Monday, January 31, 2011

Chase / Jesse Haas / 250 pages

Phin Chase is a well-read orphan in coal-mining Pennsylvania in the 1800 's.  He witnesses a murder, is almost murdered himself, and is accused of the murder.  On the run from Plume - a Sleeper, and Fraser - a mysterious man with a magnificent black stallion,  Phin remains true to himself and his mother's teachings as he sacrifices self, and possibly freedom, for integrity, loyalty, and self-respect.

The Salmon of Doubt/Douglas Adams/299 Pages

After the untimely death of Douglas Adams, author of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, in 2001, someone discovered his unfinished book, The Salmon of Doubt, in one of his desk drawers.  This compilation of his newspaper and magazine articles, short stories, essays, interviews, and, finally, the unfinished book gives a glimpse into the mind of Douglas Adams.  For me, it explained why he wrote about what he did, and will make re-reading the Hitchhiker books a real treat for me the next time around.

An Uplifting Murder/Elaine Viets/293 pages

Mystery shopper Josie Marcus stumbles into yet another murder,this time in a lingerie shop. The shop is run by one of her high school teachers, and the victim is a bully from high school as well. Set in St. Louis (home of the famous "where did you go to school" question), Josie must solve the murder as well as relive some unpleasant memories from her high school past. Viets, a born and raised St. Louisan, knows the neighborhoods and surrounding cities well. It's always fun to figure out which mall, store or restaurant she is describing when she is using aliases. Always a fun, fluffy read.

Half Price Homicide/ Elaine Viets/263 pages

In the latest Dead End Job Mystery series, Helen Hawthorne decides to finally come back to St. Louis to clear her name and stop living "under the radar" in Florida. First, she must help solve a murder in a second-hand shop where she works. Elaine Viets is a St. Louis native who currently lives in Florida. She has other series that are set in St. Louis, but it is gratifying that she finally let this one spend a little time here as well. Helen accomplishes everything she sets out to do and ultimately ends up back in Florida, but some new unfinished business in St. Louis will no doubt bring her back in the future.

Every Last One/Anna Quindlen/299 pages

Mary Beth Latham is first and foremost a mom, putting her children ahead of everything. With three children, she always has her hands full, but she is also always conflicted about giving too much time and effort to one child when another may need her as well. She lives with the guilt all mothers have when they feel they can't fulfill everyone's needs. Her marriage is satisfactory, comfortable and predictable. Everything changes in one night of horrific violence. Mary Beth must make a new life and find a way to forgive herself.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

The Outside Boy / Jeanine Cummins / 360 pages

Christy Hurley is a traveller - an Irish gypsy circa 1959.  He bears the guilt that he killed his mother in childbirth.  When a picture wafts his way from his grandfather's funeral pyre, Christy embarks on a quest to solve the mystery of the lady wearing his same St. Christopher medal.  Filled with Irish language, customs, and the spirit of the Irish people, The Outside Boy embodies themes of family, love, honesty, and freedom.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

If I Stay/Gayle Forman/199 pages


This was a tear jerker as you might have guessed from the title or synopsis. It takes quite a bit to get me to laugh or cry when reading, but this one brought on the tears at the end. And while I didn't laugh out loud, I did smirk many times. I would've "really liked it" if not for some of the contrived situations, like everyone getting to visit the ICU. Then again, to enjoy this book, you have to suspend belief.

Franklin and Eleanor/Hazel Rowley/345 pages



I ventured out of my usual YA fiction preference due our SCCCLD 2011 Adult Reading Program. The program encourages us to expand our reading horizons with a bingo card to complete. Bingo squares titled "Biography or Memoir" and "Non-Fiction" lead me to Franklin and Eleanor. I'd also heard an interesting discussion of the book on NPR. I had no idea they had an "open marriage." The amazing thing is, they made it work. It really gives some perspective to the whole "Clinton scandal."

The Cow in the Parking Lot: A Zen approach to Overcoming Anger/ Leonard Scheff and Susan Edmiston/ 195p


This book is a "Zen-lite" approach to handling everyday frustrations and anger. Understanding how destructive anger can be and ultimately useless in creating happiness in your life, most people will find that they don't need anger and in fact feel much better without it. Quick read and not overly philosophical.

The Help/Kathryn Stockett/451


The Help by Kathryn Stockett is a highly entertaining work of fiction but do not look further. The story begins in 1962 in Jackson, Mississippi when the civil rights movement was taking hold. Two African American maids, Minny and Aibileen, along with a white socialite, Skeeter, decide to compile stories about what it is like to be an African American maid to financially comfortable, white families. The maids describe the love/hate relationship that is created when you are given full responsibility for the children of the house, yet unable to use the same bathroom. If you read this novel understanding that it is a statement about how all women, black or white, have the same dreams and fears then you will not be disappointed. However, if you want something with substance and a little more consistency, this may not be for you.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo/Stieg Larsson/465


Multiple award winning novel, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson is worthy of the accolades it has received. Mikael Blomkvist, a financial journalist who has partial ownership of the magazine "The Millennium", has his professional life implode when unfairly convicted of libel. At loose ends until his jail term begins, he is approached by Henrik Vanger, a long ago business magnate who presents a proposal. Find out what happened to Harriet Vanger, his missing niece, and Henrik will provide the ammunition to take down the mob associated villain that prosecuted Blomkvist. Blomkvist accepts the deal and becomes entangled in a dangerous family secret. During the investigation, Blomkvist enlists the help of Lisbeth Salander, a hacking genius who happens to have more tattoos and issues than Blomkvist can handle.

