tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41474166528123846582024-03-13T00:03:00.201-04:00Oxford Public Library Teen PicksReviews by Teens & Staff, Announcements, and Library NewsOxford Public Library Teen Pickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05085193024066301395noreply@blogger.comBlogger1059125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4147416652812384658.post-18919871129393088662021-09-12T15:55:00.000-04:002021-09-12T15:55:08.922-04:00Sadako at the End of the World, by Koma Natsumi<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Remember the creepy cursed girl from the movie, The Ring? The one with the hair who met her demise at the bottom of a well and, somehow, created a cursed videotape that would bring a horrible death to anyone who viewed said tape? Yeah, <i>that</i> girl.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Well, when I first saw that movie, it terrified me beyond all rationality. Of course I watched it alone. In a creepy pitch-black apartment. And, at the time, I had this old TV with a screen that would glow faintly for several minutes after I switched it off. Oh yeah, and a friend just happened to call shortly after I'd finished watching the film. Not a good combination all around. Needless to say, I've avoided the movie and everything to do with it since.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Until now, that is.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M8lsImqCfY0/YT5arPKKZBI/AAAAAAAAEps/QkKd9FUWGEMi8QNI2XaI4-QovPyMvNLiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s500/53487773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="349" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M8lsImqCfY0/YT5arPKKZBI/AAAAAAAAEps/QkKd9FUWGEMi8QNI2XaI4-QovPyMvNLiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/53487773.jpg" width="223" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Enter <b>Sadako At the End of the World</b>, the delightfully twisted (and also twistedly hilarious) graphic novel by <b><i>Koma Natsumi</i></b>. The story opens when two apocalypse survivors happen upon the infamous cursed videotape. Of course they watch it and of course Sadako crawls from the TV, intent on bringing death and destruction in her wake. Imagine the cursed girl's surprise when the intended victims excitedly embrace her as a New Friend, rather than the bringer of their demise. The girls decide to help their new pal break the curse and travel around a ruined landscape, seeking more <strike>victims</strike> friends with whom they can share the video. When the last survivor has happily accepted their fate (much to Sadako's surprise), will the curse finally be broken? Or will there be one final twist to the story?</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Although not a fan of the (backward to me) Manga format, I braved it so I could read this amazing story. The plot was twisted and funny and strangely endearing and 100% creative. I loved how the two heroines so openly befriended the movie monster, despite her creepiness and desire to kill...and the way Sadako's perspective on the world changed (yes, she became a different person at the end of the story). </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Am I still creeped out by the movie? Yes. Absolutely! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">But would I watch it again with this book in mind? Maybe... But I'd be switching my ringer to "silent" if I did. No promises, though...</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This book, though... Awesome!!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">--AJB<br /></span></p>Oxford Public Library Teen Pickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05085193024066301395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4147416652812384658.post-66478910272687943042021-09-11T16:25:00.007-04:002021-09-11T16:28:41.084-04:00Daria (the complete TV series)<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I totally get that representation in books, TV Shows, and Movies needs to be <i>Real</i> in order to be taken seriously, but sometimes things beg to be poked fun of. Like High School and, more accurately, high school <i>clichés. </i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7O_MBd-c8fc/YT0Qs82_WdI/AAAAAAAAEpk/zFcibGXYOZEa_TqednACCyMoSH3ILNhOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s385/blog.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="385" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7O_MBd-c8fc/YT0Qs82_WdI/AAAAAAAAEpk/zFcibGXYOZEa_TqednACCyMoSH3ILNhOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Lately, I've been revisiting <b>Daria</b>, an hilarious and, often, on-point TV series from the 1990s that was actually a spinoff of a much more well-known and controversial show (<i>Bonus Points if you can name said show </i>without<i> Googling</i>). <b>Daria </b>tastefully pokes fun at all the standard tropes of the High School Movies and TV Shows that were so popular in the last few decades of the twentieth century: Mean Girl Cliques, Dumb Jocks, Flaky Cheerleaders, Nerdy Smart Kids, and don't forget Clueless Parents and Out of Touch Teachers. All of this filtered through the eyes of the show's cheeky, sarcastic heroine. Of course the show has a lot of heart as well, sometimes addressing more serious topics as (freakin') friendships, relationship dynamics, self esteem, and death (<i>but never so seriously things veer into After School Special territory</i>). The show is funny, smart, and, although cliché (purposefully I assure you), holds up today.</div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you're looking for a bit of 1990s nostalgia without committing to a full-length movie, an episode or two of <b>Daria </b>is a good place to start. I bet you'll be hooked and end up binging the whole thing! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">--AJB<br /></span></p>Oxford Public Library Teen Pickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05085193024066301395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4147416652812384658.post-44251575447938995092021-09-02T12:35:00.005-04:002021-09-02T12:36:51.250-04:00Sweet Revenge, by Heather Kim<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I've been feeling a bit angsty this past week or so (<i>No particular reason or person causing this angst, just life in general being dramafied...and I'm totally OK now, though, thankyouverymuch!</i>), so I'm talking a break from Back To School Books to blog about something very near and dear to my heart: Dessert!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Back to School is overrated anyway. It's like New Year's. Once the supplies and new clothes have been shopped for and the excitement of seeing all your friends again has passed, you find yourself sitting in an uncpomfortable desk, under the harsh shine of the florescent lights, listening to some teacher drone on about whatever... and you find yourself wondering what all the hype was for. Because it's not a fresh start. It's just another (school) day.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">But desserts!!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Angsty ones!!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tu4rQq-Xlyk/YTD6QUluiAI/AAAAAAAAEpc/lsKdKaeZ6KkeXyaBrWLGXOELhKj-QVlZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s319/36001408._SX318_.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="255" height="319" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tu4rQq-Xlyk/YTD6QUluiAI/AAAAAAAAEpc/lsKdKaeZ6KkeXyaBrWLGXOELhKj-QVlZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/36001408._SX318_.jpg" width="255" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Without further ado, I give you <b><i>Heather Kim</i>'</b>s culinary masterpiece, <b>Sweet Revenge: Passive-Aggressive Desserts for Your Exes and Enemies. </b></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">So... You know that cheating ex who broke your heart & crushed your soul, friend who turned ghost for no reason, or resident bully who will not leave you alone? Well, doing something just as terrible to them might <i>feel</i> good in the moment, but there's a good chance you'll feel guilty about it later (like any decent person would). Also, you don't want to rack up a negative tab with Karma. But what to do? <b>Kim </b>suggests baking them something tasty.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">But wait, you say. Why would I want to bake that jerk anything? Isn't that, like, doing something <i>nice</i>? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I believe <b>Kim </b>said it best in her book intro: "<i>Get out your heaviest rolling pins, sharpest cleavers, and most blistering torches, and kill your enemies & exes...with kindness."</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Besides, doing something actually <i>nice </i>for those who have scorned you will <i>totally</i> throw them for a loop. It'll make them lie awake wondering about your motives and what that batch of <i>Go Fudge Yourself </i>brownies or <i>I don't Give a Fig</i> cookies could <i>really</i> mean. It's really very diabolical.