Summer Book Notes

Although still quite busy at work, I've managed to squeeze in more time for reading some of those long awaited dust collectors on my book shelf! Here's a quick 'note' about them:

• The Fold by An Na - The author attacks physical attraction and attractiveness head-on in her newest book with references to plastic surgery and other self-image issues. I was especially drawn to this book because of the Korean-American characters having lived in Seoul for two years as a teenager. References to the Korean culture, physical attributes and language did not disappoint, either! A Junior Literary Guild selection.




• The Postcard by Tony Abbott - Such fun - a mystery within a mystery! What made it really inviting was the use of old Florida postcard clues to develop an engaging, wacky, and humorous adventure, especially if you are familiar with the landmarks, history, and culture of the Tampa Bay/Sarasota area. It is being marketed to the middle school grades, but I can envision many high schoolers taking it for a read! Also a Junior Literary Guild selection.





• The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini - See I told you the dust was collecting....Yes, this one has been out for a while and there's even a movie that has come and gone...This book was quite compelling and I was simultaneously sad and angry during much of the content as the worst of humanity was exposed page after page. Naturally, there were important lessons as well, including a chance to find ways to bridge differences (cultural, religious, economic, gender). The author's second book, A Thousand Splendid Suns, is now on my reading list as it was also named a Florida Teens Read for 2008.




• Street Love by Walter Dean Myers - As the title intimates, this is a love story reflecting teenagers with 'street smarts'. It's emotional pangs and triumphs are punctuated by the free verse poetry style that only Myers can pen. Students who have borrowed it have enjoyed the taut drama and the easy reading. It is also a 2008 selection for the Florida Teens Read nomination.






• The Dead and the Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer - This one's content is haunting and disturbing...for it's potential reality. Imagine an apocalyptic event - in this case a collision between the moon and an asteroid which dramatically changes the world climate - and then think about what would happen to the survivors. Yes, there is a fair amount of death in this story and unlike other fictional work, you can envision this new world so the dying seems more real. Nevertheless, it is gripping and one of those books you are compelled to read to the end. A Junior Library Guild selection.

• The Dip by Seth Godin - And now for a change of pace! This little gem from the marketing guru is a delightful reminder of "when to quit (and when to stick)" The dip is that 'bump in the road' that you either persist through with focus and motivation to meet your goal or, in some cases, purposely assess the pros and cons weighing the likelihood of succes and giving yourself permission to 'quit' for a more appropriate goal. Short and sweet with many a re-reading in the future, this book goes well beyond the marketing theme!

That's it for the first half of summer - I've got more on my list (naturally!), so we'll see what I can share for the second half!

Submitted by M. Coleman, Media Specialist