Young Adult paranormal romance

The Ghost and the Goth

By: Stacey Kade

Genre:  YA Paranormal

Pages: 304

Published: 2011

Read: November

4 out of 5

I love the way Kade is able to write on paranormal topics, yet make it all so realistic. She stretches her stories just enough without going overboard. I enjoy how she adds little bits of humor (and makes fun of cheerleaders) in this story and even has the characters “talk” to the readers. I love the connection between Will, the teen who speaks to ghosts, and Alona, the ghost. I would have liked to have seen more of Joonie (maybe the next book?), but overall the characters were well developed. I felt the book ended with closure and could be a stand-alone novel. I wonder if she knew it was going to be a trilogy when beginning to write it.  I will be reading the rest soon, so stay tuned.  This book is great for teens into paranormal love stories.

The 14 kids from Monument...

Monument 14: Sky on Fire

By: Emmy Laybourne

Genre:  YA Science Fiction

Pages: 212

Published: 2013

Read: November

4 out of 5

This is the sequel to Monument 14, but now some of the kids have left the safety of Greenway. This story is told in the alternating voices of two brothers – Alex, who has left for Denver International Airport and Dean, who stayed in Greenway. Both books are jammed packed with action and adventure, so prepare to do nothing but sit and read once you pick them up. This series definitely deserves the praise it is receiving from teens everywhere. I was happy to learn that I started the trilogy after all three were released. Therefore, I can jump right into the exciting and suspenseful (I hope) conclusion of the 14 kids from Monument, Colorado.  This trilogy would also make a fantastic movie or teen TV series. 

a GREAT multicultural story

The Book of Unknown Americans

By: Christina Henriquez

Genre:  Adult Fiction

Pages: 286

Published: 2014

Audiobook: 9 hours and 12 minutes

Read: November

4.5 out of 5

This book reminded me a lot of a Hispanic version of Bright Shiny Morning by James Frey. It includes several stories told from multiple immigrants from Mexico. Some of the stories intertwine while others stand alone. What I loved about the audio was that every single character was narrated by a different person. This added a personal touch to every character.  The main story line involves the telling of the relationship between a Panamanian boy and a Mexican girl. Their love story reminded me a lot of Eleanor and Park’s told by Rainbow Rowell.  All the stories will open the readers’ minds to the difficulties faced by immigrants in the United States.  Because this book is not just about immigrants, but also teenage love I would definitely recommend this to teenagers as well.  

Very Disturbing Graphic Novel

A Friendly Game

By: Jose Pimienta

Genre:  Adult graphic novel

Pages: 200

Published: 2010

Read: November

3.5 out of 5

VERY disturbing! Two boys start out killing mice for competitive points in what was meant to be a friendly game. The competition went from mice to bigger and better creatures. I liked it because it was definitely unique from other graphic novels I have read.  I read some reviews that criticized the book because of it's gruesome disturbing plot and pictures. Excuse me , but that was the idea. They must criticize Stephen King as well. Others said there were gaps in the plot. The gaps were other sides of the story and minutiae details. Besides, I have always felt with graphic novels the readers always has to fill in some blanks because of style of book. This isn't a fantastic book, but better than the average graphic novel. Recommended to fans of gruesome, gory stories.

The Carter Family...

The Carter Family: Don't Forget this Song

By: Frank M. Young

Genre:  Adult graphic novel

Pages: 192

Published: 2012

Read: November

3 out of 5

A graphic portrayal of June Carter-Cash's musical family - it does not cover June's life but rather the life of her parent's. Even more so her aunt, uncle, and cousins. This was a huge disappointment. I was definitely looking forward to reading about June, her sisters, and Maybelle, which were the individuals I thought made up The Carter Family musical group . It was actually Alvin Pleasant (A.P.), Maybelle's brother-in-law, that began the group. He was a huge jerk, and worse, to everyone.  I honestly don't know how any of them put up with him.  I was blown away with how he is portrayed in this graphic novel - nothing was held back.  I appreciated that there was a family tree at the beginning since I referred to it often.  Also, my copy included a music CD as well, but only 4 songs :(

A mystifying tale

The Thirteenth Tale

By: Diane Setterfield

Genre:  Adult historical fiction

Pages: 406

Published: 2006

Read: November

4 out of 5

This is definitely one of my favorite historical fiction novels. It is so intriguing, unique, and all about books! What could be better? The first half of the book I literally could not put down AND I have read it once before – years ago.  Vida Winter’s book of thirteen tales has always been missing the thirteenth story. When she finally decided to tell her story, sick and dying, she begins with a story of twins, Adeline and Emmeline, growing up in Angelfield. This only baffles the biographer and the reader more as they become engrossed in the Mrs. Winter’s story. It is one mystifying tale within another mystifying tale. My one criticism would be that the ending moves too fast, as a reader I started to get lost in how Margaret unraveled the mystifying tales. Still a great novel, I recommend this to fans of historical fiction, Kate Morton and book clubs everywhere.  

