Whiskey on the Rocks by Nina Wright

Name: Krystiana Graham

Grade: 12th grade +

Title: Whiskey on the Rocks

Author: Nina Wright

Review: This is a book I've passed many times while reading, and slowly grew more and more curious about. So one day, I read the back - and discovered a new favorite series. Whiskey on the Rocks is the first installment of the series, Whiskey Mattimoe Mysteries, by Nina Wright. The main character is a real estate broker (with a knack for finding dead bodies on the properties she tries to sell) named Whitney Mattimoe. Of course, everyone calls her Whiskey - despite the fact she doesn't drink. You learn in the beginning of the book, about a dog named Abracadabra. Or, Abra for short. A spoiled afghan hound who belonged to Whiskey's late husband. An afghan hound who is in 'rehad' for a habit of stealing . . . purses.

It is because of this habit that Whiskey finds herself knee deep in a mystery surrounding a few dead people, some missing artwork, and her rock star neighbor's son. Not to mention a chopped off finger, and a suave mysterious man. Tie that up together in a pretty little package, and you have the starting of a Whiskey Mystery. Of course, you'll need some help, like from the police, a homosexual woman named Jenx. And the deputy, a man whose canine partner tends to get Abra acting . . . horny for lack of a better term. Mix in some Odette, who works with Whiskey, and Whiskey's ex-husband, Jeb. And you have an interesting mystery with all the key players. Now, in this mystery, it starts out with some folks wanting to rent out their home, and before long, someone comes to find the home ransacked, while they were renting it, and an expensive painting mystery. When Whiskey and Abra get on the trail, they discover a purse with a severed finger in it.

As the story continues, you learn all about Whiskey (and Abra's) odd way of all ways getting their guy.

Why I picked this book up: It was a book I had been curious about. Seeing it many times, and when I read the back, it was right up my alley, and I couldn't put it down.

Why I finished it: I was constantly curious about what would happen next, so I kept reading, until it left me stranded, and in need for the next book.

I'd give this book to: Anyone who likes a good mystery.

Rating: Five out of Five; it was an amazing book, that I could see anyone enjoying, and the next book in the series gets better and better.

The Kite Runner

Khaled Hosseini's master piece is honestly the best book I have ever read. Taking place in 1980's Afghanistan, two boy's stories are told. Amir, a rich Pashtun, and his servant Hassan, a hazara. Hazaras are lower in class in Islam then Pashtuns. These to boys are bes of friends who have been raised together since birth. Amir's father, which throughout the story is refered to as Baba or father, loves both the boys. However he looks down on Amir for not being as manly as him and spending too much time in books. Amir works hard to gain his father's respect. One day Amir and Hassan run into the town bully Assef. Hassan threatens to shoot him in the eye with a slingshot if he doesn't leave the boys alone. Amir, Hassan, and many other boys participate in kite fighting. At the age of 12 Amir and Hassan participate in a tournament. Afterwards Hassan chases down Amir's kite and ends up being cornered by Assef and his gang. I won't go into details but lets say that life for the two boys would never be the same. Amir and Baba end up leaving Afghanistan during the war with the Soviet Union. The story picks up years later when Amir is in his twenties. Amir begins to write books whil Baba works at a gas station. A major step down from being a rich honored man in Afghanistan. After a few years Amir get married and becomes a famous writer. He then gets a call from Rahim Khan, an old friend from Afghanistan. He asks Amir to come back to visit. Amir takes up his offer but when he arrives Rahim tells him the real reason of his call. Hassan has met with a terrible fate and Rahim wants Amir to find and take care of Hassan's only son. After searching, Amir finds that he was taken by the Taliban. Needless to say, Amir didn't get the boy back easily. Amir takes Hassan's son to the U.S to raise him away from fear or worry. I read this book because I heard a lot of great things about the book. Of course they weren't wrong. I recommend this book to all young adults because I know that once they pick up the book, they won't be able to put it down. The Kite Runner is a solid 5 out of 5.

Kitchen Princess

Name: Serina

Grade: 12+

Title: Kitchen Princess

Author: Miyuki Kobayashi

Artist: Matsumi Ando

Najika Kazami has a dream to cook good food that puts a smile on everyone's face. After growing up in a humble foster home in Hokkaido called Lavender House, Najika sets out to complete her chef parents' dream, as well as her own by joining Seika academy, a prestigious school for the rich and talented. Najika is certainly not rich, and at first the other students think she has no talent, either. However, after witnessing a young girl try and confess her love to a boy by giving him her handmade flan, only to have him refuse it and knock it out of her hands, Najika steps in to help the girl make flan that the boy will have to eat. After making the perfect flan, it is discovered that Najika has a very special gift that allows her to cook amazingly delicious food: an absolute sense of taste, meaning Najika can eat anything and know the ingredients in it as well as how it was made, and can remake it to perfection. The director's son, Sora, sought Najika out because of this talent, and guided her along through the school and her trials, to the anger and jealousy of the other female students. Najika also learns that the boy who refused the girl's flan earlier, Daichi, is also the director's son, and that the two brothers do not get along. Najika tries to bring them closer together by them both enjoying her food, and soon the two are a bit enamored by her, though Daichi would never admit it. While Najika mostly thinks about making the best food in the world, she also dreams about her flan prince, a young boy who saved her as a child from drowning in a river and then gave her flan to cheer her up, along with a silver spoon with the Seika academy logo. Najika has a suspicion that Sora is her flan prince, but doesn't know how to ask him. Will Najika be able to get both her dreams? Only the comic will tell.

