It’s funny, Sam, but I don’t read it as a dumping-upon. Lester is saying “this just isn’t my kind of book,” which, given the free rein BoB judges have, is just as valid as any other response. At least he doesn’t get all cute about it as some have!

I’m currently sketching out my own BoB Judges Battle (can anyone think of a catchier title?) in which I will critique brackets of BoB judges, selecting one from each to advance on the basis of their critical skills, prose style, and ability to make and defend a decision. Details are still being worked out but look for it here on Read Roger once BoB gets cranking.

As for Bomb vs. Wonder, I think they both are a bit overrated. I much prefer Bomb, but I don’t think it was… ahem… the bomb, so to speak. If we’re talking nonfiction, I’d take Moonbird over Bomb in a heartbeat, and having just finished Titanic I’d almost go with the sinking ship in a head-to-head battle with the heavy water. But I predict it’s a moot point, because I think Wonder is going to win the whole thing in a complete repeat of last year (the emotional kid-with-a-disability story winning the hearts of everyone). I’m pulling for No Crystal Stair or whatever book survives the Moonbird-Seraphina match-up.