Holes was originally read to me in elementary. This is my first time, technically, reading it. My experience and impression of it now is much different from back then. For those of you who have never read Holes, let me tell you it is really good.
I can also say it is original. Whoever heard of a Camp where boys go to dig holes to build character? If you've read Holes you have. If not, why not see if you like it. None of the boys at Camp Green Lake enjoy it very much.
Due to Stanley Yelnats no-good-dirty-rotten-great-great-grandfather he had the choice of Camp or jail. He chose camp thinking it would be fun, plus his parents could never afford to send him. There Stanley makes some discoveries about himself and why they dig Holes. Sachar weaved a really good story. I love how he placed the flashbacks. Without them, I don't think the story would be half as good. It isn't amazing, but well worth reading. Giving us the background information brought a lot of life to this story and made for a unforgettable children's book.
Stargirl. From the day she arrives at quiet Mica High in a burst of color and sound, the hallways hum with the murmur of "Stargirl, Stargirl." She captures Leo Borlock's heart with just one smile. She sparks a school-spirit revolution with just one cheer. The students of Mica High are enchanted. At first.
Then they turn on her. Stargirl is suddenly shunned for everything that makes her different, and Leo, panicked and desperate with love, urges her to become the very thing that can destroy her: normal. In this celebration of noncomformity, Newbery Medalist Jerry Spinelli weaves a tense, emotional tale about the perils of popularity and the thrill and inspiration of first love. (Courtesy of GoodReads)
Stargirl as a person was, amazing. It takes a lot to be you, when everyone else wants to be "them". Whose to say who you should be? For a while, no one could tell Stargirl she was anything or should be anyone other than who she was. That aspect of the book was great. Stargirl as a whole wasn't that fascinating. I like it, don't get me wrong. It's just sometimes it was hard to actually enjoy it.
I didn't get stuck at any points, it's just that sometimes it was a bit dull. Overall the theme and concept is really nice. Anyone who wants a little inspiration should definitely read Stargirl.
I really enjoy Young Adult Novels, but I love Children's Lit. Both genres are by far my favs. That's why over the course of the next six months I plan on revisiting some of my favorites and hopefully, finding some new ones.
On the Agenda:
The Harry Potter Series (Just finished the first book a few days ago. This will be my first time actually finishing the series. My mother wouldn't let me read them anymore, but now since I'm older, I can.)
The Earth's Children Series (Have never read this one, but remember reading what it was about in high school. After hours of searching I finally got the name of the first book.)
The Chronicles of Narnia
Marry Poppins (Have never read, but love the movie.)
The Time Series (I read A Wrinkle in Time, but none of the other books.)
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series
A Variety of Picture Books and many more.
How many will I manage to review and read before the year's out?
Trying to buy books for school and found these great reads: The first three books in the Percy Jackson & The Olympians Series: The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan's Curseby Rick Riordan No Plot? No Problem! A Low-stress, High-velocity Guide to Writing A Novel in 30 Days by Chris Baty Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell (Niece needed it for school) Skill Builders Pre~Algebra 5-8 How To write Haiku And Other Short Poems by Paul Janeczko
The Beaumont family aren't super heroes, but the abilities they possess is only something you'd read in a comic book. On the thirteenth birthday most of them acquire their savvy. Over the years Mibs has been able to witness her brothers receive the savvy to create hurricanes and electricity. Now it's finally her turn. She hopes to get something amazing. Before her birthday her father gets into a terrible accident and can not wake up. What at first was a wish to receive a great savvy becomes a quest to save her Poppa. By breaking some rules she learns things about herself, growing up, and others that she never thought to know and may be the difference from saving her Poppa.
It is very good. At a certain point I started to get really wrapped up in the story. From that point on it was splendid. Absolutely fun. This is a very enjoyable read, I'm sure anyone of any age can appreciate. I've never been on a road trip until now. Found myself getting a little caught up. Most everyone has some savvy; after reading I felt more special somehow.
This past week has been very exciting. It is my pleasure to post my first interview with Suzanne Young, author of The Naughty List (set to be released February 4, 2010), the first in the Naught List Series. My love for series is well known; this series is especially special. It's original and from what I hear fun and really good.
1. Most authors feel they’ve always had a knack for writing.Do you think you fall into this category?
I’ve always liked to write. Not sure if I ever felt that I was great at it, but I’ve always loved dialog. So, even back in my really awful 7th grade short stories starring my friends, the dialog was totally believable! The Pillsbury Dough Boy… not so much.
2. Do you throw yourself into your writing first, or do you have to think a lot through before hand?
Um… I don’t usually think. I just write until my fingers are numb and my husband has to have an intervention to make sure I eat. But really, I love to fast draft, then I usually go back when I’m done to add the layers.
3. I read in an interview at /- La Femme Readers -/, that you had a vision of ninja cheerleaders.Does this mean the girls in the SOS literally kick butt, or is that against the rules?
Well, the girls in The Naughty List are there for investigative purposes only. But… it wouldn’t be right if there weren’t at least one catfight, right?
4. Speaking of the rules, could we go into a little more detail on them.Or is that one of the things that could possibly spoil our future reading pleasure?
In the book there is the SOS Charter, but there are definitely rules to spying on cheating boyfriends. For example, never be spotted at the scene of the cheat. Or better yet, never hookup with a suspect!
5. Just to clarify, the Society of Smitten Kittens, only consist of females? If so, what happens if one of them cheats?Is their punishment similar to what their male counterparts receive?
SOS doesn’t exact justice but only confirms suspected cheaters. The society is made of the cheer squad, which unfortunately doesn’t have any male members. But now you’ve given me a great idea…
6. Please tell us five things you love about your job. And one you really detest.
Things I love:
1. I work in my pajamas.
2. I can work from anywhere, as long as I have my laptop.
3. When I write a story I live in that world. And sometimes, it’s a really fun place to be.
4. I meet some really cool and creative people.
5. I get to write for teens—and that’s pretty dang awesome.
Things I don’t love:
Having patience, because the publishing world? Not exactly fast-paced.
7. How do you feel about people snooping?
Personally? Sheesh… I’m not sure I should answer it either way! If I say I understand because I myself have been guilty of it, people might start looking for all my ex-boyfriends and ask them about me. And if I say I think it’s horrible and insecure, I’d be dissing my cheerleaders. So… I’ll say, “Trust your gut.”
8. Recently, I’ve noticed that some authors make playlists during the process of writing their books.What did you do to help stimulate those creative juices?
I sometimes make playlists. I haven’t really done any lately, but that’s because my children are home and their yelling is enough music for my ears. Kidding. I actually love to check into a hotel for two days when I’m about halfway through a book to clear my head and work in private. I get huge chunks of writing done in that time.
Thanks so much for this interview! These were great questions!
Holes was originally read to me in elementary. This is my first time, technically, reading it. My experience and impression of it now is much different from back then. For those of you who have never read Holes, let me tell you it is really good.
