November Book Grub Meeting

On Friday, 19 members of the high school book group (aka Book Grub) met to discuss The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl by Barry Lyga. Many members talked about Barry's visit to our library last year, and some of the insights he gave us into the book and the characters. We also spent a lot of time discussing whether Fanboy was an unreliable narrator and whether he had a victim complex. It started as a crazy meeting, but it ended up being a good discussion (much to my relief).

Next month, we will discuss A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly. It was a 2004 Printz honor book and is based on a real murder from the early 20th century. We haven't done a historical fiction choice for a while, so I think it will be good. Your copies should be ready for pick-up by the end of the week.

Fanboy Factoids

Notes from Barry's latest newsletter...

BEST BOOK OF 2006?
I'm too modest to say so ("Yeah, right," you all say, rolling your eyes), but School Library Journal has no such qualms. They listed Fanboy as one of the Best Books of 2006. And the Parkersburg (WV) News and Sentinel named it Teen Book of the Year for 2006.But none of that can hold a candle to the Catholic News Service listing my book as one of the best books to give to children for the holiday season, right under a book about teaching children about Jesus. Let me tell you, that one made my Catholic grandfather pretty happy...though it confused me. I mean, did they even READ the book? What was the Pope thinking?

AUDIOBOOK
The Fanboy and Goth Girl audiobook is on track to come out in March. I spoke with the producer, who is very excited about it. They've lined up a TERRIFIC narrator, none other than Scott Brick. Those of you in comics might recognize Scott's name -- he's done a lot of freelance work for Wizard and the like. He's a huge comic book fan, so it's quite apropos that he'll be narrating this book. (And we all know he won't have any trouble pronouncing any of the comic book references!) Scott was recently named Narrator of the Year by PW, so it's an honor to have him on the project.

PAPERBACK
The paperback edition of Fanboy will be out in October...just in time for the release of my second book, Boy Toy.

THE MOVIE DEAL
Yes, this is what EVERYONE wants to hear about. :) Wish I had news for you, folks, but I don't. The negotiations continue between my agent and the movie folks. These things take time. I've basically put it out of my thoughts. If it's going to happen, it'll happen.

Fanboy Friday!

Last Friday, 32 people came to hear Barry Lyga talk about The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl. It was fun, with a great reading from the book and a lot of time for Q and A. It's always cool to hear about the creation of a good book. For example, in the original drafts, Kyra was a really minor character. Later, she took over the story and got her name in the title!

Everyone asked thoughtful questions, and Barry was impressed with how many of you had already read the book! My favorite question was from Kara, asking Barry about the craziest thing he has ever seen at a comic book convention. Other memorable questions were about his favorite books and movies, and whether this book will have a sequel (the answer: maybe). And one exciting thing we learned is that he was recently on an author panel with John Green and Stephenie Meyer! After the talk, 17 people bought books to get signed. ( I still have a few more, unsigned but a deal at only $11!)

We found out that his next book, Boy Toy, will be released in October 2007. This is a story, told in flashbacks, of of 12-year-old boy who has a relationship with his teacher. It sounds pretty depressing, but everyone was very interested in reading it. Barry is planning to send us an ARC when one is printed, and there is already a waiting list!

And the coolest thing...Barry said we were his best public library event ever. Oh yeah!!!

Q and A

You CAN Judge A Book By It's Cover!

Amy said it, and I agree. In the case of The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl, it's actually true! The cover is not some marketing trick...it's a book worth reading.

Incidentally, just in case you forgot, author Barry Lyga will be here TOMORROW NIGHT AT 7 PM to talk about his book. Be here!!!

Real Live Author Visit

It's really happening. Barry Lyga, author of The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl, is coming to Sellers Library on Friday, November 3, starting at 7 pm!!!!!

It all began with my blog post about the cool title, before I even read the book. Barry sent me an ARC (read my review), and then volunteered to come visit us since he lives about 2 hours from here! Woohoo!

Barry will be talking about his book, doing a Q & A, and signing copies for you!! The book is on sale now in stores, and we will also have copies available for sale that night. You can also check out a library copy. Put your hold in now!

This book is a release from a major publishing house, people. We are talking REAL AUTHOR. How cool is this!!! Tell your English teachers they should give extra credit for those attending the event!

Book Review: Fanboy and Goth Girl

The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl by Barry Lyga
***Release Date: October 2, 2006***

Fifteen-year-old Fanboy is a social outcast at school, but his imagination makes up for it: sometimes spinning revenge fantasies against Jock Jerks on The List; other times, contemplating the curves of gorgeous girls; and usually dwelling on Schemata, the comic book creation that rules his private life. That is, until a surprising IM ("Why do you let him hit you?") begins an unlikely alliance with Kyra, aka Goth Girl. They're nothing alike, but she seems to want his companionship, which is more than he can say for his sometimes friend Cal. Suddenly, Fanboy finds himself actually answering Kyra's sharp questions. But can he really trust her with his secrets? And is Kyra being honest with him in return? Fanboy's self-imposed exile from high school life is an authentic portrayal of social awkwardness and insecurity. But his wit, sarcasm, creativity, and obvious passion (for comic books AND girls) are what make him an engaging character in this highly readable book. The cover art may be more attractive to Goth Girls, but this story definitely has guy appeal for Fanboys and others.

Look for it on our shelves soon. Or, ask me if you want to borrow the ARC. Read a book before it's published!!