Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith

When Quincie Morris’s parents died, they left her their family legacy, the Italian restaurant Fat Lorenzo’s. Since Quincie was only fourteen, her Uncle Davidson was put in charge of caring for her and the restaurant until she turns 21. Unfortunately she’s still only 17 and a senior in high school but she’s been taking a more active role in the restaurant which has been completely remodeled and redesigned. When it reopens, it will be Sanguini’s: A Very Rare Restaurant, the first vampire themed establishment in Austin and it’s hitting headlines even before the Friday the thirteenth grand opening. You see, the chef has been brutally murdered in the kitchen and the new hire, Henry Johnson, has created a menu to die for. Will Sanguini’s be able to tantalize the taste buds of Austin’s culinary critics? Or will it turn out to be more than Quincie bargained for?

Emily's Review: One for Sorrow by Christopher Barzak

I was at first hesitant to pick this up, perhaps because I had heard it compared to The Lovely Bones. I enjoyed said book but found it toothachey, in spots, so when i read the summary for Barzak's first novel, I decided it was a no-go. Then I found the first chapter online, printed as a short story of a different title--and decided I had to find it immediately.
After that, I waited months.
I am lazy aobut buying books. But now I have it, so all is well.
So, One for Sorrow: boy meets boy, latter boy disappears, girl finds latter boy murdered, first boy meets girl, latter boy haunts first boy, plot and writing becomes increasingly more surreal. It is utterly bizarre, often confusing, and TOTALLY AWESOME. The main character's voice is pitch-perfect teen.
Rating: 4Q, 4P

Jessica's Review: Fugitive Pieces by Ann Michaels

Fugitive Pieces is a fantastic book told by a man who as a Jewish child in Nazi Germany had to listen to his parents be murdered as he hid for his life in a wall. This man is Jakob Beer and at that young age he literally rose from the mud to be saved by Athos Roussos. Athos took Jakob to live with him in Greece where he taught Jakob to love the earth he came from and love the structure of life around him. I believe that the story of the changes and most importantly the influences in his life to be fascinating. He went through times beyond difficult during his life and was the better man for it. I would recommend this book to readers interested in either post-Holocaust or philosophical stories.
Rating: 5Q, 2P

*This title is available through InterLibrary Loan*

Midnighters: The Secret Hour by Scott Westerfeld

Contrary to popular belief, there aren’t 24 hours in the day, there are 25. For most people, the 25th hour is unnoticeable, and passes by in an instant. For a select few, the Midnighters, the 25th hour is an extra hour of the day where you can wander around bathed in blue light while the rest of the world is frozen. The secret hour only seems to occur in Bixby, Oklahoma and not everyone is capable of being a Midnighter. You must have been born exactly at midnight.
I know it sounds like fun, which it could be if there weren’t slithers and darklings lurking, ready to attack. The only protection against a slither or darkling is something made of stainless steel and a thirteen letter word.
Are you ready to discover the Midnighters? Splendiferous!

Discover the rest of the story in Touching Darkness and Blue Noon!

2007-The Year of Harry Potter

Time Magazine named the Person of the Year yesterday. A runner-up to the crown was J.K. Rowling. Here's an interview with her and the answers to the 10 questions about Harry. (Beware of spoilers!!)

Dane's Review: The Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind

As I look back at 2007, yes I have regrets, like ever watching the movie Ghostrider and falling in love with Chuck, the TV show that is, but one thing that I don't regret is the ending to the BEST book series every. Harry Potter was "OK" but it pales in comparison to The Sword of Truth novels.

Confessor wrapped up this AWESOME collection and the book itself was spectacular, unreal, a good ending to a great series. The series is12 books long and it's hard to explain. Basically it's fantasy, wizards, magic, and surreal. The world created in these novels is simply fantastic and I recommend reading my review on Wizard's First Rule, the first book in the series. If you like fantasy and need a new series to read, this is it, BUT its for mature teens only.

Rating: 5Q, 4P

Rebecca T's reviews: Keturah and Lord Death AND The Looking Glass Wars

Check out two more reviews that were written by Rebecca T and published in the Casper Journal this summer! (Click on the titles to access her reviews.)

Keturah and Lord Death by Martine Leavitt

The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor

Mary's Review: Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist

A boy, trying to avoid his ex-girlfriend, asks a nearby girl to be his five-minute girlfriend. Said girl, for reasons of her own, complies. Through various and asundry circumstances, the two end up on a tumultous night out together. One would never know it from his usual fare, but it turns out that Levithan is exceedingly GOOD at writing straight romance. The chemistry between these two people is realistic and exciting. Sadly, the reviewer can't speak for Ms. Cohn on a pro OR con basis. The novel is set up in a first person format, switching between Nick and Norah on a chapter by chapter basis. Though Nick is interesting, and goes through his own changes throughout the narrative, its Norah that's the truly compelling one. Struggling with her background and inhibition in order to keep something potentially wonderful from slipping away. It helps that they are both sympathetic characters, basically good people despite their hang-ups. The novel's short run time (about 160 pages) makes it a few hours' work, and well worth the investment; at least as an afternoon read.
Final Verdict: 3Q, 4P

Zach's Lie by Roland Smith

HEADLINE: Dad in prison for drug trafficking. Family in Witness Protection Program. Is safety possible?

Check out the sequel Jack's Run.

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

It was a dark and stormy night, a night that would radically change Meg’s world. A night where she would meet new friends, travel through space and time, and risk her life in an attempt to save those she loves.

