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Tue 22 Mar 2011
Posted by annastan [22] Comments
Win Between Shades of Gray and other prizes! Details at the end of this post.
They took me in my nightgown. Thinking back, the signs were there—family photos burned in the fireplace, Mother sewing her best silver and jewelry into the lining of her coat late at night, and Papa not returning from work. My younger brother, Jonas, was asking questions. I asked questions, too, but perhaps I refused to acknowledge the signs. Only later did I realize that Mother and Father intended we escape. We did not escape. We were taken. June 14, 1941. I had changed into my nightgown and settled in at my desk to write my cousin Joana a letter. I opened a new ivory writing tablet and a case of pens and pencils, a gift from my aunt for my fifteenth birthday. The evening breeze floated through the open window over my desk, waltzing the curtain from side to side. I could smell the lily of the valley that Mother and I had planted two years ago. Dear Joana. It wasn’t a knocking. It was an urgent booming that made me jump in my chair. Fists pounded on our front door. No one stirred inside the house. I left my desk and peered out into the hallway. My mother stood flat against the wall facing our framed map of Lithuania, her eyes closed and her face pulled with an anxiety I had never seen. She was praying. “Mother,” said Jonas, only one of his eyes visible through the crack in his door, “are you going to open it? It sounds as if they might break it down.” Excerpt © 2011 Ruta Sepetys
They took me in my nightgown.
Thinking back, the signs were there—family photos burned in the fireplace, Mother sewing her best silver and jewelry into the lining of her coat late at night, and Papa not returning from work. My younger brother, Jonas, was asking questions. I asked questions, too, but perhaps I refused to acknowledge the signs. Only later did I realize that Mother and Father intended we escape. We did not escape.
We were taken.
June 14, 1941. I had changed into my nightgown and settled in at my desk to write my cousin Joana a letter. I opened a new ivory writing tablet and a case of pens and pencils, a gift from my aunt for my fifteenth birthday.
The evening breeze floated through the open window over my desk, waltzing the curtain from side to side. I could smell the lily of the valley that Mother and I had planted two years ago. Dear Joana.
It wasn’t a knocking. It was an urgent booming that made me jump in my chair. Fists pounded on our front door. No one stirred inside the house. I left my desk and peered out into the hallway. My mother stood flat against the wall facing our framed map of Lithuania, her eyes closed and her face pulled with an anxiety I had never seen. She was praying.
“Mother,” said Jonas, only one of his eyes visible through the crack in his door, “are you going to open it? It sounds as if they might break it down.”
Excerpt © 2011 Ruta Sepetys
About the book:
Fifteen-year old Lina Vilkas fights for her life amidst Stalin’s terror during WWII.
What people are saying:
“A harrowing page-turner.”— Publishers Weekl y, starred review
“An important book that deserves the widest possible readership.”— Booklist , starred review
“Sepetys’ flowing prose gently carries readers through the crushing tragedy of this tale that needs telling.”— Kirkus Reviews , starred review
“A gripping story that gives young people a window into a shameful, but likely unfamiliar history.”— School Library Journal , starred review
“A brilliant story of love and survival.”—Laurie Halse Anderson, bestselling author of Speak and Wintergirls
“A document long overdue.”—Richard Peck, Newbery Award-winning author of A Year Down Yonder
“Beautiful and unforgettable.”—Susan Campbell Bartoletti, Newbery Honor winning author of Hitler Youth
Released: March 22, 2011
About the author:
Ruta Sepetys was raised in a family of artists, readers, and music lovers. She enjoyed bleak stories as a child and told anyone who would listen that she was going to marry Roald Dahl. Her debut novel, BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY, which will be published by Philomel/Penguin in the US, has also sold in over twenty countries. In addition to music and writing, Ruta enjoys teaching at the university, collecting eccentric art, and traveling with her dreamy husband. Her adventures have inspired dozens of stories and since she has intimate knowledge of heartbreak and teen angst, she enjoys writing books for young adults. Ruta’s degrees have nothing to do with literature but do involve failed attempts at becoming an opera singer, an investment banker, and Roald Dahl’s wife. You can visit her at www.rutasepetys.com or learn more about her book at www.betweenshadesofgray.com .
Giveaway:
Ruta has been kind enough to contribute a signed ARC of Between Shades of Gra y, bookmarks, and a keychain for a giveaway!
To enter simply leave a comment on this post.
For extra entries:
-Be a follower of this site (just click “Join this site”) or a follower on Twitter [+1 entry each].
