Caletti Comes Through

You know how there are some books you read that change your life? Honey, Baby, Sweetheart by Deb Caletti was one of those books for me. When I was in Graduate School for Library Science, I figured that I would become either a Science Librarian or a Children's Librarian. I loved, loved, loved Children's Literature. But, life is funny like that. Long story short, I ended up working as a High School Librarian, and one of the first young adult books I remember reading was Honey, Baby, Sweetheart by Caletti. I adored it. I felt like I had discovered a whole new world. I know, that sounds all dramatic and cheesey, but it's true. And so my love affair with YA Lit was born.

Since then, I have found other authors and books, but I never forgot Deb Caletti. Stay was published this past Spring, and I finally got around to reading it. My verdict? Excellent! Stay examines a relationship gone bad due to obsession, and addresses some very serious situations and issues. The main character, Clara is portrayed in an extremely realistic fashion, flaws and all. I like that Caletti does not try to give this book a neat, tidy ending, nor does she try to make her characters perfect. If anyone has ever questioned a bad relationship they find themselves in, this book could be an invaluable read.

Little but...

...packs a powerful punch. This is how I feel about two books I recently read; Dorp Dead by Julia Cunningham and Kat's Fall by Shelley Hrdlitschka. I found both books on the shelf by chance, as I was shelving other books and they caught my eye. Dorp Dead almost reads like a fable, but has an eerie undertone. Here is a product description that I pulled off amazon.com;

"A reissue of the novel that dramatically changed children’s literature in the 20th century. Julia Cunningham’s ground-breaking novel, first published in 1965 and unavailable in any edition for a decade, is reissued for a whole new generation of readers to call their own. “Here . . . is the story of a boy who discovers himself, who basically comes to grips with that most contemporary of problems, the isolation of the individual. It is told within the near-classic framework of the story of the orphan who survives and escapes maltreatment to find love, but it is told in frank, literate terms in the lingo of today’s youngsters. And it has, as an additional dimension, a touch of the Gothic tale, a tinge of terror and a shade of romanticism.” (The New York Herald Tribune)

Well...needless to say, between the cover, the shortness of the book and that description, I couldn't wait to read this book. Overall? I would recommend this title. It is written with honesty and intelligence, and it's nice to read a book that does not talk down to the young adult audience. It also gives you that creepy feeling, which is perfect for this time of year!

Then there was Kat's Fall. This book? So much going on. This is a must read if you are one of those readers that likes "drama" and realistic fiction. I couldn't believe how many issues and emotions the main character Darcy (a boy!) was dealing with. It's impressive that Hrdlitschka packs all this into such a small book with a decent conclusion to boot! I will caution that this book does deal with some very serious issues including cutting, child abuse and addiction.

Picture Perfect

A novel of Historical Fiction? A Ghost Story? A Romance? This book is another entry in the cross-genre category. Picture the Dead is a novel by Adele Griffin and illustrated by Lisa Brown, set primarily in Boston during the Civil War. The main character Jennie has just suffered the loss of her fiancee Will to the war, and is living a miserable existence with his family, who are also her Aunt and Uncle and serve as her guardians. The one bright spot is Will's brother Quinn who has come back from the war injured, and is slowly recovering. Jennie becomes convinced that the ghost of Will is haunting her, and becomes involved with a photographer who claims to capture images from the Spirit World. What follows is as much of a mystery as it is a ghost story as Jennie struggles to understand who she can trust and what really happened to Will and Quinn. I wouldn't say that I disliked this book, but I didn't love it. It was OK. Jennie has an odd habit of kleptomania that is never really explained, and made me like her a little less as a person. At times it was hard to empathize with her, but I kept trying. This might be a good book to read for this month, if you're looking for a  little spookiness with some history thrown in for good measure.  

Showing my Age

Well my friends, I tried. OK, I'm still trying, but it's killing me. I just read the third Fruits Baskets and I'm so sorry, but I didn't love it. I feel like the series is getting old for me already. It's the same story, just retold a little bit differently. And this is going to go on for 23 volumes? Seriously. Yikes. Maybe you have to be of a certain age to appreciate this series, and I am just too old. I don't know. I may try Volume 4 eventually, but I think I'm going to take a break.

...And then there's Theodore Boone, Kid Lawyer by John Grisham. Really? This is what everyone has been raving about? I just don't get it. It was OK, but I definitely did not love it. Again, maybe it was a little too young for me. All I know is there is a major cliffhanger ending, and I have no urgency to read the next book. It seemed so unrealistic and at times, downright silly (and not like funny, ha). That's right. I'm calling it unrealistic. Yeah, this from the girl who loves paranormal stories. When I was reading this, I was strongly reminded of one of my childhood heroes, Encyclopedia Brown. And Theodore Boone, I''m sorry, but you're no Encyclopedia Brown.   

Dead Right...

Boy Books Part II. Just read The Morgue and Me by John C. Ford. Most Excellent. Well, mostly excellent. There are some parts that require you to suspend disbelief, but go for it. This is a fast-paced, edgy mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. The premise? The summer before he heads off to college, Christoper gets a job in the morgue. Creepy? Morbid? Or just dead boring? Christopher's job seems pretty uneventful until he witnesses something he shouldn't. With a Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew flair, he decides to solve the "case" with the help of a young (hot! & female!) news reporter named Tina. From the dynamic opening to the surprise ending, this book is the perfect choice for mystery/thriller fans.