Emily's Review: The College Woman's Handbook by Rachel Dobkin and Shana Sippy

This is a generously-sized book for the young woman going away to college. I'm in my freshman year and I'm planning to transfer; this book has helped me with applications, with homework, and with staying healthy. Authors Dobkin and Sippy wrote it while at Barnard, so the parental, dry tone found in most advisory books is absent, here.

The guide presents information on all a manner of topics and lists every option and alternative available to a young woman away from home. If you're in high school, read it and know what to expect. If you're a parent, give it to your daughter.

Empowering, comforting, and smart.

Rating: 5Q, 5P

**This title (copyright 1995) is available through InterLibrary Loan, not in Wyoming libraries.**

Jessica's Review: Rhymes with Witches by Lauren Myracle

As high school students, we have all felt at some point or another that sense of insignificance and invisibility that comes with the uncertainties of new surroundings, new people, new everything. In Rhymes with Witches, Jane is the figure that everything surrounds, even though she believes herself to embody that invisibility. The book is divided into 3 parts: beg, speak, and roll over. To get the popularity and the attention that Jane wishes for, she must become a part of this untouchable group, she has to be willing to do anything, and she believes she is. Throw in a strange cat, a little bit of theft, and some uncanny connections and you have the end result of this book. As quoted in the mini author bio at the end of the book, "There's a price to pay for turning into someone new. There always is." This book tempts the unnatural limits and unfortunately, I found it a little difficult to relate to as well as keep my attention. I would suggest this book for a quick easy read, maybe during a long drive.
Rating: 3Q, 3P

Dane's Review: Big Coal by Jeff Goodell

So personally, I never thought much of coal. I knew it was out there and I knew Wyoming abused its vast coal resource to become a powerful state; but that was about the extent to which I diverted my brains "coal capacity" toward. It was almost an apathy thereof. But coal is much more than an old energy that once was shoveled into the furnaces of trains and barges, and in a quote from this book, "It didn't go the way of corsettes and hop hats."
Reading Big Coal AKA "America's Dirty Little Secret", reveals our dependence on this black rock is so deep that coal fuels 60% of the energy used in the US. This book goes into political aspects of coal consumption and how coal is dug up, burned, and used. It's literally outlook changing.
Definitely worth the time. GO SCIENCE!
Rating: 5Q, 3P

Mary's Review: Hero by Perry Moore

The thing about YA is that it all starts to blend together after a while. Once the book is over, the individual details start blurring together. In Hero, you start with one or two genre cliches; the kid with super powers trying to lead dual lives, the gay kid agonizing over the reaction of his parents. And, inevitably, there's a twist that you will see coming from a distance of 50 yards. Here is where most novels settle, content in their place of ho-hum mediocrity. But not Hero. It goes from hum, to engrossing, to something that even the incredibly cheap (moi) would shell out $25 to put on their bookshelves. The characters are three dimensional human beings; Thom is more than his sexuality, his mother more than the victimized, disappeared wife. And, because art imitates life, the ending is not strictly a happy affair. Sacrifices are made, and even with super powers there are no easy fixes. Moore also left some of his threads deliberately loose, hinting in interviews at the possibility of other books. If this is only the man's first novel, you can guarantee I'll be there to see him improve.
Final Verdict: 5Q, 4P

Chew on This by Eric Schlosser and Charles Wilson

You are what you eat. So don’t you think it’s about time to find out what’s really in fast food, where it comes from, who makes it, and what happens to your body when you eat it.

Did you know:

*Every month 9 out of 10 American children visit McDonald’s (90%). (p.7)

* In 1970, about $6 million was spent by Americans on fast food. In 2005, the total was $134 Billion. Americans now spend more on fast food than college, computers, and cars. More than all entertainment (movies, books, magazines, music, newspapers) combined. (p.10)

*Americans eat 13 Billion hamburgers per year. If you put all 13 billion in a straight line, they would circle the Earth over 32 times. (p.36)

*There is only 1 make-believe character that is better known by children than Ronald McDonald and that is Santa Claus. (p. 47)

*Research shows that children can recognize company logos, like McDonald’s Golden Arches, before they can even recognize their own names. (p. 49)

*1 out of 3 new toys that kids receive each year come from a fast food restaurant. (p.59)

*Cochineal extract (aka carmine or carminic acid) comes from the dead bodies of small Pervian bugs. The bugs get the pink color from the cactus they eat. The bugs are collected, dried, and ground to make the additive that is used in lipsticks and McDonald’s strawberry shakes. 70,000 bugs make 1 pound of carmine. (p.121)

*The typical American drinks 54 gallons of soda (575 12 oz cans) per year. The typical teen boy gets 10% of his daily calories from pop. Drinking a can of pop is the equivalent of about 10 teaspoons of sugar. Teens drink twice as much soda as milk, and 20% of 1 and 2 year olds drink pop daily. (p.143) A large Coke at McDonalds has 310 calories and the equivalent of 30 teaspoons of sugar. (p. 211)

*Think chicken is a healthier fast food choice than hamburger. Think again. Chicken McNuggets still contain more fat per ounce. (p.173)

As an informed American, the ball is now in your court. The next time you’re hungry, will you make the impulsive choice or the healthy choice? Chew on This.

Evolution, Me, & Other Freaks of Nature by Robin Brande

“For those of you who like your science with a dab of religion on the side, check out Bible Grrrl for the latest.” (p. 209)

Through Bible Grrrl, you’ll learn that science and religion do share a common ground (gasp!). If you are tired of the Back Sitters in Ms. Shepherd’s class, the picket lines outside New Advantage High protesting the inclusion of evolution in the classroom, or if you are just tired of being a quiet follower of the flock and are ready to find your own place in the field, you’ve come to the right place.

