Paranoid Park

Right now I'm reading Paranoid Park by Blake Nelson. It's an intense story about a junior in high school skateboarder (his name is never given), who is accidentally involved in the death of a man. He is terrified and doesn't know what to do or where to turn. To tell or not to tell, that is the question. This haunts him for months. I don't know what happens, as I haven't finished the book, but it really makes the reader think about how fragile life is and how it can change in an instant because of choices we make and people with whom we associate. I will finish the book today, I'm sure, so I'll have more information later. Skateboarders would definitely enjoy this book, but you don't have to be a skateboarder to appreciate the predicament in which the narrator finds himself or to get wrapped up in the suspense of whether or not he'll tell. What would you do?

Deadline

I read another great book over spring break called Deadline by Chris Crutcher. How could it be anything other than fab? Chris Crutcher is such a great author, you have to expect a great book. Deadline does not disappoint one bit. As Ben is entering his senior year in high school, he finds out he has a terminal illness. Rather than go through the pain of treatments, Ben decides to keep his illness a secret from EVERYONE, including his parents and brother, so that he can live his last year of life as normally as possible. I know what you're thinking, "How depressing!" Actually, this book is anything but depressing. It's hilarious and uplifting, and not even close to the tear-jerker you would expect. Deadline was actually a happy book, and not in a poignant, my-heart is-breaking-behind-my-smile-way, but in a plain old, laugh out loud and root for the hero way. Another masterpiece by Crutcher!

Dairy Queen and The Off Season

It's been a while since I posted anything because of spring break. Speaking of spring break, I read ALOT. I finished The Off-Season. I have three words for you... UH MAY ZING. Seriously. Sometimes sequels aren't quite as good as the first, but not in this case. I devoured The Off Season in 24 hours. I highly recommend both The Off Season and Dairy Queen, but you must read Dairy Queen first or The Off Season won't make as much sense.

The Off Season

Finished Dairy Queen last night. LOVED IT! Now I'm reading the sequel, The Off Season. LOVE IT TOO! I really, really love these books. If there were a word that was deeper and more passionate than love, it would describe my feelings about these wonderful masterpieces. Mia Thermopolis used to be my favorite character from young adult literature until I read these books. D.J. Schwenk is so lovable and hilarious. Because of her incredible work ethic and honest nature, she is a great role model for young girls (as well as 35-year-old women like me). I can't wait until the third book comes out, but knowing that it is the last book about D.J., I'll probably read it very, very slowly so as to savor the beauty of the characters and the genius of the author.

Dairy Queen

I'm now reading Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock. I really love it. I had read positive reviews about the book, but honestly, I never expected it to be THIS good. It's so sweet and real, and it has a real depth to it. It's definitely a must read! I am so glad there's a sequel because I really don't want this book to end.

Knife Edge

Okay, I finished Knife Edge last night and it was PHENOMENAL!!!! If I hadn't had the third book already, I would have gone ballistic because the ending was absolutely crazy. Fortunately, I was only left hanging for the amount of time it took me to walk to my bag and pull Checkmate out. Ms. Blackman, if you're out there, you are incredible! I'm working hard to get your books circulating as much as the Twilight books do.

Knife Edge continued

Still reading Knife Edge. I'll finish it today. It's incredible. It is definitely a "make you think" book.