Your Book to Movie Guide For Fall!

Although Summer is wrapping up and school has begun, there’s an upside to the cold weather that’s coming.   Fall movies are on the horizon and this season is shaping up to be pretty exciting.

One movie I’m really excited about isn’t what you would call a typical Blockbuster although it is filled with stars!  The notoriously reclusive, aloof and wonderfully talented author J.D. Salinger is featured in a new documentary due out in September. Salinger published beloved classics filled with teenage anguish and alienation such as The Catcher in the Rye, Raise High the Roof Beam, Nine Stories, and Franny and Zooey.  The new documentary features huge stars of Hollywood and of the publishing world talking about how Salinger’s work affected them.   It also seems to hint at some answers to the mystery of Salinger’s life…

Meg Rosoff’s amazing 2004 book, How I Live Now is getting the Hollywood treatment this Fall as well!  This Printz prize winner tells the story of Daisy an American teen visiting family in England.  At first Daisy feels homesick but quickly falls in love with her new family.  Her experiences in England start out idyllic but the peaceful countryside is soon shattered by a fictional Third World War.  The film is mostly supported by newcomers but Daisy is played by the talented Saoirse Ronan. 
I have recommended The Book Thief by Markus Zucak to more people than I can count.  I can’t tell if its the beautiful language and description, the charming and lovable characters or the triumph over dire circumstances that makes it so great but it has become on of my favorite books.  That’s why I’m excited and nervous for the film version to debut.   The singular grace of the book may not be matched by the movie but if its even half as good we’re all in for a good ride. 

I’d tell you to keep a lookout for the second installment of the Hunger Games Series, Catching Fire in November, but I have a feeling the buzz surrounding this one is gonna be huge.  Things get a little more complicated in Suzanne Collins‘ second book and it’ll be interesting to see how it plays out on the big screen.  If the trailer is any indication it looks like another exciting ride.

Happy viewing!

~Brooke, CLP-South Side

Road Trip?

Summer is here and many of us will be traveling. Nothing makes me happier on a long drive than a good audiobook. Personally, I like to grab a few from the library shelf in case I don’t like the narrator’s voice!

Even if you aren’t traveling this summer, try listening to a good book by a city pool for a much needed escape. Check out a few of our most popular audiobooks for teens below. The Library has audiobooks available on CD, MP3 Playaway, and for download on Overdrive and OneClick.

Libba Bray’s self narrated “Beauty Queens” has all the makings of a perfect road trip audiobook! In the story, a plane full of beauty queens on the way to the Miss Teen Dream Pageant crashes on a desert island. With little food, water and practically no eyeliner who will survive?

Read the books? Seen the movie? Now it’s time to listen to the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

Tina Fey’s self narrated memoir is one of my personal favorites. Last year, during a road trip, I listened to Bossypants and loved every second of it. From her time as a high school actor in Upper Darby, PA to portraying and meeting Sarah Palin on Saturday Night Live, you will feel like you are sitting with a friend.

If you loved reading Harry Potter and watching the movies then you should try listening to it too! Best of all, it is really easy to get a copy of Harry Potter since we have lots of copies of the series. They are probably sitting on your local library’s shelf right now.

Now it’s your turn to share! What’s your favorite audiobook?

-Michael B. (CLP Hazelwood)

A Night in Panem: Hunger Games Movie Anticipation Party @ CLP Main

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you have probably heard of the ultra popular “Hunger Games” series by Suzanne Collins and upcoming film release.  If you haven’t read the books yet, then get thee to the library this very instant and pick up a copy!  Everyone and their mother and their mother’s mother seems to be riding the wave of “Hunger Games” super fandom these days.  And for good reason too!  The books are action packed and full of heart, with characters that are completely fleshed out- including a strong female lead, and the dystopian setting seems eerily too close to full realization.  The highly anticipated film version of the first novel in the series will be opening Friday, March 23rd.  In anticipation of the film’s release, the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Main Library will be hosting “A Night in Panem”, an after-hours event for hard-core fans of all ages on Thursday, March 22.  Test your Hunger Games knowledge in trivia, train like a tribute for the battle in the arena, enjoy baked goods and cookie decorating in honor of Peeta, make a bow and arrow like Katniss’ and Gale’s, experience a Reaping with prizes instead of imminent death, and so much more!

A Night in Panem: Movie Anticipation Party
May the Odds be every in your favor

Thursday, March 22
8:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Main
4400 Forbes Ave.
412.622.3114
teensmain@carnegielibrary.org

Hunger for more?  Check these books out:

The Girl who was on Fire: Your Favorite Authors on Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games Trilogy

edited by Leah Wilson

The Hunger Games: The Official Illustrated Movie Companion by Kate Egan

The Hunger Games Companion: The Unauthorized Guide to the Series

by Lois H. Gresh

The Hunger Games Tribute Guide by Emily Seife

Jennifer Lawrence: Star of the Hunger Games by Katherine E. Krohn

Hunger Games: Katniss Madness!