-Link to this contest on Twitter, Facebook, etc. [+1 entry per each link].
Please list your extra entries in the comments.
The contest is open in the US and Canada and ends on April 2nd at midnight EST.
Good luck and happy reading!
Tags: Contest , Historical , Realistic , Young Adult
Laura Pauling says: March 22, 2011 at 12:35 pm I can’t give up this opportunity! What a great first page!
I can’t give up this opportunity! What a great first page!
Sarah says: March 22, 2011 at 12:51 pm Looks like this book is not to be missed! I am a FPP junkie (i.e. follower on Twitter and the site ) +2, and will repost on FB and Twitter +2 more.
Looks like this book is not to be missed!
I am a FPP junkie (i.e. follower on Twitter and the site ) +2, and will repost on FB and Twitter +2 more.
Christine says: March 22, 2011 at 1:35 pm I’ll read this book either way – but I’d love to win it!
I’ll read this book either way – but I’d love to win it!
June Morgan (chorkie) says: March 22, 2011 at 1:54 pm I already have Between the Shades of Gray on my to read list on Goodreads. Congratulations on your book birthday! I don’t get a chance to pick up arcs so I depend on publishers sharing. A signed arc would be heavenly.
I already have Between the Shades of Gray on my to read list on Goodreads. Congratulations on your book birthday! I don’t get a chance to pick up arcs so I depend on publishers sharing. A signed arc would be heavenly.
Elisabeth says: March 22, 2011 at 2:23 pm I will have to read this book even if I don’t win.. Thanks for the giveaway!
I will have to read this book even if I don’t win.. Thanks for the giveaway!
Lindsey says: March 22, 2011 at 2:31 pm Would love to read this! +1 twitter follower (lizzy1931) +1 follwer (leebee190)
Would love to read this!
+1 twitter follower (lizzy1931) +1 follwer (leebee190)
Elisabeth says: March 22, 2011 at 2:45 pm I’m a follower on GFC!
I’m a follower on GFC!
Elisabeth says: March 22, 2011 at 2:47 pm I linked this contest on FB (Elisabeth Good)
I linked this contest on FB (Elisabeth Good)
Kris says: March 22, 2011 at 3:34 pm Sounds amazing. And I’ll tweet. @KristineAsselin.
Sounds amazing. And I’ll tweet. @KristineAsselin.
Vivien says: March 22, 2011 at 5:34 pm This is fantastic!! I really can’t wait to read this one. +1 comment +1 GFC follower +1 spread here http://www.goodreads.com/event/show/113201-first-page-and-giveaway-between-shades-of-gray Vivien deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com
This is fantastic!! I really can’t wait to read this one. +1 comment +1 GFC follower +1 spread here http://www.goodreads.com/event/show/113201-first-page-and-giveaway-between-shades-of-gray
Vivien deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com
Rachel Leigh says: March 23, 2011 at 3:34 am This is awesome! Thank you! +1 follower +1 comment Rachel Leigh TheOneRing111 at gmail dot com
This is awesome! Thank you! +1 follower +1 comment
Rachel Leigh TheOneRing111 at gmail dot com
Stephanie - the girl on fire says: March 23, 2011 at 6:34 am Very cool giveaway! Thanks! +1 comment +1 GFC follower +1 spread here http://www.goodreads.com/event/show/113239-win-between-shades-of-gray-and-other-prizes Stephanie- thegirlonfire thegirlonfire27 at gmail dot com
Very cool giveaway! Thanks! +1 comment +1 GFC follower +1 spread here http://www.goodreads.com/event/show/113239-win-between-shades-of-gray-and-other-prizes
Stephanie- thegirlonfire thegirlonfire27 at gmail dot com
Kelly Hashway says: March 23, 2011 at 11:36 am Great contest. I’m a follower so that’s +1. khashway(at)hotmail(dot)com
Great contest. I’m a follower so that’s +1. khashway(at)hotmail(dot)com
Mona Garg says: March 24, 2011 at 4:29 pm I already have this on my TBR mountain. Really enjoyed the excerpt. This is a great blog. I often like to skim a book to see if I would like to read further. + 1 GFC(MonaG) + 1 Twitter(@Kulmona)
I already have this on my TBR mountain. Really enjoyed the excerpt. This is a great blog. I often like to skim a book to see if I would like to read further.
+ 1 GFC(MonaG) + 1 Twitter(@Kulmona)
Carly Reads says: March 24, 2011 at 4:58 pm Wow! This book looks great! +1 Follower of the site +1 Follower on Twitter +1 Linked to contest on Facebook +1 Linked to contest on Twitter
Wow! This book looks great!
