Sunday, January 16, 2011

Debut of the Month - All About Other Words for Love + Giveaway


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Book Profile

Debut - Other Words for Love
Author -  Lorraine Zago Rosenthal ( Profile )
Genre - Contemporary
Release Date - 11th of Jan 2011

“When an unexpected inheritance enables Ari to transfer to an elite Manhattan prep school, she makes a wealthy new friend, Leigh. Leigh introduces Ari to the glamorous side of New York—and to her gorgeous cousin, Blake. Ari doesn’t think she stands a chance, but amazingly, Blake asks her out. As their romance heats up, they find themselves involved in an intense, consuming relationship. Ari’s family worries that she is losing touch with the important things in life, like family, hard work, and planning for the future.

When misfortune befalls Blake’s family, he pulls away, and Ari’s world drains of color. As she struggles to get over the breakup, Ari must finally ask herself: were their feelings true love . . . or something else?“

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Review by Sarah Andersen @ YA Love Blog

Let me see if I can describe my feelings for this book using “other words for love.” I ADORE this book. I am DELIGHTED by Lorraine’s debut novel. Other Words for Love has ENCHANTED me. Yep, I’m gushing, but this book begs to be gushed over! (And as an English teacher I’m always looking for ways to expand my vocabulary )

I was thrilled when this arrived in the mail and immediately bumped it to the top of my reading pile. I knew I’d enjoy this as soon as I started reading; Lorraine’s writing flows with ease. Plus, I connected with Ari as soon as she began describing her best friend Summer. Summer is described as the girl who has it all–stylish clothes, gorgeous hair, good grades, etc. Ari is smart and pretty as well, but she doesn’t always see herself in this way, especially when she’s around Summer. It doesn’t help that Summer ALWAYS has a boyfriend and Ari never does. I connected with Ari because in high school I was constantly wondering when the heck I’d finally get a boyfriend. I had a couple friends like Summer who were often bragging about their boyfriends, which left me feeling, well, rotten and sort of insecure. Ari, though, holds her head high and doesn’t complain. She simply wants to find somone who will love her the way her sister’s husband, Patrick, loves her sister. Don’t we all want that? To find someone who will love us for who we are? This element of the story will hook teenage girls (and adults!) because many of us have felt like Ari.

The dynamics of the many different relationships in this book are wonderful. Ari’s relationship with her mother is good, but definitely strained at times. Ari’s older sister, Evelyn, made a few mistakes growing up. Ari’s mom now looks to Ari as the daughter who will go farther and make something of herself. Talk about pressure! When I was reading, I always knew her mom meant well, but there were times that her mother made me even more grateful for my mom. This tension causes Ari to rely on herself more and become more independent.

Ari and Blake’s relationship is written superbly; it’s very believable as a first-love relationship. They’re completely enraptured with each other, but nervous about making the wrong moves as well. Ari’s hesitations about becoming more serious with Blake are written with care; I remember feeling the same nerves and worries. Ari, even though she’s wrapped up in everything Blake, develops more self-esteem and independence. I kept cheering their relationship on, and even forgot about the telling summary description. Lorraine did such a fabulous job writing Ari’s rollercoaster life, that I know girls will learn from this and respond with high praises. Not all relationships end in marriage, and teenage girls especially need to understand this. Quite a few of my female students have come to me after their long-term relationships ended needing someone to talk to and asking for advice. I’m definitely handing them a copy of Other Words for Love.

I excitedly give Other Words for Love five stars. This is a beautiful book that teen girls should read and teachers and librarians need in their libraries. If you enjoyed Sarah Dessen’s Someone Like You and/or Judy Blume’s Forever, you are sure to enjoy this debut novel. I’m very much looking forward to reading more of Lorraine’s novels.

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~ Giveaway ~
Lorraine has kindly offered ONE (1) Hardcover Finished Copy of  'Other Words for Love' to one of you readers. I can't help but to be envious... I haven't read the book myself but it sounds like a great love story. I must get my own copy!!!!

Rules for Entry - ( Simple, two strings attached)

- US ONLY
-  Leave a comment on this post or Lorraine's first post
- Fill out this FORM
- Ends 31st of Jan

Badass Bookie xx

33 comments:

  1. I've heard a lot of great reviews about this debut. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  2. This is the first I have heard of this book, but it sounds excellent.

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  3. I've heard tons of good stuff about this book. So I cannot wait to read it so I can see what all the fuss is about.

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  4. I can't wait to read this. Sounds pretty good. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  5. I usually don't read too many contemporary books but I think I will make an exception for this one! It looks great! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  6. I really like the cover. And the book sound great. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  7. I've been waiting for this book to come out forever! I was so excited on Jan. 11- so I went to my local book store, they usually get the latest books- but they didn't have it. I was very disappointed- but hearing about this giveaway just made my day. Thanks for the great giveaway!

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  8. Im really looking forward to reading this! Thanks for the great giveaway!

    jessica b

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  9. Hey, I just wanted to let you know how unique and cool your blog is! I've given you the Stylish Blogger Award - not sure if someone already gave it to you or not! - Here's where you go on my blog to find out more about it!

    http://yabookfreak.blogspot.com/2011/01/stylish-blogger-award.html

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  10. I have been wanting to read this one for a long time now! It looks so great!!

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  11. I've read some pretty good reviews of this, and it's currently featured on Random Buzzers. It sounds like a really good contemporary, and I love that it's set oin the 80's. And not, like, the 18, either, but the ribbons-and-tule 1980's!

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  12. This books sounds fabulous! Thanks for the contest! I've been wanting to read it for a while now because it keeps popping up in the blogosphere!

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  13. This looks so good! Adding to my shopping list.

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  14. I so want this book and fortunately enough it is already on my Goodreads list! Thanks for the review!

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  15. Sounds really good, can't wait to read it.

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  16. This book sounds fantastic!

    Vivien

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  17. This is my first time hearing about this and it sounds really good. Thanks for the great giveaway :)

    mrsjohnson1982 at yahoo dot com

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  18. Great giveaway! I have heard a lot of good things about this book. I can't wait to read it.

    PelicanJL@hotmail.com

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  19. I've been hearing nothing but great things about this book! Thanks for having such an awesome giveaway!

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  20. I've heard such great things about this book. Can't wait to read it!

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  21. Great giveaway! I would love to read this!
    khyla_808ATyahooDOTcom

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  22. The book sounds absolutely wonderful! I'd love to read it. :) So I'm off in a moment to fill out the form. Thanks for the great giveaway!

    Wendi
    wbarker at hotmail.com

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  23. I had never heard of this book before I read your post. I love YA contemporary fiction. I've added it to my TBR pile!

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  24. Im really excited about this book, ive read some great reviews about it, and im looking forward to reading it. Thank you for this giveaway :)

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  25. awww it sounds like this is a great romance!! thank you for the contest!

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  26. It sounds like a great book. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  27. Thanks for the giveaway! This sounds like a great romance novel ;) My favorite types of books!

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  28. I have been wanting to read this book so badly! It sounds so amazing and I've only heard good things about it.

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  29. I've seen so many awesome reviews of this book! The cover is soooo gorgeous too!

    TaraTagli at gmail dot com

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  30. Sounds so good, I heard about this book the other day, and Wanted it! Thanks for the giveaway.

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  31. I've heard sop many wonderful things about this book. I simply have to read it. Fingers crossed I get lucky.

    BookNoise at gmail dot com

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  32. Thanks for the great giveaway Lorraine and badassbookie!
    caliblue7 at gmail dot com

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