Guess What....I Read A Book!

I know, it is a surprise. : )

Just finished reading Insatiable, by Meg Cabot.

I’m going to admit something here….this is the first Meg Cabot book I have ever read. If you have read my blog at all, you probably know that a lot of what I read has fantastical elements, and usually considered “for kids” or teens….I was (until recently) unaware that Ms. Cabot was not only very funny, but also a pretty versatile author. I knew the Princess Diaries from the movies, and my daughter had read some of her books. It wasn’t that I was not interested, but just had such a long TBR (to be read) list that no matter how many great things I read or heard about MegCabot, her books were really not on my radar. Welllll….then a funny thing happened. I started reading her blog, following her on Facebook, much like I do with several other authors. I like to keep up on what is what in the world of fiction, particularly YA and younger. It is what I do. I read lots of author blogs, and book review blogs and such things. I’m rambling, aren’t I? Ok, so Insatiable has things that piqued my interest….I dig vampires but I had decided a while back that I would read no vampire book not written by Anne Rice….and Bram Stoker…..and maybe Charlaine Harris. *sigh* Haven’t I learned by now not to make rules for myself in regards to what I will and will not read? I usually end up breaking these rules anyway.

My husband asked me not long ago how long it had been since I read an “adult” book. After resisting the urge to punch him, I scoffed at “labels” and said “why can’t we just read a good story for the sake of reading a good story?” Promptly followed by finally getting my hands on Insatiable, which is not a YA or younger book, but most definitely a book written for adults.

I got sidetracked….back to reading/following Ms. Cabot on the net. In doing so, I learned at least three things. 1. Meg Cabot is a funny lady! She cracks me up! 2. She has written about the paranormal before this. 3. She grew up reading some of the same books I did. (which I mentioned in a previous post)…and Harry Potter. : )

I saw some of the book trailers, like the one above (I love book trailers) for Insatiable, and decided to read it…after I stopped laughing.

Here is another one.

I requested that our library buy it, and even went so far as to ask, nicely, if I could be the first to check it out. It was purchased, prepped, cataloged and viola, I just finished reading it.

I am going to sidetrack myself again. I have read and heard “it was so good I read it all in one sitting/night” so many times about many different books. This is what I have to say about that kind of reading. 1. that is great! If I were young, single, not a parent, no job, fewer responsibilities, or a vampire I would probably do that too. Maybe. 2. I like to enjoy a good book like a good meal. Savoring it. Re-reading bits if necessary. Ever eat something so fast you wonder where it went? Can’t really believe you ate so fast, and don’t really remember eating it at all? This is how someone I know reads. She reads so fast that she really doesn’t even remember why she liked it, just that she did. But enough about her, back to me. More importantly, back to Insatiable.

Meena is a dialog writer for a popular, long running soap opera entitled Insatiable. She is currently single, and sharing her apartment with her brother, who is also currently single but also unemployed, and her dog Jack Bauer.

Ok. The dog is one of my favorite characters in the book. Who wouldn’t want a little dog who reminds you of Keifer Sutherland in 24,

complete with angst-y facial expressions? Meena has the ability to foresee when and how someone is going to die, this has not exactly been an easy ‘gift’ to live with and has cost her at least one relationship. Meena is also NOT a vampire fan. She is sick of the hype in popular media about vampires and their penchant for young attractive women. In one day Meena is passed over for a promotion, learns that she must write a vampire into the show, and is rescued from a ‘bat’ attack by a handsome stranger. Ok, technically that spills into the wee hours of the next morning. Don’t be so picky. Things go from bad to worse when Meena learns that not only does she have to live with vampires on her beloved soap opera, but that they are, in fact real. And she has fallen in love with one, and not just any vampire. Their Prince, also known as the son of this guy.....you may have heard of him.

Well, this guy really....

Plus, there is this vampire hunter……So now we have a fun heroine and her brother (Meena and Jonathan Harper……an homage to Bram Stoker?), attractive European men, excitement, treachery, romance (sexy times)….this is a fun, witty, well rounded story. OH, and Jack Bauer. The dog.

