Best Read of 2016 (thus far)....

A Boy Made of Blocks

By: Keith Stuart

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pages: 400

Published: 2016

Read: June

5 out of 5

I wanted to read this book because I have a stepson with ADHD who is obsessed with Minecraft. I thought it may be a good book. Boy, was I wrong - It was an amazing book! A father has a difficult time understanding and communicating with his son, Sam, a 10 year old with autism. It's through the game, Minecraft, that Alex is able to enter his son's world and learn how Sam works. Not only is this book inspirational, but it also teaches us that not all video games are bad for children to play. While this is a fictional story, the author has his own autistic son, and it is evident that he writes not only with research, but also his own experiences. Anyone who has a child, works with someone, or knows someone with any type of learning disability MUST read this book! 

My favorite childhood book

Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret

By: Judy Blume

Genre: Juvenile fiction

Pages: 149

Published: 1986

Audiobook: 3 cd’s (3 hours 9 mins)

Read: February

5 out of 5

This is my all-time favorite pre-teen book. I read it at least 11 times in two years! I guess you could say I was a little obsessed with getting boobs, my period, and boys. I will never forget “We must, we must increase our bust” and will even admit to practicing a times. This was my first time reading it as an adult and I did enjoy the audio version. I also discovered that the story itself involved more than just Margaret’s physically growing up. Margaret struggles with her religious views because she was raised with no beliefs since her parents have different backgrounds. I did not remember this at all. This book will always hold fond memories for me.  

Judy Blume = GREAT READS

Summer Sisters

By: Judy Blume

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pages: 416

Published: 2006

Read: February

5 out of 5

I forgot how much I loved this book. It is such a quick, easy read that I thought maybe I wouldn’t enjoy as much. However, it brought me back to my younger days and I was completely sucked in again. As a 4^th and 5^th grade, I read Judy Blume’s Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret, about 11 times. It still is my all-time favorite book, if for no other reason than the memories. Summer Sisters is the high school, college, and beyond story of those Margaret, Nancy, etc. to me. Both are coming-of-age stories about growing up, girlfriends, and love. If as a little girl you were a fan of Judy Blume, I highly recommend Summer Sisters and prepare to reminisce. 

The last of the Monument kids

Monument 14: Savage Drift

By: Emmy Laybourne

Genre:  YA science fiction

Pages: 306

Published: 2014

Read: December

4 out of 5

This is the last of the trilogy of the kids from Monument, Colorado. This is a hard book to review without giving any of the exciting conclusion away. I will say that the ending will not leave you unsatisfied and just like the first two books Savage Drift is action packed.  Often in trilogies I find that one book is not nearly as good. This is not the case with this one. Similar to Hunger Games and Unwind this series will interest both males and females, which I believe is a great achievement for any author.  Because of this fact, the exciting plot and quality writing I booktalked this trilogy last week to 7^th and 8^th graders. I also found out that the production of a movie has begun. Very Excited!

Love the 80's - Read this book!

Ready Player One

By: Ernest Cline

Genre:  Adult/YA Science Fiction

Pages: 374

Published: 2011

Read: November

4.5 out of 5

80’s ROCK!!! If you think so too, this book is definitely for you! I was very surprised how much I enjoyed this book – I stayed up to 1 am because I HAD to finish it. The book takes place in 2044 when a video game creator obsessed with the 80’s decade runs a contest to win his inheritance (he has no living kin). To win the game, the players must become obsessed with the 80’s as well. This book is excited and brings back great memories of movies, music, and games from the decade. This is a MUST if you are a teen of the 80’s, obsessed with the decade or a video gamer. My only disappointment was that you were told who wins the contest in first chapter, so the suspense of that aspect is nonexistent, hence the ½ point deductionJ. Still one of my favorite reads of 2014.

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.  

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. 

Another great by Cat Winters

The Cure for Dreaming

By: Cat Winters

Genre:  YA Historical Fiction

Pages: 368

Published: 2014

Read: October

4.5 out of 5

Another outstanding novel by Cat Winters. Honestly, I can’t decide if I enjoyed this one or In the Shadow of Blackbirds better. They both shed light on true historical events and included photographs while adding a haunting and paranormal flare. Simply put, Winters is an amazing writer and I feel her books should be read by both teens and adults. I was disappointed when In the Shadow of Blackbirds did not make the Teens’ Top Ten for 2014 (although it was a nominee). I hope this one has the honor in 2015 among other awards. I believe Winters is my favorite author in the historical fiction genre. I now have to wait until sometime in 2015 for her third novel. 