A herd, a colony, a swarm, a flock....

Just like Lady Gaga (okay, maybe not just like) I have spent some time recently getting in touch with my masculine side. My next two books to review? Clearly boy books. Written by men, for boys with lots of boy/man characters. First up? Ostrich Boys by Keith Gray. Here's a synopsis of the book.

'It's not really kidnapping, is it? He'd have to be alive for it to be proper kidnapping.' Kenny, Sim and Blake are about to embark on a remarkable journey of friendship. Stealing the urn containing the ashes of their best friend Ross, they set out from Cleethorpes on the east coast to travel the 261 miles to the tiny hamlet of Ross in Dumfries and Galloway. After a depressing and dispiriting funeral they feel taking Ross to Ross will be a fitting memorial for a 15 year-old boy who changed all their lives through his friendship. Little do they realise just how much Ross can still affect life for them even though he's now dead.'


This book has been on my "to-read" list for ages. And now? I didn't love it. It was OK, and it had an interesting twist at the ending. But overall, it kind of let me down. And, it had a ton of British slang that distracted me as I was reading. That being said, it was nice to read a book that focused on guys and their friendships. Oh, and the title of the blog entry? A reference Sim's quirky skill of knowing almost every specialized name for groups of animals. It adds a fun element to the book, and gets you thinking!  

Don't ignore this book

Please ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King was a 2011 Michael L. Printz honor book. (The Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature is an honor given each year by the American Library Association.) I don't always necessarily like, agree with, or read all of the winners and honor books, but this one intrigued me. The first thing I read on the book jacket flap when I opened the cover was, "Is it okay to hate a dead kid? Even if I loved him once? Even if he was my best friend? Is it okay to hate him for being dead?" Done. I was hooked! 

Please ignore Vera Dietz is not an easy book to read. The characters, especially Vera, are dealing with some serious, heavy issues, and there aren't necessarily any easy answers. There is some strong language, sexual situations and underage drinking, so I would not recommend this book to younger readers. However, I would highly recommend it to older readers. I love Vera, she is such a real and honest character with a strong voice. I even love the way the book is written, shifting perspectives and giving different characters a chance to talk and share their point of view. This book is in turns raw, honest, open, funny, frustrating and heartbreaking, and should most definitely not be ignored.

Addicted to Drama

Thanks Melissa de la Cruz for my dose of summer fun, drama and escapism. I'm starting to think that no one does crazy YA fluff like de la Cruz. Her books are so fun, and highly addictive.

Girl Stays in the Picture is no exception. It's the story of Devon, a teen pop-star sensation fresh out of rehab, hoping to make her big comeback filming a movie in St. Tropez. Casey & Livia round out the trio of girls, and bring their own stories, drama and perspectives to the book. Get one last fix of summer fun by checking out this book. The only bad part? It ends in a major cliffhanger and de la Cruz hasn't published a sequel yet!!   

On a Serious Note

 I know, I read a lot of books that are fun, fluffy and light. But every now and then, I try to balance it all out. Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky was recommended to me a few years ago, and I finally read it. Irene Nemirovsky began working on this novel in the early 1940's while living in Paris, where she was a successful writer, but also a Russian Jew. What makes this story especially poignant is that in 1942, Irene was arrested and deported to Auschwitz: a month later she was dead at the age of thirty-nine. When she was arrested, she had completed two parts of her story, and her daughters took the manuscript with them into hiding.

Fast forward sixty-four years later and Irene's work has finally been published and translated. This novel follow the stories of several groups of people as France is occupied by the Nazi's during World War II. If you're looking for a clear, succinct novel with a definitive ending, this is not the book for you. This novel is more of a narrative, not quite stream-of-consciousness, but comprised of several vignettes, loosely connected. There is not really an "ending", but I feel that this book is invaluable in capturing the essence of a people, of a nation, as they face the unthinkable. This book is not a Young Adult book, it is categorized as adult fiction and deals with mature themes and events. However, anyone with an interest in History, especially that of WWII, would benefit from reading this. 

Wicked Lies

Oh Sara Shepard, you've done it again. Dragged me right back in to the drama of Aria, Hanna, Spencer and Emily. It's crazy, silly, melodramatic, and I'm embarrassed that I can't get enough. I just finished Wicked (Pretty Little Liars #5). I've heard through the Grapevine that Ms. Shepard should have left well enough alone, and not added four more books to her previous series of eight. I guess now I have seven more books to read and not three. I feel like I'm in for a penny, in for a pound, so I'll read them, but I'm not really happy about it. I hate it when a series drags on for too long, and I feel like now, this series is just being milked for the money it can make, not for the quality of the writing. I know that I shouldn't be too hasty to judge, so I'll reserve any harsh comments or criticism and hope to continue to be pleasantly surprised by this series. Maybe when I'm done, I'll go back and watch the TV Series.....

Frankly Scarlett...

...I do give a damn! I loved Scarlett Fever, the sequel to Maureen Johnson's Suite Scarlett. It was very well done. It's always nice to revisit characters that you liked so much the first time around. This time, Scarlett & Family are back and better than ever. If you're looking for a fun series with great characters, look no further! Ooh, and one more thing. Let's talk about cover art. I'm going to put both cover versions on either side of my text. Which one do you like better? Which cover would you pick up?

