Book Tour Book Review (#14): Kaleidoscope Me by Hillary K. Grigonis

So when I found out that I was going to get to be on this tour I was estatic. So, lets get into this. 

My review: I loved this book, Jadyn was so relate able and I understood where she was coming from. She was facing problems that a lot of people face today, and she had to learn how to cope with her problems. Her family situation is one we see a lot. I had a lot of feels while reading this book and if you read it you will understand why. Anyone of any age will enjoy this book. It is a quick read and is written in a way that takes you to several places in Jadyn's life, however is all at the same place too. I don't know what to say about this book really, I loved it and I'm sure you, reading this, yeah you, would enjoy it too. I usually have trouble getting through contemporary books, however with this one, I sped through it. It grabbed my attention and wouldn't let it go. I'm sorry I can't give you more I'm just so speechless after reading this book. So let's move on to the rest of this post.

About this book:

Kaleidoscope Me by Hillary K Grigonis

Genre: Contemporary, Mystery

Published: February 24th, 2014

Publisher: Pixel Press & Photo LLC

Pages: 162

Synopsis: 

“Sometimes, my mind is a kaleidoscope. Somewhere, buried beneath a hundred different swirling colors, is the original image, but as you turn the dial, the original meshes with colors and becomes something completely different.”

Jadyn’s world twirls out of control after her mother dies in a car accident and her  forgetful Great-Aunt Nadine moves in. Her dad is never home and her best friend doesn’t even know  half of it. Jadyn is trying to keep it all together for her little brother, Trenton. But when Aunt Nadine disappears with Trenton in the middle of a snowstorm, Jadyn may be the only one who can find them. Kaleidoscope Me is an exciting novel about family, friendship and faith with a unique, non-linear style.

Purchase links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Kaleidoscope-Me-Hillary-K-Grigonis/dp/099141330X

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kaleidoscope-me-hillary-k-grigonis/1118729299?ean=9780991413300

You can find this book on Goodreads to!  Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20872493-kaleidoscope-me

And I was asked to do an interview with Hillary so here it is! (It kind of jumps around but I hope you'll like it!)

Would you mind telling us a little about yourself and your background?

I started an internship at my local newspaper the summer before my senior year in high school and I've been writing professionally ever since. By day, I work as a web content editor but by night I return to my first love—writing fiction. I'm 25, married to my high school sweetheart and spend a lot of time chasing my 1-year-old. I love photography, reading and anything creative.

What were you like in school?

My husband jokes that I'm living in a chick flick because I was (okay, fine, I still am!) a nerd in high school but married one of the popular, athletic types. I was quiet, but not afraid to stand up for what I believed in and was voted “Most Respected” my senior year. I played soccer, served as the yearbook editor and worked hard enough to get a good college scholarship. But, if I could only choose one word to describe what I was like in school, I was definitely a nerd.

When did you decide that you wanted to be an author?

My fifth grade teacher told me he wouldn't be surprised to see my name on a book some day, and since then, I knew my career would involve writing in some way. I love to read fiction and have a crazy imagination. Since I started writing fiction as a teenager, I've always been interested in writing for a young audience.

What inspired you to write Kaleidoscope Me?

Actually, Kaleidoscope Me started as a short story that I wrote for one of my college creative writing classes. I loved the main character, so I couldn't just leave it as a short story. The scene where Jadyn's younger self goes to the “attention doctor”--that's what is left of my short story. I pulled bits of inspiration for additional characters and scenes from several different places—dreams, strangers I've walked by, conversation. My inspiration never comes from a single source.

Do you write everyday, and/or have a schedule for writing? What are your writing habits?

Since I work as a web content editor and writer as well as writing fiction, I'm writing every day in one way or another. I have a schedule for my web content, but I'm a lot more open about my fiction.

Do you use a typewriter/computer/pen and paper/ect. when writing?

I do my brainstorming with a pen and paper and keep a notebook of random ideas and inspiration. But once I start with the first draft, I use my computer.

What was the hardest part of writing Kaleidoscope Me? What was the easiest?

Kaleidoscope Me is a non-linear novel, which means the story isn't told in chronological order. The most challenging part was to write in a way that bounced around like the main character's thoughts, but not in a way that is confusing or hard to follow. The easiest part was writing the scenes that I felt inspired to write, the ones that bounced around in my head for so long, I felt almost giddy finally writing them down.

Do you feel like you have more in common with one specific character in Kaleidoscope Me than any others?

Inevitably, there will probably always be a part of myself that shows up in the main character—I think the character feels more real that way. But I think it is also important to separate yourself from your characters. There are a lot of differences between me and Jadyn, but some of her smaller characteristics are ones that I share. We both like photography, for example.

Who do you feel has influenced your writing?

It's hard to pinpoint one specific person. My parents encouraged me to read (which lead to my love of writing) and to go after my dreams. My college professors and peers really helped me to take my writing to the next level. The authors that I've read both lately and when I was younger are also influences. Really, even the people that have negatively impacted my life could be viewed as influences—I tend to write well when I'm mad and some of them may even end up inspiring the “bad guy” characters.

How can readers discover more about you and your work?

The best way is through my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/hillarykgrigonis). I also have a website, www.hillarykgrigonis.com and I also post on Twitter (@HillaryGrigonis) and Google+.

If you have one, who is your favorite author, book, and movie? Why?

Ah, I hate picking favorites. But I really love books by Ted Dekker because the writing style and suspense together makes his books hard to put down. I really enjoyed The Book Thief because of the unusual story telling. I don't have a favorite move, but I like romance with a bit of humor and have an obsession with crime dramas on TV.

Do you have any favorite quotes?

I love to read quotes—It's really hard to pick a favorite. But, this one by an unknown author is hanging up in my office (which also happens to be decorated with vintage cameras): “Life is like a camera. Just focus on what's important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives and if things don't work out, just take another shot.”

Who is your intended audience and why should they read Kaleidoscope Me?

Kaleidoscope Me is written for preteens and young teenagers, but it's really a story even older readers may enjoy too. It's a story about being unique, about family and friendship but ultimately is just fun to read. It's a quick read and a good way to escape into someone else's world for a little while.

Do you have any favorite or least favorite characters, from your book, or a favorite book?

I've fell in love with so many different characters as I've read their stories that it's impossible to pick one. What I love is a character with a strong, unique voice, where you put the book down and still find yourself thinking like the main character just a little bit.

What can we expect in the future?

I'm currently working on what I hope will be the first book in a series. At this point, I'm not even sure how it will end just yet, so I can't offer too many details. But so far, I'm really loving the new characters—let's just say I'm bringing nerdy back. It's a young adult novel with a bit of romance and a little hint of mystery too.

Finally, is there anything else that you would like us to know?

Thank you so much for chatting with me, you have a beautiful blog. To stay up-to-date on my next project, follow me on Facebook or Twitter.

Any way here it is a review and interview! I had a lot of fun being on this tour and I hope you like that book if you check it out.                                         Thanks!