James, don't read this post

Ok, so I was not going to post tonight, especially at this hour as it would be tantamount to announcing that, yes, I'm still awake at 4:20 am, which will make my mother say something to me. However, tomorrow is the one day I don't have to work and I couldn't help it when my lack of somnolence led me to this site. I burst out laughing and probably awoke my neighbors due to the aforementioned thin walls. I had to share; I know most of you will appreciate it, if James, perhaps, will not. Sorry to point a finger at you, babe. I still love you and all your conservatism. Feel free to point back at me on your blog, but do try to be clever. ;)

On a note more of the faux milestone variety, in my dubious role of 'librarian in charge,' today I got to learn about biohazards when I had the opportunity to use the pathogen kit. (Please go back and read that last bit again if you didn't apply the appropriate tone of sarcasm the first time around.) One of the charming children chose, inadvertently I'm sure, to have a, well... massive... accident 10 minutes before close. Now, yes, I realize that urine is supposedly sterile, but that didn't make me feel less relieved when there were reassuringly thick blue disposable gloves in that amazing kit. It actually added a note of adventure in my mind - it instantly reminded me of the scary blue-gloved guys ("two by two, dressed in blue") from Firefly. Before people start with the outcry that I'm in public service and shouldn't complain - I'm not. Really. I didn't bat an eye. I knew that I was the one getting the 'big' bucks, the one nominally in charge, it was my responsibility. I was so glad it wasn't vomit or worse. I can't express how glad I was about that. Oh, and that powder stuff you sprinkle is totally amazing! It'll suck up ANYTHING. (one more amazing and I qualify for Tom Cruise status, blech.) I was also very grateful to Rachel who stayed late with me to help clean it up.

As it is now later than 4:20 am, I shall attempt for sleep.

The most dreaded place on Earth.

We've seen the results of Gossip Girls in teen lit in the past couple years with trashy and at times risque books that read quick and sell well. This book is, I'm sure, entirely in debt to that trend. It is however of sufficient quality that it does rise to the top of the group. I must admit that I don't read this kind of stuff. I normally figure that I know what it is and who would be interested in it, and I'd rather save my time for something with a little more, er... depth (Usually). However, when my boss snagged me an ARC at PLA (for the 5 people who read this and aren't librarians, that's an Advanced Reader's Copy at the Public Libraries Association conference, remember that, 'cause if I've cause to refer to it again I'm not typing it all out), I couldn't help but read it. Who doesn't feel cool reading what the general public can't yet get? (I won't say anything about the books I really wanted. I was lucky to get what I did!) Naturally, I waited until the last possible moment to read it, as it is released on Tuesday.

As I said, I suspect this is a little better than it's compatriots. Basic summary: There's a new boy at a fancy prep school for the rich who's mind, unbeknownst to him, has somehow gained an eavesdropper. Reluctant to reveal her identity, she's witness to every thought, emotion, and experience Gideon encounters, and narrates it all with an appealing pithy, sarcastic voice. Oh, and did I say anything about the bet? For fans of GG, A-List, etc. (Though, if you are REALLY clever, you might be able to get a guy to read it - it is mostly from a guy's POV).

Admit it, you still Love Queen.

Way back when, in the days that I belonged to one of those mail order book clubs (we're talking junior high/high school, which is weird 'cause those things were totally for adults. I had such a liberal mom, which I didn't get at the time - we're talking sanctioned co-ed sleepovers, here. Shocking, I know!), I would see the summaries for the latest Discworld book by Terry Pratchett. I always wanted to read those, but I was utterly intimidated by the sheer quantity, not to mention the lack of a clear linear order in which to read (my downfall with the Pern novels as well, I read them until I could no longer quickly figure out which events took place first). Yes, I'm obsessed with chronology. Everyone knows that by now (what you don't know is my need for symmetry - and why has this blog devolved into Jackie is crazy?). Right.

While trolling the best selling teen book list on B&N and Amazon, I came across this title, thinking, Hey! New book unrelated to Discworld! Perfect intro to Pratchett! If I really like it, maybe it will inspire me to figure out that order! Turns out this is just now being remarketed to teens and was actually published back in the long ago days of the early 90's. Which I discovered on the CIP (because I'm a good librarian and always read that page. Psychotically.) I had read American Gods by Gaiman and thought "...That was interesting." I know that I found it more interesting than I would have had I read it a few years prior when I knew less about mythology. Speaking of the CIP habit, I was rewarded this time with the Caveat (and who doesn't love that word) located on that page. "Kids! Bringing about Armageddon can be dangerous. Do not attempt it in your own home." And that about sums up the book (get it? your own home! heh heh). At times I thought it was just a tad confusing, and it took me too long to read, and while it was a smidge predictable (when not confusing) it was wholly amusing, at times edging on hysterical. Very tongue in cheek and slyly funny. The ongoing gags like all tapes kept in the lead demons car longer than 2 weeks turn into Queen, are very funny the first 3 times, but after that, well, you start to express the same frustration he does. Perhaps it was more clever than I initally thought. Anyway, Since they've published The Wee Free Men and A Hat Full of Sky aimed at teens, this is a good step into the more complicated (and dark) Gaiman. +14