Ten Books You Should Read Again Now That You're All Grown Up

Nothing standing out in the best seller list for you these days? Does the Hot & New section at the bookstore look kind of dull?

Then I suggest you step in your own Tardis and revisit your teen favorites from long—or in my case, long, long ago.


1. Forever by Judy Blume

Holy crap! A book with sex scenes. I remember being totally blown away by Michael and Kathy's relationship and was devastated with Kathy's choice. Now, of course I'm digging the ending like a grave yard worker on a double shift.


2. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Guy Montag's world scared the bee-Jesus out of me and was completely depressing. I recently discovered it makes a great companion to a pumpkin spice latte.

3. Lord of the Flies by William Golding

A perfectly creepy read ruined by homework questions like: Who was your favorite character and why? This time around I found reading without a looming book report was so much more enjoyable. For the record, my favorite character was Simon because he seemed like good boyfriend material. I didn't write that, but that's the truth.

4. The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank

This book felt mysterious and sacred when I read it as a teenager. But now that I have children, I wasn't surprised my focus went from Anne to her parents, especially her father who ends up being the only survivor. How he must have felt reading her words, knowing he'd never hear her voice again.

5. Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Yes, we're all still a bunch of phonies. Poor Holden. I totally get him now.

6. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Plucky orphan + red hair + nemesis that grows into love interest = epic read

7. Nancy Drew by a bunch of writers who went by the name of Carolyn Keene

Any book from the original series. I can't say enough about a girl who wears white gloves and knows how to change a tire on her blue convertible. And don't forget the wonderful sweets by Hannah.

8. Stranger With My Face by Lois Duncan

Lois breaks all the rules for YA. Both parents are alive, the protagonist already has a great boyfriend and none of her friends are into 80's music or fashion designers. She creates tension the old fashioned way, by throwing the main character into a completely unnatural situation and watching her squirm. It's a psychological thriller at its best!

This is the cover I remember staying up late with too scared to sleep.

9. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

No explanation is needed. Just go read it again. Then watch the movie because of Rob Lowe and Patrick Swayze.

10. The Mixed Up Files of Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg

Two precocious runaways secretly living in the Metropolitan Museum of Art? Sign me up! Great book to read aloud to your kids, too.


What are some of your old time favorites?

Happily Ever After; Dating Service for Ficional Characters, Session Two

Voted as the number one dating service for fictional characters.

It doesn't matter if you're a hero or a zero on the pages, our on-line dating service will help you find your soul mate.

 

We'll have you picking out matching bookmarks before you can say, 'library late fees'.

Last week Katniss Everdeen and Victor Frankenstein had success in pairing together.

The chat room is about to get started! Let's see who's looking for love today.

Moderator: Hello, everyone. I see we have a whole new group! Splendid. Who would like to start the conversation tonight? Go ahead, don't by shy.



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Philip Pirrip: I suspect I should like to go first, sir. My story is a sad one, unfortunately. The girl I gave my heart to has but ripped it out of my chest and squeezed the life from it.

 

Scarlett O'Hara: How horrific, Mr. Pirrip. I can't imagine any lady worth keeping who is capable of such a massacre.

 

Philip Pirrip: Well, it wasn't a massacre...at least not literally. And please, call me Pip, everybody does.

Ponyboy Curtis: A broken heart? I've survived worse.

 



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 George Weasley: Tough break, blokes. I feels for ya. Sounds like you two are in need of a little pick me up. Maybe some 'Feel Rite Fizzy Bombs Bubblegum'... or maybe a 'Jovial Joker Jawbreaker?'

 

Lydia Bennet: I'll take ten Fizzy Bombs! The General is throwing a ball tomorrow night. And what a lark it will be!

 

Philip Pirrip: Do you need an escort, Miss Bennet?

 

George Weasley: Right, then. Ten Fizzy Bombs at ten knuts a piece...that will be one hundred knuts or three Sickles and four knuts.

 

Lydia Bennet: What's a sickle?

