World Book Night is April 23rd. Representatives from around the world have been chosen to take part in this massive book giveaway. Last year there were over 25,000 volunteers who gave away over half a million books to non or light adult readers. It is the largest adult literacy project in the world.
I am honored that I’ve been chosen as a book giver this year. When filling out the application to be a giver, I chose the top 3 titles that I’d like to give away. This wasn’t as easy a choice as one would think. The list includes incredible titles, both fiction and non-fiction all chosen by a panel of librarians and booksellers.
I was stopped short and my number one spot secured when I saw Looking for Alaska by John Green on the list. I was stopped short a second time when I learned that I was graced with my number one selection and I’ll be giving away the very book which served as the gateway for me to take seriously and ultimately write Young Adult Lit (YA lit).
In Alaska, Green has created a modern masterpiece. He subtly breaks through many traditional writing rules, for example, using lists amid text and he does it beautifully. It’s passionate yet genuine. Relatable and yet completely unique. I’ve gone back to it multiple times and garner new respect for it upon each reading. (You can read my review here: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/99561.Looking_for_Alaska
If you don’t want to take my word for it, how about the 254 people who chose to re-pin the book on to their “favorites” board on Pinterest after I created the pin a year ago. Or look at all of the awards that the book has won including the Michael L. Printz Award.
HipMamaJenn 