I really enjoyed that the ending (nope, no spoilers….well, not really) is not all neat and tidy. We are left with a sense of “hmm…I wonder if down the road _____ happens?” I like endings like this. They open up the imagination to the possibilities. (That speed reader person I mentioned earlier…..hates that stuff. She wants to be told what happens. Can you see me roll my eyes?)

Next? Who knows. Paranormalcy, by Kiersten White, and Kenny and the Dragon, by Tony DiTerlizzi are on my desk. Reckless, by Cornelia Funke comes out tomorrow! I am looking forward to that. I also still have some "retro-reviewing" I want to do. Books I love that I haven’t yet had opportunity to mention.

I would like to thank Mr. Goran Visnjic for standing in for the hot European men. *Sigh* He's dreamy...

Conferences.......I Like Them

HI!! So, I have recently returned from the annual conference of the "Children & Young Peoples' Division of the Indiana Library Federation"....or CYPD 2010. Now, I know some people dread conferences, but I like them. I always have a good time, and glean plenty of information and ideas to make it worth my while. Plus, my library pays for it, I get to "escape" from the everyday for a little while, and hey, who doesn't like a night in a hotel? (Unless you travel constantly, which I have heard people complain about.....I can't relate....) There are always workshops/sessions with interesting topics, authors, and sometimes an illustrator even. Fun and interesting stuff....for me and others like me all around the state.

This year, the event was held at the Indianapolis Marriott North. I cannot say enough about this hotel. This was my 5th CYPD conference, and by far the swankiest hotel. The bed was heavenly! OH! Don't get me started on that king sized, fluffy, cloud-marshmallow of a bed.......let me wipe away a little tear for the bed-of-my-life that I was forced to leave behind. With much sadness and reluctance did I leave this bed. Did I mention that it was really comfortable? And the food......pretty yummy, and multiple desserts.....oh yeah....

Where was I? OH. Sorry. I drifted away.

Sunday, after the brief welcome, there was a talk given by Fredrick McKissack Jr. on the subject of Profanity in YA Literature. I found Mr. McKissack to be very articulate and entertaining. His book Shooting Star has apparently already been challenged in relation to this very subject. To sum up what most of us already know, he was writing about boys. Teenage boys, especially on a football (or other sport) team, away from "grown ups".....well, they use profanity. Often profusely. In fact, one young reader commented to his parents that he thought Mr. McKissack actually toned things down. I believe that what he said about finding the voice of your character and being true to that is very important. That is how teenagers talk, especially among their peers. I don't see the need to sugar coat the language of teens in books meant for teens. It just doesn't make sense. Teens only sugar coat their language (mostly) when talking to parents, teachers, pastors, and such.

That evening, after attending sessions on Anime/Manga clubs and Guys Read...and a delicious dinner, we heard from author Jack Gantos. This was painful a couple of times as only a rich belly-laugh on a full stomach can be. This guy is funny! Mr. Gantos is also full of interesting stories, as any good author should be. I have decided to read more of his work. I'll keep you posted, of course. I bought my son one of the Jack Henry books to have signed. (another first, I have previously not stood in line for author signings at these things)

The next morning, after a very pleasant night's sleep in a really good bed (did I already mention that?), the general session was on Gaming at the Library with Beth Gallaway. She discussed many types of games, and program options. Later, I attended a session on using art in children's programs. This was fun, nothing revolutionary, but good ideas. Also, she brought up some excellent points on not squashing a kid's creativity.

Our lunch speaker was author April Pulley Sayre. I had seen her a few years ago, but she is very fun, and writes non-fiction.....two things that don't always go together. Her books are very entertaining though. Yesterday at a program I read Bird, Bird, Bird, and it was a hit! I also had her sign a couple of books for the library. I really enjoy meeting authors....especially the fun, friendly type. I am a bit sorry that I didn't have Mr. McKissack's book to get signed. I did request that we get it for our YA section though.

That leads me to another reason that it has taken me all week to get this post done. Blog reading. Yes, it is great, and I get a lot of great book ideas to request that we get, but it does take time. I'm keeping current with YA and children's books though, so it is sort of work.....I know, I know, I need balance. I also need to clean my office. Soon. And my house....don't get me started. I am going to be a fabulous procrastinator someday.

