THIS IS WHY I READ
Finding Beauty, Hope & Strength in Dark Places
by Lisa Amowitz
I read because there is no better way to escape my own head and land in someone else’s. Watching a movie is thrilling, but it’s like being a voyeur, a bystander. When I read, I am a participant. I’m transported to other places, other times, other circumstances. The character’s emotions are my emotions; their fears are my fears.
Reading gives us perspective for dealing with issues and problems by reminding us that we are not alone; that our emotions are universal.
For teens, reading YA can give insight by showing that others have been through some of what they are facing. In some cases, it can be life-saving. As an adult, I find that reading how a main character works through their challenges to be very comforting when I am going through my own difficulties.
Did I mention romance and first love? They say there is nothing like first love. Except reading about it! Who can ever get sick of that?
People often ask me why I read and write dark fiction. Why I don’t read light-hearted humorous books. For me, the answer is simple. Life is composed of darkness and light; humor and sorrow; excitement and despair. For me, books that take me to the dark places often remind me how it’s possible to find beauty and prevail in the direst of circumstances—that there is hope and renewal after devastation. I’ve found strength and reassurance through tough times in the pages of a good book.
Another reason I read is because I am a highly visual person. While I enjoy movies and art and images made by others, there is nothing quite as satisfying as the images breathed into my mind by well-written words.
And that brings me to my final reason for reading.
I just love words! Language is life.
Publication date: September 29th, 2015
Genres: YA, Paranormal & Urban Fantasy
Synopsis:
She doesn’t just play, she kills it.
Talented rock guitarist Beth Collins has been barely holding herself together for months, ever since her boyfriend and bandmate became the latest victim in a string of suspicious disappearances. When her brother is injured an accident and she sees something dark billowing around him as he hovers close to death, she’s convinced her sanity is collapsing for good.
Then she’s accepted by a boarding school for the musically gifted. All of her new friends are bursting with talent, but they’re also keeping secrets. Can she trust Vincent, who’s so sweet that his very touch makes her fears melt away? Or Xavier, who’s trying to tell her something but is hiding even more?
And will anyone be safe when her true Talent comes out?
Will Alice find who the Pillar really is? What he wants? Is she brave enough to handle the one Wonderland Monster she’d thought was a good friends? And even so, is the world ready the truth?
PRAISE FOR UNTIL BETH
“I wish I could have read about a protagonist like Beth when I was growing up–a girl who doesn’t fit into her society and must learn to use her abilities for good instead of evil. Her struggles will resonate with teen readers, and the hidden agendas of the school and its students will keep readers guessing up to the final page.”
Lyn Miller-Lachmann, author of Rogue
“This unique and compelling novel grabbed me on the first page and wouldn’t let go. With unforgettable characters and a story that is by turns heartbreaking, thrilling and uplifting, UNTIL BETH is a must-read.”
Christine Johnson, author of The Gathering Dark
Lisa Amowitz was born in Queens and raised in the wilds of Long Island, New York where she climbed trees, thought small creatures lived under rocks and studied ant hills. And drew. A lot. She is a professor of Graphic Design at her beloved Bronx Community College where she has been tormenting and cajoling students for nearly twenty years. She started writing eleven years ago because she wanted something to illustrate, but somehow, instead ended up writing YA. Probably because her mind is too dark and twisted for small children. Lisa is represented by Shannon Hassan of Marsal-Lyon Literary Agency. shannon@marsallyonliteraryagency.com
BREAKING GLASS, released in July, 2013 from Spencer Hill Press, is her first published work. VISION, the first of the Finder series was released September, 2014. FRACTURED, a novella combining the worlds of BREAKING GLASS and VISION releases as an ebook only, June 7, 2015. UNTIL BETH, the first in the Life and Beth trilogy will be released September 2015.
Lisa Amowitz is available for guest appearances, Skype visits, school visits, libraries & interviews. Please contact her for scheduling.
Grand Prize US
$25 gift certificate
Ebooks of Breaking Glass, Vision & Fractured also by Lisa Amowitz
Swag
Hand made by author guitar pick necklace
(International will only be ebooks and gift certificate)
Second Prize
Ebooks of Breaking Glass, Vision & Fractured also by Lisa Amowitz
(International: ebooks only)
September 15th A Dream Within A Dream REVIEW
September 16th Once Upon A Twilight 10 RANDOM THINGS ABOUT LISA
September 17th Taking It One Book At A Time REVIEW
September 18th TTC Books And More DREAM CAST
September 19th Reader Girls REVIEW
September 20th Insane About Books REVIEW
September 21st Curling Up With A Good Book AUTHOR INTERVIEW
September 22nd Such A Novel Idea REVIEW + PLAYLIST
September 23rd Shelf Life REVIEW
September 24th Her Book Thoughts! REVIEW
September 25th I’m Lost In Books THIS OR THAT
September 26th Moonlight Rendezvous REVIEW
September 27th Literary Meanderings EXCERPT
September 28th Aurelia {Lit} GUEST POST
September 29th Me, My Shelf and I REVIEW
As always, feel free to comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this book, or on Lisa’s Guest Post or any of the Why I Read Series posts! Tell me: Why do you read!
