Taken By Storm By: Angela Morrison

When two teenage lives collide the results could be fatal. For Leesie Hunt life had been simple, down to rules infact. She knew what she was wrong, and what was right in her life. Her dreams were tied to her salvation, and everything she had ever needed was provided-- that is until Michael Walden had came to town. Michael, a deep sea scuba diver, lost his parents in a tragic accident in a hurricane, is sent to live with his grandmother and he is far beyond fighting a battle. He's expecting someone to save him, like he was saved from the huricane, but he doesn't expect Leesie to be the one to do it. The last thing they both expect is to fall for each other. Two extremely different dreams one tied to the deep sea, and the other with salvation above must figure out what is important for their lives- the desires of their heart, or their beliefs. Angela Morrison uses a unique way of writing in this novel, switching points of view from Michael to Leesie. Leesie's chapters are written in poetry, and im's and Michaels from his diving blog, and feelings, which also adds significant emotion to this novel making it a suspensful book to enjoy. :)

Ratings:

4Q-Better than most

3P-Some teen appeal

A dangerous Love by:Bertrice Small

Adair Radcliffe. who was orphaned at a young age, has had many instances of betrayal, including that of her half sister and sire, became a captive, and lastly, grew into a young woman, full of spirit, and pride. A Dangerous Love is a novel about a loyal, and very driven young woman who will not back down, or make compensations for anyone; at least that is what she has believed through her less-than-twenty-years of life.

At the blossoming age of twenty, Adair is taken as a captive and given to a Scottish family, who have thrown away every sense of mannerism upon a death in the family. Adair and her nurse are therefore forced to take on the role of maids, cooks, and even pleasure partners.
As the story unfolds it, becomes clear to the reader that love is possible, even in the most bizarre circumstances.
I would recommend this book highly because of the historical content, and the many emotions that are involved in reading this book.

Why this book was memorable: There was love in a historical setting, which flowed extraordinary well

Ratings:

4Q

3P

Flame of Recca by Nobuyuki Anzai

Flame of Recca is a shonen manga that any anime fan can easily find a favorite in. Although it has a rather typical boy's manga style and plot, the characters are still amusing and the storyline is different enough to where it's not quite overused. The setting takes place in everyday hectic Japan and during the life of the main character, Recca Hanabishi. An eccentric and highly confident character, Recca is a soul model of what most every young boy wants to be. Recca has an uncanny skill for combat, and prides himself to become an actual urban Ninja of his time. But if you have read Naruto, this kind of ninja is much different.

After meeting a girl with the unique ability to heal wounds, Recca announces his plans to have her be his master and states that he will always protect her. Yet Yanagi's power also attracts much less noble motives from other characters, and Recca finds he may have chosen an unpleasant full time job. But because of Recca's positive and upbeat attitude, no foe can really get him down, nor to stay down! Along the way, Recca and Yanagi come across more odd and quirky characters to join his fighting force, including the tomboyish Fuko, the gorilla like Domon, the feminine and fan service oriented Tokiya, and then the newest addition, the deceptively powerful (as well as extremely short) Koaru. As a team of fight hungry teenagers, they all join in the fun and potential danger of the battling world. At this point, it is hard to ignore the seeming influence of another popular series, "Yu Yu Hakasho," but it does not deter a manga fan from enjoying the series.

Nobuyuki Anzai's plot, creative characters, and stunning art all combine to make Flame of Recca. So if you are a fan of Shonen Jump, or manga period, this series is an entertaining read.

4Q

3P

Fiela's Child by Dalene Mathee

A moving story of courage, self discovery, and love Fiela's Child is a fascinating story set in South Africa circa the 1800s. The story follows an orphaned white child who becomes adopted by an African family. At the age of nine he is taken away from is parents and forced to live in the Forest (a treacherous jungle) with an inept and lazy white family. As the boy grows up he confronts his own insecurities about where his future and past truly lie. The book is painted with beautiful and descriptive story and the characters have a closly intertwined relationship with the nature that surrounds them. Fiela's Child by Dalene Mathee is a quick and exciting read and the plot twist at the end is a tasteful surprise and a bit of a shock. I would personally recomend the novel for any teenagers and adults who are interested in what will surly be a classic novel.
P:3 Q:5

Smiles to Go by Jerry Spinelli

Will Tuppence remembers the exact day, hour, and minute that his world tilted, spinning out of control, jumpstarting his fear of the unknown. Saturday, September 25, 10:15am. The day his bratty sister, Tabby, handed him the phone. The day his best friend, Mi-Su, told him to turn the radio to 98.5 FM. The day he heard of the proton’s death. You know the proton, the positively charged particle found in the nucleus of an atom. The proton, to which Will was introduced at the age of 6, being the smallest piece of matter that was indestructible. Even though you know life comes to an end, it was nice knowing, believing even, that a small part of something would last forever.

