Well known as the memoir writing brother of actress Amy Sedaris, David has made a place for himself in the literary world with laugh-out-loud stories of his youthful-family years, the stumbling blocks of artistic fame and romantic folly. Fans of Augusten Burroughs will appreciate his wry wit and no-hold-punches at human dysfunction.   posted Jan 13, 2009 at 7:55PM

Martinez manages to combine fantasy and science fiction story lines with dialog better suited to a Monty Python sketch. Raunchy, gory stories flirt wantonly with pop culture references and race along at pace second only to the laughs. Fans of Douglas Adams can finally stop holding their breaths.   posted Jan 13, 2009 at 7:54PM

Beatty is best known for his beat and slam poetry, and this novel certainly reflects his blistering and elegant use of language. His attacks on race relations, economic disparity and educational quagmires will make you laugh until you wince. Fans of Sherman Alexie will respond well to this dark comedy.   posted Jan 13, 2009 at 7:53PM

I love how Alexie manages to mix humor with tragedy. I found myself laughing at the most inappropriate times! That’s his gift. Also, I enjoy getting a better sense of Native Americans in a modern context. Thankfully titles like these are becoming more available. I really like the   posted Jul 6, 2008 at 1:02PM

As ever, Gail Carson Levine has written a modern fairy tale that rivals our old favorites. I adore every new opportunity to read her work. Magical!   posted Jul 6, 2008 at 12:52PM

This is a really fun approach to a timeless tale. I especially like the thoughtful approach to the hectic first days of a new romance. Love certainly is in the air, but in doesn’t have to be a tragedy if you can keep your feet on the ground!   posted May 30, 2008 at 4:46PM

A fabulous murder mystery. Ferguson’s cold approach to the science of death makes for easily tolerable gore. I also really enjoyed the romantic tension between the main character and the new young deputy. Hot! I look forward to her next two titles, The Angel of Death and The Circle of Blood.   posted May 19, 2008 at 3:23PM

Incredible. One of my favorites of the year. Parent’s should be relieved to note that this title is still appropriate for teen readers, as there is little sexual or violent content. Meyer’s is a true talent, one I hope to hear from for years to come. I read this book in one sitting, and I’ve put myself back into the list to get it again!   posted May 19, 2008 at 3:16PM

These are great. The opening story is a bit contrived...like a direct rip-off of “28 Days Later”...but let’s face it, the Zombie genre is formulaic by nature. After that first hick-up, the plot buzzes along with engaging characters and great images. The first in the series is the best artistically, as the rest seem to be done in a less careful style. However, that hasn’t stopped me from ordering the whole set!   posted May 12, 2008 at 6:48PM

Much like when I read The Kitchen Boy, Robert Alexander has me hooked on Russian History and intrigue. This is well told and heart breaking story of the Russian revolution featuring a Princess of the realm, and a peasant calling for freedom and revenge. I am awestruck and even today, I, along with his characters, wish there could have been a better way. Alexander’s greatest gift is how, despite knowing this story’s end, he keeps you guessing and hoping for change. Bravo.   posted May 6, 2008 at 5:42PM

Romance, intrigue, gossip and pretty dresses. You can’t beat that! It’s "Mean Girls" for the 1890s.   posted Apr 26, 2008 at 12:44PM

I really enjoyed this thriller about the consequences of our obsession with security, and the growing rift between the very rich and the very poor. The story details the kidnapping of a 15 year old girl who must fight through her terror to find her freedom...but what does freedom really mean anymore?   posted Apr 26, 2008 at 11:38AM

This is a nice, classic slasher. Lots of murders, a scarey cult, gore filled scenes. I could see this as a horror flick someday. You know, the young stars of the WB screaming for thier lives on the big screen. Lots of fun for those of us with strong stomachs!   posted Apr 26, 2008 at 11:31AM

Lots of fun. It feels like a new "Twilight Zone." I’m inspired to read the novella!   posted Apr 7, 2008 at 6:01PM

