3.08.2012
3.07.2012
Guest Post with Rob Tobin
I’d like to thank Patricia's Particularity for allowing me to do a guest blog as part of a blog tour to support my new novel, “Jo-Bri and the Two Worlds.” I’ll try to live up the writing quality of this great site.
One of the things I most wanted to accomplish with “Jo-Bri and the Two Worlds” was to do for this generation what Robert Heinlein’s opus “Stranger in a Strange Land” did for the 60s. For those of you not familiar with “Stranger in a Strange Land,” it is a science fiction novel written in the early 60s that is widely credited with kickstarting the sexual revolution of the 60s.
The basic plot of “Stranger in a Strange Land” is that a human being who is raised on Mars by mystical and enormously powerful Martians, is sent back to Earth with many of the same powers the Martians themselves have. And, though the main character, Michael, is biologically human, he is mentally and spiritually Martian, and he serves to show us (the readers) our own world as seen through very alien, third party eyes. What we end up seeing is not always or even predominantly flattering. In short, we’re blithering idiots and miscreants swimming in a soup of our own decadence and stupidity. And that’s putting it nicely.
I was not aiming to begin a new sexual revolution with “Jo-Bri,” but I was aiming to shine a little third-party light on our little planet and to hold our foibles, weaknesses, ignorance and shortcomings up to the light of an alien day and hopefully achieve a little more objective view of whatever the hell we’re doing down here on Earth. And, as with “Stranger in a Strange Land,” I expected it to be messy and only rarely flattering. You know what? That’s exactly how it turned out to be: a somewhat objective view of a very messy and unflattering planet and society.
In the course of this examination of ourselves, however, I found myself drifting again and again to sexuality, perhaps because it is the cornerstone of who we are as human beings. We are sexual not just physically, but socially, philosophically and even politically and economically. Our world is built on and around sex and sexism. We’ve turned a natural biological function into an obsession bordering on psychosis.
I’ve seen so much change in the past thirty years or so, change that in my opinion threatens to undermine our civilization. This is a large part of what I deal with in “Jo-Bri and the Two Worlds.” Even though the story is told against a backdrop of alien worlds, monsters and magic, it is the story of how we, as a race and society, have veered into a cultural, philosophical and psychological ditch with our obsession over T&A. The cost has been the marginalization of half our species: the female half. At a time when we most need the female side of our race, we (both men and women) have dressed that side up in a thong, micro mini skirt and a plunging neckline and paraded it around as if it were a walking, talking blow up doll.
Readers may be a bit puzzled by my approach to the whole issue of sexuality, because I’m neither a prude in the book, nor am I a sex fiend. In “Jo-Bri and the Two Worlds” I advocate sexual freedom: basically anything between consenting adults that doesn’t lead to physical or psychological harm. But I also point out the hypocrisy and danger of the way women have turned the clock back on women’s liberation, calling themselves “girls” instead of “women,” (What is THAT about? Are these “girls” trolling for pedophiles?), strutting around with more and more revealing clothing, acting more and more like sexual objects than worthwhile human beings, substituting breast size and leg length for talent and self-esteem. J Lo’s nipple slip at last night’s Oscar was a perfect example of a woman who for some reason feels that unless she is parading around half naked for the benefit, presumably, of the male libido, that she is not worth being noticed.
Again, readers may at first be puzzled, simply because we don’t deal with those issues in society anymore. Question the “girl/woman” thing and women themselves will bite your nose off. Why? I suspect it’s because they consciously or unconsciously are using the “hi, I’m a sexy, giddy, and helpless girly girl” approach to get what they want, without understanding that in doing so they’re also destroying all the hard fought gains of women from the Suffragettes to Gloria Steinem, and actually increasing sexism. They’re basically throwing their gender and their self-worth under the bus and when the day comes when their sexuality isn’t enough anymore, then they stand there wondering why they’re powerless, not understanding that they turned their boobs and buns into currency and that at some point age robbed them of that currency and what was left – the intelligence and talent and experience and character – was worthless. The women themselves had made them worthless, half naked younger women invalidating older women who can’t compete with them on a strictly physical basis. A pyrrhic and temporary victory, to be sure.
