Confessions of a Book Addict

Stephanie Plum

2012-01-27T18:43:00.000-08:00

One for the Money by Janet Evanovich
Stephanie Plum Series Book 1

After having this on my shelf for a few years and listening to people talk about how much they love the Stephanie Plum books, I FINALLY got around to reading the first book in the series!

Stephanie has been laid off from her job as a lingerie buyer. She is broke, out of food, car repo'd, furniture pawned, and phone dead. Out of desperation, Stephanie manages to get a job with her cousin as a bounty hunter. She quickly learns that she can not bring in skippers on her own. She partners up with Ranger. She is after an old flame, Joseph Morelli and the 10k commission that comes with his capture.

I thought this was a fast and fun read. Will definitely continue the series, even though the descriptions of her early 90's outfits makes me cringe!!!

Tradd Street

2012-01-26T19:43:00.000-08:00

The Girl on Legare Street by Karen White
Tradd Street Book 2

Melanie Middleton is settling into the Tradd Street house as renovations continue. Jack, Sophie, and Chad are all chipping in with the historic renovation. Then Melanie's world is sent into turmoil once again when her estranged mother returns to town, purchases the old family home on Legare Street, and asks Melanie to help her renovate it. Melanie is forced into it, not wanting anything to do with her mother. But as old ghosts become stronger and more dangerous, Melanie must search for the truth to their family history, forcing her and her mother to work together and forge bonds.

I enjoyed this book as much a The House on Tradd Street. Alhough there were a few things I did not like which I won't say so as not to spoil anything.

Chicago!

2012-01-26T19:35:00.001-08:00

The Devil in the White City by Erik Larsen

The planning, development, and realization of the Chicago World's Fair in the late 1800's is the back drop of this interesting history that reads as a novel. The fair is to to be the largest in history and all the while a cold calculating serial killer is moving among the city luring and killing dozens of young women. HH Holmes was a dark and twisted man, carrying out fraud after fraud and stealing from all he came in contact with. Many years go by before anyone learns of his dark secrets.

This book started off a bit slow for me, mainly because the vast amounts of information, names, and dates. However, the history of how the 1893 World's Fair was conceived and developed was fascinating as was the story of HH Holmes. I have always wanted to see Chicago, but after reading this and Loving Frank, a trip to Chicago is now a MUST do.

I also just heard this book will be a movie in 2013 staring Leonardo DiCapprio!

Cut

2012-01-14T15:55:00.001-08:00

Cut by Patricia McCormick

Cassie has been sent to a residential facility called Sea Pines (known as Sick Minds to the "guests") because she has been cutting herself. Her treatment is at a stand still since she refuses to speak to anyone - in group, with therapist, her family, etc). I have to admit this started off a bit slow for me. I was a bit annoyed with Callie for not letting anyone in. But in the end, I really liked it and liked Callie.

Finished Two YA's

2012-01-12T18:06:00.001-08:00

Day of the Dragon King by Mary Pope Osbourne
Magic Tree House Series #14

This time, Sofia and I were transported to Ancient China where we came up against the fierce Dragn King, saved an ancient bamboo book from destruction, and helped reunite the silk weaver and the cow herder, long lost loves who had been serpeated by the Dragon King.

Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carmen
Book #1

Ryan and Sarah are best friends and one day the decide to investigate the creepy old dredge where the come across a phantom and Ryan is thrown causing a concussion and a shattered leg. Something is not right about the dredge and the town is keeping it secret. Now Ryan and Sarah's parents are forbidding them from seeing or talking to each other. They begin secretly communicating, mainly through emails, while Ryan is stuck home recovering and Sarah continues to search for clues. It is not easy to sneak around with their parents keeping such a close eye on them.

Throughout the book, the reader is directed to Sarah's website where videos help tell the stry and reveal clues. The ending is not really written, you must vie the video to find out what happens to Ryan and Sarah. I can see why the seventh graders love these creepy books. I am anxious to read book two to find out what happens next.

2012-01-12T18:02:00.000-08:00

Worst Case by James Patterson
Michael Bennett Series #3

Someone is kidnapping the teenage children of the wealthiest families in New York's high society. Someone with an agenda Michael Bennett is having trouble figuring out. With the help of a beautiful female agent, Michael is able to start piecing together the puzzle, but will he be in time to save the latest victim and perhaps thousands of others?

I enjoyed this latest installment of the Bennett series and look forward to reading the next, Tick Tock.

Freedom From PCOS

2012-01-09T15:38:00.001-08:00

Freedom from PCOS by Kate Humphrey

Kate Humphrey knows what it is like to live day to day with PCOS. She understands the physical and emotional toll it takes on women. So, I was happy to finally read a book by someone who has been through it. Humphrey recommends a common sense approach to food and exercise. Focusing on fresh, organic, and non-processed foods, moderate exercise (including static cardo and interval), and allowing yourself some treats or slips so that it is a plan one can live with for a lifetime. The third prong of Humphrey's "triple threat" approach is what she calls "natrocuticals." That is, natural supplements that help relieve the symptoms of PCOS.

I found Humphrey's plan easy to follow and the book was easy to read. However, she really tries to sell a particular brand of supplements that happen to be quite expensive. Also, she seemed to be relieved from all of her PCOS symptoms and weight rather quickly. But she was only 30 pounds over weight. Many PCOS'ers have far more to lose. Lastly, I wish she had talked more about the impact on specific symptoms, especially infertility.

New Patterson

2012-01-07T11:36:00.000-08:00

Kill Me if You Can by James Patterson and Marshall Karp

Matthew is a struggling art student in New York. A former marine who decided to follow his true passions and study art. He has just fallen in love with his art professor. While at Grand Central station, he witnesses the murder of a Russian and finds an old medical bag chock full of diamonds! Now he and his unsuspecting girlfriend are on the run.