Little Bee/Chris Cleave/266


ALA Notable Book Little Bee by Chris Cleave introduces us to a young Nigerian refugee, and a uppercrust British publisher, Sarah. Little Bee and Sarah meet during a brutal assault in Nigeria, in which Sarah is asked to make a sacrafice in order to save the life of Little Bee. After the event, Sarah returns to her priviledged life and Sarah is forced to become a stowaway on a cargo ship bound for England. They meet once again on the Sarah's doorstep, where they realize they have to face their past and the present together.

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption/Laura Hillenbrand/473


Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption

by Laura Hilldenbrand tells the amazing story of Louis Lamperini, who participated in the Berlin Olympics and was later shot down over the Pacific Ocean during World War II. While Hillenbrand gives us a great deal of historical information, her writing never once makes it seem dull. Lamperini and Hillenbrand give us a story that will make you reevaluate what seems to be important in life.

Moon Over Manifest/ by Clare Vanderpool/ 351 pages/ Newbery Award


This year's Newbery winner is a historical fiction story set in a small Kansas town during 1936. It centers around young Abilene Tucker, who arrives new to the town of Manifest right as summer is starting.


The story alternates between Abilene's current time in Manifest (in 1936) and what she hopes is her father's time in the town (in 1918). As she pieces together parts of the town's past and learns more about her own, she comes to some personal understandings about people in the town and about her own family.


The story was a slower read for me, but I did find the back and forth format between past and present helped keep me interested in finding out what happened next. Overall, I'd recommend it to upper-elementary school kids already into historical fiction.

Suck on This Year/ by Denis Leary/ 104 pages


This is a collection of celebrity photos and Denis Leary's own Tweets from the past year. He comments on everything from other celebrities to politicians. It's a super quick read, and it's funny. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for irreverent laughs!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Boston Jane Trilogy/ Jennifer Holm/ 273/242/230 pages


I found this in the downloadable ebooks and it looked good. I realized I had read the first one before, but it was good enough to read again. Any Laura Ingalls Wilder fan would like it. A girl goes to the wilderness of the west coast and learns to make her own way. There is also a nasty Nellie Oleson type character as a foil for her back in Philadelphia. Book 2 was just as good and advances the plot with some hints of romance. The conflict is the impact of white society on the native americans of the region.
Then, I had a crisis. Book 3 was not on the ebooks and I had to wait until the next day to check it out. Book 3 -The Claim - was also very satisfying. However, the author left it open for more books and then didn't write any more. She could have continued the series!
These books turned out to be JF which I didn't realize until I took the book off the shelf. I thought it would be YA since the girl is 15-17 in the stories and the plot involves romance, and many social issues. Still, an excellent series.

The Burning Land/Bernard Cornwell/ 336 pages


Do you like bloody battles? Wish you could heft a double-headed axe? This book has all the blood and gore of early battles in Britain. Vikings vs. Saxons (not the Packers) in a battle for land and gold. Our hero, Uhtred, is a warrior and very good at his craft. He is a pagan helping the Christian king Alfred. Norse Gods vs. Christian God also play a pivotal role in this book. I liked it on cd because of the accent of the narrator and because he pronounces all those names for you. (many sound alike) Historically, it really gives you a feel for how difficult it would be to live and die in those times.
Just remember, avoid taking a sword under your shield.

A Nest for Celeste, A Story about Art, Inspiration, and the Magic of Home / Henry Cole / 342 pages

Reminiscent of The Invention of Hugo Cabret, the beautiful artwork in this book justifies the time spent reading it.  Add to this the universal themes of home and friendship, and the historical references to John Audubon and Joseph Mason, his teenage assistant, you have the makings for a most pleasurable read.  Book jacket features recommendations from Julie Andrews and Gregory Maguire (Wicked).  Beware - the animals in this book talk!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Up From the Blue/ Susan Henderson/ 320 pages

This story takes place in 1975. Tillie's mother goes missing after an arguement with her father. It's clear that something is not right with Tillie's mother, is it more than depression? It's also clear that her father is a strict man, who does not like disruptions to his routine. This makes for a tough situation for Tillie and her brother. Both have a hard time making friends and fitting in. But, which parent is to blame? Very thought provoking and a page turner, while you are trying to figure out exactly what happened to Tillie's mother.

