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September 30, 2018 The changing season means many things—fall foliage, chunky knit sweaters more pumpkin-flavored items than any sane person could possibly desire—but it also means it's almost Halloween, and so it's time for scary movies. Thanks to streaming video services, there are now almost as many ghoulish and gory options as pumpkin snacks to easily consume. But too many offerings are of a cheesy, B-movie grade. For a truly terrifying time, the classics are the way to go. In this spirit, Jacqueline Abelson lists 31 classic horror movies to watch before the end of October. |
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August 30, 2018 It's no surprise that both Los Angeles and Boston are completely different from one another. One has warm weather, while the other has seasonal weather. One is the entertainment capital of the world, while the other is a hub for up-and-coming politicians. But nevertheless, both cities have their perks and unique culture. Here, Jacqueline Abelson (originally from the LA area) describes what fun equivalents there are to do between Los Angeles and Boston. |
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July 31st, 2018 Besides Boston, Massachusetts contains an array of unique attractions for all types of travels. With Museums, beaches and woodland, the Bay State boasts classic New England towns that are ready to be explored. As Jacqueline celebrates her two year anniversary of moving to the state, she lists some of the most memorable places to visit outside of the Greater Boston Area. |
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June 30th, 2018 Do you find yourself immersed in the joy of reading a book perfectly suited for a vacation? Are you in search of a book that you are planning to take to the beach? Well look no further! Jacqueline Abelson has the latest list of all the best summer beach reads that will leave sand in between your pages. |
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May 31st, 2018 Let's be real, being an adult sucks. Especially when you're a new adult with a college degree just trying to make the 9-5 workday bearable. With modern day pressures that every twentysomething experiences on a regular basis, it's a bit of a comfort to know that there are some books out there that understand the struggles of growing up. From tales of noteworthy failures, to growing pains and hopeful dreamers, knowing you're not alone on this adult rollercoaster is (somewhat) a nice change of pace. |
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April 30th, 2018 Last November, Tiffany & Co. opened the highly sought after Blue Box Cafe inside their New York City flagship store on Fifth Avenue. Which means that modern-day Holly Golightlys will be able to – quite literally – eat breakfast right inside Tiffany’s. But how does one get a reservation to this cafe? In this essay, Jacqueline Abelson details her experience and research of Breakfast at Tiffany’s and her entry into the Blue Box Cafe. Including what it was like dressing up as the one and only Holly Golightly. |
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March 28th, 2018 Maybe you’ve already watched the television show and had wondered: Is Tyrion Lannister really the same character that he is in the books? Have you found yourself questioning as to how faithful the TV show is to Martin’s epic fantasy series? If these are your inquiries, maybe it’s time to pick up the novel and find out! Still not convinced? Well, Jacqueline Abelson has already made it through the first book of A Song of Ice and Fire and has her opinions about the novel and it’s relationship to the hit television series. |
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February 28th, 2018 What is it about a love story that makes us so hungry for the ending? Is it the savvy, strong and complicated main characters? Is it the history? The time and place the novel is centered around? Either way, everyone knows that the best love stories are the classics. From Shakespeare, to Austen, to even the Bronte sisters, these authors composed some of the most extraordinary love stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. Get ready to feel the love! |
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January 31st, 2018 Skiing is an incredibly addictive sport if you are an experienced skier. But for those who are beginners, skiing can at first seem daunting. Especially if you had never skied before in your life. Earlier this month Jacqueline Abelson was invited to go skiing for the first time ever at Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, Massachusetts. Yes she fell down. Yes she may have gotten snow in her pants more than once, but along the Bunny Slopes with her friends she acquired 5 quick (and maybe dirty) tips to help boost the confidence of first time skiers. |
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December 31st, 2017 If you’re looking for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve in Boston, where do you start your search? Luckily, the city has plenty of venues and parties to ring in the New Year. From free to ticketed events, the possibilities are endless. But to help narrow down your search, Jacqueline Abelson has selected the 10 Best New Year’s Eve parties to attend in the city. Wanna toast goodbye to 2017 on a rooftop bar, or in ’70’s themed arcade? The choice is yours. Whatever you decided you’ll be kicking off the New Year right. |
