Impossible by Nancy Werlin

Reading Impossible taught me a valuable lesson, or maybe just reminded me of one.  Liking something and realizing that something is good are two different things.  This is a good book.  I know this.  The characters are good, the writing is strong, the story is interesting.  Reviewers note that the main character Lucy is "spunky and unique and fiercely independent"  and that the book is a "fast paced, compelling read" (Voice of Youth Advoates). While I think all of these things are true about the book and I honestly believe that lots of readers will love Impossible, for me it was only ok.  

As the story got closer to its conclusion I found myself liking the book less and less.  I felt disconnected from the characters search for solutions to the three "tasks" that Lucy had to accomplish to break the curse.  While I felt Zach became a deeper character, I felt we lost Lucy some toward the end of the book.

Most importantly this book has a great message, which I think the reviewer for Booklist articulated beautifully, "no destiny is unalterable, especially not when faced with tender love," which Lucy had in spades from her foster parents and Zach.

Impossible is a book that will appeal to readers in middle grades, but it does have very complex situtations, including date rape and teen pregnancy.

Watch a trailer for Impossible | Read an excerpt of Impossible

120 pages into Impossible by Nancy Werlin

I picked Impossible of this year's list of Teen Top Ten nominations. The book took a darker turn than I was anticipating, but Werlin is handling the difficult subject matter nicely.  I'm not a huge fan of sci-fi or fantasy, so the supernatural elements of this book are tricky for me, but I'm very curious to see the complete puzzle put together.  The main character and her neighbor/friend/maybe boyfriend are incredibly likable characters and that's making it more enjoyable for me. 

Embracing 4.1

Four years ago I transitioned from an academic librarian to a school librarian.  Though I've increased the amount of young adult literature that I read from none to some, my librarian focus is always aimed at teaching, research, use of sources and technology.  I'm always disappointed in myself when a student asks for a book recommendation and I don't make the match. 

Well, this is the year I get better.  What's wrong with me, reading young adult lit is just about the greatest part of my job!  This blog will help me stay focused on the goal of one ya book per week and will also give me a place to record my thoughts about each book.