American Widow/ Alissa Torres/ 209 pages

This is a graphic novel written by a 9/11 widow. This tells the story of her 9/11 loss. Her husband began a new job at the World Trade Towers on 9/10/01. He went into work on 9/11/01 and she never saw him again and she was 7 months pregnant with their son. This is a heartbreaking story. (I did think they should have edited it better--there were a couple sentences that just ended in "the", which I don't think was an artistic choice, but oversight.)

The Art of Racing in the Rain- Garth Stein- 321pp.


I am a big dog lover and this book was recommended by Joy Hoormann at DR. This was what I call a "slice of life" story. Enzo the dog follows the trials and tribulations of a family throughout his life. There were quite a few ups and downs throughout this book. The author did such a good job with characterizations in this book that I was really getting upset with certian characters on a personal level. I had to remind myself the "evil twins" are only fiction.
I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to appreciate life with a positive outlook from a family pet. Another interesting note is how wise a pet could be looking at things from a different perspective.

Promise Me/ Nancy Brinker/ 356 pp

"Promise Me: How a sister's love launched the global movement to end breast cancer" by Nancy Brinker chronicles the lives Susan G. Koman and her sister, Nancy, who founded a nonprofit dedicated to curing the disease which claimed her sister. Interwoven with the biographical information of the Goodman/Brinker/Koman families is the the history of breast cancer itself. One of the eye opening aspects of the book is how women were treated for breast cancer throughout history. The relationship of the sisters is portrayed in a real way. Faults are not glossed over. But love remains the overall theme. I found "Promise Me" to be a poignant and inspiring read.

Beauvallet / Georgette Heyer 243 p.

Sir Nicholas Beauvallet is the consummate romantic hero in this character-driven, witty, dramatic historical romance. He finds no adventure beyond him: from capturing a Spanish galleon to posing as a Frenchman in the Spanish court to kidnapping Dominica de Rada y Vylva, his intended, from under the nose of her Spanish guardian. His sideman part valet and part henchman entertains the reader with his side of the story. Those readers that enjoy the developing relationship between the main characters may also enjoy Mary Balogh.

Steel Trapp II; The Academy / Ridley Pearson / 408 pages

"No story ever ends...Someone just decides to stop telling it."  Steven "Steel" Trapp's quote aptly describe series books.  This second book in the Steel Trapp series relates Kaileigh's & Steel's involvement in "The Program" at their new school.  This book is a pageturned and introduces the reader to the game of ga-ga.

13 Reasons Why / Jay Asher / 288 pages

Clay receives a package of tapes lying on his front porch.  He discovers that these cassette tapes were made by a fellow classmate, Hannah  Baker, who has recently  committed sicide.  Clay "borrows" a tape player from his friend, Tony, and visits various locations referred to on the tape and hears the reasons why Hannah killed herself and the people responsible.  Everything we do affects others.

A Rip in Heaven; a Memoir of Murder and It's Aftermath / Jeanine Cummins / 302 pages

An account of the Chain of Rock Bridge murders that occurred in 1991.  Told by Robin & Julie Kerry's cousin, Tink,  this nonfiction book tells about the horrible mistake made the St. Louis police when they arrested her brother, Tom, for the murders.  Tom Cummins was a cousin of the girls and was held prisoner as they were raped and murdered.

Orphan of Destiny / Michael Spradlin / 258 pages

This is the third book in the Youngest Templar series.  Tristan, Robard Hoad, and Maryam return to Sherwood Forest.  Along the way they pick up Little John and "Father" Tuck.  Tristan discovers that King Henry II was his father and he is heir to the throne.  His quest to return the Holy Grail is successful.  The adventure continues as Tristan requests assignment to France after becoming a Templar.

Blank Confession / Pete Hautman / 170 pages

Shayne Blank is a modern day vigilante.  He confesses to a murder he did not committ to protect a friend.  Detective Rawls investigates his past after he disappears from the interrogation room.  Shayne has a history of righting wrongs and disappearing.

The Eyre Affair / Jasper Fforde / 374 pages

Thursday Next is a literatec, a special operative in literary detection.  She thwarts a plot to alter Jane Eyre and rescues the original manuscript.  Set in 1985 Great Britain, the novel features humorous word plays, time travel, an invention that allows one to enter books, and is rife with literary allusions.

Clockwork Angel / Cassandra Clare / 479 pages

Tessa has come to London at her brother's bidding after the death of their aunt.  Upon arrival, she is kidnapped by the Dark Sisters who teach her how to use a gift she never knew she had.  She can "change" into other people.  Tess is rescued by Shadowhunters.  Is she a warlock?

Practical Magic / Alice Hoffman / 286 pages

Two sisters raised by elderly aunts are taunted in school and out, but their house is often visited by neighborhood women seeking help with their lovelives.  Help is given, but often with unwanted consequences.

Crescendo / Becca Ftizpatrick / 427 pages

This book is the sequel to Hush, Hush.  Once again, Nora is unsure of Patch.  Is he is her guardian angel or is he the Black Hand, responsible for her father's death? This is a love story with a twist and it is not over yet!

