I got to read an ARC of Patrick Jones' new novel, NAILED, several months ago, and I really, really loved it. For those of you raving about KING DORK, this might make a good companion novel. Although the tone is different, the story focuses on Bret Hendricks, a drama brat social misfit who falls for a fellow drama brat-slash-dancer named Kylee. Bret's in a band - something his hard-assed father disapproves of (actually, Dad disapproves of just about everything Bret says/thinks/does/wears) - and there are lots of musical references and discussions of what makes someone authentic versus poseurish. The love story is raw and unnerving; so's Bret's relationship with his father. Oh, yeah, and there's bullying. Yet this is far from the stereotypical "problem novel" - all of the elements Jones creates come together in a believable, organic way. The ending is heartbreaking - no, I won't tell you why - but also hopeful, ultimately. I highly recommend this title.

Another new title I recommend is E. Lockhart's FLY ON THE WALL. But, she'll be stopping by my blog soon as part of the Girlfriends Cyber Circuit tour, so you'll hear what I think about her book then.