Fiction of the Week for August 10: The Mitochondrial Curiosities of Marcels 1 to 19
Okay, here's a book you don't want to miss. The Mitochondrial Curiosities will not only knock your socks off, it'll teach you how to make a "forgiving sock creature" named Marcel in the process…
Dree has trouble with biology (and other subjects), her family, and Edmonton in general. She’s dying to move to Toronto, where she belongs, where the Renegade Craft Fair is taking place, and where, finally, her crafts will be appreciated. Escape is eminent: on her fifteenth birthday, she will get the special fund her father promised and she’ll take take off. But instead, her father has a fatal heart attack, and all she finds are clues leading to the ominous Alberta Psychiatric Hospital where her paren'ts once worked. As Dree tries to unearth a mystery, and still pass science, she keeps searching for the money, and for a way to grieve her father.
Dree's voice will hook you from the start. She's creative, full of attitude, and laugh-out-loud funny. If you're not already sold on the sass, scandal and mystery of this book (and the inclusion of quirky craft projects throughout), my conversation with Jocelyn Brown, the book's author, should seal the deal…
Lisa (L): Crafts feature prominently in the Mitochondrial Curiosities. Did they come first or did they evolve from Dree's character? Do you consider yourself crafty? Can you recommend some good craft books?
Jocelyn (J): I imagined Dree as crafty from the start. She's a hopeful cynic–and crafts let her generate that hope along with interesting stuff. The specific crafts didn't emerge until the last draft, and including them in the book gave me a way of adding new character bits about Dree.
I do have my own craft leanings especially all things paper (except for origami as I'm not a terribly precise sort of person). I love making books and heartily recommend this to all new writers as a way to experiment with words and form. There's no need to buy expensive paper–check out CBBAG and links for a sense of what's possible.
Craft books make excellent bedtime reading, and my faves are: D.I.Y. Design it Yourself (edited by Ellen Lupton); ReadyMade by Berger/Hawthorne; and The Starving Artist's Way by Nava Lubelski. Also essential, although not exactly a craft book, is A Beginner's Guide to Constructing the Universe by Michael Schneider.
L: Dree's voice is original and refreshing. What or who was your inspiration? Can you share some of your reading interests and influences?
J: Dree's voice took a while to get. In fact, I first wrote the book in third person and was so fed up by the third draft that I almost ditched the whole thing. It was done, but it didn't feel right. I went to see a friend in the country, sat on top of her rusted-out truck to look over the canola fields (think endless yellow), and said, "Okay, Dree, I don't know what to do with you." And in my imagination, the response was, "FGS, let me talk for myself."
I was influenced by Kathleen Jeffrie Johnson–in particular by Parallel Universe of Liars. Johnson is a gutsy, go-for-broke kind of writer, and her book helped me get the tone for Mitochondrial. In terms of general reading interests, I always have a few things on the go. At the moment, they are My Last Sigh, the autobiography of Luis Buñuel, (Spanish film director), My Winnipeg by Guy Maddin, and a mystery set in Toronto which is fabulous but I can't remember the name and left it at work. The Bunuel book might sound boring, but even if you're not interested in the Spanish Civil War, Dali and Surrealism, or movies, and I'm not suggesting you should be, it's worth reading to learn about what makes a voice compelling. And the Maddin book is a beauty for all kinds of reasons including being actually beautiful.
L: Congratulations on (and thank you for) convincing Coach House Books to publish their first official YA novel! Other than by writing one damn fine book, how did you do this?
J: Why thank you. It was a right place, right time kind of thing–I was very lucky. Coach House had been thinking of trying YA, and I asked Alana to give me some feedback on Mitochondrial. She read it and offered to publish. It had big problems at that point, but she had great patience and faith.
L: What advice would you offer a teen who's interested in writing?
Well, I've written and erased several things here. When people truly love to write–truly delight in the magical properties of language–they write. Characters ask to come into being, stories demand to be written. The trick is to tap into a creative source that's bigger than yourself. Otherwise, you'll get all angst-ridden and neurotic and blocked. Watch the Ted.com piece by the Eat, Pray, Love writer. Her writing isn't my thing, but I like what she says about being a writer.
Oh, here's some practical advice. NEVER give writing to family members for review.
