Spotlight on ZERO by Tom Leveen

I'll be honest. I chose to spotlight this book simply because Tom was a co-member of the Class of 2k10 with me, and I like to spotlight author friends whenever possible.

At first.

But then I got a hold of an early copy of this book on Net Galley. I LOVED it! I'm not kidding. Zero warmed my heart and made me think in new ways, both personally and artistically. Amanda/Zero is such a refreshingly truthful person (and please note, I feel the need to call her a person and not a character). Plus, even though there's rock music and band antics involved, how often do you get to see someone fall for the drummer? But that's the kind of book this is--not the female artist who goes on to fame and fortune, or the guitar hero who is swamped with adoring fans. They're both just finding their own little niche in the world, and it's wonderful to watch. Here's what it's about (from GoodReads):

 For aspiring artist Amanda Walsh, who only half-jokingly goes by the nickname Zero, the summer before college was supposed to be fun—plain and simple. Hanging out with her best friend Jenn, going to clubs, painting, and counting down the days until her escape. But when must-have scholarship money doesn't materialize, and she has a falling out with Jenn that can only be described as majorly awkward, and Zero's parents relationship goes from tense to relentless fighting, her prospects start looking as bleak and surreal as a painting by her idol Salvador Dali. Will life truly imitate art? Will her new, unexpected relationship with a punk skater boy who seems too good to be real and support from the unlikeliest of sources show Zero that she's so much more than a name.

 Huge congratulations to Tom Leveen on a wonderful second novel!

I'll definitely be buying a copy to keep on my shelf.  And here's where you can get yours: Ask your local bookstore if they have it or can bring it in for you. Or your local library. Or you can order it through Amazon or Barnes & Noble.