Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Author Guest Post + Book Giveaway: Julia Karr of XVI

We all know that authors have very little, if any, say in the design for their cover. I think that I always imagined authors as having much more artistic license in choosing the fonts, layouts, and images for their covers. I mean, what if you hate your own book cover? Surely this has happened. Fortunately for Julia Karr, she has one of the most stunning covers I've seen. Perfect for a dystopia, don't you think? Well, here's what she has to say about it:

My editor and I both had a similar idea of what we thought the cover of XVI would look like. I spent a lot of time daydreaming exactly how the Penguin design team would work it out. Then, I got an email from my editor with the subject line: XVI cover! I was terrified to open it.

Before I opened the file, I read what she had to say, which was along the lines of “this is nothing like what we thought it would be!” My hand was shaking as I clicked open the .jpg. Then - O.M.G.! I was thrilled beyond belief! 

There was minor tweaking of the shading, but other than that - the cover has remained the same.

Interesting story about the cover:  The model of XVI contacted me on Twitter! It turns out that she was not only the model, but she also did the photography! It’s a self-portrait of her as a teen! She wrote a fabulous blog post about it shortly after we corresponded! [ http://dearcrissy.com/my-first-book-cover/ ]http://dearcrissy.com/my-first-book-cover/ How cool is that?!

Thanks for stopping buy, Ms. Karr. I just finished your book and loved it!


As part of my first blogiversary, I am going to giveaway a *shiny* new copy of XVI to one lucky commenter!  Many of you regular readers know that I love a good dystopia, and this book definitely meets that criteria. This giveaway is open internationally (wherever the Book Depository ships). This giveaway will close on January 31st at midnight (EST).


To enter, simply leave a comment stating why you'd like to read this book or what you love about dystopias. Make sure to leave an email where I can reach you if you win!

Extra Entry Points
+2 Follower (new or old)
+2 Comment on my book review of XVI
(please include all points in one comment)

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76 comments:

  1. I love the title and cover of this book.
    I am a GFC follower.
    rickimc[at]aol[dot]com

    ReplyDelete

  2. I'd like to read XVI because I love, love dystopian reads, plus the cover is pretty awesome. Happy blogoversary and thanks for the great contest. ^_^

    +2 old GFC follower

    hauntingorchid (at) aol (dot) com

    ReplyDelete

  3. OMG! Thank you! :D

    International

    +2 New Follower (Selfcentered)
    +2 I've already commented on your review! xD
    Email: unputdownablebooks@gmail.com

    Thanks for this!

    ReplyDelete

  4. I really enjoy reading dystopian novels and I'm really looking forward to reading this one. I think cover is amazing and I enjoyed reading about the author's anxiety over how the cover would turn out.

    +2 follower (GFC)
    +2 Commented on review

    bevarcher (at) me (dot) com

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete

  5. Oh I would love to read this book!! Thanks for the chance to win!!

    kristen_babygurl@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  6. I'm intrigued with Karr's idea of sexteenth! I love dystopian because they give me a sense of what's gained and lost through the years.

    +2 old follower
    +2 commented on review

    Thank you!

    precious_shusky@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete

  7. That's a pretty cool story behind the cover.
    +2 I follow (and lead)
    +2 I commented on your review (it was very good)

    The thing I like best about the dystopian genre is that it takes some blatantly wrong, yet, for some reason, widely accepted and even celebrated aspect of our culture, blows way it out of porportion, and then waves it in our faces saying, "You see it now? You see why this is so wrong?" It's like a litmus test.
    At first I was shocked (and disgusted) by the premise. I work with teens, and the thought of the underlying message is frightening, but I applaude Karr for choosing this as her subject. It's something that we definitely need to think more about.
    zombiegirrrl21 at aol

    ReplyDelete

  8. I like dystopian novels, because I like to see how the main characters survive through the stories.
    gfc follower +2
    debbie
    twoofakind12@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete

  9. I love dystopian fiction because you can see into the mind of the author and figure out what they think would make the world "perfect". Thanks for this giveaway!

    +I'm a public GFC follower. Old. :)

    ReplyDelete

  10. I love dystopians because there are usually robots int eh story. I heart robots!

    Old follower +2
    Comment on review +2

    Your friend +52

    ;)

    Jen - jenbigheart(at)yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete

  11. I'm a follower and I also commented on your review. +4
    I love dystopias because they make me realize how good we have it. Then again I want to go on adventures with these characters. It's great to see them overcome so much and you can't help but love them for their strength. I have a feeling I'm going to love the message of this book in particular.

    Email: ms.stephaniehuber@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  12. +2 Follower
    +2 Commented

    I enjoy dystopians because they let me see an alternate world sometimes a better one, more often worse than what we live in now.
    bkhabel at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete

  13. I love dysptopian because it paints a picture of what the future could hold if we're not careful with the present.

    +2 Already following
    +2 Commented on review.

    lesly7ch(at)yahoo(Dot)com

    ReplyDelete

  14. Wow, what a great choice of cover for this subject. I like reading dystopias because there's not enough being said about this subject and most people would have to "Google" the word in order to know what was being talked about here.

    Already a Follower

    miztik_rose@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete

  15. Sounds like a great book. My students and I would love to read and discuss it.
    I am an old follower

    ReplyDelete

  16. A good dystopian book is one of those great afternoon things I love to do - there is something about seeing the world at its end that just makes me think exciting things. Anyways, thank you for the contest! I really hope I win, since this book has been on my TBR list for a while now and I have to get on it!

    Thanks!
    apereiraorama[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete

  17. That is the coolest backstory of how the cover came to be ever! I went to go check out the photographers blog post and was totally blown away! The model/photog is beautiful!

    What I love most about dystopian fiction is the world-building. I love it when an author is able to completely convince me that the future world they have envisioned could actually happen as a result of some type of apocalypse. I think I read mostly to brushed up on some survivor skills.

    Thanks for the giveaway. I'm an old follower.

    *crossing fingers and toes*
    missie at theunreadreader.com

    ReplyDelete

  18. I can't wait to read this book! It reminds me of the Hunger Games, which I loved. Thanks for the giveaway!
    +2 Old GFC follower (Lexie@BookBug)
    lexie.bookbug(AT)gmail(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete

  19. Dystopian fiction allows us to see just how much freedom we actually have...It's shocking to see how free will has no importance in their society and how much we take for granted. I salute Julie Karr for not shying away from what is normally considered a taboo subject.

    +2 follower
    +2 commented on interview

    holz_twilight@msn.com

    ReplyDelete

  20. Oh, how to describe why this book looks incredible. I really appreciate YA books that are unafraid explore all the extremes of writing for young people, that look into the darkest parts of humanity and pull out a story. We see this all the time in adult books, but much less so (in my experience) in YA. I love YA books that push the envelope, and this one sounds like it's doing exactly that!

    +2 I'm a follower
    +2 I commented

    bookwormoakes AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete

  21. I love dystopia because I think it's great that young adult writing is increasingly including a political tint- it's a great way to get people to think about their government!

    +2 follower
    +2 commented on interview

    thanks so much for hosting, this looks awesome!

    strandedhero(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete

  22. Dystopian literature is so interesting. Reminds me why this crazy, fractured life of ours is so great.

    TweetyB99 (at) aol (dot) com

    ReplyDelete

  23. I'd like to win this book because it sounds interesting and because I haven't read a lot of dystopian fiction. I'd like to change that!

    +2 old follower
    +2 commented on review

    Erin

    fletch8502 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete

  24. Love the tittle..seems like a good read

    GFC follower old

    vidishamun@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  25. +2 follower (old)
    +2 commented on review

    Thanks for the giveaway! :D I'd like to win because dystopia is one of my favourite genres. A lot of the situations are unrealistic in how "far-fetched" their ideals and moderated systems are, but some are just so palpable that they scare me into thinking.

    Cass

    cc932005 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete

  26. +JMJ+

    I love dystopian fiction because of the catharsis it gives me. I think our own real world is also very much a dystopia, so I always identify with the characters in the books.

    +2 Old Follower

    altaemoeniaRomae [at] Gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete

  27. I have heard great stuff about this book
    follow via gfc + 2
    drakebdog@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  28. I didn't think I'd like dystopias until I read Hunger Games and Matched and totally loved both, so I'll pick XVI too! Thanks for the chance to win it! :)

    +2 follower (old)
    +2 commented on review

    milagp1(at)yahoo(dot)com(dot)br

    ReplyDelete

  29. I'd love to read this. I really like dystopias. Thanks for the giveaway!

    +2 GFC follower
    erinberry12 at charter dot net

    ReplyDelete

  30. This sounds so good and I love the story about the cover! It's always interesting to me how that comes about. I really enjoy dystopian stories and have found some great reads. While the story seems bleak at times there is always hope and strong characters leading the way. It also makes me appreciate what we have now.

    Thanks so much for your offer!
    +2 new follower
    +2 comment on review

    wrights5[at]hughes[dot]net

    ReplyDelete

  31. That is a cover that definitely stands out! This book sounds really good! I haven't read many dystopians, but this sounds like one I would enjoy! SO I'd love to be entered in the contest :)

    +2 old follower

    Sara
    yavampire(at)hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  32. I love dystopias. They are so thought provoking. This one looks interesting--I read the first chapter in a bookstore while waiting for my friend to pick something out, and I really liked it (unfortunately I have to wait a month or so before I can actually buy any books...) I'm a little wary about the content, but this book has had many good reviews, so I def want to read it.

    +2 old follower
    +2 commented on review

    ReplyDelete

  33. I absolutely am a huge fan of dystopian fiction. It's just fabulous to see how authors twist our lives. The premise of this book sounds fantastic!!

    +2 follower
    +2 comment on review

    Vivien
    deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete

  34. Dystopias are awesome because they serve as a warning and because they are like alternate futures.

    +2 Follower
    +2 comment on review

    snifflykitty@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  35. I've been seeing this cover A LOT. But I didn't realize those were Roman numerals. Duh! For some reason I thought those slashes represented a contemporary drama about cutting. It was your review that made me add this to my TBR!

    I am an old follower +2

    ReplyDelete

  36. I've wanted to read this book ever since I saw the cover. The thing I like about dystopian books is seeing what other people think the world could turn out like, why it turned out like that and how people deal with it.
    +2 I'm a GFC follower as natalie23
    +2 Commented on book review of XVI

    natalie23[at]hotmail[dot]co[dot]uk

    ReplyDelete

  37. I think the concept of this book is unique and I would love to read it. I love dystopians, they always make me wonder "what if."

    +2 old follower

    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete

  38. Ha. I think I inadvertently answered your question already when I commented on the review (before the contest was up), but allow me to reiterate:

    When I cam across this a few months ago, I immediately put it on my list (I have a google docs list of books I fully intend to read -- not just may read -- and when they come out, so that I don't miss them). The reason it went immediately onto the list was because when I read the synopsis, it reminded me of The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. Now, I'm not saying the two are anything alike, because I doubt they are, but it reminded me of it because it's a dystopian book that revolves around womens rights and their place in society, etc.
    THT is one of my all-time favorite books, and it's also one of the creepiest things I've ever read. Atwood made it feel like it wasn't that big a leap to go from our society to the one she represented. It freaked me out. This seemed like it had the potential to do the same, which makes it a must-read.

    +2 GFC follower (old)
    +2 commented (before the contest -- should I comment again? ;P)

    ~Misty
    mbradenwf AT gmail DOT com

    (But I'll read it regardless, so I hope whoever wins enjoys it!)

    ReplyDelete

  39. @ Misty: No need to comment again! Lots of people commented yesterday before the giveaway was announced, which was awesome. And, I think that you're on to something with The Handmaid's Tale + XVI. This is much less complex of a world, but definitely one where women are viewed as objects, like in THT. Love that book. I should re-read it soon...

    ReplyDelete

  40. Awesome!! I would like to read this book for that reason! It looks awesome!! :D Count me in please!! Thanks for a chance to win! :D
    GFC Follower! +2
    Commented on Review! +2

    ReplyDelete

  41. I really really want to read this book. I love this genre. And I think the book sounds amazing.

    +2 GFC Follower (Jennifer)
    +2 comment on review

    I was actually looking at this book yesterday and thought it sounded very interesting. But after reading your review it makes me want to read this book even more. I love this genre (have started reading more of it recently). Great review!

    jennifer.kalman at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete

  42. I really want to read XVI! I love dystopia, too. Let's see, I'm a fairly old GFC follower (Kat) and I will comment on the review if I haven't already (not sure). Thanks for the chance to win!

    aveelachild@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  43. The premise of this book sounds very unusually and unique ~ sometimes we all need to read a dark book.
    +2 Follower

    PelicanJL{at}hotmail{dot}com

    ReplyDelete

  44. I love dystopic novels because they give a delightfully depressing view of just how things could go so wrong but they are enjoyable to read because they are not quite the real world.

    +2 Follower

    eva.s.black[@]gmail[.]com

    ReplyDelete

  45. I'm really looking forward to reading this book!I love the story! Great cover!

    +2 Follower
    +2 comment on review

    email: artgiote@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  46. This book is on my wish list! I love dystopias and it sounds (just a little) like The Handmaiden's Tale. Plus i just love the xover : ) Thanks for the giveaway!
    +2 follower via GFC

    ambience.of.rain@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  47. That's so cool she corresponded with the photographer after she saw the cover. She did a pretty good job with the picture!
    I love Dystopians because it's a huge what if. What if our world really ended up that way.

    +2-follower
    +2-Commented on review

    findjessyhere at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete

  48. I want to read XVI because I love dystopias and the premise sounds pretty cool.

    +2 follower

    sauvadeavelle at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete

  49. Life... well, normal life... well, my life, is kind of boring, so I like to read books about a completely different world, books with fantasy elements, forbidden love, magic.......
    For that reason, I think I would love to read any book of that kind.

    I'm a follower
    I commented on your review..

    idroskicinia (at) aol (dot) com

    Thank you for the giveaway! : D

    ReplyDelete

  50. +2 follower
    hopelovehappyendings(at)gmail(dot)com

    I am so excited that the market is being flooded with dystopian novels. Bring on the terror, keep me on the edge of my seat, and make it impossible to put the book down.

    ReplyDelete

  51. Dystopian novels are awesome. It's interesting to see how the authors bend our world.

    +2 Old Follower

    BookNoise at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete

  52. I love dystopian novels as well - it is nice to be able to spend a few hours in an author's twisted mind - lol :)

    +2 Old follower

    Chrizette
    baychriz at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete

  53. Dystopias are my favorite!Its just so interesting to think of what COULD happen...kind of a warning to us now lol. It's an escape from my normal boring life as a math student and lets me live in a world full of adventure.

    +2 Old Follower
    +2 Commented on review

    hense1kk AT cmich DOT edu

    ReplyDelete

  54. I've only read a couple, but I think one thing they give us is hope, that after things are worse than bad, there is still a way to manage to live. Of course, each book has it's own turning point, and it's own challenges, but it reminds us that no matter how bad things are now, it could be a lot worse!

    +2 old follower

    meredithfl at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete

  55. I like the title and cover, very eye catching.

    I found out last year that I like reading dystopian - I love how creative the authors are - they all come up with different worlds!

    cytljjb @ gmail com

    ReplyDelete

  56. A well written dystopian based on a plausible disaster is a great read. It stretches the imagination and enables a reader to think about what may actually happen to the world at some future stage. That is why I like them.

    Thanks for the giveaway.

    Carol T

    buddytho {at} gmail DOT com

    +2 I am an old Follower via GFC

    ReplyDelete

  57. What I love about dystopian novels is that they are imaginative and always have a hidden message in it.

    +2 Follower

    Aik @ The Bookaholics
    aikychien at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete

  58. I'd like to win this book because the whole sex-concept is really making me curious. Also I enjoy reading dystopia novels because they usually have something new and unique to them.

    +2 I'm a follower

    bookoholiker(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete

  59. Dystopias are so exciting for me because it is just another possible take to how the future may be with the way we are living on the planet now.
    Thanks for the contest!
    +2 Follower
    Sarah
    two_of_hearts_101 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete

  60. What I like about dystopia is the "What if" factor. When I read one I'm always thinking what if the world really did come to this???? It keeps me thinking and interested.

    +2 follower
    +2 commented

    themgowl at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  61. OMG I sooo luvvv this giveaway! <3 this book and it looks AMAZING!

    +2 Follower
    +2 Comment

    Rabiah
    iliveforreading@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  62. I like to read YA dystopias because they always feature young people acting independently. They generally make me feel hopeful in this age when so many things could go horribly wrong in the world.
    I enjoyed the review. I'm always interested in how the covers of the books I read came about. Crissy's post was really good too.

    methom@earthlink.net
    I follow you +2
    Commented on review +2

    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete

  63. Why I'd like to read this book because I rarely read any dystopian book. The Local publisher still focus on those urban fantasy books

    +2 Follower
    +2 Commented on your review

    aleetha.ally at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete

  64. I love dystopian. It always makes me think of my teen years. I would have LOVED dystopian in my teens. As a teen I craved stories where teens are left to fend for themselves and create their own society.

    +2 I follow

    +2 I commented on your review

    nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete

  65. I like dystopian novels because they creep me out and make me think of how the world might turn out if seemingly small things were different about it.

    +2 Follower
    +2 Commented on your review

    rain_orchid11 (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete

  66. Happy BLOGOVERSARY! *throws confetti, marching band, banner with - CONGRATS!!! on it and lots and lots of balloon ;)*

    I would love to win this book because ...
    XVI is one of the books on my DAC list, I also featured Julia as one of my debtuantes so it feels like my duty to read her book! Besides I can't wait til March to buy my own copy :P

    +2 old follower

    callmeghostgirl@yahoo.com.au

    ReplyDelete

  67. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete

  68. +2 follower
    +2 commented on your book review of XVI


    I think I enjoy dystopian book so much because they are usually frighteningly intriguing and I like that most of them don't always have the fairy tale ending that is so cliche and boring. I like that they twist things out of the normal without always being fantasy and out of whack. I love to think about different aspects of life as it could be, even if it is seemingly horrible. Plus, this book sounds absolutely amazing.

    Flawlesslytarnished@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete

  69. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity! I've really been looking forward to XVI because I love dystopian novels. Most of my favorites fall into the dystopian genre. I just think it sounds like such an interesting idea for a story.

    +2 new follower (GFC - Jessica M.)
    +2 commented on review

    jmartinez0415 [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete

  70. I would love to win this book because I love all dystopian books.
    +2 old follower
    +2 comment on review

    ReplyDelete

  71. whoa the book seems really intriguing. and the fact that the model was able to do such a wonderful self-portrait while looking so chic = utter respect.

    but anyway. thanks for the chance! (:

    +1 new follower

    blahblah_boo @ hotmail . com

    ReplyDelete

  72. I really want to read the book because although it is dystopian, it seems so different and unique! I have been eying it everywhere!

    +2old follower
    +2 comment on review
    chloe.hope.bookie(at)gmail(dot)com

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete

  73. Thank you so much for this giveaway and for making it international !!!
    I love distopian books because they're very different of what I read usually and, according to me there are some aspects of our society that we find in this kind of book, it's very interresting and quite scary ^ ^

    +2 old follower : Emilie E.
    +2 commented your review :)

    emilieeven(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete

  74. Oh man! I want to read this one so bad! It looks so amazing!

    I read dystopian because it shows me/reminds me where I never want our world to go. I think the best dystopians are ones that find an actual flaw w/in our society, and magnify us to show us in an extreme way why they are so wrong.

    I'm a follower! +2
    I commented on your (great) review! +2

    basicallyamazingbooks [at] gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

  75. Well, I'm a huge dystopian fan! I recently did a post about all these awesome dystopians I've been finding lately. I think you commented on that post, fellow dystopia lover! :) I have been wanting to read this book for MONTHS!

    Old follower +2
    I commented on your review +2

    TaraTagli at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete

  76. Well I want to read this book because it sounds like an awesome dystopian story. Why do I love dystopias? Because they are imaginative, thought-provoking, and there is so much that can be done with that one genre. Also, they tend to have very important underlying meanings about government, society, and the enviornment.

    +2 Old follower

    ~Briana
    thebookpixie[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete

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