MotherReader

This afternoon I’m going to talk to a high school book group about some newish titles. I don’t want to go too new, because I suspect that the high schools here are even farther behind on ordering than the public library. The talk will be much more casual than when I went to the middle school last week because it’s a much smaller group. The librarian said I can pretty much suggest anything, but then she mentioned that a lot of the book group’s members were Mormons.

I feel like that Seinfeld episode where his agent told Jerry that his airline pilot was in the audience and not to freak out. So while it wouldn’t have mattered, now that he’s heard that statement, he freaks out and freezes on stage.

Some of the books I was bringing may or do have some sex and other high school issues. The librarian reassured me that I can bring any books, but I’m feeling more self-conscious about it now. Also, since it’s a new school year, she doesn’t know who will be in the group for certain — leaving it wide open for age, gender, religion, and interests — or how many teens will even be there.

I’m bringing a bunch of books, and I’m just keeping it real. I’ll mention:

• Just In Case, by Meg Rosoff
  
• Beige, by Cecil Castellucci
  
• The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl, by Barry Lyga
  
• The Wizard, the Witch, and Two Girls from Jersey, by Lisa Papademetriou
  
• An Abundance of Katherines, by John Green (Hah! Author’s response to my “interview”!)
  
• Evolution, Me and Other Freaks of Nature, by Robin Brande
  
• Rules of Survival, by Nancy Werlin (Huh, I didn’t review this? Weird.)
  
• The White Darkness, by Geraldine McCaughrean (This either.)
  
• Girl at Sea, by Maureen Johnston (I didn’t review this, but I just finished it last night.)
  

If it all goes well and I don’t choke on my tongue or curse unnecessarily, the librarian may have me back to talk to this group again — or even better, to larger groups in the high school. So, here’s a toast to me not freaking out today.