Absolutely Maybe / Lisa Yee / 274 pages

Maybeline hitches a ride with her friend, Hollywood, to L.A..  Hollywood wants to break into the motion picture business and Maybeline wants to find her Dad, Gunnar.  At least she thinks he's her Dad.  Her Mom has had a series of husbands, is about to get another, and Maybe wants off this particular merry-go-round.  Accompanied by her friend, Ted, Maybe finds true friendship and understanding.

Hush, Hush / Becca Fitzpatrick / 391 pages

Nora is paired with Patch against her will in biology.  Her best friend was to be her partner until everyone had to shift one chair.  Patch is new, mysterious, and...a fallen angel. He seems to be able to read her thoughts and to speak to her through them.  She isn't sure if he is her worst enemy or her best friend.

Red Glass / Laura Resau / 275 pages

Stophie risks her life to rescue her boyfriend in Guatemala.  She helps him to recover his mother's jewels.  She finds him in a hospital after he has been beaten and robbed.  One of the gang who robbed him is in the same hospital after a fatal car accident.  The is a great story in which forgiveness triumphs over revenge.

Full Dark, No Stars / Stephen King / 368 pages

This latest book by Stephen King, master of suspense, does not disappoint.  The 4 novellas hold you riveted until the very end and leave you wanting more still.

Monday, January 24, 2011

The Lost Dogs: Michael Vick's dogs and their tale of rescue and redemption/Gorant, Jim/287 pgs


This is a story of the true victims of the Michael Vick dogfighting scandal and how they were saved from death. This was the first case in which dogs were not automatically put down in a dog fighting case. It is the story of the people who fought to save these animals and it is both heartbreaking at times and heartwarming. It gives you some of the background to the case and what the law enforcement officers went through to make the case against Vick but the majority of the story is about the dogs. It tells you what they went through both before and after the trial and where they are now.

Friday, January 21, 2011

T.S. Eliot reads / T.S. Eliot 160 p.

T.S. Eliot, born in St. Louis, lived there for the first 18 years of his life. He received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1948. He lived 1888-1965. His poems reflect his living through two World Wars. He used his extensive vocabulary and his detailed look at life to crafted poems were very descriptive. While he used the common speech, he packed poems with meaning. He wrote about what interested him. The poems could be very heavy and dark, as when he wrote about death. Yet his poems were interested to read, like The Song of J. Alfred Prufrock. He would flip from writing almost commentaries about life to cats, as in Macavity: the Mystery Cat. which contributed too Lloyd-Webber's Cats.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Perfectly yourself / Matthew Kelly 240 p.

Matthew Kelly works to help people discover the best version of themselves. Kelly shares how to find the balance between accepting ourselves for who we are and challenging ourselves to become all we are capable of. Kelly shows us how to find lasting happiness in a changing world.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Simply magic / Mary Balogh 445 p.

The third in Balogh's Simply series of Regency romances, centered on a group of friends who teach at a private girls' school in Bath puts Miss Susanna Osbourne on a holiday where she meets Viscount Whitleaf, Peter Edgeworth. The more he advances the more she withdraws until Peter charms her into agreeing to be friends. Romance takes a turn when Susanna sends him home and she returns to her teaching. Peter is determined to solve the tragedy of her life and win her hand. March 2008 Best-Selling RWA Authors

Book of the Dead / Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child 454 p.

While Diogenes' FBI brother, Aloysius Pendergast, remains incarcerated in a maximum, escape proof prison cell, the Museum of Natural History reopens a long-closed Egyptian tomb exhibit. A series of murders and strange happenings sparks rumors of a curse. Fast-paced, plot-driven.

Library Journal Best Thrillers: 2006.

A Wicked History Catherine the Great Empress of Russia/Zu Vincent/128 pages

This biography of Catherine the Great is rather one-sided, making her out to be a cruel ruler who was more worried about being overtaken by her enemies than anything else.  It's not very well written, and I wouldn't recommend it, unless you need a quick refresher on Catherine the Great's life.  There is a good timeline, however, a chart of the people close to her, and a bibliography of other books on Catherine the Great that I would be interested in reading to learn more after this book.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Sahara/Clive Cussler/568 Pages

This book was a suspenseful journey through the Sahara, uncovering the fiendish ways of two greedy men who together were causing a global catastrophe that threatened life on earth as we know it. Dirk Pitt, ever the hero, overcomes seemingly insurmountable obstacles to save himself, his friends, and the entire population of the globe.  Along the way he learns of a shipwreck that will change the course of US history.  Overall it was a great adventure read.

The Lion, The Witch & the Wardrobe by CS Lewis / 154 pages

I reread The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis for Deer Run's Family Book Group. I believe that the last time I read it was sometime in middle school. Was it as good as I remember it? Yes and no. Much of the magic is still there--the wonder of Lucy stepping into a wardrobe full of coats and finding herself in another world, or "watching" as Aslan restores the stone creatures to life; not to mention the horrible feeling in your gut when the White Witch is sharpening the knife to kill Edmund. However, I think my adult brain was getting in the way a little too often. I have read so much about the book as a Christian allegory that I found myself looking for biblical parallels rather than just sitting back and enjoying the adventure. It's one of the curses of having an English degree, I suppose. Still, well worth a re-read. Now maybe I'll finally get around to watching the movie!

