Author Spotlight and Giveaway: Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles

August 30, 2010 by Paul Greci

Jo Knowles

I was fortunate enough to secure a copy of Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles the day before I left for a two-week trip. I finished it in just a few days. Yes people, it kept me up past my bedtime.

From the Jacket flap:

Ellie has hooked up with more than a few boys. Each time she is certain there will be more to the encounter than just sex. While she is with them, she feels loved. For a while anyway. So when Josh, an eager virgin with a troubled home life, leads her from a party to the backseat of his van, Ellie follows. But their “one-time thing” is far from perfect: Ellie gets pregnant. Josh reacts with shame and heartbreak, while their confidantes, Caleb and Corinne, deal with their own complex swirl of emotions. No matter what Ellie chooses, all four teenagers will be forced to grow up a little faster as a result. Told alternately from each character’s point of view, this deeply insightful novel explores the aftershocks of the biggest decision of one fragile girl’s life — and the realities of leaving innocence behind.

Jumping Off Swings (Candlewick, 2009) is Jo’s second YA novel, and it has racked up a slew of awards:

YALSA Top Ten Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers
YALSA Best Book for Young Adults
Gold Star Award for Excellence from TeensReadToo.com
Starred Review in Publishers Weekly Online

I thought the book was both poetic and page-turning, and emotionally honest.

And, from a craft perspective, is a work of art. Jumping Off Swings, told in first person, masterfully alternates POV between the four main characters.

If you’re a fan of contemporary character-driven novels with complex plots, then this book is for you.

Another thing I think is really cool about Jumping Off Swings is that Jo Knowles was awarded an SCBWI Work In Progress Grant for it back in 2002. I don’t know the whole story behind the story but I think this is a great example of sticking with something. From the acknowledgments at the end of the book: To my agent, Barry Goldblatt, for not giving up on the novel formerly known as Slut.

Look for Jo Knowles’s newest book: SEE YOU AT HARRY’S!, about a twelve-year-old girl who feels invisible among the chaos of her family’s restaurant business, thanks to her parents’ benign neglect and the more demanding needs of her sister and two brothers in Spring 2012 from Candlewick.

Leave a comment, and your email address, before midnight Friday, Sept. 3^rd (Eastern Time) for a chance to win a copy of Jumping Off Swings.

Posted in Author Spotlight | Tagged Contemporary YA Fiction, Jo Knowles, Jumping Off Swings, YA Fiction | 36 Comments

36 Responses

on August 30, 2010 at 2:46 am | Reply Judy Dudley

I’d love to win this book! Please enter me.

seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com
on August 30, 2010 at 2:55 am | Reply Amy

I was never one for jumping off swings…but I always admired people who did/do. Sounds like a great book.

Amy S.
artsyrockerchick at aim dot com
on August 30, 2010 at 3:03 am | Reply Laura Pauling

Have to enter this. Will read this book one way or the other!

laurapauling@yahoo.com

Thanks!
on August 30, 2010 at 3:51 am | Reply Stephanie Thornton

This book sounds painful and honest- I’d love to read it!

thorntonstephanie at hotmail dot com

BTW- I just saw the house on stilts post. That’s awesome, but probably not a good idea in an earthquake, eh?
on August 30, 2010 at 4:33 am | Reply Robert Guthrie

Sounds compelling. I’m particularly interested in how all four characters react to the events. A treat to hear from more than the main character.
on August 30, 2010 at 10:28 am | Reply Robyn Campbell

Great review. I can tell you loved this book, Paul. Isn’t it great when we find a book that touches us like this?

I’d never heard of the book until you told me about it. If I don’t win, I will buy the book. Sounds like a real page-turner.

Uh, you have my email addy.
on August 30, 2010 at 11:52 am | Reply Bailey

I’d love to win a copy of this book. Please enter me.
baileythebookworm[at]gmail.com
on August 30, 2010 at 12:09 pm | Reply S A Putnam

Please enter me as I’d love to win Jumping Off Swings. It would be the perfecr birthday (Sept 2) present
on August 30, 2010 at 12:09 pm | Reply Alissa

I agree. Jumping Off Swings is a great book, but please pick someone else for the giveaway since I’ve already read it.
on August 30, 2010 at 12:47 pm | Reply Christine Fonseca

OOhhh, this looks GOOD!
on August 30, 2010 at 1:42 pm | Reply Dana

You’ve definitely sparked my curiosity, Paul. Please enter me to win this book. Sounds great!
Dana
(gemma@club-internet.fr)
on August 30, 2010 at 2:16 pm | Reply Indigo

Thanks for the heads up on what sounds like a great read. (Hugs)Indigo

ravensquietscreams@gmail.com
on August 30, 2010 at 2:20 pm | Reply jpetroroy

I’d love to enter this! I love Jo Knowles!

jpetroroy at gmail dot com
on August 30, 2010 at 3:05 pm | Reply sheila drury

It is a wonderful read. It will pique your interest all along.
on August 30, 2010 at 3:27 pm | Reply Erin

Lessons from a Dead Girl was a wonderful book and I’d love to read Jo’s next title.
on August 30, 2010 at 3:35 pm | Reply Misha Mathew

I would love to win the book if it is International. Thank you!