BIBLE GRRRL SEZ: HAVE FAITH –EVEN RELIGIOUS FANATICS CAN EVOLVE.

Ever been the outcast? Alienated from your friends, parents, church group, (or anything one else) because you spoke the truth? What if all of these were rolled up into your first day of high school? Here you’ll find tips to help you survive and evolve into a person who believes in science AND religion. You may also find that while you have evolved, the typical high school drama has not.

BIBLE GRRRL SEZ: CHECK OUT EVOLUTION, ME, & OTHER FREAKS OF NATURE!

Think it over people. Join the discussion here.

Shark Girl by Kelly Bingham

What innocently began
as family day at the
beach, was forever changed
in an instant.

Someone caught it
all on film and
it’s all over
the news.

Jane would just
as soon forget.
But can you ever
be the same

missing a limb.

How can you move
on? Can she ever
be more than the
Shark Girl?

Strange Relations by Sonia Levitin

Marne was looking for an excuse to have a fun summer vacation in paradise. Her parents were looking for a safe place for Marne to stay while they are working in Paris. The answer: Oahu, Hawaii at Aunt Carole’s. But paradise isn’t quite what Marne has envisioned. Aunt Carole is now Aunt Chaya and she has seven children. Her family is deeply religious, her husband is a rabbi and besides hosting the weekly Shabbos in their living room, they don’t believe any type of work over the Sabbath (including working the electricity). They are so modest that Marne begins to feel uncomfortable in her tank top and capri pants. But when Marne’s bff Kim arrives, Marne begins to see her strange relations in a different light.

House by Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker

Think of all those horror movies you’ve seen. Blood, chainsaws, screams, horrors hidden around dark corners. Welcome to House. The rules are simple.
1. God came to my house and I killed Him. 2. I will kill anyone who comes to my house like I killed God. 3. Give me one dead body and I might let Rule #2 slide. You have until dawn.
You may have stumbled upon the House by no choice of your own but once you enter, you can’t leave. Those are the rules set by White, the man in the tin mask, the man of the House.

This is the selection for the January Teen Book Club.

Emily's Review: The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror 2007 edited by Ellen Datlow, Kelly Link, and Gavin J Grant

Although it was the genre that inspired me to write, the popular fantasy of most teenagers today is a tired ol' beast. That's what I think, at least, when I see the books my friends are reading. They're all tales of bravery and elves and dragons and impulsive teenagers who do stupid things without thinking of the consequences (and they're all thought of as Extremely Heroic and Noble, for some reason). I hate it! I'm sorry, I do. But I don't think this signals the end of the SF/F genres. To assume that would make me a pretty stupid person. There's plenty of beautiful, wonderful stories out there, and plenty of people reading those beautiful, wonderful stories. Just not the kids I know.

It makes me sad.

Here's a hint, guys. Pick up this book. Maybe you'll realize how much you've been spoiling yourselves, and maybe I'll stop glaring at you whenever I see you with a copy of Eragon.

This edition of the Year's Best-- the twentieth-- is, like the others in the collection, pretty dang big. If you only glanced at it in a bookstore, you might mistake it for one of those bloated, overripe tomes I just ranted about, but what's inside is much better: "more than 250,000 words of the finest fantasy and horror," the front cover says, almost five hundred pages of poetry and short stories that glint like finely-cut jewels, by a wide range of authors.

I highly recommend this, along with all the other volumes.
Rating: 4Q, 3P
**NCPL does NOT currently own this edition, but has the 2000 (13th) edition**

Jessica's Review: Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead by Tom Stoppard

This is a play based on the lesser characters of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in Shakespeare's Hamlet. It is Stoppard's best known work. In Hamlet, the two characters are ill known, summoned by King Claudius to discover what ails Hamlet. Unfortunately Hamlet hardly recognizes them upon their first meeting and immediately knows that they were sent for, not coming of their own free will. In Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead the play is focused entirely on them and shows in a comic way their view on the entire situation, what they think about Hamlet, Claudius, and the well known play of the Murder of Gonzago. Everything throughout this play is based upon probability and chance, from the chance summoning to Elsinore to the chance misunderstanding of death in the end. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are confused, they know not where they are nor what they are looking for. Most importantly they do not know the true meaning behind any of the events in Elsinore including the order for them both to be put to death. I would suggest this play only to those who often read plays or else those who have recently read Hamlet. I would also suggest seeing it performed although I have yet to do so.

Rating: 3.5Q, 2P

**This title and the DVD of the same name are available through InterLibrary Loan**

Dane's Review: The Manhattan Project by Cynthia C Kelly

Wowzerz, and I know that the all intensive Non-Fiction section is towering over you like a horrible malignant tumor, but have faith because I impugn that thought saying and crying "NO!" Don't fear truth, Non-Fiction owns brazier. This book is well, to me; and TANGENT, we all know my opinion is wonk and wrong, but I like this!
Its about da World War Dos and it is a dose of wicked sweek. Not so much WWII as the construction of the A-Bomb IN AMERICA. For those of you who like history, GASP, physics, GASP, or crazy government secrets, in my case all 3 of the post mentioned reasons, this book will have like Level 20 appeal, second edition of course. The Manhattan Project was devoted to nuclear arms and the development of nuclear power.
Have you heard of a man named Einstein? or Szilard? Maybe Groves? Like come-on, you all need to broaden your horizons and read the NON-FICTION! Also Hiroshima is a pretty good book about the aftermath of the bomb. Good read, but caution NON-FICTION! Wogga!
Rating: 3.5Q, 3P

2007 Teens' Top Ten Announced

The 2007 Teens' Top Ten were announced today. After votes from teens nationwide during last week's Teen Read Week celebration, the winners are...

