Tuesday, July 10, 2007

"Revenge of the Homecoming Queen"

Stephanie Hale is the author of Revenge of the Homecoming Queen, to which she applied the "page 69 test" and reported the following:
I was surprised when I flipped open to read page 69 just how many themes in the book were captured. On most of page 69, my main character, Aspen Brooks, is stressing about not having a date to the homecoming dance. She is obsessing about the geeky guy, Rand Bachrach, who was mysteriously named homecoming king. Would it make the reader read on? See what you think.

I suppose Rand would trip over his own feet to be my escort. Part of me feels like showing up with Rand just to shock people. But he knew about Lucas and Angel and didn't tell me. So no way is he getting off that easy. Besides, I'd look like a joke if I showed up at the dance with geeky Rand by my side. I've got a reputation to uphold. Even though he's kind of cute, and funny, and an amazing kisser.

Wouldn't you want to know why mega-popular Aspen Brooks had been kissing mega-geek Rand Bachrach? And what were Lucas (Aspen's boyfriend) and Angel doing that Rand saw?

The really weird thing about all of this is that I'm more upset that Rand didn't tell me than that Angel blew my boyfriend. I thought Rand was so sweet. I mean, we kissed. Doesn't that make him obligated to disclose any humiliating information he knows about me? Why am I obsessing about King Geek Rand anyway?

Okay, so I guess we know what Rand saw Lucas and Angel doing now! This page is showing the growing connection between Aspen and Rand. Theirs is the most significant relationship in the book. So I would have to say that page 69 is absolutely representative of my book. That was so fun!
Read more about Revenge of the Homecoming Queen at Stephanie Hale's website, and check out the Books, Boys, Buzz blog.

Visit the complete list of books in the Page 69 Test Series.

--Marshal Zeringue