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"Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the
shattered world will never be put back together unless and
until all living humans read the book."
Reading is a way of life. Ask any avid reader to pick their favorite book; go on, I dare you. I can, with almost absolute certainty, guarantee that they will stare at you with a panicked expression and say that it's impossible to answer that question. For a true book lover, picking a favorite book is like breathing underwater. It's just not possible. That passion, that addiction (sometimes bordering on obsession) is the reason I became a bookseller and, even more so, it's the reason why I started Teens Talk Books.
Teens Talk Books began four years ago this March with five teens in attendance. At the time, I was happy to have even one teen interested! Since then, this group has grown in leaps and bounds. Now there is a faithful following of young readers (and by young, I mean age 11 to mid-twenties) that has exploded to a group of roughly 25 (and sometimes as many as 40)! Each one shares one thing in common: their love of books. I am amazed at the dedication they have and the friendships that have formed.
But don't take my word for it; take a look at what a few of the amazing Teens Talk Books members have to say. And be sure to check out some of the past favorite books from the very beginning all the way up to the most recent meeting.
Interested in learning more about Teens Talk Books? Our four year Anniversary meeting is March 31st at 6PM. We are always looking for more book lovers. Please join us - register your attendance here.
Remember to keep on reading!
Kathy
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"Teens Talk books is one of my favorite things about R.J. Julia (which, by the way, is my favorite bookstore!). It's a great chance to meet people who also love books as much as I do. For me, Teens Talk Books is a great place to get together with others who have a similar passion for reading. I have brought several friends in the past and they love it just as much as I, so be sure to check it out in the future!"
-Charlotte, age 15
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"TTB is something I've only recently started coming to, but in these few short months, it has become something I look forward to and enjoy."
Jordyn, age 13
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"I've been going to Teens Talk Books for 2 years now, and at the beginning, I only went to hear about what new books were going to be released. However, I have kept coming for a different reason! Yes, I love to hear about the books, but I love being surrounded by people who love books as much as I do! It's so fun to hear about people's favorite genres and what they have recently read. I have made a lot of friends through TTB. We're like a little family of book lovers!!"
Em, age 17
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"As a long time veteran of Teens Talk Books, I can definitely say that it never disappoints - the people are great, the discussions are great and of course,
the books are great!"
Nora, age 16
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by Natasha Friend
Great realistic fiction by local author Natasha Friend. Thirteen year old Anna is excited for the start of school, that is, until her best friend (since they were toddlers) dumps her for a new group of girls, and her mom, who battles with depression, swallows a bottle of Advil in a suicide attempt. Anna has to go live with her dad, his new (young) wife, and their brand new baby until her mom can get back onto her feet. Anna can't imagine things getting better from such a low point, but help comes from unexpected places. I loved this book; I loved Anna! And it's pretty cool that Natasha uses local references, most of which you'll definitely pick up on if you're from the area. Great book, important issue, well done! -Kaley, Ages 14+
Be sure to attend our event with Natasha on March 8th! Register here.
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by Jodi Picoult & Samantha Van Leer
For anyone who has ever lost themselves in a fairy tale or wondered what happens when we close the book, this is the perfect "curl up on the couch" book! Delilah loves fairy tales-well, one fairy tale in particular... but it's a children's picture book. Don't judge her too harshly yet, though, because this isn't your ordinary book. This one has a life of its own (literally) and, as Delilah soon learns, not everyone in this fairy tale is living "happily ever after." -Kathy, Ages 12+
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Rule #5: Trust No One. Will lives every day by the rules his father set for him. So when he finds himself running for his life, those rules (and his own wits) are the only things that can save him. Full of non-stop action, twists and turns, this book will have you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. -Kathy, Ages 12+
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by Brandon Sanderson
What a thrilling epic, in the most literal sense of the word. Find yourself immersed in a creative and original universe, where evil super humans run the world with an iron (or more like steel) fist. Great for those who enjoy being taken to an exciting and flushed out setting. -Riley, Ages 12+
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by Scott Westerfeld
This is without a doubt one of the BEST books I have read all year. Westerfeld seamlessly blends two stories into one amazing book. On the one hand, you have Darcy: a recent high school graduate who is starting a new adventure in the big city with her soon to be published Young Adult fantasy book. Her life now revolves around rewrites, rubbing elbows with famous authors and juggling life in the big city. Then you have Lizzie: a young woman traveling on her own when she suddenly finds herself in the middle of a terrorist attack. As survival instincts kick in, she finds herself crossed over to a ghostly plane with a mysterious boy to guide her. Oh, did I mention that Lizzie is the main character of Darcy's book? Afterworlds is a masterfully thought-out book that gives you not only an intriguing new fantasy book, but also a glimpse into the inner workings of the publishing world. I cannot express how much I love this book! -Kathy, Ages 14+
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by Victoria Aveyard
I am in love with this book! The world and plot in this up and coming, soon-to-be trilogy is both beautiful and enthralling. In this world, there are two classes: Red bloods and Silver bloods. Reds serve the elite Silvers. What makes the Silvers so much better than the Reds is the fact that Silvers are born with gifts and abilities. The book follows a girl named Mare who is a Red and while working at a royal party, it is revealed that she, a Red, has abilities! To cover up this oddity and to stop the questions, the royal family takes Mare in and disguises her as a long lost girl of the royal court. But, with an uprising of the Reds forming, the pressures of pretending to be a silver elite, and her very complex love interests, how will Mare find the right thing to do? -Olivia (TTB Reader)
Age 15
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by Joelle Charbonneau
What do you need? That's what the students of Nottowa High School are asked on the brand new social media site, NEED. NEED promises to fulfil all your needs no matter what they are. As long as you do something for them. But it's not as simple (or as harmless) as it sounds and things start to take a dangerous and deadly turn. Need is a thrilling book told through multiple narrators that weave together seamlessly to create a scarily realistic story. I can't say enough about NEED! Trust me, you NEED to read this book! -Kathy, Ages 14+
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by C.J. Redwine
If you love fairy tale retellings then this book is for you! The classic tale of Snow White gets flipped on its head as Lorelai (aka Snow White) has to fight to get her kingdom back from her wicked stepmother, Queen Irina. But this time, the Queen isn't the only one with magic at her disposal. Lorelai must hone her skills if she wants to defeat her stepmother. Oh, and did I forget the Prince in the story? Don't you worry, he's there too . . . but not how you might think. Perfect for fans of the Lunar Chronicles, A Court of Roses and Thorns and Once Upon a Time. -Kathy, Ages 14+
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