Cleopatra's Daughter/ Michelle Moran/ 422 pages

Although this book starts out with the deaths of Antony and Cleopatra, it took until about half way through the book for me to really get interested. When I did, I found it fastinating to read about the lives of the Romans in 30 BC. Lots of things I had learned and forgotten, but some new information too. Mostly, I had never really thought about Cleopatra's children and her twins, Alexander and Selene, are the two main characters. It was interesting to read an interpretation of what their lives might have been like after their parent's deaths. I was happy this book was light on the romance. Selene was an admirable female character.

The Midwife's Apprentice/Karen Cushman/122 pages/ Newbery Award, Notable Children's Book (ALA) , Best Book for Young Adults (ALA)

This is the story of a girl without a place or a name, who happens upon a village with one midwife.  Hungry for food and with no place to go, she become's the midwife's apprentice, helping her to gather and prepare the herbs needed for her practice, though never allowed to be present for a baby's birth, for fear the midwife would have competition if the girl were to learn all her secrets.  The girl befriends a cat, who she feeds scraps of her own meager food, and also a young boy named Edward.  After suffering bouts of feelings of inadequacy and running away, she returns to the midwife to be the apprentice once again, and in the end finding herself a place and a name.

The last chapter has facts about the age-old practice of midwifery for those who know little of the subject.

Winner of the 1996 Newbery Award, 1996 Notable Children's Book (ALA), 1996 Best Book for Young Adults (ALA), New York Public Library 1995 List of Recommended Books, Booklist Book for Youth Editor's Choice, School Library Journal Best Books of the Year 1995, and An American Bookseller Association Pick of the Lists

Monday, January 17, 2011

Jane/April Lindner/365 pages

Jane is the modern day retelling of Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre. It maintains all the gothic and romantic style of the original, but translates it into something palatable for the modern teenager.


As in the original, Jane is a fiercely independent, practical and introverted teen. In this modern story she is a 19 year old student forced to drop out of college after her parents are killed in a car accident. Subsequently, Jane takes on a position as a nanny to earn money to one day return to school. Her client is the famous and notorious rock star, Nico Rathburn. Brooding and mysterious, Jane finds herself drawn to Nico. What unfolds is a forbidden romance that becomes complicated by Nico’s secretive past.
The author does an excellent job of capturing Jane’s melancholy, the gothic feel of Thornfield and the gripping romance between Jane and Nico. Together these features create a riveting story that will keep any teen reading and may even inspire an original reading of Jane Eyre.

Hey! Did you know?!..

Hello All!  We are getting to the end of the first month!  I just wanted to thank you all for participating (I love seeing all the new reviews being posted everyday).  Since you are all such voracious and fast readers I am seeing titles for a lot of great books being put up.  Then I am finding myself setting really good books to the side because I want to make sure that what I read will count on this blog.  Lucky for me someone asked if they were allowed to post a review of a book that has already been posted; and I thought to myself, "Why Not?!"

So, it's official: You can review a book that has already been posted and still get points!  If possible try to add your review to the original posting by adding it in the "comments" section of the post.  If you cannot find (or did not know of) the First posted review of the book, then just post your review.   

Keep up the Good Work!  Laura

The Name of This Book is Secret/ by Pseudonymous Bosch/ 360 pages

I'm a little behind in getting started with this series, but it was recommended to me by a teen volunteer recently, so I checked it out. The series itself will eventually have 5 books (one for each of the 5 senses). The 4th book just came out this past year.

The first in the series is a mysterious tale involving two main characters: Max-Ernest and Cassandra as they stumble into information about a magician, two evil-doers, and a kidnapped classmate. The characters are both misfits at school and they both have families considered different for one reason or another. Their quirks are sometimes humorous and sometimes obnoxious, but it is nice to see their friendship develop throughout the story.

Overall, I would recommend this book to kids who like The Mysterious Benedict Society or Lemony Snicket. I didn't find it as engaging or amusing as those 2 series, but I think its similarities would make it a hit with those audiences.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Unbroken/Laura Hillenbrand/633p(LP)


If you enjoy biographical non-fiction, this book chronicles the true story of a World War II airman who survives almost unbelievable circumstances when he has to ditch in the Pacific Ocean in 1943. He and his companion survive hunger, dehydration, and sharks, only to be rescued and imprisoned by the Japanese. Truly gripping and a testament to the resilience of a remarkable man and, indeed, a generation.