Well, now what? Now, everything that Will has ever believed to be true, stable, and normal about his life is being altered. Saturday night pizza and Monopoly with Mi-Su and BT—weird. Not being able to focus on chess—a risk to defending his title as champion. Tabby, younger sister pest extraordinaire, on high definition overdrive. Even his beloved skateboard, Black Viper, can’t bring him peace. Is it ever possible to right yourself after the world turns upside down?

Maximum Ride: School's Out--Forever by James Patterson

When you are a human avian hybrid, it’s hard to know who you can trust. If you are Maximum Ride, the voice in your head giving instructions on saving the world, a talking dog, and a pack of angry mutant wolves (Erasers) ready to eat you for lunch only add to the stress of being the fourteen-year-old leader of a family of six.

Max and the Flock’s adventures continue as they attempt to discover why they were created, who their real parents are, and how Max is supposed to save the world. The Erasers are always close and seem to be able to track them anywhere. They have also been upgraded and can fly. Can you imagine, flying wolf children? Weird!

Following one ferocious fight, Fang is left critically injured and the Flock has to risk their safety in order to save him. Before Max can give the doctors a full explanation, the FBI swoops in. They aren’t that surprised by the Flock and want to know all the details, but the Flock isn’t ready to trust them. Anne Walker, the head of the agents, takes them back to her perfect country home and for the first time, the group is happy, healthy, and feeling at home. She even enrolls them in school!

But there is something fishy about this school and especially the principal. It isn’t long before Max put the pieces together and discovers that even Anne can’t be trusted. Next stop: Florida and a company named Itex. Thanks to Angel’s mind reading abilities, they’re one step closer to fulfilling Max’s destiny.

Sequels: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports, The Final Warning, and MAX

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment by James Patterson

Maximum Ride, Max for short, and her 5 brothers and sisters are unique. It’s not the fact that they are orphaned and homeless. It isn’t the fact that they don’t know who they can trust or how they will find their next meal. It’s not even the fact that they aren’t all biological siblings.

You see, “The Flock”, Max, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, the Gasman, and Angel, are special. They look and act like normal humans but they have extraordinary abilities like mind reading, voice imitation, super strength, and raptor vision. That’s right, I said raptor vision, as in they possess excellent and incredible sight from far, high distances. And they are called “The Flock” because while they are human, 98% to be exact, they have been implanted with avian (READ: bird) DNA.

Yes, they have wings and can fly. And while having the ability to soar through the air might be fun, when you are on the run from hungry Erasers, part human part wolf killing machines, you can’t give much thought to anything but survival.

Join Max and the Flock on their first mission, rescuing one of their own, putting themselves in harm’s way, even returning to the School, the awful setting of their creation, all while trying to stay alive. Are you up for a wild ride?

Sequels: School’s Out Forever, Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports, The Final Warning, and MAX

Twilight... revisited

You've read the books, you've watched the movie. Now you are patiently (or impatiently) waiting for the November release of the movie version of New Moon. Why don't you grab one of these and see how and why they made certain decisions in the movie!

Fade by Lisa McMann

Janie doesn’t necessarily see her dream catcher skills as a gift. However, Captain Komisky does, making Janie and Cabe partners as undercover agents, as well as undercover friends. Janie is learning to hone her skills in order to jump out of the dreams that don’t have any relevance to her cases but some nightmares are too strong to control. And trying to catch a sexual predator, one of her own teachers, could take more strength, control, and patience than either Janie or Cabel possess. As Janie learns more about her predecessor, Martha Stubin, Janie discovers that while she may have an infinite capacity for growth as a dream catcher, some of her regular dreams may start to fade.

Sequel: Wake and Gone (2010)

Th1rteen R3asons Why by Jay Asher (Audiobook)

The day Clay Jensen received the package, a shoebox wrapped in nondescript brown paper with no return address, started like most before it. But after discovering the contents, 7 audio cassette tapes, and hearing what has been recorded on them, Clay will never be the same. The tapes were created by Hannah Baker, the girl he’s had a crush on since she moved to town freshman year, the girl who committed suicide a few weeks ago. The tapes are making their way around town, being sent to 13 people who have played some role in Hannah’s decision. Listen as Clay learns how he contributes to the Th1rteen R3asons Why.

