I enjoyed this book. It was a book where you can't help but like the main character even though she hasn't made the best decisions in her life. I think it would be a good discussion book. I think students would be drawn in by the topic and not even realize that it may challenge their belief systems or reinforce what they already believe.

I enjoyed reading this book, however, it wasn't a book that I couldn't put down. It was good enough to finish, but not good enough to rave about. I really like the message it sent of survival even after you have faced some huge challenges. Discussion Questions1. Where were you and what were you doing when the planes hit the World Trade Center?2. Do you know anyone whos directly impacted by the terrorist attacks?3. Why is the title The Usual Rules?Quotesp.255 "It's understandable that your brother would be having a rough time, Alan said. And you, too. Who's to say what normal behavior is in a situation like that? The usual rules don't apply."~Two things about this quote, first I think it gives meaning to the title and makes the reader think about what and why "the usual rules" exist. Secondly, throughout this book when someone is talking no quotation marks are used. Why would the author choose to do this way, hmmmm. I'm not really sure and think that might be another good discussion point.p.310 "How can it be, Wendy asked Alan, that you'll be reading this story that's so sad, it almost h urts to look at the words on the page? What happens to the character practically tears your stomach out--and then the book is over. And the first thing you want to do is find another book like that.Sometimes it's almost a good feeling, hurting that way, he said. That's what the blues is all about."~I think this quote says so much about reading in general, sad or happy.

The copy I own is signed by the author Jodi Picoult! I saw Jodi speak on March 23, 2005. I enjoyed hearing her speak. It was so refreshing and interesting to hear her thoughts on how her books turned out and what prompted her to write what she did.Vanishing Acts is good, but it definately isn't my favorite of her novels. I can't imagine finding out that the only parent you know actually kidnapped you when you were 3 or 4 years-old. Picoult again used the method of telling the stories from different perspectives. Each chapter was told from 1 of 4 perspectives--Delia, the girl who was kidnapped and now 30-something with her own daughter; Eric, her alcoholic fiancee and the father of her daughter; Fitz, the friend of both Eric and Delia Fitz has been in love with Delia for always; and Andrew, Delia's father who took her away from her mother.You can tell the research Picoult does for her novels. Everything seems so real and realistic.

This was a fun read, but the quality wasn't there. I think it would be a good book to discuss. The idea Westerfeld brings to YA literature is interesting--if everyone were beautiful and happy would the world be a better place? Hmmm....Questions (potential spoilers)1. Which character could you relate to more, Shay or Tally? Why?2. What do you think of the idea of becoming pretty at the age of sixteen? Do you think this would really make life better? Explain.3. At the end of the story would you have done the same thing Tally did? If not what would you have done? Explain.4. What are your predictions for the next book Pretties?