HV Books & Blogging

Fade: Book 2: By Lisa McMann

2010-07-21T14:24:00.002-04:00

In the second book of the series Janie has now joined a secret police force that helps out people and does top secret missions. With her dream power Janie has become an essential player in the game, but unfortunately her love life with Cabel is no longer part of it. They still do cases together, but they don't speak much outside of it. Now there is a new case, and this time it is more trickier. The Captain has assigned Janie and Cabel to search out a sexual predator that may be lurking in the school, she tells them both that it is most likely a male teacher. Unfortunately every one's record is clean, so tells Janie that she will be used for bait, and if she can look inside other people dreams to find out the answer. The case gets more and more deeper into a plot that unfolds as Janie finds out that not everyone is as truthful as they say they are. The case is not the only thing that digs deeper into the past, but so does Cabel and Janie's relationship as Cabel learns to finally talk about his fast. This action packed, dream book was hard to put down, and a little scary at times. I would recommend it because demonstrates how it is better to talk about things then to just let them fade away. I did enjoy this book and found it moving, and full of nightmarish dreaming.

Darkest Powers: Book 3: The Reckoning

2010-07-21T14:09:00.004-04:00

Chloe Sanders and her group of genetically altered super powered friends have escaped the Edison Group for the second time. Now they are on the run again, and are still unsure of who they can trust. After they regrouped at Arthur's house, a sorcerer who also had broken away from the Edison Group, they have to decide their next. Unfortunately luck never seems to be on their side as these misfits run into more supernatural beings. The only luck was finding teachers for all of them, so that they could learn to control their powers and master them. As they soon learn though, their teachers are not impressed with their stronger abilities, but are scared of them. Nothing is ever normal for Chloe or her friends, and their lives as they knew them could never be the same or normal again. This last book was full of action, and the best out of all three books. The Reckoning also contains a little romance, and was hard to put down. It definitely is a coming of age book as Chloe and her friends mature and learn how stand up for themselves. This happens throughout the trilogy. I would recommend this next book because it is full of wit, humor, action, and basically a never ending chase.

The Keys to the Kingdom: Book 1: By Garth Nix

2010-06-15T20:09:00.003-04:00

Arthur Penhaligion just wanted his first day of school to be normal, after all it was his first time in a new neighborhood. Unfortunately when gym period happened it all went wrong. First off the gym teacher refused to listen to him when he told him about his asthma, so he is first run with the rest of the class. He suddenly has an asthma attack, and as he is laying there waiting for help, two men appear out of nowhere and give him a minute hand of a clock. The one man's name is Mister Monday, and he tell him to hang onto it. Arthur was not suppose to live very long, but this key saved him, and now later on he is being chased by Mister Monday, his messenger, and other weird creatures of the time. They all want the key back, but Arthur is told by a ally by the name of Will that he must not give it up. So now he travels into a house that only he can see, to unravel the secrets of the key, there in this other world he meets new friends and more enemies out to kill him. Will Arthur eventually defeat Mister Monday or will his fate be to loose the key and die an early death? Arthur's fate is about to change. I would recommend this book partly because it was very adventure like, and had nonstop action from beginning to end. This was not the best book I have ever read, but it does have a good storyline, and will have other books in the series. About 7 probably, since the series is based off the days of the week.

Dreamland: By Sarah Dessen

2010-06-15T19:56:00.005-04:00

It all began two weeks before Caitlin's sister Cass was going to Yale after summer. Caitlin was always the underdog, barley noticed by her parents, and often a shadow to her outgoing older sister. But then one day Cass disappeared, she just left with a note saying that she would try to keep in touch, but there was other things that she wanted to do. This leaves Caitlin in a depressed feeling, her family is too busy paying attention to her sister who is not even there to even notice what she does. Then one day Caitlin tries out for the cheer leading squad and makes it along with her best friend. Now Caitlin is beginning to feel the pressures her sister had felt under her very involved mom, everyone expects her to be like Cass now, and do what everyone else does. Then one day she meets a guy named Rogerson Biscoe, and Caitlin falls into a dreamland, where nothing is real, she loves him so much that it obstructs her view of what is real. Then one day he hits her, then a few days later again, the beatings continue throughout the year, but Caitlin says nothing to stop them. What does not help that her parents don't notice, and slowly her life begins to fall apart. Caitlin must now wake up from this dreamland, especially since it is now more dangerous being with this boy then being without him. I would recommend this book, because it tells us to speak out and not let somebody affect our judgement of who we are. It also shows that you should do what is right, rather then what you should do and what others expect and want you to do.

If I Stay: By Gayle Forman

2010-06-14T21:49:00.002-04:00

In a life that is normal and happy, Mia has everything, a boyfriend, best friend, loving family and a future that is full of potential and plenty of options. Then while she and her family are driving on their way to visit some of her parents old music friends, but then everything goes wrong. It is a snow day for her and as they are driving in the car Mia falls asleep, and then wakes up to find the car destroyed. The only odd thing is that she is unharmed, but as she goes around to her family members she finds them dead. She then realizes that she is stuck in between life and death, a world where she can watch what goes on to herself and everyone else. As she is stuck in the in between, her body is taken to the hospital, she has a serious comma, and she watches all of the people she has ever known come to visit her. Her best friend and everyone else comes to talk to her asking her to stay with them, and wake up. Now Mia realizes that she has a choice to make, will she stay or will she go? Life was great for her and all of these people want her to stay, but she is unsure, eventually she will choose what is right for herself. I would recommend this book because it is very touching, realistic, and has some romance. It is a book about family, tragedy, music living and dying. I did enjoy this book, it was in some parts hard to put down, but definitely a very sad book.

Love in the Time of Dragons: By Katie Macalister

2010-06-14T21:05:00.002-04:00

Tully Sullivan is just like any other mom, her life is normal, and her job is ok. But one day she leaves on a business trip to England, but blacks out and finds herself in a house that she has never been in before. She meets a woman names Mae, and some other normal looking people, or she thinks that they are. When she wakes up they tell her that she is a dragon by the name of Ysolde, and that she has been out for 5 weeks. Worried and denying her heritage, she tells them about her son Brom, and eventually he comes there to England too. The other dragons keep on insisting that she is a dragon, and eventually she realizes that she is. But this is not the worst of her problems, she is sentenced to death for past actions of a dragon mate that she once had. Now she must prove her innocence so that he will be the one on trial, but that is hard to do when her past dragon mate shows up and proves to you that he never did those killings. Tully now must do everything she can to protect herself and everyone she loves from the ones that want revenge. This book was ok, it had a lot of romance, and a tiny bit of action that deals with fighting. I would recommend the book partially because it was did have a good plot to it, and if you enjoy love stories then this is a good book for you.

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Darkside: By Beth Fantaskey

2010-06-14T20:37:00.002-04:00

Just another normal morning waiting for the bus, a morning that Jessica Packwood would never expect to change her life forever. Its her senior year and she is planning on going to college and getting a life, but it all changes when a foreign exchange student from Romania, called Lucius Vladescu, shows up. She sees him on the way to her bus that morning, but never realizes that he will be staying at her home until she agrees to marry him!!! He claims to be her fiance, and a vampire, better yet he claims that she is a Romian Vampire Princess, and he is the Prince. Unfortunately Jessica must follow through with a pact that was signed between her family and his in Romania in order to prevent a war from starting. But she does not want to do it, and she does not believe that she is a vampire or adopted. Now Jessica must make her choice will she save her country from war or continue with life and ignore Lucius, who happens to be annoying. As the book continues she begins to mature from an American teenager to a European vampire princess. I would recommend this book, because it has teen drama, romance, vampires, comedy, and is hard to put down. This book was excellent, and definitely similar to Twilight, but not as obsessive about one main character.

Tall, Dark & Fangsome: By Michelle Rowan

2010-06-13T22:17:00.002-04:00

In this 4th book Sarah Dearly's life has become more complicated and cursed. A witches curse turned her into a Nightwalker, the deadliest most vicious vampire there is. In addition to that she has been working for Gideon Chase, the head vampire hunter, she works for him so that he may not harm any of her friends. Gideon gives Sarah a necklace that she is to wear all the time, if she takes it off she will loose control and the Nightwalker inside her will take over. When this happens nothing can stop her from having a tasty meal. Gideon tells Sarah that she must turn him into a vampire, so that he may escape from the hells of doom, a punishment that is painful. Even though Sarah was told she should break up with Thierry, she still managed to keep it a secret, especially with Gideon's spies hiding everywhere, watching her very move. Also the Red Devil has been assigned by Thierry to protect Sarah, the Red Devil is a legendary vampire that disappeared for a hundred years, he used to save and protect vamps and humans from the hunters. I would recommend this next book because it just keeps up with the action, romance, and is a good continuation of the story, even harder to put down.

Fanged and Fabulous: By Michelle Rowan

2010-06-11T22:12:00.002-04:00

The second book in the series continues with Sarah Dearly and her witty self. Sarah is worried about Thierry's constant avoidance of her, she is worried that his wife may have been right about him in her warning. Will he really leave her? But yet again this is only a small problem compared to the war that she may have started between the vamps and vamp hunters. Now the hunters have put a price on her head, and are calling her the Slayer of Slayers, and most of them definitely want to be the one to slay her. Unfortunately it is not only hunters that have taken notice of her newly acclaimed name, but vampires too. Now the Elder council of vampires wants to use her to solve the problems of the hunters, but Thierry does not want her to. Not only is that the problem, but the baddest of bad hunters is coming to find her, not a good situation to be in. But Sarah takes it in and does the best she can to not be killed and loose her true love forever. This book was just as comical as the first, it has never ending action, and plenty of romance and emotional scenes. This is a good book to read, it was very hard to put down. The next book should be just as good.

Bitten & Smitten : By Michelle Rowen

2010-06-11T21:58:00.002-04:00

Sarah Dearly was not asking for this new exciting life, but it things happen. Sarah went on a blind date that was set up by her best friend Amy, but she found out soon enough that he was nothing but ordinary or going to make her life boring. Soon she is running as fast as she can to escape vampire hunters that have already killed her date. She ends up meeting another vampire named Thierry, who is on the verge of killing himself, but she ends up getting him to help sire her. Now he will show her the whole vampire world that was once hidden from her, but now is a little to real for her liking. Sarah must now do everything she can to convince him that his life is worth living for, while at the same time trying to avoid getting killed by psychotic vampire hunters. Sarah learns now how it feels to truly not be able to sleep at night, she knows that she must protect the beings that she once thought dangerous, and terribly misunderstood. I loved this book, it was so hard to stop reading. It is definitely a good read, because it is witty, comical, full of romance and not like any vampire book I have read before. This only the first in the series, so stay tuned for the next book.

Black Sun Rising : By C.S. Friedman

2010-06-11T21:40:00.003-04:00

Long go in a place called Erna, the world was inhabited by fae. But than the colonist came and began to settle in the fae's home world, these colonist came from a distant Earth. This world was filled with dangers that none of the colonist would have realized could exist in such a beautiful place. Soon the fae and colonist were caught in a battle for surviving, but 12 centuries later there was a stalemate between the fae and mankind. Unfortunately human sorcerers are using the fae's power for their own gain. These efforts are bringing about the evil forces that live beneath the surface of the world. As they grow in strength they force four people together on an epic journey to face the evil forces within. Mankind's fate rest in their hands. I did enjoy this book, it was very adventure and heroic like. The details of the scenes are very descriptive and seem very real. This book is a good read, because it was very hard for me to put down, and was none stop action from beginning to end. Plus the storyline seemed complicated at first, but during the book was laid out nicely.

Because I am Furniture: By Thalia Chaltas

2010-06-08T17:41:00.002-04:00

This book is the story of a young girl by the name of Anke, it is told in a poetic form, about her life and the changes she makes. In a home where nothing is ever normal Anke is silent never noticed by any one. Her father is abusive to only her brother and sister, but never to her. She is like the furniture in the room, the background, never the main focused and always being ignored. At school Anke decides to try out for the Volleyball team, and makes it. Her father disapproves of this, but at the same time if she does anything wrong he never gets angry at her for it. Instead he turns on her siblings and hurts them instead, her mom says nothing, the family says nothing, but Anke wants to. She wants to feel like she belong, and not worthless, so as she continues to call for the ball in on the court, she begins to find the voice that will allow her to be heard. One day she will save her family from this harmful threat, but until she learns to be more then furniture she never will. This book was interesting, and sad. It is full of morals and hardships and how to over come them. I would recommend this book, because it was really a touching story, and the poetry is in the form of a simple story, it is not complicated to read.

