Book Scoop: My First Blurb!

Some weeks ago, my genius PR guru Crystal Patriarche asked if I would blurb another client's upcoming book.  The woman, Crystal told me, was a first-time novelist, and while she already had some great blurbs, she really wanted one from a YA author, since the book's protagonist is thirteen years old.

I immediately said yes.  I'd never blurbed before, and it's not often you get to experience a whole new verb.  It also felt like a big deal because it's such an "established novelist" thing to do.  I was absolutely thrilled…

…and okay, a little nervous.  I remember how anxious I was when Populazzi was sent out to potential blurbers.  I had nightmares that we'd hear back nothing but a slew of, "Yeah, um… I really don't want my name attached to this book.  Thanks, though."  (Happily, that didn't happen — I got great blurbs from Hilary Duff, Eileen Cook, Matthew Quick, and Deb Caletti.)

What if I didn't like this book Crystal was sending me?  I'd have to be honest, and even though I didn't know the author personally, I'd feel terrible passing along a bad review during those nail-biting final months before publication.

Turns out there was no need to worry at all.  Jennifer Gooch Hummer's  Girl Unmoored had me riveted from page one.  I purposely read nothing about the book before I dove into its pages — I didn't want any preconceived notions — but I'll give you the official summary:

The sharp, quick-witted novel follows Apron, a young woman who has come unmoored by a sea of family drama and break-ups. But when she meets Mike, she's met her mooring. Although Mike and his cantankerous boyfriend, Chad, don't know what to do with her at first—Apron just seems to keep showing up, usually with a fat lip—they eventually offer her a job in their flower store. And then it's smooth sailing for Apron, until she uncovers Chad's secret. Suddenly Apron is forced to leave behind the safe harbor of childhood and navigate the stormy seas of a young adult. She knows what her real job is now, and it has nothing to do with flowers.

I have a full page of notes I took as I was reading, so I could wax rhapsodic about the story for ages, but I'll sum it up with my blurb:

With stunning emotional honesty, Girl Unmoored shaves away layers of innocence to reveal the true meaning of love, and the power we have to save one another.  Effortlessly funny and poignant, Jennifer Gooch Hummer's masterful debut offers surprises until the very end.  I am head over heels for this book, and will gladly scream its praises from the rafters — for sure a must-read!

In other words, I kinda liked it a little.

Girl Unmoored doesn't come out until March 6th, but you can pre-order it now.  You'll be thrilled you did.

I'll post more about Girl Unmoored when it hits the shelves, but for now I have a question for you.  Reading this ARC made me feel like I was privy to something really special — something truly singular that most of the world doesn't yet know is out there.

Have you ever had that experience?  Have you seen an early screening of a movie, read an ARC of a book, heard a demo of a record, visited the soft opening of a theme park ride… experienced something before it was released wide, and known it was exceptional?  If so — and if it's something you can share — I'd love to hear about it!