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The story revolves around Amy, a girl who doesn’t know exactly who she is yet. She’s friends with two of the most popular and beautiful girls, but not because they are nice to her—she doesn’t know where else she’d fit in. Well, at least sort of fit in.

When all of them get stood up by their dates at prom, they somehow end up in jail. And then it’s summertime. Amy’s working and meets a new friend…and two totally opposite boys. She now has to learn to be herself so that she can finally live her own life. But we all know, the life of a teen is super tough!

We got a chance to catch up with Pretty Amy author Lisa Burstein, and had her spill on this brand new read. Yikes! High school’s tough. 

GL: How did you come up with the storyline for Pretty Amy?

Lisa Burstein: High school was not easy for me. Freshman year I tried my hardest to fit in with the popular kids—girls who seemed like they had no problems, looked perfect, acted perfect, smelled perfect. I kept feeling like I was just a body, taking up space around people who actually belonged there. I cried in my room at night about why I wasn't wanted. These experiences are what helped me write Pretty Amy. I wanted to write a contemporary young adult book that was about what real teens go through.

Why will girls enjoy this book?

It’s funny, well not the subject matter, but Amy is super funny and snarky. It speaks to what girls think about when they are alone in their rooms at night after a hard day at school. When the cute guy in your math class makes fun of you, or when all you want is to be invited to a party. Amy expresses what I thought and felt when I went through those things.

Was your prom anything like Amy’s?

I didn't go to my prom. I do wish someone had asked me! My friends weren’t the type of to just go stag. I don't regret not going, but I think I would have had a great time.

If Pretty Amy were to be turned into a movie, which actors/actresses would you want to play the main characters?

Saoirse Ronan for Amy, Josh Hutcherson for Joe and Dylan Patton for Aaron.

How did you know you wanted to be an author?

Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve loved writing. I guess the way some people know they want to be a lawyer, or a doctor or an actress, I knew I had to be a writer. I wouldn’t quit until I was.

What advice do you have for girls out there who aspire to be an author one day?

Keep writing, keep submitting, and keep trying. Don’t give up. Just like high school, writing is filled with rejection that you can’t let get you down.

Be sure to pick up a copy of Lisa Burstein’s Pretty Amy. Then come back and let us know your thoughts!

Grab the book here!

WIN BIG! One book worm scores this bookmark, bracelet and Pretty Amy paperback—signed by Lisa! CLICK HERE for your chance to win. Contest ends June 30.

by Rachael Ellenbogen | 2/1/2016