 |
| Tour Schedule and Giveaway |
Citizens of Logan Pond: Life by Rebecca Belliston
Book Description:
Her home. Her parents. Her freedom. Gone.
His dreams. His sister. Himself. Lost.
Two people.
One future.
The economy crashed, the country is floundering, and Carrie Ashworth struggles to keep her siblings alive. She has two jobs in her newly-formed, newly-outlawed clan: grow crops to feed thirty-six people, and keep Oliver Simmons, their local patrolman, happy. Carrie’s life is almost content when Greg Pierce shows up. A man with the ambition to help them survive. A man determined to hate her.
When a government raid nearly wipes out their clan, Greg realizes the true reason behind their safety. Patrolman Simmons has fallen for Carrie. Greg takes it upon himself to give the socially-awkward patrolman what he wants. Only Carrie doesn’t like Greg throwing her in Simmon's path, especially when Greg’s brusque exterior melts, and she catches a glimpse of the real man underneath. Carrie is forced to choose: follow her heart or save her clan.
Life won’t let her choose both.
His dreams. His sister. Himself. Lost.
Two people.
One future.
The economy crashed, the country is floundering, and Carrie Ashworth struggles to keep her siblings alive. She has two jobs in her newly-formed, newly-outlawed clan: grow crops to feed thirty-six people, and keep Oliver Simmons, their local patrolman, happy. Carrie’s life is almost content when Greg Pierce shows up. A man with the ambition to help them survive. A man determined to hate her.
When a government raid nearly wipes out their clan, Greg realizes the true reason behind their safety. Patrolman Simmons has fallen for Carrie. Greg takes it upon himself to give the socially-awkward patrolman what he wants. Only Carrie doesn’t like Greg throwing her in Simmon's path, especially when Greg’s brusque exterior melts, and she catches a glimpse of the real man underneath. Carrie is forced to choose: follow her heart or save her clan.
Life won’t let her choose both.
Review:
Wow! If you like dystopian novels, you should definitely check out Life. It is very well written, and I was pulled into the story right away.
I really enjoyed the characters. Carrie is amazing in so many ways. She's mother to her orphaned siblings, and she does so much for her clan. She's quite selfless, and I really felt for her when some of the other clan members didn't seem to appreciate all she constantly did for everyone. I was drawn to her for her goodness, and her flaws.
The interaction between Carrie and Greg was very enjoyable. There were times when I wanted to punch Greg, but when you saw through the walls he'd built up, he could be quite likeable.
I loved the roller coaster of emotions throughout the story, and the way the situation made me think about our country, and our future.
One bonus of this book is the ending. Enough was resolved that I didn't feel ripped off that the next book isn't out yet. I definitely want to read the next book in the series, but I was content with the ending, and I will wait as patiently as possible for the next book.
Other than a couple of mild swear words, this is a clean read. There were a few typos in the review copy I read, but nothing that took away from the story. I am so happy to have been approached by the author about reviewing Life, and I look forward to book two in the Citizens of Logan Pond trilogy.
Interview with Author Rebecca Belliston:
When is the next book coming out?
Book 2, LIBERTY, is 2/3 written, and it's due to the publisher by Thanksgiving. So assuming all goes well, late spring or early summer of next year.
*What inspired you to write Citizen of Logan Pond?
*What inspired you to write Citizen of Logan Pond?
Six years ago, I got stuck on a single question. “What if the end of civilization as we know it doesn’t come from some huge war or catastrophe? What if it comes from the absence of one small thing: the dollar?” This question wouldn’t leave me alone and has grown into this series. Along with that, I wanted to explore what kinds of things would survive if everything else was taken from a person, namely how would family, friendships, and love be affected.
*Who is your favorite character in your books, and why?
*Who is your favorite character in your books, and why?
Greg. Hands down. He’s just so angry, and I’m not sure why I enjoy writing a character like that, but I adore him in the way a mother adores her misbehaving toddler. I can see so much potential in him, and I love trying to help him reach it.
*What are your hopes/goals as an author, and what other projects do you have in mind?
*What are your hopes/goals as an author, and what other projects do you have in mind?
Well, NYT Bestseller would be nice. ;) Actually, I'm on a mission to expand the clean book genre. I know several readers (myself included) who almost exclusively read YA because it usually has less content. But honestly, and no offense to the younger population, I get tired of reading about teenagers all the time. I have three teens of my own, and that's fun and all, but I read books to escape my life, you know? But there are so few adult books out there without 'adult' content, so I've made it a personal mission to not only supply the world with a few more, but also help promote any I come across. (Which is how I found your blog. Sounds like we have some of the same thoughts in this area).
*Do you have any unusual habits while you write?
*Do you have any unusual habits while you write?
I listen to music. All types. Not sure if that's weird, but some people wonder how I can write with a constant stream of lyrics in the background. I'm not sure either, but I love it.
*What do you like to do when you're not writing?
*What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Sleep. :) I also teach piano, compose music, and chase my five kids. Technically, I don't like to chase them, but that's usually how my days go. So...yeah.
*What is your favorite book, and why?
*What is your favorite book, and why?
Wow. This is tough. I have so, so many favorite books, and it usually depends on my mood. Can I just say Jane Austen? I love all of her books equally. Oh, but I also really love The Ascendancy trilogy by Jennifer Nielsen. I'm rereading it now. Oh, and The Hunger Games series has amazing writing, Matched by Ally Condie, and all of Gerald Lund books (he's my dad, but I'd love even without the personal bias).
*Do you like having books you enjoy made into movies? What is the best/worst adaptation you've seen?
*Do you like having books you enjoy made into movies? What is the best/worst adaptation you've seen?
Yes, although I insist on reading the book first. But I love seeing how other people interpret the book. The best books made into movies are the ones where they allow the author to be involved in the movie-making process. I just recently saw The Maze Runner by James Dashner and thought they did a great job of that adaptation.
*If money were no object, where would you like to go, and what would you like to do while you are there?
*If money were no object, where would you like to go, and what would you like to do while you are there?
Israel. I've been there twice and love it for so many reasons. I'd go back in a heartbeat, spend a spring there (summer is too hot), and maybe even research enough to write a book there.
About the Author:
Rebecca Lund Belliston is the author of the romantic suspense novel, Sadie, it's sequel, Augustina, and a new trilogy entitled Citizens of Logan Pond. Rebecca also composes piano and vocal music. When she's not writing fiction, music, or chasing her five kids, she can be found cuddled up with a good book. She and her family live in Michigan.
No comments:
Post a Comment