Don't Forget Your Lucky Pants

OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!! I absolutely LOVE this book! Why oh Why has it not been published yet?!?!?!? I fully admit to being insanely jealous of your position in the top five but after reading the first bit of your work, I can understand totally how you got there. Thank you so much for writing such a great book and I hope to god that someone at Harper Collins is reading this and writing up a big fat contract for you at this very minute. You deserve it. All the best,
Maria x

How could anyone not like this gloriously funny book. I can see coach loads of readers wanting to get to buy this. The book sums itself:
“Laughter, whoever invented it, is priceless, it stops me going bonkers - keeps me regular – a bit like bran flakes.”...I’ll show you how I do it....I hope my story might help with whatever bothers you.”
And then we are off on a funfair ride of:
“I first suspected Alicia was a witch when she called Heather ‘my pretty’. I think she was after her warts.”
And
“I’m ‘the melon smuggling midget’. If someone shouted down my cleavage, it would take two minutes for the echo to come back.”
And I found myself saying (with apologies to all Geographers) oh yes to this:
“The subject is at best unbearable, I’d rather eat my own arm than sit through an extra geography lesson”
And laughing out loud to:
“The article said that prunes were good for a healthy complexion. Mum usually had a fair stock of prunes in the pantry and always banged on about how good they were for something or other - ‘complexion’ must have been it.”
And similar juxtapositions:
“we would buy ‘reasonably priced’ tops, customise them ourselves, and be the coolest, dudiest, shabby-chicest, looking chicks at the party! Well, it was a plan of sorts.
We sat in my bedroom, staring at the scabby, cheap tops on the floor.”
This is a stomping teenage romp:
““How about a French plait?”
“Oooh la la, mais ouis, j’aime le fromage!” Character acting comes easy to me, and it’s always worth reminding people that you like cheese.”
It deserves its success and anyone left who has not yet read it should do so forthwith. They will not regret it. Backed.

Katrina,

This is an important book you've written. I was a little concerned when I read your pitch that the quirky girl ( and she IS adoringly quirky) wouldn't quite fit with the intensity of death. You managed it like a true pro, however. I absolutely LOVE Molly. You had me laughing and near tears. This should be published ASAP. Shelved.

I've read everything you've posted and I enjoyed it sooo much. I'd back it if you hadn't already reached the desk. I laughed out loud loads, but why did you leave it on such a sad note?! Please let me know if you ever put the rest up.
x

This is utter perfection! I'm a sixteen year old teenager, I'm 4ft11, I used to wear glasses, have braces and be a little overweight so I am in love with this and absolutely gagging for more! Please please please keep writing, it's funny, sharp, intelligent and utterly addictive. You deserve so much success, it's absolutely glorious and THE next young adult book!

Alex

Too damn funny! Love this. You could have served this on a pile of poo when I was a kid and I'd have still read it. The bra scene was a riot.
Totally inspired here.

Suz

I laughed SO hard reading your story! Thank you so much for writing this. Please tell me you're writing another?

Wow. This is an amazing book. If it doesn't get published then the editors and publishers need their heads examined (then again, almost all of the popular best selling writers got tons of rejections before getting published...imagine how silly the editors who turned down the first "Harry Potter" must feel?).
This is a beautifully written book...funny yet heart renderingly sad too.
I identified with the character throughout...I was the big boobed clown at my highschool (my Mom once sent me to school wearing two left boots...we both had the same pair of boots and she thought she'd thrown hers out but had inadvertently thrown out the right boot in each pair. Even though I'm now 45 my (old) friends from highschool still talk about the left boot incident).
I am hoping that I won't identify with the last few chapters but as I write this my Mom is fighting stage 4 throat cancer. She has 3 weeks left of 7 weeks treatment to go, and we're all hoping and praying she'll beat it.
As I read the first few chapters, I laughed so hard . My African Grey parrot kept imitating my laughter, which just added to the mirth. Then I started crying as I read the last few chapters and she started yelling "Kathy! Are you OK?" ...which thankfully got me laughing again.
I hope you'll send me a note when you get published so that I can read the rest of your wonderful book. I'm desperately hoping Molly finds her way back to happiness.
Thanks for the wonderful read.
Take care,
Kat
(The REAL Poop)

Katrina,

I'm reading this because you recently read and commented on The It! Refugees, by the lovely Dania.

I see that Lucky Pants already has a gold star, but that you welcome further comments.

First off, let me say that you have a great pitch. Very polished: I can see my teenaged daughter picking this one up (though I'm not sure she'd wear the pants on your cover).