1. New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
2. Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
3. How to Ruin a Summer Vacation by Simone Elkeles
4. Maximum Ride: School’s Out – Forever by James Patterson
5. Firegirl by Tony Abbott
6. All Hallows Eve (13 Stories)by Vivian Vande Velde
7. Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
8. River Secrets by Shannon Hale
9. Bad Kitty by Michele Jaffe
10. Road of the Dead by Kevin Brooks

How many have you read? We own all, except How to Ruin a Summer Vacation and All Hallows Eve (13 Stories), which I have ordered!

Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

What happens to you when you die? Where do you go? What do you do? That is the million dollar question. Fifteen-year-old Liz awakens one morning to find herself aboard the SS Nile. She assumes she is dreaming but soon learns that she has died and Elsewhere is her “final destination”. Liz is greeted at the dock by her namesake, Grandma Betty, who died at age 50 from breast cancer, but is now a beautiful woman in her 30s. You see, in Elsewhere you age backwards, growing younger, until you eventually return to Earth as a baby to begin a new life. Instead of having a job, you choose an avocation and spend your time doing something that makes your soul complete. And while you can observe life on Earth, contact is prohibited. These new twists on life only make Liz depressed and mournful of the milestones she’ll miss out on: driver’s license, prom, wedding, and having children. Will Liz be able to accept her death and what is to come? Welcome to Elsewhere.

This book is a Soaring Eagle Nominee for 2007-2008.

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

Imagine at the age of 12, you left school and started working at a job that you chose out of a hat on Assignment Day. The city where you live and work has no sun, no moon, no stars, and the only light is produced by large floodlights that are turned on in the morning and turned off at night. In this world all the food comes from a storage area under the city and the supply is running dangerously low as are other goods that are necessary for living. Unexplained power outages begin occurring frequently during the day lasting for longer and longer periods of time, leaving citizens frightened and the mayor seems to have no answers. Now, imagine making a miraculous discovery that no one seems willing to believe, a discovery that could save your town. This is The City of Ember.

Teen Top Ten

It's Teen Read Week so vote for your favorite books of the year. Vote @ http://www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/teenreading/teenstopten/teenstopten.cfm

Ana's Story: a Journey of Hope by Jenna Bush

You might recognize Jenna Bush as the President’s daughter, but did you know she is an author, educator, and humanitarian? In 2006, Jenna volunteered for UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, and found herself in Latin America and the Caribbean working with children and teens, many of whom are infected with HIV/AIDS. One 17-year-old teen mother, Ana, touched Jenna and this is her story; a story of secrets, abuse, and death; a story of love, hope, and survival. Ana’s Story is filled with color photographs by Mia Baxter and is written in short, easy to read chapters.

Creepy Halloween Non-Fiction

Monsterology



Villainology

Love Harry Potter? Try this...

The Mysterious Ticking Noise - Potter Puppet Pals

Deadline by Chris Crutcher

What would you do if you found out that you had less than a year left to live? Would you make changes, do something you never dreamed you’d experience, live every moment for what it’s worth? Would you tell the people you love so they could prepare to lose you? Or would you keep it a secret?
Ben just found out his life has a deadline. He has a terminal blood disease and has less than a year to live. HE has decided to LIVE and forgo the treatments that will only extend his short time here on earth. HE has decided to go out for football and see if he can capture the glory that others find on the field. HE has decided to talk to Dallas Suzuki, the girl that makes his heart pound; on the off chance she might like him. HE has also decided to tell no one. Not his parents, his brother, Coach Banks, Dallas, NO ONE. Doc doesn’t agree, but since Ben is 18, he has to keep it confidential. How will this decision affect the choices and experiences Ben has planned for his senior year, for his life? What would you do if you had a deadline like this?

Ironman by Chris Crutcher

Ever had an adult in your life that wouldn’t give you a break? Who would push you to the limit and then delight in your downfall? Someone who saw you as a quitter and one in need of discipline? Maybe a parent, coach, or teacher? Bo Brewster has both a father and a coach who seem too eager to watch him fail and when Coach Redmond pushes him one step too far, Bo blows up and drops the A-bomb, right in the middle of class. He’d gladly take the suspension and never return but in spite of everything, he also has a Journalism teacher, Mr. S, who’ll gladly stand up for him. Bo is faced with a choice, home schooling with Ms. Conroy (ugh!) or enroll in the Anger Management class. He chooses Anger Management but realizes right away that he’s probably the only normal one in the bunch. Between training for Yukon Jack’s Ironman triathlon, school, and family, Bo has the quite the year ahead of him. While others may try to tear him down, Bo finds strength in unlikely places and may actually become an Ironman.

Chris Crutcher reads from new book

October's Teen Book Club selection is Ironman by Chris Crutcher. Click on the video below to hear a selection from his new book Deadline.

