<~FPL Teen Blog~>

2008-09-06T06:04:00.004-04:00

ONE LAST POST
Greetings and salutations. I've been writing for about a month now about my last day at Framingham Public Library as their YA librarian. That day has come and gone, and though I'm still ordering some books for the YA department, writing blog posts, and keeping up Facebook and Twitter, and I have indeed left the library. I no longer sit in that cool little office in the back of the YA area; I no longer get to put out book displays or consult on my favourite book; I no longer visit the schools for readers groups.
With that said, I'd like to make mention that after 5 years of writing this blog, this will be my last post. I have started a new blog for Framingham teens that is keeping up the tradition of book reviews, interesting news, library announcements, and other such things that the next YA librarian will take over eventually.
A big thanks to all my readers (over 600 of you per month!) and to those who found this blog and were interested in it enough to share it or use it as a template and example. I've appreciated "meeting" many of you virtually.
In the meantime, I've now relocated to Western Mass (and am looking for a job), so if you're nearby, be sure to say hello.
For more, be sure to check out the Framingham Library Teens Blog at http://framinghamlibraryteens.blogspot.com/.
Thanks again! I've enjoyed writing!

2008-08-26T16:36:00.002-04:00

CLOSURE WARNING
Wanted to let you know that the library will be closed all weekend -- Sat, Sun, & Mon -- so if you want anything for the weekend (last minute summer reading?), get it before Friday at 5pm (which is when we close).

2008-08-26T16:26:00.000-04:00

BOOKENDS
The Host by Stephenie Meyer
I'm sure, if you're a Twilight fan, you've already gobbled your way through Stephenie Meyer's newest in the series, Breaking Dawn. And if you haven't read it, you're probably on the waiting list for it at the library. But have you read the sci-fi piece Meyer wrote for adults? I read it this weekend, and truth be told, I think teens are a perfect audience for it. However, don't expect another Twilight.
The Host recounts the story of an alien that has been implanted into a teenage girl's body -- part of a movement to take over the human population by these parasitic beings that have conquered many worlds before. And usually they have very little trouble when they conquer new worlds -- but Wanderer has trouble overcoming her host body and mind, Melanie. Her Comforter and Healer cannot help her and Melanie will not disappear -- she continues to bother Wanderer until Wanderer is persuaded to help Melanie seek out her brother and her boyfriend in the depths of the desert. They almost die in pursuit of Melanie's dream, but are found and rescued by her uncle who takes her to an underground mansion of caverns where he is hiding with dozens of other humans who have escaped implanting -- dozens of others, including Melanie's brother and boyfriend. However, trust is difficult, and Melanie and Wanderer are considered dangerous and almost killed a number of times before they begin to be accepted by the group. But greater dangers erupt, putting the whole group at risk, and Melanie and Wanderer face a question of huge importance to themselves and to the others in the caverns -- if they stay, will they bring more danger to the ones they love, or should they go and let everyone forget their existence? Melanie has one answer, Wanderer has another.
This was a surprising read for me. I wasn't sure I would like this new Meyer book, having received mixed reviews about it from other readers. It moves Meyer away from vampire teen fantasy fiction into science fiction, but it continues her themes of impossible love made possible and also reminds us that the individuality of humanity is important and powerful. My verdict? I liked it and I dare you to read it.
FICTION Meyer

2008-08-15T09:27:00.001-04:00

LAST REAL DAY
As many of you know, today (Friday) is my last day on the job as the Young Adult Librarian for the Framingham Public Library. I am moving to Western Massachusetts, where I hope to find a job soon (hint hint, nudge nudge to any librarians out that direction who could help me out a little).

In the meantime and for a little while, I will still be blogging for Framingham and purchasing books for the collection and updating the Facebook page and running some IM hours -- in other words I'll still be available, so don't disappear on me! However, your best place to find new blogging bits is at http://framinghamlibraryteens.blogspot.com/. (Yes, I do realize I've blogged that link before.) It's a new blog for the Framingham teens, and it will get the most updates in the future for the Framingham folks.
(I do expect to start up a new blog one of these days, so keep an eye out here to find out what exciting thing it will be.)

I have absolutely enjoyed my time at Framingham -- I've learned a lot and made many friends. Best wishes to you all -- I'll miss seeing you around at the library and the high school and the middle school and at meetings and conferences and all that fun stuff. Perhaps I'll see you around.

2008-08-14T15:21:00.002-04:00

ONLY THE VERY BEST

I've just put out a new display on the fiction end -- a display which should highlight the best books YA fiction has to offer -- and it will be a display that will keep changing to offer new great titles as the next couple of months float along. Be sure to take a look at the display if you're stuck for finding something great to read.

2008-08-11T14:14:00.000-04:00

TWILIGHT READ-ALIKES
I've been rushing around like a madwoman for the last week trying to get some tasks accomplished before the end of this week, which is fast approaching. So, I've been delegating some things off to my marvelous intern -- including this list:
Can't Get Enough Twilight? Try these read-alikes!
Now, I'm only including a few of the books on this blog post, but the others are posted at the library in the fiction shelves and also in the booklist binder. See what we've got to tide you over until the movie comes out and another book is born!

Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schreiber
Thirsty by M. T. Anderson
Got Fangs? by Katie Maxwell
High School Bites by Liza Conrad
The Silver Kiss by Annette Curtis Klause
Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Sweetblood by Pete Hautman
Sunshine by Robin McKinley
Vampire High by Douglas Rees

This is some good stuff - -she did a great job!

2008-08-08T16:11:00.002-04:00

MAXIMUM RIDE: THE MOVIE
I just Facebook-ed this article from Superhero Hype about Patterson's Maximum Ride series being acquired for film. Check it out.

2008-08-07T13:18:00.000-04:00

READING NOTES
Just a couple of notes on a few things I've read recently.

I took a summer vacation last week, and what better to read than a mystery! I read Dead Days of Summer by Carolyn G Hart -- a Death on Demand mystery. I started reading Death on Demand mysteries way back when Hart started writing them, and I've been enjoying them ever since. I'm a little behind on the series, but that's OK. The series centers around a mystery bookstore on an island, and the owner-turned-sometime-sleuth, Annie Darling (though she doesn't start out as darling). There's mystery, death, books, and a bit of romance in these enjoyable mysteries; I definitely recommend them!

Next on my vacation reading list was Moonheart by Charles de Lint -- a fine modern fantasy combining the world of Ottawa, Canada with the Otherworld and time travel, and including wonderful interpretations of myth and legend. The perfect reading-in-the-woods-while-camping book, this is truly a magical title superbly written. An excellent advanced fantasy.

And last night I finished off by reading the newest Minx book, Water Baby. Up until now I have liked the Minx books for the most part, but this one didn't thrill me. It's a realistic fiction piece about a girl who gets her leg bitten off by a shark and is learning to cope with the adjustment. It's also about friendship and relationships. I was hoping to like it, but it left me feeling dull and empty.

2008-08-05T10:36:00.002-04:00

ONE OF THE LAST
This is my 1047th post to this blog, give or take a post or two that are actually just uploads for images. I created this blog years ago, before some of the newer technologies that allow bloggers more ease, but now I am leaving my job as the Young Adult Librarian at the Framingham Public Library and am transferring this blog to http://framinghamlibraryteens.blogspot.com/. But don't be so quick to leave this blog quite yet -- there are still a few updates I will be making. Stay tuned!

2008-07-25T14:18:00.001-04:00

AWAY
Just a notice that I'll be not blogging for the coming week -- I'll be off relaxing on coastal mountains reading lots of books and cooking hot dogs over a fire.

2008-07-25T11:53:00.000-04:00

I don't know if you've seen this yet, but it looks like Joss Whedon (and crew), creator of Buffy and Serenity and more, is back again with another great piece of work. I haven't been able to download the full piece yet (available on iTunes) to give a true review, but it looks like loads of fun and exactly the kind of thing I would have wanted to create with my brother when we used to collaborate on pieces together. Plus, it's made-for-internet, which is definitely a cool move.
And, by golly, it's a super-villain musical!
Enjoy!

2008-07-24T16:46:00.001-04:00

SUMMER MYSTERY
If you're looking for a summer beach mystery to take with you on your next trip to the shore, take a look at Death by Bikini by Linda Gerber. It's an entertaining murder mystery complete with a secluded island, a past-prime rock star, poison, spies, parents who don't understand, and a sprinkling of romance.
And if you like this one, there's a second coming out in September: Death by Latte (it's been ordered).

2008-07-23T11:17:00.001-04:00

BOOKENDS: Japan Ai (from the Intern)
Japan Ai: A Tall Girl’s Adventures in Japan by Aimee Major Steinberger

This is not your typical graphic novel. Basically, it’s a really cool travelogue describing Aimee Steinberger’s dream trip to Japan. Aimee (the author) is a professional animator, so she decided to illustrate the highlights from her trip. She also happens to be a major fangirl who loves all things Japanese, and she spent much of her trip to Tokyo and Kyoto dressing up as her favorite Japanese characters, watching Japanese musical theatre, and spotting scenes from her favorite anime and manga; basically soaking up the culture… especially the pop culture.

I loved reading about Aimee’s adventures. I have been to Japan, so reading the book brought back some memories for me, especially because, like Aimee, I am a fairly tall girl and definitely at times had that feeling of sticking out like a big sore thumb! “Japan Ai” is a quick and easy read, and a great book for any manga/anime lover who wants to see Japan firsthand. Er, almost firsthand! Aimee’s descriptions are very accurate and her drawings are great, and the book is full of funny stories (like Aimee trying desperately to fit her size 11 feet into tiny Japanese shoes).