That is part of what “Jo-Bri and the Two Worlds” addresses, and with a powerful female protagonist, it suggests that the fate of more than just the fall fashion line hangs in the balance. But it does it all in an entertaining, “Harry Potter” meets “Twilight” and “Stranger in a Strange Land” way. And of course, sexuality is just part of what the novel addresses.
Try it. You have nothing to lose but your plunging neckline, micro mini skirt, years of excruciating dieting and hundreds of thousands of dollars in plastic surgery as you live by the cleavage and die by it.
Rob Tobin is a produced screenwriter, published novelist ("Jo-Bri and the Two Worlds" and "God Wars: Living with Angels", available on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords and iBookshelf), author of two screenwriting books ("The Screenwriting Formula" and "How to Write High Structure, High Concept Movies" available on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Google, etc.), a former motion picture development executive and book editor, graduate of USC's prestigious Master of Professional Writing program, husband, father, Canadian, and lives an extraordinarily happy life in Southern California. He is available for writing assignments at scripts@earthlink.net. Visit his website at robtobinwriting.com.
Jo-Bri and the Two Worlds
A teen wizard from a sword-and-sorcery world is chased by an evil sorcerer into modern day Montana. There he learns about sex, love, rock and roll, and the stress of trying to save two worlds from total destruction during summer break.
"Jo-Bri" follows in the tradition of entertaining social statement SFF novels like "Stranger in a Strange Land" and "Left Hand of Darkness," but with the modern, fast-paced feel of urban fantasies like "Twilight" and "Jumper."
Review: Sweethearts by Sara Zarr
Publisher: February 1st 2008
Format: Kindle Edition
Series: None
Source: Own
Challenge: YA Saves, Stand Alone
After losing her soul mate, Cameron, when they were nine, Jennifer, now seventeen, transformed herself from the unpopular fat girl into the beautiful and popular Jenna, but Cameron's unexpected return dredges up memories that cause both social and emotional turmoil.
There are some books that will always stay with you, that change you in a small but important way (even in a way you don't realize at first or can't put into words) - this is one of those books. Jennifer was not the popular girl, in fact she was the exact opposite - overweight, a loner, and even only had one friend. But that one friend, Cameron, made all the difference in the world and changed her and her future. Cameron was her rock, her best friend, her everything. Then one day he is gone. Eight years have passed, believing Cameron has been dead this entire time, and Jennifer is now Jenna.
Jenna is skinny, popular and is in a romantic relationship for the first time ever. Know one knows about Jennifer and her past, something that Jenna is bound to keep hidden. Despite her new life, Jenna has just been going through the motions, doing what she thinks what is 'normal'. Then one day Cameron shows back up in her life, from the 'dead', and nothing is normal again.
“. . .There are certain people who come into your life, and leave a mark. . . Their place in your heart is tender; a bruise of longing, a pulse of unfinished business. Just hearing their names pushes and pulls at you in a hundred ways, and when you try to define those hundred ways, describe them even to yourself, words are useless.”
It is hard to know where to begin with this book. I started listening to the audiobook version and after about 40 minutes I decided I couldn't listen to it anymore but had to read it, buying the Kindle version right when I got home. If it wasn't for the need of sleep the book would have been read in one sitting. While Jennifer goes through an experience that most of us are lucky not to, there is something completely relateable about her. Jenna goes through an emotional struggle between the Jennifer of her past and the Jenna of her present, struggling with the knowledge that they must co-exist. During which time memories resurface and new facts about Cameron's past and even present come to light.
Despite the severity of issues Sara Zarr explores, there is something calming about finding the connection between Jenna and Cameron and even finding your own connection with them. While I loved Jenna's character I found myself thinking about Cameron all the time, just like Jenna. He's one of those characters that leaves an imprint in your mind, that you cannot get rid of, or want to. If I had to say one thing this book lacked was it did not have enough Cameron, I wanted to know more about him! But at the same I think that was the point. Cameron is a mystery, someone that comes into your life, shakes everything up and then leaves without notice. Knowing more about him would do more damage to the book than good.
Sweethearts is a rare book in YA Literature, a once in a lifetime read that will move and change you.
“Because love, love is never finished. It circles and circles, the memories out of order and not always complete.”
