Today's YA Scene Article from Publisher's Weekly and Guys Reading

I read this article from Publisher's Weekly (PW) and they talk about upcoming books from YA publishers.  There are a lot of interesting titles coming out, but one thing that I noticed while reading about these fantastic new books, is that there wasn't a lot of stuff listed for guys to read.  What do you think?  Do you think there are more books for girls than guys in YA fiction?

Check out the article here:

Today's YA Scene

ALA and YALSA's 2010 Teens' Top Ten Books

Every year in October teens across the country vote for their favorite titles from the list of nominations. This year the teens have spoken and these are the 2010 Teens' Top Ten Books:

1. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
2. City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
3. Heist Society by Ally Carter
4. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
5. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
6. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
7. Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
8. If I Stay by Gayle Forman
9. Fire by Kristin Cashore
10. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

I have read 7 of the ten titles listed above. How many have you read?



For more information about the Teens'Top Ten visit the ALA Website:
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/teenreading/teenstopten/teenstopten.cfm

Book Review: Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Nora Gray just simply wants to finish high school and get into a good college. What she doesn’t plan on is Patch, the irritating yet attractive new biology partner she gets stuck with. As she gets closer and closer to Patch, Nora finds herself in several terrifying life and death situations. Is someone trying to kill her? Could it have something to do with Patch? What is Patch trying to hide? Find out in Hush, Hush.

This book was a hard one for me to get through. I went from moments where I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next, to other moments when I really didn’t care. In some ways there were too many things going on in this novel and I really had trouble focusing on it. Now that I finished however, I find myself itching to read Crescendo, just to see where the story may go.

The book is told from the point of view of the main character Nora Gray. Nora is a likable character who is just your everyday girl. She has a lot more freedom than most teens since her mother works out of town most of the time. I felt that Nora was a well drawn realistic character that finds herself in a very unusual situation. Patch was a mystery throughout the book, and even remain so at the end, which will no doubt give us more to explore in the sequel.

Fitzpatrick’s descriptions are memorable and some of the scenes are heart stoppingly scary. I really enjoyed those moments when I was on the edge of my seat anxious to find out what is happening next. Unfortunately, there were lulls when I had trouble staying interested.

The audio version of this book is produced by Simon & Schuster Audio and narrated by Caitlin Greer. Greer does an excellent job with the voice of Nora and is a believable narrator. I would definitely recommend listening to the audio production.

Overall this is a book that I did enjoy, but not at the top of my list for best reads this year. I will definitely read the sequel though, because I believe the story has potential to be even better in the next installment. The sequel, Crescendo came out October 19, 2010 and is now at the library.

Cautions for sensitive readers: Violence



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Book Review: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Catching Fire (Hunger Games, #2) by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Collins has done it again. Just when I thought she wouldn't be able to top Hunger Games she demonstrates a wonderful ability to spin an action packed tale. This book was just as good as the first if not better.

Katniss, winner of the last Hunger Games is back from the capital with her co-winner Peeta. In order to stay in good favor with the capital after Katniss's actions with the berries in the last book, she and Peeta must keep up the ruse of being madly in love with each other before the districts. But things are more complicated than they thought, and their deception may not be enough for the capital. How will Katniss survive when her entire world catches fire?

This was a wonderful sequel to the first book. I eagerly await number 3 in this series. One of my favorite books this year!

Cautions for sensitive readers: Violence




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Book Review: Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Samantha didn't know that Friday, February 12th was going to be the last day of her life.  She also doesn't know why she is being forced to relive the day over and over again.  But given the chance, wouldn't you try to change that fateful ending?

This is a book that begs to be talked about.  I very seldom give 5 star reviews, but in this case I feel that it is absolutely deserved.  By the end of chapter one I was dying to talk about this book with someone who has read it. 


Oliver has created a flawed yet likable heroine in Samantha Kingston.  She is a girl who was once picked on, but is now popular, who does everything required to fit in.  She is a girl who holds power in her school and knows it.  She is also a girl who has set herself up for a terrible fall.  Friday, February 12th is the last day of her life, and she will have to live it again and again until she gets it right. 


I started this book on audio, and while it isn't unusual for me to switch back in forth between audio and the printed version, it is unusual for me to get so wrapped up in a book that I set everything aside to finish the book in one night.  Yesterday afternoon when I got out of my car after I got home from work, I was only about 30% through the book, by the time I went to bed I had finished the book.  In fact I wouldn't go to bed until I finished.  I had to know how the book was going to end. 


Don't get me wrong, the audio version of this book is extremely well done.  It is narrated by Sarah Drew and produced by Books on Tape.  Drew does a great job with the voices with the possible exception of the teachers Mr. Otto and Ms. Winters who sound a little too over the top.  Despite that, this is a great audio book, but I couldn't wait to finish the book so I picked up the hardcover and finished it in one sitting. 


This is a book that really makes think about your actions and what you would do if you could live the day over.  It was fascinating and gripping.  I think Jay Asher's (author of Thirteen Reasons Why)quote on the cover says it best "You'll have no choice but to tear through this book."  I am only sorry I waited so long to get to it. 


Cautions for sensitive readers:  Definitely for mature readers.  There is alcohol and drug use in this book, along with some swearing, and sexual references.





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Claire de Lune Author Visiting KHCPL This Sunday!

Christine Johnson, the author of the werewolf story Claire de Lune (Simon Pulse, 2010) will be at KHCPL Main this Sunday.  Come hear her speak about writing, publishing, and her upcoming novel Nocturne. She will also be signing books and and we will have copies available for purchase. 



Where: KHCPL Main at 220 N. Union St. Kokomo, IN 46901
When:  Sunday, October 24th, from 2:30-4:30 P.M.
What:  Author signing and talk.

Don't miss out on this great event!

Grand Opening!

You are Invited to our Grand Opening Event!

Where: 220 N. Union St.When: Sunday, October 10, 2010 from 2:00-5:00 P.M.
What: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 2:00 P.M. at the east entrance. Tour all three levels of the newly remodeled building at 220 N. Union St.

Teens don't forget to stop by Youthtopia on the upper level. Our own room specially designed for teens. Also, don't forget to check out some DVD's and Music CDs from our AV area on the first floor. AV fees are gone, so movies and music are now free. Don't miss out, stop by and check out the newly remodeled KHCPL Main.