Author Archives: Victoria Waddle

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About Victoria Waddle

Victoria Waddle is a Pushcart Prize-nominated writer and has been included in Best Short Stories from The Saturday Evening Post Great American Fiction Contest. Her books include a collection of feminist short fiction, Acts of Contrition, and a chapbook on grief, The Mortality of Dogs and Humans. Her YA novel about a polygamist cult, Keep Sweet, launches in June 2025. Formerly the managing editor of the journal Inlandia: A Literary Journey and a teacher librarian, she contributes to the Southern California News Group column Literary Journeys. She discusses both writing and library book censorship on her Substack, “Be a Cactus.” Join her there for thoughts on defiant readers and writers as well as for weekly library censorship news.

“The Perks of Being a Wallflower”

Posted on January 15, 2009 by Victoria Waddle

“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is the next book for the Teen Book Club here at the library, sponsored by the Ontario City Library, Colony High Branch. Since the discussion … Continue reading →

Posted in Fiction, Hi-Low/Quick Read, Mature Readers, Young Adult Literature | 2 Comments

“And You Invited Me In”

Posted on January 8, 2009 by Victoria Waddle

“” by Cheryl Moss Tyler I’m writing a blurb on this novel not because it’s got terrific writing, but because the story is one I’ve wanted to read—or at least see available—for a long time. I’ve often thought about the … Continue reading →

Posted in Controversial Issue/Debate, Faith-Based/Religious Element, Fiction | Leave a comment

“A Three Dog Life”

Posted on January 8, 2009 by Victoria Waddle

“A Three Dog Life” by Abigail Thomas Here’s a memoir that truly is poignant (a word very much overused). When a teacher assigns memoir reading, ask if you can read “A Three Dog Life.” It’s short at 182 pages—many teachers … Continue reading →

Posted in Biography/Memoir, Hi-Low/Quick Read, Non-fiction | Leave a comment

“The Sorcerer of the North”

Posted on January 7, 2009 by Victoria Waddle

“The Sorcerer of the North” (Book 5 in “The Ranger’s Apprentice” series) by John Flanagan I’m sure this book—and the series—is being marketed as a guy’s book—which it is—but I loved it. In fact, I’ve read all five of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure Stories, Fable/Fairy Tale/Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult Literature | 1 Comment

“In Our Own Best Interest”

Posted on January 7, 2009 by Victoria Waddle

“In Our Own Best Interest: How Defending Human Rights Will Help Us All” by William F. Schulz “In Our Own Best Interest” is a great choice for students concerned about global issues, students who care about what happens to other … Continue reading →

Posted in Controversial Issue/Debate, Environmental Issues, Human Rights Issues | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

“The Reader”

Posted on December 10, 2008 by Victoria Waddle

“The Reader” by Bernhard Schlink , translated from the German by Carol Brown Janeway Although “The Reader” is one of those books about which little can be said without giving away the ‘secret,’ it’s a great novel in the way … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

“Eat, Pray, Love”

Posted on December 10, 2008 by Victoria Waddle

“Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert Although you are younger than Elizabeth Gilbert and, hopefully, have not experienced the kind of life crisis that prompts the journey detailed in this memoir, I think you’ll be able to relate to the … Continue reading →

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“The World is Flat”

Posted on December 10, 2008 by Victoria Waddle

“The World is Flat” by Thomas L. Friedman Throughout my reading of “The World is Flat,” I wondered, would your average high school student want to read this? This is ironic, because where subject matter is concerned, this book should … Continue reading →

Posted in Non-fiction | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

“Same Kind of Different as Me”

Posted on December 4, 2008 by Victoria Waddle

“Same Kind of Different as Me” by Ron Hall and Denver Moore with Lynn Vincent Ms. G here at COHS recommended this book to me because it was so moving that she couldn’t put it down. It’s quite a tale—and … Continue reading →

Posted in Biography/Memoir, Faith-Based/Religious Element, Multicultural | Leave a comment

“On Writing” and “Extraordinary Short Story Writing”

Posted on December 1, 2008 by Victoria Waddle

 “On Writing” by Stephen King and “Extraordinary Short Story Writing” by Steven Otfinoski Happily, here at Colony High there are several of you who are interested in creative writing. Here are two books I’ve read recently that I think are … Continue reading →

Posted in How-to, Non-fiction, Young Adult Literature | Tagged | 1 Comment