Adams County Book Reviews

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

2012-01-31T14:12:00.000-05:00

Age Level: Teen
Format: Book

Senior year at Woodrow Wilson High School does not begin the way Jessica Packwood had planned. While waiting for the bus the first day of school, Jessica spots a strange male staring at her from across the street. She is further horrified when she finds out his name is Lucius Vladescu, a new exchange student from Romania who will be living at her farm. Jessica receives the shock of her life when Lucius and her parents state that she is a vampire princess and is to be married to Lucius after her 18th birthday. If the marriage does not take place, Jessica’s birth family the Dragomirs and the Vladescus will be at war.

Completely grounded in logic and fact, Jessica does not believe anything said. For her, vampires do not exist. Jessica likes her life – working on her parents’ farm; competing in math competitions; dating Jake, a nice guy who lives on a nearby farm. As the story progresses, Jessica has to decide if she really believes Lucius’ claims or if she is willing to lose what really matters the most to her.

Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side is a fun, humorous story. I was hooked from the first page and read through the story quickly. Fantaskey has a wonderful writing style and has created engaging characters. Jessica is strong-willed and refuses to give into her convictions; though there are times she cannot believe she can do a task, she is able to perform well and rise to the occasion. Those looking for books with strong female characters may want to take a look at this book. It is also a refreshing departure from the Twilight-esque story – vampires are interpreted in a different light, and I feel that overall the characters are stronger and easier to like (though one could argue about Lucius’ likeability at times). And, part of the story takes place in Lebanon County, which may appeal to those who like to read books with local settings.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read the sequel!

Reviewed by Jessica

The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly

2011-12-26T21:56:00.002-05:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Fiona Finnegan, an eighteen year old living in East London in 1888, dreams of one day having her own shop with the love of her life and best friend, Joe Bristow. She has a loving family, who work hard to get a meal on the table. When tragedy strikes and shatters her world, Fiona flees to New York to begin a new life. Spanning ten years, this first book of a trilogy follows Fiona's climb on the social ladder to one of the most respected people in the tea trade. However, she does not forget her roots in East London and the circumstances that led her to New York. She learns she must confront her past in order to move on with her future.

I had wanted to read this series for awhile...I had read Donnelly's A Northern Light, one of her young adult novels, several years ago and absolutely loved it. I was not disappointed with this novel either. The back cover of the novel compares this to epics such as A Woman of Substance and The Thornbirds. Those who enjoy the epic historical fiction and romances of John Jakes and Ken Follett will also enjoy this series. The 700+ pages may seem a bit daunting, but I simply lost track of time while reading and devoured the pages. Fiona's passions and desires make her come alive. The fictional characters' interactions with real historical figures and events help to cement the novel in the past. Donnelly sets the book in an exciting and dangerous time - 1888 East London saw the Jack the Ripper slayings, and Donnelly also takes readers to New York City and into the heart of big business and revolutionary changes, like a subterranean railway system. The Tea Rose is a truly entertaining novel.

I am anxious to pick up the next in the series, The Winter Rose.

Reviewed by Jessica

A Thousand Bones by PJ Parrish

2011-11-18T15:10:00.001-05:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Yes, I do have reading glasses, and my bifocals, of course, but I save them for driving and reading the newspaper. Thanks to the Large Print Collection that the young folks who manage the Adams County Library System maintain, we Baby Boomers and our elders have a great collection of easy-on-aging-eye fodder from which to choose. As a volunteer at the Harbaugh~Thomas Branch I regularly snatch up the best looking items that come across my check–in-desk. Last week I found a gem, especially for this Michigan born and bred boomer girl. As a matter of fact, I think I read it before, but one of the advantages of aging is the pleasure of discovering old things to be new again!

A Thousand Bones by P.J. Parish took me back to my Michigan home and the many summer days I spent enjoying the Water Winter Wonderlands; from boonies on the beach to the west of Western Michigan University during my school days at Kalamazoo and thirty five years of family camping around the Lower and Upper Peninsulas.

If you have never spent time around northern Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula, you will be eager to plan your next summer vacation in this scenic historic region before you read the first clue in a string of tragic murders that occur in the vicinity of Charlevoix, Petoskey, Mackinac Island and the Great Sleeping Bear Dunes.

PJ Parrish has described the best of the northern lower peninsula, Lake Michigan culture, flora and fauna, and especially its cooling summer breezes and freezing crystal winters.

Curl up by the fireplace this winter with this picturesque mystery then call your travel agent to plan next summer’s vacation near Petoskey. Neither will disappoint!

Reviewed by Gail

The Story of Charlotte’s Web: E.B. White’s Eccentric Life in Nature and The Birth of an American Classic by Michael Sims

2011-10-28T16:17:00.001-04:00

Age Level: Adult

Format: Book

Did you know Charlotte from Charlotte’s Web was inspired by a real spider?
Sims tells the story behind the children’s classic, chronicling the life of White up through the publication of the novel. From an early age, White always felt he related better to animals than to human. Shy and suffering from anxiety, White loved nature and enjoyed being with animals and learning about the world around him. White’s favorite authors, such as Don Marquis, depicted animals and insects with human characteristics. As Sims demonstrates, White uses these influences, along with his love of nature and the spider web discovery, to create the story of Charlotte and Wilbur.

Anyone who enjoyed Charlotte’s Web should take a look at this book, as well as those who enjoy reading about children’s literature. Sims does an amazing job telling White’s story, from early childhood through his experience at The New Yorker, to his beloved farm in Maine and his publication successes. I like reading “behind-the-scenes” books, and this book proved to be a delightful look at E.B. White and Charlotte’s Web. Sims’ research brings to life White and his inspirations.

I think it may be time to read Charlotte’s Web again...

Reviewed by Jessica

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

2011-09-26T18:09:00.000-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Ten strangers venture to an island for a few fun days with their mysterious host. At dinner on the first evening, instead of meeting their host, they listen to an audio recording of their host accusing each of them of murder. Horrified by their host’s words, the guests begin to tell the stories of their pasts. With no way to get off the island or to contact the mainland, the guests are completely cut off from the outside world. Then, one by one, the guests start to die...

And Then There Were None is my favorite Christie mystery and has garnered praise over the years as Christie’s best mystery. I have read several Christie mysteries over the years, and this one still stands out in my mind for its cleverness and its interestingly constructed premise. It was very hard for me to put down the book! Full of suspense, Christie’s novel makes the reader feel the panic of the strangers, knowing that there is a killer loose on the island and that they have the inability to leave or to contact help. The twists and turns throughout the novel will keep the reader guessing until the very end. Christie writes an epilogue to tie up all loose ends, including the killer’s motives for the deaths (very beneficial for me the first time I read this).

Those who love the body in a locked room scenario will want to try this book. Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple fans, and of course mystery lovers, should give this a try!

Reviewed by Jessica

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

2011-08-31T12:51:00.001-04:00

Age Level: Teen
Format: Book

This is the 2011 Adams County Reads One Book selection. Book discussions will take place throughout the county in September 2011. Check your local library for dates and further information.

14 year old Arnold “Junior” Spirit lives on the Spokane Indian reservation in Wellpinit, Washington. On the advice of one of his teachers, Junior decides to enroll in the school off the reservation, where he would be the only Native American attending classes. Junior chronicles his life on and off the reservation, including his family’s battle with alcoholism, living in poverty, losing friends and redefining oneself in a changing environment.

Alexie wrote this as a semi-autobiographical account of growing up on a reservation. Charged with humor and heart-wrenching sorrow, this is an amazing read. There are a few scenes of a graphic nature, but most readers will appreciate a view of society from a different perspective. Junior’s determination to succeed despite obstacles is very uplifting.

I really enjoyed this book; this is one of the best I have read so far this year.

Reviewed by Jessica

The Meaning of Night: A Confession by Michael Cox

2011-07-28T16:13:00.001-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

One evening, Edward Glyver murders a complete stranger. His reason: he had to make sure he could kill someone before attempting to kill his enemy, the poet Phoebus Rainsford Daunt. In order for the reader to understand his actions, Glyver tells his life story, from his days as a young boy in the English countryside to his current situation in London. He tells readers of his early friendship with Daunt and the resulting betrayal by Daunt that completely ruined Glyver’s life. Further life-changing events occur before the stranger’s murder, which sets Glyver on this path of ultimate revenge against Daunt.

Set in England during the 1800s, this novel is filled with desire, intrigue, romance and revenge. This is a 700 page novel, but it is well worth the read! While the ending is pretty predictable, I think it is still quite interesting to watch Glyver’s transformation into a cold-blooded killer. Those who like historical fiction will love the historic English setting; Cox acts as the editor in this book (editing the manuscript left behind by Glyver) and thus sprinkles historical anecdotes and references throughout the novel, allowing the reader to make historical connections to slang and other remarks made by Glyver. Those who love psychological thrillers or mysteries will also enjoy this novel. Glyver convinces himself he is in the right and refuses to listen to reason or turn away from his obsessions. In the end, he has to wonder if all of his actions were worth it.

Reviewed by Jessica

Smokin' Seventeen by Janet Evanovich

2011-06-30T14:07:00.000-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Trenton’s famous bounty hunter Stephanie Plum is back again, and this time, she’s dodging Grandma Bella’s “eye” curse, a dancing bear, a senior vampire, and a serial killer, who is burying his victims on bonds office property. Her personal life is just as messy: while trying to decide between the two men in her life, Stephanie’s mother throws a third guy into the mix. Add some wacky family and friends, and you have another hilarious adventure!

I have enjoyed reading each of the books in this series. Every time I think Evanovich simply cannot come up with another over-the-top scenario for Stephanie, she proves me wrong. Elements of mystery, romance and action are scattered throughout each book. Much like the other books in the series, Smokin’ Seventeen has some laugh-out-loud moments that will keep you chuckling long after you put down the book. They are fast reads, perfect for a lazy summer afternoon or a trip to the beach. If you prefer to listen to books on CD, the audiobook version of this and the others in the series are marvelous.

While you can pick up any of the books in the series and start reading, I highly recommend beginning with the first, One for the Money.

Reviewed by Jessica

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

2011-05-31T13:23:00.003-04:00

Age Level: Teen
Format: Book

One evening, while at a club with her best friend, Clary Fray sees something that no human should be able to see - a clash between Shadowhunters and a demon. Not only is she surprised, but so are the Shadowhunters, who are invisible to the naked eye. Then, her mother disappears and Clary is attacked by a demon. What Clary discovers about her mother and her own heritage only begins to help answer the questions she has. Why does Clary suddenly have the Sight to see Shadowhunters and demons? How is her mother connected with the Shadowhunters? Will Clary be able to save her mother in time from the dark forces?

This is the first book in the Mortal Instruments series. I was hooked from page one! Though the middle did drag a little bit for my taste, it was very beneficial towards building up the plot line for the series. There are some twists in the plot I did not see coming, so it made for a very interesting conclusion. By the end of the book, I was ready to get my hands on the second in the series, City of Ashes.

If you like supernatural and fantasy stories, definitely try this!

Reviewed by Jessica

Waking Giant: America in the Age of Jackson by David S Reynolds

2011-04-30T15:21:00.003-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Reynolds takes a broad look at all aspects of American life from 1815-1848 in this nonfiction book. Arguing that America became truly rich culturally during this time period, Reynolds examines Andrew Jackson's influence in politics, as well as the changing attitudes of Americans that would result in religious, temperance and abolition movements, to name a few.

Readers of American history will enjoy this book. Reynolds provides a fine introduction into life in the beginning 19th century, so those who are curious about this era will also enjoy reading this. For me, this was a great way to re-think about things I had learned in history classes. Don't be intimidated by the book's length - it is over 400 pages long - despite it's size, the book flows quickly.

Waking Giant has re-piqued my interest in the Age of Jackson; I look forward to reading other books about Jackson and his influence on American history.

Reviewed by Jessica

My Korean Deli: Risking It All For a Convenience Store by Ben Ryder Howe

2011-03-27T22:11:00.002-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

In this quirky memoir, Ben Ryder Howe recounts his adventures co-owning a deli with his in-laws, Korean immigrants. One day, Howe’s wife Gab decides to honor her mother’s self-sacrifice by purchasing a store for her in Brooklyn. For Howe and his wife, this means using their savings and living with Howe’s in-laws. Howe can only begin to imagine what it takes to own a store, operate the store’s evening hours, and maintain his day job as a senior editor for The Paris Review.

Howe includes both funny anecdotes and serious reflections about his life during this time period. Anyone looking for just a dialogue about owning a deli will be in for a surprise, for Howe also discusses his day job and his relationship with his boss, the famous George Plimpton. The balance of funny and serious really adds to the book, in my opinion – the experience leaves him with a changed perception about himself and the world, while providing a bunch of fun memories. Plus, Howe discusses some Korean customs and traditions, which I found very interesting.

Readers of humorous memoirs will appreciate this book, as well as those who have ever wondered what it is like to own a convenience store. I enjoyed this!

Reviewed by Jessica

The Sherlockian by Graham Moore

2011-02-28T15:27:00.003-05:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Alternating between present day and 1900, Moore gives readers a bit of a mystery. In the present day, the leading Sherlock Holmes expert has found the lost Arthur Conan Doyle 1900 diary and arrives at the annual Baker Street Irregulars meeting to present his findings. Only, he's murdered before he has a chance to tell his secret. And, the diary is missing from his hotel room. Recent Irregulars inductee Harold White, using his Sherlockian knowledge, decides he will discover the identity of the killer. Naturally, he gets more than he bargains for...

In 1900, Arthur Conan Doyle lives with an outraged public after he "killed off" Holmes in The Final Problem. However, he is soon drawn into a real life murder of a young woman, and he asks for assistance from his friend Bram Stoker (of Dracula fame). Doyle brings his character to life as he and Stoker follow clues to the killer's identity.

Lovers of Sherlock Holmes will enjoy this novel. Even those who love historical stories will enjoy this novel. Though I have not read any Sherlock Holmes mysteries (a situation I hope to change in the near future!), I am very glad I read The Sherlockian. Moore's writing style makes the book easy to read and follow the plot line in both centuries. With shortish chapters, he maintains the reader's interest from century to century.

The novel's mysteries may just have you thinking What Would Sherlock Do?

Reviewed by Jessica

97 Orchard: an Edible History of Five Immigrant Families in One New York Tenement by Jane Ziegelman

2011-01-17T10:17:00.002-05:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Ziegelman transports readers to New York City around the turn of the twentieth century and introduces them to five ethnically unique families that lived at the 97 Orchard Street tenement - German, Irish, German Jewish, Russian Jewish and Italian. Ziegelman explores in this nonfiction history book the foods of each of these ethnic groups and provides basic insight into the daily and social lives of the immigrants, even including a description of life on Ellis Island for new arrivals and deportees. Recipes and photographs are scattered throughout the pages, connecting readers to the discussion.

This is not a culinary history of the individual families living at 97 Orchard Street per se; rather, it is a culinary history of immigrants much like these families living in the tenements of New York City. Some readers may be discouraged that more anecdotes of the individual families highlighted are not present in the narrative. However, I really enjoyed this book because Ziegelman, beginning with a brief background of each family, tours New York City markets, tenements, work places, restaurants and other food-related haunts of different immigrant groups. By the end, readers will gain a better appreciation for our culinary heritage. Well-written and well-researched, this is a very unique look at history and one that I highly recommend.

Reviewed by Jessica

The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

2010-12-31T11:15:00.001-05:00

Age Level: Teen
Format: Book

Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee, or Ani for short, has the gift of speaking with animals, conversing in their language. Ani prefers to converse with the swans than to attend to her duties as the Crown Princess of Kildenree. This upsets her mother, the queen, who decides she must send Ani to Bayern to marry the Bayern prince. As Ani and her entourage journey to Bayern, Ani discovers a plot to kill her before the entourage reaches Bayern. Running for her life, Ani must use her gifts and find inner strength to combat her enemies before something happens to her or even to Kildenree.