Back to the conference. I also attended a session on making book trailers. Super fun, I think I may have to try it sometime. If you aren't familiar with book trailers, here is a link to one. Oooh, and this one too!

And I'll leave you with those. Hope everyone is having a wonderful end-of-summer. Also, hope to post again soon......I have Books.....multiple books that I still want to tell you about! : )

Again? Already?

As you may have noticed, I started blogging on Monday after a long intermission filled with much non-blogging activity. Then, another new post yesterday....ok, that was Stephanie Perkins' fault...mostly. Now, another new post. Three days in a row? What is up? Apparently something is up. Last night I even picked up the ol' story and started working on it after a couple of months. (Lisa, you'll be happy, I know!) Who knows, at this rate, I may actually finish the thing someday! Wouldn't that be something?

The topic of the day seems to have been censorship. Here's some links to things I've been reading, which could be a big ol' rabbit hole that might take hours to drag yourself out of. You have been warned. This all started with a trip to BookMoot, which is one of my favorite book blogs. Which then led me to Pete Hautman's blog. Later, I clicked a link on FaceBook that led me to Ellen Hopkin's live journal. In a nutshell, here's what happened. A school system in Texas was planning a "Teen Lit Fest". As one of several authors invited they chose Ellen Hopkins, author of such books as Crank, Burned, and others. Later, after she had accepted, she was un-invited. (You'll have to read the linked blogs if you want more details than that.) Rude. Censorship? Apparently that is debatable. I personally think that if you un-invite someone because a couple of people complained that her books might be unsuitable for some of the kids that will be attending.....kind of sounds censor-y to me. I like the idea of making a panel to discuss the issue a part of the "Teen Lit Fest" instead of attempting to sweep it under a rug. Teens are pretty savvy, they have also heard and seen a lot in this day and age and deserve a chance to make up their own minds. I know that at "our" library Ms. Hopkin's books are very popular. I personally haven't read them, but maybe I should. Also, anyone who thinks to advise others on the potential dangers of a particular book must first read the book in question and form their own opinions. Not solely rely on the word of others.....even if you trust and admire the person who is telling you. They may not have actually read it either.

Ok, that was closer to a rant....but it was about books!

A Fun New Thing

So, Stephanie Perkins, whom I love to blog stalk....that isn't creepy, right?....has her first book Anna and the French Kiss coming out later this year!! Yay for new authors!! Stephanie's blog is such fun to read, that I am sure her book will be wonderful! In fact, she is having a give-away right now for her last Advance Reading Copy!! Not that that is the only reason I am blogging about her book, but.....sure, I'd take a look at it if she sent me one. (and be pretty excited to do so!!!) There is a neat-o countdown thingy off to the side.....see it? It is my Fun New Thing. Cute, huh?

I am liking the new look of my blog.....are you? I sure hope so!

New Look

Hi! It is "Back to School" time here, and I'm feeling a little old with my son starting 5th grade, my nephew starting middle school, my niece starting high school, and my daughter starting college! But, that is what kids do, they keep growing and changing and getting older. Guess we all do, and hopefully we keep learning.....and reading great books.

Recently, I finished Dragon Flight, by Jessica Day George. This is the sequel to Dragon Slippers. There is a third book called Dragon Spear, which I have yet to read, but hope to do so soon. I love stories about dragons, that is no secret. Dragons who have not only intelligence and wisdom, but a sense of humor, and real personality are the best. Ms. George does a fantastic job of creating a fascinating story of humans and dragons existing together, or trying to. The main human character, Creel, is an interesting young lady who is independent, determined, and a very talented seamstress. I don't know that I've ever read anything that so successfully tied together embroidery and dress-making with dragons and impending wars. You have to read them in order to understand, I guess. (I don't want to tell you the whole story.) The issue of prejudice between the humans and dragons as presented here is very interesting as well, and can easily translate into real-life situations.....without seeming like it is a lesson at all.....who wants to be taught a lesson while reading a great story? But, we are influenced by what we read.....so in that way everything we read contains a lesson, I suppose.....