Find Sara Zarr
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3.06.2012
Author Chat with Julie Duck
As you read this novel, it really touches at all those heart strings. What was your inspiration for this sad, yet uplifting, story?
I knew the real Todd and that was his real name, too. I was 14 and visiting Catalina Island with my parents when this guy literally popped out of the water. It happened like that. He pursued me - and scared me because he was so tenacious and knowledgeable about things I had yet to explore. We visited on and off for a few months, and through a round of chemo, before I started high school and lost touch with him. It was a relief, but also something I wondered about for years. Later, when I thought I might have a health scare of my own, did I think about how it might have gone with Todd if I had stayed. This is what I wrote. (Sadly, I discovered while writing the book that Todd died in a children's hospital in Orange, CA a year after we'd met. It was such a difficult experience to find that out.) A Place In This Life was published by yourself - how was your experience with self-publishing (would you do it again)? And do you have any advice for those (including myself) that are thinking about self-publishing?
My agent, Christine Witthohn, wanted me to self-publish A Place In This Life because she felt the story needed to be read. It had languished on the desks of NYC editors for awhile before she advised me to do this. I'm glad she did... the story needs to be read because of the impact it has. With regard to self-publishing, I recommend it if you have a clean, polished manuscript. Write, rewrite and get an editor involved. Beta readers. Make it professional (even then, there will be blips and blurps, unfortunately). Then hire an artist to do your cover. I was fortunate that my old work buddy, Cathy Hebert, designed my book cover, but there are several good artists for hire (feel free to contact me for their names). I went with Amazon first, then Smashwords and finally Barnes & Noble, which has been the best place to sell my book (to my surprise!). And don't forget to market your book - there are free resources for doing so, such as Twitter, Facebook and more.
How has your experiences been overall now being a writer of YA novels?
Writing from the teenage point of view brought me back in touch with who I am. We are all shaped by our adolescence, by the good and bad experiences, and the pain that we have discovering our "first" of everything. Going back to visit my adolescence is a joy and comes naturally - that is why I write YA.I have read that you are currently working on more YA novels. Can you give us any hints as to what they are about and when they will be out?
Ahh, I have two more on submission in NYC (i.e., languishing on editorial desks). The first is SWELL, which is my absolute FAVORITE story and if it doesn't get picked up soon I am going to publish it myself. (((SWELL BLURB))
When Christian Rusch plucks Beck Ionesco from the freshman ranks for himself, she’s tempted with parties, popularity, and love. But as the free-flowing booze that soaks his world seeps into her own, Beck begins using liquid courage as a way to ignore Christian’s dark moods… and cover her anxiety about his flirtatious friend Hillman.
However, when Christian breaks up with Beck, and Hillman makes a dangerous move, no amount of alcohol can stop the pain or keep her out of trouble. And just when it seems like she’s lost everything, Beck is partnered with Jesse Leary for an art project. After spending time with him, Beck realizes it’s more than a study date… and Christian’s not happy about it. Then again, Beck’s not sure she’s happy with him, either.
But only after plowing through a bottle of wine, a wild fight, and one guardrail that becomes Christian’s last call, does Beck admit to her problem and ask for help from the one whose life secretly parallels her own.
Then there is little rooms (I seem to have a pattern for capitals and lower case going on here). In this book, the perfect girl with the perfect life gets with a thief and finds her life falling apart, but for the better.
Find Julie Duck
Read More About This & Buy It
For Natalie Miller, it’s just another family vacation. For someone else, it’s the opportunity he’s been waiting for.
With only a single peck from a guy named Frank, Natalie’s anything but experienced with boys. But when Todd pops out of the water, says hi, and tells Natalie he has leukemia, all of that changes.
She’s never had attention like this from a boy, let alone one who’s a real charmer with sex on the brain and the experience to match. Drawn to Todd like a magnet, Natalie gives him her friendship, her love, and her body. Even when she’s tempted by gorgeous, healthy schoolmate Alex, Natalie’s desire to love and care for Todd pushes her to see how far love can go in spite of the potential for death of the relationship — and death of the one she loves.
3.05.2012
Review: A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young
Publisher: Balzer & Bray (June 21st 2011)
Format: Hardcover, 267 pages
Series: A Need So Beautiful #1
Source: Library
Source: Library
Challenge: None
We all want to be remembered. Charlotte's destiny is to be Forgotten...