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And BONUS! channeling all your heartbreak and rage into doing something creative and beautiful is probably the best way for you, personally, to deal and heal. Just ask Taylor Swift. (<i>or Alanis Morissette for you Gen X-ers out there</i>)</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">p.s. This book is great even if you <i>don't</i> have anyone in mind to get revenge upon. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">--AJB</span></p>Oxford Public Library Teen Pickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05085193024066301395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4147416652812384658.post-35052725012272452762021-08-30T17:50:00.006-04:002021-08-30T17:50:57.650-04:00Giant Days, by John Allison<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hands down, my favorite Back To School book isn't even a book...<i>it's an entire series</i>! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9yiQNtsBjZw/YS1ShDWohiI/AAAAAAAAEpU/lSzmMbE0-nEq5AExZAXpYBvsb4QdJxrnQCLcBGAsYHQ/s475/25785993.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9yiQNtsBjZw/YS1ShDWohiI/AAAAAAAAEpU/lSzmMbE0-nEq5AExZAXpYBvsb4QdJxrnQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/25785993.jpg" width="211" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I was introduced to <b>Giant Days</b>, the college-themed graphic novel saga by<i><b> John Allison</b></i>, when it caught my curious eye on the New Book shelf. This way back in 2016, and I've since re-read it twice and am on my third re-read. The plot follows the misadventures of Esther, Susan, and Daisy, three unlikely friends braving the (sometimes calm, but often turbulent) college waters. The quirky, slice-of-life humor and character interactions/relationships is very reminiscent of the TV show, <i>Friends</i>. At least it was to me. Which is what got me hooked.</div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Because this is a series, I couldn't even begin to describe everything that happens...or even one particular plotline. But I will say that </span><b style="font-family: verdana;">Giant Days</b><span style="font-family: verdana;"> is just a lot of fun and a series you really can't go wrong with. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">And (BONUS!) you'll be happy to learn that this series is not only several volumes long, but it's complete. Not a cliffhanger in sight. So, that said, it's safe to binge away!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">--AJB</span></p>Oxford Public Library Teen Pickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05085193024066301395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4147416652812384658.post-58579415966318593692021-08-23T15:55:00.001-04:002021-08-23T15:55:15.700-04:00The Moth Diaries, by Rachel Klein<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nf1Y4t4YQfg/YSP8NkHF-FI/AAAAAAAAEpM/CP7lq0Pl2JoRpyxanzpjY5uss8ZTiABYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s450/760863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="283" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nf1Y4t4YQfg/YSP8NkHF-FI/AAAAAAAAEpM/CP7lq0Pl2JoRpyxanzpjY5uss8ZTiABYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/760863.jpg" width="201" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It's always hard when someone you always thought was your BFF suddenly drops you for a <i>new </i>BFF. But just how far would you be willing to go to win back your friend? And what about the person your friend has replaced you with? Let's consult <i><b>Rachel Klein's</b></i> short, but suspenseful novel <b>The Moth Diaries</b> for the more dysfunctional approach.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Upon returning to her exclusive private school, an unnamed narrator is obviously upset when her longtime BFF, Lucy, is suddenly more interested in hanging out with mysterious new girl, Ernessa. Sure, our girl could have tried to befriend Ernessa as well. She could have suggested the three of them go grab a coffee together or something. But no... Instead she observes, spies, stalks, sneaks, and, like a twisted version of Nancy Drew, records all she sees in her journal (which is what we have here). And she reaches the unlikely conclusion that Ernessa is secretly a vampire who has chosen Lucy as her next victim. And we're not talking the sort of Vamp who is the stuff of a Mid-2000s paranormal romance novel, but the real sort. The scary sort. (so no sparkles here)</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I know, right. It sounded crazy to me too. But as I read the "evidence" in this journal, I became increasingly convinced that maybe, just maybe, the narrator was on to something here. Maybe. I won't say more. I won't spoil. You'll have to read <b>The Moth Diaries</b> for yourself and see what you think: Is Ernessa really a vampire? Or is she just a somewhat strange girl who innocently happened to get between an unstable and unreliable narrator and her Bestie?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I won't tell you what conclusion I arrived at. But I can recommend it as a great read!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">--AJB<br /></span></p>Oxford Public Library Teen Pickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05085193024066301395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4147416652812384658.post-4755357298798357412021-08-20T13:10:00.000-04:002021-08-20T13:10:00.632-04:00Popular: Vintage Wisdom for a Modern Geek, by Maya Van Wagenen<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZVWGhwhHks/YR_aLjbKCbI/AAAAAAAAEpE/60uSOzS53PAbG9nAQSrwZwxfn_s1jT7RwCLcBGAsYHQ/s475/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZVWGhwhHks/YR_aLjbKCbI/AAAAAAAAEpE/60uSOzS53PAbG9nAQSrwZwxfn_s1jT7RwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/blog.jpg" width="214" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Today we travel into the realm of true stories with <b>Popular: Vintage Wisdom for a Modern Geek</b>, by <i><b>Maya Van Wagenen</b></i>. Think a book is just a book and can't change your life? You may have a different opinion after reading this:</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Penned when the author was still in middle school, <b>Popular </b>details how a teen who began at the bottom of the social ladder gained confidence and popularity using a surprising tool: A how-to-be-popular guide from the 1950s.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When Maya ended her seventh grade year, she claimed she was only a little more popular than substitute teachers (so not at all). She wasn't bullied or anything. She just didn't exist. Then her dad discovered <i>Betty Cornell's Teenage Popularity Guide</i> while cleaning, Maya thought, "Why not?". She decided to try an experiment: </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Going through the book chapter by chapter and incorporating tools like can curlers, pearls, proper diet & exercise, and other things suggested by the book, Maya gains confidence and develops a whole new outlook. And, naturally, the way the world responds to her changes as well</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">. Does Maya become Queen Bee of her school? Maybe her transformation was not quite that extreme (</span><i style="font-family: verdana;">because that sort of thing only happens in 80s movies</i><span style="font-family: verdana;">), but it was certainly an improvement. So her experiment was a success. More so than she ever could have imagined. Maya even gets to meet her hero, the author of the book that changed her life for the better. So an extra happy ending!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Popular </b>is a fun read. Maya is very likable and her writing style is so accessible you don't even realize you're reading nonfiction.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">100% recommended!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">--AJB</span></p>Oxford Public Library Teen Pickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05085193024066301395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4147416652812384658.post-23261572613806624412021-08-19T10:52:00.002-04:002021-08-19T10:52:16.900-04:00Withering Tights, by Louise Rennison<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Admittedly, yesterday's featured book, although awesome, was pretty serious and heavy. And there was virtually nothing cute or fun about it aside from an ambiguously hopeful ending.