This is the first book in the Books of Bayern series and is based on a Grimms’s fairy tale. With wonderful prose and a clear storyline, The Goose Girl is a wonderful book. Hale writes specifically for the teen audience, addressing issues such as self-esteem and peer pressure. Readers can see Ani’s inner strength and self confidence grow during the book’s narration, with the help of friends she makes and from believing in herself.

Reviewed by Jessica

A Desirable Residence by Madeleine Wickham

2010-11-04T19:53:00.001-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Wickham, who writes the Shopaholic series under Sophie Kinsella, tells the story of how one house affects the lives of those around it. Liz and Jonathan Chambers recently purchased a tutorial college outside London. This is great for them, except for the mortgage that comes with the purchase. In order to have enough money for the tutorial college’s mortgage, they need to sell their current home. Listed with Witherstone’s Real Estate Agency, the house shows no promise of selling, though Marcus Witherstone knows the perfect couple who are interested in renting a house, Ginny and Piers Prentice. Ginny and Piers move into the house; Liz and Jonathan’s teenage daughter Alice becomes entranced with the new tenants. And, Liz develops a crush on Marcus, which turns into a bit more than simple flirtations. As the novel progresses, these characters find themselves in sticky and irreversible situations that may cost them more than their self-respect.

I enjoyed this novel. Perfect for a vacation and beach read, the novel reads quickly and is a great diversion from every day life. Wickham creates characters that really do not appear likable – most of the characters have a secret agenda, dreaming that their lives change for the better, creating richer lifestyles or higher levels of fame. I personally feel sorry for Jonathan, whose family seems to really detest him, though he is arguably the least attention seeking amongst them and the other characters.

Those who enjoy the Shopaholic series should try this novel. If you like light, fluffy reads, check this out.

Reviewed by Jessica

Murder at Mansfield Park by Lynn Shepherd

2010-10-28T22:28:00.001-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Janeites beware: this is Mansfield Park, with a twist! In Shepherd’s novel, Fanny Price is a rich heiress with a very disagreeable character. Mary Crawford, on the other hand, is a charming young woman whose monetary situation brings her to stay with her sister in the area’s parsonage. When Fanny is found brutally murdered on Mansfield Park’s grounds, Mary and Charles Maddox, a thief-taker (private investigator, so to speak), work towards discovering the identity of the killer. Could it be Edmund Norris, Fanny’s fiancé and the man Mary adores? Or, could it be Mary’s brother, Henry Crawford, who is hiding some deep, dark secrets? Or, maybe it was one of Fanny’s cousins, sick and tired of Fanny’s attitude. The plot’s twists and turns will keep readers guessing up to the end.

I was not sure what to expect when I first started reading this novel. It seemed appalling that Fanny Price of Jane Austen’s mind could be turned into such a detested person in Shepherd’s novel, whereas Austen’s manipulative Mary Crawford becomes a very intelligent and warm person in this novel. But, this twist on the classic does work. Some Jane Austen fans will not like this: Shepherd takes the liberty of changing the characters’ information and background, besides Fanny and Mary, to fit the novel’s plot line. However, those who do not like Austen’s Fanny Price or Mansfield Park may enjoy this mystery novel just because it is not like the original. Shepherd also mirrors Austen’s writing style, which helps to set the tone of the novel. The mystery plot will appeal to historical mystery enthusiasts or those who enjoy reading mysteries set in the English countryside.

I have read several interpretations and adaptations of Austen novels, and this is one of the better ones.

Reviewed by Jessica

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

2010-09-30T15:39:00.002-04:00

Age Level: Teen
Format: Book

Sophie is the eldest of three daughters, which makes her the unluckiest and the one destined to remain at home working in her father's hat shop while her sisters seek their own fortune. One day, the Witch of the Waste enters the shop and turns Sophie into an old woman, thus making Sophie venture out to seek whatever fortune she can find. She decides to go to Wizard Howl for help, who doesn't exactly have the best reputation but may be the only one who can help her break the Witch's curse. Living with Howl and trying to figure out a way to break the spell gives Sophie the adventure of a lifetime.

I absolutely loved this book! There's humor, romance, a touch of the supernatural and plenty of action and fun. I enjoyed the wide range of characters and watching them develop as the story progressed. Those who enjoy the Harry Potter series may want to take a look at this - both have characters who seek their own identity, do a little magic and go on amazing adventures.

Howl's Moving Castle is the first in a series. Check it out today!

Reviewed by Jessica

Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear

2010-08-31T19:05:00.002-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Set in 1929 Great Britain, this first in a mystery series follows private investigator Maisie Dobbs as she tracks down clues related to her first case. A concerned husband tells Maisie he is afraid his wife is having an affair. This investigation leads Maisie to confront her past, specifically tragic events that occurred during World War I.

Filled with fantastic characters, Maisie Dobbs is a great, well-written book! Winspear uses this book to build the character of Maisie Dobbs, introducing readers to a young Maisie with a desire for knowledge and taking readers through Maisie's development into a skilled observer and thinker. Though I have many titles in my to read pile, I am really anxious to read the second in the series, Birds of a Feather.

Readers interested in World War I era stories may want to take a look at this; mystery lovers should also try this book.

Since this is the 2010 Adams County Reads One Book, check your local library for programs taking place in September based on this book. There's lots happening!

Reviewed by Jessica

The Red Siren by M.L. Tyndall

2010-07-31T21:35:00.001-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Five years ago, Dajon Waite’s ship was seized by a woman pirate off the coast of England. Now stationed in Charles Towne in the Carolinas, he receives a request from Admiral Westcott to safeguard his three daughters while the admiral ventures to Europe on naval business. Dajon is reluctant to take the position, not only for personal reasons but also for the notorious behavior of the daughters. The eldest, Faith, seems extremely headstrong and independent. Faith happens to be a pirate, secretly sailing the seas and plundering merchant ships of their goods. As Dajon begins to fall in love with her, Faith must fight between her feelings for Dajon and her love of pirating. The Red Siren is the first in the Charles Towne Belles series.

I have read very little inspirational fiction, but I did enjoy this book. Taking place in the early 1700s in America, this has the perfect mix of romance and historical fiction with a strong Christian message. As I mentioned above, Faith Westcott is headstrong and independent; her sisters are not very different. The Westcott girls resemble rebellious teenagers of today, pouting when they do not get their way and defying direct orders that would keep them safe from harm. For me, that was a tad bit annoying. Though the plot line was predictable, like just about any romance novel, it was easy for me to get lost in the narrative and lose track of time. The ending of the book sets up perfectly for the second book in the series.

Reviewed by Jessica

Romancing Miss Bronte by Juliet Gael

2010-06-22T16:33:00.002-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Based on Charlotte Bronte's life, this debut novel takes readers back to nineteenth-century England and the Bronte household. Charlotte and her sisters try to publish their works with little success until Charlotte's Jane Eyre becomes the talk of London. The deaths of her brother and sisters keeps her grounded and close to home, where she becomes the only caretaker for her aging father. Mostly resolved to living a spinster's life, Charlotte is surprised by a declaration of love from an unlikely source, someone she doesn't love. To be alone or to live with someone who you don't necessarily love - Charlotte's decision will change her life forever.

Fans of Bronte family's works should check out this novel. While it is a fictional story, much of it is based on fact, thanks to the diaries and letters of Charlotte and her friends. Before starting this novel, I knew a little bit about the Bronte family. Now, I really want to learn more. Gael writes such a wonderful novel; she really brings Charlotte and her family and friends to life. Truly amazing!

Reviewed by Jessica

One Good Dog by Susan Wilson

2010-05-05T06:01:00.001-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

This is a wonderful story of loss, love and second chances. Adam March lost control one day and everything changed. He was fired from his job as a top executive, left by his wife who has to save her social standing, ignored and disdained by his daughter, and kicked out of all of his homes into a one bedroom economy apartment. When Adam’s life is falling down around him an unlikely friend gives him a reason to keep going. Chance is a pit bull mix that has lived his life in a cage. After years fighting in the pit, he escapes during a rescue attempt and wanders the streets of Boston, free for the first time in his life. After a blizzard, he finds himself caged once more, this time at an animal shelter. Against their will, this unlikely pair forges a bond strong enough to save both of their lives.

Wonderfully written, I could not put it down. Told alternately from the perspective Adam then Chance, this book will speak to anyone who has ever known the friendship of an animal. I found more than a few life lessons tucked between the lines of this story. Sometimes you have to lose control to find yourself. Everyone is fighting a battle, though the battle scars may not show. Appearances are next to useless. You never can tell where you will meet a new friend.

Reviewed by Lisa

Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen

2010-04-27T19:19:00.001-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

In one week, Rhoda Janzen experiences two tragedies – her husband of 15 years leaves her for a man he met on the Internet, and she is involved in a car accident that leaves her bruised, broken and in need of rehabilitation. She decides to recuperate at her Mennonite parents’ home, which launches a series of reminiscences of her childhood growing up in a Mennonite community. With humor and a dash of sadness, Janzen mends both physically and mentally and gains a new perspective spiritually.

I loved reading this memoir; there were times I laughed so hard I’m sure I disturbed everyone around me! Janzen’s narrative flows quickly and very smoothly. She draws the reader into her personal story in such an inviting way, willing to share her deepest marital turmoil and poke fun at herself from time to time. Plus, for those interested in learning more about the Mennonite faith, Janzen provides an appendix at the end, detailing aspects of the religion and the community with some humor.

A remarkable read!

Reviewed by Jessica

Enslaved by Ducks by Bob Tarte

2010-04-08T18:40:00.001-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

If you have ever been owned by a pet you will be able to appreciate the inadequacy felt by Bob Tarte. Having never been an animal person, Bob holds up fairly well as first his wife and later anyone and everyone deposits bunny after duck after parrot into his life. Though at times painful, he evolves into a do-it-yourself zookeeper and fence builder, and ultimately an animal lover. Bob Tarte invites us to laugh with him and even at him as he stumbles along the minefield of pet care.

Bob Tarte is a laugh-out-loud writer with a gift for drawing the reader into the circus of his life. His wit and word play made this a refreshing and enjoyable read. He neither omits the inevitable loss that comes with the joy of pets nor sink into the fluffy saccharine sweetness that so often fills books about animals. With sarcasm and irony you will be drawn into the lives of 2 humans and the 5 rabbits, 3 parrots, 2 doves, 2 canaries, 4 parakeets, 1 starling, 2 cats, 14 ducks, 2 geese and 4 turkeys that control them along the way.

Reviewed by Lisa

Truly, Madly by Heather Webber

2010-03-22T22:14:00.002-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Lucy Valentine comes from a family notorious for their matchmaking skills. This is great lucrative news for the family, except Lucy doesn't quite have the matchmaking gift, thanks to an electrical surge when Lucy was fourteen, changing her powers from matchmaking to lost object finding. When her father leaves the matchmaking business, Valentine Inc., to her for a couple of weeks, Lucy fears she will ultimately screw up the business and her family's good business name. Instead, Lucy finds trouble in a mystery surrounding a client and an engagement ring, a lost boy in the woods and a dangerously good-looking PI named Sean Donahue.

I had the fortunate opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy of this book. Fast-paced and sprinkled with some laugh-out-loud moments, this is definitely a great, fluffy book to read while on vacation or just looking for a few hours to escape from reality. The back cover suggests this book for readers of Janet Evanovich and Jennifer Crusie...this is very true! Lucy finds herself in some very comical situations, and her ways to get out of them just add to the entertaining storyline. Webber seems to provide a story that has something for every reader - romance, mystery and an element of the supernatural.

This is the first in a series starring Lucy Valentine. Heather Webber also writes the Nina Quinn mystery series.

Reviewed by Jessica

The Dancing Plague by John Waller

2010-03-07T19:44:00.002-05:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

This was such an unexpectedly enjoyable book. The Dancing Plague is a fascinating exploration of the strange and uncontrollable dancing that has gripped large masses of people repeatedly throughout history. John Waller vividly paints a picture of the religious terror, starvation and hopelessness that incubated the perfect setting for such a bizarre series of events.

I had never heard of choreomania and if I had, I would have probably thought it a strange and unlikely fictional malady. More often termed Saint Vitus’ Dance, its victims believed they were being punished for their sins. Over the centuries many “cures” were devised including more dancing. As many of these attempts proved fatal, belief in religious pilgrimage as the only sure method of relief grew. Across Europe, even though customs and beliefs have changed, some still believe in “preventative dancing”. After all, why would an angry saint curse an already dancing sinner with more dancing?

Waller ends with an interesting theory on the cultural changes that have erased choreomania from our worries replacing it with several more modern ailments. This book truly took me by surprise and gripped me with an uncontrollable need to keep reading.

Reviewed by Lisa

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

2010-02-28T16:44:00.003-05:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

In her debut novel, Stockett writes about the civil rights struggles of African Americans in 1960s Mississippi. She chooses to tell her narrative in three voices: Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan, a young white woman who wants to be a writer, and two maids, Abileen and Minny. Looking for a way to become a published writer, Skeeter decides to record the stories of maids. At first, the maids are not interested, fearing the backlash of their white employers. But, Abileen finally decides to tell her stories to Skeeter, in covert meetings at Abileen's house. Abileen convinces Minny, her best friend, to also reveal her stories, and soon other maids decide to as well. What comes from these stories are the trials and tribulations each of these maids faced from their various employers. As Skeeter captures their words on paper, the city of Jackson is rocked by civil rights events, which only intensifies the maids' concerns over keeping their identities a secret.

This is an amazing debut novel! This novel transports readers back to the 1960s, allowing readers to see events through the eyes of Skeeter, Abileen and Minny. For me, the three voiced narrative worked perfectly; it gave me a better a understanding for the characters' thoughts and feelings. I have seen several reviews of this novel that discuss the poor dialect choices Stockett makes - I am not a dialect expert, so I cannot comment either way about the maids' dialect. What I can attest to is the novel's powerful ability to pull the reader into the narrative and refuse to let the reader go until the very end. The ending is a little predictable, but one can argue the ending shows a small victory for the Civil Rights Movement.

Historical fiction readers should pick up a copy of this novel.

Reviewed by Jessica

The Sisters Who Would Be Queen: Mary, Katherine, and Lady Jane Grey by Leanda de Lisle

2010-01-27T14:26:00.005-05:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

In this nonfiction account, de Lisle argues that Lady Jane Grey, whose reign as "Nine Day Queen" during the Tudor dynasty ended in her execution, has received an undeserved negative connotation in history. Often described as cold, cunning and thirsting for power, Jane was nothing like that, according to de Lisle; rather, Jane was a victim of circumstances in a time of uncertainty involving the line of succession for the English monarchy. Her sisters, though not executed, also suffered tragic lives. De Lisle shows readers what life was like for those close to the English monarchy during the reign of Henry VIII and his son Edward VI. She includes family trees of all parties involved in the Grey sisters' lives, allowing readers to make connections between families mentioned throughout the book.

This book provides an interesting look at a part of English history that does not receive much attention in the classroom. I was unfamiliar with the Grey sisters' story until I read this book. I found de Lisle's arguments to be compelling and her narrative to be very easy to read.

Anyone with an interest in Tudor history or a history of England should read this book.

Reviewed by Jessica

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout

2009-12-10T15:07:00.003-05:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Olive Kitteridge, a school teacher living in Crosby, Maine, is known for her emotional outbursts and opinions. Her life revolves around doom and gloom, partially thanks to being raised by an emotionally disturbed father. However, as Strout shows in this collection of short stories, under Olive's cool demeanor is someone who shares the same joys, concerns and feelings that are representative of people she knows. Olive appears in each of the thirteen short stories, either as a main character, a minor character or just simply a passing name in conversation; each of these stories show how Olive's existence plays on the characters, whether it be a former student reflecting on Olive's classroom mannerisms to her husband contemplating a deep love for an employee and its effect on his marriage. Emotionally charged with themes such as depression, suicide and love, these stories bring into the foreground life's insecurities and how each of the characters play on their strengths and weaknesses to overcome or succomb to their thoughts.

