"Losing It" Edited by Keith Gray

More often then not, I am not really a fan of compilations of short stories. I much prefer when a novel is devoted to a story, not just a few pages. Generally, I feel that I just don't get to spend enough time with the characters to get attached to their story. However, I sometimes comes across short stories that do captivate and keep my interest, without finding annoyance that I didn't get enough story. Losing It is one of those books that is a success.

Losing It tells several stories of "the first time." Each author approaches the topic in a different way, but all do so with integrity and without being crass. Obviously, this book is not intended for young readers, but teens and even adults can get a lot out of this book. It offers insight, perspective, and reinforces that everyone's first time is different and has it's own unique meaning for them and their situation. I must say, I highly recommend picking up this book and giving it a read.

Happy Reading!
-Melly

" The Truth About Alice" by Jennifer Mathieu

Everyone knows The Truth about Alice. Everyone knows that she she slept with two boys in one night and is responsible for the death of one of those boys. Everyone knows that she is a complete slut. She the person everyone at Healy High is talking about. But as this book goes along, we see that what everyone "knows" isn't necessarily the truth and that spreading rumors about someone else can keep others from finding out your secrets.

I thought this book was phenomenal. I touched on topics that really happen at high schools everywhere, from sexting to sex, and rumors to uncommon friendships. Each chapter is told from the point of view of a different character. We find out how each is connected to Alice and how her actions (either real or fictional) have had an impact on their lives. Mathieu really gets what it is like to be a teenager and why it's sometimes easier to tell a lie than it is to tell the truth. She also perfectly captures how easy it is for a rumor to spread and how it can grow and grow until the stories become unstoppable.

At times this book is raw and gritty. Though it's not overly graphic, Mathieu doesn't hold back either. While reading this, I couldn't help but feel for Alice and the other characters as well. Some of their experiences were overwhelming, but in the case of this novel, it worked. I see this book appealing to those that enjoy reading Ellen Hopkins' books (though this one isn't in verse), and another books that touch upon real, but sometimes difficult to talk about, subject. I highly recommend this book and truly think just about every teen that reads this book will find something they can connect to.

Happy Reading!
-Melly

"Triangles" By Ellen Hopkins

*Note, I will be attempting my first NaNoWriMo this month.  I may not be posting much during November.  I will do my best to keep up though!

Ellen Hopkins has written yet another wonderful book!  As usual, I danced around happily when I got a copy and had a very difficult time putting it down.  It was interesting to read a book by Hopkins that was not narrated by teenagers.  As you may know, Triangles is the story of three middle-aged women, each one entering a very trying time in her life.  All are struggling with their current relationship (or lack thereof) as well as the ups and down of motherhood.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  I am interested to know what other readers thought.  Did you pick up Triangles because you too are an Ellen Hopkins fan?  Or is this your first by her?  What led you to read it and what did you think?

I have come across most of my favorite authors once they have published multiple titles and don't really get to see how their writing progresses.  It has been fascinating to read each of Hopkins' novels and see how her writing evolves and how her characters just keep becoming stronger and more impactful.  Now I begin the painfully slow process of waiting for the next book by Hopkins (sequel to Triangles in 2012!).

Triangles marks the end of books I am anxiously waiting for this year (there are still books I want to read, but none that I am obsessing over).  Hopefully this means I can start to make a dent in the pile of other books I want to read!

Check out Ellen on LiveJournal, Twitter, and Facebook!

Happy Reading (and Happy Halloween)!
-Melly