Shifting Gears

So, I finally tackled the book Shift by Jennifer Bradbury. This has been on my radar for a few years. In fact, I actually started the first chapter like 2 years ago. I know, craziness. So, what took me so long to finally read the whole thing? Who knows, but I'm glad that I did. This book is definitely a "boy" book. The main protagonist Chris has just started college when the FBI shows up, wanting to know what happened to his friend Win. Chris & Win had taken the summer to ride their bikes Cross Country, but got into a fight towards the end of the trip and separated. Chris assumed Win made it back, but it looks like he was wrong. So what really happened to Win and does Chris know more than he's letting on? This book is part mystery, part coming-of-age novel, and just plain good. Read it!

Tiger Beat Teenage Dream

OK. I admit, this post is going to show my age. I just read Stories I only tell my Friends: an Autobiography by Rob Lowe. (Dreamy sigh) Oh that Rob Lowe, what a heartthrob. You can keep your Jonas Brothers, Taylor Lautner and Justin Bieber. I'll take The Brat Pack any day. The Book? Not bad. Some amusing anecdotes and fun stories. More than anything, it seems like Rob Lowe was the King of being in the right place at the right time. This book was a fun, good diversion, just perfect for a summer read. Read this if Young Hollywood of the 1980's & 1990's interests you.

Vintage Dessen

Ah, Sarah. How do I love thee? Let me count thy books! Sarah Dessen is one of my favorite Young Adult authors, and she doesn't disappoint with her new novel, Whatever Happened to Goodbye. McLean and her Dad have moved four times in the past two years, and in each town, McLean has tried out a new personality. From drama queen to cheerleader cool, she slips on new identities, leaving before anyone can get too close, or she can get too comfortable. But what happens when they land in Lakeview and McLean tries being herself? As always, Dessen peppers her book with a colorful cast of characters and friends that support the story along with the main characters. If you've never read Sarah Dessen, this isn't a bad place to start. If you're a Dessen fan, than you're in for a treat.

A Little Summer Fluff

You know how you need that perfect beach/pool read? The one where you can enjoy the book you're reading without having to think too hard or concentrate like crazy? That was Getting to Third Date for me. This fun, quick read by Kelly McClymer is the perfect choice for summer (even though it takes place in the fall). Main character Katelyn Spears is a freshman in college and also happens to be the top-secret writer of the advice column for the school newspaper. When her love & dating advice sparks a flurry of criticism, her editor (and crush!) Tyler encourages Katelyn to take a softer approach. When he learns about her three-date rule, he challenges her to go back and give some of her Romeos another chance. Will Katelyn find love with an old flame? You already know what I'm going to say...there's one way to find out! (Um...that would be by reading the book, in case anyone out there didn't get what I meant.)  

The Godfather Part II, Empire Strikes Back and Queen of the Dead...

...what do these three things have in common? They were all awesome sequels! A rarity for sure, granted more rare in movies than in books, but kudos to Stacey Kade. Queen of the Dead picks up where The Ghost and the Goth left off without skipping a beat pulling readers right back into the (mis)adventures of Will and Alona. While I really enjoyed this book, there were a few snags. I feel like too many new ideas/concepts were introduced. There is a lot happening for both Will and Alona, but their stories develop almost independently of each other. I think that the Will & The Order storyline should have been the main focus, and gotten more time. The scene in the old movie theater seemed especially rushed. I'll try not to give too much away, but the whole Alona/Lily thing could have been a separate book. I will admit that the two storylines come together in the end, but I was left very unsettled. I don't really like what happened to Alona (being deliberately vague here, trying not to give anything away), but you can bet I'm going to read the next book in the series! If you've read these books, e-mail me & tell me what you think about the Alona/Lily situation.

More Manga!!

I can't believe it myself. Not only did I read Fruits Basket Volume I, I really liked it! I'm on a roll! Bursting my bubble a little? One of my Teen Advisory Group Members Molly told me that I had to keep reading. She said I couldn't just read one or two. Hm, and here I was, so proud of myself. That's OK though. Per Molly's advice (she's pretty smart, so I figure I should listen to her) I just checked out Volume 3. I will be totally honest though; sometimes, I'm still a little confused about what is going on in these books. There are times when I have to go back and reread something. It's all good though, I think the more I read, the easier it gets. And, I like that there are only 23 Volumes in Fruits Basket, and there is an end goal in sight. It's the open ended series that make me a little more nervous (I'm talking to you One Piece!).

Sidebar to all this Manga talk? Tomorrow @ 6:30pm, the Anime/Manga group meets in the Logan Auditorium. For the summer meetings, both kids & teen clubs will meet together. See you there!

The Graduation Situation

Who doesn't love a good Graduation movie like American Pie, Can't Hardly Wait and I Love You Beth Cooper? Well, did you know I Love You Beth Cooper* was based on a book by Larry Doyle? Awhile back my friend Scott told me I needed to read it, and about a year later, mission accomplished! I had actually already seen the movie, so I kind of knew what to expect. The artwork and quotes at the beginning of each chapter alone justify reading this book. The illustrations are hilariously progressive as they chronicle the misadventures of the main character, Denis Cooverman. Denis is the definition of a nerd, and uses his Valedictorian speech to declare his love for the beautiful, unattainable Beth Cooper. The fallout from this confession is as crazy as it is unexpected, especially when Beth's older boyfriend takes exception to Denis's declaration of love. Will the class geek end up with the head cheerleader? Read this book & find out!


*I will caution that this is definitely a book for older readers. There is a lot of explicit language, some violence and underage drinking.

Sci-Fi??

