Scary Books (BOO!) - Week 12

Ghost Town by Rachel Caine

In this 9^th book in the Morganville Vampire series, Claire Danvers has once again been ordered by Amelie, the town’s vampire leader, to help Myrnin, the town’s resident vampire super genius/psychotic, reconfigure his steampunky machine that controls the town’s portals and memory.  Claire and her housemates, Eve, Shane, and Michael, start to realize that living in a vampire run town isn’t as scary as what’s happening to the memories of the town’s vampires and humans. The delicate balance of Morganville is in jeopardy by the miasma that has resulted. 

I chose this story because I am a HUGE Rachel Caine fan and have enjoyed her previous 8 books in this series.  In this frightening town, there is a mixture of unknowing college students, townies, and vampires (both good and bad).  Sometimes realizing who is good and who is bad is always shifting and you can never make assumptions on how any given day things will turn out.  One constant for Claire, the incredibly understated prodigy, is that her housemate and boyfriend, Shane, cares for her along with her two housemates.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

School has just started and after calling the police to a party over the summer, Melinda went from a normal teen with her circle of friends to a social pariah.  Melinda is a freshman at Merryweather High and nobody seems to care about what really happened.  Melinda gradually shuts down verbally and emotionally.  Her only joy is art.  Her art teacher imparts some wisdom to her in regards to her tree drawing assignment.  He tries to reach out to her when he tells her that without emotion you slowly die inside.  Not willing to see her former friend hurt as well, Melinda takes steps to protect her and in doing so she finds her own voice.

I found this Printz Honor Book at my library.  I had previously heard about it and sought it out.  I was intrigued by the cover art.  The face of a teen without a mouth done in greens and browns trying to blend into the sparsely leaved tree in front of it symbolically looked like a lost empty being.  This isn’t your scary vampire or werewolf type of book.  It is a different kind of scary.  In this book the thought of a teen being shunned and teased by her school for an act of self-preservation after enduring a heinous violation was just horrific.  I know that this is a very likely scenario and that is what makes it scary for me.

Project 17 by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Liza, beautiful but focused Harvard wanna-be, Greta and Tony, the drama club divas, Mimi, the secretive goth girl, and Chet, the class clown with the sad home life, all agree to help Derik, the school Romeo, shoot a movie at the closed and soon to be demolished Danvers State Hospital.  Derik wants to enter this movie in a contest that will save him from a life of working in his parents’ diner and further his interest in film.  In theory capturing the classmates’ reactions as they spend an evening in the abandoned hospital sounds like a great idea, but the doubts and shivers start as the group enters the grounds and strange feelings and sounds surround the group.

I decided to look for this book after my oldest daughter had read it last year and had the benefit of meeting the author through a library author lunch.  She really liked this book and while she found it scary it was definitely one that broadened her scope of reading materials.  I liked that the setting was a local well-known scary venue.  As a kid, when you thought of real-life scary there was no scarier than Danvers State.

The Blue Mirror by Kathe Koja 

Maggy Klass finds peace and beauty in her art that she loves to sketch at The Blue Mirror, a diner in her city that has a beautiful window that showcases the world in a dreamy blue light.  Staying at home with her alcoholic mother is stifling so Maggy finds refuge in The Blue Mirror and her friend Casey who is interested in her art.  All that changes when one day Maggy notices a tall dark boy with a breath-taking smile that is accompanied by street urchins.  The next day Maggy sees him again and this time he comes in and introduces himself as Cole.  His charm makes her feel light-headed and extremely special.  His words of “I love you” and intense passionate attention blind her to the reality of her new surroundings and the shell of her former life.  Before her very eyes, he has used her and brought her into his life of street crime and violence with his sugary sweet whispers and feather-like kisses.  Slowly she starts to really see what he is and her life has become.  This book shows her struggle to understand his life and overcome his hold on her.

I found this book mentioned on the School Library Journal’s website under a column titled A New Era of Gothic Horror.  The article spoke of helping teens “develop their moral compass.”  I liked this story because I could very easily see this scenario of seduction, manipulation, isolation, and abuse playing out in any big city with a young girl looking for someone that cares for her.