Mary's Review: Yoko Matsushita's "Descendants of Darkness (Yami No Matsuei)

Descendants of Darkness (hereafter referred to by its better known Japanese title) is a big hit with the fangirls: beautiful art; dark, gloomy visuals; an abundance of gorgeous male characters and an almost equal abundance of subtext. The fangirl factor has probably turned away many a fan, even if it shouldn't need to be a factor (though it is an unfortunate fact that the smaller a fandom, the more... dedicated it tends to be). YnM's story is an interesting one: in the afterlife there's a kind of parallel government system where the Ministry of Hades judges the dead and sends them to their eternal Fate. However, some people don't (for whatever reason) die when they're supposed to. At this point Shinigami (Guardians of Death), souls with regrets and attachments preventing them from moving on, are sent in to solve the problem. The protagonist is Tsuzuki, a slacker Shinigami who is, of course, more than he seems to be. His young partner is Hisoka, dead at only 16 and hoping to find his murderer. And then there's Murhki, the insane doctor with a disturbing fascination with Tsuzuki, who tends to pop up in the longer story arcs. He's reason enough to give the series allure: the perfect villian that at once fascinates the reader and makes them exquisitely uncomfortable. The downside of his character is that stories without him can seem slightly drab, though they often strive to make up for this in other ways. The series' biggest fault is not its own fault: it's that the author chose to cease-and-desist after eleven volumes, leaving the reader not so conveniently in the lurch. To make up for this, there is the somewhat rare 13 episode anime, which at least tries for a coherent finale. Even alone the manga is worthwhile good for repeat readings even if only to stare at the lovely pictures (never mind that pesky philosophy, fangirls).
Final Verdict: 4Q, 2P

Emily's Review: Colleges That Change Lives by Loren Pope

This is for everyone, like me, sick of the mindset that we all ought to go to UW, or schools in surrounding states, or the smart kids who think they'll be invalidated if they don't get into some Ivy League or whatever. Here's a hint: these colleges are where the real cool people are, the kind that don't actually care whether they're cool or not, but actually enjoy learning. Gasp. (Note: I'm not trying to diss those schools at the beginning of the paragraph. No, seriously. I'm not.)

Colleges That Change Lives bills itself as a book with the "40 schools you should know about even if you're not a straight-A student." That fits me pretty well. I'm still cringing over the results of my first round of applications. This book has helped me with my college search immensely--after compiling a list of 20+ schools that might accommodate me as a transfer student, I managed to narrow my sights down to three; they're all in this book, even though it was hardly my primary resource. Colleges That Change Lives talks about experiences, environments, everything, and in the words of students. That's a hechuva lot nicer than, say, a list of statistics.

This library's copy is, unfortunately, a little dated. One of the listed colleges, Antioch, closed recently due to lack of funds. I recommend checking out the website, too: http://www.ctcl.com/
Hey, Reed! Marlboro! Saint Olaf! You had better watch out. Thanks, Loren Pope.
Rating: 4Q, 4P

Dane's Review: R.A. Salvatore's "The Dark Elf Trilogy [Homeland/Exile/Sojourn]

Once again, my avid followers of my said "book reviews", if you're reading this one I rate this PG-13. Hazzah! Like I even read teen lit! I mean I have but still...

We all know I love magic & fantasy, and that you, the reader, love kittens & daisies. So I choose R.A. Salvatore, (Ya!); sci-fi. I'd dot my "eyes" with hearts if i could, and speaking of hearts KHII is something on my agenda. However, this story has depth, meaning, and plot, unlike my facade of a "life".

Basically there's this world, right, of magic, RIGHT!, and there's these evil elves that live in tunnels and caves called Drow. This trilogy follows one Drow, or "Dark Elf", through his mismatched adventures as his family tries to seek him out and kill him. This Drow, Drizzt, that's his name you know, flee's to the outskirts of caves trying to avoid being sucked into normal Drow society, Emo YES. The one thing about this book that doesn't kick tail, is the writing style. Bland but good material! EXCLAMATORY. Clams. Yea but basically I would say to any lover of magic and fantasy, "Look into this." IT'S GOOD!

Rating: 4Q, 3P

Jessica's Review: Lemony Snicket's "Horseradish: Bitter Truths You Can't Avoid"

Horseradish: Bitter Truths You Can't Avoid by Lemony Snicket is not anything even remotely similar to The Series of Unfortunate Events except in voice. This is a book of quotes, sayings, and other quirky facts about the mysteries of life, family, and employment in the eyes of Lemony Snicket. It is filled with bitter advice about how to properly say "I Love You", and tips about not putting cats in your mouth, why we shouldn't follow tradition, and when it is best to be honest.
I would suggest anyone with a mild sense of humor or more to read this. Not only will you thoroughly enjoy it as a read in itself, but you may just learn something about yourself, or at the very least your somewhat suspicious coworkers.
Rating: 5Q, 3P

Mary's Review: Parrotfish by Ellen Wittlinger

Grady is an average guy: he helps his dad set up Christmas decorations, gets by in school, has a crush on a girl at school. The only catch is that Grady has been trapped in a girl's body since birth. Its actually very refreshing to see a transgendered story from the boy's side for once, and Ms. Wittlinger has handled things exquisitely. Grady's habit of playing more "honest" (read: blunt) versions of conversations in his mind keeps the tone from moving into the cliched realms of teen drama. The story itself feels like a slice of life: there were incidents prior that the reader was not privy to, and there shall be similar moments after. Finally, Parrotfish strives toward an honest tone. Life is not always perfect: even when old friends put aside their differences and reconcile, things are not always easy, and the nice guy doesn't always get the girl in the end. It's more than an acceptance story, less than an opus. It's just life.
Final Verdict: 4Q, 3P

Phineas Gage: The Gruesome But True Story About Brain Science by John Fleischman

Meet Phineas Gage. Right now he is a skull on display at Harvard but in 1848 he was the foreman of a railroad construction crew. He used a tool called a “tamping iron”, which looks a lot like a spear, and it was his job to blast the rocks into small pieces that could be removed. In order to do this, a hole would have to be drilled into the rock. The hole would be “charged” by filling the bottom with gun powder. Phineas would use the pointy end of his tamping iron to press a fuse into the powder and someone else would fill the rest of the hole with loose sand that would act as a plug. Phineas would then use the round end of the iron to tamp the sand in tight before lighting the fuse.
This day, however, something went awry. The sand was not poured into the hole and when Phineas’ tamping iron slid into the hole it hit the explosive, sparking, and the tamping iron turned into an oversize bullet that traveled right through Phineas’ left cheek and burst straight out the top of his head. Miraculously, Phineas did NOT die until the year 1860 but he was never the same. Phineas survived his brain injury but his personality was never the same. Phineas Gage’s horrible accident unknowing taught scientist volumes about how the brain functions.
What do you know about the brain and how it works? What would happen to you if had a brain or if a piece of your brain was missing? What if a piece of iron shot right through your head? Would it be a miracle if you lived? Would you be a different person afterward?