I always read the new Patterson's. I know they can be predictable, but I always find them entertaining. This one had a nice twist to it about halfway through.

A New Diet Approach for a New Year!

2012-01-07T11:18:00.000-08:00

The Paleo Diet by Loren Cordain

I have tried low carb diets in the past, but without much success. They always leave me feeling icky and cranky. This approach is similar but a little different and I think it makes sense for me and my endocrine issues. The diet focuses on lean protein, unlimited fruits and veggies (except potatoes), some nuts and seeds. You slowly give up wheat, dairy, and sugar.

So far, it has been a week and I would say I stuck to the diet with about 75% accuracy. I had a few chocolate slip ups and a few cheese slips. But I feel good. I was not hungry and less nauseas.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-07T11:03:00.000-08:00

I totally slacked on updating this book blog at the end of 2011. But, welcome to 2012! I plan to do a better job keeping up. And since I read many books that I never blogged about, I am going to just make a list of how I ended 2011 and start fresh with 2012!

-Loving Frank by Nancy Horan

I loved this book but I hated the two main characters (Frank Lloyd Wright and his mistress). I thought they were both a bit selfish

-My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier

Revolutionary War historical fiction YA

-The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary Pearson

YA. I really wanted to like this one, but it was just okay.

-Baltimore Blues by Laura Lippman

First in the series. It was eh. I have the entire series on my shelf, so I am willing to give it another go.

-Virals by Kathy Reichs

The first in her new YA series which features Tempe's niece Tori Brennan. I liked it!

-Thanksgiving on Thursday by Mary Pope Osbourne

Sofia and I enjoyed this one!

-Twister on Tuesday by Mary Pope Osbourne

This one sparked a good conversation about wagon trains and heading west, but Sofia had a nightmare about twisters! haha

-Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

YA. Goes back and forth between a talented smart modern musician teen girl in NY/Paris and the French Revolution. I really loved it.

-Now You See Her by James Patterson

Too much coincidence in this story, but I liked it. Very entertaining story!

-Midnight for Charlie Bone by Jenny Nimmo

First in the Charlie Bone series (YA). I enjoyed it and think it will be a fun series.

Two Short Stories

2011-11-27T17:51:00.001-08:00

Two more short stories written by coworker and fellow teacher, Susanna Hargreaves.

John Driscoll

2011-11-27T17:16:00.001-08:00

The Screaming Room by Thomas O'Callaghan
John Driscoll Series book 2

Driscoll is trying to get his life back on track after burying his wife. He has sold his home and moved to a smaller place. Just when he thinks he will have time to settle in, tourists start turning up murdered with no seeming connection other than they are at tourist spots in NYC and carefully arranged.

Dark and deranged killers. I really like Driscoll and want the series to continue. However, it doesn't seem that any were published after this second book (published in 2007).

Five YAs

2011-11-27T16:45:00.000-08:00

Jump Ship to Freedom by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier

This is the story of a young slave boy named Daniel Arabus. His father fought in the Revolution and earned promissory notes that would buy Daniel and his mother's freedom, but their master and his wife kept the notes. Daniel takes the notes and must find his way to Washington DC to get the money that rightfully belongs to his family so that he can earn their freedom. Great story!

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Hunger Games Trilogy Book 2

Katniss and Peeta have returned home to their district as victors of the Hunger Games. Now they must convince everyone they are truly in love and help quell the embers of rebllion.

Cool Zone with the Pain and the Great One by Judy Blume

This is a collection of short stories about the Pain and his older sister the Great One. It was a great book to read with my ESOL reluctant reader because the stories were short, funny, and engaging.

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
The Hunger Games Trilogy Book 3

Having survived her second round in the Hunger Games, Katniss is safe with her family in district 12. But President Snow wants revenge and wants Katniss dead.

If You Were There When They Signed the Constitution by Elizabeth Levy

This is a great series of books that cover the same social studies topics our 7th graders learn about. The books are easy to read, illustrated, and interesting to my struggling readers.

Good Older YA!

2011-09-11T09:55:00.000-07:00

Deadline by Chris Crutcher

What would you did if you found out you had one year to live? Would you tell your family and friends? Or keep it to yourself for as long as possible? These are the decisions Ben Wolf is forced to make when he gets the fateful news at his annual track physical. Ben chooses to try to make the most of his last year of high school - his last year of life. He drops track and goes out for football. He reads everything he can get his hands on. He challenges his teachers and fights for what he thinks is right. He even goes for the dream girl he might not stand a chance with.

I thought this book was funny, moving, and thought provoking. An great read.

The Hunger Games

2011-09-11T09:51:00.001-07:00

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Hunger Games Trilogy Book 1

I finally gave in and read The Hunger Games. I have been avoiding it because I usually do not get into the whole dystopian genre. But I gave into the pressure and am so glad I did! I really enjoyed the book. It as fast paced and exciting. I have already run out and grabbed Catching Fire.

Every year one boy and one girl from each district are chosen to travel to the Capital and fight to the death in the Hunger Games. Can Peeta and Katniss survive? Will they be forced to eventually kill the other? Will one of them do what has not been done before - provide the impoverished District 12 with their first victor?

Two Short Stories

2011-09-11T09:43:00.001-07:00

Proof by Susanna Hargreaves

Have you ever wondered what happens to us when we die? We know that energy is neither created nor destroyed, so where does our energy go when it leaves the body? This is a story about the loss of a loved one and finding the proof that there is existence of life after death.

