The Hunger Games

AHHHHHH!!!!! Have you read this book yet?

Suzanne Collins had already made a name for herself writing The Underland Chronicles series. Her latest book, The Hunger Games is a runaway success with fans like Stephan King, Stephanie Meyer, and your favorite librarian (me!).

Here's what Stephanie Meyer has to say:

"I was so obsessed with this book I had to take it with me out to dinner and hide it under the edge of the table so I wouldn't have to stop reading. The story kept me up for several nights in a row, because even after I was finished, I just lay in bed wide awake thinking about it...The Hunger Games is amazing."

I couldn't agree more.

In the Hunger games, 16 year old Katniss and her family are living in Panem a land that used to be the United States but is now split into 12 districts and is rules ruthlessly by The Capital. Long ago, the districts rebelled against The Capital and were defeated, one of the terms of their surrender is that each year, every district must give two children, a boy and a girl between the ages of 12 and 18, to the Hunger Games. In the Hunger Games, 24 "tributes" must fight to the death on live television. In District 12, the poorest district, Katniss' 12 year old sister has been chosen for the Hunger Games. Before anyone could change her mind, Katniss volunteers to take her place.

READ THIS BOOK!!!!

Author Spotlight: Sarah Dessen

I just finished reading Sarah Dessen's latest, Along for the Ride (not yet in the library's catalog). And I started to think of all the books that I've read by Dessen, and I loved every single one.

For those of you that haven't read anything by Sarah Dessen, she is worth a glance. Dessen's books are gentle but substantial. She creates a world that you are reluctant to leave, and characters that you want to keep on reading about. Some of my Dessen favorites (in no particular order):

Dreamland: A lot of teens have asked me for this book, which might be Dessen's darkest. Sixteen year old Caitlin falls for handsome and mysterious Rodgerson Briscoe. Their perfect relationships is shattered when he starts to abuse her.

This Lullaby: This might be my favorite. Remy is tough and no nonsense, especially when it comes to love. Her mother is getting ready for her fifth marriage and is everything that she doesn't want to become. She meets Dexter, a struggling musician and is determined to keep him at arm's length, but he's just as determined to stay in her life.

Keeping the Moon: Fifteen year old Colie is spending the summer with her aunt while her mother, a fitness superstar, starts her European tour. Colie has always been an outsider, first because of her weight, and then for "being easy". But in the small beach town of Colby, North Carolina, she starts to find friends and a life of her own, and then finds herself.

There are so many more, these are just a few of my favorites. And if you have some time check out Sarah Dessen's website, she talks about all of her books and you can read her blog and more!

The Plain Janes

Cecil Castellucci has written some very cool novels for teens. Including a personal favorite The Queen of Cool, about a popular girl who decides to take a very unpopular elective at the zoo.

I really love her Plain Jane graphic novel series. In The Plain Janes, Jane is an young artist in Metro City who moves to the suburbs after falling victim to a terrorist attack. She seeks out other outsiders (who happen to be named Jane) to start a radical public art group called P.L.A.I.N. Amazing. The characters are different and funny and complex and the art is inspired.

The follow up is Janes in Love. Which gives the Janes some dreamy crushes without becoming a big pile of mush.

The Big Twilight Post

Ah Twilight.

I really don't have to say much about the story of a star-crossed romance between Bella, a charming but clumsy high school student and the vampire that loves her. Twilight (by Stephanie Meyer) was recommended by Sage who said, "I would recommend this book to anyone who has time on their hands and who enjoys thrillers."

So true, Meyer's books are a little on the long side and what if you want a quick read that involves vampires and the women who love them? Check out the following list:

Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schriber. (series)

16 year old Raven is an outcast in her school. It might have something to do with the fact that she always wears black and wants to be a vampire someday. Perhaps the mysterious new boy in school could help her with her wish.

The Chronicles of Vladimir Todd by Heather Brewer (series)

A vampire story told from the male perspective. After his parents mysterious death, Vladimir and his Aunt take great measures to hide the fact that he is half vampire. With the help of his new teacher, Vlad uncovers clues to the reason for his parents death.

Thirsty by MT Anderson

When Chris finds out that he's a vampire, he desperately tries to find a way to be human before his vampire hating family finds out.

Peeps by Scott Westerfeld (series)

Cal finds out that he has been infected with vampirism and has to hunt down all the women that he might have infected.

Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz

Vampires + a Gossip Girl-esque clique = A really great series.

There are plenty more! So come to the library and check them out!

King of the Screwups

King of the Screwups by K.L. Going.

Liam has never had any trouble being popular. With his mom's supermodel looks and his dad's money, he's able to have the style and confidence that makes people notice. The only person who doesn't notice Liam is his father, who is convinced that he is nothing but a giant screw up.

After his father kicks him out of the house, Liam has no choice but to move in with his "Aunt" Pete, a gay glam rock disk jockey living in upstate New York in a tiny trailer park. Liam is determined to be more like his father, studious, serious, and unpopular so that he can be welcomed back into his home. Only his Aunt Pete can see the real Liam and wants him to shine.

It’s a very well written book that moves at a great pace. And it features a male lead character that both boys and girls will be interested in. And everyone loves a great fish out of water story!