Reading Level: Adult Fiction, tales of sexy awesomeness and heartfelt memories.
Author: Elizabeth Allen
Publisher: YouWriteOn, 3rd Edition
My format: E-book Amazon kindle for Ipad (available in paperback 522 pages)
Summary: WHO GOT LIZ GARDNER,is a coming-of-age novel about the (mis)adventures of a dysfunctional, self-centered but essentially good-hearted aspiring actress growing up during the hedonistic 70s and 80s. A first-person narrative, the story is mostly set in New York City and later Los Angeles, as Liz seeks to find herself and hopefully bump into a decent man along the way. And let me tell you, there's a lot of bumping required...
The daughter of a five-time divorced drama queen and a thoroughly despicable wealthy philandering shrink, Liz starts out with more psychological baggage than most people collect in a lifetime. It's no surprise that she soon seeks out male companionship to fill her emotional void, or that the assorted men she beds invariably prove to be disposable ciphers. But instead of caving in and becoming a basket case, Liz summons up her inner moxie and sets out on her quest to find a good life and someone with whom to share it.
Backdrop:
As the summary reads, a majority of Liz’s adventures occur in New York and then later in Orange County, CA. Now, I’ve never traveled to New York, but through Liz’s eyes, I could easily picture her surroundings and her honesty in her words, had me laughing and shaking my head at many of her mishaps in Manhattan.
When she finally sets her sights on Orange County, CA (where I’m from), I laughed even harder. Liz nails it again in her truthfulness and there were so many times I found myself giggling as I completely nodded my head in agreement. (Especially the comments about Garden Grove!)
The Characters:
Liz Gardner is one of the most likable characters I’ve ever read in all my life and I could completely relate to her. As I relived her past, I found many similarities in my own. But the difference lies in Liz. She is role model of sorts for all women. She’s strong and firm, and knows what she wants. She never took crap from anybody and only grew from her mistakes, with a no-point-for-regrets attitude. If only most of us could experience life like that. Carefree, but with a purpose.
The various relationships that Liz experiences are all important as well. They make her who she is, and what I loved about them-they were imperfect and crazy, each in their own way. The author does an outstanding job of developing each love interest in its entirety-the bad, the good, and the ugly. There is nothing taboo, there is nothing supernatural. It is simply life.
Liz's mother Radiance- Though I found myself angry many times at her mother, I also felt sorry for her as well. They say you reap what you sow, and a little of this could be applied to Radiance but in the end, I forgave her as her daughter did many years ago. Probably my favorite relationship out of the book.
The Plot: Though the story reads like an autobiography, it was more like Liz and I having a glass of wine late Saturday night-Liz confides in me, and tells me her entire story. We laugh, tear up, and sigh.
It is a story of one woman's journey; colorful but endearing.
My Conclusion: I recommend this book to everyone! It was such a pleasure to read, and I was entertained to the very end. This story had me pissed off, worried, laughing hysterically, and crying like a freaking baby. I was a mess, as I came upon the ending but in a good way. I had been through so much with this character, that to see her story come to end, made me feel the same way I felt when I watched Marley and Me (Jesus, I'm starting to get teary eyed now).
This book gets five stars!!
INTERVIEW:
Hi Liz, would you be so kind to introduce yourself and tell us where you’re from?
Liz Allen: Sure, I’m Elizabeth Allen but I go by Liz and I’m originally from Tampa, Florida. I have lived in New York City and Los Angeles (just like our main character…) and now find myself in Orlando, Florida with a husband, a daughter, a dog, a mortgage and annual Disney passes.
Who Got Liz Gardner is a sexy, fun and addicting story-Is this your first book?
Liz Allen: Yes. I’ve wanted to write this story for decades but never thought I had any ability as a writer to do so. I’m an avid reader and always felt if I can’t make people feel the way so and so made me feel, then why bother? Once I did put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) I realized all I cared about was writing something that would make some sort of difference in people’s lives. If you laugh out loud, cry or think just once – why would she do that? I would have… - then I have been successful.
Liz, as a reader I found myself completely taken by how enthralled I became at another person’s journey. I have to marvel at your writing, because it was realistic and down to earth. May I ask? Is this character based on your own personal experiences? Liz Allen: Yes she is. Of course you know most writers use their personal experiences in their work. I call WGLG and the books that follow in the series fiction although they could be called embellished memoirs. Most names have been changed to protect the living (and me!). For example, Radiance really was my mother’s true name. But do you think the real-life Chris would ever want to step up and say “Hey! That’s me!”? On the other hand, the real-life Tanner would probably be proud as a peacock but his wife might not be thrilled to learn of his antics when he was younger.
Your character Liz Gardner is quite the connoisseur of all things sexual; would you consider yourself to be so liberal? Liz Allen: Hmmm, this must be answered delicately. Let’s just say, most men would like their woman to be an iron chef in the kitchen and a slut in the bedroom. That said, all it takes is dedication, creativity and a willingness to take a risk or two in order to excel in either room. And I consider myself pretty freaking creative! How’s that?
As I said, I really enjoyed your story. Do you have plans for another release? Any projects you’d like to share? Liz Allen: Thank you. Book Two – Discovering Arugula – is due for release next month. I’m very excited and initial reactions have been extremely enthusiastic. It could be considered a sequel but readers of WGLG will find it actually fills a huge gap I intentionally left toward the end of the book. Ultimately the series will be three books, maybe four.
My steamy short story – A Dark Secluded Place – will be published in the anthology Exes with Benefits sometime this winter. I’m also working on a young adult/science fiction book with my daughter. It’s a cross between Charlotte’s Web and Invasion of the Body Snatchers…
Oh and speaking of making a difference, I’ve had a short story based on Radiance published in a book called Wisdom of our Mothers. In honor of those mothers doing their work in the most difficult of circumstances, editor Eric Bowen has pledged to donate one-half of his profits from the sale of this book to shelters for women and their children who are escaping abusive relationships. Needless to say, I’m very proud to be part of this anthology.
I’m not terrific at keeping up my blog at present, but I do maintain my website and try to keep it current. http://www.elizabeth-allen.com/index.html
Mahalo to Liz!! And now for my giveway! Enter to win your own copy of Who Got Liz Gardner!
CONTEST RULES:
1) Must be 18 years old to win, as the book is Adult fiction (with adult content). 2) Must be a follower, old or new.
3) Leave a comment with your email address to enter.
4) Open everywhere Amazon or the Book Depository delivers.
5) Contest will run through till Friday, November 12th 9pm Hawaii time. We'll announce the winner over the weekend.
My first recommendation for a “must watch" Documentary is the 2010 Film, Babies. Oh, how I loved this movie. The concept is simple. To observe the life of four babies over the course of their first year of life, set in various locations around the world; from Tokyo to San Francisco, from Nambia to Mongolia. 
