Catching Fireby Suzanne Collins: the sequel to Hunger Games. I bet you weren’t expecting that, but wow. My friend & co-worker who’s on the Newbery committee this year got it in the mail about a month ago, & when I was finally in line for it, I pounced & read it in two days. I literally could not read fast enough. It was really quite good, & I personally think it was better than the first. Whereas I personally found a good bit of the first on

I look forward to seeing everyone’s reactions to the twists & turns you’re put through in September when this is finally released. I’m eagerly awaiting the final installment – although I don’t expect to see it before it’s released. Methinks Hunger Games 3 will not be turned into an ARC, no matter how much we may wish it.

Wicked Lovelyby Melissa Marr: I’ve had this book on my shelf since shortly after its arrival in hardcover, & even though I adore faeries, I kept passing it up in favor of other reads – which, I can now say, was a mistake. To me, this book is what the love triangle in Twilight should have been – complex & confusing. Whereas in that story you’re generally persuaded to choose a side, I could honestly say throughout this story that I truly didn’t know who I wanted Aislinn, the heroine, to choose.

I was particularly struck by the descriptions of sense throughout the story – the taste of sunshine, the smell of iron. Also, the faerie lore in this book is well-researched & presented matter-of-fact: there’s no time for long explanations of faeries & their existence. Things happen fast, & every decision has a major consequence. Although I could see the twist before it happened, I was quite happy that I didn’t see it until just before. I didn’t want this book to end!

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indianby Sherman Alexie: most of the time, winners of the National Book Award are fabulous literary works, but are entirely too dull for my tastes. I’m happy to report that this book is just as amazing as you’ve heard – I chose this as the May selection for our adult book discussion, & nearly all the regulars enjoyed this. It’s funny, sad, amazing, inspiring, bewildering. I wouldn’t believe some of what happened if it weren’t semi-autobiographical, & I personally adore that it dealt with many teen issues in a frank, realistic way. Real issues like anorexia, masturbation, alcoholism, & let’s face it, being a freaking teenager, are handled better than even the most veteran of teen authors. Absolutely enchanting.

Half-Assedby Jennette Fulda, aka PastaQueen: I’ve been reading her blog for awhile now, & so I decided I ought to give her book a try. Although the writing at her blog is top notch, it’s still a blog, but I was honestly quite impressed at the quality of writing found here. She recently left her job to freelance full-time, & I think she’ll do well. But the book itself, a weight-loss memoir, is full of so much amazing Midwestern philosophy that I feel that I actually know her. Her bit about the fat acceptance movement, & the bizarre contradictions they make, was absolutely dead on. I highly recommend this!

& now, what I plan to read: Fast Food Nation (about 1/4 way through), Ink Exchange (almost done), Uglies (I’m possibly the last person to read it), & Paper Towns. Mayhaps I’ll get to them all before summer ends?