More Book Choices and Foot In The Mouth

I guess I should start with the foot in mouth situation and get that out. Last night was the Catonsville branch of the Baltimore County Library Book Talk night. My father in law went and received a book as a door prize. He seemed so pleased with his choice as he showed me his new James Patterson book. I must admit it took me everything I had not to laugh. He had picked up Maximum Ride. For those of you who aren't familiar with the book, it branches out from two of Patterson's adult novels (When the Wind Blows and Lake House) and is about a young girl named Maximum Ride and her group of avian-humans (known as the Flock), who have been the subjects of experiments, leaving them only 98% human and 2% Avian (bird). There are currently 4 books in the series for young adults which explore the world that the two adult books began and there are at least two movies planned based on this world in the very near future. I can only say, on the movie idea, let us hope it is more true to a Pattersonian world than his attempt at placing the Woman's Murder Mystery Club into an hour weekly format OR his shot at the made for TV movie First To Die (The first Murder Mystery Club book).

Now that I've told you everything that any good blog reader might want to know about this book's background, let me tell you what I really think about this said book and why it took everything I had not to laugh at Bill. I received my copy of the book free of charge (Patterson donated over 1,000 copies of this book to NCTE (National Council of Teacher of English) to go to Middle School teacher members). I guess, in that view, I was lucky enough to have been one of the first people in the United States to read this book... we got it MONTHS before it came out to the public. And, was I ever excited! I loved the two adult novels and looked forward to plunging deeper into the world of Max and her avian buddies. Before I continue, have you ever read a book from an author who just blew your mind away in one book and wrote using a totally different style and it was a turn off? Well, James Patterson, as an adult fiction writer, could write the phone book and I'd buy it. James Patterson, the young adult author, might as well be producing toilet paper. It just wasn't anything to write home about. Yes, it had the action. Yes, it was interesting. But, he was holding himself back for his younger audience. It just wasn't what I had come to expect from Patterson. But, I found a student at school whom I thought would adore this book and allowed them to borrow it (they could have kept it, as far as I was concerned... it was meant to go into the classroom library). The student finished it in two nights and couldn't wait for the second one to come out. But, then, the same student read one of the adult novels... and hated it. It appears that young adult to adult Patterson doesn't translate either. The styles are both good... but you should never pick up a Young Adult Patterson book if you expect to read a book like the Adult Patterson novels. When it came time for me to write my review for NCTE, I said just as much. BOY was I surprised when the publishers actually used my review. The following was my review... and, as of last time I checked, is still accessible from the Little, Brown and Company website:

"I have come to expect greatness from Patterson. As in every Patterson book, it had action, suspense, mystery, and the power to create a world so full of imagery that you can become absorbed and lost in your imagination. But, unlike their adult counterparts, the young adult Patterson reader finds a totally different style that doesn't fit the form that you originally think of as being "Pure Pattersonesque". My students found the book to be exciting and full of mystery and could not wait for their to be another installment. But, I found that the book lacked that hook that keeps the adult counterpart the book I will go back and read again and again. To me, it was like two different individuals wrote these books. If just another had written this book, I would have no problems saying how much this book deserves to be a "must have" in every library. But, in this day and age of name recognition, the Patterson name is going to be what gets that book off library shelves. And, those who know that name are going to be disappointed because it does not live up to the Patterson sparkle. But, for those who are grabbing a book because it just seems like a good read, you are going to enjoy the web of mystery and intrigue woven like a well worn quilt. Put this book in the hands of your best readers. Just make sure they have never read another Patterson book.... it certainly colored my take on what is by no doubts an excellent young adult novel. K.A. Wenzel, Laurel, MD"

Bill is a Patterson fan. He picked up the book thinking he was getting the newest/latest Patterson book. I broke it to him that it was neither new nor the latest, but a young adult fiction. And, I also told him I would have loaned him my copy. His whole face dropped. I finished my spiel by telling him I reviewed the book... and frankly, it isn't that great of a book. I told him that it was a branch off two of his adult fiction novels (two of his most controversial, I may add) and, had he not read them, he could never quickly become lost. He got upset and said he guessed he would donate it then. I suddenly felt like a total heel. I should have been more supportive of his find. He didn't deserve my lack of forethought. Just because I didn't like it does not mean he shouldn't try it. Although, I believe it to be worth less than worthy of donation. I keep my copy (since I no longer have a classroom nor a classroom library) on my personal bookshelf. I've put it in the "TO GO" pile more times than I'd like to admit. But, I am a diehard Patterson fan. Can't do it. Must keep it. *SIGH* Midyear Resolution To Self: MUST BE NICER TO FATHER IN LAW!

Ok... more book choices. I'm not going to go into a lot of detail why I liked them or branch into categories. I'm just going to list books I've read and enjoyed. Make up your own mind whether they are worthy of reading.

Plitcher, R. - The Shell Seekers (I actually watched the movie first... the book was way better.)

Disch, T. - The M.D. - A Horror Story (I read this one after my mom gave up on it... made her feel sick. And yes, this is the guy who wrote the Brave Little Toaster series)

Grisham, J - The Last Juror (I read this one on the plane from Baltimore to Columbus during a trip to see my parents post marriage)

Hiaasen, Carl - Flush (Dave Barry and Carl Hiaasen rock.. what more can I say)

Alongi and Alongi-Davidson - The Jennifer Scales Series (Jennifer Scales and The Ancient Furnace/Jennifer Scales and The Messenger of Light/The Silver Moon Elm : A Jennifer Scales Novel)

Pullman, Philip- The Golden Compass

Setterfield, D - The Thirteenth Tale

Spinelli, J. - Wringer

Curtis, C. - Bud, Not Buddy and The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963.

Clements, A. - Frindle

Well... that is enough for today, I guess. Maybe if I make enough noise, Bill will take me with him to lunch! Nah... couldn't be that lucky that he'll notice me. Til next time!