The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Ponyboy is a Greaser. Greaser=poor East Side neighborhood and less opportunities, while Soc=privileged West Sider. Ponyboy isn't your average Greaser. He's smart, likes to read, and his older brother will do whatever it takes to make sure he finishes high school.

When Ponyboy and his friends Johnny and Dally sneak into a drive-in movie, they set into motion a series of events that will change the lives of every Greaser and Soc they know. The guys sit behind a group of beautiful Soc girls, who befriend Ponyboy and Johnny and allow the guys to walk them home. The boyfriends of these Soc girls aren't the least bit happy about this. The Socs jump Ponyboy and Johnny later that night and someone becomes the first casualty in a long line of lives cut too short too soon. How can you stay golden when the world seems to be against you?

Why I picked this book up: Several teens in the Afternoon (7th-8th grade) Book Club suggested we read it.

Why I finished it: The book is timeless. It was written in the late 60s, I read it for the first time in the 90s and teens are still reading it today. Sadly in 40+ years, we haven't progressed much from the greasers and socs, regardless of what groups/gangs call themselves.

I'd give it to: any teen, especially boys. The book is timeless and really speaks to what it's like being a teenager. It's also on several required reading lists, so teens can read a book they might like and fulfill a school requirement.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

When Clay Jensen returns home from school and finds a package addressed to him he is excited. He opens the box to find seven tapes numbered 1-13. Upon listening to the tape he hears the voice of Hannah Baker, the girl who took her own life only two short weeks before. On the tapes are a list of 13 reasons and 13 people that led Hannah to the decision to commit suicide. These tapes are slowly making these ways to each person on the list reveling the not so flattering sides of the people Clay goes to school with each day, including himself. 13 Reasons Why is captivating due to the powerful voice of Hannah's narrative tale. This is a quick and intense read that will make you think differently about how you treat your schoolmates.

Why I picked up this book: I saw it on the Soaring Eagle's list and read the back. It sounded captivating.

Why I finished: It was impossible to put down once again. It is not easy to pause in the middle of Hannah's tale.

I'd give this book to: Anyone interested in a short fascinating read and a completely unique story line.

**** Really liked it.

Can You Keep A Secret

Shelby

Can You Keep A Secret written by Sophie Kinsella

Life for 20 year old Emma Corrigan from Britain could not get any better. She has the perfect boyfriend, an ideal job, good friends by her side- almost everything a woman her age could hope for going right... but doesn't everyone have a secret? or secrets? She's keeping tons! From the start of her teenage years, to the start of her career, from her boyfriend, her parents, and even her best friend. Secrets that have been kept so dear, until a frightful flight on a plane that is. Emma has been assigned to go visit a company for work on the plane, and after a long eventful day of meetings without the best results she begins her story by flying back home. Emma has always been afraid of planes, and thinking that the plane is just some huge hunk of metal flying in the sky... there's nothing wrong with that is there? That is until the plane starts to crash. Out of fear Emma begins spewing all of her life secrets to the good looking man sitting next to her, who was in even great shock. After spewing all of her secrets, believe it or not she finds herself landed in the airport hyperventilating with the plane attendant on one side, and the bewildered man on the other. At least things couldn't get any worse... after Emma had clearly spread her secrets to the stranger. That is until Monday morning comes around. Clearly Emma has forgotten all about her near death incident, and resumed her life in all areas- until she gets to work. Upon arriving to work she discovers that the stranger on the plane wasn't really a stranger at all. He's the American CEO of the company she works for, and he is visiting her office for the week. Even worse, he knows EVERYTHING about her, and she can't do anything about it. How will Emma ever keep him from keeping her secrets, and how will she get over it. I suggest you read to find out!

Why I picked up this book: I had read the Confession of A Shopaholic novels, and I wanted to see what Sophie Kinsella had in store for individual novels.

Why I finished it: I believe if you start a book you should finish it, and that's exactly what I did. This novel was not just filled with hilarious coincidences, trust, and valuable interest; it had a twist of comic romance, and food for thought info. from the novel.

I'd Give this book to: Any girl who would enjoy reading it and any fan of the confession of the shopaholic series. I really enjoyed laughing and placing myself in the story to figure out what would happen and I think that any girl would enjoy that too :)

My Rating for this book:

Really liked it!

