Losing Clementine

Ashley Ream's 5 Things I'd Tell the Teen Me

Who'd a thunk a book about suicide could be funny, heartwarming and completely entertaining? Not us. Not until we got our hands on a hot copy of Ashley Ream's Losing Clementine--one of the most satisfying books we've read in a while! Here's the dealio on Losing Clementine: In thirty days Clementine Pritchard will be finished with her last painting and her life.

World-renowned artist and sharp-tongued wit Clementine Pritchard has decided that she's done. After flushing away a medicine cabinet full of prescriptions, she gives herself thirty days to tie up loose ends—finish one last painting, make nice with her ex-husband, and find a home for her cat. Clementine plans to spend the month she has left in a swirl of art-world parties, manic work sessions, and outrageous acts—but what she doesn't expect is to uncover secrets surrounding the tragedy that befell her mother and sister. In an ending no one sees coming, will we lose Clementine or will we find her?

Sounds intriguing, right? Well, of course we have 5 copies for giveaway! You know the deal--leave a comment and be entered to win. We'll randomly select the winners after 6PM PST on Sunday, March 11. In the meantime, you can read the first chapter of Losing Clementine here. And of course you can buy the book here (it came out yesterday!).

And you can read Ashley's letter to her teen self...

CHICK LIT IS NOT DEAD PRESENTS...ASHLEY REAM'S 5 THINGS I'D TELL THE TEEN ME

Dear Teenaged Ashley,

The good news is that I’m twice as old as you are now and still kicking. And while we don’t exactly have it all figured out, there are a few things you should be prepared to do in the future. Write these down.

1. Get a passport – The sooner the better on this. Our “places to see” list, even now, is about 20 times longer than the “places we’ve been” one. Time is a-wasting.

2. Buy good running shoes – “Wait,” you’re saying. “We don’t run, like, ever.” Oh, but we will. We will become hardcore runners together. It will be our therapy. Trust me on this. Get the shoes.

3. Move to Los Angeles – You’re fighting me on this one, I know. I thought it was a bad idea, too, at first. But trust me. It will be your spiritual home for the rest of your life. Not to mention your muse.

4. Get a tattoo but only after 30 – This will turn out to be one of our smarter decisions together. And it comes out great.

5. Keep writing – You’re not crazy. You really are good at this. Be patient. Don’t give up. Practice, practice, practice.

Love, Ashley (age 32)

Thanks, Ashley! xoxo, Liz & Lisa

To find out more about the lovely and talented Ashley Ream, visit her website!