The Missing Girl: By Norma Fox Mazer

2010-06-08T17:29:00.002-04:00

In a normal quiet neighborhood a man watches the 5 sisters walk to school everyday, and each day he sees them at the same time. Nelson could be an ordinary man, but he is not, he has recently been released for the 5 years he was sentenced to prison. He is fascinated by these sisters, but they are unaware of his scrutiny, they live their own lives without a care. But these 5 sisters struggle everyday in a family that is falling apart, money is tight, their mother is a heavy smoker, and their father is recovering from a neck injury. They argue and fight with each other, not ever thinking that someone could breach the security of their messed up family. Then one day their youngest sister goes missing and they are forced to face the secrets that have withheld from one another. They come together as a family in their attempts to find her, but will it last when they keep blaming each other. Never had they been aware of the psychopath Nelson who lurks in the shadows waiting for his opportunity to strike. Will they ever be the happy family like they once were or will they crumble apart? I enjoyed this book a lot, it was a very touching story that showed me that anything can happen even in a small quiet town like the one in the book.

Emergence: By David R. Palmer

2010-06-08T17:13:00.003-04:00

Candy's life was like any other girls, she lives with her brother and her father in a large mansion. Her father works with weapons and chemicals, like nuclear bombs and radiation more specifically. The only problem in the world she lives in is the fear of the end of it and of nuclear bomb warfare, so her father built a bomb shelter where they will go if it is not safe. Then one day the alarms go off and Candy and her brother are first to reside in there for 3 months until the danger has passed. When they come out the world has been destroyed, people, animals are lying dead in the streets, they are one of the few survivors of this bionuclear war. Now she and her brother travel across America to find others like them, they must now all rebuild the human race, they are the only chance for the future. This book was okay, it was funny, but I found it to not be a very blow me away story. The storyline is excellent, so I would recommend it if science-fiction books are what you like to read. In all I would say that it is worth, to a small extent, a good read.

The Lovely Bones: By Alice Sebold

2010-05-24T20:31:00.003-04:00

Susie Salmon was a normal 14 year old girl until she was murdered on December 6, 1973. She did not expect her neighbor Mr. Harvey to be a killer, no one would, but he raped then murdered her. Up in Heaven Susie watches her family, as they struggle to rebound after her death. Susie was not afraid to die, she knew he would not let her live, and she wanted to help her family find her body. As she adjusts to her new home in heaven, her family begins to fall apart. Her sister finds happiness in a boy, her mom is on the edge of mental breakdown, and her father and brother can't let her go. Susie continues to remember her life in flashbacks that notices are similar to the present situation. The police are baffled, but her father knows who killed her and will not rest until he can do the same right back. No one believes the father though, so it is a lost cause. This book is full of suspense, hope, humor and joy that can touch the coldest of hearts. I would recommend this book because it was a touching story that destroyed and brought together a family by starting with a new set of lovely bones. I loved this book, but have not seen the movie, and this book is definitely a sad book, with a suspenseful ending.

Sunshine: By Robin McKinley

2010-05-24T20:17:00.004-04:00

The place where Rae lives is full of dark living creatures, and it is unwise to walk alone. Rae is a baker who comes in every morning to make her award winning cinnamon buns. She loves her life right now, it is perfect, even her punk boyfriend is everything she wants. It is all going well until she leaves to go by herself to the lake house where she spent most of her years as a child. But she is not alone, never hears them come, of course you would not, they are vampires. She is taken to an island where they dress her in a red dress, and force her into a cell with another prisoner. This prisoner turns out to be a vampire too, but is a long enemy of his captor, as it goes they are able to get away, and now must plan a way to destroy Bo. Will Rae live up to her name Sunshine or will she be caught before she and Con defeat the villainous Bo? Both must work together, and they find out there is more to each other then what they stereotypically thought. After all humans and vampires are deadly enemies. I loved this book, so it is definitely to be recommended. This book was full of adventure, love, gore, and the supernatural. It is not a lot like Twilight, I actually thought it was better.

The Disreputable Histroy of Frankie Landau-Banks: By E.Lockhart

2010-05-24T20:02:00.002-04:00

Meet Frankie, an average teenage girl, with a strong and smart mind. Frankie goes to Alabaster Preparatory Academy, where most of the rich, famous, and genius people go to. Unfortunately she is always being ignored and is becoming tired of the forgetfulness of the popular people. They forget people who are nobodies. Frankie eventually falls for Matthew, and is asked out by him. Soon she is part of the in crowd, everybody treats her with respect and her boyfriend is everything she ever wanted, but things begin to go wrong when Matthew starts canceling their dates to go hang out with Alpha, the head of the group of 'dogs.' She becomes mad and goes to find out where he goes when he is not with her. She discovers a secret society called by the name of the Basset's Hounds; a society for all males. She wants in on this, but because she is a girl she will never be allowed. So Frankie devises her own plan to get involved, but is she going to far? There is only so far stubbornness can take a person, but she still wants in. This book was humorous, but it was not the best book I have ever read. I would recommend it if you enjoy teenage drama, and a bit of a mystery. In all it was an OK read.

Fear Street Nights: Darkest Dawn:#3: By R.L. Stine

2010-05-24T19:48:00.003-04:00

The horror is not over yet in this last book of the series. The Night People are safe at last, things have finally returned to normal. The Night People left are trying hard to forget the horrors and are taking comfort in meeting together at the bar. But the Fear is not over yet even though the cause of it before, Angelica Fear, was burned in the fire. She was destroyed, but when she said the "Evil Lives," does it still exist? They eventually find out that the horror is not over yet, and was never gone to begin with. The killings start again, and soon there may not be any Night People left to continue meeting at the bar. Who is the evil that still lives? What does it want? Why is it wanting to kill the Night People? The rest of the Night's have to solve out this mystery before they are all destroyed by it. This book is probably the best book out of the three, because it is suspenseful, and not as creepy as the others. It is still a scary book, and should not be read at night. Also the whole series does contain never ending action and teenage drama that always happens throughout all of the books.

Fear Street Nights: Midnight Games:#2: By R.L. Stine

2010-05-24T19:37:00.002-04:00

If you enjoyed the creepy first book, then the sequel is easily its match. The book starts off in the mind of Nate, who is having crazy nightmarish dreams. These dreams are becoming more of a reality then ever, and he wants to find the answers of why. The answer to his question comes in the form of Dana Fear, a girl who has a blood related history to the cursed Fears. Dana comes to this town in search of a better start, she stays with her cousin Jamie, who is not blood related tot he Fears. At first it seems great, she gets in with the Night People, and finds the bar a great place to chill. Unfortunately the evil that they Night People had thought they had destroyed comes back, and one by one each Night Person begins to disappear. Dana is suddenly the one being blamed, they point their fingers at her because of who she is, but Dana knows that is not her doing the evil. Can the Night People put a stop to this returning evil or will they all parish before they can? This book I did not enjoy just like the first, it certainly gave me the chills. I would recommend both books if you enjoy a good scare, but other then that it was not my favorite to read.

Fear Street Nights: Moonlight Secrets:#1: By R.L. Stine

2010-05-24T17:41:00.002-04:00

This eerie series begins with two people by the names of Lewis and Jamie who began sneaking out late at night to be together. Eventually word got out, and their friends began coming too. Every night they would all meet secretly together at the Fear Mansion, which was no longer being occupied, but still very old and weird. There is a legend though about the mansion, that it is supposedly haunted and cursed, but the kids take the risk. Though one day while they were all drinking and dancing about they discovered a hidden room with ancient artifacts, so they looted the room. Unfortunately a little while afterwards weird things began happening to the Night People, especially in the bar where they hung out, since it replaced the mansion. The nights turn dark, accidents happen, pranks turn deadly, and the killings begin. I would not recommend this book, because it was very scary, creepy, and just way too weird to read. I read it anyway, and it is very addicting to read though, but if you like having goosebumps then it is definitely the right book to read.

All Quiet on the Western Front

2010-05-13T10:41:00.003-04:00

This book by Erich Remarque is debatedly the greatest war novel of all time. It chronicles the life of fictional character Paul Baumer. He is a soldier in the German army in World War One. He begins reasonably enthusiastic but as we progress he loses most of his hope in the world, especially with the death of comrades. He also begins to have doubtful feelings about the war and there is a lot of internal turmoil about killing and the war in general. This is book is about strength, courage, war, and comfronting your most inner turmoils. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys war novels and also people who enjoy hearing about how people change under incredible circumstances.

Lord of the Flies

2010-05-13T10:23:00.002-04:00

This book by William Golding is about a group of children who are stranded on an abandoned island after their plane crashed. There are no adults. Many would think of this as heaven on Earth but these kids learn that living on their own is not as easy as they think. They need to be able to survive without any food or shelter. They also need to learn who to trust and who to elect leader of their little colony. This is a story about what people turn in to when left to their own devices and that it is harder to survive on your own and keep hope than one thinks. I would recomend this book to someone who is not squeemesh as there are some graphic parts. I would mainly recomend it for anyone older than 13 and someone who wants to read a classic novel that is very thought provoking.

Ghost Huntress: The Awakening: By Markley Gibson

2010-05-10T23:10:00.002-04:00

Kendall Moorhead is an ordinary girl from Chicago, until her family moves to the small town of Radisson, Georgia. Ever since her family moved she has not slept a wink, it is just way to quiet unlike in Chicago where it is always busy. To remedy the situation Kendall's father buys a white machine that makes soothing noises, and it should help her fall to sleep. After the first night a voice comes on the speaker, and Kendall seems to be waking to a world she never thought existed. Is she going crazy or is it really something more then that? As it goes Kendall will find out more about herself then she thought was possible, she will find out her about the gifts she was given and how to use them. This book is definitely worth the read, I enjoyed every word of it. It is more of a mystery book, and as the title says about ghost hunting. If you enjoy the paranormal then this is a good read, one of the best paranormal series I have read yet.

The Immortals: Blue Moon: By Alyson Noel

2010-05-10T22:51:00.002-04:00

Ever is just beginning to learn everything she can about her abilities as an immortal. She loves her soul mate Damen, and loves his dark seductiveness. As her powers increase Damen's decreases, and begins to fade even more when a new kid named Ramen shows up. Damen becomes more ill, and Ever is desperate to save him. Now she must travel to the mystical realm of Summerland, and uncover Damen's past to save his future. Along the way she meets new friends and travels with old, and her secret is revealed to more people. Unfortunately because Damen is ill he begins ignoring Ever, and Ever begins to be isolated by her peers; she feels anger, unhappiness, and that there is more going on there then meets the eye. The only way to fix this problem is by waiting for the blue moon, her only window for travel, when it comes she will have a choice of fixing her past or future. I would recommend this sequel, it is romantic, and full of teenage drama and the supernatural. It is a bit dark, but has plenty of mystery and decisions that affect the main character.

The Old Man and the Sea

2010-05-10T10:27:00.002-04:00

This is a classic novella by Ernest Hemingway. It is a story about an old Cuban fisherman and his quest to catch an enormous marlin far out in the Gulf Stream. It is told in simple language but is very moving because of it. This book has many themes including personal courage, determanation, strength of mind, and the power to face defeat. This book cemented Ernest Hemingway in literary history and helped him win his Nobel Prize for literature. I would recomend this book to anyone who enjoys a classic battle and pretty much anyone can read it because of the simple language.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes Book 2

2010-04-17T16:45:00.002-04:00

The book before this was called City of Bones. Clary Fray and her fellow Shadowhunters have joined together in order to beat a cruel villain called Valentine. Since Clary first found out that she had Shadowhunting blood she has continued to help the other Shadowhunters in fighting against demons of the underworld. But in New York there has been more killings, and Clary and her friends have a hunch on who is behind it. To make matters worse the Soul-Sword is stolen, and Jace is accused of treason. After all he and Clary are siblings, and children of Valentine. In order to find out what Valentine's true motive is Clary will have to put herself in danger, and risk everything in order to find the truth. I would recommend this sequel because it is even better then the first book, with more action, demons, fighting, and other dark plots. It is a terrific book and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a never ending mystery. The next book after that is called City of Glass.

Eon Dragoneye Reborn

2010-04-17T16:36:00.004-04:00

Eon has been training for years for the Chance to become the next Dragoneye. The Dragon Magic, based on Asian astrology, involves sword skills and magical aptitude. He and his master hope that Eon will be selected as the next Rat Dragon out of the twelve others that are there. Unfortunately Eon has a dangerous secret that he has been keeping from everyone except his master; he is actually Eona, a 16 not 12 year old girl!!! She has been hiding her gender for a chance to become a dragoneye, because girls are not allowed to use Dragon magic. If anyone finds out she will be put to death. Will Eon save her secret and the kingdom that threatens to be destroyed by a enemy lurking behind power, or will she be killed before she can? I would recommend this book because it is full of adventure and mystery. It is also about a girl finally learning to show her true colors, and that she can do just as much as any boy. There is a second book called Eona The Last Dragoneye coming out soon.

