November 2004

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Teenreads.com. Isn't it great to have 4+ days to get out of the routine and relax? This holiday weekend marks the beginning of a rather wild six weeks of celebrating. It inspires our poll question, which is about getting books as gifts.

Confession here: I am a wicked list-maker asking for EXACTLY what I want. When I was younger my mom was very into buying me classics for holidays. I still recall opening a package one Christmas and seeing BLACK BEAUTY instead of a more "cool" book that I wanted. Last week she came over and brought an entire box of the classics that she had given me, to my now teenaged son. He bore the exact plastered on smile that I remembered. Soooo...lest you get socks that someone thinks are "just perfect," a wool hat that will make you cringe each time you wear it or a book that you have read, or do not want to read, make a list. And major hint here: EVERYONE loves to give you books. It's easy. Not too expensive. And very very smart!

Gobble gobble from all of us at Teenreads.com

Carol Fitzgerald (Carol@bookreporter.com)

SEDUCTRESS: Women Who Ravished the World and Their Lost Art of Love, by Betsy Prioleau (Women's Studies)
Betsy Prioleau introduces and analyzes the stories and stratagems of history's greatest seductresses. Reviewed by Judy Gigstad. For more, visit BetsyPrioleau.com.

Betsy has 50 Seductress t-shirts that she will award in a random drawing. Want to enter? Write her at Betsy@BetsyPrioleau.com to tell her who you think should be the Seductress of 2004. Be sure to include your mailing address in case you are the winner. E-mail must be received by December 18th.

Read our review of SEDUCTRESS here.

A good story can be told and re-told, and the proof is in the number of fall movies that are based on books this year. They include The Polar Express, Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events and Christmas With the Kranks (inspired by John Grisham's 2002 novel SKIPPING CHRISTMAS). If you're in the mood for the original, click on the Amazon link beneath the film headings and check out the books. See you at the movies!

THE JANE AUSTEN BOOK CLUB

What secrets will a recent high school graduate unearth when she cares for a woman who never speaks? Will a thirteen-year-old girl discover the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of her friend? And how can a young man enjoy life when his brother is barely alive? You'll find the answers to these intriguing questions in this month's roundup of cool new books, which also includes a thrilling retelling of the Cinderella story from award-winning author Donna Jo Napoli and the much-anticipated conclusion of Francine Pascal's Fearless series.

THE SEA OF TROLLS by Nancy Farmer (Fantasy)
Jack is kidnapped by a band of marauding Vikings, launching him on an adventure that ultimately brings him to the roots of the world tree Yggdrasil, in this highly original and well-researched work by three-time Newbery Honor author Nancy Farmer. Reviewed by Sarah A. Wood and excerpted.

PREDATOR'S GOLD by Philip Reeve (Science Fiction/Fantasy)
In this breathtaking sequel to the award-winning MORTAL ENGINES, Philip Reeve plunges the reader into a ruthless and terrifyingly believable world where cities eat each other. Reviewed by Sarah A. Wood and excerpted.

SAVING FRANCESCA by Melina Marchetta (Fiction)
Francesca finds herself dealing with her problems without guidance from her once vivacious mother, who is battling acute depression. What will happen to Francesca and her family? Reviewed by Hannah Gomez and excerpted.

HERE TODAY by Ann M. Martin (Fiction)
In this bittersweet tale set in 1963, Ellie's family is about to fall apart. What she learns about others and about herself gives the reader much to ponder in this enjoyable story by award-winning author Ann M. Martin. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

TEEN QUEENS AND HAS-BEENS by Cathy Hopkins (Fiction)
After a game of truth or dare, Lia manages to gain the interest of Jonno, who "teen queen" Kaylie was pursuing. In response, Kaylie and her friends start a bullying campaign that has Lia in knots every time she goes to school. Reviewed by Amy Alessio.

ROB&SARA.COM by P. J. Petersen and Ivy Ruckman (Fiction)
Two teens from different backgrounds begin a long-distance romance via e-mail in this modern love story by two popular young adult authors. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

ANDY WARHOL: PRINCE OF POP by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan (Biography)
Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan have written an engaging and provocative biography of one of the twentieth century's most influential artists. Reviewed by Sarah A. Wood.

PERFECT WORLD by Brian James (Fiction)
In this highly emotional and intense book, Lacie, who is still grieving the death of her father, wishes that her real life was as perfect as the immaculate, shiny houses in her neighborhood. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

NAPOLEON & JOSEPHINE by Gerald and Loretta Hausman (Historical Fiction)
As Josephine grows up on the tropical island of Martinique, she dreams of moving to Paris to live a life of glamour. After a divorce and a terrible time during the French Revolution, she holds a party that Napoleon Bonaparte attends. Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle.

PRIVATE PEACEFUL by Michael Morpurgo (Historical Fiction)
Private Thomas Peaceful reflects on his childhood, his family, and his first love while on night watch in the battlefields of the First World War. Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle.

PULLING PRINCES by Tyne O'Connell (Fiction)
When Calypso returns from Los Angeles to her English boarding school for the summer term, she is determined to fit in with the popular crowd. Reviewed by Amy Alessio.