PS- If you like reading the illustrated-travelogue-slash-diary-type-thing, you might also like You Can Never Find A Rickshaw When It Monsoons by Mo Willems (the “Don’t Let the Pigeon…” guy).

From the intern, Erin

2008-07-23T11:16:00.000-04:00

Libraries & Economy
For some of you, this article may have absolutely on interest whatsoever. But for some of you, it might. It's all about how libraries can be (and are) useful when the economy is down and out. Take a look -- you might learn something new!
The Consumerist: Frugality

2008-07-22T09:38:00.002-04:00

NEW VIDS
We have a new animated Batman DVD (Batman: Gotham Knight) and a Speed Racer DVD -- to go along with the animated Iron Man and Ultimate Avengers (1 & 2) DVDs.
Enjoy!

2008-07-22T09:34:00.000-04:00

BOOKENDS: Saga
Saga by Conor Kostick
To those on New Earth, Saga is another virtual reality role-playing game, like their Epic was. But they are becoming addicted, and many of the players can't pull themselves away from the game even to eat or sleep or brush their teeth. Within Saga, the characters are part of a real world ruled over by the Dark Queen. They have strict social class enforced by armed guards and electronics systems -- for most of the citizens, it is not a happy life. When players from New Earth discover that the citizens of Saga are real and that the Dark Queen is a threat to them all, they begin a revolution together, assisted by Michelotto (the Queen's assassin) and Ghost (a young girl with extraordinary talents and skills who has no knowledge of who she is). If they don't succeed in this revolution, thousands of lives will be lost to the Dark Queen's Saga.

As much as I loved Epic, I found this book a little difficult to get into. Narrators vary by chapter, and are difficult to follow in the beginning (the Dark Queen narration I particularly had problems with). The plot also starts off a little hazy and undefined. However, as the story starts to flow, things pick up and it soon becomes an enjoyable piece to read, full of social consciousness, implications of a greedy ruling class, the power of rebellion.

Y SCIENCE FICTION Kostick

2008-07-16T13:56:00.002-04:00

BATMAN
Sending out the bat signal!
Tomorrow (Thursday), 2pm, Costin Room. Popcorn, candy,a/c, big screen, and awesome sound system provided -- for free!
Heed the call!
Grades 6-12.

2008-07-15T17:33:00.003-04:00

BOOKENDS
Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin
Heads or tales. A simple coin toss and Naomi is off to retrieve the $3000 camera recently purchased for the yearbook staff -- and that's OK b/c she's co-editor of the yearbook this year. But on her way up the stairs of the school, she trips and falls and hits her head, clutching the camera in safety. The next thing she knows, she's being dashed off to the hospital in an ambulance with someone who says he's her boyfriend. But she doesn't remember him. She remembers her name, but she doesn't remember the year -- or her parents' divorce, or her best friend, or even why she was co-editor of the yearbook. With a simple conk of the head, Naomi has lost four years of her life; now she must set about rebuilding them, or remembering them, or reshaping them -- or whatever an amnesiac does.
What a great book. I've been wanting to pick it up since we got it, but it seems to be out all the time (which is a good thing). So I finally picked it up, on a weekend I was sick, and read through the whole thing quite quickly. Can you imagine, being an amnesiac in high school? Not remembering your classes or your friends or your clubs? School is crazy enough without all those other factors playing in. So to make it short, I really enjoyed it and definitely recommend it.
Does mention sex and birth control.
Y FICTION Zevin

2008-07-09T04:08:00.002-04:00

CANCELLATION
I hate to have to do this, but today's Book Share at McA is canceled. If you were planning to come, please let me know (contact info is on the sidebar)!

2008-07-08T13:56:00.003-04:00

BEING A FAN OF COURTNEY
I don't know which Courtney you're thinking of, but the Courtney I mean is Courtney Crumrin of the graphic novels by Ted Naifeh. We just received Courtney Crumrin and the Fire Thief's Tale, and I had the pleasure of reading through it over lunch on the lawn. A delightful tale of werewolves, magic, faith, and love. It's a simple story told in black & white, but full of things to make you think just a little, if you want to.
I'll take more Courtney Crumrin any day of the week.

2008-07-08T10:24:00.002-04:00

BACK FROM HOLIDAY
I hope you all had a great long weekend and had the opportunity to do something fun and relaxing -- because that's what summer's all about, isn't it?

I wanted to remind you that tomorrow (Wednesday 7/9) at 2pm there will be a book share outside at the McAuliffe Branch library about fun books to read in the summer -- beach books and camp books and maybe a few random titles thrown in for fun. If you have favorite summertime reads, be sure to bring one or two to share. I have a whole pile of books in my office ready to bring (and you'll be able to check them out from me, if you wish)! Of course, if it rains, the meeting will be canceled because there's no room to have it inside. Hope to see you there!
Feel free to bring a blanket or something to sit on, since we'll be in the grass.

2008-07-03T10:12:00.002-04:00

COMMENTS ON RUMORS
Rumors: A Luxe Novel by Anna Godbersen
I reviewed the first in this series not long ago. I would say that this one held up to The Luxe without any problems -- still a society story full of betrayals and secrets and lies and passions and dashed dreams and love and pride and gossip and sad endings. A just-right continuation of the first book in this series.

And don't forget, if you decide to read this book during the summer -- or any other book, for that matter -- that you can pick up a 10-hour reading paper and earn yourself a new book and an entry into our end-of-summer prize drawing. This year, we're giving out gift certificates to Newbury Comics and Best Buy.
You can track your reading online and share reviews by clicking on the Teen Summer Reading link on the left.

2008-07-02T13:14:00.001-04:00

CLOSURE REMINDER
The library will close early on Thursday July 3 at 5.30pm and will be closed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday -- July 4-6. We'll be open as usual on Monday.

2008-07-01T12:53:00.001-04:00

BOOK: THE HUNGER GAMES
On Monday I finished reading a preview copy of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (author of the Gregor the Overlander series) -- and what a read it was!
In a future North America, the Capitol rules harshly over what was once 13, now 12, outlying districts. Every year, in order to remind the citizens of its power, the Capitol requires each district to send one boy and one girl as tributes to participate in a nationally televised reality show -- the Hunger Games -- in which 24 teenagers are trapped in a remote environment and forced to fight to the death on live TV. The last one alive brings wealth and glory to their district. When her younger sister is chosen as a tribute, Katniss volunteers in her place, knowing that she will probably not survive. But once the Hunger Games begin, she becomes a real contender, struggling to survive and win while retaining her humanity and stick it to the system.
My first reaction to this book was that it's harsh! My second was that it was similar in content to many stories that I enjoy reading about the end of our world as we know it -- all those futuristic dystopia tales of hardship and struggle and a controlling centralized government. So despite the difficult premise and the hanging ending (this is the first book in a trilogy), I liked it; read it in about a day. Not for the faint-hearted, however -- there's blood and death and weapons -- but there's also love and redemption.
We don't actually own it yet -- it doesn't get published until October, but be looking for it then!
Until then, try reading the Longlight Legacy trilogy by Dennis Foon.

2008-06-28T11:41:00.004-04:00

BOOKENDS
Airhead by Meg Cabot
Airhead, audio version
Meet Emerson Watts, Em for short. She pays more attention to school than to what she wears there, appreciates the computer game JourneyQuest more than the scads of fashion magazines her sister reads, and believes more in supporting small local stores than the new superstore opening close by. Coerced into accompanying her younger sister to the opening of the Stark Megastore (where there are all kinds of pop stars, models, etc), Em is gravely wounded when a giant plasma-screen TV falls from the ceiling and lands on her. The next thing she knows, she's in the hospital, a month later, hooked up to wires and machines all monitoring her bodily functions. Except that her body wasn't her body. All of a sudden, she has the body of a super model -- the super model, complete with contracts, BFFs, and everything. And she doesn't want it, doesn't want to be one of the so-called "walking dead."
I started this book by listening to it in my car, but then the hardcover finally arrived for me and I started reading and listening. Needless to say, it didn't take me long to finish it. And I enjoyed it; it was entertaining and took a good look at actually getting what many people think they want -- but not having a choice about it. Imagine having the regular life of a regular, nothing-too-special girl and then suddenly waking up in the hospital with a body to die for, except that it's not yours and you didn't have a choice about it and now you have to give up your whole previous life.... Definitely tough.
A reasonably interesting read; my biggest disappointment being that there was no resolution at the end -- just a first chapter of the next book. Whether this will be a long-running series like the Princess Diaries, I couldn't tell you, but I would have been happy to have Airhead finish up in one read. Guess I'll be waiting for the sequel.
Y FICTION Cabot

2008-06-25T11:36:00.004-04:00

CORALINE ON THE BIG SCREEN
If you're on my Facebook, you've seen today's posts from ICV2 about Coraline, that fantastic book by Neil Gaiman, going big screen early next year. I think I reported the news about Coraline some time ago, but now it's really on it's way. And on top of that, there's a graphic novel of it coming out this summer (be looking for it on our shelves in a little while -- I have it on order). I decided I'd link to Variety's article on the upcoming movie and the other projects Laika Studios are planning on doing in the near future -- they look pretty good.
Here's the link. Enjoy. I'm totally looking forward to this stuff -- I loved reading Coraline.
(PS -- Coraline is on the Middle School Summer Reading Long List.)