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NQcZ2KKS650/YR5v9NlzqAI/AAAAAAAAEo8/3TBKvgXteJMm8eBxc3FtP7-2ZxkFsHlygCLcBGAsYHQ/s475/7799991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="315" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NQcZ2KKS650/YR5v9NlzqAI/AAAAAAAAEo8/3TBKvgXteJMm8eBxc3FtP7-2ZxkFsHlygCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/7799991.jpg" width="212" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Today, to make up for yesterday's bookish seriousness, I'm going the opposite route with <b>Withering Tights</b>, a comedy of errors by <i><b>Louise Rennison</b></i>. This fabulous book stars Talulluah Casey, a charming and quirky aspiring actress who hopes to get her Big Break while attending the famed arts academy, Dother Hall...or at the very least not break anything. Bones or otherwise. But even more so than fame, Talullah hopes to meet some snogworhy boys (<i>"Snogging" for those not in the know is the same as kissing...so yes, this IS a "Kissing Book"</i>). This book details the misadventures of Talullah and her bonkers friends during their first year at Dother Hall. Oh...and there are squirrels, owls, Irish dancing, and an abundance of British slang to boot. This one had me literally laughing out loud. </span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">To say any more would spoil everything.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This one is 100% recommended!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">-AJB</span></p>Oxford Public Library Teen Pickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05085193024066301395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4147416652812384658.post-18424372087326336332021-08-18T16:13:00.004-04:002021-08-18T16:25:17.171-04:00If I Was Your Girl, by Meredith Russo<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With school starting up next week (<i>already? I know! I can't believe it either</i>), I thought I'd post some reviews of books about people going back to school.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vlSCpzf9L5E/YR1mUO3fImI/AAAAAAAAEo0/C-mL18YwPK8b6zre6cqZK3ZLKH2K6-_RgCLcBGAsYHQ/s475/26156987._SY475_.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vlSCpzf9L5E/YR1mUO3fImI/AAAAAAAAEo0/C-mL18YwPK8b6zre6cqZK3ZLKH2K6-_RgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/26156987._SY475_.jpg" width="214" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i>Meredith Russo's</i></b> amazing book <b>If I Was Your Girl</b> casts the spotlight on a very real issue facing, not just teens, but people of all ages: Identity. </span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After some trouble that left her physically and emotionally scarred, Amanda is getting ready to begin a new school in a new town. No one knows her here. No one knows what happened before. No one knows who Amanda used to be. And although Amanda is still apprehensive about trusting people, she sees this move as the perfect opportunity to leave her past behind and make a fresh start.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">She didn't foresee Grant or that she would fall for him...or he her. For most other girls, the possibility of a new romance with a handsome jock wouldn't be an issue, but for Amanda it comes with a whole lot of potential problems. Because Amanda has a secret that would change everything:</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Amanda used to be Andrew.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is a secret Amanda would do anything to protect, because the bullying backlash of her coming out was so severe she was forced to leave not only her old school, but her old town. For the first time, she's happy in her new life, and she doesn't want history to repeat itself. But the closer she gets to Grant, the harder it is for her to keep her identity (and her past) a secret.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>If I Was Your Girl </b>was astonishingly good! It perfectly (<i>I imagine</i>) paints a stark and real portrait of what it's like to be a Transgender teen in a world that can still be pretty harsh and unaccepting of such a status (<i>although, fortunately, things are much better today than they were when I was a teen in the 90s</i>). Amanda is a character readers will want to root for and see her finally get her Happily Ever After...or at least find a happy place where she can 100% be herself. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for the courage to be themselves, whatever that might mean to you. --AJB </span></p>Oxford Public Library Teen Pickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05085193024066301395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4147416652812384658.post-49711309235425114262021-07-01T12:38:00.006-04:002021-07-01T12:38:58.723-04:00Throwback Thursday: Legend (dvd)<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hBUIA9W9swU/YN3vZ2r3b_I/AAAAAAAAEns/wmxQU_c87fMXZerdfU8HhvdQb9ZjnfXJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s399/918UzMW5NML._SX385_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="385" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hBUIA9W9swU/YN3vZ2r3b_I/AAAAAAAAEns/wmxQU_c87fMXZerdfU8HhvdQb9ZjnfXJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/918UzMW5NML._SX385_.jpg" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When it comes to Old School Fantasy Movies, two films from my childhood stand out as no-fail go-to's. The first is <i>The Princess Bride</i> (I mean, <i>obviously</i>). The second is <b>Legend</b>. And while the former is awesome for more reasons than I can explain (or sum up), the later has its own unique charms. It is also quite a but darker. Darker, even, than The Machine and Pit of Despair combined.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Legend </b>begins with a budding romance between a Princess Lily and Jack, a forest boy. In their naivety, they cause a gaggle of goblins to capture a unicorn, which, in turn, unleashes an eternal winter upon the world. Now Jack must team up with a rag-tag band of faeries and pixies to defeat the Lord of Darkness, free the unicorn, and rescue Princess Lily...who, in typical fairytale fashion, got herself kidnapped in the process. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Naturally, our hero saves the day, wins the heart of the damsel, and vanquishes the bad guy (or does he?).</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This movie is the perfect blend of fantasy with just a touch of creepiness. The costumes are gorgeous and the special effects are pretty fab for a time long before the introduction of CGI. Definitely worth watching! And you're in luck, because OPL just happens to own a copy of </span><b style="font-family: verdana;">Legend</b><span style="font-family: verdana;">!</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><u>Trivia</u></b>: Did you know the director hated the theatrical version of the movie so much he eventually recut it for the DVD release...along with a whole new soundtrack? (<b>BIG</b> <i>mistake here! The original was, and </i>IS<i>, </i>infinitely<i> better!</i>). <u>My advice</u>: Track down the original cut.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><u><b>Trivia 2</b></u>: Did you know that this movie is rumored to have inspired the plot of The Legend of Zelda videogame?</span></p>Oxford Public Library Teen Pickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05085193024066301395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4147416652812384658.post-19052863883863071772021-05-20T12:04:00.005-04:002021-05-20T12:04:40.605-04:00Leonard (My Life as a Cat), by Carlie Sorosiak<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Know this: Animal-narrated books are a weakness of mine. Especially when about cats. And while the star of <i><b>Carlie Sorosiak's</b></i> adorable new middle-grade novel, <b>Leonard (My Life as a Cat)</b>, isn't <i>really </i>of the feline persuasion, the book was still exceptional!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wbu0GHg4w-M/YKaIegHFmMI/AAAAAAAAEmg/HpIYdQBuvf0b7wAVO-71vbdABqUNxq9GACLcBGAsYHQ/s475/54950866._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wbu0GHg4w-M/YKaIegHFmMI/AAAAAAAAEmg/HpIYdQBuvf0b7wAVO-71vbdABqUNxq9GACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/54950866._SY475_.jpg" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When we first meet Leonard, he isn't really Leonard at all, but a member of an extremely advanced and immortal alien race sent to Planet Earth to study life...all in the name of science. But Leonard, it seems, is already kind of unique to his species' hive mind. He has been looking forward to this visit for 300 years and hopes to take on the guise of a Yellowstone Park Ranger. A <i>human</i> park ranger. Preferably one with an impressive moustache. But at the last minute Leonard gets distracted and miscalculates his trajectory. So not only does he wind up 2,000 miles from his intended destination, but he isn't even human. He's a cat! But the catch is this: Leonard has exactly one month to study Earth life before he is picked up. But the rendezvous point is in Yellowstone! And if Leonard isn't there when his hive arrives, he will be trapped on Earth forever. Or at least as long as his mortal cat body lives. </span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">But not all is lost. Shortly after his landing (up a tree during a hurricane), he is rescued and then adopted by Olive, a quirky and lonely tween, and her grandmother. Olive discovers Leonard's secret and agrees to help him get home. But first there is an aquarium to explore, poetry to write, cheese sandwiches to make... and, surprisingly, a family to find. And as Leonard learns more about life on Earth, he learns more about humanity than he ever expected.