L: Thanks for these amazing answers to my questions, Joceyln! Dree a hopeful cynic–yes indeed. Your book recommendations rock (I've placed holds), and your advice is extremely thoughtful. Thanks for sharing your current reads (the Buñuel autobiography sounds interesting, and I'm a big fan of Guy Maddin's films, especially Careful). Please share the name of the fabulous mystery you're reading when it's in your hands again.:)
Jocelyn will be checking in with the blog, so feel free to post additional questions or comments for her.
Lisa coordinates the selection of materials for youth at TPL. She reads (and knits) as much as her 2-year-old will allow.
118 thoughts on “Fiction of the Week for August 10: The Mitochondrial Curiosities of Marcels 1 to 19”
“The Mitochndrial Curiosities” sounds like a greta book to read based on the summary. Dree story sounds like a mixture of sadness (father’s heart attack),confusion (in trouble with subjects,) and i guess Dree wants to get out of the mess, follow her dreams and come to toronto! The interview was very down-to-earth and great which helped me understand the book more and understand Dree’s character.The author had a funny way of creating Dree’s attiude but i love it (voice in her head).Thanks for the great advice, the book recomeddations were great coming from an author like you i think i might want to check out Parallel Universe of Liars! Great interview lisa and good luck on your next book Jocelyn!
“The Mitochndrial Curiosities” sounds like a greta book to read based on the summary. Dree story sounds like a mixture of sadness (father’s heart attack),confusion (in trouble with subjects,) and i guess Dree wants to get out of the mess, follow her dreams and come to toronto! The interview was very down-to-earth and great which helped me understand the book more and understand Dree’s character.The author had a funny way of creating Dree’s attiude but i love it (voice in her head).Thanks for the great advice, the book recomeddations were great coming from an author like you i think i might want to check out Parallel Universe of Liars! Great interview lisa and good luck on your next book Jocelyn!
WOW! this book sounds REALLY good!!!
i would looove to read it!! hey, i like crafts, too!
the conversation between Lisa and Jocelyn really inspired me to contionue writing my book!!! 😀 Thanx!!!!
just one question: why shouldn’t i give my writing to my family members for review????
WOW! this book sounds REALLY good!!!
i would looove to read it!! hey, i like crafts, too!
the conversation between Lisa and Jocelyn really inspired me to contionue writing my book!!! 😀 Thanx!!!!
just one question: why shouldn’t i give my writing to my family members for review????
I absolutely love crafts! I love to knit and crochet and make bead bracelets and all that other fun stuff!
I absolutely love crafts! I love to knit and crochet and make bead bracelets and all that other fun stuff!
i recommend this book to everybody! it was so intriguing, i couldn’t put it down!
i recommend this book to everybody! it was so intriguing, i couldn’t put it down!
Once in a while, you stumble upon the most intriguing, unique and quirky stories like this one. Can’t wait to get my hands on it. Plus, it’s really great that we can hear from amazing authors like Jocelyn who are willing to take the time to feed the curiosity of teenage readers like us!
Once in a while, you stumble upon the most intriguing, unique and quirky stories like this one. Can’t wait to get my hands on it. Plus, it’s really great that we can hear from amazing authors like Jocelyn who are willing to take the time to feed the curiosity of teenage readers like us!
Never give writing to family members to view…that’s so true!
I’m going to try this book for sure…I really like the cover.
Never give writing to family members to view…that’s so true!
I’m going to try this book for sure…I really like the cover.
OOooOOoohhhh this looks really good. cant wait
OOooOOoohhhh this looks really good. cant wait
Cool book, I liked the description so I am interested in reading this book.
Cool book, I liked the description so I am interested in reading this book.
wow!! this book is really intresting to read
maybe i will try to read it someday
wow!! this book is really intresting to read
maybe i will try to read it someday
cool, sounds like a good book! i would like to win it! lol
cool, sounds like a good book! i would like to win it! lol
Looks like a book you wouldn’t wanna put down and interesting cover!
Looks like a book you wouldn’t wanna put down and interesting cover!
ohhh, i love this book! looks mysterious too!
ohhh, i love this book! looks mysterious too!
cover = perfait
title = mystry
book = irresistible
me = wanna win it! 😉
cover = perfait
title = mystry
book = irresistible
me = wanna win it! 😉
Looks cool to me!