Lost Souls- Frankenstein by Dean Koontz 350pp


This is book four in a series.
If you like the horror/crime genre and are tired of vampires, this is the series for you.
Set in New Orleans:
Victor Frankenstein has keep himself alive for over 200+ years and wants to take over the world with the perfect human. Of course the perfect human is created by him. These new humans are created by current technology and do have some flaws. They tend to become serial killers. This involves local police trying to solve crimes and the original Frankenstein Monster who is still alive.
Koontz does a great job of continuing the saga of Frankenstein. The writing style has plenty of good dialog and internal thoughts by the characters. This gives the reader great perspective into the actions and motivations of the characters.
I have listened to this on my iPod through our library collection.
We have all the titles starting with book one on our Overdrive site.
Note: this was such a good book- that Prodigal Son (book 1) was selected as a 2011 book discussion pick at DR.

Please Ignore Vera Dietz/ by A.S. King/ 326 pages

I heard about this book because it won a Michael Printz Honor this year, and the title intrigued me. Turns out that the title refers to Vera's message to the universe as she tries to make her way through high school unnoticed and un-bothered by the usual trivial high school matters.

Told mainly from Vera's perspective, the book bounces back and forth between present and past tense, and it occasionally brings in other characters' for their perspective on the matters at hand. Among an absent mother, an emotionally distant father, and a mysterious boy-next-door best friend/love interest, the characters in this book come together around some pretty serious topics. The plot is driven by a mystery involving Vera and her neighbor Charlie.

That's all I'll say so as not to give anything away. The book is realistic without being overly intense about the topics it covers (domestic abuse, bullying, teen drinking), and it contains some fantastic elements that keep you guessing.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Moonlight Mile / Dennis Lehane / 324 p.

I enjoyed the book Gone Baby Gone (1998) so I was excited to hear that this follow-up book was coming out.  In Gone Baby Gone, four-year old Amanda McCready vanishes from her Boston neighborhood and PI team Patrick Kenzie and his wife Angie Gennaro risk everything (including their own relationship) in order to find her and return her to her neglectful mother. 

Now its twelve years later; Amanda is 16, and has vanished again.  Because Patrick Kenzie needs the money and is still haunted by his decision to return Amanda the first time, he agrees to take the case.  What made the first book so successful; the action, plot twists, descriptions of odd-ball Boston characters, and the ultimate dilemma at the climax of the story; is pretty much missing in this book.  In Moonlight Mile, you have to suspend belief and just accept things like there are 16 year old geniuses who can get into Ivy League schools and be identity theft masterminds.  Also, where the first book deals with real people who are dealing with problems / situations that could really happen to us; this book involves the Russian Mob and the black market.  Still there is a lot of action and funny new characters, so I enjoyed the book even though I couldn’t feel for the plight of the characters. 

The Fat Man - a tale of North Pole Noir/Ken Harmon/275 pgs


Gumdrop Coal, the former head of the Coal Patrol, has been fired because he takes his job too seriously. A parent who was formerly on the Naughty List is found dead - his eye shot out by a b-b gun and Gumdrop is the main suspect. Can Gumdrop clear his name, save Santa from the evil of Pottersville and learn the real meaning of Christmas?

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Hope Against Hope / Susan B. Kelly 206 p.

Detective Inspector Nick Trevellyan first meets sharp London businesswoman Alison Hope when she moves to the country. She is the chief suspect in a bizarre murder of her cousin and former business partner. She has motive, no alibi, and was the last to see him. Nick becomes more attracted to her as the investigation keeps coming back to her.

Tales of an African Vet/Roy Aronson/227 pgs


This is the story of a South African small animal veterinarian who just happens to treat wildlife on the side. It starts with the story of the female seal caught in fishing line which causes him to decide to go to veterinary school and continues throughout his 25 year career.

It is a series of stories about some of his unique cases treating African wildlife in the wild, on game reserves or at the zoo. It is a great commentary on how they treat animals in the wild and the efforts to save many of the endangered species

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

The Grave Robber's Daughter/ Richard Sala/ 96 pages

This is a graphic novel. I'm guessing the genre is horror/fantasy. A grave robber has come across a secret from a ghost and consequently the town of Obidiah's Glen has been turned into a crazy carnival inhabited by only teens and possessed clowns.

Not really something I'd recommend, but it did have it's interesting moments. And it was a quick read. Otherwise, I'm still not sure why Nellie Kelly is living in that town and I've read it twice.

Compound/Bodeen/248


Ever wonder how you would survive a nuclear holocaust? In this Gateway Nominee, Eli has spent 6 years underground after a nuclear holocaust with his dad, mom, and two sisters. His twin brother and grandmother were left behind and he discovers that all may not be lost as he was led to believe.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Linger/Maggie Stiefvater/360 pages


This is the sequel to Shiver, and now there are plot twists. There are new werewolves and, of course, it's problematic.
The relationship between Sam and Grace hit a major roadbump with her parents. They suddenly become really aware of Sam and view him as "unsuitable and unhealthy" for their daughter. What greater teenage angst can their be than forbidden love? At least Romeo and Juliet didn't have to worry about changing into werewolves or getting shot as a wolf. (oops, you didn't hear that)
Good girl Grace becomes defiant and also has some latent werewolf sickness going on. The race is on to find a cure for her and the ending leaves you waiting for the next book due out soon, I hope. I'm rooting for Sam to find a way to help her.