Charlotte’s best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she’s cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what’s really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth, who feels the Need—a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger.
But Charlotte never wanted this responsibility. What she wants is to help her best friend, whose life is spiraling out of control. She wants to lie in her boyfriend's arms forever. But as the Need grows stronger, it begins to take a dangerous toll on Charlotte. And who she was, is, and will become--her mark on this earth, her very existence--is in jeopardy of disappearing completely.
Charlotte will be forced to choose: Should she embrace her fate as a Forgotten, a fate that promises to rip her from the lives of those she loves forever? Or is she willing to fight against her destiny--no matter how dark the consequences.
A Need So Beautiful was a very easy and fast read. While such books usually impress me to some level I unfortunately did not find much about this book that makes it stand out from the rest. However, that being said, this was not a bad book at all. I found it to be quite enjoyable in fact. But, after reading many reviews that raved about this book, I found myself with a different opinion and a bit disappointed at the end. My disappointment largely lies with character development. And unfortunately, given the plot, I don’t know if Suzanne Young could have done this differently. While I loved how Charlotte fulfilled the Need, I found her reaction not quite believable when she find out ‘who/what’ she is. While a strong character, she could have been developed much more. I honestly wanted to learn more about the secondary characters: Sarah, Harlin and especially her ‘doctor’s’ past. I wish Charlotte’s relationships with these characters were also developed more. I believed in her relationship with Harlin but found her relationship with Sarah to be a bit more superficial (even when she helps her).
Another aspect I found lacking was in the descriptions itself of what/who Charlotte really is. Charlotte is described as absolutely beautiful when her skin starts to fall off (yes I know it sounds gross but its not). However,, given ‘who/what’ she is I was expecting something more. You are also given an evil character, and while you know this character is bad, beyond a few wonderfully crafted descriptions of how this character looks physically, I did not feel they were ‘evil’ enough given the premise of the novel. You really have a battle of good vs. evil, but at the end I did not feel the severity or importance of this battle.
Despite my overall disappointment, Suzanne Young does know how to write. Her writing is very beautiful! You can tell she has carefully chosen her words to create beautiful imagery and scenes. She also clearly has a knack for giving you an ‘angel’ story that has not been done before, while giving you almost another definition of ‘fallen angels’ (if you’ve read the book, I’m talking about the ‘evil’ character). Her break from ‘fallen angels’ is refreshing. She also knows how to create a fantastic ending, leaving wanting more (even if you didn’t like the rest of the novel).
Knowing now what the second book is supposed to be about (Harlin!!! Yeah!!) I will be continuing this series. Suzanne’s writing is gorgeous and I found myself immersed in her writing style. I do hope though to enjoy the next installment more.
Find Suzanne Young
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3.04.2012
YA Saves - Building Up A List of Titles
** Titles that are linked are to my reviews **
As you can see this list has a new look - they are now categorized by topic/issue
Abuse
- Bitter End by Jennifer Brown - abuse in a relationship
- Scars by Cheryl Rainfield - challenged
Abduction
Bullying
Books for Boys
Books for Girls
Cancer
- A Place In This Life by Julie Duck - Rubber Houses by Ellen Yoemans
Cultural
- Adios to My Old Life by Caridad Ferrer
- Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya
- Eagle Song by Joseph Bruchac
- Estrella's Quinceanera by Malin Alegria
- Graffiti Girl by Kelly Parra
- Morning Girl by Michael Dorris
- Muchacho by LouAnne Johnson
- Rain Is Not My Indian Name by Cynthia Leitich Smith
- Skeleton Man by Joseph Bruchac
- Sofi Mendoz's Guide To Getting Lost in Mexico by Malin Alegria