 

Scarlett O'Hara: It's a terrible infliction the Yankees brought with them. Since the war started all of my beaus have left Tara lonely and desolate.

 

Philip Pirrip: Is this Tara a nice girl? Is she looking for someone to love, too?

 

Ponyboy Curtis: Be careful what you wish for Pip. Sometimes certain groups just can't mix, you know? Sometimes all you got is the sun on your face and the street beneath your feet.

 

George Weasley: Whoa! Blimey, Ponyboy, you're killing the party. Tell ya what, I'll send you five Fizzy Bombs, on the house.

 

Lydia Bennet: Weasley! How generous. Wherever do you get your ideas? I suspect an evening dancing with you could have me laughing so hard I'd lose my breath.

 

George Weasley: I can think of a few things besides dancing that could leave us both breathless.
 

 Lydia Bennet: You're absolutely incorrigible! I love incorrigible young men!

 

Philip Pirrip: I'm incorrigable.

 

Scarlett O'Hara: You're also a lousy speller. But that's no matter, I like your desperation. I need more admirers. Tell me, do you ride?

 

Philip Pirrip: I mostly go on foot.

 

Scarlett O'Hara: I meant horses, silly. How about you, Ponyboy? Is that where you get your nickname?

 

Ponyboy Curtis: I'm from the wrong side of the tracks, Scarlett. I don't ride horses. I don't have fancy clothes. All I have are my two brothers.

 

Scarlett O'Hara: Fiddle dee dee! Older brothers? Are you Yankees?

 

Ponyboy Curtis: Well, we're American if that's what you mean.

 

Scarlett O'Hara: Perfect. You and your equally desperate brothers are expected at Tara next week. I'll have Mammy make sure cook does up her famous roast chicken.

 

Ponyboy Curtis: Um...okay.

 

Philip Pirrip: I'm studying! I'm going to be important some day!

 

Lydia Bennet: What are you studying?

Philip Pirrip: To be a gentleman.

 

Lydia Bennet: I see.

Scarlett O'Hara: Oh.
 

Ponyboy Curtis: Uh-huh.

 

George Weasley: I'm still in school. We have to wear uniforms and everything.

 

Lydia Bennet: I love a man in a uniform! Where is your school? Do you have dances?

 

George Weasley: I'll send an owl to you with all the particulars, my lovely...and an extra Fizzy Bomb. 

 

Lydia Bennet: *giggles*

 

Philip Pirrip: I'd appreciate an invitation too, Weasley.

 

George Weasley: Sorry, bloke. Only one Muggle per dance. Hogwarts rule.

 

Ponyboy Curtis: Muggle?

 

Phillip Pirrip: All right. Well, I guess this is good night. I've enjoyed meeting everyone and I hope we can continue this discussion in a fortnight.

 

Philip Pirrip: Good night...?

 

Lydia Bennet: Pip? I'll be visiting my uncle in Cheapsidenext week. May I call on you?

 

Philip Pirrip: YES!!!

 

Lydia Bennet: I dare suspect a few Fizzy Bombs will make for an enjoyable tea!

 

Moderator: This session is now closed. Until next time, everyone...and happily ever after.


Who would you like to see paired up next?

A New Twist On Literary Crushes

photo credit, girlfriends.blogspot.com

I have a secret crush.

For years I've swooned over pages of fictional guys, re-reading the 'best parts', seeing their crooked smiles and leather jackets so clear in my mind, as if they were real. I've been building my list for awhile, starting in high school with shy but brave, Ponyboy (The Outsiders), to my recent addition, that smooth talking yet troubled Adonis, Wesley Rush (The Duff).

Me reading, not exactly as shown.
photo credit, blog.wefeelsecure.com

This is hardly ground breaking news and isn't much of a confession...unlike other posts. *blush*

However, my secret crush is of another vein of the literary infatuation—the author crush.

