From Fanfiction to Mainstream

The latest SummerQuest is a really fun challenge involving creating a map of an imaginary place. You have to be a true fan to be that inspired by an imaginary world. Some are inspired to make maps, while others are inspired to write stories. So between that, and the fact that the controversial Fifty Shades of Grey continues to be one of our most-requested books, this seems like a good time to recommend some other authors who, like E.L. James, started out writing fanfiction. (You probably know already that that book started out as Twilight fanfiction...le sigh.)

 There's a good chance that you've seen the multitude of pink, sparkly books we have by popular child, teen, and adult author Meg Cabot. But did you know that she started out writing fanfiction, and is still an active member of that online community? Find out what the heck fanfiction is, and check out some more popular authors who started out writing it, after the jump!

Reading Over The Summer

For me the start of summer meant I could read whatever I wanted, no more boring assigned reading.  Even though I am far past the days of assigned reading there is still something about summer and reading.  Maybe it's because I have fond memories of participating in the library's Summer Reading Program.  This year I was excited to learn that a feature of the Summer Reading Program is an online quest component.  It sounds like a lot of fun and that got me thinking about how many of my favorite stories are actually adventure quests.  I think the top spot would have to go to The Hobbit by J R R Tolkien.  There are dwarves and magic, treasure and dragons, and Bilbo the Hobbit who never planned on having any adventures but found himself on one anyway.  Yes, that summer was definitely an adventure.  So here is to finding great books to keep you entertained over the hot Tucson summer.

This Charming Man by Marian Keyes

It's summer! And that means it is time to let those chick lit titles fly!

My favorite author that gets put into this genre is Marian Keyes. She is an Irish writer who knows how to put serious substance into her entertaining reads. This Charming Man is a novel about how four different women's lives have been shaped by this one man - Paddy de Courcy. Paddy de Courcy is Ireland's debonair politician, the "John F. Kennedy Jr. of Dublin." All the charm in the world cannot cover up what this man really is - an abusive, egotistical brute.

This novel is not for the faint of heart; Lola, Grace, Marnie, and Alicia each narrate their story with Paddy. Each of them discover how strong they really are, and the variety of places one can find support.

I'd like to see you try to put this page-turner down this summer!

Find This Charming Man at your library!

~ Roller Derby Librarian

Summer Reading Is Here!

It's that time of year again, when school lets out, vacation begins, and readers across the country crack open their books to get through the long hot months.

This year, as you're thinking about summer reading, remember that it's not just for kids and teens. We're encouraging adults to participate as well - keep an eye out on our public homepage for our summer reading sign up, or ask your local friendly librarian for details.

Without further ado, here are three titles to start out your summer reading.