Science Fiction & Fantasy Books (The Geeky Stuff) - Week 11

This week I had to venture past my oldest daughter's room because geeky sci-fi books are clearly not her genre.  I didn’t have to go too far though…my younger daughters, Christina and Kimberly, are avid fantasy and sci-fi readers along with my husband.  This week presented a challenge of its own.  With all the new books that I brought home, my girls often snagged them before I could get to them.  In the end, everyone was happy and we clearly enjoyed our favorites.

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

Finn, a prisoner living in Incarceron, a prison of recycled organic matter and metal, has unusual visions of the sky and stars.  Claudia, the warden’s daughter, is living on the Outside in her own sort of prison.  Struggling to do what is expected and what she feels is just, Claudia tries to deceive her father and use a key to find a way in, while Finn and his group find a crystal that they believe will lead them to the Outside.  Incarceron is an all-knowing entity that intervenes when necessary and exists in its own spatial and time anomalies.

I found this book listed on an article in School Library Journal when I searched for science fiction/fantasy books.  It was listed as one of the” new crop of teen books” popping up in 2010 in the article 35 Going on 13.  As a result of this book, I learned the term steampunk.  I like how the old Victorian ways and the new technology are combined to create this science fiction society that is considered steampunk.  I have always been a fan of Howl’s Moving Castle, Jules Verne and only after this article realized that it was considered its own genre.  Look for the continuation of the story in Sapphique, which will be coming in December 2010. 

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

In this modern day version of Little Red Riding Hood, it’s all about the hunt for sisters Scarlett and Rosie.  A brutal werewolf attack left their grandmother dead and Scarlett savagely scared.  Along with their neighbor and best friend, Silas, the three set off to seek revenge on the dreaded Fenris that they must stop.  This modern day Little Red Riding Hood is a fast paced adventure with a little romance.

Initially I came across this book at the book store.  The cover art really appealed to me.  I loved how the two girls and the wolf were interwoven.  This book was given a starred review in School Library Journal.  The chapters alternate in telling the story from each sister’s perspective. 

Mister Monday (Keys to the Kingdom, Book 1) by Garth Nix

The great architect created everything and then disappeared leaving the Will in the hands of the 7 trustees.  In this fantasy universe, Arthur Penhaligon succumbs to an asthma attack on his first day of 7^th grade.  Mister Monday gives Arthur a key that unexpectedly saves his life.  Mister Monday loop-hole in the Will was thwarted and will stop at nothing to get it back from Arthur.

I found this book in the Young Adult section of my local library and was drawn to the Harry Potter like male protagonist on the cover.  I liked the quick paced action and the 24 hour time period that is encompassed in the book.

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Katsa has been "graced" with killing.  She meets and befriends Prince Po, who is aware of his surroundings and can read others thoughts of him.  King Leck is "graced" with mental confusion and manipulation.  Leck kidnaps Po’s grandfather.  Even though Katsa and Po find Po’s grandfather they don’t understand why Leck took him.  Together in this fast paced action/adventure fantasy they find romance and unravel the mystery of the abduction.

I sought this book out at the library and chose to read it because of all the references to it in our discussions.  I saw the cover and was immediately drawn in by the strong yet intricate sword rising above all else. This book received a starred review from School Library Journal and was a 2009 finalist for the Amelia Elizabeth Walden Book Award.

Voices of Dragons by Carrie Vaughn

In this society where dragons and humans have formed a treaty and the two sides agreed to a boundary and never to talk, Artegal, a dragon, rescues Kay when she fell in the quick moving stream near the boundary.  After her initial shock of actually seeing a legendary dragon, she realized that Artegal can talk. Neither was what the other expected and a friendship slowly developed.  Kay helped Artegal with his speech.

I chose this story after seeing it at Barnes and Noble because I was intrigued with dragons and Artegal’s kind character.  Each of them came into their relationship with preconceived ideas about the other.  While struggling with all the issues of being a teen, Kay had another secret that she kept.

Airborn by Kenneth Oppel

Matt Cruse, cabin boy, on the luxury airship, Aurora, feels most at home in the sky after being born and now spending the last three years aboard an airship sailing from one place to the next.  Matt's daring rescue of a dying man 6 months prior brings Kate de Vrie, the lovely young heiress, on board the Aurora for a quest of her own to discover what her grandfather wrote of in his journal.  Matt didn’t figure that pirates would cause his happy sky home to experience murder and become stranded on a deserted island.  Kate and Matt soon realize that the island they are on holds many discoveries.

