Local Author Spotlight: Lynn Miller Lachmann

This article first appeared on the examiner on April 28, 2010.

In addition to being a published author, Capital District resident Lynn Miller Lachmann is also an assistant host of a bilingual radio show on WRPI-FM and a seventh grade teacher. She’s written and edited books for both teens and adults. Her short story collection for readers in grades 5 and up, “Once Upon a Cuento”, featured stories by contemporary Latino authors. Lachmann’s latest novel for teens, “Gringolandia”, was listed as one of ALA’s Best Books for Teens in 2010.

“Gringolandia” tells the story of a young boy and his strained relationship with his father, a former journalist wrongly imprisoned for exposing Chile’s military regime. Daniel wants a normal life after relocating to Wisconsin but finds it difficult when his Papa rejoins the family.

Lachmann has spoken at the East Greenbush Community Library and recently appeared at the Empire State Book Festival. Her next speaking engagement will be this Saturday at theHudson Children’s Book Festival. She will be part of a presentation on “Writing YA Fiction About Social Issues” (with Zetta Elliott, Sarah Darer Littman, and Neesha Meminger).

For more young adult fiction related information about the Hudson Children’s Book Festival, click here. For more information about Lachmann see her website.

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Local Author Spotlight: Peter Marino

This article first appeared on the examiner on April 1, 2010. 

Local capital district young adult fiction author Peter Marino will be appearing at the Empire State Book Festival coming up next weekend, April 9-10, 2010. Marino teaches at the Adirondack Community College in Queensbury, NY. He won the SUNY Chancellor's Award in 2006 for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activity and has had two young adult fiction books published. His third, "Alice Blunt", will be published sometime this year.

Marino’s first YA novel, "Dough Boy", was published in 2005 and tells the story of 15 year old Tristan. Tristan is an overweight teenage son of divorced parents. He's happy with his parents' divorce, they're much happier separate than together; while he's not exactly happy with his weight, he's not bothered by it. He has a good relationship with his parents and their new partners. He gets along very well with his mother's live-in boyfriend (Frank), who is also overweight, and shares the love of ice cream sundaes with him. Everything is fine in Tristan's life, until Frank's daughter comes to visit and then live with them. Kelly is not only thin and beautiful she's a health freak and completely judgmental about Frank and Tristan's weight. It's not enough for her to express concern over their sizes she also has to make them feel bad about it. Tristan weakens under her constant abuse and bullying until he finally explodes.

"Magic and Misery", Marino’s second YA novel, was published in April 2009. TJ and her gay friend Pan have been best friends forever. But when a new boy notices TJ, her friendship with Pan is seriously affected. The Albany Times Union review called this an “unpredictable and satisfying story.”

For more information see Marino’s website or meet him in person at the Empire State Book Festival.

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Local Author Spotlight: Coleen Murtagh Paratore

This article first appeared on the examiner on April 26, 2010. 

Coleen Murtagh Paratore is a young adult author whose Capital District roots run deep. She was born in (and currently lives in) Troy, NY in 1958. She attended St. Joseph’s Grammar School in South Troy and Catholic Central High School in North Troy. She majored in English at the College of Saint Rose. After a brief stint in Connecticut, Paratore returned home and worked at Russell Sage before pursuing her dream as a writer. She has written 14 books for children and young adults. Her newest book, “Wish I Might: From the Life of Willa Havisham” will be released on May 1, 2010.

Willa Havisham first appeared in the popular “The Wedding Planner’s Daughter” in 2005. Willa is the daughter of a successful wedding planner who dreams of her own happy ending. Her story is continued in “The Cupid Chronicles,” “Willa by Heart,” “Forget Me Not: From the Life of Willa Havisham,” and “Wish I Might: From the Life of Willa Havisham.”

In addition to the Willa Havisham series, tween and teen girls will also be interested in “A Pearl Among Princes” about a young girl living on a remote island where Princes are sent for their “Charmed Arts” training. Gracepearl dreams of a life bigger than the island but that requires attracting the romantic attention of one of the Princes and denying her feelings for a long-time love. Girls who like their romance with a little bit of fantasy and a strong heroine should enjoy this book.

Paratore will be appearing at the Hudson Children’s Book Festival this Saturday, May 1, 2010 (alongside other Local Author Spotlight authors Eric Luper and Peter Marino). For other opportunities to meet this local Capital District author check out the appearancespage of her website.

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Local Author Spotlight: Eric Luper

This article first appeared on the examiner on January 27, 2010.

Eric Luper is a local young adult fiction author releasing his third book, Seth Baumgartner’s Love Manifesto, this summer. Luper has lived in New Jersey, Long Island, and backpacked through Europe, but has called Albany home since 1999. He attended Rutger’s college as an English/Creative Writing major and topped off his education with chiropractic school.

Luper’s first book, Big Slick, was published in 2007. Big Slick is a gambling story about a sixteen year old in over his head in the world of illegal poker clubs. Andrew steals money from his dad’s dry cleaning business so he can play in a poker game. He is lucky at poker, but not lucky enough to keep on winning.

Luper followed that up with Bug Boy, about a fifteen year old boy during the Great Depression. Jack Walsh gets his first big break working as a bug boy (an apprentice jockey) at the Saratoga Race Track. He does pretty well for himself but not without some suffering.

Seth Baumgartner’s Love Manifesto will be released in June 2010. Seth is having a horrible day—while at Applebee’s his girlfriend dumps him and his father walks in with a woman that isn’t his mom. Just when it can’t get worse, it does, and Seth is fired for the fourth time. He decides to take charge of his life with an anonymous podcast called "The Love Manifesto". Luper manages to make depressing topics into a funny teen novel. An added bonus for local teens, Seth Baumgartner’s Love Manifesto is full of capital region references. For a sneak peak review of this Advanced Reader’s Copy, click here.

Luper’s books are funny, fast-paced and good for boys as well as reluctant readers. All of these books can be purchased from your local bookstore or borrowed from your local library.

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