Sunday, December 14, 2008

"Dating da Vinci"

Malena Lott is the author of The Stork Reality and the recently released Dating da Vinci.

She applied the Page 69 Test to Dating da Vinci and reported the following:
In my novel, the protagonist Ramona Elise, a young widow and mother of two, is searching for joy again two years after her husband’s sudden death. Page 69 happens to be the start of Chapter 6 and begins a great turning point for Ramona. It's definitely reflective of the tone of the novel and another step forward in her journey.

A few things Grievers don’t do. We don’t tell you to look at the ‘bright side’; we steer clear of couples’ hang-outs; and we absolutely, unequivocally avoid weddings like vampires shun sunlight. The blushing bride and tearful groom and gaggle of well-wishers and sweet sanctimony don’t sit well with my kind. We tend to ignore nuptial events that come our way. (We have nothing against you lovebirds; it’s just best not to throw acid into a seeping wound.)

We normally send a nice Target gift card instead.

She’s attending the Hindu wedding of her boss’ daughter, has taken Leonardo da Vinci, the handsome 25-year-old Italian immigrant who lives in her late husband’s studio garage apartment, with her. She finds that not only is da Vinci showing signs of attraction, but that her sister’s boyfriend, Cortland Andrew, is also overly friendly with her.

She’s paying close to attention to body language because she’s finally finishing her dissertation on the “Language of Love.” Ramona teaches English to immigrants so the book is full of cultural references and a multi-cultural cast, including the Russian bride next door, Zoya; her best friend Anh, a Vietnamese super-successful gal in all things except love, and of course her students, including da Vinci, who possesses a lot of common traits with the genius da Vinci. And, it doesn’t hurt that he’s a hottie.

Dealing with Ramona’s grief and Renaissance to a wholly new life was a great journey for me, too. I think you’ll find a blend of humor and poignant moments throughout the novel.
Read an excerpt from Dating da Vinci, and learn more about the author and her work at Malena Lott's website and blog.

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

--Marshal Zeringue