Tens List: Christopher Grant + Teenie

As part of a promotional tour through Teen Book Scene, I have author Christopher Grant joining me on the blog today to share with us some of his favorite places in the world. Thanks so much for stopping by Christopher!

TOP TEN PLACES YOU WOULD LOVE TO USE
AS A SETTING FOR A BOOK

I love to travel, so this list is biased towards places I’ve been or would like to go to in the near future.

1. Grenada - It’s a small Caribbean Island not too far away from South America. I had the pleasure of living there for six months and it changed my life. It was a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of New York City. There was rhythm to life there. It was everywhere, in the food, in the music, in the way folks communicated with each other. I love that I am of Caribbean descent. We have a colorful way of expressing ourselves. Everyone has a nickname and believe me, they’re spot on. My barber’s name was Cow. I asked him, “Cow, why do they call you Cow?” He answered, “I guess because of my nose.” …Wow.

2. Dubai - The gap between the haves and havenots was startling. I met some interesting people there, folks who emigrated from Pakistan, the Philippines, and the Ukraine, all in an effort to make a better life for themselves and their families. I know every man thinks his burden is the heaviest, but watching some of those guys doing hardcore manual labor in 110 degree heat was humbling.

3. Costa Rica - I’ve never been to Costa Rica, but it’s high on my list. My wife has talked about the pace of life, the natural beauty, tarantulas as big as my hand, belligerent monkeys that steal and DRINK alcoholic beverages, and boa constrictors curled up in her room. So much to write about!

4. India - Yet another place that I haven’t had the privilege of visiting, but plan to shortly. I have always been fascinated by the culture, the food (seasoned with lava), and the caste system.

5. Gaza - Rich in history and (unfortunately) conflict. The area is a character in and of itself.

6. Arizona - I’m sure I could pump out a few hundred pages about their controversial, “Jim-Crow-like” immigration policies.

7. Tibet - I’ve got to know how those monks survive in such treacherous conditions. Mind over matter?

8. Jamaica - My father was born there. My sister told me that one of our great grandmothers was a Maroon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamaican_Maroons).
I will write something about this one day. That is a guarantee.

9. Scotland - From discussions with my father, I’ve learned that my great-grandfather was born in Scotland. Though he lived in Jamaica for much of his life, my great-grandfather still wore a kilt. I would love to explore and write about that part of my lineage, though I’m a bit unsure of how my chicken legs would look in a kilt.

10. Barbados - My mother was born in Barbados and I’ve spent quite a bit of time there. It’s commonly referred to Little England. They still wear wigs in court and have that trademark British arrogance. A friend of mine asked my aunt why Bajans (short for Barbadians) thought they were better than everyone else. Her response, “Because we are.”

For more information on Christopher and TEENIE, you can find him here:

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TEENIE (from Goodreads)

High school freshman Martine (Teenie for short) is a good student, with a bright future ahead of her. She's desperate to be accepted into a prestigious study abroad program in Spain so that she can see what life is like beyond the streets of Brooklyn. She wouldn't mind escaping from her strict (though lovable) parents for awhile either. But when the captain of the basketball team starts to pay attention to her after she's pined away for him for months and Cherise, her best friend, meets a guy online, Teenie's mind is on anything but her schoolwork. Teenie's longtime crush isn't what he seemed to be, nor is her best friend's online love. Can Teenie get her act together in time to save her friendship with Cherise, save her grade point average so that she can study in Spain, and save herself from a potentially dangerous relationship?