Night Game - Christine Feehan

Name: Krystiana Graham

Grade: 12th grade +

Title: Night Game

Author: Christine Feehan

Review: Feehan is a fictional writing genius. The author of both the Ghostwalker series (Night Game being the third book in this series) as well as the Carpathian Series, it's of little surprise that her name can be quite familiar to those who like a good mythical book. The Ghostwalker Series is a series who focus around a bunch of genetically and psychically enhanced men and women who had been the victims of experiments conducted by Doctor Whitney. Each book begins with the Ghostwalker Creed, the perfect way to get one into the mind set of the Ghostwalker world they're about to enter. Each book focuses on two individuals, a male soldier that had been enhanced, and one of the women from the very first experiments.

In Night Game, you have the first real taste of the conspiracies that are beginning to take place. Gator, the male lead of this story, is a Cajun man with a connection to sound, and his ability to manipulate it, as well as control animals. He is sent back home, to New Orleans, on his own request, to study the disappearance of a girl from his village, who's family was friends with his own. However, before he leaves, Lily Whitney-Miller (the adopted daughter of Doctor Whitney and one of the original women from the first experiments) ask him to look for Iris "Flame" Johnson.

His story begins with him focusing on the girl who he originally is searching for, before he runs into Flame, and soon he finds himself spiralling into a chaotic order of men trying to take the fiery red head, kill him, and a man who is out to destroy any who get in his way. Little do they understand, many of these issues go hand in hand with the girl that goes missing. Together, the two; Flame and Gator team up to try to solve the mysteries that are popping up. But with violent betrayals haunting both of their pasts, they must first learn to trust one another in order to save the missing girl, and keep Flame out of evil hands.

The third installment of the Ghostwalker Series is a captivating read, as Feehan once again draws her readers back into the enchanting world of evil scientists, psychic abilities, super humans, and romance. But, to find out what happened to Gator and Flame, as well as the rest of the members of the Ghostwalkers, you'll have to read the books for yourself.

Why I picked this book up: It was an accident, really, to get myself hooked on the Ghostwalker series. I had read another book by Christine Feehan and fell in love with the story, and went to see what else I could find by the author. When I got a hold of Mind Game, the first in this series, I never wanted to stop reading it.

Why I finished it: This was the first book in the series that I literally couldn't stop reading, or in my case listening to. I had gotten the playaway for this book, so I could listen to something while I drive about, however, I soon found myself taking the playaway everywhere so I could listen to this story and keep finding out 'what happened next.' It was simply one of those books that kept you on the edge of your seat all the way through so you could only keep reading.

I'd give this book to: If you like anything that has to do with experiments, psychics, and adventure, these books are a good choice for you. However, do to some of the more in depth, romantic content found in the pages, I'd say that only the elder, more responsible should really look into the series.

Rating: Four out of Five; While this was an amazing book, it is not my favorite by her; and so I can only give it a four out of five. But though it is not five material in my mind, it may be to you. So if you're interested, I say go for it, and read it. You might like it better than I.

The Blood Confession

Name: Serina

Grade: College

Title: The Blood Confession

Author: Alisa Libby

Erzebet Bizecka, a Hungarian countess, has been imprisoned in a tower room of her castle, awaiting a sentence from a trial she is not allowed to attend. Her crime? The gruesome murders of her young servant girls. While trapped in the tower, Erzebet writes a confession of the horrendous things she has done and how she became a monster in her search for immortality. In the beginning, Erzebet was born under an unlucky star and given a curse; she would either die young, or she would live forever. At an early age, she became obsessed with the prophecy, and was willing to seek out any means that would preserve her emerging beauty for eternity. Erzebet started out as a gilded noble, but her quest for life soon turned her cold and cruel. Eventually, at the peak of her fears, a dark stranger told Erzebet that she could become immortal through the blood of young women. Initially frightened of such evil deeds, Erzebet was rather reluctant to bleed her servant girls, but it wasn't long before she gained a taste for it, and began to stain her history crimson...

I picked this book up because it was based on Erzabet Bathory.

I finished this book because it got more and more intense toward the end.

I'd give this book to anyone who rooted for the evil queen in Snow White.

Rating: *** Liked it

The Art of Eating in by Cathy Erway

Name: Caitlin

Grade: 12+

Book: The Art of Eating In: How I learned to stop spending and love the stove

Author: Cathy Erway

I love food. This is a fact very known to my friends and family as well as most people I talk to for more than fifteen minutes. Having said this, a book that has recipes for delicious sounding meals as well as a witty author is right up my alley. When I picked up this book, however, I wasn't expecting to like it. I thought it would be some boring, non-fiction book about someone who liked to eat at their own house; I didn't have high expectations. I was pleasantly surprised when I read the first chapter and couldn't put it down.

This book follows Cathy Erway, author of the popular foodie blog Not Eating Out in New York http://noteatingoutinny.com she makes the life changing decision to stop eating out, fast food, sit-down restaurants and frozen foods alike. This is a drastic decision for someone who lives in New York, the eating out capital of the world. Throughout her 2 year fast, Erway discovers that eating in saves a lot more than just her cash; eating out is also more environmentally friendly, has a great community and is also very rewarding. The book follows these discoveries as well as her mishaps and successes in cooking. She has plenty of humorous stories including one about a failed dinner club, S.O.S., where she tried to play matchmaker for 3 different couples and cook a five-star meal all in one night. Though the author writes as if these experiences were a disaster at the time, she looks back at them with humor and wit in the pages of her book.


