Launching Teri Hall's Debut Novel

Robin and I thrilled for the opportunity to launch another debut novel. Congratulations to our reader Teri Hall!

THE LINE

by Teri Hall

Young Adult

Hardcover: 224 pages

Publisher: Dial

Release Date: March 4, 2010

Rachel lives with her mother on The Property. The good thing about living there is that it’s far from the city where the oppressive government is most active. The bad thing, at least to most people, is that it’s close to the Line—an uncrossable section of the National Border Defense System, an invisible barrier that encloses the entire country.

She can see the Line from the greenhouse windows, but she is forbidden to go near it. Across the Line is Away, and though Rachel has heard many whispers about the dangers there, she’s never really believed the stories. Until the day she hears a recording that could only have come from across the Line.

It’s a voice asking for help.Who sent the message? What is her mother hiding? And to what lengths will Rachel go in order to do what she thinks is right?

"A tense narrative that will leave readers intrigued.... a good choice for introducing young readers to the science-fiction genre." --Booklist

"Encourages young readers to think about the tension between freedom and security...a suspenseful story. Well done indeed." –Kirkus

"The Line took me 'away' in one page- turning gulp. Seamless, smooth, and compelling-- I can't wait for the next installment. This is a new author to keep an eye on." -Mary E. Pearson, author of The Adoration of Jenna Fox

Teri Hall lives in Washington State. She has two cats; Nadine and Henry. She has a tiny dog named Simon. She likes to write books. You can visit her website at by clicking here.

photo by Steve Garfield

I talked Teri into sharing her Big Launch Day plans with us and here they are!

An Introvert’s List of The Things I Won’t Be Doing on The Line’s Launch Day

1: Making sure the flowers and refreshments are perfectly displayed at my gala reading/signing location

2: Coordinating with the crowd control service for my gala reading/signing

3: Calling in an anonymous tip to the paparazzi about my gala reading/signing

4: Actually having a gala reading/signing

An Introvert’s List of The Things I Will Be Doing on The Line’s Launch Day:

1: Working at my day job

2: Getting groceries after work

3: Laundry

4: Smiling. A lot.

Teri would love to donate a copy of The Line to one of our readers’s local libraries. It could be yours! If you’d like to be in the raffle, leave a comment. We also will be including all our Shrinking Violet Followers in today’s raffle. Good luck, everyone.

To buy a copy of Teri's new novel for yourself, a teen, a school or public library, follow the link to Indie Bound.

LATE BREAKING NEWS: The Line has been optioned for television!

Sony Pictures Television has optioned The Line for Jamie Tarses (Fanfare Productions) to produce an original series by writer/director Mary Harron. Mary Harron and director John C. Walsh are working on a script now.

Fabulous news, Teri! Many congratulations.

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Do you have a new book coming out in 2010? If you'd like your book to be considered for launching here at Shrinking Violets, please email me by clicking here. This is an opportunity for our introverted readers to enjoy the softlight here in a supportive community.

We haven't had a Milestone Monday in much too long. What is happening with you? Any good news to share--promising starts, breakthroughs, connections, completions, acceptances, contracts, movie options? Do tell!

Robin and I had the opportunity last week to travel together briefly, and we talked a lot about YOU. We've got some terrific posts coming up in the next few weeks. As always, we'd love to hear your ideas about posts you'd like us to do. Don't hesitate to share! If fact, if we choose your idea, you will be properly gifted. :-) So, fire away? Any topics you'd like us to cover? People you'd like us to interview?

* * *Don't forget on Thursday, March 4, to call your local bookstore and ask if they have Teri Hall's new book. Let's kickstart the Launch Day buzz! * * *

Wishing you each an absolutely lovely surprise this week--

Mary Hershey