Monday Book Recs

Drawing from Memory by Allen Say

Picture Book? Not sure what to call this, since I'm not sure it's aimed at children, but I loved it. I picked it up as an ARC at ALA. I am not an artist, but I find myself drawn to art and feel that the lessons of artists often translate well to writers. I was immersed in the drawings and photos from Say's childhood and I loved the story of him finding his mentor through a newspaper article. I loved hearing about his courage as a thirteen year old boy to live alone and become an artist. I remember that age so well and wish that I had been as courageous. I also loved that the book was written in collaboration with his mentor.

Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol

Teen Graphic Novel. I wish there were more graphic novels, I really do. They don't seem to sell well, and I think this is because Americans are stupid. Or prejudiced in some odd way against "comics." I loved the way that the ghost is introduced both in the story and in the drawings as harmless, and then gradually changes to have more power. And I loved the metaphor this is for teen (and really lots of girl) friendships.

How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr

Young Adult Novel. I love Sara Zarr, so I was excited to get an ARC of this at ALA. I honestly do not read a lot of contemporary fiction. But Sara Zarr has this way of writing a book that will not let me put it down. She doesn't use any tricks, really. And this is a great concept book about a mother and daughter who have lost husband/father and are looking for a reason to live and find it in a teen girl whose baby they plan to adopt. But the concept is just the beginning. All the characters are spot on. I loved the self defense scene--very funny. I admit, I cried at the end. I felt like this depiction of grief was just right.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Young Adult Romance. I used to read romance by the bucketload. I think the Provo library stopped checking out romances because it took much time. They asked for a number, and then later not even that because they seemed to want them gone. "Real" readers didn't read romance. Just like "real" readers didn't read movie/TV book adaptations. Yeah, right. I knew even then that a lot of the romances were hokey and stereotyped, but there were a few that were good enough that I was willing to read the others. Since then, I haven't been able to find any romances that I could actually finish. Just too much alpha male stuff/women who describe their clothing instead of their thoughts. But this one not only captured high school relationships but it also made me believe in the characters. I liked them and I didn't want to hit anyone over the head. It made me think that there are plenty of problems in a couple getting together that you don't have to make up stupid ones.

Other Books I loved:
Elizabeth George
Walter Mosley
Anne Perry
Sue Grafton
Orson Scott Card's Pathfinder
Princess For Hire by Lindsey Leavitt (great concept book that wasn't at all predictable)