It's a good thing, but....

It's pretty annoying to be in the middle of a book, in this case Upstate by Kalisha Buckhanon, and then have it disappear. I thought it would be nice to display in the library the book that I am currently reading, but I guess it's an occupational hazard--eventually someone else is going to want that book, too. So to whoever checked out Upstate yesterday, I hope you enjoy it and read it quickly!

Getting Lost in a Book

A request for a title by another teacher librarian reminded me of some old favorites I haven't read for a while and haven't been getting checked out very often. There's a small but wonderful selection of books about being IN books. Some fantasy, a bit of the sci-fi, one is even a realistic look at what it would be like to live inside of your favorite story--so something for everyone!

Stop in to see these on display by the circulation desk for the next week, and please let me know if you know any other titles that fit in here!

Inkspell and Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
Austinland by Shannon Hale
The Eyre Affair (and the rest of the series) by Jasper Fforde

Welcome Back!

I hope everyone had a restful summer. I spent most of my summer, where else, in the library! We received two huge book orders, $20,000 in new books. We have new displays, rearranged some furniture (of course!) and I read, read, and read some more.

Originally I was not so interested in reading the Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer, but I gave in since the movie was coming out and the books are so popular. I started Twilight less than two weeks before Breaking Dawn's release. Even with a little snafu (our CPHS Library copy of Eclipse is MISSING!) I was ready to read Braking Dawn the day after it came out. I finished all four books in about two weeks. Think I liked them? Truth be told, I ate up the mushy romance, loved the fantasy, and connected with the slightly awkward character of Bella. I do with Breaking Dawn hadn't taken such a weird turn, but I don't want to ruin anything for the rest of you who haven't finished yet.

I can't even remember all the other books I read, though just this week I finished Meyers other new book released this summer, more sci-fi than fantasy, Host (loved it!) and Vote for Larry, the sequel to The Gospel According to Larry. The third book in on schedule to be released soon. And don't miss Larry's Blog. I love that just because you finish a book doesn't mean you miss out on what's happening with the characters!

And speaking of expected releases, Brisingr, the third in the Eragon trilogy by Christopher Polini is due out on September 20. See me (Mrs. Carroll) if you're interested in planning some fun event.

What Are You Reading?

Like most avid readers, I'm always reading three or four books (maybe more) at a time. One at work, one in my car, two on my nightstand, maybe another one at work...you know it, you live it too. I also fall into the trap of my favorite book being the most recent one I've read. So with that caveat, I'll tell you about my new favorite author, Gabreille Zevin. She's written too many amazing novels to be the same age I am. There are many fantastic young adult writers out there, but so few are really able to capture a natural feel for the language spoken by today's youth while managing to appeal to both genders using mostly realistic fiction. Even her fantasy seems possible. Comedy, drama, romance--she covers all the bases. Just read one. I've read Elsewhere and Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac.

His Dark Materials

As I've said before, I love a series. Next to Harry Potter, this one is my favorite. Phillip Pullman's series beginning with The Golden Compass is a rich fantasy. Witches, talking bears, and a truth-teller. What more could you ask for? Lucky for all of us, the movie is out TODAY. I hear it's pretty good, so see the movie, read the book, and let's discuss it when we get back from break. There's a bit of controversy surrounding the book, which I think just makes it more fun to talk about. If you read on to the next book, The Subtle Knife, don't spoil it for anyone!

I love a good series!

Who doesn't? I often feel that I'm just really getting into a good story and caring for the characters, and then it's over. I have friends who never read the last chapter of a book just so they feel like the story never ends. And with a series, it never does.

This weekend I finished Mississippi Jack , the fifth book in L.A. Meyer's series about a cheeky girl pirate and "fine young lady". I’m addicted to Jacky’s crazy antics and her strength and intellect in a time period when women were so often treated as doormats.

What are you favorite series?