While I initially avoid shojo manga like the plague, I was quite curious about Kitchen Princess. The delicious illustrations and the included recipes at the back probably helped, but I have to admit that I got a bit caught up in the plot as well. Najika, while the terribly cliche shojo lead with her large eyes, long hair, and upbeat personality that somehow all the handsome guys in the school fall for, she also had a lot of things that the other shojo manga protagonists didn't. She was awfully positive, even when the other girls in her class treated her horribly and kept trying to get her to leave the school. It was obvious to the reader that it upset her, but she was strong enough to not let it get in her way, and she even fought back a bit instead of running to the nearest male character to cry in his arms. The whole series had its ups and downs, and some of it I hated, but some of it I actually liked. Now I can honestly say that I have read a decent shojo manga that I appreciated rather than disdained. Kitchen Princess is a great manga for shojo fans, as well as for food fans. My suggestion would be to try out some of the recipes at the back of each book and see if you have the makings to be a kitchen princess as well.

I picked this book up because of the yummy looking pictures.

I finished this book because I got sucked in along the way.

I'd give this book to anyone who likes shojo manga or who likes cooking, or who likes food, or all three.

*** Liked it

Flight Vol. 2 by Kazu Kibuishi

Name: Caitlin

Grade: 12+

Book: Flight Vol. 2

Author: There are many authors in this book, but it is edited by Kazu Kibuishi

Lately, I've been on a huge graphic novel/comic book kick; while I was browsing the shelves I noticed that there was a pretty large chunk of the graphic novel section dedicated to the Flight novels. These books are compilations of many up and coming graphic artists and writers, edited and brought together by Kazu Kibuishi.

What makes these graphic novels so unique is how so many different types of stories and art styles are brought together in one place. Even for the differences of art and varying types of stories, one thing can be said about the entire novel put together; it's beautiful. The opening story of Flight Vol. 2 is about a fox that lives alone on a barren planet, but soon the fox encounters a beautiful ball of light that transforms into all kinds of forms, including a pretty purple fox. The story ends in just a few pages, but the ending still leaves the reader feeling warm and fuzzy inside, or at least it did for me.

In a completely different change of pace from an adorable story about foxes, there are sections with quirky, rectangle shaped creatures setting up a party, robots, ordinary people going on extraordinary adventures, and many more. No story is even remotely the same, but all of them are wonderful for what they are.

The uniqueness of these stories makes the novel very interesting because no one knows what kind of story will be up next; it's also different from many other graphic novels because these are all short, compact stories as opposed to one long one. That was definitely different for me because I'm not used to reading so many different stories in one novel, but I'm glad that I read it because there's nothing else like it. The graphic novel universe seemed to be lacking any kind of compilations that showcase artists in big numbers. The introduction of Flight was really something that the graphic novel scene needed; it's a brilliant way to introduce people to the world of graphic novels and it has really made a wonderful impact on readers.

Why I Picked Up the Book: It looked promising and the cover was really cool :)

Why I finished it: It was a fast read, but it was hard to put it down.

I'd give this book to: Anyone who wants to start reading graphic novels, but maybe hasn't before. It's a really good showcase of what graphic novels and comic books can offer readers.

My rating for this book: *****

The Old Man and the Sea

Briana
Freshman in college

The Old Man and the Sea
By Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway is a great author whose books have started a revolution of dreamers and led to the reinvention of English prose in the 20th century. The Old Man and the Sea is one of his most enduring novels because it is told in simplicity, but represents power. This story is about an old Cuban fisherman, down on his luck and just going through the motions, always believing that the next day will be his lucky day. After the 85th day at sea with no luck, the old man hooks a fish. He knows it is a big one because the fish doesn't fight the hook, but instead starts swimming away- pulling the small skiff with him. The man believes that the fish will soon tire and eventually kill himself from over-exertion, but instead the fish pulls strong and hard for three days. The old man is forced to hold the line, using his back and legs to support him as he braces himself. Finally, the fish rises for air and the old man realizes that the fish is indeed much larger than the skiff and very powerful.
The Old man has a chance to catch the fish, and he swiftly harpoons the great beast and ties his next to the skiff as he makes his slow progress back to the Cuban coast. The old man is elated and joyous because he knows that this fish will feed many people for a long time! Unfortunately, sharks begin to terrorize the man and slowly the fish is diminished to nothing more than a corpse- a forgotten promise of what could have been... The next morning, the skeleton of the beautiful beast is found, and all the other fisherman are in shock of what the old man accomplished. The novel finishes with the old man dreaming of his adventures.

