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New Books for 2008
It's fun to start the new year out with something new to read.
Here are a two that I have enjoyed.
 Sweethearts by Sara Zarr is the perfect little valentine. This book reminds me of a college roommate that became my closest friend. At the end of the year, she left to attend another university, I cried and told my dad I'd never find another friend like her. Dad reassured me that some friendships are meant to last forever. This book reaffirms my belief in the enduring power of friends, whose "mark we've left on each other is the color and shape of love." From the cookie on the cover to the touching ending that made me cry, I loved this book.
Joanne Harris, author of Chocolat, has ventured into the world of young adult literature with Runemarks. The story begins with Maddy, shunned by the village because she is born with a rune on her palm. She is tutored by an Outlander, whom she refers to as One-Eye and is eventually sent on a quest. Individuals and events are not as they seem and Maddy is called upon to use both her wits and her gifts to realize her destiny and the destiny of the world. Heavily steeped in Norse mythology, (much more than Nancy Farmer's delightful The Sea of Trolls series), the tale is enriched by the maps, character and rune lists in the front matter. I enjoyed reacquainting myself with the world of Odin and Loki. A grand adventure!
I received several excellent suggestions from the survey on 2007 Young Adult Services and will attempt in implement as many as possible. One suggestion was the creation of a Teen Readers Advisory Group. The suggestion was made that this group might be able to read and review books, then meet occasionally to share reviews of young adult literature. If you are interested, please let me know. bmoon@suffolk.lib.ny.us
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