Book Picks with Cole Gibsen, author of KATANA

Today on the blog we have Cole Gibsen, author of Katana. Now it might just be the amazing cover, or the fact that this girl looks fierce, but I’m in love with wanting to read this book! 

Cole has stopped by to share some of Gimhae Kim’s book picks. I’ll give you an inticement in the form of a book synopsis and then give the floor to Cole! Enjoy!

Rileigh Martin would love to believe that adrenaline had given her the uncanny courage and strength to fend off three muggers. But it doesn’t explain her dreams of 15th-century Japan, the incredible fighting skills she suddenly possesses, or the strange voice giving her battle tips and danger warnings.

While worrying that she’s going crazy (always a reputation ruiner), Rileigh gets a visit from Kim, a handsome martial arts instructor, who tells Rileigh she’s harboring the spirit of a five-hundred-year-old samurai warrior.

Relentlessly attacked by ninjas, Rileigh has no choice but to master the katana–a deadly Japanese sword that’s also the key to her past. As the spirit grows stronger and her feelings for Kim intensify, Rileigh is torn between continuing as the girl she’s always been and embracing the warrior inside her.

Gimhae Kim’s book recommendations for samurai in training:

1. The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi. This book is one of the best books every written on samurai philosophy. Its teachings can be applied on the battlefield as well as everyday situations. The perfect go to for the eternal question, “What would a samurai do?”

2. The Art of War by Sun Tzu. Another great book for battlefield strategies as well as regular life decision making strategies.

3. Code of the Samurai: A Modern Translation of the Bushido Shoshinshu of Taira Shigesuke by Thomas Cleary. This book provides excellent information regarding the customs, rules, and expectations of a samurai warrior. This book explains why a samurai acts the way they do.

4. The Unfettered Mind: Writings of the Zen Master to the Sword Master by Takuan Soho. What were once valuable insights for the samurai class have now become valuable teachings for anyone who wants to succeed in whatever they do.

I love writing, day-old chinese food, and my nail polish is always chipped. My YA novel, KATANA, will be released, spring 2012 by Flux. You can check out my website at www.colegibsen.com Word to your mother. (But seriously, you should call her. She worries.)

When Cole Gibsen isn’t writing books for young adults, she can be found rocking out with her band, sewing crazy costumes for the fun of it, picking off her nail polish, or drinking milk straight from the jug — provided no one is looking.