2008-06-24T16:10:00.003-04:00

FROM THE INTERN #5
Here Lies the Librarian by Richard Peck
14-year-old Peewee and big brother Jake try to make their living fixin’ up automobiles in 1914 rural Indiana. Their lives are turned upside down first by a twister that tears up the local graveyard, and then by the arrival of beautiful Irene Ridpath and her charming gal friends who aim to reopen the long-closed, one-room library. Peewee and Jake have their adventures- a neighbor who thinks he still in the civil war, and an auto race at the County Fair. It’s a summer like Peewee has never had before. But the biggest surprise in the book comes at the end of chapter two!
Richard Peck is a really terrific author who has written many books. He often writes stories about teens from a long time ago, and his stories are often quirky and quite funny. He also wrote The Teacher’s Funeral, which is on the middle school summer reading Long List.

~From Erin

2008-06-20T11:23:00.012-04:00

EMILY'S SUMMER READING PICKS
I've taken it upon myself to choose 1-2 favorite books from each grade list of the Framingham Public Schools. Many of the lists have more than 2 books that I like, but I'll just recommend a couple (except from the MS long list), anyway. Here goes....

Grade 6:
The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm
Surviving the Applewhites

Grade 7:
Pictures of Hollis Woods
Petey

Grade 8:
Hope Was Here
Monster

Long List:
Supernaturalist
Coraline
Silent to the Bone
Hero and the Crown
Flush

Grade 9:
Ender's Game
Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes
(Also, Twilight & The Book Thief)

Grade 10:
Golden Compass
*Into the Wild

Grade 11:
Angel of Darkness
*The Third Witch

Grade 12:
Brave New World
Zenzele: A Letter for My Daughter

* denotes a book I haven't read yet, but hope to!

(I especially love the lists for grades 7-9 -- so if you're reading from one of these lists, you're lucky!)

So there you have it -- what I would read for summer reading this year, if I were to read two books from each list. Hope it's useful for you -- there are SO many great options! Happy Summer Reading!

2008-06-18T12:20:00.003-04:00

SUMMER READING BOOKS GALORE
It's always a strange phenomenon to me when summer reading books fly off the shelf after the last day of schools. We've had hoards of students come to the library in the last 24 hours on a death-strike mission to grab their summer reading books -- and I'm doing whatever I can to keep up. Nevertheless, there are lots of empty spaces around summer reading books.
If you do come in for a summer reading book, tremble not at the empty space! And don't fear if the book you're looking for isn't here -- we have more books being purchased and processed, and books get returned all the time. It's a cycle. Also, if you have questions about your books, your list, or requesting a book, remember that I'm often available to help. I'm in the office in the back of the YA area or upstairs at reference or online and am more than happy give advice, suggestions, or assistance.

You may notice on the sidebar that I have made a link to Teen Summer Reading (it's in white). Use that link to sign up for our online summer reading program and to link up to summer reading lists.

BTW -- does anyone out there have the Marian HS summer reading list? There's no working link on their website (that I could find -- where there appeared to be a link, there was none), and we have a few people asking for it.

2008-06-17T11:29:00.005-04:00

FROM THE INTERN #4
Graphic Novels
I’ve been hooked on a series of graphic novels this week. Well, it isn’t really a series, but they’re all from the same publisher (Minx). I just finished Clubbing, which I didn’t expect to like at all, because I’m not very into the clubbing scene. But guess what-- the story really isn’t about clubbing at all! As a punishment, Lottie gets sent out to the countryside to spend the summer with her grandparents, who are building a golf club. But weird things start happening. Overall I liked the story, though it goes strangely sci fi at one point. One cool extra thing: Lottie provides us with a lexicon at the end of the book-- a great way to pick up some British lingo. (Bet you’ve never heard of a Tombolla!)

I also read The Plain Janes. After a terrorist attack in Metro City, Jane’s parents decide to move, totally upsetting Jane’s whole life. She gradually makes friends with a group of girls, who all happen to be named Jane, and the four of them start a secret art campaign in the city. But the people of the city are more scared by these random acts of artwork then pleased with them. I enjoyed this book a lot and especially liked the idea behind this story, though I felt unsatisfied by the abrupt ending. (But I just found out that a sequel is coming out in a couple of months-- yay!)

~Erin

(*Note from Emily -- these are definitely great graphic novels -- fun stories and all -- I think I've mentioned them before. Try other MINX titles -- more are arriving at the library every couple of months!)

2008-06-12T14:48:00.004-04:00

SUMMER READING ONLINE
This year we're trying something different with our summer reading program and giving you the opportunity to track your reading and rate the books online! You can also see what others are reading, and what they think of their books.
I'm still the tweaking the program a little (mostly colors and such), but you can already join at http://www.readsinma.org/evanced/framingham/sr/homepage.asp.
Give it a shot and let me know what you think!

2008-06-11T13:33:00.002-04:00

FROM THE INTERN #3
A Stone in My Hand by Cathryn Clinton
Malaak is 11 years old. Her father is missing, her brother is rebellious and her country is at war. Every day Malaak sits with her companion- a bird named Abdo- on the roof of her house, waiting for her father to return and trying to stop her brother from joining the war. A Stone in My Hand is a story about the conflict in Gaza between the Israelis and the Palestinians, told from the point of view of a young person caught in the middle of it. It’s a terrific read, and it gave me a better understanding of a part of what is going on in the Middle East.
~Erin, YA Intern

2008-06-06T09:41:00.002-04:00

It's been a busy busy week in the Young Adult Department this week -- and it's only going to be busier next week. It's just about time for summer reading to start, and I'm frantically prepping books, programs, prizes, and everything else that needs to be done between now and the end of school. Right now I'm busily cramming in as many summer reading books as possible -- I read 2 yesterday between dinner and bed, and this morning I'm halfway through another. Now, if I can read 3 in less than 18 hours and still have time to sleep and work and commute and eat, I bet you can read 2 in the course of the whole summer!

Which ones have I read so far? Well, since starting on Wednesday night, and not counting the ones I've read in previous years, here they are:
Hidden Talents by David Lubar (MS Long List) -- Wednesday
Eyes of the Amaryllis (MS Long List) -- Thursday
Hoops (Grade 7) -- Thursday
And now I'm working on Petey (Grade 7) -- Friday

Want to know what's next on the list, so you can keep up with my reading, too? Well, today it looks like I'll be reading Out from Boneville (MS Long List), Street Love (Grade 9), and How Tia Lola Came to Stay (MS Long List). I also intend to review a few others.

Now THAT'S a LOT of reading! If you want to track me, follow my twitter posts.

2008-06-03T11:52:00.002-04:00

FROM THE INTERN #2
Breakfast at Sadie’s by Lee Weatherly
Sadie’s life is suddenly turned upside-down when her mother becomes ill and ends up in the hospital. It was bad enough before when Sadie was struggling in school, but now she also has to run her mother’s B&B on top of it! When her irresponsible Aunt Leona up and leaves to go on vacation, Sadie doesn’t think she’ll be able to manage on her own, but she doesn’t really have a choice: if she can’t run the B&B, her mother’s business will be ruined…

From the cover, I thought this was going to be some silly British chic-lit novel, but actually it’s a girl-power story. Sadie must learn to overcome her self-doubt and begin to believe in herself in order to make things work out. Breakfast at Sadie’s (nothing to do with Breakfast at Tiffany’s) is a fairly quick read and by the end you’ll be rooting for Sadie. Look for it in the new YA paperbacks.
~Erin

2008-05-31T10:36:00.003-04:00

BOOKENDS
Sure Fire by Jack Higgins & Justin Richards
Rich and Jade are 15 yr-old twins whose mother just died. Their father, whom they have never met, appears at the funeral and takes them back to his apartment. Shocked at the turn of events, Rich and Jade are suspicious and distrustful of their newfound father, especially when he starts talking about splitting them up to send to boarding schools. But when they follow him out of the house one day and see him beat up and kidnapped, they know there are problems afoot. And when a man, shot and dying, shows up at the apartment to ask for a sample of liquid their father supposedly has, the mystery only increases. Approached by strangers brandishing guns and unsure of whom to trust, the twins soon find themselves in the middle of an international incident, with their father at the middle.
Adult author Higgins teams up with the author of The Death Collector to present a book of action, danger, and mystery. The story moves right along, and there's not much depth to slow it down. A good quick read for the adventuresome.
Y FICTION Higgins

2008-05-31T10:05:00.003-04:00

BOOKENDS
Hacking Harvard by Robin Wasserman
It's a high rolling bet -- that Max and Eric can't hack a deadbeat high school student into Harvard admissions without getting caught. It will take all the skills of their 3-man team to beat the Harvard system -- and what they don't know is that someone is working against them -- and the stakes are higher than they know. That's the premise of the story. Max, Eric, and Schwarz are assigned to turn Clay, a bully, irresponsible and uncaring, into the perfect Harvard candidate and get him accepted to the prestigious school. They must beat the SATs, ace the application essays, excel at the personal interview with an admissions officer, and join clubs and committees galore (real and fake) all in the name of Clay. It's dangerous and illegal, but they're determined to make it work, despite the odds... and the comptetition.
A fun story that may be interesting to those planning to attend college soon, or those who are interested in pranks and hacks, or those who enjoy a tale of friends and enemies and changing relationships. There's tension in the hack, stress between the team, money and futures at stake, and a few budding relationships that prove slightly dangerous.
Y FICTION Wasserman

2008-05-29T13:21:00.002-04:00

NEW ADDITION
The YA area has a new addition -- a catalog computer! You no longer have to walk halfway across the building in order to use a catalog to look up or request books -- you can do it right here. It's wonderful, it's fabulous! Please ask if you have questions.

