3rd Sunday Sweets: The Day Before

I met Lisa at Wordstock last October, but I’ve been a fan of her MG book It’s Raining Cupcakes since my niece declared this book was her favorite and her dream is to open a cupcake shop someday. At Wordstock I bought the sequel Sprinkles and Secrets and had Lisa sign it for my niece. Now I’m officially the coolest aunt EVER in my niece’s eyes because I personally know Lisa. 

*sigh*

In the short conversation I had with Lisa at Wordstock, she introduced me to a new style of storytelling called novel in verse. The best way to describe it is telling the story in a poetic style by focusing on the emotional bones and cutting out all the prose. The very next day I was at the library and her novel The Day Before sat on display as I walked in. It was about a week before I actually read it and I was blown away.

Blurb:

One moment can change everything.

Amber’s life is spinning out of control. All she wants is to turn up the volume on her iPod until all of the demands of family and friends fade away. So she sneaks off to the beach to spend a day by herself.

Then Amber meets Cade. Their attraction is instant, and Amber can tell he’s also looking for an escape. Together they decide to share a perfect day: no pasts, no fears, no regrets.

The more time that Amber spends with Cade, the more she’s drawn to him.  And the more she’s troubled by his darkness. Because Cade’s not just living in the now—he’s living each moment like it’s his last.

I couldn’t believe the multitude of emotions portrayed with so few words. I laughed, cried, sighed, and repeat. Never once did I feel like I had been cheated by the simplicity. Every scene was full and rich with description, yet short and sweet. I ached for both Amber and Cade. Their romance warmed my heart and reminded me why I love YA so much. Young love can light up even the darkest moments of life.

In the next two weeks I read all of Lisa’s YA novels in verse. I loved each and every one of them. 

AND *coughs* I might be giving a couple of signed copies next month. *coughs* 

Her books have given me so much perspective in my own writing. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is less is more.

I leave you with the book trailer for The Day Before. Click here to order your very own copy.