This is a very powerful book and one that I would not normally pick up to read. However, the fact that this book won the Pulitzer Prize changed my mind. I'm glad it did. Despite her shortcomings, it's rather easy to sympathize with Olive and to see how she has touched the lives of those around her, in both a negative and positive light. The short stories span a few decades, watching Olive and her family growing older and facing tough situations, such as bad communication and health scares. This is a view of small town life and how so many of the townspeople connect with one another. It's just simply amazing.

Those who enjoyed reading The Grace That Keeps This World by Tom Bailey or Plainsong by Kent Haruf should try this book.

Reviewed by Jessica

Girl in a Blue Dress by Gaynor Arnold

2009-11-24T18:38:00.003-05:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Catherine Dickens released early letters from her estranged husband Charles to the public so that "...the world might know that he loved me once."

From debut author Gaynor Arnold comes a fictional story based on Charles Dickens' marriage. The great Alfred Gibson has died. While the rest of London mourns the death of one of the greatest literary geniuses the public had seen, his estranged wife Dorothea sits in her small apartment, uninvited to the funeral, and reminisces about her marriage to Alfred. These recollections bring to light a marriage that looks happy on the outside but has devastating problems internally.

I was amazed by this novel! Arnold brings readers to Victorian era London, where customs and society's mores play a huge role in the actions of the characters. Dorothea is presented as a sympathetic character, whose husband preaches for family morality and yet banishes her from the house in order to strike up an extremely friendly acquaintanceship with a young actress. Through Dorothea, Arnold gives Catherine Dickens a chance to replay life after the death of her husband, reexamining the events that shaped the marriage and having the courage to confront those who played a part in the marriage's downfall. Fans of historical fiction should take a look at this novel. Even fans of Charles Dickens may appreciate this different portrayal of the man. I must admit, I'm not a huge fan of Dickens' works, but after reading this novel, I really want to pick up a Dickens biography and see how he really lived.

Reviewed by Jessica

People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks

2009-10-23T09:58:00.004-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

**This is the 2009 One Book One Community selection**

In 1996, Hanna Heath, a rare book expert, travels to war-torn Sarajevo to conduct the job of a lifetime: analyze and conserve the famous Sarajevo Haggadah. During her initial analysis of the book, she discovers little artifacts - an insect's wing, wine stains, salt crystals and a white hair - that add to the remarkable history of the Sarajevo Haggadah. Brooks takes her readers through an imagined history of the Haggadah, linking Hanna's artifacts with the path the Haggadah has taken through generations. Along the way, Hanna learns some life-changing aspects about her own family and its past.

People of the Book is an amazing book. Brooks takes the little knowledge known about the real Sarajevo Haggadah and constructs a plausible history of the book. The narrative switches between contemporary times and early periods in history, chronicling the journey of the Sarajevo Haggadah and the reasons behind the little artifacts Hanna finds in the book, which provides an excellent connection between present time and past times. It was very hard for me to put the book down - I wanted to keep reading about the Haggadah's journey. Brooks is an outstanding storyteller. Those who like to read historical fiction should give this book a try!

Reviewed by Jessica

Intertwined by Gena Showalter

2009-09-02T20:10:00.002-04:00

Age Level: Teen

Format: Book

Most sixteen-year-olds have friends. Aden Stone has four human souls living inside him:

One can time-travel.
One can raise the dead.
One can tell the future.
And one can possess another human.

With no other family and a life spent in and out of institutions, Aden and the souls have become friends. But now they're causing him all kinds of trouble. Like, he'll blink and suddenly he's a younger Aden, reliving the past. One wrong move, and he'll change the future. Or he'll walk past a total stranger and know how and when she's going to die.

He's so over it. All he wants is peace.

And then he meets a girl who quiets the voices. Well, as long as he's near her. Why? Mary Ann Gray is his total opposite. He's a loner; she has friends. He doesn't care what anyone thinks; she tries to make everyone happy. And while he attracts the paranormal, she repels it. For her sake, he should stay away. But it's too late....

Somehow, they share an inexplicable bond of friendship. A bond about to be tested by a werewolf shape-shifter who wants Mary Ann for his own, and a vampire princess Aden can't resist.

Two romances, both forbidden. Still, the four will enter a dark underworld of intrigue and danger but not everyone will come out alive...

I will admit, when I first picked up this book I was a little skeptical. I'm over vampires. I've read way too many books lately that have dealt with vampires. But from the first page, I was hooked on this book. I couldn't put it down. The sub-plots with the vampire princess and the werewolf were interesting, but there was so much in the relationship between Mary Ann and Aden. I loved those two characters from the first moment I met them and I wanted to know how it was that Mary Ann could silence the voices.

All in all, this was a very good book. There were many unnecessary plot-lines and characters, but overall it was very interesting. Read it for Aden and Mary Ann. Not for the vampire princess and werewolf.

Reviewed by Sara.

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

2009-08-26T14:52:00.001-04:00

Age Level: Teen
Format: Book

Every time I talk about SHIVER I get chills. Wait, was that sentence incredibly cheesy? Yes! Did I mean every word of it? Yes! Should you read SHIVER? Yes!!! Oh, you would like to know why other than the fact that I practically just begged you to.

SHIVER, the first in a planned trilogy, is Grace and Sam’s story. As a child Grace was attacked by a pack of wolves. Ever since then she has been enamored by the wolves residing in the woods beyond her backyard. One wolf, her wolf, the one with yellow eyes, in particular.

Sam, the boy with yellow eyes, is sensitive to the temperature. When the weather starts to change so does he. During the summer months he is human and in the winter a wolf. Yes, the same wolf that silently lingers at the edge of Grace’s yard. Until one day due to unusual circumstances Sam finds himself injured, human, and naked on Grace’s back porch... And no way am I going to spoil the rest for you by telling you what happens next.

Told from two alternating points of view SHIVER is a beautiful love story that will simply break your heart. Stiefvater’s writing is magically lyrical and wonderfully descriptive in a way that the characters and events feel real. Plus, the print is blue! Blue, people! Not every book black, but blue! If that’s not enough to spark your interest I’m not sure what will.

Gorgeous cover and fun print aside SHIVER is a novel you’ll want to read, reread, and recommend to all your friends. Not only is it one of my absolute favorites, but also a New York Times Bestseller. Go, read SHIVER, and join me in my great anticipation for its upcoming sequels LINGER and FOREVER!

I award SHIVER five plus snowflakes (instead of stars).

Reviewed by Kaila

Illegal by Paul Levine

2009-08-01T23:10:00.001-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Trial lawyer Jimmy Payne is known to break the rules, especially after a horrific tragedy that left him scarred physically and emotionally. So, when forced to be part of a sting operation to take down a corrupt judge, Payne has no problem taking some of the bribe money and running. Payne does not get far in his plan when he finds a Mexican boy, Tino Perez, who lost his mother while crossing the US border illegally. Payne and Tino join forces to search for Tino’s mother, and along the way, discover corruption and how far some people will go for greed.

From cover to cover, this novel takes readers on a non-stop thrill ride. While some of the situations are a bit predictable, there are a few occurrences in the book that did surprise me and made me keep reading. Despite his many flaws, Jimmy Payne is a likable character; you can’t help but root for him, because he does show compassion and has faced adversity and tragedy.
Levine also writes about a timely social issue from different perspectives, ranging from law enforcement in charge of keeping illegal immigrants from crossing the borders to those who do cross and the plight they face. Some of the more vivid scenes in the novel take place in stash houses for the illegal immigrants or descriptions of their working environments.

Fans of contemporary thrillers will enjoy reading this novel. I can’t wait to read the next Jimmy Payne thriller!

Reviewed by Jessica

Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher

2009-07-26T20:45:00.002-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Carrie Fisher, you may know her as Princess Leia from Star Wars, dispenses small scenes from her life with wit, sarcasm and openness. Born to famous parents and suffering from bipolar disorder, Carrie sought solace in drugs and alcohol while pursuing her own career in show business. The absence of her father, the tabloid rumors surrounding the death of a close friend, even the fleeting joy of marriage - nothing is off limits. Everything is fodder for Carrie's delightful sense of humor.

I read this book in a matter of hours. I simply could not put it down. Laughing out loud, often to the point of tears, I repeatedly found myself reading portions aloud to my sister just to share the laughter. Read this book. It could very well be the funniest thing you read all summer.

Reviewed by Lisa

Slamming Open the Door by Kathleen Sheeder Bonanno

2009-06-17T17:02:00.002-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

After reading the first few poems in this book, I knew I would have to read them all before I would be able to set it down again. This is an amazingly, heartbreakingly honest glimpse into the pain of a mother grieving for her murdered daughter.

I didn’t really know what to expect when I picked up this book. The titles and the few lines that I read as I flipped through it caught my attention and drew me into an unforgettable experience. The author truly grabbed my heart as I lost myself in the raw emotion of her prose. Slamming Open the Door did just as the title suggests.

I was totally swept away by this book. I highly recommend it, even if you are not that interested in poetry. This was more that simply a book of poems. Slamming Open the Door is about pain, heartbreak, and loss; in short, this is a small volume of humanity.

Reviewed by Lisa

The Indifferent Stars Above by Daniel James Brown

2009-06-07T21:48:00.000-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

When you hear the phrase the “Donner Party,” what is your first reaction? Way back in 1847, when stories began circulating about those who resorted to extreme measures to stave off hunger, people were outraged and horrified. Even today, the Donner Party is referenced in pop culture as a group of doom. Daniel James Brown takes a tragic event in American frontier history and presents modern day analysis on the reasons behind the party’s decisions and how these decisions affected those who survived the ordeal. Following the adventures of one member of the Donner Party, Sarah Graves Fosdick, Brown takes readers on the party’s journey, from leaving their homes behind, to being caught in a major snowstorm and reliving the pain and anguish the party faced as food and supplies depleted.

Using written accounts from survivors and from previously written histories, Brown puts together a nonfiction account that I found to be simply incredible and exceptional. One can tell that Brown wants to find the truths behind all the Donner Party myths, including myths stated by party survivors. At times, Brown interrupts his narration to provide psychological analysis or explain customs from the 1840s; many readers may be put off by this, but I felt it added to the telling of the story. I walked away from this with so much more knowledge about the Donner Party and their circumstances and also a better understanding as to the reasons why they resorted to, as Brown puts it, a major human taboo. The book does have several very graphic descriptions, which are not for readers with weak stomachs. Readers who love to read American history should read this book, as it provides not only a glimpse into frontier travel, but also provides a new perspective to a tragic chapter in American history.

Reviewed by Jessica

As They See 'Em: A Fan's Travels in the Land of Umpires by Bruce Weber

2009-05-31T22:31:00.000-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Weber, a New York Times reporter, takes readers on a behind-the-scenes tour of an umpires’ world. After enrolling in the Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring and subsequently umpiring a few low-minor league baseball games, Weber learns first hand the treatment of umpires from coaches and players and spectators. Weber travels across the country to interview umpires in the minor and major leagues and to see them in action. Along the way, readers learn about the history of umpires and how their role has been redefined countless times in baseball on the field and in the commissioner’s office.

I’m a baseball fan, and I like to read books that talk about the history of the game. I was not disappointed in this account. As Weber states in his book, there are few resources such as this book that provide an exclusive view of the umpiring world. Weber pretty much establishes up front that umpiring is no easy job. Umpires have to anticipate where the ball is going to go, where the play will be, where the base runners will be, etc before each pitch is thrown. Plus, umpires lead a somewhat invisible life outside the ballgame, having fun just like everyone else, but with no groupies attached to them. Though, sometimes umpires face dangers off the field, when fans and others disagree on calls made during the game and begin harassing or even threatening bodily harm to them.

After reading this book, I do not think I will be looking at the game in the same way again; this book proves that umpires are the vital key to a ballgame, whether you agree with the calls or not.

I highly recommend this book to any avid baseball fan or sports enthusiast.

Reviewed by Jessica

Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender

2009-04-28T18:07:00.001-04:00

Age Level: Teen
Format: Book

Alexis thought she lived the typical dysfunctional life of a teenager. She has no real friends at school, keeps her parents at arm's length, and has a younger sister that is overly obsessed with dolls. But then strange things start to happen at home and it doesn't take Alexis long to figure out that her house is haunted and her sister is possessed.

I loved this book. Once I started it, I couldn't put it down. The tone of the novel is so hauntingly dark and hilariously snarky at the same time that it has a very creepy undertone to it. I enjoyed the journey that the reader is taken on as Alexis figures out what's going on in her house and through that, finally comes into her own.

The end of the book is a little bit cheesy, but I was able to forgive that simply because the rest of the book was great.

Reviewed by Sara.

Frankly, My Dear: "Gone With the Wind" Revisited by Molly Haskell

2009-04-24T13:00:00.004-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Why does Gone With the Wind, the book and the film, continue to the hold the interest of each generation long after its 1930s release? Haskell takes readers behind the scenes for both the book and the film, revealing information about the personal lives of those who were a part of Gone With the Wind and offering insight into the both's production. Haskell argues that three extraordinary forces - David Selznick, Vivien Leigh and Margaret Mitchell - helped make the book and the movie timeless. She backs up her argument with extensive research, painting readers a different picture of Gone With the Wind than what is seen in the film or in the book. For example, Haskell feels Scarlett represents the feminists of the 1930s. Whether or not you agree with her arguments, Haskell has written a fascinating account of what has been dubbed "the American Bible," an epic story that receives renewed interest with every generation.

I enjoyed reading Frankly, My Dear because of the background information Haskell provides about the book and the film. For me, it was interesting to read about the conflicts during filming, the stresses of completing a film as close to the book as possible, Margaret Mitchell's mindset, the mindset of everyone involved in making the film and the decisions behind the film's casting. This is a must read for Gone With the Wind enthusiasts!

Reviewed by Jessica

The Lover's Knot by Clare O'Donohue

2009-03-30T14:40:00.003-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

The Lover's Knot is the first book in the Someday Quilts mystery series.

When twenty-something Nell Fitzgerald's fiance Ryan calls off their wedding, Nell flees New York City to her grandmother's house in Archers Rest, New York. Nell's solace does not last for long, though. The body of the local handyman, known for his flirtations and scandalous affairs, is found in the quilt shop owned by Nell's grandmother, with a pair of quilting scissors as the murder weapon. The prime suspect is Ryan, whose unexpected visit to Archers Rest and desire to get married to Nell forces Nell to reassess whether or not she still wants to marry him. Nell becomes involved in the police investigation, trying to clear Ryan's name and unraveling the secrets surrounding the victim, many of which involve her grandmother's friends in the Friday Night Quilt Club, a group that meets in the quilt shop every Friday night. As Nell gets closer to the truth, she has to decide which of these secrets could push someone to commit murder.

The Lover's Knot is the typical cozy mystery: a murder that lacks the gruesome details, a hint of romance, a series of books based on a theme (in this case, quilting), an amateur sleuth (or like Hamish Macbeth in the M.C. Beaton series, a police officer/constable who doesn't always get the respect he/she deserves), and a quirky set of characters living in the community. If you like cozy mysteries, you will probably like this book. O'Donohue takes the time to explain quilting terminology, making Nell her quilting novice in the story. This is perfect for those readers who are interested in reading the book but may not know everything there is to know about the topic, in this case, quilting. For me, these explanations make the book more enjoyable.

I did enjoy this book. While I can honestly say I did not care for a couple of the characters in the beginning, I did gain a better appreciation of them by the end of the book. And, it is a fast read. I look forward to reading the second book in the series, as soon as it is published!

Reviewed by Jessica

Fade by Lisa McMann

2009-02-18T10:30:00.001-05:00

Age Level: Teen

Format: Book

For Janie and Cabel, real life is getting tougher than the dreams. They're just trying to carve out a little (secret) time together, but no such luck. Disturbing things are happening at Fieldridge High, yet nobody's talking. When Janie taps into a classmate's violent nightmares, the case finally breaks open--but nothing goes as planned. Not even close. Janie's in way over her head, and Cabe's shocking behavior has grave consequences for them both.

Worse yet, Janie learns the truth about herself and her ability. And it's bleak. Seriously, brutally bleak. Not only is her fate as a Dream Catcher sealed, but what's to come is way darker than she'd even feared...

I love the Wake series. I’ve been waiting for Fade ever since I finished reading Wake last year, and I was not disappointed.