- The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Alexie Sherman
- The Brothers Torres by Coert Voorhees
- The Lesser Blessed by Richard van Camp
Cutting & Self Mutilation
- Impulse by Ellen Hopkins
- Scars by Cheryl Rainfield - challenged
Depression
- Stained by Joanne Hichens Drugs & Addiction
- Crank by Ellen Hopkins
- Fallout by Ellen Hopkins
- Glass by Ellen Hopkins
- Leverage by Joshua C. Cohen - steroid abuse
- Perfect by Ellen Hopkins
Eating Disorders & Body Image
- After Anna by Jennifer Davenport - After the Moment by Garret Freymann-Weyr
- After the Strawberry by Kathryn Pope
- Artichoke's Heart by Suzanne Supplee
- Big Fat Manifesto by Susan R. Vaught
- Fat Chance by Leslea Newman
- Fat, a Love Story by Barbara Wersba
- Fat Kid Rules the World by K.L. Going
- Girls Under Pressure by Jacqueline Wilson
- Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
- Perfect by Ellen Hopkins
- Sweethearts by Sara Zarr
Hoarding
- Dirty Little Secrets by C.J. Omololu Mental Disease
- Stop Pretending... by Sonya Sones Paranormal/Dystopian YA Saves
- Exiled by RaShelle Workman - paranormal love
QGLBT
- Baby Be-Bop by Francesca Lia Block - banned/challenged book
- Between Mom & Joe by Laurie Halse Anderson
- Geography Club by Brent Hartinger - banned/challenged book
- grl2grl by Julie Anne Peters
- Impulse by Ellen Hopkins
- Rainbow Boys by Alex Sanchez
- The Realm of Possibility by David Levithan
- Geography Club by Brent Hartinger - banned/challenged book
- grl2grl by Julie Anne Peters
- Impulse by Ellen Hopkins
- Rainbow Boys by Alex Sanchez
- Rainbow High by Alex Sanchez
- Rainbow Road by Alex Sanchez - The Realm of Possibility by David Levithan
Rape & Molestation
- Leverage by Joshua C. Cohen - Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Sex
- Easy by Kerry Cohen Hoffman - Forever... by Judy Blume
- Perfect by Ellen Hopkins
- Sticky Fingers by Niki Burnham - - sex
Suicide
- By The Time You Read This I'll Be Dead by Julie Anne Peters - Impulse by Ellen Hopkins
- Leverage by Joshua C. Cohen
Teen Pregnancy
- After by Amy Efaw - also discuses baby dumping- Annie's Baby edited by Beatrice Sparks
- How To Save a Life by Sara Zarr
- One Night by Margaret Wild
- Saving Grace by Darlene Ryan
- Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen
- Tell Me A Secret by Holly Cupala
- What Kind of Love? by Sheila Cole
Not In A Category YET * these books are uncategorized because I either have not read them, know enough about them to categorize, or have been suggested and need to be read
- A Blue So Dark by Holly Schindler
- Blindsided by Priscilla Cummings
- Boy Toy by Barry Lyga
- Burned by Ellen Hopkins
- Candy by Kevin Brooks
- Clean by Amy Read
- Cut by Patricia McCormick
- Cut by Patricia McCormick
- Girl Parts by John M. Cusick
- Go Ask Alice by Beatrice Sparks - - banned book
- Hate List by Jennifer Brown
- Go Ask Alice by Beatrice Sparks - - banned book
- Hate List by Jennifer Brown
- Hold Still by Nina LaCour
- I Loved You First by Reena Jacobs
- If I Tell by Janet Gurtler
- Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey
- Jay's Journal by Beatrice Sparks
- Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott
- Lockdown by Alexander Gordon Smith
- Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey
- Jay's Journal by Beatrice Sparks
- Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott
- Lockdown by Alexander Gordon Smith
- Nicholas Dane by Melvin Burgess
- Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers
- Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers
- Stay With Me by Paul Griffin
- The Rules of Survival by Nancy Wertin
- The Rules of Survival by Nancy Wertin
- The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen
- Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
- Tricks by Ellen HOpkins
- Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
- Tricks by Ellen HOpkins
- Try Not To Breathe by Jennifer R. Hubbard
- Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson - - banned book
- Want To Go Private? by Sarah Littman - - online predators
- Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson - - banned book
- Want To Go Private? by Sarah Littman - - online predators
- What They Always Tell Us by Martin Wilson
- Willow by Julia Hoban
- Willow by Julia Hoban
- Winter Girls by Laurie Halse Anderson
- You Against Me by Jenny Downham
Please leave any suggestions you may have
to be added to the list!
