Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Every year during Banned Books Week, I make sure and read at least one book that has been challenged or banned...BECAUSE I CAN! This year one of the books I chose was Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. Although the book has been around for quite a while (it was first published in 1999,) it made the news this year after a gentleman in Missouri referred to it in an editorial as "soft pornography," and Ms. Anderson's publishing company took out a full page ad in the New York Times to defend their author and the book.

We meet Melinda, a high school freshman, at the beginning of the school year. She is clearly depressed, refuses to talk to anyone (including her parents) unless absolutely necessary, and not only does she NOT have any friends, she has people who hate her so much they torment her. We see the world through Melinda's eyes and it is not a pretty - or safe - place to be.

As the school year continues, we see some small signs of life in Melinda - although she is barely coping, she finds an outlet in her art class. She continues to exist on the fringe of school society as additional clues are presented as to what prompted Melinda to go from a popular and bright student to one who tries to disappear into herself.

Without providing any spoilers, this book is a sensitive and realistic journey into the mind of someone who has been deeply injured. Yet, in spite of the damage, she perseveres. This book deals with heavy subject matter, but one that BOTH teenage boys and girls, sadly, need to be aware. This was Anderson's first novel and it was nominated for a National Book Award. I look forward to reading more of this author.

Bookies Book Club!

What: Bookies Book Club

When: Saturday, October 9th

10:00 a.m.

Where: Minooka Village Hall Community Room

What We're Discussing: The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

Second Glance by Jodi Picoult

Hope to see you there!

Maybe This Time by Jennifer Crusie

Andie Miller has had 10 years to get over her divorce and her ex-husband, and now that she's getting ready to remarry, she is ready to put the past behind her. While visiting her ex to wrap up some final details, he asks her one last favor - to take over supervision of two orphans in a creepy haunted manor in a remote corner of the world - for which she will be paid enough money to begin her new life debt-free.

When Andie arrives at the home, she is greeted with open hostility by the housekeeper, Mrs. Crumb, and stony indifference by the two children: 12 year-old Carter and 8 year-old Alice. As Andie sets about debunking the ghosts that she keeps hearing about, getting through to the children and getting the house in order, she begins noticing some odd occurrences and strange characters hanging around the house.

The longer Andie spends at the house, the more determined she is to protect and stay with the children, and the more she starts believing in ghosts. Will she be able to protect the children from the malevolent spirits she has seen? Can she convince the children to leave the only home they have known? Will she marry her fiance and live happily ever after?

Jennifer Crusie has penned a spooky and fun story complete with romance, terror, humor and intrigue. Gothic chick lit! While it gets a little messy towards the end with a sudden storm of characters and plot lines, overall, it is still a quick and satisfying easy read.

The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games is an annual event in the post-apocalyptic nation of Panem, one that is required viewing for all inhabitants of the 12 districts of the nation. Each district randomly selects a male and female young adult to represent them in the "game," a brutal contest in which the last person surviving wins. The games were created as a means for the "Capitol" to remind its citizens of their ultimate power and control after an uprising which led to the demise of the area formerly known as District 13.

When Katniss Everdeen's younger sister, Prim, is selected to represent District 12 in the annual game, Katniss wastes no time in volunteering to take her place, knowing this will most likely lead to her own death in the arena. Her participation in the game, along with fellow District 12 participant, Peeta, has repercussions which no one could have predicted.

This three-part series by Suzanne Collins (Underland Chronicles series) is written for a young adult audience; however, the themes, pace, plot and characters ensure this is a worthy read for adults as well. Suspense, danger, and romance all intertwine in this well-written and cleverly done series. These books are page-turners that will keep the readers engaged from the get-go. In fact, Collins is so adept at ending each chapter with a cliffhanger, it is nearly impossible to put the books down.

Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern

Growing up, Justin Halpern remembered his father as being a blunt and intimidating figure in his life. Always consistently honest, his father never held back in letting his family know just what was on his mind at any given time. When Halpern suddenly finds himself moving back home at the age of 28, he has the opportunity to view his dad's wisdom from a whole new perspective - and with a fresh sense of appreciation.

With the help of his family and friends, the author set about collecting some of the wit and witticisms of his father over the years, and created a Twitter page to share them with others. What started off as a 140-character-or-less series of tributes to his father evolved into a book deal, and now, a television show.

This is a quick and entertaining read that is also surprisingly sweet. If crass language is a concern, this probably is not the book for you - although language is a problem, something with the word, "Sh*t" in the title is most likely not a serious consideration anyway. The quotes, while liberally peppered with expletives, are both hilarious and honest. In the end, the short vignettes and quotes paint a picture of a dedicated father whose love for his family is both touching and fierce.

To follow Justin Halpern on Twitter, go to: http://twitter.com/Shitmydadsays

The Blessings of the Animals by Katrina Kittle

Camden Anderson has a pretty good life. She's a successful veterinarian, her husband owns and runs a popular restaurant, and they have a high-school age daughter who is smart, loving and responsible. Sure, her marriage has its share of rough patches, but whose doesn't? When she returns one day from a particularly nasty humane society rescue, Cami is completely blindsided by the fact her husband has left her.

Shattered by her sudden life change, Cami struggles to come to terms with the reality of her life, finding solidarity and companionship with an abused horse that she is boarding. Her friends, family and menagerie of pets support her and provide her with all kinds of distractions as she slowly begins the healing process. Cami's strength and ability to forge ahead yet still retain her vulnerability make her a very likable and real character.

This is a lovely story of love, friendship, camaraderie and forgiveness. The majority of the book is told from Cami's point of view, with just a few chapters from some of the other characters, which was interesting. I really appreciated the chapter that was from Cami's husband's perspective - it made him much more of a sympathetic character. This was a very engrossing story, with interesting characters and a plot that isn't rushed and doesn't gloss over the mess of relationships. I plan on checking out additional titles by this author.

He's a Tall, Cool One

I admit, I am a little biased when it comes to Anthony Bourdain - I love his "No Reservations" television show and have read all of his nonfiction. I find him to be incredibly intelligent, surprisingly insightful and deliriously funny in his writing.

His latest, Medium Raw, picks up where Kitchen Confidential left off - except with an older, wiser and maybe slightly-less confrontational author. Bourdain has definitely matured through the years and this is evident especially when comparing these two books together. His chapter that he dedicates to his daughter is so surprisingly sweet yet still incredibly funny. The initial chapter, in which he so lovingly and carefully describes a secret feast featuring an illegal dish is quite unforgettable .

As someone who is NOT a foodie - I do not watch the Food Network, nor do I care about celebrity chefs in general - it surprised me that I find such appeal in Bourdain's work. Anyone who appreciates good writing, interesting characters and does not mind consistently salty language might find a new author to follow in Anthony Bourdain.