Showing posts with label dating. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dating. Show all posts

Thursday, March 8, 2012

"Why We Broke Up" By Daniel Handler


You may recognize the name Daniel Handler, as he is also known as Lemony Snicket, famous for his Series of Unfortunate Events. In this new teen novel, Min and Ed get involved in a brief and intimate relationship, which ends in heartache for Min. They are both high school students, and crossing the boundaries of stereotypes of their high school social groups. Min is an artsy student, an old film fanatic and an obsessive coffee drinker. Ed is a co-captain of the basketball team, and spends his leisure time at bonfires and parties with the popular crowd. Fed up with Ed, Min gathers all mementos of their relationship, throws them in a box, and dumps it off on Ed's doorstep.


This book illustrates "Why We Broke Up" by going through each of these items (bottle caps, ticket stubs, protractor, ugly earrings, etc) and elaborating on the circumstances of how it was required. Their relationship is a bit stormy, as they assure their friends that it is true love. Min struggles to understand basketball, and Ed doesn't know anything about cinema. Maybe opposites do attract?




Saturday, May 22, 2010

"The Carrie Diaries" by Candace Bushnell

How did Carrie Bradshaw end up a sex columnist in New York City? For all those Sex and the City fans, this is the story of Carrie as a high school senior, written for a teen audience. She is navigating her way through the high school social scene, dodging clique drama, and developing her independent, fiesty spirit. Carrie is already practicing the art of juggling boyfriends -- Sebastian, the gorgeous bad boy, and George, the intellectual, older man. Struggling with what to do with her life after college, she flounders between pursuing science and is also drawn to creative writing. There is a healthy dose of fashion and style, and of course sex. But more conversation about, than actual deeds, Carrie is still a virgin. Lots of drinking. Lots. Good for older teens.

Monday, July 6, 2009

"A Map of the Known World" by Lisa Ann Sandell

Cora's older brother Nate was killed in a car accident, and her grieving family is falling apart. The teachers and students at Nate's old high school take pity on her and she is losing her best friend to the popular crowd. But art class is her escape. Cora has a passion is for making maps -- maps of places she's been and where she wants to go. Her parents don't approve of Cora hanging out with Damian. He was her brother's best friend, and was riding with him during the accident. But Damian seems sincere, so Cora continues to see him behind her parents' back. Her art teacher encourages her to apply for an art program in London and life appears to be improving. As their romance blossoms, Cora learns of a sensitive side of her brother she didn't know existed.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

"Breaking Up Is Hard To Do: Stories About Falling Out of Love" by Niki Burnham, Terri Clark, Ellen Hopkins & Lynda Sandoval

Have you had your heart broken, stomped on, destroyed by someone you love? This book is all about the break-up, the absolutely devastating point at which you realize it's over, and how hard it can be to move on. Four different authors contribute to this unique book - and each one's story is heart wrenching. #1 - Toby gets dumped by his hot girlfriend Amber, because he's not ready for sex. #2 - Goth girl Dee gets revenge on her ex, Rick, after finding out he's only after one thing. #3 - Lisa's boyfriend tries unsuccessfully to change her into something she's not. #4 - Lesbian Mia has her heart broken after falling for a straight girl. Kinda steamy, good for 9th and up.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

"Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer

I think I'm the last librarian on the planet to read this book, and it was remarkably better than I was expecting! Bella Swan moves to Forks, Washington and is immediately smitten with Edward Cullen, her gorgeous lab partner, who leads a mysterious life outside of high school. Friends and family warn her that he's bad news and Bella soon discovers for herself that Edward is more dangerous than he seems, and less human. This vampire has stolen Bella's heart and their love story will make you shiver with terror and excitement! "New Moon," "Eclipse" and "Breaking Dawn" continue the story of Bella and Edward, and the movie version of Twilight will be released this November -- can't wait!

Thursday, May 8, 2008

"The Opposite of Invisible" by Liz Gallagher

Alice has been best friends with Jewel (guy) for a long time. They do everything together - drink lattes, art projects and hang out all the time. Alice ends up ditching Jewel to go to the big Halloween party with Simon, one of the popular jocks at school. Their dating totally ruins their friendship and puts Alice in a new social status at school. Alice has to figure out which guy is best for her to date. Alice lives over in Fremont, so it's fun to follow the characters around Seattle.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

"The Au Pairs: Crazy Hot" by Melissa de la Cruz

This is the 4th installment in the Au Pairs series. After summer plans go awry, three college girlfriends meet up in the Hamptons for a summer of romance, fashion and nanny duties. Eliza is busy opening her posh boutique and deciding if her boyfriend, Jeremy, is “the one.” Jacqui is swept off her feet by a charming photographer who promises her a lucrative modeling contract. Sensible Mara keeps occupied by watching the kids, and working on her debut blog. The plot is easy to follow and there is decent character description. While their luxurious lives may not be realistic or totally convincing, this makes for an easy beach read. Similar to the Gossip Girls series with high-roller lifestyle, but there's no violence, hint of sex, but nothing graphic. Recommended for 9th and up.

Thursday, December 20, 2007

"An Abundance of Katherines" by John Green

After finishing high school, Colin and his best friend Hassan decide to embark on a road trip. Colin has had it with Katherines. He's been dumped 19 times by girls with that name, and he's determined to find out why. As a child prodigy, Colin is fascinated by anagrams and equations, but can he use his math skills to figure out why he can't keep a girlfriend?