+1 Follower of the site +1 Follower on Twitter +1 Linked to contest on Facebook +1 Linked to contest on Twitter
Sarah says: March 25, 2011 at 1:30 pm Thanks for the giveaway–I can’t wait to read more.
Thanks for the giveaway–I can’t wait to read more.
Taffy says: March 26, 2011 at 9:25 pm Interesting story! I’d love to read it. THANKS for the giveaway. +2 joined site & twitter
Interesting story! I’d love to read it. THANKS for the giveaway.
+2 joined site & twitter
Kimberly Meza says: March 27, 2011 at 3:55 am Would love to win this book, its on TBR list! Thanks for hosting the giveaway! +1 Blog Follower (Kim) +1 Twitter Follower (@ksmeza) +1 Tweet http://twitter.com/#!/ksmeza/status/51854766506123265
Would love to win this book, its on TBR list! Thanks for hosting the giveaway!
+1 Blog Follower (Kim) +1 Twitter Follower (@ksmeza) +1 Tweet http://twitter.com/#!/ksmeza/status/51854766506123265
Amy C says: March 31, 2011 at 1:39 am I love WWII novels. 😀 +1 blog follower
I love WWII novels. 😀
+1 blog follower
Jen says: March 31, 2011 at 2:21 pm I didn’t really learn about this moment in history at school (we covered WWII in a two weeks) so I’d love to read about this time period.
I didn’t really learn about this moment in history at school (we covered WWII in a two weeks) so I’d love to read about this time period.
Nha Huynh says: April 1, 2011 at 7:59 pm oooh this is on my to read list +1 site follower +1 FB link Thanks for the contest!
oooh this is on my to read list +1 site follower +1 FB link
Thanks for the contest!
Audrey says: April 3, 2011 at 4:23 am Ooh, I really hope I’m not too late! I joined your blog and I’m following you on Twitter 🙂 Thank you so much for this contest!!
Ooh, I really hope I’m not too late! I joined your blog and I’m following you on Twitter 🙂 Thank you so much for this contest!!
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Featured Authors J. Anderson Coats Andrea Alban Crystal Allen Sarah Aronson Monica S. Baker Hannah Barnaby Rebecca Barnhouse Hilari Bell Charlotte Bennardo & Natalie Zaman Julie Berry Lauren Bjorkman Jan Blazanin Ellen Booraem Hélène Boudreau Julie Bowe Robin Bridges Leslie Bulion Marissa Burt Erin Cashman Lara Chapman Sheela Chari Julie Chibbaro Lena Coakley Kristi Cook Kate Coombs Leah Cypess Carole Estby Dagg Karen DelleCava Amy Fellner Dominy Marissa Doyle Deva Fagan Beth Fehlbaum Greg R. Fishbone Janet Fox Sonia Gensler Cole Gibsen Hilary Weisman Graham Tessa Gratton Alissa Grosso Lia Habel Teri Hall Kiki Hamilton Janice Hardy Kim Harrington Merrie Haskell Danette Haworth Cat Hellisen Karyn Henley Leanna Renee Hieber Tess Hilmo Amy Holder Elissa J. Hoole Jennifer Hubbard Kirsten Hubbard Denise Jaden Terry Lynn Johnson Mike Jung Julie Kagawa Julia Karr Stasia Ward Kehoe Lynne Kelly Miranda Kenneally Derek Taylor Kent Kami Kinard Jessi Kirby Jo Knowles Ron Koertge R.L. LaFevers Helen Landalf April Lindner Nikki Loftin Natasha Lowe Susan Lubner Elisa Ludwig Jenny Lundquist Michaela MacColl Christina Mandelski Jessica