Review of Mirror, Mirror

Mirror, Mirror By Chloe Michelle
Review by Kevin Ferrall

After reading Mirror, Mirror by Chloe Michelle, my overall opinion: very nice. It was a well thought out, researched, and engaging novel.

I'll admit I was a tad doubtful as an American, which sounds horrible I know, having an American author write about a Japanese time period. Sorry, but from past experiences, Americans mess up horribly at depicting Japanese history, and I have more Asian pride than I should. I was fond of this novel and found it to be very adult, but tasteful. Luckily, it isn't adult in the usual manner of hack and slash, but in a romantic way which is refreshing.

There are many things complementing this piece of work. What did catch my attention, that seems unmanly of me, is the thought of a love attraction. That's what kept my tuned in on the piece because I am a sucker for love. In saying this, it may rule out the book appealing to men, but I also love a good horror story There's a girl in a mirror crying, talk of Oni, and a girl seeing a figure resembling her. Without revealing the most captivating stuff, I'm surprised at how well Mirror, Mirror was done and especially by someone who hasn't grown, as far as I know, around the Japanese culture.

Although, I did find the beginning troubling, I don't know how to describe it, but the opener didn't catch my attention. What did and kept me reading was the opening picture, very nice! The title will not catch a reader's attention, but the picture in the beginning really had me caught, it is on par with Manga artists. Being picky, I did notice some spelling errors, English words, not Japanese, and I don't know if the editor missed them or not, still it is a minor point.

Mirror, Mirror by Michelle Chloe is a book I would recommend to anyone who wants to read an interesting story about love, Japan, Japanese culture, and fictional historical. I don’t feel this book would appeal to schools, but it is worth a try. From my experience, books like this aren’t typically seen in a high school and with the adult content it’s too taboo to appear in middle schools. Many American schools aren’t big on the whole Japanese thing, textbooks teach kids that Japan is bad in WW2 and Pearl Harbor and the students at the schools make fun of those who are into Japanese stuff. Although, there will be a fan base in the Manga and Anime readers or just lovers of books. Mirror, Mirror would be ideal for reading groups and a great book to have for open discussion in reading circles or book clubs. I strongly do recommend the book.

Sketch Artists

The PGP-NYTVF Comedy Talent Search has reached the halfway point for submissions, and we are already thrilled at the response. For those of you who have entered, thank you and best of luck. If you haven't entered yet, there are still three weeks to go before the final August 3rd deadline for entries. For more information on how the Comedy Talent Search gives you the opportunity to star in a new TV pilot, visit www.nytvf.com.

Everyone has the ability to participate in the search! All entries to the contest are currently available for viewing under the "NYTVF" tab at the top of the navigation menu on MSN Soapbox. We encourage all of you to view the sketches and rate your favorites. Those of you who have entered are encouraged to invite friends and family to rate their favorites as well, as user ratings on Soapbox will factor into the final decision on what teams will be selected to participate in the inaugural "Procter & Gamble Productions Players." Please participate in helping us find the best undiscovered sketch comedy performers across America!

Head to NYTVF
www.nytvf.com

Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul

We are writing/compiling the next Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul. Based on the thousands of letters we’ve received, teenagers love these books and find inspiration, comfort, and strength from them. So, here is your opportunity to contribute to the latest volume in the teen series. Write something you’ve been meaning to write, or perhaps you already have a story lying around that you would like to submit.

The book is currently titled, A Guide (for Teens) on Getting Happy, Instead of Just Getting By. Chapters include: Getting Positive, Getting Happy with Yourself, Getting Over Past Hurts, Getting Strong, Getting Confident, Getting Along with Others, Getting Thoughtful and Doing for Others, Getting Lighthearted and a Good Sense of Humor, Finding Happiness in Responsibility and Commitment, Getting Active, Getting in Charge (of your life), Getting Motivated.

We are looking for first-person, non-fiction narratives. Stories should be about 1-3 pages long, 400-1200 words, double-spaced, size 12, Times New Roman. They should be written about something that happened to you and made you learn a bit about something you think might help a teenager who reads the book. It shouldn’t be preachy, but still be something that teens can relate to. If you are not a teenager, then try writing from the perspective you had when you were that age. It is okay for the wisdom you have gained with age to shine through.

Send all of your submissions ASAP to chickensoupforteens@yahoo.com.
The submission deadline is July 16, 2007. Sorry for the short timeframe. Release date is winter 2008.
If your submission is published you will receive $150.00 compensation.

Sincerely,
Mitch Claspy
Co-Author, Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul IV