2008-05-28T11:24:00.004-04:00

FROM THE INTERN
Hi everyone, I’m the new intern in the Teen section at the library. I’ll be here this summer doing… well, pretty much whatever Emily asks me to do! If I can help you with anything while I’m around, please let me know!

I just read Heaven by Angela Johnson. It's the story of 14-year-old Marley (a girl) who lives in the tiny town of Heaven, Ohio. Her life is pretty decent until the day her parents receive a letter addressed to Monna Floyd. Marley has no idea who Monna Floyd is, but the letter changes her life and makes her question everything she knows about her family. The story starts out a little slow, but it gets really interesting. Heaven is on the 6th grade summer reading list, and is pretty short, so you might want to check it out. By the way, Angela Johnson also wrote a book called The First Part Last, which is a spin-off novel (about one of Marley’s friends) and is also really good.

~Erin

*A note from Emily: The First Part Last is also on the summer reading list -- for 9th grade.

2008-05-27T09:08:00.005-04:00

BOOKENDS: 2 BOOKS
The Luxe by Anna Godbersen
Elizabeth Holland is one of the social ruling class of Manhattan in 1899. She is well-mannered, rich, from an important family, and of course, very beautiful. Her best friend is her greatest rival, her personal maid is jealous and vindictive, her sister finds her bland and weak-willed. When her mother tells her that their family has been left with heavy debts after the death of Elizabeth's father, it becomes Elizabeth's responsibility to save the family from poverty by marrying a young man of high social status and wealth -- a cad who has his own reasons for marrying her. But Elizabeth has a secret, a dangerous secret that could turn her family to ruin and must make her decide between true love and family responsibility. As events start turning, rumours, misunderstandings, and small tragedies abound, all leading up to the fateful day that was to be her wedding day....
If you like prince-to-pauper stories of social status, gossip, passion, mystery, tragedy, love, infatuation, pettiness, and wealth, this will be just the book for you. Set in Manhattan at the turn of the last century, it blends historical fiction with the difficult life of a teen socialite with heavy responsibilities and her own dreams for happiness. Each chapter is headed with a newspaper clipping or quotation from a magazine, and each chapter is told from a different viewpoint. It's a fun read that sweeps the reader along, almost like reading a gossip column or a tabloid.
The few sexual encounters are quickly glossed over and left fairly vague.
Y FICTION Godberson

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow
Terrorists have attacked San Francisco, blowing up the Bay Bridge. Marcus and his friends, skipping school in favour of playing a game, are picked up by the Department of Homeland Security and taken to a prison where they are questioned and threatened. When all but one of them are let out and they find that their hometown has turned into a police state with every move of every person monitored every day, Marcus is determined to do something -- he wants to get back at the DHS for kidnapping his friends and torturing them. He believes that the government has overstepped its bounds of authority in taking away his freedoms and the freedoms of everyone else in San Francisco. So he starts his own private war, setting up an untapped internet and starting a movement that soon builds a life of its own.
A fascinating look at terrorism, technology, government policies and practices, and the rights of American citizens. The pacing was good, the story was good, and overall, it was mostly believable -- it reads like something that could happen today, tomorrow, or next year. I found it a hard book to put down and was even interested in the short technological tangents about hacking and software and gaming and such. A great book for techno-geeks, free spirits and freedom lovers, and fans of books like 1984 and Animal Farm. Of course, others will like it a lot, too. Recommended.
Sexual scenes and conversations included.
Y FICTION Doctorow
(For more on Little Brother, or for the audio download, see previous posts.)

2008-05-22T20:40:00.002-04:00

LIBRARY CLOSED
Just a forewarning that the library will be closed ALL weekend -- Saturday, Sunday, AND Monday. You can return items in the book drops, but you won't be able to come in! If there's anything you need, pick it up tomorrow.
Have a great long weekend!

And congratulations to our graduates!

2008-05-20T13:11:00.002-04:00

LITTLE BROTHER -- DOWNLOADABLE BOOK
We just received a new book: Little Brother by Cory Doctorow, which I've checked out to start reading -- it's been getting pretty good reviews and sounds interesting. Here's a blurb:

Marcus, a.k.a “w1n5t0n,” is 17 years old, and he already knows how to work the system. Smart, fast, and wise to the ways of the networked world, outmaneuvering his high school’s surveillance systems is like playing an antique computer game.
But while he and his friends are skipping school one afternoon, they find themselves caught in the aftermath of a major terrorist attack on San Francisco. Marcus and his crew are apprehended by the Department of Homeland Security and whisked away to a secret prison where they’re ruthlessly interrogated for days.
When the DHS finally lets them go, Marcus discovers that his city has become a police state and every citizen is treated like a potential terrorist. He knows that he has only one option: to take down the DHS himself.

Here's a cool thing about this book -- you can download for free at the author's site/blog: http://craphound.com/littlebrother/download/
Download, read, and enjoy!

2008-05-20T12:52:00.003-04:00

COMIC BOOK READING
With the Iron Man movie just out and the upcoming Batman and Hellboy and Incredible Hulk films, superhero comic books and graphic novels have suddenly taken over much of my reading again. I worked my way through the three Birds of Prey GNs we have, thoroughly enjoying them (for the most part) -- they combine a multitude of DC comics characters, centralizing on Barbara Gordon, aka Batgirl, aka Oracle, and the female superhero group she puts together. In the middle of one of the titles, there was a year-long break, during which the Infinite Crisis happened. OK, so I'll admit that I was a little annoyed to see that break in the middle of one of the books I was reading, but I came to the library the next day and picked up The OMAC Project: Countdown to Infinite Crisis, and now I'm waiting for Infinite Crisis, which happens to be checked out.
Anyway, all this to tell you that there are some fabulous superhero comic books out there, and I hope you're finding what you want at the library -- and if you're not, please recommend some. (But if you want to read Iron Man, you're going to need to put in a request, because he's super popular right now!) Be looking for more coming to the shelves soon!

2008-05-20T12:32:00.003-04:00

WELCOME ERIN!
I want to welcome Erin, our new YA Department intern, to the Framingham Public Library's Young Adult Department! Erin will be with us throughout most of the summer and possibly a little into the fall working on projects and programs in the YA area and generally helping me out while she preps to be a YA librarian in hew post-graduation future. She'll be at the library sometime when I'm here and sometimes when I'm not, so if you see her around, be sure to say hello!

And while I'm on the topic of library news, just a notice that the library will be closed all weekend -- Saturday, Sunday, and Monday this week.

2008-05-16T10:15:00.002-04:00

RECOMMENDED
Today we have a book recommendation by Michael (17yrs): Saint by Ted Dekker. A great Matrix-y-style book, with a little quantum physics for all you science folk out there, great story about terrorists and an assassin group.
"It's AMAAAZING!"
~Michael

2008-05-16T09:10:00.002-04:00

Q&A
Q: Will you get Ellen Schreiber's next book: Coffin Club from the Vampire Kisses series? And her 2nd manga?
A: I'll get them on an order, for sure. Coffin Club comes out in July; and the manga comes out later.

Q: How do I look up comic books?
A: The simplest way to find comic books is choosing a keyword -- like Batman or Tokyopop or Beauty Pop or Courtney Crumrin. You can then type this keyword into the catalog search. Not every match that comes up will necessarily be a graphic novel, but many of them will be.
A librarian will also be glad to help. (Especially me.)

2008-05-13T11:02:00.002-04:00

QUICK POST
Just a quick post this morning to remind you that we'll be showing Tnchi Muyo GXP DVD1 this afternoon in the J Program Room. I expect that there will even be popcorn and possibly pocky, too.

Also, if you're planning a trip by plane this summer, be sure to check out the WWE summer safety card that posted on the old study room door (now YA storage room) in the YA area. It's full of important tips for travel. :-)

2008-05-12T11:43:00.003-04:00

TRANSITIONS MOVIE SERIES
I know how popular Juno has been in the theatres -- here's your chance to see it again on the big screen -- for free! The library has a movie series going on right now -- and we're showing Juno on Thursday evening! The details are listed below.

Film Series: Transitions
Main Library, Costin Room

Juno (2007) 96 min. PG (for mature themes, sexual content, language)
Thursday May 15, 7:00 pm
Oscar-nominated Juno deals with the bumps along the path to growing up. Starring Ellen Page, Jennifer Garner, and Jason Bateman.

Starting Out in the Evening (2007) 111 min. PG-13 (for sexual content, language, brief nudity)
Thursday May 29, 7:00 pm
A female graduate school student convinces an aging, sickly writer that her thesis can revive his career. Starring Frank Langella and Lauren Ambrose.

After the Wedding (2006) 120 min. R (for some language and scene of sexuality)
Thursday June 12, 7:00 pm
An orphanage manager travels to Denmark to seek funding and discovers some deep family secrets. Starring Mads Mikkelsen and Rolf Lassgard.

Refreshments served.

2008-05-10T09:03:00.004-04:00

A COUPLE OF BOOKS
I took this past week to read some books from the Adult (!) section of the library, and in my previous post, I promised to share a couple of them with you today. (Sorry guys -- they're both kind of girly books.)

Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen: a tree that tosses charmed apples, the herbs and flowers that have mysterious qualities growing in the same garden, an enchanted family of sisters and daughters and aunts and grandmothers, a prodigal sister returning home after running away from her abusive boyfriend, and a handsome new neighbour next door ferociously attracted to the other sister -- a recipe for a magical tale (think Practical Magic).

The Boy Next Door by Meggin Cabot: a light-weight chick-lit from the current queen of chick-lit -- attempted murder, the neighbour's very large dog, a girl who works as a gossip columnist, an ex-boyfriend, an irresponsible and angry nephew, a friend who owes a favour, New York sinkholes, and a case of mistaken identity; oh yeah, and did I mention the charming adorable perfect guy who also plays a main part? and it's told entirely in emails!

