#ReadaDessen Campaign: The Truth about Forever & Wes's art

Today I'm really excited to be sharing some art that reminds me of one of my all-time favorite Sarah Dessen novels, The Truth About Forever! Truth is such a gorgeous novel, and I love falling in love with Macy and forever YA boyfriend Wes as well as the rest of the Wish Catering crew. Keep scrolling to see some truly spectacular works of art plus enter to win the Sarah Dessen mega giveaway!

Rating: 4 stars

Release Date: May 11, 2004

Publisher: Viking Books

Genre: young adult contemporary romance

Status: standalone

Summary:

With her sixth novel, award-winning author Sarah Dessen offers up another generous helping of finely crafted storytelling about real teens dealing with real life.

In The Truth About Forever, when asked how she is coping with her father's death, invariably seventeen year old Macy Queen's answer is "fine," when nothing could be further from the truth. In actuality, she is drowning in grief while maintaining a flawless façade of good grades and unblemished behavior. Though she feels lost when her boyfriend heads to "Brain Camp" for the summer, she finds herself a job with the quirky Wish Catering crew, and meets "sa-woon"-worthy Wes, whose chaotic lifestyle is in direct opposition to her own. 

As the two share their stories over the summer, Macy realizes she can no longer keep her feelings on ice. Though it feels like her future ended with her dad's death, Macy's learns that forever is all about beginnings.

#ReadADessen campaign: Keeping the Moon review

Today I'm really excited to be part of the #ReadADessen campaign Penguin is putting on in honor of Sarah's 13th book, Once and For All! Each week, a group of bloggers are focusing on two Dessen titles in release order. This week my group is sharing the love for Dessen books 3 & 4: Keeping the Moon and Dreamland! Everyone has a different post topic so you'll find playlists, reviews, fancasts, and more at all the different stops. Be sure to check them all out and enter to win the grand prize: a full paperback set of all of Sarah's books! I posted the schedule below, but first: my review of Keeping the Moon + some fun picks for sunglasses collector extraordinaire Norman might have hiding away. Enjoy!

Rating: 3.5 stars

Release Date: September 1, 1999

Publisher: Viking Books

Genre: young adult contemporary romance

Format/Source: hardcover, from the library

Status: standalone

Summary:

While her mother, aerobics queen Kiki Sparks, spends the summer touring Europe, fifteen-year-old Colie Sparks is stuck in sleepy Colby, North Carolina. But she's not complaining. For one thing, her Aunt Mira is a sweet, laid-back eccentric; for another, no one knows that back home in Charlotte Colie is seen as a formerly-fat "golf-course slut," the school scapegoat. 

Then, by fate or by accident, Colie lands a waitressing job, where she meets Morgan and Isabel. The two wisecracking—and wise—20-something waitresses help her turn her life around, and realize the potential that has been there all along. 

Waiting on Wednesday: A Mad Wicked Folly

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases.

A Mad Wicked Folly

by Sharon Biggs Waller

Coming January 23, 2014

Viking Juvenile

Summary:

Welcome to the world of the fabulously wealthy in London, 1909, where dresses and houses are overwhelmingly opulent, social class means everything, and women are taught to be nothing more than wives and mothers. Into this world comes seventeen-year-old Victoria Darling, who wants only to be an artist—a nearly impossible dream for a girl.
           
After Vicky poses nude for her illicit art class, she is expelled from her French finishing school. Shamed and scandalized, her parents try to marry her off to the wealthy Edmund Carrick-Humphrey. But Vicky has other things on her mind: her clandestine application to the Royal College of Art; her participation in the suffragette movement; and her growing attraction to a working-class boy who may be her muse—or may be the love of her life. As the world of debutante balls, corsets, and high society obligations closes in around her, Vicky must figure out: just how much is she willing to sacrifice to pursue her dreams?

Why I want it:

I lovelovelovelovelovelovelove Victorian/Edwardian England. I find the culture absolutely intriguing. The fashion. The architecture. The music. The dancing. The art. The society! I believe in modern feminism as much as the next self-respecting woman, but there is something fascinating about reading about a male-dominant society with a plucky heroine who won't be held down. Plus this summary reminds me just a bit of Titanic, only slightly backwards, you know? Rich girl, poor boy, but SHE is the artist this time. Get it, Vicky!

Why I think you should want it:
I suppose for the same reasons I want it. I have not read anything else by Sharon Biggs Waller so I'm afraid I can't give a personal recommendation/argument like I usually do, but I do know that early reviews have been really good. Also, Sharon's editor is the fabulous Leila Sales, which means AMWF is destined to be amazing! What do you think? Do you want to read A Mad Wicked Folly? What draws you to it?

What are YOU waiting for this week? Share those WoW links!