A long time has passed since I started high school and yet, those feelings come right back when I think of it. Jared Reck’s, A Short History Of The Girl Next Door , goes on sale September 26th and is for readers 12 and up published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers . This debut novel is perfect for readers who are stuck in that awkward limbo between childhood and adulthood (and those who just barely escaped).
About the Book:
Matt Wainwright is constantly sabotaged by the over dramatic movie director in his head. He can’t tell his best friend Tabby how he really feels about her, he implodes on the JV basketball team, and the only place he feels normal is in Mr. Ellis’s English class, discussing the greatest fart scenes in literature and writing poems about pissed-off candy-cane lumberjacks. If this were a movie, everything would work out perfectly. Tabby would discover that Matt’s madly in love with her, be overcome with emotion, and would fall into his arms. Maybe in the rain.
But that’s not how it works. Matt watches Tabby get swept away by senior basketball star and all-around great guy Liam Branson. Losing Tabby to Branson is bad enough, but screwing up and losing her as a friend is even worse. After a tragic accident, Matt finds himself left on the sidelines, on the verge of spiraling out of control and losing everything that matters to him.
The portrayal of adolescence will make you laugh out loud, break your heart, and maybe teach you a thing or two about basketball. Fiercely funny, undeniably honest and overflowing with heart, A Short History Of The Girl Next Door is a poignant tale of falling in love, overcoming tragedy, and ultimately, redemption that you’ll be glad to have read.
About the Author:
Jared Reck (@reckj) is a debut author. He received a BA in English from Clemson University, a Masters in Educational Leadership, and recently earned a certification in Writing for Children & Young Adults. He lives in Hanover, Pennsylvania, where he’s an 8th grade Language Arts teacher.
So, can you relate to this book? Do you have a tween or teen or know one who would like to read this book? Let me know in the comments. Happy Reading.
Enter to win a Safe Haven Blu-Ray and Novel:
20th Century Fox is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win a Safe Haven Prize Combo including Safe Haven on Blu-ray and the Safe Haven novel. Thank you 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment for the Blu-ray and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.
Safe Haven Blu-Ray and Novel Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
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I am happy to be working with 20th Century Fox in bringing you this great giveaway of this touching coming-of-age film; October Baby on Blu-ray and the novel that is based on the film.
Synopsis:
“You saw me before I was born.” Psalm 139:16 (NLT)
As the curtain rises, Hannah hesitantly steps onto the stage for her theatrical debut in college. Yet before she can utter her first lines, Hannah—unscripted—collapses in front of the stunned audience.
After countless medical tests, all signs point to one underlying factor: Hannah’s difficult birth. This revelation is nothing compared to what she then learns from her parents: she was actually adopted … after a failed abortion attempt.
Bewildered, angered, and confused, Hannah turns for support to Jason, her oldest friend. Encouraged by his adventurous spirit, Hannah joins his group of friends on a Spring Break road trip, embarking on a journey to discover her hidden past … and find hope for her unknown future.
In the midst of her incredible journey, Hannah finds that life can be so much more than what you have planned.
Check out these great Bonus Features on OCTOBER BABY.
In October Baby, childhood friends Hannah and Jacob survive insurmountable odds and finally realize their love for each other. Take a look at these other unforgettable stories of young love in film!
Sixteen Candles
Samantha Baker (Molly Ringwald) struggles to get through her 16th birthday, which her entire family forgets because her older sister is getting married the next day. She is also plagued by her ongoing infatuation with the very popular and very attractive senior, Jake Ryan (Michael Schoeffling). So who would have guessed that among all the commotion of the wedding and a school dance scandal, Jake would turn out to be Sam’s knight in shining armor?
Lucas
Lucas Bly (Corey Haim) is an extremely intelligent, loveable-but-nerdy 14-year-old who befriends Maggie (Kerri Green), a pretty older girl who’s just moved to town. After encountering Lucas on one of his entomological quests, Maggie befriends him, spending time with him during the remainder of the summer. And though she would never return the deep love he feels for her, they forge a meaningful friendship that is far more important.
A Walk to Remember
When a prank on fellow high-school student goes wrong, popular but rebellious Landon Carter (Shane West) is threatened with expulsion. His punishment is a mandatory participation on after-school activities, where he is forced to interact with quiet, kind and bookish Jamie Sullivan (Mandy Moore), a girl he has known for many years but to whom he has rarely ever spoken. Their differing backgrounds leave them worlds apart, but sometimes, love doesn’t care about social stature.
Say Anything
Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack), an average student and aspiring kickboxer, attempts a relationship with lovely valedictorian Diane Court (Ione Skye) immediately after their high school graduation. Supremely intelligent, yet socially inexperienced, Diane is intrigued by Lloyd’s endearing manner and willingness to take a chance. All it took was one night out to know they would fall in love and be together forever.
Clueless
Cher has it all; She is the queen of her high school, with an optimistic nature and fabulous wardrobe to boot. But when her socially conscious ex-stepbrother visits during a break from college, her perfect world is thrown into a frenzy How can she fix him up with one of her BFFs when she suddenly realizes that she loves him? Thankfully, in the end, the stars align in their favor.
The Giveaway: