About… the author:

Elizabeth Laing Thompson is author of the YA novel The Thirteenth Summer. She lives in Georgia with a tall, dark and handsome husband, 3 almost triplets and a dog who eats library books. She is living proof that geeky girls can live happily ever after.

About… The Thirteenth Summer:

Page 1 pretty much tells you everything you need to know about the plot… or does it?

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Trembling fingers ripped a page from a magazine. Dark eyes scanned it again, disbelieving.

Gossip Gal’s Celebrity Corner:

Rumor has it that Rage Waters and the Fellas may gain a new addition to their touring entourage this summer: Rage’s 13-year-old daughter Crystal. Aw, now isn’t that sweet? Reformed party animal Rage finally settling down for some father-daughter bonding—I say it’s about time! But I can’t help wondering: Will Rage corrupt his daughter, or will she help keep him on the straight and narrow? One thing’s for sure: Crystal Waters is in for the time of her life—a summer of rock and roll, penthouse suites, and celebrity parties—talk about a dream summer vacation! My advice to Crystal: Buckle up, Buttercup. You’re in for a wild ride.

A thick-fingered hand wadded up the magazine article, squeezed it into a crinkly ball, and aimed toward the trash can. Wait. The hand paused, then touched the paper to the end of a smoldering cigarette until smoke snaked toward the ceiling. In a sudden burst, the paper ball glowed with angry flame. At the last possible moment, in a rush of fear and adrenaline, the hand dropped the fireball onto the carpet, then grabbed a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice and sloshed it onto the small blaze. It died with a sizzle. The stench of burned carpet—not unlike the stink of burning hair—mingled with sour citrus. The hand still trembled.
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