Look, I've read the first chapter and there's nothing useful I can say, only that if and when your agent places it I shall certainly go out and get a copy for my daughter. This almost feels like a new genre (to me anyway) young-chick-lit.

Great stuff!!

Katrina, whilst I have not read all of your book, what I have read was compelling.

Molly is such an inspirational character who both encounters and faces challenges that by standers often choose to ignore.

I have not reached the chapter were her mother dies and to be honest part of me doesn't want to. I know that I will cry with Molly and feel the need to cuddle this fictional character that you heave created so well!

Good luck, hope you don't need it!

Katrina, I just spent my entire lunch hour laughing out loud at my desk with all of my colleagues thinking I am a mental patient, all becasue of your hilariously funny and touching book. Thank you (I think).

This is incredible. So many classic lines...too many too mention although, in relation to her brain "mine wandres off and come back with random questions' is the kind iof line I would love to adopt and rop into conversation. Ha!

This reminds me of being a teenager and reading The Diary of Adrian Mole. Anyway...enough gushing...

Any YA reader would love this, it is tightly written, the chatty tone is absolutely perfect for the demographic, it is not only funny, it is touching and there is a real depth of emotion behind the humour.

I see you have been on the ED so you probabaly don't actually need my shelving but I just HAVE to shelve it.

Rachael

I would love it if you could take a look at mine (Falling Through) but no drama if you don't have time. I simply loved reading your book :)

Don't forget your lucky pants---
Katrina-
OMG... this is awesome.
I haven't even read the whole first chapter and you've got me commenting.
THE PLAN.....(your plan in the book)
This is exactly what I said, instead of knee slapping, enter romance with tragedy.

That is what I set out to do with my book... I love YA books that give hope and teach life skills.
I love your book.. I haven't read it... but I'm going to, and I can't wait until you get it published.
I would be honored to have you look my book over and give me your "gold star" opinion. *wink wink*
Of course only if you have time.
Thanks... I'm going to go and read some more now....
~Krista Darrach
-Riley's Gift

I like the sound of this and I am adding you to my list - on the strength of your wonderful surname alone!

I look forward to reading about your pants.

Pete x

Katrina, I have just read your book and feel a complete inadequate amateur. It's one of the loveliest things I've read, and one of the funniest. I noticed the star next to the ranking, so don't know if my backing makes much difference. Nevertheless, wish you all the very best with it, and hope it gets published.
Lynn

Wow! I'm new to Authonomy, but now that I've seen the kind of feedback the HarperCollins editors give to the writers whose novels are chosen for review, I'm sold! I simply must learn how to operate on this site.

Katrina, you have received concrete and constructive criticism (including kudos and pans), and now you have some work to do, but at least you know what needs to be done. Congratulations.

I feel very late to this party as you seem to have got the recognition you very much deserve. I really enjoyed your book and was very moved at your wonderful writing about grief and loss, I really hope you get published.

I have clearly back your book

Camilla x

i thought it absolutely brilliant. well worth a read and a good laugh. so glad i read it. i think you have managed to write a brilliant story here

Fascinating synopsis. I am going to read the book this afternoon.

Dan

This is so funny!

It is no wonder you got the gold star (before my time here or I would have helped)
Brilliantly observed. I thought at first it was going to drown in its own rhetoric, because getting a story inbetween all those great observations seemed impossible. However, you have managed it.

Wonderful

John

Dear Katrina, Although I’ve read only your pitch and first chapter so far, I understand why your book is so popular. It’s original, charming, and quite hilarious. Molly is very special, but I think that any teenage girl could identify with her, as could any woman who hasn’t forgotten her teenage years. I like Molly’s honesty, her take on life, and of course her distinctive imagination. I also like how you bring in one telling detail after another to create your portrait. The reader learns about Molly the way she learns about someone in life, a little at a time, only she gets to know Molly much better and will remember her much longer than most of the people she’s met.

I’d certainly put your book on my shelf if you weren’t beyond needing that. Good luck with the editors. Maria, The Pharaoh’s Cat

Today I have been reading most of the day. Trying to catch up on the reading list and looking back at ones I did not read enough of before. You made it to ED's desk and deservidly so! Great book. fingers crossed for you.
Gina

Hi Katrina! I have just read the first 3 chapters of your book. I am new around here and put your book on my WL about 3 weeks ago. When it got to the top of my list, alas, it was already on the ED! But I decided to take a look anyway and I was really glad I did. Although my bookshelf is no longer really needed by you, your book did me a world of good. I really loved it! Can't wait to pick it up at my local bookstore as I'm sure I won't have to wait long. Can't wait to read the WHOLE thing. I hope you are done with it because I think you will be called to submit the entire manuscript very, very soon. And, of course, then there will be the movie!! Congrats on a unique and extremely entertaining read!! You don't need it but I'm bookshelving it anyway!