Fire: By Kristin Cashore

2010-04-17T16:20:00.004-04:00

Fire is the last remaining human monster, her gift is the ability to control minds. Fire fears her own powers and guards them, unwilling to control innocent people. She lives in a place where a kingdom is on the brink of war, and assassins are out and about. Many of whom wish to kill King Nash, but when Fire is asked to go to the palace and uncover the plot against the king, Fire becomes uncertain. Fire must now choose her own destiny, will she use her powers to stop evil or will she let the kingdom fall to pieces? I would recommend this book because it is a great companion to Graceling, which was Cashore's other book. It is full of action, adventure, monsters and love. There is definitely romantic parts in it, but most of it is continuous action. It is also mostly about If you enjoyed Cashore's other book, then you will definitely enjoy this one.

Girl in the Arena: By Lisa Haines

2010-04-11T20:51:00.003-04:00

This book was really sad, but full of gore and a lot of fighting. It is about a girl named Lyn who the daughter of a neo gladiator, and each match she and her live in constant fear that he will never make it. So far he is top champ, and almost on his way to retiring from the matches, that are fight to the finishes. But when he is killed by a new young gladiator, Lyn and her mom are devastated. Then the council that controls the games does the unspeakable act of telling Lyn that she must marry her fathers killer. Now Lyn decides to fight the man, rather then marry him. Will she win or will she die? I would recommend this book because it is about a young woman's struggle of gaining her independence from the rules of society that bind her. It is full of action packed fighting, gore, love and teenage complications. It is a really good read, not at all boring!

The Veritas project: Nightmare Academy: By Frank Perettj

2010-04-11T20:41:00.003-04:00

Nightmare Academy was better then Hangman's curse, since it is even more scary and is a harder mystery to solve. It begins with a boy who cannot remember anything, and was found in the woods almost dead. As the story continues the team is told to investigate these strange losses of minds that keep appearing in homeless kids. The team finds out about an Academy that houses kids that have no home, it sounds harmless, but is there more to this academy then is said? Elisha and Elijah go investigate this academy, and find more haunting and confusing events that never seem to add up. Will they find out whose behind this problem or will they loose their minds before they have the chance? I would recommend this book because it is full of excitement and mystery that never seems to end. It is definitely terrifying, so I would not recommend it be read before going to bed.

The Veritas project: Hangmans Curse: By Frank Perettj

2010-04-11T20:31:00.003-04:00

The Veritas Project is made up of top secret teams that go under cover and investigate only when commissioned by the President. The first book is takes place in Baker, Washington where three popular students have fallen victim to a supposed ghost that haunts the school, Abel Fyre. Now students fear the spread of the curse, and everyone is scared. The Veritas Project heads there looking for the truth behind these comas, there names are Elijah and Elisha, they are twins. Along with their parents the twins attempt to find out the mystery behind the hangman that is put on each victims locker, they have to find the truth out before more people become seriously hurt. I would recommend this book, because it is an excellent mystery book, filled with horror, and curses. This was a really good book to read, if you enjoy mystery and quite a bit of scare.

Darkest Powers: Book 2: The Awakening: By Kelley Armstrong

2010-04-11T20:19:00.004-04:00

This sequel continued the adventure of Chloe Saunders, as she finds out more about her special gift, she is a necromancer. Which means she can see ghost and bring them back to life. She and her runaway friends are on the run from the Edison Group, who want to experiment on them or destroy them. They are constantly on the run, and the book contains non-stop action, even with some romance. It is definitely a somewhat scary book, and gives a lot of information about the supernatural. I would recommend this second book, because it is better then the first, called the Summoning. I absolutely love this book, and is definitely a good tale full of ghosts, demons and werewolves. I can't wait for the next book called the Reckoning.

A House of Night Novel: Tempted #6: By P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast

2010-04-10T08:39:00.003-04:00

In Tempted there are many dark secrets that come between Zoey and Stevie Rae, which begin to put their easy going friendship at risk. If Zoey can't trust her best friend who can she trust? After Zoey and her friends banished Kalona and Nerferet from Tulsa, the House of Night is still in chaos, since Nerfert's reign is having a lasting affect. Yet through it all Zoey is still being haunted by connection with Aya, and is making it hard for Zoey to resist he temptations of Kalona. On the other side Stevie Rae is having trouble with her big secret: the are more red fledglings, but none of them are good. I would recommend this next book because it contains a lot of action, love and temptations that involve choosing between good or evil. This book is full of mystery and secrets that eventually reveal themselves, and I am grateful to finally find out about Kalona's past. I enjoyed this book a lot, so it was definitely hard to put down.

A House of Night Novel: Hunted #5: By P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast

2010-04-10T08:26:00.005-04:00

In Hunted the red fledgling's that were once Nerferet's are no longer just her secret, because after revealing the fledglings Zoey and her friends had to run for their lives. Kalona has returned from his imprisonment and it is up to Zoey and her friends to stop him. Only with Nerferet on the evil side it is going to be a lot harder, since she wants to kill Zoey at every chance she gets. And what helps is that Zoey finds out that she may be the key to stopping Kalona or she might join him. I would recomend this next book in the series because it is action packed and full of teenage drama and love. I really am enjoying this series, and anyone who likes a lot of vampyre in their books would love this series. Also this new book is a good transition from the book previous because it continues Zoey's struggle to survive the horrors of Kalona with the backing of her friends.

Daughter of Destiny: Keeper of the Winds: By Jenna Solitaire

2010-03-22T19:49:00.003-04:00

This book begins with the funeral of Jenna's last family member, her grandfather. After the funeral Jenna begins to clear out the attic of her grandparents house. As she is looking through it she discovers a wooden board with symbols that are familiar with the Templar Knights writing. She soon meets a man named Simon Monk who explains to her that she is the Keeper of the boards. Jenna becomes afraid and tries to avoid contact with anybody in relation to the Board, but finds herself unable to escape her destiny. Jenna finds out that her family line of mothers and daughters were all once Keepers, and she is the last one. As the book continues Jenna must find the strength to accept who she is and prevent herself and the board from falling into the wrong hands. With the help of Simon, she begins to learn about the board and eventually start learning how to control it, especially when the lives of her and her friends become in extreme danger. I enjoyed this book because it brings into play destiny, love, magic and many other adventures that could happen in one book. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys destiny and lots of continues action and mystery!!! There are three other books in this series so far, Keeper of the Waters, Flames, and Earth, I have only read the first book so far.

Proohecy of the Sisters: By: Michelle Zink

2010-03-22T19:36:00.003-04:00

Lia and Alice Milthorpe are twin sisters, who lost both their parents in a car crash one fate full day. They are raised by their Aunt Virginia and watch over their brother Henry. As the girls grow older they become more apart, their personalities become more and more different each day, but one day Lia hears of a prophecy that involves both her and her sister. This prophecy has put generations worth of sister against each other in their family. Lia becomes determined to stop her sister's plots of letting the souls out, as both she and her sister find out who is the evil twin and who is the good twin. The only way for Lia to stop this is to find the four keys that before her sister does, and with the help of her two new friends she makes, Lia slowly begins to unravel her true destiny and her sister's too. This book was phenomenal, I loved it!!! I would recommend reading it because it involves destiny and is full of adventure and mystery. It was a hard book to put down, it was also a little bit scary, but definitely worth the read. I believe there is going to be a second book, considering the fact that Zink left off on a cliffhanger.

Song of the Lioness: Lioness Rampant: By: Tamora Pierce

2010-03-22T19:24:00.004-04:00

In the final book of the series, Alanna becomes unsure if she wants to continue being a heroine anymore. But she is suddenly faced with a new task of finding the Dominion Jewel, which is said to bring great power to Kings and Queens who rule. As she travels to find it she meets up with a man named Liam Dragon, he is a great warrior. Her romance with him is short, as was her romance with Prince John in previous books. As the book continues she eventually returns to Tortall, where her arched nemesis Duke Roger has been resurrected by her own brother, Thom!!! Now Alanna must figure out Rogers scheme before he kills Prince John, who is about to ascend the throne. More then ever before Alanna becomes more confused of whether she can be both a woman and a warrior, but will eventually find out that she can be both. The final book in this series was the best one because it showed that a woman could be a warrior in that time period. I would recommend this book because it does an amazing job at concluding the series, and brings more adventures, fighting and romance into a new light!!!

Song of the Lioness: The Woman who Rides like a Man: By: Tamora Pierce

2010-03-21T17:55:00.003-04:00

In the third book Alanna has been knighted and now every one knows that she is a woman. Alanna decides to set off on her own and ride with her trusted servant Coram. As she travels Alanna and Coram are stopped by some robbers, but eventually defeat them with the help of some desert people called the Bazhir. They eventually take the two knights under captivity and are angered to find out that Alanna is a knight. As the story continues Alanna begins to gain the trust of the men, but the women of the tribe see fit not to accept her. The old shaman of the tribe is killed by her in a duel and she becomes the first woman shaman. But Alanna does not wish to stay there, so she begins teaching three misfits children Bazhir about magic and how to be the next shamen. The story was a very epic tale, as it continues about the importance of how far Alanna has become as developing into a knight and hero. I enjoyed this book and found the traditions of the Bazhir people interesting, and thought it was full of action. I would recommend this book because it continues to be full of action and continues to show the growth of a girl into a woman and knight.

Song of the Lioness: In the Hand of the Godess: By: Tamora Pierce

2010-03-21T17:42:00.003-04:00

In the second adventure Alanna is on her way to becoming a knight, her shield she will hopefully earn soon. Unfortunately the hard part of it is on her 18th birthday she has decided to reveal to everyone that she is a girl. As her friends continue to be knighted Alanna becomes more concerned then ever for the safety of Prince John. Alanna's enemy Duke Roger is planning his take over of the throne, but Alanna will never let him. As the adventure continues Alanna is tried more and more as she tries to prove Roger's madness and evil, but he is not her only problem. As Alanna becomes older her body changes more and it becomes harder and harder to hide who she really is. This book is full of more action and adventure as Alanna becomes more famous and closer to becoming a knight. I would recommend this book because it is even better then the first and I find it very interesting about how far Alanna goes in order to become the hero she has always wanted to be.

Song of the Lioness: Alanna: The First Adventure: By: Tamora Pierce

2010-03-21T17:28:00.004-04:00

Alanna is the story of a girl, from back in the middle ages, who wants to be a knight. The only problem with that is the fact that woman are not allowed to be knights. So she produces a plan where she will trade places with her brother Thom; he will become a sorcerer and she a knight. Alanna cuts her and renames herself as Alan. As she begins to find her skills, she makes many friends, but also many enemies. One of them happens to be the cousin of Prince John, one of her closest friends. As the book goes on Alanna finds out she will be and that a girl can become a knight. She also finds out how hard it is to keep her gender a secret. This book was really intriguing, it makes anything seem possible. It is full of sorcery and plenty of fighting. I would recommend this book because it is full of adventure and was hard to stop reading, if you enjoy knights, princes, castles and so on then this book is a great read!!!

All's Fowl That Ends Fowl

2010-03-11T22:40:00.005-05:00

If I were to start off this post by telling you to read a book about fairies, chances are you'd immediately disregard anything and everything I have to say and think of me as childish, juvenile. Well, let's hope for the best.

Artemis Fowl, by Eoin Colfer, is just that. It's a book about fairies. But these aren't the watered-down Tinkerbell and Friends that Disney concocts for children. Oh no, these fairies are far from it, and encompass a larger range of creatures, including elves, centaurs, dwarves, trolls, and more. Colfer's fictitious tale of fairies actually focuses on the trials of a twelve-year-old mastermind, Artemis Fowl II, son of the Irish crime lord, Artemis Fowl I. This fantasy novel follows this young genius in his quest to discover the society of fairies he is convinced lives deep underground. Fowl's adventures lead him to acquire an ancient book about the fairies, known as The Book of the People. Using the knowledge he gains from the book's pages, Artemis captures a fairy during their only time of weakness, when there magic runs out. This elf, Captain Holly Short, of the LEPrecon (Lower Elements Police reconnaissance), however, isn't one to sit down and let Artemis do as he pleases, and often provides witty banter with our young mastermind. I won't spoil anything more for you, but let's just say the rest of the novel involves fairies, trolls, criminal dwarves, elves, more fairies, genius centaurs, gold, the rest of the LEPrecon team, time-stops, biological bombs, and even more fairies.

The novel runs for about 280 pages and, especially if you ever thought yourself to be a criminal mastermind of sorts, is an enjoyable read, as Artemis' intelligence and wit keep you chuckling throughout the novel and constantly stopping to think how a twelve-year-old could have planned all this. Any aspiring geniuses out there will enjoy trying to follow this book's confusing yet gripping storyline, and, even if you don't quite find yourself worthy of the title "genius", the amusing characters and Colfer's own cleverness transposed into his protagonist, who's ever-developing plan keeps you interested, will leave you wanting to read the other five books that currently comprise the Artemis Fowl series. Okay, being reasonable, maybe not all five books, but you'll probably want to read at least one more.

--Dr. Willy Shakes

Claudia Gray Contest

2010-03-09T11:53:00.002-05:00

To all my book bloggers,

Here is a link to win a signed copy of the book Hourglass.

