Published by Scholastic
SYNOPSISWhat would you do if the sun became your enemy?
That’s exactly what happens to Viola Li after she returns from a trip abroad and develops a sudden and extreme case of photosensitivity — an inexplicable allergy to sunlight. Thanks to her crisis-manager parents, she doesn’t just have to wear layers of clothes and a hat the size of a spaceship. She has to stay away from all hint of light. Say goodbye to windows and running outdoors. Even her phone becomes a threat when its screen burns her.
Viola is determined to maintain a normal life, particularly after she meets Josh. He’s a funny, talented Thor look-alike who carries his own mysterious grief. But the intensity of their romance makes her take more and more risks, and when a rebellion against her parents backfires dangerously, she must find her way to a life — and love — as deep and lovely as her dreams.
Praise for LOVELY, DARK, AND DEEP
“A luminous read that will rekindle your faith in the indomitable human spirit and make you want to spend more time in starlight.” ―Matthew Quick, author of The Silver Linings Playbook and Every Exquisite Thing
“Viola’s story explores one of life’s big questions: are we defined by our losses or will we allow them to lead us into an even more meaningful hero’s journey? In Lovely, Dark, and Deep,Justina Chen has crafted an inspiring, romantic novel full of redemption and hope for teens and adults alike.” ―Mitali Perkins, author of You Bring the Distant Near
Storytelling runs in Justina Chen’s blood. After all, her middle name means illuminate, which is what story does: it throws light on a message.
Justina is an award-winning author of six books for young adults. Her forthcoming novel, Lovely, Dark, and Deep, will be available in Spring, 2018. Her most recent book, 
A BLIND SPOT FOR BOYS, is on a Booklist Top 10 list. NORTH OF BEAUTIFUL was named one of the Best Books of the Year by Kirkus Reviews and was a finalist of 9 state book awards. And her debut novel, NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH (AND A FEW WHITE LIES), won the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature.
In addition to being a writer, Justina is a story strategist to leaders and co-founder of Chen & Cragen, a boutique communications agency that transforms good executives into extraordinary leaders. Seen as a thought leader in communications, the Rockefeller Foundation invited Justina to be part of their twelve-person convening on storytelling for social good, along with CNN, BBC, NPR, and Google. Translation: she got to spend some quality time with amazing storytellers on the shores of Lake Bellagio.
A passionate advocate of literacy, Justina also co-founded readergirlz, a cutting-edge social media project for teens, which was awarded the National Book Foundation’s Prize for Innovations in Reading. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Stanford University where she won the Dean’s Award for Service.
1. What is on your nightstand?
Red Notice by Bill Browder. Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi. And not soon enough, I’ll have my hands on the latest Sarah Maas, and Unpresidented by Martha Brockenbrough.
2. What author would you totally fan?
At the moment, I would totally, absolutely, completely fan girl Pete Souza. And of course, I always fan my posse of writers: Janet Lee Carey and Lorie Ann Grover! Mitali Perkins and Grace Lin would get lots of high-pitched squealing as well.
3. What makes you cringe?
Mansplainers.
4. Do you obsessively plot out each point or just go with the flow?
Both! I create a detailed synopsis of the book—as my first discovery draft. And then once I get deep into the writing, I give my characters freedom. So the plot always changes a bit, but the overall flow is pretty spot on from my first concept to final draft.
5. Is there a word you love to use?
Diviners. It’s my “Easter egg” word, one I nest into my books if it’s possible in honor of my former writing group, named—you guessed it!—The Diviners.
—Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter
– 3 Winners will receive an ARC Copy of LOVELY, DARK, AND DEEP and Mini-Lanterns by Justina Chen.
Not having responsibility.
I really miss being able to spend time with my Mother & Father the most. Mom use to give a kids the greatest back-yard swim parties with swimming all day, and a great steak on the grill dinner afterwards in the evenings with homemade potato salad (her recipe) and fresh corn on the cob. That was back in the 60’s, I miss all of those days like you wouldn’t believe.
I miss playing outside all day.
Life was simpler.
The Diviners miss you! Come visit soon!