Looks cool to me!
I really want to read it!
I really want to read it!
I’m going to put a hold on this book for sure!
I’m going to put a hold on this book for sure!
I love the cover page and the title too!
I love the cover page and the title too!
Why don’t you guys try reading “Identical”? It’s a great book!
Why don’t you guys try reading “Identical”? It’s a great book!
I really hope that I get this book soon!
I really hope that I get this book soon!
Sounds like an interesting book..it’s on my reading list..
Sounds like an interesting book..it’s on my reading list..
umm, how do u win this book? is it a draw, too??
no complains! 😉
umm, how do u win this book? is it a draw, too??
no complains! 😉
@Tasfia: I’ll draw the winners next Monday from the commenters in this thread. It’s less complicated than the other prizes because lisalibrarian told me a few days before her post that she had some extra copies we could give out. 🙂
@Tasfia: I’ll draw the winners next Monday from the commenters in this thread. It’s less complicated than the other prizes because lisalibrarian told me a few days before her post that she had some extra copies we could give out. 🙂
ohhh…. that book is really intresting to read, i cant wait to read it
ohhh…. that book is really intresting to read, i cant wait to read it
plus, the cover looks intresting as well
plus, the cover looks intresting as well
this book really looks goood. I am going read it for sure lol!!!
this book really looks goood. I am going read it for sure lol!!!
this book looks really interesting.
i love to make arts and crafts bnut have never tried sock puppets !
i’ll give this book a read 🙂
this book looks really interesting.
i love to make arts and crafts bnut have never tried sock puppets !
i’ll give this book a read 🙂
Wow, this sounds like a fun book. I hope I win a book. : )
Wow, this sounds like a fun book. I hope I win a book. : )
Sonds like some good readd
Sonds like some good readd
Wow, crafts! What could be a better combination for me than a fiction mingled with crafts? I love DIY’s and making random stuff, so this book is ‘tres parfait pour moi!!!!’
Wow, crafts! What could be a better combination for me than a fiction mingled with crafts? I love DIY’s and making random stuff, so this book is ‘tres parfait pour moi!!!!’
I read this book a little while ago, and it was pretty good. But I didn’t quite understand the whole book very well. I got the plot, but some details of the book were not clear. All in all, it wasn’t bad, and despite the confusion it was hard to put down. I think the idea of adding sock crafts is really cute, and creative.
I read this book a little while ago, and it was pretty good. But I didn’t quite understand the whole book very well. I got the plot, but some details of the book were not clear. All in all, it wasn’t bad, and despite the confusion it was hard to put down. I think the idea of adding sock crafts is really cute, and creative.
I can see why the author said NOT to give out your writing to family members, but I think it differs from person to person. My mom actually gives very satifying feedback(all praises!lol)so I have no problem with that. As for my Dad and sister- they’d much rather not read my poems because they’re not into it all. A really great person for feedback would be an English teacher that you’re comfortable with. They can’tell you how to improve it, and also they’re much more skilled at finding your strengths and weaknesses( in your writing) than a lot of other people.
I can see why the author said NOT to give out your writing to family members, but I think it differs from person to person. My mom actually gives very satifying feedback(all praises!lol)so I have no problem with that. As for my Dad and sister- they’d much rather not read my poems because they’re not into it all. A really great person for feedback would be an English teacher that you’re comfortable with. They can’tell you how to improve it, and also they’re much more skilled at finding your strengths and weaknesses( in your writing) than a lot of other people.
The book cover looks interesting, and the summary sounds cool. I’ll be sure to check it out!
The book cover looks interesting, and the summary sounds cool. I’ll be sure to check it out!
my my this girl is just like me….i do really bad in science too and i adore doing crafts, it’s an obssession, im definetly reading this book
my my this girl is just like me….i do really bad in science too and i adore doing crafts, it’s an obssession, im definetly reading this book
ooooo
gotta put a hold on it. I love to make bead figures. 🙂
ooooo
gotta put a hold on it. I love to make bead figures. 🙂
Wow, this book really sounds cool, especially the part where she has to slove the mystery. I would love to read it. Renegade Craft Fair, that is so awesome. I’m gonna put a hold on this book.
Wow, this book really sounds cool, especially the part where she has to slove the mystery. I would love to read it. Renegade Craft Fair, that is so awesome. I’m gonna put a hold on this book.