Both of these books were entirely fun and enjoyable, and I recommend them.

2008-05-08T20:40:00.002-04:00

PENCILS
I just had to mention -- we have a fabulous new pencil sharpener upstairs in the reference area. It may sound a bit silly, but I do love a freshly sharpened pencil, and this sharpener excels at its job. :-)

2008-05-08T18:01:00.002-04:00

LOST IN SPACE (& IRON MAN)
I have been lax in my duties to this blog in the last week, but not without good reason, I can assure you. Well, a kind of good reason anyway -- I've been quite busy and often not at the library at all! Let me take a minute to catch you up.
Starting with Monday -- this was fly around day full of preparation and regrouping from the weekend and hours on the reference desk. May not sound like much, but it kept me quite busy.
Tuesday I came in around 8 to finished prepping for my morning visit to Potter Road Elementary School, where I spent a few hours visiting grades K-4 to explain the summer reading program -- in Portuguese. It was quite a day -- very energetic -- we even had a fire drill while I was there!
Then I returned to the library and finished prepping for ...
Wednesday! I was invited to participate in a panel at the Massachusetts Library Association Conference (yes, librarians convene in large numbers in a single place to mingle and learn how to become better librarians) and discuss how libraries can use IM to give their customers better service. It was a good time. (So, don't forget to find me on IM once in a while.)
And then this afternoon, Thursday, I was at the high school with my readers group. Good luck to all of them with their AP exams!
So that's the rundown for the week. Highly interesting, I know. I hope that on Saturday I can list out a couple of the books I've been reading.

Oh, btw -- have you seen Iron Man yet? I went to see it last Saturday. For an origins movie, considering all the origins movies there have been in the last few years, I found it surprisingly (or not surprisingly, depending on how you look at it) good. I laughed, I was impressed -- I think I even gasped once or twice. I'm already looking forward to #2 -- scheduled for April 30, 2010. If you haven't seen it and like the Iron Man and/or Marvel comics, I say Go See It! (And maybe see it again.)

2008-04-30T09:28:00.003-04:00

YOUNG SCIENTIST CHALLENGE
For students in grades 5-8
Hosted by Discovery Education & 3M
Prizes: all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, DC, for the competition finals; 1st place: $50,000 U.S. Savings Bond; 2nd place–10th place: $1,000; Opportunity to appear on television -- and more!

This challenge, which I only discovered a day or two ago, is already about halfway over (entries must be submitted by June 15), so if you're a budding scientist, be sure to visit the Discovery page to grab the details of the contest. It sounds wonderful. Here's a little bit about the contest:

Discovery Education/3M Young Scientist Challenge is the premier national science competition for students in grades 5 through 8. The Young Scientist Challenge is designed to encourage the exploration of science among America’s youth and to promote the importance of science communication. In 1999, Discovery Communications, LLC, launched the competition to nurture the next generation of American scientists at a critical age when interest in science begins to decline. Over the past nine years, more than 540,000 middle school students have been nominated to participate in the competition, and winners have gone on to speak in front of members of Congress, work with the nation’s top scientists, and pursue academic careers in the sciences.

Good luck!

2008-04-29T14:27:00.005-04:00

UPDATES & READING REMINDERS
I quickly wanted to mention a few things -- perhaps they are reminders, perhaps they are news....
First of all, my twitter posts have another new viewing location -- the teen page of the Framingham Public Library website. So from the website, you can now chat with me (have homework questions?) and read the twitter updates. You can do both of those things here, too, but now you have options! :-)

Secondly, this is a reminder that the fantasy wiki More Than Magic Mirrors is a good place to find fantasy books to read -- and a good place to leave your opinions about them. Grab a few friends and make a visit to the site -- there are probably even books you've read that aren't there that you could share!

Thirdly, if you're looking for something else to read, visit the tag cloud at the bottom of this blog page and click on a link you might be interested in -- we have adventure books, dragon books, love stories and more. Books bookmarked in blinklist. You can also find lots of booklists on the Teen Reads page.

2008-04-28T10:26:00.004-04:00

BOOKENDS
The Remarkable Life and Times of Eliza Rose by Mary Hooper
When Eliza is kicked out of her home by her step-mother, she journeys to London to seek out her father, who has gone to the city to find work. But life on your own in London is difficult and she soon ends up in Clink Prison for stealing a bit of bread. Bought out of prison by Ma Gwyn, Eliza finds herself the embarrassed and reluctant beauty of a brothel house until Ma's daughter Nell rescues her. Nell is a star of the stage and a mistress to the king and introduces Nell to a life of glamour, politics, court, love, and money. But when her father tells her he's not really her father, and her aunt can't tell her of her parentage, Eliza feels lost and worried. Dependent on friends and strangers, with no family and no real home, Eliza wonders of she will ever discover where she fits.
I'm not generally one who's a great fan of historical fiction, but I really enjoyed this book. The writing is quite good, the setting is realistic, and the addition of actual characters and locations of the time give it an authentic feel. Eliza is endearing -- a true friend with concerns and worries and hopes -- easy to relate to. This is a book I definitely recommend.
Y FICTION Hooper

2008-04-26T09:08:00.005-04:00

NEW BOOKS
It's been a while since I've made an announcement about new books, probably because there's the pictorial list in the navbar about it -- the one that links back to my LibraryThing list. But we just received a bunch of new and interesting looking titles, so I thought I'd highlight a couple of them for you.
Battlestar Galactica: The Official Companion: are you a fan of space opera and BG? Here's the official companion book with exclusive interviews, unseen photos, episode guide, and more!
Smallville, Season 5: Another official companion, with excerpts from newspapers, color photos, interviews, and... more!
Game by Walter Dean Myers: another great sports book (basketball) by Myers -- need I say more?
Castaways by Vollmar and Callejo: a graphic novel recounting the story of a young boy who hops a train in order to escape the harrowing poverty of rural life during the Great Depression.
Me, the Missing, and the Dead by Jenny Valentine: Lucas finds himself in possession of an urn -- with somebody's ashes inside! He soon becomes convinced that person belonging to the ashes is trying to tell him something about his missing father...
We also have Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor, in which all Anna wants is a normal life, but her mom makes that practically impossible;
The Declaration by Gemma Malley, where children born outside the Declaration are considered surplus and criminals -- simply for being born!
and Saturday Night Dirt by Will Weaver, about what happens at the Speedway in a small Minnesota town.

Our new book display is filled to practically overflowing -- hope you make it in this weekend to discover some of these fabulous books!

2008-04-24T16:35:00.002-04:00

END OF WEEK NOTES
So the internet came back yesterday afternoon, and we've been going strong ever since. However, next Monday and Tuesday (and maybe Wednesday) the public internet will be down again while we make a few changes to our system. I tell you, though, it was pretty interesting to work without computers yesterday -- I found it strangely satisfying to still be able to find books on the shelves even without being able to look them up in the catalog first. Think you have a librarian's brain? Try it sometime -- take a nonfiction book you've never heard of and try to find it on the shelves of the library. It's kind of a fun scavenger hunt!
It's school vacation week, as most of you know. It was great having so many of the local teens in at the library for various things this week. I hope to see more of you -- and don't forget to stop by my new office to ask questions or say hello.
I'm off to the Reference Desk now for the night. Enjoy June in April!

2008-04-23T10:49:00.001-04:00

COMPUTERS DOWN
Our whole computer system is down -- network wide -- right now. Please be patient with us, as we do not have access to the internet, our catalog, or our museum pass listings. Thanks!

2008-04-22T16:33:00.004-04:00

BOOKENDS: Unwind
Unwind by Neal Shusterman
After the second Civil War, the Bill of Life was created, making it possible and legal for guardians to give up their child of 13-17 years for unwinding -- that is, the bodies of troublesome or unwanted teens could be harvested for parts, legally and lawfully. Connor, Risa, and Lev are three of these teens -- and they become unlikely companions when two of them try to escape their unwinding. Together they run from the authorities and discover the Graveyard, but not before their group is torn apart by betrayal.
The premise and plot of this book are wonderful -- gripping, thrilling, intriguing. Begs the question "How would I feel if my parents authorized my unwinding?" And I enjoyed the book -- I was definitely kept interested. The style of the telling I found a little difficult to handle -- every couple pages the point of view changes between characters, and not just the main characters, which is good and bad. Also, a number of typos distracted. Overall, however, a great futuristic thriller adventure.
Y FICTION Shusterman

2008-04-22T08:51:00.002-04:00

SUPER ANIME DAY 2
Today!
At the main library at noon, we'll be showing Spirited Away first and then episodes of Solty Rei (and possibly School Rumble). It's free and open to teens! Here's the info on the library website. Hope to see you!

2008-04-18T13:40:00.002-04:00

REMINDERS
The library is closed on Monday -- all day.
But on Tuesday, we're having Super Anime Day 2! Come watch Spirited Away and some TV anime eps -- it starts at noon and is free and open to grades 6-12!

