The Peach Keeper / Sarah Addison Allen / 387 pp

Willa Jackson of Walls of Water, North Carolina, is watching the renovation of her old family home, Blue Ridge Madam as a first class inn. When a skeleton is unearthed with the final landscaping , Willa and Paxton Osgood, who is in charge of the project, discover their grandmothers share a friendship and more. Romance blooms for Willa and Colin ,Paxton's brother, and for Paxton and an old friend. Not a romance, not a mystery, but uniquely Addison.

I would never have read a book by Sarah Allen if not for a friends recommendation of GARDEN SPELLS. I am eternally grateful that she did because I would have steadfastly passed by what Novelist classifies as MAGIC REALIST genre. Each of her books is a gem that stands alone for a unique read.

Roast mortem / Cleo Coyle / 350 pp

Claire, a barista, manages the Village Blend, the coffeehouse her ex-mother-in-law established. The two narrowly escape death in a fire at a friend's coffee shop. Claire is certain the fire was a case of arson and sets out to prove it, almost getting killed herself in the process. It would probably be best to read the series in order, starting with ON WHAT GROUNDS to get the players straight, including the hunk of a philandering ex-husband and meet the detective who will become Claire's boyfriend. The books come complete with coffee tips and food recipes. For those who enjoy Diane Mott Davidson's Goldy Bear caterer mysteries.

Silent Mercy / Linda Fairstein / 387 pp

Alexander Cooper, Ass't D.A., and Mike Chapman, NYPD cop are once again chasing a killer around New York City. The killer is torturing, decapitating, burning and placing his victims in New York church buildings. It becomes a race to save the latest victim and in the final pages even Alex and Mike, on an off limits island. The New York City history, that is always interwoven in Fairstein's books, is an added bonus, this time, on religion and the background history of some of New York's oldest churches. This is the 13th thriller featuring Alexandra Cooper and Mike Chapman, ( their friend Mercer Wallace is not as major a player in this book) which still grabs your attention on page one and doesn't let go until you turn the last page.

Mystery / Jonathan Kellerman / 320 pp

Milo, a detective, and Alex, a psychologist, join forces once again to solve the brutal murder of a young woman. Alex was out for a drink with his girlfriend Robin and they just happened to see the young woman just hours before she was killed. Milo and Alex take another dark ride through L.A. 's seamier side. Although this is the 26th Alex Delaware novel, it still packs a punch and keeps you guessing till the end of the "whodunit"

Live Wire / Harlan Coben / 371 pp

Myron Bolitar, sports agent & "problem solver" for his clients finds more to solve in this book than just finding former tennis star Suzze T "s husband Lex and the person who posted on their Facebook page NOT HIS. Suzze T is 8 months pregnant. In the search for Lex, Myron catches a glimpse of his estranged sister-in-law Kitty and hopes to find her, his brother and his nephew. The two stories wind up entangled and lead Myron and the reader on a fast paced chase!!! (Both my husband and I read this book over a long weekend -- truly a quick - can't put it down- read) I love Coben but don't usually read the Bolitar series --- I will have to go back to the other 9 in the series.

Pat

The Land of the Painted Caves / Jean Auel / 757pp

The "rest of the story " of Ayla, Jondolar , their daughter, and the horses and wolf that are their companions. Ayla is in the process of becoming a Zelandoni (spiritual leader) for the Ninth Cave and learning to balance her life as mate and mother with her spiritual role. Prehistoric cave art is the focus of this book (although the detailed description of how to skin a wolverine from head to "toe" without ruining it -- is all bonus!!!) This 6th and supposedly final book in the Earth's Children series (however there is still more life and adventure for Ayla, since she's not dead), does read fairly quickly even with the author's excruciating attention to detail.

Pat

The Fifth Witness / Michael Connelly / 421 pages

Another Lincoln Lawyer novel. This time Mickey Haller has to battle his own heart as a criminal defense attorney, both to defend his client but also to come to terms with the impact his job has on his relationship with the love of his life, Maggie McPherson. The insight into the justice system, how attorneys approach cases, how cases evolve in trial and what goes on the the judge's chambers is all very interesting and sometimes scary. As always Connelly leaves readers with a twist to the resolution of the case. Recommended for all readers of legal thrillers.

Fruits Basket Vols. 22 & 23 / Natsuki Takaya / 380 pgs.

The final two volumes!  I would say that volume 22 is really the last book in the series and 23 is just a little bonus for the fans.  Vol. 22, wraps up the main storyline nicely.  Vol. 23 lets the reader know what happens to all the side characters as they all move on with their lives. 

I really enjoyed this series as all of the characters are nice to each other and they care about each other like a big family.  Throughout the series, the characters will say something about how they view life and growing up, which at times gives the reader something to think about.  I would recommend this series to any teen reader. 

Fruits Basket Vols. 19 - 21 / Natsuki Takaya / 584 pgs.

The series is coming to an end.  Another Zodiac member is freed from the curse, Kyo tells Tohru his role in her mother's death, and Tohru FINALLY tells Kyo how she feels about him.  (You know how these soap-opera-ish books can really drag things out.!)  These volumes close up a few of the side stories and really builds up the storyline for the final 2 volumes.  I Can't wait.  :)

The Potato Chip Puzzles/Eric Berlin/244 pgs.

Thanks Laura P. for this month's challenge--I can't remember the last children's book I've read. That being said, I really liked this book. I chose one involving a mystery, which this was, but had the added bonus of puzzles for the reader to solve throughout the book. The plot of the book is centered around a $50,000 prize for the team of students first to solve 6 puzzles created by Dmitri Simon (the Potato Chip tycoon). A very entertaining read.

Trouble / Gary Schmidt / 297 pages

"If you build your house far enough away from Trouble, then Trouble will never find you."  That's what Henry's father said, but Trouble has come to the wealthy, aristocratic Smith family, who have lived in their house by the sea for three centuries.  Franklin W. Smith has been hit by a car while running, lost an arm, and suffered brain damage.  A young Cambodian boy was arrested as the driver, and, in a plea bargain is sentenced to probation, 200 hours of community service, and loss of his license.  Many in the community are incensed at the light sentence and his family business is subjected to arson.  The Smith family must deal with difficult events, somewhat assuaged by the addition of Black Dog to the family.  "Maybe Trouble is an accident and it doesn't help to blame anyone.  When all the blaming is over, you have to start living again."

Great read!  Prejudice, forgiveness, and family themes permeate.

Shiloh / Phyllis Reynolds Naylor 144 p.

Eleven old Marty Preston comes across a mistreated hunting beagle owned by neighbor Judd Travers. The second time Shiloh comes to the house, Marty hides him. Marty wrestles with lying to his family and friends. Marty’s secret comes out when Shiloh is badly mauled by a German shepherd. Mr. Preston insists the dog be returned to Travers despite Marty and the entire family bounding with Shiloh. After making a deal with Travers for the dog, Marty comes to understand Judd.

Newbery Medal
Movie

Death Note Vol. 4 / Tsugumi Ohba / 203 pgs.

A Death Note is a notebook that was dropped into the Human world by a Shinigami death god.  Any human whose name is written in the notebook dies.  Light Yagami has been using the death note to rid the world of known criminals.  As authorities begin closing in on him, another Death Note has been given to a young girl who is trying to use it to help Light.  Light joins forces with the detectives to uncover the second note holder before things get out of hand. 

Fruits Basket vol. 18 / Natsuki Takaya / 196 pgs.

This volume finishes the Rin / Haru story arc.  Rin gets caught trying to discover a way to break the zodiac curse.  For punishment she is placed in an isolated room and is not given any food or water for days.  When she is released she is weak and in a delirious state.  Haru figures out why Rin has been so distant and broke up with him earlier in the series.  What I like about this volume is that Haru really thinks about what it means to be in a relationship and that when you love someone you try to continually understand the needs of your partner. 

The Inheritance/ Simon Tolkien/ 325 pages

This is the first novel of JRR Tolkien's grandson. He writes legal mysteries. What I like best about Simon Tolkien is that even if you guess who did it--there are still surpises. This story is trying to solve the mystery of who killed John Cade--a horrible man with a shameful past. Was it one of his sons or someone from his past.