The Ghost From Gilson Road by Susanna Hargreaves

Everyone in the town of Nashua had heard the stories about the ghosts in the Gilson Road cemetery for years. One night a group of friends enter the cemetery to see what would happen. hey were just about to leave when a group of bullies come along and disturb some graves. What happens when the dead cannot rest in peace? How do they communicate to those who can help them and how do they punish those who have disturbed their eternal slumber?

Both of these short stories were written by a teacher I work with. While I enjoyed both stories, I preferred the ghost story because we all know I love all things spooky!

Ghouls!!

2011-09-11T09:40:00.001-07:00

Ghouls Ghouls Ghouls by Victoria Laurie
Ghost Hunter Series #5

In the latest case, MJ, Gilly, Heath, and the crew find themselves in Ireland where they must cross over to an isolated island, little more than a giant rock surrounded by a formidable sea, that holds a castle being protected by a large and powerful demon.

I love this series and this latest installment was not a disappointment!

New to Me Author

2011-09-11T09:23:00.000-07:00

The Last Child by John Hart

One year ago, 12 year old Johnny Merrimon's twin sister went missing. Never to be seen or heard from again. Johnny's father took off. Johnny's mother made the quick decent into an impenetrable depression clouded by pain killers. And Johnny has spent every waking minute tracking local pedophiles, searching the woods, and looking for clues.

Now, as another young girl goes missing in the same small town, Detective Hunt is more determined than ever to catch who is responsible and must rely on Johnny's help to lead him in the right direction.

I thought this was an excellent story and look forward to reading more by this author.

YA Sequel

2011-08-25T15:34:00.000-07:00

Where She Went by Gayle Forman

This is the sequel to If I Stay, a very powerful novel by Forman. In the frst book, Mia is in a tragic accident that takes the lives of her father, mother, and younger brother. Mia herself is left in a coma. As she fights for her life, Mia's byfriend and rising rock star, Adam, is by her side begging her to stay. Mia narrates, trying to decide whether to fight to stay alive or join her family.

Where She Went picks up about three years later and is told by Adam. He is a world famous rock star. Has a gorgeous actress girlfriend, house in LA, more money than he can use, and fans around the world. Yet, Adam is miserable. He doesn't know what happened between him and Mia. Why did she leave him?

Where She Went tells Adam's story of his rise to fame, what happened to Mia in that time frame, and what exactly drove them apart as they both try to regain their lives.

New to Me Author

2011-08-25T15:21:00.000-07:00

Rogue Island by Bruce DeSilva

Liam Mulligan is a hard nosed reporter in Providence, RI, where he works his connections and reports on the many corruptions of the gritty city. But Mulligan's world is shaken as he follows and investigates a series of arson's in the New Hope district of Providence that is killing children, fireman, and others. s Mulligan gets closer and closer to unraveling the truth, his own life becomes in danger.

This was a new author for me (and I believe it is his debut novel). I really liked the old school smart ass, snarky, intelligent reporter feel. You could tell that the author has worked in a newsroom before. It felt authentic in a way. I also loved how the city of Providence was like a character in and of itself.

Another Patterson

2011-08-25T15:07:00.000-07:00

Private by James Patterson
Private Series #1

Private is an international private investigation firm servicing the rich, famous, and high profile. The firm is made up of a team of experts at the top of their field and run by Jack Morgan. Currently, the team at Private is being pulled in a lot of directions as they try to find out the truth behind the murder of Jack's best friend's wife, whether NFL games are being thrown for bets, and trying to find out who is stalking and killing teenage girls.

I usually find Patterson's books very fast paced and entertaining so I was excited for this new series. But I had a hard time getting into it. I felt like I was being ulled in too many directions. I wish the NFL thing had been left out and the focus had been on the murder's. However, by the end, I was liking it more and began to understand the connections between all of the cases.

Two More Thrillers from Two Favorite Series!

2011-08-07T09:51:00.001-07:00

The Immortals by JT Ellison
Taylor Jackson Series #5

Great 5th installment of the Taylor Jackson series. Love this series!!

Taylor is on her way to celebrate the reinstatement of her Lieutenant status and the reunion of her team, when they get called to a horrific scene. A teenage boy is found naked, dead from an apparent overdose, and with a pentacle carved into his chest. Taylor is quickly thrown into a logistical nightmare when she gets one call after the next. Five crime scenes in total with eight dead teenagers in all. Taylor must manage the multiple scenes while on the hunt for sadistic killers dabbling in dark magic and the world of vampires.

10th Anniversary by James Patterson
Women's Murder Club Series

Newly married Linday Boxer doesn't have much time to enjoy post-wedding bliss with Joe before she is called in on a case. An injured teenager who had just given birth is found left for dead on the side of a deserted road, her baby gone. There is no crime scene and Lindsay must search for clues and weed through the constant lies.

Meanwhile, one of her best friends Yuki is trying the case that can make or break her career. She badly needs a win on this one and Lindsay may have evidence that could cause Yuki's case to completely fall apart.

Another great Women's Murder Club story!

Meanwhile, back in Virgin River...

2011-08-07T09:45:00.000-07:00

Forbidden Falls by Robyn Carr
Virgin River Series #8

The church in the center of Virgin River has sat in disrepair for many years. Without a pastor, no one in town had done anything to get the church back up and running. So, Hope McCrea put the church up for sale on Ebay.

Noah Kincaid was a fairly new minister, having changed life and career paths, and was in search of a parish of his own. Having received a good sized inheritance from his mother, Noah buys the church and restores it on his own with the Church's blessing.

While interviewing for the position of Pastor's Assistant, Noah meets the beautiful and flamboyant Ellie Baldwin who, like Noah, is starting life on a new path.

Another great installment of the Virgin River series.

