Shelf Discovery: The Teen Classics We Never Stopped Reading by Lizzie Skurnick

Have you ever dreamed of living on Klickitat Street with Ramona Quimby, traveling across the prairie with Laura Ingalls, or playing in the secret garden with Mary Lennox? Shelf Discovery is about these and many more (many many more) young adult books that we devoured in our youth and are compelled to read over and over again. Based on (inspired by?) her column at Jezebel.com, Fine Lines, Lizzie Skurnick's essays reflect on more than fifty books about friendship, growing up, and what it means to be a girl.

First, let me just say how mad I am at this book. Do you have any idea how much it's added to my to be read pile? I've read maybe half of the books covered in Shelf Discovery, but now I have to re-read them, plus read the other half for the first time. Talk about pressure. Lizzie Skurnick leaves no (pardon the pun) shelf unturned. All the greats are represented here: Frances Hodgson Burnett, Louisa May Alcott, Beverly Cleary, Madeleine L'Engle, Judy Blume, Lois Duncan, Louise Fitzhugh, Bette Green, and even....V.C. Andrews (she gets two mentions)! If it's from the 80's or before, she's got it.

One thing I noticed while reading this is how I think different age groups will probably approach it. The author is in her thirties, so most, if not all, of the people in her age range will be familiar with just about every book. I'm in my twenties and am about half and half as far as having read the books or at least being familiar with them. Then there are the teens, who I think are going to discover so many amazing books that they might not have ever heard of or read. I love that it's written in a way as to be accessible to those who haven't read the books, yet familiar enough for those who have who want to reminisce. Fine Lines is my favorite part of Jezebel and I always look forward to the installments. In fact, I can remember reading some of the excerpts from the book on the site months ago, such as the one about Cheaper by the Dozen.

If you're like me and love books about books (and the people who love them) this book is for you. It strikes just the right balance between description, analysis, personal reminiscences, and even as a mini-timeline of the feminist movement. But remember, I warned you: you're going to want to read or re-read every book in it!

http://thechickmanifesto.blogspot.com/2009/07/shelf-discovery-teen-classics-we-never.html