Releases This Week: March 4th - 10th
Where It Began
by Ann Redisch Stampler (3/6/12)
Soul Bound (Blood Coven #7) by Mari Mancusi (3/6/12)
Vampire's Kiss (The Watchers #2) by Veronica Wolf (3/6/12)
Katana by Cole Gibsen (3/8/12)
When You Open Your Eyes by Celeste Conway (3/20/12)
by Ann Redisch Stampler (3/6/12)Soul Bound (Blood Coven #7) by Mari Mancusi (3/6/12)
When You Open Your Eyes by Celeste Conway (3/20/12)
YA Saves Sunday - Eating Disorders
Eating Disorder - when a person becomes obsessed with food, weight and body image.
Eating Disorders in general are unfortunately not uncommon, especially amongst teens. While some types of eating disorders are more common than others, it is the overwhelming need to fit in and have control that makes eating disorders an all too common practice. So, what are some of the common types of eating disorders?
- Bulimia - you eat quickly and overindulge, followed by vomiting and over exercise
- Anorexia - the extreme of not eating
- Binge Eating - over eating in a very short time
- Obsessive Dieting - you are consumed by dieting and weight watching
- Rapid weight gain & obesity
- Emotional Eating
As with many disorders of any kind, there are severe and life threatening consequences. No matter what type of eating disorder one may be plagued with, death is the most severe. Anorexic girls between the age of 15 and 24 have the highest mortality than any other eating disorder (source). Beyond death muscles and bones become weak and fragile, resulting in osteoporosis and cardiac issues. Other medical complications include
- anemia
- kidney failure
- loss of hair
- difficulty in becoming pregnant (women can stop menstruating, have a higher risk of miscarriages and still borns)
- teeth damage
- dehydration
- intestinal issues (particularly with bulimics).
- depression and other psychiatric concerns
Beyond medical concerns, many mental concerns come into play. Depression, anger, suicide - to name just a few.
Also, as with many disorders there are underlying reasons for taking such drastic measures, usually those of which are not so easily explained. I will be revisiting this side of eating disorders later this month - make sure to come back to read more on the Social Implications and Mental Concerns of Eating Disorders.
The Importance of Reading YA Books
about Eating Disorders
As with any YA Saves book the purpose is to promote knowledge, understanding and acceptance. As many teens today are bombarded with the need to be physically perfect such YA Saves books serve a much higher and greater purpose than ever. I honestly believe that they could (and probably do) save lives. If a teen is thinking about taking such drastic measures a ya book on an eating disorder could change their mind. A teen currently struggling with an eating disorder, looking for help, might find it through a character. While some may believe that such YA books can serve as a "guidebook" (source) I believe that such books provide lessons, not just for teens but for adults and parents as well.
While I personally have never had to struggle with an eating disorder I do struggle daily about my physical appearance, solely my body image. Beyond the images on tv and magazines, I am also married to a great man who is active in running, works out almost every day and who in perfect physical condition. I know being a woman we have a much harder time loosing weight compared to men but it is hard to watch him eat basically whatever he wants and still able to stay fit. While I am a Pescatarian (I still eat fish) and eat pretty healthy (except my addiction to coffee) I always find myself wanting to loose a few more pounds, which seem to be impossible. Does this mean that I throw up or stop eating all together? No. I believe that this is because I have a great support system in my loved ones, knowing they love me for me and not my body image which in turns helps my self esteem grow. However, this is not the same for everyone. Even those that do have such support find it necessary to take drastic measures. I find by reading such YA books you see the characters end up missing out more on life. They might be skinnier and weigh less but they don't feel good; they're tried, cranky, mean, and overall unhappy and unhealthy. While I know for many (both real and fictional) eating disorders are a way of gaining control in their life (for many different reasons which I will revisit soon) when they feel they literally have no control over anything. I have learned by reading such books that they end up loosing even more control in the end, sometimes even the control over their own mortality. With so many facets to such a large and even overwhelming topic I am pleased that I know I can always turn to a YA book for help if need - - I am not saying that medical help should not be sought out! On the contrary, medical help should ALWAYS be sought out.