Contest link

HarperTeen: Claudia Gray Books via kwout

A House of Night Novel: Untamed #4: By P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast

2010-03-07T21:50:00.003-05:00

During this book Zoey Redbird's life takes a hard path when she looses her friends and all three of the boyfriends. She is now an outcast and the only friend she has now is her enemy Aphrodite; both are outcasts and learn to trust one another. Zoey continues to learn that her trust in this new friend is not as bad as she thought, but unfortunately Neferet is not. As the story goes on Zoey finds more enemies and alliances as she continues to uncover Neferet's secret. This book has plenty of action, love and unfortunate happenings in a teen vampyre's life. It also brings a new more powerful enemy back from the dead and includes more adventure then ever!!!! This fourth book was an amazing hard to put down novel and I would recommend continuing to read this stupendous series. With more vampryes, mythical beings, action and teenage drama, the fourth book was a suspenseful read; can't wait for the next book!!!

A House of Night Novel: Chosen #3: By P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast

2010-03-02T22:03:00.003-05:00

The next book and the series is by far the best book, it is filled with bloodlust and many dark forces that wish to take over. In the book Zoey becomes more deeply in love with three different men, she is unsure of what to do about it. Eventually she will have to choose and face the many lies and mistakes that she has made during this book and those before it. She learns more then ever how untrustworthy the woman she thought was perfect is really not. In this book there is more magic, betrayal and a much more complicated plot. The book was amazing to read!!! As Zoey begins to trust people she thought she would never like, she finds out how much pain and betrayal she recieves and how much she can give to others. I would recomend this book because I enjoy the magic and suspense that keeps me wanting to continue reading the rest of the series. This series brings an amazing new twist on vampyres and darkness that could be hidden in anybody.

A House of Night Novel: Betrayed #2: By P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast

2010-03-02T21:56:00.002-05:00

The second book in this series was just as good as the first. In this book Zoey begins to settle in with the other fledglings, she is just begining to learn more about the amzing powers she has been gifted with. Unfortunatly new creatures begin to kill humans and Zoey has to get down to the bottom of what is happening. Plus a death in the book hurts her more then ever and Zoey begins to realize that those she thought she could trust are not at all reliable. I would recomend the second book because it does an amzing job of continuing the adventure of Zoey Redbird. Even though this book is a bit more scary and complicated then the first, it still was a great book to read. If you enjoy love, adventure and magic, then this book is absolutly a perfect read for you. I love this series, it really brings out a whole new side of vampyres.

A House of Night Novel: Marked #1: By P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast

2010-02-23T20:30:00.002-05:00

Marked is about a girl named Zoey Redbird who was a normal teenage human until she was marked by a vampyre tracker. Now she is a fledgling or going to be vampire; if she lives that long for it. She soon leaves her home and family behind to attend the House of Night school, where she will learn to become an adult vampyre. Along the way she makes new friends, but also deadly enemies, like Aphrodite, who is the head of the Daughters and Sons of Night. Throughout the book Zoey begins to learn that she is specially chosen by the Goddess Nyx and begins to learn just how poweful she is and can be. I would recomend this book because I enjoyed the new ways the authors thought about what vampyres are. It really was a very hard to put down book and I cannot wait to start reading the other books in the series. This book is an amazing read for vampyre lovers and people who just enjoy reading about mythical beings. The other books in this series are Betrayed, Chosen, Untamed, Hunted and the newest Tempted.

Blood and Chocolate: By Annette Curtis Klause

2010-02-23T20:19:00.003-05:00

Blood and Chocolate is about a girl named Vivian Gandillon who is a werewolf at night and a human by day. Her pack that she belongs to is leaderless and in a dissaray. She has many young male wolfs or otherwise known as the Five wanting to mate her. She does not love any of them, so instead finds herself falling for a human boy named Aiden. Unfortunalty she desires to tell him her secret, but is not allowed. During the book she becomes divided about where she belongs and whether or not she enjoys chocolate or blood better. This book is a romantic book that contains plenty of fighting and is a great book. i enjoyed this book a lot, it was hard to put down and I especially enjoyed the way the author made her own twist on werewolves. If you enjoy a love story, but with a lot of humor and fighting between mythical creatures, then this is a good read. There are no other books after this one, but the author did write other books that sound pretty good to read, like The Silver Kiss and Alien Secrets.

Sea Change: By Aimee Friedman

2010-02-18T21:27:00.003-05:00

Sea Change is about a girl named Miranda Merchant who loves science and does not believe in the mythical creatures that can be found in the ocean. Until one day she and her mom find out that they are heirs to a place called the Mariner on an island called Selkie. Itis there where Miranda finds out that logic answers cannot be found here and that the island can change a person quick. She also meets a mysterious boy named Leo, she falls for him, and begins to wonder if there is more to him then meets the eye. While on that island she also discovers herself again and learns that the legends there are much more real then she thought. This story is amazing and is a great read. I enjoyed the legends and romances that took place in the book; it just goes to show that anything is possible and not everything requires an explanation or reason in life. Miranda learns to accept that not everything can be explained and that some things are better off not known about. I would recomend this book because it reminds me of summer and the beach; and it is written so well that I could imagine myself at Selkie. It is a romance and legends book and it also brings an air of mystery too.

Wintersmith: By Terry Pratchett

2010-02-18T20:33:00.003-05:00

This story is about a young witch named Tiffanny, who is an a witch in training, and who also lives with an older witch named Miss Treason (her mentor). One day Miss Treason take sTiffanny to the Morris Dance, which is a dance that is performed between Winter and Summer; this is usaully takes place before they switch seasons. Accidently she realizes that there are not enough dancers in the dance, so she begins to dance with them. This is a mistake and the rest of the book is about her trying to get away from the Wintersmith and to bring Summer back to her former glory. I enjoyed this book because it was very witty and I find anything that has to do with witches interesting. The language in this book is different then others, but you still get the funny point that the author makes. I would recomend this book because it is humorous and if you like fiction it is most likely a good read for you. This book also has many plots and much magic in its story.

The Power of One

2010-02-03T13:53:00.005-05:00

This unsung epic of the South African heartland is as powerful as literature can get. For any reader who blanches at historical and cultural fiction (I am one of them), you will find no reason to put this book down. Bryce Courtenay weaves a vibrant saga of life, honor, integrity, courage, danger and perserverence.
We follow a young English boy as he escapes the oppression of childhood bullies only to enter a society that is unimaginably worse. Set in the middle of the Second World War, South Africa is torn by racial hatred and segregation, fierce tribal alliances, and a boiling undercurrent of fearful Nazi ideology.
Into this world emerges PK (no typo). While his country rips itself apart from the inside, PK slowly constructs himself as an individual. Through childhood years spent in boarding school, an adolescence trekking across the starkly beautiful African landscape, to the rigors and joys of yet another boarding school. PK experiences a patchwork of unique and profound characters while nurturing a dream to become a great boxing champion.
Courtenay's brilliance is in his description and the people he creates. As we follow PK, we are watching the quiet struggle for individuality, which we all must undergo. Set against the majesty of Africa, this struggle pulls you in... all of you; from the moment PK steps into his first rail car to his sweet, irresistable triumph 500 pages later. This is a book for anyone who has ever asked why it is so hard to win the struggle against oppression, anyone who has ever fought for something and lost and then returned to win, and everyone who understands that we individuals are forever striving towards the power of one.

(Be careful, there are two versions. One is watered down, childish, and about half as long... don't bother with it. Also, I would check at the town library; they can order this book and the sequal if you're interested)

2010-02-03T09:09:00.003-05:00

Three Cups of Tea

Sometimes, larger than life characters can be real. Three Cups of Tea is a 300 page nonfiction book that lets us into the world of mountaineer and humanitarian Greg Mortenson, who can be described in general terms as a hybrid of Gandhi and Indiana Jones. Written by Mortenson and David Oliver Relin, the authors introduce readers to Mortenson when he is wandering aimlessly in Pakistan, ever closer to a high-altitude war-zone in the Taliban's heartland after failing to climb to the summit of the world's deadliest mountain, K2. Just before his provisions, stamina, and luck run out, though, he comes across people from a Pakistani mountain village. After being nursed back to health from his withered state, Mortenson declares he will return to build a school for the villagers' children. Mortenson eventually expands this idea, soon building dozens of schools, particularly for girls, who are often unable or not allowed to attend school in the area. Along the way, there are bombings, declarations of jihad, kidnappings, escapes from imprisonment, and plenty of tea. Eventually, Mortenson establishes a foundation, the Central Asia Institute, to build schools for girls and boys in the most remote regions of the Middle-East. Through his building of schools, Mortenson argues that books, not bombs, will bring peace to the Middle East. An inspirational story, it offers a message of hope, that one person can change the world, but the idea never comes across as saccharine. So, if you hope for peace in the Middle-East or equality for women, are a global citizen, an adventure-lover, or an inspiration seeker, this is a book to pick up. It is available in the high school library.

Liberty and Tyranny: A Conservative Manifesto (by Mark Levin)

2010-02-03T07:09:00.005-05:00

Have you ever wondered what politics is really about? For most people, the answer to this question is probably "yes". But I would venture to say that very few have actually turned this interest into knowledge. And this is understandable. Politics is complicated, its rough, and a lot of the time its real messy. But think about it. Shouldn't everyone understand politics? I mean it decides the future of our nation!

Despite its political nature, I think the book Liberty and Tyranny will really be a fun read for anyone who is age appropriate. It only has 205 pages, and it is a quick way to understanding the two main political ideologies (conservatism and liberalism).

Truth be told, I enjoyed this book. The author, Mark Levin, is a conservative radio talk show host who is passionate and lively. If the politics doesn't interest you, his style certainly will. His insults are caustic, his praise is overstated, and his remarks are dripping with controversy. He even goes so far as to bash some of the liberals' most beloved leaders (mainly Franklin Roosevelt and Barack Obama).

There is substance though. The goal of this book was to clearly present the ideology of conservatism. Mr. Levin does this flawlessly. He strips away all the confusion and rumors that surround this political view and tells you exactly what it is and what it is not. He addresses religion, welfare, immigration, national defense, and even environmentalism. He hides nothing.

The beauty about this book is that it doesn't take an Oxford dictionary (or I guess it's dictionary.com these days) to understand what is going on. Though Levin is biased beyond comparison, the book really makes you think. If you didn't know where you stood before you read it, you do afterwards.

Sadly, this book is not in the school library. Thank goodness it's a New York Times bestseller!

The Time Traveler's Wife

2010-02-02T23:52:00.002-05:00

Beware: you will cry.

Audrey Niffenegger's 537 pages (published in 2003) seem harmless enough, at first. We are sucked into the quiet, nice story of a man and a young girl who periodically meet in a meadow throughout her childhood. It's sweet and simple, until we begin to see the complications coming from this man's "disease." The man, Henry, can travel through time. No, he can't visit dinosaurs, and he can't change the future. Henry's time traveling is restricted to the constraints of his own life and family, spanning from his parents (before he is born) to well after he has died. He is pulled to places and times that he cannot understand the significance of as they happen, but that shape the future (and past, and present) of his life and those around him. Though the story does only take place in Chicago and the suburbs surrounding, an exact time cannot be pinpointed. Each new entry clearly identifies the year and the ages of Henry and Clare, the girl in the meadow that he finds himself visiting time and time again. Other than the crazy time traveling, the story itself is simple. A man and a woman fall in love, a love that can't be shaken by time and space. Though Henry disappears for days at a time all throughout their marriage, Clare is adament about loving him no matter what. At times it's painful, but in the end, love persists. Due to Niffenegger's romantic plot, this book is directed mainly towards women, but the thrilling way Niffenegger weaves together all of time can be engaging for everyone. My advice: get through the slow and emotionally agonizing sections with as much of a smile as possible because your heart is not going to stop breaking. Don't expect an easy, lighthearted read, but fight through the tough stuff to come out of the book a little stronger. The novel is available in the school's library as well as most local libraries. For a story of life and love, pick The Time Traveler's Wife.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

2010-02-02T23:42:00.003-05:00

“Wear them. They'll make you brave.”

Bravery is not the only lesson that Tibby, Carmen, Lena, and Bridget learn throughout their first summer apart from one another. These four teenage girls, attached at the hip since their diaper days, come across a pair of pants that mold beautifully to their four very different body types. As they set out for their summer destinations, ranging from their hometown in Nebraska to the beaches of Greece, the girls stay in contact through the exchange of these mysterious jeans. However, this Ann Brashares novel is not about a magical pair of pants. It is about the path to womanhood and the bumps and ridges experienced along the way. The novel’s 320 pages explore love and divorce, death and birth, apology and forgiveness. The intended audience is mainly teenage girls, but any woman could find something to relate to in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. What you get out of this book will depend on the extent you allow yourself to connect with the characters. There are countless valuable lessons disguised beneath the thrilling adventures of four extremely different, yet equally extraordinary young women. Fortunately, this is only the first of four Sisterhood novels that take place from the girls' sophomore year summer in high school until their freshman year summer in college. If you fall in love like I did with Bridget's spontaneous actions or Tibby's march to her own drum beat, you can escape in over a thousand pages of the series, available in the HVCHS library.

