Now up: Jepp Who Defied the Stars v Starry River of the Sky, judged by Adam Gidwitz. My prediction: “Starry River of the Sky. I’ve read neither book and am quite stumped, to be honest. Because I picked the first book in the pairs, above, I went with Starry River of the Sky because it’s the second title.”

Let’s start with the first reason Adam Gidwitz is my new favorite.

A full half of Gidwitz’s decision is noting the guidance he was given (“I am supposed to choose which of these two books is better.”), wondering what “better” means and then establishing the criteria he will use in deciding what is indeed “better.” So while Gidwitz’s opinion is subjective, yes, he reaches it using specific criteria. I LOVE IT.

The second reason Gidwitz is my new favorite is because, after all that (and it is a thorough discussion), “Adam chose Starry River of the Sky.”

Which means…. I’m still in the game!!