TLC Book Tour and Giveaway!! War and Watermelon by Rich Wallace

War and Watermelon by Rich Wallace is a fantastic novel about Brody, a young teenager in 1969.

The setting is an amazing time. Brody is at an age now where he's starting to notice girls. He and his best friend have just made the football team. The Vietnam War was in everyone's thoughts, and Brody's brother Ryan was in danger of being drafted when he turned 18 soon.

Brody is lucky enough to be taken by his brother and friends to the first night of Woodstock. The description of the crowds and the setting was amazing. Brody also chronicled the top music of the summer, so it was fun to be reminded of the songs of the age. It would be great to encourage the readers to listen to some of that music!!!!

Ryan is in danger of being drafted into the war if he doesn't enroll in college before he's 18. Ryan and their father disagree on the war. But even though the disagreements are frustrating and difficult for the family, you can tell that they all love each other. The family interactions between the brothers and the parents were believable and well written.

It turns out that this novel parallels the authors life. In 1969, Rich Wallace was 12, living in New Jersey. He had a brother who was eligible for the draft. He was also starting to notice music and becoming aware of things that were going on in the world. Maybe that's why it's so well written - he's writing what he knows.

I really loved War and Watermelon, and definitely think it should be on the summer 'Must Read' list!! I really think readers will like reading about the time when their parents or grandparents grew up. And they will probably relate to Brody more than you'd think!

I want to thank TLC Book Tours for sending me a copy of this book!! And, they're letting me have a giveaway!!! So, all you gotta do is fill out the form below, and we'll get you entered!! Sorry, US/Canada only. You have until Thursday, June 30th, and I'll announce the winner on Friday, July 1st!! Good luck, everyone!!!!