Mary's Review: Lenore by Roman Dirge

The purpose of this review, it must be said outright, is to asuage the reviewer's taste in horrifying, macabre humor. Lenore boasts none of the deep thought of Sandman or even JTHM, nor is its art of the caliber of manga. It offers its own quirks and style, and the best option left to such comics; making the reader laugh. Lenore's stories aren't interconnected, and the series is comprised of three short volumes, Noogies, Wedgies, and Cooties. The average plot ranges from one to six pages and usually involves Lenore, the "Cute Little Dead Girl" bringing about adorable mayhem. Other comics sprinkled throughout (usually one page) feature the strip's creator Roman Dirge. These are often the best: one comic involves Roman downing a drink at the bar for an absent friend... however, he forgets to stop drinking for this friend, and unwittingly sends him into the hospital with alcohol poisoning. Funnier in execution. Still, if it's the kind of thing that inspires raised eyebrows instead of laughter (guilty or maniacal is accepted), then Lenore is not for you. It certainly isn't a great classic, but it will please fans of horror comics (particularly Jhonen Vasquez fans). What more can one expect from a comic originally designed to fill space?
Final Verdict: 3Q, 2P

Josh's Review: The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

How would you like to be able to travel back and forth in time? Sounds pretty cool, huh? Bet you're thinking that there's a catch right? Well, there is. You can't take anything with you (not even clothes), and you have no control over where and when you go-- middle of the night in January in downtown Chicago here we come. This is what it is like for rather dashing and adventurous librarian Henry DeTamble. Henry is diagnosed CDD or Chrono-Displacment Disorder which makes him travel back and forth within his future and past. When Henry meets Clair for the first time he is 28 and she is 20. Clair has known Henry since she was 6. This book is the story of how Clair and Henry come to know each other and as the title suggests get married. Each page is an adventure unto itself. The book is a little hard to get used to as the writing style and format that the book is written in take a little time to get used to but once you get into the meat of the book the story takes hold of you and pulls you along on a magnificent journey. I definitely recommend this book to any mature readers that are looking for something out of the norm.
Rating: 5Q, 4P

Review by Shaylei W: The Dating Game by Natalie Standiford

What attracted me to this book was the relativity to junior and senior high school girls. The author tracks 3 girls through love, school, and drama! What can happen when silly quiz results- (the quiz done as a joke) spreads across the school? Will these bff's stay in a posse until graduation? Only time will tell!
Check out the rest of the series now available too!
Rating: 4Q, 4P

Kevin's Review: Malcom X : A Graphic Biography by Andrew Helfer; Art by Randy DuBurke

Helfer and DuBurke have collaborated on a superior work. Helfer has successfully highlighted the life of one of American History’s most controversial figures. Key events include his early childhood, run-ins with the law, his split with the Nation of Islam (NOI), his relationship with Muhammad Ali, and his brief meeting with Martin Luther King Jr., and his conversion to a more peaceful path.

The most important part the work is Malcolm’s struggle with the founder of the NOI Elijah Muhammad. The graphic depiction allows the reader to understand the traits and motives of Muhammad and Malcolm. What transpired can be applied to just about any split in an organization.

This book proves that graphic novels can serve as an appropriate means to relate the lives of important figures and events. Hopefully, similar works will follow. Other titles about Malcolm X include Spike Lee’s movie and the award winning biography by Alex Haley.

The Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci

After being the victim of a neighborhood bombing, Jane’s parents decide to move to the suburbs. Jane is having a hard time coping with the aftermath of the accident and doesn’t want to leave Metro City. But the move allows Jane to change herself, try a new look, a new group of friends, to be an individual. After always being a part of the “in crowd”, Jane chooses an eclectic set of girls to befriend: the drama geek, the brainiac, and the sporty girl and serendipitously they all share the same name. Jane also decides that instead of conforming to being “not good enough” for the organized extracurricular events, the Janes will form their own secret club: P.L.A.I.N –People Loving Art In Neighborhoods. And while the PLAIN Janes think they are adding beauty to suburbia, not everyone feels that way. Are the PLAIN Janes committing random acts of art kindness or are they rogue teenagers that need to be restrained? Can art save or is it the root of evil?

Avalon High Coronation Vol 1: The Merlin Prophecy by Meg Cabot

Witness Meg Cabot’s entrance in the manga world for yourself (although this book is printed English format and not true manga style!) Cabot continues the story she began in the novel Avalon High. There are some who believe that the legend of King Arthur is repeated throughout the generations in order for enlightenment to finally occur. While it appears that Will, Ellie, Lance, and Jennifer are the reincarnates of King Arthur, Lady Elaine, Sir Lancelot, and Queen Guinevere, the Merlin Prophecy will not come to pass unless Will truly believes he is King Arthur. And time is running out. Will has until the zenith of the Hunter’s Moon, which is Friday. Homecoming. Ellie has a plan but can she pull it off in time. Remember, King Arthur had his foes, including Mordred, Will’s brother Marco who is now incarcerated. And Marco’s girlfriend Morgan isn’t too happy about Ellie’s role in his capture or that fact that both girls have been nominated for Homecoming Queen. Will the Merlin Prophecy be fulfilled or is the world doomed to darkeness forever?