True Believer

2010-02-02T22:58:00.004-05:00

In the romantic novel, True Believer, by Nicholas Sparks, Sparks traces a love story between Jeremy Marsh and Lexie Darnell. Jeremy, a budding journalist living in New York City in the 21st century, takes a trip to Boone Creek, North Carolina to research the cause of the mysterious lights in Cedar Creek Cemetery. During his stay in this small town USA, Jeremy does more than just solve the mystery of the cemetery lights; he finds his true love, Lexie Darnell. Lexie is a local librarian, dedicated to her hometown and respected by all of her neighbors. Both characters are hesitant toward committing themselves to new relationships, and after a week of romance and lust, Jeremy and Lexie must decide if their love is real. In order to be together, one of them must sacrifice both their home and career. In the end, it is Jeremy who must choose to either retreat to safety in the city or go against his instincts and take a chance with his new love.
Nicholas Sparks, a world-renowned storyteller, has written many timeless love stories, such as The Notebook and A Walk to Remember, both of which have been made into major feature films. True Believer is a typical “chick-flick,” a story of true love and sacrifice. Most women dream of finding a man like Jeremy, and after reaching the end of this story, the reader is left surrounded by the magic of love. Sparks includes the perfect amount of suspense, engaging the reader right up until the very last page. He also is able to draw conclusions without being obvious. Throughout the story, he tends to lead the readers in one direction and then hit them with something unexpected. This repeating pattern keeps the story upbeat and interesting. This book can be found in the school library and at the Hopewell Branch of the Mercer County Library. Enjoy!

Scar Tissue

2010-02-02T22:34:00.008-05:00

Scar Tissue is the autobiography of Anthony Kiedis (co-written by Larry Sloman), lead singer of the funk-rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. It graphically describes Kiedis' first experiences with drugs, more often than not involving sexual encounters, leading to a lifelong struggle between substance addiction and his focus on music. The plot begins with his childhood torn between divorced young parents in California and Michigan and extends through his life into 2004 as the front-man of an internationally acclaimed rock band. Kiedis' fast-paced life first appears to be all about drugs, sex, and stardom, but with deep emotional reflection along the way, his story becomes a beautiful, spiritual adventure outlining the growth of a boy into a man, a musician into an artist. As a suburban-dwelling high schooler, this book shows (with pictures too) the intense and disturbing experiences that make up the lives of some of the biggest pop culture icons. For any musician or music-lover, Scar tissue is a valuable resource in choosing which path in the music world to follow and how to get there with a fulfilling end result. Kiedis' humor and colorful vocabulary kept me entertained through all 465 pages, while his dynamic personality and impulsive reactions kept me engrossed. He reveals in unparalleled detail the inspiration for his lyrics and their music, and every juicy bit of drama or trivia a Chili Peppers fan could hope for. Due to its graphic content and mature themes, this book probably won't be found at our school library, but you can positively acquire it through our community libraries if you dare. Have fun reading, this book is sick!

Cryptonomicon -- Neal Stephenson

2010-02-02T22:32:00.007-05:00

Neal Stephenson's Cryptonomicon is best classified as a techno-thriller, although Stephenson makes fun of the genre in the novel. It moves back and forth between two timelines, following World War Two cryptanalyst Lawrence Waterhouse in one and his grandson Randy in the other. Stephenson has a tendency to ramble a bit on subjects that interest him -- expect to be frequently subjected to long tangents on the patterns in the paths of Englishmen walking to work. For the most part, these tangents do tend to become relevant to the plot, although they often submerge for several chapters before reappearing. Stephenson has a knack for putting complicated concepts in layman's terms, and so this book is as educational as it is entertaining. The plot itself is fluid and complex -- characters move back and forth across Europe, America, and the Pacific, spending a considerable time in the fictional kingdom of Qwghlm, a British dependency with the most concise language known and an odd fascination for wool. Characters are introduced or leave the story constantly, and as a general rule anybody mentioned in passing early in the story will be fully developed by the end. For readers who just want a story, this book is not at all recommended -- it it not until two-thirds of the way through that a unifying plot emerges, and even this is shifting until the last 100 or so of its 918 pages. On the other hand, if you are looking for an incredibly entertaining story that will teach you about cryptography and computer science along the way, this book is far from the worst choice.

Dear John, by Nicholas Sparks

2010-02-02T22:23:00.004-05:00

"'Dear John,' the letter read. And with those two words, a heart was broken and two lives changed forever."

If you're in the mood for a romantic, easy read, Dear John, by Nicholas Sparks, may be your cup of tea. This romance novel exudes the classic Nicholas Sparks feel: it is romantic, sad, heartbreaking, and redeeming. If you enjoyed The Notebook, or any of Nicholas Sparks' novels, chances are you will enjoy Dear John, the story of John Tyree, an angry sergeant, who meets the girl of his dreams and falls in love. As they spend time together on the beaches of North Carolina, Savannah teaches John about life and love, and the two become inseparable. However, neither John nor Savannah are prepared for the event that will change their lives: 9/11.
Although the plot is formulaic and predictable, I couldn't put Dear John down. 335 pages seemed to whiz by. The characters are very simple and likable and the love story is not very realistic, but that's what makes Dear John so captivating. If you're looking for a mentally stimulating read, this book is probably not for you. But if you're looking for an emotionally stimulating book, I say read on!

Dear John can be found at the Mercer County Library. Also, the movie will hit theaters Friday, February 5th. Read the book and compare the two. See which you like best!

Winter's Tale, by Mark Helprin

2010-02-02T21:48:00.006-05:00

Every review I've ever read about this book starts with the word "breathtaking". And it is. Set in New York City of the late 1800's, Winter's Tale is a historical fantasy about the rich and the poor, the immigrants and the entitled, early gang wars and robber barons, and a master mechanic and burglar who falls in love with a young woman he sets out to rob. The astounding, dream-like imagery makes this book almost impossible to describe, but when the Hudson River freezes solid and the hero skates upriver to stop time, then returns on a flying stallion, and it all seems perfectly plausible. Imagination just doesn't get any better.

Helprin writes for Atlantic Monthly, The New York Times and a slew of other publications. He combines a journalist's power of observation with a poet's sensibility, and has been called one of the finest writers of the 20th century by many who are considered the finest writers of the 20th century.

After more than 50 years of reading, it's hard to answer when people ask me, "What's your favorite book?" but Winter's Tale would be an answer I can live with. It's been in my dreams for 20 years. (600 glorious pages)

A Natural History of the Senses, by Diane Ackerman

2010-02-02T21:46:00.007-05:00

You've got a body, right? That beautiful, cumbersome, exhilerated, exhausted, graceful carcass through which you experience the world? If you use that body to touch, smell, hear, see and taste the world around you, you'll be fascinated by The Natural History of the Senses, a book that explores exactly how those senses are working, and have worked for people in other cultures and times.

Did you know babies have taste buds on their cheeks, outside their mouths? (How else would they be motivated to smash their food on their face and learn to feed themselves?)

Did you know kissing probably evolved as a way to get close and smell a prospective mate, to see if he or she was healthy? (Sorry to ruin your romance.)

Do you know how you can zoom in on one conversation across a noisy room and "focus" your ears as you do your eyes?

Dinae Ackerman incorporates biology, anthropology, and art with a humanist's enthusiasm for history and culture to discuss how our senses have evolved, how we use them, and what different cultures have considered sensual taboos and celebrations. Her voice is accessible and engaging and she tells wonderful stories with which you will be able to amaze your friends. And when you're done, you'll have a whole new appreciation for your wonderful, sensual body. (300 pages).

The Perfect Storm Review

2010-02-02T21:45:00.006-05:00

I was sure that fishing was the most boring medicine that man prescribed himself. I thought it was something people’s grandfathers dragged them out by their ears to do, and nothing more. But when I read The Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger, the surging currents of the nonfiction story drowned my previous thoughts in a mere 252 pages. The book centers around a storm in October 1991 that later became known as the perfect storm, the product of three separate storms colliding. Before the actual storm, much of the book concentrates on the lives of the fishermen who would face the storm on the Andrea Gail, explaining the circumstance that force all of them onto the fishing boat. By explaining the conditions that condemn the men to boarding the Andrea Gail, Junger shows how the children of fishermen desperately need educational opportunities to open up options in life besides fishing. Hoping that The Perfect Storm could draw attention to the plight of fishermen and their children, Junger created the Perfect Storm Foundation to provide educational grants. The suspenseful plot of the book gripped me in the same unwavering grasp of the storm that held the Andrea Gail. Expository writing filled in spaces betwen the narrative in the piece, its precise descriptions explaining events in the book and fascinating me. A wide range of audiences can enjoy The Perfect Storm. If thunder has ever rumbled through you chest, if the sea has ever held your love, or even if you ear still hurts from a grandparent dragging you to fish, The Perfect Storm could be an exciting read for you.

The Perfect Storm is available in the school library.

2010-02-02T21:28:00.002-05:00

The Island at the Center of the World: The Epic Story of Dutch Manhattan and the Forgotten Colony That Shaped America, by Russell Shorto

2010-02-02T21:16:00.006-05:00

Most of us know some of the history of New Amseterdam: how Henry Hudson and his crew on the Half Moon landed on Manhattan Island before sailing up the Hudson, how Peter Minuet later "bought" the island from native tribes for $24 worth of wampum, how Peter Stuyvesant gave the colony to the British in 1664. But until recently, even the best historians didn't know much about the earliest European settlement in what is now New York City, between 1600-1663 when the Dutch traded in the area called New Netherland, which extended from Connecticut to Delaware.

In Island at the Center of the World, Russell Shorto tells the story of those earliest days, a tale made possible only recently with the recovery of 12,000 pages of previously undiscovered documents from New Amsterdam written in archaic Dutch and being translated by a lone scholar working in the New York State Library in Albany. These documents are changining the way we view the earliest colonial period. They tell the story of a colony greatly influenced by the liberal and tolerant attitudes of the Dutch and an emerging European legal system that planted the seeds for a New World democracy. The historical cast of characters in the book includes not only Dutch burghers, but free Africans, pirates of the Caribbean, Turkish traders, and privateers from Spain, Turkey and India, all come to Manhattan to find their fortunes by trading with various native tribes in a very wild land.

Shorto is a great storyteller who brings to life a time and place that shaped many of the common place names and practices of American life. He makes us rethink what we think we know about America's origins.

The Lost Symbol

2010-02-02T21:14:00.006-05:00

Dan Brown's, The Lost Symbol, the thriller sequel to The DaVinci Code, is so full of suspense it will leave readers with sweaty palms by page 20. Brown grips readers by the collar and pulls them into them into a world of powerful secrets, ancient codes, and a villain capable of toppling the delicate balance of society. The charming Harvard symbologist, Robert Langdon finds himself in a crisis of staggering proportions as he races through Washington D.C. in an attempt to save the life of an abducted friend and protect an ancient and powerful secret from his captor. Brown rapidly switches between characters, always leaving readers craving some resolution from the many cliff hangers and plot twists at the end of nearly every chapter. Brown's smart, engaging style is filled with fascinating history and is still clear enough to make this an easy read despite its-500 page length. The only possible weakness is that Brown seems to be following a cookie cutter design with his books. Despite the formulaic similarities between his other books, it is still an enticing read If you have the patience to enjoy every part of this fast-paced novel, pick it up immediately. However, if you read this before bed, don't count on getting much sleep. You may find yourself still reading by morning.

Driven to Distraction - Jeremy Clarkson

2010-02-02T21:11:00.006-05:00

Are you fascinated by the torque curve of a Fiat Bravo? What about the steering of an Ascari A10, or the turbocharged engine in a Mazda 6 MPS, or the trunk space in a Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé? Do you care about suspensions, or gearboxes, or spoilers, or ceramic brake pads? Chances are, you don’t. And Jeremy Clarkson, prolific writer and host of Britain’s popular Top Gear car show, knows it. So although Clarkson’s recent book Driven to Distraction, a 412-page collection of published columns from the Sunday Times, claims to be about cars, it’s not. Sure, each short essay purports to be a car review, and Clarkson does his job in exalting (or vilifying) each luxury automobile he’s been assigned to critique, but the bulk of each essay isn’t devoted to dry, objective review. As fascinating as car stats are to a fanatical gearhead like Clarkson, he didn’t get his reputation as an entertainer by listing product specs. The main subject of Clarkson’s attention is Clarkson himself: the narrative of each essay is usually a trailing mess of his tangential musings, rants, opinions, and proclamations.So the question fairly pleads to be asked: why should we care what Clarkson thinks? He likes cars a lot, and he likes to drive them very fast. So what? What saves Clarkson’s writing from irrelevance is the sheer panache with which he delivers it. Other writers might sprinkle similes lightly over their prose – Clarkson dumps them on top, and throws in some spicy hyperbole to boot. A Lamborghini Countach is “as wieldy as a meat locker”, while an Audi RS4 “sounds like God snoring” and a Land Rover Defender is “about as much fun to drive as a punctured wheelbarrow”. Subjects of Clarkson’s personal narratives receive the same treatment: in recounting a speedboat vacation in Canada, he informs us that “Canadians reckon the speedboat sits on the scale of antisocial behavior between heroin and rape, and they plainly thought that we might have been emissaries from Satan”. From the first few sentences, we’re hooked on Clarkson’s narrative, whether it’s about his childhood love of chemistry-related pranks or his opinion on global warming. Whatever you think of his views, there’s no denying his humor. And by the time you get through a few essays, a surprising thing could happen: you might actually care about cars.

