The editors have gathered an all-star team of YA authors to write stories in which the protagonists are all geeks of one ilk or another. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but I was surprised by the variety of tone and theme offered in these stories, which ran the gamut from dark, social commentary to silly, entertaining romps. I have to say, I expected better from some of the authors whose work I know and love, but was not let down by John Green and David Levithan. I thought Libba Bray’s “It’s Just a Jump to the Left” was an interesting commentary on growing up which channeled Judy Blume’s ability to nail the fears of a teenage girl while covering more mature concerns. I also enjoyed Sara Zarr’s “This is My Audition Monologue,” whose intriguing narrarator surprises with her blunt honesty (and, I might add, this story would make for an interesting audition monologue, even if it is long). The majority of stories contain some mature content, mostly language (a lot of which I felt was unnecessary and self-conscious) and some themes. Admittedly, I didn’t enjoy every story in the collection, but, found the collection entertaining on the whole. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone with a little geek in them, whether they let it show or not. To read an excerpt or play the game “The Great Geek Escape,” check out the publisher website: http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/features/geektastic/index.html.

The writing is a little uneven on this installment, but the characters are richer and those who’ve read the first two will enjoy seeing where life is heading for the three girls. A sweet story of love and growing up. If you loved the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, you’ll want to grab this series too.

The chapters following Aslaug are filled with a lyrical beauty, which contrasts deeply with the interspersed chapters covering Aslaug’s trial for the murder of her mother, aunt, and cousin (I warned you this was a strange book). These pages read like transcripts and allow the reader to judge Aslaug’s story like a juror, hearing the events and circumstances of Aslaug’s life through the eyes of coroners, police detectives, and forensic pathologists. This is a powerful technique when mixed with Aslaug’s telling of events, one that builds suspense and a feeling of horror as you begin to put together the truth and suspect that justice may not be done in this case.

All told, an extremely well-written book full of mystery and suspense, one that technically fits the young adult label since the main narrator is a young adult but is definitely meant for more mature audiences since it deals with deep philosophical questions and issues like incest and drug use.

“I remember wanting the madapple to carry me away, to take me to that place again. And I wonder, If I go, will I find Mother there?”

Sounds contradictory right? I found Antonia sweet and completely naive at first, and therefore pretty unbelievable as a modern teen protagonist. But I gradually gave into her charms and realized that though her obsession with sainthood was not typical of most teens, her optimisim and longing to believe are not completely unheard of in 15-year girls. Besides, her monthly suggestions to the Vatican for new saints are darn funny and her vision of sainthood is decidedly modern (e.g. she puts herself up for Patron Saint of Kissing, among others).

All told, a sweet story about a girl’s first forays into romance, one that stands out in the genre for its humor and warm-heartedness.

The prose in this novel is so sparse and lyrical it feels like poetry. The author convincingly portrays not only the physical but the psychological damage Ray inflicts on Alice; Alice seems barely human at times, incapable of any but the basest instincts.

I usually avoid this type of book, put off by the “movie of the week” feel of the plot description, but this one just drew me in despite (or maybe because of) my intense feeling of horror on reading the inside cover. I feel wrung out having finished this novel, and still slightly nauseated…but I can’t deny it was a powerful reading experience. Certainly a must read for those who liked The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold.

Well, late 2008 brought us another take on the concept of “fairy” in How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier. The novel takes place in a world that isn’t, according to the author’s note, “Australia or the United States of America but in an imaginary country, perhaps a little in the future, that might also be an amalgam of the two.” Specifically in a city called New Avalon “the greatest city in the world” according to the residents, who never would want to leave…why would you when, as you in learn in school, New Avalon is graced with the highest mountains, the deepest oceans, the most famous artists, the best sports stars…you get the idea. But best of all, here in New Avalon people have their own personal fairies–unseeable charms that help you excel at something. There are loose-change fairies, good hair fairies, never-drop-a-ball fairies…but 14-year old protagonist Charlie (Charlotte Adele Donna Seto Steele) has a fairy she hates–a parking fairy. Charlie can’t drive yet, but she is constantly being used by family and classmates to get prime parking spots. Why couldn’t she have gotten a shopping fairy like her best friend she wants to know? And though there is no scientific proof that you can get rid of your fairy, Charlie sets out to do just that.

