My publisher, Algonquin Young Readers, is about to send some beautiful ARC packages containing my upcoming March 2015 novel The Walls Around Us out into the world, and they keep thrilling me with all the cool components they’re including in the package…
One of those things is a page of praise from independent booksellers, and though it makes me blush I have to share these quotes…
Booksellers Give THE WALLS AROUND US a Standing Ovation
“Orange is the New Black Swan! Nova Ren Suma’s latest book is deep and twisted and brilliant. She weaves a story that will suck you in and chew you up, leaving you dazzled. This is her strongest work to date—I can’t wait to put it in my customers’ hands.”—Suzanna Hermans, Oblong Books & Music
“Holy. S**t. I’m obsessed with this book. It’s like the I-Know-What-You-Did-Orange-is-the-New-Black-Swan-Last-Summer YA masterpiece I’ve totally been craving.”—Maggie Tokuda-Hall, Books Inc.
“The walls in this book are not just physical—they are psychological and metaphorical as well. Deftly showcasing both a girl inside a juvenile detention center and a dancer, and yet telling an entire third girl’s story through the first two. This book is about guilt and innocence, it’s about the cages we are forced into and the ones that we force ourselves into, it’s about friendship and stick-together-and-we-might-surviveship. Wonderfully written and an incredible read.”—Rachel Strolle, Anderson’s Bookshop
“The strands of Suma’s story slowly weave together, revealing the connections between Amber, Orianna, and Violet and the details of the murder that sent Orianna away. Surprising twists and turns will have readers questioning the meaning of justice and revenge in this haunting novel.” —Marika McCoola, Northshire Bookstore
“The Walls Around Us by Nova Ren Suma is stunning in its execution, a brilliant, twirling, spinning novel that, when completed, made me want to give a standing ovation and throw roses at its feet. The story, told in split narrations, three years apart, yet happening simultaneously, is one that grasps the reader tightly and doesn’t let go until the very end. Stop what you’re doing and read The Walls Around Us right now. You won’t regret it.”—Ryan Foley, Gibson’s Bookstore
“The story is by turns ghost story, prison drama, mystery, and high school heartache. Author Nova Ren Suma’s presentation is unique. She weaves these disparate elements together so tightly that they are inextricably linked, and creates a tale that explores friendship, passion, artistry, and loyalty.”—Consuelo Hacker, BookPeople
“Keeping their humanity throughout incarceration is a struggle; maintaining a sense of individualism is near impossible . . . The Walls Around Us is a haunting, terrifying, and unflinching examination the conflict between society and the individual.”—Sara Hines, Eight Cousins Bookstore
“The Walls Around Us is spooky and interesting with a fascinating look into two very different closed environments. Both the ballerinas and residents of the juvenile detention center are unique and complex characters. With compelling voices and suspenseful action, this is yet another fantastic read from Nova Ren Suma!”—Johanna Albrecht, Flyleaf Books
…I want to visit every single one of these bookstores and say thank you, thank you, thank you! And thank you again to my publisher for getting all these early reads and gathering these quotes!