However, while poking around, I found a page of links to PDFs relating to the book, one of which was a review published back in the December 2008 edition of Psychiatric Services, a journal of the American Psychiatric Association. An actual, honest-to-goodness psychiatrist by the name of David S. Heath reviewed Boy Toy, offering a clinical, professional view of the book and its treatment of child abuse.

I have to admit: I've always wondered what a professional would think of this book. I researched child abuse, but I never interviewed any victims or therapists, so I've been curious. And while I'm admitting things, I'll also admit to being humbled and pleased that Dr. Heath believes that:

All the subtitles [sic] and ambiguities of adult-child sexual relationships are explored in a tasteful understated fashion.

And:

This book, besides being a good read, provides great insight into sexual abuse of boys and would be of particular interest to those working in that field.

My primary goal in writing any book is entertainment, but it's nice to know that -- in one doctor's opinion, at least -- I managed to maintain some fidelity to reality as well.

If you're interested in reading the entire review, you can find the PDF here. You'll need to scroll down to page 1480. 

The Teen Book Festival is an amazing experience for authors. I have no idea what it's like to be there as a reader, but as an author, it's like being on tour with [insert your favorite band here]. I was blown away when I first attended a few years ago and was thrilled to be invited back this year.

There's more information about TBF here.

THE ASTONISHING ADVENTURES OF FANBOY AND GOTH GIRL and BOY TOY author Barry Lyga's I HUNT KILLERS, a dark thriller described as DEXTER meets THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS for teens, about a teen boy who uses his killer instinct, inherited from his serial killer father, to help solve a series of gruesome murders, to Alvina Ling at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers in a two-book deal, for Spring 2012 publication, by Kathleen Anderson at Anderson Literary Management. (World)

Does this mean I'm done writing "Brookdale books?" Not at all! I just have lots of different ideas. This is one of them.

I'll be providing some more details and information in the weeks ahead. In the meantime, I'm really looking forward to telling this story!

Goth Girl, that is. :)

Would you like a signed copy of Goth Girl Rising? It's pretty easy to make it happen. In fact, it's as easy as posting a comment below!

Here's the scoop: Pretend that you have a chance to talk to Kyra. Then post a comment where you state:

• One thing you would tell Kyra, AND
  
• One question you would ask Kyra.

That's it! Simple! Once there are thirty entries, five winners will get signed copies of Goth Girl Rising. You will also get a Goth Girl Minimate!

Remember: You have to post ONE comment with TWO elements -- something you would tell and something you would ask. The books will only be given away once we reach thirty or more comments, so tell your friends!

If you want, you can even download, print out, and insert special bookplates in the books so that the people discovering the new books know where they came from.

The best part is that ANYONE can (and should!) participate -- readers, authors, publishers, librarians, teachers... Anyone who loves teen literature and wants to spread that love.

For more information, check out the Operation Teen Book Drop site and start stocking up for April 15!