Laugh out loud funny with a great, distinctive voice. Well done!
I have added you to my shelf although I'm not sure that makes much difference if you're already on the Ed's Desk?
Sheila

Hey Katrina...congratulations on the Editor's Choice ranking. Truly deserved. If it makes it through, I'll be express-mailing you my copy seeking a signature... ;)

Best of luck!

-Taylor

Katrina, I am so sorry I have taken so long to discover your fabulous book,. I am in awe of your talent , your book sparkles with life, humour --with everything that makes a pleasurable, life affirming read. This wonderful book should be snapped up by HC before someone else does. Looking forward to seeing it on my real life bookshelf, for this belongs out of the cyberverse and in people's hands. Its appeal goes far beyond its target audience. Only a person with a heart of cold stone could fail to fall in love with the delightful, quirky Molly and her lucky pants. A superlative book.

I've shelved on voice alone. Will continue to read and will send you more detailed comments at some point soon.

Wishing you mucho success. I can hear the good-hearted laughter of your future readers as I write this. You deserve to be published.

~Cheri

An absolute joy of a book, a wonderful read from begnning to end. This soooo deserves to be published and enjoyed by not just its target audience but anyone who loves a beautifully crafted, funny,moving and sparkling book. Katrina, I am in total awe of your talent as a writer, there is nothing forced, nothing artificial . It as if you have tapped directly into a teenager's mind and written her every thought verbatum. The rythmn of her speech is just perfection.The warmth, the humour and the observation crackles with vibrant life and authenticity. I loved this book. I am sending out every witchy vibe I possess , it deserves great success.

An absolute joy of a book, a wonderful read from begnning to end. This soooo deserves to be published and enjoyed by not just its target audience but anyone who loves a beautifully crafted, funny,moving and sparkling book. Katrina, I am in total awe of your talent as a writer, there is nothing forced, nothing artificial . It as if you have tapped directly into a teenager's mind and written her every thought verbatum. The rythmn of her speech is just perfection.The warmth, the humour and the observation crackles with vibrant life and authenticity. I loved this book. I am sending out every witchy vibe I possess , it deserves great success.

got to say, don t know why i havent read this before. just love everything about it. the quirky lay out, the supreme comedy. the cringing. those moments that every one can identify. bordering on genius... bravo

A whole lot better than other books in this genre. I'm not naturally a fan of thistype of book, but I'm glad someone recommended it to me.
I thought, for a moment, that the police explaining the death bit was a bit stilted, but I think that that actually adds to the story.

Great book. Have fun on the desk!

Just looked at your book this morning, and noticed the no star next to it! Expect one soon as it has been chosen in the top 5, I am not suprised I was immersed instantly. I love what I have read so far and can't wait to return to it later. I expect to see it published soon. I also like Daisychains of silence and Sam's Diary (love, life & HRT!) it's a hilarious, girly storyand no.8 today. Good Luck. My book isn't uploaded yet, still trying to reach to golden 10,000 words. June

This is Sooo Much FUN! Have fun on the editor's desk ;)
Holly
(The Faerie Conspiracies)

Well, you certainly don't need me to tell you how great your book is. But I'm going to anyway. :) Well done! You have to make the ED of there's no justice here on Authonomy. Good luck!

Michael
(The Last Coming Out Story)

Hi Katrina,

I'm probably not target audience (?), but there was certainly enough to keep me reading through these chapters. I particularly like the way you deal with tragedy; it's well-handled in that there's enough dramatic tension for it to work as fiction but it's also sensitive and honest with the reader.

Lots of amusing anecdotes and funny characters, and a distinctive narrator both in terms of voice and her character.

I think my complaints are limited to 1) not really getting a sense of the school's setting 2) the format - changing shades in particular - sort of bugged me. Perhaps that's just because I find reading on screen so tricky.

On a merely personal note, I've had the exam and the stage-play dreams - both haunted me through my adolescence and early 20s, but not the toilet one, although I've sat in the adjacent cubicle to my sworn enemy at school when he's been obliged to make the begged request for a paper pass-under. Tee hee...