I finally read Across the Universe by Beth Revis. From the moment I saw this book, I knew it would only be a matter of time before I read it, the cover was that good. But how to classify it? I guess mainly Sci-Fi, but there is also a dystopian theme running through the novel, as well as some fantasy, romance and mystery thrown into the mix. The premise? 17 year-old Amy is frozen along with her parents, and others as "cargo" aboard the spaceship Godspeed. They will be awakened in 300 years on a new planet.

But something goes horribly wrong and Amy is unfrozen and awakened 50 years early. Was it a mistake? A malfunction? Or was someone trying to kill her? Amy is sure the answer lies with Elder, the future leader of the ship, who is himself wrapped up in his own struggles with his mentor and the current leader of the ship, Eldest. This book is an intriguing tale of mystery and romance as Amy and Elder find themselves falling in love, and fighting for their lives. Revis does a great job of painting life and conditions on the spaceship, and the horrors of a controlled society. There really are no easy answers to the very difficult questions that are raised throughout the book, and it should give people plenty to think about and discuss. It is also the first book in a planned trilogy, and I can't wait for the next one!  

A little Guilty Pleasure

Take a great cover, a classic Fairy Tale, and the Prom. Put them all together and what do you have? A little book that I can't say no to. Enter Cindy Ella by Robin Palmer.

 

This was a fun, cute read with a likable main character. There big revelation of Cindy's on-line "friend" isn't that big of a surprise, but that really doesn't matter. I still found myself rooting for Cindy as she tried to stay calm and unaffected in the middle of LA and Prom craziness. This book was a fun little detour in between heavier books, and I would totally recommend it to someone who needs something light and fun with a happy ending. 

Catch a Wave!

So perfect for summer. Sometimes, I even impress myself with my timing. I just finished The Wave: In Pursuit of Rogues, Freaks, and Giants of the Ocean by Susan Casey.

This book? Not too shabby. It contained a lot of interesting information, facts and theories about waves, the oceans and climate change. Casey alternates between the science and the "adventure" sides of the ocean experience. For the science piece, she delves into the unpredictable and precarious nature of climate change and the ocean itself. She touches upon famous storms, tsunamis and shipwrecks as well as the mysterious disappearances of ships both large and small. There are a lot of fun facts and trivia bits peppered into the narrative, and although the science can get a little heavy at times, Casey finds a way to keep it accessible. This book was published in 2010, and it's fascinating to think about all that has happened since then, especially with the tsunami in Japan. 

As for the "adventure" side, Casey focused on the Big Wave riders, especially Laird Hamilton. This part of the book? Crazy! These surfers are insane! But, it was so cool to read about their adventures and there were some great pictures. If I had one comment about all of this, it would be that I think the author was totally crushing on Laird Hamilton (not that I can blame her!).  

I didn't always love the juxtaposition of the two story threads. Sometimes it was jarring to read an "adventure" chapter that ended in a cliffhanger and then turn the page and get a science chapter. I do think it was neat to show both perspectives, but maybe it should have been broken down into Part I & Part II. 

Overall, a good read that I would recommend.   

SUMMER READING!

It's here! & It has to be done, so make it fun! Join us tomorrow at the YA Summer Reading Kick-Off Party from 6-7pm. Our theme this summer is "You are Here." To celebrate we'll have music, snacks, games, prizes and more. All this crazy fun will happen in the Young Adult room. Hope to see you there! 

Creepy!!

 

Yikes! This one rates pretty high on the creep-o-meter. The House of Dead Maids by Clare B. Dunkle is a prelude to Wuthering Heights, telling the story of Heathcliff as a boy. The main character, Tabby Akyroyd is hired from an orphanage and brought to Seldom House to serve as a nursemaid for young Heathcliff. Seldom House turns out to be a ghoulish, haunted home located on the desolate Yorkshire moors. There is no shortage of ghosts, spirits and mystery in this story, and the epilogue serves as an intriguing historical note, lending the story an eerie credibility. Clare B. Dunkle also has an author Web site, with a whole section devoted to the House of Dead Maids. It features pictures, some back story and more, and is definitely fun to explore if you want to know more about the story. My only advice? Don't read it late at night! 

How much is too much?

So, a recent editorial article/opinion in the Wall Street Journal sent ripples through the world of Young Adult literature. The author was questioning the level of explicit abuse, violence, and depravity in current YA fiction. Many authors and librarians looked on this article as an attack, and proceeded to defend YA fiction with everything they had. Me? Well, I find myself in a very strange position indeed. I see both sides of the issue, and I think there are valid points to be had for each side. As luck/karma would have it, I was reading Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeevs when I read this article. Talk about gore, violence, strong language, sexual situations, self-mutilation and more. This book has it all, and I have to say, at times it seemed excessive. I did not love this book, I felt like it was violent just for violence's sake, and I had a really hard time empathizing with the heroine, Hannah. I feel like the author wanted her to be a racier, more modern Buffy, but she just fell flat for me. The author had a lot of great ideas and creativity, and Reeves is definitely a good writer, but I could not embrace this story. This is most definitely a read for older teens.

But, back to the Wall Street Journal article, I do think there should be a variety of YA books available in every topic, and I know that many children and teens have lived through difficult, sometimes horrifying experiences. Having books with characters they can relate to is essential. The choice of reading material is a freedom that should never be taken away. I think it all comes down to a matter of personal preference and choice. While people can make all kind of suggestions and recommendations about what you should read, at the end of the day, you control your own destiny.