Why I picked up this book:
I enjoy Ernest Hemingway's novels because they reveal human nature in it's simplest and most common form. I also wanted to read a classic and award wining novel, so I put this novella on my summer reading list.

Why I finished this book:
This book took me just a few hours to read because it is so small- only 130 pages cover to cover. It was also a good book, because it showed the strength of humans, and the respect that we should all have towards nature and beast greater than us. This novella has a great message.

Who I would recommend this book too:
I would give this book to anyone who is unsure of what to read next next. If you are in between books and need a short easy read, this is the book for you. It has a great message, and it invokes so many feelings in such a short time. This novella is available on audio books, the Internet, and many other sources- making it easily accessible.

Rating:
**** Very Good

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

2007 Printz Award Winner, the first major award given to a graphic novel.

American Born Chinese is a collection of three parallel stories of adaptation. The first tale is of the Monkey King, whose only goal is to be part of the dinner party in heaven. After he is shunned for being merely a monkey, the Monkey King decides to continue to master the disciplines of Kung Fu and fight those who won’t accept him.

Jin Wang starts a new school and is introduced as being from China, although he was born in San Francisco. He is a loner and is often bullied. When Wei-Chen, a new student from Taiwan, joins the class, Jin Wang is unsympathetic and tells him to speak English in America. Jin Wang develops a crush on a Caucasian girl but her friend delivers him a harsh message –that he (an ABC) is not good enough for her.

Danny is the All-American white boy. His cousin Chin-Kee comes to visit once a year and Danny is humiliated. Chin-Kee is the ultimate representation of the negative Chinese stereotype and Danny feels Chin-Kee is ruining his life.

When these three stories collide, the reader learns about identity and what it might feel like to be an American Born Chinese.

Why I picked this book: The first time I read it because the book won the Printz Award. I chose it for our May teen book club selection because the group wanted to read a graphic novel.

Why I finished it: I liked the three stories. Monkey King is based on an ancient Chinese myth, Jin Wang's story was autobiographical, and Danny/Chin-Kee's story was set up in a tv show (which I didn't catch while reading!)

I'd give the book to: avid readers looking for a good introduction to graphic novels.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

View all my Goodreads reviews

Hero Type by Barry Lyga

Name: Caitlin

Grade: 12+

Book: Hero Type

Author: Barry Lyga

What does it mean to be a hero? I consider myself and my peers to be part of a superhero generation, but even that doesn't make the question any simpler. For Kevin Ross (Kross to his friends) the question is even more complicated. Kross is a hero; he saved a girl, Leah, from being raped by a notorious criminal. That makes him a hero, right? Unfortunately for Kross, it's definitely not that simple. Admired by everyone in his small town, Kross finds himself in a tricky situation; his father never speaks because of a mysterious war accident, his friends are the biggest pranksters in town and to top it all off, the entire town is turning on him because his father took the "support our troops" stickers off of the car awarded to him for saving Leah. As the dark secrets of his father's past, as well as his own, emerge, Kross starts to question if he ever really was a hero. Kross has to learn to accept his life for what it is and learn to stand up and do the right thing in the face of complete opposition before he can ever ask himself what it means to be a hero.

Barry Lyga is one of my favorite authors. I've read all of his books except one, but out of all of them Hero Type is definitely my favorite. Lyga has a way of binding the weirder, darker side of real life with the things that people actually feel when they're experiencing. Kross is put into a very, very difficult position when his father takes the "support our troops," stickers off his car, made even more difficult when he has to face the most popular kid in school to stand up for why his father did it. This book has so many controversial issues in it, which makes it difficult to write a review; there's too much to talk about. The complexity of the story and characters, however, make this book more than amazing.
By the end of the book, I was totally rooting for Kross to win and for everyone to love him again, but Lyga also has a way with focusing on the reality of the story. Nothing about this book is sugar coated; Kross is extremely unlikeable and creepy in many parts of the book, but for all of these major flaws, Kross is extremely human. All of the characters are flawed and confused enough for me to actually believe them and all of this makes the book totally convincing. The lives that Lyga built for the people in this small town are remarkable and fantastic. Not everything is resolved by the end of the book, but it's obvious that Lyga planned for it to be that way and it only adds to the reality of the entire story. The reality and humanity Lyga wrote into this book are definitely what made it so utterly great.

Why I picked up this book: It sounded interesting and I love Barry Lyga.

Why I finished it: I totally couldn't put it down.