After finally reading the Hunger Games a few weeks ago, I am totally hooked!

With the release of the Hunger Games movie on March 23nd, this blog post is a guide to all the wonderful Hunger Games related titles and upcoming library events!

First, it is not too late to read the book. And don’t forget the Hunger Games is a trilogy!

Have you already read the complete series? Check out the recently released Hunger Games Tribute Guide!

The Hunger Games starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen is going to be released at the stroke of midnight on Friday, March 23rd. Have you seen the trailer yet?

Before you head to the theater for the midnight release come to the library for a night of trivia, crafts and a chance to win two free movie tickets! You simply cannot miss A Night in Panem: Movie Anticipation Party at Main Library, March 22nd, 8:30-10:30 PM! Open to teens and adults!

The Teen Kindle Book Club at the Hazelwood Library will be reading and discussing the Hunger Games every Tuesday at 5:00 PM for the rest of March! Open to all middle and high school students!

Last but not least, Carrick  and West End Library also have special events planned for March!

-Michael (CLP Hazelwood)

First official Hunger Games trailer!

I know you’re not expecting a post from me today, but I was so excited to share this with everyone I just couldn’t wait!

Enjoy!

So, what do you think?

Haven’t read The Hunger Games trilogy? There’s still time to catch up before the movie is released!

-Julie, CLP Beechview

The Sexy Kitten Shakedown: Happy Halloween

Halloween was originally a Celtic (Druid) holiday, called Samhain (pronounced Sow-in), celebrated more than 2,000 years ago. It was a festival to celebrate the death of the earth, taking place at the end of summer, and its eventual rebirth, in spring. The Celts celebrated by creating huge bonfires, which were said to discourage the sun from disappearing, as well as burning crops and performing animal sacrifices. The Druids also believed that the veil between the worlds was at its thinnest on this day, leading to more accurate divinations, and to more ghosts and spirits roaming the countryside.  For the latter reason, the Druids dressed in costume to prevent being possessed by any of these meandering spirits. By dressing as ghosts, witches, goblins, as well as sporting animal skins and heads, they were said to fool the spirits into believing they were already one of them.

This celebration has persevered through the millennia. In the 19^th century, Halloween was a day for skullduggery, mischief-making, and general scariness. Eventually, in the early to mid-20^th century, Halloween evolved into a community oriented event (ala trick-or-treating). The country started seeing more block parties and community events associated with this holiday. It became a day for children, teens,  and adults to celebrate youthfulness and fun (Halloween party at the library, anyone?).

Which brings me to my next point, or not…really, but I still need to ask– where did the sexy kitten come from?  Today’s Halloween has this uncanny knack for turning things that aren’t typically attractive into something suggestive. For example, pirates. What is sexy about a group of people who lived on a ship, didn’t bathe regularly, surely didn’t brush their teeth (if they had any) and habitually came down with bouts of scurvy?—not much.  Then why does nearly every costume for women, and even men now, turn into sexy witch, sexy devil, sexy gangster, sexy nun (wait, nun? NUN?!?).

One of the best things about Halloween is the chance to use your creativity to its max! So put away the ears, tail, and eyeliner whiskers, because there are tons of really groovy costumes out there that just require some time and TLC.  Here are a few of my personal favs (click on then for DIY instructions).

                    

Of course this post wouldn’t be complete without me telling you how awesome and gratifying it is, to me as a librarian, when people go dressed as their favorite literary character. If you’re finally sick of dressing like Edward Cullen or Hermione Granger, check out this awesome article (thanks Joseph!) which tells you how to channel your inner Clay (from 13 Reasons Why) or Katniss Everdeen: Girl on Fire. If none of these grab your attention, try one of the books below that can be found at or ordered to your local Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh!

                        

Happy Hauntings– Julie, CLP Beechview

Teen review (modern classic edition) : The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

My name is Jenna. I go to a high school where I’m part of the marching band and the cheerleading squad. I’m pretty busy, but I always find time to read. I’m also very creative and I like doing little crafts out of random things I find.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I decided to read the Hunger Games because I kept hearing how good of a book it was. When I first read the description, I didn’t think I would even like it or actually end up reading the book. This book definitely deserves all of the hype it’s getting because it’s an excellent story!

Katniss Everdeen is the main character. She lives in District 12, the poorest district of all 12 districts. They are the coal-mining district, and they are looked down upon by the rest of Panem (their country). She is a very independent girl. Katniss is the one who takes care of her mother and sister by hunting illegally in the woods and trading what she hunts for items that she can put on the table at dinnertime. She is rough and probably stronger than most boys in her district.

But, the Hunger Games is right around the corner. Every year, two tributes from each of the 12 districts of Panem, 24 kids in all, are taken from their homes and put into a game where they have to kill each other to win. Whoever is the last person standing, wins, and becomes rich after. And the whole thing is broadcast on television throughout Panem.

Against all odds, Katniss’ little sister is picked to participate in the Hunger Games, and Katniss is so surprised and appalled that she offered to take her sister’s place.