I found this book right under my nose.  This book was being read by two of my daughters for a school Battle of the Books.  Since both raved about it, I couldn’t help but see what all the excitement was about.  I liked how this book showcased a male protagonist that was the youngest and yet extremely capable member of the crew.  Airborn, another great example of steampunk, was selected as a 2005 Printz Honor Book.

Teen Romance - Week 10

The books that I read this week all included various forms of teen romance, a.k.a...sexy books!  I'd also like to thank my oldest daughter, Jenn, for all of the many books that she shared with me this week.  Yeah Jenn!

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Belly, Steve and their mom, Laurel, have spent every summer vacation with Susannah and her sons, Conrad and Jeremiah, at their summer beach house.  This year Belly is finally "noticed" by the two brothers.  While the younger brother, Jeremiah, is quick to have the friendship become more, the older brother, Conrad, lets what will develop occur naturally.  During this summer Belly realizes Susannah is going through a divorce and a cancer diagnosis.  Belly comes to support each brother in a different way.

           

I liked this book, because while you could sense the attraction between Belly and Conrad, the author took her time in order to transition their relationship from life-long friends to something more.   As in life, meaningful relationships don’t just happen overnight.  I found this little gem displayed on the bottom shelf of Barnes & Noble in the teen section.

Along for The Ride by Sarah Dessen

Auden decides to spend her summer before college with her dad, step-mother, and new step-sister, Thisbe.  Auden has always been the over-achieving student at the expense of any social life in high school.  Socially unaware, she meets two brothers her 1^st day at the beach.  The younger wilder brother, Jason, seeks her out, but it’s the older more reclusive brother, Eli who manages to gain her trust and heart.  Eli and Auden, both dealing with their pasts, come to support each other and value the love and friendship that they have nurtured.  This is a beautiful story of first true love.

Once again, I found this story in my oldest daughter’s room.  It’s one of her favorite Sarah Dessen books. 

 

Deep Down Popular by Phoebe Stone

Conrad Parker Smith was the school jock and cheerleader favorite until he had to wear a leg brace and walked with a limp.  His social value at that point became non-existent to everyone except Jessie Lou and Quentin.  Jessie Lou adored Conrad and because of his brace, she enjoyed a real friendship with him.  The two really got to know each other without his popularity getting in the way.  When Conrad had to have an experimental operation for his leg, it was Jessie Lou by his side.  The surgery was a success and he no longer needed the brace.  When his popularity returned, it was Jessie Lou he wanted to take to the dance and found he liked.  Conrad helped Jessie Lou to see that she was every bit as pretty as her beauty pageant older sister.

I liked this book because I really found myself rooting for Jessie Lou even when I knew she didn’t believe in herself.  This book was given to my daughters by a friend.

Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

Finding red sea glass was as rare as the love that was beginning between Anna and Matt.  Matt wanted to tell his sister Frankie, Anna’s best friend, on their family vacation but a heart defect took Matt’s life the night before they left.  Anna, who promised Matt she wouldn't tell, now feels compelled to keep this secret and support her grieving friend while she secretly grieves as well.  The following summer, Anna and Frankie return to the summer house in California on a quest to find twenty boys and move on with their lives.  While they did meet several boys, Anna only felt something for Sam.  Anna manages to understand that there will be life and love after Matt.  Their summer also allows the two friends to find some closure with their loss.

I first noticed this book on Amazon because I loved the cover art.  The beautiful sea glass becomes more meaningful after reading the book.  While this was a story of tragic first love, I loved this book because while Anna lost the love of her life, she manages in time to move on while still remembering Matt.

 

The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks

A picture of Elizabeth lost in the Iraqi desert brings tragedy to one marine and luck to another.  Logan slowly realizes that since he found the picture of Elizabeth, he is protected.  After his tour, he walks from Colorado to North Carolina with his faithful dog Zeus using clues in the photo to find this woman.  Since her grandmother was looking for help, Logan applied for the job.  Elizabeth realizes that there is more to Logan’s story, but slowly he gains her trust.  She is more beautiful and amazing than her picture, but he is unsure of what he was hoping to accomplish from his journey.  Elizabeth and Logan have many obstacles to overcome in order to be together.