Misha
mishamary@gmail.com
on August 30, 2010 at 3:59 pm | Reply territiffany

If you’re a fan of contemporary character-driven novels with complex plots, THAT’S ME!!!

Thanks for sharing about this book:)
on August 30, 2010 at 4:09 pm | Reply Jill Kemerer

I like the reasons you gave for loving this book. Thanks!
on August 30, 2010 at 6:36 pm | Reply Maribeth

I’d love to read this book.
I have a scene in my book where the two characters jump off the swings (it’s a romantic moment) so I was instantly drawn to the title.
Maribeth.
MaribethPGraham@comcast.net
on August 30, 2010 at 7:15 pm | Reply Allan Stratton

Jo Knowles is a kind and generous human being whose genuine warmth and love of people suffuses every line she writes.
on August 30, 2010 at 8:01 pm | Reply bestbook

I’ve been wanting to read this book. Nice to know there is another one coming out by the author!
on August 30, 2010 at 11:22 pm | Reply Medeia Sharif

I loved her other novel Lessons from a Dead Girl, and I definitely want to read this too.

sharif(at)sharifwrites(dot)com
on August 31, 2010 at 10:15 am | Reply WritersBlockNZ

Sounds great! love the idea of the alternate POVs.
writersblocknz [at] gmail [dot] com
on August 31, 2010 at 11:18 am | Reply Susan

I never read one of her books Paul,but your review-Lets just say..It has peaked my curiousity..I find myself reading more YA novels.these days…Such Talent out there!!Thanks Susan VT
on August 31, 2010 at 1:24 pm | Reply Kerry Cerra

We are hoping to feature this book on our website at some time in the near future. It sounds amazing. It’s on my list of books to buy.
~Kerry
on August 31, 2010 at 2:30 pm | Reply Tina Lee

Sounds fantastic. And I love the perspective on sticking with it. I will read it anyway I can but leaving my email for a chance to win it… tina.laurel@gmail.com
on August 31, 2010 at 6:26 pm | Reply ali

Wow. This one would hit awfully close to home for me. I’d have to read it with a hefty supply of chocolate at hand, I think. Still. If it’s as well done as you say it is, Paul, I’d like to read it. I always admire and respect an author who can write the hard things of life.
on August 31, 2010 at 9:19 pm | Reply Elana Johnson

Wow, this sounds amazing!! I can’t wait to read it. I’m adding it to my list right now.
on September 1, 2010 at 6:13 am | Reply ikkinlala

I’d love a chance to win this is Canadians may enter.
on September 2, 2010 at 5:59 pm | Reply Shari

JUMPING OFF SWINGS is on my TBR list–I love character-driven contemp YA! And I’m eager to read & study how she pulled off the multiple POV.

Thanks for the giveaway!

sharigreen.ya (AT) gmail.com
on September 3, 2010 at 1:49 am | Reply Dawn Simon

JUMPING OFF SWINGS sounds great, and I’d love to read it! Don’t enter me in your contest, though. I’ve already won a book at your blog so I can find my own copy.

Sooo inspirational about the grant. Good for Ms. Knowles! Persistence, persistence, persistence!
on September 3, 2010 at 2:22 am | Reply Friday Photo: Oystercatcher Egg « Northwriter

[...] still time to enter my contest to win a copy of Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles. It’s open until mid-night Friday. Just [...]
on September 3, 2010 at 3:12 am | Reply Valerie Geary

Sounds good! I’ll throw my name in the hat! Sure, why not? valgeary@gmail.com
on September 4, 2010 at 1:21 am | Reply Max DeVane

a little outside what I might otherwise choose, but
I’m willing to jump
on September 4, 2010 at 3:30 am | Reply Carol J. Garvin

Thanks for the recommendation. The characters sound interesting before we even get to know them. I’d love to read it.

caroljgarvin (at) gmail (dot) com
- on September 4, 2010 at 4:28 pm | Reply Carol J. Garvin
  
  Hmmm… just realized my Friday night comment Pacific time was past your Eastern time deadline. Oh, well. I still think it sounds like a good read. I might just have to pick up my own copy. Have a good weekend, Paul.