Throughout the book, you are taken on this crazy wild journey to the Hunger Games with Katniss and the other District 12 tribute, Peeta. Read the book to experience the frightening and fast-paced game that these two teens have to go through.

My First Post too!

Hello all!

 

Allow me to introduce myself—I am Julie Moore, the new children’s and teen librarian at CLP Beechview. I will be blogging regularly, so I thought I’d tell you a little about myself first.  

 

So, me—this is my first official library job since I finished grad school. Before this, I worked as a bank teller for PNC (and before that, I worked a number of unfulfilling and unenjoyable jobs)—and I can truly say that there is no better line of work than being a librarian. I am married to my complete opposite and, together, we work to contain the madness that is my dog and my cat. Hobbies include reading (imagine that), obsessing over film (especially who is going to be cast to star in two of my current favorite series, The Hunger Games  (Jennifer Lawrence will rock as Katniss, btw) and The Mortal Instruments  (100% team Alex Pettyfer for Jace), and going to concerts (Lady Gaga = the best night ever.) 

 

 

I am fanatical about teen literature. And when I say fanatical, I mean, I live for it. Especially, especially teen fantasy/sci fi. Current favs include the two I mentioned above, as well as Tiger’s Curse (go read it, seriously, it won’t disappoint), Incarceron, and Matched (to name a few). That about encompasses the interesting parts of my life; I look forward to blogging with you all!

 

To leave you with some interesting news– two new movies have been slated to film in Pittsburgh.  Upper St. Clair native Stephen Chbosky’s book The Perks of Being a Wallflower (which is set to star Logan Lerman and Emma Watson) and Still I Rise, an educational drama from Daniel Barnz, the director of Beastly. These films will join the likes of The Silence of the Lambs, She’s Out of My League, and last year’s Unstoppable and The Next Three Days, among many, many others.                                         

 

So, you ask, why Pittsburgh? Pittsburgh offers a film tax credit program, which tenders a small break to the budgets of the films made here. Outside of seeing our awesome city on the big screen, having films made in Pittsburgh boosts our economy too. Last year, with three big films made in Pittsburgh, we saw over $100 million go to our region!

 

Have a desire to be on the big screen? The Pittsburgh Film Office is looking for extras for The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Check it out here!

 

That’s all for this round of blogging. Thanks for reading!

 

-Julie, CLP Beechview

Take our poll: Do you like Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss?

It was announced today that actress Jennifer Lawrence has been cast as Katniss Everdeen in the super-very-exciting Hunger Games movie!

What do you think of Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone) as Katniss?

(polls)

Good News about Dystopias

 

Dys + (u)topia.  According to www.dictionary.com  (Based on The American Heritage Dictionary, 2009), a dystopia is “an imaginary place…where life is extremely bad, as from deprivation, oppression, or terror.” So why would anyone want to read about them? What makes them – actually – fascinating? 

If they’re  like the books on the list put together by bibliokaren a few months ago https://clpteensburgh.wordpress.com/2009/03/26/give-it-up-for-the-giver/, they quicken the blood, give you an edge and alertness. They  distract you from  other pressures. Their main characters’ survive  and, maybe overcome, horrfic conditions, even if in some limited way.  Since Katniss or Matt or  Jonah can live with dignity through the end of the world as we know it or a tyrranical government that tortures or puts teenagers to death; we can handle hard times too.  If they can face ambiguity and temptation, so can we. Any kindness in the midst of so much inhumanity,  makes us hopeful and hopefully kinder ourselves.

There’s some good news in the world of dystopias. First of all, Uglies by Scott Westerfeld  is now available as a download: http://www.boingboing.net/2009/08/06/scott-westerfelds-as.htmlabout. Use it to read about  Tally, who can’t wait to be made gorgeous through mandatory cosmetic surgery on her 16th birthday. When the powers-that-be send her to retrieve a friend who’s escaped, she learns about an alternative life. 

Catching Fire, sequel to Susan Collins’ Hunger Games, will be out in September.  Haven’t read Hunger Games? Do so immediately! Besides a dystopia, it’s a love story. Katniss volunteers to replace her younger sister for The Hunger Games, a televised to-the-death battle among 11 to 18-year-olds from twelve districts. Peeta, who loves her, is determined to ensure she’s the victor. Katniss pretends to love  Peeta, despite a relationship  at home with Gale. Although this wins over their audience, it confuses Katniss as she struggles to keep herself –and Peeta–alive.  

Catching Fire continues where The Hunger Games leaves off. This time, Katniss faces worse threats as she competes against  victors from other years as well as becomes a symbol of rebellion against the Capitol.

I’ve found it almost impossible to put down the advanced copy I’m reading–its characters and situations are so vivid and full of life even as death surrounds them.  If you’ve read Hunger Games,  put yourself on the waiting list for Catching Fire. If you haven’t devoured Hunger Games, shut off this blog and get it out. Now.

Then write me to let me know if you agree with me that  Hunger Games and Catching Fire are two of the best books of  last year and this.