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Author Guest Post : Jasmin Rosemberg (and a GIVEAWAY!)

Recently I had the privilege of reading "How the Other Half Hamptons" by Jasmin Rosemberg. I asked and the author was kindly enough to agree to do a guest post for A Book Blogger's Diary! You'll find my review of this book at the post below. This article actually explains some doubts I mentioned in my review! And the giveaway info is towards the end.

THE SHARE HOUSE RULES

"Jamie Kessler had never been one to play by the rules. Especially where guys were concerned."
How the Other Half Hamptons, Chapter 1

As a math minor – as a deliberate, formulaic person in general – I've always been fascinated by the concept of rules.

Adhere to these "principles governing conduct," and without fail, 100% of the time, you will always be rewarded with the correct answer.

In high school and college, following the rules is simple: go to class, take your exams, score in the appropriate range, pass go and move on. Nothing to think about, nothing to question. Life – and success – follows from living the way other people tell you, the way others have neatly outlined.

It's only upon graduating from college, therefore, being thrown into a world where rules are not only NOT universal, but circumstantially negotiated and violated and dismissed, that most twentysomethings I know find themselves lost.

Twentysomethings, including myself.

Pay the bills (as a doctor, lawyer, banker) or chase your dream (as a writer, dancer, artist)? Have some fun, or find a husband? Follow the norm, or follow your heart?

To abide by the rules, or not to abide by the rules? And so my novel begins…

Welcome to a share house. A place marked by anarchy, by extremes (drunk/sober, pale/sunburned, single/off-limits), by hoards of vacationing twentysomethings seeking Spring Break-like revelry amidst (organized) chaos.

The playing field: a 10-bedroom illustrious vacation home in Southampton (complete with pool, jacuzzi, basketball court, volleyball court, and tennis court).

The players: 40+ Manhattanites in their twenties and early thirties, who've traded in generous portions of their entry-level incomes for shares on (alternating) summer weekends.

Most centrally, Jamie, a girl who defies rules, who rejects relationships in favor of "hooking up" and continually challenges the share house structure and house manager. Her counter image is Rachel, calculated and strategic, who has rules for everything from career to marrying-timeline to dating (she'll go for drinks on date 1, dinner on date 2, extend an apartment invite not before date 5). Prior to Memorial Weekend, these girls think they have things figured out.

Only, thrown into a Real World-esque unfamiliar camp-like setting, each girl is forced to reevaluate the importance of rules (in both the share house, and her own life). And as she discovers how the other half Hamptons, she most inadvertently discovers herself.

At first glance, you might assume How the Other Half Hamptons is an account of drinking and partying and jucuzzi utilizing and juvenile mischief. It certainly is. It is also a glimpse at the deeper, darker side; an exploration of excess and temptation, highs and lows, breakups and unions, laughter and tears. It's a tale of self-discovery forged by summertime debauchery.

As a math minor, I'll still profess rules are often necessary. But sometimes you need mayhem to find direction.

ABOUT JASMIN:

Jasmin Rosemberg is a former columnist for the New York Post, where each Sunday she documented her experiences as a Hamptons shareholder. A reporter on the pulse of the celebrity and nightlife scene, Jasmin has also written about various facets of the Hamptons for the NY Post, Life & Style Weekly, BlackBook, and Hamptons.com.

Jasmin graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2002 with a major in Economics and a minor in Mathematics. She spent three summers working at investment banks (Salomon Smith Barney, Goldman Sachs, and Merrill Lynch, respectively), two years as a financial analyst at Standard & Poor's, and a lifetime dreaming of becoming a novelist.

Jasmin was born, raised, and couldn't imagine ever leaving New York City. She is currently at work on her second novel in Manhattan.

For more information, please visit www.jasminrosemberg.com.

----------------------------------------------

Here's the GIVEAWAY part!

The Prize: Win a copy of "How the Other Half Hamptons" by Jasmin Rosemberg

Deadline: Giveaway ends midnight CST on July 31st.

Eligibility: US and Canada.

For Disclaimer and other general info: Check this post.

Who can Enter: Bloggers and Non-Bloggers (those without a blog) can both enter. Non-Bloggers can easily comment using the Anonymous feature. But please leave your name and email in the comment. Anonymous comments without name and email will be disqualified.

How to Enter: Leave a comment at this post mentioning ONE current or upcoming Hachette book you like the looks of. No repeats, please. You can use a simple CTRL+F to help weed out duplicates. Maximum of three comments (each time mentioning a separate book) per person allowed.

EXTRA ENTRIES
Get extra entries by doing any/all of the following.
(Note - these are purely optional)

1) Blog this giveaway and leave a separate comment with the link to your blog post.

2) Subscribe to receive this blog's posts via email and leave a comment to that effect mentioning email address used to subscribe. (applicable only to new subscribers)

3) Twitter this giveaway and leave a separate comment with your twitter id.

4) Get others to come over and participate and mention your name.

Good luck!
..................................................................................................................
Interview and Giveaway with Author Jean Holloway. Ends July 21.
And don't forget to enter the Scholastic Summer Kit Giveaway. Ends July 15.

Comments

  1. Monster of Florence looks like a good one!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I like the looks of The Host by Stephanie
    Meyer.
    ayancey@dishmail.net

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'd like to read Lone Survivor.

    rsgrandinetti@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. A fantastic book and giveaway. I am looking forward to reading "Sail" by James Patterson. Please enter me in this book drawing. Many thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Try Darkness by James Scott Bell

    clbstitch at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'd like to read Secret Diary of a Call Girl.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I would choose James Patterson's The Dangerous Days of Daniel X for a fun read.

    ReplyDelete
  8. So many books to choose from.
    First book that I been wanting to read that I saw is Elin Hilderbrand's "
    A Summer Affair."