The Aftermath of a School Shooting

2011-08-07T09:37:00.000-07:00

Hate List by Jennifer Brown

Valerie and Nick made a hate list. They added all the people who bullied them, teased them, and made life difficult for them. Valerie thought they were just blowing steam. She had no idea what Nick was planning until that fateful morning. As Valerie tried to stop Nick from killing more people, she herself was shot in the leg. As she fell to the ground, Nick turned the gun on himself, ending the first nightmare and starting the next. Was Valerie a hero for stopping the shootout before more students were killed or injured? Or did she help Nick plan the killing rampage?

This was a powerful book and well done.

A Sweet and Fun Love Story

2011-08-07T09:22:00.000-07:00

Sweet Love by Sarah Strohmeyer

Boston television reporter Julie Mueller is a single mom to a teenage daughter. She is working really hard to reach the next step on her career ladder, while competing with younger co-workers, caring for her ailing mother, and doing it all alone. On her own. Her mother and best friend sign her up for a baking class knowing that her first love, Michael, will be there. Julie and Michael have had a rocky past. Can she stand being in the same baking class with him and the beautiful woman hanging all over him?

This was a great story. I have never read this author before, but will look forward to reading more by her.

A Non-Fiction Book Club Read

2011-08-07T09:13:00.001-07:00

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

I have to be honest, when I saw this was the July selection for my face to face book group, I groaned. A book about science? About cells? How boring. I am so glad I didn't toss it aside. Becasue this book had me from the beginning. First I was drawn in by wanting to know who Henrietta Lacks was. The heartbreaking story of a women raised in deplorable conditions in the deep south. Married and abused by her cousin. Moved north to Baltimore and the struggles they faced day and in and out. All before receiving the devasting blow of a fatal cancer diagnosis. The the author goes into the science. How the cells were grown, multiplied, distributed, and used for so many amazing scientific and medical discoveries. Skllot tells the science and the stry behind her research in a way that is accessible and interesting to the layman.

In the end, I was so glad I read this book. I knew nothing of the HeLa cells and all they have done for science. It brought up great discussion about the ethics behind medical research and taught me about horrifying research done on African Americans in the 1950's and 1960's. It was a fascinating and enlightening read.

Ah, true love!

2011-08-07T09:06:00.001-07:00

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
#1 in the Perfect Chemistry Series

Brittany and Alex are from two totally different worlds. Brittany is the typical golden girl. Popular, gorgeous, from a wealthy family, and dating the star football player. But Brittany has secrets. She has a disabled sister she is constantly caring for and trying to protect, a father who is rarely around, and a mother whose severe anxiety makes life that much more difficult. Alex is from a poor area of Chicago and the member of a Latino gang. He is hot, but dangerous. The unlikely pair are forced to work together as chemistry partners. Set in Chicago, told from two different points of view, Brittany and Alex find true love in each other and in the process save each other's lives.

I really liked this book. I was pretty much glued to it from cover to cover and look forward to reading the rest of the series!

Displacement

2011-08-07T09:00:00.001-07:00

Displacement by Thalia Chaltas
YA - Witten in Verse

Vera's home has never felt like home. Her father dead, absentee mother, and now a sister who has drowned. Vera decides to take off. She ends up in a small California desert town, trying to find her place in the world, find herself, and find "home."

I liked this book. Not as much as Chaltas' first book, Because I Am Furniture, but it was good. I am not sure how many teen girls will see themselves in Vera though.

Wow!

2011-07-01T17:45:00.000-07:00

The Sixth Man by David Baldacci
Sean King and Michelle Maxwell Series #5

This is another great thriller in the King/Maxwell series. Sean and Michelle have been pitted against a lot of very dangerous enemies and have had a lot of close calls. But this time they are up against forces they just can't match: The FBI, Department of Homeland Security, powerful brilliant billionaires with every available resource, and more.

Awesome!

Good Middle Reader

2011-07-01T17:39:00.001-07:00

Olive's Ocean by Kevin Henkes

Martha and her family are getting ready to leave for summer vacation at her grandmother's on Cape Cod when there is a knock on her door. She opens it to find the mother of a classmate who died. Olive Barstow' mom hands Martha a journal entry of Olive's saying how much she wanted to see the ocean and how she would have liked to be friends with Martha.

Martha sets out for the Cape with all of this weighing in her mind. At the Cape, Martha struggles to gain the courage to be who she is as her life changes. She experiences her first crush, her first kiss, a near death experience, the desire (and fear) to be a writer.

This was a great little story and one I think many middle school students would enjoy and relate to.

Great Start to the Series!

2011-06-23T06:06:00.000-07:00

A Perfect Evil by Alex Kava
#1 in the Maggie O'Dell Series

FBI Special Agent Maggie O'Dell is called to a small Nebraska town when another young boy is found murdered, sliced, and left by the river. It is the second of such a killing Platte City has seen. There are also eerie similarities to some previous murders that a man named Jeffries was executed for. Platte City Sherriff Nick Morelli, who got the job following his father's retirement, is desperate for help before another young boy is taken and killed.

I thought this was a really good start to the series. I have been wanting to read this series for a long time. Now I can't wait to get to the next one!

Myron and Win back in action

2011-06-23T05:45:00.000-07:00

Live Wire by Harlan Coben

Myron and Win are back in action! One of Myron's longtime friends, clients and former tennis star, Suzze Tervantino, has come to him in distress. She is 8 months pregnant and someone posted "Not His" on her facebook account. Now, her husband, part of a famous rock duo, is missing. As Myron sets out to find Lex Ryder, he finds a connection to his estranged brother and sister-in-law.

The latest Myron and Win was a little different. It took some turns that I didn't really like, but I have a hard time complaining about it because Coben is a favorite and Myron and WIn are some of my favorite characters.

