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Why read a YA novel?

ByMichael Thal

Time columnist, Joel Stein had this to say in a New York Times opinion piece about adults reading YA books: “The only thing more embarrassing than catching a guy on the plane looking at pornography on his computer is seeing a guy on the plane reading The Hunger Games. Or a Twilight book. Or Harry…

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A Vampire Detective Story

ByMichael Thal

The Foster triplets were relocated to different foster homes right after being born to a powerful witch. Their mother, Patricia Foster, thought it imperative for their safety to hide Derek, Gavin, and Simone from her enemies. Now young adults on their own, the trio are called from their Chicago jobs—vanquishing vampires—to attend their mother’s funeral….

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Los Angeles Times Festival of Books 2015

ByMichael Thal

Having a hard time finding a bookstore in your neighborhood? Interested in meeting the wordsmiths that put those books together? Look no further than the LA Times Festival of Books to be held on the campus of the University of Southern California on April 18-19. The Festival of Books begins Saturday morning at 10:00 AM-6:00…

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Books that get kids reading

ByMichael Thal

Have problems motivating your teen to read? Turn to the numerous book series published by many different publishers, big and small, that focus on middle school and high school students. The Harry Potter series or the more recent Hunger Games books quickly come to mind. Authors like to write series books around the adventures of…

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6 Cheap Places to Buy Books

ByMichael Thal

Looking for an inexpensive book? Here are a few suggestions where you can purchase or even find a book for free. 1. Thrift Shops. Places like Goodwill, the American Cancer Society Discover Shops, and the Salvation Army are just a few examples of thrift shops that sell books for under a $1.00. For example, when…

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Books and Breakfast

ByMichael Thal

Sunday, February 22, 2015 Encino Charter Elementary School will be opening its doors to over 35 authors of children’s and YA books. Some of the authors that will be present are: Elise Allen, a NY Times Bestselling Author and TV writer, Enchanted Sisters David Gutterman, author of Fiddler in the Darkness Erin Fry, author of…

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Top 7 Selling YA Books in 2015

ByMichael Thal

According to the February 1, 2015 issue of the New York Times, the following books are best sellers. Below you’ll find the books listed from #7 to #1 with author, age level, weeks on the Best Seller List, a blurb about each, and link. #7 The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman…

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Spotlight on Mystery Writer Karlene R. Price

ByMichael Thal

Karlene Price, a native New Yorker, enjoyed reading Nancy Drew mysteries as a kid. Her childhood fascination became an adult preoccupation with writing fun mysteries for juveniles and adults. Enjoying the trend of mixing genres, Price sometimes stirs in science fiction and fantasy into her work. Price served her country in the U.S. Army for…