Another excellent Princess Diary. But I’m pretty sure I’m going to die if Mia doesn’t get beck together with Micheal soon!   posted Mar 24, 2008 at 8:53PM

I must admit, being more opf a Zombie fan than a Vampire one...I waited a long time to finally read this series. After hearing many great reviews though, I am glad I finally took the plunge. They are excellent! I read the first three in one weekend. I can’t wait for the release of the fourth title this summer. Get on the list today!   posted Mar 24, 2008 at 8:47PM

I really enjoyed this historical fiction. Alexander manages to tell the most amazing story using a lot of hard data. I was haunted after reading his account of the last days of the last Royal family of Russia. It is a wonderful mystery, a compelling family drama, a political thriller and a treasure hunt all rolled up into one fabulous read!   posted Mar 24, 2008 at 8:43PM

The title really sums this trilogy up for me. It is beautiful and horrible, full of wonder and pain. I love the Victorian setting and the imagery of girls trapped in a restrictive society. For characters who are made powerless because of thier gender and social status, the "power" of the magical realms must be so compelling. It’s a dangerous and addictive series!   posted Mar 24, 2008 at 8:40PM

I love how the author shows the alienation and humiliation of teenage existance through physical disfigurement. Not only does it cast everyone as an outsider, this book uses sex and appearance as it’s major elements of horror and gore.   posted Mar 18, 2008 at 8:05PM

A fast and exciting read, a twisted behind the scene look at a religious sect in the Bible belt. It’s disturbing and thought provoking and as with many destopic stories, full of action!   posted Mar 18, 2008 at 7:53PM

A trilogy of the zombie apocalypse. My favorite is the second (Monster Island…which was actually written first.) They border on the fantasy side, but don’t travel that road too far. I prefer my zombies a little less…intelligent. But they have a scientific reason for why some of them keep their minds, while the vast majority don’t. I really like the image of Central park in New York chewed down to mud. If there is no meat, they will eat anything living, including trees, grass, like locusts. I especially like the Somali girl warriors. Apparently the only governments that survive to any degree, are the ones born of warlord regimes and coups. Third world countries are the only ones capable on dealing with the extremities of living on a Zombie plague world. Cool idea, pretty good execution, but don’t expect the level of interest of Brooks’ book. The second book acts well as a stand alone if you aren’t ready for three.   posted Mar 18, 2008 at 7:51PM

I’m sure you are aware of this title. I recommend it less as a “novel” per se, as it isn’t very plot driven. I would call this a free form poem telling of the ghostly walk of a man and his son to the sea after the collapse of world. The imagery is sad and powerful, the walk pointless, but what do you do after time has ended but keep going and try to stay alive? Don’t expect a concrete story format with this. Think of it as haunting pictures of the last days.   posted Mar 18, 2008 at 7:49PM

This is a great adventure trilogy! These novels take place many years after the world has recovered from being scorched by war, humans have finally advanced to technological heights that deliver what the “futuristic world” has always promised: Utopia. However, utopia comes at a cost. All children on their sixtieth birthday must undergo a massive surgery that changes them from “ugly” to beautiful. This is when they may enter society as equals. The main character, a girl on the verge of her own surgery, is caught up in a government plot to root out those that refuse to follow this doctrine. Turns out utopia isn’t as great as we all thought. I love these books! It’s hard to disagree with either side of the primary arguments. But the really excellent part of this story is how this one girl is transformed (literally) by the petty a selfish machinations of both sides. It should be made into an action flick…something like The Fifth Element. These are not only great dystopic future stories, but the most excellent ride!!   posted Mar 18, 2008 at 7:49PM

Technically this is a teen novel. However it isn’t always sold as such…for obvious reasons. A 16 year old girl is alone on her family farm when nuclear fallout destroys much of the world. Because of the unique circumstances of her location in a valley, the farm survives and the land is still relatively safe to live in. She believes that she is the last person left alive in the world. That is, until a stranger comes into the valley wearing a suit that repels radiation. Turns out she isn’t the last survivor, that’s when the trouble really starts. This is similar in nature to Alas, Babylon, but not necessarily as well done. The two characters struggle to survive…to work out ways to eek out an existence in the face of human evil.   posted Mar 18, 2008 at 7:48PM