Maybe I'm rusty.....did any of that make any kind of sense? I hope so. If not, don't give up on my yet. I'm trying to get back into the swing of things.

Ahh...Summer!

Well, as anyone who has worked in the Youth department of a library will tell you, summer is a very busy time for us! Busybusybusybusy. That is not to say that it can't be fun.....just, well, busy. I am hoping to get back to some semblance of order, but I'm afraid that blogging has taken the farthest back burner. I am reading....mostly to children and not as much for myself, but I am always reading. Currently, at our Tuesday afternoon "all ages storytime" I am reading Odd and the Frost Giants, by Neil Gaiman. I like to read something that will take us a couple of weeks, but not much more than that to get through. It is about testing their attention spans and reading stuff I don't normally get to read. Yes, I could get through several "picture books" in that time, but I wanted this particular Storytime to be different. I like to change things up like that, it is how I roll.

So, Odd and the Frost Giants. This is the story of a boy called Odd, which means "tip of a spear". His father dies at sea during a Viking expedition, after saving the life of a pony, changing Odd's life dramatically. Odd injures his leg, his mother re-marries, and through a series of remarkable events he ends up in Asgard (home of the Norse gods) trying to help a trio of gods regain their home. Gaiman once again shows his expertise in storytelling with this tale of an unlikely hero up against seemingly impossible circumstances. Odd is a wonderful character, his quirky personality, which often got him hit by his step-father Fat Elfred, is very endearing. I really enjoyed the story when first I read it, and then handed it to my son to read, as he likes reading Norse myths and legends. It seemed like a great story to start off our Summer Reading 'all ages' group. I think they have very much enjoyed this story, and I am looking forward to starting a new one on Tuesday. What shall it be this time? I have some ideas...

While Summer Reading is taking up so much of my time, we also just went "live" with our library's digital collection, powered by Overdrive. We now offer downloadable audio books and e-books. I am very excited that our library is catching up a bit technologically speaking. The first audio book I downloaded? Odd and the Frost Giants read by the author, of course.

I will try to keep updating over the summer, and I promise to read something for myself again soon, and also to tell you about it. : ) Hope all are having a wonderful summer! Hug your family often, and tell them you love them!

June

With Memorial Weekend, and my birthday behind us now, this is the time of year when I think....crap, it is June already! What have I accomplished this year so far? Not as much as I had hoped, that is for sure! I comfort myself with the notion that many people are in the same boat I am in, however, it is not an extremely comforting thought. I did start this blog, that is something I toyed with in the past, and finally got around to....I suppose that is something, right?

I have started reading three different books.....but as I am not sure I will finish them all, or even two of them, I shall reserve talking about them for now. One that we own, and I have been meaning to read, I finally picked up because I recently watched the film version. This is Lakota Woman, by Mary Crow Dog. The film version stars Irene Bedard, and was a pretty well done film, I thought. Admittedly, I have only read small sections of the book, until the other day, when I decided to start from the beginning and read the entire thing. What a concept, I know.

I have some awesome picture books that I recently shared with kids, and so were brought to mind again. The first is a picture book by the wonderful Neil Gaiman called The Day I Swapped My Dad For Two Goldfish. The copy we have here at the library has a cd so you can listen to Neil read you the story, which is fun. In this story, the boy swaps his dad, who mostly just sits reading his newspaper, for two goldfish (as the title would imply). The fun starts when his mother comes home from shopping and makes him swap back. He finds that he has to travel all over town swapping back many items from an electric guitar, a gorilla mask (a "really good gorilla mask"), to a pet rabbit called Galveston. The relationship portrayed between the boy and his little sister is perfect. My favorite, "when are you going to put the mask on?" after she has put on the gorilla mask. Anyone who has siblings will appreciate this book, as well as anyone with a sense of humor. Very funny, and well told story. The illustrations, by Dave McKean are quite fun also. I love the indignation of the mother, the indifference of the father, and the fact that no one complains when they have to swap their things back, they just do. This must happen with swaps quite often. I'm not sure I ever really swapped anything......hmm...maybe I missed out there....