"It's time to meet your new roomie.
When East Coast native Elizabeth receives her freshman-year roommate assignment, she shoots off an e-mail to coordinate the basics: television, microwave, mini-fridge. That first note to San Franciscan Lauren sparks a series of e-mails that alters the landscape of each girl's summer -- and raises questions about how two girls who are so different will ever share a dorm room.
As the countdown to college begins, life at home becomes increasingly complex. With family relationships and childhood friendships strained by change, it suddenly seems that the only people Elizabeth and Lauren can rely on are the complicated new boys in their lives . . . and each other. Even though they've never met.
National Book Award finalist Sara Zarr and acclaimed author Tara Altebrando join forces for a novel about growing up, leaving home, and getting that one fateful e-mail that assigns your college roommate."
MY (VERY BORING) ROOMIE STORY:
Somehow, I've managed to only have one roomie story so far (since I'm staying at my parents place for free while in college, I missed out on the opportunity to have college roomies), and that is rooming with my big brother when we were kids. I cannot remember how old we were, but since he was the oldest, he always took charge of everything - the small TV we shared, the toys, or whatever else it could possibly be, he was in charge. He got the top of the bunk bed, I got the bottom (which might have been a good idea, because I did fall off the top one time). We would argue and fight, as little kids do.
But, for all of our little bickering moments, we also had a lot of fun together as roomies. Whenever we became extremely bored, we'd find all of the big blankets and create a massive, in-room fort that would include our tiny TV, a normal lamp, a lava lamp (because a lava lamp is a priority item, apparently), and whatever else we could fit inside. Our small shared bedroom would transform into another place, and our imaginations made it all the more exciting.
Eventually, we received our own rooms. I even somehow managed to get the bigger one (thank you bookshelf, for taking up so much space and making it a requirement that I get the bigger room). I doubt my brother and I would make decent roomies now, but we are good friends.
SARA AND TARA'S TOUR DATES:
January 12, 2014 – New York, NY: McNally JacksonJanuary 15, 2014 – Salt Lake City, UT: The King's English
January 16, 2014 – Provo, UT: Provo Library
February 4, 2014 – San Francisco, CA: Books Inc, Opera Plaza
February 5, 2015 – Petaluma, CA: Copperfield's Books
I may be able to attend the last tour stop, but I'm not sure at the moment. *crosses fingers*
GIVEAWAY INFORMATION:
The Grand Prize: Little, Brown BYR will be giving away a Roomie survival kit/gift pack including earplugs, home spa essentials, a signed copy of the book, a special note from the authors, and other fun things—all packed in a shower caddy (this prize will go to a participating blogger and one of the blogger's readers). Winner announced on January 20th.
Win on YA Book Queen: Thanks to Little, Brown BYR, I am giving away a copy of ROOMIES (US street addresses only). Enter using the rafflecopter below! And trust me, you'll want this book - it's great!
