This month has been really exciting so far! Not only was I able to virtually attend the Penguin Random House Media and Trade Event, but I also received really beautiful review copies from them with stunning bookish gifts.
Without further ado, let us take a look at the highlights of the event, as well as the books I received!
The event began with a very important discussion about how BookTok saved the publishing industry, especially after the impact the numerous lockdowns had on all businesses. I completely agree that BookTok had a huge impact on the industry and that it helped increase sales in bookstores.
However, even though I enjoy watching videos on TikTok about the books everyone is reading and that it influences me to go out and buy popular books, I personally feel like it took a lot of attention away from bookstagrammers and book bloggers who work just as hard at promoting books and entertaining their audiences. I think any book community is great, and the more they influence others to go out and buy books, the better. It just bothers me a bit that creators, who focus on different forms of content (apart from video formats) are pushed back.
An author that spoke at the event was Zola Nene, a celebrity chef, who introduced the audience to her new (and third) cookbook, Simply Seven Colours, which is releasing in November this year. I loved listening to her speak, and I am really excited to get my hands on her cookbooks so that I can try out new, delicious recipes.
There were a lot of books discussed at the event; however, my main focus was on a few I am really interested in. Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid was on the top of my list. One of the speakers said that it was one of his favourite books of 2022 and that Carrie Soto reminded him of Serena Williams. There was also a special video of Taylor Jenkins Reid talking about her latest book, but unfortunately, it could not play during the event. I am truly excited to get my hands on a copy and see what it is all about. Taylor Jenkins Reid is one of my favourite authors, and I just know that this one will be magnificent as well.
Another speaker mentioned James Patterson and how he turned into such a successful author. To be honest, I do not know that much about him, but what interested me was that the speaker mentioned that the author’s son did not enjoy reading, and that encouraged him to start writing children’s books.
We also got to watch a short and special animated clip from the animated story ofThe Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy, which was quite special.
A special video of Michelle Obama was also played where she talked about her new book The Light We Carry, that will release later this year (in November). I am really excited to get my hands on a copy as I loved Becoming.
There were so many books discussed, from various genres, and I am looking forward to expanding my reading tastes and adding even more books to my never-ending TBR! One that caught my eye was The Errors of Dr Browne.
I also spotted and met some amazing bookstagrammers whilst attending the event and had such a fun time talking about the books in the chats section.
Overall, the event was a lot of fun to attend, and I wish it could have lasted longer. I am really looking forward to next time!
PAPERBACKS RECEIVED FROM PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE SOUTH AFRICA
A huge thank you to PRH SA for sending these review copies and bookish gifts my way! It has been a while since I requested review copies as university has been keeping me busy, so I am really excited to have finally received some. However, I was even more surprised when I opened the package and saw all the book merch for Ace of Spades. Thank you again to them for sending me all of this!
Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
G O O D R E A D S | S Y N O P S I S
A SUMMER SPECIAL EDITION OF THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER, WITH EXCLUSIVE COVER AND EXTRA CONTENT
ACE OF SPADES is Gossip Girl meets Get Out, with a shocking twist. Buried secrets come to light when two students are targeted by an anonymous bully with an explosive agenda.
Hello, Niveus High. It’s me. Who am I? That’s not important. All you need to know is…I’m here to divide and conquer. – Aces
Welcome to Niveus Private Academy, where money paves the hallways, and the students are never less than perfect. Until now. Because anonymous texter, Aces, is revealing the darkest secrets of two students.
Talented musician Devon buries himself in rehearsals, but he can’t escape the spotlight when his private photos go public.
Head girl Chiamaka isn’t afraid to get what she wants, but soon everyone will know the price she has paid for power.
Someone is out to get them both. Someone who holds all the aces. And they’re planning much more than a high-school game…
Love Radio by Ebony LaDelle
G O O D R E A D S | S Y N O P S I S
Hitch meets The Sun Is Also a Star in this witty and romantic teen novel about a self-professed teen love doctor with a popular radio segment who believes he can get a girl who hates all things romance to fall in love with him in only three dates.
Prince Jones is the guy with all the answers—or so it seems. After all, at seventeen, he has his own segment on Detroit’s popular hip-hop show, Love Radio, where he dishes out advice to the brokenhearted.
Prince has always dreamed of becoming a DJ and falling in love. But being the main caretaker for his mother, who has multiple sclerosis, and his little brother means his dreams will stay just that and the only romances in his life are the ones he hears about from his listeners.
Until he meets Dani Ford.
Dani isn’t checking for anybody. She’s focused on her plan: ace senior year, score a scholarship, and move to New York City to become a famous author. But her college essay keeps tripping her up and acknowledging what’s blocking her means dealing with what happened at that party a few months ago.
And that’s one thing Dani can’t do.
When the romantic DJ meets the ambitious writer, sparks fly. Prince is smitten, but Dani’s not looking to get derailed. She gives Prince just three dates to convince her that he’s worth falling for.
Three dates for the love expert to take his own advice, and just maybe change two lives forever.
Penguin Random House South Africa has a really special place in my heart as it was the first publishing company I worked with and that sent review copies for White Rose Stories. So I’ll always be really grateful.
To see and read even more about the event and the books I received, make sure to check out the most recent post on my bookstagram and TikTok (@whiterosestories).
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