Thankfully, I didn’t have to go to a gas station to find this story; I just had to rifle through my daughter's bookcase.  It is a compelling story of love, trust, duty, and destiny.

The Smoke Jumper by Nicholas Evans

Julia and Ed initially met over a disputed parking spot.  Later that night, Julia walked in to the club where Ed was playing and into his heart.  While music is his passion, Ed spends his summers as a fire jumper with his best friend, Conrad, in the wilderness of Montana.  Conrad,a photojournalist, immediately feels a mutual connection with Julia.  A summer fire in Montana leaves Conrad to rescue Julia, while Ed loses his eyesight.  Conrad's failure to help his friend Ed and secret love of Julia, leads him far away from Julia and Ed.  After marriage, Julia and Ed move out west and start a family.  Although traveling the world, Conrad is never really out of their lives.  Tragedy once again strikes and leads Julia searching a war torn nation looking for Conrad.   

This book would appeal to the older teen or adult that can appreciate the difficulties that life deals you and how two people can overcome them.  I have had this book for years, but it wasn’t until a friend’s recommendation that I actually read it this past summer.  I found the love triangle heart breaking and enjoyed reading about the brave men and women who every summer risk their lives to fight these monstrous fires.

FUNNY TEEN BOOKS - WEEK 9

These are some of the funny young adult books that I found appealing this week along with an amusing video that I just couldn't resist.

 How to Ruin Your Boyfriend’s Reputation by Simone Elkeles

This is the third book in her How to Ruin…. Series.  In a previous book, Amy met Avi in Israel when her father took her there one summer.  This book takes place the following summer when Amy and her friends decide to surprise Avi, who is in the Israeli Army, by enlisting in the camp’s ten day program.  Amy’s designer sunglasses befall a nasty fate along with her manicured nails and white shorts out in the desert.  Outhouses, insects, extreme heat, bad food & bunk beds…none of this was in the brochure.  Hoping things will get better when she sees Avi, she is sadly mistaken.  The ten days can’t go by fast enough.   

This book was recommended to me by a good friend.  I loved the cover because it captured the main characters style and spunk.   I chose this book because I love how Amy followed her heart while having her friends around to support her. 

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

This book starts off by explaining all of the diseases, inclement weather, venomous creatures, and lethal predators that have met a very small number of hikers over the years.  44 year old Bill decides he is going to do it…hike The Appalachian Trail!  After purchasing the mountains of gear he will need, the thought of spending all that time alone starts to concern him.  A request to all of his friends finds him agreeing to allow Stephen Katz, an even more out of shape acquaintance from his past, to join him.  His wife reminds him of their past problems, but Bill assures her that all will be well.  Bill should have realized that Stephen’s constant need to eat donuts, to stop his seizures that years of drug use have left him with, should have been a signal that this was not going to go well.  It went from bad to worse once the hike began and Stephen “flipped out” and in an effort to lighten his pack he threw out every essential food item that they were going to need.  These two men were clearly not ready to deal with the elements, the terrain, the weight of the backpack, or dealing with each other.  Their adventure, while at the time clearly not funny, is actually hilarious.

On first glance, this serene background will pull you into nature’s beauty and the eyes of the brown bear looking at you will seem unassuming.  After reading the book, if you saw this scene while on your hike, you would most likely be playing dead if you could stop you heart from racing at the misfortune that had just come your way.  In my quest for funny books, I was given this book by a friend who clearly shares the same sense of humor.

The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg

Disappointed, used, lied to, and cheated on was finally enough to get Penny Lane Bloom to realize that she didn’t need to rely on the popular boys at her school to define herself.  She created a plan B, named The Lonely Hearts Club, and was its first member.  News of her endeavor spread to all ages and groups of girls at her school.  She created a large support system that would not let her down but instead encourage each member to their full potential.  Penny begins to realize that not all boys are like the ones she has sworn off.

  

I borrowed this book from my daughter’s room.  She found it so funny that she finished it in record time after staying up until 12:30am reading it!  The typical teen drama is done in a comical way especially with the apparent Beatles theme throughout.  From the “Abby Road like” cover, the main character’s name, and the appropriate section headings referencing popular Beatles songs it was a perfect book for the long time Beatles fan that I have always been.