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November 30th, 2017 Alias Grace, based on the 1996 novel by Margaret Atwood, tells the story of a former servant who is accused and convicted of the murder of her employer and his housekeeper in 1859. But did she actually do it? As she tells her story to a visiting doctor, the viewers of the Netflix six episode miniseries are uncertain if what Grace is saying is true. In spite of Grace’s admission and unreliability, she isn’t the only complex female figure in literature. So if you have a guilty pleasure for surprising, female driven narrators, Jacqueline Abelson has 10 books that will make you question the main character’s reliability. |
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October 25th, 2017 College campuses, to many, is a type of home. And while these campuses housed students and provided them an education, these schools also have stories of tragedy and loss. Some is just local lore, but others are true. Take Mount Holyoke College for example. The school was built in 1837, and since then stories of ghosts have varied from chilling to horrific. And you, are about to here some. More specifically, seven of the most popular ghost stories on the Mount Holyoke campus. |
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September 30th, 2017 ’Tis the season for contemplating couple’s costumes and sipping on pumpkin spiced lattes. It’s also the season for picking up those scary stories that keep you up well past midnight. Books that disturb, provoke and ultimately spook you out. So as Halloween night approaches, why not revisit those original bone-chilling tales? From Frankenstein to Dracula, these turn of the century novels with give you some serious Halloween vibes. |
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August 28th, 2017 Game of Thrones has spent several years as a mammoth sensation. But with the season 7 finale, fans will have to wait another year until they are reunited once again with their favorite characters. As you wait, it’s time to catch up on all those non GoT shows that you hear friends and coworkers raving about. Here, Jacqueline Abelson lists 12 Epic TV shows – one for each month – to keep you preoccupied before the final season of Game of Thrones. |
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June 30th, 2017 Tired of the usual brunching routine? Looking for something new and sophisticated to try? Branch out and explore the best brunch spots in Boston! Here, Jacqueline Abelson lists the hottest joints to book for your Sunday afternoons. From $5 mimosas to Nutella stuffed French toasts, Boston is packed full with some of the greatest brunch menus in the city. |
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June 23rd, 2017
Jacqueline Abelson visited a local book club in Boston, Massachusetts to answer questions about the characters and the publishing process for HEAR. Special thanks to Kelsey Price for organizing the event. See the gallery for more photos.
June 23rd, 2017
Jacqueline Abelson visited a local book club in Boston, Massachusetts to answer questions about the characters and the publishing process for HEAR. Special thanks to Kelsey Price for organizing the event. See the gallery for more photos.
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May 31st, 2017 It’s the season for graduates! For most, it means venturing off into the sunset. For others, it means leaving behind a tight-knit community, like the Seven Sister Schools. From the all-women schools such as Mount Holyoke, Smith, Bryn Mawr, Wellesley, and Barnard, to the co-ed school, Vassar and finally to the annexed school Radcliffe, these institutions provided a lot of guidance for young individuals during their undergrad years. But what happens when they leave and enter the adult world? What becomes of them? Here, Jacqueline Abelson lists seven novels for each of the seven sister schools in the hopes of providing a positive post-grad life. |
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April 30th, 2017 The Handmaid’s Tale, based on the 1985 novel by Margaret Atwood, envisions America after a religious coup strips women of their rights and and leases them out as “handmaids” to powerful families. Earlier this week, Hulu brought Atwood’s classic novel to life, airing the first three episodes of the 10-part series. If you’ve already seen The Handmaid’s Tale and are hungry for more dystopian stories with a similar focus, Jacqueline Abelson has 10 novels to recommend to you. |
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March 31st, 2017 There’s no doubt that you will be experiencing a bit of “real” Boston culture when you celebrate St. Patrick's Day in the city. From the Southie St. Patrick's Day Parade to the Dropkick Murphys, Boston is as close to the Emerald Isle as you can get on March 17th. Whether you are seeking a cultural exploration or a beer-fueled jaunt across the city, Jacqueline Abelson will give you the ins and outs on making your St. Patrick’s Day weekend last. |