11 Birthdays / Wendy Mass 267 p.

Amanda and Leo celebrate their same birthday with a joint party every year until number 11. They had a falling out and have not spoken for an entire year—preparing to hold separate parties. Her birthday day doesn’t go especially well and she is ready for it to be all over. But the next day—it’s her birthday all over again. Talk about shades of the movie Groundhog Day. Mass makes it fun to read how each repeat turns out a bit different.

Mark Twain nominee

Emma and I / Sheila Hocken 67 p.

Sheila Hocken has been totally blind from birth. She tells a heartwarming story of her life before and after Emma, her guide dog. She relates how when she bumped into something as she was out walking gingerly before Emma only to find herself apologizing to a lamppost. She makes you understand just how wonderful the freedom is that Emma brings to her life. And then there is the miracle of surgery that gives her sight—now she too can use the public library! I find this to be a joy to read. This is a story to be enjoyed again and again for its gentle humor and revealing candor.

Devil’s Alternative / Frederick Forsyth 204 p.

Set in the 1980s, with the President Rudin of Russia facing a famine and Soviet faction that plans to invade Western Europe to get the necessary food. U.S. President Matthews wants a tough disarmament treaty signed before releasing 50 million tons of grain to the Soviets. Drach, a Ukrainian fanatic transplanted to England, wants to bring down the hated Russian government. Adam Munro, a top English spy in Moscow with his own personal international crisis-- an old Russian flame who wants to defect. Add an aging chairman of a Norwegian shipping company is taking delivery on the latest biggest million ton supertanker. Everyone has an agenda. Forsyth does an excellent job of interweaving multiple strands of common place events into an international thriller – a page-turner with global involvement. Readers of David Baldacci and Robert Ludlum may enjoy this page-turner with global involvement.

Capricorn Stone / Madeleine Brent 173 p.

Bridie Chance and sister Kate are enjoying life as ladies of quality in the English countryside when their father dies during a jewelry heist in France. Their mother dies shortly thereafter. Their life is turned upside down as Scotland Yard investigates; a Frenchman hints that their father left a riddle to solve involving his jewelry hoard; and, a mysterious night rider roams the grounds. Bridie works to save the family from bankruptcy. Penniless, she gains employment in London where she eventually joins the comedy team of Alfie Perkins’ and tours the music-hall stage circuit. Romance comes with yet another character, American, Nathan McFee. This romantic suspense is useful for those enjoying the genre.

Flood / Richard Martin Stern 134 p.

Jay Harper, geophysicist, comes to Harper’s Park to see where his grandparent’s lived – now submerged under water when a dam is constructed. While underwater exploring the town, he detects a structural flaw in the dam. Recent earthquake may explain it. The dam is holding but the lake is low. A flash flood could be the trigger to cause failure and destroy the town. Jay warns and a few listen. Disaster buffs may enjoy this one.

The Postmistress/ Sarah Blake/ 326 pp

The lives of people in a small Cape Cod community are impacted by the stories of the war in Europe. Iris is the postmistress of the community and she sees what is happening around her more clearly than anyone. She is the one who holds the last letter should it need to be delivered. She is the one who is trusted to see what needs to be done. While the United States tries to stay out of the conflict, the people of the community are drawn toward it by the voice on the radio.

In the midst of war, it's hard to believe that life goes on for others. This book examines those parallel realities -- the atrocity of war and normal life both occurring at the same time.

Marrying Daisy Bellamy/ Susan Wiggs/ 428 pp

In the latest installment of the Lakeshore Chronicles series, the readers finally find out who wins Daisy's heart. She was introduced earlier in the series as a rebellious teen who becomes pregnant one weekend with a boy from her school NOT with her long distant boyfriend. Now we meet Daisy years later still pining for Julian the long distant boyfriend while deflecting the advances of the father of her son Charlie, Logan. One man makes her heart sing while the other makes more sense. She finally makes the decision to take a chance when fate intervenes. Will Daisy finally get her happily ever after when she least expects it?

Fruits Basket Vol. 17 / Natsuki Takaya / 188 pgs.

This volume is all about Kureno the Rooster character of the Zodiac.  This character has been very mysterious in the past volumes, but all the secrets come out.  The story explains why Kureno will not leave the head of the family, Akito, even though he loves Tohru's friend Arisa.  You also learn some surprising facts about Akito that puts a whole new spin on the series. 

Light of the Moon / LouAnn Rice / 386 pages

"Human Beings needed to know they mattered."  Susannah Connolly has skipped her surprise 42nd birthday party to travel to French Carmargue to fulfill her mother's dying wish.  She believed that she had conceived Susannah due to the intercession of Sarah, saint to the Romany - gypsies, who has a shrine in Stes.-Maries.  Susannah meets Grey Dempsey her first day as he rescues her on horseback from wild bulls.  Susannah is able to help Grey's daughter, Sari, who was physically and emotionally damaged by her mother's abandonment.  Susannah is finally able to split with Ian and share her love of anthroplogy, caves, horses, and life with Grey.  The book is a page-turner with a great forgiveness theme.

Angels Fall/Nora Roberts/439 pgs

Reece Gilmore is a chef from Boston who is the only survivor of a massacre at the restaurant she worked at. She has left all that behind and is trying to settle down at least for a while in Angel's Fist Wyoming as a cook in the local diner. She is still haunted by what she has witnessed. One day while hiking in the mountains, she witnesses a woman being murdered. When she reports this to the local police, no one believes her because no evidence is found and due to her past mental health. One who does believe her is Brody, a mystery writer and romance of course ensues. This book was made into a TV movie and was an enjoyable read. Had my idea about who the guilty party was but Nora Roberts does keep you wondering who really did it.

Fruits Basket vol. 16 / Natsuki Takaya / 190 pgs.

This volume delves into Tohru's parents' past.  It had been hinted at before that Tohru's mother was a bit of an outcast and a miscreant.  I was a little wigged out to learn that Tohru's parents met while her mother was a middle school student (ie about 14 years old) and her father was a student teacher.  They are at least 8 years apart.  At least they didn't start dating until after his student teaching job was finished.   

Fruits Basket vol. 15 / Natsuki Takaya / 194 pgs.

This volume follows the main character Yuki's abusive childhood.  This is something that readers of the graphic novel have been waiting for, and it explains why Yuki has such self esteem issues.  On the lighter side the Senior class puts on a modified version of Cinderella for the High School play.  Its pretty wacky and funny. 

Breaking the Rules/Suzanne Brockmann/507 pgs.

This is Brockmann's 16 "Troubleshooter" series entry, and centers around the Gillman siblings: Eden, Ben, and Danny. The underlying story involves Eden and Danny trying to remove Ben from his abusive mother and stepfather. In addition, Ben befriends Neesha, a teen who has escaped from a brothel she has been imprisoned in for years. So, there is enough action, suspense, romance, and family dynamics to keep the reader entertained during the entire crazy ride!

The Land of Painted Caves/Jean Auel/1248p(LP)

I read the previous five books, but I wouldn't call myself a "fan" of the Earth's Children series. This book in a word: under-edited. There is much to endure, such as lengthy discussions of medicinal plants and teas and their properties, painstaking descriptions of cave paintings, and as a bonus...how to skin a wolverine, omitting no detail. Our heroine, Ayla, is undoubtedly the most inventive woman who ever lived, and her mate, Jondalar, the most handsome and caring man. It was all a bit much. Didn't enjoy this.

Pink Boots and a Machete:my journey from NFL cheerleader to National Geographic explorer/Mireya Mayor/301 pgs

This is a book about a girly girl raised by her Cuban mother, grandmother and aunt in Little Havana who grows up to be a National Geographic explorer. She was a cheerleader for the Miami Dolphins in college but fell in love with the thought of becoming a primatologist. She achieved her dream and the book is mainly about her explorations. The chapters are fairly short - each dealing mainly with one of her trips and there is tragedy but also some comedy. It was an enjoyable read about a girl who packs a little black dress along with her pink boots for each exploration - not your typical explorer.

Rin-ne vols 2 & 3/ Rumiko Takahashi/ 384 pages (2 books)

In Volume 2 we meet Rin-ne's enemy Masato, a devil. Rin-ne made enemies with the devil when they were young boys and Masato wants revenge and doesn't care who else gets hurt in the process. In Volume 3 we meet another boy who can see ghosts. He is an exorsist, who is skilled at angering the dead.