The last of Plainsong trilogy

Benediction

By: Ken Haruf

Genre:  Adult fiction

Pages: 258

Published: 2013

Read: September

4.5 0ut of 5

I absolutely love Haruf’s writing. It’s so simple, but amazingly elegant. This book, the last of the Plainsong trilogy, takes place in the same small Colorado town of Holt. To my disappointment, he introduced new families and never really references the community members from the previous two books. I would have liked a follow-up on the previous characters, which is normally expected when reading a trilogy.  I still enjoyed the story and characters and very much appreciated Haruf’s insight on a beautiful community. Benediction could be a stand only novel; however reading them in order enables you to visualize how the town progresses versus the people.  Holt is definitely a small town I could imagine myself living in.  

A great YA graphic novel memoir

Tomboy

By: Liz Prince

Genre:  YA graphic novel memoir

Pages: 256

Published: 2014

Read: August

5 0ut of 5

For being a graphic novel, this book HAS feeling.  I smiled, laughed, turned red, cried, got angry and almost throw up - while reading this book.  And, of course, it's a memoir, which is my favorite variety of graphic novel. Prince is brutally honest in the retelling of her childhood, where she felt she never fit in.   She is a girl, but not a girly-girly. She looks like a boy, but is not a lesbian. She is all girl, but just a TOMBOY.  I enjoyed the variety of graphics included - drawings, diary entries, charts and graphs.   Although I have to admit that some of my fondest for this book is definitely related to the fact that there are a lot of 80's references (Prince was born is 1981). 

A YA crier...

There will come a Time

    By: Carrie Arcos

   Genre:  YA Realistic Fiction

   Pages: 315

   Published: 2014

   Read: August

    5 0ut of 5

This book was AMAZING! I read it in two days and that was only because it was evening when I started; it was so gripping it could easily have been a one day read for me.  It’s been a while since I have read a YA book that evoked so much emotion in me. Argos really knows how to write.  Most people have experienced losing a loved one, but not everyone experiences losing a twin.  Arcos puts you in the mind of seventeen year old Mark, who not only loses his twin sister but was in the car when it happened. Not many books make me cry, but I got teary-eyed with this one.  Fans of The Fault in Our Stars by John Green will love this book. In my eyes, this was much better!  I really hope this book wins some awards this year, especially Teens’ Top 10 for 2015. This would also make an excellent movie.  

Plainsong #2

Eventide

By: Kent Haruf

Genre:  Adult fiction

Pages: 320

Published: 2005

Read: August

5 out of 5

                  

Haruf continues to write beautifully about simple life with simple people in a simple town. He has such a way with words that you feel as though they live in the same town and the characters are your neighbors.  Some of the stories are a continuation from Plainsong; others are new neighbors you will meet. Either way you will become friends or enemies, whichever you choose Haruf will provoke your emotions. My only criticism is that I wish Haruf included the chapter headings that he did in Plainsong, so you knew which character’s point-of-view that specific chapter was told. Overall, he once again did not leave me disappointed and I will be reading Benediction very soon. 

A great story about a great little town

Plainsong

By: Kent Haruf

Genre:  Adult fiction

Pages: 301

Published: 2000

Read: August

5 out of 5

I loved this story and how it weaved stories of individuals in Holt, Colorado to make one great simple story. The story is told by several different points of views on the events in their life and the community as a whole. There are no major twists and turns, however the events are tragic to the individual affected in their own way. With the in-depth descriptions of the community, surroundings, and characters, the town was colored so beautifully you couldn’t help but feel you belonged.  This fantastic work of literature reminds me of the writing of Jane Hamilton or Andre Dubus II. I will definitely be following the lives of the Guthrie, Ike and Bobby, Victoria and the McPheron brothers in the rest of trilogy. 

A Puzzle-Solving Mystery

Key to the Treasure

By: Peggy Parish

Genre:  Juvenile mystery

Pages: 154

Published: 1966

Read: July

5 out of 5

I first read this book as a kid and remember loving it. The book is very unique in the fact that the puzzles that Jed, Bill, and Liza find can be solved by the reader before reading how the kids solve it. So it's a true puzzle-solving mystery.  I still worked the puzzles myself this time as well. However, I appreciated more of the story as an adult.  It shows the importance of one's family history being past down through the generations.  I feel this is an excellent example of a children's classic and is definitely timeless.  It's about kids growing up in any decade trying to find a lost treasure hidden on their grandparents property over 100 years ago. This book should be treasured by kids of all ages . Join the journey as the siblings find the key to a treasure! 

Favorite Audiobook of all time!!!