    Carmen T
    carmenalexistsang@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Not entirely sure if the Teen section counts. But I would also choose Sarah Fain's "Footfree and Fancyloose." I read the first book, and can't wait to read the sequel.

    Well, please enter me in the contest. Thank you.

    Carmen T
    carmenalexistsang@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I am looking forward to reading Red River by Lalita Tademy because I loved Cane River so much.

    I've blogged about this contest here:

    http://blog.literarily.com/2008/07/13/giveaway-at-a-book-bloggers-diary.aspx

    And subscribed to your feed w/ trentonreads@gmail.com

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm looking forward to getting my copy of A Summer Affair by Elin Hilderbrand. I would like to entered into the contest, Thanks! photoquest@bellsouth.net

    ReplyDelete
  12. Twilight By Stephenie Meyer
    I love her books. Please enter me.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Haven't read Barrel Fever by David Sedaris but would love to.
    fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I'd also like to read Our Dumb World by The Onion.
    fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Girls in Trucks by Katie Crouch has intrigued me for a while.
    fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Also, I have subscribed by email.
    fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I'd like to read 'A Brother's Journey: Surviving a Childhood of Abuse' by Richard Pelzer. I've read his brother David's books and I'd be fascinated to read this perspective.
    belinda_streak(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'm also suscribed via email:
    belinda_streak(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  19. And I'd like to read this book on OCD and Tourette's Syndrome: 'Against Medical Advice, One Family's Struggle with an Agonizing Medical Mystery' by James Patterson and Hal Friedman.
    belinda_streak(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  20. And I'd like to read 'Swimming Across', a Memoir by Andrew S. Grove, because I've heard rally good things about this book and I love to be inspired by amazing people:)
    belinda_streak(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  21. The Whole Truth by David Baldacci is fabulous! I truly enjoyed every minute of it.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I have to say Daniel X by James Patterson because I am going to get it. Its already on my list of books I have to read.

    ReplyDelete
  23. The Dangerous Days of Daniel X by James Patterson is sure to be good.

    ReplyDelete
  24. The Bourne Sanction. Suppose they'll make that into a movie?

    ReplyDelete
  25. Here if you Need me by Kate Braestrup looks like a good read.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Glad Monster, Sad Monster. My son is into reading facial expressions and is always trying to point out when someone is sad or not. This would be a cute book to have.

    killlashandra at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  27. Barefoot
    By Elin Hilderbrand

    I enjoy a good chic book every now and them.

    carol {at} carolbee.info

    ReplyDelete
  28. The Shack
    by William P. Young

    Supense is always fun to read... right before going to bed. :D

    ReplyDelete
  29. Neris and India's Idiot-Proof Diet: A Weight-Loss Plan for Real Women
    by Neris Thomas, India Knight

    This is something I have been battling with for years. Sounds like a realistic approach to weight loss.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Abraham's Children:
    Race, Identity, and the DNA of the Chosen People
    * By Jon Entine

    What a mix of history, genealogy and who we are! I really want to check this one out.

    hallelshalom AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  31. A Terrible Glory
    By James Donovan

    I love history....and reading about Custer looks pretty interesting to me!

    hallelshalom AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  32. Chicano Visions
    By Cheech Marin

    And I thought he was just a comedian. I didn't know there was so much more to him....I would like to read this book to see the many facets of a familiar face in a new way

    hallelshalom AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  33. I subscribed to email....

    hallelshalom AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I joyfully blogged about the contest at:

    http://carolbee.info/?p=16

    carol {at} carolbee.info

    ReplyDelete
  35. I'd love to review this book on my blog, it sounds interesting!
    Thanks.
    Step On A Crack by James Patterson.

    ReplyDelete
  36. I would like to read Close by Martina Cole.

    ReplyDelete
  37. or even I Like You by Amy Sedaris...

    ReplyDelete
  38. and Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson, looks like another good summer read.

    ReplyDelete
  39. The Secret Diary of a Call Girl
    by Belle de Jour looks like it would be interesting to read!

    Tisha - ticole96(at)msn(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  40. LOts of good reads here - Red River looks like it tops my list though.

    I need a good read - my nightstand is empty

    Thanks, Sandra Jensen
    sajdakota@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. Blackout by Annie Solomon looks like a good book!

    ReplyDelete
  42. i would like to read try darkness :)

    ReplyDelete
  43. I love James Patterson and one of his that I did not read is Cat & Mouse. Thanks for letting meenter in this giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  44. The Cat Who Came for Christmas

    ReplyDelete
  45. I would love to read the graphic novels they have! I like to read Angel Diary there!

    faked_sugartone[at]hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. I want to get a copy of how to twist a dragon's tail!


    Your contest is live on Prizeatron too!
    http://www.prizeatron.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. I'd like to get "My Halloween Treats" for my son Gabriel for this Halloween!
    http://www.hachettebookgroupusa.com/kids_books_9780316002677.htm

    phillipsonlygirl at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  48. I'm subscribed via e-mail

    phillipsonlygirl at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  49. Close by Martina Cole sounds like it would be a great read.

    wyndyc AT gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. I want to read New Moon by Stephanie Meyer.

    ReplyDelete
  51. When You are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris is on my list.
    I also subscribed to your blog with the same address:

    hrbeck_98 AT yahooDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  52. The Shack by William Young is one book I would read. I liked his previous book The Five People You Meet in Heaven.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Living on the Black By John Feinstein, I also subscribe. :)

    Thanks,
    Dina

    dlsmilad@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  54. This book look interesting:The Lucky One
    by Nicolas Sparks.I love his style of writing.
    I am a subscriber.Thanks for the giveaway

    CharlieGurl57@aol.com

    ReplyDelete

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