Fade divulges more secrets about Janie’s ability, and the consequences that come with her power. It also takes us further into the unique relationship between Janie and Cabel, a relationship that is taken to a new level. I cannot wait until next year when the final book is released to see how Janie’s abilities and her relationship with Cabel have grown and changed.

Be aware, there is some vulgar language throughout the book.

Reviewed by Sara.

The Associate by John Grisham

2009-02-17T13:32:00.002-05:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Kyle McAvoy, a Yale law school student, thinks he has his life planned out after law school. Or, at least he thought he had his life under control. One evening, a mysterious person named Bennie threatens to expose Kyle as an accomplice to an alleged rape that occurred several years ago. With evidence that could put Kyle in prison, Kyle must become an associate of the world's largest law firm, gain access and steal documents connected to a major lawsuit over military equipment in order to appease Bennie. As he enters the world of a fast-paced law firm, Kyle must find ways to cooperate with Bennie's demands and save himself from a future that suddenly looks bleak. Going against Bennie may just put Kyle in the greatest danger possible.

Grisham is a master at taking different aspects of the law and creating stories full of suspense and interesting endings. I have always enjoyed his nailbiting endings. While The Associate did have elements of suspense, I felt it was not his strongest novel to date. I was prepared to be at the edge of my seat as the ending drew closer, but I felt somewhat disappointed with the conclusion. Grisham's ending did make me wonder if he plans a sequel for The Associate. The storyline dragged a little bit from time to time. Fans of his earlier novels may be disappointed with his writing style, because of its lack of suspense-building tension, but overall I think it is still a good book. It makes me happy I never entered the law profession!

Incidentally, Kyle McAvoy is from York, so it was neat to have the close-to-home connection with a few of the characters.

Reviewed by Jessica

Company of Liars by Karen Maitland

2009-01-23T15:04:00.000-05:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Camelot, a peddler of religious relics, narrates this story that shares similarities to Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. A group of strangers meet up in 1348 England during the Plague breakout and decide to travel together, searching for an area untouched by the fatal disease. Each traveler lives a lie; balancing truth with the lies leads to dangerous secrets being revealed in each traveler’s story. Along the way, the travelers face starvation, lack of shelter, an ever-present wolf and death. The only thing that keeps the travelers marching to destinations unknown is the hope that someday they will reach a place of safety before death comes for them.

I really enjoyed reading this novel. While the topic of death and despair may not appeal to many readers, those who like to read historical fiction or are fans of Canterbury Tales should pick up this book. It is a perfect fictional study of life and societal fears in 14th century England. Each of Maitland’s characters bring a fascinating, yet sometimes horrific, secret to the group; once secrets are discovered, it is very interesting to see how the travelers react to one another. These reactions lead to a shocking ending, one I did not expect.

I look forward to reading Company of Liars again in the future!

Reviewed by Jessica

The Good Thief by Hannah Tinti

2009-01-12T17:37:00.001-05:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Ren cannot remember life outside the Catholic orphanage he has lived in for most of his life. Just like everyone else, he knows he was pushed through the trap door at the gate as a little child. The only thing that truly belongs to him from his past life is a piece of clothing with the letters R E N stitched into the collar. Ren, a thief yet deeply religious, also came to the orphanage without one of his hands; he knows there has to be a story about his missing hand. One day, Benjamin Nab appears at the orphanage claiming Ren as his brother. Ren really wants to believe, and loves to hear stories about his father and mother, but soon realizes that Benjamin’s art of storytelling lacks truth. Benjamin slowly reels Ren into his cons, and along with Benjamin’s associate Tom, takes Ren to the town of North Umbrage, a factory town that just may hold the key to Benjamin’s, and even Ren’s, past.

A truly remarkable book filled with rich storytelling, Tinti chronicles the seedy life of thieves, con artists and grave robbers in nineteenth century United States. Tinti’s novel is rich in characters that are ruthless and cunning and completely unforgettable. Despite his shortcomings, Ren is a very likeable character who has a very good heart underneath his bad deeds. In fact, most of the characters in the novel have a streak of goodness in their hearts, showing that even the toughest deviants can have a soft spot.

Full of adventure and excitement, I feel this novel is perfect for anyone who enjoys historical fiction or adventure fiction.

Reviewed by Jessica

The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent

2008-12-11T18:55:00.002-05:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Based on accounts of Kent's ancestor, Martha Carrier, this novel examines the lives of one family during the Salem Witch Trials. When the Carrier family moves to Andover to live in Martha's mother's home, they are immediately considered outcasts - the family is held responsible for a small pox outbreak several years before in neighboring Billerica. When Martha's son Andrew falls ill to small pox in Andover, the entire family is quarantined and are considered dangerous in the community. Sarah Carrier, Martha's eldest daughter and the narrator for the novel, recounts her bitterness towards her mother's lack of affection for the family and her outspokenness, causing even harsher treatment of the family by neighbors and townsmen. Soon, information from nearby Salem arrives in Andover, telling about young girls accusing townspeople of witchcraft. Eventually, Martha is accused of witchcraft, forcing Sarah to make the hardest decision of her life and opening her eyes to the real power of love.

Kent's writing style flows very smoothly, making the reader want to continue reading until the very last page. She takes great care in crafting her ancestors as characters in the novel: she combines family folklore and stories about the Carriers to paint an unforgettable portrait of the family and especially of a strong and defiant Martha Carrier. I loved the descriptions of daily life and shuddered at the pictures in my mind of prison conditions and the horrors facing those on trial. Kent even includes transcripts from Martha's trial, showing the many accusations placed against her ancestor. For me, the end of the novel is an emotional rollercoaster, an ending that will not be easy to forget. The Heretic's Daughter is one of the best books I have read this year and an amazing novel by a debut author.

Anyone who loves history will enjoy reading this fictional account about one of the darker periods in American history. To learn more about the Carrier family and of the Salem Witch Trials, Kent has a wonderful website: www.thehereticsdaughter.com

Reviewed by Jessica

The Wordy Shipmates by Sarah Vowell

2008-12-05T15:27:00.000-05:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Vowell takes readers on a historical trip to the days of the Puritans, from their voyage to North America to their struggles to create a civilized society in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Focusing on primary resources from John Winthrop, Roger Williams, Cotton Mather, and other prominent Puritans, Vowell writes a history that explores the Puritans in a witty, and sometimes cynical, way. Ever think there could be a connection between the Puritans and The Brady Bunch? Read the book…there is. Vowell paints a very broad sketch of Puritan life, highlighting the major events, such as Roger Williams’ and Anne Hutchinson’s banishment from the Massachusetts settlement, up to before the Salem Witch Trials in 1692. Maybe not the ideal book to use for a report on the Puritans, but this serves as an excellent starting point in learning a little history and gaining a new insight and perspective on a group of people who would never win a “life of the party” award.

My first encounter with Vowell’s writing was her 2005 Assassination Vacation, which I highly recommend. Assassination Vacation acts as part history, part travelogue; Vowell tours important spots related to president assassinations while giving a witty history about each assassination. I anxiously awaited the arrival of The Wordy Shipmates, which did not disappoint me. It is a fast read full of historical information and strange links to contemporary issues and social customs – I was personally amazed by the genealogical connections between current political leaders and Massachusetts Bay citizens.

Many readers may find her humor a little off the mark or flippant, but I find her to be quite entertaining. However, Vowell has lots of opinions, and she is not afraid to lay them out in the book; her political opinions may turn some readers away. Whether you agree with her or not, this is an entertaining historical nonfiction read which I recommend to anyone who loves history!

Reviewed by Jessica

The Sealed Letter by Emma Donoghue

2008-11-22T22:24:00.000-05:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

On a seemingly random chance encounter, Miss Emily “Fido” Faithfull bumps into her old friend Mrs. Helen Codrington in 1864 London after seven years of no communication. Fido, a pioneer in the British women’s movement, soon learns that Helen, unhappily married to Vice-Admiral Harry Codrington, is having an affair with Colonel Anderson, a young army officer. What follows is a narrative filled with intrigue, lies and suspicions that completely changes the lives of everyone involved. Based on a true divorce case that rattled London in the 1860s, The Sealed Letter combines historical fiction with actual facts and real people into a compelling, very well written novel.

I absolutely loved this book. The smooth-flowing story line makes it very hard to stop reading. Readers can easily draw comparisons between scandals and situations presented in the novel with contemporary scandals; one comparison drawn by the author is the Clinton affair. The Author’s Note provides interesting information on the main characters’ lives as well as information on Britain’s divorce laws. I highly recommend this book to anyone who reads historical fiction or to anyone who would like to try something a little different – with so many issues and themes playing a part, Donoghue’s novel should hold wide appeal to readers. One word of caution: when letters written by the various characters are presented in the narrative, the cursive type used is at times very hard to read. I look forward to reading another book by Donoghue.

Reviewed by Jessica

The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry

2008-10-24T14:01:00.003-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

My name is Towner Whitney. No, that's not exactly true. My real first name is Sophya. Never believe me. I lie all the time.

At the novel's beginning, Towner lives in California in self-imposed exile. Called back to Salem, Massachusetts due to her great-aunt Eva's disappearance, Towner is not happy to be home. Several years before, her twin sister Lyndley drowned, leaving Towner suffering from hallucinations and loss of memory due to various therapies. Towner's family also has a reputation in Salem as lace readers, not witches per se, but readers of a person's future through a piece of lace. The discovery of Eva's body forces Towner to stay in Salem, where her past and her family haunt her waking and dreaming moments. When a second female disappears in Salem, who has a connection to Towner's abusive uncle through the church he established, Towner helps cop Rafferty with the case. Her involvement forces her to confront what she remembers of the past and slowly begin to understand how to survive life.

Told in first person (Towner's perspective) and third person, the occasional lack of a reliable narrator forces the reader to question events that happened in the past and puzzle out the truths among Towner's confused memories. It is this uncertainty that makes this novel such a remarkable story about loss and identity. Some readers may have a hard time getting through the narration - at times, Towner will jump from past to present and seem a tad incoherent - but it was an interesting journey through one woman's psyche, severely damaged by tragedy. Some revelations at the end are surprising, though clues do appear in both Towner's thoughts and the third person narrator's descriptions. Readers looking for a light, fluffy read will not enjoy this book, for there is really nothing light and fluffy about the plot line; those who like a touch of mystery, intrigue and romance should give this novel a try.

Reveiewed by Jessica

The Monster of Florence by Douglas Preston with Mario Spezi

2008-09-12T14:07:00.003-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

A killer stalked the Florence countryside for nearly two decades, preying on young couples in parked cars. The killer, nicknamed the Monster by Italian journalist Spezi, used the same weapon, ammunition from the same two boxes, and left no incriminating evidence at each murder scene. Italian authorities were baffled; Italian citizens were terrified. When Preston, a best selling mystery/thriller author, moved to Italy in 2000, he met Spezi, whose interest in the Monster case had not waned in the passing years. Together, Preston and Spezi tell the story of the Monster investigation, from the first crime scene Spezi visited in the early 1970s, to the various theories introduced by the authorities. Their quest to discover the Monster of Florence's identity leads both of them into danger from the Italian authorities.

The Monster of Florence , simply put, is a hard book to put down. Preston and Spezi's story brings to light an investigation full of corruption and hidden agendas. Some of the characters in the book are so hard to believe, until I remembered that these characters are in fact real people. It is an amazing story, and one of the best true crime investigative stories I have read. I think I will have to read one of Preston's mysteries soon!

Readers who enjoy this book may also want to try Patricia Cornwell's Portrait of a Killer. Cornwell, also a well known mystery/thriller author, conducted her own investigation into the murders attributed to Jack the Ripper and came to a very interesting conclusion.

Reviewed by Jessica

Sleepless by Terri Clark

2008-09-11T08:47:00.002-04:00

Age Level: Teen

Format: Book

Trinity has a secret. She has the ability to walk through other people’s dreams. Many would think that this would be a fun and cool ability, but for Trinity it’s a curse. This ability has made her grow up far faster than she would have liked, especially when, through her dreams, she is told that a girl she knows, named Kiri, is going to die if Trinity can’t find her. Now Kiri’s murderer is out to kill Trinity . . . through her dreams.

This is not just a typical piece of fluff. Yes, there is romance in the book between Trinity and a guy named Dan, but there’s more to this story than meets the eye. The story brings to mind the Nightmare on Elm Street movies. The action is very fast-paced. And there’s also quite a bit of suspense.

All in all, Sleepless is a quick read that will keep you turning the pages to see how Trinity will manage to survive when a killer is stalking her dreams.

Reviewed by Sara.

Night World #1 (Secret Vampire; Daughters of Darkness; Spellbinder) by L.J. Smith

2008-08-27T16:48:00.002-04:00

Age Level: Teen

Format: Book

There are three different books in Night World #1.

In Secret Vampire, we meet Poppy and James who are best friends. But James has a secret – he’s a vampire. And when Poppy is diagnosed with cancer, James offers her a chance at eternal life.

In Daughters of Darkness three vampire sisters run away to live with their aunt and among humans. Their brother, Ash, is sent to bring the girls back, but he falls in love with their beautiful friend.

And finally, in Spellbinder, two witch cousins fight over the same crush. It’s a battle of white magic vs. black magic.

I highly enjoyed all three of these stories. They’re fun, and they pulled me into a world where those that live in the Night World (vampires, witches, shape shifters, etc) are not allowed to really have any interaction with humans – at the very least, they’re definitely not allowed to date. All three stories are intertwined. The main characters in all three of the stories are somehow related. Any fan of vampire/paranormal fiction would probably enjoy these titles. I can’t wait until Night World #2 is released!

Reviewed by Sara.

Sweetsmoke by David Fuller

2008-08-24T13:19:00.001-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Note: This book is officially published in September 2008. It is on order in the Adams County Library System catalog; it may be placed on hold.

Cassius, a slave on the Sweetsmoke Plantation in tobacco country Virginia in 1862, has no idea what it means to be free. He does have a little bit more leeway than other slaves; he is his master Hoke Howard’s carpenter, which saves him from toiling in the tobacco fields like the other slaves. When Cassius learns Emoline Justice, a kindly freed black woman who helped Cassius through a very difficult period in his life several years before, is found murdered in her home, Cassius feels justified to find her killer. He soon discovers Emoline’s connection to the spy network in the area and begins a list of suspects. His obsession to find Emoline’s killer leads him to places he had never dreamed of before and allows him to slowly start thinking about the world outside slavery and what it means to be free.

This historical fiction novel by Fuller brings together elements of mystery and romance to create a fantastic historical account of slavery on a Virginia plantation. It is quite clear from the beginning of the novel that Cassius is not a regular slave – besides having fewer restrictions at Smeetsmoke than any other slave owned by Hoke Howard, he can also read and write. Though written in third person, the reader experiences everything through Cassius’ eyes as he witnesses scenes at times heart wrenching and at other times horribly graphic. I could feel his pain and suffering, his grief and his triumphs, his fears and his satisfactions. The mystery aspect of the novel has a little twist at the end, which left both Cassius and me surprised.

Fuller’s choice of writing style, providing no quotations around the slaves’ words, is very interesting. For me, it made the narrative very moving. This choice further shows the separation of slaves from whites and even freed blacks.

I would highly recommend this novel to anyone who has read a slave narrative or has an interest in Civil War fiction. Though it took me a little bit longer to read than some books I have read lately, Sweetsmoke is indeed a wonderfully powerful novel and one of the best books I have read this year.

Reviewed by Jessica

Blue Smoke and Murder by Elizabeth Lowell

2008-08-05T10:55:00.001-04:00

Age Level: Adult

Format: Book

Jill Breck was simply doing her job when she saved the life of Lane Faroe, the son of two very important people associated with St. Kilda’s Consulting. When a string of malicious events - beginning with the suspicious fire that killed her great-aunt - culminates in a threat on her life, Jill reluctantly calls in the favor that Faroe promised her. Enter Zach Balfour who works part-time as a consultant for St. Kilda. He is an effective bodyguard that will race with Jill to uncover a murderer,

This is the third book in Lowell’s St. Kilda Consulting series. It’s pretty much a standalone, however it wouldn’t hurt to read the first two (The Wrong Hostage and Innocent as Sin) simply to learn who the major players in St. Kilda are. The main characters, Jill and Zach, are very strong and are simply the best part of the book.

