So Yesterday by Scott Westerfeld

Ever since I picked up a copy of Uglies in the book store and decided to take it home, I've been absolutely hooked on Scott Westerfeld. I've read all of the books in the Uglies series, as well as many of his other books. This book, published in 2004, was an interesting read. Part of Westerfeld's charm is that I can't tell if he is (to use the book's lingo) a "cool hunter" or an "innovator." His books are interesting and forward thinking (as trends go) and that is one of the things that always makes my heart flutter when I pick up one of his works: I know I'm in for something exciting, something good. This particular book is a mix between thriller, mystery and a teenage popularity contest. This book is about the people who innovate trends, and the people who popularize trends. It's about shoes - not just any shoes but really COOL shoes. It's about "sticking it to the man." It's about the bad guys being the good guys. It's about billboards and advertising and name brand. Most of all, though, it's a book about finding someone to share adventure with.

This book can seem a little dated at times - The phones that take photos and EVEN snap a bit of 10 second video - well... the release of the Iphone that could date ANY book with that cell phone description. But don't read this to try to catch up on the latest trends. Read this one if you loved the fast pace and anticipation of Uglies. Read this one if you love good books.

Ranger's Apprentice (Book 1): The Ruins of Gorlan

by John Flanagan

A long-time fan of Fantasy, I have been seeing this series on shelves everywhere. Wondering if it was any good, I nabbed a copy from my friend paperbackswap.com. The book recounts the story of Will, the ward of a Baron who grew up never knowing his family. On the "choosing day" (sound familiar to The Giver?) Will and the other wards are chosen by masters of a trade to become an apprentice. When Will is not chosen outright by a trademaster, he fears he will have to work in the fields as a farm hand for the rest of his days, unworthy of any trade. However, the Ranger Halt has had his eye on Will from birth, and Will is chosen to be the Ranger's apprentice. From there, the story goes on to tell of Will's training, a boar hunt, the Ranger meeting, and brewing troubles from an old foe. Slightly typical of plot, it makes up for that with endearing characters and a writing style that is compelling.

If it does have a major fault, though, it's that it has no map. Like so many fans of fantasy, I love a good map for reference.

All in all, I liked it, and I am definitely going to read the next book.