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February 28th, 2017 When it comes to the New England weather, you can’t predict with complete certainty how bad a snowstorm can be. That’s why it is always important to be prepared. While staying indoors may seem boring as the storm runs rampant outside, there are plenty of ways to keep yourself entertained as you hold up at home. To help, Jacqueline Abelson lists what to do before the storm hits, and how to make the most of staying inside. |
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January 31st, 2017 A worldwide march took place on January 21st, calling attention to a number of topics under the umbrella of human rights. This was the Women’s March. However, even though this march was held across the globe, many people still don't understand what the march was about. Jacqueline Abelson attended a Women’s March in Boston, and explains not only the purpose of the Women’s March, but the march’s goals as well. |
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December 30th, 2016 Let's just get this out of the way: Yes, the Boston accent is real. But that is not the only thing you should be aware of when you visit Beantown. Upon settling into America's most historic city, Jacqueline Abelson gives a detail account of all of the vital attractions and tips to make your experience in Boston worthwhile. |
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November 30th, 2016 Even if you are a local, or planning a visit, you will want to check out these over-looked treasures that the city of Boston has to offer. After officially moving to New England, Jacqueline Abelson will introduce to you some of the city’s best attractions that will make you view Beantown in an entirely different light. |
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June 20th, 2016 As Jacqueline moves to Boston, Massachusetts, the blog posts will resume again monthly starting November 30th. Thank you so much for your patience. If you haven’t already, please check out Jacqueline’s past blog posts here to read them all! |
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June 15th, 2016 Maybe it only took you a week. Maybe you completed it in a month. Or maybe you dodged the dreaded Writer's Block and successfully created your masterpiece in a year– The Next Great American Novel. But how do you put your wonderfully crafted manuscript into the hands of your readers? Here, Jacqueline Abelson provides a checklist for up-and-coming authors on how to find a literary agent who will get your writing out into the real world. Check out some of the other articles Jacqueline has written for Artzray! |
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May 31st, 2016 Welcome to Harrods! A glamorous department store, or an absurd monument to British upper-class nouveau? In this essay, Jacqueline Abelson visits the world famous department store only to find out two things: 1) She can't afford anything inside and 2) The store and the people are outrageously bizarre. Filled with Egyptian themed escalators and a strange monument dedicated to the former Princess of Wales, Jacqueline tries to understand and stomach the appeal of Harrods. |
NEWS
May 1st, 2016 Earlier this week in The Blackstick Review published a new story written by Jacqueline Abelson. You can read her short story titled, "Fitness Tracker: A Love Story" here on The Blackstick Review's website as well as a selection of other authors who submitted their short fiction stories to the literary magazine this year. |
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April 30th, 2016 Ah, Hampton Court! Once home to Henry VIII and his six wives. A palace that holds so much pride, emotions and even death. Yet there is a serious sense of realism that is gained when walking through the courtyard and exploring the palace's grand kitchens. Or, if you're an absolute Tudor-phile, maybe a slight obsession. In this essay, Jacqueline looks back on visiting Hampton Court Palace for the first time. Accompanying her, is her friend Sarah who listens to Jacqueline's non-stop chatter about the history and greatness of Hampton Court and the Tudor Dynasty. |
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March 31st, 2016 When it comes to the London lifestyle, reverting back to your American tendencies can sometimes be a good thing. And nothing is more American than teaching your British flatmates the art of beer pong. But can a college pastime turn into something more of an unhealthy obsession? In this essay, Jacqueline emphasizes on the the game's sheer concentration, but zeros in on how her British flatmates viewed the game in a more serious light. |
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February 29th, 2016 Have you ever experienced someone telling you that your opinions are invalid because you're a foreigner? Have you ever fallen in love with Jane Austen's writing?It's not easy being an American in London. Especially if you are an English major in love with British literature. In this essay, Jacqueline Abelson explains how she struggled to enter the Jane Austen world while abroad in England. As she tries to fit into her English classes at King's College London, Jacqueline travels to Bath and Alton to visit the very places that inspired Jane Austen to write and complete her manuscripts. However, although both journeys are easy, the destinations are not, and Jacqueline begins to question whether England is the right place for her. |
