Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender

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

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

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

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

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