Many Waters - Madeleine L'Engle

2010-02-02T20:59:00.003-05:00

Many Waters is Madeleine L’Engle’s third companion to her classic hit, A Wrinkle in Time. This time, twin brothers Sandy and Denny are transported by their mother’s scientific experiment into biblical times. Stuck in a world unknown, the twins have to live with Noah, a kind local man, in a land of angry little men in a threatening desert. On top of that, the boys’ relationship is threatened when they fall for the same girl. Many Waters is, in one part, a fantasy come true for dreamers like me. With unicorns, mammoths, and a rivalry between seraphim and nephilim, this book is a goes beyond just fantasy. At the same time, a good dose of reality and science keep the book from being ridiculous. This isn’t a feel-good bedtime story; the book evokes fear and darkness. Constantly surprising and touching, Many Waters was an adventure for my emotions and imagination, proving that time and space travel isn’t limited to scientific experiments. L’Engle’s lush attention to detail and powerful description of emotion place the reader right in the desert with the twins. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, but despite my rave review, Many Waters isn’t necessarily a master work of literature, so if you are looking to gain a deep understanding or learn some profundity, this isn’t the book for you. And if fantasy and romance aren’t your thing, you might not enjoy Many Waters. I recommend this book if you are just looking for a good fantastical read. At 310 pages, it’s not too long, so if you enjoy it, I urge you to check out the other companions to this book, A Swiftly Titling Planet, A Wind in the Den, and A Wrinkle in Time. All of these books, including Many Waters, can be found at the Mercer County Library.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

2010-02-02T19:53:00.018-05:00

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, written by Ann Brashares, is a story of friendship in the young adult fiction genre (320 pages). The first book of a four part series, this present day tale is about a group of four best friends, about to separate for an extended period for the first time in their lives, who discover a magical pair of pants that fits all of them perfectly. To keep in touch with one another while apart, they send the pants from girl to girl. Each of the girls goes to a different place around the world over the summer: quiet Lena traveling to Greece to visit family, spunky Bridget going to Mexico to train in soccer, fiery Carmen going to South Carolina to spend time with her divorced father, and sullen Tibby staying at home in Maryland. Teen girls will enjoy this book the most, but it’s not just another teen novel. For someone looking for a book that is light but still contains developed characters, this is a perfect match. I liked this book because I was able to relate to the emotions (sadness, happiness, and everything in between) and adventures that the girls experience. The strength of the friendship provided an example of a solid friendship, one that I aspire to have. Any book that makes me laugh is good, as is one that makes me cry, and this book did both. The only criticism I may have is that the story is too sweet, and too “feel good”. Although there are experiences with the darker sides of life like death and divorce, there is a central theme of undying optimism and perfect friendship.This novel is up and above other "teen" novels because Ann Brashares develops the characters to a whole new level. Every single girl has her own deep, engrossing story that you just can’t help but get caught up in. Best of all, this is only the beginning of the series: there are three more books full of Lena, Bridget, Carmen, and Tibby :) This book is available in the school library.

The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan

2010-02-02T19:15:00.015-05:00

Have you ever wondered where your food comes from? In The Omnivore's Dilemma, Michael Pollan examines "what can only be described as a national eating disorder." He looks at four different meals and their origins: the fast-food meal from McDonald's, the organic meal from Whole Foods, the organic meal grown by the local farmer, and the meal he forages for himself in his native California. He finds that the government is subsidizing farmers to grow mass amounts of corn, and that these mass amounts of corn are used in just about all our food. He looks at what the phrase "free-range eggs" really means. He lays down on his belly in a field of grass, next to an eccentric, self-proclaimed "grass farmer." He treks through a burned down forest in search of mushrooms, getting himself sufficiently covered in soot along the way. And he looks at how our country has strayed from natural, sustainable food choices to industry-dictated food choices that negatively impact both our health and the planet that sustains us. This is an excellent book that examines how our food choices affect the world around us, and how we need to be conscious of that effect every time we sit down---or drive through McDonald's---for a meal. It's 411 pages, which is just enough to be satisfying but not be unbearably long. What makes this book even better is that Pollan is funny, honest, and sincere. The sometimes-serious nature of the book is offset by his humourous, captivating narrative, and we feel like we're examining the different aspects of the food industry right along with him, be it in a cornfield in Iowa or an oak forest dotted with mushrooms in California. But be warned: after reading this book, you will find yourself more conscious and thoughtful, and you may even find yourself wondering where some of those ingredients on a box of Oreos actually came from. Anyone who wants to take a closer look at what exactly is on their plate for dinner should read The Omnivore's Dilemma.

Cirque Du Freak: A Living Nightmare

2010-02-02T19:08:00.004-05:00

Cirque Du Freak: A Living Nightmare brings the reader into the world of Darren Shan, a teenage boy whose friend Steve stumbles upon a flyer to an illegal freak show. The two friends venture into the world with a man with snake skin, a wolf man, and a man named Mr. Crepsly with his majestic black widow spider, Madame Octa. When the wolfman was unveiled, “People screamed and those nearest him leaped from their seats and ran. One woman wasn't quick enough, and the wolfman leaped on her and dragged her to the ground. She was screaming at the top of her lungs, but nobody tried to help her. He rolled her over onto her back and bared his teeth. She stuck a hand up to push him away, but he got his teeth on it and bit it off.” Darren, being obsessed with spiders, steals Madam Octa from the show, only for her to bite Steve. The only way to get a cure is from Mr. Crepsly, but there is a price that Darren must pay…

Like many teenagers, I was forced to read a book over the summer by my parents. I choose this one since it had an interesting title, but still thought it would be a drag. I was wrong. Darren Shan, the author, keeps the reader reading through all 266 pages with twists left and right all throughout the book. I really got dragged into the book because of the fact that it is fast paced, but at the same time there is no confusion in the book and it is a fairly easy read. Even though I am not particularly fascinated with vampires and werewolves, this book gave a whole new fascinating perspective into their world. This fictional adventure will leave the reader craving for more. Good thing there are eleven more books in the series!

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)

2010-02-02T18:54:00.015-05:00

The protagonist, young Francie Nolan, is the daughter of iron-willed Katie Rommley and idealistic, loving, flawed Johnny Nolan. She grows up in turn-of-the-century Williamsburg, Brooklyn, exchanging scraps for penny candy and reading her way through the alphabet at her library. But growing up for Francie isn't the same as it is for our generation. She is forced into adulthood by a near attack of a sex offender and the death of her alcoholic father. Francie is an unstoppable force; she stays strong for her family and stays true to herself. She fights the discrimination her family endures for their poverty and becomes a writer. The title describes a tree that grows in the midst of poverty and depression, without water or good soil. it has almost no chance of survival, but still it struggles. I was reluctant to read this book because it seemed like any old "coming of age" piece, but I'm delighted to say I was wrong. I love that, like the Tree of Heaven, Francie perseveres on. I'd recommend A Tree Grows in Brooklyn to anyone who enjoys realistic fiction that depicts what it means to grow up. It isn't available in the school library, but the public library is sure to have it. Just be sure to nab it before someone else does!

(Try Joy in the Morning, also by Smith, if you liked A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.)

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

2010-02-02T18:37:00.005-05:00

Zombies belong in scifi or horror films and movies, right? No! Do zombies add spice and drama (along with brain-eating) to 19th century classic literature? Yes! Such spice and drama (and brain-eating) is constant in Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, a romantic novel written by Jane Austin and Seth Grahame-Smith. This thrilling tale relates Elizabeth Bennet’s battles with love as zombies ravage Great Britain, constantly in search of brains. Elizabeth and her four sisters, trained in the deadly arts of the Kyoto sword-masters, live in the small village of Meryton. A young and handsome Mr. Bingley soon moves into a neighboring estate, bringing with him a few friends, among them Mr. Darcy. Between the balls, beheadings of zombies, swift marriages, and blustery romances, Mr. Darcy and Ms. Bennet fall in love. However, neither are willing to admit their sentiments, due to their pride and prejudice towards one another. The humorous side of this classic love story is captured by the author, appealing to any classical-lit-lover or contemporary-chick-novel-lover. Mr. Grahame-Smith even provides discussion questions for the more talkative readers, poking fun at the new adaptation of Jane Austin’s original novel. This action-packed read had just the right amounts of romance, wit, and gore (with pictures no less!) to keep me laughing throughout. Its comical plot twists and Ms. Austin’s biting social commentary heightened my curiosity and caused me to search for more of Mr. Grahame-Smith’s work. Since publishing this New York Times best seller, he will be revealing Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. A prequel to P&P&Z, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls, is also being written by Steve Hockensmith, due to the busy schedule of Mr. Grahame-Smith.

Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging

2010-02-02T18:35:00.009-05:00

Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging is one of the funniest books I have ever read. Louise Rennison holds the attention of her readers in this hard-to-put-down teen comedy and fictional book. Georgia Nicholson, a witty 14-year-old, lives in England and records all of the monumental events of her life in her diary (to Georgia, they are all monumental). She has insane parents, a little sister who leaves "wet nappies" on her bed, a best friend who is obsessed with nature, and a crazy cat named Angus who terrorizes the neighborhood animals. Georgia tells of her adventures in plucking her eyebrows, learning how to kiss, and getting her first boyfriend. Georgia and her friends call themselves the "Ace Gang," and they go on wild adventures such as stalking boys and sneaking into clubs. Georgia's diary entries are strung together to create an unpredictable and utterly amusing plot. She even provides us with a dictionary of her ridiculous vocabulary (for instance, Hamburger-a-go-go Land is translated to mean America). You will find yourself cracking up from page one in this book and probably wishing that it was more than 272 pages long. Luckily, there are nine more books in this series! If you enjoy hilariously crude writing and laugh-until-you-cry humor, then you'll LOVE this book. I know I do. You can't find it in the school library, but it is definitely in any public library. Check it out! (pun intended)

The Truth About Forever

2010-02-02T18:28:00.004-05:00

We all wish we could be perfect. It’s natural for us to want to be neat and orderly, athletic and strong, smart and beautiful, in control of our lives and our destinies. It’s the same for sixteen-year-old Macy Queen in award-winning author Sarah Dessen’s fictional novel The Truth About Forever. Macy’s right on track, snagging the “perfect” boyfriend in Jason, focusing hard on her SAT studies and landing a frustratingly boring job at the library to boost up her resume for colleges. Despite this façade of perfection, Macy grieves silently following the death of her father, and struggles with her mother to reveal emotions long kept dormant. But then fate steps in, dressed in the form of Wish Catering, and shows Macy what living really is. She meets some colorful characters, including the generous Delia, the dramatic and fun-loving Kristy, brooding Monica, but best of all, artistic and darkly good-looking Wes. I couldn’t help but fall in love with him a little myself. Sigh. From working the catering job to midnight talks, Wes and Macy slowly become closer as they run through the pages of Truth, and he gets her to see the life that she was missing. Truth is a pretty satisfying novel of 374 pages, so it'll occupy your attention and emotions for a while. It's really hard not to become invested in the characters; they feel so much like real people that could walk into you lives at any second. You love each and everyone of them. It’s totally a chick flick. (Get it? You flick the pages...nevermind.) Romance, drama, overcoming challenges, the whole shebang. I know that’s why I liked it, at any rate. And just because I’m so sneaky, I’m not telling you how it ends, except that it’s SO worth it. Check it out at your local library or the high school! Toodles! (:

The Underachiever's Manifesto

2010-02-02T17:43:00.010-05:00

After a long week of brain-breaking midterm exams, it was a comforting thought to be reminded that in the long run of life, they won't really matter much. The Underachiever's Manifesto aims to take the ideals of a world populated by perfectionists and bring them back to the basics. The author, Ray Bennett, M.D., addresses the basics of underachievement, and how it can apply to your lifestyle, at work, in love, at home, in finances, and even in traffic jams. He is a doctor, after all, so he must have done something right. The book is funny and short, divided into an introduction and seven chapters based on subject, with a few more notes to summarize. Many of its lessons ring true for everyone, like how the other six and a half billion people in the world don't care if you fall flat on your face, or that the so-called "winners" are often secretly resented for doing better, so maybe we should all join hands and do less together, then maybe all take a nap. It's only ninety pages long and very short of stature, with large spaces in between lines so as not to overwhelm the poor reader with these fresh ideas. This book could be enjoyed by anyone, but particularly overworked people in need of a good laugh at a silly yet smart self-help guide. Remember that no matter who you are, there is something you are trying too hard at.