I'd give this books to: Speech kids. Definitely speech kids. But, honestly, I think everyone should read this book.

My rating for this book: *****

Stay by Deb Caletti

Name: Krystiana Graham

Grade: 12th grade +

Title: Stay

Author: Deb Caletti

Review: From everyone I've talked to, I've heard amazing words about Deb Caletti, and I must say, she does not disappoint. Stay is only the first book of hers that I have read, but it's a book worth reading. It's a wonderful story, with a twisted plot, that will literally leave you clinging to the edge of your seat. The story travels between two different time periods, the past and the present. In the present you meet Clara, the main character - who is suffering from an obsessive boyfriend, and has gone on a vacation of sorts, in an attempt to get away from him, but it is the short chapters between the chapters of Clara's life now, that you get to meet Christian, her obsessive, possessive ex-boyfriend.

Christian came into her life by pure conciounsedence, and has stayed in it because of Clara not wanting to hurt him by leaving. You learn that Christian holds Clara captive by his obsession with her, as well as his low self esteem that makes it to where she feels it is her job to be close to him, and to stand by him. Unfortunately, it also leaves Clara stuck between a rock and a hard place. Eventually, Clara is able to send him away - and to get further away her father takes her to a remote place by the sea in hopes of putting some distance between Clara and Christian. And to keep up this 'distance' no one is to know where she is.

Clara welcomes a new, but simple life with the change of scenary, as well as a new crush in the form of a local sailor. Clara finds a job at the light house, her father finds a girl friend in her boss, and she's beginning to get used to things, until her crush turns into her boyfriend, and she calls up her best friend to tell her about it. Clara tells her friend where she is, and in turn her friend tells her mother. And then Christian learns of where Clara is that way. And suddenly, Clara's heaven isn't so heavenly anymore. Her haven turns into a nightmare the night Christian shows up, and it leads to a chase that ends as she's cornered out at sea, with Christian approaching. And from there . . . well, you'll have to read the story yourself to find out.

Why I picked this book up: I'm not sure why I picked up Stay. I didn't hear any good remarks about the author, until others had already seen me reading it. It was just a book I had found on a whim. To be honest, it was one of those random 'Oh what's this' moments. And after I read the inside cover, I knew it was a book I'd have to read.

Why I finished it: This is a book I'd happily call hypnotic. Caletti definitely knows how to hold a girl captive, from my perspective. This book kept you wanting to read more, curious as what would happen next, and dying for the information in between chapters, that were like the secrets of Clara's past. The more you read, the more you wanted to read. However, Caletti also did a wonderful job pulling the book together at the end, finishing it up in a delicate way, and leaving you with a feeling of peace. An ending worthy of the book.

I'd give this book to: I'd give this book to anyone - though I've already suggested it to a friend who has similar problems as Clara. It's a book that is almost informative at just how dangerous relationships can be, as well as a good book for anyone who wants a realistic modern, relationship based fiction book. This is a book I'd happily hand to people down the street, because it's an interesting story, and I don't think there is anyone who wouldn't like at least one section of it.

Rating: Four out of Five; I'd give it a higher rating, but I do hate giving a book a five. So maybe it's more of a four and three quarters. Yes. that sounds more likely, more appropriate. This book was wonderful. Cleverly written, designed to capture attention and hold it. It was very consistent, as well. And over all. It's an amazing story, worthy of being noticed.

The Saga of Larten Crepsley: Ocean of Blood

Name: Serina

Grade: College

Title: The Saga of Larten Crepsley: Ocean of Blood

Author: Darren Shan

Larten Crepsley is a young vampire with great aspirations. After leaving his mentor Seba Nile for a period of time that all Pups (as young vampires are called) take to find themselves, Larten is living the high life with his companion Wester. The two of them gamble, drink ale, consort with women, and follow along behind battles to feed on the fallen humans. It truly is paradise, but Larten still feels like he is missing something. So, even though his current life is so appealing, he and Wester return to their master to complete their vampire training. Seba then takes them to vampire mountain to participate in the council. While there, Seba is given the job of quarter master and asks if his two apprentices would like to stay. Wester is eager to remain in the mountain, but Larten is far less certain. Regardless, he agrees to train and become a vampire general. Eventually, after years of training, Larten becomes fed up with the hierarchy system of generals and princes, and after becoming angered by his master's words telling him to go, he leaves vampire mountain. Larten then falls back into old habits, drinking ale until he passes out and flirting with women. He is still not pleased with his life, and runs into the rowdy and rude vampire Vancha March, who he accompanies until Vancha is called back to vampire mountain. When Larten is alone again and missing any form of company, he decides to seek out the sorceress Evanna, who he had previously met and been dazzled by while still in the service of his master. Fate takes things from there, and the hands of destiny lead Larten into some very unsavory situations that he may end up paying the ultimate price for in blood. And it is not necessarily his own...

