I try to keep my head down, to keep working or reading, or thinking or being—and not to dwell over responses to a book that cannot now be changed in any fashion (unless I go all trickworthy during the paperback process, and I would never do that). And sometimes people like a book and sometimes people don't, and you just have to go with the flow. You have to keep flowing.
This morning, however, my friend Alyson Hagy wrote me an email that I will always treasure. She shares my love of place, of depth, of landscape, of birds, and when she talks I listen, I learn. And this afternoon, I stopped again—was stopped—by Meghan Miller of Forever Young Adult (she calls herself an erstwhile librarian; I can't believe there's anything erstwhile about her). She has put together a review of
Small Damages reviews here; she's even cast my movie; she's brought me Emma Stone; she's set the table. I cannot let this pass. I cannot let it go. I don't want to be tedious or all about me, but:
This is remarkable. I have to thank her.
The review, titled "I've Waited Years For A Book Like This" can be found in its entirety
here.
Some of the (many) words that made me smile here. Note to Meghan: Kenzie will be your BFF anytime.
Kenzie is marvelous. She's magnificent. She has both an artist's perception of the world and a teenager's self-absorbed blindness; Kenzie's not mean or selfish, but it takes time for her to see past her own (admittedly huge) concerns and sympathize with others. But she's funny and kind, and she really does care, and I'd love to carefully wrap my arm around her and help her heal, because I think she's definite BFF material.
Best Young Adult Books: Top Picks from YA Bloggers in the Know, #2
By Nicki Richesin, The Children’s Book Review
Published: May 9, 2012
We asked the sassy ladies at Forever Young Adult (you know Sarah, Jenny, Erin, Meghan and Megan) to choose the five books they’re most anticipating reading this spring and summer. A website devoted to all things YA, Forever Young Adult consists of five women who say they haven’t yet grown up. They write a mix of book reviews, movie analysis, TV posts and fashion, all with a hefty dose of sarcasm and hyperbole, that can be found at foreveryoungadult.com. We’ve enjoyed reading their hilarious accounts from everything to an obsessive love of Dolly Parton to their guilty confession about secretly reading novels by Nora Roberts.
At Forever Young Adult, the only thing we love more than new books is an early summer vacation in which to read those books. Here are five books that are piled at the very top of our suitcases.
By Meg Cabot
In this second book of Meg Cabot’s Abandon series, seventeen-year-old Pierce Olivia is being held captive in what we’re pretty sure is hell. Not metaphorical Hell. Actual Hell. Her captor’s the mysterious (and scorching hot) John Hayden, who claims that he’s keeping her safe from the malicious Furies haunting Pierce’s life. But can John Hayden be trusted? And can Pierce manage to escape Hell for a second time? This book is from reigning YA Queen, Meg Cabot, so expect a lot of humor, some super-swoony love scenes and an ending that has you begging for more.
Ages 14 and up | Publisher: Scholastic, Inc | May 8, 2012
By Rebecca Serle
In this refreshing twist on Shakespeare’s classic play, author Rebecca Serle explores the perspective of Rosaline, the girl Romeo kicked to the curb after he met Juliet. Heartbroken after being dumped by her long-time crush, Rosaline must pick up the pieces and redefine herself, even as tragedy unfolds around her. Set in present day, this novel is a deeply compelling look at adolescent identity and transformation, and Serle manages to breathe new life into the cliché of star-crossed lovers. Every character’s voice hums with authenticity, and the romance is intense enough to make even Shakespeare jealous.
Ages 14-17 | Publisher: Simon Pulse | May 1, 2012
I loved this review.
That's lovely!
I'm so happy for you Beth, that's a great site to get such a good review on. :)
Another wonderful review!! So glad!