I love these books. It's like watching episodes from a tv show. They are funny & interesting.

I Am Number Four / Pittacus Lore / 440 pages

The planet Lorien has been destroyed by the Mogadorians.  They are monstrous energy/resource abusers who have drained their own planet, Lorien, and have now moved on to earth.  They are secretly draining earth's resources, studying her weaknesses, and plan on eventual domination.  When Lorien was attacked, nine gardes and their guardians were sent to earth in effort to preserve the Lorien race in hopes of future regeneration of their planet.  All gardes will inherit legacies - powers - if they live long enough.  Three have been killed so number 4 knows he is next.  He and his guardian run yet again, changing their identities to escape discovery.  Number 4 falls in love in Paradise,Ohio, finds friends, bullies, death, and...

Matched / Ally Condie / 366 pages

Life is controlled and uncluttered by The Society.  "How can we appreciate anything fully when overwhelmed with too much?"  Mates are matched and only 100 of the best songs, paintings, stories, and poems have been kept.  The rest were eliminated.  Cassia and Xander are unusual in that they have known each other as neighbors and friends their entire lives.  The announcement of their match meets with great joy and excitement.  Cassia has carried her 3 three emergency pills - one red, one blue and one green - to the Matching Banquet in an artifact - a gold compact that had belonged to her great-grandmother.  She knows what the blue and green tablets do, but she doesn't know anyone who knows for certain what the red tablet does.  Cassia sees The Society that "protects" as dystopian and stifling.  She must choose between Xander and Ky, an aberration.  What does the red pill do?  What happens as result of Cassia's choice?

YA

Seer of Shadows/ Avi / 202 p. / 2010 - 2011 Mark Twain Nominee

In New York City in 1872, fourteen-year-old Horace, a photographer's apprentice, becomes entangled in a plot to create fraudulent spirit photographs, but when Horace accidentally frees the real ghost of a dead girl bent on revenge, his life takes a frightening turn.

Kids will really like the ghost story aspect, but even though I liked reading about how photographs were processed in the 1800's those parts of the story were a bit slow and tedious.

Fruits Basket vol. 14 / Natsuki Takaya / 195 pgs.

I really enjoyed this volume because it introduces a new character Isuzu (Rin) who is also a member of the Zodiac.  Rin is fiercely independent and is obviously running from something.  She has an on again/off again relationship with another one of my favorite characters Hatsuharu.  Although the relationship between the two is shown as loving and caring; it is implied that they are having a sexual relationship which may not sit well with parents as the characters are young teenagers. 

Mystery / Jonathan Kellerman / 320 pages

You won't be bored with the latest mystery involving the analytical Dr. Alex Delaware and the outcast LA Police Lieutenant Milo Sturgis. This story revolves around the brutal murder of a mysterious girl spotted by Alex and Robin in the hotel of a bar that is going out of business. In their efforts to identify the girl and solve the mystery, we experience the LA lifestyle, the shallow proprietors of an online website for Sugar Daddies that matches them up with Sweeties, and the twisted psyches of the rich and famous. You can't help but be intrigued by the gluttonous Milo Sturgis and the psychological insights of Alex Delaware. This one will keep you reading and appalled by the abysmal human psyche.

The Peach Keeper / Sarah Addison Allen / 273 pages

I love Sarah Addison Allen's books and The Peach Keeper is a keeper! This story takes place in the lush hills of western North Carolina in the small town of Walls of Water. It is the story of two women, the wealthy Paxton Osgood, president of the prestigious Women's Society, and Willa Jackson, owner of the Au Naturel Organic Sporting Goods & Cafe. The characters grew up together but were never friends but the stories of their families are intertwined. Both women are in the process of remaking themselves and in the process, find the true value of enduring friendship. Allen's writing is mesmerizing. It is lush, descriptive, sensual...you can almost taste the words. The Peach Keeper has a little bit of mystery, a little bit of romance, a little bit of magic and Allen pulls them all together to enchant the reader. The only problem with Allen's books is waiting for the next one to be published. Great read.

The Dawn of a Dream/ Ann Shorey/ 340 pp

Luellen O'Connell set aside her dream of teaching to get married. After one month, her marriage is over and her dream is reignited. Although married teachers are not allowed, she enrolls in the teaching program hoping that her marriage can be dissolved before anyone finds out. She soon finds out that her short marriage will have longterm consequences. Luellen has to find the strength within herself and her faith to fulfill the desires of her heart.

The Promise of Morning/ Ann Shorey/ 322 pp

In the second book of the Beldon Grove series, Ellie Craig, the wife of the town's pastor, is grieving the loss of three of her children. Her grief turns her away from her husband, Matthew, and toward her secret dream of finding a family she never knew. Meanwhile, a new member of the community is sowing seeds of discord among the church forcing Matthew to rethink his own calling.

The Edge of Light/Ann Shorey/ 316 pp

In 1838, Molly McGarvie finds out when her husband dies that his sneaky brother was able to trick him into signing the business over to him. Molly has no choice but to move away to the town where her brother lives to start over. She has to deal with more tragedies along the way. Although she is tempted to take the easy way out -- remarry quickly -- she finds the strenghth to lead her family on her own.

Her Mothers Hope Francine Rivers/498 p.

This is a long, generational book that has a part 2. It follows the story of Marta, a Swiss teen who longs to finish school and become someone someday. However, she has a cruel father, an ill mother, and can do little to change her fate. But change it, she does. The reader will follow Marta through all her travails. Francine Rivers is a good writer, but some parts of this book is just "told" in order to advance the timeline or the book would be even longer.

The real conflict will be the relationship of Marta to her daughter Hildie. It really brings out the baggage that Marta carries from her past that affects their relationship. Hildie knows nothing about her mother's past. Each character only relates based on what they know so that is how they make their decisions. Only the reader knows the entire history and keeps hoping for that breakthrough.

Maybe in the next book. Her Daughter's Dream.

This book is still Christian fiction, but is not as slathered with it as some of her previous books.

The Perfect Match/ Susan May Warren/ 327 pp

Pastor Dan Matthews has maintained a cool distance between himself and the women of his church. When interim fire chief, Ellie Karlson, takes over the fire station where he volunteers, he can no longer keep his cool. Ellie's knowledge and the way she handles several suspicious fires soon earns the respect of most of her crew. When friendship develops between Dan and Ellie, he has a hard time with the dangerous aspects of her job. Ellie's job has always defined who she is. Dan has a deep fear that any women that committed to her job will eventually leave him. When a new job comes Ellie's way, will Dan's fears become reality?

Matched/Allyson Condie/366 pgs.

This YA book is centered around the concept of a Society that determines every aspect of the individual's life--even "matching" the person to his/her life partner. It is told through 17 year- old Cassia Reyes' voice, who has learned who her "match" is. That's all I'm going to say--it grabs you from the very beginning. I'm not sure how many books are going to be in this series--there will be at least 3. Crossed, the second in the series (trilogy?) comes out November 2011.

Tying the Knot/ Susan May Warren/ 343pp

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Happily Ever After/ Susan May Warren/ 343 pp

Mona and her friend, Liza, have found a beautiful victorian house in the lakeside town of Deep Haven thanks to her mother's friend. They plan to fix it up and turn it into a bookstore/ boutique for Liza's pottery. Mona is very determined to do everything on her own but when the extent of the repairs forces her to hire a handyman, her independence is threatened. When mishaps begin happening all evidence points to Joe Michaels, the handyman. When it comes down to her dream or her dream man, who or what will she pick?

Letters from Home/Kristina McMorris/ 357 pp

Liz Stephens is attending a USO dance in 1944 with friends while her boyfriend is otherwise occupied. While there she meets Morgan McClain, a serviceman on his way to war. Although they don't have much time together, Liz senses a connection. But her intuition proves wrong when she later finds Morgan and her friend Betty dancing together. Betty and Morgan exchange addresses so they can keep in touch while he is overseas. When Betty has a difficult time composing her letter to Morgan, Liz writes the letter for Betty. When Betty looses interest in Morgan, Liz continues their correspondence. They share their deepest thoughts and dreams and they both begin to think they may have a future together. Much happens in all their lives and Liz worries that Morgan won't forgive her when he finds out. When he comes home looking for Betty will be able to see past her deception?

