Wednesday, October 8, 2014

WWW Wednesdays

What are you currently reading?
Althea and Oliver by Cristina Moracho
Since they were small Althea and Oliver have been best friends, perfect foils. She is impulsive and artistic; he is thoughtful and scientific. Now they are 17 and starting to realize that they might want more than friendship. As they individually explore their changing emotions a mysterious illness grips Oliver, causing him to sleep for weeks at a time and causing both of their lives to spiral out of control.
A little slow starting, this book begins with a thoughtful exploration of the relationship between these two teens and the way it is beginning to shift. I'm intrigued to see how things develop as they discover more about Oliver's illness and the consequences of the choices Althea makes while her friend sleeps.
 
What did you recently finish reading?
Laughing at My Nightmare by Shane Burcaw
Shane Burcaw is a 21 year-old with a degenerative disease - Spinal Muscular Atrophy. In this memoir he describes his childhood in all its glory: diagnosis, physical therapy, disastrous first crushes, attempts at sports, and more.
This memoir doesn't attempt to gain our sympathy, only understanding. Most readers will appreciate that. He wants us to see the person sitting in the wheelchair, not the disease that puts him there. He describes what could be absolutely humiliating incidents with humor. The message to choose joy whenever possible is a strong current throughout the memoir and keeps the book upbeat.
 
What do you think you will read next?
BZRK Apocalypse by Michael Grant
I blew through both BZRK and BZRK Reloaded so I am absolutely thrilled to have the conclusion to this trilogy waiting for me.

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