While some YA Saves topics are lacking in the quality and quantity of books I am very pleased to say Eating Disorders is not one of them:
* Anna Begins by Jennifer Davenport ** suggested
* After the Moment by Garret Freymann-Weyr ** suggested
* After the Strawberry by Kathryn Pope ** suggested
* Artichoke's Heart by Suzanne Supplee
* Big Fat Manifesto by Susan R. Vaught
* Fat Chance by Leslea Newman
* Fat, a Love Story by Barbara Wersba
* Fat Kid Rules the World by K.L. Going
* Girls Under Pressure by Jacqueline Wilson
* Hanged Man by Francesca Lia Block
* How I Changed My Life by Todd Strasser
* Hunger by Jackie Morse Kessler
* I Was a 15-Year-Old Blimp by Patti Stren
* Kim: Empty Inside: The Diary of an Anonymous Teenager
* Kissing The Rain by Kevin Brooks
* Leaving Jetty Road by Rebecca Burton
* Life In The Fat Lane by Cherie Bennett
* Looks by Madeleine George
* Massive by Julia Bell** suggested
* My Cup Runneth Overby Cynthia Whytock
* Purge by Sarah Darer Littman** suggested
* Second Star to the Right by Deborah Hautzig
* Skin by Adrienne Maria Vrettos
* Skinny by Ibi Kaslik** suggested
* Teenage Waistland by Lynn Biederman ** suggested
* Vanishing by Bruce Brooks
* Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson ** suggested
* You Remind Me of You by Eireann Corrgan
3.02.2012
In The Past with Katie Dale
– about a mute girl with a very feisty sense of humour!
At 16 I had become obsessed with Sweet Valley High – I devoured them like chocolate and still have a whole shelf on my bookcase filled with them! I couldn’t get enough of the adventures, scrapes and heartaches of those identical blonde twins Elizabeth and Jessica - and all their friends!
When seventeen-year-old Rosie’s mother, Trudie, dies from Huntington’s Disease, her pain is intensified by the knowledge that she has a fifty-per-cent chance of inheriting the crippling disease herself. Only when she tells her mum’s best friend, ‘Aunt Sarah’ that she is going to test for the disease does Sarah, a midwife, reveal that Trudie was not her biological mother after all... Devastated, Rosie decides to trace her real mother, hitching along on her ex-boyfriend’s GAP year to follow her to Los Angeles. But all does not go to plan, and as Rosie discovers yet more of her family's deeply-buried secrets and lies, she is left with an agonising decision of her own - one which will be the most heart-breaking and far-reaching of all...
Find Katie Dale
Read More About This Book & Buy It
3.01.2012
Review: A Place In This Life by Julie Rieman Duck
Publisher: Julie Rieman Duck (September 23rd 2011)
Kindle Edition
Source: Author
Series: None
Challenge: YA Saves, Stand Alone
For Natalie Miller, it’s just another family vacation. For someone else, it’s the opportunity he’s been waiting for.
With only a single peck from a guy named Frank, Natalie’s anything but experienced with boys. But when Todd pops out of the water, says hi, and tells Natalie he has leukemia, all of that changes.
She’s never had attention like this from a boy, let alone one who’s a real charmer with sex on the brain and the experience to match. Drawn to Todd like a magnet, Natalie gives him her friendship, her love, and her body. Even when she’s tempted by gorgeous, healthy schoolmate Alex, Natalie’s desire to love and care for Todd pushes her to see how far love can go in spite of the potential for death of the relationship — and death of the one she loves.
Natalie doesn't have much experiences with boys, if any. Then she meets Todd on a summer family vacation and grows more than she thought she ever would. In their first meeting she learns that Todd has cancer. Todd is unique from the very start. He is very open and doesn't hold back. In a way Natalie's and Todd's meeting is perfect timing for each one of them, for many different reasons. Their relationship travels through many emotional roller coasters, all of which make this novel amazing.
Beware you will have shed tears. It is hard not cry while reading this novel. Our teens today go through many emotions and Julie Duck includes many of these different emotions beautifully. I wish this novel was around when I was a teen. Natalie is on the verge of becoming a woman, and not just in the physical and sexual way, but emotionally as well.
I did feel that the novel started too quickly. Within the first chapter not only do Natalie and Todd meat but Todd tells her he has cancer. I would have liked to see a bit more character development for Natalie. However, that being said after reading it all I can understand why it started as quickly as it did - Todd's character lived life to the fullest, without wasting time. In the end I came away from this novel emotionally drained and moved, all in the best ways.
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