Jeffrey Eugenides has such a great premise, so well done.His boy-across-the-street narrator explores the dark but fascinating topic: what makes a young, beautiful person take their life?
- I like the edgy narrative voice in this novel, which alternates POV between Nick and Norah. It’s a great example of creating characters who are cool without being mean.
- by Rachel Cohn, David Levithan
Laurie Halse-Andersons powerful book holds the best depiction of high school alienation I have ever read.
A poignant coming of age story centering around tomboy Scout and her brushes with racism and a mentally ill neighbor, Boo Radley. The movie is amazing as well, with Gregory Peck and Mary Badham as Scout. By genius author Harper Lee
- Everything Beautiful in the World by Lisa Levchuk - The main character Edna exudes deadpan wit. She is lovable despite her tendency to be severely misled.
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls - A touching book about siblings helping each other survive parental chaos
- Into the Wild by John Krakuer - Krakuer is a master at photographing nature with his words
Blackbird by Jennifer Lauck - Based on a true story of a preteen girl taken in by Scientologists
The Summer of Naked Swim Parties by Jessica Anya Blau reads like a memoir but is billed as a novel. Hmmm...
Jo Ann Beard turns teen lust & angst into poetry
Born in France in 1873,Colette was a maverick, refusing to downplay, condemn or ignore the power of female sexuality
The Liars Club by Mary Karr - Creative nonfiction changed forever with the success of this brave memoir
The Book Thief is a young adult book that transcends the genre
Jerzy Kosinskis The Painted Bird is a shocking, visceral book from the 60s
Virginia Wolfes To the Lighthouse is a book with extraordinary emotional depth
Hope Edleman creates a poignant book of letters, from fellow motherless daughter and friend, Hope.
Lisa Yee is a local member of the SCBWI org, and she signed my copy of her new book. Love the strong voice of her main character Maybelline ("Maybe")