Matched/ Ally Condie/ 366 pages

A recent addition to the dystopian future teen genre, this book has been highly acclaimed by reviewers. And also by other library users...I had to wait several weeks to get my hands on it! It was definitely worth the wait.

Set in a future where the Society controls everything...from what you eat to how much you exercise to who you marry, this book follows 17 year old Cassia's journey as she goes through a whole series of life-changing events surrounding her matching to a childhood friend. Matching is exactly that--a matching of 2 seventeen year olds who are expected to marry at age 21. Cassia's matching is unusual from the very beginning, and Cassia's own behavior, the involvement of other characters, and changes within the Society at large all come together to influence Cassia's worldview.


This book is both romantic and suspenseful, and the ending definitely prepares the way for a sequel. I'd recommend it to Hunger Games fans in a heartbeat!

Friday, January 7, 2011

The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever/ Julia Quinn/ 373 pages

Miranda Cheever's first entry into her diary was, "Today I fell in love." and the person to whom she focused this love was the same person who told her she should start keeping a diary - her best friend's older brother, Turner.  Now the fact that Miranda was only 7 years old and Turner was 19 was not important to the young lady at the time.  Later, after Miranda sees Turner fall in love, get married, and deal with the heartache caused by a cheating wife, she gets thrown back into Turner's path once more after his wife's death.  He has changed.  He is no longer the happy-go-lucky Turner she fell in love with.  And yet, could she love this new Turner just as much?

I have just recently started testing out romance novels (at the blogged and tweeted recommendations of some of my favorite YA authors) and, from what I can tell, they all follow the same exact structure.  The lack of structural creativity, however, does not mean that they are not fantastic forms of escapism and, quite possibly, my new guilty pleasure.   I had never read anything by Julia Quinn but I liked it.  If you like Regency romance, you will enjoy this light read.

QBQ! The Question Behind the Question

QBQ, a 115 page book by John G. Miller, provides a constructive method of responding to problems. Miller shows how having an attitude of personal responsible for problems and taking postive action to solve them is much better than blaming others. He gives examples of people who have gone out of their way to provide excellent customer service by doing things like paying for a customer's order out of ones own pocket when it would have taken a long time to get change. He encourages the reader to stop asking questions like who's fault was it and to ask questions like what can I do to improve this situation? He urges readers to stop complaining and procrastinating and to ask questions that focus taking positive action. This is an easy to read book with an inspiring message for all.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Give Us a Kiss: a Country Noir/ Daniel Woodrell/ 237p.

While the subject matter is much the same as the other Woodrell books I've read lately, this one was funny - darkly comic, I guess I should say. The author hails from West Table, MO, in the heart of Ozark country. Woodrell's way with prose and mastery of the local dialect makes for some colorful, often hilarious dialogue.

The story is crime fiction by category, but also explores the feeling of coming home again as an adult, and familial predestination (for lack of a better term). I've wondered when reading the author's other books, but especially with this story, how much is autobiographical? There are points in the book where it seems Woodrell is speaking directly of his own experience.

The book oozes with sex, violence and strong language. It is not for those who are even somewhat easily offended. But if you don't mind the above, chances are this fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking novel will appeal to you.

Dethroning the King/Julie Macintosh/349 pages

Subtitled The Hostile Takeover of Anheuser-Busch, an American Icon, this book was an interesting and informative read, especially for this non-native Missourian. Filled with background information on the company, the Busch family, and the idiosycrancies of company leadership, it also provided an in-depth look of the months leading up to InBev's takeover of the American icon.

The balance of personal details with the analysis of financial aspects of the merger deal was a good one, and it kept the pace of the book moving forward. Learning about the impeccable timing of the deal itself (it went through just as the U.S. financial markets began to collapse) just blew me away!

I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in learning some insider details on the InBev/Anheuser Busch takeover.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater 392 pages



Move over Bella! Grace has a werewolf boyfriend and she doesn't spend half the book whining like Bella does in Twilight. Sam is also sooo much nicer than Edward. That being said, Shiver is told in alternating chapters from Grace and Sam's point of view. As the story unfolds, the reader learns the backstory.
Grace's parents are conveniently disconnected from her life and don't figure out that Sam is basically living at the house. This could be a teen fantasy. Anyway, Sam has that teensy problem of changing into a wolf in cold weather. Unfortunately, they live in Minnesota. Another character, Isabel, aka the school hottie, has lost her brother to the werewolf pack. She finds a "cure" with disastrous results. I couldn't believe they would try it, having experienced it myself. No, I won't tell what the "cure" is. Read it yourself. It fits logically for a teen thinking process, but still a terrible idea. I am now on Linger- Book 2. Can't wait.

