Win-It Wednesday: Love and Other Four Letter Words (signed!)

It was so much fun to read about what you'd write about for Red. I hope some of you guys are inspired to get the book (paperback comes out in October), and to write some of your own stories! Last week's winner of the beyond inspiring, multi-autographed copy of Red: The Book is... Ames! She'd write her Red essay about "the compassion i share with my brothers (and about how they are also mean)." Send me your address, A! This week, I'm giving away a signed copy of Carolyn Mackler's Love and Other Four Letter Words. This is the Printz-honor-winning author's debut novel, and it's the completely charming story of Sammie Davis, who is forced to deal with tons of change after her parents separate and her mom moves her to New York City. Sammie's voice makes this book--Carolyn is a master of characters you wanna be friends with, I think. I did a reading with Carolyn in June and she actually pulled out her old diary and read juicy parts. It was amazingly brave. I could never! Anyway, to enter, comment below (bonus entry if you spread the word about the contest through myspace or facebook or your blog or any which way). In the comments, I want to hear about your favorite independent bookstore. Meaning, not B&N or Borders, but the local bookstore you go to for a more... intimate experience. What's it called? Where is it? What does it look like? And if you don't shop at an independent bookstore, just comment telling me that, and then see if you can find one in or near your town. They're like secret treasures, especially when you get to know some of the employees who can recommend great reads for you when they know your taste. Mine is The Community Bookstore, and I just bought John Green's Looking for Alaska and ordered a bunch of other books! If they don't have the one you want, they'll always get it for you quickly. Yay! Happy Wednesday! PS-Wish Tasha a Happy 16th Birthday and win books! Double bonus. PPS-This is me being insanely unorganized, but I know I promised to guest blog for a few people around the release of VIP (Side note: Isn't it cool that Violet in Private has that acronym?). I can't remember all my guest blog engagements! If I promised you a guest blog, remind me! Thank you!