Interested in environmental issues? How about sea turtles? Maybe neither subject captures your imagination but if you like a good story, then you'll enjoy Elizabeth's Landing by Katy Pye. I had fun getting to know 14-year-old, aspiring photographer Elizabeth Barker as she tries to adjust to life in fictional Port Winston, Texas. I also enjoyed learning more about sea turtles, the shrimping industry, and the effects of commercial and residential development along our coastlines. This is a terrific young adult novel that's full of adventure, insight, and well-researched information. It's award-winning and G-rated too.
First Paragraph/First Chapter:
Port Winston, Texas
Saturday, April 3, 2010
"Straighten that girl out before it's too late, hear?" Grandpa's trapped Dad inside the swayback garage behind our dump of a rental house. Another one of his "I know best" lectures spews out the open window. Only this morning's gripe isn't about dragging for shrimp, Dad's landscaping job, or Mom being gone. It's about me.
I straddle my bike, bend low, and roll in close, listening for one more reason to hate this place.
Teaser (from 73% on my Kindle):
Dad steadies the boat as we ride up the wave, then dip down the other side. The sky flashes white from another lightning hit.
He's going to die. We're all going to die.
Length: 354 Pages
Amazon Link: Elizabeth's Landing
Author Website: Katy Pye
Link at ADailyRhythm.com
Link at BibliophileByTheSea
Oh that is a sad opening, one that makes me want to know more. So much is said in so few words. Here is my Tuesday post https://cleopatralovesbooks.wordpress.com/2015/05/05/first-chapter-first-paragraph-may-5/
ReplyDeleteElizabeth is an interesting character. I wish I'd been as passionate about something as she is when I was her age!
DeleteThis sounds like a great read. Perfect for Earth Day week :)
ReplyDeleteThe tease was very intriguing, by the way.
My TT
I don't read much young adult fiction, but I definitely enjoyed this story. Great plot and characters.
DeleteThe teaser is great. I think we've all had moments when we see our mortality coming at us.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds interesting but I think I'd have to know more about the book before deciding! I do like the tone of the beginning and the teaser though, so consider me intrigued! Thanks for sharing :) I hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteMy Tuesday post
Juli @ Universe in Words
Hi Juli,
DeleteGlad the beginning caught your attention. If you'd like a larger slice, the first four chapters are on my website under the tab Elizabeth's Landing-The Book. Enjoyed a peek at your website. What a great father you had!
Somehow I don't think this one is for me, but I hope you like it.
ReplyDeleteSix months ago this wouldn't have interested me, but I became interested in sea turtles this winter in FL. I'd give this a shot - thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI learned a lot from reading this book while enjoying the story. It's easy to see why it won all those awards.
DeleteI think your choice aligns nicely with my Tuesday highlight, so I'm interested in reading it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog.
My Tuesday post: http://www.bookclublibrarian.com/2015/05/first-chapter-first-paragraph-105.html
I like the blurb, but I'm not so sure about the opening. But I'd keep reading to be sure. I'm glad to learn about the book because it sounds like something my niece would enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your niece would enjoy this story (and you would too!)
DeleteThanks so much for the post, Sandra. I love this type of blog where authors get even brief feedback from readers (and potentials). There's more about the book, sea turtles, and real kids making a difference at my website. I'm very happy to answer questions.
ReplyDeleteIt's always fun when an author stops by to visit a post! I enjoyed Elizabeth's Landing and was happy to feature it today. Glad you're having fun with readers' feedback.
DeleteOh, I love the sound of this one. When I read YA books, which I don't read often, I like those that are about a young person's adventures, challenges, and how he/she adjusts to new places. This one sounds delightful. Thanks for sharing, and for visiting my blog.
ReplyDeleteI don't often read YA books either, but I enjoyed this one a lot.
DeleteTexas is so varied and fascinating. I like reading books set in that state!
ReplyDeleteMy dad loved to take us to Port Aransas, Texas, on the Gulf Coast in the summertime, so this book brought back lots of happy memories for me. I imagine that area has been developed now, but back then the area was pristine.
DeleteI visited there in June 2010, researching the book. The Aransas National Wildlife Area and Center are absolutely fabulous. Before writing the novel, I didn't realize how diverse the wildlife and plants are in Texas. Also a birders' paradise.
DeleteThis sounds intense. Hope you enjoy it :)
ReplyDeleteWonder if Port Winston is based on any real Texas city. Port Aransas maybe? I'd continue just to see how much of Texas is in the book. Love your bluebonnet field header, by the way.
ReplyDeleteIt definitely reminded me of Port Aransas (from my childhood memories).
DeleteI'm glad you like my bluebonnet header. I took that photo a couple of years ago during a trip back home.
Makes sense. And, yes, I love bluebonnets, in any setting. LOL
DeleteWe're in the Austin area, but we lived 3 years in Oregon. I love the Pacific Northwest too. It was just a little too rainy for my husband. :-)
This looks very interesting! I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for stopping by my Teaser Tuesday (http://darcysbookblog.com/2015/05/05/teaser-tuesday-the-heir/)
ReplyDeleteI've heard that "we're all going to die" phrase a time or two in my travels. Not generally on a boat, though.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you've had some interesting travels, Alice!
DeleteI can almost feel the cry from the boat. I am not a boat person.
ReplyDeleteThe teaser is fantastic! You can easily grasp a picture of the intensity surrounding that scene; great post Sandra :) Hope you're having a lovely week!
ReplyDeleteThat whole scene was great. Full of tension. Too bad I was limited to only a few sentences in the Teaser Tuesday post.
DeleteI go through the same struggle each time I share a teaser :P
DeleteWell, that one grabbed my heart. Poor girl. I'd like to keep reading.
ReplyDeleteGreat teaser. I always get scared whenever I am in a boat even though it's something that I should be used to.
ReplyDeleteLove your teaser! This looks like an amazing book:) thanks for visiting my blog!
ReplyDeleteAlthough the genre is not my thing in general, that's a great teaser!
ReplyDeleteInteresting teaser, but this one doesn't look like a good fit for me. Thanks for visiting my TT!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like it would make a good read for the summer. Girl Who Reads
ReplyDeleteI love EVERYTHING about this book. Thanks so much for featuring it! On my way to get it now and hope they have it in print.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my post:)
Hi Laura,
DeleteTerrific! You shouldn't have trouble getting it. Your indie bookstore can order, if it's not on the shelf, and you'll find it through lots of online channels, too. Thanks for you interest!
Oh no! Out on the water during a storm. It does not sound safe.
ReplyDeleteIt's a dramatic scene.
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