Synopsis:
It’s time to meet your new roomie.
When East Coast native Elizabeth receives her freshman-year roommate assignment, she shoots off an e-mail to coordinate the basics: television, microwave, mini-fridge. That first note to San Franciscan Lauren sparks a series of e-mails that alters the landscape of each girl’s summer — and raises questions about how two girls who are so different will ever share a dorm room.
As the countdown to college begins, life at home becomes increasingly complex. With family relationships and childhood friendships strained by change, it suddenly seems that the only people Elizabeth and Lauren can rely on are the complicated new boys in their lives . . . and each other. Even though they’ve never met.
National Book Award finalist Sara Zarr and acclaimed author Tara Altebrando join forces for a novel about growing up, leaving home, and getting that one fateful e-mail that assigns your college roommate.
Who can’t relate to that? I have had 7 roommates! 9 different ladies I was rooming with at one time or another, and then I shared an apartment with another couple! I’ve had the random roommate assignment email so many times, I started to just assume the worst! I have countless stories, from drunken parties, to bathroom hogging, and crying sessions. I’ve basically dealt with all the facets of roommate dwelling. I once had a roommate on the top bunk, who was ill, and vomited all over her bed, and part of mine. I’ve had drunk people stumble into my room, while my roommate and I were just hanging around talking, and insist we were in their room. I have had major roommate, door slamming, RA calling fights. I met wonderful people through my random roommate experience, and I wouldn’t change it, but college is a time of major emotions, so you’ve going to have to deal with the new boyfriend, who you may hate but they love, and then you’ll need to be there to pick up the pieces when he turns out to be as shitty as you thought. But the late night, movie watching, pizza binges are what roommate life is about, and I’ve had a few!
Want to meet the authors? Sara and Tara’s confirmed tour dates:
- January 12, 2014 – New York, NY: McNally Jackson [venue link]
- January 15, 2014 – Salt Lake City, UT: The King’s English [venue link]
- January 16, 2014 – Provo, UT: Provo Library [venue link]
- February 4, 2014 – San Francisco, CA: Books Inc, Opera Plaza [venue link]
- February 5, 2015 – Petaluma, CA: Copperfield’s Books [venue link]
Lastly, a contest! One lucky (US) reader of mine, will win a copy of this wonderful book! All you need to do is, comment on this post, telling me about your roommate experiences! 🙂 Let’s hear some stories! One winner will get their own copy! 🙂
I’ll be picking a winner on January 13th, so get your comments in now! 🙂
Looking for something? 
My roomie experience…dismal. Which is why I made sure I had a single for the rest of college! I don’t even share well with my husband. LOL
I’ve always had GUY roommates and they were always messy. I like it when I could afford to have NO roommate. Now I have the best roommates ever ❤ my family.
Hmmmmm I never had a roommate. I lived in a house at College so had my own room. I still want to enter the competition though lol. Does this count? V””V
You won! Send me your mailing address! 🙂
Roommates…my first roommate was mess. There were times I didn’t see her for days on end because she was out drinking and partying. Never came home earlier than 4:00, complete drunk, and VERY loud. And when she was home, she threw her clothes and trash EVERYWHERE. There were piles of food and trash lying around, and she wouldn’t let me clean anything because she would “feel bad”. After that, I moved to an apartment where my 2nd roommate ignored me except for when she wanted or needed something. Needless to say, I have really bad luck with roommates.
Hi
The only roommates I’ve ever had has been a brother or sister as I have 3 of each. Usually one of my sisters. And, when we were young it could be fights but later friendship.
Ugh roomates!!! It never goes well!! I’ve had some of the worst!!! I like a clean house and I’ve always had messy roommates, my boyfriend now of ten years drives me the craziest of them all he leaves his dirty clothes on the bathroom floor when there is a hamper 2 feet away!!! Also, he leaves his hair in the sink after he shaves, he never gets it clean!! I had a roommate once that stole my clothes all the time even my underwear!! Who does that??? She would also come home constantly drunk and throw up everywhere that only lasted a few months and I moved out. She also would constantly bring home different guys so I always had random strangers in my house, I finally learned that its not a good idea to have a roommate!!!
Congratulations! Random.Org chose VampireLovingDork! Send me an email at ciannareider@gmail.com, and I’ll get your prize!