Thursday, May 28, 2009

Untitled?

Lucy is a vampire, but not in the traditional sense. She has a theory that untreated Diabetics long a ago were the basis for the folklore that led to today's Vampire stories. Being a Diabetic herself, this has altered her view of the world and herself. But When her friend introduces her to an older man who claims to be a stereotypical vampire himself an takes an almost frightening interest in Lucy She doesn't know what to do. A quick shock from her very deluded world into a very dangerous one.

I liked this book. Her theory was interesting, it's kind of believable. And the Aouther captured that jaded teen goth persona really well.

Catherine Kendall

Of Sound Mind

Theo's family is deaf. His mother is an artist who cares more about sculpting than catering to family life. And Theo is basically the family interpreter. By his senior year he is emotionally drained so when he meets Ivy, a girl with a deaf father who can sign as well he avoids her. And she resents his attitude but wants to be his friend because she is sure he would understand her. But at school a teacher blind to the situation makes them partners on everything and eventually they become very close.



This book is a tear jerker, you really develop sympathy for Theo and for Ivy and Her Father. And the story gives you almost a sense of a small sign-language culture, which is interesting.

Catherine Kendall

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

My Sister's Keeper is the story of a young girl suffering from leukemia. Her sister is the only person who can save her and that's because she was conceived just for that reason: to save Kate. Anna had no choice but to donate everything she could to Kate to help her survive. But when Anna wants to make her decision on her own, she has no choice but to hire a lawyer and sue her parernts for medical emancipation. Her lawyer turns out to be one of her closest friends. Through this entire story, it's an endless struggle between five members of one family. Will Kate survive??

- MEGAN RITTER

Inexcusable by Chris Lynch

Inexcusable is a story of a boy who had it all going for him. He had the best dad/friend in the world, and two loving sisters who are already off to college. It's his senior year and he can't wait to graduate. He ends up accidentally hurting someone in a football game is given a nickname that sticks with him forever. After that incident he spiraled out of control. And when he's accused of the inexcusable, he doesn't know how to react? Will he lose the girl of his dreams? Is that the entire truth of the story or is there a hidden misconception?

-MEGAN RITTER

Anthem, by Ayn Rand

This book takes place is a future, cult-like society were the main focus of everyone's existence is the welfare of the group. The people are controlled right down to the very last detail in their lives. And the main character wants so badly to be a scholar, but is told he's worthy of being no more than a street-sweeper. When he and another man discover an ancient subway tube and the light bulbs within, he begins to defy his masters, and when he recovers the power of electricity lost centuries prior, he is sentenced to death.

This novel, written by a clearly very intelligent author, in a very interesting and creative point of view goes so far as to offer up to readers a new philosophy for one's view of the world, although not one I would adopt for myself I was really amazed by it. It seems like the story line itself is just a cradle for the style of thinking Rand is trying to get across.

Catherine Kendall

Harry Potter: The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter: The Tales of Beedle the Bard, by J.K. Rowling, is an extraordinary book for any long time Harry fan. It doesn't give any particular insight into the life and stories of Harry Potter but it does give insight into some wizard culuture. In addition, Dumbuldore gives his thoughts on all the stories at the end of each. The book is made up of five short, old, wizard fairy tales, each with their own morale. The tales consist of "The Wizard and the Hopping Pot," "The Fountain of Fair Fortune," "The Warlock's Hairy Heart," "Babbitty Rabbitty and Her Cackling Stump," and "The Tale of the Three Brothers" , which is also mentioned in "Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows." The book is great and it is short so it is perfect for anyone that needs to get a quick Harry fix.

Ron McDermott

This Strange New Feeling- Julius Lester

This book takes place in the 1800's during slave times. It helps the reader understand slavery from an anti-slavery, white man's point of view. The main character, Ras, is close to the master of his home plantation. However, he is very sneaky. It turns out he somehow knows the plantation guards are secretly against slavery. He knows how to talk them into helping them escape. As you read, you will find yourself rooting for Ras and his long-time love, Sally as they try to make their escape. - KASEY TURNER

Dark at the Roots

Dark at the Roots is about a girl who is a pathological liar. Even from childhood she just can't seem to keep the truth straight from the stories she tells everyone in her life. Born into a very crowded, very dysfunctional family that's always moving, Sara grows up without any long term friends and is always scheming up ways to gain social acceptance at a new location.

I think this book is interesting because in reality, Sara wouldn't be a very attractive or endearing person. but as the book goes you find yourself willing her shady tactics to work.

