That night the library will also be offering a concert so parking will be limited. For members who are being dropped off please have your drivers leave you at the Century Rd. entrance. Anyone who is driving themselves be prepared to park in the High School lot that night.
For information on our summer concerts at the library please go to the Paramus Library at www.paramuslibrary.org.
Here are summaries of the four other books that we book talked last night:
What They Always Tell Us by Martin Wilson (YA Wilson) 2008
Alex's world has changed so much since the night he tried to take his own life, he no longer has any friends, his older brother James barely even looks at him, let alone talks to him. This all changes though when he decides to starts running. After his first night of running Alex bumps into James good friend Nathan who is a star on the cross country team. Nathan see potential in Alex and pushes him to go out for the team. Now with a sense of purpose and a new friendship Alex feels he really has something in his life. This novel is uniquely told through both Alex and James (Alex’s older brother) point of view.
Issues: Suicide, Social Isolation, Bothers and Family, High School, Homosexuality.
Venomous by Christopher Krovatin (YA Krovatin) 2008
What happens when our anger is out of our control? When Locke Vinetti loses his cool its as if something else takes over- he becomes venomous. The worst part about Locke's alter ego, Venom, he doesn't have any control over it. Because of the Venom, Locke's relationships are very few. He has his mother, brother and best friend Randall. Randall finally convinces Locke to come out and meet new people- after this night Locke finds himself with new friends- new friends that the Venom can destroy. This realistic novel is interwoven with a small graphic novel. Readers will find very realistic and true moments within this novel about city teens. Though the landscape has changed and the stakes are higher the characters traits will resonate with many readers. Issues: Anger, Coming of Age, Single parent families, Emotional problems, Relationships.
D
ebbie Harry Sings in French by Meagan Brothers (YA Brothers) 2008
Johnny a self proclaimed Goth has felt lost for years, after his father died his mother went to pieces and Johnny was left to pick them all up. Finally Johnny’s mother has seen the light and she does not like who Johnny is anymore. She is finally convinced that her son is going down the wrong path after he is slipped drugs and ends up in the hospital. Johnny is ordered to go to alcohol rehabilitation where he discovers his love of Blondie’s Debbie Harry. After he gets out of rehab Johnny’s mother sends him to live with his uncle in North Carolina. Here Johnny befriends a girl who not only sees the difference in Johnny, but also celebrates it. Johnny’s story might seem a little different but deep down it is very relatable about how we all feel about finding out who we are and wanting to be accepted.
Issues: Identity, Sex Roles, Self-Confidence, Death, Family, Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Transvestites, High School, Coming of Age.
Define "Normal" by Julie Anne Peters (YA PBC Peters) 2000
Antonia has a lot on her plate to do deal with. She is trying to take care of her brothers, keep her grades up and get into an accelerated program at school. She has also taken on the duty of being a peer counselor. But then Antonia meets Jasmine, the girl she is asked to counsel, she thinks this might not be a great idea. Jasmine, know as Jaz, is out spoken with crazy hair and make up- how could they relate to each other at all? This novel helps break down the ideas of normal and reminds us all not to judge a book by its cover. This novel has been on the summer reading list the last few years.
Issues: Family Problems, Mental issues, Peer Counseling, Friendship, Coming of Age.
If you would like to come to our next meeting please contact the library to register so we have enough food and drinks for everyone. You are welcome to send a message to this blog, call the library at 201-599-1309, send a message to the library facebook , or just stop in and talk to someone in the Youth Services Department.
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