In today’s digital age, where streaming platforms reign supreme, it’s no secret that teens are often consumed by binge-watching their favorite shows and movies. But what if I told you there’s another way to escape into captivating tales without staring at a screen for hours on end?
Enter the world of BOOKS!
At EAStarkBooks.com, I write Young Adult and Women’s Fiction, hoping my readers can immerse in my stories and break free from the everyday. For Young Adults, I created THE ABI ACARDI SERIES, ready to whisk teens on a journey filled with romance, teenage drama, mystery, and suspense. My main objective was to provide a thrilling story to distract them from endlessly scrolling. Drawing inspiration from beloved adolescent dramas like 90210, Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, and more, I set out to write something that would captivate readers in the same way their favorite streaming service would - a tall order since digital entertainment is readily available at our fingertips. But while television can be entertaining, it often lacks the depth and engagement of reading a book.
The Abi Acardi Series follows the seventeen-year-old’s new life on the West Coast. From navigating elite social circles to unraveling mysterious secrets, Abi’s story will keep readers on the edge of their seats with every page turned. Filled with relatable characters, pulse-pounding twists, unforgettable experiences, and the sweetest romance, it offers teens a chance to escape into a world of adventure and excitement they would usually not be privy to.
If being thrust into a new High school wasn’t painful and complex enough, Abi discovers it is ten times harder for the students attending Gilderson Prep. Not only are these heirs expected to cease being immature kids, but they are expected to eventually take over their family’s multi-million dollar corporations on their way to adulthood. With high expectations imposed upon them, they strive to make their parents proud and willingly conspire to outdo each other with spectacular achievements to leave their mark on the world despite the burnout it causes.
Regardless of their wealth, these titans have issues. The characters have difficulty dealing with the absence of parents and lack of guidance, self-worth, and love. More often than not, being left to their own devices and fending for themselves makes way for life-altering mistakes and horribly wrong decisions. But will some readers recognize these errors in judgment? Or will they conform to the social norm? Those who have read the first two books hold their breath as the scenes play out, while others find the character’s choices riveting. The story has many peaks and valleys. But that’s a good thing. There is nothing like a dose of reality to knock you into tomorrow. It’s how life works.
The heirs say they carry the world’s weight upon their shoulders most days. Some deal with it constructively, while others greatly struggle. I wanted to weave these trials and tribulations into the story and infuse every stitch of teenage emotion. Despite being modern-day, I incorporated a conscience to reinforce or almost punish a character’s decisions and a moral compass to help them stay on the straight and narrow path. I kept the scenes edgy but clean, raw, and emotional - a turbulent rollercoaster ride for the soul, really.
In the beginning chapters, the characters may seem quite stereotypical, but as the story progresses, I deconstruct and mold them into more than what society ultimately branded. The connection between the reader and the Gilderson students builds quickly. Some have said they felt a part of Abi Acardi’s life and the strange hierarchy these teens have been born into - like they’d become friends. All in all, it is the makings of an imaginary world – or so you would think. With much truth left between the pages, the reader will inevitably wonder what is fact and what is fiction.
Unlike binge-watching shows, reading any book series requires active engagement and imagination. It’s a chance for teens to disconnect from their screens and immerse themselves fully, growing alongside the characters. At the same time, they maneuver adolescence and gain valuable insight into coming-of-age life lessons.
In a society that values constant stimulation and instant gratification, reading may seem like a radical choice for some. Perhaps a boring alternative. But in reality, it’s a form of self-care that can nourish the mind and soul in ways that television simply cannot. So, the next time you reach for the remote or your phone, I encourage you to pick up a book instead. You won’t be sorry.