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January 24th, 2016 Edvard Munch, a Norwegian painter, developed an emotionally charged style that was of great importance in his artwork, The Scream. The painting was so famous that it had been stolen twice – once in 1994 and then 10 years later in 2004. But in the 2004 robbery, another painting by Munch was also stolen that did not receive the same world-wide attention as The Scream. In this essay, Jacqueline Abelson contemplates back to when she spent New Years with her friend, Ines, in Oslo, Norway and how Munch's two stolen paintings, The Scream and Madonna paralleled her fear of being a third wheel when Ines introduces her to a classmate from Stanford. |
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December 30th, 2015 Everyday in Verona, Italy, crowds of people make their way to Juliet Capulet's house to deliver letters seeking advice about their love life. Within Juliet's house is a courtyard where people can take their pictures with Juliet's statue, and even climb up to the famous balcony to relive the famous scene from Shakespeare's play. But there's just one thing: Juliet Capulet never existed. In this essay, Jacqueline Abelson spends her Christmas in Verona as she reflects the power that a fictional character could have in affecting the love lives of so many people. |
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November 22nd, 2015 Is there a certain irony we face whenever we visit a bloody historical site? Do we learn from our pasts if we purchase of survivor at a place were so many prisoners were beheaded? In this essay, Jacqueline Abelson addresses the conflict she faced between her excitement for tourism and the gruesome historical events she revisited when she broke into The Tower of London during her Junior year abroad. |
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October 19th, 2015 With Halloween almost upon us, it can sometimes be overwhelming to get into the ghoulish spirit. What with finding the perfect costume, decorating the font door and coming up with clever ways to bring out the Halloween cheer, Jacqueline Abelson lists 10 ways to help you prepare for fright night. |
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September 30th, 2015 There's a bittersweetness that every college senior feels when they enter their final year. You recount your freshmen memories, reminisce over parties and football games and look back on your friendships and Spring Break trips with a sense of nostalgia. Here, Jacqueline Abelson (a college senior herself) takes a look into the inner monologue that every college senior is thinking of as they start the beginning of their last year at college. |
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August 9th, 2015 After sixteen years on the air, comedian Jon Stewart left The Daily Show on Thursday, August 6th. Since Stewart's took up the reigns to be the host of The Daily Show in 1999, he had taught a generation how to respond to the news with wit and satire. From blow-out interviews with Bill O'Reilly and Jim Cramer, to segments like "Indecision 2000", to giving Fox News a piece of his mind, Jon Stewart gave viewers hope and joy whenever he appeared on the air. Jacqueline Abelson looks back at the best moments that Jon Stewart gave to his fans. |
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August 8th, 2015 For anyone who loves the theater, you would know that there's a lot of magic that happens when you watch a play or a musical. And as much as that magic happens on stage, the real magic is orchestrated off-stage. Here, Rowan Smith – a student stage manager at UCLA – tells Jacqueline Abelson her 5 biggest tips for anyone who is seeking a career in the beloved theater industry. Check out some of the other articles Jacqueline has written for Artzray! |
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July 25th, 2015 Meet Juliet Piper! She's a singer/songwriter from Los Angeles, California and is best known for her songs "1904" and "Better Now." Jacqueline Abelson had the privilege to sit down and interview Juliet who knows a tip or two for young musicians who want a career in music. Check out some of the other articles Jacqueline has written for Artzray! |
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July 20th, 2015 So are you still on the fence if you should pick up and buy Harper Lee's new novel? Are you debating if the novel is worth reading at all? Does it live up to the reputation of To Kill a Mockingbird, or does it fall short? Well, Jacqueline Abelson already read the novel and is ready to give you her thoughts on Lee's newest book. |
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June 28th, 2015 Sometimes when you read a book, you can get very attached to a certain character. But when your favorite character ends up dying, it's sometimes hard to get over their deaths. From Tolstoy to Victor Hugo, Jacqueline Abelson helps you vent out your anger at these authors who broke your heart, and took away the characters that you loved the most. |