Best of luck with this, you deserve your high ranking,

Ben (History...)

Totally out of my element with this, but I started it out of curiosity and was swept away. Molly is delightful! Good luck with the book!

This is good. It reminds me very vividly of Judy Blume. I love the frantic tone of the prose that makes it all the more accessible. I'm only up to Chapter 3, but I will be reading more.

I'm backing this, too. It deserves to be published. It's a boss novel and it must sell!!!

This is hilarious! My husband wanted to know what I was laughing at. I couldn't stop - the imagery is awesome and perfect. This is a winner for sure. Shelved by goodness.
Rebecca

I honestly didn't know how I was going to feel about this book because its not my usual cup of tea but I loved it. Its funny, a little loopy but a great read the whole way around. Thanks for writing such a great book :) wish you the best.

I honestly didn't know how I was going to feel about this book because its not my usual cup of tea but I loved it. Its funny, a little loopy but a great read the whole way around. Thanks for writing such a great book :) wish you the best.

I honestly didn't know how I was going to feel about this book because its not my usual cup of tea but I loved it. Its funny, a little loopy but a great read the whole way around. Thanks for writing such a great book :) wish you the best.

I loved this book. Despite the uncomfortable position at my stupid computer I just wanted to read on. Molly was a captivating protagonist. I'm pretty certain the students I work with (around Molly's age) would relate to her predicaments and her personality. First thing I've read on Authonomy - the title got me - and I love it. Best of luck with getting it published.

Katrina,

I would love to read more, but it's late and I can't resist commenting. This is such an amazing story! Both light-hearted and serious, comedic and tragic, you do an excellent job of capturing the essence of adolesence. I love the voice you've given your main character... full of strength and humor and down-to-earth realism. I feel like she could be one of my students.

I had a hard time getting into the story at the beginning, before the actual first chapter. I liked the letter she tried to write, but the exposition afterwards seemed almost stilted. It didn't have the natural flow that the actual story seemed to capture... I think because there wasn't enough background to sink into the meat of the story. Without the actual plot to cling to, the mental tangents were distracting.

Then I reached the actual beginning, and it was perfect. I would happily buy this book, without a second thought. I wish you luck. I hope this goes far (it certainly deserves to) and I will be putting it on my bookshelf for sure.

Although I wasn't sure about the premise of the book it very quickly won me over. For better or worse it transported me back to my high school days complete with all the painful teenage embarassment and desire to belong. The death of a parent is a difficult subject to tackle, but the mixture of comedy and honesty about how these things make you feel is highly readable. Definitely deserves to be published - I'll reserve a weekend as undoubtedly this book is one that would be read from cover to cover in one sitting!

You don't really need to go on any more bookshelves as this will defo get published at some point! It is helping me get inspired to varry on with my own work. You can take a look at my book, currently unfinished Sam's Diary (Love, life & HRT!). xxxx GOOD LUCK

Hi Katrina, this is a terrific read with some great lines - at last a female answer to Nigel Molesworth and with big boobs too - how can it fail? So i'll be flying those lucky pants on my shelf as a rallying call to all middle aged teenagers

best of luck, Kevin

This is seriously cute! The pitch alone is hilarious. Definitely deserves shelf space.

~Gina

Great stuff, Katrina. Great humour with many laugh-out-loud moments. What more can a reader want?! Love all the nasty, usually unmentionable bits. Please take a peek at my humble offereing if you get a mo. Nicky x

Congrats. I see that you are up to number two!!

From the prologue, mine were the forget to wear a bra days. And that wasn't ever something I should've forgotten in high school or junior high for that matter.
Okay, this is amazing. No wonder you're in the top 5. LMAO! Great!

Katrina,

Oh, I so sympathize with Molly. I think I was Molly in school. The situation with the bench would be something that would happen to me now. I couldn't help but laugh.

There were a few sentences that made me read a few times over, they were maybe a touch overwritten, but all in all it was such a funny, enjoyable read. You deserve to be on the editors' desk.

You're on my bookshelf.

ML

Your story is well written and hilarious! I have been laughing so hard my kids think I'm nuts. Who sits and laughs uncontrollably at their computer for hours? If you don't get this published I'm going to personally break down the doors at Harper Collins and demand to know why! Well, maybe I won't do that...but I'll really want to!

When this does get published, I will definitely buy it!

Helene
A Time in Eternity - Two Worlds Collide

This book is great and NEEDS to stay on the ed's desk!!!

SO publishable!
Great work!!!!

eden*