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Leonard (My Life as a Cat)</b> was adorable! I read the whole thing in an afternoon. The story was fun, full of heart and humor and feels, but it was the characters that really made it stand out. It was exactly the right book I wanted right then, and I'm glad I discovered it. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Definitely</span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> recommended!!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">--AJB</span></p>Oxford Public Library Teen Pickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05085193024066301395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4147416652812384658.post-39663708959114729752021-05-10T15:54:00.002-04:002021-05-10T15:55:38.982-04:00The Magic Fish, by Trung Le Nguyen<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Confession Time: I've been in somewhat of a reading rut since before the pandemic began. Sure, I'll find a book here and a book there I enjoy, but I don't read like I did before. Not even close. So when I discover a book that holds my interest cover to cover... well, that's worth noting! Even better, </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">sometimes you stumble across the perfect book at the perfect time and reading it is exactly what you needed right then and there. This is what happened with </span><i style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Trung Le Nguyen</b></i><span style="font-family: verdana;">'s amazing graphic novel, </span><b style="font-family: verdana;">The Magic Fish</b><span style="font-family: verdana;">. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sgxGeewGDAE/YJmOt__r-xI/AAAAAAAAEmY/bDy-lOpIAMEcVob10ZcCc0kQNu-yVa49wCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/tlccontent.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="139" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sgxGeewGDAE/YJmOt__r-xI/AAAAAAAAEmY/bDy-lOpIAMEcVob10ZcCc0kQNu-yVa49wCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/tlccontent.jpg" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The story centers on Tien, the first in his Vietnamese family to be born in America and grow up speaking mostly English. Tien and his mother read fairy tales each evening so she can practice her English and also so the two can have some parent-child bonding time. But as much as Mom's language skills improve, Tien still doesn't know how to tell his her his big secret. He's not sure there's even a translatable word for it. But then Tien's greatest fear comes true: His secret is discovered by his strict teacher, who threatens to out him to his parents before he's ready. But maybe fairy tales can help bridge the gap when language cannot.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I loved pretty much everything about <b>The Magic Fish</b>! Nguyen did a fantastic job blending in the fairy tales and making them somewhat mirror what was happening in the main storyline (<i>for example, the twist on the last story's ending</i>). Tien's friends and family were awesome and I loved how accepting they were of him. Overall, a happily ever after (or at least happily) story I enjoyed reading. This book put me in a good mood and I would like to check out more by this author.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">--AJB</span></p>Oxford Public Library Teen Pickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05085193024066301395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4147416652812384658.post-14816827277294452102021-05-06T12:01:00.003-04:002021-05-06T12:05:48.174-04:00Throwback Thursday: The Karate Kid<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For today's Throwback Thursday, we're firing up the Flux Capacitor and revisiting the mid-80s, when you couldn't turn on the radio without hearing Madonna or Michael Jackson, when neon and BIG hair were the height of fashion, and when you could not go a day without hearing the phrase, "Wax-On/Wax-Off".</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And speaking of Wax-On, Wax-Off...</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qB3JFwVQRAM/YJQRlmlOhxI/AAAAAAAAEmQ/rBr9S29gGwgNMpKn2EuWi_-DRlSvWG-xwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/tlccontent.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="139" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qB3JFwVQRAM/YJQRlmlOhxI/AAAAAAAAEmQ/rBr9S29gGwgNMpKn2EuWi_-DRlSvWG-xwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/tlccontent.jpg" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Yep, I'm talking about <b>The Karate Kid</b>. Not the failed remake attempt, but the original. The one with Danielsan and Johnny and Ali-with-an-I, and, of course, the Great Mr. Miyagi. After binging all three seasons of <i>Cobra Kai</i> (twice!), I was inspired to revisit the movie (and its sequels) that was probably a bigger part of my childhood than <i>Star Wars</i> and <i>The Goonies </i>combined. </span>And I've gotta say, having watched (and loved) <i>Cobra Kai</i>, I enjoyed the source material even more!</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The story, of course, begins when Daniel, a scrawny teen with more pent-up angst than is probably considered healthy, moves across the country so his mom can start a new job. Daniel pretty much instantly angers Johnny, the ringleader of a karate-obsessed gang of bullies, when he moves in on Johnny's girlfriend, Ali. The two rivals go back and fourth, each trying to one-up the other, until the rivalry comes to a head the night of the Halloween dance. Fortunately for Daniel, a mysterious fighter comes to his rescue...and is later revealed to be Mr. Miyagi, the elderly handyman for his apartment complex. Following a confrontation at Cobra Kai, the karate dojo where Johnny and Co train under the diabolical Sensei Kreese, an arrangement is made: If Daniel somehow beats Cobra Kai's students in the upcoming tournament, he will be left in peace. If not... Well, it's Open Season on both him and Miyagi.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Karate Kid II</b> picks up after the tournament and follows Daniel and Mr. Miyagi to Okinawa, where Miyagi pays respects to his dying father and must settle a decades-old score with an old friend-turned-enemy. Daniel's attitude gets him in trouble when he "dishonors" the nephew of Miyagi's nemesis. Of course, these fights are not refereed. And in these situations, it's life or death.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Karate Kid III</b> brings back Kreese. After the tournament, he lost everything...and is now single-mindedly bent on getting revenge on Daniel and Miyagi, who he believes are responsible for ruining his life. This film introduces two new (and scary) villains, both of whom make Kreese seem not so bad (and that's saying something!). And now Daniel is forced back into the ring where he must defend his title, or else...</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">You can find all three <b>Karate Kid</b> movies in our DVD area. All are fun to watch and all contain characters and references that appear in the current Netflix series inspired by the films (Go on an Easter Egg hunt! It's fun!). </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">--AJB<br /></span></p>Oxford Public Library Teen Pickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05085193024066301395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4147416652812384658.post-35014091922680524222021-05-03T15:48:00.002-04:002021-05-03T15:48:42.043-04:00The Strange Fascinations of Noah Hypnotik, by David Arnold<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Do you ever take stock of your life and wish it were... I don't know, <i>different </i>somehow? You can't pinpoint exactly how you want it to be different (if you could, you'd work on making it so). You just know that if you remain on your current trajectory, you're in for a dull ride. Or so you believe.<b><i> David Arnold'</i>s</b> novel <b>The Strange Fascinations of Noah Hypnotik</b> explores this...and how far one would go to change that.