Two Very Different YA's

2011-06-23T05:34:00.000-07:00

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Aislinn is a high school girl who is just a little different than her friends, she is able to see and hear fairies. They are all around her and some are following her. Keelan, the Summer King, is looking for his queen when he sets his sights on Aislinn. He uses his fairy mojo to attract her, but Aislinn is in love with Seth - her best friend and a mortal. Keelan believes that Aislinn is his true Queen and he needs her to stop the evil Winter Queen at any cost. But can Aislinn give up everything to assume the role?

In the beginning I found this book very confusing a kind of ridiculous. It did grow on me as I went, and I ended up liking it more than I thought I would. Maybe fairies just aren't my thing?

Letters from Rifka by Karen Hesse

This is a great short book about a jewish girl named Rifka who helps her family escape Russia post WWI. Three of her brothers escaped Russia before she was born to avoid fighting in the war and now another brother has escaped the army. The family escapes to Poland where the become ill with Typhus. They make it to Warsaw eventually, where money is waiting for them to buy transatlantic steaship tickets, but Rifka has caught ringworm and must be sent to Belgium to heal. The family goes on to America without her and Rifka follows later.

This story shows the struggles many faced trying to escape to America and the challenges of arriving at Ellis Island.

Another Ellison

2011-06-23T05:28:00.000-07:00

The Cold Room by JT Ellsion
#4 in the Taylor Jackson Series

In the fourth Taylor Jackson book, Jackson finds herself knocked back down from LT to detective with a new and inexperienced partner and a rigid and bullyish new lieutenant. They are called to a gruesome scene where a female body is discovered having been kept and starved until she was skin and bones then murdered and posed to match a painting. Eerily similar to a European serial killer Baldwin has been chasing for years. Together with British inspector John Highsmyth, they track an international killer who seems to be escalating.

This was not my favorite of the series, but it is a great series and I look forwards to reading the next.

A definite 5!

2011-06-23T05:20:00.001-07:00

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Jackson, Mississippi in 1962. Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan returns to her families cotton plantation after graduating college with one plan in mind - to become a writer! All around her black women were in the homes of the Jackson elite. Cleaning, cooking, raising the white children. While the housewives play bridge and socialize. Told through the eyes of Aibileen and Milly as well as Skeeter, this is the story of unlikely friends who join together to fight the injustices done to these hardworking honest women.

This was such a great story. I loved the three points of view and really grew to love these women. While simultaneously seething about the white women who mistreated them. I did not want this book to end!

One for Me, One for Sofia

2011-06-23T05:11:00.000-07:00

Ghost Shadow by Heather Graham
1st in the Bone Island Trilogy

Katie O'Hara has a secret. She can see and hear ghosts. In fact, one old ghost from Key West's days of pirates and privateers, Bartholomew, is her constant companion. As Katie delves into a decade old murder to figure out if David Beckett really murdered his fiance, she is taken back in time to the cities oldest families pasts and secrets while at the same time trying to stop a real time murderer.

I liked this book, but it was not my favorite by Graham. I will definitely continue the trilogy though.

Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus by Barbara Park

Sofia and I read this one together. She thought it was funny. I cringed at some of the grammar, but it was a fun read aloud.

Two Very Different Teen Books

2011-04-23T10:44:00.000-07:00

One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies by Sonya Sones

Written in verse, this book tells the story of Ruby a high school student who is forced to more to Los Angelas after the death of her mother. She will now be living with her absentee and seriously famous movie star father, Whip Logan.

I loved this one. It was funny, witty, and moving.

I Love You, Beth Cooper by Larry Doyle

I wanted to like this one more than I did. It was funny, but also a bit annoying. But I think I just wasn't in the mood for it. I thought something funny would be good while I was under so much work stress, but maybe I should have stuck to music instead of this on audio book. I have yet to see the movie, so I am not sure how it compares.

2011-04-12T16:34:00.000-07:00

Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts

Tory Bodeen returns to her small town South Carolina home as a successful business woman looking to open her own shop and prove she had made something of her life. As a young girl, Tory's best friend, Hope Levelle, was raped and murdered. Tory was from a poor home with a very abusive father, while Hope's wealthy family owned much of the town. Tory returns to lingering suspicions and continues to struggle in the shadow of the powerful Levelle family.

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was a good story and I often enjoy stories that take place in the south for some unknown reason.

Tonight on the Titanic by Mary Pope Osbourne
Magic Tree House Series #17

Sofia and I loved reading about the Titanic on the 99th anniversary of it's sinking. Sofia of course had never heard of the Titanic. She found the story interesting and as she said "a little sad."

Creepy and Gruesome Thriller

2011-04-03T09:04:00.000-07:00

The Bone Thief by Thomas O'Callaghan
John Driscoll #1

New York homicide Lieutenant John Driscoll is on the hunt for a madman. A serial killer preying on women, deboning them, taking the head, hands, and feet, and then leaving the skins behind to be found and identified. It is a race against time as the number of victims increases. This is a debut novel introducing John Driscoll's character. I really liked the character and thought it was a great, if gruesome, story. I look forward to reading more by this author.

Three More to Top off March

2011-04-01T04:52:00.001-07:00

Paradise Valley by Robyn Carr
#7 in the Virgin River Series

Rick Sudder has seen a lot of hardship in his young life. At only 20 years of age, he had already lost his parents, gotten a 14 year old Liz pregnant, lost the baby in a still birth, and served in the war. When Jack, a surrogate father to Rick, receives the call that Rick had been series injured in a bomb explosion, he and Liz rush to Germany to be by his side. Meanwhile, Walt is having a difficult time coming to terms with Murial, his new love, being back on the movie set with the rich, handsome, and famous co-stars. And Cameron is desperately trying to win the love of Abby, who is pregnant with his twins.

Another good installment in the Virgin River series. Not my favorite so far. I felt the ending was quite abrupt. However, it is always good to catch up with some of my favorite characters in one of my favorite fictional towns!