Shiver/Maggie Stiefvater/392 pgs

This is another one of the Gateway Readers nominee. I don't usually read stories of werewolves but this one is different. A young girl is attacked by wolves and she becomes fascinated by one of them - a wolf with golden yellow eyes. Years later when a young man (naked) shows up on her doorstep with those same eyes, she learns the secret of the wolves. By spring and summer they are human but during the cold of winter they become wolves. So like any typical YA story, they fall in love and spend the entire story trying to keep him human. That said I really did like this story - it is not your typical werewolf tale. I am looking forward to reading the sequel - "Linger" to find out what happens to Grace and Sam and also what now happens to Olivia (Grace's friend) who was bitten by a wolf.

Confessions of a Shopaholic/Sophie Kinsella/350 Pages

Adapted into a movie.

This book was pretty good, and very easy to read.  I was done reading it before I knew it.  It was a nice story, and had several humorous spots throughout.  The characters weren't developed as well as they could have been, and considering the movie was rated PG, I was not expecting there to be so much language in it.  The ending was OK, but kind of left you hanging, but there's several sequels, so I'm sure that will be taken cake of in the next book.  I saw the movie first, and the movie doesn't follow the book much at all, really, except that the main characters have the same names and she has a shopping addiction, debt, and works as a financial journalist.  That was a bit disappointing, because I actually liked the way the movie went with the storyline.  But overall it was a nice book and I enjoyed reading it.

Moonflower Vine/Jetta Carlson/352pages

Written by a Missouri author this is the story of Matthew and Callie living on
a farm near Renfro Missouri in the early days of the twentieth century. They bring
up four very different daughters during this time and each family member has
their own secrets and story to tell. The end of the book really stunned many of our book club members as it was a true surprise. If you like this book you would probably love to read To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, unfortunately this was the only novel ever written by Jetta Carlson.

The Dive from Clausen's Pier / Ann Packer / 370 pages

Carrie Bell is engaged to a wonderful young man. They have been inseparable during high school and college. Recently, however, Carrie has felt that the relationship has lost it's magic and is strained. On Memorial Day, Mike dives into Clausen's Resevoir and breaks his neck. He becomes a quadraplegic and Carrie runs away to New York to escape seeminy impossible expectations. In New York she reconnects with Kilroy - a man of mystery. She must decide where her heart and her future lie.

Blue Moon / Alyson Noel / 289 pages

Ever is concerned about Damon's personality change. He is distant, fails to keep an important date, and ignores her at school. Roman, a boy new to the school, chases after Ever, turns the school into a frighteningly agreeable place, and is believed by Ever to be a rogue immortal somehow involved in Damon's transformation. She is willing to sacrifice herself to save Damon.

Fat Cat / Robin Brande 330 p

Catherine "Cat" Locke, a morbidly obese junior, tackles her advance science research project about early hominids by becoming the experiment. She lives the lifestyle of early hominids by giving up electronics (computers, television, cell phone0; walking to school, work, and poetry readings; and, eating the foods hominids ate—a whole foods diet. She records her findings in her journal. The slimmer Cat finds guys interested in her. She records all in her journal. How she matures as she slims make this an appealing read.

Gateway Readers nominee

Food, Girls, and Other Things I Can't Have / Allen Zadoff 311 p

Andy Zansky, 2nd largest guy in school, joins the football team to impress April Park. Andy goes from bully target to popular varsity team player—all without curing all his problems. Andy insecurities ring true. Interesting is seeing a makeover told from the boy’s point of view.

Gateway Readers nominee

Buy Ketchup in May and Fly at Noon/Mark Di Vincenzo/144 pages

The subtitle of this book is A Guide to the Best Time to Buy This, Do That and Go There. Mostly, it tells you everything you already know or could guess. Best time to buy Christmas decorations? Right after Christmas. Why do you want to buy ketchup in May? Because it's the start of the picnic and bbq season. Also, it's (gasp!) on sale! Why we need a book to tell us to buy things on sale is beyond me. Of course, I didn't know when the best time to dumpster dive is either. But I'll let someone else take advantage of that.

Peace and Plenty/Sarah Ban Breathnach/412p.

How do you go from being a best-selling author with million dollar royalty checks, nine assistants, and homes on two continents to having to move in with your sister while sorting out an extremely messy divorce? Easy: have nine assistants instead of the two you need(?), spend with abandon, and marry someone who is only after your money. Sarah Ban Breathnach, author of "Simple Abundance" has written a financial memoir detailing her mistakes and finding inspiration from accounts written during the Great Depression, World War II, and Victorian times. Didn't really care for this book because she made so many careless choices and you'll get far better practical financial advice from Suze Orman.

Dogs & the Women Who Love Them/Allen & Linda Anderson/233 pgs

This is a book of short stories about women and the dogs they love. It is much like a Chicken Soup for the Soul sort of book. Kind of uplifting though of course there are some sad stories. But all in all a very nice and easy read - especially if you love dogs - you don't necessarily have to be a woman to enjoy it though.

A Quiet Flame / Philip Kerr / 389 pages

Detective Bernie Gunther has relocated to Peron's Argentina after Hitler's overthrow at the end of World War II.  He has thyroid cancer, a new identity, and a new case that is similar to a case that he was pulled off of in 1930's Berlin.  His life is threatened repeatedly and yet he persists in his investigations.  Mr. Kerr's extensive research into Nazis and twentieth century Germany make a A Quiet Flame an interesting read.

Closed for the Season / Mary Downing Hahn / 182 pages

Logan's family has bought a little rundown house in a town where his Dad will be the high school art teacher.  Logan's next door neighbor, Arthur,  tells him his grandmother was murdered in that house.  He says that although it was rumored that his grandmother had stolen and hidden money from the now defunct, and soon to demolished, Magic Forest amusement park, Logan and Arthur investigate the murder and the money.

Shiver / Maggie Stiefvater 392 p.

Grace, 17, is fascinated with the wolves in the woods in her backyard, especially her yellow-eyed wolf. Sam lives two lives; in summer as a human and in winter as a wolf. Never talking until a wounded Sam as young man turns up on her doorstep. This paranormal romance is a riveting telling of first and lasting love. This first story about the Wolves of Mercy Falls is followed by Linger.

Gateway Readers Award nominee

If I Stay/Forman, Gayle/259 pgs

This is another Gateway Readers nominee and I enjoyed this story also. Not a very happy tale though. It is about a girl who loses her entire family in a car accident and she is critically injured. The story is told by the girl who through out most of the book is outside of her body watching what is happening. She is told that she has to make a decision whether to stay or to go. Her life previous to the accident is told in a series of flashbacks when different members of her extended family or friends comes to visit her. With their help, she does make her decision. Just a warning, some of the language in this book is a little mature.

Physics of the future/Michio Kaku/368p.

Not the flying cars and jetpacks we were promised, but better: access to the internet through contact lenses and cars that drive themselves. Really this book is less about hard-core physics and more about technological breakthroughs by a well-respected and accomplished scientist author. I'm recommending this book to my high-school age daughter and then I'm calling my broker to invest in companies developing nanotechnology. This is your free stock tip for 2011.

A Red Herring without Mustard / C. Alan Bradley / 391 pages

This is the 3rd mystery featuring the precocious 11 year old sleuth/chemist Flavia de Luce and it is fabulous. There is something so charming about these books that you will sigh happily at the conclusion just as if you had consumed a delicious meal. The books take place in post WWII England on a large estate that is nearly bankrupt. Flavia's mother died when she was an infant, her father has been consumed by his grief for a decade & devotes all his emotion to his stamp collection, and her two older sisters Ophelia & Daphne (one vain and one bookish) torture Flavia incessantly. The brilliant Flavia loves chemistry and uses her knowledge, logic, and intrepid sleuthing to solve village murders. These are definitely cozy and not violent. Although death by sterling silver lobster pick stuck up one's nose cannot be pleasant. Read all the Flavia de Luce books and you will bond immediately with the plucky Flavia who desperately needs the love of a mum and treats her bicycle Gladys like a friend. (What she does to extract revenge on her sisters is very creative.)

