Sunday, September 16, 2012

"The Truth About Lilly Barnes" by Kimberly Russell Book Review/Guest Post/Giveaway (Ends 9/16)



Book Blurb:

“Today is the day it is going to happen. I’m not melancholy or nervous. I just want to get it over with more than anything. Today is the day that I, Lilly Barnes, die.” Lilly Barnes doesn't want to live anymore. She is prepared to leave her life, family, and more importantly, her best friend Buddy behind for good. But, why? What could be so horrible that it makes a young girl want to end her life? Find out in The Truth about Lilly Barnes.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
From the moment I began reading this book, I was absolutely engrossed!  This is one short, powerful book that I think should be required reading for almost every youth.  I have read young adult books that left me wanting more or very disenchanted.  Not so with this book!  It was an adrenaline rush from the beginning!

There were no bedroom scenes--thankfully!  There was some profanity, but I honestly was not turned off by it.  While I would caution parents about letting their kids read this if profanity is a turn-off, I don't see it as a major problem.

This is a real book, and I am pleased it ended as it did (no spoilers on this end). I loved the way the book's perspective changed on a somewhat regular basis, and I never felt lost.  I am a teacher who has a heart for teens, and whenever I read books like this, I find myself thinking about students I have taught in the past who might be going through similar things.

I appreciated that the author had links to helpful sites at the end.  You never know what another youth may be going through, and appearances can be deceiving.  This is a fast read that should make us all more aware of the people with whom we come in contact daily and what they may be going through in their private lives.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.


Guest Post by the Kimberly Russell
Thank you, Ruth, for letting me a part of your lovely blog. I’m so happy to be here! I wanted to talk a little bit about my book and how I hope I am able to help teens with it.


In my book, The Truth about Lilly Barnes, the main character is having a really hard time, and that is putting it lightly. Lilly really doesn’t want to live anymore and through background stories, therapy sessions and her opening up you find out why. I hope that you will root for her as I did; I really think she’s worth it.

I think suicide prevention is such an important topic and I don’t think it’s talked about with many teens until it’s too late. I think teens feel so alone and just need someone to talk to. Someone who will listen and not judge. Someone who they can talk to and don’t have to be embarrassed about how they are currently feeling.

I wanted to take a moment to announce that from now I will be giving 50% of my profits to the following organization: http://teencontact.org/.

Teen Contact is Texas based and they assist teens primarily over the phone. Here is a little bit about them in their own words: “As a program of CONTACT Crisis Line, Teen CONTACT’S Mission is to offer teens a free 24-hour telephone help line, staffed by trained volunteers who can respond to the concerns of teens in the midst of a crisis or conflict in a confidential, nonjudgmental manner. This service is offered to the Dallas Metroplex 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.”

I’m so happy to be working them and I hope it helps. I think every little bit helps.
Thank you for reading and I really hope you enjoy reading about Lilly’s journey.




About author:
I’m obsessed with all things Jane Austen. I read a lot of YA but my all-time favorite is a cozy mystery. As far as teen books go I really love Stephanie Perkins, Sarah Dessen, Sara Zara, and Ann Brashares. As far as adult books go I love Sidney Sheldon (he will always have my heart), Stephen King, Sophie Kinsella, and Charlaine Harris.
When I’m not reading or writing I enjoy spending time with my husband, baking, and finding ways to meet Jimmy Fallon. Currently has two novels for sale The Truth about Lilly Barnes and Between Balloons. Currently working on her third novel The Adoration of Emma Wylde.




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And be sure to follow the entire tour and join everyone over at Lightning Book Promotions today (September 16) at 4 P.M. Central Time for a live chat!

1 comment:

  1. Thanks for getting your post up today!~Stormi, Lightning Book Promotions

    ReplyDelete

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