Columbine & Hate List

Geez, where to begin?
Anyone who saw the news reports from Columbine certainly stopped to ask themselves "How could this have happened?" Numerous reports, several books, countless interviews and speeches... we still have only a portion of the truth. Each perspective (students, teachers, parents, police, etc.)provides only a possible clue. Even after dissecting each of the killers diaries, we cannot claim to fully understand each motive. Cullen's focus in Columbine is to dispel many of the myths surrounding the massacre including the bumbling investigation following the event. I must admit that I believed that bullying, polarizing cliques, and a lack of parental involvement were always at the top of my list of explanations- but Cullen provides substantial evidence to suggest that these factors did not provide the flame for the fire. Columbine, the Titan Library Book Club non-fiction pick, is a bold-faced look at one of the worst tragedies in the U.S. and may not be one that everyone will agree with. My suggestion, read the entire book AND read other research about the event as well. Be sure to read authors notes and follow up on your own questions that the information will surely foster.

Now, for a review on Hate List. I feel a bit conflicted about combining the review for this one with the previous book based on the fact that although bullying was evident, in Columbine the bullying was not one-sided. In Hate List, we have a story that looks primarily at the after math of a school shooting based solely upon one group of students being bullied. Where a possible victim must grapple with the outcome of her boyfriend's actions against the bullies. I thought it was an interesting read and well written. I struggle to say that it is a good book only because I keep thinking that the reactions and actions of the characters are not intense enough nor are they logical. Now, I realize it is a work of fiction and that I have never been (and hope never to be) in a situation even remotely similar, but I just can't quite bring myself to accept the nice little bow at the end of the story.

I have heard a lot of comments from some of you already- I think this discussion will continue through the summer. Couldn't persuade you to post them here? No? Okay, next up The Bad Queen: Rules & Instructions For Marie-Antoinette, July 24th.

The Devil's Kiss- July 11th

In keeping with the "first in a series" theme, I picked up The Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda. First of all, great cover! I know about the whole judging-book cover thing, but if you are in the business of enticing readers (and the Titan Library most definitely is), then the cover needs to be great. This one displays beautifully. And it isn't too often that you get to see a female play a major role in the Knights Templar mythology. It's action packed with an nicely done mash-up of religious folk lore to create the back story. Don't be fooled by the jacket blurb description of a paranormal romance- that's a minor speed bump that is quickly left behind. I may actually have to read the next one in this series. So far, your emails have been divided on this one (some of you were sooo disappointed that... I better not give it away).

If you are looking for something else just as action packed try: Rampant, Hush, Hush or The Haunting of Alaizabel Cray.

Out camping next week, but taking two for the tent: Columbine (TL non-fiction pick) and Hate List. Look for these two reviews on July18th.

Voices Of Dragons- July 7th

Oops- a bit behind here, but I was recovering from Germany's loss. Congrats to Spain.

Now, down to business. Voices Of Dragons is the fiction pick of the Titan Library Book Club. Final verdict- not too bad! I told you guys that dragons aren't really my cup of tea, but I thought the mix of contemporary with the dragon species was pretty interesting. A well written, fairly engaging read and a fine start to a series. Many of you have asked when the second book will be released, unfortunately I have no news to pass along on that one. I will, however, keep an eye out for it. I think this one will appeal particularly to those readers who may find the standard fantasy-dragon fair a bit overwhelming in both pages and details. Keep in mind that this is a start to a series so you need to wade through some character background but the ending packs a bit of a punch.

I have been reading, just not posting, so I owe you one more.

Next up: The Devil's Kiss- July 11th

The Body Finder- July 2

Hmmm...I guess I was expecting another great mystery, some serious suspense... I mean, aren't they supposed to be tracking a serial killer? Passages depicting the stalking and kidnapping are certainly thrilling, but they are too few and far between. The rest- a long, drawn out read as the main characters discover that they want to be more than just friends. I was having nightmare flashbacks of Twilight sans vampires (please don't send me frown faces). Well, not every book on the summer reading list can live up to all the hype (at least not for me). I know several of you have said that you really liked it, obviously it was a surprise romance for you.

Okay, here's hoping the next one is better: Voices Of Dragons- July 7

The Sweetness At The Bottom Of The Pie- June 29

Long live Flavia! I declare her my favorite kid detective, chemist, and all-around smarty pants. Plus, she named her bicycle Gladys- what's not to like. I have thoroughly enjoyed tagging along with her as she tried to deduce each and every clue while planning how best to torment her sister. And lets be honest, her sister absolutely deserved it- but I didn't see her diabolical "pay-back" coming. You may figure out why the body is in the cucumber patch, but I'm betting you won't figure out the motive too early. And once you reach the conclusion, you'll wish you could spend more time with her. You're in luck- The Weed That Strings The Hangman's Bag, the second book in the series, is already on our shelves.

Next post: The Body Finder- July 2

The Chosen One- June 23

I must have taken The Chosen One off the reading list eight or nine times before finally setting it in stone. I just wasn't interested in reading a story about polygamy. But then I heard another librarian book talk the novel at a conference. Everything she said about the book is true- it is a fantastic and powerful read! Although the book is not very lengthy, I'd be surprised if you are able to make it all the way through without tearing up at least once. Readers will be immediately drawn in to the real danger that surrounds the main character (Kyra) and hope to see her strength not falter as she is hunted down by the leaders of her society. Lots of overwhelming decisions, intense action, and an all too true scenario that doesn't pull any punches. Kudos to author Carol Lynch Williams for caring enough about her teen readers to treat them with an appropriate level of intellectual respect instead of "kid-gloves."

