Hi everyone! I’m so happy to feature The Last Boy and Girl in the World and the lovely author, Siobhan Vivian! I hope you enjoy the interview!
About the Book
The Last Boy and Girl in the World by Siobhan Vivian
Released April 26 2016
Find it on Goodreads here
What if your town was sliding underwater and everyone was ordered to pack up and leave? How would you and your friends spend your last days together?
While the adults plan for the future, box up their possessions, and find new places to live, Keeley Hewitt and her friends decide to go out with a bang. There are parties in abandoned houses. Canoe races down Main Street. The goal is to make the most of every minute they still have together.
And for Keeley, that means taking one last shot at the boy she’s loved forever.
There’s a weird sort of bravery that comes from knowing there’s nothing left to lose. You might do things you normally wouldn’t. Or say things you shouldn’t. The reward almost always outweighs the risk.
Almost.
It’s the end of Aberdeen, but the beginning of Keeley’s first love story. It just might not turn out the way she thought. Because it’s not always clear what’s worth fighting for and what you should let become a memory.
The Review!
When I first heard about The Last Boy and Girl in the World, I knew I would love it! And I was not disappointed.
Keeley’s town is going under, every rain storm could be the tipping point to flooding the entire town. But some people aren’t willing to accept the mandatory evacuations, including Keeley’s dad. Torn between her family and her town, Keeley navigates first love, family and friendship in this wonderful novel.
I loved this novel. It was totally unexpected and while it had an adorable romance element, it totally touched on serious topics and what it means to lose your house and how that relates to identity. But it also had fun moments that I really appreciated.
I really related to Keeley and her need to make jokes, to make the best out of any situation. While her sense of humour was often questioned for its sensitivity, I could tell it was coming from a place of love and just wanting to fit in. I think teens will be really able to relate to her and her feelings.
I also loved the romance, and Jesse was an amazing love interest. While the romance changed throughout the novel, I loved every minute of it.
Overall, The Last Boy and Girl in the World is an amazing novel that I really enjoyed. I highly recommend it to people looking for a novel that explores home in relation to identity, some politics and a realistic but engaging romance.
The Interview!
Q: Describe your book using any 5 words!
A: I can do it in three! “Senioritis on steroids!”
Q: How is The Last Boy and Girl in the World different from your other novels?
A: The setting plays a huge role, much more so than my other books. And all the storms and the flooding exacerbate the other personal issues going on between my characters.
Q: I have to ask, where did the inspiration for this unique idea come from?
A: I read about a similar thing happening in Pennsylvania, near where I live. A town was suddenly deemed “unsafe” and the government paid for everyone to be relocated.
Q: If your town was sliding underwater, what are three things you’d grab frantically from your home?
A: I’d grab my photo albums, my journals, and a painting that I spent a ridiculous amount of money on.
Q: Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
A: Make friends with people who are interested in writing the same kinds of stories that you are. That way, you can cheer each other on and help each other brainstorm!
Q: Over the process of writing several books, is there any writing advice you’ve learned that you’d want to share with your past self?
A: It never gets easier, so stop hoping that it will and just get to work!
About the Author
Siobhan attended The University of the Arts, where she graduated with a degree in Writing for Film and Television. She received her MFA in Creative Writing: Children’s Literature from The New School University.
Siobhan has worked as an editor of several New York Times best-selling novels at Alloy Entertainment, a scriptwriter for The Disney Channel, and she currently teaches Writing Youth Literature at the University of Pittsburgh.
The Giveaway!
Canada only (excluding Quebec)
—
Have you read The Last Boy and Girl in the World? If your home was sinking underwater, what would you grab? Let’s chat in the comments!
I love characters who can be sarcastic and jokey at times. Especially when they’re stuck in such a peril situation like a flood.