Young Adult Debut Promotions: The Symptoms of My Insanity by Mindy Raf

Young Adult Debut Promotions (YADP) is a post I do to help out debut authors, and to get them noticed.  My posts will definitely include a feature of the book, a feature of the author, and a giveaway, with an interview, guest post, or excerpt optional.  If you would like more information about YADP click here and scroll down until you come to the section talking about it.

Today I am featuring...

Mindy Raf
And she will be doing an interview and giveaway!

The Symptoms of My Insanity

by Mindy Raf

Pages: 384

Release Date: April 18, 2013

by Dial (an imprint of Penguin)

Goodreads / Purchase

A laugh-out-loud, bittersweet debut full of wit, wisdom, heart, and a hilarious, unforgettable heroine. When you’re a hypochondriac, there are a million different things that could be wrong with you, but for Izzy, focusing on what could be wrong might be keeping her from dealing with what’s really wrong. But Izzy’s sense of humor can only get her so far when suddenly her best friend appears to have undergone a personality transplant, her mother’s health takes a turn for the worse, and her beautiful maybe-boyfriend is going all hot and cold. Izzy thinks she’s preparing for the worst-case scenario, but when the worst-case scenario actually hits, it’s a different story altogether—and there’s no tidy list of symptoms to help her through the insanity.

*A copy was provided by Penguin for review purposes*

A lough-out-loud, bittersweet debut full of wit, wisdom, heart, and a hilarious, unforgettable heroine.

Yep, that about describes this book.  End of review.

Just kiddinggggggg. ;P

This was such a fun, entertaining read!  The writing was really good, the idea was awesome, and the story line was interesting and engaging.  It was a very heartwarming story, but also had streaks of sad events and heartbreak.  I really loved the ending as well, and how it was a happy, satisfying one.

I have to say, I really enjoyed watching Izzy grow and develop over the course of this story.  She was such a lovable, believable, realistic character, and so in-tune with teenagers these days, that I think she is really inspirational and interesting.

I’m really sorry for the short review it’s just that I just finished reading the Hunger Games Trilogy and I’m still recovering and can’t quiet put into words what I’m thinking right now haha.

But, all in all, this was a very enjoyable, fun debut novel, and I can’t wait to see what Raf has in store for us in her next book!

4 pink flowers

Quotes:

I panic and perform spontaneous karate on their genitals.

“Izzy Skymen,” she says, her eyes still on my canvas, tilting her head to the side, “you’ve got some huge girl-balls!”

Author Interview:

1. Why did you decide to become a writer?

I think writing chose me. I grew up performing comedy and musical theater, but I was always writing my own sketches, stories, songs.

2. Who were your biggest influences?

Oh so many. I loved, and still love: Bette Midler, Barbara Streisand, Gilda Radnor, Amy Poehler, Nora Ephron, Judy Blume, Steve Martin, Carol Brunette.

3. Where do you like to write?

Super loud coffee shops, diners, &bars for drafting. Super quiet libraries, office buildings late at night, my apt for revising.

4. Do you have a special routine you like to do before you write?

Drink coffee, disable wifi, listen to some music to get me in the right mood.

5. When and how did you get the idea for The Symptoms of My Insanity?

I’m not an outliner. I free write mostly to start. The first scene I wrote for Izzy (long before the idea of a book) was about a girl talking to a boy in a cafeteria about his cookie being raw and how he might get salmonella. I think that scene definitely jumpstarted Izzy and her world.

6. Is there another book in the works? If so, what can we expect?

Yes, I’m working on a couple different things right now. Hope to be able to share details on them soon.

THIS OR THAT

1. Dark chocolate or milk chocolate?

Dark.

2. Cats or dogs?

Cats.

3. Hardcover, paperback or ebook?

Hardcover.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE?

1. Movie?

Too many, too many. Um, I’m in a romantic comedy mood right now so: When Harry Met Sally.

2. Ice cream flavor?

Strawberry

3. Animal?

Cats

4. Actor and actress?

Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters in “The Jerk.” Together, just the best!

6. Fictional character?

Miss Viola Swamp/Miss Nelson

Giveaway:

THE RULES:

~There will be 1 winner

~Giveaway ends on June 16, 2013 @ 12:00 A.M.

~This giveaway is US/CAN


THE PRIZE:
A finished copy to one lucky winner!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Get to know Mindy Raf:

Bio:

Mindy Raf is a writer, comedy performer, and musician based in Brooklyn, NY. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan, and grew up in a Detroit suburb right around here (visualize someone pointing to the inner part of their thumb). She has written for VH1 and CollegeHumor.com. The Symptoms of My Insanity is her first novel. 

Connect:

Goodreads | Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

THANK YOU SO SO SO SO SO MUCH MINDY FOR STOPPING BY!