Thursday, September 30, 2010

September Book #5

Book: Page After Page: Discover the Confidence and Passion You Need to Start Writing and Keep Writing (No Matter What) by Heather Sellers
Age-range: 16 and up
Recommended: Yes

This is a book I got from the library, but I would definitely buy it (and probably will if I ever see it when I'm shopping).  It's filled to the brim with good advice for writers of any level.  Even if you're a pro it's full of lots of great, refreshing advice and anecdotes.

There are also prompts at the end of every chapter.  I don't know how good they are because I never do prompts in writing books.  I don't like most of them.  I should probably try them sometime, but I didn't do it for this book so I can't speak for that part of it.

Sellers has a great voice and a good ability to relate to the beginning writer.  If you're a writer, or thinking about writing, this is a good book to read.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

September Book #4

Book: Possession by A.S. Byatt
Age-range: 16 and up
Recommended: No

Watch the movie instead, it takes out all the boring parts.

Monday, September 13, 2010

September Book #3

Book: Juicy Pens Thirsty Paper by SARK
Age-range: 13 and up
Recommended: Yes

If you're looking for a breakthrough writing book that will change your world this is not the one you want to read.  On the other hand, if you're looking for a creatively done book that will spark your own creativity you want this one!

This book is unlike anything you've ever seen before.  It's colorful, bright, and makes you want to go buy a new pack of Crayola markers.  Even if you don't want to read this book, I would suggest looking at it just for the ideas it will give you of how to format your own writing journal.

Happy reading!

Thursday, September 2, 2010

September Book #2

Book: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
Age-range: 16 and up
Recommended: No

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

September Book #1

Book: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Age-range: 16 and up
Recommended: Yes, with reservations

Let me start by saying that the first half of this book was a total snooze-fest.  If I hadn't read the first book, and already bought the third book, I would have put it down.  She re-iterates all this stuff that happens in the first book, but it's lost all it's punch and emotional power because she's just TELLING us about it.  And the lead character, Katniss, is a total bawl-baby-titty-mouse.

But after the first 100 pages or so it gets good.  And I'm glad I read it, but I only recommend reading it if you're invested in the trilogy.  If you're on the fence I would say skip it and find something better written.