I read some GREAT books this summer....I do some of my best reading at the beach, the pool, my yard, my porch and spent a lot of time on each this summer. I am molto fortunato!
Here's what I loved. I'm keeping each review to about 3 key words. If I spend too much time thinking about the review I won't get this done. Look on our teen page for a link to these books in our catalog and a longer descrition. You're going to want to read them yourself. Find one you like and come talk to me about it! Keep in mind some will be appropriate for middle school, some HS and some for adults, like Mister Pip. All are appropriate for adults who remember what it was like to be a teen.
In the order that I remembered them...
"What I Saw and How I Lied" by Judy Blundell
Glamour, mystery, and the little lies we tell ourselves....and that cover!
"Life as We Knew It" and the "Dead and the Gone" by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Disaster, destruction, survival. LAWKI is a girls perspective of the event, D&G, a boys.
"Every Soul a Star" by Wendy MassJust to show you I don't only love death and destruction -
3 kids, one solar eclipse. My favorite book this summer and I WILL be going to a campsite to enjoy the next total solar eclipse in 2017. Click the link below to see the path - I will be on that path. She is a wonderful author. Thoughtful, funny and does her research.
http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEgoogle/SEgoogle2001/SE2017Aug21Tgoogle.html
"Living Dead Girl" by Elizabeth Scott
Dark, like its title...and sad.
"Baby" by Joseph Monninger
Foster care, friendship, dog sled racing (which was fascinating). I love when I learn about something new.
"Mister Pip" by Lloyd Jones
A special teacher. If you liked To Kill a Mockingbird you will love this one.
"If the Witnes Lied" by Caroline Cooney
What happens when people believe the adult just because...
"The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman
He is a great story teller. Don't be put off by the beginning. You will love some of the folks who "live" in this graveyard. Promise.
"Jellicoe Road" by Melina Marchetta
Unfolds beautifully...stick with it. Will re-read one day because it's worth it.
"Hunger Games" - re-read to get ready for its sequel due out Sept 1 - put a copy on hold for yourself! Sequel - "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins. Keep an eye out for our HG party!
"Knife of Never Letting Go" by Patrick Ness
Noise, chaos, boy, dog, girl. Set in the future it is dark, intense and still manages to be sweet....Loved it!
Book 1 of a trilogy, Chaos Walking. Good title for the series. Hated the cliff hanger ending but the good news is Book 2 will be out in the next week. I'm first in line for it!
"Mice Templar - The Prophecy"
Rats, swords, justice....still working on this one but I loved the forewords by the author and illustrator. Just big boys who still love swords and believe in goodness...and why can't rats be the good guys? A graphic novel.
Lone Ranger and Tonto Fist Fight in Heaven by Sherman Alexie
For fans of Sherman Alexie. He is one of my favorites, but I preferred Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.
"Cry, the Beloved Country" by Alan Patton.
Was prepared to dislike it just because, but I am enjoying it. I understand the feeling of loss...and appreciate the dignity. I'm not very far into it, but I predict I might cry...
"How to Read Literature Like a Professor" by Thomas C. Foster
Entertaining, informative. Rain is never just rain...or maybe it is.
On my nightstand -
Swallow Me Whole - graphic novel - love the cover.
Funny How Things Change by Melissa Wyatt
Peace, Love and Baby Ducks by Lauren Myracle (of ttfn and ttyl fame)
Geektastic:Stories from the Nerd Herd edited by Holly Black
Gone by Michael Grant
Stop by and pick up one of these titles or tell me about one I should not miss!
What should I pick next for my nightstand?
Enjoy...michelle