This isn’t my favorite book of Lowell’s. Some parts, especially the end, seemed far to rushed to me. However, it’s a great beach read and has just enough suspense to keep you hooked. All in all, it was a pretty good read.

Reviewed by Sara.

Summer Blowout by Claire Cook

2008-07-20T23:21:00.001-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Bella Shaughnessy’s life hasn’t been the easiest lately. After breaking up with her husband, she discovers her half-sister Sophia is the new woman in his life. It doesn’t help that she and Sophia, as well as basically everyone else in the family, work together in the family-owned beauty salon. Because of her recent problems in love, Bella decides that she will swear off men forever. She keeps that promise to herself until she meets Sean Ryan, an entrepreneur who not only helps Bella establish a new business opportunity, but also shows Bella how to move on with her life. Add to the mix a small dog that Bella happens to “receive” from a client and a cast of wacky characters and you get the best description of Bella’s life: complicated.

Summer Blowout is a light and fluffy fast read, one that would be perfect to read on the beach. It does have its moments of laugh out humor and quirky situations, some of which seem to be too unbelievable to be true. For example, the family dynamics creates some interesting situations. I felt the characters were a bit one-dimensional; you never really get to know any of them, except perhaps Bella. There were many beauty tips throughout the novel, including references to dozens of different colors and makeup companies.

I did enjoy reading the book. Like much chick lit, you don’t have to think about situations in the novel, except if you are trying to figure out how each family member fits into the Shaughnessy clan. Summer Blowout is a quick way to escape from reality…just be glad you don’t have Bella’s family!

Reviewed by Jessica

The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner

2008-07-01T12:57:00.004-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

In this nonfiction book, Eric Weiner is not a happy person. Despite the fact that he has several self-help titles on his bookshelf and has a successful career as a NPR correspondent, Weiner just does not feel happy. He ponders, where can one achieve happiness? Thus starts his global trek to countries known for their happy citizens and to countries known for their not so happy citizens. From Switzerland to Moldova, from India to the United States, Weiner's quest for happiness takes him to some unusual places and introduces some pretty happy people to the readers. Weiner's re-evaluation of his happiness at the end of the book will also make readers re-evaluate their own level of happiness.

I really enjoyed Weiner's sense of humor and adventure. Throughout the book, Weiner reveals a little bit about himself to the reader, including his strange obsession with bags (he apparently has a closet full of them at his home). However, what struck me the most about this book is the way everyone defines happiness differently. Weiner talks to some people who are living in poverty or are in poor health, thinking that their happiness levels compared to others in better circumstances would be lower, yet they are just as happy, if not happier. I wanted to read this book because it is a partial travelogue, and I love to travel vicariously through books; I was not disappointed with Weiner's adventures or with the message at the end of the book.

Reviewed by Jessica

A Voyage Long and Strange by Tony Horwitz

2008-06-18T11:35:00.002-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Upon visiting Plymouth Rock, Horwitz begins to think about early American history, the history before the Pilgrims. The Pilgrims were not the first people to settle or visit what is now North America; most people do not know about the Spanish and Viking voyages prior to the early 1600s. So, Horwitz ventures on a self-imposed quest to tour the destinations of the conquistadors and early explorers to learn more about America's history. In this travelogue/American history lesson, Horwitz discovers myths and facts about the early explorers and ultimately looks at the Pilgrims landing at Plymouth Rock in a different way.

Full of adventure and unforgettable people, A Voyage Long and Strange is a fascinating book. I loved every page of it. He has a wonderful way of capturing the reader's attention, switching between historical accounts and his adventures in modern day settings. What a great way to travel without leaving your home!

If you enjoy A Voyage Long and Strange, I would recommend trying his Confederates in the Attic, another American history/travelogue that has Horwitz looking at how the aftermath of the Civil War still effects a few citizens and organizations. This too is a very interesting and entertaining read!

Reviewed by Jessica

Wake by Lisa McMann

2008-06-16T11:21:00.001-04:00

Age Level: Teen

Format: Book

Seventeen-year-old Janie lives with a secret, something that she can never tell anyone. When you dream, you’re not really alone. She gets sucked into dreams, watching, first hand, the falling dreams, sex-crazed dreams, and, unfortunately, nightmares.

Janie believes that she’s cursed with this ability that she doesn’t want, and cannot control. She hates it. She lives on the fringe, keeping her secret from everyone. But, someone notices that there’s something going on . . . and then Janie gets sucked into a twisted nightmare. One that chills her to the bone because this time, rather than just watching, she’s also a participant.

I didn’t know what to expect when I picked up this book. I figured that this would be the usual sci-fi/fantasy-ish book, but it was so much more. Janie is very real, very grounded. I felt like she could have been someone that I went to school with, maybe someone who I passed in the halls and paid no attention to. In this book, you are transported into her head. You know her thoughts; you know how much she simply wants to be able to sleep at night without falling into dreams. And you know how much she simply wants to graduate, go on to college, and make something of herself.

It may take awhile for you to get used to the sparseness of the writing style, and there are major twists in this book . . . some are more believable that others. But the entire book leaves you wanting more, and it sets you up for more. Will there be sequels? I hope so. I want to learn more about Janie and some of the other people that you meet in this novel. I know you will too.

Reviewed by Sara.

Evernight by Claudia Gray

2008-06-05T08:31:00.003-04:00

Age Level: Teen

Format: Book

Raquel whispered, “Don’t you ever feel like there’s something at this school that’s . . . evil?” Her voice shook. “Do you believe in real evil?”

Nobody had ever asked me that, but I knew the answer. “Yeah. I do.”

Evernight Academy is a secluded boarding school tucked away in the middle of no where. To outsiders, it seems like just another elite boarding school for the rich. However, it’s a place that has secrets – many secrets – and these secrets have been around since the school’s founding centuries ago.

Bianca is a new student at Evernight Academy. Both of her parents have just signed on as teachers at the school. She’s not happy about having to move away from all of her friends to this new place, where she knows, she does not fit in. She’s resigned herself to a lonely existence at her new school, but then she meets Lucas, another student who doesn’t fit the mold and she knows she has found a rare friend. Unfortunately, there are forces conspiring against Bianca and Lucas. Their newfound friendship and love seems doomed.

I absolutely loved this book! The story is tightly written with many great details about both the school’s forbidding character and the relationship between Lucas and Bianca. There is a major twist in the middle of this book which caught me completely unaware. I thought I knew where the story was going, why Lucas and Bianca’s budding romance was probably not going to work out, and what the evil at the school really was. I was caught by surprise, and so will you.

Give Evernight a chance. You won’t be sorry.

Reviewed by Sara.

Ghostwalk by Rebecca Stott

2008-05-16T16:00:00.003-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

The practice of alchemy and the world of the seventeenth century collide in contemporary times in this suspense novel. Cameron Brown commissions his former lover Lydia Brooke to ghostwrite an Isaac Newton biograhpy by his late mother Elizabeth Vogelsang, who died under mysterious circumstances. Lydia moves into Elizabeth's home to immerse herself in Elizabeth's notes for her biography. As Lydia reads Elizabeth's work and talks with a few people close to Elizabeth, she discovers links between murders that occurred in Cambridge (England) during the seventeenth century and vicious attacks by an animal rights group in present day Cambridge. All the links point to Isaac Newton and his practice of alchemy. The further Lydia delves into Elizabeth's research and conclusions, the more dangerous her life becomes. Comprehending the clues from the past may just save Lydia's life. And then, there is the white-haired man in seventeenth century clothing who watches Lydia - what is his connection to all of this?

Stott writes her novel in the first person from Lydia's perspective. There are many plot twists in the end, leaving for a surprising ending. I liked the link established between present and past; history can repeat itself if individuals fail to observe past actions. I think Stott's concept is very interesting, making aspects of the seventeenth century come to life while walking around in a modern day city. In one instance, Lydia becomes so immersed in imagining a seventeenth century setting that she can hear and smell and experience a seventeenth century market, as if she was actually there, though she obviously remains rooted in present day Cambridge. While this is a book of suspense, it also has elements of scholarly information: throughout the book, Stott includes chapters of Elizabeth's Newton biography, providing a nonfiction-feel to a fiction book. At times thrills and chills and at other times romantic, this book may interest historical fiction readers and suspense readers.

Reviewed by Jessica

Banana: the Fate of the Fruit That Changed the World by Dan Koeppel

2008-05-03T17:03:00.002-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Many people eat a banana during the course of their day. In the United States, we eat bananas in our cereal, as a quick breakfast, or in an ice cream sundae. But, what is the story behind the banana? Koeppel examines the history of the banana in this nonfiction account of a world favorite fruit. Touring plantations and fields that grow bananas, as well as combing through documents and histories of world-leading banana companies, Koeppel discovers the banana's role in politics around the world and the struggle of some scientists to save the banana from disease.

Koeppel's smooth writing makes his narrative very easy to read. He documents his sources at the end of the book and provides a concise timeline of major banana events. I found this book to be quite enjoyable and eye opening: I was completely unaware of the political and scientific turmoil surrounding the banana. Not only have I gained a greater appreciation of the banana, but I will never look at the fruit the same way again. After reading this book, you will not either.

Reviewed by Jessica

The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen by Syrie James

2008-04-24T11:01:00.005-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

What if Jane Austen left a journal of a secret love affair? In the movie Becoming Jane, Jane's encounter with Tom LeFroy is fictionalized into a love story. In Syrie James' novel, written in Jane's voice, Jane meets Mr. Frederick Ashford, a wealthy gentleman who matches Jane's personality and character very well. They fall in love during short accidental encounters. Ashford's constant attentions drive Jane to return to writing novels, something that she had neglected for several years. Using elements of her life, Jane begins to edit and rewrite her novel Sense and Sensibility.

Written in a memoir style with "editor's" footnotes explaining events, terms, and situations, James creates a fictional love story for Jane Austen. James uses a lot of circumstances and conversations Austen portrays in her novels Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice to try to connect Austen's real world with the world in Austen's novels. Readers of Austen's novels will see these connections throughout James' novel.

I found this novel to be a fun, and at times heartbreaking, read. Keeping in mind that not much is known about Jane Austen's life, any novel written about her just adds to her mystery. Readers who enjoy this novel may also want to try Stephanie Barron's Jane Austen mysteries. Barron's mysteries are also written from Austen's perspective and have a touch of romance in the storyline.

Reviewed by Jessica

I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder

2008-03-18T10:06:00.003-04:00

Age Level: Teen
Format: Book

Girl meets boy. Girl loses boy. Girl gets boy back...sort of.

Ava and Jackson are in love. They go everywhere together, do everything together, share everything. Then, Ava's fifteen year old world falls apart when Jackson dies; and, Ava thinks she caused his death. Written in verse, this book takes readers through Ava's thoughts and feelings about the accident and about the aftermath. Oh, did I mention that Ava's dead boyfriend seems to hang around Ava, playing music, touching her, kissing her, enveloping her house in his sandalwood scent, not willing to let her go? Ava must make a choice: move on with her life, or keep her ghost boyfriend with her forever.

Schroeder weaves first love and tragic loss into a beautifully revealing book about loss and picking up the pieces. Fans of Sonya Sones' style of writing, what is termed as verse novels (or novels written in prose format), will enjoy this book. This is definitely one storyline that will "haunt" me for quite awhile.

Reviewed by Jessica

Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella

2008-03-16T18:00:00.003-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Imagine waking up in a hospital room to discover your mind has blacked out three years, and everything is different about your life. Lexi Smart finds herself in this predicament in the latest "chick lit" novel by Kinsella, best known for her Shopaholic series. Lexi's last memory is an evening on the town with her friends in 2004. She wakes up in 2007, learning she's been in a car accident, she drives a Mercedes, works in management at her job, lives in a loft-style apartment, and has an extremely handsome (and extremely rich) husband. Sounds like the fairy tale life, right? At least Lexi thinks so, until she begins to realize that she does not recognize the person she has become - her friends hate her, her staff calls her the Cobra (among other more colorful names), and she may or may not have been having an affair with one of her husband's colleagues. Readers follow Lexi on her journey through recovery, putting the pieces of her new life together, and discovering the true meaning to the words "success" and "happiness."

I enjoy reading Kinsella's Shopaholic series, and could not wait to try one of her stand alone novels. I was not disappointed. Kinsella uses her magic in the genre of chick lit (humorous books about women making it in the real world) to create Lexi Smart, a character both flawed and likable. There are some laugh-out-loud scenes, so be careful where you read this!

If you like light and fluffy books, or you need something to read to escape from reality, try Remember Me?.

Reviewed by Jessica

Remembering Raquel by Vivian Van Velde

2008-03-10T15:18:00.003-04:00

Age Level: Teen

Format: Book

Raquel is, from the first page of this book, dead. She was the kind of girl, as one of her classmates remembers, who had a tendency to be invisible. At least, she was invisible until one night, when she was hit by a car and killed.

In brief chapters, we hear about Raquel’s life and how one seemingly disconnected girl made an impact on the lives of her classmates.

This is a story of how one life, no matter how small or insignificant it seems, affects the life of others in a community. Raquel is a girl who doesn’t really know anyone at the school she goes to. Only a few people seem to be directly affected by Raquel’s death – Hayley, her best friend who goes to a different school; her online fantasy gaming community; and her father, who is still mourning the death of Raquel’s mother. But even though these few people are seemingly the only ones that would be affected, an entire community is, as we find out by reading this book. There are over a dozen narrators, with each chapter a new person – the popular kid, the grandmother, her father, and even the lady who hit Raquel – each one tells their story, their remembrance of how her death affected them.

It’s a small book, but it truly shows how every action, no matter how small, will affect how we are remembered.

Reviewed by Sara

The Anatomy of Deception by Lawrence Goldstone

2008-02-27T14:59:00.003-05:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

**Caution: A few of the scenes in the novel are very graphic; readers who are a bit squeamish about blood and gore may not like portions of this novel.**

Dr. Ephraim Carroll, a doctor living in Philadelphia in the late 1880s, studies with one of the greatest minds in medicine, Dr. William Osler. When Osler reacts strangely to the sight of a young woman waiting for an autopsy, Carroll becomes suspicious. The death of a colleague forces Carroll to sort through lies and half-truths presented by his acquaintances, from a mysteriously charming wealthy socialite, a scandalized artist, and a drug-dependent doctor, to even Dr. Osler. As Carroll spirals into deep and dark conspiracies, he finds himself in constant danger from opposing forces. Facing moral choices everywhere he turns, Carroll has to decide his best course of action. When the truth comes out, who will be left standing?

Told through the eyes of Dr. Carroll, Goldstone's novel combines the art of medicine and surgery with suspicion extremely well. Almost from page one, the conspiracies begin, and a captivating plot unfolds. Every time a layer is cracked in the mystery, several more layers appear for Carroll, making him reevaluate everything and everyone he knows.

I enjoyed reading this combination historical fiction and thriller. I found it very riveting and hard to put down. Some of the scenes, especially the operating scenes, were so detailed it felt like I was there watching the surgery. Goldstone's writing style flows smoothly, making this novel a quick read. The epilogue was very satisfying for me. Goldstone's Author's Note section helped to bring historical facts and the fiction from the novel together.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in reading historical fiction or to anyone who loves to read thrillers.

Reviewed by Jessica

Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles

2008-01-24T11:41:00.000-05:00

Age Level: Teen

Format: Book

Caleb has spent the last year in juvenile detention. Maggie has spent the last year in hospitals and physical therapy. The lives of these two teens were changed forever one night. Now, they both have to face their greatest challenged – seeing each other again. Is it possible to forgive? And even more important, will it be possible to trust again?

I could not put this book down. It’s very down to earth and the author does a very good job of creating the raw emotion, dialogue and culture of high school. The topics of trust, friendship, and high school are handled in a very delicate way.

