Columbine

Alright, technically it's now January 2010 (although the posting will say sometime in November), and I am way behind in this blog. I will do what I can to remember each book, although I am pretty sure I am forgetting something between Columbine and the next one, but we'll hobble along anyway.

So, Columbine. This was a fantastically well researched book about the circumstances surrounding the shootings, the writings, lifestyles and personalities of the boys involved, and the aftermath.

I think it's a particularly poignant topic for me, as I was a year younger than the shooters and in high school myself when this happened. I remember where I was exactly when I heard about the shootings and how we reacted to it in our school. Additionally, there was a copycat shooting at a small town south of the city a few weeks later where a boy my age was killed. A scholarship was set up in his name, and I received university money from it later on, as did many of my friends. Anyway, long story short, it was an important event in my personal history.

I think one of the most interesting things that this book addressed was the media's interpretation of what happened, and how that effected what we all thought reading about it internationally. Finding out there was no real "trenchcoat mafia", the boys weren't all that marginalized, etc. was very interesting.

I have to admit, I had a lot of nightmares the week I read this. However, it was interesting, well researched and I was talking about it for days afterwards. 4.5 disenfranchised, trenchcoat wearing youth out of 5.

Are these my Basoomas I See Before Me?

Ah Georgia Nicolson. We meet again for the last time. You may be a book written for children, but that didn't stop me from laughing out loud and enjoying myself considerably while reading your last installment. We've had a tumultuous relationship - you've gotten tiresome in the past with your silly language and constant ignorance considering Dave The Laugh. However, I have stuck by you, and I am going to admit - I'll miss you.

Thanks for the mammaries! 4.5 nunga-nungas out of 5.

White Stone Day

I am not going to give this stupid book too much more of my time. Maybe it was the fact that I kept falling asleep during the first few chapters, but I found it a rambling, confusing and ultimately unsatisfying volume, one that I only finished out of spite and obligation.

A rambling tale about a roguish reporter in Victorian London, the main plot revolves around (I think) trying to bring a child molester, pornographer and murderer to justice within the upper classes. There is also a subplot revolving around the hero's dead brother, another couple of kids, and Oxford.

Confusing, rambling and ultimately unsatisfying. I will give it 2 glass photography negatives out of 5 out of charity, as I was totally out of it for the first few chapters.

Huge

This book (yes, it's for young folk) had such potential. Who doesn't love a good story about fat camp? First there was the MTV special, aptly titled "Fat Camp", then, we got a second taste with "Fat Camp 2". Finally, the world gave us "Huge".

I love a good camp story. I especially love a good fat camp story. Who doesn't? Camp has such an in-the-now flavour, it is perfect for teen romances, drama, and everything you come to expect from a good book for young 'ins.

Unfortunately, "Huge" didn't live up to it's potential. It was cheesy and seemed unfinished by the end. I think that, had 13 year old Alana read it as opposed to 27 year old Alana, there would be a different verdict. However, as I am an adult (albeit one who reads teen fiction on a semi-regular basis), I have to rate it 2.5 perfectly portioned grilled salmon fillets out of 5.