NaNoWriMo

Na No what? When you mention NaNoWriMo, you get one of two reactions. People know exactly what you are talking about or they have no clue. NaNo is National Novel Writing Month. Participants challenge themselves to write 50,000 (or more) words in one month, the month of November.
For more information, go to http://www.nanowrimo.org/

I have been a NaNoer several years in the past but have never completed the 50,000 words. This year, I am hoping to push through at least that many. I am putting a widget her on my blog so everyone can see how many words I am writing each day. Hopefully, I will be embarrassed enough to actually finish this year :)


(It should show up on November 1.)

As a writer, this is a great opportunity to find other writers and encouragement.

Is anyone else going to participate in NaNoWriMo this year? If so, leave a comment about what you plan to write. If not, leave a comment and explain why not :)

Good Luck!

Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson

Writers like Laurie Halse Anderson take on issues most of us are scared to. We need more people like her.

Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Anderson likes to tackle the tough topics and Twisted is no different. The main character in this story, a male, high school senior, is trying to cope with life in high school and life at home. It hasn't been easy for him for years, but after being accused of a crime he didn't commit, everything is suddenly awful. He even contemplates suicide rather graphically.

I like this book. Anderson took very heavy issues and presented them in a fun way with lots of comic relief. Teens need to know they are not alone. However, she used some very graphic scenes related to suicide that might not be good for someone who is already on the fence. I also like the male POV, but it is obvious the book was written by a female when she begins to have him talk about girls.

This would be a good story to read with your teen. Thank goodness for writers like Anderson who are not afraid to tackle the tough issues.

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Wringer by Jerry Spinelli

Jerry Spinelli is a wonderful writer. I love most of his books. This wasn't my favorite, but it is still an excellent story with awards.


Wringer by Jerry Spinelli


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Spinelli is always wonderful with creating preteen boy characters. Palmer is no different. Spinelli catches the reader from the first page and pulls him/her into Palmer's life.

I really enjoyed the first half of this book. The second half was not as fulfilling, and I didn't like the ending very much. I suppose you can't always have a true happy ending, but I couldn't understand why Palmer had to give up all of his friends. The very ending was too coincidental. I just couldn't quite believe it.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to 8-12 year old boys.

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