2008-04-18T09:38:00.004-04:00

BOOKENDS: Standard Hero Behavior
Standard Hero Behavior by John David Anderson
The town of Darlington, long protected by Duke Darlinger from the ogres, orcs, witches, dragons, trolls, and other dangerous creatures that inhabit the woods surrounding the town, is now in very big trouble -- and the duke can't fix it this time. Unfortunately Mason, the young town bard, is the only one who knows about the real trouble. Since all of the town's heroes moved out and have been away for over 10 years, Mason and his friend Cowel head out onto the open road with a bag of gold coins in the hope that they can find a hero for hire. Along the way they run into an orange-haired witch, a bootmaker who killed off one of their heroes, a cross-dressing giant, an army of pixies, and more.
Two unlikely heroes off to save their families and the town they love and face multiple dangers along the way, eventually finding things they weren't expecting. This is quite an adventure for two friends to go on -- danger and comedy lurk together, and it has flavors of Will Allen's Swords for Hire. I enjoyed it and say it's a good middle-school book.
Y FICTION Anderson

2008-04-17T11:46:00.000-04:00

BOOKENDS: Fly On The Wall
Fly on the Wall by E. Lockhart
audiobook read by Caitlin Greer
To Gretchen Yee boys are alien beings -- she just can't understand them. Everyone at her arts school is working so hard to be "different" and Gretchen just feels ordinary. And when her best friend starts hanging out with the art geeks and her parents announce they're getting divorced, she feels lonely and lost. She wishes she could be a fly on the wall in the boys' locker room, so she could really start to understand them -- and finally work up the courage to talk to to Titus, her crush. And then one Saturday morning, she wakes up and she is a fly on the wall -- in the boys' locker room...!
This is another in my attempts to find audiobooks I like and can listen to -- and it was a fun "read." Truly, who hasn't, at some point in their life, wanted to be a fly in the wall to hear and see what's going on in someone else's life? There are parts of this book that don't lend themselves to audio particularly well, but if you forget about those and don't mind the swearing (lots of f-words flying around) and the sex talk (she's a teen girl in the boys' locker room, after all), it's a pretty funny story.
Y COMPACT DISC FICTION Lockhart

2008-04-15T11:13:00.004-04:00

BOOKENDS: The Nature of Jade
The Nature of Jade by Deb Caletti
A book about fears, friends, anxiety, secrets, and... elephants. Jade has been diagnosed with panic disorder -- when she has anxiety attacks she gets dizzy and terrified and loses her breath. And so she uses the zoo webcam in the elephant exhibit to keep calm. There's something about those elephants.... One day Jade notices a guy in a red jacket with a baby stopping too look at the elephants. He returns again and again, and Jade can't help but be curious about this guy who seems to appreciate the elephants the same way she does. When she starts to volunteer at the elephant house, she gathers up the courage to meet him -- and his son. And what she discovers in them -- the secrets, the dangers, the wonder -- changes her life, but not her nature: the nature of jade.
A fantastic and realistic story about family and school troubles, layered with anxiety and fears and courage to survive another day. The characters were not stereotypes and all seem to have their troubles and their strengths. Jade's community of classmates, zoo workers, family, and neighbors could all be your own classmates, neighbors, family, and locals. A well-written book, good characters, good story that I definitely recommend -- especially to someone with family or fears or college applications or a therapist or a crush or classmates or friends or a fondness for elephants.
Y FICTION Caletti

2008-04-09T10:22:00.005-04:00

TAG CLOUD
For the next few days (or weeks!), you may see a few changes and messes at the bottom of this blog page -- I'm working on a tag cloud for books I've either bookended on this blog, or books in lists posted on the FPL Teen Reading Page, or just random books I want to add to the list. The tag cloud will help you find books that I've talked about that may be of interest to you, based on keywords from the book description. (The tag cloud isn't for blog posts in general.) The disarray comes from my not being sure of which bookmarking tool I want to use -- there are lots of great ones out there with different functionalities, appearances, and alliances. I'm currently looking at del.icio.us, Blinklist, and Furl, but there may be others as well. Eventually I'll just pick one and deal with the quirks, but in the meantime, have patience -- and give the tag cloud a try! Let me know what you think!

2008-04-08T16:57:00.001-04:00

GOOD REVIEW
Tip of the hat to the New England Library Review blog, who had a lovely posting about this blog. Thanks for the good words!

2008-04-07T09:31:00.004-04:00

BOOKENDS: FLUSH
Flush by Carl Hiaasen
Audio version: read by Michael Welch
When Noah's blows up a casino boat, the Coral Queen, because he believes the owner is dumping sewage into the bay, he ends up in jail -- a slight problem for Noah, his sister, and his mother. But the protest fails, and the Coral Queen is back in business before Noah's dad gets out of jail. So Noah decides to take things into his own hands and succeed where his impulsive father has failed. With the help of his sister Abbey, Lice Peeking, Shelly the bartender, and a strange old pirate, he sets out to prove that the Coral Queen is illegally (and disgustingly) dumping sewage into the ocean.
I'm usually not a huge fan of audiobooks, but I'm trying to learn. I picked this one up last week as an attempt to save myself from repetitive radio stations -- and I chose it because it's only 5 discs and a story I hadn't yet read. And I'm reasonably pleased -- in fact, I looked forward to driving this week so I could listen to the story. First of all, the story is fun, full of spicy characters getting into scrapes and helping each other out. Second, the reader does a fine job, except in a few places where his voice gets so soft you have to turn the volume way up; he's expressive but doesn't overdue it with the voices.
All in all, I'd say this is a good choice for audiobooks.
Y COMPACT DISC Hiaasen

2008-04-07T09:24:00.003-04:00

DEATH NOTE BOOK -- JOKE or THREAT?
This is just a word of warning -- don't copycat what you see in the media -- if it happens in a movie, a newspaper, a book, think twice before copycatting and doing it yourself. Two twelve year old students in Alabama created their own Death Note notebook after seeing the anime on Adult Swim; they were arrested because the notebook was classified as "terrorist threats." Read the article from ICv2 here.
Use your head -- reality and fiction are different!

2008-04-02T14:56:00.003-04:00

POST-APOCALYPTIC
Periodically I do a list of books about the end of the world or about dystopic societies -- and these often are stories about the world post-apocalypse -- what happens to our world when everything we know is destroyed? Who seeks to control the people who are left? What is the government like? What do people eat? What kinds of technology exist? Have the people and animals mutated? How do they communicate? Is it safe to live above ground, or is there disease and pollution in the air?
Depending on how the world ended (nuclear disaster, war, disease, flood, etc.) will determine the answers to most of these questions, and I usually enjoy well-written fiction books that speculate on such a world.
I just recently finished Shadow Speaker, one such book set in Africa just a generation after a nuclear & environmentalist war that has destroyed continents, changed technology, and given some people new abilities. It's a coming of age adventure, with magic, technology, and different worlds. A great story with good action and odd little pieces of imagination.

Now that I've finished that one, I'm working on the Longlight Legacy Trilogy -- I'm almost finished with the second book. Good good stuff. I had read the first book some years ago and quite liked it, but I realized when I read it again this past weekend, that I had forgotten most of it. A few generations after much of the earth has been destroy, Roan and his sister are the only survivors of an attack on their peaceful village. His sister is taken, and Roan is left on his own to discover why the two of them are so important to The City and to other gatherings of people outside The City. What he finds out on his quest -- his abilities to travel into the Dreamworld, strange creatures that inhabit the world outside his village, children being taken from their parents to be sold for parts, and so much more -- leaves him with more questions and responsibilities, and turns him into a guy with a mission.
We have all three books at the library -- I suggest you check them out if you've read and enjoyed things like the Uglies series by Westerfeld or the Hungry City Chronicles by Reeves. Check out a few more options here.
Enjoy the end of the world!

2008-04-01T16:25:00.002-04:00

SPRING CLEANING
Happy April!
Since warmer temps are finally being felt, I've decided to do some spring cleaning at the library. I started with the paperbacks -- getting rid of books that have been sitting there, not moving, for 1.5 or more years -- I cleaned out over 100 books! Amazing!
My next project, which I'm currently doing, is weeding out the graphic novels and comics that aren't moving -- ones that have only gone out a few times in the last few years. We have a lot, and not so much space, so I need to clear out the ones that people don't want to read so much. I've already gotten rid of 26, and there are more to go.
And then, I really really need to finish moving my old office to my new office -- and get this desk straightened up.
Afterwards, it's back to the paperbacks -- a bit of arranging and sorting -- maybe even replacing some of the popular titles with new copies.
Later, if we're really lucky, I'll get around to weeding hardcover fiction, be we'll just have to see about that.
So there's lots going on over here in the YA area this month. Be sure to stop in and check out all the improvements!

2008-03-29T12:06:00.005-04:00

COLD TIMES
There's been a bit of synchronicity in my life lately -- about (of all things) Antarctica. So I thought I'd share a little, in case you're a fan of the cold continent, adventure exploration, "greening" to reduce greenhouse, or award winning fiction.

How to Survive in Antarctica by Lucy Jane Bledsoe
This is a book I purchased for the YA collection, partly because of the fascinating title -- have you ever wondered what it would take to survive in Antarctica?
During her exploratory sojourns to Antarctica, Bledsoe witnessed many amazing sights (mummified seals) and picked up even more survival tactics (if you should find yourself in danger of falling into a crevasse, stretch out your body to avoid dropping farther). Part memoir, part survival tips, part curiosities, Lucy Jane Bledsoe's book lets readers vicariously experience the author's adventures while on exploration to the cold continent.

The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition by Caroline Alexander (DVD)
My run-ins with South Pole topics began with someone telling me about this book -- in complete wonder and awe. A truly amazing tale.
In August 1914 Sir Ernest Shackleton, a renowned explorer, set sail with 27 men on his ship, the Endurance. His plan was to be the first expedition to cross the Antarctic continent -- racing against other teams, including those of Amundsen and Scott. Marooned on four feet of ice, in over 8,000 feet deep water, Shackleton and his crew survived some 635 days and nights, without decent shelter or enough food, enduring the harshest conditions imaginable.(Sounds like they could have used Bledsoe's book -- or written it!)

