Ellen Hopkins

Crank was hugely popular at the public library where I worked, read by both boys and girls. I think it might be a bit controversial (from reading the listserves, but can't put my memory on anything specific) which always attracts me, so I wanted to read more about it.

Based on the author's daughter's crystal meth addiction and written in verse, this seems like it could be an intense read. I've really enjoyed the poetry format this semester; it surely forces an author into making precise language choices and is very appealing.

Hopkins followed with similarly intense books: Glass, Burned, Impulse, Identical, Tricked. Dealing with substance and physical abuse, teen pregnancy and generally hopeless, tragic situations, it seems Hopkins has come up with a winning formula. This reminds me a bit of the girls who love the Lurlene McDaniels "I'm too young to die" genre. Sometimes you just want to read this stuff. Definitely on my to-read list.

Thinking about Twilight

I first read Twilight for the same reason as many other adults, to see what all the fuss was about. (The exact same reason I picked up Harry Potter in 2000.) The story line was compelling, but I thought the writing wasn't great, Myer seemed to overdo every description and her flowery prose was a bit much. I kept reading though, making it into the final book, but not completing it. Well, then the movie came out-- and like every living female in America I was 16 again and besotted with Edward Cullen.

The attraction--good looks, unflinching love and devotion. And he expects nothing in return. Before the hysteria took over, when the book first came out, an adult patron at the public library where I worked was a huge fan. "They are clean" she said "and really wonderful love stories." They are clean. Mormon Myer made sure of that. So Bella was the one pressing for the kiss and wanting sex, while gorgeous Edward was content to watch her sleep. Un-real-is-tic. Pure fantasy.

Much is being written about the portrayal of the American Indians in the form of Jacob, and about the lack of a female role model somber-gloomy Bella portrays.

But to really put it in perspective, be sure to watch the Buffy vs. Edward video. It highlights how a real woman would deal with a vamp. :>)

The whole phenomena--books--movies--conversations has been a blast. Added bonus: bonding with the teenage daughter.

Keys to the Kingdom by Garth Nix

I was trying to scope out a popular series for boys and my public librarian pointed me to this 7-part set. In this fantasy series the protagonist is 12-year old Arthur an asthmatic (gotta love that) who is chosen to rule "the house"; a mysterious place that only he can see. The days of the week play prominently into the series and Arthur must work to defeat his opponents. This book has plenty of mystery, magic and adventure.

Not surprisingly, the library was well stocked with girl interests (Twilight, Gossip Girls, Vampire Academy etc.) and not many that would seem to appeal primarily to boys. Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider and James Pattersons Maximum Ride series were there, but there seemed to be fewer choices. I think it is a reflection of the actual patronage at this small public library.

Fruits Baskets by Natsuki Takaya

Manga is very popular out here in the Amherst area. This series is tops with middle school and high schoolers. Fruits Baskets combines elements of fantasy, drama, and romance. Storylines revolve around Tohru, a girl who lost her mother and is now on her own. The neighboring family has the ability to hug someone and turn them into an animal from the Chinese Zodiac. She has crushes and a number of friends who fuel the plot. The illustrations are in the Japanese style of manga: large eyes, pointy facial features, punky haridos. The are all cute and adorable setting up confustion for Americans since it seems drawn for young children. They are not--these stories are for teens--and they eat them up.

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

I stopped at the public library for a look at what is hot with YAs. Inevitably, the success of the Twilight series has spawned many similar vampire series hoping to cash in on bit of the hysteria. One popular series is the Vampire Academy. This four-part series (with more on the way) features two races of vampires-one alive, the other undead, who roam the earth. With touches of magic and traditional vampire goings-on (stakes through the heart, rituals) this one also contains hunky blood suckers. Pleasure reading for the twihards.

What's Hot

Gossip Girl was a disappointment. So shallow and gratuitous. There were only two things that kept me reading to the end: trying to guess who was gossip girl and just what was that picture of in Serena's photo? I didn't care about the characters and was there a plot? I know the series is very popular---escapist fantasy that requires no brain power is all I can figure. My age is showing! The teenage me would have enjoyed it.

I'm guessing other series such as Lisi Harrison's The Clique series and Zoey Dean's The A-list fill the same need; a chance to walk in the shoes of the ultra-rich, beautiful people in their urban playgrounds. I'll stick with the Cullens.

Best of the Year

While I read a bit of YA before this course, the past eight weeks have opened my eyes to how good today's young adult lit is. I really enjoyed it; as a reprieve from my normal reading of children's books, and also because there are some very talented and gifted writers currently writing for young adults. Hunger Games and Unwind are new favorites. (Gossip Girl, not so much.) Publisher's Weekly put out their Best of 2009 list recently and there are several here that I'll add to my to-read list. When you Reach Me, Marcelo in the Real World, Tales from Suburbia and Catching Fire all sound terrific.

One of the fiction titles listed is Laurie Halse Anderson's Wintergirls. I read it over the summer, and talk about scary. OOoo-Bony chilling scary, to see how anorexic girls view themselves and life. That would have been fun to discuss.