Night of the Ninjas by Mary Pope Osbourne
Magic Treehouse Book #5

In this installment, Sofia and I traveled with Jack and Annie to Ancient Japan where we met a Ninja Master who helped Jack and Annie learn to Be Nature and escape a nasty Samurai. This wasn't our favorite so far, but still enjoyable! Actually, any book read with Sofia is enjoyable!

Meet Einstein by Mariela Kleiner
Illustrated by Viviana Garofoli

I received a free copy of this lovely book through Shelf Awarness. I love the illustrations and Sofia and I loved reading about Einstein in this fun and colorful book. I can't wait to share it with my special education students when they do their unit on famous inventors and scientists!

Loving Baldacci!!!

2011-03-26T15:33:00.000-07:00

First Family by David Baldacci
Sean King/Michelle Maxwell #4

Sean King and Michelle Maxwell are back in action. Sean is called by an old acquaintance who happens to be the first lady's sister-in-law. When him and Michelle arrive at the house to meet with her, they are ambushed with gun fire. When the smoke clears they find the woman dead, two of her three kids drugged, her husband knocked unconscious, and her oldest daughter missing. The case escalates as the FBI, secret service, and First Family are pulled in to this thrilling story.

I love this series!!!

Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann

Cryer's Cross, Montana is a tiny town with a one-room school house where Kendell and her best friend/boyfriend Nico grew up and are now seniors. Recently, sophomore Tiffany disappeared. Seemingly vanishing into thin air. No one in Cryer's Cross can figure out what happened but fears are compounded when Nico disappears in similar fashion.

I really liked the idea of this book and liked the characters but it wasn't quite scary enough and I think that the story behind the story could have been fleshed out more. It came to kind of a quick conclusion.

Dust for Dinner by Ann Turner

This is a leveled reader about a family in Oklahoma who lose everything - the crops, their animals, food, and their farm - due to the dust bowls of the 1930's. They are forced to pack up what they can and head west to California. This was great for my kiddos who could not read Out of the Dust with the rest of the class.

Finished up the trilogy plus another YA

2011-03-18T16:17:00.000-07:00

Red Lily by Nora Roberts
In the Garden Trilogy #3

In the third installment of the Garden Trilogy, Haley is restless and lonely. She is surrounded by this new family at the Harper House, good friends, a job she loves, and a gorgeous toddler, but something is missing. Haley is longing for love and romance and trying to decide what to do about her feelings for Harper Ashby. At the same time, Amelia's ghost is stirring up trouble again and this time she is targeting Haley. Can Mitch., Roz, Haley, Stella, Harper, and David figure out what happened to Amelia before it is too late?

Stop Pretending: What happened when my big sister went crazy
by Sonya Sones

Written in verse. Cookie's big sister had a mental breakdown and it landed her in a psychiatric facility. The family Cookie once knew and loved is now virtually unrecognizable. At the same time, her friends have pulled away and other kids have begun to tease. No one wants to be friends with the girl with the crazy sister. But Cookie loves her sister and is heartbroken.

Taylor Jackson

2011-03-14T17:27:00.001-07:00

Judas Kiss by JT Ellison
Taylor Jackson Series #3

Taylor Jackson and Fiance John Baldwin have just returned from a romantic getaway in Italy and are thrown right back into thier work. Baldwin is off to Quantico and Taylor is off to a new crime scene where a young well off seven months pregnant mother is found brutally beaten to death in her own home with her young toddler running around the house covered in her mother's blood. The husband seems like the obvious choice, but something is off with that theory. Taylor's life becomes increasingly complicated when secrets from her own past are revealed and a menacing world wide killer out for revenge on Baldwin gets too close to Taylor.

Another good one from Ellison. I love this series.

We continue our time-traveling

2011-03-12T05:38:00.001-08:00

Mummies in the Morning by Mary Pope Osbourne
Magic Treehouse #3

Sofia was taking the Magic Treehouse quizzes online and discovered this title. We read the first two chapters of it online and she was so anxious to know what Jack and Annie would find in the pyramid, that Issac had to run out to our local bookshop and grab a copy of this one. She is so into these books. On to our next adventure....

Fun!

2011-03-09T10:39:00.000-08:00

Polar Bears Past Midnight by Mary Pope Osbourne
Magic Treehouse Series #12

Sofia and I enjoyed our second Magic Treehouse book together. Afterwards, as suggested by her teacher, we went online to magictreehouse.com and created an account. We followed a really fun online adventure based on the books and earned a medallion. Then Sofia took little quizzes (3 questions each) about the four Treehouse books she has read (two with me, two with her teacher). For each one, she earned a stamp in her Magic Treehouse Passport. She loved doing this and is anxious to read the next book to earn more passport stamps.

In this book, Jack and Annie travel to the arctic where they meet a man in a sealskin coat. They go mushing, play with polar bear cubs, get rescued from the cracking ice by the mama polar bear, and even see the Northern Lights. Sofia and I had read a early reader science book about the Northern Lights a few weeks ago, so she was excited to find a "connection." She is big on finding connections thanks to her amazing teacher!!

In the Garden Trilogy #2

2011-03-09T09:34:00.000-08:00

Black Rose by Nora Roberts

The second book in the In the Garden Trilogy is focused on Roz and her budding relationship with the handsome researcher/writer, Dr. Mitchell Carnegie. Mitch is helping Roz research the Harper family history with the hopes of discovery exactly who Amelia, who haunts the Harper homestead, is and why she cannot move on. This book sees a lot more ghostly action and delves a lot deeper into Roz's past and who she is.

I am really liking this trilogy. I think I loved this one even more than the first because of the genealogy and ghost activity aspects.

