Family Collage

Family Collage
Lots of Love in this Bunch!
*The compositions herein are not to be copied, reproduced, printed, published, posted, displayed, incorporated, stored in or scanned into a retrieval system or database, transmitted, broadcast, bartered or sold, in whole or in part without the prior express written permissions of the sole author Tory Minus. Unauthorized duplication is strictly prohibited and is an infringement of National and International Copyright Laws.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Humpday Reads!

Tonight's post is cut a bit short because I received a request FOR THE FULL MANUSCRIPT earlier today (OMG!) and need to proof my synopsis one last time before submitting it tomorrow! Can you tell I'm a bit ecstatic (and busy...if you could only see my house right now, YIKES!)? So, for this weeks' version of Humpday Reads, I recommend the following books:

1.) Will Grayson, Will Grayson, by John Green & David Levithan
"At heart, Will Grayson, Will Grayson is about a couple of kids figuring out how to be themselves. Two of those kids happen to have the same name, and not much in common outside of that, but their serendipitous friendship sets the stage for a much larger, braver, and more candid story than the simplicity of the plot might suggest. The relevance for teens here is clear--high school is the only time in your life when you have the undivided opportunity to obsess over your every move, sentence, and outfit change--but the part about understanding who you are doesn't stop when you graduate. That's what makes Will Grayson, Will Grayson as interesting a pick for adults as it is for teens: the questions don't get simpler, but looking at them through the eyes of a 16-year-old brings a welcome sense of honesty and humor to this thing called life. No one's ever too old to enjoy that."--Anne Bartholomew

2.) For Keeps, by Natasha Friend
Josie’s never met her dad, and that’s fine with her. To Josie, Paul Tucci is just a guy who got her mom pregnant and then moved away. It all happened sixteen years ago, when Josie’s mom was still a teenager herself. But now Paul Tucci is back in town, and Josie has to deal with not one but two men in her life—her father and her first boyfriend, who Josie fears will hurt her just like Paul hurt her mother.

3.) If I Stay, by Gayle Foreman
If I Stay is a bittersweet memory of a family and their loved ones. It's told through the eyes of Mia, who watches herself being treated in the hospital as her loved ones surround her. And she has to make the toughest choice of all...

4.) Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher
When Clay Jenson plays the casette tapes he received in a mysterious package, he's surprised to hear the voice of dead classmate Hannah Baker. He's one of 13 people who receive Hannah's story, which details the circumstances that led to her suicide. Clay spends the rest of the day and long into the night listening to Hannah's voice and going to the locations she wants him to visit. The text alternates, sometimes quickly, between Hannah's voice (italicized) and Clay's thoughts as he listens to her words, which illuminate betrayals and secrets that demonstrate the consequences of even small actions. Hannah, herself, is not free from guilt, her own inaction having played a part in an accidental auto death and a rape. The message about how we treat one another, although sometimes heavy, makes for compelling reading. Give this to fans of Gail Giles psychological thrillers. (from Booklist)

5.) Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson
I chose this book because I'm near the end and love it! Jess at the Washington County Library suggested it, and I love it so far!
Laurie Halse Anderson's first novel is a stunning and sympathetic tribute to the teenage outcast. The triumphant ending, in which Melinda finds her voice, is cause for cheering (while many readers might also shed a tear or two). After reading Speak, it will be hard for any teen to look at the class scapegoat again without a measure of compassion and understanding for that person--who may be screaming beneath the silence. (Ages 13 and older) --Jennifer Hubert --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

I hope you find something on the list that suits your fancy, and THANKS again for all the support! In one way or another, you've encouraged me to keep blogging and writing! Good night, everyone! Tory

3 comments:

  1. Hey Tory (and friends)!

    I am glad that you are enjoying Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. It is a GREAT book. Most teens, and adults for that matter, who read it say it is their new favorite! It is definitely on my list to suggest this week as well.

    Here are a couple more that I have read and would recommend!

    Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging: Confessions of Georgia Nicolson by Louise Rennison (Suggested Ages: 12 and Up)
    Bridget Jones for the tweens & teens ; first in a British series that is very funny!

    The First Part Last by Angela Johnson (Suggested Ages: 13 and Up) (Coretta Scott King Author Award Winner)
    Sixteen-year-old Bobby is trying to raise his baby daughter, Feather, on his own. This is an interesting, moving story from the rare perspective of a young man whose circumstances change his perspective and his priorities.

    The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie (National Book Award Winner)
    My good friend, Larrah Craig (also a budding writer) just finished this book and said it is absolutely hilarious and that I must read it. So, I will do that soon and will report!

    Happy Reading! - Jess

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  2. Tory, words can not express how proud of you I am! When you told me about the request for the first manuscript I probably screamed like a little school girl...hope I didn't hurt your ear. Chris and I are SO very proud of you and wish you the best of luck with this agent. It is fabulous that it has only been a few days since you've started submitting and already gotten a "bite". That is just wonderful. Love you!

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  3. Congratulations Tory on the request for your full manuscript!! I am so excited for you..

    Even though I am not a big reader... you are sparking some interest in me with your Hump Day reads, I might actually sit down and read one of them!!

    Keep it up!!

    Love you!

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