Ellen Wittlinger's Sandpiper

Be forewarned: this YA novel is honest, hard hitting and poignant...and extremely controversial. My hope is that (if I ever have children) I wouldn't have to let my child read this; that her life experience would be protected and happy, free from the pressures that kids really do face regularly. I'm an idealist.
To be slightly graphic, I understand that Wittlinger wrote this novel in response to a common myth among junior high kids who believed the bill of goods Bill Clinton tried to sell us years ago about what "is" is...and what "sexual relations" are. I'm trying to keep this blog PG. So, this book is not PG. Definitely one parents should read before their child does and talk to them about it.
The message is excellent for kids, especially those who are being manipulated and used and lied to; an encouragement to recovering victims. The novel is beautiful written, using prose and poetry from a strong, honesty and less-than-perfect protagonist (the title character). In short, this is an excellent novel...but it pulls no punches and isn't for the weak of heart.

In short - if you can't handle it or find the subject matter "inappropriate" or "distasteful", don't read it. But it's worth the read if you can get past your hangups and realize that kids do face this kind of thing today...and something should be done.

E. Lockhart's Dramarama

Absolutely fabulous!!! This book captures the true spirit of the theatre kid; our passion, our insecurities and our generally awesome zaniness. Lockhart also captures this world without the adult condescension of "oh, those crazy theatre kids." At the same time, she does show the faults of the theatre world (as a teen). Overall, this book is sheer awesomeness. Where was it when I was in school? I can so relate (or could ten years ago) to Sadye. This book made me happy. For more, check out E. Lockhart's blog...which includes a special page for Dramarama, including an I-Pod list of songs to get readers either in the mood or up-to-date on the show tunes discussed in the novel. I am now a big fan of E. Lockhart...first The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks and now Dramarama.... I will read anything she writes!! Rock on, E. Lockart. I want to be you...in a totally uncreepy way, of course.

Book 16, Final Blog

I will admit, I was sad to say goodbye to the characters from Elmwood Springs. Fannie Flagg has painted a beautiful story of community, family and love - complete with humor and over-the-top (yet extremely genuine) characters. In Can't Wait to Get to Heaven, Flagg's central character "Elner" goes on the trip of a lifetime.

Interestingly, the story is not about her "NDE" (the term used for "near death experience", in the book) so much as it is about family and friends and how we spend the time we've got. Sure, there are sketchy characters who want to avoid a lawsuit from Elner, (something she would never consider) and there is even a hint of a story of something awful happening in the past and coming to light at the end.

There were moments where the story almost contained too much, as if Flagg were trying too hard to really make the story worthwhile. It truly is worthwhile, though. I felt strongest about the first half of the novel, enjoying it even more than the later half. On the whole, this was an excellent, feel-good read that made me proud to know people just like Aunt Elner...and hope that someday I would be someone just like her...well, sort of...