Fan Appreciation/Bookmarks
1. I really appreciate everyone who buys my books, it's such an odd thing, that people are buying something that I enjoyed writing so much, honestly it can be completely humbling (and then sometimes you get reminded that this is a business and publishers do invest in writers, so if people buy books, one becomes more successful (if I could I'd send a free copy of the Fall to everyone, but that's not possible. Still, I can send some free bookmarks, so I'm going to do that!).
2. If you would like a bookmark; I'd appreciate it if you could comment here on the blog with a favorite passage from the book, or tweet at me with favorite passage from the book. Then send your name and address- to info@bethanygriffin.com If you would like a bookmark for a friend or a set for a book club, please let me know!
3. Don't worry if this takes you awhile, I'm going to be crazy-busy for the next few weeks, so I'll be collecting names, addressing envelopes, and then visiting the post office about once a week. So, if it takes you awhile to read and have a favorite passage, that's okay!
4. International- the prices on international shipping really add up. I'll send out the first 20 who request. After that, I'll see what I can do.
Two Starred Reviews and Book Trailer, oh my!
I almost can't believe it. Tomorrow, October 7, 2014, The Fall, which is in many ways the book of my heart, the book I wasn't sure would ever be read by readers, will be available for purchase.
And I have so many things to celebrate. First, The Fall has received two starred reviews, one from Kirkus, and one from School Library Journal! (see below)
I'd also like to share the book trailer, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dm72wUfIOyc
please watch, comment, share with any readers who you think would enjoy the book!
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2014-08-27
A girl struggles to fight the haunted family house that binds her to it in this reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher." Madeline and her brother, Roderick, come from a long line of Ushers cursed to live and die within the haunted walls of the House of Usher. Beloved by the house itself, Madeline can sense its feelings and for a long while trusts it to protect her. However, just like her mother before her, Madeline begins suffering fits. The house will do anything to keep her from leaving. And with her brother away at school and only sinister doctors remaining for company, Madeline must plot to escape before the house has its way with her, keeping her trapped forever. Griffin creates a thick, murky atmosphere within the walls of the House of Usher from the start, layering in chilling details as Madeline's situation becomes ever more dire. Though only appearing intermittently, Roderick and her parents all cast long shadows, and the house is populated with compelling characters among the ghosts of Ushers past. Readers will be swept away immediately by the eerie setting, but it's Madeline's fighting will to survive that will keep them turning pages late into the night. A standout take on the classic haunted-house tale replete with surprises around every shadowy corner. (Fantasy. 14-18)
School Library Journal
★ 10/01/2014
Gr 8 Up—Griffin offers an alternative take on Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher." Instead of assuming the viewpoint of an outsider, as in the source material, readers get into the mind of Madeline Usher—the girl buried alive in the original tale. The author uses flashbacks to flesh out the missing details and provide backstory. This is an engrossing, creepy tale of a haunted house and its inhabitants. For those who aren't familiar with Poe's short story, this title will inspire them to run to the shelves to find it and see what happens or what is different. Those who are already familiar with it will enjoy this different point of view and ending. Altogether, the narrative's even pacing and thorough character development will keep teens engaged. The updated, supernatural spin will have savvy and reluctant readers hooked. An interesting addition to the "twisted tales" genre, for librarians looking for back doors to lead teens into the classics. Fans of the author's Masque of the Red Death (HarperCollins, 2012) will especially appreciate this title.—
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