A Work in Progress by Connor Franta

A Work in Progress
by Connor Franta

Find out more about this book and author:
Amazon | Goodreads
Website | Facebook
Instagram
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Twitter
YouTube

Published: 2015
Publisher: Atria/Keywords Press
Genre: Memoir
Paperback: 224
Rating: 5

First sentence(s):
I'm six years old. It's a chilly autumn day, with dew still clinging to the grass, a slight breeze in the air—and a lot of people screaming wildly behind me.

In this intimate memoir of life beyond the camera, Connor Franta shares the lessons he has learned on his journey from small-town boy to Internet sensation—so far. Here, Connor offers a look at his Midwestern upbringing as one of four children in the home and one of five in the classroom; his struggles with identity, body image, and sexuality in his teen years; and his decision to finally pursue his creative and artistic passions in his early twenties, setting up his thrilling career as a YouTube personality, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and tastemaker.

Exploring his past with insight and humor, his present with humility, and his future with hope, Connor reveals his private struggles while providing heartfelt words of wisdom for young adults. His words will resonate with anyone coming of age in the digital era, but at the core is a timeless message for people of all ages: don’t be afraid to be yourself and to go after what you truly want.

This full-color collection includes photography and childhood clippings provided by Connor and is a must-have for anyone inspired by his journey.

PeekAbook:



My two-bits:

After reading Connor's second book, Note to Self, I was gung-ho to read this first book which became a New York Times bestseller in 2015.

Actually, I listened to the audio version which was read by the author <--- this just enhanced the experience. I enjoyed this book just as much as Note to Self. This book is more on his origin story - fame to fortune in the YouTube world.

It is also an inspiring tale of seeking and going after your passion in life.

Note to Self by Connor Franta

Note to Self
by Connor Franta

Find out more about this book and author:
Amazon | Goodreads
Website | Facebook
Instagram
Tumblr
Twitter
YouTube

Just released: April 18, 2017
Publisher: Atria/Keywords Press
Genre: Biography, Poetry, Photos
Hardback pages: 320
Rating: 5

First sentence(s):
I'm a private person, ironically. "Ironic" because I'm in the business of public disclose, and I'm part of a generation that shares everything.

In his New York Times bestselling memoir, A Work in Progress, Connor Franta shared his journey from small-town Midwestern boy to full-fledged Internet sensation. Exploring his past with humor and astounding insight, Connor reminded his fans of why they first fell in love with him on YouTube—and revealed to newcomers how he relates to his millions of dedicated followers.

Now, two years later, Connor is ready to bring to light a side of himself he’s rarely shown on or off camera. In this diary-like look at his life since A Work in Progress, Connor talks about his battles with clinical depression, social anxiety, self-love, and acceptance; his desire to maintain an authentic self in a world that values shares and likes over true connections; his struggles with love and loss; and his renewed efforts to be in the moment—with others and himself.

Told through short essays, letters to his past and future selves, poetry, and original photography, Note to Self is a raw, in-the-moment look at the fascinating interior life of a young creator turning inward in order to move forward.

PeekAbook:



My two-bits:

I got this copy at an author meet/greet photo shoot session held at Book Passage, Ferry Building, San Francisco last month (previously mentioned here).

I found this to be a book gem with modern day reflections in essay and poetry forms and personal photos that make this reading a special experience.

Lovely Books and Things - 4.29.17

Lovely Books and Things
My Weekly Books and Films Update
Linking up with:
Stacking the Shelves (details)
Sunday Post (details)
Mailbox Monday (details)

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I decided to create my in-house weekend update meme and link up with others as I wanted the flexibility to explore being included in other weekly wrap-up type memes already out there. Feel free to recommend ones you like or participate in for me to try.

TODAY is Independent Bookstore Day and I will be at the Green Apple Book store on Clement which will be the 11th store I visit for the Book Quest. This is the first time I hit so many different bookstores in one month!

You can see all the great stores I have been to in the San Francisco bay area (here).

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Author events:

Book Passage at the Embarcadero Ferry Building, San Francisco, hosted a meet up with author (youtuber), Connor Franta. I think I may have been the only 40-something year old (non chaperone) in line. Everyone attending the event had a quick photo shoot and "Hello" with Connor. He was a sweetie.

Note to Self
by Connor Franta
-Biography, Poetry, Photos
Amazon | Goodreads

Bookshop in West Portal, San Francisco hosted an intimate discussion with author, Megan Miranda. Quite special. Found out that her reading gravitates towards dark mystery fiction. Her favorite authors include Edgar Allan Poe, Michael Crichton and Tana French.

The Perfect Stranger
by Megan Miranda
-Mystery, Thriller, Coming of Age
Amazon | Goodreads

In my mailbox:

GOT some lovely letters. As April' letter writing month is wrapping up this weekend I have two more to go. It has been a successful run. And got three letters and two email responses.


UNBOXING:

From Owlcrate package (details & signup):
OwlCrate is a subscription service that sends you magical monthly boxes tailored to a chosen theme. Each OwlCrate will contain one new Young Adult novel, as well as 3-5 other bookish treats to help you get your nerd on. @owlcrate

APRIL Box includes:
theme: Head Over Heels
- Owlcrate spoiler card - I love how it is inspired by Murad Osmann's Follow Me To.
- Owlcrate button
- The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli
- Signed bookplate, letter and sticker from author
- Pride and Prejudice themed Fabric headband by Storiarts
- Anna and the French Kiss inspired tea from The Tea Spot
- Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda themed key chain by Bookworm Boutique
- Eleanor and Park themed vanilla candle created by Novelly Yours
- A Court of Thorns and Roses themed art print by Evie Bookish
- Book excerpt: Umberland by Wendy Spinale

The Upside of Unrequited
by Becky Albertalli
-LGBTQ, Romance, YA
Amazon | Goodreads
Seventeen-year-old Molly Peskin-Suso knows all about unrequited love. No matter how many times her twin sister, Cassie, tells her to woman up, Molly can’t stomach the idea of rejection. So she’s careful. Fat girls always have to be careful.

Then a cute new girl enters Cassie’s orbit, and for the first time ever, Molly’s cynical twin is a lovesick mess. Meanwhile, Molly's totally not dying of loneliness—except for the part where she is. Luckily, Cassie's new girlfriend comes with a cute hipster-boy sidekick. If Molly can win him over, she'll get her first kiss and she'll get her twin back.

There's only one problem: Molly's coworker, Reid. He's a chubby Tolkien superfan with a season pass to the Ren Faire, and there's absolutely no way Molly could fall for him.

Right?

AND watching: on Netflix

13 Reasons Why (2017)
tv series, season 1
Creator: Brian Yorkey
Screenplay:
Based on book by: Jay Asher
Starring: Dylan Minnette, Katherine Langford, Christian Navarro
-Drama, Mystery | imdb | my rating: 4
Follows teenager Clay Jensen, in his quest to uncover the story behind his classmate and crush, Hannah, and her decision to end her life.

IT is a slow telling. But does well in getting into the backstory of each of the characters involved.

Twin Peaks (1990-1991)
Creator: Mark Frost, David Lynch
Starring: Kyle MacLachlan
-Crime, Drama, Mystery | imdb | my rating: 5
An idiosyncratic FBI agent investigates the murder of a young woman in the even more idiosyncratic town of Twin Peaks.

I ALREADY know who did it. But I wanted to re-watch this series knowing what I know. It was tough watching at first because of the cheesy way certain things came across. I am so spoiled with current day special effects and film styles.


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* comment with your weekly update

:-)