A Christmas Read

A Magical Christmas by Heather Graham

Julie and Jo's life seems perfect on paper. Joe is a successful defense attorney making great money. Julie is starting to see success in her new career as a realtor. They have a beautiful home in Miami and three beautiful children. However, behind closed doors, things are not going as smoothly as people think. Their oldest daughter is sneaking around wth her boyfriend, Jordan is using drugs, Julie and Joe are on the verge of divorce, and the youngest child, six year old Ashley, is feeling the effects of all of the turmoil.

In an attemot to put the family back together, Julie and Joe arrange for a special Christmas away at an old historic Vrginian plantation.

I really enjoyed this quick and fun read.

South of Broad

South of Broad by Pat Conroy

This is the story of Leo King, his coming of age, his former-nun turned principal mother, science teacher father, the brother who committed suicide, and his cast of friends ranging from the super wealthy Charleston legacies to the orphaned minorities. I really enjoyed this story (even though it felt long in some parts) and the writing. I have always enjoyed books that take place in the south.

A look at the Yellow Fever epidemic of 1793

Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson

Mattie Cook lives in the bustling and prospering Philadelphia. Her widowed mother works really hard to keep the small family coffee house running and profitable and is quick to put Mattie to work doing her part. The year is 1793 and suddenly people who work near the docks are becoming ill and it is spreading quickly. When one of the coffee hours girls suddenly dies, Mattie and her family are fearful of how close Yellow Fever is coming to their family.

I have been a longtime fan of Laurie Halse Anderson. This is the first historical I have read from her and I enjoyed it. She makes the past accessible to middle school and high school readers.

Faithful Place

Faithful Place by Tana French

Frank Mackey, an undercover cop in Dublin, has stayed away from his dysfunctional family for the past 30 years. The night Frank left his family, he had planned to run away with the love of his life, Rosie, to London. When she didn't show up to meet him, Frank assumed she had changed her ind and dumped him. So, Frank kept going, never looking back at the poor neighborhood he grew up in, Faithful Place. But a call from his sister Jackie brings the painful past crashing right back to haunt him. Rosie's suitcase had been found. Hidden. With a note indicating she had planned to leave with Frank. So, what happened to Rosie? And how is Frank's family and neighborhood involved?

I really liked this book. I liked Frank, though at times he wasn't easy to like. I loved the setting and the build up of the story.

A Memoir

Without a Map by Meredith Hall

This is a memoir of a woman who grew up in my hometown in New Hampshire in the 1960's. At 16, Meredith finds herself pregnant and when she can no longer hide it at 5 months along, she is first shunned by her school, her town, and then by her own family. She is forced to give the baby up for adoption and what follows is the painful and difficult path her life then takes.

I always enjoy a Meg Cabot book!

Size 12 Is Not Fat by Meg Cabot

Heather Wells was a teen pop star, burning up the charts, and touring the malls. But at the age of 18, she has already started to fade out. Between losing her record contract and her mother making of with her fortune, Heather is left to make some life changing decisions. She wants to get an education. So, she takes a job at New York College as an Assistant Director in a residence hall. Which does not pay well, but after a 6 month probation, Heather can attend classes for free.

When not one, but two, freshmen girls are found dead in the elevator shaft, the police are quick to rule the deaths an accident, but Heather, following her own hunches, plays PI investigating the truth.

Really fun chick lit/cozy mystery. I liked the main character a lot and look forward to reading the next two books in the series.

Two More Parnormal-ish YA's

Two different YA's for two different types of readers!

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong (Dark Powers Book 1)

Chloe Saunders is a quiet and smart high school girl being raised by her aunt and nannies while her father is abroad. She lost her mother as a young girl. She has had experiences in the past of seeing the dead and now, at school, there is a dead and mangled janitor chasing her. Chloe freaks out and is sent to a "residential home" to get better. While there, Chloe's powers seem to heat up and she meets more kids with paranormal powers.

This was a great read. Fast paced and exciting. I can'[t wait to read books 2 and 3. This will be great for some of my older Twilight loving readers.


43 Old Cemetery Road: Dying to Meet You (Book 1) by Kate Klise, Illustrated by M. Sarah Klise

Such a fun book!! Ignatius Grumpley is an old children's book author who hasn't had a hit in decades. He is paid to complete one more book in his popular old series and rents an Old Victorian house in Ghastly, Illinois hoping to beat his writer's block. But once the contract has been signed, Old Iggy soon find outs out the house is already inhabited by a young boy named Seymour, his cat, and a 190 year old ghost named Olive.

