Geektastic was... well... geektastic!

I have been using the library lately. A lot. My stack of books is a little overwhelming and I may end up paying a couple bucks in late fees because I got a few too many books at a time. But that's okay, I mean the library could use some additional funds right now.
Anyhow, I'm almost done with the incredible Stranger in a Strange Land and promise to tell all about water brothers and grokking once I finish and grok that, but first I wanted to tell you how amazing Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd - edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci - was. This young adult (although appreciated by geeks and nerds of all ages) anthology is brilliantly written and covers a huge range of nerdy topics. Even when the subject was cosplay or something else that I have very limited knowledge of, the themes were universal. These talented geeky authors will have any reader ready to fly their geek flag, no matter what is on it. Each one taught a slightly different lesson, so here's the short version of what I got from each:

From Holly Black & Cecil Castellucci we learn that it is possible for a Jedi and a Klingon to find love.
From Tracy Lynn we learn that given the correct training and the willingness to open her mind, even the head cheerleader can appreciate geeks.
From Scott Westerfeld we learn about the good/evil, law/chaos scale, and contemplated where we might fall on it.
From Cassandra Clare we learn that the guy online may not be what you expect, but that doesn't mean that you won't still find something amazing.
From M.T. Anderson we learn that parents are more complicated than generally given credit for.
From Cynthia & Greg Leitich Smith we learn to give Dawn Summers a little more credit, and to see that we probably relate more to her than we realize.
From David Levithan we learn that Quiz Bowl varsity jackets are incredibly contentious.
From Garth Nix we learn we really love the strong silent knight type, but it's even better if he speaks now and then, no matter what his voice may sound like.
From Lisa Yee we learn that when using baton twirling to make friends you may want to add some fire.
From Kelly Link we learn that lying online causes complicated trips to NYC and should probably not be encouraged.
From John Green we learn that bullies only have bullying, and nerds have all kinds of awesome nerdy stuff.
From Barry Lyga we learn that you should not mess with Dino girl.
From Sara Zarr we learn that sometimes you have to take risks to stand out, but that it may not be the healthiest form of therapy.
From Wendy Mass we learn that competition can be healthy, but you also have to know when to step back and just look at the stars.
And from Libba Bray we learned that it's the pelvic thrust that really drives you insane.

Okay, so if you read it you'll get a whole lot more than that out of it, but you have to read it first.
Seriously.
Stop what you're doing and go to the bookstore or the library and get it.


You're still here?
I'm done with you now.