Coffeehouse Angel by Suzanne Selfors

2010-02-02T17:39:00.011-05:00

Coffeehouse Angel is a quick read, only 276 pages, which makes it perfect if you're looking for something light and fun to read to get your mind off of the monotony of homework. The book is a healthy mix of genres, with a little bit of romance and realistic fiction sprinkled with a taste of fantasy. Katrina is a witty narrator with a sarcastic view on just about every problem an average high school student runs into. Her problems are very real, ranging from picking a career to looking for love. Her story begins when she finds a homeless guy sleeping in the alley behind her grandmother's coffeehouse and she leaves him some coffee and a few snacks. What she doesn't know is that the homeless guy is actually an angel trying to deliver a message to someone in her town. To reward her good deed, the angel, Malcolm, wants to give her a wish. However, magic only complicates Katrina's life further as she tries to deal with the consequences of misplaced wishes. What I like about this book is that although it is funny and light at times, there are also more serious undertones and as the book goes on, Katrina must deal with increasingly more serious problems. Coffeehouse Angel is very much a coming-of-age book. Katrina has a lot of choices to make and by the end of the book, she has noticeably matured. The supporting characters are also well-developped and although some of them have their own agendas which interfere with Katrina's, their actions are understandable and well-explained. The ending, which I always think is the most important part of a book, ties up all the loose ends, leaving all the questions answered.

The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien

2010-02-02T17:34:00.017-05:00

The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien

When a friend enlightened me about a world where men fight for a living, where sleeping dragons guard treasures with a one keen eye open, where hobbits live their life peacefully, drinking rum and smoking pipes, and where good always triumphs over evil, I asked him "What's a hobbit?" The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien is a critically acclaimed fantasy novel that is popular with many around the world. Although it was published in 1937, I only recently discovered the book.
Set in a time between (in Tolkien's words) "the Dawn of Færie and the Dominion of Men", The Hobbit follows an adventure of a lifetime across the endless lands of Middle-earth. J.R.R Tolkein's amazing gift of description allows the reader to follow the quest of a dozen dwarves, a wizard, and a home-loving hobbit named Bilbo Baggins to reclaim the treasure guarded by Smaug, a witty but cruel dragon. The hero of the story, Bilbo Baggins, belongs to a race of beings called hobbits, who are only three feet high, have hairy feet and prefer to live in underground houses. He's not your typical hero. Baggins himself prefers the easy life until a mysterious wizard visits him. The wizard, Gandalf, tricks Bilbo into hosting a party for band of dwarves. The dwarves are in the midst of a journey to the "Lonely Mountain" to claim a treasure that was stolen from their ancestors. However, the journey is not a simple one. Dangerous creatures and evil, greedy goblins stand in their way. The wise Gandalf suggests Baggins accompany the dwarves as the "burglar." Straying away from his simple life, Baggins reluctantly agrees. Gandalf guides the group through Middle Earth, saving the group from blood-thirsty goblins, trolls, and wolves. Gradually, however, it is Bilibo Baggins who becomes the group's savior. With Gandalf gone, Baggins rescues the dwarves from evil giant spiders with the help of a mysterious ring. While encountering elves and bears, Baggins gains confidence in himself as the journey progresses. Eventually, he must encounter the feared and intelligent dragon, Smaug. The fate of elves, mankind, dwarves, and all of Middle-Earth rests on the shoulders of the most surprising of heroes, Baggins.
The novel presents a world that one could only dream of. Tolkein's gift of description and naming builds the world of Middle-earth from the ground up. By the time you are done reading this book, you will know the histories of hobbits, elves, dwarves, and the land they inabit as well as your own childhood. The character of Biblo Baggins especially intrigues me because he mirrors people in the real world. I think there is a little "hobbit" in all of us. I do not mean we all have furry feet or that we are three feet tall, but that we have the spirit to be a hero. After reading the Hobbit I believe even the most unexpected of us can show bravery and loyalty in the face of adversity. As Bilbo's adventure unfolds he becomes a rather different kind of person. He learns to rely on himself. This is one of numerous themes Tolkein presents in his novel. With a thrilling plot and a boatload of unique characters, the novel will grip readers of all ages right until the climax. I think some readers may find the opening chapter a little hard to understand, but they must not let themselves be put off, for once the story gets moving, this archness disappears and the reader enters the world of Middle-Earth.

The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien

2010-02-02T17:23:00.006-05:00

The Hobbit is the quintessential adventure story. Set in fictional Middle-Earth, the meticulously crafted plot centers on the tale of Bilbo Baggins, a simple, content, and slightly rotund hobbit living in the lush green Shire. His peaceful existence is interrupted one day when the wizard Gandalf shows up at his door. Against his better judgment, Bilbo is enticed by the wizard to go treasure hunting with a pack of dwarves. Their objective is to reclaim their ancestral home in the Lonely Mountain, which also contains a vast treasure horde. The treasure happens to lie on the opposite side of Middle Earth and the band of adventurers experience both wonderful and tragic events as they traverse the land. Filled with wonderful characters and a thrilling plot, this book will have readers hooked until the gripping climax at the end. This 272-page novel has enthralled readers of all ages since it was published in 1937, and continues to inspire people today. J.R.R. Tolkien is a world renowned author, mostly for his epics that take place in Middle-Earth. This includes the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, which is now a major motion picture.

Seventeenth Summer

2010-02-02T17:00:00.005-05:00

Author: Maureen Daly

Genre: Romance and Realistic Fiction

I picked this book up in Borders randomly one afternoon. I guessed that the book was a love story for teenage girls, judging by its title Seventeenth Summer and cover photo of a girl daydreaming in the sunlight. When I sat down to read it, I was pulled in immediately by the opening line, “I don’t know why I’m telling you all this.” The book turned out to be the best love story I have ever read. Angie Morrow is a seventeen-year old who just got out of high school. She doesn’t party or fool around like the other kids her age. Jack Duluth is the exact opposite of Angie. He is the jock of the town and spends his nights drinking beer and flirting with girls. He first notices Angie at a local drug store and asks her to go out on a date sailing. They end up becoming the cutest couple ever! The plot moves along the 291 pages slowly. It’s simple but sweet, taking place in the 1940s in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. It opens your eyes to the world when girls savored a first kiss and still asked their parents for permission to go out on dates. There isn’t any texting, AIM, or email. There is just a boy and a girl with love in between. This book isn’t meant for everyone. Some readers think that the slow pace has a sleepy romance to it and that Angie’s warm tingly feelings get old quickly. But for teenage girls who would squeal in delight when Jack lightly touches Angie’s hand or wraps his varsity jacket around her cold arms, the book is perfect.

Just Listen - Sara Dessen

2010-02-02T13:28:00.005-05:00

I think it's natural to decide we want the easy way out. Sure we'd like to say we'd make all the right choices. In theory we're all up there next to Mother Theresa . But in reality we all know ninety nine point 99% of the time we make the easy choice (normally the bad one). We read the easy books, we watch the mindless TV, we act to avoid controversy. We're weak, we're humans. We're a lot like protagonist Annabel Greene in Sara Dessen's, Just Listen. OK, so when I first read the book I was fulfilling my own prophesy. I was like, this is easy, another stupid book about a perfect girl in a messed up life, she's more than she seems, blah blah blah. But the story didn't play out the same way books under the same general genre,( grossly indulgent teen fiction, usually do). The tone of this book wasn't expectedly blatant and predictable, but quieter and mysterious. The modern teenager felt farmiliar becuase of her ovewhelmimng friendship and family issues, but I felt a need to keep on reading because every second something new was revealed about this perfectly imperfect stereotype. The fighting sisters, the struggle for real friends, and the darker pounding secrets encouraged only with the phrase "Shh Annabel, it's just me". They were all the same but with little twists that made her real and familiar: her modeling, her glass house. OK so if you don't really like teenage girl revelation, and aren't a leniant towards slight garbage this book isn't really for you. But I wanted to know this girl because of how so much was shown, yet so much was kept hidden. She seemed more real than most characters, and after 371 pages I was hooked. Yeah that seems like a lot, but if you're looking for a little more from your reading, and you still want to feel like you're doing the "easy" thing, try this out. In the end you'll probably get a little more than you were looking for, just like Annabel did. And I hope, like her, you'll love every second of it. It's available at the library and in every public library I've been to (all of two). Take some time, read it! Pay attention when you do, don't zone out, just listen :).

A Northern Light

2010-02-02T13:02:00.004-05:00

Zeal

"'Oh, Mattie! Can I pick it? Can I?' Beth begged." She wants to pick the word of the day from Mattie's treasured dictionary. Beth is the kid sister of Mattie, the passionate protagonist of Jennifer Donnelly's young adult novel A Northern Light. The novel is set in the early 20th century in a poor farmtown in upstate New York where Mattie struggles to follow her heart through familial and romanitc relationships and the discovery of a murder. She is a passionate writer who seeks solace from the pressures of being the eldest daughter in a motherless home in the silky pages of a notebook and the precious dictionary. Her word of the day today is "zeal" meaning "strong interest or devotion; intense enthusiasm; fervor" (according to Webster's Dictionary). I zealously love this book for its suspenseful and historically set plot, tense conflicts created by strongly-developed characters, and the lovable Mattie. This book is perfect for those of you who like a variety of fiction because it covers just about everything from history and romance to murder and struggles with society. It's 380 pages and is available at our school library.

The Secret Life of Sparrow Delaney

2010-02-02T11:18:00.003-05:00

If you like the paranormal, then you will love this book. It tells the story of Sparrow Delaney a girl who dreams of being normal, though who is anything but. You see our 15yr. old Sparrow is the seventh daughter of a seventh daughter(for thoughs of you who don't know, it means they kick major butt!), who just happens to see ghosts. To make matters worst for her, she comes from a family of Psychics. Full of lively characters, intriguing settings, teenage romance, and history; it is a story you will have to read to the end. Not to mention probably re-read again and again.

Bringing Down the House by Ben Mezrich

2010-02-01T22:19:00.011-05:00

For the underground blackjack team at MIT, gambling wasn't a draw of luck or chance, it was a probability they could beat. Ben Mezrich's book Bringing Down the House is supposedly based on a real account (many criticisms have said this book is more fiction than not) of a group of MIT graduate students who manipulate their God-given talent with numbers by counting cards while playing blackjack. The story focuses on Kevin Lewis, recruited in 1994 by the blackjack team, who worked his way up from participating as "spotter" to moving up as "big player". Like the other members, Kevin was drawn to counting cards because it used his natural skill with numbers to earn big rewards, including hundreds of thousands of dollars and a slick, lavish lifestyle. However, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. Following Kevin, readers will feel like they are right in the center of this stealthy yet lucrative game. Find out what happens to Kevin and the blackjack team as dangers arise when casinos begin recognizing the team. Bringing Down the House will inspire mathematicians who have an edge for numbers to try their hand at the tricks of blackjack. Although this book lacked a intense buildup to the climax, a quick 251 pages of the scandalous story in Mezrich's Bringing Down the House is a must read for everybody!

The Immortals: Evermore: By Alyson Noel

2010-02-01T18:23:00.004-05:00

The book Evermore is about a young girl named Ever Bloom who looses her family to a horrible car crash. She is saved before she crosses over the bridge to the other side, she is not sure who saved her yet, but will near the end of the book. The accident brings about psychic powers that allow her to see people's aura's and hear their thoughts. Ever meets a guy named Damen in school and she tries to stay away from him, but he continues to talk to her. This book is about the paranormal, but has nothing to do with vampires. It is like the book Twilight in the sense of finding true love and having to fight to stay together, but their are no other creatures of the night. I enjoyed this book a lot, it had it's own twists in a love story and for the most part stayed away from Twilight themes. I would recommend this book because it is a good read and does show a lot of real life drama and cliques found in high school. There are two other books out from this series, the next book is called Blue Moon, but I am not sure of the thirds name yet.