This book is written in letter format and has great illustrations, It was a lot of fun and I think some of my reluctant readers will enjoy it.

f2f Book Club Selection

Still Alice by Lisa Genova

Alice is a renowned professor of cognitive psychology at Harvard University. She has taught there for 25 years, has written numerous book and case studies, travels around the world lecturing, and is one of the best in her fields. All that begins to change when Alice slowly starts to forget things. Sometimes it is a word or phrase from a lecture she has given countless times and sometimes it is forgetting the way home in the middle of a run.

Alice is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease and must cope with the lose of her career, her future plans, and her health.

This was a very good read and very well written. It generated a lot of great discussion for the book group!

YA

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelley

It is 1899, just before the turn of the century. And while other girls Calpurnia's age are learning manners, sewing, and how to be proper girls, Calpurnia is far more interested in naturalism. Along with her grandfather, Calpurnia observes, collects, and studies insects, plants, and animals. She learns about Charles Darwin and the idea of natural selection.

Great tale of friendship

Firefly Lane by Kristen Hannah

This was a great story of a lifelong friendship, love, family, and loss. Firefly Lane follows the story of two best friends, Kate and Tully, through their childhoods in the 1960's, their teen's in the 1970's, college years of the 1980's, their blossoming careers in the 1990's, and adulthood into the 2000's. It was a great and moving story.

Another Virgin River book

Temptation Ridge by Robyn Carr

In the aftermath of the passing of her mother, Shelby packs up her things and heads to Virgin River. She plans to live with her Uncle Walt to rest and relax before embarking on a new life. Shelby wants to do some traveling and then begin college at the age of 25 to be a nurse. She has her future planned out until she meets the handsome new stranger in town, Luke Riordan. Luke is instantly attracted to Shelby, but with his older age and painful past, he feels he is all wrong for her. Elsewhere in Virgin River, we get caught up with all of our favorite characters including Mel and Jack, Preacher and Paige, Mike and Brie, Vanessa and Paul, Dr. Cameron, and more!

This is the sixth book in the Virgin River series and it is one of my favorites. I just really love these characters and they feel like old friends.

Middle Reader

Sahara Special by Esme Raji Codell

Sahara has always been a little different. Navigating an inner city Chicago school is tough enough as it is, but it is even harder when you are a special education student. She hates getting pulled out in the hallway to work with the special ed teacher and she hates how the letters she writes her Dad (whom she doesn't know) get taken away and put in her school file. All she wants is to grow up and be a writer. Life begins to turn around for Sahara when her mother decides to have her repeat the 5th grade and declines special ed services for her daughter. With a new creative and unconventional teacher on her side, Sahara begins to find her voice and make real friends for the first time. She discovers just how special she is.

Your Heart Belongs to Me

Your Heart Belongs to Me by Dean Koontz

Ryan Perry has made a fortune in the internet business. He has every comfort one could imagine. He is one of People magazine's sexiest bachelors and he has an amazing girlfriend to boot. However, Ryan's life begins to unravel as he sits on a surfboard waiting for the next big wave. His heart begins to pound. His vision begins to fade and he passes out. He soon finds out he is in need of a heart transplant. As if a fatal heart condition was not distressing enough, odd things begin happening to Ryan. Is someone trying to kill him or is there some supernatural force at work?

This was an interesting read, but not edge of your seat exciting as some of Koontz's books can be.

Another good one from Laurie Halse Anderson

Catalyst by Laurie Halse Anderson

Kate Malone is a self-professed science geek. She is at the top of her game academically, track star, and bound for MIT. But Kate is also an insomniac. Having lost her mother at a young age, Kate is caring for her ailing little brother and Minister father who is always out helping other families. But Kate is so sure of her future, that she fails to apply to any other schools, not even a safety. Her life begins to unravel as she waits for that envelope. The one that seals her fate. Meanwhile, life in the Malone household becomes crazier as they take in bad girl neighbor Teri and little brother Mikey.

