BLOG TOUR: '89 Walls by Katie Pierson

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're playing host to a Pump Up Your Book Blog Tour starring a Young Adult title that certainly stands out from the pack.  It all takes place over the course of one year, but what a time it is!  Ready or not, today's book of choice is...

'89 Walls

by

Katie Pierson

9781940014555

Wise Ink Creative Publishing

About the book....

College is not in the cards for Seth. He spends his minimum wage on groceries and fakes happiness to distract his mom from the MS they both know will kill her. It’s agony to carry around a frayed love note for a girl who’s both out of his league and beneath his dignity.  

Quinn’s finishing high school on top. But that cynical, liberal guy in her social studies class makes her doubt her old assumptions. Challenging the rules now, though, would a) squander her last summer at home, b) antagonize her conservative dad, and c) make her a hypocrite.

Seth and Quinn’s passionate new romance takes them both by surprise. They keep it a secret: it’s too early to make plans and too late not to care. But it’s 1989. As politics suddenly get personal, they find themselves fighting bare-fisted for their beliefs—and each other—in the clear light of day.

AMAZON   |     B&N

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This is not your typical Young Adult read.

Enough said?

Hardly!

The novel really stays with the times, tackling the year 1989 in its many colors.  It was a time of change and some things that occurred shook the very core of what we believed we should be as a nation.  It's like a history lesson with the highlights that affected us more directly put center stage mixed with a big lewd gesture to "the man" (think one handed with a particular finger raised solo).  It deals with topics like political unrest, societal division, backyard economics, underage drinking, promiscuity, and abortion as easily as you and I breathe.  Did I shock you?  Good because I know I was for both better and a little not-so-better.  Allow me to explain...

While the events covered are certainly in the history books (as well as the fairly decent sized  "suggested reading" section at book's end), for this non-historically inclined reader, it was a bit TOO strong; especially the political aspect.  I mean, I like to think about the bigger picture as much as the next person and contemplating the strife of my fellow man along with ways to end it is certainly worth everyone's time....but in my fictional reading, I prefer a lighter touch.  The other shocker was how some of the weighty topics covered were presented as simply another part of the story.  Perhaps it was to show the changing mind of Johnny Q. Public but with the breezy way abortion was brought into the story (how it seemed almost all the girls had or knew someone that had one), I'm not certain the real heft of the situation was felt.  It was more, hey, our protection didn't work and I'm gonna take care of business so my life can go on...and if it was set in today's times, I might have bought it more easily, but this is when it was being debated more not seen as socially acceptable.  It just didn't quite line up for me in that sense.  Moving forward...

Picking the story apart a bit more, I will divulge that while I had a hard time feeling like I knew Seth (at least until the very end), I really enjoyed his character.  He was caring yet stoic, shy yet able to stand for what he feels is right.  He was dealt a hand not as easily played as Quinn's and though sometimes it got him down, he didn't let it count him completely out.  As for Quinn, though she seemed a bit snobbish to me at times, caring way too much about what everyone else thought, I did harbor some affection for her by the time the final page was turned.  She came a long way from the little girl idolizing her father's every act to an outspoken young lady ready to take on the world (all in a year's time, and yet THAT part was definitely believable!).  Character growth is something one wishes for in every read, but seldom is it granted especially when working with such a limited time line.  Kudos to the author for accomplishing that feat!

In conclusion, while not a tale for all, it will certainly be for some and that is enough of a reason to give it a second glance for consideration as an addition to your reading list.  With colorful characters in a time of fairly decent unrest all around, there certainly were A LOT of walls in 1989, but they were also made to be broken.  Recommended for YA fans that like a good dose of history in their reading while being introduced to characters not that unlike you and me.  

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About the author....

Katie Pierson freelances for local non-profits, using her background in public policy and grassroots organizing to overthrow the patriarchy one introverted step at a time. When she’s not writing fiction, she returns library books, makes soup, and tries to be cooler than she really is by hip-hopping at the YMCA. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in American History from the University of Pennsylvania (where she dabbled briefly in being a College Republican) and a Master’s in American History from the University of Minnesota. She grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska, and now lives with her family in a suburb of Minneapolis. ’89 Walls is her first novel.

SITE   |   FACEBOOK   |   TWITTER

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Special thanks to Dorothy at Pump Up Your Book Promotions for the ARC for review as well as the chance to bring this tour to all of you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, THIS TOUR, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title was released June 2015 via Wise Ink Creative Publishing, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!

Sometimes we all feel.....SCREWED by Laurie Plissner

Hi there!

Welcome back to the site that aims to please the reader in you despite whatever ailment, whatever foul smelling life suckage comes its way...Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Yep.  That about sums up this week thus far.  Life = suckage.  Let's see...I'm still fighting this cold and woke up to a rash that I didn't have upon falling asleep last night (think the dog got into something - *must avoid scratching*).  Ashley, one of my fur babies, is still in the vet hospital....hopefully coming home tonight but no updates yet.  *fingers crossed*  Last but not least, the job hunt continues despite yesterday's lack luster nibble.  One word to rule it all....OYE!  Yep.  just oye....however, as off (and awful, in my head at least) as that all sounds, it pales in comparison to what today's lead character has to face.  I don't envy her a bit but I do want to reach out and give her a BIG hug, smack her parents upside the head as well as the loser she happened to have relations with, and clone Charlie (hey, the more of him, the merrier!)...and while we're at it, his aunt Vera (rock-tastic woman!).  Trust me, I've no doubt you'll agree.  Ready to read all about it?  Today's book of choice is...