Dark Tide

Back to non-fiction for me. I know, I'm amazed as you are! Anyway, I finally read Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919 by Stephen Puleo. This is another book that had been on my "to read list" for years, and I'm so glad that I have now read it. It really was a great book. Rich in historical detail, but sprinkled with enough story and narrative to keep the story moving. It reminded me a lot of the Dennis Lehane novel, The Given Day, primarily because they covered the same tumultuous time period in Boston. I find it so interesting to read different author's perspectives of the same series of events. Another interesting storyline that stood out for me related to immigration, especially the history and treatment of the Sicilian Italians. I couldn't help but to draw parallels to their treatment and the treatment of the Chinese as described in The Snakehead.

Any and everyone living in or near Boston should be required to read this book. It's an incredibly well-told story and an invaluable look at the structure and history of Boston. Reba definitely recommends!! 

Caught Red-Handed

Rats! Erin so called my bluff. In my post-Memorial Day post, I only commented on one of the two books that I vowed to read over the weekend. I went on and on about The Snakehead hoping that no one would notice I didn't review Chime. Well, there was a reason for it. Despite my best intentions, I didn't finish Chime over the weekend. But, that's all in the past and I have finally finished it and I am ready to comment.

(Great cover, hm?) Simply put, I really liked it. I may have even loved it. It's the kind of story that's hard to describe, but it was so beautifully written. At times it read like a fantasy, at times like a mystery, and at times like a novel with paranormal themes and a touch of romance. The main character Briony is hiding a terrible secret. She knows she's a witch and that she caused her Stepmother's death and serious injuries to her twin sister. Now, there's someone new in town, and he is determined to look below the beautiful exterior and learn about the real Briony. Trouble is, who is the real Briony, and will it mean her death if that is revealed? You'll have to read this book to find out!  

A Reader Reviews

Yay!! Finally! You all get a break from me for at least one post while I feature some entries from a guest reviewer, Shannon. Thanks Shannon!!

Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters by Natalie Standiford

Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters got off to a great start and through most of the book, it was all very satisfying. I liked how the author used the three different views of each sister and made it so you couldn't decide which of the sisters had a guiltier confession. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone, except there was one small glitch at the end of the book. The ending was something of a fast last-thought that made you wonder why the author even wrote the three confessions of the sisters in the book because they didn't matter in the end, except as a common moral lesson. As much as I enjoyed the book, I was hoping for a better ending, but otherwise, it was great. 

The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade

The Ghost and the Goth was a very entertaining and fun book. A classic popular girl who thinks the highest of herself and a misunderstood boy clashed for an unlikely purpose. Although the ending was a bit confusing because the evidence leading up to it proved it couldn't happen, it made you think about the afterlife and what actually happens. If our ancestors are around us as spirits who haven't moved on, or if they have seen the light and left earth. 

The Anti-Prom by Abby McDonald

The Anti-prom was certainly a book of unexpected events. It kept you guessing about what would happen next and most of the time, it was a surprise. It does show the truth about life and what happens under the shiny surface of high school. Unfortunately, although this book wasn't very long, it seemed like the ending could have happened at any time. Many points in the book could have been perfect ending but the book kept going on and on. It went on and on with a purpose, but it didn't become any more interesting than it would have been if it ended earlier.

Finally!

I feel like I've been reading this book forever, but I finally finished The Snakehead: An Epic Tale of the Chinatown Underworld and the American Dream by Patrick Radden Keefe. So fascinating. Really. And, the fact that the events portrayed in this book are current adds to the level of immediacy and interest. (Well, relatively current, most of the events in the book happen in the 1990's, and are carried through almost up until present day.) This book touches upon culture, greed, history, immigration (legal & illegal), smuggling (mostly human!) and more. Anyone with an interest in History and/or Current Events would enjoy this book. It leaves the reader with a lot of heavy questions, much to think about and no easy answers.  

Slow and Steady...

...wins the Race, right? Right? Yikes, talk about slow & steady and you've described my reading style this week. I feel like I'm stuck in a rut. I'm in the middle of 2 great books, and so close to being done with one of them, but I just can't wrap it up. I could blame it on my obsession with Gilmore Girls Season 7, or Criminal Minds Season 5, or the fact that I can't read at work. I know, I know. You think, "Oh, but you work in a library, you must read all day." I wish blogs had a laugh track, because I would cue it up right here. Sorry friends, nothing could be further from the truth. No reading time at work, but still, that's no excuse. I just need to go home & dedicate a few hours to these books & be done with it. So, what books, you ask? Well, the one I'm almost done with is The Snakehead: An Epic Tale of the Chinatown Underworld and the American Dream by Patrick Radden Keefe, and the one I'm smack dab in the middle of is Chime by Franny Billingsley. The worst/best part? I'm really liking both of them. They're not even the kind of books that I have to force myself to read. They are both fascinating and well-written. So, no more excuses. Memorial Day Weekend is almost upon us, and I have issued myself a challenge. I will have both of these books read by Tuesday. Stay tuned for my reviews and have a great holiday weekend!

Greatest Job in the World

So...let's talk for a minute about how much I love my job. Last week, I got to attend an author panel at Cambridge Public Library, "Diversity in Young Adult Literature", and it was considered work! This national tour of authors, which was spearheaded by Cindy Pon and Malinda Lo, traveled around the country, and featured local and guest YA authors. So, last week, I got to listen to (and meet!!) Cindy Pon, Malinda Lo, Holly Black, Sarah Rees Brennan, Deva Fagan and Francisco X. Stork. And can I tell you, what an amazing experience. It was slightly overwhelming however, now I want to read all of their books ASAP. So, I just have to give a shout-out to YA Literature & YA Authors. You make me proud to be a YA Librarian!

