Blog Tour Stop : The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau
Title : The Testing
Author : Joelle Charbonneau
Publication Date : June 4th 2013
Publisher : Houghton Mifflin Books
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Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Isn’t that what they say? But how close is too close when they may be one in the same?
The Seven Stages War left much of the planet a charred wasteland. The future belongs to the next generation’s chosen few who must rebuild it. But to enter this elite group, candidates must first pass The Testing—their one chance at a college education and a rewarding career.
Cia Vale is honored to be chosen as a Testing candidate; eager to prove her worthiness as a University student and future leader of the United Commonwealth. But on the eve of her departure, her father’s advice hints at a darker side to her upcoming studies--trust no one.
But surely she can trust Tomas, her handsome childhood friend who offers an alliance? Tomas, who seems to care more about her with the passing of every grueling (and deadly) day of the Testing. To survive, Cia must choose: love without truth or life without trust.
Author Interview
Hi Joelle! Welcome to Nick's Book Blog!
Thanks so much for having me on the blog today!
What would you say your inspirations were for this book?
Being a teacher who works with students applying and auditioning for schools every year provided the jumping off point for The Testing. Watching how hard the process has become and the pressure college applicants are under sparked the question “How much worse could this process become?”
The other real inspiration came from my past encounters with the college testing process. I think it is safe to say that I really hated my SAT experience. Perhaps because the first time I sat for the SAT I was in 7grade. Those of us who scored well on our other tests and did well in school were given the honor of taking the SAT. Um…nope…it wasn’t an honor. At least, not to me. Now, I don’t hate tests as a rule, but I really disliked the idea that I could be penalized for guessing on a question. Not getting points for incorrect answers—yep, that I understood. But taking points off for being wrong. Wow, that freaked me out. So much so, in fact, that years later I only chose to apply to colleges that required me to take the ACT. No deductions for wrong answers there! The Testing takes my old paranoia about being penalized for guessing and takes it to a new level. Perhaps now, I will finally get over my dislike for the SATs…I doubt it, but anything is possible.
I read on your biography that you have performed in opera and musical theatres. How did you get into that?
Ha! You know, there was never a time in my life that I didn’t love performing in shows. So it seemed only natural that I would major in music and theater and then attempt to make a career of it. The real surprise was the opera part. I was a music theater girl at heart (and still am if I am completely honest) and was shocked when the music department asked me to audition for the operas. Turns out, I loved singing that music just as much as I loved belting out show tunes. And the costumes are pretty nifty, too!
Currently, what's your favorite book?
This is the hardest question! It depends on the day. Right now my shelf of books that I keep and reread is pretty extensive. But if I had to give you one book that taught me how much I loved to read it would be The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. I was going into fourth grade and I have not stopped reading since.
Do you have playlist for The Testing?
Oh no! This is going to sound lame, but I don’t. Because of my music background, I find that I can’t listen to music while I write. If the TV is on, I never notice the sound. If music is playing, I stop everything to listen. I’m a freak.
Do you think you could share it with us?
If I had one, I would totally share. However, I will say that I have always thought a great theme song for The Testing is Every Breath You Take by The Police. If you don’t listen to the lyrics very hard, the song feels almost like a love song. But if you pay attention to the words you realize a whole lot more is going on beneath the surface. And, wow, is it ever creepy!
So, what are your future plans for The Testing series?
The second book in the series, Independent Study, will be published on .January 7, 2014. Book three (which I am currently revising) will hit shelves . June, 2014. After that…well, that’s anyone’s guess.
Thanks for taking your time for answering the questions!
Thanks so much for having me as a guest. I hope you like spending time with Cia!
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