Of the four Cybils I read yesterday, there was only one that was a yawn. Fabulous Fishes, a nonfiction picture book, was just a wee bit boring – especially when you look at the other books in the category. It’s not a bad book, nice photos, nice rhymes but that’s just not enough in this category. I’m not a Nic Bishop fan but even his Frogs book was better. His photos just rock. I wouldn’t have chosen it to win the category but I do understand why others would have selected it.
Moving into middle grade fiction, I loved Shooting the Moon. Maybe it’s the military brat in me. Or the mom of military brats. But I just loved the book. If pushed, I’d say this was my favorite in that category.
Last, Sweethearts, from the YA fiction category. Another good book. A problem book that is just a little different from other problem books. A teen girl who recreates herself, never feels quite right in her new skin and then has to face the past. Really nicely written without a clear, clean, happy ending.
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Hmm I’ve been curious about Sara Zarr’s books, especially since her “don’t photoshop me” post. I just don’t know if I’m curious enough to read them.
Denise, I agree that the Frogs book by Nic Bishop was his better work. Thanks for the update.
BTW…this is my first time to the site. I love the header graphic. Great close-up of the Sistene Chapel painting.
Sharon (from Hanks) sent me over here after I mentioned my addiction to YA lit. I’ve slowed down my consumption of them because knitting and spinning keeps my hands and eyes too busy to read. I’ve switched to mostly audio books which is slower and less accessible, but has taught me how to enjoy having a story read to me.
Noticed you read and liked The Graveyard Book, I listened to Gaiman read it online and enjoyed it greatly, he’s an excellent reader and it’s a good story.
Out of the Ursula Le Guin “Annals of the Western Shore” series, I liked Voices for similar reasons as you did, books lovers as heroes and a strong heroine’s perspective. The first book is an excellentset up to the world, but third book is my favorite. The series was my first introduction to Le Guin. She invents social structures with such skill and I look forward to reading more. I hate when it takes me a long time to find a great author, but love when they’ve been prolific enough to keep me busy awhile after I do.
Happy reading.