If Wishes Grew on Trees....

...the Celtics would still be in the playoffs, I wouldn't be able to afford Sox tickets, because they would be first in their division. Alas, I don't have endless wishes on hand, but what would I wish for if I really had 3 wishes? Enter Viola & Jinn in the Young Adult Novel As You Wish by Jackson Pearce.

I recently finished, Sisters Red, another Jackson Pearce book and I have to say that I love her writing style. That being said, my feelings about As You Wish are mixed. Overall, I enjoyed it, and I would recommend it to readers. It a fun, easy read with a happy ending, but I wish Viola had been a little stronger, and believed in herself a little more. I'm not sure what I thought about the dual narration (Jinn & Viola alternate chapters). Sometimes it jarred me a little, and seemed discordant, then other times, I didn't even notice that the narrative perspective had switched. I did like a lot of the secondary characters, and I think Pearce does a good job capturing the high school experience. Also, it's kind of nice to read a supernatural romance that has nothing to do with werewolves, fairies, zombies or vampires!   

Getting my Game on!

OK, Celtics. Win or lose, I admire you as a team, and I'm totally rooting for you, but I have to pay my respects to your elders. I just finished When the Game Was Ours by Larry Bird, Earvin (Magic) Johnson Jr. and Jackie MacMullen. Here's a synopsis from the Publisher
  
"From the moment these two players took the court on opposing sides, they engaged in a fierce physical and psychological battle. Their uncommonly competitive relationship came to symbolize the most compelling rivalry in the NBA. These were the basketball epics of the 1980s--Celtics vs Lakers, East vs West, physical vs finesse, Old School vs Showtime, even white vs black. Each pushed the other to greatness--together Bird and Johnson collected 8 NBA Championships, and 6 MVP awards and helped save the floundering NBA at its most critical time. When it started they were bitter rivals, but along the way they became lifelong friends." 

Whew! Talk about intense. I found myself really enjoying this book. I know, I seem to be on a roll with the sports non-fiction. Anyway, if you're a fan of basketball, or just want to know more about these two dynamic, larger-than-life rivals, this is the book for you. I highly recommend this!

May Flowers...

Just finished Bloomability by Sharon Creech. Creech is an award-winning author of both Children's and Young Adult books, but strangely enough, I had never read any of her books. I found myself really enjoying Bloomability. It tells the story of 13-year old Domenica Santolina Doone (Dinnie), and the year she spends at a boarding school in Switzerland. Dinnie has spent her whole life moving, as her family bounces from one state to the next. Although her family is transient and can be chaotic, she is very close to them and loves being with them. When the book opens, Dinnie is being taken to Switzerland by her Aunt and Uncle, to an International Boarding School where her Uncle will serve as headmaster. Dinnie is very unhappy about this (she insists she is being "kidnapped") and resistant to the idea, but eventually she learns to give Switzerland a chance and appreciate her surroundings. It was fun going on this journey with Dinnie, as she learns more about herself, her family and the world around her. There are some great secondary characters in this book, I especially enjoyed Guthrie and Keisuke. I would recommend this book for middle-school readers, or anyone who is interested in travel or world cultures. It definitely made me want to go to Switzerland!

 

AreYOU ready for Prom?

Prom! Oh, the anticipation and memories that one word captures. There are so may books written about Prom (check out our display in the YA Room) and I just finished a great one. It was the cleverly written 24 Girls in 7 Days by Alex Bradley. What's a guy to do when there's only a week to prom and he has no date in sight? Well, if you have the kind of friends that Jack Grammar has, you don't have to do much. Except date 24 girls in 7 days, after they run an on-line add that makes Jack the hottest ticket in town. I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it. Although predictable at times, it manages to dig deeper than you would first expect. There are a few twists that kept me reading, and I found myself rooting for Jack. I won't give anything away, but I was pretty happy with the ending. I actually wished that there was a sequel, I found myself wanting to know more about Jack and his friends. So whether you're going to Prom or not, schedule a date with this book! (I know...super cheesy, but I couldn't help myself!!)  

Sweet Valley What??

Apparently, sometimes it's best to let the past stay in the past. When I was younger I loved the Sweet Valley High Series. I'm sure this comes to no surprise to those of you who have read my postings in the past. Sadly, I'm a pretty predictable reader. Well, maybe I've matured (highly unlikely) but my 32-year old self was pretty disappointed in Sweet Valley Confidential: Ten Years Later by Francine Pascal. To be fair though, it's been years since I read a Sweet Valley book, and I did polish off this book in about 3-4 hours. As much as it was killing me, I couldn't put it down! What disappointed me the most (besides the writing, painful at times) was the people my Sweet Valley High friends had become. Not pretty. I won't go into too much detail, I don't want to give everything away, but Francine, did you have to make everyone & their lives so horrible? To sum it up...don't read this unless you must.

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Loved the book...

...but hated the ending! I just finished Trapped by Michael Northrop. If you got deja vu reading that sentence, it might be because Gentlemen, the book I just reviewed was also written by Michael Northrop.