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

In a future where humans bodies, “hosts”, are inhabitied by alien “souls”, the few remaining humans are rebels on the run. When Melanie Stryder is captured, the Soul named Wanderer is inserted into her body. But this insertion doesn’t go quite according to plan. You see, Melanie is not giving up so easily and has no intention to leave any time soon. Mel won’t let Wanderer access all of her memories and the few that slip past the stubborn wall have an interesting effect. Wanderer has lived many lives on other planets but has never had a human host. In a world with no hunger, no war, peace, community, and participation, this ninth life is teaching Wanderer about something she’s never encountered before, human emotion. Is it possible that in this life The Host could change the soul?

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Have you ever wished you lived in a different world? A world in which there was no war, no economic problems, no global warming? No rich, no poor, no one dying of hunger? A world where families were simple and complete with a dad, a mom and two children, a boy and a girl?

Welcome to Jonas’s community. It has no apparent problems or struggles and you never have to worry about what comes next because it is all planned out for you. Every year from age one to age twelve, there is a ceremony. The whole community gathers together to celebrate the yearly milestones that bring you ever closer to being an adult and a productive member of society. This year Jonas will be a part of the Ceremony of the Twelves, and will be receiving his assignment. The Committee of Elders has observed every child during recreation and volunteer hours and has decided one the assignment, or job, each child is best suited for. Jonas is worried because while he has volunteered in many places, he hasn’t displayed an aptitude for anything in particular.

During the Ceremony, each child is called up to the stage to receive their assignment from the Chief Elder. Jonas realizes that something is wrong when his number is skipped and not called. The reason for Jonas’ singling out isn’t revealed until the end of the Ceremony. You see, Jonas has been selected for a special job, the most honored in the community. He will be the Receiver of Memory.

Jonas is being trained to replace the current occupant of the job, the man who is now The Giver. Being the Receiver is a lonely, often painful duty, one that may convince you that your wish for perfection isn’t worth what must be left behind in order to achieve it.

Stolen lives, written by Malika Oufker was an account of the trials and joys from the Fakirs, told by Milka, who were used

to a very luxurious lifestyle, until the ruler of Morocco arrested the family because of a threat to

the throne. Malika, her mother, and the many brothers and sisters were imprisoned in a penal colony that was in need of everyday necessities. In 1987, after ten years

of solitary cells, and five years surviving in the desert, Malika and her siblings finally attempted an escape through a tunnel which was dug from their own hands. The delicious taste of freedom lasted for a mere five

days, when the authorities took the Oufkirs back to solitude. in 1996, Malika was allowed to leave her cell after so many years of confinement, and begin her life anew.

THE MOST COMPELLING ASPECT of the book was how she managed to survive and give hope

to her siblings and aging mother in the time of trial.

RECOMMENDATION: I would recommend this book to anyone who is passionate about

learning more on the politics, as well as the more personal side of her life, and the royal court.

Interview with the Vampire

If you are a fan of blood stealing creatures of the night, dangerously gorgeous men, and the famous author, Anne Rice, then "Interview with the Vampire" is a fabulous book to pick up. No true vampire fan has not read this book! The dashingly morbid Louis is the main character of the story, and the readers follow him through his tale of tragedy, joy, and the thrills and chills of being a Vampire. After being changed by the seemingly charming vampire Lestat, Louis finds himself in the entirely different world of night and immortality. Yet as time goes on, he finds Lestat to not be so charming. In fact, the man is selfish, arrogant, and not willing to let Louis go! Helplessly stuck with Lestat, Louis longs to be human again, coming to despise his never ending life and the torturous feelings of being a monster as well as Damned for eternity. With so many twists and turns that will leave the reader nearly sick from the ride, "Interview with the Vampire" is a beautifully written book, with tantalizing characters and heart breaking situations. So sit down and read; Louis would like to tell you his story.

