Today I got a wonderful surprise while I was slaving away at work……….two of my new favorite books won top honors at the Cybils. The Cybils are Children’s/YA book awards nominated and voted on by bloggers. I thought these awards did a much better job of picking books that kids would actually enjoy reading, which is something the Newbery committee is not really good at.
One of the books was “A Crooked Kind of Perfect” by Linda Urban which is a wonderful book in so many indescribable ways. The main story involves an 11 year old girl who wants to play the piano, but ends up with an organ instead. If I were to describe how I felt after reading it in five words it would be: bubbly, elated, contented, warm, and fuzzy. It is one of those books that has gotten a lot of acclaim, but isn’t filled with despair, tragedy, and loss. I am so enamored with this book that I could ramble on forever.
Another winner was “Book of a Thousand Days” by Shannon Hale. I worship Shannon Hale like Amber and Lindsay worship Meg Cabot. I’ve read everything she’s written and loved every word. From “The Goose Girl” and its sequels to “The Princess Academy” to the frothy delight of “Austenland,” she knows how to write a good story. She also has a fun blog as well called Squeetus. Book of a Thousand Days is about a princess locked in a tower for seven years because she refuses to marry a man she doesn’t love. The book is the diary of her servant who is locked in the tower with her. This is a fantastic book that has suspense, fantasy, and of course, romance.
Well, that was my nerdy librarian input for the day. I am off to paint my nails.
Jen
ooh, I’ve been wanting to read Austenland.
Ooooh, I’m going to start reading her! I just read a bit of her blog and I loooooooved it! I am a person too, even if I don’t want to read snooty adult material and just want to enjoy some Harry Potter, Meg Cabot, and other fun authors/books!!