This is the classic of dystopia for me. It is a survival story, short and sweet. My thread worn copy would be worth tons now that they reissued this recently, but it has stains on it…spaghetti I think. It is a MUST read for lovers of Armageddon…Or more specifically, this is a reality story of people who struggle to rebuild after the bomb drops. So achingly excellent! The story stars a small town full of interesting characters reacting to the end of civilization, and the ways they learn to rebuild…or not. If you read anything from this list, make it THIS ONE!   posted Mar 18, 2008 at 7:47PM

Matt is not like any other boy. In fact he is exactly another boy. Matt is a clone. El Patron, the most powerful man on the earth, has a secret. This secret means the difference between life and death for Matt, the pampered teenage version El Patron. When his life is on the line, what else can Matt do but escape into the wilds of the opium fields and avoid being turned into a brain damaged slave at all costs. But when drug cartels rule the world, and clones are hated for even existing, does Matt even stand a chance?   posted Mar 18, 2008 at 7:45PM

It’s a classic showdown, classic gaming that is. Instead of gunfights at high noon, we have arcades for the weekend. In this documentary of gaming as a competitive sport, King of Kong shows the dirty side of Pac-Man, and the petty side of Donkey Kong. Billy Mitchell, historic “Kong” champion since the eighties faces obscurity when challenged by newcomer Steve Wiebe. Will Billy retain his thrown with underhanded tactics, will Steve get to finish a game with a house full of screaming kids. Only time will tell, because at the roll of a Barrel it could all come tumbling down.   posted Mar 18, 2008 at 7:45PM

In this account of the last great world war, Max Brooks interviews key players and everyday survivors of the worst catastrophe in human history. Ten years after the fighting ended, twenty years after the first breakouts; these intimate moments unravel to reveal a story of political manipulation, economic pandering, cultural revolution and technological upheaval that began after the first zombies started coming. Families, governments and whole continents fail in the onslaught. This book details the reality of a reclaimed world that will never be the same.   posted Mar 18, 2008 at 7:44PM

This is a beautiful story. Funke really captures the essence of classic children’s fiction. The mystery and joy involved in reading is brought to life in this great fantasy tale. I’m looking forward to the third installment!   posted Mar 18, 2008 at 7:40PM

Excellent! A really engaging adventure that studies the value of life.   posted Feb 25, 2008 at 5:32PM

Huxley paints an excellent picture of a possible future for our society. The greatest draw of this book is the detail in which this world is represented. Rather than a story linearly told, the author provides crystal, clear images of the obstacles the protagonists face. Huxley reserves outright judgement, and the reader is in the position of determining whether this future really represents utopia after all. A thought provoking read.   posted Dec 11, 2007 at 6:02PM

I’m really happy with the conclusion. I was worried it would either be devasting (however appropriate and inevitable Harry’s death felt) or dissapointing (ie succumbing to the sappy fan demands that Harry "must" live, whether the story demands it or not) Rowling really brought me to the brink, I cried as Harry walked to his end. I am also INCREDIBLY happy that it was not, in fact, the END. I agree that the insight into the post Voldemort lives of ther "other" characters is sorely lacking. Overall, I am amazed at the powerfull collection that is POTTER.   posted Jul 23, 2007 at 3:45PM

One of my favorite summer reads! Even though I am 27, hardly a teen, I loved this sci-fi story about a culture obsessed with body image. Westerfeld delivers a fantastic adventure! I can’t wait to read the next one.   posted Feb 19, 2007 at 7:16PM

Disgusting, disturbing and wonderful. I am indeed haunted by images that are visceral and obscene. A GREAT read, but not before lunch.   posted Dec 19, 2006 at 2:42PM