Poemsia

by Lang Leav Narrated by Saskia Maarleveld

Overview

Award-winning Author Lang Leav presents Poemsia, an inspiring YA novel that will make you laugh, cry, and want to share with all your friends!

VERITY WOLF dreams of being a poet--not that she'd ever admit it to anyone. Her best friend, Jess, thinks she's definitely got what it takes, while her cat, Zorro, is characteristically indifferent. As for the cute boy she's just met, he's about to discover her best kept secret.

When Verity stumbles on an old, mysterious book, Poemsia, she finds herself suddenly thrust into the dizzying world of social media stardom, where poets are the new rock stars and fame is sometimes just a click away.

International bestselling author Lang Leav takes you into the shadowy world of contemporary poetry in this revealing and emotionally charged story about friendship, first love, betrayal, and the courage to follow your dreams.

Editorial Reviews

JANUARY 2020 - AudioFile

New Zealander Saskia Maarleveld is the perfect narrator for the Down Under story of Verity Wolf. While Maarleveld’s accents provide a strong sense of place, she’s also skilled at evoking the warm relationships that are the story’s strength. Verity has a poetic gift and a best friend who sees her talent. Maarleveld depicts the closeness they’ve had since meeting at age 7. Maarleveld also depicts the positive relationship Verity has with her adored grandfather and her boyfriend. When Verity’s fame takes her on a publicity tour to New York City, Maarleveld contrasts the story’s earlier warmth with harsh American accents and attitudes as Verity suffers the jealousy of others and the coldness of the publishing world. Happily, Maarleveld returns listeners to a tender, happily-ever-after conclusion. S.W. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine

Publishers Weekly

11/04/2019

Leav (Sad Girls) writes the kind of hugely popular poetry (she has more than 500,000 followers on Instagram) that is simultaneously credited with drawing young people’s interest to the genre and also accused of dumbing it down. The heroine of her YA debut, 19-year-old Verity, also writes poetry, but she’s too shy to show it to anyone. When her best friend challenges her to go public, rapid success—followers, celebrity fans, and a publisher—astonishes her. For Verity, a trip to New York City, so far away from Sydney, Australia and the beloved grandfather who raised her, not to mention her new boyfriend—is equal parts exciting and intimidating, even with best friend Jess tagging along. The book rehashes the fight over work that some derisively call Instagram poetry, but it offers no examples of Verity’s writing, leaning instead on overly simplified good-bad dichotomies. Verity is kind, wise, and lovable, while would-be-mentor Mena turns out to be shallow and money-hungry. Closer to home, Verity’s boyfriend’s ex will do whatever it takes to discredit Verity. Alas, a book about the power of words ends up relying on clichés. Ages 14–up. Agent: Al Zuckerman, Writers House. (Oct.)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940172776885
Publisher:	Penguin Random House
Publication date:	12/03/2019
Edition description:	Unabridged

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