Testimonials

Date: December 14, 2006

My Marine Science II students have finished reading MEG and TRENCH respectively. The demand for the book was so great that I had to order extra copies for Marine Science I who had the books for extra credit assignments.

Everybody wanted the books! They were fairly leaping out of my room. Students asked for copies for their parents. The US Navy military recruiter saw a copy of MEG on my desk and asked for copy. I sent an e-mail to my fellow faculty members(and my principal) advising them of the "Adopt-An-Author" program, and how to log on, and they have been investigating the books for use in the science department. I've had several of my students blast thru all three books in less than a week, and beg my copy of the LOCH from my desk. My copy of DOMAIN is also loaned out as well, and the other teachers are catching the "Steve Alten fever !" I have literally made our school reading coach, Denise Smith, cry when I told her that I had kids who had never read a book read MEG, TRENCH and MEG : PRIMAL WATERS. She is touched beyond belief! The Zoology teacher came to me this week and borrowed several copies of MEG and TRENCH for her students as well. She brought in a young lad on Tuesday to tell me that he had never, ever read a book before, yet he finished MEG and politely asked to borrow TRENCH. I am just thrilled that the book (indeed, all the books) is going over so well. Oddly, I had MEG in class last year as a loaner book, but there was little interest except for a few students. This year, I had the school order a classroom set of each of the three books, gave them to the students as an assignment in Marine Science II, put your poster, photos from the website and e-mails up on my board, and the kids lost their minds ! Soon MEG MANIA was gripping my classes. The word spread……..MEG was COOL !! Here are some quotes from some of the more recent book reports:From Kim C. "The book Meg was a very satisfying book. It was everything I enjoy in a book. Meg was suspenseful, romantic, scary , and a pleasing book to read." From Tyler J. "Anyone who can sit through an action movie will love this book."From Brittany S. (Trench) "The book is thrilling and you can''t stop reading it once you''re started." I believe the word ""addicting"" has been used as well !At least half a dozen students told me they had never read/finished a book before, and they couldn't wait to read the second and third in the series. One young lady was distraught at finishing her third book, so I gave her my copy of the LOCH, and she happily went home to devour it in two days. I have students going out and buying their own copies of all the shark books and the LOCH and then donating them to me after they read them ! ( I got my second copy of the LOCH that way !)I also picked up all three and read them over again just to make sure I had plot lines and characters straight in my head. During the school day we have a twenty minute reading period. Imagine looking on a room and seeing an entire class, including the instructor happily devouring MEG!! (No pun intended ) I love watching my students'' faces as they read, and next semester when we do ""shark week,"" we will discuss the good scientific data used in all three of the books. (Another reason I use them.) We will also speculate as to the existence of Megs ! I have several Meg teeth, and copies of some of the bigger ones. I cannot begin to image the joy you must receive from knowing that your books are inspiring new readers. Being the daughter of an English teacher, I am also delighted to see them so moved, and particularly hunger to continue reading the stories. You are a raconteur extraordinaire.I'll keep you posted on our MEGMANIA here at Orange Park High. I can''t wait for the fourth book to come out, and neither can the students. Any news on a release date on the new book and the movies ? Sincerely,Vicky Loehr OPHS Marine Science Instructor 904-272-8110 ex. 3211

Subj: Progress Date: 3/3/2004 8:23:02 AM Eastern Standard Time From: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

It has been an amazing two months here at Hudson High. We have had students who never read a book, or wouldn't even pick up a book, reading like crazy!

Their fingers can't turn the pages fast enough. I had one young man reread Meg because he couldn't get a copy of Trench right away. When we finish FCAT this week, Charlene and I are going to go on our school newscast to give the kids more specifics about your up coming visit. Thanks Ellen Ray Media Specialist Hudson High, Hudson, FL.

Subj. Grateful fan Date: 4/15/06 From: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hi Steve. can't begin to tell you how your MEG series has changed my life. In a nutshell, MEG was the first book I ever read from beginning to end (I was a "cliff notes" guy in high school).

Furthermore, my interest in your writing style has brought me to read all of your current novels. I read them on the exercise bike, the beach, and sometimes in bed. if it wasn't for your books and my newfound desire to read, I may not have had any interest in finishing college - but I did! I truly believe a large portion of my degree I owe to you and Jonas. It would be an honor to meet you and have you sign a book for me, or a signed poster or something. Best regards, Tony Ordonez, San Diego

Sent: Tuesday, February 07, 2006 9:48 AM From: Neil Newton This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I very much enjoyed our phone conference today Mr. Alten. My students said it was "awesome".

They all want to read the Trench really bad! I wanted to send you the grade improvements of some of my lower students that you asked me to. Several of my students have been struggling with Literature this year making low D's and C's, but those same students scored high B's and even two A's on this novel test. I think that speaks for itself when talking about this book grabbing the students' interest. They were all into this book and really enjoyed it. Thank you so much for this program, your time, and your interest in students!