Got to admire a guy who can turn his back on both SPLENDORS AND GLOOMS and CRYSTAL STAIR. I really need to get my non-fiction read.

I'm intrigued that PALACE OF STONE holds a fairly high ranking for you. I'm going to see Shannon Hale on Saturday. I think I will need to pick up my own copy of the book at the event as my students aren't going to part with either of the libraries copies anytime soon.

Shannon Hale is so much fun. You're going to have a great time. I've had Palace of Stone on the top of my pile for a while and once I make it through this unusually slow new Creech I'm going to dive in.

@DaNae - I like Splendors and Glooms and No Crystal Stair just fine, but had problems with each of them in separate ways. I could easily be persuaded to vote for either one over at Heavy Medal (consensus and all that) but here at Goodreads, I let me personal tastes hang out, and I just didn't love either the way I love the ten books I voted for here.

@Eric, I do know of what you speak about Hale, living in the same state I've been a stalker from way back. To the point where she can give a description to a sketch artist. (warning: this next is very braggy) Last Christmas, I got a call from a friend, who promptly put her (Hale) on the line. She was looking for a book suggestion for her niece who liked a little romance, but not fantasy, and was a bit of a struggling reader. My suggestion: ALMOST FAMOUS. I've been full of myself every since. She will be with Libba Bray, so . . . yeah, let the jealously eat you up.

While shelving this morning I began the audio of the new Creech. So far, loads of fun, but I know your aversion to spunky southern girls, so consider yourself forewarned.

@Mark, I prefer to be a committee of one when I make my selections. I've been interested about your comments on THE HUMMING ROOM. It is one of books I've been assigned to review for our state award nominations. Waiting on the mail to bring it.

@DaNae I just meant Hale is fun to drink with....or maybe it was that attractive blonde bloomsbury publicist who came with her.

Ha, unless it was lemonade.