Another Good Delinsky Story

Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky

Susan and her teenage daughter Lily have made a nice life for themselves in a small town in Maine. Susan, the young and successful principal of the local high school. Lily, the popular, athletic, and smart high school senior. Their lives take an interesting turn when Lily becomes pregnant. Only, it is not just Lily. It is a pregnancy pact between her and her friends. The school board and the towns folk blame Susan. How could she let her daughter do such a thing. How much is a mother to blame when their kids make a bad decision? How does a controversial pact reflect on Susan as a principal?

I always enjoy Delinsky books and this one was no exception.

Great YA - Middle School

The Misfits by James Howe

Bobby is one of those invisible kids in middle school. He lives with his father and lost his mom at a young age. He has a small group of friends, all of whom are misfits in their own way. Addie is the tall brainy girl, Skeezie thinks he is a greaser from the 50ies, and Joe is glamorous and coming to terms with his sexuality. The group meets once a week at the Candy Kitchen to discuss various topics. Idealistic Addie decides to take a stand for liberty and freedom for all students by trying to create a third party for the school election but the principal puts a stop to it. The group is still unsure how to make their mark when it hits Bobby. What they really want, is for people to stop calling them names. All of a sudden the ideas start to flow and the group forms the "No-Name Party."

I thought this was a great middle school book and Howe does a nice job capturing the middle school voice and thought process. It also reminded me of my middle school's theme, which is "Make your Mark, Make a Difference."

Another Great One!

14 by JT Ellison

The elusive Snow White Killer is on the loose again, or is he? Several years ago, the Snow White Killer brutally murdered 10 women. Dubbed the Snow White Killer for the pale skinned, dark haired, a red lipstick rimmed women whose throats he slashed. Now 4 more women have been murdered fitting the same description and the same MO. Is he at it again or working with an apprentice? How does the case tie into Taylor's privileged upbringing?

This is another great installment in the Taylor Jackson/John Baldwin series. There were some tense and chilling moments in this one, for sure! And a little bit of a cliffhanger. Can't wait to read the next!

So-So Sequel

Chosen to Die by Lisa Jackson

In the follow up to Left to Die, Det. Regan Pescoli has been chosen and captured by the Star Crossed Killer. A diabolical serial killer choosing women for their initials which fit into a secret message he is trying to leave for the police. He lures them to the Bitterroot Mountains of Montana during the worst winter on record, shoots out their tire causing their cars to plummet off a cliff, rescues the women, nurses them back to health and then turns on them, marching them naked to their cold cruel death in the deep woods.

The book was fast paced and just picks up where Left to Die left off which I liked. I didn't really connect with either of the two female detectives in the same way I usually do with characters like them. But it was an enjoyable read all in all.

Loved this one!

All the Pretty Girls by JT Ellison

Nashville homicide Detective and Lieutenant Taylor Jackson has her hands full. She is working a frightening (and rapidly escalating) serial killer case with her boyfriend FBI Profiler Dr. John Baldwin and was just handed a serial rapist case as a favor to the bosses, not to mention a potential witness tampering mess.

The two main characters in this debut novel are interesting, smart, and likable. I really enjoyed the way they played off of each other and handled the mixing of the relationship with their professional lives. The serial killer in this one had an interesting and unique MO and all in all, I had a tough time putting this book down. I am excited that my friend, Jill, introduced me to a great new mystery series and I look forward to reading on!

Shutter Island

Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane

US Marshall Teddy Daniels is on a ferry to Shutter Island, just of the coast of Boston, with his new partner Chuck Aule. Shutter Island is the home of an experimental facility for the criminally insane. The most violent mentally ill convicts around. Teddy and Chuck are sent to investigate the strange disappearance of patient/inmate Rachel Solendo who murdered her three children. All doors were locked, windows barred, and manned checkpoints at every turn. Yet, Rachel managed to escape without being seen or leaving a trace other than a strange code Teddy is left to break. All around them things on the island become more and more disturbing. They are being lied to, don't know who to trust, and all the while the island is being hit by a passing hurricane.

This was a great thriller. Very dark and disturbing, but a real page turner. Can't wait to see the movie now to compare!

A Younger YA

A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban

Grades 4-7ish

All Zoe wants is to one day play the piano at Carnegie Hall. The problem is she has no idea how to play. Zoe's dad, who is afraid to leave the house and obsessed with Living Room University certificate programs, ventures out and ends up coming home with a PerfecTone organ instead of a baby grand.