 

I usually like to space out books by the same author, but that just didn't happen this time. Regardless, I liked this book more than Gentlemen, but I felt so cheated by the ending. The premise of this book is that seven students get trapped in their High School when a Nor'easter of unprecedented strength blows through their town. This book is taut and suspenseful, but I feel like the author could have done so much more with the story, plot and characters. Maybe sparseness is just his style. Hm. Actually having to use my imagination to fill in the gaps :) say it ain't so! I think the book could have been twice the length, easy. Despite these flaws, I would still recommend this novel. It would be a great choice for a book club, there is so much to debate and discuss.                           

Reba goes Graphic!

Finally! I'm happy to say that I have just read my very first Manga book! What series did I dive into, you might ask? Well, I just finished One Piece, Volume 1: Romance Dawn by Eiichiro Oda. And you know what? It wasn't that bad! I won't lie, it took me awhile to get used to reading backwards, and from right to left, but I managed. I will admit though, that I had already seen some of the Anime of One Piece, so I was able to follow the story along easier than I normally would have. And you know what else? I might actually read Volume 2!

A Long Way Gone...

Over vacation, I also finished A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah. While this was a touching, albeit disturbing memoir, I felt like it could have gone much deeper. There were times, and scenes, where feelings and emotions were raw, but I still felt like a lot was also glossed over. I wanted to know more about the narrator Ishmael, and his mental and physical journey. Beah goes from being a 12-year old, happy boy who loves music and rap, to a child soldier, hopped up on drugs and killing with a fierceness and savageness, spurred on by the will to live and revenge for what happened to his family and his village. Can you blame me for wanting to know more about the boy who was strong enough to live through this and tell the tale?

This book should be a must-read for several reasons, but mostly for a reminder of how lucky most of us are, and to learn to appreciate everything we have. I would recommend this book to older readers, the descriptions of violence and war can be graphic and brutal, but never inappropriate. They are a necessary component to the book, if we are to ever understand a fraction of what life was like in Sierra Leone during their Civil War. This book certainly puts things into perspective, while shedding light on a Global issue that should not be ignored or swept under the rug. 

It's Official! I would make a horrible boy...

So, I did it. I read a "boy book." It was called The Gentlemen by Michael Northrup. A male author, a manly name...and male characters...what more could I ask for? Well, maybe a book that I liked. Ouch, I know, that's kind of harsh. I didn't hate this book, but I didn't love it either. (OK, a quick aside...by now you all know about my obsession with book covers. No lie, it took me forever to realize that the boy on the cover was in a body bag. To borrow a Ron Weasley quote, "How thick can you get?")

Back to the story, this book focuses on four friends, Micheal, Tommy, Mixer and Bones, who excel at underachieving. After an altercation with a teacher, Tommy goes missing, and what follows is a suspenseful story that spirals towards disaster. I will admit, as I read this I was anxious and wanted to know what really happened to Tommy, and I found myself wondering how far Micheal, Mixer & Bones would go to find out the truth. This is an unsettling book, that doesn't give any easy answers, but overall, it fell flat for me. I'm not giving up though. In fact, I'm about to start Trapped, which is by the same author. You know I'll keep you posted!   

Need...Captivate...Entice...

Sigh. I'm a victim of my own obsession. Young Adult series with amazing covers.

When will I ever learn? But I'm weak. Can you blame me though? Check out this cover..

....the story? Yeah. Not as amazing as the cover. This is the third in the Need series by Carrie Jones. I felt like I was reading this book just to wrap it all up, and because I had already read the first two. The worst part? Total cliffhanger ending. I just have this feeling that there is going to be a fourth book. Advice? If you haven't started this series, don't. Unless you absolutely love paranormal romance and can't get enough. The featured paranormal "species"  in this series are Pixies. But fear not, fairies and weres make appearances too. Oh yeah, and a ghoul. Excellent. Vampires can't be too far behind.....

...In the Middle...

Once again...too many books, too little time. I've started A long way gone: memoirs of a boy soldier by Ishmael Beah. This book has been on my radar for a very long time, and I have to thank one of my students, Cameron for finally getting me to read it. He needs to read it for a class, so we made a deal that we would read it at the same time. It's a very moving, intense book, and is making me very thankful for everything that I have.

I've also started Entice by Carrie Jones. It's the third and final book in the Need Trilogy.

In my queue....I currently have these books either checked out or on hold. Thank God vacation is next week! Trapped by Michael Northrop, Chime by Franny Billingsley, When the Game was Ours by Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood by Stephen Puleo, The Creative Collection of American Short Stories, Gentlemen by Michael Northrop and Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves. Yikes! Let's see how long it takes me to read them all!

How Mysterious....

I love a good mystery. I watched Murder She Wrote religiously (I still love watching repeats!) and I got hooked on Nancy Drew, Encyclopedia Brown, The Three Investigators, Trixie Belden, The Bobbsey Twins, Agatha Christie, you name it. If it was a mystery, I read it. So I just finished Murder at Longbourn by Tracy Kiely. This is not really a Young Adult novel, but mystery lovers of any age would enjoy this book. In case you couldn't guess by the title, it was Inspired by Pride and Prejudice. The two main characters, Elizabeth and her Aunt Winnie are big Jane Austen fans. Aunt Winnie has just opened a B&B on the Cape and is hosting a Murder Mystery Dinner for New Year's Eve. Well, you guessed it. Instead of the staged murder by a troupe of professional actors, a guest at the party is really killed. What follows is a super fun mash-up of traditional whodunit featuring the usual suspects, with a dash of literary references thrown in for good measure. While there is nothing new or mind-blowing about this book, it's a fun read for fans of mystery.