Through Violet Eyes

Serina

12th Grade

Title: Through Violet Eyes

Author: Stephen Woodworth

In an alternative present-day world, murderers are being caught in their tracks. While the murders cannot be prevented beforehand, there exists a way to catch the killers with no evidence whatsoever. Some very select people are born with violet irises, giving them the name the Violet Eyes. These Violets have a special gift, and that is to link with the minds of the dead. This means they can allow the victims to momentarily take over their bodies to say who their killer was. Seeing the potential of these beings, the government took it upon itself to find them and use them to catch killers, sometimes against the Violets will. Of course, the murderers are finding it harder and harder to get away with their crimes, then one in particular starts targeting the Violets themselves. When known Violets start turning up dead, Dan Atwater is put on the case. However, he is given a partner who is a Violet to help him. Natalie Lindstrom is able to channel the dead Violets, all of whom describe the attack of a faceless man. They also have a suspicion that this killer has somehow been working with someone on the 'other side'. A sci-fi Esq thriller, Through Violet Eyes was an intuitive, detailed story, with interesting characters and a intense plot. While murder mysteries among books usually aren't in my interests, I found I really enjoyed this book.

I picked this book up because my mother had owned it for some time and the cover looked interesting.

I finished this book because I really wanted to find out who the killer was.

I'd give this book to anyone who liked the book/movie Minority Report, or to someone who likes suspense.

****Really liked it

Gone by Lisa McMann

Janie knows what her future holds, or does she? Since discovering she is a dream catcher, Janie has learned how to cope with being sucked into the dreams of others. What she hasn't dealt with is how this gift really affects her life, both physically and mentally, and the lives of those she loves. Janie is determined not to become a burden, especially to Cabel. While she loves him, she knows she must disappear and keep his newest nightmare from coming true. But life throws her a twist she never expected, a twist that leaves her questioning everything she thought she knew. What will she decide when the luxury of time is gone?

Why I picked up the book: I'd read the first two books in the series and wanted to know how it all worked out.

Why I finished the book: I like to finish books I start. This one was hard to finish because I didn't connect with it or enjoy it as much as the first two.

I'd give it to: Fans of Wake & Fade and die-hard series fans.

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

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Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

Think back to your memories of 9-11. Were you afraid? Were you confused? Did you wonder if Wyoming may become a target? While you may have been too young to be fearful, you may remember your parents' reactions. But whether or not you remember that day, imagine a terrorist attack happening now. Would you want our government to act immediately? Would you be willing to give up some of your personal freedoms and privacy in order to be safe? Think airport security measures, computer monitoring, etc.

What if you were detained as a possible suspect, just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time? Now how likely would you be to allow those freedoms to be taken from you? I know what you are thinking. That could never happen to us, right? We are Americans, with unalienable rights, like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Constitution provides protections like rights of the accused, due process, protection from unreasonable search and seizure. Besides we are just teenagers.

You might be surprised with the lengths our government will go in the name of national security. Follow Marcus, a teenage hacker otherwise known as W1n5t0n or M1k3y, on his fight against an out of control US government.

Why I picked this book: Our teen book club read Orwell's "1984" and Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451" so it seemed like a good choice to bring those ideas into the 21st century.

Why I finished the book: I couldn't put it down. Even though it was a work of fiction, I kept wondering how much of it was based on fact. It's one of those scary-real stories.

I'd give this book to: fans of 1984 & Fahrenheit 451, teens and adults alike. Anyone who likes to question authority and even those who believe that our government can do no wrong.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg

Penny Lane Bloom was born into Beatles mania. Her parents met the night John Lennon was shot and named their three daughters accordingly: Lucy, Rita, & Penny Lane (who was born on the anniversary of the Beatles arriving in the U.S.A.).

After being humiliated by her first love, Penny is done with boys. John, Paul, George, & Ringo are the only ones who've never let her down and now they are the answer to ending Penny's heart break and misery. The Lonely Hearts Club is not a group of soured and scorn teen girls. Instead it is a meeting of the minds, sorta like Girl Power central. Rather than spend your precious high school years pining for an imaginary prince (or being the fool on the hill), why not swear off dating (let it be), come together, and have fun with a little help from your friends?

The Lonely Hearts Club seems like the perfect solution, but what will happen when the good guys come along? Can you (or should you) swear off love? Find out if The Lonely Hearts Club is a revolution or the end.

Why I picked up this book: I liked the cover and the fact that the book was Beatles-themed. I also thought the idea of a Lonely Hearts Club was cool. I wish I had spent less of my school experience focused on boys and more time focused on building great & supportive friendships.

Why I finished it: It was a fast read and it kept me hooked.

I'd give it to: any teen girl, especially those who like reading Lauren Myracle or Sarah Dessen. It has a very positive message (girl power, Beatles style). Take care of yourself and your friends. Boyfriends are great to have, but don't lose yourself or your friendships over a relationship. Boyfriends shouldn't control you. Your sense of self-worth and your self-esteem shouldn't be based on having a boyfriend.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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