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C3N6nLURm1o/YJBTWJBcrjI/AAAAAAAAEmI/0GuKe5UmDGg51PClsbPtl-_OvQEVtjZ4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/tlccontent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="132" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C3N6nLURm1o/YJBTWJBcrjI/AAAAAAAAEmI/0GuKe5UmDGg51PClsbPtl-_OvQEVtjZ4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/tlccontent.jpg" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">High school junior Noah Oakman's boredom with life has reached a critical stage. From this point, he believes he can see exactly where his life is headed and, although the direction isn't terrible, Noah hates it. </span>The only things he takes pleasure in is watching The Fading Girl on YouTube, daily sightings of the mysterious Old Man Goiter, and re-reading (and over-analyzing) an obscure book by a long-dead author. But everything changes when, after several too many wine coolers, he confesses all this to a classmate at a party. The classmate then hypnotizes Noah, promising he will feel differently when he wakes up.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And Noah DOES feel different. In fact EVERYTHING about Noah's world is different. Well... Almost everything. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Noah's life has become a twisted mystery, but now all he wants is for things to go back to normal. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">And maybe the key to finding a way out of this new world is not looking at what's different, but what has stayed the same.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Strange Fascinations </b>is one of the best books I've read so far in 2021. It's of those books that makes you think. One of those books where you start out with all these random pieces that slowly come together, but you're not exactly sure of the direction until the Big Reveal knocks you over the head. And I do mean all that in the best possible way.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">To say any more would give too much away. You'll just have to check it out for yourself.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">--AJB</span></p>Oxford Public Library Teen Pickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05085193024066301395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4147416652812384658.post-69834921447307343622021-04-30T12:00:00.007-04:002021-04-30T12:01:41.127-04:00My Last Summer With Cass, by Mark Crilley<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">One of my favorite graphic novels of all time is <i>This One Summer</i> (Mariko Tamaki). So when <b>My Last Summer With Cass, <i>by Mark Crilley</i></b>, popped up on my radar as a read-alike, of course I had to check it out! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-q52x8Pfmw/YIwpkW6Dd6I/AAAAAAAAEl4/h-gvRVtJatIatkT2M8IhEpSJ8DG9ELOmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/55102443.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="267" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l-q52x8Pfmw/YIwpkW6Dd6I/AAAAAAAAEl4/h-gvRVtJatIatkT2M8IhEpSJ8DG9ELOmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/55102443.jpg" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It's true that Last Summer deals with many of the same themes (friendship, growing up), it stands on its own as well. </span>And although I didn't like it as much as One Summer, it was still a fantastic read, and I definitely recommend it. </span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Shy, sheltered Megan and bold, outgoing Cass have been best friends since childhood. The girls spend each summer together and share everything, including a love of art. But then Cass's parents divorce and she and her mom move to New York City, putting an end to the traditional summer get-togethers. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">The next time Megan sees her, Cass is a different person...and she wants Megan to be different too. So she attempts to push Megan to do something she's not comfortable doing, and Megan pushes back... with disastrous consequences</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> that nearly end the girls' friendship. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>My Last Summer With Cass </b>can currently be found on our New Bookshelf. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">--AJB</span></p>Oxford Public Library Teen Pickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05085193024066301395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4147416652812384658.post-14463500020495606342021-04-23T10:37:00.009-04:002021-04-23T10:39:49.382-04:00The Thieving Collectors of Fine Children's Books, by Adam Perry<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; font-family: verdana;"><span face=""Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;">Imagine, if you will, if The Neverending Story </span><span face=""Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;">were penned by Lemony Snicket. This is the often dark and exceptionally cheeky vibe of <i><b>Adam Perry'</b></i>s wonderfully creative novel, </span><b style="color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;">The Thieving Collectors of Fine Children's Books,</b><span face=""Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;"> which details what it </span><i style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;">really</i><span face=""Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;"> means to Get Lost In A Book.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ft9yC8Mr1uA/YILaBFZw0HI/AAAAAAAAElw/RwcWvmPuQnw1wBMof9E4F3FVkGaZjVPmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s900/54303522.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ft9yC8Mr1uA/YILaBFZw0HI/AAAAAAAAElw/RwcWvmPuQnw1wBMof9E4F3FVkGaZjVPmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/54303522.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #1e1915; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px;"><div style="background-color: #ffe599; text-align: justify;"><span>Oliver lives in a world w</span><span>here everyone is plugged into their virtual reality devices at all times. But Oliver prefers small, rectangular objects called books, which require a little effort on his part and make no beep-beep-beeps (</span><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Forgive me, but I've been waiting ages to use that quote! And finally, opportunity arose so I went with it</i><span>). Besides, Oliver, who lives with his out-of-work single father (his mom is dead), is dirt poor and he couldn't afford a device even if he wanted one. Which he doesn't. Let me make that clear. Kiddo has no interest in the latest technology. Which means he alone hasn't been turned into a zombie by far too much screen time.</span></div></span><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: #1e1915; font-family: verdana; font-size: 16px;">So let's recap: Poor hero with a dead parent who loves books and is considered a misfit and a weirdo even by the town librarian... Sounds like the setup for a Disney film. And it could be too, if not for all the... Nevermind. I really shouldn't give <i>too </i>much away. Spoiling everything about an awesome book isn't cool.</span></p><span face=""Proxima Nova", Montserrat, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #1e1915; font-size: 16px;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; font-family: verdana;"><span>Anyway, Oliver doesn't care w</span><span>hat people think of him. He's happy to live in his world of stories, reading and re-reading. And stealing his favorites, of course. Wait... I didn't mention that earlier? Sorry. But I'll say it now, because it's worth knowing: Oliver is a total kleptomaniac. But only when it coms to books he likes. And only if he truly believes no one will miss the stolen books.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; font-family: verdana;">And no one HAS missed them... YET!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; font-family: verdana;">Oliver's luck runs out when he is kidnapped by some truly diabolical people who wish to steal the only existing copy of Oliver's favorite book <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">right out of Oliver's head</i>! And you can be sure these villains have some truly awful ulterior motives for wanting this story. So now Oliver must experience the story and all its terrible dangers in virtual reality format. If he makes it to the end alive, he will be (mostly) free to go. If not... well, it's probably best we don't go there.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; font-family: verdana;"><b>The Thieving Collectors of Fine Children's Books</b> is a truly epic story with lots of twists and turns. It's got action, adventure, humor, great characters, and exceptional world-building. Basically everything you want out of a book that's <i>not </i>a "kissing book". It was a lot of fun to read and I highly recommend it.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; font-family: verdana;">--AJB</span><br /></div></span>Oxford Public Library Teen Pickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05085193024066301395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4147416652812384658.post-70460967333058368382021-04-21T13:40:00.005-04:002021-04-21T13:40:38.997-04:00A Perfect Planet (dvd)<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I've been a fan of the <i>Planet Earth</i> and <i>Blue Planet</i> series (BBC) for years. These shows are fantastic and like nothing I'd seen previous. Plus, the narrator has a very soothing vibe. I've re-watched these episodes often and they are one of my go-tos when I want to unwind from the day or just need something playing in the background that doesn't demand my full attention.