This is a funny and heart warming story.

Great YA!

The Brothers Torres by Coert Voorhees

Frankie Torres is a pretty typical high school student who lives in the shadow of his older, very popular, soccer star brother Steve. Frankie has a best friend, Zach, who is a bit of an outcast, obsesses over his crush, Rebecca Sanchez, whom he wants to ask to Homecoming, and spends afternoons and evenings working at Los Torres, his family's restaurant. Frankie is a great kid who gets mixed up in a lot of bad situations. Torn between doing what he thinks is right, what his friends want him to do, and doing what would be loyal to his brother.

I thought this was a terrific multicultural and current YA!

Hour Game

Hour Game by David Baldacci

Sean King and Michelle Maxwell (both ex-secret service agents) new investigative firm has taken off. They are called in to assist on a new case involving a burglary at the home of the wealthy and well-entrenched Battle family. At the same time, King and Maxwell are busy chasing a serial killer who is emulating famous serial killers of the past and putting his own spin on things. The lines between the two cases begin to blur and King and Maxwell's lives are put in danger more than once as they chase one or two killers who are always a step ahead.

This is the second in the King/Maxwell series. These books are very fast paced and exciting. I look forward to read the next in the series! I love the King/Maxwell duo!

Another fun Cabot

Teen Idol by Meg Cabot

Jenny Greenley is the kind of girl who everyone at school likes. She is, as she says, mayonnaise. She keeps everything together. Jenny is so trustworthy, that she is the top secret advice columnist for the school paper and is also chosen for a top secret mission to show around a "new" student who is really teen heartthrob Luke Striker incognito.

Another fun read from Meg Cabot!

Looking for Alaska

Looking for Alaska by John Green

In John Green's debut novel, Miles "Pudge" Halter sets of for Culver Creek boarding school in Alabama at the start of his junior year in search of his "Great Perhaps." Miles has never really had school friends but has always been content with his nose buried in biographies in search of famous last words. But now he wants more. Miles becomes entrenched with the fascinating and beautiful Alaska Young, a brilliant new roomate Chip "the Colonel", the rhyme dropping Takumi, and the pretty Romanian Lara. Culver Creek begins to open a whole new wide world for Miles as he reaches towards the Great Perhaps and greater understanding of the world at large.

I became a huge John Green fan after reading An Abundance of Katherine's so I was anxious to go back and read his debut novel. It does not disappoint. I look forward to many more Green novels in the future.

Virgin River #5

Second Chance Pass by Robyn Carr

In the fifth installment of the Virgin Rover Series, Paul returns to Virgin River struggling with his feelings about Vanni and his loyalty to his late best friend Matt. There are a lot of changes for the people of Virgin River and the town itself in this book. A lot of major developments, sad times, happy times, and of course drama which kept me turning the pages deep into the night.

Wuthering Heights

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Lockwood rents the manor Thrushcross Grange from the master of Wuthering Heights, Heathcliff. Upon arrival, Lockwood walks the four miles to Wuthering Heights to meet his new landlod and is greeted very strangly by a group of strage and suly people. Lockwood grows ill and as his servant Nelly Dean nurses his back to health, she tells the story of the Earnshaws, Heathcliff, and the Lintons.

I read this for a group read and discussion. It is one of those books that I have always wanted to read and felt lik I SHOULD read. I am glad I read it but there were many characters I did not like and made me angry. I do not see Heathcliff as either romantic or heroic. I just don't see it.

Women's Murder Club Back in Action!

9th Judgment by James Patterson

The Women's Murder Club (along with Jacobi, Conklin, and Joe) are back together for the ninth installment of the WMC series. The SFPD homicide division is swamped with two high profile cases, both of which have Lindsey Boxer front and center. First, there is a cat burglar targeting the wealthy, sneaking in and stealing jewels as the couples entertain dinner guests on the first floor. Homicide is called into the case when the cat burglar's latest hit turns deadly. At the same time, a twisted and ruthless serial killer is targeting women and their young children in random executions around the city.

I have always loved this series and this latest is a great installment.

Loved This One!

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman

Cecelia (CeeCee) Rose has had a difficult childhood with a mentally ill mother and an absent father. When her mother is suddenly killed- hot by an ice cream truck no less), CeeCee is sent to Savannah, Georgia with her great aunt Tootie.

