Tag Archives: Laurie Halse Anderson

Apr24

Prom, The Schwa Was Here, Naked

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Recent Reads in Denver:

Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson
Reading this on the flight from Philadelphia to Denver was a great experience. The book’s setting is a working class neighborhood of Philly and Anderson did a great job of catching the Philly flavor (including the TastyCakes) in her novel.

The Schwa Was Here by Neal Shusterman
How is it that the Schwa can be standing right in front of you, but you fail to see him? How does an old man can live in an apartment with 14 dogs named for all the sins and virtues? Isn’t it strange that a blind girl, Lexie, can see better than anyone else, or can she? Who is a better cook, Antsy’s mom, or Antsy’s Dad?
Do we all feel invisible at times?

Naked by David Sedaris
I read this in preparation for seeing David Sedaris speak last night. I have loved the other books of his that I’ve read and listened to. This one was really good too. However, most of my friends who have read it thought it was his funniest ever, and I found myself crying through it. The descriptions of his OCD behaviors really got to me. David Sedaris live, on stage, is awesome. He got us laughing so hard that my roommate just about threw up and I couldn’t even see for all the tears in my eyes. He is hysterical, but has so much heart. Wow!

~posted by Alli

Apr17

Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson

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I haven’t posted in awhile… I think I haven’t read anything outstanding or maybe I am just in a funk.

Finished Prom today by Laurie Halse Anderson. I think there is an audience for this book that has been untapped… the “normal” kid who isn’t college bound, has a kooky family (she seems to resent them more than they deserve), and has sex with her boyfriend without getting pregnant or dumped or cheated on. It was just a bit of a disappointment though since it is so different from Anderson’s other books which may not be fair to her. Prom has it’s funny, quirky, poignant moments but I did not find it as compelling as Speak or Catalyst. But for all those kids (and YA Librarians) who want a “soft” read this will nicely fit the bill. My favorite is still Fever 1793 … before that I never really liked historical fiction. I think that book is brilliant. Will we see anything like that again I hope?

Other recent reads:
Olivia Joules and the Overactive Imagination by Helen Fielding
Thirsty by MT Anderson

Sarah Vowell will be in Boston this Wednesday. I wanted to read (or at least start) Assassination Vacation before (hopefully) seeing her but my library hadn’t ordered it (for shame!) and the waiting list is long. I also just put myself on hold for Small Town Odds… see the blog does work 🙂 A very compelling review.

~posted by April M