All in all, this book was a surprising quick read and also had wonderful recipes and stories; not to mention, I actually learned a few things and now have inspiration to cook more at home than take my hard-earned cash to a restaurant for one measly meal. It was definitely worth reading and I'm glad I started it on a whim in the first place.

Why I picked up this book: I was a fan of Cathy's blog for a long time and when I saw her book, I thought "Why not?"

Why I finished it: It was surprisingly entertaining and hard to put down.

I'd give this book to: Foodies, or generally people who like food or cooking.

My Rating for this book: *****

Not Afraid of Life: My Journey So FarNot Afraid of Life: My Journey So Far by Bristol Palin

Bristol Palin is the eldest daughter of former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican vice-presidential candidate, Sarah Palin. Even before her mother received the nomination, Bristol was a typical teenage girl, a hard working student-athlete, interested in family, the outdoors, and boys. Bristol believed that sex was reserved for marriage. But like many teens, she found herself in a relationship that tested her boundaries and resulted in an unplanned pregnancy during her senior year of high school. Unlike other teen parents, Bristol's pregnancy and baby-daddy woes were broadcast worldwide. This book is her side of the story.

Why I picked up the book: I'm almost embarrassed to admit I picked this up and continued reading it. However I was interested for several reasons. Just like when I read her mother's book, I think it is important to learn about some of these so called "celebrities" before so harshly judging them. I also wanted to know more about Bristol's abstinence message.

Why I finished it: Overall, I think the point of the book was good albeit too long and not very well edited.

Bristol was very brave in putting her story out in public, talking openly & honestly about her struggles with teenage pregnancy & motherhood, and trying to see the good in Levi but having to realize she can't fix him. I think a lot of teens struggle with that. I know I did when I was a teen in a similar situation.

I didn't like the fact that Bristol never mentions considering adoption. I don't know if she ever did but too many teens & people in general disregard it, thinking they have two choices, abortion or parenting.

I felt that Bristol spent too much time talking about her mom, although I see that she was trying to show that she wanted a similar childhood and family for her son. (Most teens probably haven't Sarah Palin's book, so it might not be as repetitive.)

I also wish that Bristol would have included more about her future plans in terms of schooling. She talked about wanting to finish high school (which she did) and then learn a trade. But then she became "famous" and it sounds like she doesn't even work at the doctor's office anymore. She may be the exception and be able to support her son on her DWTS winnings, book deal, & other tabloid deals, but it isn't realistic especially if the point of the book was to encourage other teen parents.

I'd give to it: Teen moms or pregnant teens, teen girls (especially those drawn to the "bad guy"), and adults who work with teens.

I think it might be nice for teens to read and have someone to relate to, in terms of saying you want to remain pure until marriage and then making a mistake. It happens to the best of us, and it is important to pick yourself back up, rather than beating yourself up about it.

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

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Little Billy's Letters: An Incorrigible Inner Child's Correspondence with the Famous, Infamous, and Just Plain Bewildered by Bill Geehart

The author wrote letters to politicians, companies (like fast food restaurants & breakfast cereal companies), celebrities, and other famous (and scary) individuals using his 3rd grade pseudonym "Billy", under the guise of a class project asking for advice and autographs. The author's sarcastic quips on the responses as well as his obviously liberal biographies of the letter's recipients made me have to read several aloud. Most letters were written in the 90s-early 2000s, but he does include a recent letter to former Governor Palin.

Why I picked up the book: I found the book on a cart of just returned items and the letters on the front and back cover grabbed my attention.

Why I finished it: The book is easy to read, funny, and a great road trip read. It was fun to see which responses were form letters and which were actual replies to the questions asked. Some of the responses were a bit scary (Charles Manson and the Night Stalker).

I'd give it to: High school students & adults looking for a laugh. Some of the recipients are convicted felons & murderers as well as a few alcohol companies.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

Bruno, the nine-year-old son of Nazi officer, comes home from school one afternoon to find the maid packing all of his worldly possessions. His family is moving from their big house in Berlin to a smaller, less interesting, place called "Out-with". Bruno is not thrilled. He doesn't want to leave his friends, his life, or the house he loves exploring. Bruno doesn't understand what his father does in his job as Commandant and doesn't understand why the "Fury" would send Father here, if he wasn't being punished. One day at Out-with, Bruno sneaks away to explore and follow the fence line, only to discover a boy, his same age, sitting on the other side wearing strange striped pajamas. Bruno's naive curiosity about Out-with, the boy in the striped pajamas, and the puzzling happenings on the other side of the fence will leave readers unsettled and affected.

Why I picked up the book: Many teens in our book club have recommended this book and offered it as a discussion choice. During the month of September, NCPL is hosting a traveling exhibit called "In a Nutshell: The Worlds of Maurice Sendak" as well as several events/programs on the Holocaust. The book seemed like a timely pick for our book club.

Why I finished the book: It is short and a very quick read. Bruno is a naive nine-year-old boy, who happens to be the son of a Commandant in the Nazi military. Like "Milkweed" by Spinelli, this book offers an innocent, child-like look at the Holocaust.

I'd give it to: readers who can handle the horror of the Holocaust or are looking to learn more, especially about those people who blindly stood by and did nothing during the Nazi's reign of terror.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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