"It was a dark and stormy night..."

This iconic line from Paul Clifford by Edward George Bulwer-Lytton is the inspiration behind one of the most unique literary contests in history. The Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest commenced in 1982, when San Jose State University Professor Scott Rice decided to hold an candid writing competition with short entries. Thus began "a whimsical literary competition that challenged entrants to compose the opening sentence to the worst of all possible novels." Since then, tens of thousands have tried their hand at writing the best loser of an opening line. The contest has received publicity from The Wall Street Journal, People Magazine, Time and the BBC, to name a few. Entries are due April 15th, with the results posted by mid-June. Check out the 2010 winner and runner-up and start thinking of your own atrocious opening lines.

Winner
"For the first month of Ricardo and Felicity's affair, they greeted one another at every stolen rendezvous with a kiss - a lengthy, ravenous kiss, Ricardo lapping and sucking at Felicity's mouth as if she were a giant cage-mounted water bottle and he were the world's thirstiest gerbil."
Molly Ringle
Seattle, WA

Runner-Up
"Through the verdant plains of North Umbria walked Waylon Ogglethorpe and, as he walked, the clouds whispered his name, the birds of the air sang his praises, and the beasts of the fields from smallest to greatest said, 'There goes the most noble among men' - in other words, a typical stroll for a schizophrenic ventriloquist with delusions of grandeur."
Tom Wallace
Columbia, SC

In case you haven't read Paul Clifford recently, here is the complete opening line:
"It was a dark and stormy night; the rain fell in torrents - except at occasional intervals, when it was checked by a violent gust of wind which swept up the streets (for it is in London that our scene lies), rattling along the housetops, and fiercely agitating the scanty flame of the lamps that struggled against the darkness."
Paul Clifford by Edward George Bulwer-Lytton

To learn more, visit the official site of the Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest, where all information for this post was found.

"Behind every recipe there's a story"

What's the recipe for finding a good book? It all starts with a helpful recommendation. Whether a friend fills you in on the latest book she can't put down, the bestseller charts heat up with the next must-read novel or you see an interesting review on the PCL blogs, book recommendations help readers of all genres find new and exciting reads. Be proactive in your quest for good books by signing up for DearReader's Online Book Club, a unique service provided through the library's website.

Subscribers of this free service receive daily emails with a portion of a chapter of a book. The emails only take about five minutes to read, but provide readers with enough info to help them decide whether to pass on the book or rush to put a hold on it. New book excerpts begin each Monday and readers can sign up for the Fiction, Nonfiction, Classics, AuthorBuzz or KidsBuzz clubs...or all five! To join, simply click here.

Along with interesting book suggestions, the Online Book Club also features fun contests - such as the current "Write a Dear Reader Contest." This is an annual contest held by DearReader's very own Suzanne Beecher. This year's theme is "Behind every recipe there's a story." Suzanne invites readers to submit a recipe, along with the story behind it - see a sample entry here. Winners could receive free books and more!

Find your next favorite book by signing up for an Online Book Club today!

Great Summer Reads: Adult-Friendly YA

As promised, here are more reading suggestions to add some zest to your summer.

Think Young Adult books are just for teens? You'd be surprised to learn that many have cross-over appeal. Plenty of adults enjoy them just as much as teens. Pick up one of these popular books today!

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie - Native American coming-of-age tale

Bog Child by Siobhan Dowd - historical love story set during the Ireland "Troubles" of the '80s

The Boy Who Dared by Susan Campbell Bartoletti - based on the true story of a German teen who started a resistance against the Nazis

Charles and Emma by Deborah Heiligman - an award-winning account of the life and love of Charles and Emma Darwin

Debbie Harry Sings in French by Meagan Brothers - a troubled teen finds himself through the support of his girlfriend, uncle and Debbie Harry

Going Bovine by Libba Bray - humorous fantasy adventure

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow - a futuristic suspense novel with current social commentary

The Lost Conspiracy by Frances Hardinge - imaginative adventure/fantasy story

Maximum Ride series by James Patterson - thrilling sci-fi saga

Shift by Jennifer Bradbury - a cross-country mystery

Do you have any favorite Young Adult books?

Great Summer Reads: New Authors

Sitting on a park bench on a sunny afternoon, relaxing on the front porch as a warm breeze drifts by, lying on the beach under a bright umbrella...all excellent places to read during the summer. Brighten up your summer with a book by these brand new authors:

Bellfield Hall by Anna Dean - historical mystery

Bulletproof Mascara by Bethany Maines - humorous thriller

Fireworks over Toccoa by Jeffrey Stepakoff - historical romance

The Gin Closet by Leslie Jamison - family drama

The Handbook for Lightning Strike Survivors by Michele Young - Stone - unique slice of life

The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman - newspaper novel

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson - romance in England

Once a Spy by Keith Thomson - action-packed thriller

The Sandbox by David Zimmerman - fictionalized Iraq war story

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman - Southern coming-of-age tale

For more summer reading fun, take O's Summer Reading Quiz and find out which of the books on Oprah's 2010 Summer Reading List is best for you.

Also, keep an eye on The PCL Reader all summer long for more Great Summer Reads!