Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Character Interview with Ember + Giveaway: 2 copies of Article 5!

So, yesterday I reviewed Article 5. Oh my gosh – it’s amazing. You guys have to read it! I’m so excited for today because I’m interviewing Ember, one of my favorite heroines ever and the main character of Kristen Simmons’ debut, Article 5. I invited her from her time and she graciously agreed to go back in time to 2012 and to visit Fragments of Life!

What do you think of the present world?

I think it seems a little too good to be true. I mean, everyone’s got a car, people dress in all different clothes, people stay out late – way past curfew. Nobody’s scared of anything. Yesterday I saw a girl kiss a boy outside a coffee shop, on the street, in front of everyone. If this were my time she would have gotten a citation for indecency. One too many of those and the FBR would have her flagged as an Article Violator, and then she would have ended up in the reformatory or worse.

2012 is nice, but I wouldn’t get used to it if I were you. Things were nice when I was little too, and then everything changed.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen here so far? Why?

Well, that kiss I mentioned before was pretty strange. But now that you bring it up, all the cell phones are really creeping me out. Even little kids have them! And people are talking on them ALL THE TIME. Don’t you worry about the government tracking you? Listening to what you’re saying? Chase would completely freak out if he saw all this – he’s even more paranoid than me about that kind of stuff.

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve seen here? Why?

Where are all the soup kitchens? How do you people eat? When Chase and I were little our moms went to the grocery store, but that was back when everyone had money. Do people do that now? Where I’m from every neighborhood has a soup kitchen. Ours is set up just down the street at the elementary school. The FBR brings us the food. If we’re compliant. We all know that if we screw up they could shut it down…

What are the things in the present (our time) and in your time that are the same?

We still have lots of the same things you do, just most of them are contraband. Lots of music and books are contraband. Makeup is considered indecent. My mom once got fined fifty bucks for possession of “lewd materials” – an old, pre-War fashion magazine (there was a lady in a swimsuit on the front). Most things that aren’t contraband people can’t afford. We haven’t had a TV or a car for years. And our power shuts off at curfew.

If you had a chance to choose between living in our time and in yours, which one would you choose? Why?

Yours of course! I would give anything to live in a world where there was no such thing as the Moral Statutes. Mom would never get in trouble. We’d never be arrested. Chase wouldn’t be drafted, and well, things might be different with us. Like they used to be.

If you were living in our time, could you still imagine this world turning out to be your world? Why?

I hate to break it to you, but this was just how things were when I was little. And then came the War, and then came the Moral Statutes and the Federal Bureau of Reformation, and everything went downhill from there. It’s just a matter of time. If I were you, I’d consider going into hiding now. It’ll save you a lot of trouble later, I promise.

 Win: One of Two Copies of Article 5 by Kristen Simmons!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Kristen Simmons has a master’s degree in social work and is an advocate for mental health. She lives with her husband, Jason, and their precious greyhound, Rudy, in Louisville, Kentucky. Article 5 is her first novel.

Connect with Kristen:

Add Article 5 to your TBR pile:



97 comments:

  1. It's a story that really piques my interest! And, it also reminds me of my favorite video game...That's probably the number one reason why I want to read it.

    - Jackie

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  2. Thanks for such a great giveaway. I actually managed to accidentally comment on the Article 5 review post instead of this one, so my answer to your question is there, sorry. *Blonde moment*

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  3. Because it sounds interesting and original, and I have come to love the dystopian genre.

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  4. This book looks fantastic; I can't wait to read it!!

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  5. I want to read Article 5 because I LOVE dystopian, and this seems like a fresh plot that hasn't been written before.

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  6. The way that you described the plot in your review makes me want to read this book. The fact that it's action packed and a romantic dystopian story.
    Thanks a lot for the giveaway!

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  7. I want to read Article 5 because you said it was amazing. And because I've been pining for it ever since I read its decsription on Goodreads.

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  8. I want to read this book because it sounds very interesting.

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  9. This books sound sooo GOOD! I would love to read it and discover how society goes beyond a dystopian future!

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  10. I want to read it because I am obsessed with dystopian right now. I love reading about worlds that are so different yet so close to the same as our own.

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  11. I want to read this badly casue I've heard amazing things about it and it sounds so good!

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  12. The concept really fascinates me. I love dystopian, but this seems very political and/or Margaret Atwood (who I love). It's been on my 2012 TBR for a while now. :)

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    pherlaithiel (at) gmail (dot) com

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  13. Dystopian novels seem to be everywhere nowadays, but I love it when they're in YA fiction :) Cannot wait to get my hands on a copy of Article 5. Thanks for the chance to win!

    Diana

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  14. I've kind of skipped over posts about Article 5, but this interview is making me kick myself wishing I'd gotten onto it sooner! Thank you for the chance to win!