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--FnQ3KkHzG0/YIBg1wopfsI/AAAAAAAAElo/CKrNemT6yaUQTZE6X9mFzurOQs5-RxUkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/tlccontent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="141" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--FnQ3KkHzG0/YIBg1wopfsI/AAAAAAAAElo/CKrNemT6yaUQTZE6X9mFzurOQs5-RxUkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/tlccontent.jpg" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Which is why I was so excited about<b> A Perfect Planet</b>, the latest nature venture by BBC. </span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Although the videography is just as gorgeous as that in Planet Earth and Blue Planet, I have to say I was somewhat disappointed in <b>A Perfect Planet.</b> As a whole, it's a much shorter series that its companions. Five brief episodes that don't do much more than reha</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">sh what's covered in other series. So really not a lot of new stuff new to see for this veteran of BBC Nature Shows. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Which was a bummer.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>A Perfect Planet</b> is still a fantastic series, though. And something I recommend if you haven't yet seen the other series and want to start off with something more basic. But if you really want the best of what BBC has to offer, check out <i>Planet Earth</i> instead. You won't be disappointed.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">--AJB </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Oxford Public Library Teen Pickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05085193024066301395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4147416652812384658.post-16340353173035560402021-04-16T11:42:00.001-04:002021-04-16T11:42:14.917-04:00Fangs, by Sarah Anderson<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A Vampire and a Werewolf walk into a club... and fall in love.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jq6dHmpuyEk/YHmu5lmfVqI/AAAAAAAAElY/cy8LI8k55kUYnRwgrBJrWOckO-vAYql6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2043/54911057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2043" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jq6dHmpuyEk/YHmu5lmfVqI/AAAAAAAAElY/cy8LI8k55kUYnRwgrBJrWOckO-vAYql6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/54911057.jpg" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">No, it's not the setup for a joke nor is it the plot of the latest Twilight-inspired fan fiction. It's the plot of <i><b>Sarah Anderson's</b></i> newest graphic novel, <b>Fangs</b>.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Elise is a 300-year-old vampire in the body of a 26-year-old Goth Girl. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Jimmy is a young man who shapeshifts into a white wolf every Full Moon.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Based on other paranormal romance novels I've read, one wouldn't think this matchup should work out. At all. But somehow, despite their many differences (sleeping schedules, food preferences, spiritual beliefs, and otherwise), Elise and Jimmy are perfect for each other. </span><b style="font-family: verdana;">Fangs </b><span style="font-family: verdana;">is a peek into their life together, which, taking away all the paranormal stuff, really isn't much different than that of a normal couple.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Typically, I'd scoff at a paranormal romance. I mean, it's soooo 2009, right? But <b>Fangs </b>put a cheeky spin on the genre. It pokes fun at all the vampire and werewolf clichés and weaves them into an opposites-attract romantic comedy that totally appeals to the dark side of my humor. And that I can truly appreciate!</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Fangs </b>can currently be found on the New shelf. IF it's not checked out, that is. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">--AJB</span></p>Oxford Public Library Teen Pickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05085193024066301395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4147416652812384658.post-68268229275688554412021-04-08T11:53:00.002-04:002021-04-08T12:00:41.830-04:00(Not Quite) Throwback Thursday<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Growing up in the 80s & 90s, <b>The Karate Kid</b> saga was one of my jams, second only to <i>The Goonies</i>, which is still one of my Top Favorites of All Time. "Wax On, Wax Off" was part of my vocabulary. And I have a distinct memory of practicing the Crane Kick with my cousins in their basement after one of many repeat viewings of the movie (<i><u>Side Note</u>: We did not kick at each other, only attempted the iconic technique itself. However, we still wound up bruised and battered, as we landed on our behinds more than we did our feet</i>). And, as destiny would have it, my husband is a fan of the films too.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KUUhLqAB_zc/YG8mxNj3MTI/AAAAAAAAElQ/ZRSscMFLt3U8iHywWqEwgEGj9cIt8tApgCLcBGAsYHQ/s445/81SFEG0hkDL._SY445_.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="328" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KUUhLqAB_zc/YG8mxNj3MTI/AAAAAAAAElQ/ZRSscMFLt3U8iHywWqEwgEGj9cIt8tApgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/81SFEG0hkDL._SY445_.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Which is why we've recently been enjoying watching <b>Cobra Kai</b>, a long-awaited continuation of the saga. A saga which never seemed finished in my eyes. At its simplest, the show tells what happens years after the credits rolled on <i>Karate Kid 3 </i>and gives more depth to both Johnny's and Daniel's characters (and also their continuing rivalry). But really, it's so much more. There's drama, there's romance, there's humor, there's Good Guys to root for and Villains to hate, and, of course, there are truly EPIC karate duels. All the while, the show attempts to stay true to the tone of the films. Plus, each episode is absolutely filled with Easter Eggs! Fans of the movies will have fun trying to spot them all.</div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">True, I was somewhat concerned <b>Cobra Kai</b> would fall prey to the same Epilogue Curse that plagued both Harry Potter and The Hunger Games, thus diminishing my enjoyment of the original movies. I shouldn't have worried. <b>Cobra Kai</b> is Bad A--!! And I'm 100% happy I gave it a go. The only downside is the torture of waiting to watch the next season.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(<i><u>Side Note</u>: For more fun, check out the 2007 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olQ3vaiv47I" target="_blank"><b>song </b></a>and video that inspired the show</i>)</span></p>Oxford Public Library Teen Pickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05085193024066301395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4147416652812384658.post-53756710547850703892021-03-31T15:42:00.003-04:002021-03-31T16:01:23.239-04:00Wayback Wednesday: The Lost Boys (dvd)<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Welcome to Wayback Wednesday! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H1bUS7W3LwI/YGTP-6uPtVI/AAAAAAAAEk8/nM9PpPa-S4YtdH0KI5QD3t902RFLoMZQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s417/91VKH7WKCDL._SX342_.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="342" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H1bUS7W3LwI/YGTP-6uPtVI/AAAAAAAAEk8/nM9PpPa-S4YtdH0KI5QD3t902RFLoMZQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/91VKH7WKCDL._SX342_.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With the recent release of Midnight Sun, Edward's spin on the Twilight dramaverse, vampires are, apparently, a Thing once again. And while the vampires of <b>The Lost Boys</b></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> (dvd-1987) don't sparkle in the sunshine as do Meyer's vamps, there is still plenty of fun to be had. </span></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It all starts when Michael and his younger brother, Sam, move to a small California town. Little do they</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> realize, Luna Bay is home to a dark secret. While checking out the local nightlife, Michael falls in insta-love with the </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">mysterious Star...who he follows back to an abandoned hotel. Here he meets David and a gang of local motorcycle</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">-riding teens. David takes a liking to Michael and invites him to sit down and have a drink. Little does Michael know that David and Co. are vampires and the 'wine' he just sipped is actually vamperic blood. With this, Michael has taken his first step to transforming into a vampire, which he will do upon making his first kill. Meanwhile, Sam befriends a couple vampire conspiracy theorists at the local comic shop and, the more he hangs out with his new crew, the more convinced he is something sinister is going on with his older brother. In their research, the boys learn that the only way to save Michael is to kill the head vampire before Michael makes his first kill. But the clock is ticking. And the head vampire may not be who they think he (or she?) is.