Catherine Kendall

The Rescue- Nicholas Sparks

This is a book that will tug on your heart strings! From the very beginning, you find yourself feeling sorry for the single mother of a mentally challenged boy. She has a lot on her plate, especially moving to a new town. She has no family and no friends, literally. However, after a bad accident and the search for her little boy, she falls madly in love, gains a mother figure and a few friends. I was so into this book, I finished it faster than any other. Enjoy. - KASEY TURNER

Friday, May 22, 2009

What-the-Dickens- Gregory Mcguire-- Amanda Knotts

This was an interesting book by the author of Wicked. It's about an orphan tooth fairy who is just trying to find his purpose in our world. His story is told by a young man who is looking after his young cousins during a severe storm. This was a cute story and a short book, I would reccomend it to anyone who is just looking for a good read.

The Hobbit- J.R.R. Tolkein-- Amanda Knotts

This was one of the best books I have ever read. I loved that it was full of adventure, magic, and trouble around every corner. This book is about a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins who is tricked into being a "burglar" for a group of dwarves. He turns out to be braver than he thought and becomes well respected despite his small size and hairless face in presense of the heavily bearded dwarves. I would (and probably will) read this book several times again because it's such an exciting fantasy epic. I would reccomend this to anyone, especially those who enjoyed the "Lord of the Rings" movies or novels.

The Golden Compass- Philip Pullman-- Amanda Knotts

This book was wonderful and I enjoyed it very much. It's about a young girl who gets swept up in between the war between her mother's work and her father's. She ends up following her father into another world completely different to her own and, with her daemon, starts a wonderful adventure.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Evermore (The Immortals)- Alyson Noel-- Nicole Webster

Ever was a normal teenage girl until the crash. Her whole family was killed besides her. Ever since then Ever has been able to see and talk to the ghost of her little sister and has been able to read the minds of others. That was until she met Damen. For some reason she just can't read him, which makes him even more irresistable to her. Why can't she read him? What secrets is he hiding? This book is about love and hate. I loved it. I would definitely advise others to read it.

Frogs and French Kisses- Sarah Mlynowski-- Nicole Webster

This book is the sequel to Bras and Broomsticks. Rachel is back to being a nobody and Miri feels bad, so tries to put a love spell on Raf (the guy of Rachel's dreams.) By mistake, the spell gets put on Will, Raf's older brother. Will Rachel settle with Will? Will she just forget about Raf? How will Will loving Rachel affect her popularity? Frogs and French Kisses is a great book. There are many twists and ups and downs. I know whoever reads this will love this novel.

Bras and Broomsticks- Sarah Mlynowski-- Nicole Webster

Have you ever wished you were magic? POOF! and the guy you like wants you and you are the most popular girl in school? Rachel can have both of those things and more. No, Rachel is not a witch, but her mom and sister are! Rachel uses Miri (her sister) to get all the things she has ever wanted. But as Rachel's mom says, "All magic has consequences." This novel is very entertaining. I just couldn't put the book down! =)

Guyaholic- Carolyn Mackler-- Nicole Webster

Vivienne Valentine is a 17 year old girl who just can't seem to find a guy and stick with him. She lives with her grandparents because her mom just can't seem to stay in one place, she is always traveling. Vivienne goes to a party with Sam. Sam is V's newest attraction, but she's not sure if she is ready for commitment. She gets drunk and hooks up with another guy! When V's mom ditches her once again, V decides to drive down to where her mom is staying in Texas. She figures this trip will help her forget Sam. How will this 5 day long trip go? Who will V meet along the way and will this get Sam off her mind? I really enjoyed this book and think other girls should read it. =)

Baby Girl by Lenora Adams

Baby Girl is the story of a teen girl who has fallen for all the wrong lies. She's in love with a guy named Damon. Damon is a low life who has nothing to offer to Sheree but she see's the world in him. He already has 2 children, which he takes care of neither. He has no job and doesn't go to school. Her mom is a single mother who isn't setting the best example and Sheree's best friend is a rebellious rich girl who is always grounded. Sheree goes through many ups and downs but in the end she fights to get her life together. . . not just for herself but for someone else.-MEGAN RITTER

Running With Scissors by Augusten Boroughs

Running With Scissors is a story of a young boy who lives a crazy life. His parents are going through a divorce, his brother is too good to stay around, and his mother is psycho. She begins seeing a therapist, Dr. Finch, who turns their lives into another direction. Augusten finds his "soul mate" and soon learns that isn't what he wants. He makes many friends and journeys through life off the beaten path trying to hold everything together.-MEGAN RITTER