Rin-ne vol. 1/ Rumiko Takahashi/ 180 pages

Sakura has the power to see ghosts and wishes they would leave her alone. A new classmate joins her school: Rinne. Rinne has abilities of his own. He is a (sort of) shinigami--he helps the dead pass on to the afterlife. This book is the meeting of Rinne & Sakura. I look forward to reading the other volumes to see how their "gifts" play out.

The Secret of Zoom/Lynne Jonell/ 291 pp

Christina lives with her Dad in an old stone mansion. She does not go to school, but uses computer programs and tutors instead. Her mother died in a lab explosion and Christina's life has been very sheltered. That is until she meets an orphan boy named Taft, then the adventure begins. Together they discover a secret passageway in the mansion, rescue enslaved orphans and learn about a new energy source called Zoom. This is a great adventure story that will keep their interest. 4th-5th grade


Mark Twain Award Nominee 2011-2012

Fat Cat/Brande, Robin/330 pgs

For her high school science project, Cat decides she will eat and live much like our earliest ancestors - the hominids. She gives up all processed food and most technology (except for those needed as safety exceptions). She tracks her progress to see if our current lifestyle is what is causing our health issues and in the process, she learns to appreciate herself no matter how she looks. I don't normally read many YA titles but I did enjoy this story.

This is a Gateway Readers Award nominee.

The Knitting Diaries/Debbie Macomber,Susan Mallery, Christina Skye/347 pgs.

These three stories have a common thread (or should I say yarn?) running through them: knitting. Debbie Macomber's The Twenty-First Wish is a continuation of her Twenty Wishes. Coming Unraveled, by Susan Mallery, is a young lady's return home after not succeeding on Broadway. Return to Summer Island, by Christina Skye, involves a young woman recuperating from a car accident, and her chance meeting with a marine serving in Afghanistan. Enjoyable!

The Last Chinese Chef/Nicole Mones/278 pgs.

This is our book club selection for April, so I will preface this by saying it would not have been a book I would have selected had I been browsing the shelves. That being said, I would have missed out on a very interesting and enjoyable book. The reader learns about Chinese culture through the history of some of their cuisine, in a fictional account. Maggie McElroy, several years a widow, learns that her deceased husband might have fathered a child on one of his many trips to China. Maggie is a food editor for a magazine, so she combines an assignment with her need to address the paternity suit against her husband. It's a journey through the Chinese cuisine, and one of self discovery for Maggie. Highly recommended!

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother/Amy Chua/230 pages

Amy Chua describes the parenting technique she uses for her two daughters, Sophia and Lulu. Both girls are very accomplished musicians and stellar students, but their accomplishments came at a price. Chua uses intimidation, threats and verbal abuse to coerce her children into doing what she wants. (Some physical abuse is hinted at as well.) Apparently, this is the "Chinese way."

Chua knows her methods are hard for Western parents to accept or even read. She does a good job of explaining the difference in the cultures. She assumes her way is better and produces less troubled children until her second child rebels against her. She learns to adjust as best she can. Since I am considered the "strict mom" in my children's group of friends, it was a delight to read what a truly crazed strict mom really is. Many of the passage are funny, but a fair number of them left me shaking my head.

Georgia Bottoms/Mark Childress/278 pages

Georgia Bottoms lives a interesting and mostly secret life in Six Points, Alabama. When one of her indiscretions threatens to become public, she must stop him. But she doesn't stop there. She decides to also punish him, discreetly, of course. Her life begins to unravel from that point on.

This book was mildly entertaining but left me wondering "what was the point?" The style and storytelling strength of the author does make me want to look for his other books.

Heartsick / Chelsea Cain / 326 pages

I listened to this one on CD and recommend the audio version because hearing the characters lends so much more to the story. I like mystery, I like murder, I like reading about serial killers. This book is one of the most disturbing titles I've ever read; one that will stick with me for awhile. The plot is about finding the murderer of young school girls but the real story is about Archie Sheridan, the policeman and surviving victim of a pyschopathic killer. What happens to Archie is very, very brutal, stomach turning and frightening. The scariest element is what happens to Archie as a human being and his struggle to regain control of his life and his emotions. You must listen to this one. You won't regret it.

Tiger's Curse / Colleen Houck / 403 pages

A teenage girl takes a temp job at a circus the summer before she enters college. She forms a bond with a white tiger who turns out to be an Indian prince (in Kelsey's words a hunk) who was cursed along with his equally hunky brother to be a tiger for eternity. Within a few weeks, she gets the blessing of her foster parents to fly off to India with a perfect stranger to supposedly let the white tiger live out its life in a reserve but is actually entering a quest to break the Tiger's Curse. Much of the story is totally improbable, the character seems much younger than her age, and the fairy tale handsome prince falling for the t-shirt and sneakers girl just doesn't ring true. Is it any different from so many adult romances? Not really....just more chaste with nothing more than hot kissing and tingly feelings so far. The quest involves lots of Indiana Jones style action. This is perfect for Twilight fans who want more romance but with an Indian mythology twist. First in a trilogy and readers will want to find out what happens next.

Fallout/ Ellen Hopkins/ 665 pages

This is the 3rd in a series of novels in verse surrounding Kristina's addictions. This novel is much different than the first two, which were about young Kristina falling into addiction. This is about the aftermath of her choices and how they have affected her children. It's been a while since I read the first two and I wish I remembered more details. But, this one was much more hopeful than I remember any of Hopkin's novels ever being. This is the story of Hunter, Autumn, and Summer--Kristina's 3 oldest children--and how their lives have been shaped by their mother's choices and how her choices have affected them.

Blue Heaven / C. J. Box / 344 pages

Jess Rawlins' ranch is in an area of Idaho called Blue Heaven because so many LAPD police officers have retired and moved there.  His wife has left him, emptying the bank accounts before she left, and is married to a real estate agent who is trying to buy the ranch before Jess loses it to back taxes or foreclosure.  Two children have witnessed a murder and Jess becomes instrumental in keeping the children safe and is accused of kidnapping them - or worse.

The Wolf and the Buffalo / Elmer Kelton 149 p.

The Civil War has just ended. Ex-slave Gideon Ledbetter is drawn into serving in the cavalry by the lure of $13 a month. Kelton skillfully weaves the story of the Ledbetter and his Commanche nemesis Gray Horse Running as he tells of the Texas Comanche wars. Not being a fan of the Western genre, I was surprised how much I enjoyed this story. This may be of interest to the Larry McMurtry readers and fans of historical fiction. Louis L'Amour readers may find this too character driven.

Bess and Harry : an American love story / Jhan Robbins 92 p.

This is a delightful accounting of the marriage of the Bess and Harry Truman that focuses on their long devoted loving personal relationship. This tells of Bess's considerable support for Harry's political career. I found this to be a wonderful followup to Truman by David McCullough.

2011-2012 Gateway Reader Award Nominees

I have read all twelve Gateway Reader Award Nominees, as I served as a reader/selector for the Gateway Award Committee.  Unfortunately, I read them too soon - between August 1 and December 1, 2010, disqualifying myself from bonus points.  I would recommend most of them.

2011-12 Mark Twain Award Nominees

As reader/selector for the Mark Twain Award, I have read all twelve 2011-2012 Mark Twain Award Nominees.  I read them all between August 1 and December 1, 2010 so am not eligible for bonus points, but whole-heartedly recommend them all!!

Out of Range / C. J. Box / 308 pages

Yet another captivating read by C. J. Box.  Game warden, Joe Pickett, is sent to cover another game warden's territory in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  The game warden, Will Jensen, has supposedly killed himself after undergoing rapid personality change.  Joe, too, experiences befuddlement and becomes embroiled in illegal hunting practices, land development schemes, and attraction to another woman.

Shaken / J. A. Konrath / 262 pages

Retired Lt. Jack (Jacqueline) Daniels is being held captive by a madman she has hunted for two decades.  J. A. Konrath weaves his page-turner using alternating chapters describing events as they unfold twenty years ago, three years ago, and the present.  Harry, Herb, and Phin play supporting rolls in this the latest Jack Daniels mystery.  "Mark Twain once said that true bravery isn't the absence of fear, but the ability to act in the face of fear."  Jack and her friends are truly brave.