Good morning everyone!
It’s an excellent melancholy Thursday in Calgary–the kind of overcast day that makes you want to wander through moors. So, imagine my quandry after reading all your enthusiasm and kindness. My capacity for pathos has entirely vanished for at least the day and perhaps the week. Many many thanks. It’s about time I wrote something cheerful. Here are my affectionate good wishes to all of you: .
Julie, we authors are grateful for curious young people who like to read. Thank you also to Hamdi for such good wishes. And Tasfia, I’m so pleased that you’re inspired to get back to your own writing. What are you working on? Thank you, Cindy, for the *Identical* recommendation–I am almost bookless so will act on it this afternoon. Oshin, yes, the book could be more clear at points. My problem was that after rewriting the book so many times, I had trouble gauging what was overstated and what was confusing. As I hate reading anything that’s over-the-top, too explicit, or too repetititve, I tend to err on the side of being too concentrated. So thanks for staying with it. And, yes, on exceptions to the no-family rule. There are none in my gene pool, but your mother sounds like an excellent one.
That brings us to your collective zeal for crafts. How about another wee contest? Is summer winding down in Toronto too? Are you sensing that pre-fall eagerness/post-summer longing? (Maybe it’s only an Alberta thing.) So, here’s my craft challenge: what is the most cheering craft, to be left at a bus stop/subway station, that can be made from very cheap or free common materials? By cheering I mean something encouraging and hopeful that says things-are-going-to-be-fine. I will happily send the inventor of said craft a free copy of the book. Describe your craft or post a sketch or photo.
And happy Thursday.
Jocelyn
Good morning everyone!
It’s an excellent melancholy Thursday in Calgary–the kind of overcast day that makes you want to wander through moors. So, imagine my quandry after reading all your enthusiasm and kindness. My capacity for pathos has entirely vanished for at least the day and perhaps the week. Many many thanks. It’s about time I wrote something cheerful. Here are my affectionate good wishes to all of you: .
Julie, we authors are grateful for curious young people who like to read. Thank you also to Hamdi for such good wishes. And Tasfia, I’m so pleased that you’re inspired to get back to your own writing. What are you working on? Thank you, Cindy, for the *Identical* recommendation–I am almost bookless so will act on it this afternoon. Oshin, yes, the book could be more clear at points. My problem was that after rewriting the book so many times, I had trouble gauging what was overstated and what was confusing. As I hate reading anything that’s over-the-top, too explicit, or too repetititve, I tend to err on the side of being too concentrated. So thanks for staying with it. And, yes, on exceptions to the no-family rule. There are none in my gene pool, but your mother sounds like an excellent one.
That brings us to your collective zeal for crafts. How about another wee contest? Is summer winding down in Toronto too? Are you sensing that pre-fall eagerness/post-summer longing? (Maybe it’s only an Alberta thing.) So, here’s my craft challenge: what is the most cheering craft, to be left at a bus stop/subway station, that can be made from very cheap or free common materials? By cheering I mean something encouraging and hopeful that says things-are-going-to-be-fine. I will happily send the inventor of said craft a free copy of the book. Describe your craft or post a sketch or photo.
And happy Thursday.
Jocelyn
this summary sounds great to me. which makes u want to read but still keeps the suspense. i also liked the interview, cuz it gives u an idea of the understanding and thoughts the auther gives the book [+ making it resemble in a teens life.] im looking forward to reading it!
this summary sounds great to me. which makes u want to read but still keeps the suspense. i also liked the interview, cuz it gives u an idea of the understanding and thoughts the auther gives the book [+ making it resemble in a teens life.] im looking forward to reading it!
It looks fun 🙂 i’m gonna put it on hold n the cover’s cool
It looks fun 🙂 i’m gonna put it on hold n the cover’s cool
Seems like a really interesting book 😀
Seems like a really interesting book 😀
This book sounds interesting. I’ll be sure to read it!!
This book sounds interesting. I’ll be sure to read it!!