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Released more than 30 years ago, <b>The Lost Boys</b> has become a cult classic. The nonstop action, romance, and 80s Glam Rock vibe make this a fun film to watch. And, if you liked it (like I did), you'll be pleased to know there are two sequels. Although, as is typically the case, the sequels aren't as good as the original. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">--AJB</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Oxford Public Library Teen Pickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05085193024066301395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4147416652812384658.post-33709642826936720892021-03-29T14:22:00.005-04:002021-03-29T14:22:52.088-04:00<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Easter Egg Decorating Kits</span></h2><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">March 29 - April 3</span></h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LvEQwHu8kh0/YGIamk8z4DI/AAAAAAAAEk0/ag3Hcm9qn7sa5hZfxbWuqz407tEFgByKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/ec2a4e56-6b33-47d4-8245-35d66e5328ec_1.dff818e0938402a6910dc4e8973c4e93.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LvEQwHu8kh0/YGIamk8z4DI/AAAAAAAAEk0/ag3Hcm9qn7sa5hZfxbWuqz407tEFgByKQCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h200/ec2a4e56-6b33-47d4-8245-35d66e5328ec_1.dff818e0938402a6910dc4e8973c4e93.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div>Stop by the Teen Department all this week and pick up an Egg Decorating Kit. There are Unicorn and Superhero kits available. </div><div><br /></div><div>Supplies are limited. </div></span></span></div>Oxford Public Library Teen Pickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05085193024066301395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4147416652812384658.post-80145137277614079152021-03-22T15:50:00.003-04:002021-03-22T15:50:25.342-04:00<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bouncy Ball Craft</span></h2><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Saturday March 27, 2021</span></h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8piLu5aR020/YFj0mNhx-PI/AAAAAAAAEks/cljn5vVELJkmhoFHF1I1auC6opA0BJEpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/bouncy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8piLu5aR020/YFj0mNhx-PI/AAAAAAAAEks/cljn5vVELJkmhoFHF1I1auC6opA0BJEpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/bouncy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Stop by the Teen Department this Saturday (<i>March 27</i>) and pick up a Bouncy Ball Kit. <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><u>Note</u></b>: This is a VERY cool project and supplies are limited, so we recommend you get here early for your best chance at snagging one of these kits.</span></div>Oxford Public Library Teen Pickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05085193024066301395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4147416652812384658.post-12416820479400156252021-03-05T11:18:00.007-05:002021-03-05T11:26:41.565-05:00Tailchaser's Song, by Tad Williams<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Today's blog is a bit of a throwback, despite it being Friday and not Thursday, the day typically reserved for such things. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pVqADTntnHs/YEJZt611RFI/AAAAAAAAEkU/KBTXAjMc9wATKJWAnoDRNAvQVkCWVSZBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s475/23340.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="286" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pVqADTntnHs/YEJZt611RFI/AAAAAAAAEkU/KBTXAjMc9wATKJWAnoDRNAvQVkCWVSZBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/23340.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I found <i><b>Tad Williams'</b></i> amazing adventure story, <b>Tailchaser's Song</b>, deep down a Literary Rabbit Hole. I'd heard of the book, of course. I've often glanced curiously it while weeding or shelf-straightening. And once, many years ago, it was recommended to me as a read-alike for <i>Warriors</i>, a series I used to enjoy reading. But as with many recommendations, I thanked the person, but ignored it. I'm that way when it comes to reading: If I am to enjoy a book, I have to come to it in my own time.</div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Such was the case with <b>Tailchaser's Song</b>. I devoured it as happily and as shamelessly as Growler (dog) faced with a Prime Rib dinner. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Fritti Tailchaser is a young ginger tom who makes his home at the edge of the Old Woods forest, near a human settlement. Tailchaser is smitten with Hushpad, a indoor-outdoor cat who lives in a M'an home nearby. Tailchaser hopes to make Hushpad his mate someday soon, but then she vanishes without a trace. This is not the first disappearance as of late, something Tailchaser learns at a meeting of local cats. Fearing the worst, he vows to go on a quest to find his missing friend and rescue her from whatever peril stole her away. Tailchaser sets off, accompanied by Pouncequick, a kitten who hero-worships him. They travel to the Court of Cats to get more information on the disappearances and are soon joined in their quest by Eatbugs, a mysterious and loony old feral, and Roofshadow, a female about the same age as Tailchaser. The foursome soon learns of the terrible evil that threatens not only cats, but all creatures. And Tailchaser, with his foretold destiny, is the only one who can save the day. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Tailchaser's Song</b> did, indeed, remind me a bit of early <i>Warriors</i>. Its characters were of the feline variety, it was loaded with mythology, and its plot hinged on the successful quest of a Chosen One. However, that's where the similarities end. Tailchaser's Song was much more detailed and much more well-written than I remember the Warriors books being. Although I hate to put labels on beloved books, fearing it will limit the expectations of others, I would say Tailchaser's Song is a mashup of <i>Warriors </i>and Alison Croggon's <i>Books of Pellinor</i> series. But more too.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Although I absolutely consider myself a Cat Person, </span><b style="font-family: verdana;">Tailchaser's Song</b><span style="font-family: verdana;"> was not my usual fare. So I was pleasantly</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> surprised at how much I enjoyed the story and how attached I became to its characters. In short: I loved this book. And I know I now have a new story to add to my All Time Favorites list. If you are a fan of fantasy and cats and just a great story, consider giving Tailchaser's Song a read. If not right now, than I hope you discover it in your own time (like I did). </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">--AJB<br /></span><br /></p>Oxford Public Library Teen Pickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05085193024066301395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4147416652812384658.post-88557379792953063352021-02-24T16:39:00.004-05:002021-02-24T16:40:19.620-05:00Wisdom's Kiss, by Catherine Gilbert Murdock<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sometimes the people we least expect to become friendly with end up becoming some of our best friends (or at least no longer rivals). And sometimes the people we are sure will be more than just friends never take us out of the Friend Zone.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g7wm-ns8MHI/YDbHULO06TI/AAAAAAAAEkE/lknxZJpo6gkeU9l9SXpluPetzTvUDaI8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s475/10043376._SY475_.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g7wm-ns8MHI/YDbHULO06TI/AAAAAAAAEkE/lknxZJpo6gkeU9l9SXpluPetzTvUDaI8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/10043376._SY475_.