Syosset Public Library TeenSpace Blog

Whenever I am asked for my opinion about a good book to read, I always ask, “well, what are you in the mood for?” Even within certain genres, like fantasy, mystery, and realistic fiction, sometimes you are just in the mood to read something…silly. Or terribly depressing. Or romantic. You name it.
The other day, I was in the mood for a real heavy-duty book, one laden with real-life problems and gripping characters. Apparently, I find it uplifting to hear about other people’s problems. Anyway, I picked up the latest fabulous and troubling novel by Laurie Halse Anderson, Wintergirls.

Wintergirls is the story of Lia and Cassie; two girls who used to be best friends connected by their childhood experiences and mutual struggles with eating disorders. Two girls who are now separated by life and death – as Lia lives her life fighting anorexia after Cassie dies alone in a motel room. The bleak story is written with such an intensity it instantly draws you in and makes you ache for Lia even if you can’t understand her disease. The author takes you through the struggles of someone suffering with an eating disorder by how she uses Lia’s voice. We bear witness to the way she incessantly counts calories in every bite of food and berates herself for not being good/smart/thin/strong enough to live. This is a book you have to commit to, because for the duration of the time you are reading this book, you will feel for Lia. It’s not a pretty little story wrapped up in a tidy bow. But, if you are in the mood for something a little deep, I strongly recommend Wintergirls.
On the lighter side, sometimes you want a rip-roaring good time book that doesn’t take itself too seriously. In that case I’d like to introduce to you Fat Hoochie Prom Queen by Nico Medina.

(Perhaps it’s a wee bit sacrilegious to combine these books in the same entry? Well, here goes anyway.)
Polar opposite in almost every way, meet Madge Diaz. She is large and in charge and just wants to have fun. She has self-confidence to boot and has never met a donut she didn’t like. She decides to take on her nemesis (the skinny, blond and equally popular Bridget Benson) to battle for prom queen. Along the way, there are many party scenes, laugh out loud dialogue, and good music you’ll want to download. This is not a book for the faint-of-heart. Be forewarned that there is some underage drinking and language to raise some eyebrows. It reminded me of Freak Show by James St. James with a little Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist thrown in. A good time read.
Another book I picked up lately was What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell.

I normally like historical fiction, and depending on the era, I might really like it. This was a good read, set in post-WWII era 1947, with a bit of a mystery. We have Evie Spooner, a fifteen year-old “good girl” with a rebellious streak, who longs to look more like her movie star gorgeous mother. Her mother’s good looks tend to attract more than just the attention of her stepfather Joe, who has recently returned from the war with questionable amounts of money to spend. A family vacation down to Palm Springs, Fla, turns sour, when we are introduced to Peter Colerage – a 23-year old former member of Joe’s army unit and !total!hottie! Things get complicated and there are a few plot twists and love triangles, making the overall story interesting and a pretty quick read. I liked how the author peppers the book with the slang of the times and really brings you into the time period. Evie is a well-drawn character, and at times I felt like it was a literary version of the show Mad Men. Pretty wives, handsome husbands, simpler times…but scratch below the surface and whoa! It fit my mood as I anxiously await the Mad Men season 2 DVD!
So there you have it. When in doubt, listen to your mood. Just make sure it’s something you’ll enjoy!
Sharon Long
Teen Services Librarian