This is a great Southern tale filled with exciting and rich characters. Loved it!

Far From You

Far From You by Lisa Schroeder

Same author as I Heart You, You Haunt Me and also written in verse. Ali is dealing with the loss of her mother, a new step mom whom she hates and a brand new baby sister. Not to mention a super hot boyfriend who really wants to go further. Ali's world is turned upside down once again when an accident leaves her stranded in a blizzard forcing her to re-evaluate what is important in life.

Left to Die!!!

Left to Die by Lisa Jackson

Montana detectives Regan Pescoli and Selena Alvarez are working around the clock to find and stop a cold blooded serial killer, dubbed the Star Crossed Killer, who lures specific targets to the wilds of Montana, forces their car to crash, then marches them naked into the woods and leaves them to die.

I really enjoyed this fast paced thriller but was a little miffed at the to be continued cliff hanger ending! Guess I will just need to jump right into the next book, Chosen to Die!

Chasing Lincoln's Killer

Chasing Lincoln's Killer by James L Swanson

This is the story of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the attack of Secretary of State Seward and the 12 day manhunt that followed. The book is a nice mix of storytelling with primary source documents and quotes. There are a lot of great pictures in the book. This is a great historical for reluctant readers because it reads more like a thriller than just a standard historical account.

Best. Resource. EVER.

The Reading Teacher's Book of Lists by Edward B. Fry Ph.D. and Jacqueline E. Kress Ed.D.

I really wish I had this book last year because so many of the lists pertained to lessons I was doing or assessments I was trying to piece together. I have wanted this book for a while but hesitated because I didn't want to spend the money. But I saw it mentioned on a blog (Inspired to Teach) and thought, why not? I am so so so glad I sprung for it. This will be an invaluable resource. I bought it thinking it would go on my reference shelf, but it was so fun, interesting, and informative, I sat down and read all 514 pages of lists and information! It also came at a great time, as I am studying for the middle school language arts PRAXIS. I also loved that it included content area vocabulary and study skills.

This is a great resource for all teachers, homeschoolers, and parents. I highly recommend!

I Heart You, You Haunt Me

I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder

Ava had met the love of her life at a high school football game. They were perfect for each other, made each other laugh, and they were best friends. Until the day when Jackson died suddenly. Ava withdrawals from her world as she tries to work through the grief and heartache as well as come to terms with the loss and need to move on.

I Heart You, You Haunt Me is written in verse, which I love. I have some students who love books written in verse and this has all of the drama and emotion teen girls love.

A Guide for Middle School Teachers

Virgin River #4

Virgin River Christmas by Robyn Carr

In the fourth installment of the Virgin River series, a young and beautiful widow named Marcie Sullivan is on a quest for peace of mind and closure. At the age of nineteen, Marcie married her high school sweetheart, Bobby, only to send him off to war where he was injured in Fallujah. His commander, Ian Buchanan, saved Bobby by carrying him out of the danger zone, but Bobby was left paralyzed and unconcious. Afetr three years of caring for Bobby, Marcie became a widow. As the first anniversary of Bobby's death approached, Marcie felt the need to find the reclusive Ian, reconnect, and gain some closure. The search takes Marcie to the mountains and into Virgin River where she meets the whole VR gang.

It was kind of weird reading a Christmas story in July in 90 degree weather, but it was a sweet story and I just love all of the Virgin River characters.

Firegirl

Firegirl by Tony Abbott

Tom is a painfully shy seventh grader who just wants to fit in and be liked. But he rarely speaks to anyone, other than a boy Jeff whom he hangs out with after school. Tom has a crush on pretty girl Courtney and is trying to work up the courage to nominate her for class president. However, Tom's resolve to "get out there" is tested when a new girl, Jessica, joins the class. Will Tom have the courage to befriend Jessica at the risk of being ostracisized by everyone else?

This is a very moving story and really captures the feelings of a shy middle school student.

Good Thriller

Split Second by David Baldacci

Secret Service Agent Sean King's career is destroyed when the presidential candidate he is protecting is assassinated. Eight years later, King had worked hard to rebuild his life until he arrives early to work to find a body in his law office. Meanwhile, another secret service agent, Michelle Maxwell's, career is similarly destroyed when her protectoree is kidnapped. Somehow the cases are connected and the bodies are piling up. King and Maxwell team up to solve the mystery before they are killed themselves.

