Storky: How I Lost My Nickname and Won The Girl by D.L. Garfinkle (Putnam, 2005). Told in a diary format by high school freshman Michael “Storky” Pomerantz, this sparkling debut novel chronicles its hero (1) befriending a Scrabble geezer, (2) embracing a family that “includes” Mom’s boyfriend “Dr. Vermin” and Dad’s rotating bimbos delight, (3) landing a first girlfriend (which one?), and (4) finding self-acceptance. It’s funny, real, and unapologetically boy-like with a solid heart. Great for avid readers and reluctant ones. Strongest on voice and humor, jam-packed with “life lessons,” Storky is a must-read from a novelist to watch. Ages 12-up. Highly recommended.

More on Storky

I loved this book, couldn’t put it down, laughed out loud, and (I think) found my inner 15-year-old Jewish boy. Though the promotional materials compare it to “Bridget Jones’ Diary,” I must say Storky is funnier and more moving (and I’m a Bridget fan!).

According to the bio, Garfinkle–AKA new genius on the scene–is a felllow recovering lawyer and wrote this book while parenting a five-year-old, two-year-old, and expecting baby number three.

Wow. I’m doing good to figure out why there’s no water pressure in the kitchen (actually I had to call someone). Okay, I had Greg call someone.

In Other News

Jennifer Ward has a new author Web site. It’s cute, colorful, and packed with images–just right for her picture book audience and those who love them.

Jennifer‘s titles include: Way Out In The Desert; Somewhere In The Ocean; Over In The Garden; The Seed And The Giant Saguaro; Forest Bright, Forest Night.

Surf by to learn more!

The opening-page flash takes about two minutes to load on my dial-up but is worth the wait (ditton on the bio page photos).