Dane's Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling

As I can only imagine, there are other reviews of the much awaited "end of an era" or series as it were. In fact I'm quite certain that even an NCPL review of it exists. Queue magix, and immerse yourself; cause as I see it there are two types of HP readers, those who buckle down in a closet with a pocket clam and read the whole book in 1 day, or readers like myself; those who stop to speculate, or nap, or forget you left the book in your parents' room and want to read it @ midnight.
Welp!, the book itself. Assuming you've already read the first six, its a pretty fulfilling ending. It went in pretty much the direction I saw it going and without giving spoilers, a lot happens in the book rather quickly. If you are an avid lover of the series, you've already read it I'm sure, but its definitely worth reading all 7 if you haven't and like magic and mystery. Harry, a wizard, is basically trying to thwart Voldemort and/or kill him for good in the book. I wouldn't say its 100% predictable but you can decide that. Good luck finishing a series that I followed from the start, but I'm really looking forward to Confessor, the ending of book to another long series, The Sword of Truth (by Terry Goodkind), which I also suggest.

Rating: 4P, 5Q

Emily's Review: Stardust by Neil Gaiman

You might have seen the movie already. It's pretty fantastic in its own right, and entirely deserving of comparisons to The Princess Bride. But just like any movie based on a book, it's a sure bet that the original was a heckuva lot better (with the exception of Eragon, which is just as laughable as the written version). So one night Tristan Thorn is sitting with the lady he loves ever-so-much, Victoria, who, to be honest, doesn't really reciprocate his feelings. Tristan promises he'll bring her the falling star they watch together-- which means he'll have to cross the Wall, which separates their world from the wild realm of Faerie. No one's allowed across except to attend the Fairy Market held every nine years, but Tristan goes. It's a pretty straightforward fairytale, and despite my INTENSE, PASSIONATE LOVE for Neil Gaiman's writing it's predictable, too, but it's fun, in addition to being:

• Whimsical.
• Magical.
• Scary.
• Very silly.

That's what counts, after all. I mean, who really wants realism?

Mary's Review: JTHM - Director's Cut by Jhonen Vasquez

Jhonen Vasquez is not a well man: this is neither a good nor a bad thing. Its simply a fact of nature. And while the modern crowd tends to associate his name with the short-lived cult hit Invader Zm, his work actually traces back to a certain psychopath named Nny. The glorious thing about JTHM (Johnny the Homicidal Maniac) is that its cathartic. Nny is the dark voice in the human mind, acting out those violent little fantasies that would get a real person put in prison: who hasn't at one point or another imagined horrible bloody deaths for that person with the cell phone in the movie theatre, or the guy who put you on hold for three hours? Jhonen has done the public a favor, offering them the chance to live vicariously...or so it starts. Since Director's Cut is the cumulation of the entire series of comics, the evolution of the idea is easily observable: from simple, mindless violence to a bent more worthy of Sandman in its late installments. Readers tend to take a liking to one style or the other, but it is what it is. The best, to this reviewer's inkling, are the comics involving Squee, the unfortunate child who is Nny's next door neighbor (he also has a side collection of his own comics). For reasons not explained and best ignored, Squee falls outside the radar of victims, creating a few great interactions. Sadly, its limited mostly to the opening and closing of the collection. All in all, an afternoon's distraction, a good side detour for ZM fans. Abandon all sanity, ye who enter here.
Final Verdict: 4Q, 2P
Warning: Best for 15-16+, as it is (obviously) violent and contains harsh language. This concludes this review's moment of conscience.

Jessica's Review: Mythology by Edith Hamilton

This is a compelling book that combines the views of ancient philsophers such as Euripides & Sophocles as well as many others on their views and interpretations of the ancient Greek & Roman mythology as well as Edith's own commentaries all combined into a short summation of Norse mythology in the end. The ancient tales of Odysses & his conquest with the cyclops & the sirens and three chapters on the Trojan War; the death of Paris as well as Achelles and the curse of the family of Agamemnon; again and again Heras' jealousy of Zeus' unfaithfulness causes pain and suffering to young girls and lovers over and over again; the cunningness of Hermes and the mistakes of Hercules as well as all the legends in between of Athena, Dionysus, Prometheus, and many others are the stories I would recommend to anyone interested in Greek or Roman mythology. This book is great for summing up the more important myths and touching on some lesser ones as well. This easily leads the read to myths they may want to learn more about.
Rating: 4Q, 2P

You Can Run But You Can't Hide by Duane "Dog" Chapman

“Bad Boys, Bad Boys, whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do when he comes for you?”
What do you get when you mix a “bad guy”, a 2nd chance, and a faith in God? “I’m the Dog, the big bad Dog the Bounty Hunter.”
Unless you live in a cave, you’ve probably heard of Dog the Bounty Hunter and possibly seen the reality show on A&E that follows his family as they catch criminals with the theme song by Ozzy Osbourne. But do you know what made the Dog who he is today?
Meet Duane Chapman, a 7th grade dropout from Denver, CO, who was abused by his father and turned to alcohol, robbery, promiscuity, and motorcycle gangs. Bad luck plagued him and at the age of 23, Duane found himself in prison for murder one, a murder that he did not commit. Throughout his life, Duane has found that as one door closes another door opens. Thankfully when the prison door swung shut, he realized that prison was not where he wanted to spend his life. After his release, he found success in vacuum sells but others could only see him as a convict, a criminal. Then Dog was given a chance in the business of bail bonds and bounty hunter. While most in that business are ruthless and cruel, Dog found that he could use his story and faith to help others change their lives. Dog’s story is that of humanity, the power of healing and second chances. You may feel down and out but remember, You Can Run But You Can’t Hide from God or the Dog.
“Every criminal leaves behind a path of destruction. Carrying their pain in my heart makes me the Dog. I am the voice of those who fear they cannot change their lives for the better, because you must trust me when I say, you can. It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the fight in the dog. I am living proof that with unshakable faith and God’s love, anything is possible (p. 316).”

