Blog Tour- Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt + Interview

Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt
"When Mallory discovers that her boyfriend, Jeremy, is cheating on her with an online girlfriend, she swears off boys. She also swears off modern technology. Inspired by a list of goals her grandmother made in 1962, Mallory decides to "go vintage" and return to a simpler time (when boyfriends couldn't cheat on you online). She sets out to complete grandma's list: run for pep club secretary, host a dinner party, sew a homecoming dress, find a steady, do something dangerous. But the list is trickier than it looks. And obviously finding a steady is out . . . no matter how good Oliver (Jeremy's cousin) smells. But with the help of her sister, she'll get it done. Somehow."- summary from Amazon

I'm a huge fan of Leavitt's and pretty much love all her books. This was no exception. I had problems putting this book down. I'd finish a chapter, and then think "Oh, I'll just read the little list at the beginning of the next chapter and be done." That never happened. I'd always want to read a little bit more until I was basically forced to stop. I loved the little lists at the beginning of each chapter; it was a cute idea.

I absolutely loved Mallory's voice as well as her as a character. She's very likable and I think lots of people will connect with her. It was interesting watching her live her life without technology and finding out that when she tries to simplify things, they become way more complicated. I loved watching her interactions with Oliver; I remember giggling a lot and may have also tweeted about wanting an Oliver of my own (and I guarantee you'll want one of your own after reading this book).

Leavitt also includes Mallory's family and it was fun seeing that because it's not something I feel like is usually represented in YA. Parents aren't always around and grandparents almost never. It was nice seeing Mallory have talks with her dad and I liked the little subplot around her grandma, who's still very feisty and active. It made the book's world much more real.

Overall, another great book from Leavitt and I cannot wait to see what she gives us next.

and here's an interview with Lindsey:


1) How did you get the idea for Going Vintage? Would you ever go vintage like Mallory did?

This article in The Wall Street Journal started the idea. http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB118670164592393622.html A breakup drama involving a family member gave me plenty of material. And The List came after I found a list I wrote when I was 19, about what I wanted to accomplish in my life (and coolness-- #1 was publish a book!)

I actually did go vintage for one week while researching this book. I missed a lot of phone calls and important emails, but I read some great books and saw more of the sun than normal, so it was a worthwhile experiment.


2) What are you currently working on? Can you tell us anything about it?
I’m working on another YA contemporary for Bloomsbury that will likely be out in summer 2014. I can’t say much about it, because I still don’t have much to say, but the story is set in Vegas and involves wedding chapels. It’s probably the most romance-centered book I’ve ever written.


3) Since I've already asked your favorite Jelly Belly flavor, do you have a favorite snack to have while writing, or as a reward for getting writing done?

Rice Krispie Treats. Dark Chocolate. Diet Pepsi. Thin Mints=reward or hard core revision
Apple and string cheese=regular writing day


4) What book(s) are you currently reading, or are about to start?

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell (LOVE)
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier (for book club)
And after that…
The Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr


FTC: Received e-galley from Netgalley. Link above is an Amazon Associate link; any profit goes toward funding contests.