I received this in an email from a Class of 2k9 author, and I thought that is definitely something that deserves to be posted and shared!
PRESS RELEASE – ALBERT BORRIS, CRASH INTO ME
Debut YA novelist Albert Borris has a way with words.
Or rather, had a way with words.
This past December, just months before the release of CRASH INTO ME (Simon Pulse), Albert suffered a stroke so powerful, his doctors told him he was lucky to be alive.
And alive he is, having made a full physical recovery, enough to roughhouse with his two young s ons and work out at the gym. However, Albert is still working on recovering something else: his words.
To be sure, they are all up there in his brilliant mind. He just can’t get them out – verbally or on paper – in the correct order, yet. But he’s working on it.
Prior to his stroke, Albert was a full time teen counselor, husband and father. He also served as Co-President of The Class of 2k9, a group of 22 debut middle grade and young adult novelists banding together to promote their books. Words were his thing. Communicating with others, in person and on the page, was his specialty.
As his friends and fellow debut novelists, we, the Class of 2k9, are making it our business to get the word out about Albert and his novel, CRASH INTO ME. Here’s a bit about it:
When Owen, Frank, Audrey, and Jin-Ae meet online after each attempts suicide and fails, the four teens mak e a deadly pact: they will escape together on a summer road trip to visit the sites of celebrity suicides…and at their final destination, they will all end their lives. As they drive cross-country, bonding over their dark impulses, sharing their deepest secrets and desires, living it up, hooking up, and becoming true friends, each must decide whether life is worth living–or if there’s no turning back.
Won’t you join us in spreading the word?
Pass this on to every librarian, teacher, and teen reader you know.
Send him an encouraging note on our website: www.classof2k9.com
Blog about Albert.
Anything you can think of to show your support would be deeply appreciated.
Thank you.
The Class of 2k9
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Wow. That’s terrible. I’ll be sure to tell my buds about his book.
My prayers to his Albert & his family.
I was a member of the Class of 2k9 until my book was rescheduled for 2010. Albert’s book is the kind of book I would look forward to and pick up anyway, even if I didn’t know the author, since it’s right up my alley. But I can tell you from personal experience that Albert has also been a joy to trade emails with–funny and philosophical and upbeat–which makes me wish even more for his speedy recovery so he can fully enjoy the success of his book.
I hope he has a speedy and complete recovery.
I have I feeling that this is a very moving book. I look forward to picking it up in the future.
Aww that’s so sad, poor guy. I hope he gets much, much better.
It sounds like an awesome book, I read about it a few months ago and it’s on my tbr list.
Thank you so much for featuring Albert’s book. I, too, was a member of 2k9 until I was bumped to 2010, and one of the people I miss most is Albert. And I miss his words! I can’t wait until he has them all back. He is a truly loving soul. I can’t wait to read Crash Into Me, because I know it will be a gift.
Wow, that’s insane. I was seriously about to freak reading this because he’d passed away, but i’m so glad he’s in recovery and i hope he can get up to speed quickly on his writing and speaking. Such an awful thing to hear about. I’m so stoked about his book though. I’ve been excited for awhile now and it just sounds amazing. I’ll definitely get a copy and support him!!!
-Lauren
That book sounds good. I hope he gets better quickly
Thank you very much for featuring Albert’s book and his story. The class of 2k9 is most grateful.
I echo Kathryn’s thanks in bringing this very important story to the attention of your readers. And I know I speak for Albert in saying thank you as well.
Best,
Bev Patt,
Albert’s Co Pres, Class of 2k9
If he can’t recover, perhaps he can find another way to express himself? Music, math, Video or art?
I am also a member of the Class of 2k9 and have had the privilege of reading an arc of CRASH INTO ME, which I loved and highly recommend. Albert creates authentic and compelling teen voices, especially that of Owen, the main character and narrator. All of the voices are original and clear, and the novel has a wonderfully spare style that seemed just right for the content.
Susan Fine
I hadn’t heard this news about Albert, but hope for a speedy recovery. His book looks wonderful and I look forward to reading. Thanks for posting about this.
I feel so sorry for Albert. I hope he makes a speedy recovery and gains his skill with words again. Good luck and all the best.
Wow, Albert is such a cool guy. Why does stuff like this always happen to the truly cool people? He’ll be in my thoughts.
Thanks for sharing this news. I’m wishing him a speedy recovery and sending good vibes. Look forward to the book as well.