Walking on Water (The Walk #5)

By: Richard Paul Evans

Genre:  Adult Fiction

Pages: 320

Published: 2014

Audiobook: 5 discs (est: 5 hours)

Read: May

5 out of 5

I was highly anticipating the release of this book and was not at all disappointed.  I loved taking the journey from Spokane, Washington to Key West, Florida with Alan, but very sad our travels have ended.  Before beginning this story, I was curious if after such a long gap between the release of book four and five if my emotional attachment for the characters would still be there. Immediately, my  friendship was renewed.  Evans is such a great narrator you can't help feeling for and with the characters. Without trying to ruin the story, I must warn you this one is definitely a crier and I don't cry easily while reading books.  I think this series is the best audiobook I have ever listened to and I may have to try more of Evans' books now.

With only 97 pages, this is the best story of 2014

84, Charing Cross Road

By: Helene Hanff

Genre: nonfiction novella

Pages: 97

Published: 1990

Read: April

5 out of 5

A true treasure for all book lovers!! At first, I thought Hanff was a rude selfish woman, but quickly learned to love her sarcastic humor.  Taking place when food rations were among their highest in London, Hanff is an extremely unselfish person. She JUST loves her books. I could relate to a lot of her feelings and relationships with her books. Her correspondence and friendship with book seller, Frank Doel  which started over a request for a rare edition of a book spans over 20 years. This lovely novella, told through the letters written, will touch every book lover and make you cry and laugh, sometimes at the same time. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS STORY!

Rediscovered a great author...

The Garden of Last Days

By: Andre Dubus III

Genre: Adult fiction

Pages: 544

Published: 2008

Read: April

4.5 out of 5

I recently recommended House of Sand and Fog to a coworker and it reminded me how much I enjoyed it. So I looked up the author for more of his novels. Dubus III outdid himself again with this story. I love when authors have a distinct writing style all of their own, yet their stories differ greatly.  I love Dubus III's writing style and reminds me a little bit of James Frey.  This entire book takes place over 5 days in September 2001, even though a lengthy book it is extremely fast-paced and never has a dull moment. Some aspects of the story the reader is able to predict before the characters discover the truth, but that doesn't stop the thrill of this book.  I plan to read the rest of his novels now that I rediscovered Andre Dubus III.

return to an old favorite...

The Lake of Dead Languages

By: Carol Goodman

Genre: Adult fiction

Pages: 432

Published: 2005

Read: February

4.5 out of 5

This is the second time reading this novel. I still love Goodman, but I lowered my rating by ½ a star. This is due to the fact that throughout the many years since originally reading it I have discovered many great novels – also many not-so-great ones.  I love the literary quality of her novels, however after the redundancy of the private school setting with prestigious and unique courses of study – it can become overkill.  She has recently written her first young adult novel and continues to maintain her superb writing style. Her novels are always full of twists, turns, and surprise revelations and then some not so surprising ones.  I have read every one of her novels, even those written under Juliet Dark, and hope to see her return to the  gothic/suspense genre and leave the fantasy style behind. 

Second book in the Unwind series by Neal Shusterman

UnWholly

By: Neal Shusterman

Genre: YA Dystopian

Pages: 402

Published: 2012

Read: January

5 out of 5

I continue to be very impressed and engrossed in Shusterman’s Unwind Series. There is never a dull moment throughout the novel and the character development continues to grow. Shusterman’s writing ability to provoke the reader’s emotion for the teens is astonishing that you can’t help but want to assist the teens in their cause. I also enjoyed the humor Shusterman included in his sporadic advertisements and public service announcements for unwinding throughout the story. Keep in mind that this still is a YA novel, (simple writing and quick read) and may not appeal to all adults; however fans of YA and especially The Hunger Game series should definitely pick this series up. 

2014 just started, but this is my favorite novel of year

Unwind

By: Neal Shusterman

Genre: YA dystopian

Pages: 335

Published: 2007

Read: January

5 out of 5

II have mentioned that I am getting bored and sick of dystopian novels, however this one was FANTASTIC. Shusterman is an exceptional writer and with so many twist and turns, the reader never gets bored with the plot. The novel is placed sometime in the future during a period of war. Due to the issues with survival, a Bill of Life was instituted that allows parents to “unwind” their teens and donated their organs and body parts to adults that need them to survive. The teens are still considered alive, but "Living in a divided state"; therefore parents don't feel guilty for "killing their children". There are four novels in this series and I am very excited to read the rest. I feel this series could be the next Hunger Games and there is talk of making a movie.  I highly recommend this series to fans to YA, Hunger Games, and dystopian novels in addition to anyone needing a fix for a great novel.

He also wrote the popular Everlost Trilogy - website is http://www.storyman.com/.