I don't think I wrote enough about Twice Told, a very unusual collection I just reviewed for my Eclectica essay on anthologies. The idea behind it is really unique - illustrator Scott Hunt came up with 9 pictures and sent them to 18 young adult writers. The end result was two very different stories for each picture and an anthology that is not only full of great writing but also a valuable lesson or two on how to write. I've never read a collection like this - a group of stories that so effectively shows what a creative writer can do with the slightest of ideas. It's very cool - and does get quite dark at times - and really worth looking for if you're a fan of the short story.

Also finished this weekend - You Can't Read This by Val Ross which is now one of my all time favorite books about books and reading and Out of the Shadows by Neil Waldman, a very well written autobiography about an artist and his childhood sources of inspiration. Both are smart titles and more examples of why nonfiction for young adults should most certainly be explored by adults everywhere.

Otherwise I'm incredibly impressed by Tim O'Brien and If I Die in a Combat Zone, also a wicked spec fiction anthology for YAs, Firebird Rising, and the ultimate brain food for music lovers - The Rose and Briar. I highly recommend listening to Bruce Springsteen's latest CD, "The Pete Seeger Sessions" while reading it. I'm a huge Springsteen fan anyway, but listening to him sing "John Henry" is classic Americana and a great accompaniment to a book that includes so many different writers detailing the history of favorite and popular ballads.

Finally - picked up the latest issue of Harper's Bazaar - British Edition in Seattle the other day (don't hate me for my weakness) and found an interesting article by Lionel Shriver about power couples (very personally revealing I thought) and also a great piece on JP Donleavey and The Gingerbread Man. Apparently they are making a movie with Johnny Depp as the lead. Interesting choice and Donleavey came across as quite the intelligent charmer.

Apologies for no links - firefox has not been a friendly browser this evening!