The Wave/Susan Casey/326


This New York Times Notable Book is perfect for readers who like adventure mixed with a little educational information. Casey alternates between following a group of big wave surfers, who risk their lives for the thrill of riding a 100 footer, with scientific data on freak waves that create havoc in the open seas.

Find out about tsunamis, unsolved shipwrecks, and tow surfing. It will make you think twice about taking a cruise.

Anna and the French Kiss/Stephanie Perkins/372 pages


Originally, I was inspired to pick up this book after reading NPR’s “Oh, To Be Young: The Year’s Best Teen Reads” . The book did not disappoint!

This is the story of Anna Oliphant, a down-to-earth and witty teen, who is forced to attend a Parisian boarding school at the behest of her famous novelist father. Although initially resentful, Anna learns to adapt to her situation as she makes friends, navigates the French language and the vast city of Paris, and tries to keep connected to home and those close to her. At the heart of this novel, and the most endearing aspect of the plot, is Anna’s dynamic relationship with new friend and potential lover, Etienne St. Clair. He is everything one could want in a boyfriend--dashing, British, and complicated! Their transformation from friends to more is a rich, emotional rollercoaster ride that keeps the reader engaged and wanting more. With Paris as the backdrop, it is the perfect location to frame Anna’s journey to explore herself and new romantic feelings. Anna and the French Kiss, as a modern teen romance, does not fail in providing readers with a tender story of first love set in the most romantic city in the world.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

To Fetch A Thief/Spencer Quinn/309 pages

To Fetch a Thief is the third book in the Chet and Bernie mysteries by Spencer Quinn. Chet the Jet is on the case again and hot on the trail of a missing elephant, Peanut, who has disappeared from the traveling circus. The book is narrated by Chet, a dog with keen investigative skills, a super-sensitive nose, and an unwaivering devotion to his owner, Bernie. We see the world through Chet's eyes as he amuses us with a dog's perspective of human antics. He takes his job very seriously and always manages to take down the "perps." This light-hearted mystery series is entertaining and fun.

Mockingjay/ Suzanne Collins/ 398 pages

This is the 3rd book in the Hunger Games trilogy. And for once, the end of a series did not let me down in any way. Okay, so some people died that I would have rather lived, but it was just as exciting and suspenseful and believable as the first two books in the series. Katniss continues to struggle with trust and opening up to others, while she tries to become the symbol for the rebellion.

White Cat/ Holly Black/ 310 p.

Death workers, luck workers, memory workers, with just the brush of the hand on skin, a curse worker can “work” their magic.  Cassel’s mother, an emotion worker, is serving time in jail for making millionaires fall in love with her and give her all their money.  Cassel’s childhood friend, Lila, the daughter of a famous worker crime boss, was killed by Cassel himself and his whole family has worked desperately to help cover that up.  Or that’s what Cassel thought, until a white cat comes along and shows him something entirely different about his life or what he thought his life to be.  Cassel has learned how to con from the best, his mother, and with those clever con skills he tries to figure out what happened in his past and what will happen in his future.

Holly Black creates a realistic yet totally eerie world where everyone, even non-curse workers, has to wear gloves because no one can be trusted, laws are being passed to force people to take worker tests to potentially keep track of who has the power, and crime bosses are as powerful as they were in the 20s.  A truly creative and exciting read; I am looking forward to the next installment of the new Curse Workers series.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Happy New Year


Here's to a fun year of sharing book titles.

I am called Terp King as a relation to the Maryland Terrapins.
Take care,
Tim

Hex Hall / Rachel Hawkins / 323 p.

After Sophie casts a love spell that goes horribly wrong she is sent to a Reform School for troubled magical youth ( i.e. witches, fairies, vampires, and shape shifters).  By the end of her first day of school at Hecate (aka Hex) Hall, she offends a clique of witches by refusing to join their coven, develops a crush on the most popular and unavailable boy in school, and is roommates with the school’s only Vampire who is a major social outcast.  Even worst, someone begins attacking student witches and draining them of their blood making her only friend the main suspect. 

This book felt a lot like Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, where they are in a Boarding School, attend Magical classes, and students are being randomly and mysteriously attacked by someone or a something.  The main character, Sophie, is very Mary Sue-ish, as she finds out that her father (whom she has never met) is some famous Wizard, she is from a long line of very powerful witches, and she is able to start attracting the “hottest” guy in school.  Still I wanted to continue reading the book because it was fun to read, there was action, suspense, mystery, and the cute teen romance.  The book ends quickly with a few plots left open, leaving me dying to read the next book (which doesn’t come out until March!).

GAME ON!

Okay everybody we are Officially on!  So start posting those reviews.  Remember you get 1 point for every book review and if you don't post you don't get any points.  :)  Your reviews only need to be a few lines, or more should the spirit move you.  Please just make sure that you include the Title / Author / # of Pages / and as needed, note if the book is part of an Awards List or part of some kind of Reading Challenge. 

(I'll even break the ice and post my first review, which will be for "Hex Hall" by Rachael Hawkins.)

Enjoy!!!
Laura