32 Candles
By Ernessa T. Carter
(Amistad, Paperback, 9780061957857, 352pp.)
Publication Date: July 2011
Other Editions of This Title: Google eBook, Hardcover
Categories: General
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Davie Jones—an ugly duckling growing up in small-town Mississippi with a mother who couldn't get any meaner—is positive her life couldn't be any worse. Just when she's resigned herself to her fate, she sees a movie that will change her life—Sixteen Candles. But in her case, life doesn't imitate art. Tormented in school and hopelessly in unrequited love with a handsome football player, Davie finds it bittersweet to dream of Molly Ringwald endings. When a cruel school prank goes too far, Davie leaves the life she knows and reinvents herself in the glittery world of Hollywood—as a beautiful and successful lounge singer. Just as she's about to ride off into the L.A. sunset, the past comes back with a vengeance, threatening to crush Davie's dreams—and break her heart again.
With wholly original characters and a cinematic storyline, 32 Candles introduces Ernessa T. Carter, a new voice in fiction with smarts, attitude, and sassiness to spare.
Ernessa T. Carter blogs at www.fierceandnerdy.com. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University's MFA program, she now lives in Los Angeles. 32 Candles is her first novel.
“First-time novelist Ernessa T. Carter has created a quirky and likable character in Davidia ‘Davie’ Jones.”
-Network Journal
“This summer’s juiciest beach read. . . . Carter winds up this disarmingly moving tale with not one but many surprises, in which both Davie and you will win.”
-Essence
“A debut tragicomic romance. . . . Potent and well rendered.”
-Kirkus Reviews
“I super heart Davie Jones. . . . She’s perfectly imperfect, and you won’t want her lively, hysterical, what-looks-like-crazy-on-an-ordinary-day story to end. A thoroughly, totally, ridiculously addictive read!”
-Denene Millner, coauthor of The Vow
“First there was Stella and she got her groove back, then there was Bridget Jones and she managed to find love despite her own lovable neuroses. Now there is Davie Jones. 32 Candles, at last, is the answer to the question ‘What should I read next?’”
-Erica Kennedy, author of Feminista and Bling
“[A] captivating debut. . . . With all the charm of a clever romantic comedy and peopled by appealing, memorable characters, Carter’s first novel is a winner on all fronts.”
-Booklist (starred review)
“[Davie’s] need for sweet revenge adds a welcome dark edge.”
-Publishers Weekly
“This is an easy 5 out of 5 stars and one of my top five favorite fiction novels I’ve ever read in my entire adulthood.”
-Associated Content Review
“32 cheers for Ernessa T. Carter! She’s created one of the freshest, funniest characters I’ve ever read about. . . . 32 Candles is a charmer.”
-Carleen Brice, author of Orange Mint and Honey
“The author creates a heroine that is multifaceted, quirky, humorous and above all, endearing. . . . 32 Candles [is] a laugh-out-loud read. . . . Hang on for the ride.”
-The Afro-American Newspapers (DC/Baltimore)
“Ernessa T. Carter is a fresh new voice. In Davie Jones, she has created a wicked yet empathetic character. I can’t wait to see what’s next.”
-Terry McMillan, author of Waiting to Exhale and Getting to Happy
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