A Prisoner's autobiography

Orange is the New Black

By: Piper Kerman

Genre:  Adult Biography

Pages: 298

Audiobook: 11 hours 14 mins

Published: 2010

Read: November

4 out of 5

An autobiography written by a woman who served a year in a women’s federal prison for a 10 year old drug crime. By the time she actually served, she was college educated, had a good career, and was engaged. She did not have the normal prisoner profile. Her narrative was about the women she meet, the jobs she had, and the life she was forced to lead. However, she never degraded any of other inmates and even helped them with their education. It wasn’t all hunky-dory, but she survived. I expected it to be funnier and carefree; that is probably because I watched the TV series, which is extremely exaggerated.  The autobiography is more matter of fact. What bothers me the most is how prisoners are able to make money off of their criminal background – but of course, I still read the book.

A Newbery Award Winning Book

Walk Two Moons

By: Sharon Creech

Genre:  Juvenile fiction

Pages: 280

Published: 1996

Read: November

4 out of 5

Salamanca “Sal” Tree Hiddle travels with her grandparents from Ohio to Idaho to visit her mother’s grave. Throughout her journey, she learns a lot about herself, her mother, and her grandparents. It is a great coming-of-age story that teaches some important lessons applicable to everyone. What I liked about it most was that every age and gender can appreciate the story. My only criticism is that there is so much mystery and adventuristic tales it dilutes the realistic aspect of Sal’s stories. As a side note, my personal thoughts about Newbery Award winning books – I usually don’t like them. As a Teen Librarian, I also notice they just sit on the shelf and look awfully sad. Newberys are chosen by adults and the criteria is on the quality of writing, development of plot and symbolism. As long as age appropriate, the appeal to the audience is not a consideration. This is not a necessarily a bad thing, just usually means the books aren’t as popular with readers as one expects for an award winning book. Walk Two Moons is one of the few exceptions for me – not only does it have the required criteria it also has a very enjoyable story. If you want a more popular and entertaining award-winning book – check out the Rebecca Caudill award winners which is another award Walk Two Moons (along with several other Sharon Creech) has won..

A great new YA trilogy - year 2024

Monument 14

By: Emmy Laybourne

Genre:  YA Dystopian

Pages: 294

Published: 2012

Read: November

4 out of 5

I read this book because the second book of the trilogy is a Teens’ Top Ten winner for 2014 (I have to read them in order). If this book is any indication of what is to come, I can’t wait to read Sky of Fire and Savage Drift.  I can honestly say I believe the teens do a phenomenal job choosing the top 10 of each year (in fact, better than some other organizations). For me, Monument 14 comes in as a close second, in the YA dystopian genre, to the Unwind trilogy by Neal Shusterman. This book offers a little bit of everything – action, excitement, love, danger and suspense. I recommend it to all fans of dystopian. Recently, I even had a teen who is a huge fan of realistic fiction tell me she was surprised at how much she enjoyed Sky on Fire; so I say everyone should give this trilogy a try.

a depressing graphic memoir

Can’t We Talk about Something More Pleasant?

By: Roz Chast

Genre:  Adult graphic novel

Pages: 228

Published: 2014

Read: November

3 out of 5

This graphic novel was overwhelmingly depressing. I knew that going into it (ex: the title itself). But come on, there could have been some humor added about taking care of your elderly parents; not just the burden and guilt of having to do so. There were a few laughs (when her mother sh%$ all over her bathroom) and a few heartwarming moments with her dad. Most of it though was Roz complaining and bickering about her responsibility. Who wants to read a book like that? It made me think of what I have to look forward to in the future and the hassle I may be on my daughter, who is also an only child. I just pray I go quickly. However, the artwork and pictures were fantastic. So if you read, just be prepared.