Night World No.2 : By L.J. Smith

2010-02-01T18:05:00.003-05:00

The second book of the series Night World is just as fantastic as the first. In fact I believe that the new stories it portrays are even better. The first story called The Dark Angel brings out the paranormal side of the world; it is also about soulmates and finding who you are meant to be with. The second story is about a vampire huntress who falls in love and finds her soulmate, which happens to be a vampire; the one thing she hates. The last story is about a girl named Hannah who is destined to die, but with Lord of the Night World's help she might live. All of these stories are like the Twilight saga; with forbidden loves and dangers that intend to force the characters apart. I would recommend this book because I loved the adventure and the possibility of there being a destined person that everyone is suppose to be with. If you enjoy love stories that are sort of sappy, but have plenty of action then this book is for you. Destiny is a big part of this series, so it is I believe it is worth the read. I believe there is a third book in the series called Night World No.3: Huntress, Black Dawn and Witchlight.

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

2010-02-01T16:58:00.010-05:00

If you’ve ever felt like everyone you know is crazy or like you’re the only sane person you know, then Joseph Heller’s Catch-22 is the right book for you. Catch-22 is a satirical novel about the Fighting 256^th bomber squadron ("2 to the fighting 8^th power!") based in Pianosa during World War II. The main character is Captain John Yossarian, who merely wants to go home. Unfortunately for Yossarian, Colonel Cathcart continues to raise the number of missions necessary to complete a tour of duty to improve his chances of becoming a general. The only way Yossarian can get out of the missions is if he is crazy, but if he asks to be grounded because he is crazy, that proves that he is thinking rationally and is sane, therefore, he can continue to fly missions. This is the infamous "Catch-22" of the title.

There are many other characters including Orr, Yossarian’s nutty tent mate; Major Major Major Major, who refuses to meet with anyone and enters and exits his office through the window; Milo Minderbinder, whose only goal is to promote his business, even if it means aiding the enemy; Dunbar, who wants to extend his life for as long as possible; and Nately, the wealthy, innocent young lieutenant trying to win the heart of his beloved whore. This is perhaps one of the novel’s few major flaws: there are so many characters that some may find themselves unable to keep up. However, the detailed, witty descriptions given for each character and their excellent integration into the main storyline makes reading about even the most minor characters an enjoyable experience. The random, dry, and sometimes irreverent humor will have you laughing so hard that you will find yourself struggling to keep a straight face (and losing) while reading in public. If you enjoy such humor, then this book is definitely for you. And, lucky for you, the book is available in the school library, the public library, and all respectable bookstores.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

2010-01-31T20:33:00.005-05:00

The Hunger Games is a story that takes place in what was originally North America but is now turned into a nation called Panem. Panem itself consists of the capitol which harshly controls its twelve districts by forcing them to send a boy and girl between the ages twelve and eighteen once a year to battle on live television in the Hunger Games. These Games consist of the twenty-four contestants being thrown into a random, treacherous setting where they fight to the death. This just- under-400 page story is inspiring to read and impossible to put down because it addresses an issue of how government control can ruin a nation. It makes the reader look at present day governments and wonder how anyone can survive in this futuristic, but in some ways parallel, world. Another good part of this book is that it has a mix of romance with all the fighting and adventure. It also is really all about out-thinking the opponent and solving the mysteries surrounding what is happening, not about gore, another bonus. Katniss Everdeen is the main character in this chilling first book in the series by Suzanne Collins and her scary story of how she is living and how she got entangled in the Games immediately draws in any reader who wants a great story.

Angus, Thongs, and Full Frontal Snogging

2010-01-31T14:24:00.008-05:00

Anyone looking for a good laugh should check out the hilarious book, Angus Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging (2005). This is the first of a series of books by Louise Rennison about Georgia Nicolson, a teenage British girl struggling with boy problems, and her "fab", "groovy" life. It was hard to not to laugh out loud at some of the ridiculous logic and British slang that Georgia uses throughout her diary. Although mainly aimed at young women, this book can be enjoyed by anyone at any age. Louise Rennison's book pulled me into a world of makeup and boy obsessions and left me muffling my laughter late at night. I was once reading this book in a classroom during silent reading time and the teacher thought that I was having a conversation with the girl next to me because of how hard we were laughing. The Georgia Nicolson series as a whole has added numerous new words to my vocabulary like beautosity, nunga-nungas and boy entrancers (these are not what one might think), and although it sounds like a cliche teenage girl romance book, it is so much more. The light, humorous tone is addicting and all 272 pages of this book were enjoyable (and as Georgia would say: as funny as ... er... two funny things!) to read. AT&FFS can't be found in the school library but it can be found at any of the local community libraries. Happy reading!

I Am The Cheese: Robert Cormier

2010-01-20T22:22:00.003-05:00

I found this book to be very confusing, it had a very complicated plott about a boy named Adam Farmer who trys to learn more about the lies his parents hide from him. The book starts off with a therapist called Brint, who is helping Adam recover his memory. But then in the next part there is a story about a boy who rides his bicycle all the way to Rutterburg, Vermont. He is searching for his father, but anyway the story line is all mystery. It is also a very creepy book, with unkown forces that lurk around and try to destroy Adam's family. Unfortunately I did not find this book to my liking, way too complicated and sinister. If you like a good mystery and horror then this book is twisted enough for you. I don't recomend this book out of my own oppinion, but it is not so terrible that you should have your own chance to read it. The one good thing about the book was the clever title, after all Adam is the prize that the people in the book want. The book is full of decption and hidden clues that make it a good mystery, but not my type of read.

Graceling by Kristen Cashore

2010-01-20T17:42:00.002-05:00

This story is about a young woman named Katsa who is Graced or has been given the power to kill. She is parentless and ever since she was eight learned of her Grace. She is forced to serve her uncle the King Randa to carry out his dirty work. This book is about a young woman learning that she is more then what she is now, and a little bit of romance too. The man that Katsa romances with is named Po, who is a Prince. So if you enjoy a bit of a fairy tale book, but with more action and gore, then this book is definitly suited for you. During the entire book there is a lot of conflict and at the same time a bit of a mystery involved too. Graceling does not have a too sappy happy ending because not everything turns out perfect in the end. I truly loved this book, it was entertaining and definitly not boring. There is a ton of fighting with swords and hands; this is mostly because the book takes place around the middle ages. Graceling is wild and stunning, and about finding out who you truly are! I would recomend this book to anyone who likes a little bit of everything in just one read; romance, comedy, action, gore and a sort of happy ending!!!!!

Eragon: Book 1: Inheritance Cycle

2010-01-07T20:52:00.004-05:00

Eragon is about a boy named Eragon who finds a stone that appears to him one day in the field while hunting. It eventually hatches and turns out to be a dragon the color of sapphire; he calls her Saphira. He ends up on going on many adventures, with a man named Brom, who tells him he is a legendary Dragon Rider. It continues on with action pact fights against an evil sorcerer, not directly, but against his minions that are other seemingly real creatures from the world of Alagaesia. If you love books about elves, dragons and dwarves this is perfect for you. It is truly an amazing story of a boy who becomes a man and learns how to ride a dragon. I loved this book, it is a perfect dragon fantasy story, pact with action and a never ending quest to find who you truly are. This book is a bit lengthy, but don't be scared of it because it is a hard to put down book, that I highly recommend to fiction lovers. Though do not see the movie it is a terrible representation of the book, nothing is done correctly in it, so do not use the movie for your perception on how good the book will be. Also there are two other books that he made in the series: Eldest: Book 2 and Brisinger: Book 3. There will also be one other book in the series coming out soon, I am not sure what it is called yet.

The Crystal Cave: Book one of the Arthurian Saga

2010-01-07T20:24:00.003-05:00

The Crystal Cave is a book about the days of Merlin and King Arthur; it includes magic and fantasy. The book starts off about Merlin and continues on until he finds that he is more important then he realizes. Merlin introduces the tales of his childhood and how just by looking at him you would never know how important he would be. If you enjoy books on destiny and what is to come then this is an ok read. I myself did not enjoy it as much, a bit boring, but I enjoyed the story line and destiny part. The book is not a bad read if you like midevil times, so I recomend you read it and make your own judgement on it. There is not doubt that if you love books on Merlin this is a good book, so I recomend it for fantasy lovers. The best part of the book is the magic involved, along with Merlin and the books fabulous descriptions of the crystal cave. There are three other books in the series: Hollow Hills, The Last Enchantment, and The Wicked Day. Personally the book does display a generous amount of fictional magic, but as a fantasy book Ihave read better.

Night World: Book Number 1

2010-01-07T20:00:00.005-05:00

Night World is an intense novel, that contains three different stories in one book. If you loved the Twilight series this book is the perfect read. It delivers the same story of forbidden love between the supernatural and human world. It truly captures the meaning of soulmates and forbidden love. No matter the differences between the characters in the stories, they still give up everything for one another's happieness and their own love. The stories in this book are all connected to one another because of either being related or of knowing one another from the Night World. The book is not as excellent as Twilight, but the portrayal of romantic stories is certainly amazing. I personally love books on vampires, witches and other supernatural creatures, so I would recomend this book to everybody to read for it turly is romantic. It includes Secret vampire, Daughters of Darkness and Spellbinder, all three dig deep into the meaning of soulmates and how to know. There are also two other books in the series that are coming out soon, Book 2 and 3.

Wake

2010-01-07T18:14:00.004-05:00

Wake delivers a nightmarish story about a girl named Janie Hannagan who constantly is pulled into other people's dreams. Her only problem with this curse is that it can happen at any moment she is in range of somebody sleeping. Most times the people's dreams are about being naked or school, but one day she dreams a nightmare that is truly terrifying. This brings out the scary side of dreams and takes you on a twisted path to finding the true meaning of a dream. I found the description of peoples dreams in the book just like some of mine, so immediatly any person who enjoys a bit of a mystery will will find this enticing. Wake is too good not read, it really delivers a powerful emphasis on the pyshic and dream world; that we are still learning about today. If you love a good scare then this book is ideal for you. The book also contains a little bit of romance, which for me softened the whole reasoning behind the nightmare. Be sure to read this book before bed, it is very addicting. Also look out for the second book in the series called Fade.

2009-12-21T12:07:00.006-05:00

This fantastical urban series takes place in modern-day New York City, mixing from the points of view of Jace Wayland and Clary Fray. It is a completely magical story containing magic, romance, betrayal, lust for power, blood, guts, gore, and all that good stuff. I don't want to give away to much about the books. Just know that they are must read and worth browsing. So far there are 3 books to the series,"City of Bones/ City of Ashes/ City of Glass". There is said to be a 4th book coming out soon," City of Fallen Angels" Coming Soon-March 2011. The series in whole is totally, irrevocably, and excruciatingly wonderful!

The Uglies Series

2009-11-30T11:27:00.003-05:00

Uglies, by Scott Westerfeld, is a book about a girl named Tally Youngblood who lives in a society in which life stinks. You go to school, do your homework, and do as you're told. Except Tally doesn't do what she's told. But that doesn't matter, because once you reach 16 and have the operation to become a Pretty, life doesn't stink anymore. But Tally's new friend, Shay, is afraid of the operation and runs away. Now Tally will have to choose between her friend, or being Pretty.

The entire series follows Tallyin her struggle for freedom and happiness against a controlling and advanced society. I found that the book seems to end up drawing you in for a few long readings. The story feels simple, and is really very predictable. Looking through the predictability, however, this series is a good read if you have the time. The other books in the series are Pretties, Specials, and Extras.

Darkest Powers Trilogy

2009-10-20T10:44:00.010-04:00

This series can only be described in one word...Amazing!! Kelley Armstrong takes the paranormal to the next level. This is a nail-biting collection about 15 year old Chloe Saunders, a necromancer, with the ability to raise the dead without a second thought. The only catch...she didn't know she was one. Now Chloe and her friends; Derek (the ill-tempered werewolf), Derek's brother Simon (the kindly magician), and Tori (a be-witch) are on the run. While Chloe sorts through her feelings for Derek and Simon, they must figure out why they were created by the evil corporation of Lyle House; before it's to late. Right now only the first 2 books of the trilogy (The Summoning & The Awakening) are out, if you want to read the 3rd (The Reckoning) you must wait until May 2010 though. I strongly recommend these books, they are personally a few of my absolute favorites!

Marley and Me

2009-09-01T20:52:00.001-04:00

If you’ve ever had a Labrador retriever puppy or any kind of puppy, then this book is a must read for you. It is the story of a young couple, John and Jenny Grogran, who bring home this adorable little yellow ball of fur who doesn’t stay that way for very long. Marley is a very mischievous puppy with unstoppable energy and strength. He gets booted from obedience school. He chews on everything is site, goes tumbling through screen doors and eats through drywall. He plays “come and get me” with a sentimental piece of jewelry, which eventually the Grogans recover. Marley never really calms down but the Grogran family learns to live with his craziness. Although it has its sad moments, this is a definitely a lol book. If you have already seen the movie, I still recommend reading the book. There were so many funny stories were left out of the movie.

Welcome to the HV Books and Blogging Club

2009-09-01T20:49:00.001-04:00

If you love to read and would like to review and recommend book to other students and staff, then this is the club for you. No blogging experience is necessary. Please see Mrs. Esposito if you are interested in joining this club.