"Stories may well be lies, but they are good lies that say true things, and which can sometimes pay the rent."
Neil Gaiman
Cory Doctorow's Little Brother
John Green at ALAN Workshop of NCTE
This is one of the BEST speeches I have heard in a long time. This unassuming guy, with mussed-up hair and his shirt tale out, strides up from the audience, steps up to the podium and delivered a speech that blew me away! It was extrodinarily entertaining; thought-provoking; and one that I will think about and quote for some time to come. Without a doubt, this was a great speech.
Read why someone who is not the president of the John Green fan club (me) felt compelled to include the link to this speech on young adult literature. The closing line is one of the best tributes I have ever heard to the power of a good teacher.
Read it. Find a great piece of young adult literature to enjoy. Then drop a note to one of your favorite teachers!
Want to view some great art?
I received notice from Dana Novgorodoff that she is showing some of her work at the Doma Cafe in the West Village during the month of December. If you happen to be in the neighborhood of 17 Perry Street at Seventh Avenue, please be sure and treat yourself to some great art. To get an idea of her gorgeous work, visit her website.
In Praise of Terry Pratchett
I read Nation last spring and LOVED it, simply adored it. If you haven't read this one yet, RUN quickly to your nearest library (well, if it's the library, I guess that should be "quickly and quietly"- thanks Jill Santopolo and Alec Flint.)
However, I realized that I had some catching up to do. This author is too good to limit to one book. I started with the audio of Wee Free Men. Right now it is in my car's CD player and I keep looking for reasons, in these days of careful gas consumption, to travel. I love to hear the wonderful brogue, follow the absolutely amazing Tiffany Aching, and enjoying the gentle way he pokes fun and anything and everything. The story, the puns, the characters: it's all good!