Yes! I read How I Live Now on the plane to Chicago last summer. I was going to attend the American Library Association's annual conference (in Chicago) and had tickets to the Printz Award presentation. I got to hear her acceptance speech! It was quite moving. She told us how she wrote the book after her sister died of breast cancer. Then, after the book was accepted for publication (and receiving all sorts of accolades) she was diagnosed with cancer.

What was really exciting is that I had a chance to actually talk to her earlier in the day (before the awards ceremony). There was a great hall of exhibitors at the conference, and I had read that she would be signing books that morning. So, I took my copy over to her booth--and quite surprisingly--no one was in line (there must have been another big event going on at the time). I told her how much I adored her book (I was a bit star struck). Her publisher asked me if I thought the ending happy or sad. I was kind of taken aback by the question, so replied that it was neither. . .that it was satisfying. I felt so dumb (what kind of answer is that?) but Ms. Rosoff was very kind and autographed my book and continued chatting with me for a few minutes.

I haven't yet read Just In Case though it had a really nice write up in the Los Angeles Times about a month ago. I really loved How I Live Now. It was such an quirky book (which is a big part of its appeal, I guess). Even now, a year later, I can clearly remember the main characters.

Wow, Phaedosia - I'm envious you met her! I didn't know about the cancer; don't know anything about Rosoff except what it tells you on the book flap.

I'm completely with you concerning the ending of How I Live Now - it had me in tears, but they were partly of relief; and it was just right, exactly what was needed: and satisfying.

Do read Just In Case. It's even better, in my opinion. Apart from the wonderful wise one-year-old, it also has a beautifully 'realised' imaginary greyhound (I have a non-imaginary greyhound, therefore found that particularly delightful).

I will definitely pick up Just In Case then! I'm so glad that her level of writing is just as wonderful. (I hate it when I love an author's break-out novel and they just fizzle out after that.)

I am trying to attach two links to interesting articles/interviews, but if it doesn't work here they are:

http://www.bookbrowse.com/author_interviews/full/index.cfm?author_number=1059

http://www.boston.com/ae/books/articles/2004/10/23/seeing_lifes_fragility_she_seizes_the_day/?page=1

Here is a link that might be useful: Articles

Thank you, Phaedosia! Those articles are very interesting, and encouraging for personal reasons (I'm currently looking for an agent or publisher for my first teenage novel at the tender age of 44; it was my dad's death earlier this year that made me go for doing my life's work instead of looking for another 'job').

The link under your posting goes to the first URL; I'm linking the second one here.
I know exactly what you mean about the second book that fizzles out - I approached Just In Case with trepidation because of that.

Here is a link that might be useful: Meg Rosoff article 2

I'm glad you enjoyed the articles. Good luck on getting your novel published. If it's anywhere as interesting/insightful as your postings on this forum, I'm sure you'll have a following!

Thank you [blushing].