Loved the title, liked the cover...did not love the book. It was OK. That's the perfect description of this book. Just OK. It was an easy, quick read; perfect for the beach or pool. The title character, Megan Meade is likeable enough, but the whole plot device to get her living with the McGowan boys in question was weak. She's an Army Brat who is sick and tired of moving. So, when her mom & dad get deployed to South Korea, she puts her foot down. Her whole reason for not wanting to move to South Korea was that she didn't want to leave her friends, school and sports behind. Yet, she ends up moving to another state anyway, to live with her dad's friends and their seven boys. Um, hello? How is that not leaving your friends, school & sports and life behind? But whatever. I was willing to suspend disbelief and just enjoy the book. And that's kind of what you have to do to enjoy this book. Just accept it for what it is, and don't look for deeper meaning.

April Fools Indeed

OK, Mother Nature. You win. You are the Queen of April Fools jokes. Snow, again? Really? Boo! I'm so ready for Spring! OK, enough about the weather. Let's talk about Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce. I finally finished it!! (Great cover, hm?)

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I loved the March sisters, Rosie & Scarlett (the 2 main characters). They were feisty, strong heroines, but portrayed very realistically, struggling with feelings of guilt, loss, fear and love. In this retelling of Red Riding Hood, the wolves are called Fenris, and can cloak themselves as attractive men, the easier to lure young, unsuspecting girls in with charm and good looks. Rosie & Scarlett excel at pretending to be these young, unsuspecting girls, and once cornered, turn into fierce warriors. There is a lot of violence and fighting, but fear not, there is also some love and romance. There is one big plot twist, and I don't like to brag, but I totally guessed what it was. Go me! I don't want to say too much more, of give anything away, but if you like fast-paced adventure books with great characters, you will love this!

P.S.- I almost forgot-library shout out; A major part of the book was research done in the library. Hooray for libraries! Thanks Jackson Pearce!  

Not all Vampire Series are created equal

Just finished Last Sacrifice, the final book in the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead. Overall, I'm happy with how the series wrapped up. It was bittersweet to have the series end, but I love it when an author finishes strong, rather than dragging out a series for too long. So kudos to you Richelle Mead! That being said...I see the potential for several spin-off series, and I would not be upset if this were to happen. I really loved this series, I feel that they were well-written and seriously? Great cover art! I really cared about the characters and found myself enjoying each book. If you are on Vampire overload, I totally understand, but if you are willing to give Vamps another chance, this is the series to read.

Opening Day Fever!

It's official. I love Michael Lewis. Who, you might ask? Michael Lewis, the genius author of The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game, Moneyball: the Art of Winning an Unfair Game and several other titles which I am sure are amazing. I finally read Moneyball, it had been on my "to-read" list since I read The Blind Side a few years ago and loved it. Now, I am a big sports fan, and loyal to my hometown teams, win or lose, but I'm nowhere near a sports fanatic or expert. I was a little apprehensive about reading The Blind Side, but Lewis made it painless to read and understand more about the game of football, without being didactic and boring. Moneyball did the same for baseball. It was fascinating to get a look at the back end of baseball. The scouting, coaching, wheeling & dealing, trading, even the statistics. There were a few times in the book where the sections on statistics almost got the better of me, but they were peppered with stories and anecdotes that kept me reading.

Moneyball focuses on the story of the Oakland A's and their GM Billy Beane. Love or hate him & his methods, they are fascinating to read about. The Oakland A's became one of the best teams in baseball with one of the lowest payrolls, and this book examines this phenomenon in great detail. Moneyball is also being made into a movie starring Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill. If the pre-season isn't enough for you, pick up this book and read it while you're waiting for Opening Day. GO SOX!!!!

Love Those Gallagher Girls!

So, I finished Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter a few days ago. It's the fourth book in the Gallagher Girls series, and it does not disappoint! This one might actually be my favorite since the first book. It had a ton of action and a cliffhanger ending. If you're looking for a fun series with action, adventure, suspense and a little mystery, look no further. Check the Gallagher Girls out today!

The Last Wolf of Ireland...

...broke my heart. It was the Middle School Book Club selection for this month, and it was so sad. At first glance, it seems deceptively simple; a story about a boy and his friends trying to save the last wolf of Ireland. However, this was so much more. Some of the descriptions of what happened to the wolves were graphic and brutal, but not gratuitous, they were just very real and heartbreaking. This book makes me want to do more research about the wolves in Ireland, and see if it's true, that they were all driven out. The author, Elona Malterre also gives a realistic portrayal of what life was like when Ireland was under English rule (the setting of this book was in Northern Ireland in 1786). It was interesting to learn that the English didn't want children in Ireland to go to school, and Catholic services were banned. It was a very tough time for the people of Northern Ireland. While this book is Historical Fiction, it certainly has a ring of truth to it and should inspire readers to do more research on the history of both the people and wolves of Ireland.

Piece of My Heart

I just finished Janis Joplin: Rise up Singing by Ann Angel. I was really excited when I found this book because I have always loved Janis Joplin. It was a quick read, but jam-packed with facts, stories, pictures and more. This book is perfect whether you're a fan or just want to learn more about Janis or the music and culture of the 60's & 70's. Janis died much too young, luckily her legacy lives on in books like this one.