Interested in other contemporary drama authors? Try: Sarah Dessen or Ellen Hopkins

Next up: The Sweetness At The Bottom of the Pie- June 29th.

The Schwa Was Here- June 19th

Okay, so I'm posting this on the 20th even though I said I would on the 19th.

Yet another masterpiece by Shusterman and one of the novels on the upcoming English Quest competition, The Schwa Was Here can be described in one word: delightful! Now don't assume that it means the book wasn't exciting, funny, or filled with well developed characters. I just smile every time I think about the story.

Calvin Schwa was abandoned by his mother when he was five years old and since then, lives his life as an invisible kid. After be-friending a group of local boys, the group begins to conduct experiments to see if Calvin really does have "The Schwa Effect." Along the way, adventure, humor, love, and a deeper understanding of how we control our destiny begins to take shape. You will find yourself laughing out loud and cheering for the Schwa. Don't miss this one.

Next up: The Chosen One- June 23

Incarceron- June 15th

I am not much of a Sci-Fi/ Fantasy fan, but I could not put Incarceron down! I know that several of you have already read this one and you kept saying, "It was really weird." Yes, trying to visualize what the prison looked like was difficult. Trying to figure out what the "key" looked like was also difficult, but the overall premise- totally cool! I'm sure it's the first in a series/trilogy and I intend to read the next one (something that doesn't always happen). Once I finished the last page, I wanted to know more about her father, more about how the prison became self-aware, and how the "outside" would deal with the return of the prince- not to mention the witch/queen who sent him to the prison. And how bad had things actually become in order to construct such a place? So many questions... I hope the second book answers at least a few of them.

If you are a fan of The Maze Runner or The Knife of Never Letting Go you may find Incarceron to be your cup of tea.

Next up: The Shwa Was Here - June 19th

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter- June 12th

Yeah, a bit late on my post today, but I was watching the World Cup and I have a terrible cold. I did finish the book however, and I am now ready to post.

This is the first of the Grahame-Smith books I have read and the first vampire/monster add-in for me. Although I have heard mostly positive things about the Classics that have been infused with the para-normal, I have to say that this one is not one of my favorites. That doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy it- just not one that I will be recommending as a "must read." Perhaps if I were more of a Lincoln biographer. I just couldn't wrap my head around good Ole' Abe wielding his ax, as he hunted down each bloodsucker. Granted, it isn't supposed to be serious and the storyline about the vampires playing a behind the scenes role in the cause of the Civil War was interesting/new. But I found it to be a bit slow and was so desperate to get the story moving that I had to force myself to read the required number of pages in order to finish in time. The first 2/3 of the book are a build up to the resulting action- maybe if he had started the book upon Lincoln's election to the White House... I think the story could have been just as interesting even if all characters were fictional. Okay, that's my two-cents, what did you think?

Next up: Incarceron June 15th

Finnikin of the Rock- June 7th

Here we go, first book of the summer: Finnikin of the Rock. I thought it was a pretty great adventure. Now, you may find that it takes a bit to get into the writing style, but once you are there, you will find yourself racing to get to the end. Strong characters, epic trials, and a not so perfect ending. I liked it. What did you think?

Attach your comments for this book to this entry. I will be out of town until Wednesday, but I will be sure to check back in and respond to any comments.

Next book: Abraham Lincoln- Vampire Hunter.

Finnikin of the Rock- June 7th

So, things are really starting to wind down at the Titan Library. We are only one week away from closing for the school year. We have met so many new readers and we will be sending a number of "the morning group" out into the big bad world. GOOD LUCK CLASS OF 2010! You were our first group of Sophomores at SHS and we will miss seeing you by the doors every morning. Now, don't think that just because you won't be there next year, that you are no longer part of the Titan Family. We expect to hear about all of the wonderful things you are doing and reading!

We have had several inquires about which of the books we will be reading and reviewing first. We thought it best to begin with an adventure so- Finnikin of the Rock it is! Those of you who followed last summer's blog may recognize the author's name (Melina Marchetta) from one of the more interesting reads/discussions. Last summer we reviewed Jellicoe Road and found that many of you were quickly drawn into that story despite the difficult flow of the writing. We predict, that like Jellicoe Road, Finnikin of the Rock will be nominated for a number of YA book awards this year and we are looking forward to opening the review/discussion on June 7th. If you haven't read it yet, you have about three weeks to get prepared. Or, wait and see if what everyone has to say about it makes you want to read it. And remember, even if you want to skip it, and start somewhere else- no problem, we'll get to your pick soon.

2010 Summer Blog Reading List Announced

The Titan Library may be closing for the summer, but we will still be reading AND blogging. We have selected a little bit of something for everyone and we hope you'll join us for our first review on June 7th. We will read (in no particular order) and review each of the 17 titles listed. No time like the present to get started. Happy reading!

Columbine- Cullen, David (Titan Library Book Club Non-Fiction Pick)
Going Bovine- Bray, Libba
The Sweetness At The Bottom Of The Pie- Bradley, C. Alan
Hate List- Brown, Jennifer
The Devil's Kiss- Chadda, Sarwat
The Body Finder- Derting, Kimberly
Incarceron- Fisher, Catherine
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter- Grahame-Smith, Seth
Knightley Academy- Haberdasher, Violet
Hold Still- LaCour, Nina
The Hourglass Door- Mangum, Lisa
Finnikin Of The Rock- Marchetta, Melina
The Bad Queen: Rule & Instructions For Marie-Antoinette- Meyer, Carolyn
The World We Live In- Pfeffer, Susan Beth
The Schwa Was Here- Shusterman, Neal
Voices Of Dragons- Vaughn, Carrie (Titan Library Book Club Fiction Pick)
The Chosen One- Williams, Carol Lynch