I picked this book up because I love Darren Shan.

I finished this book in one night because it was exciting as well as easy t read.

I would give this book to anyone who likes the Cirque Du Freak series, or to anyone who is sick of vampires that glitter in the sunlight rather than burn.

Rating: **** I really liked it!

Choke by Chuck Palahniuk

Name: Cailtin

Book: Choke

Author: Chuck Palahinuk

Victor Mancini's mother is in a home; a home that costs 3,000 bucks a month, a price that medical school dropout Victor can't afford. His solution to this is simple- he forces himself to choke in restaurants. Victor spends his nights choking and his days coping with (sort of, but not really) his sex addiction; every Saturday he visits his mother. It's while he's visiting his mother that he meets the beautiful Paige Marshall, one of the resident doctors that cars for his mother. As Victor delves deeper into his mother's past and his own, he is drawn into an insane world where the people who save your life are responsible for you forever, his best friend is collecting boulders and rocks to stave off his sex addiction, and Victor himself has to separate fact from crazy as his mother suggests that his father might be divine.
Choke was very, very typical Palahniuk. The story is funny in it's absurdity, but also encompasses the dark and bleak worlds that Palahniuk's characters always find themselves in. this book, like most other books by this author, was very theatrical, with a corrupted main character and a very unique writing style. The story itself was also really interesting. Palahinuk put a spin on the typical "parent in a home, child can't afford, con people into giving them money so they can keep their parent alive" plot. He makes it ultimately stripped down the the core of what the bleak, dirty side of humanity is.
The only complaints I have with this books is that it is so similar to all of the other works Palahinuk has done. His writing style seems to be very set-in-stone. This books is also depressing, insulting and infuriating at times, so it's not a good read for a sunny day.
The whole book is filled with twists and the reader is forced to fall into the insanity of the characters. This books is ultimately disgusting and horrible and insulting (I think it might actually need a warning label) and I honestly could not put it down.

Why I picked up this book: I generally like Palahinuk's books and this one has been in my to-read pile forEVER.

Why I finished it: I couldn't really put it down. It's disgustingly fascinating.

I'd give this book to: Anyone who is looking for a truly bleak and unique read.

I would NOT recommend this books to: People who are sensitive to generally horrible things and people who have parents who are very sick or in homes. This is NOT a feel-good read...unless it makes you feel better about yourself.

My Rating for this book: ****

Rules of Attraction

Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles
Briana, 12th grade

Just like Elkeles novel- Perfect Chemistry, we are introduced to Carlos, the middle Fuentes brother. A rough, tough, and egotistical Mexican who's got a problem with everyone is forced to leave Mexico to live in Colorado with his oldest brother, Alex. Carlos is reluctant to do anything, much less live with his brother's professor and his annoying daughter. Kiara- a level headed, recently confident girl is immediately drawn to Carlos. It might be his love for cars, one she shares, or maybe it's the hidden depths that Carlos rarely shows. Either way, they are forced to test the boundaries of love as Carlos gets tied up in a gang- something Alex tried to prevent from happening by shipping Carlos to Colorado. As this story unfolds, many secrets are revealed in this action/ romance novel.

Why I picked up this novel:
I had read Perfect Chemistry and obviously loved it, so I grabbed Rules of Attraction to see what it would be like.

Why I finished the book:
Well lets just say that it was incredibly hard to put this novel down! I loved it- maybe it was the forbidden romance, or the tall, dark, and handsome Fuentes brothers that keep me intrigued. Either way it was a great book.

Who I'd recommend this novel to:
I think this is a book that would appeal to girls more than guys because we are looking for these forbidden romances and love stories that leave us astounded. There is action- the gang affiliations and fights, but I think it's more of a "coming of age" novel. It's really worth reading is all I can say!

Rating: *****
Really good!

The Road

Cormac McCarthy's masterpiece is the story of an unnamed man and his boy as they travel across a post-apocalyptic United States. There are no animals to be seen anywhere, the entire land is burnt and covered with ash, corpses are lying everywhere, and survival is very unlikely. The man and boy are no exception. They travel south in the hopes of finding food and protection from the dangers of the outside, the worst being the people. Starvation has driven them mad with hunger turning them in cannibals. A true horror story. The man does everything to keep his son safe and the boy will always remain loyal to his father. All they have is each-other and whatever supply they carry. I read this book and couldn't put it down because of all the horror and suspense. It will keep you guessing and you will be shocked at all the horror McCarthy sends into you mind. I give it a 4.5/5 and recommend it to anyone over the age of sixteen. Anyone younger might not be able to handle it. The question is can you?

Marcelo In The Real World by Francisco X. Stork

Marcelo likes his world just the way it is. He lives in a tree house, attends a special school called Paterson where he helps with the horses and is accepted regardless of his differences. He hears music in his mind and remembers Bible verses. Marcelo is 17 years old and has a form of autism called Aspergers.

