YIKES! I haven't written in SO long!

I read Fallout by Ellen Hopkins the minute we got it in the library. I just love her stuff and am hoping to host her in our library this spring. Fallout is the third in the Crank trilogy with Glass being #2. These stories are based on the true story of her very own daughter who has been in and out of meth addiction for many years. Fallout is the story of the daughter's children and how their lives are effected by their mother's addiction.

I also read You by Charles Benoit and was impacted by the story to the degree that I made it our first 'staff book discussion read' on the NOOK- ereader. You is the story of a boy who makes all the wrong choices and is influenced by the wrong people to a disasterous end. I contacted the author, who is local, and he is thrilled that we're reading it and is going to join us for the discussion- YEAH!

When Behemoth finally came out last month- I had read Leviathan and was eagerly anticipating #2 in this series- I immediately grabbed it and savored it over this past week. I just LOVE Scott Westerfeld's writing and stories. Behemoth continues where Leviathan left off and Deryn and Alex are once again embroiled in WWI as the Darwinists and Clankers go at it. Deryn is having a hard time keeping 'her' secret as Mr. Sharp.

I am a BIG David Levithan fan and very much enjoyed Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist so when I heard he and Rachel Cohn had published another book, I had to get it. So I am currently reading Lily and Dash's Book of Dares and loving it, especially given the holiday season.

I'm just about to finish Jennifer Donnelly's Revolution. I'm trying to savor the ending because I've loved this book so much that I don't want it to end. In this tale of historical fiction, Andi- a 21st century young woman, is dealing with her own problems when she is made to travel to Paris with her estranged father. There, while researching her thesis, Andi finds a connection to another young woman from 200 years ago named Alex, and is transformed to the world of the French Revolution. It is a time of fear and danger. Alex has been companion to Louis-Charles, the dauphin (heir to the throne of France). His parents have already become victims of the dreaded guillotine and he is to be next. Alex's love for Louis-Charles seems to transport Andi to a place and time where she can learn to face her own 21st century demons.

OK- so I finished Fallout in just over 3 hours over the weekend. Having read Crank and Glass, and having met Ellen Hopkins and learned about her personal connection to the story, I was prepared for a powerful book. Fallout is the story of 3 of Kristina's children- Hunter, Autumn and Summer- and how their mother's addiction to meth stunted their emotional growth. All three stuggle in their lives and it becomes very evident that bad choices are still being made. It's sad, but it's also a cautionary tale- a warning. Please head the warning!
I am still amazed at Ellen Hopkins' ability to write her stories in verse, but honestly, half the time I was so engrossed in the story that I had to stop to notice- that's how well it flows. Also being one of the thickest books in the library- 3 hours to read!? Don't judge a book by its size- if it's a good one, you're going to want it to be longer anyway!

I just got a hold of our copy of Ellen Hopkins' newest- Fallout. it's the sequel to Crank and Glass, continuing the story of Kristina Snow (Ellen's real experiences with her troubled daughter). This one is written in verse like the others, but written from the perspective of the children born of the 'monster.' I'll let you know when I'm done with it, but it promises to be realy good!

Hi new blog-readers! This is my first post on my new blog for the Holley Jr/Sr High School Library's website.

I just finished reading Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan. I like both authors so thought a collaboration would be worth reading. It took me a while to get into it, but once Will Grayson met Will Grayson I was hooked. I loved the character of Tiny and the honesty given the issues many face in high school.

I have Reckless, Cornelia Funke's first in a new series called- what else- The Reckless Series, on my list to read next. This story is inspired by the old fairy tales from the Brothers Grimm and should prove to be appropriately creepy.

The library also recently received a copy of Jennifer Donnelly's new book, Revolution. I really liked A Northern Light which came out several years ago. Revolution is the story of two girls living 2 centuries apart... but are they really?