THE END OF THE ALPHABET (C.S. Richardson) - October 26/07

This extremely short book is entertaining but a little too quirky for its own good. The author's use of short sentences and his flat-out refusal to turn either of the central characters into authentic figures ultimately ensures that there's virtually no emotional impact at the novel's end (which is no small feat, given that the book is about a dude who finds out he has less than a month left to live). But it's short and it goes by quickly enough, so it's worth a look on a rainy afternoon. **1/2 out of ****

CANDY GIRL (Diablo Cody) - October 25/07

Diablo Cody's tell-all about her time as a stripper is undeniably a fascinating read. She's got a natural way of writing that feels intimate and revealing, almost like you're reading someone's diary. As such, the book is a breezy page-turner that goes by way too quickly. I was actually resisting the temptation to read more just because I didn't want it to end. Diablo also reveals herself to be the kind of brutally honest and fun girl that one can't help but fall for... She's hit it big as a screenwriter with Juno - which isn't as good, frankly - so let's just hope that Candy Girl doesn't mark her one and only stab at a book. ***1/2 out of ****