Marcelo's father Arturo decides that Marcelo needs to spend the summer before his senior year working in "the real world". Although Marcelo already had a job caring for and training the ponies at Paterson, it has been decided that Marcelo will work in the mail room at Arturo's law office. Arturo wants Marcelo to learn how to interact with people outside of Paterson and how to live by the rules of the real world.

The real world might have more in store for Marcelo than even Arturo imagined. Right & wrong, good & bad, trust, jealously, love, honesty. How will the real world change Marcelo? How will Marcelo change the real world?

Why I picked up the book: I've heard many positive things about the book and I was looking for something different (not supernatural, sci-fi, or abuse) for our teen book club.

Why I'm finishing it: Makes me think about how we treat people who are different. Is anyone really normal? Seeing the "real world" through Marcelo's eyes makes me wonder if we would all be better off not being "normal".

I'd give it to: high school students, parents, teachers, librarians. Right now I think it would be good for graduating seniors trying to find their place in the world.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

View all my Goodreads reviews

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

Name: Krystiana Graham

Grade: 12th grade

Title: I am Number Four

Author: Pittacus Lore

Review: This is a story that is showing up everywhere. A new motion picture, a new book, and a fantastic read, if you ask me. I am Number Four is about a boy, similar to the youth of today - yet different in many ways as well. The first thing you learn about John, is there are a few things that make him special. One. He's one of the nine. Number Four to be exact (cue title here), and he's one of the nine surviving Garde, a subsection of a race of humanoids on the planet Lorien. Along with these nine Garde came nine guardians, the other subspecies of humanoids called Cêpan. Sent to earth after their planet was attacked by another, much more foul race of creatures the surviving 18 Loric must split up into groups of two. One Garde, one guardian. And they must survive on earth - blending in; and wait for the Garde's legacies to appear so that they might be able to fight back against the aliens that destroyed their planet. Legacies are part of the Garde, which make them special. Super powers given to them by their planet, do to the Loric's desire to keep the planet alive and safe. These Legacies help the Garde fight, to protect Lorien. And until the Legacies develop, the nine young Gardes are in serious trouble.

At the beginning of the book, however, you learn that the nine Garde have actually been lowered to only six remaining, one, two, and three having already met their fate. Now it's John who is fighting for his life - because he is in danger. He is number four. He is next. If they find him, he is dead. You follow the story, seeing it from John's general perspective, watching as he experiences the difficulties of being a Garde fighting for his life, trying to fit in with the humans, and discovering just who he is. You see the strength with in him, the courage, and selfless-ness he fights with. And you can easily find a connection with this one of a kind hero. And no one else but Lore could have portrayed an idea to such an excellent extent. This book is worth reading. Who knows, maybe the movie's not that half bad either.

Why I picked this book up: My mother was the one who actually picked this book out, for herself none the less. When she had finished it in one day, I knew it was a book worth looking into. That, and my mother basically pushed it into my hands.

Why I finished it: Many have asked me, since I finished the book 'Is it a good book, or a good author?' This is a question I stumble over, because i have no answer for it. I absolutely love the story, I shan't lie about that. I've never read anything like it. It keeps you pinned in, and fawning over the idea of what will happen next. I finished it, not because you have to finish every book that you come across, or be left unsatisfied, but because I constantly had to know 'What is going to happen next.' And I hope, one day soon, I'll be able to figure out the answer to the question. Is it a good book, or a good author. Maybe it's both. I'm still not sure.

I'd give this book to: I'd give this book to anyone who loves to read, merely for the fact that it's an interesting, and captivating book. But beyond that - I'd give it to those interested in the extraterrestrial. Because, this book has MORE then enough of that. and yet, it is still far from 'Sci-fi.' Really, this is a book anyone can sink their teeth into, and be left asking for more.

Rating: Five out of Five; Hello wonderful. This book has it all. Awesome characters, a plot that keeps you hooked, and a story line that flows perfectly. I hate giving fives, because many take it as a sign of no need for improvement, but for this one, it has all the makes of a five, and I won't degrade it to anything less.

Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan

Name: Caitlin

Grade: 12 (soon to be 12+! :])

Book: Will Grayson, Will Grayson

Authors: John Green and David Levithan

Will Grayson is just an ordinary guy; he lives under the radar and follows the rules of not making a scene or speaking up. For such a cowardly and shy character, Will's best friend is surprising. Tiny is anything but tiny; in fact, Tiny is one of the biggest people Will had ever met. Along with being a huge football player, Tiny is also very, very homosexual. He's larger than life and definitely the heart of the book; if they were to make a movie of this book, no one would ever be able to live up to how amazing Tiny is. This book follows Will Grayson to the most unlikely place, a shady porn shop, where Will Grayson meets Will Grayson.