The Fall and Rise of Teen Love in Verse

2011-03-05T13:02:00.000-08:00

What My Mother Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones

Sophie is a pretty typical teen living in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is artistic, pretty, and completely boy crazy. Her father is never around and her mother lies around watching soaps all day, neither caring too much about what Sophie does. This book is written in verse and outlines the awkwardness of teenage love, dating, and desires.

Saving Zoe

2011-02-27T06:57:00.000-08:00

Saving Zoe by Alyson Noel

Just days before Echo's fourteenth birthday, her older sister Zoe was brutally murdered. Now as Echo is approaching her fifteenth birthday she is working through the various steps of grief, trying to be patient and understanding with her zoned out mom and absent dad, and deal with all of the stares, gossip, and comments that come with being the "tragedy girl." The stares and comments have only gotten worse now that Echo is beginning high school where she has to come face to face with Zoe's friends and boyfriend, Marc, each day. Then Marc offers Echo her sisters diary to read. Reading Zoe's diary helps Echo get to know Zoe, the real Zoe, and also gives her clues as to what exactly happened that led up to her being brutally murdered.

I thought this was a really good book. And even though it involves a lot of heavy duty mature themes (murder, sex, drugs, date rape) as a few unfair reviews point out, the book never goes into great detail on these points.

I Like Ruby Oliver

2011-02-23T13:42:00.000-08:00

The Boy Book by E. Lockhart

Ruby Oliver is quirky, funny, totally neurotic, has quirky parents, and lives on a houseboat. She wears fish nets and combat boots. In many ways she reminds me of me when I was in high school. In this second book in the series, Ruby is returning to school at the end of summer and is still a social leper. Her best friends have abandoned her, one of whom is dating her ex boyfriend, Jackson, who she may or may not still have feelings for.

Maxwell and King Back in Action

2011-02-22T18:46:00.000-08:00

Simple Genius by David Baldacci

Michelle Maxwell is in trouble. Still reeling from the emotional turmoil of their last case, Michelle needs help from a professional. Sean King is willing to do whatever it takes to save her from herself and spends all of their agencies money to do so. he is forced to take a case from his ex, Joan Dillinger. It seems like a simple enough investigation. Head down to Virginia and figure out if Monk Turing, genius extraordinaire, was murdered or committed suicide. However, once Sean arrives at the think tanks compound, he is quickly cut off at every turn, secrets and soldiers are every where and he is forced to go head to head with the all-powerful CIA.

This is the third book in the Maxwell/King series. I love these two characters and also really enjoyed the introduction of Horatio Barnes and hope to see him in future books.

A Very Good YA

2011-02-18T15:19:00.001-08:00

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Mia is a talented cellist with her whole life ahead of her. She has a talented rising rock star boyfriend and hipster parents who love her and her little brother Teddy. On the road, her and her family are in a violent accident and Mia has an out of body experience as she lies in a coma watching her loved ones gather and reminiscing on her life thus far while she decides whether to stay or go.

I thought this was an excellent YA. Sad and poignant.

Finished Two

2011-02-14T16:55:00.000-08:00

Impulse by Catherine Coulter

Stand Alone Romantic Suspense

Raphaella Holland is a journalist in Boston who happens to come from a very wealthy family. When her mother is suddenly hist by a drunk driver and in a coma, Raphaella finds her secret hidden journals detailing the story of her birth father and her mothers obsession with him. So, Raphaella flies to Dominick Giovanni's private island in the Caribbean, determined to expose him for the criminal he is and seek revenge for her mother and herself.

Blue Dahlia by Nora Roberts
In the Garden Trilogy #1

A lot of my book buddies read Nora Roberts' books and I have kind of avoided them because I was convinced I wouldn't like romance books. While I suppose this was in deed a romance, I found it to be an entertaining and sweet story. And I look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.

Stella is a young wife and mother of two precocious boys. She has a wonderful life and sweet husband. Suddenly, Stella's happy life is turned upside down when her husband, Kevin, is tragically killed in a plane crash. Forced to pick up the pieces and begin a new life, Stella packed up the boys (after a two year grieving process) and headed south where she finds a new home, new friends, a new career, and new love.

Sofia's First Real Chapter Book!!

2011-02-14T16:52:00.000-08:00

Dolphins at Daybreak by Mary Pope Osborne
Magic Treehouse #9

Sofia came home all excited because her teacher was reading one of the Magic Treehouse books to her Kindergarten class. She liked it so much, she asked her teacher if she could borrow one. So, we read one together taking turns. She is a very fluent reader and does very well reading with expression. It was so great reading this with her and seeing her excited to find out what would happen next.

Proud mommy moment!

Another Patterson

2011-02-04T13:39:00.000-08:00

Don't Blink by James Patterson

Nick Daniels is a semi-famous well seasoned reporter for a New York magazine called the Citizen. He lands an exclusive interview with a fallen sports hero. As they sit down at a ritzy steak house to begin, a well known mob boss is slain before their eyes. Nick quickly becomes embroiled in a case involving both the NY and Russian mobs.

Like most Patterson's, this was a quick thrill ride with a lot of twists and turns. Entertaining.

Sweet

2011-01-29T06:12:00.001-08:00

Sam's Letters to Jennifer by James Patterson

Jennifer is still reeling from the death of her husband Danny when she gets the call that her beloved grandmother (and best friend), Sam, is in a coma. Jennifer rushes to Sam's side and the lake house where she spent much of her childhood. She finds a stack of letters from Sam to her that tell Sam's secret love story. Reading the letters not only brings Jennifer closer to Sam but also opens her heart to allow herself to find love again.