Nowhere to Run / C. J. Box / 356 pages

"It's always better to apologize than to ask permission."  This advice from Nate Romanowski is followed by Wyoming game warden, Joe Pickett, as he re-enters the Sierra Madre mountains in search of the Brothers Grimm.  The twin brothers are fugitives from UP (the Upper Peninsula of Michigan).  Their land was stolen by a developer and the federal government and three of their family were killed in a shoot out at their compound.  They fled to the wilds of Wyoming to escape bureaucracy.  Joe discovers that they are protecting a woman in the woods.  Is she the Olynpic hopeful runner who has been missing?

Blood Trail / C. J. Box / 301 pages

Joe Pickett is earnest and relentless as he attempts to find the hunter who is killing hunters.  His friend, Nate Romanowski, has been released from federal prison to help, but he has disappeared. An internationally known animal rights activist arrives on the scene and the FBI and the governor believe he may be involved.

As always, Mr. Box has written a page-turner!

Below Zero / C. J. Box / 342 pages

"For the first time in his life, Joe felt famous.  It was similar to a headache."  Wyoming game warden, Joe Pickett, does not seek to be in the limelight, yet he always seems to be at the center of the action.  In Below Zero, Joe seeks to recover his lost foster daughter, April, formerly believed to be killed in the Sovereign Camp disaster.  He is also in hot pursuit of a Chicago crime boss and his psychotic, environmentalist son.
Great read!

Betrayal of the Blood Lily / Lauren Willig 401 p.

Penelope Deveraux Staines, AKA Lady Frederick, is whisked off to colonial India to give the scandalous nature of her hasty marriage to die down. Once there she learns that not everyone is as they seem, including her husband. Lady Frederick finds herself involved in intrigues, double crossing, and spies. She spars with Captain Alex Reid who may the one person she can trust in this situation. The story is told by a contemporary woman. What I found interesting in this story is the setting-- Colonial India. Those who enjoy a mystery with historical and romantic aspects will find this enjoyable. Those who enjoyed M.M. Kaye's historical romances, The Far Pavilions, may like this too.

Faith, Hope, and Ivy June / Phyllis Reynolds Naylor 280 p.

Ivy June Mosley of Thunder Creek and Catherine Combs of Lexington, Kentucky are 7th grade exchange students charged with keeping a journal about their personal experiences during the 2 week shadowing each other. Naylor nailed the fact that both teens are concerned about fitting in to very different life styles. Each has uncomfortable moments in the others live. As I read I felt that this concept "city girl and the country girl" had been done before. Naylor makes family crisis come alive in each girl's life making them each realize how much in common they have. Useful to promote discussions of stereotypes.

Mark Twain 2011-2012 nominee

Prudent Advice: lessons for my baby daughter (a life list for every woman)/Jaime Morrison Curtis/197pgs

A list of 500 life lessons compiled by the author for her 2 year-old daughter...some practical, some touching, mostly useful. Number 302: "It's never a good idea to stand on a rocking chair." So true. A few are cliches, but the majority are helpful and sweet. Interspersed with poetry and artwork, you can read this in one evening.

Fairy Tale Weddings/Macomber, Debbie/329 pgs

This is a book of two stories based on fairy tales - one is "Cindy and her Prince" ("Cinderella") and the other is "Some Kind of Wonderful" ("Beauty and the Beast"). Cindy is a cleaning person in a office building and is challenged to crash the Christmas party and meet her "Prince" - Thorndike Prince, the VP of the company. Of course they fall in love that night but he doesn't know who she is. In "Some Kind of Wonderful", Judy goes to live on a Caribbean island to help save her father's company from John McFarland who her father said is a Beast. Of course by the end of the stories, they all live happily ever after just like any good fairy tale. They were both very enjoyable stories - a good happy ending and who doesn't need that every once in a while.

A Passion Denied/ Julie Lessman/ 475 pp

Third and final book in The Daughters of Boston series. Elizabeth O'Connor has been studying the Bible with John Brady since she was a teenager. As her faith grew so did the belief that one day Brady would be her husband. But secrets from Brady's past have convinced him that love and marriage cannot be a part of his future. When the past returns in the form of his twin brother, will Brady finally acknowledge his love for Elizabeth or will he lose her forever? Again, the characters have realistic faults, aren't always perfect and make human mistakes. It makes the ending less sure in the reader's mind. Many times I thought, how are they going to get beyond this? Great ending to the series.

A Passioned Redeemed/Julie Lessman/ 479 pp

Book 2 of the Daughters of Boston Series. Charity O'Connor has a plan to seduce her sister's former fiance, Mitch Dennehy. He already fell for one of her schemes and it cost him the love of his life. But it's plain to see that is not only fighting Charity but himself. Charity, unlike her family, doesn't believe in God. She believes in her beauty and her ability to get any man she chooses. Will her faith in herself prove justified? Another great book in this series. Charity is not your typical Christian romance heroine but she does eventually see the error of her ways. Set against the historical backdrop of the Great War, "A Passion Redeemed" shows passion fueled by envy and rivalry will become a weapon against itself.

A Passion Most Pure/ Julie Lessman/ 477 pp

Faith O'Connor was stricken as child with polio. Her ordeal and recovery left her with a passionate faith and a conviction to please God. Those beliefs are challenged by Collin McGuire who she has cared about since high school. Collin has no use for the beliefs that shape Faith's life. He is passionate about Faith's sister, Charity. It looks like they are headed for the altar, when the Great War calls. But before he leaves, he and Faith share moments that make her think that he hasn't truly given his heart to Charity. Faith refuses to compromise her convictions and vows to get over Collin. Collin's ambivalence becomes a wedge between the sisters. Meanwhile Great War changes everything in the O'Connor household. I enjoyed the realism as Faith struggled with her convictions. She gave in at times to temptation but in the end remained true to her beliefs. That didn't always mean that life proceeded smoothly. The rest of the O'Connor family was portrayed with depth. Not all of them, especially Charity, had the same convictions as Faith. The road to true love had many realistic and unexpected twists. All in all a great read!

How it ends/Chris Impey/299p

For anyone with morbid curiosity about how life on Earth will eventually end (hint: it will be very, very warm) and how the demise of the entire universe will play out (hint: it will be a very, very long distance between neighbors) according to the leading scientific theories. Personally, it was too heavy in technical jargon for my taste/interest/ability to understand technical jargon.

At the same time, the author writes humorously and I find this subject matter fascinating. Good change of pace.

The City of Ember/ Jeanne DuPrau/ 270 pages

The City of Ember is in trouble. Lina & Doon are trying to find a way to save it. Ember is surrounded by complete darkness and is run by a generator. This is how things have been for hundreds of years in Ember. But, now the generator is failing and they must find a way out before the generator fails. Good book, fast read. I think I prefered the audio when I "read" it before.

Fruits Basket / Natsuki Takaya / Vols. 9-13: 976 pgs.

The first story arc of this series vols. 1-8 is also covered in the TV Anime Series.  Teens who love the show will be pleased to learn that the story continues for another 12 volumes.  In volumes 9-13, you get more of the back story of several of the Zodiac members.  I especially liked learning more about the character's parents since they live apart from them. 

This graphic novel is rated T (ages 13+) which I would say is appropriate.  There are a few sexual innuendos that are funny, but would most likely go over the heads of younger readers.  Other than that the story is about characters that are dealing with a family curse in their own way.  Every chapter has a little reflection at the end about what it means to live even when there are hardships in your life.

Sarah's Key/Tatiana de Rosnay/ p 294

Julia Jarmon, an American journalist in Paris, is asked to write about the roundup of Jews during World War II. Added by the French police and some citizens, Jewish men, women and children were transported from Vel d'Hiv section of Paris to German extermination camps. While investigating what happened, Julia finds a close connection to one of the families. Parallel to Julia's story, we find out about Sarah who lived through the awful roundup. Thinking they would be taken to the police station and returned, she locks her little brother in a cabinet to hide from the police. That key gives her the courage to make her way back to Paris. What she finds in her old apartment changes her forever as well as the family who moved in to their old apartment. The past and present are skillfully interwoven in this riveting book!

The Dark and Hollow Places / Carrie Ryan / 376p.

