Friday, May 28, 2010

The Not-So-Great-Depression Giveaway!

Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending the launch party of Amy Goldman Koss’s newest release, The Not-So-Great-Depression.

Here’s what Booklist has to say:

“14-year-old Jacki and her two siblings live a chauffeured, private-school life with their executive mom in a rich Los Angeles neighborhood. Their father is more of a free spirit, and when they visit him, they are inducted into such delightful chores as vegetable gardening. The plot is a simplified version of the effects of the current economy on many households: Jacki’s mother loses her high-powered, high-paying job, and they have to downsize. Jacki embodies a complex of credible traits: she is both spoiled and anxious to please, worried about her friends and family and about her own standing. Koss makes the economic reality accessible while giving readers a character with whom they can either identify or relate to a friend they might know. As ever, Koss’ writing is smooth, and the dialogue keeps things moving briskly.”


The launch was held in the IMIX Bookstore in Los Angeles, a small independent shop whose goal is: “to provide a balancing point of view in our socially-conscious reading material, apparel, and artworks.” In addition to books, they also “provide access to the more lighthearted items, or 'chucherias' found in more traditional Chicano and Latino homes.”

While I schmoozed with Amy, Betty Birney (author of the fabulous Humphrey books), and a debut author whose name has escaped me--but if he’s reading this, I’d appreciate him saying hello--my husband roamed the shelves. And even though they did not have a YA section, per se, was excited to find a copy of our very own Kelly Parra’s Invisible Touch.


Amy was kind enough to sign a book for one of our readers. In order to be entered, please give a suggestion for a family like her main character, Jacki's, that suddenly has to make-do with a restricted budget. For instance, I’d suggest making lunches for school or work and eating “in” whenever possible. What say you?


And check back on Monday to learn our winner!

17 fresh comments:

Kelly (Lynn) Parra said...

Wow, that is a surprise! LOL! Thanks for the pic, Tina!!

The Not-So-Great-Depression sounds very fresh!

My suggestion is save the loose change! My kids do this and every month they trade in the coins and get a nice pocket of spending money.

Janie Emaus said...

Walk whenever possible to cut down on gas expenses. Shut off cable TV and read!!!

brendajean said...

Mom should start dating more, ordering large meals, and bringing home doggie bags to the girls. It could cut grocery shopping in half!! (jk)
They should learn to clip coupons and carpool rather than drive :)

sunnynikki said...

I'd say skip the coffee house and brew your own. Not only cheaper but often better for you as well!

TinaFerraro said...

Great ideas for cutting back here...ideas we can all benefit from!

bookaholic said...

The books sounds so great!!

Cut down on drinks and beverages...have water! Better for health and body!

bookaholic said...

Another suggestion-Get clothes from sales or exchanges and not splurge unnecessarily. That saves a lot of money I guess.

Llehn said...

Don't buy books. The library is your friend :D

Unknown said...

we have cut back a lot. Most of our money wasted was eating out so we have cut way back on that

Bidisha said...

That sounds like an extremely interesting book.

I'd suggest Jacki start tutoring someone from school and earn some extra bucks. Or maybe she should open a 'Kissing Booth' and offer kisses in exchange for 'Charity Money for her Family' or something like that (lol!)
And maybe her siblings should get after-school jobs or something if they are old enough.
Cut down on the movie tickets too!

Anonymous said...

Um, don't do Mcdonalds :)

And for fun rediscover the parks in your area. My kids love finding a new park/playground. Good fun and free!

msdarcy said...

Discontinuing the cable tv, internet or cell phone service while getting back on your feet would be wise. (but difficult)

Bunny B said...

Instead of going to the mall for entertainment, go to the park instead.

Aliya said...

Turn down your air-conditioning or heater a few points or invest in some dimmer-switch lights and save some electricity :)

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Tina! And thanks for coming to my book party with your sweet hubby! I tried to leave a comment a few daze ago, but I do tend to fall down cyber rabit holes. Ah well, maybe i'll get it right this time????
xoxo
Amy

TinaFerraro said...

Hey, Amy, the funny thing was that I got a notification about your earlier comment, but when I got here, it was gone! Anyway, second time's a charm, and always happy to feature you here at YA FRESH. You write terrific books that I know all our readers do and/or would love!

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