Interesting YA

2011-01-29T06:08:00.000-08:00

How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff

Fifteen year old Daisy is sent by her father and pregnant step-monster to England to stay with her Aunt Penn and cousins that she has never met. She immediately falls in love with Edmund, her 15 year old cousin, and develops a bond with the others. Aunt Penn is in Oslo working, so the kids are on their own living out an idyllic summer. Until suddenly, England has become occupied by an unnamed evil force and the country is thrown into a new world war.

This is an interesting story of survival and love. There were a lot of things that I liked about this story as well as several things that really bothered me. Such as a lot of big ideas/plot lines that go undeveloped and questions that go unanswered.

43 Old Cemetary Road Book 2

2011-01-25T16:52:00.000-08:00

Over My Dead Body by Kate Klise

Ignatius Grumply, Olive C Spence, and Seymour Hope are getting ready to publish the next installment of their ghost story. But their plans are interrupted when Dick Tater tries to put a stop to Halloween, ghost stories, and all things spooky. Dick Tater takes Iggy away to a home for the mentally ill when he finds out Iggy is writing the book with a ghost and Seymour is taken to an orphange.

The second book in the 43 Old Cemetary Road series is another fun, quick, and clever installment. Great for reluctant readers!

This is a really fun one!

2011-01-23T12:40:00.000-08:00

Middle School is Worse Than Meatloaf by Jennifer L Holm

This is the story of Ginny a 7th grader in Pennsylvania. The story is told through "stuff" like drawings, receipts, notes, report cards, homework, etc. bt it all comes together to tell the story of Ginny's seventh grade year. Not just what happened at school, but also with her friends, her brothers, and her Mom getting remarried.

This book will be great for my reluctant readers.

Final Book of the Wake Trilogy

2011-01-21T19:50:00.001-08:00

Gone by Lisa McMann

Janie and Cabel are back. They have just graduated high school and are enjoying at relaxing vacation in the sun at Cabel's brothers lakeside cabin before their next assignment from Captain. They are out f school, looking forward to college, have a great job they love, and are madly in love with each other. So what could be wrong? Well, Janie must make a decision. She must choose between the impossible and the choice she makes will change their lives forever.

I am so sad to see this series end. I really like Janie and Cabel and would love for their story to continue.

Eye Contact

2011-01-21T11:38:00.001-08:00

Eye Contact by Cammie McGovern

Cara is a single mom to 9 year old Adam, an autistic boy. At recess, Adam disappears into the woods with a new girl, Amelia, who is in his special education class and is later found over her dead body. Adam has never had a friend before and struggles with communication. What made him break the rules and escape recess to enter the woods? How can Cara help the police "unlock" Adam's, the only witness, mind?

The book is a mixture of the struggles parents of autistic children, Cara's life growing up and how she came to have Adam, and of course the mystery of who killed the girl and how much Adam saw. I thought it was a good story.

Good One!

2011-01-16T05:25:00.000-08:00

The House on Tradd Street by Karen White

Melanie Middleton is a tough as nails real estate agent who sells old historic homes in Charleston, South Carolina. Even though she sells them, she hates them. She loathes old houses and the memories of her childhood they bring up. Memories of ghosts and the abandonment of her mother. Melanie is trying to land a listing for 55 Tradd Street when the owner, Nevil Vandehoorst, suddenly dies leaving Melanie his estate with the instructions that she must live in the house and restore it.

As if this wasn't stressful enough for Melanie, in walks Jack Trenholm the smug and handsome researcher who writes bestselling books about histories mysteries. Together, they attempt to solve the mysteries of the Tradd Street home as well as the connections between Nevil's family and Melanie's family.

I loved this book. I thought it was a fun read with a litte bit if everything. It was funny, creepy, a little history, a little mystery, a little paranormal, and a slight bit of mild romance. I can't wait to read the next book, The Girl on Legare Street.

Dream Catcher Series #2

2011-01-08T16:35:00.001-08:00

Fade by Lisa McMann

Janie and Cabe worked behind the scenes at their local high school to help the police with a drug bust. Now, the police are asking them to help determine which teacher at their school is a dangerous sexual predator. This new assignment places Janie right in the line of danger which Cabe is not sure he can handle.

Loved this one almost as much as the first in the trilogy!

Dreamcather Series #1

2011-01-05T13:28:00.000-08:00

Wake by Lisa McMann

Janie never really seems to fit in with the kids in her town except her best friend Carrie who lives across the street. Janie's mother is an alcoholic, so Janie is on her own, taking care of herself, the house, the grocery shopping, and working as often as she can so she can afford college.

As if Janie's life wasn't complicated enough, Janie is a dream catcher. She slips into people's dreams whenever they fall asleep near her, which makes sleep over's impossible and high school study hall a total nightmare.

I really loved the first book in this trilogy and have already started book 2!

A Christmas Read

2010-12-30T16:28:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-28T06:30:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-28T06:26:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-28T06:18:00.001-08:00

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

2010-11-22T19:01:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-11-20T15:37:00.001-08:00

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

2010-11-18T16:50:00.000-08:00

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

2010-10-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-24T11:41:00.001-07:00

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

2010-10-12T16:33:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-09T17:23:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-02T19:48:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-29T18:49:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-28T16:14:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-24T14:44:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-19T06:50:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-09-13T15:03:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-09T14:58:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-09-06T18:18:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-03T13:06:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-30T16:43:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-08-30T09:45:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-29T12:55:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-21T08:11:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-21T03:46:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-19T17:40:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-11T04:24:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-07-29T18:28:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-07-28T12:40:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-27T15:01:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2010-07-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-23T13:41:00.001-07:00

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.

2010-07-23T10:50:00.001-07:00

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

2010-07-23T04:05:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-16T07:58:00.001-07:00

Virgin River #4

2010-07-15T07:53:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-12T07:38:00.001-07:00

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.