Look right down in a crowded hall...

A quick greeting from Farmville, VA (before I leave it forever). Stef covered most of our introduction, but now that the task is before us, we've already found a problem.

Where the hell did Sweet Valley go?

Once upon a time, bookstores saved shelves upon shelves for the various incarnations of the world of Sweet Valley. Even as close as a few years ago, when Stef and I would visit those shelves (just to check up on our favorite Californians, you know, like they were real people), the books still rested there in all of their sunny glory.

And now they're gone.

We've searched bookstores across the state, big and little. Sweet Valley looks as if it never existed. The same could be said about The Baby-sitter's Club (except for that new graphic novel thing), and I even found some of those at the most recent Green Valley Book Fair. Not a
size-six twin in sight. (And, since Stef already brought up their size before -- has anyone ever wondered what size/height the twins would be if the books were started today? Five-six-size-six does not an industry hottie make anymore.)

Amazon and the like have the books, of course, but there's nothing quite the same as wandering the shelves of the bookstore, seeing which title and (redesigned) cover will catch your eye. While reading some critical material on the series (who knew?), I learned there are over five hundred titles within the Sweet Valley industry. How on earth do five hundred books just not exist anymore? Especially when, interestingly enough, the series (in its various forms) is recommended for adult ESL use.

I'm going back to my parents' house soon to collect all my wordly goods, including my Sweet Valley books. Since, as Stef says, number one remains out of sight for the time being, I will start with The Wakefields of Sweet Valley (because, let's be honest, it's on my nightstand from the last time I was home).

We have a long road ahead of us. Sweet Valley High, University, Junior High, Twins, Kids, Unicorn Club, Senior Year...all of the special editions. Some we've read a million times over. Some will be new territory. And I can guarantee it will be as amazing as driving around in a red fiat convertible. (And you know you always wanted one, too.)