Sunday, October 23, 2011

This 'n That: I'm back, YA LGBT Books Charity Campaign, Vacation

Hi everyone! My computer was resuscitated. I've no idea what happened, but my husband found help and somehow gave it CPR and got it to work again. It's still going in for a nice check up at the Apple store, though.

I've missed almost a whole week of returning emails and posting, although admittedly that had as much to do with cleaning up at work as I get ready to go on my week's vacation, as it did with computer problems. Lots of late nights and exhausting days. But I did finish reading ONE whole book! The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan, the second book in the young adult fantasy series Heroes of Olympus series. I'll be reviewing that book!

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In the meantime while away, I found out that Steve Berman editor of Speaking Out, the young adult anthology I reviewed recently, is starting a charity campaign to donate books to school libraries. I love it! This is a wonderful project and one that I wholeheartedly support. There is such a need out there for books like Speaking Out, and there's just not enough inspiration (or literature in schools) for LGBTQ kids. Here are Mr. Berman's own words on the matter:
"According to GLSEN (the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network), a 2009 National School Climate Survey revealed that nearly 9 out of 10 LGBT students suffer harassment in school because of their identity.

While there has been renewed calls for legislation to fight homophobia and bullying, while there have been countless videos of "It Gets Better," kids are still dying by their own hand. And some kids are seeing the It Gets Better campaign as a bit empty--they want to know when does it get better.

I edited Speaking Out: LGBT Youth Stand Up to offer teens stories that aren't about coming-out but rather about living life openly as well as overcoming intolerance and bigotry. I wanted to inspire readers, to help them realize that they are not alone or powerless, that their voices can be heard."
Of course as with all campaigns, the more awareness, the more people who see the campaign, the better! So you can spread the word, make a contribution to Mr. Berman's charity campaign or both! Here's the link where you can find out more about this campaign and/or make a contribution:

http://www.indiegogo.com/Buy-Libraries-a-Book-for-Gay-Kids

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And last, as I mentioned above I'm going on vacation! Yesss! I mentioned before that I would be around, and later there were plans to leave for a few days for places unknown (lol!), but due to a (another) health-related family emergency that cropped up yesterday, I will be hanging around the area after all. My husband and I will be taking advantage of living across New York City for the week, and will be celebrating his birthday too!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HONEY!!!

10 comments:

  1. Glad your computer is fixed~ YAY! Hope you two have fun on your vacation!!!

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  2. Hi Hils,

    Sorry to hear about the family emergency, hope everything turns out OK.

    I'm envious that you get to frolic once again in NYC. I hope you and hubby have a wonderful time and that you get to relax some.

    Cheers!

    Indigene

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  3. Oh, congrats to your hubbie! And may you two enjoy your time together :D
    And that the thing that cropped up isn't too bad.

    :D And YAY! for compy coming back to life!

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  4. Hi! I hope you and your husband have a great time in his birthday :)
    Oh and i'm happy for your computer too.
    Enjoy reading!

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  5. Thanks for the great wishes, and thoughts, everyone!

    And having my computer again is like recovering an old friend. How funny is that? ;P

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  6. Enjoy your time off, Hils!! :) And happy birthday to your hubby!!

    I'm glad your computer was revived :) Hopefully, Apple will find out what's wrong with it and it won't be too expensive.

    Can't wait for your review for The Son of Neptune!

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  7. Hello Hils! :)
    Glad the computer is up and running again. Let's hope it stays that way!

    Sorry to hear about the family emergency that changed your plans to go away, but I KNOW you'll still have fun doing whatever you do around here. Happy Birthday to your husband.

    xo

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  8. Oh, forgot to mention that I applaud Berman's campaign. I recently saw a handful of new YA LGBT books pop up in a few of my local libraries, which was really nice to see.

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  9. Have a wonderful vacation playing tourist. :)

    Love this campaign!

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  10. Thanks, Nath! We're having a good week. :) Hopefully, I will review The Son of Neptune soon.

    Christine, thank you SO much. You know how that is, right? And yes, NYC is a place that can be explored and explored... wonderful place to just have fun.

    Berman's campaign is a worthy one! It's great to hear there are YA LGBT books available at your local library. I know that's the one piece of information he is asking for: libraries or names of schools from librarians where he can donate books!

    Leslie, thank you. I know... I love this campaign too! The Speaking Out anthology is perfect for it.

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