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May 26th, 2015 Planning on traveling to London anytime soon? If you're searching for a few places off the beaten path in the city, look no further. After spending her junior year abroad in London, England, Jacqueline Abelson will give you an insider's guide to the city's most over-looked attractions that are worth every penny. |
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April 20th, 2015 Book Fairs are good opportunities to give you a head start on your writing career, but where do you even start when you arrive? Do you go to the literary agent's table first or head over to the publishing houses? Jacqueline Abelson gives you advice on how to make your way around a large and internationally renowned Book Fair without hyperventilating. |
NEWS
April 8th, 2015 In part 3 of The Lonely Londoner's Arts & Culture Guide to Study Abroad, Jacqueline Abelson gives you the scoop on how to attend London's most famous theatrical/musical/artistic venues for only £5. Follow up with the rest of the series on Artzray! |
News
March 19th, 2015 It is with a heavy heart that on Sunday, March 15th Jessica Stone – the woman who inspired the character Charlotte Goode in HEAR – passed away after years of suffering from Neurofibromatosis Type II. Throughout my teenager years and my early twenties, I've dreamed of meeting this wonderful and talented young woman to tell her in person how much she has shaped me into the writer that I am today. Unfortunately, I never had the pleasure to meet Jessica in person to tell her this. My heart goes out to the family and friends who were close to Jessica, and I wish them all the very best. You can view her obituary or send a condolence message here. |
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February 27th, 2015 Who is this Mr. Darcy that your girlfriend constantly compares you to? Should you be worried? Well, maybe a little. But have no fear! She's most likely reading another Jane Austen novel. Imagining carriage rides, country walks, and choreographed group dances. You do know what we're talking about, right? If not, let Jacqueline Abelson help explain to you the wondrous world of Jane Austen. |
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December 19th, 2014 After nine long and successful seasons, Comedy Central's The Colbert Report aired its final episode on Thursday, December 18th. Since the show's debut in 2005, people alike had gathered around their television sets to watch Stephen Colbert change the world. From running for the President of the United States (twice), to creating his own Super PAC, to having the word "truthiness" be added to Webster's Dictionary, the unlimited things Stephen Colbert has done, will, without a doubt, be memorable in years to come. Jacqueline Abelson looks back at the show's success, and how Stephen Colbert achieved television immortality. |
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December 12th, 2014 In part 2 of The Lonely Londoner's Arts & Culture Guide to Study Abroad, Jacqueline Abelson discusses the best fun attractions around the world's most expensive city, all without spending a single penny. Follow up with the rest of the series on Artzray! |
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November 1st, 2014 After a summer of submitting various query letters to literary agents, Jacqueline Abelson and her novel, HEAR officially have been offered literary representation by Susan Schulman of Susan Schulman Literary Agency. The contract was drafted in early October and both parties signed on at the end of last month. Both agent and author are looking forward to working together and are excited to see the direction that HEAR will go in the near future. |
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September 30th, 2014 In her newest series, The Lonely Londoner’s Arts & Culture Guide to Study Abroad, Jacqueline Abelson kicks off her article by listing the top 4 essential items that must be resolved before you can begin your overseas adventure. Follow up with the rest of the series on Artzray! |
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July 24th, 2014 Jacqueline Abelson writes an article for the website, Artzray about the top 18 books every teenager should read before they turn 18. |
NEWS
July 15th, 2014 Have you already read HEAR? Do you know someone who thinks that they will enjoy it as much as you did? Well, nows your chance to encourage your friends to participate in the Goodreads Book Giveaway. We're giving away FIVE copies of HEAR to five lucky readers. So hurry! Sign into your Goodreads account to participate in the giveaway. Giveaway ends on August 31st. Good luck! |
News
May 7th, 2014 SAVE THE DATE! Local Pasadena authors Christine Elise McCarthy (Bathing and the Single Girl), Jacqueline Abelson (HEAR), and Dave Banks (Cue the Camels) will be reading and signing their debut novels at Vroman's Bookstore on June 29th at 4:00 p.m. Seating is limited. |
