Listen Up!

Downloaded my first two FREE audiobooks last night from SYNC-YA Listening from Audiobook.com. Each week, for 8 weeks, you can download a classic book and a contemporary YA book  (YA stands for young adult). Last night I downloaded Romeo and Juliet by some guy named Shakespeare- and Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater. I cannot wait to jump into my car and listen. ( I listen on the way to work). You can sign up for email reminders when new titles are ready, and you can also participate in an online discussion of the books. Enjoy!

Talking about a REVOLUTION

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly is a book of historical fiction, taking place in the current era, in Brooklyn Heights NY and during the French Revolution in Paris. The author has intertwined two wonderful stories and created a fantastic read, a page turner, a romance, a mystery and an adventure. I learned a lot about the French Revolution, and it was certainly a fascinating time.Coincidentally, National Geographic ran a cover story about the catacombs of Paris, which is where most of the drama of this book takes place. Check out the interactive maps of the city underground. I recommend this book for all readers.

The Book Thief

I recently finished reading The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. It was a wonderful novel and I strongly recommend that people of all ages read it. Although it is a young adult novel, it has very dark and cruel themes. The Book Thief is about a young girl's life in Nazi Germany, and how she deals with life's challenges. This book asks, what do you do when you feel something is wrong? Do you comply with society and their rules or do you stand up for what you believe in? Also, you see how Leisal, the main character, deals with the death and loss of many people that she loved and held dear to her heart. It's a powerful story that will without a doubt provoke emotion from the reader.

Flash 5 Contest!

Flash 5 Contest!
New website I discovered while reading my morning NYTimes online...FIGMENT. Devoted to YA authors and writers, it is a mash up of library review site and writing site and a whole lot more. It was just launched this week, so there is not a ton of content, but based on the NYTimes article they have plans that sound truely exicitng. Teens love to write, and ths is a great place to do so.. and possibly have a publsher pick up your work and take it to the next level. The link above is for a poetry contest. Check it out as well as the site and let me know what you think.

50 Years of To Kill A Mockingbird

A classic book, a classic film. Celebrate 50 years of a literary icon. To Kill A Mockingbird was Harper Lee's only published book. Read more about her life in the YA book I am Scout by Charles J. Shields, or his book for the adult audience, Mockingbird. Both are excellent reads and give the reader insight into the world of Harper Lee and the world of her memorable characters.
A website has been established with videos, sweepstakes, and information.

Scout's Honor

I am Scout by Charles Shields is the biography of Nelle Harper Lee, famously known as Harper Lee the author of To Kill A Mockingbird. That book, and the movie, are definitely on the list of my personal top 10, so I was curious as to what I could learn about the author and what insights would be revealed towards this classic work of fiction. I knew that To Kill a Mockingbird was based on Harper Lee's life, but to what extent I was not certain. The book is a young adult companion book to Mr. Shields book, Mockingbird, a biography for adults. Reading this book gave me new insights into the importance of the book as well as to Ms. Lee's life and why things are as they are in the book. I highly recommend this as a quick read and to better understand To Kill a Mockingbird.