Martinez Shari Maurer C. Lee McKenzie Gretchen McNeil Kate Messner Dawn Metcalf Erin Moulton Erin E. Moulton Kate Kae Myers Anne Nesbet Jennifer Nielsen Kristin Wolden Nitz A.J. Paquette Rosanne Parry Mitali Perkins Gae Polisner Cindy Pon J.L. Powers Joy Preble Cheryl Rainfield Michelle Ray Jenn Reese Diana Renn Bettina Restrepo Laurisa White Reyes Nelsa Roberto Joanne Rocklin Lisa and Laura Roecker Caroline Starr Rose Randy Russell Jeanne Ryan Chris Rylander Kimberly Sabatini Peter Adam Salomon Jeff Sampson Tiffany Schmidt Lisa Schroeder Victoria Schwab Mindi Scott Ruta Sepetys Medeia Sharif Kristen Simmons Angie Smibert Clete Barrett Smith J.A. Souders Jessica Spotswood Anna Staniszewski Kiera Stewart Lauren Strasnick Sarvenaz Tash Sarah Tregay Audrey Vernick Danette Vigilante Sara Bennett Wealer Dianna Winget Jennifer Shaw Wolf Allan Woodrow Brian Yansky Lara Zeises Jennifer Ziegler part: [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] [ 4 ] [ 5 ] [ 6 ] [ 7 ] [ 8 ] [ 9 ] [ 10 ] [ 11 ] [ 12 ] [ 13 ] [ 14 ] [ 15 ] [ 16 ] [ 17 ] [ 18 ] [ 19 ] [ 20 ] [ 21 ] [ 22 ] [ 23 ] [ 24 ] [ 25 ] [ 26 ] [ 27 ] [ 28 ] [ 29 ] [ 30 ] [ 31 ] [ 32 ] [ 33 ] [ 34 ] [ 35 ] [ 36 ] [ 37 ] [ 38 ] [ 39 ] [ 40 ] [ 41 ] [ 42 ] [ 43 ] [ 44 ] [ 45 ] [ 46 ]
J. Anderson Coats Andrea Alban Crystal Allen Sarah Aronson Monica S. Baker Hannah Barnaby Rebecca Barnhouse Hilari Bell Charlotte Bennardo & Natalie Zaman Julie Berry Lauren Bjorkman Jan Blazanin Ellen Booraem Hélène Boudreau Julie Bowe Robin Bridges Leslie Bulion Marissa Burt Erin Cashman Lara Chapman Sheela Chari Julie Chibbaro Lena Coakley Kristi Cook Kate Coombs Leah Cypess Carole Estby Dagg Karen DelleCava Amy Fellner Dominy Marissa Doyle Deva Fagan Beth Fehlbaum Greg R. Fishbone Janet Fox Sonia Gensler Cole Gibsen Hilary Weisman Graham Tessa Gratton Alissa Grosso Lia Habel Teri Hall Kiki Hamilton Janice Hardy Kim Harrington Merrie Haskell Danette Haworth Cat Hellisen Karyn Henley Leanna Renee Hieber Tess Hilmo Amy Holder Elissa J. Hoole Jennifer Hubbard Kirsten Hubbard Denise Jaden Terry Lynn Johnson Mike Jung Julie Kagawa Julia Karr Stasia Ward Kehoe Lynne Kelly Miranda Kenneally Derek Taylor Kent Kami Kinard Jessi Kirby Jo Knowles Ron Koertge R.L. LaFevers Helen Landalf April Lindner Nikki Loftin Natasha Lowe Susan Lubner Elisa Ludwig Jenny Lundquist Michaela MacColl Christina Mandelski Jessica Martinez Shari Maurer C. Lee McKenzie Gretchen McNeil Kate Messner Dawn Metcalf Erin Moulton Erin E. Moulton Kate Kae Myers Anne Nesbet Jennifer Nielsen Kristin Wolden Nitz A.J. Paquette Rosanne Parry Mitali Perkins Gae Polisner Cindy Pon J.L. Powers Joy Preble Cheryl Rainfield Michelle Ray Jenn Reese Diana Renn Bettina Restrepo Laurisa White Reyes Nelsa Roberto Joanne Rocklin Lisa and Laura Roecker Caroline Starr Rose Randy Russell Jeanne Ryan Chris Rylander Kimberly Sabatini Peter Adam Salomon Jeff Sampson Tiffany Schmidt Lisa Schroeder Victoria Schwab Mindi Scott Ruta Sepetys Medeia Sharif Kristen Simmons Angie Smibert Clete Barrett Smith