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  15. Needless to say I'm a big fan of the dystopian genre and this book's premise has once again caught my attention immediately! And with teasers like your interview and reviews everywhere my longing only gets worse *lol*.

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  16. Thanks for the giveaway! I hope i win!

    email- priya.1dt@gmail.com

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  17. I really love dystopian novels, and I am curious about this book since half a year now, so I can't wait to read this!
    And your blog event is awesome!!!

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  18. Thank you for this amazing giveaway. <3 I want to read Article 5 because it seems amazing! :D It seems just like a book I would love. <3 I love Dystopian books, and this one seems awesome ;)
    Love, Carina

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  19. I love a dystopian adventure. It just make me so grateful for the the life I have now.

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  20. This has been on my list since the cover was first out. I;m dying to read it!

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  21. I only discovered Article 5 recently, but it has intrigued me and made into my to-read list because of the great reviews and promising plot! I can't wait to read it!

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  22. I want to read A5 because I love dystopian novels and the synopsis sonds very intriguing. Specially the last paragraph has hooked me. :)

    Thanks for the chance to win a copy!

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  23. I've been hearing a lot of good things about Article 5. I really want to read it!!!

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  24. Thanks for the giveaway! this sounds like a really neat read.

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  25. This book has been on my TBR list for awhile and I am so excited to finally have the chance to read it soon! I love dystopian novels and this one sounds very intriguing! :)
    sarabara081

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  26. Thank you for the giveaway!
    I am actually discovering how good dystopian stories are and this one looks great.

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  27. I want to read this book because it sounds very interesting.

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  28. This book looks fantastic; I can't wait to hold a copy

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  29. Thanks for the giveaway! I'm just starting to get into dystopian fiction and I've heard nothing but great things about Article 5. It's already on my TBR list.

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  30. I want to read this book because I love dystopians, plus it's been on my TBR for ages! This one sounds just like something I'd love! :)

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  31. Oh my gosh, I don't think there are words for how excited I am to read this book!! This is such an awesome interview and giveaway -- thanks so much! :)

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  32. I NEED THIS BOOK. It's been on my wishlist like, for a while now. This sounds TOTALLY original and of course, being dystopian, totally awesome :) Thanks for the amazing giveaway!

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  33. I'd like to read it, because I like dystopia genre, and it has smart heroine and romance... Should be good!

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  34. I have always liked dystopian books and this one sounds interesting. Combine that to YA themes, it's sure that it will make a great book. Can't wait to get my hands on a copy.

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  35. SQUEE! I want to read this so badz! I've heard nothing but good things! It's sound very Legend-esque and that was my favorite book of last year!! Okay, yeah, and i definitely want to meet this Chase! I hear he's pretty sexy! :P

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  36. This one sounds super interesting. I love reading dystopians to see what kind of world authors have dreamed up. Moment I saw this I knew I had to have it!

    Ning @ Reading by Kindle Fire

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  37. Thanks for the giveaway. I like the book because its Dystopia and I wanted to discover and read new books. This book is pretty new to me and I have never heard before.

    Clarissa @ Teen Readers' Diary

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  38. Dystopians have piqued my interest lately as there are so many different visions out there of not just how society will crumble at our feet, but also of how we will react to this fall. This one, with a totalitarian state and behaviour regulations, seems to tick all the right boxes! Can't wait to read it. Plus, from what I've heard, Chase is the sort of romantic interest a girl just has to read about! ;)

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  39. I love reading Dystopian novels. The title of this book plagues my interest, and I want to hear more about Chase. He sounds like the kind of guy who would do anything to protect his beloved ones. :)

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  40. Can you delete my last comment? Anyhoo...I want to read Article 5 because I lurv dystopian books.

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  41. Thanks for the interview and giveaway! I absolutely LOVE all the recent and upcoming dystopias - my favorite genre!!! It's hard to keep up with them all, but I'm still trying!

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  42. Because Article 5 have already been getting raving reviews, so I'm really excited to read it!!

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  43. I want to read Article 5, because out of all the awesome dystopian books out there, this one sounds disturbingly possible. A totalitarian state where the government holds all the power. Something to really think about. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  44. I LOVE dystopians, and I've heard the most amazing things about this book. The concept is intriguing and original. Plus, the cover is totally awesome!

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  45. Thanks for this international GA ^^ I really love dystopians and I've read many good reviews about Article 5, I'd like to write my own too ^^

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  46. Great Giveaway and International too ;) Love the dystopian/apocalyptic genre

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  47. I want to read this because I LOVE dystopian books and I've had this on my radar for a while now! Thanks for the opportunity to win :)

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  48. I want to read Article 5 because I want to know how the world changed so much! Ember said her world was like ours when she was little, so what happened to change it so drastically? Plus I'm a huge dystopian fan and it sounds awesome!