The second Will is a completely different character; in love with a guy he met online and fighting his way through depression, his parent's divorce, and living in the lower bracket of the middle class. He has few friends and a dark outlook on life. As these characters collide, their lives are changed by Tiny and through Tiny they change each other.
Not to mention the underlying plot of one big, gay musical authored by none other than Tiny himself, a girlfriend, several boyfriends and lots of characters learning a thing about life.
This book was brilliant in so many ways. For one thing, John Green is one of my favorite authors; when he joined with Levithan, who wrote Boy Meets Boy, the book was destined to be a success in my eyes. John Green's lough-out-loud humor and unique viewpoints for characters paired with David Levithan's unique perspectives into how people are as well as his knack for bringing light and happiness into the predominantly angst-riddled subject of homosexuality gives this book a depth I rarely see. The best thing about this book, however, is that it tricks you into thinking the book is about the Graysons, then it's about Tiny, and then it's back to the Graysons again. Even after I've finished it, the book was about all three of them separately, but by the ending it was about all three.
The only downsides to this book for me was that in all collaborative books, the authors always miss some small things that could have been followed through, but were missed; another fault I saw was that depressive Grayson didn't use any capitalization and, being a grammar nazi, it bothered me, even if I did understand why they did it.
Overall, this book was wonderful and human and masterfully written. It was everything I like in books: funny, heartbreaking, beautiful, and everyone figures out how stupid they were in the beginning.

Why I picked up the book: I've been on a John Green kick and it also had a pretty cover :)

Why I finished this book: I really could not put it down

I'd give this books to: Anyone looking for a really, really, great-growing up story.

My Rating for this book: *****

Where She Went by Gayle Forman

SPOILER ALERT: If you have not read "If I Stay", do not read this review. Go to your nearest library, check it out and then return!




Three years ago, the love of Adam's life, Mia, was the sole survivor of a horrific car accident that robbed her of both parents and her younger brother. Mia spent four days in a coma and Adam asked, begged, her to stay and made her a promise he never thought he’d have to keep. But when Mia left for Julliard in the fall, she walked out of his life and never came back.

Now Adam is officially a rock star complete with addictions, anger issues, and depression. Even writing two albums full of award-winning hit songs hasn’t provided him any closure. After causing a scene during an interview, Adam's manager suggests he take an evening in NYC to relax and “get away from it all” before flying to London to start the tour. Little does Adam know that this chance to breathe will allow him to walk by Carnegie Hall and see a poster announcing the concert of the night: Mia Hall. The chance to watch Mia play, even from a distance, is enough for Adam, but then Mia invites him backstage after the show. Have you ever wondered what if and why? If you had the chance to come face to face with your lost love, what would you say? Adam is about to find out Where She Went.


Why I picked up the book: It takes place three years after "If I Stay", which I loved. Interestingly enough, this book is from Adam's point of view.

Why I finished the book: I needed closure, just like Adam. While it never occurred to me that "If I Stay" needed a sequel, I couldn't put the book down. The author has an amazing way with words and I was hooked on her sentences. It was also nice to finally read a great YA story that wasn't 300-700 pages long.

I'd give it to: fans of "If I Stay", romantics, anyone who has ever wondered what if in terms of their first love.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

View all my Goodreads reviews

Skulduggery Pleasant

Name: Serina

Grade: College

Title: Skulduggery Pleasant

Author: Derek Landy

Skulduggery Pleasant is the suavest, smooth-talking detective to ever walk the earth. He also is an ancient wizard that has been fighting a secret war for generations against evil sorcerers that are trying to throw the world into chaos and rule it with an iron fist. Oh yeah, and he's dead...

When twelve-year-old Stephanie Edgley's novelist uncle dies, he leaves her his mansion and all his possessions, including some rather dangerous ones that have magical properties. At the reading of her uncle's will, a mysterious man was invited. Called Skulduggery Pleasant, he wore a large coat and concealed his face with a hat and sunglasses, but he had the most beautiful voice that she has ever heard. Later, while staying at her uncle's home, which has not suddenly become hers, Stephanie is attacked by a strange man, demanding to know where the 'key' is. When things become dire and Stephanie is not able to escape, the man in the coat from the will reading barges in and, to Stephanie's amazement, creates a fireball in his gloved hand and shoots it at her attacker, driving him away. However, in the scuffle, Skulduggery loses his hat and sunglasses, giving Stephanie an even greater shock. Skulduggery Pleasant is a walking skeleton.

From there on, Stephanie is dragged into an ancient battle that has been going on behind humanity's back for hundreds of years. Skulduggery died during the war, but could not move on. So, with a bit of magic, he reanimated his bones and has been walking around since. Skulduggery believes that one particularly bad sorcerer is after something said to only exist in myth, the Scepter of the Ancients. He also believes that Stephanie's uncle was murdered.