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March 28th, 2014 Ever wonder which characters from Game of Thrones would have attended college? Is Jaime Lannister an alum from Harvard or Yale? What party school would Tyrion have enrolled in if he got the chance? And more importantly, what college in their right mind would admit Joffrey? Jacqueline Abelson ties in the characters from the land of Westeros with the college that fits their personality the best. |
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February 22nd, 2014 Thinking of vacationing to Sochi, Russia soon? Concerned about the conditions that you might find yourself in when you check into your hotel? Well, fear not! Jacqueline Abelson will tell you how to survive any worst case scenario that you might find yourself in when visiting Sochi. |
NEWS
January 15th, 2014 SAVE THE DATE! Author Jacqueline Abelson will read and sign her debut novel, HEAR, at Odyssey Bookshop on February 20th at 7:00 p.m. in South Hadley. Seating is limited. For more information, visit their website: |
NEWS
September 22nd, 2013 HEAR debuts at The Odyssey Bookshop! HEAR is now available at The Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley, Massachusetts. The Odyssey Bookshop was established in 1963 is committed to creating and sustaining the community with lifelong readers. They are associated with Mount Holyoke College. |
NEWS
July 31st, 2013 Jacqueline Abelson will be attending the Kids Reading to Succeed (KRS) literacy program on August 3rd to talk about her debut young adult novel with fellow middle grade author, Kristen Kittscher. The KRS program uses reading as an educational platform to empower young children of Pasadena and Los Angeles. |
NEWS
July 9th, 2013 HEAR debuts at Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeehouse! HEAR is now available in Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeehouse in La Cañada, California. Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeehouse prides itself on carrying a large variety of quality books, gifts, superb coffees and incomparable service. The bookstore will also be hosting an Author Event on August 8th at 7:30 p.m. where Jacqueline Abelson will be reading and signing copies of her book. |
NEWS
June 20th, 2013 HEAR debuts at Vromans in Pasadena! HEAR is now available in Vromans Bookstore in Pasadena, California. Vromans is the oldest and largest independent bookstore in Southern California, and we are pleased to be among its newest acquisitions. |
"An absorbing story about how it sometimes takes silence to make a person hear." – The Kirkus Review
"It is a book worthy of notice." – ForeWord Reviews
"Abelson offers a powerful, honest story." – Publisher's Weekly
Lots of people can hear, but how many really listen?
At the age of 17, Charlotte Goode has issues. Serious issues. Despite countless surgeries, her parent's panic attacks, and a well-meaning oncologist, a rare genetic disorder means Charlotte must live with recurring tumors. Life isn’t supposed to be this way.
And just as Charlotte is learning to cope, she gets some devastating news: Tumors are growing on her auditory nerves. But, the necessary surgery will leave her completely deaf.
With the operation scheduled in a month, Charlotte prepares herself for a world without sound. A world without the violin she loves, without her best friend’s laugh, and even without her boss’s irksome tone. Charlotte's on a mission to take it all in, while trying to hire a band to play a benefit concert. Will it be The Bond Boys or Lennox?
Counting down the days until everything goes silent, The Bond Boys’ lead singer, Ron Cam, sweeps Charlotte off her feet. He’s pure charisma. Then there’s Matthew Lovelace of Lennox , who captures Charlotte’s attention with his music and “that” voice. What will she do?
Time is running out. Charlotte must find a way to leave the hearing world on a high note without missing a beat.
"It is a book worthy of notice." – ForeWord Reviews
"Abelson offers a powerful, honest story." – Publisher's Weekly
Lots of people can hear, but how many really listen?
At the age of 17, Charlotte Goode has issues. Serious issues. Despite countless surgeries, her parent's panic attacks, and a well-meaning oncologist, a rare genetic disorder means Charlotte must live with recurring tumors. Life isn’t supposed to be this way.
And just as Charlotte is learning to cope, she gets some devastating news: Tumors are growing on her auditory nerves. But, the necessary surgery will leave her completely deaf.
With the operation scheduled in a month, Charlotte prepares herself for a world without sound. A world without the violin she loves, without her best friend’s laugh, and even without her boss’s irksome tone. Charlotte's on a mission to take it all in, while trying to hire a band to play a benefit concert. Will it be The Bond Boys or Lennox?
Counting down the days until everything goes silent, The Bond Boys’ lead singer, Ron Cam, sweeps Charlotte off her feet. He’s pure charisma. Then there’s Matthew Lovelace of Lennox , who captures Charlotte’s attention with his music and “that” voice. What will she do?
Time is running out. Charlotte must find a way to leave the hearing world on a high note without missing a beat.