I thought this was a great thrill ride that kept me guessing until the end! I will definitely continue the series.

Scarpetta #17

The Scarpetta Factor by Patricia Cornwell

Sitting down to write this little blurb, I am having a hard time putting together exactly what this latest Scarpetta installment was about. It seemed so long and drawn out that I can't quite pinpoint the main point!

Benton receives an odd and threatening Christmas card/message from a former mental patient. Then Kay receives a suspicious and dangerous Fed Ex package. Somehow Kay's appearance on a news program factors in as does the old Chandonne family of previous installments. When the book first started it was about the murders of two young women. I had high hopes that this one was going back to Kay Scarpetta and friends awesome investigation techniques. Then the story got all muddled with various avenues and details.

Sorry this blurb is so scattered. I guess it is indicitive of The Scarpetta Factor.

Ghost Girl

Ghost Girl by Tonya Hurley

From the moment I first saw this book, I wanted it. I loved the cover art, the art inside, the set up, the concept, the title....etc. This was a book right up my ally and to make it all the better, the word on the street was favorable.

I thought it was a cute book. Started off very fun. I loved the quotes from songs, poems, etc at the beginning of each chapter. I loved the names of the chapters and the way the book was set up. I did start to lose interest about half way through, but that could have been more about my crazy stressful end of the school year than the book itself. It did pick up for me at the end and I ended up enjoying it. I will definitely continue the series, bt will wait for each to come out in paperback.

Bridge to Terabithia

To finish up the year in Language Arts, we did a literature unit/group read of Bridge to Terabithia. I hadn't read it since I was young, so it was good to re-read and also share with my students.

I bought both the Literature Unit book:


and the literature kit:
The second was PERFECT for my special education students as each chapter had a Before You Read focusing on new vocabulary and two After You Reads one of which was multiple choice and one open ended questions.

Body Surfing

Body Surfing by Anita Shreve

Feeling lost and unsure after the divorce from her first husband and the sudden death of her second husband, Sidney Sklar takes the job as a summer tutor for a beautiful but slow 17 year old girl named Julie the families beach cottage on the New Hampshire coast line. Sidney struggles to fit in to the family and her role in the household. As she grows closer to Mr. Edwards and Julie, she tries to ignore the disdain from Mrs. Edwards and also finds herself entangled in a long-standing feud between the two Edwards' sons, Jeff and Ben.

Whispering Rock

Whispering Rock by Robyn Carr - Virgin River Book 3

When Jack's youngest sister Brie suffers a brutal attack and rape, Jack, Mel, and Mike Valenzuela rush to her hospital bedside. Mike, having recovered from his own violent attack as part of the LAPD, knows some of what Brie is feeling. He stays at her side both in and out of the hospital trying to make her feel safe and loved. Meanwhile, Paige and Preacher begin trying to make a baby, the Marines come to town for various occassions and to help Jack finish the house, and we meet some other new characters along the way. I don't want to give anything away!

I love this series!!

Two More for May

Best Kept Secrets by Sandra Brown

Twenty-Five years after her mothers murder, Alex Gaither, a tough and successful attorney, returns to the small Texas town she was born. In search of justice, Alex finds herself in the middle of the same love triangle her mother was mixed up in. Which one of them is the real killer?



The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling

In a play on the story of King Midas, John Midas, a precocious boy who loves to eat sweets, finds himself in a predicament. Everything he puts in his mouth turns to chocolate! I read this with some of my students. A fun book.

Caught

Caught by Harlan Coben

Wendy Tynes is one of those news reporter's that traps pedophiles at a specific location and exposes them on television. In the aftermath of "catching" seemingly good guy Dan Mercer, Wendy is fired from her job and is thrown in an investigation that gets more complicated as old Princeton classmates become involved and the disappearance of a local teen is linked to Mercer.

I love Coben.

Keeping the Moon

Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen

Colie has spent her entire life hiding - hiding behind her weight, dyed hair, and a lip ring. She has been teased mercilessly and has never really had any friends of her own. Now, as her famous mother is off on a European tour, Colie is sent to stay with her eccentric aunt for a summer. Throughout the summer Colie finds her truth self, accepts herself for who she is, and finally experiences what it is like to have friends to rely on.