The chapters alternate between the voices of Caleb and Maggie, so the reader gets a glimpse into both of their lives and is able to realize that they both are in pain. How they each deal with the pain is handled very differently.

It’s a very good book. It makes you think...What would you do if the person who damaged you for life, a person who was sent away, was suddenly back?

Reviewed by Sara.

Something Rotten by Alan Gratz

2008-01-17T08:39:00.001-05:00

Age Level: Teen

Format: Book

The place is Denmark, Tennessee, and the smell hits Horatio Wilkes the minute he pulls into town to visit his best friend, Hamilton Prince. The Prince family owns the local paper plant that’s polluting the Copenhagen River, but the paper plant isn’t the only thing stinking up the place. Hamilton’s father has been murdered, by poisoning, and the killer is still at large. No one, except for Hamilton and Horatio, believes that Rex Prince has been murdered, so it’s up to the two of them to figure out who’s behind it. But that won’t be easy. There are too many suspects, among them are Olivia, Hamilton’s ex-girlfriend, Trudy, Hamilton’s mom who just married Claude, Hamilton’s uncle, and those are just the suspects that are near at hand.

The premise sounds familiar, right? We all know the story of Hamlet, but, trust me when I say that in the hands of Alan Gratz, this is a mystery that will keep you guessing. There are twists and turns in this plot, along with one-liners that keep the tale crackling on. In Something Rotten, you truly meet the character of Horatio and understand why, over everyone else in his life, Hamilton (or Hamlet) choose this guy to be his best friend, and the only person he truly trusted.

Very entertaining adaptation – and no, it doesn’t end how you think it will.

Reviewed by Sara

Ghost Hunting by Jason Hawes & Grant Wilson with Michael Jan Friedman

2007-12-31T15:40:00.000-05:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Hawes and Wilson, founders of The Atlantic Paranormal Society (or TAPS), and lead investigators on the Sci-Fi Network's Ghost Hunters, share their experiences with the paranormal in this book. TAPS was founded on the principle that investigators would go into homes, businesses, churches, etc. looking for ways to debunk or negate a paranormal claim. Throughout the book, Hawes and Wilson will mention that nearly 80% of cases are debunked of paranormal activity. Containing information on cases prior to their TV debut and some of their more notable TV episode cases, Hawes and Wilson detail some of their findings, outline TAPS purpose in the "ghost hunting" world, and offer some advice to those thinking about creating their own paranormal society group. Several pages of still photographs featuring paranormal phenomena and practical jokes among teams members appear in the middle of the book.

I have to admit I am addicted to the TV show Ghost Hunters. Though a skeptic to anything paranormal, I'm still addicted! When I learned that the guys wrote a book, I had to read it. I'm glad I did! Mostly written by Hawes, viewers of the TV show will definitely see his personality come through in the words. I loved reading about some of the behind the scenes information for a few of their TV episodes. It was also interesting to learn about their beginnings and some of the cases they went on prior to gaining fame on the Sci-Fi Network.

Fans of the show must read this book. Incidentally, if you have never seen Ghost Hunters, or would like to watch the episodes again, the Adams County Library System has Seasons 1 and 2 and the live episode from the Stanley Hotel. Put yourself on the waiting list today...and while you do that, check Ghost Hunting out too. It's a fun, fast read.

Reviewed by Jessica

Season of the Witch by Natasha Mostert

2007-12-31T14:33:00.000-05:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

This goth thriller combines alchemy with psychic abilities to create a "spellbinding" read from start to finish. Gabriel Blackstone, a freelance information hacker, receives a call from dying millionaire William Whittington, asking Blackstone to help find his missing son, Robert. Using his psychic abilities to read the minds of someone missing to find their whereabouts, Gabriel discovers a partial truth to Robert's disappearance. In his quest to find the facts, Gabriel becomes friends with the mysterious Monk sisters and soon follows the path leading towards destruction.

Mostert has crafted such a wonderful thriller; I was hooked from the first page! To me, the storyline was not predictable, so I found myself surprised at the different twists and turns in the plot. Those not interested in the world of sci-fi and witchcraft may not find this book to be enjoyable. There is some discussion on alchemy and on psychic mind reading, which helps to clarify the concepts to those readers not familiar with the topics. I normally do not read these type of thriller stories, but I found this one entertaining from start to finish.

Reviewed by Jessica

Rhett Butler's People by Donald McCaig

2007-12-17T14:14:00.000-05:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Ever wonder about the man behind one of the best known love stories of all time? Margaret Mitchell's Rhett Butler comes alive in this novel based on Mitchell's Gone With the Wind. McCaig takes readers through Butler's life, from his boyhood in the Low Country of South Carolina, to his first encounter with Scarlett O'Hara at Twelve Oaks Plantation, to the Civil War and beyond. Butler's family is introduced, as well as the reasons behind Butler's relationship with Belle Watling.

For those who do not like recreations or adaptations of famous stories, you may not like this novel. It is very hard to take a story so well known as Gone With the Wind and create an adaptation for it. Alexandra Ripley tried this several years ago with Scarlett, which to some readers proved disasterous. McCaig creates new situations in which Rhett and Scarlett encounter one another and at times rewrites scenes from Gone With the Wind, though this might have been done since he could not take Mitchell's words verbatim and use them in his novel. McCaig also creates a different ending to the story, an ending in conflict with Mitchell's novel. Characters' personalities differ between Gone With the Wind and Rhett Butler's People. However, the incite into Butler's family and his escapades are very intersting. If you want to figure out the mystery behind Butler, read this book.

If you read the reviews on Amazon.com, people either really love this novel, or they absolutely hate it. For me, I was extremely curious to read something authorized by Margaret Mitchell's estate. I was a little disappointed with some of the scenes in this novel, but overall, I thought this to be an okay read. If you are interested in reading this novel and have never read Gone With the Wind, I suggest reading Gone With the Wind first. Knowing the plot line for Mitchell's novel will help in understanding some of the situations found in Rhett Butler's People.

Reviewed by Jessica

Big Boned by Meg Cabot

2007-11-28T10:51:00.000-05:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Life is finally going good for Heather Wells, former teen pop princess and current Assistant Dormitory Director of a certain residence hall that has been nicknamed "Death Dorm" after a few recent murders. There have been no recent muders and she's somewhat secretly dating Tad, her remedial math professor while still pining away for Cooper, her PI landord. Unfortunately, the good in life quickly turns bad when she finds her boss murdered in his office and becomes just one name on the long list of suspects. It's just bad timing for her to become involved in yet another murder investigation, what with her father's big business proposal for her and Tad getting ready to ask the Big Question, that she's not sure she has the answer to.

Big Boned is the third book in Meg Cabot's Heather Wells Mysteries series (after Size 12 is Not Fat and Size 14 is Not Fat Either). Heather is a very likeable girl who, as you learn in the previous books, used to be a pop star princess but has since gained a few pounds. She has an amazing knack for getting into dangerous situations that are too tight for comfort. Heather is a spunky girl that doesn't give up when she believes that someone is getting the raw deal or that one of her many residents of the hall she oversees being unfairly accused of murder.

Big Boned is a quick and fun read. If you haven't already, definitely pick up Size 12 is Not Fat and Size 14 is Not Fat Either before delving in to Big Boned. You must investigate the previous mysteries surrounding "Death Dorm" before looking into this one.

Reviewed by Sara

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

2007-10-30T10:13:00.000-04:00

Age Level: Teen

Format: Book

Thirteen Reasons Why is the story of one night in Clay Jenson’s life. Clay is a normal high school student, a good student and all around nice guy. One day, when coming home from school, he sees a package addressed to him on the front porch of his house. When he opens the package, Clay finds seven cassette tapes with each side marked 1 – 13 in blue nail polish. When he pops the first tape in his father’s tape player, he hears the voice of Hannah Baker, a classmate of his who recently committed suicide. Clay is one of 13 people to receive the tapes, which tell her story and describe why she decided to commit suicide. He spends that night listening to Hannah’s voice, visiting the places she wants him to go to, and becoming more and more horrified with the picture her voice paints. He is also trying to figure out why he is one of the 13. He knows he never wronged Hannah.

I like to read realistic fiction, especially when it comes to teen literature, and there’s really nothing more realistic than this book. It gives a great depiction of the life of a teen who doesn’t fit in with the rest of her peers, as Hannah doesn’t. It shows how rumors and innuendos start and how they really ruin a person’s belief in themselves. Hannah was a normal girl, until one rumor started about her and then that rumor just continued to build into other rumors. It’s a very compelling story of how we treat other people and how that treatment can really spiral until finally ruining another person’s self esteem.

The basic format of the book is set up so the reader will be reading Hannah's voice which is shown in the book by being in italics and then Clay's thoughts and reactions to what was just said. It is a great format for this type of book as it helps you to get into the minds of both Clay and Hannah.

It’s a heartbreakingly real story that will change the way you look at how you treat other people. You won’t be able to put it down. I wasn’t.

Reviewed by Sara.

Austenland by Shannon Hale

2007-10-18T17:42:00.000-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Ever wonder what it would be like to live like Jane Austen did? Well, if you're a major fan of Austen's novels, chances are you've dreamed of Mr. Darcy. In Austenland, Jane Hayes is a thirty-something magazine graphics designer in New York City who has an obsession with Pride and Prejudice, especially the BBC production starring Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. It does not help that every relationship she has been in has ended in some awful way, making her desire the fictitious Mr. Darcy more and more. When she confides to her great-aunt about her obsession, her great-aunt bequeaths Jane the opportunity to spend three weeks in Pembrook Park, a pseudo-Austen world set in the Regency period for Jane Austen devotees. Jane decides to enter Pembrook Park to get rid of her obsession with Mr. Darcy, and men in general, once and for all. What she learns and discovers about herself may just surprise her.

As an adorer of Jane Austen, though not a truly proclaimed Janeite, I really wanted to read this book. I was not disappointed with Austenland . A very quick read, this is something to read while relaxing on a Sunday afternoon. Though the ending is predictable, I enjoyed the storyline and noted similarities between Hale's characters and Austen's characters. Readers who have not read any of Austen's novels may not understand the references to Austen's characters or to Austen's storylines that appear throughout this book.

I would recommend this book to any Jane Austen admirer. For anyone who has dreamed of a Mr. Darcy, read this book!

Reviewed by Jessica

Agnes and the Hitman by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer

2007-09-20T17:06:00.001-04:00

Age Level: Adult

Format: Book

Agnes, the writer of the food column 'Cranky Agnes', has staked her net worth on the wedding that she's trying to organize for the weekend, but things haven't been going according to plan. Her troubles begin when a dognapper breaks into the house she's recently bought and tries to take her dog at gunpoint. But, being friends with an ex-mobster has its advantages as he sends his Shane to Agnes's home to protect her.

This is a fun read. If you like chick lit with suspense added in, then this may be a book for you. I laughed through this book as you learned about Agnes' past history with frying pans and why she has that little voice in the back of her head. The book is full of action with hitman after hitman either trying to steal Rhett, her hound, or for some reason, kill Agnes. It's hard to talk about much of the plot without giving too much away, so I won't.

I will however, warn those who may be going into this book looking for a traditional romance setup, to suspend those expectations. This book is not primarily a romance. The way Shane and Agnes meet is anything but traditional, and it works that way with pretty much every other relationship in the book as well.

Overall, Agnes and the Hitman is an entertaining romp that is full of quirky characters, lots of family angst, and satisfying resolutions. The only thing I can think of that would have made the book more satisfying would have been if the recipe of Agnes's pecan sour cream buttermilk pancakes had been included.

Reviewed by Sara.

Fowl Weather by Bob Tarte

2007-09-12T12:19:00.000-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

"How 39 animals and 1 sock monkey took over my life."

Bob Tarte opens a window into his world, a world of feathers, whiskers and floppy ears. Bob and his wife, Linda, live in Michigan with countless ducks, geese, rabbits and cats and are plagued by an old schoolmate who enjoys funerals, butting in and rehousing pampered ducks. Bob Tarte shares 5 years with us, some moments laugh-out-loud funny and others heart breakingly poinant.

From the first page I was hooked. I found myself laughing, crying and unable to put this book down. Through the loss of his father and his mother's battle with alzheimer's disease, Bob clings to his sanity with the help of Linda and the zoo they live in. This book is a must read for all animal lovers, whether you are owned by a single goldfish or "39 animals and 1 sock monkey".

Reveiwed by Lisa

Right Behind You by Gail Giles

2007-08-27T23:14:00.001-04:00

Age Level: Teen
Format: Book

"There are three things you need to know about me," he said.
"First, you don't know my real name.
"Second, I murdered somebody once.
"Third . . . well, maybe number three can wait. Until you read this."
And he was gone. Down the stairs into the dark and rain.

When Kip was nine, and living in the Alaskan wilderness with his father, he set another child on fire. Now, after years of living in a juvenile ward, he and his family are trying for a second start at life. But the ghosts of his past will not leave him alone and he soon has to reveal his secret. What happens to Kip and his family when he finally reveals that he really is - or was - a murderer?

Let me start off by saying that if you've read other books by Gail Giles, this one is a little different. With this book, the crime's at the beginning rather than the end.

It's an amazing portrayal of the humanity of someone who has committed an inhuman act. The story is riveting. Kip's movement from first, rage to redemption is an amazing ride. I found myself rooting for Kip, wanting him to finally lay his demons to rest so he could move on with his life and find happiness, or if not happiness, then at the very least, acceptance of who he is and what he did.

You move through the stages of his life with him - first in Alaska where the incident happened. Then in the juvenile ward where he's first catatonic and then as he starts dealing with the issues in his therapy sessions. From there you move with Kip and his family to Indiana where he has the chance to finally live a relatively normal life, but that slips away. Finally, you move with Kip and his family to Texas. It's his last chance to make things right.

This was an amazing story. Once I started, I couldn't put it down.

Reviewed by Sara.

Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes by Chris Crutcher

2007-08-14T17:48:00.000-04:00

Age Level: Teens

Format: Book

Sarah Byrnes and Eric Calhoune have been friends for years. Growing up, they were outcasts with no one to turn to but each other. The terrible scars covering Sarah's body coupled with the fact that Eric was an obese child made them prime picking for tormentors in school. Later, even though Eric began swimming which causes the pounds to melt away, Sarah and Eric remain close friends. Now, when Sarah is sitting silent in the hospital's psychiatric ward, Eric begins to try to unravel Sarah's secrets...before even worse things happen.

This is only the second Crutcher book that I've read (the other being The Sledding Hill), but just like the other, from page one, I was hooked. I was thrust into the mind of Eric, seeing the interactions of his peers and listening to his thoughts and worries about Sarah. There is action and suspense in this book, however, the main focus is on the relationship between Sarah Byrnes and Eric and his hunt to find the answers to the questions swirling through his mind...Why has Sarah Byrnes suddenly gone catatonic in a Spokane mental ward? How can he help if he's not really sure why she's there? Are Sarah's secrets striking her dumb? Would her father kill to keep the secrets from being revealed?

Now, this book might not be for everyone. There are religious elements and discussion between the characters within the book as well as discussion of abortion and suicide. For these reasons, this book may not be for everyone, but I would recommend this book.

Crutcher has an amazing ability to pull the best from each character while still showing their faults. The themes of pain and retribution, love and abandonment, and the struggle to understand one's self are universal. Crutcher's story is engrossing because of his ability to show both the pain and the humor of being an outsider.

Reviewed by Sara.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

2007-08-14T10:58:00.000-04:00

Age Level: Children
Format: Unabridged Book on CD

Reader: Jim Dale

Let me begin my review by saying that I am an avid listener to audio books. I unfortunately don’t get a lot of time to read novels, so when I am driving in my car I listen to novels. In a year, I will listen to 30 or 40 audio books.

However, no listening experience of any novel compares to the reading of Jim Dale of the Harry Potter series. It has been a complete delight to listen to these novels over the years as read by this very talented and gifted performer.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows completes this series and the reading by Jim Dale is again extraordinary. He has created a new voice for each and every character in the story. An immense achievement in reading, considering the hundreds of voices he has had to work with over the past years.

