‘The Test’ {Book Review + Giveaway}

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The Test
by John Lansing
on Tour April 2015

Book Details
Genre: Literary Fiction
Published by: Tatra Press
Publication Date: November 1st 2014
Number of Pages: 29
Purchase Links:

Synopsis:

A coming-of-age story set in 1950s, small-town Long Island, at a time when suburban America is about to undergo seismic societal changes. With this backdrop, a teenage boy falls in love with one of the town’s few black girls, a relationship that has repercussions leading to permanent transformations for the couple — and for the town.

Review of The Test:

What can I say? I have to admit, when I first began reading The Test and saw that the entire book was but 29 pages, I figured there was an error with my download. There was not. How can a 29-page book tell a story? I mean, come on. The very idea is ludicrous, is it not? No, it is not.

Yes, The Test is short. But it’s sweet, and it’s satisfying. That’s saying something. How can an author adequately tell a rich, compelling story in 29 pages? I don’t know, but John Lansing did it. I was engrossed, wishing the book was longer as I was reading but, once I reached the conclusion, it just felt…right.

The characters had depth, which came as a surprise to this regular reader of novels. The storyline was interesting and engaging and I cared — about the characters, about the events, about the outcome. That’s huge, when you’re reading a book, and it’s incredibly significant when you’re talking about The Test. It proves that you don’t need 250 pages — or 700 — to develop characters and tell a story. Well, John Lansing doesn’t, anyway.

I stepped out of my comfort zone with this book and I encourage you to do so as well. It’s well worth it. Not only did I treat myself to a fine story, but I treated myself to a new experience when it comes to reading in general.

Author Bio:

John Lansing started his career as an actor in New York City. He spent a year at the Royale Theatre playing the lead in the Broadway production of “Grease.” He then landed a co-starring role in George Lucas’ More American Graffiti, and guest-starred on numerous television shows. During his 15-year writing career, Lansing wrote and produced Walker Texas Ranger, co-wrote two CBS Movies of the Week, and also co-executive produced the ABC series Scoundrels. John’s first book was Good Cop, Bad Money, a true-crime tome with former NYPD Inspector Glen Morisano. The Devil’s Necktie was his first novel. Blond Cargo is the next book in the Jack Bertolino series. A native of Long Island, John now resides in Los Angeles.

Tour Host Participants:

Join Us:

To sign up, either complete the form with your blog name, book format, requested date(s), and how you’d like to host; or email me at gina@providencebookpromotions.com. Thank you for your interest in this tour.

Don’t Miss the Giveaway:

This is a giveaway hosted by Providence Book Promotions for John Lansing. There will be three U.S. winners of an ebook copy of The Test. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. The tour-wide giveaway runs through May 2, 2015.

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