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  49. The way you wrote about the book... made me wanna read it more than before. =]
    And it is dystopian/post-apocalyptic xD Me loves that xD

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  50. I love dystopian, and this one sounds amazing. Will not disappoint, and I can't WAIT! :)

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  51. I love dystopian. And this one sounds incredible. Romance, mystery, thriller, dystopian? YES PLEASE! Can't wait. :)

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  52. I would like to read this book because I love love LOVE dystopians and heard this book is great! Thank you for the chance! :D

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  53. This book sounds awesome!! I will definitely put it on my to read list :o)

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  54. I've heard amazing things about this book, and it's dystopian, which I'm such a huuuuge fan of.

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  55. I first heard about "Article 5" on Goodreads and have been wanting to read it since! I love dystopian stories! Woot!

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  56. This novel sounds amazing. I'm in love with dystopians atm, and this is by far the best one I've seen out there, and I haven't even read it yet! Woop for the excitement!

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  57. Thanks for the interview with Ember. It makes me want to read Article 5 even more.

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  58. i've been so looking forward to this book and the interview with Ember just makes me want to read it that much more! Can't wait!

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  59. i've been looking so forward to this book and reading the interview with Ember just makes me that much more excited to read it! can't wait!

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  60. Article 5 sounds awesome! Can't wait to read it!

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  61. I really want to read Article 5 the premise sounds really interesting and Chase sounds hot haha

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  62. It sounds amazing! And the interview with Ember made me even more curious. Article 5 sounds extremely original.

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  63. I want to read this because it sounds awesome, and early reviews are really positive.

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  64. I've heard some good stuff about this book. So i am curious to read it.

    thanks, jennifer k

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  65. Not sure if my comment went thru.

    Thanks for the giveaway. I have heard lots of good things about this book. And am very interested in reading it.

    jennifer k

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  66. I can't wait! Dystopian books are a particular favorite of mine.

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  67. This sounds amazing!!! I absolutely love the dystopian genre and I can't wait to add this to my collection :)

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  68. The cover itself intrigued me, what with all the abandoned buildings,

    the story much much more

    =)

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  69. I'd like to read this because these are the dystopians I'm most interested in... when morality has been arbitrarily spun on its head!

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  70. I've been waiting for this book for a long time! It sounds so awesome and I just love dystopian books. Can't wait to read it :) thank you for the giveaway!

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  71. Sounds intriguing! I can't wait to read it. =)

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  72. I have this on my TBR list - but this interview makes me want to read it even more. It's making me a bit paranoid of the government...in a good way!
    - Jessica @ Book Sake

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  73. I've heard a lot of good things about this book and would love to read it!!

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  74. Article 5 has an interesting premise plus I'm a big dystopian fan. :)

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  75. I want to read A5 because I love dystopian novels and the cover is so beautiful :)

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  76. I just started reading and loving dystopian novels (Hunger Games:) and this one seems another good read. And it has a cool cover, which is always a bonus for me :D
    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  77. I've had Article 5 on my to-read list since I first spotted it on Goodreads! Thanks for your offer and Best of Luck to you!

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  78. I'm looking forward to reading this. It sounds fascinating!

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  79. i am DYING to read article 5! i actually already pre-ordered it and its a dystopian + road trip, what more do i want?! :D

    - juhina

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  80. I'd like to read Article 5 for the immersion in another society. I also love road novels.

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  81. I want to read Article 5 because i love dystopian novels and I´ve heard that this book is really good.
    Thanks for the international giveaway!

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  82. Article 5 sounds amazing! I really want to read it because I LOVE dystopia's and this one has already gotten sooo many good reviews! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  83. Besides it sounds amazing, it sounds original :)

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  84. I want to read A5 because it sounds awesome and a lot of reviews agree!!

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  85. I want to read Article 5 because it’s been on my wishlist for a while and... it’s dystopian!!!

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  86. Why do you want to read Article 5? because it's the kind of book thats right up my alley and I have heard nothing but good news on this one.

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  87. I am just starting to get into YA dystopian novels (one of my favorite books ever is Margaret Atwood's A Handmaid's Tale) and I am pretty much reading everything I can get my hands on.

    the imagine tree at aol dot com

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  88. Why wouldn't I? I mean its a Dystopia. I love dystopias!

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  89. I've really been digging dystopian novels lately - I can't wait to read this one! It's gotten such great reviews.

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  90. Would love to read it. Dystopian for life! :)
    Thank you :)

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  91. I heard it was going to be one of the best books of 2012, and I want it to live up to my expectations. Just the synopsis and the cover have me giddy with excitement... imagine how I'll feel about getting the book.

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  92. I'm always on the hunt for a new good dystopian, and Article 5 sounds like it'll be just up my alley! (ally? Can't spell worth a flip lol)
    Thanks for this giveaway :)

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