My Soul To Take by Rachel Vincent

Ruined: a Ghost Story by Paula Morris

Beat Voices: an anthology of Beat Poetry by David Kherdian

Kherdian presents a collection of American poetry by and about the Beat Generation, featuring such poets as Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, Gregory Corso, Diane di Prima and others.

David Kherdian lived in San Francisco during the 1950's and '60's during the height of the beat movement, until "the Hippie invasion of Haight-Ashbury." His introduction presents an intimate look at some of the "Angel-headed Hipsters" of that influential literary and cultural movement. Many of the Beat poets were themselves influenced by William Blake and Walt Whitman, to name a few. The poetry of the Beats heralded a revolution that shaped future generations of poets. This book serves as an insightful introduction to the era and the poets that defined that era. Ms. Monegato

Paper Towns (Abe Nominee 2010)

Read Jerk, California - an Abe 2010 Nominee!

Audio Book: Sorta Like A Rock Star by Matthew Quick

Sorta Like A Rock Star is excellent young adult literature. An unusual premiss; Amber Appleton, a poor homeless girl and her mother live in the back of a school bus that her mother drives during the day to earn money. In the face of all hardships, our 16 year old "rock star" remains relentlessly optimistic. One day, however, tradegy strikes, and the horror of it challenges Amber in ways she never anticipated. Will her faith in mankind withstand the unexpcted brutality of a total stranger?

Read by Cynthia Holloway whose acting career spans stage, film and television as well as other work requiring theatrical ability. As the reader of Sorta Like a Rock Star she assigns each character a different voice and a believeable set of emotions. She makes you smile, laugh and cry as Amber Appleton, aka "Rock Star" clings to an optimistic view of life in the face of great odds that would lead a weaker soul to despair.

Audio Book: The Cardturner by Louis Sachar

"It's hard not to feel sorry for seventeen-year-old Alton Richards when his parents rope him into driving his cranky, blind, great-Uncle Lester to his bridge club four times a week - during summer vacation, no less. Even worse: Alton must be Uncle Lester's eyes during this old-fashioned game; his cardturner. As the summer wears on, Alton, in turn, learns the game of bridge requires players to look beyond the surface, which extends to the way he perceives his uncle. Despite his blindness, Uncle Lester is quite insightful. The Cardturner by Louis Sachar is a wholly original story that breaks many rules of what should be an interesting book for teens. It's about bridge - a game for old people and not even parent old, more like grandparent old. I can assure you, the author manages to make the subject not only a good read, but you may even consider playing bridge because the book provides some "how to" tips as a bonus. In his Newbery Award winning Holes, Mr. Sachar broke a few rules, too. And I, for one, hope that he continues to be his wonderful non-conformist self , writing about whatever subject or story moves him." -- Reviewed by Michelle Delisle for Whatcha Reading Now?
Read by Luis Sachar, the author, this audio book would benefit from narration by a trained actor as the subject matter can be dry (if you aren't into cards). Never-the-less, Sachars enthusiasm for the card game Bridge comes through loud and clear in his reading and, at times, is very contagous.