Pretty Dead October 29, 2009

Title: Pretty Dead

Author: Francesca Lia Block

Summary: Charlotte, with her willowy frame, designer clothes, perfect skin, and long blonde hair is pretty. But she is also dead. A vampire who has traveled the world and been witness to nearly every horror of the 20th century, she longs for a companion to spend her days with, even though she would never curse another with immortality. When she meets the sweet-natured Emily, they develop an intense friendship. But when Emily’s dead body is found, the result of an apparent suicide, Charlotte begins to change. It begins with a torn fingernail. Then, a pimple appears on her perfect forehead.

As Charlotte wonders what is happening to her, her relationship with Emily’s boyfriend Jared intensifies. And when Charlotte’s creator and former companion William, appears, it seems that not even the dead are safe. Can Charlotte reclaim her humanity and keep Jared from succumbing to his desire to become a monster? This fast-paced story takes the traditional vampire tale and twists it just enough to satisfy readers who might be Twilight-ed out.

Who will like this book: Fans of paranormal romances (and not just the ones by Stephenie Meyer.) Readers who have enjoyed the other urban fantasy books by this prolific and award-winning author.

If you like this, try this: The Weetzie Bat books by Francesca Lia Block. The Immortals books by Alyson Noel. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick.

Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian

Solace of the Road October 27, 2009

Title: Solace of the Road

Author: Siobhan Dowd

Summary: Holly has lived for the past seven years as a ‘care babe,’ in group homes and foster placements in England. When she moves in with a new set of potential foster parents right before her 15th birthday, all she can think about is running and finding her way back to where she was born, and where she knows that her mother is waiting for her: Ireland. One day when she is snooping in the new house, she finds a blond wig. When she puts it on, she is transformed from sad, lonely Holly into the free-spirited, wild girl she names Solace.

Becoming Solace is all the motivation Holly needs to make the break. Soon, armed with only a bit of money and a road map from London to the western coast, she is on her way. During her long, dangerous journey, she is forced to come to terms with the real nature of her mother’s disappearance.

Who will like this book?: This outstanding book is perfect for girls who feel like they are older than their years, fans of realistic fiction, and readers who enjoy stories about the lives of people in difficult family situations.

If you like this, try this: This, quite sadly, is the final book written by the late Siobhan Dowd. She was a masterful storyteller, and her previous books are highly recommended: The London Eye Mystery for middle grade readers, Bog Child, and  A Swift Pure Cry for mature readers.

Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian

After October 14, 2009

Title: After

Author: Amy Efaw

Summary: Devon Davenport: Straight-A sophomore, star goalie, murderer? When a newborn baby is found in a garbage can behind her apartment complex, it doesn’t take long for the cops to find Devon, still suffering through the aftermath of delivery. This chilling, thought-provoking book for mature readers follows Devon from her arrest to her stay at a juvenile detention facility called Remann Hall and subsequent hearing to determine whether or not she will be tried as an adult.

This book reads almost as a mystery: Did Devon really not know, as she insists, that she was pregnant until she gave birth? What exactly happened that night? How could no one around her have noticed that Devon was about to have a baby? As her lawyer and the people she meets at Remann Hall peel back the layers of Devon’s personality and life story, readers see the catastrophic results of obsessively holding oneself to a standard of perfection.

Who will like this book?: Mature readers who like intense, realistic stories.

If you like this, try this: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. The Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin. Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles.

Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian

Destroy All Cars September 22, 2009

Title: Destroy All Cars

Author: Blake Nelson

Summary: James Hoff is angry: He is sick of watching the people around him disregard the immediate peril of global warming and environmental destruction just because they like to shop and drink bottled water. He hates new clothes, preferring to cut the elbows out of his sweaters to make them look older than they are. And he hates the way his ex-girlfriend Sadie tries to change the community by working on silly projects like bike paths and conservation that can’t possibly make a difference. But most of all, as he describes in one of the many essays for his AP English class that form the bulk of this funny, quick read, he hates cars.

James is a great character, a dark and jaded loner who says he has no hope in the future but still obsesses over the possibilities of reunion with his ex, and a determined misfit who finds that it isn’t always so easy to practice what you preach. As you follow James through the ups and downs of his junior year, you will be drawn into his world, and maybe consider walking to school instead of grabbing a ride in your family’s giant SUV.

Who will like this book?: Budding political radicals and environmentalists, and the friends who would like them to relax a little bit.

If you  like this, try this: The Carbon Diaries 2015 by Saci Lloyd. If you are interested in making an impact, try The Virtuous Consumer: Your Essential Shopping Guide for a Better, Kinder, Healthier World by Leslie Garrett or Generation Green: The Ultimate Teen Guide to Living an Eco-Friendly Life by Linda Sivertsen.

Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian

Castle Waiting September 12, 2009

Title: Castle Waiting

Author/Illustrator: Linda Medley

Summary: What happens after Sleeping Beauty wakes up? She leaves her enchanted castle behind to go live with her prince, of course! This imaginative graphic novel tells the story of those she left behind – ladies-in-waiting, magical creatures and other castle dwellers who also succumbed to the sleeping spell who wait…and wait…and wait for their princess to return.

The castle becomes legendary as a place for outcasts and wanderers, including the mysterious Lady Jain, taciturn Iron Henry, and the hilarious Sister Peaceful. Like any great fairy tale, there is no shortage of magical creatures wreaking havoc and clever solutions to seemingly impossible problems. Castle Waiting is a charming, fast-paced read and will leave you smiling.

Who will like this book?: Fans of fractured fairy tales and light-hearted, romantic, fun stories.

If you like this, try this: Into the Wild and Out of the Wild by Sarah Beth Durst. For mature readers, the Fables series by Bill Willingham or books by Gregory Maguire (Wicked, Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister, etc.)

Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies September 10, 2009

Title: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Author: Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith

Summary: It’s Pride and Prejudice…with zombies! Fighting off zombie attacks are a daily chore for the Bennet sisters. During their years of training in China, they have honed their mastery with the sword, becoming famous in their small town for their abilities. Our hero Mr. Darcy happens to also be a famous zombie slayer. It would be a match made in heaven if not for Darcy’s superior status and the disapproving glare of his aunt, the renowned Lady Catherine de Bourgh. With the classic cast of passionate, sharp-mouthed, lovesick characters, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies brings this original tale back to life – literally.

Who will like this book?: If you’re a fan of Gregory Maguire, I’d say this book is for you. If you enjoyed the original Pride and Prejudice, you might enjoy this as well, as it contains many direct passages (and essentially the same plot) from the original.  Even if you don’t like reading the classics, you’ll find this one hard to put down.

If you like this, you should try: Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters. Wicked and Mirror Mirror by Gregory Maguire. Fool by Christopher Moore. Goose Girl by Shannon Hale.

Recommended by: ZZ, Fairfield resident and avid reader