The Graveyard Book

Allow me to introduce you to the 2008 Newbery Medal winner. Graveyard Book - reader, reader - Graveyard Book. Now that the pleasantries have been observed, let's talk about this fabulous piece of work. Sometimes I worry that I give too much weight to Newbery books. I suppose I'll stop thinking they're all wonderful when I discover one that I dislike. I must say, though, that I think it's far too scary for younger readers (especially ones with overactive imaginations). It's about the adventures of Nobody Owens (Bod for short). Pretty regular kid. Except for the fact that he's raised in a graveyard by a bunch of ghosts. It's so stinkin' original! It's also hilarious and heartwrenching. I wish I could read it again. I need to find another book by Neil Gaiman to read. He's about as talented a plotician (not sure if that's a real word ... ) as ever existed. Bod's adventures were engrossing, but I thought they were kind of unrelated until they all wove together in one massively awesome killer (pun intended - sorry) ending. Put it on your must-read list.

Poison is addicting

What I love about this book is its originality. When was the last time you read about a girl who accepts a position testing food for poison in lieu of being hanged to death for murder? This book has it all. Suspense, romance, magic, and a super-fantastically-lovable heroine. This is also one of the best must-keep-turning-pages-to-find-out-what-happens-next-or-I'll-spontaneously-combust books I've ever read. I bet you're already hooked because you'd like to know why on earth our super-fantastically-lovable heroine is about to be hanged for murder.

But magic is not

I felt like this sequel didn't quite have the fizz the first did. Take away the romance factor and it becomes just another book about a girl discovering her magical powers. Not bad by any means, and still very suspenseful, but there you have it.

But fire's not too bad

A bit of a cranking up in the intensity department saves this series in the end. I really enjoyed the third. Not much else to say without treading too close to spoilers. Just read them!

I love Percy

Have you read this series? You should! I love, Love, LOVE them!!! I've always been fascinated by greek mythology, which might explain my obsession with this series. But it's not just for nerds like me. It's for anyone who loves a good plot, impeccable writing, and fabulous adventure. You will never get bored reading these books. They will draw you in from the first page. You won't regret getting sucked into them. Now I just have to be patient until May...

P.S. I got The Demigod Files from the library for fun (it's a collection of three short stories set in Percy's world taking place after The Battle of the Labyrinth). I don't usually go in for those supplemental things (since I get irritated when I feel like people are just trying to make more money off a good thing), but this one is worth it. It's Rick's writing, so it was fabulously well done. Also, I thought one of the stories in particular will play an important role in the final book. Oh, and who wouldn't want the bonus of reading the first chapter of the last book (also included at the end)?

I love Peter

Here's another great series for me to recommend to you. These books are prequels to Barrie's Peter Pan. Originally I wasn't convinced it was something that I'd find interesting, but, pleasantly, I was proved wrong. They are soooo good! The plot is rich and intricate. If you've heard of Dave Barry before then you'll understand why these books are gasping for breath cause you're laughing too hard hilarious at times. It was a little slow in the beginning of the first, but that's the only complaint I have. Learning the background of my favorite characters in Peter Pan was so enjoyable. My kids will love them...in a few years. They get a bit intense (especially the third) and kind of show up the original Peter Pan. What with the evil Lord Ombra, King Zarboff the Third and his man-eating snake, space rockets, and all sorts of other crazy stuff, I'd say Barry and Ridley have about outdone themselves. But not quite. Cause there's one more coming out!

Enviriffic

Which is a cross between "Envy" and "Terrific" - not "Envy" and "Horrific".

I have to give it Anna Godberson because I thought that after the way the second book ended there could not possibly be any redemption for this series. I was wrong. I really enjoyed Envy. I was, however, disappointed to find out it is not the last book in the series. Apparently there's one more entitled Splendour. I just want the characters to find some ruddy closure!!! But I guess I'll keep waiting.

I was surprised to find myself feeling an emotion closely resembling pity for such characters as Lina and even *gasp* Penelope in this book. If you've read the series, you'll know why that's such a shocker. I really like to find that in a book, though. Real people aren't just good or just bad. So, here's to character complexity!

If you haven't read the Luxe series, I highly recommend it, with a slight disclaimer. They are more scandalous than my usual reads. Not much, but enough to merit a mention here.