A Stacey Kade mystery novel

Bitter Pill

By: Stacey Kade

Genre:  Adult fiction

Pages: 210

Published: 2013

Read: November

3.5 out of 5

Boy, does Rennie have trouble follow her? This was a fun, quick read that definitely will hold a reader’s interest. The mystery itself was intriguing and after finishing it I was surprised I didn’t solve it. The clues were definitely there, but not “in your face” nor did the murderer come out of left field.  I enjoy the small town feel in books and really getting to know the characters. Because of this, I ended up feeling disappointed in the character(s) that deceived me and the town. These are all good qualities to a mystery. What could have made it better - everything with the murder wrapped up a little to neatly, but on the plus side new questions aroused making the reader wonder if there will be a sequel one day. The strange thing is the aspect I have the most problem with is the cover – in my eyes, that is not Rennie. 

Life after death??

Elsewhere

By: Gabrielle Zevin

Genre:  YA fantasy

Pages: 277

Published: 2007

Read: November

3.5 out of 5

What happens after you die? Zevin writes of Elsewhere. A place where you live, work, and play – only after you die. It’s a story of 15 year old, Liz, who ends up in Elsewhere after a tragic accident.  The story is cute, sometimes funny (want to learn Canine or Catus? Go to Elsewhere), heart-breaking and even peacefully. It's not groundbreaking writing, but I felt Zevin wrote in a way that will have teens thinking…what it’s like, who should I be, where do I want to go, do my actions now matter?  It's a nonthreatening view of life and death and life after death. This would be a great selection for teen book groups.

WHO are you?

Player One

By: Douglas Coupland

Genre:  Fiction/Science fiction

Pages: 246

Published: 2011

Read: November

2.5 out of 5

This book was a little different for me because it had a touch of science fiction, which is my least favorite genre. I knew it wasn't heavy though, so I gave it a try. It reminded me a touch of The Breakfast Club -entire book takes place in a hotel lounge bar and surrounding area and is narrated by 4 people (one being a mysterious voiceover) with completely different personalities. That is mixed with The Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye -Is the end of the world here?. There are also some religious undertones.  I think I would have enjoyed it more if I was able to connect one of the character's personalities. Plus, the ending was resolved too quickly and neatly for me. 

Murder in the community I live...

Murder in McHenry

By: Paul Scharff

Genre:  Nonfiction True Crime

Pages: 249

Published: 2013

Read: November

2 out of 5

I live in McHenry, where this murder took place and vaguely know the Scharff family. While the premise was on the murder of Paul Scharff’s father and employee the underlying message was the incompetency of the McHenry Police Department. It took 27 years and the family to finally solve the case, plus the police never really admitted their negligence. I found the book scary because of the poor investigating by McHenry County since I still live here. However, the book was so poorly edited and continually repeated the same facts over and over throughout the chapters it literally drove me crazy. I kept saying to myself “You already told us that”.  Therefore, my 2 star rating is based on the way the book was edited and written. I feel the actions by Paul, his family, and the others involved did a remarkable job at making the community aware of how McHenry County Police Department poorly handled the investigation of these murders. 

The ending of a great Dystopian series

Undivided

By: Neal Shusterman

Genre:  YA Dystopian

Pages: 372

Published: 2014

Read: November

4 out of 5

This was the final book of a fantastic series that I discovered by accident. The series follows three main protagonists on an adventure to save themselves from being unwound – taken apart and having their body parts donated to adults that need them. This final one is just as action packed and full of twists and turns as the other three books. I highly recommend this series to ANYONE because I thought I was through with dystopian novels when I picked it up and this entire series, as a whole, enthralled me. The third one was a slight let down for me. I felt there was not enough of an advancement for the teens from book two to four. With that being said, book four was great and the ending of the series was satisfactory. 

Humorous realistic Fiction for teenage boys

Winger

By: Andrew Smith

Genre:  YA Realistic Fiction

Pages: 439

Published: 2013

Audiobook: 8 discs (9 hours 52 minutes)

Read: October

3 out of 5

This book was very funny and entertaining. However, this also caused a point of confusion for me. As a librarian, when I read a book I try to figure out who are the best readers for it. This book includes a lot of guy humor and would definitely appeal to teen boys, but I don’t meet many that read realistic fiction. I believe once the word gets out among their peers it may pick up the deserved hype. It’s attracting that first reader that may be a challenge. Because of the humorous facet of story, I would recommend this to older teenage boys that were fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series and Captain Underpants.  This was also the first time I started a book on audio and finished it by physically reading it. The audio was great, but after discovering that there were illustrations included (similar to Wimpy Kid) I would have chosen to read the entire book.