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">This is the premise for <i><b>Catherine Gilbert Murdock</b></i>'s fun fairy tale adventure, <b>Wisdom's Kiss</b>, an under-the-radar (but WAY awesome) book from 2011. The story, which gives off all kinds of <i>Princess Bride Vibes</i> centers around Trudy (a lady-in-waiting with a special gift of prophecy), Wisdom (a rebellious princess), and Thomas (a member of the Emperor's staff). These three unlikely companions must work together and learn to trust each other if they are to foil an evil duchess's diabolical plot to overthrow the kingdom and crown herself Queen. </div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The plot of <b>Wisdom's Kiss</b> is adorable, action-packed, and happily-ended (it IS a fairy tale, after all)...but the Happily Ever After isn't the traditional sort you might expect. I loved all three main characters and the relationships that developed between them, but the side characters shone as well. Felis was a particular favorite of mine and Escoffier stole the show without a word of dialogue. Also fun is discovering all the little Easter Eggs from well-known fairy tales scattered throughout. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">What really sets this book apart, however is the unique format. Rather than a straightforward narrative, the story is pieced together through letters, transcripts, diary entries, and the script of a theatrical</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> performance. Sounds weird, I know, but once you read this book you won't be able to imagine it any other way.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you are a fan of Princess Bride, Ella Enchanted, and Princess Diaries, you will love <b>Wisdom's Kiss</b>! And for a special treat, check out the audio, which is absolutely fabulous!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">--AJB<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">p.s. <u>Spoiler</u>: If you've read Murdock's <i>Princess Ben</i>, you're in for a treat with <b>Wisdom's Kiss</b>! I won't say why, though.</span></p>Oxford Public Library Teen Pickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05085193024066301395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4147416652812384658.post-31540239959922896502021-02-22T20:24:00.004-05:002021-02-22T20:28:39.804-05:00Going Bovine, by Libba Bray<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I've been saving <b>Going Bovine</b>, an award-winning novel by <i><b>Libba Bray</b></i>, because it's one of my favorite books to date. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HRuHsQJ-afQ/YDRX5XW8aXI/AAAAAAAAEj8/1Dxqh_eepgk-4v8alkdQsHxnPLW9n-RCACLcBGAsYHQ/s450/6512140.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="298" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HRuHsQJ-afQ/YDRX5XW8aXI/AAAAAAAAEj8/1Dxqh_eepgk-4v8alkdQsHxnPLW9n-RCACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/6512140.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">C<span style="font-family: verdana;">ameron is a first-rate slacker and a nobody at his high school, unlike his over-achiever perfectionist of a twin sister, who is Miss Popularity and has the admiration of their parents and their teachers. Cameron could care less, content to slide through life without making so much of a ripple.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Things change, though.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Out of the blue, Cameron is diagnosed with Mad Cow Disease, which, last time he checked, is 100% fatal. The disease is quick-acting and has no known cure. Now Cameron has all sorts of regrets for a life <i>not</i> lived...and all sorts of resentment toward his healthier peers. Too bad there are no second chances.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Or are there?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Enter Dulcie, a punk-rock angel Cameron isn't positive isn't a figment of his rapidly-deteriorating mind (he <i>is </i>after all, the only one who can see her). Dulcie taps Cameron for a mission to save the world and life as we know it. He is joined in his quest by gaming-obsessed dwarf, Gonzo, and Balder, who claims to be a cursed Norse God trapped who is forced to travel the mortal realm in the guise of a yard gnome until he can find a way back home. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">The three friends road trip from Texas to Florida, dodging evil Agents, Happiness Cultists, mad scientists, Spring Breakers, snowglobes, and an enemy so terrible one cannot look him in the face without meeting their doom.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And the reward if Cameron succeeds in his quest? He will get to live after all.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">What could possibly go wrong?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I first read <b>Going Bovine </b>years ago, after hearing some minor buzz about it winning a Printz award. Typically, I tend to end up disliking over-hyped books (or at the very least being disappointed by them), but this is the one rare exception. I loved it! Still love it. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">The premise is so unique, the characters (and character arcs) are well-developed, and the whole package is a mixture of all kinds of feels...from laugh out loud humor to gut-punch "did that just happen?" situations. It's a road trip book, a friendship book, a book that stays with you long after you finish it. This book is perfection. Or as close to it as can be found.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you plan to read <b>Going Bovine</b> (and I <i>highly</i> recommend you do), here's a tip: Pay attention to small details early on, as they may be important later. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">--AJB</span></p>Oxford Public Library Teen Pickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05085193024066301395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4147416652812384658.post-66646954288587768542021-02-18T10:40:00.003-05:002021-02-18T10:42:28.631-05:00Lumberjanes (Graphic Novel Series)<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I can't blog about Friendship Books and NOT mention <b>Lumberjanes, </b>a fabulous graphic novel series about five friends who meet at Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady Types (<i>yes, I'm serious, that's the actual name of the camp</i>) and solve mysteries involving mythical and magical creatures.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QgiMnDmzF0Y/YC6Jao3ECuI/AAAAAAAAEjo/SBr7CC91ZvInNzAcrpMXbRia4led2q9nwCLcBGAsYHQ/s475/22554204._SY475_.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="309" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QgiMnDmzF0Y/YC6Jao3ECuI/AAAAAAAAEjo/SBr7CC91ZvInNzAcrpMXbRia4led2q9nwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/22554204._SY475_.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">April, Jo, Mal, Molly, and Ripley are residents of the Roanoke Cabin. Much to the horror of their straight-laced counselor, Jenn, the girls just can't seem to stay out of trouble. Whether it's battling dragons or dimension-hopping dinos, resolving feudes between Yetis and Sasquatchs, or saving the camp (and the world) from vendetta-driven Goddesses, these girls are on the case. Sometimes Barney, an honorary Lumberjane, helps out. But they always succeed and save the day. You know why? Because they've got Friendship...<i>to the MAX!</i> </div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Lumberjanes</b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>is a series I've been following for years, and it's absolutely adorable. Some issues are better than others, as is always the case with lengthy series (<i>I mean, they can't </i>ALL<i> be gems, right?</i>), but for the most part the series is right up there on my "favorites" list. And I always jump at the chance when a new issue hits the shelves. I love the Friendship Saves The Day theme and how there's always, always a happy ending.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lzqxzqh4vCM/YC6KIBcO8cI/AAAAAAAAEjw/rqT8ffGRwZ4oXDg3Sqnu-_cdZqkqTSkrwCLcBGAsYHQ/s750/51317103.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="497" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lzqxzqh4vCM/YC6KIBcO8cI/AAAAAAAAEjw/rqT8ffGRwZ4oXDg3Sqnu-_cdZqkqTSkrwCLcBGAsYHQ/w133-h200/51317103.jpg" width="133" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">To date, there are 17 Official Issues of Lumberjanes as well as a bunch of Special Editions, Spinnoffs, and Mashups. And two more are planned for later this year. So if you love it, there's plenty to keep you busy.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And if you love <b>Lumberjanes</b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>and want something similar while you wait for the next one, I suggest <b>Camp Spirit</b> by <b style="font-style: italic;">Axelle Lenoir. </b>This book is also set at a summer camp where strange and potentially evil things seem to be afoot, and it's up to new camper Elodie to figure things out before some really bad things start to happen.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">--AJB<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Oxford Public Library Teen Pickshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05085193024066301395noreply@blogger.com0