White Darkness by Geraldine McCaughreanThis book was announced as this year's winner of the Michael L Printz Award for outstanding literature for young adults.
Taken to Antarctica by the man she thinks of as her uncle for what she believes to be a vacation, Symone--a troubled fourteen year old with a mad crush on Titus Oakes, a captain in Scott's South Pole team some 90 years ago -- discovers that he is dangerously obsessed with seeking Symme's Hole, an opening that supposedly leads into the center of a hollow Earth. Suddenly, she's caught in a struggle for her life.

Cruising to Otherworldly Antarctica by Gwen Thompkins, NPR
Would you prefer to watch and listen to an account of a protected visit to Antarctica? NPR ran a story about climate change and Antarctica, making a visit on a cruise ship. Fantastic tale.

Want more? Check out the online articles that World Book has (you'll need your library card) -- there are articles, maps, pictures, tables, and more -- tons of fascinating information!

And just now (2 hours my original posting of this) I read an article in the NYTimes about a Harlem Middle School teacher taking a trip to Antarctica with a professor from Queens College to research. "Harlem to Antarctica for Science, and Pupils"

2008-03-26T15:29:00.002-04:00

SCRABBLE!!!Tomorrow (Thursday), Framingham High School Library, after school
Be there!

2008-03-24T10:18:00.002-04:00

TEEN HEALTH: PREGNANCY & CUTTING
I'm not sure this is a topic I've ever written about on this blog before, but after exchanging new magazines for old this morning, I came across this article in Girl's Life Magazine (Feb/Mar 2008, pg 60): When You Least Expect It. It was a good article, and I thought that with the rash of news articles on teen pregnancy (Jamie Lynn Spears, Juno, etc) and this years higher teen pregnancy rates, I'd mention it here along with some resources.
TeenPregnancy.org
Healthy Teen Network
Planned Parenthood: 1.800.230.PLAN
Library Resources on Teenage Pregnancy
Library Resources on being Teenage Parent
Short booklist on teen pregnancy and parenting
"Karen: the editor's page" (GL)also has a quick commentary on teen pregnancy

The magazine also has an article on cutting (pg 77) and teen self-abuse.
Here are resources if you or someone you know is involved in that:
1.800.DONT.CUT, sponsored by S.A.F.E.
PSYKE.org
Short short booklist on cutting

Important stuff here. Take a little time to read about it.

2008-03-21T10:28:00.006-04:00

ABUNDANCE OF NOTES
There are so many things I should write today -- and I hardly know where to begin. I should write a review for Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith, a vampire mystery set in a restaurant -- about love, murder, food, power, family, and weres....

I should also write up a brief article about all the great things going on with Scott Pilgrim these days (though if you're connected to my on Facebook, you've probably seen part of it) -- Bryan Lee O'Malley was featured in the March issue of Shojo Beat, and studios are talking to Michael Cera to play Scott Pilgrim for a big-screen release! Sounds like good things are happening all around for O'Malley!

You may remember that some months back I made mention of a movie for the Tintin comics. Well, there are some rumours surrounding the casting of Tintin, too (Thomas Sangster and Andy Serkis).

I believe there was one other thing I wished to include today, but I'm baffled at what it is, so I'll leave it for now. Enjoy the holiday and get over to the library when you get the chance -- I've got lots of great books and magazines and videos for you to enjoy!
Happy spring!

2008-03-19T10:14:00.002-04:00

ONLINE MCAS PREP
One more thing I know you've been waiting for -- free online prep for the MCAS tests! You can find the prep at socrato.com for grades 6-8; grade 10 is coming soon. Here's part of the announcement from their website:

“Socrato offers new, state-of-the-art web-based test preparation and learning software. We have used many prior MCAS tests to perfect our system. Since we had all the data loaded into our system, we decided to make this software available to all Massachusetts 6th, 7th and 8th graders through 2008, because right now there is nothing similar available to them for free. Socrato hopes to help many students spend their study time more effectively and do well on their exams,” said Socrato CEO and Founder, Raju Gupta.

Give it a try, see what you think -- it's free -- at least for now!

2008-03-17T12:14:00.004-04:00

HAPPY GREEN DAY
I know it's not earth day or anything, but in pseudo-celebration on this day in which millions of Americans wear green, I decided to focus on two greens -- a few green books and a couple of ways to green the day.
The Turning
Love, Football, and Other Contact Sports
Now You See Her
Each of these books is quite green.
And now for a few green tips.
It's March, a good time to start consider planting native flowers and plants. Native-area plants are good for the local environment, which helps the environment overall.
It's also a good time for spring cleaning -- and when you're cleaning out those closets full of wintry stuff you don't want anymore, reconsider -- can you chop that sweater, sew that scarf, accessorize those pants to be used again? No? Then be sure to recycle them at a thrift store!

2008-03-12T15:14:00.005-04:00

MITALI PERKINS VISIT
Young adult and children's author Mitali Perkins is visiting the Woburn Public Library next Wednesday, March 19 at 7pm.
Born in India and raised around the world, Ms. Perkins has a unique perspective on what it means to "live between cultures." She will share her experiences and talk about how they shaped her as a teen and an author.
The event is free and open to the public. Book signing and refreshments will take place immediately after the presentation.

For more information, contact the YA librarian at the Woburn PL at 781.933.0148.

2008-03-12T12:29:00.003-04:00

BOOK OF THE DAY
I thought I'd share a few of the recent Books of the Day that I have posted on my Facebook and my MySpace bulletins:

Here Lies the Librarian
Mortal Engines
Elantris
On Fortune's Wheel
Troy
The Language of Goldfish
Click
Confessions of a High School Word Nerd

When you get the Facebook notices, you can also read the description and get a picture of the book cover (both of which you can also see by clicking on the links above).

2008-03-10T14:20:00.002-04:00

INSTANT MESSENGER ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS
This is just a quick reminder of this fabulous service the Young Adult Department is offering online -- live chat answers to your questions! You can add the librarian to your buddies list or simply ask your question from the FPL Teen Page or the FPL YA Blog -- we have instant messenger chat window on each of those pages -- you don't even have to download anything! It's super easy and you can get answers when you need them. There's just one catch -- if you ask a question when the librarian is busy or away or offline, leave an email so she (I) can get back to you with your answer.
(For screen names, see the left bar of the blog.)

2008-03-10T14:02:00.003-04:00

STANDARD DEVIANT SCIENCE
Do you find that memorizing the bones in the body a difficult and tedious task? Do the three laws of motion make you crazy? Could learning the circulatory system be any more circular? We've got help for you now! Check out one of the Standard Deviants DVDs about Physics or Anatomy. We have two volumes of each, and if you like them, we'll get more.
And if you want more, check these call numbers:
Anatomy: Y612
Physics: Y530
We have loads of science resources!

2008-03-05T10:26:00.005-05:00

BOOKENDS
Enchantress from the Stars by Sylvia Engdahl
Georyn is a woodcutter's son on Andrecia, determined to kill the evil dragon plaguing their forest and be rewarded with knowledge from the king. Jarel is a medical officer with a crew set out to colonize Andrecia -- and to force the natives onto reservations. Elana is a member of an advanced civilization from another planet, on her way to Andrecia to save the primitive people from losing their land and their culture to colonization. Through a series of encounters and misadventures, the story is created of how the Enchantress from the Stars helped a woodcutter's son free his people from a powerful magical dragon and his minions.
Part interplanetary adventure, part fairy tale, this story is full of magic, science, misunderstandings, humanity, moral issues, romance -- and a wonderful prose that weaves it all together flawlessly in three voices. And I quite enjoyed it -- it was thought-provoking and engaging. I'll definitely recommend it to those not afraid of mixed genres or of a little substance in their books.
Y PB Science Fiction E

2008-03-05T09:27:00.002-05:00

STOLEN!
Watch out -- I'm feeling a little preachy this morning....

I wish today to talk in part about how libraries work (and rant just a little). Libraries are public information repositories, with the mission give equal access to information to everyone. Librarians work hard to make sure that people are treated fairly and receive the help, books, music, movies, comics, database access, and such that they want and need. It's a service we all pay for and contribute to, thereby allowing us a vast collection of resources that we can make use of for FREE. However, the library does not have an endless bank of money at its disposal, and so we need your help, too.

Please don't steal!

This seems like a simple concept, but alas, in the past couple of weeks we have had multiple thefts at the library -- including favorites like anime and manga. When someone steals an item from the library, the librarians often replace it, which doubles and sometimes triples the cost, taking money away from other things you might like the library to have. But sometimes the item never gets replaced, which means no one else ever has access to it.
So, to wrap things up. Please encourage your friends not to steal, and remember that you can borrow almost anything from the library for free (except feature films) when you have a library card (which is also free -- and only $1 to replace it if you lose it).

Thanks -- end of sermon -- but keep your eyes here for updates in the future.

2008-03-03T14:14:00.006-05:00

GREAT JOB!
I just wanted to commend all of you who took up the challenge I gave at the beginning of February to check out more books this Feb than last -- we succeeded magnificently -- by 10.5% (176 items)!
In 2007, 1669 books & such went out; in 2008, 1845 went out. Thanks for coming through on this one. We need to do even better in March, but I won't put out a formal challenge for that already. February was the biggest month since August!
Happy reading & listening & watching!

And btw -- just two things of note: we have more new doors on the Pearl Street side of the library; and we now have wireless internet on the third floor of the library. Woohoo!