Maybe it's their writing style, or their witty on-line presence, or perhaps it's simply their sense of style, but each one exhibits qualities I aspire to and truly admire.

In no particular order,

Beth Revis. She has a cool website, wicked sense of humor, and actually thanked my on twitter once. *puts hand over heart and sniffs* 

Elana Johnson. She should receive an award. Her blog posts are inspirational for any writer, no matter what stage in their career. And she's a teacher, so that gives her twenty extra points.

Gennifer Albin. I've been following Gen since her amazing success story on Querytracker when she was looking for an agent. She's smart, savvy and is a real cutie patootie to boot.

Stephanie Perkins. Love. Love. Love her writing. That, plus her fluorescent hair, makes me want to adopt her as my uber-cool, younger sister. If you know her, send her this link, please.

Maureen Johnson. I shouldn't have to explain. Hands down, the best person to take a road trip with. Imagine the snacks and conversation!

How about you? Who are your author crushes?

If The Hunger Games Movie Was Cast With Literary Characters

Okay, so unless you've been living in a cave the last month, The Hunger Games movie comes out this weekend. And if you're a HGJ (Hunger Games Junkie), you've read the book more than a few times and know the characters pretty well. If you're not sure if you're a HGJ, click here to take the test.

But let's not forget in the beginning, it was a book. So, in a nod to all the other awesome books out there, just for kicks, here is my list if The Hunger Games was cast with literary characters.

Cato
photo credit, screenrant.com

Bill

photo credit, aussiefinder.com

Cato—Bill Sikes from Oliver Twist.

Bent into a cruel killing machine by ways of their environment. Enough said.

Primrose
photo credit, pfspublishing.com

Jane Bennet
photo credit, screened.com

Primrose—Jane Bennet from Pride And Prejudice.

A quiet beauty with a need to help everyone. Constantly supported by her gusty and more outspoken sister.

Cine
photo credit, fanpop.com

Fairy Godmother
photo credit, peoplesouthwestern.edu.com

Cinna—The Fairy Godmother from Cinderella. Even the spelling is close!

Who else could pull off a fashion miracle of turning the dirty tomboy into a gorgeous champion for the people.

Rue
photo credit, thehungergameswikia.com

Simon
photo credit, oldprojectionroom.com

Rue—Simon from The Lord Of The Flies. Both represent reason and the potential for goodness in humanity, however both met violent deaths.
Seriously, you knew they we're going to last long, even with the protagonists help.

Haymitch
photo credit, hungergames.htc

Mad Hatter
photo credit, fanpop.com

Haymitch—The Mad Hatter from Alice In Wonderland.
Both like to drink and talk in riddles. However, approach with caution, silly as they may seem, underneath is an unstable man.

Gale
photo credit, act.mtv.com

Dally
photo credit, thetwilightsaga.com

Gale—Dally from The Outsiders.

A rebel, but handsome enough to make him less threatening and likable. He takes care of those who rely on him and is a natural leader.

He enjoys being outspoken, but keeps his feelings for Katniss low key and platonic. Only when her life is in danger, does her realize all his anger and good looks can do nothing to help her.

Peeta
photo credit, shockya.com

Pip
photo credit, moviez.com

Peeta—Pip from Great Expectations. Impoverished and unappreciated by his own family, he falls in love with a girl who, at first, is only pretending to share his sentiments.

His gentle and kind nature stand out in contrast to Dally's (Gale's) confidence and strength.

Katniss
photo credit, shockya.com

Laura
photo credit, rubylee1776.com

Katniss—Laura Ingalls. Okay she was an actual person, but is still a literary character...sort of.

Besides, who else would be prepared to survive in the wilderness and battle the elements than a spunky pioneer girl.

Not only can she sew a plaid shirt, skip rocks the most times across the creek, and know where the best blueberries are, she also stood up that meany Nellie Olsen.

And let's not forget about the braids, people. The hair should count for something.

Who else would you cast?

Next Monday I'll be blogging the latest episode of Once Upon A Time.

Cheers!