poseidon, Storybound, and The Sinister Sweetness. All sound fantastically awesome for different reasons :]

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  14. First, I completely agree about IMM. I'm not going to state my opinion on the matter or my (changed) opinion on Kristi as a blogger (because I do not know her as a person and it is ignorant to judge people when you don't know them!!) but if I get a whole lot of awesome in my mailbox THAT POST IS GOING UP!! Great way to point out the rights and wrongs of what happened.

    That being said, I WANT TO HAVE ALL OF THESE BOOKS IN MY HAND RIGHT NOW!! I am soo excited for Of Poseidon (may have scrolled up to see how to spell that) AND Sinister Sweetness AND The False Prince!! Also I hope you adore Storybound, I just read your review for your lovely puffin tale and I felt like hugging Storybound so I totally know where you're going with that! :]

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  15. Ooh Os Poseidon! I can't way to start this one. And Awkward sounds like a lot of fun! Great haul!

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  16. Heidi, I understand and respect your decision to continue with IMM, even though I've decided not to. There are no replacements for it, and I'm going to miss it s a lot. :(

    *squee* Magic Strikes? I love that book. So. Much. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

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  17. As one who loved The False Prince, I hope you like it too!

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