I couldn't stop...

I had a feeling today that I needed to go to our local thrift store, and I was right because the entire store is 50% off. So during lunch I plundered the books section and made away with some really wonderful books. The one I am most excited to read is Such a Pretty Girl by Laura Wiess.

It has been likened to The Perks of Being a Wallflower, which I completely love, but it could be because both books are published by MTV.

With her father imprisoned, 15-year-old Meredith thinks she could live out her high-school days safely, but when he is released early for good behavior, her security is shattered. A popular youth baseball coach, her father has abused Mer as well as other boys and girls. With strict orders that he not be left alone with his daughter, he is returned to the condo complex where she and her mother live. In contrast to Mer’s terror, her mother is giddy with delight at his return, and together the reunited couple plans to conceive another child. Yet in the shadows and stillness, Mer’s nightmare begins anew. This is a gritty, terrifying novel about a father’s abuse of power and trust, and the way two different teens, Meredith and her paraplegic friend, Andy, deal with that reality. Although not explicit, the novel is honest in its telling. Admittedly sensational, Wiess’ story is a page-turner that ultimately sends a startling message of empowerment that, while improbable, is extremely satisfying.
— Frances Bradburn

So that was my super exciting lunch hour. I observed classes after lunch, Seniors where reviewing the parts of a story in preparation to begin a short story unit, and junior's were writing a persuasive essay about people who Rolling Stones Magazine consider Agents of Change. In case you were wondering, Lil' Wayne is 19 out of 100. Sad, but true.

Bookish Art

I love vintage book covers. When I am at a thrift store and there are multiple copies of a title I always seem to pick the book printed in the 60's. I love the illustrations and graphics. Before we started putting actors on the covers of our books. I don't believe we should put actors on the covers of books; first because they did not have anything to do with the book and it's development and second, I hardly think Edith Wharton had Michelle Pfiffer in mind when she was writing Age of Innocence, And lastly, there are millions of talented artist who have read these works who can provide thoughtful and stunning imagery.

These beautiful redesigns were created M. S. Corley.

I am infatuated with vintage redesigns. I was walking through the bookstore this weekend and they had an entire rack dedicated to classic books with new fresh and modern covers. It seems like such a wonderful job. Read a book...Design a cover.

This weeks book steals

In the last 2 days I have purchased these books for a combined price of $11.00. Yeah, I love searching for titles on my lists while scouring book bins. And then I inspect the book to make sure it isn't all written in. Other shoppers look at me a little strange with my arms full of 15 books. I love it, it's like a treasure hunt. I working on the Modern Library's 100 Best Novels, not that I need to own all of them, but if I can find a deal then I should own them. Happy Book Hunting.