How do you review the story? It is as gripping as any other of the books. Revelations come fast and furious, especially on the later CD’s when the battle which we have been waiting for finally appears to be forthcoming. It is the type of story which makes you drive one more time around the block because you don’t want to turn the car off yet.

This is the most adult of the books in the series. Harry has some moments of childish indecision, but for the most part he is coming into his adult hood and his experiences are processed as an adult. Jim Dale reads his character with all the confusion and angst of the late teenage years but with an understanding of his characters.

The series is a true masterpiece of the audio book genre. If you have not experienced an audio book before, this series is the perfect introduction. If you have read the books, the audio books give you a whole new perception of the story. Can you tell I like them?

Reviewed by Rob Lesher

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

2007-08-09T08:57:00.001-04:00

Age Level: Teen
Format: Book

**Warning: May contain spoilers**

We’re a bit sensitive to blood around here. I’m sure you can understand that. — Bella Swan

In Eclipse, the third book in Stephenie Meyer’s Isabella Swan series, Seattle is being ravaged by a string of mysterious murders and it seems that a malicious vampire is on a rampage looking for revenge. If that wasn’t enough drama, the time has come for Bella to choose and she knows that whatever decision she makes, it has the potential to ignite the ageless struggles between werewolf and vampire. Who will Bella choose – Edward, the vampire and love of her life or Jacob, her best friend and werewolf? Will her decision be one of life – or death?

I enjoy Stephenie Meyer’s books. I’ve read both Twilight and New Moon numerous times. Her characters have the ability to suck (no pun intended) you into their world. You view the world through Bella’s eyes and it’s easy to understand why she is in love with Edward and why she would have such a hard decision to make between the love of her life and her best friend. Now, I will admit that I am probably more of a Jacob fan than Edward, but they’re both pretty awesome guys – once you get past the whole vampire and werewolf thing.

From page one of Eclipse I was once again drawn into the world of Forks, Washington and was not able to come up for air until I finished the book. I think my favorite part of Eclipse is the final chapter, I won’t tell you what happens, but just note that it’s different from the rest of the book and it leaves me wondering about how book four (supposedly the final book in the series) is going to evolve. Next year can’t come soon enough!

Do you ever think that your life might be easier if you weren’t in love with me? — Edward Cullen

Reviewed by: Sara

Death of a Scriptwriter by M.C. Beaton

2007-07-17T17:01:00.000-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

In the fourteenth installment of the Hamish Macbeth mystery series, readers find the town of Drim, Scotland, center stage for a television adaptation of Patricia Martyn-Broyd's book. Rumors surface that the scriptwriter for the television adaptation, Jamie Gallagher, has completely changed Martyn-Broyd's character from a respectable woman to a wild hippie from the 1960s. Police Constable Hamish knows trouble when he sees it, and he can only think of bad things happening in Drim. Tempers flare on the set, and pretty soon three deaths take place, making Hamish hard at work again finding the killer or killers.

I absolutely love the Hamish Macbeth series. Over the years, patrons have recommended the series to me, and when I started reading the books a few years ago, I have been hooked since. Each book in the series is a quick read and a very interesting and at times comical look at the townsfolk of Lochdubh. Hamish seems to have a brilliant mind, though he is a self-proclaimed unambitious soul with no intention of making his mark in the police world. Beaton has created a delightful mystery series, one that cozy mystery readers will adore. If you are not familiar with the Hamish Macbeth series, I would suggest starting with the very first in the series, Death of a Gossip. Beaton also writes the Agatha Raisin mystery series and books under her real name, Marion Chesney.

Reviewed by Jessica

Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin

2007-07-17T16:22:00.001-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Cambridge, England in the 12th century is rocked by a serial killer targeting young children. The people of Cambridge, thinking no one else is to blame, target the Jews of the town, killing the most prominent moneylender and his wife. The other Jewish townspeople are locked up in the castle, guarded from the mob by the sheriff. King Henry II, hearing of the childrens' deaths, asks the King of Sicily to send his best "minister of the art of death," or coroner. Unknown to Henry II, the best "minister" is actually Dr. Vesuvia Adelia Rachel Ortese Aguilar, a doctor from the well-known medical town of Salerno. As tensions mount in Cambridge, Adelia, along with the help of Simon of Naples and Mansur, uses her skills to track down the murderer. She also crosses paths with Sir Rowley Picot, a knight whose demeanor and attention to her every move makes her wonder about his true intentions. Can she discover the murderer's identity before he or she strikes again? Filled with twists and turns, this captivating historical novel will keep the reader guessing until the very end.

I really enjoyed the intriguing mystery of the book. With so many plot twists, I was pretty surprised with the the novel's outcome. The storyline was engaging, with some very unique characters. There are some anachronisms (or using a person, place or thing in a time period when it did not exist) thrown into the storyline. The language at times was a little hard to follow, and I found myself slowed down a bit in the reading. Franklin's research of 12th century England becomes apparent in the novel; if you are not a historical novel reader, you may not like this novel.

For a taste of CSI in the 12th century, read this book!

Reviewed by Jessica

Trigger by Susan Vaught

2007-07-02T10:00:00.001-04:00

Age Level: Teen

Format: Book

Jersey Hatch can remember very little about his life before the accident. He has spent the past year of his high school life in a rehabilitation center, trying to put his shattered existence back together, piece by painful piece. He can't remember how to hold a conversation. He can't remember why his best friend hates him. He can't remember why he tried to kill himself. Now the true test has come. It's finally time for him to leave the rehabilitation center and head back into as normal a life as is possible for him. Somehow he needs to relearn algebra, repair lost friendships and graduate high school.

The reader travels with Jersey as he tries to piece his life back together. The reader sees the struggles he goes through and struggles along with him. It navigates the triumph of family, depths of despair, and humor in life's most mundane details.

It's a very compelling read.

Reviewed by Sara.

Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich

2007-06-24T10:42:00.000-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Warning: this book contains strong language. Stephanie Plum is at it again, this time tracking down what happened to her ex-husband Dickie Orr. After a shouting match at his law office, Stephanie becomes the prime suspect in her ex's disappearance. To make matters worse, Stephanie's nemesis Joyce Barnhardt feels Stephanie is responsible for Dickie's disappearance and will stop at nothing to make Stephanie pay. Meanwhile, Stephanie has to make a living and puts her bounty hunting "skills" to work tracking down FTAs, including a taxidermist with the art of booby trapping stuffed animals. With her whacky sidekicks, Stephanie cannot waste too much time finding the answers to the disappearance before she becomes the next victim.

Evanovich writes a mystery series that is so funny with the strangest/whackiest characters imaginable that I really read her Stephanie Plum series for the punch lines and the characters rather than the mystery. Lean Mean Thirteen, in my opinion, was not the funniest Plum mystery, but there were moments of laugh-out-loud humor. Anytime Grandma Mazur is in a scene, watch out! As I stated above, there is a lot of strong language in this book, as in others in the series. For those who do not like reading the strong language, do not pick up this series. Evanovich's books are very fast reads - I am a slower reader, and I can finish her books in one evening. I do not want to put the books down until I am finished!!

I recommend starting the series with the first book, One For the Money. This way, readers are introduced to the main characters and grow with the characters throughout each book. Each book also introduces new characters who have recurring roles in subsequent books.

If you are looking for a book that provides laugh-out-loud fun, look no further than Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series.

Reviewed by Jessica

Still as Death by Sarah Stewat Taylor

2007-06-24T10:06:00.001-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

This fourth installment in the Sweeney St. George mystery series finds Sweeney getting ready to open her exhibition on funerary art at Boston's Hapner Museum of Art. While putting together her exhibtion, Sweeney, an art historian, discovers paperwork for a piece of Egyptian jewlery that she desires. However, no one can find the jewelry. Meanwhile, Sweeney learns of a robbery that took place in the museum in 1979, which sheds some light on the jewlery's disappearance.

On opening night of the exhibition, tragedy strikes when one of the museum's staff members is found murdered in the museum's basement. Sweeney feels there is a connection between the present day murder and the robbery from 1979. With the help of her friend Detective Timothy Quinn, she tries to find the answers before someone else gets hurt. Mystery, lies, cover-ups and romance bring together a mystery that is enjoyable.

Those who love to read about art and art history will enjoy this mystery series. A former co-worker recommended the first in this series, O' Artful Death, a few years ago, and I absolutely loved it. To me, the plot lines are rich and unique with twists that combine past crimes/situations with contemporary or modern day happenings. A main character who works with funerary art seems so original and yet so fitting for a mystery. Readers will find that Sweeney has a very complicated life: she is the daughter of a famous artist who committed suicide when she was young; Her fiance was killed a few years ago in a terrorist attack in London; and, her current boyfriend wants her to move to London with him, though she has feelings for her friend Detective Quinn. Taylor combines all of these to make a character who generates sympathy and interest.

For those who like very unique characters, I would also recommend the genealogical series by Fiona Mountain, the fist titled Pale as the Dead. Set in England, this series follows Natasha Blake, a genealogist, as she solves genealogical mysteries and mysteries of modern day. Again, Mountain ties a modern day problem/mystery with a mystery of the past. Anyone who likes Sarah Stewart Taylor's series should try Fiona Mountain's genealogical series.

Reviewed by Jessica

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

2007-06-20T10:30:00.001-04:00

Age Level: Teen

Format: Book

Faeries do exist.

Keenan, the Summer King has wooed many girls in the past, searching for his queen. Keenan must find the Summer Queen, because only after he has found her and she has agreed to be his queen can he defeat the Winter Queen (Keenen’s mother) who has been slowly overtaking fairyland with her cold.

Aislinn is Keenan’s next target. He dreams of her, and, as he has believed with countless girls in the past, he believes that she is destined to be his queen.

But, Aislinn is different. She can see faeries and knows not to trust them. She lives by three rules . . . Don’t stare at faeries; Don’t talk to faeries; and definitely do not attract their attention. But now, Aislinn has been marked. There's nothing she can do about that - and her rules cannot protect her any more.

This book was highly enjoyable. I have not read such a great opening scene in a very long time. From the first paragraph, the reader is sucked into Keenan’s world and his need to find the Summer Queen to save his world. The difference between the faerie and mortal world is clearly described.

**For parents out there, there is one intimate scene in the novel between Aislinn and another character. The descriptions are vague enough that the reader inputs their own version of what happened during that evening. But, that scene is there.**

If you’re looking for a story with a strong female character, don’t mind love triangles and evil faeries, then this is the book for you!

Reviewed by Sara.

The Book of Air and Shadows by Michael Gruber

2007-06-16T16:28:00.000-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

What if a reference to an undiscovered William Shakespeare play is found in a seventeenth-century letter used in the binding of a book? For the two lead characters, Albert Crosetti, an aspiring filmmaker, and Jake Mishkin, an intellectual property lawyer, life changes forever. The discovery of the letter, written in Old English and cryptically by a seventeenth-century soldier who claims to have knowledge of the exact location of a Shakespeare play, is only the beginning of a novel steeped in mystery and intrigue. Further speculation arises as news of an English professor, known for his work on Shakespeare studies, is found dead. As the mystery surrounding the letter unfolds, Crosetti and Mishkin face Russian thugs and danger as they sift through truth and fiction. Failure to find the undiscovered Shakespeare play could leave them and their families dead. With a storyline that could be compared to The Da Vinci Code, The Book of Air and Shadows will keep the reader guessing until the very end.

Gruber tells the story in three voices: through the soldier Richard Bracegirdle's letter; through the third person voice following Crosetti; and through the first person voice of Mishkin. The letters, written in seventeenth-century English, will slow the pace of readers, making reading at times quite complicated and frustrating. The storyline of the characters may also get in the way of readers' enjoyment - there is quite a discussion of Mishkin's lustful desire for women, for example.

If you did not like The Da Vinci Code, chances are you may not like this book. There is some discussion of religion in this novel, though it does not play as huge a part in the overall story as it does in Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code.

To me, The Book of Air and Shadows is thrilling and compelling. I did enjoy reading it, even with the Old English! I love Shakespeare, and after reading the synopsis on the jacket of the book, I was hooked. I found myself staying up late at night trying to find out what would happen next. Will they discover the play? Does the play even exist? Why is Carolyn Rolly so secretive? How far would some people go to get their hands on an authentic Shakespeare play?

Reviewed by Jessica

Looking for Alaska by John Green

2007-06-14T10:20:00.000-04:00

Age Level: Teen
Format: Book

"How will I ever get out of this labyrinth?" - Simón Bolívar (last words)

Sixteen-year-old Miles "Pudge" Halter, who is obsessed with people's last words, has left his parent's house in Florida to attend the same boarding school in Alabama that his father attended when he was a teenager. There, Miles rooms with Chip, otherwise known as the Colonel and meets Alaska, the brainy and beautiful head of the group of prankster misfits that welcomes Miles into their group. They're an unlikely but close group - smoking, drinking, going to class and pranking the 'Weekday Warriors' together. As the school year progresses, Miles' crush on Alaska intensifies and it becomes evident that Alaska's troubled past can cause her to be self destructive and that something bad is going to happen...

The first half of the book is Before . . . before the event that will change Miles, the Colonel, and the school they attend. In the before time, the reader gets a glimpse into the dynamics of the school. Not much happens to move the plot along, other than the group getting into mischief, getting busted for smoking or drinking, sneaking out after curfew . . . harmless pranks with harmless consequences. Then comes After. The event that happened, that changed the school and Miles, are carefully chronicled through his eyes. The reader experiences the struggle to understand the age old question of Why? along with Miles and his friends. Was it an accident? Was it on purpose? Could it have been stopped? It was all their fault. Will life ever be the same?

Sadness, anger, trust, renewal . . . all the signs of grief and healing are carefully chronicled within this powerful novel. It is full of quiet incidents that seem small when looked at separately, but when looked at as a whole are large and significant. I highly recommend and enjoyed this novel.

"It's very beautiful over there." - Thomas Edison (last words)

Reviewed by Sara.

The Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci and Jim Rugg

2007-06-07T21:08:00.000-04:00

Age Level: Teen
Format: Book

Jane has been forced by her parents to move from her hip home in Metro City to Surburbia and thinks that her life is over. But, surprisingly, in the lunch room, at the reject table, she finds her "tribe". Sitting together are three other girls named Jane and it's now up to Main Jane to convince the other girls to form a secret club called P.L.A.I.N. (People Loving Art in Neighborhoods). In fact, P.L.A.I.N. comes to be known as "art terrorists".

This book may turn some people off because it is in graphic format, but in my mind, the graphic format just enhances the story. I found myself flipping back and forth, looking at the pictures to get more of the feelings that the characters were dealing with. In itself, the story is very real. There was a bombing in Metro City, Jane was caught in the bombing and therefore her parents became worried and overprotective, so they moved the family away from the city. They moved to a place that they believed would be a safe place for Jane to grow up at. The story is grounded in a reality that all teenagers face today - an uncertain world, high school, and friendships. I believe it is a good, quick read for everyone.

Reviewed by Sara.

The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon

2007-05-28T17:16:00.000-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Unabridged book on CD
Reader: Davina Porter

In this fifth installment to the Outlander series, twentieth-century born Claire Randall happily lives in 1771 America with her husband, eighteenth-century Scottish born James Fraser. However, living in the remote part of the colony of North Carolina cannot prevent the world's problems from entering their lives. Tensions in America are growing by the day, with colonists upset over the British government's rule. Claire's knowledge of the upcoming American Revolution warns James of what is to come, leaving no doubt that an unsettling future lays ahead for them and their friends. With a cast of memorable characters and a story line rich in descriptive detail, Davina Porter's reading transforms Gabaldon's novel into a deeply moving and pleasurable experience.

It is hard to classify Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series into one reading genre: some may call it science fiction or fantasy, since it does involve time travel, while others call it romance, since there are many romantic elements in the novel. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction with occasional romantic intrigue interlaced in the story line. Readers (or listeners) will at first notice the length of the novels in the Outlander series: they are huge! If you like getting through a story in a couple hundred pages, this is not the series for you! The Fiery Cross, in book on CD format, is 47 discs long. In book format, it is over 1400 pages long.

