IN THE SHADOW OF BLACKBIRDS Selected for the Big Library Read

Libraries have been a major factor in the success of my debut novel, In the Shadow of Blackbirds. Even before the book's release in April 2013, librarians were spreading the word about it. They named the book a 2013 Morris Award finalist, and over 1,000 library systems around the globe have purchased the novel for their collections.

I'm thrilled to announce that In the Shadow of Blackbirds is now experiencing another major library moment: It was selected as one of two books that are being featured in the October 2015 Big Library Read.

According to BigLibraryRead.com, here's what the event entails:

“During the two-week program, the Big Library Read titles are available to borrow through participating libraries and schools. It’s free and there’s never a waiting list during the program. All you need is a library card or student ID to get started reading in this international eBook club.”

The program runs from October 7-21, 2015.

If you're arriving at this site because you found me through Big Library Read, welcome! Feel free to stay for a while to learn more about me and all of my books. In the Shadow of Blackbirds bonus features (playlists, a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the cover, an In the Shadow of Blackbirds map of San Diego) are available at BlackbirdsNovel.com. Discussion questions for the book are available through Big Library Read.

The program will also feature a Twitter chat with me on Tuesday, October 13, from 2:00-3:00 pm Eastern Time. Please join me by using the hashtag #BigLibraryRead.

If you happen to live in or near San Diego, come chat with me in person about the book at my appearance at Mysterious Galaxy on Saturday, October 10, at 2:00 pm.

The other selected title is Robin McKinley's The Door in the Hedge.