VS Grenier ~ Award-Winning Author, Speaker & Podcaster

This is the What is Success Show with hosts Virginia S Grenier and Marsha Cook. This week the hosts will be discussing New York Times Best-selling books "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed and "The Maze Runner" by James Dashner; along with the movie adapations on both books. We invited you to post comments and questions in the chatroom. Host Marsha Casper Cook is the author of six published books and 11 feature-length screenplays, and a literary agent with 15 years of experience. Marsha founded the literary agency Marcus Bryan & Associates in 1996 and achieved signatory status from the Writers Guild of America (WGA) within two years. In that capacity, she has represented more than 100 screenwriters and authors, and has also optioned books to movie production companies. Marsha has spoken about her work and the craft of writing to a wide range of audiences including bookstores, schools, museums and local cable and will continue to speak to the media. Auth...

Paperback: 1088 pages Publisher: Gallery Books; Media Tie-In edition (June 11, 2013) Language: English ISBN-10: 1476735476 ISBN-13: 978-1476735474 On an entirely normal, beautiful fall day in Chester's Mill, Maine, the town is inexplicably and suddenly sealed off from the rest of the world by an invisible force field. Planes crash into it and fall from the sky in flaming wreckage, a gardener's hand is severed as "the dome" comes down on it, people running errands in the neighboring town are divided from their families, and cars explode on impact. No one can fathom what this barrier is, where it came from, and when -- or if -- it will go away.  My Thoughts: Those who follow me know that Stephen King is one of, if not, my favorite author. There maybe many reasons why this is beyond his writing style. I tend to like many of the same books, movies and TV shows he does. We were both born on the same day, September 21st. Mostly, I think the reas...

Age Range: 4 - 8 years Grade Level: Preschool - 3 Hardcover: 68 pages Publisher: Some Kind of Garden Media; First Edition edition (September 24, 2013) Language: English ISBN-10: 0989368009 ISBN-13: 978-0989368001 HOW ROLAND ROLLS , winner of a 2013 Gelett Burgess Children’s Book Award, is a story about a wave named Roland who's afraid that, one day, when he hits the beach, his life will be over. But when he gets deep, he's struck by the notion that he's not just a wave - he's the whole big, wide ocean! The story shows humanity's interconnectedness through the metaphor of a wave in the ocean. In HOW ROLAND ROLLS, Carrey brings his wit and wisdom to the story of a wave named Roland who’s afraid that, one day, when he hits the beach, his life will be over. But when he gets deep, he’s struck by the notion that he’s not just a wave — he’s the whole big, wide ocean! The book is lavishly illustrated by award-winning artist/animator Rob Na...

“Beckmin Goes to School” is Bykowski’s first children’s book and was inspired by her middle son Beckmin, who was diagnosed with celiac disease at 18 months, after extensive sickness and a series of hospital visits. Since then, Christy has worked with Beckmin through the everyday challenges of being a kid with this disease, dealing with his frustrations and his own learning curve as to what celiac disease is, how to explain it and what it means in his day-to-day life. Beckmin’s stories, written to help children define, understand and explain celiac disease, are meant to be both empowering and educational for kids and their parents.  Title of Book: Gluten-Free Me, Beckmin Goes to School   Author: Christy E. Bykowski                     Publisher: Halo Publishing, Int. ISBN Number: ISBN 13: 978-1-61244-228-0 Genre: Children Publication Date: January 2...

It's not often you find yourself trying to find the right words about a book. This is one of those times. Not Even the SKY is the LIMIT! is a book all families should pick up. It inspires, motivates and expresses no matter what we all have dreams. There are no limits beyond the ones we place on ourselves. However, it doesn't mean things will happen or come easy just because you dream they will. We all have things that to overcome but the trick is not to let anyone say you can't because of physical or metal hurdles. The author, Denise Zarrella said, "The stories I love doing the most are the ones that empower those who may not otherwise have a voice—especially those who live in poverty or who are disabled.” About the Book: Not Even The SKY Is The LIMIT, is a book showcasing the abilities of children and adults with Down Syndrome. The book is the result of the author’s own beautiful journey to find out what life with her daughter would be like. Turn the pages...

Gabriela and The Widow is the story of Gabriela, a 19 year old Mexican woman who migrates north (to El Norte) where she meets a dying 92 year old woman, The Widow. The novel is their story. About the Book: Through the intimate bond of a companion and benefactor, Gabriela reconciles the painful experiences of her youth as she is reshaped by the Widow, La Viuda. Together, day after day, night after night, La Viuda immerses Gabriela in lists, boxes, places, times, objects, photos, and stories, captivating and life-changing stories.  It seems Gabriela is not just hired to cook and clean; she has been chosen to curate La Viuda’s mementos while taking care of the old woman’s failing health. “As you grow thick, I grow thin,” says the widow, portending the secret of immortality that will overtake both women.  Overall Thoughts: Normally I'm one to point out too much narrative in a manuscript when critiquing a fellow writer's work, but this is due to the deta...