2008-02-27T16:41:00.003-05:00

SCRABBLE 2/28
Thursday Feb 28 is Scrabble day at the High School! Join us after school in the high school library for Scrabble, words, discussions, snacks, and funny prizes. It's bound to be a good time! Be sure to come!

2008-02-25T09:29:00.004-05:00

TWILIGHT TRAILERS
There are a couple of fan-created trailers for Twilight posted up on YouTube. I'm embedding the short one here, and am linking to the longer one here.
Stephenie Meyer got to spend the weekend with the cast and crew on the set of the movie. She wrote about it here.
And here's the official movie site: The Twilight Saga.
I hope that keeps you satisfied until the movie comes out! :-)

2008-02-22T16:03:00.000-05:00

NOT QUITE BOOKENDS
I've read a few books lately that I should be reviewing for this site. They're pretty good books for guys. Namely, they are:
Repossessed by AM Jenkins
Teen, Inc by Stefan Petrucha
MacGregor Tells the World by Elizabeth McKenzie

Let me discuss them in 35 words each or less.

Repossessed -- about a fallen angel who takes possession of a boy's body for the experience of having a body. It was OK. Definitely a guy's book. Some sexual content. Award runner-up.

Teen, Inc. -- adopted by a corporation, Jaiden's life has been different than anyone else's, but when he learns of dangerous practices, he has to determine whose side he's on. Enjoyable with themes of green.

MacGregor Tells the World -- MacGregor's mom left him and now he's on the search for his father. What he discovers along the way helps him and bothers him. Good adult-teen crossover. Lags a bit in the middle.

2008-02-21T15:40:00.000-05:00

ICQ

I just subscribed to ICQ -- so if you don't have MSN Messenger, or AIM, or GTalk, you can find me at ICQ -- my number is on the sidebar.

2008-02-20T13:03:00.007-05:00

SUPER ANIME DAY

Here are a couple of pics from our Super Anime Day yesterday -- we had a rip-roaring good time! Almost six hours of anime, pocky, and other such fun things. Hopefully we'll do it again and you can come! We showed some FullMetal Panic, some Black Cat, Millennium Actress, and more!

2008-02-14T15:00:00.003-05:00

WELCOMING DAVID YOO
I had the opportunity on Thursday to meet with author David Yoo, who wrote Girls for Breakfast. He had lots of great things to say about the young adult area and collection (a compliment at first meeting is always a good way to get things started), and was fun to talk to. He has a new book being published in September, so be on the lookout! In the meantime, get familiar with some of his work.

And remember back in December when I posted pictures of a certain minivan in our parking garage belonging to author Mark Peter Hughes? I had the chance to meet him about a month ago or so, too. (He's busily working on his next novel.)

We've got some great local authors taking advantage of our library -- and liking it! I've definitely enjoyed meeting them and am glad to see them here. Who knows? Maybe one of these days they'll give us a few words to post....

2008-02-14T13:56:00.004-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!
(Don't you like it? I made it myself! -- and I receommend the book!)

2008-02-13T10:33:00.006-05:00

A LITTLE WARMTH
So here it is, a rainy, cold, soggy, grey February day, and I'm feeling definitely uninspired as I sit at my computer contemplating intriguing things to write for the blog. I guess I'll take this opportunity to mention a few books that should help us remember that spring is on its way -- and shortly thereafter, summer!

Peaches

The Summer King

The Lightning Thief

The Marino Mission

2008-02-11T13:56:00.000-05:00

VALENTINES!
We have valentines for you!
I'm leaving out a few blank valentine's cards on the counter by the YA bulletin board -- feel free to take a couple to fill them out. Enjoy!

Also, I have 10 Jr Frosty Valentines from Wendy's that I'll be placing inside books at the library -- come to the library, check out the right book, and you might earn a free frosty -- what a happy treat that will be!

Happy Valentine's Week! Don't forget to check out the Valentine Week Book of the Day on Facebook (and sometimes on MySpace). Celebrating all week~

2008-02-11T09:38:00.000-05:00

BOOKENDS
Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale
Lady Saren refuses to marry the man her father betrothed her to, choosing instead another, and for her insolence she is sentenced to live in the tower for 7 years until her father lets her out. And because she made the promise to never leave Lady Saren's side, her maid Dashti joins her to cook and clean and keep company -- and Dashti tracks it all in her writing book. But soon rats appear, and the food dwindles, and the guards that used to deliver fresh milk and meat disappear -- after fierce howlings from wolves and sharp screams in the night. Completely alone and left to starve, Lady Saren continues to despair; but Dashti, clever and hopeful, finds a way out of their tower -- only to discover their old world has been ravished by war. Alone, friendless, and poverty-stricken, they must figure out how to survive on the steppes of central Asia.
I was hopeful and doubtful about this book at the same time -- I haven't read this author before, but I know she receives much praise; nevertheless from the early pages, the book seemed to be a stretch. However, I pushed through some of the journal entries, and am pleased I did. Wicked kings, wars, dedication, hope, fear, skinwalkers, good and evil, true love -- these roam the book freely and make a well-crafted story that I ended up enjoying more than I thought.
Y FANTASY FICTION Hale

2008-02-08T11:32:00.000-05:00

NEW MANGA
Whoa! We've just been inundated by a whole big bunch of new manga! I put out nine new volumes last night, four more this morning, and I still have at least six more to go before the end of the day! If you like manga, you may want to head over to the library sometime this weekend, before it all disappears! New titles include Heaven, Beet the Vandel Buster, Beck Mongolian Chop Squad, and more!
And if you like this kind of thing, don't forget about the fabulous Super Anime Day during February vacation week!

2008-02-06T16:15:00.000-05:00

STATS
I just received my monthly circulation stats -- the numbers that tell me how many books / magazines / comics / audiobooks get checked out from the YA collection each month. So far this year we're up 141 from last year. December was our month of greatest increase, but we also increased numbers in January.
Last February you checked out 1669 items from the YA collection -- let's try to beat that this year! Help me reach the goal of 1700 items checked out this month!
Thanks -- glad you enjoy the collection!

2008-02-04T09:37:00.001-05:00

LOVE STORIES
Get in the Mood

Less then two weeks before Valentine's Day -- and we have love stories -- a whole display of them! Come check them out and get in the mood (or not, as the case may be).

These and many many more~!

2008-02-04T09:03:00.000-05:00

BOOKENDS
Taken by Edward Bloor
Kidnapped. Charity Meyers wakes up in the back of a van, strapped to a stretcher. She has been taken. By the clock set up in front of her, she realizes that she probably only has 12 more hours for her parents to follow the instructions of the kidnappers before something terrible happens to her. Kidnapping is big business in 2036, and students are taught in school what to do and how to act, should they be kidnapped, and Charity goes over these lessons over and over again -- she wants to be let go, returned to her life. But as the minutes tick by and she is not freed, the worries and fears begin to increase....
As I mentioned before, I took interest in this book mostly because of the Unshelved Comic I saw one Sunday (see below), so I picked up the book and took it home. The premise is definitely interesting, but despite the action-based plot, the story gets off to a bit of a slow start. It doesn't really pick up and start moving until about halfway through, but even then the tension and action don't seem to be where they could be.
And don't be fooled by the cover -- it has little to do with the story -- chess is mentioned but is not a major part of the book, though it works as a metaphor.
Y FICTION Bloor

2008-02-02T09:20:00.000-05:00

FEBRUARY
Happy February to you! I realize that this past week has been a little weak on the posting front, and I apologize for that. I've had odd hours in Reference and in between times have been trying to organize for an office move. I feel like I'm completely scattered around the library.

I did finish reading Tangent Comics; after a slow beginning with action but too much background plot, the stories finally started to take off about halfway through, and I enjoyed the tales of the superheroes.
Now I'm reading Taken by Bloor; Unshelved Comics did a Sunday strip on the book, which made me interested -- you can see the Unshelved strip at the library in the YA area or by clicking on that link above.

2008-01-29T09:33:00.000-05:00

A FEW NEW BOOKS
I'm particularly TAKEN today by one of the new books just in -- a comic called Tangent Comics. DC comics creators took the names and concepts behind some of the best-loved superheroes and invented brand new characters with brand new stories. I look forward to reading this one!

2008-01-28T11:54:00.000-05:00

NEW BOOKS
Don't forget the check the sidebar for five of the newest books received by the teen department at the library. These get updated whenever new books show up, so check often -- and if you want to see more, click on the "my library" link -- it will take you the whole list of "new books" posted recently. If you want to know what's coming in, I'd say this is a pretty good deal.

I just finished reading Horizons by Mary Rosenblum -- an intriguing futuristic sci-fi tale. Be looking for a Bookend-ing of it soon!

2008-01-25T14:40:00.001-05:00

HASTY PUDDING
I feel like I should be sure to post today, even though I'm running around like a madwoman trying to clean out this office of mine so it can all be moved into a new location within the next couple of weeks. Have you ever seen my office? If so, you will know that this is no small task. Nevertheless, this is the chance for new beginnings. Maybe I can teach myself how to file things instead of leaving piles; maybe I can finally put up these posters I've been hoarding; maybe I can create a real workspace; maybe, maybe, maybe....
Be looking for fast progress towards a new office back there!

2008-01-23T10:49:00.000-05:00

DELAY OF DAYS
It seems that I always have a difficult time of catching up after a long holiday weekend....
Most of you have probably heard by now that Heath Ledger (of many movies fame) was found dead yesterday in his Manhattan apartment, apparently from a drug overdose (though an autopsy will be performed). Yet another sad reminder that money, fame, and youth do not guarantee a carefree life. He leaves behind a young daughter and a film in the making. (Read it.)