5Q and 4P

Diary of a Teenage Girl: It's a Green Thing By: Melody Carlson

It's a green thing is the second novel by Melody Carlson of her Diary of a teenage girl series written by Maya. This book is written from the aspect of Maya, and is her diary. Within the book are her thoughts on life and her ups and downs just like any teenager has. With Maya's mother locked up in jail for drug addiction Maya has the opportunity to live with her uncle and her cousin, and learn what it is like to have a normal family for once. Maya's father is making a comeback as a singer, so her lack of parental figures is an issue Maya deals with. Chapter by chapter this book goes through the ups and downs of being a teen who for the first time is going to high school, living with a family, and expressing herself through her green actions. This novel is a super quick read, and I fell in love with the character Maya, because she's not a normal teenager, and her take on the world, and going green is different. Something I really enjoyed was at the end of each chapter Maya has a green tip of the day that is a fact about going green, or helping with the green thing. Reading this diary of Maya, is like a roller coaster, and is relatable to our lives because most of us don't know what's coming next. I suggest this novel if you like anything about going green, a diary of a teenage girl, or more than just an average story. I assure you, you will not be let down.

Q:5
P:3

Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman by Haruki Murakami

Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman is Haruki Murakami's second compilation of 25 fascinating short stories. Included in the vintage edition of the novel is an introduction by Murakami. This is exciting for any fan of his works. Murakami tells readers of the process of his novel and short story writing and also explains how he often finds writing short stories much more exciting than novels: "I find writing novels a challenge, writing stories a joy. If writing novels is like planting a forest, then writing short stories is more like planting a garden". Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman is Murakami at his very best. A mixture of romance, horror, comedy and drama these stories are deliciously wound together with a combination of both complex and simple plot lines and undecipherable symbolism. A haunting mirror, romantic getaway, talking monkeys, and reminissing the good old days are some of the stories that can be found. Full of wisdom, passion, and mysticism this novel lives up to the highest of expectations.

Q:5 P:3

Wake by Lisa McMann

Janie was eight the first time it happened; now she’s seventeen and her aptitude has developed, producing some dangerous consequences. You see if Janie is in close proximity to someone who is dreaming, she is sucked into their dreams. It happens during school, while working at a nursing home, and even once while driving Ethel, Janie’s new-to-her car. Janie doesn’t understand why or how she gets sucked into the dreams and so far she’s found no way to stop it. No one, not even her mother, knows about her ability but she can’t hide it forever. Imagine if your worst nightmare happened when you were awake.

Sequels: Fade and forthcoming Gone

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Alex Fuentes and Brittany Ellis. The only thing they seen to have in common is the table they are forced to share in senior chemistry. Alex lives on the south side, is the oldest son of a single mom, and is a member of Latino Blood, the same gang his father belonged to before he was murdered. Brittany is from north side, drives a Beemer, is captain of the pom squad, and appears to be the perfect princess of Fairfield High. Mrs. Peterson’s assignment not only makes them partners in class but also requires them to spend time together outside of school. When the initial disgust wears away, Alex and Brittany realize that they don’t necessarily fit the mold they have been cast. And although their friends, families, and classmates might not approve, it’s hard to fight Perfect Chemistry.

Perfect Chemistry Book Trailer created by the author!

Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

Twelve year old Moose Flanagan has just moved to Alcatraz, the island prison that housed some of the country’s most notorious and worst prisoners including Al Capone. The year is 1935 and Moose’s father has taken a job as a prison guard and so that his sister Natalie can attend a special school close by in San Francisco. At that time there was not yet a medical diagnosis for her disability, autism, and Moose’s mother has been willing to try just about anything, including lying about Natalie’s age, in order to find a “cure”.

Moose isn’t sure about living on “a twelve-acre rock covered with cement, topped with bird turd and surrounded by water”. It’s hard enough to leave your friends and start a new school. But for Moose, it’s made much worse due to the fact that the warden’s daughter, Piper, is always hatching a scheme, from selling the opportunity to have your skivvies laundered by a famous prisoner, finding and selling prison baseballs, to meeting Al Capone’s mother. If Piper wasn’t bad enough, Moose has to watch Natalie after school and can’t play baseball with his classmate.

Is it possible that Alcatraz and it’s most infamous prisoner could finally be a step in the right direction for Moose and his family? See what happens when Al Capone Does My Shirts.

Cycle of the Werewolf by Stephen King

In this chillingly delicious book by ultimate horror writer, Stephen King, fans of gore and the moon cycle can get their werewolf fix. While vampires are fun to write about, werewolves get no credit! The story is separated into chapters that follow the months in the year, from January all the way to December. In almost every chapter, the full moon brings out the beast in the least likely suspect that lives in the small town of Tarker's Mills. At first, the killing seems like the work of a homicidal maniac, driven by the power of the full moon, but as the brutal murders escalate each month, the towns people become uncertain. The macabre way the victims were killed seems like it was done by something not quite human... As the story and the murders continue, the readers come to the rather shocking conclusion and learn that even the kindest man can succumb to the beast on the night of the full moon.