When I saw the cover of this book, I thought it was going to be a fluffy bit of romance, nothing more (I know, I know…never judge a book…). I’m glad I went ahead and read it because there’s more going on here than that. Yes there is a romantic interest with a boy from outside New Avalon, but when an all-the-boys-like you fairy starts making trouble, some interesting ethical questions arise. Plus, his outsider status allows him to speak for the reader and ask why are all you people so arrogant? Larbalestier also likes to play with language and the New Avaloners have a whole range of words that outsiders don’t use (you may find yourself turning to the glossary yourself on occasion). There’s also interesting tension built around the prestigious sports school that Charlie attends, where life is regimented and rule-driven…and all the kids love it?

All told, this fairy tale is a modern story of love, friendship, and choices with elements of science fiction sprinkled throughout–and a tale with several subplots left unfinished so be looking for a sequel to come. Fans of Maureen Johnson and E. Lockhart will especially want to check this out.

The novel is written in short chapters over time and dated like diary entries, giving the story much drive and suspense. A couple plot elements are a little far-fetched, but the struggles of kids with rough home lives is portrayed sensitively and realistically, as is the touching romance in the story. Overall I enjoyed this quick read, realistic with some sci-fi-ish elements, and I’m super excited for the sequel, Fade which arrives February 10. Lisa McMann is an author with a lot of talent, and I’m looking forward to seeing what she comes up with next.

Here’s a book trailer I stumbled upon for Wake–it takes a different angle on the book than I would have, but it’s interesting none the less.

As in Looking for Alaska and An Abundance of Katherines the narrator of Paper Towns is a guy who is witty and funny, self-deprecating and obsessed with a girl, in this case, the mysterious Margo. The narrator, Quentin (aka “Q”) lives next door to Margo Roth Spielgelman, and has been in love with her as long as he can remember, though after a shared traumatic experience when they were nine, they have drifted apart. Now Margo is the superstar of coolness at their high school while Quentin dwells in the lower realms of the social ladder.

It comes as a shock then, when Margo shows up at Quentin’s window in the middle of the night a few weeks before the end of senior year, insisting that he be her getaway driver for a night of revenge. Despite being petrified of losing his admission to Duke University, Quentin goes along for the ride and becomes more ensnared by his obsession with Margo…especially when she doesn’t turn up for school the next day…or the next. The fact is Margo has disappeared and left behind clues to her whereabouts. Quentin sets off on journey of discovery to figure out where Margo went …and who this enigma of a girl really is.

The novel is full of those trademark moments of perfect truth found in Green’s earlier novels, and his gift for putting words to universal feelings never fails to amaze me. Some will argue that this book is too similar to the previous two novels, and to them I would say, yes there are similar themes and philosophical questions happening in all three novels, but these themes and questions are important ones, getting at the heart of what all young people must figure out as they reach adulthood. That, I suspect, is why so many teens love John Green’s writing–he gets it.

I’m never good at predicting the Printz Award winners, but for my money, this one ought to get a nod in January.

For some funny video promos by John Green check out the links below.
Amazon Video Promo

Barnes and Noble Video Promo

Disreputable is an interesting look at one girl’s desire to be one of the boys without losing her femininity or self-respect. While the plot is less dark and traumatic than John Green’s Looking for Alaska, the common setting of a private boarding school make for a few interesting parallels. Whether you find yourself rooting for Frankie or not, you’ll enjoy the game.

This book is fast-paced and lots of fun–among the best of the genre. Author Maureen Johnson accurately portrays the confusion of first love and the intricate dynamics of sisters and brothers. The end result is a witty, sweet, charming book with an extremely likeable cast of characters.