Screwed

by

Laurie Plissner

One good girl in all the ways that count.
One moment of passion where caution flew to the wind.
One chance in a million of a "positive" result.
One innocent life in the balance of all that's to come.

It's a book about what happens when abstinence is the choice but not always the chosen option.  It's a book about how one decision can in fact impact not just one but MANY.  It's a book about right and wrong, good and bad, happy and sad and whole lotta other black and white sides I could point out....but I won't.  Why?  Because it's NOT that simple.

Grace IS a good girl, a smart girl, a girl that parents can count on through thick and thin and anyone would be happy to call friend.  Grace is also a teenager, growing up and finding her way through this wasteland of a world just trying to feel like she belongs.  Is that an excuse for her decision to go "all the way" with her crush in the backseat of his badly-in-need-of-a-makeover means of transport?  No...but many out there could totally empathize with her and the want to fit in is a universal feeling.  Your teen years are for making mistakes and finding your footing...grant her this was more a situation where a stone slipped almost spilling her off the edge of a cliff, but in some ways, she was better for it.

She was forced to develop her own sense of self, forced to make the big decisions and even after those were made, her given path wasn't easy.  She had no support from the "donor" (whose "mission" I might add is going to land him in the category of disease carriers soon enough if he keeps it up) which certainly impacted her own levels of self worth.  She knew what she was taught growing up, took into account what those who "loved" her were offering as a volun-told option, and took the path less traveled determined to not let what started as an accident affect the life of an innocent.  I admire Grace.  She was raised with love and to love and yet when push came to shove, the exceptions that held it aloft were exposed for what they were; evil, vile, and manipulative.  Sorry guys, but her folks were just awful.  I mean it's one thing to not be happy about the whole situation because A) it's your child and B) IT'S YOUR CHILD but to just cut them off entirely from emotional support, mental support and heck, even a place to live and food to eat...that's heartless.  The real kicker is WHY they did it.  Two words...social standing.

Yes.  They were embarrassed.  They felt like their name was marred, dragged through the mud, defaced and in lieu of looking bad in front of everyone and everything they stood for, they wanted to "take care of it" discreetly; considering what they preached, that was a HUGE surprise.  When Grace refused not only because of what she was taught her whole life by they themselves but because of her own heart, they cut her loose.  Just.  Like.  That.  So much for losing face, right?  I mean really...if it even mattered, which looked worse?  Exactly.  They were so hardcore in fact, I had to ask my own Mother given the situation if it had been me, what SHE would have done.  First she was all "yay, grand kids!"  (Oh Mom... ^_^) but then on a more serious note, it was all she'd be disappointed but still there for me no matter what.  Unconditional love.  Hard to find but precious indeed.  Speaking of unconditional love...

Vera (Grace's elderly neighbor) and her nephew Charlie are definitely subscribers to this notion...even her life long friend Jennifer is when it comes down to it.  When Vera sees a soul in need, she seeks to assist in any way she can...the fact that she is monetarily able to as well only makes it easier on the pocket; rest assured though, her capacity for sharing her heart and a shoulder to cry on are even greater.  I loved seeing her take on the role of champion in the fight for Grace when need be and merely standing by when she needed the space to make her own way.  In short, she rocks.  Now, Charlie is a chip off the old block (no offense Vera!) and an unexpected possible knight in shining armor.  I won't go into too much detail there because it will ruin the possibility but suffice it to say that he's a gentleman, well-mannered and thoughtful...and an incredible friend.  The chance of more is there but even without that random happily-ever-after moment, he would be incredible to have in your life.  He was definitely one of my favorite male characters that I've encountered thus far in the more reality based reads.  Something about him just rang true, genuine.  Jennifer on the other hand is the girl many would adore friend wise.  She's cut and dry, will push you to do what's best for you and be there for you til the end...even if she has moments of complete panic (hey, it happens!).  I loved seeing her reactions as the story played out and how her character grew.  Her sense of self was strong so finding a chink in the armor made her more human.

In conclusion, a very real, very raw, very emotional read for the obvious reasons and for some not so obvious ones that will leave you rooting for Grace and her close knit "family" through the final trimester and beyond.  It shows that one wrong decision, one moment of indiscretion can change worlds much like the wings of a butterfly but that it doesn't have to signal a complete and utter end....just a new beginning.   The author's talent for creating real characters and realistic situations is showcased wonderfully and will draw you in from first page to last.  It shines a light on the reality of the situation and the life altering consequences it brings in full color but also lends an assurance that things WILL be alright in the end.  Recommended read for older teens and beyond due to content (teen sex, abortion, pro choice, pro life, etc) and some language, but definitely a door opener for future discussions between parents and their youth.

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About the author....
Laurie Plissner graduated from Princeton University with a BA in Art History and has a law degree from UCLA.  She left her job as a litigator to be a stay-at-home mom.  After working as an SAT tutor and spending a lot of time with teenagers, Laurie decided to apply that experience to writing fiction for young people that explores the issues they wrestle with in an imaginative and entertaining way.  In the past three years, she has written six YA novels (and one work of adult fiction).

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Review copy courtesy of Bethany at F+W Media.  (THANKS!)  For more information regarding this title as well as their other promotions, be sure to like them on Facebook or follow along on Twitter.  This title reached published status May of this year via Merit Press / F+W Media, Inc., so be on the look out for it on a bookstore shelf near you.  

Until next time...happy reading!