Annah has been waiting in the Dark City for Elias to return for three years now and has decided to give up.  The city is no longer safe, the Recruiters are no longer looking out for the good of the people, and she wants to see if anything is left of her original home or if the Unconsecrated (zombies) have taken it over.  As she is leaving the city she sees her face in the crowd of people entering - her long lost twin sister, Gabry.  Gabry has returned to the city with Catcher and is looking for Elias (all three characters we first met in The Dead-Tossed Waves) as well as hoping to find Annah.  When "the horde" of Unconsecrated get into the city, they find refuge in the Sanctuary thanks to Catcher being immune to the virus.  Elias, Gabry, and Annah are, however, held prisoner in the Sanctuary to make sure that Catcher (their only source for food and supplies from the outside world) will continue to work to bring back supplies.  That is, until they plan their escape.  But how can they escape without being attacked by the undead?

In this third and final book in the Forest of Hands and Teeth trilogy Ryan, once again, creates a love story in the middle of terrible circumstances.  If you liked The Forest of Hands and Teeth and The Dead-Tossed Waves then you should eat this title up as well.  As annoying as it is when authors turn a trilogy into more than three books, I would be willing to forgive in this instance - I am dying to know what happens next!

Freedom/Jonathan Franzen/ 562 p

Patty and Walter Berglund are a middle class couple in a reviving neighborhood. Walter is crazy about Patty even though she isn't anything like him. Patty chooses Walter as her "safe choice" rather than his bad boy roommate. Jessica is their firstborn who is everyone's idea of a perfect child. Joey is a strong willed second child who is Patty's primary focus. Their lives unravel when Joey hooks up with a neighborhood girl and moves in with her Republican family. Although I normally enjoy satire, I just didn't get this book. It was supposed to be funny but mostly it was sad. Franzen's take on the typical American middle class family bore no real point of reference within my own experience.

Trash / Andy Mulligan / 232p.

In the near future, three boys live in a Third World country and make their living picking through the local dumpsite.  That's what all the kids do - pick through trash.  Usually, they don't find anything of much use but one day, Raphael finds something special.  Something the police and government officials want to find desperately.  Something that they might kill for.  Raphael and his friends, Gardo and Rat, have to get to the bottom of why this find is so important to so many people and then decide what they should do with it?  Turn it in for a reward?  Or keep it for themselves?

I remember ordering this title because it had such good reviews but the topic (and, let's be real here, the cover art) did not appeal to me.  The only reason I picked it up was because of the rave reviews during School Library Journal's Battle of the Books (it beat one of my favorites in the first round...). A quick and straight forward read, this book is a mystery about political corruption.  While reading it, I was reminded of the movie City of God -  mostly because it's about kids living in poverty in Brazil but also because that movie was something I wasn't excited about watching before I started it, but was very happy I did afterwards.   I think if you can talk teens into reading it (tell them to overlook the cover) they should enjoy it.

Runaway Twin / Peg Kehret/ 197 pages/ Mark Twain Nominee 2011-2012

Sunny Skyland has a twin sister but she hasn't seen her since she was 3 years old. Sunny has lived in foster homes for 10 years and finally sets out on a "journey" to find her sister. She runs away from her foster home and finds unexpected friends, as well as, dangers along the way. Peg Kehret always writes a good story that will interest kids. Recommended for 4th-5th Grade.

Halt's Peril/ John Flanagan / 386 pages

This is number 9 in the Ranger's Apprentice Series. I've read them all and I still like them. As always, the stories have a lot of action and adventure, bravery, trickery, friendship, loyalty, good vs evil, cunning, and characters who do the right thing. These would be good for boys. Recommend the series for grades 5-8.

Secrets To the Grave/Tami Hoag/449 pgs.

Taking characters from her previous book, Deeper Than the Dead, Hoag involves the reader in another case of a gruesome murder. What appears to be a senseless murder of transplanted artist Marissa Fordham, turns out to be anything but. There are red herrings galore, plenty of suspense, and side stories giving the impression of future "installations." I enjoy Tami Hoag's books--they are fast reads and entertaining.

Fatal Judgment/Irene Hannon/328 pgs.

This is the first in the Guardians of Justice series. Irene Hannon lives in Missouri and writes books that combine mystery, suspense, and romance, with a dash of Christian views added in. I personally thought this was one of her best efforts, having read the Heroes of Quantico series. In this book, Federal Judge Liz Michaels becomes the target of murder. The setting is St. Louis, so it's fun being able to recognize the landmarks Irene Hannon uses. It's a fast read, and good for patrons who want suspense, but not gore, romance, but not sex!

Alexander McCall Smith / Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party / 213 pages

I just love the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. These aren't so much mysteries as studies in how to understand people and use instinct and logic to figure things out. Honestly, it would be great to have Precious Ramotswe, that traditionally built woman, as a friend. I think I could tell her anything and I know she'd help me. She is so grounded and comfortable in being who she is. She knows what is important to her. She loves her country, her family and her friends with all their warts. I'm seriously thinking we should have red bush tea breaks at the library. These books just make you feel good about being human!

Ever After/Roberts, Nora/120 pgs

This story was originally part of a book of three Irish romances written by Nora Roberts - I had listened to the audio book for just this one. It is a story about an American - Allena who finds herself on an island off the coast of Ireland. She ends up staying with a man - Conal - who has cut himself off because of stories he has been told in the past - that he has elven blood and that the woman that he must marry will show up on the solstice. It is a typical romance with a little bit of Irish magic thrown in.

I Beat the Odds/Oher, Michael/250 pgs

I had really enjoyed the movie "The Blind Side" so I decided to read this book to see how true it had been and I was interested in the rest of his story. I was not disappointed. The movie had made some changes to the story but the basics were there. The book starts with Michael's childhood (before the movie) and goes through after his being drafted. This story is about a boy who knew what he wanted from his life but wasn't sure how to do it and the people he meets and who help him out along the way. It is more than just the story of the Touhys and Michael because there were others who helped him out. It is also a story about his paying it forward - he is wanting to help other kids living in the same conditions that he grew up in and he gives ideas on how make it out of the ghetto.

Matched / Ally Condie / 369p.

In this dystopian story, the Society "matches" most 17 year olds to the person they will eventually marry.  Cassia has been anxiously awaiting her day to be matched for years.  When she realizes that her match is her best friend from childhood, Xander, then her future happiness seems certain.  It's certain until she accesses her information card about Xander and another boy's face pops up on the screen; a boy she knows; a boy named Ky.  Cassia's world view quickly gets turned on its head as she starts to question the wisdom of the Society in not only matching, but in everything.

 I listened to this title on audiobook, read by Kate Simses, and it was really quite good.  My one line sell of Matched by Ally Condie is: "Lois Lowry's The Giver but with the love triangle of Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games."  And if that doesn't make most teenage girls want to read it then I don't know what will!

Hate List / Jennifer Brown / 408p / Gateway Nominee!

 In Jennifer Brown's Hate List, we are introduced to Val as she is about to start her Senior year of high school.  A high school that went through a school shooting the previous year in which Val got injured and many other students were injured or killed.  That shooting was perpetrated by Val's boyfriend, Nick, who, in the end, turned the gun on himself.  In alternating chapters of present day and flashbacks, this novel tells a poignant story of bullying, forgiveness, and acceptance.  At the heart of the story, however, is the sentiment that you never truly know anyone's mind other than your own.

A fast and intense read, this story will hit home with almost any high schooler.  All social cliques are represented (and misrepresented in how they are perceived by others) and so no matter whether the student is the outcast or the most popular kid in school, they will easily find a character to relate to in this book.

Sapphique / Catherine Fisher / 462 p.

Sapphique, is the sequel to Catherine Fisher's rather popular book Incarceron  (which is being made into a movie starring the Teen heart-throb and Wolf-boy Jake Lautner).  The story follows Finn, who escaped from the prison Incarceron, is finding out that the outside Kingdom has its own set of problems.  A totalitarian ruler, a crumbling kingdom, a secret society plotting a revolution, and on top of that Finn is being challenged as the legitimate heir to the throne.  As the fight escalates outside, inside the prison Finn's friends Keiro and Attia are searching for a magical glove, which legend has it, it has the power to allow them to escape.     

The overlong book, is at times confusing and tiring.  So many action sequences are crammed into the book you start to wonder, "how many times are the characters going to be attacked?"  The story wraps up quickly which (annoyingly) leaves some things unanswered and leaves out some events that would have made a better story than what was in this leisurely paced book.

