Bill Buford: Heat

A high-class account of Buford who was given the opportunity to work under Mario Batali (http://www.mariobatali.com/)--and learn and earn just a taste of what it takes to be a tremendous chef.

Mariah Fredericks: The True Meaning of Cleavage

Totally not what I was expecting. Interesting and unique protagonist, interesting freshmen dilemmas, very unique story of a friendship's path. Glad I read it.

Stephen Chbosky: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Started this this afternoon, and I just finished it.
So. Good. So. Amazing.

Carolyn Mackler: The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things

AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME!!!!!

Finally, a positive and unique teenage feminist!!!

SO GLAD I READ THIS!!!

Gail Carson Levine: Fairest

David Levithan: Boy Meets Boy

Lauren Myracle: Rhymes with Witches

Sharon Hale: The Princess Academy

So much more than what the title says. HOLY COW was this good.

Gennifer Choldenko: Al Capone Does My Shirts

Louis Sachar: Holes

I totally forgot what an amazing story this is! This is the third reading of it, and I bawled at the end. Stanley Yelnats (stanley backwards) has terrible luck, doesn't like himself very much, and is forced to dig 5x5x5 holes in the middle of the desert as punishment ("this isn't a girl scout camp") for a crime he didn't commit.

Sachar weaves a family's history into the tale among the modern Stanley's detailed experience. The end of the story, while tidily wrapped up, is original and masterful in the manner the entire text was written.

Really a unique story, and I am SO glad I haven't (and won't) see the movie...I love the images of Caveman and Zero I have in my head, and have no desire to have anyone else's interpretation. I love my imagination!!

Definitely check this book out!