I love making arts and crafts, but I mostly make jewelery and sometimes string necklaces
I love making arts and crafts, but I mostly make jewelery and sometimes string necklaces
Sounds like a great book that’s packed with mystery, suspense, action and adventure … and no doubt, a lot of science =)! I loved the irony in the summary. Dree is trying to escape from her troubles with biology and school although her paren’ts work at the hospital, and in the end, she still has to turn back to the hospital and her troubles in order to solve the mystery (and in my mind, hospitals = biology :P). Wow, I can’t wait to read it now!
Sounds like a great book that’s packed with mystery, suspense, action and adventure … and no doubt, a lot of science =)! I loved the irony in the summary. Dree is trying to escape from her troubles with biology and school although her paren’ts work at the hospital, and in the end, she still has to turn back to the hospital and her troubles in order to solve the mystery (and in my mind, hospitals = biology :P). Wow, I can’t wait to read it now!
Maybe it’s just me, but doesn’t the summary sound kind of omnious? I mean, her father dies just before she can get the promised money. So maybe there was some sort of underground exprimentation going on in the hospital that caused her father’s heart attack…and maybe he knew that his time was going to be up soon…and the money is actually his life insurance…!!!!!
…Okay, my imagination is going overboard…I should just read the book and find out instead of trying to guess =)….
Maybe it’s just me, but doesn’t the summary sound kind of omnious? I mean, her father dies just before she can get the promised money. So maybe there was some sort of underground exprimentation going on in the hospital that caused her father’s heart attack…and maybe he knew that his time was going to be up soon…and the money is actually his life insurance…!!!!!
…Okay, my imagination is going overboard…I should just read the book and find out instead of trying to guess =)….
I’ll go place a hold on this book. I hope it helps with my biology course next year 😛
I’ll go place a hold on this book. I hope it helps with my biology course next year 😛
I love to read mystery, horror, science action and adventure book,s maybe this book would be great to read it and since the cover looks really intresting
I love to read mystery, horror, science action and adventure book,s maybe this book would be great to read it and since the cover looks really intresting
this sounds like a very interesting book to read….hopefully i can read it soon!
this sounds like a very interesting book to read….hopefully i can read it soon!
Dree is such a cool character!
Dree is such a cool character!
it looks good to me !
it looks good to me !
I read this book. It’s a great story. It’s kind of how I would feel if I wanted to live somewhere and was in a place I didn’t belong. I also liked the characters. I give it an 8/10
I read this book. It’s a great story. It’s kind of how I would feel if I wanted to live somewhere and was in a place I didn’t belong. I also liked the characters. I give it an 8/10
seems like a very interesting book!
definetly a book you would not want to put down!
seems like a very interesting book!
definetly a book you would not want to put down!
oooh Looks Good =)
WilL Read one day for sure 😀
oooh Looks Good =)
WilL Read one day for sure 😀
This book is inspiring me to mkae a sock puppet :p
This book is inspiring me to mkae a sock puppet :p
*make
*make
I’ve said this so many time but I can’t help it, this is the best book I ever read. When Dree throw up in front of everyone, that’s when I started to get interested. Weird isn’t it?
I’ve said this so many time but I can’t help it, this is the best book I ever read. When Dree throw up in front of everyone, that’s when I started to get interested. Weird isn’t it?
Is that a SOCK PUPPET on the cover?! Awesome!
I’ve put a hold on this book, and hopefully I’ll get it sometime soon. I can’t wait to read about sassy Dree (“FGS, let me talk for myself!” Haha.) — Finally, a character with some attitude!
Is that a SOCK PUPPET on the cover?! Awesome!
I’ve put a hold on this book, and hopefully I’ll get it sometime soon. I can’t wait to read about sassy Dree (“FGS, let me talk for myself!” Haha.) — Finally, a character with some attitude!
Sounds like a book my cousin would love. Its the type of book he’s been looking for. He loves mysteries and he loves jokes. By the description I can’tell that this book will be one of his favourites!!!
Sounds like a book my cousin would love. Its the type of book he’s been looking for. He loves mysteries and he loves jokes. By the description I can’tell that this book will be one of his favourites!!!
Prize drawings for winning copies of this book have been done. Congratulations to the winners.
Prize drawings for winning copies of this book have been done. Congratulations to the winners.
sounds cool and really like the cover! 😀
sounds cool and really like the cover! 😀
Out of curiosity, what’s the cons with “giv[ing] writing to family members for review”?
Out of curiosity, what’s the cons with “giv[ing] writing to family members for review”?