J.A. Souders Jessica Spotswood Anna Staniszewski Kiera Stewart Lauren Strasnick Sarvenaz Tash Sarah Tregay Audrey Vernick Danette Vigilante Sara Bennett Wealer Dianna Winget Jennifer Shaw Wolf Allan Woodrow Brian Yansky Lara Zeises Jennifer Ziegler part: [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] [ 4 ] [ 5 ] [ 6 ] [ 7 ] [ 8 ] [ 9 ] [ 10 ] [ 11 ] [ 12 ] [ 13 ] [ 14 ] [ 15 ] [ 16 ] [ 17 ] [ 18 ] [ 19 ] [ 20 ] [ 21 ] [ 22 ] [ 23 ] [ 24 ] [ 25 ] [ 26 ] [ 27 ] [ 28 ] [ 29 ] [ 30 ] [ 31 ] [ 32 ] [ 33 ] [ 34 ] [ 35 ] [ 36 ] [ 37 ] [ 38 ] [ 39 ] [ 40 ] [ 41 ] [ 42 ] [ 43 ] [ 44 ] [ 45 ] [ 46 ]
J. Anderson Coats
Andrea Alban
Crystal Allen
Sarah Aronson
Monica S. Baker
Hannah Barnaby
Rebecca Barnhouse
Hilari Bell
Charlotte Bennardo & Natalie Zaman
Julie Berry
Lauren Bjorkman
Jan Blazanin
Ellen Booraem
Hélène Boudreau
Julie Bowe
Robin Bridges
Leslie Bulion
Marissa Burt
Erin Cashman
Lara Chapman
Sheela Chari
Julie Chibbaro
Lena Coakley
Kristi Cook
Kate Coombs
Leah Cypess
Carole Estby Dagg
Karen DelleCava
Amy Fellner Dominy
Marissa Doyle
Deva Fagan
Beth Fehlbaum
Greg R. Fishbone
Janet Fox
Sonia Gensler
Cole Gibsen
Hilary Weisman Graham
Tessa Gratton
Alissa Grosso
Lia Habel
Teri Hall
Kiki Hamilton
Janice Hardy
Kim Harrington
Merrie Haskell
Danette Haworth
Cat Hellisen
Karyn Henley
Leanna Renee Hieber
Tess Hilmo
Amy Holder
Elissa J. Hoole
Jennifer Hubbard
Kirsten Hubbard
Denise Jaden
Terry Lynn Johnson
Mike Jung
Julie Kagawa
Julia Karr
Stasia Ward Kehoe
Lynne Kelly
Miranda Kenneally
Derek Taylor Kent
Kami Kinard
Jessi Kirby
Jo Knowles
Ron Koertge
R.L. LaFevers
Helen Landalf
April Lindner
Nikki Loftin
Natasha Lowe
Susan Lubner
Elisa Ludwig
Jenny Lundquist
Michaela MacColl
Christina Mandelski
Jessica Martinez
Shari Maurer
C. Lee McKenzie
Gretchen McNeil
Kate Messner
Dawn Metcalf
Erin Moulton
Erin E. Moulton
Kate Kae Myers
Anne Nesbet
Jennifer Nielsen
Kristin Wolden Nitz
A.J. Paquette
Rosanne Parry
Mitali Perkins
Gae Polisner
Cindy Pon
J.L. Powers
Joy Preble
Cheryl Rainfield
Michelle Ray
Jenn Reese
Diana Renn
Bettina Restrepo
Laurisa White Reyes
Nelsa Roberto
Joanne Rocklin
Lisa and Laura Roecker
Caroline Starr Rose
Randy Russell
Jeanne Ryan
Chris Rylander
Kimberly Sabatini
Peter Adam Salomon
Jeff Sampson
Tiffany Schmidt
Lisa Schroeder
Victoria Schwab
Mindi Scott
Ruta Sepetys
Medeia Sharif
Kristen Simmons
Angie Smibert
Clete Barrett Smith
J.A. Souders
Jessica Spotswood
Anna Staniszewski
Kiera Stewart
Lauren Strasnick
Sarvenaz Tash
Sarah Tregay
Audrey Vernick
Danette Vigilante
Sara Bennett Wealer
Dianna Winget
Jennifer Shaw Wolf
Allan Woodrow
Brian Yansky
Lara Zeises
Jennifer Ziegler
part: [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] [ 4 ] [ 5 ] [ 6 ] [ 7 ] [ 8 ] [ 9 ] [ 10 ] [ 11 ] [ 12 ] [ 13 ] [ 14 ] [ 15 ] [ 16 ] [ 17 ] [ 18 ] [ 19 ] [ 20 ] [ 21 ] [ 22 ] [ 23 ] [ 24 ] [ 25 ] [ 26 ] [ 27 ] [ 28 ] [ 29 ] [ 30 ] [ 31 ] [ 32 ] [ 33 ] [ 34 ] [ 35 ] [ 36 ] [ 37 ] [ 38 ] [ 39 ] [ 40 ] [ 41 ] [ 42 ] [ 43 ] [ 44 ] [ 45 ] [ 46 ]
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