He Really Gets It, Mrs. C...

I recently read Paper Towns by John Green...and I must say that he is an author who really gets it. If you told me he was an adult- I wouldn't believe you- but he is. He really captures the feelings and forced roles of teen age-dom. And he's hilarious, to boot. I have been following his blog as of late, and it seems to have the same great qualities as his books. This is really an author to keep your eye on...as he has only published 3 books. Having said that, he won a Michael L. Printz Award for the first, and the second won a Michael L. Printz Honor. "Check them out" and tell me what you think...

Can't Wait, Mrs. C...

One of my favorite YA authors has a new book coming out next month (July 09)...Chris Crutcher.

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I love his edginess, the way he pushes the envelope on topics that are important to young adult readers...like sex, death, friendship, abuse, cheating, and censorship...just to name a few. Crutcher has not written a book that has not been challenged, and he is very vocal about his feelings on this topic. I have found his honesty to be refreshing, as I think often times the reason we read is to try to relate to the characters in the book- and even to sort out our feelings about a topic. Crutcher does a great job of addressing many relevant teen issues without preaching about how he thinks teens should handle them. He is a great author- one I think you should "check out" immediately. Who is your must-read author? Are there any books that you'd be willing to camp out at the bookstore at midnight waiting for it to be put on the shelf?

My Latest Mystery

So, I just finished a must-read mystery: What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell. It is fast paced, well-written and contains a very original plot. The book is set in the post-World War II era, a romanticized version of the homecoming of a World War II veteran and the mess he gets his family tangled up in. It is told in 1st person by Evie Spooner, a 15 year-old girl who wants nothing more than to grow up. Evie's story is emotional and innocent, as she navigates her way through a "grown up" world she is just beginning to understand. The book, while entertaining, also touches on a number of historical events and sentiments that make it a fascinating, worthwhile read. What I Saw and How I Lied is a National Book Award Winner.
What's your favorite mystery?

The Eternal Question...

"What should I read now?"...is the age-old question of young readers everywhere. Heck, I ask myself that each time I read the last sentence in a book- and I've been reading for more years than I'd like to admit. That's what led me to come up with this blog. The purpose of this blog is to encourage students and adults alike to find books that they enjoy reading. There will be a combination of book reviews, author profiles, contemporary articles, and fun stuff to keep you all coming back for more. Please let me know what you'd like to hear about- all input is greatly appreciated! After all, this is for all of you- and a little bit for me to rant and rave, and share what's on my mind. Happy Reading!!! And please, don't ask me "What should I read next?" unless you REALLY want an answer.