In an attempt to escape her boring life, Stephanie accompanies Skulduggery on his quest to avenge her uncle's murder and to stop the evil sorcerer called Nefarian Serpine, even though he is not very willing to have her along. But what's a skeleton to do?

I picked this book up because it had an awesome cover.

I finished this book because it was fun and interesting.

Rating: ****

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

Name: Caitlin

Grade: 12

Book: An Abundance of Katherines

Author: John Green

Colin Singleton is single- that's because he was very recently dumped by the "love of his life,Katherine. To Colin, this Katherine was Katherine the Great; losing her was a tragedy in itself; this was the 19th Katherine he had dated in his life and she left him-- his life is over. Although Colin is intent on wallowing in his misery and maybe trying to get Katherine back, his friend Hassan, a Judge-Judy obsessed Muslim who is not a terrorist decides it's time for a road trip. They eventually land in a very small town and take shelter with one of the local families. Their adventures there are both hilarious and sweet as Colin learns that Katherines aren't the only girls in the world.
An Abundance of Katherines is a book that all teenagers can relate to--well, mostly. It does deal with teen relationships, which really everyone can relate to, but John Green managed to put a unique twist on it, as is his style. Colin is a prodigy, a child genius who remembers nearly everything he reads. The book is full up with mathematical equations, random facts and general nerdery; Hassan is practically in love with Judge Judy and all of these character quirks make the characters more human and definitely more lovable. John Green has a way of taking a typical boy gets dumped, boy meets girl, teenage coming of age road trip story and making it interesting and funny again. This book was hilarious and easy to relate to and all together a good read.

Why I picked up the book: I'm a nerdfighter, how could I not? If you don't know what a nerdfighter is, I encourage you to check out this site:

http://nerdfighters.ning.com/

Why I finished it: It was quick and very entertaining, so not finishing it would have been a challenge.

I'd Give this book to: Really any teen. It's a good reminder that being dumped is not the end of the world. Otherwise, anyone who likes nerdier fiction or someone looking for something funny to read.

My Rating for this book: ****

Poppy by Avi

"No creature is allowed to leave their homes without the permission of the great horned owl, Ocax." One night Poppy, a young deer mouse, and her boyfriend Ragweed go out at night to dance. They thought that they weren't being watches but they were wrong. Ocax in a fit of rage swoops down and devours Ragweed while slightly missing Poppy. Poppy runs back home to her family who are all wanting to move to a new house in search for food. When her family asks the great owl for permission he immediately says no. Poppy being blamed for it all now must journey to investigate why the horned owl rejects their offer. On her journey she meets a cranky old porcupine who agrees to help Poppy get to the new house. When they arrive Poppy is stopped by Ocax. As a last gift to a friend the porcupine gives Poppy one of his needles to fend off the owl. The question is will it work? This book is amazing a and exhilarating. Every page made me want to continue. Though a children's book, I strongly recommend this to any teen. It is a story of adventure, sadness, and courage. I give it this book a good 5/5. This book is marvel and anyone who reads this will be amazed.

Briana
12th Grade
The Bone People
by: Keri Hulme

An estranged artist, a mute boy, and an abusive adoptive father are all brought together in this enticing story of native New Zealanders, and their fight to preserve their way of life. These three characters were "walking dead", never amused by anything and putting on a fake face for the outside world- until one event throws them all together.
Kerewin Holmes, an artist and a lottery winner, she is tough, hard, blunt, and capable of fending for herself. One night, a boy shows up on her doorstep; a mute boy with long blond hair, white skin, and bruises on his body with every intention of reeking havoc on Kerewin's simple life. Simon P. (at least, that is the only name the boy ever responds too) Gillayley, adoptive son of Joe Gillayley, has had it rough. Found nearly dead and shipwrecked on the coast, was taken in by Joe and his dying wife so that he could live like a normal child- but Simon is not a normal child. He knows much more than he should at his age, is always seeking attention by stealing and beating other kids at school, and revealing terrifying secrets when he believes himself to be alone. Joe- widowed and hurt, seeks happiness, often coming in the form of drinking himself into oblivion. The strains of being a widow and having to raise a feisty foster son wear Joe down all the time, until he meets Kerewin.
The Bone people is about these three unlikely friends, their blossoming relationship, the shattering of such a good thing, and their struggles afterwards.

Why I picked this book up: This novel was an assigned reading book for my English class.

Why I finished the book: Contrary to popular belief, this assigned book was a great read. I really enjoyed this novel because it had a great plot line that can be related to everyone in one way or another.

Who I would recommend this book too: Anyone who is not sure what to read next. Unlike most books today, it is not a part of a series, making the perfect "in-between" novel. There is deception, love, joy, heartache, and suspense all crammed in this novel. The characters are portrayed so that they are loved, and the plot line depicts many inner struggles.

Rating: *** Good