I really love Gabaldon's attention to detail: while some readers may find painstakingly descriptive paragraphs about a particular dress or an herbal plant discouraging and unnecessary for the story, I found them to be quite enjoyable. And Porter's reading of the story - to put it simply, it is terrific! Each character has his or her own distinct voice, making the story flow smoothly. Porter has to be one of the best readers for audiobooks. She has the perfect voice for it! Readers will find that Porter also reads the other books in the Outlander series. Though the books do not necessarily have to be read or listened to in order, I found it very beneficial to start with the first, aptly titled Outlander. This way, readers can start from the beginning of this tale and find out how Claire was transported back to the eighteenth-century and learn about all of the events leading up to The Fiery Cross.

Be prepared to get sucked into a wonderful epic story!

Reviewed by Jessica

The Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin

2007-05-24T22:31:00.000-04:00

Age Level: Teen
Format: Book

Matthew has five rules of survival:

"1. Sometimes, the people who mean you harm are the ones who say they love you.
2. Fear is your friend. When you feel it, act.
3. Protect the little ones.
4. If you coped before, you can cope now.
5. Always remember, in the end, the survivor gets to tell the story."

These are the rules Matthew lives by. These rules have come from 17 years of living with an abusive mother with his two little sisters. He knows that it is his job to protect his sisters - there's no one else to do it. Both his father and aunt are afraid of the unpredictable nature of his mother, they bow to her will. He feels like there's no one he can trust, no one who will help him get his sisters out of their environment, until, one evening, he spies Murdoch. Murdoch, a man he's never met before, but one that he sees standing up to an angry father on the verge of beating a child. Now...Matthew is obsessed and on a mission - maybe Murdoch can help them. Matthew desperately wants to find out.

This book is rated for teens in grades 9+. It's a gripping tale of child abuse seen and experienced through the eyes of a 17-year-old who is, unfortunately, far older than he should be. It's written in the form of a letter - Matthew is writing the story of their life with their mother for his youngest sister, should she ever have questions about their past. He's doesn't know if he'll ever give it to her, or if she'll ever want to read it, but he needs to write this story down for himself.

This story is completely terrifying and realistic. Personally, I could not put it down, and read the entire book in the span of a couple hours. It is a page turner and is definitely worth reading by both adults and teens.

Reviewed by Sara.

Milwaukee Winters Can Be Murder by Kathleen Anne Barrett

2007-05-22T15:30:00.001-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Emotions always get the better of Beth Hartley, a writer of legal briefs and a former lawyer. Twice married, once divorced and once widowed, Beth likes working out of her home, setting her own hours, and still surrounding herself with law books; plus, she happily no longer has to argue in a courtroom. What could be better? When her secretary Janice's brother Dave is found dead in his apartment, Janice asks Beth to prove that Dave was murdered. Written in the first person, Beth takes the reader through her mis-steps, deductions and conclusions. As Beth gets closer to finding the truth, she faces her greatest challenge: survival. Published in 1996 by Avalon Books, this is the first in the Milwaukee mystery series.

This book may be a little hard to find - it is out of print according to Amazon.com, and Adams County Library System does not have it on the shelves, but it is a treat to read (asking to get it from another library is always an option!). Those who like the "cozy" mysteries or the amateur sleuth mysteries will enjoy this book. Predicting the end of the book, or at least who had a hand in Dave's death, may be a little easy for some readers, but the overall storyline makes up for it. Rich in detail, Barrett describes the Milwaukee landscape very well - I have never been to Milwaukee, but I felt like I was there driving downtown or taking the highway to one of the malls. And, Beth's house! Trust me, when you read this book, you will want a house just like hers!! I am looking forward to reading the next in the series, Milwaukee Summers Can Be Deadly.

Reviewed by Jessica

Fly on the Wall: How One Girl Saw Everything by E. Lockhart

2007-05-17T09:46:00.001-04:00

Age Level: Teen

Format: Book

Gretchen Yee, a student at the Manhattan School for Art, feels like an ordinary nobody surrounded by a sea of extraordinary people. She feels like she doesn't fit in with her peers artistically or personally. No one understands or appreciates her style of art, that of the great comic book writers, and she longs to understand what others think of her - so she wishes she could be a fly on the wall of the boys locker room, and amazingly, her wish comes true. She spends a week there, buzzing around the room, listening in on the boys conversations, discovering the mysteries of the male anatomy, and learning far more about herself and those around her than she ever expected.

This is a fun read. There is a lot of humor in this book, as well as drama, which is only to be expected when dealing with interpersonal relationships. Gretchen learns a lot, during her time as a fly, about boys (they have feelings too!), that her best friend is keeping something big from her for fear of upsetting her, and that everyone’s perceptions of other people are different. Most importantly, Gretchen learns some things about herself, and ultimately wishes that she can once again be herself.

Even though this is a story about a girl turning into a fly, it is realistic. The emotions that Gretchen expresses – the worries, fears, and anger are completely believable and are things that not only teens, but many people face today.

Please be aware that this book is for grades 9+. Because Gretchen becomes a fly that lives on the wall of the boys locker room, she does, well, see everything, and she does describe what she is seeing. There is also some strong language used within the book. It may not be a book for everyone, but I found it to be an enjoyable read and think that this is a good book for teens who are unsure of their place in the world.

Reviewed by Sara

The Conjurer by Cordelia Frances Biddle

2007-05-13T21:38:00.000-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Everyone has secrets to hide. When wealthy financier Lemuel Beale disappears during a hunting expedition in 1840s Philadelphia, his sheltered, unmarried twenty-six year old daughter Martha's quiet world unravels as she learns secrets and reprehensible scandals of Philadelphia's privileged class. As her father's disappearance stretches into days and weeks, Martha, along with the help of Philadelphia mayoral assistant Thomas Kelman, begins to question his disappearance and comes to the conclusion that Lemuel may have been the victim of foul play. Meanwhile, suspicious and horrific deaths of prostitutes have Philadelphia's lower class talking, and a conjurer/mesmerist named Eusapio Paladino claims to have visions of all wrong in Philadelphia. This is Biddle's first mystery starring Martha Beale, but not her first mystery: Biddle and her husband Steven Zettel write the crossword puzzle mystery series under the name Nero Blanc.

If you like reading historical mysteries or stories set in a historical era, pick up this book. Biddle's extensive research shines through in The Conjurer. 1840s Philadelphia comes to life; one can picture the scenes and the characters. The characters themselves have their own unique attributes. The chapters give the characters' viewpoints in the third person, showing how their own secrets and scandals intertwine with the main mystery - the disappearance of Lemual Beale. Like pieces of a puzzle, Biddle connects everything in the end to make an enjoyable read.

I am very partial to good historical novels and stories; my interest in history, particularly American history, drives me to pick up books set in a historical time. I was not disappointed picking up this book, and I am sure you will not be disappointed either!

Reviewed by Jessica

Prom Nights From Hell

2007-04-30T12:59:00.001-04:00

Age Level: Teen

Format: Book

Meg Cabot, Kim Harrison, Michele Jaffe, Stephenie Meyer, and Lauren Myracle take bad prom nights to a whole new level in this collection of short stories. There’s vampires (and slayers), demons, the grim reaper, a boyfriend coming back from the dead, and a girl with superpowers. If you think your prom was bad with people breaking up, the rain and bad hair - it’s nothing compared to these!

This is a fun read. Of the stories within, I probably enjoyed Meg Cabot’s “The Exterminator’s Daughter” the most, followed by Lauren Myracle’s “The Corsage”. In “The Exterminator’s Daughter”, we find Mary whose best friend is under the spell of a vampire. She feels that it’s up to her to kill the vamp and save her friend. In “The Corsage”, all Frankie wanted to do was go to prom with Will. Unfortunately, there was an accident and Will died before prom. What will Frankie do when he comes to escort her?

Don’t expect the stories to have concrete endings. These stories end rather abruptly, leaving the reader wanting more. Your imagination will run wild. Mine did.

Reviewed by Sara.

Grave Sight by Charlaine Harris

2007-04-24T12:26:00.000-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Thanks to being struck by lightning, Harper Connelly has the ability to find dead people and to discover what actually killed them. Along with her manager/bodyguard stepbrother Tolliver Lang, Harper travels the United States locating the dead. Hired to find the body of a missing teenage girl in Sarne, Arkansas, Harper and Tolliver discover a lot more than the body of the dead girl. Conspiracies and murders are uncovered in the small town, and Harper and Tolliver find themselves the targets of enraged and disgusted townspeople. However, getting out of Sarne is not as easy as it seems...This is the first of the Harper Connelly series.

Many readers may remember Charlaine Harris from another series she writes, the Southern Vampire series. Grave Sight is actually the first book I have read by Harris. It makes me wonder how exactly Harris came up with the concept of a main character who makes a living by finding dead people. Harper's profession itself really made me interested in reading the book, and I am glad I did.

The reader discovers during the story that Harper and Tolliver's family life is horrible. They were raised by negligent parents, who once had great professions until they threw it all away for alcohol and drugs. Harper's and Tolliver's lives up to this point certainly help to explain the closeness they feel for each other. Harper's injuries from the lightning strike (feeling weak, pounding headaches, and a right leg that does not always support her weight) make her feel vulnerable; she relies heavily on Tolliver, and Tolliver is always there for her. I thought at first that their close relationship was a little unhealthy until Harris began describing their teenage years and the stuff they faced growing up in an unsupportive household. It is great to have someone to lean onto even in the worst times of your life.

The mystery storyline is fantastic. It kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end, when everything fell into place perfectly. And yes, there is at least one unpredictable twist at the end.

Reviewed by Jessica

What the Dead Know by Laura Lippman

2007-04-20T12:14:00.000-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

In 1975, sisters Sunny and Heather Bethany disappeared in broad daylight from a mall near their home in the Baltimore area. Despite following various suspects and leads, the Baltimore police cannot find a trace of the girls anywhere. Thirty years later, a woman involved in a freak traffic accident claims to be the younger sister, Heather. What unravels is a story full of truths and lies, with the Baltimore police wondering if she could be one of the Bethany sisters. And, if she is, what happened to her sister? Moving back and forth between the past and the present, Lippman's storytelling fills in gaps and shows how the Bethany family and individuals involved in the case change and grow as a result of the disappearance. This is a story of survival and sacrifice and a story of forgiveness and hope.

Lippman is probably best known for her Tess Monaghan series. She has also written a few stand alone (non-series) novels; this book is one of her stand alone novels. I had not read any of Lippman's books prior to this one. What the Dead Know is incredible, storytelling at its finest. With twists and turns throughout the book, I had to keep reading long into the night to find out what happened next in the story. Lippman does not base her story on an actual case, though in her notes after the story, she does mention a specific case that triggered her interest in writing a story about the disappearance of sisters. After reading this remarkable story, I am anxious to read her other works.

What the Dead Know is definitely a must-read book.

Reviewed by Jessica

Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson

2007-04-19T22:24:00.001-04:00

Age Level: Teen
Format: Book

Tyler Miller is a nerd. A senior in high school, Tyler is the guy no one notices. He's invisible. With only one real friend, Yoda (whose religion is Star Wars), Tyler is lost. Wanting attention, Tyler did a prank - spray-painted some graffiti and became a legend. Sentenced to physical labor and on probation, Tyler is struggling with life. He has a major crush on one of the untouchable girls in his class, an explosive father, drunken mother. He's being buried in schoolwork - with a semester full of calculus and 3 AP classes. And then, he's implicated in a drunken crime and his precarious balance on life starts to fall apart.

The description on the front flap of this book is simple: "Everybody told me to be a man. Nobody told me how." That truly is what this novel is all about. Tyler is on the brink of manhood, but he doesn't know how to step forward and grab hold of his life to make it what he wants. He's alienated. He's betrayed by someone he thought he could trust - a girl he thought liked him back. Because of one stupid prank, he's thrust into the spotlight and implicated in a crime that he knows he didn't commit, but very few people believe him. This story is honest. It's a brutal examination of what a typical suburban teenage male may go through. And though this novel is very real and can be disturbing, it's also a book of hope. Will Tyler's inner demons eventually win? With the help of his best friend, his sister, his English teacher and the high school janitorial crew he realizes that there are people who do care and understand him.

This novel is definitely not for children. But it is definitely a must read for high school and over.

Reviewed by Sara.

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

2007-04-11T22:39:00.001-04:00

Age Level: Teen
Format: Book

Meet Annabel Greene. On the surface, it looks like Annabel has the perfect life - a girl with everything. In truth, however, Annabel is the girl who has nothing: no best friend, malicious rumors flying through school about her, no peace at home, and no ability to tell anyone what's going on.

Meet Owen Armstrong. A son of divorced parents, Owen is an intense, music-obsessed loner who always tells the truth (no matter what the consequences are). And, he's the only person at school who will talk to Annabel.

How is it that these two polar opposites can meet in the middle and form a tentative friendship? Can Owen's friendship help Annabel to find the courage to finally face (and talk about) what happened on the night she lost everything?

Sarah Dessen is one of my favorite teen authors. I have never been disappointed in any book I've read of hers, and this is no exception. The great thing about Sarah Dessen's novels are the details found within. You can easily see what Annabel is seeing and feeling. In all of the characters, there is an emotional complexity that simply draws you in. Even though there's not a whole lot of action in this book, it is truly a page turner. Though all of Dessen's novels are stand-alones, characters from one of her earlier novels, This Lullaby, do appear briefly in this book.

Reviewed by Sara

Key Lime Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke

2007-04-05T17:28:00.000-04:00

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

In this ninth installment of the Hannah Swensen mystery series, Hannah is asked to judge the baking contest in the Tri-County Fair. She gets more than she bargains for when one night she hears a loud thumping noise and discovers the dead body of fellow baking contest judge Willa Sunquist, a student teacher at Lake Eden High School. Who would want to murder Willa? The disgruntled student she failed? The wannabe beauty queen who Willa disqualified from the Miss Tri-County Beauty Contest? Her mysterious boyfriend? Hannah once again puts her amateur sleuthing skills to the test with help from the quirky characters that make up Lake Eden, Minnesota. And, as always, the book contains delectable recipes that will truly make your mouth water.

I enjoy reading "cozy" mysteries or "funny" mysteries from time to time - these are good ways to "escape" reality. Years ago I picked up the first book in this series, Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder, on a whim and really enjoyed it. By this ninth book, the characters and situations are becoming a little predictable, though the story is still a quick and fun read. The books in this series can be read out of order, though I always suggest to patrons to start from the beginning. Even if the author only mentions an event from a prior book in passing, reading the books in order helps to follow the main characters in their growth and development. The recipes in this book, as well as in the other books in the series, sound delicious. Don't read this book on an empty stomache!!

Reviewed by Jessica

Manga Shakespeare: Hamlet by William Shakespeare

2007-04-04T21:00:00.000-04:00

Text Adaptation: Richard Appignanesi
Illustrated by: Emma Vieceli
Age Level: Teen
Format: Book

The year is 2107. Earth is now a cyberworld always at the brink of war. Hamlet is an angst-ridden teen. His father, the King of Denmark, has just died. His mother immediately remarried - his uncle who has taken the throne. He doesn't know how to deal with his grief. Could his uncle have murdered his father? Slowly he starts to believe that is true, seeing his father's ghost twice. Hamlet doesn't trust anyone, on his own, he sets out to prove that his father was murdered, and begins by acting crazy so that adults, and everyone else, will just leave him alone.

I will admit that I love Shakespeare, with Hamlet being one of my favorite plays to watch and read. I was a bit skeptical of this new way to present the text of the play, but it does work quite well. None of the intensity, intrigue, or danger found within the original Shakespearean text is lost. If anything, especially for teens in today's world who don't understand or want to take the time to understand the language of Shakespeare's plays, this adaptation will work better for them. The pictures help to reinforce the text (which is in Elizabethan English). While reading, if you don't understand exactly what Hamlet may mean or be feeling when saying, "What a piece of work is man. In action how like an angel. In apprehension how like a god!" there is always the panel behind the text to refer to - to get a better clue and to just what is going on.

Well done in both text and illustrations. Give it a chance. You may just be surprised.

Reviewed by Sara