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother/Amy Chua/229p

This bestseller details the "Chinese Parenting" model that results in the academic and musical success of so many Asian children. The author, whose parents are Chinese born immigrants, is herself a professor at Yale Law and has two teenage daughters who have achieved considerable success in school and music. It's entertaining and humorous and Ms. Chua is quite candid as she recounts things she's said and done to ensure that her children excel. It's also scary and draconian to "Western" parents: her children never went to sleepovers, were not allowed to try out for a school play, had to have the top score on all their tests and were subjected to shaming and insults if they didn't achieve all the lofty goals set for them. Hard to swallow, yet there's no arguing with the results: Asian-American children typically outscore all other groups on standardized tests and any mother who has had their children in piano and violin lessons can attest to how well they do in that arena. The question: Is that all there is to being a successful human being? At any rate, anyone who has ever worried about hovering and pushing their child too hard can read this and feel better about themselves.

The Revenge of the Radioactive Lady/ Elizabeth Stuckey-French/ 334 pages

Loved this book. MaryLou is now in her 70's and seeking revenge on the doctor who allowed her to drink a radioactive cocktail when she was pregnant back in 1954. The doctor now has alzheimer's and the revenge does not come easily, especially since his family has it's own quirks that come into play. Entertaining and thoughtful.

The Wilder Life: My adventures in the Lost World of Little House on the Prairie by Wendy McClure

This is an ARC book being released April 14th. It is for all the Laura fans. It is full of funny, interesting stories and Laura trivia as you follow Wendy McClure on her journey to visit all the sites in Laura world. I could so relate to so much of the book. By Golly, I'm going to buy a sunbonnet next time I see one. ( Wendy has 16, I think).

Not really ever meeting other die-hard fans except one, this book was a real treat. Now I need to back to Pepin, Wisconsin since they've built a cabin replica. (Wasn't there when I was) Also Prairie Days in Independence, Kansas.

Wendy McClure is going to be at the Schlafley Branch of St. Louis Public Library on Monday, May 16. I think she'll be a good speaker.

I recommend this book if you have read any Laura Ingalls Wilder books. She also wrote The Princess and the Peanut Allergy for young children. Quite good with great pictures.

Live Wire / Harlan Coben / 371 pages

Myron Bolitar, Big Cyndi, Win, and Esperanza are some of my favorite characters. Coben doesn't disappoint in his latest book. It has humor, mystery, action, and pathos. This time the author takes a look at lies and actions and how they can impact the future. If you like, Coben you will like Live Wire. In the Acknowledgments, the author reveals that he will have a YA novel published in Fall 2011. Look out for Shelter which features Mickey, Myron's nephew, who is introduced to readers in Live Wire.

Prisoners in the Palace/Michaela MacColl/367 Pages

This YA book tells the story of how young Princess Victoria became Queen in the early 19th century.  It isn't a story of just Princess Victoria, but also of her maid, Liza, who was recently orphaned.  She. along with other characters, work to dispel rumors about the Princess and help her to become the Queen.

I found it to be a fast, easy read with a good storyline.  It was well-researched and tells a lot about the social classes in the England of that time period.  The writing style was very nice, and switched between narrative and journal entries in a way that wasn't confusing to the reader.  This was the author's first novel, and if she writes another book I will be sure to read it.

Call Me Irresistible / Susan Elizabeth Phillips / 387 pages

In this romance that takes place in a small, economy-stressed Texas town of Wynette, Meg Koranda (daughter of famous Hollywood celebrities) saves her best friend Lucy (daughter of the lady president) from her imminent marriage to Wynette darling and so so sexy Ted Beaudine (inventor and son of professional golfer and TV celeb). Of course, Meg is hated by the entire town while being stuck there scrubbing toilets and managing a drink cart at the country club because her parents have cut off her funds and treat her with some tough love. Ted who inspires birds to sing, sunbeams to descend from heaven, and women to swoon loathes the troublemaker Meg who ruins his wedding day. In the end of course, lust wins out and Ted and Meg discover they are indeed made for each other and share an interest in the environment. The citizens of Wynette also adopt her as one of their own since she is just as quirky as they are. While I haven't read any of her previous books, the author apparently brings together characters from a number of her earlier books but you don't need to have read the previous titles to enjoy this one. As in any romance, you know how it's going to end, you just have to keep reading to find out how the author will tidy everything up so they can live lustily ever after. The characters in this one are engaging and it's a good, fast read as well as being funny and hot, hot, hot.

Minding Frankie/Maeve Binchy/383 pages

Minding Frankie is classic Maeve Binchy. She specializes in telling the stories of the people of Dublin. She's laid the groundwork for this book with many of her others and now the characters of those books can come together and form a perfect little community to help Noel raise his daughter Frankie. Noel is an unassuming drunk loner who finds out that he has a daughter on the way and will have to raise her without her mother. He won't be on his own, though. His newly discovered American cousin Emily has brought her no nonsense but caring ways to this little part of Dublin. She manages to help everyone by finding ways for them to help each other.

Book of a Thousand Days/Hale, Shannon/305 pgs

The story is told by a maid who goes to work for a lady who is trapped in a tower by her father. She writes in a journal about what happens to them while they are in the tower and after they escape. It is also a love story and the ending while it may be pretty typical was very good

The Weird Sisters/Brown, Eleanor/320 pgs

This book is about 3 sisters who are all named after Shakespeare characters - their father is a professor who specializes in Shakespeare (that's why the title - the three witches from Macbeth). It starts out kind of slow but by the end it does get better. The sisters did not really get along but learn to appreciate their differences.

Free Fire / C. J. Box / 352 pages

Wyoming game warden, Joe Pickett, "wants to do good, even when [he] should know better."  It's why his wife, Marybeth, loves him and why the new Democratic governor of the state has offered Joe his job back and asked him "unofficially to investigate murders in Yellowstone."  (Yellowstone is the world's first national park.  It is 2.2 million acres and has more than 10,000 thermal features, canyons, waterfalls, and wildlife.  It was founded in 1872.)  Joe again asks his friend, Nate Romanowksi, to help him.  Mystery man Nate believes that "falcons, like some people, need to do things.  They can't just exist."  Clay McCann was released even though he admitted to the murders.  He says "It's not like our laws are moral codes - they're just a set of rules dreamed up by politicians to keep themselves in power and placate their contributors...If our laws were honest and based on universal truth, I'd be on death row for six murders."

Another great Joe Pickett mystery.  Great information on Yellowstone!!

In Plain Sight / C. J. Box / 305 pages

Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett's job has just become more difficult.  The governor has named a new Game & Fish director after his appointee died of a heart attack within a week of his appointment.  Randy Pope is a bureaucrat who has risen through the ranks administratively.  Joe's supervisor, Trey Crump, took early retirement rather than try to work under Pope's directives.  Joe's daughter has become a teenager - with all that entails, and one of the area's leading citizens has gone missing and her three adult sons attack each with shovels.  "It was as if the figures on Mount Rushmore were head-butting one another."  To make matters worse, John Wayne Keeley, a murderer, has arrived on the scene determined to exact revenge on Joe and his family for the deaths of his brother, sister-in-law, and daughter.

Great adventure/mystery story!

APRIL IS HERE!!!

SPRING! SPRING! SPRING! SPRING!  YEY!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hope you are all enjoying the warm weather outside and with a good book!  This is just a quick note to let you all know that the April Reading Challenge is posted.  Check the "Bonus Points" Tab. 

Clara and Mr. Tiffany / Susan Vreeland / 405 pages

I am such a sucker for historical fiction and this book fills the bill. Vreeland does a magnificent job of re-creating turn of the century New York. You read about the horrible living conditions of the tenements, the over the top display of wealth, the working conditions for women, and the engaging life in a boarding house pre TV and radio! You will love the story of the real life Clara Driscoll, the unrecognized artist who conceived the idea for the famed Tiffany lamps, and her relationship both with Mr. Tiffany and her life as a working woman and leader of the "Tiffany girls." You will enjoy reading about the city of New York itself as it adds the first skyscraper (the Flatiron Building) and the first subway line. You will gain insight into the struggle of the artist who creates for the sake of beauty vs the commercial minds of the managers who are always looking at the bottom line. If you are curious about what it was like to be a woman and live in New York at the end of the Gilded Age, this book is for you.