More Picture Books for Teens!!

Do animals love to dress up? What are they really thinking? Check out Stuff on My Cat and Bad Dog for a bit of insight into your favorite furry friend.

Stuff on My Cat originated from one man's mission to have fun with his aging, lazy friend. Here you will find exactly what happens when boredom meets lazy.

Bad Dog includes 243 photos of man's best friend and while it is all in good fun, Bad Dog does contain some adult humor and language.

** No pets were harmed in the making of these books. **

What Happened to Cass McBride? by Gail Giles

Suicide, kidnapped, investigation, buried alive. Loser, popular, athlete, a-list. Revenge, cruel intentions, death. Do words have power? Can a word mean the difference between life and death?
Ben is the lead investigator searching for a kidnapped teenager. Kyle’s brother committed suicide and someone must pay. Cass is an overconfident, it-girl with a secret who awakes to find herself in a cold, dark coffin underground. What Happened to Cass McBride? Will Ben find the answer before it’s too late?

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

Will she or won’t she? Becoming a vampire has never been this hard. In this installment of the Twilight saga, Bella finds herself stuck in the middle of a love triangle between Edward, the gorgeous, honorable vampire and Jacob, the best friend turned enemy, teenage werewolf. As graduation nears, will Bella be able to say goodbye to her life and stick to her desire of becoming immortal? Or will a sudden murder spree in nearby Seattle derail her plans completely?

Eclipse is the highly anticipated sequel to Twilight & New Moon.

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

What did you do on your summer vacation? Well, I’d be willing to bet none of you had a summer like mine. My name is Percy Jackson and I’ve always been “the problem maker”. I’ve been kicked out of six schools in six years. I thought my year at Yancy Academy was going well, until our field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Nancy Bobofit spilled her lunch on my friend Grover’s lap and before I knew it, I was so angry and she was in the fountain. She said I pushed her and Mrs. Dodds, my algebra teacher, takes me aside to punish me. I figured she was going to yell and give me detention but instead the weirdest thing happened. “Her eyes began to glow like barbeque coals. Her jacket melted into large, leathery wings. She wasn’t human. She was a shriveled hag with bat wings and claws and a mouth full of yellow fangs, and she was about to slice me to ribbons.” My Latin teacher, Mr. Brunner, throws me a pen which turns into a sword. As Mrs. Dodds, “die honey”, I swing the sword and she vaporizes. That’s not the strangest part. Instead of being angry that I was kicked out of school, my mom decides to take me on a beach getaway. She wants to tell me something but before she can we are chased by a Minotaur, who I kill just as he kills her. Next thing I know I’m waking up at Camp Half-Blood.
It turns out I’m a half-blood, a demigod, child of a Greek god. Mom was taking me to Camp Half-Blood, a summer camp for others like me. Surprising I meet several familiar faces. Turns out Mr. Brunner is a centaur (half man/half horse), and my friend Grover is a satyr (half man/half goat). I soon discover my father is Poseidon, God of the Sea. Like I told you before, my life is full of trouble so of course it isn’t long before monsters are breaking into camp trying to kill me. It is decided that I will go on a quest, to retrieve Zeus’ lighting rod, which has been stolen. Oh yeah, I am the prime suspect so go figure, the quest to the Underworld to reclaim the lightening rod from Hades is full of adventure and mishap. But I didn’t have to go alone. Grover was there as well as my friend Annabeth, who is the daughter of Athena, Goddess of War.
Wanna find out if I found Zeus’ lightning rod and revealed the true Lightning Thief?
Greek mythology has never been this cool!

The Lightning Thief is a 2007-2008 nominee for the Soaring Eagle Award, Wyoming's teen choice book award. It will also be the selection for the October Afternoon Book Club.

Rebecca's Review: The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer

In the land of Opium lives an old man named El Patron. The only reason he is still alive is because his old organs are replaced with his clones. Matt, El Patron’s newest clone, is considered a beast among the humans that also live at the estate. Though Opium is a tough place to live, there are always friends to be found. To Matt, Celia, El Patron’s cook, was his mother even though he had been “harvested” out of a cow and Tam Lin was like his father even though he was his body guard for most of the book. Maria was another of Matt’s few but precious friends. Thanks to her, Matt was able to see a future for himself. As the book progresses, Matt learns more his future and with the help of his friends makes an escape to what he hopes is freedom.

The House of the Scorpion is a science fiction novel by Nancy Farmer. Science fiction is a genre I enjoy reading periodically, but this is not a book that I will be re-reading anytime soon. At times it was boring and seemed to go on and on but other times I couldn’t wait to turn the page. Nancy Farmer had a very good theme and she wrote about it well. However, if I could change one thing about this book, I would expand the ending because the conclusion happened too quickly.

Rating: 3Q, 4P