Nantucket Nights

Three friends called the Night Swimmers meet for their yearly midnight swim. One of them disappears. This opens up unimaginable secrets and a shocking chain of events. To be honest this book is kinda depressing.

***

The Alchemist

This is the book about a boy who is trying to find a treasure and fulfill his life's purpose. I guess it was a good fable, but way to philosophical for me. I often had to reread passages multiple times to still not truly understand what they meant.

**

The Mother Daughter Book Club

I'm really trying to read a lot of young adult novels this summer. This book starts out very promising. It's essentially about 4 girls who fit certain stereotypes in a middle school. Their mothers make them join a mother daughter book club, in which they read Little Women. I think this type of book would be enjoyable and even helpful for a middle school student to read. BUT the end is a little too unrealistic. I am all about happy endings, but I think this went too far.

Betrayed

Betrayed is the second novel in the House of Night series. I liked this book better than the first. It had more substance, but this series still isn't my favorite.

The Wednesday Letters

The Wednesday Letters is about a couple who die on the same night. A lot of the plot mirrors Nicholas Sparks' The Notebook. Their children find a stack of letters that the husband wrote to the wife every Wednesday since they got married. Through reading these letters the children learn lots of life lessons and secrets about their parents' lives. It can definitely be a little too sappy, but I would recommend it to anybody!

Hope Was Here

I loved, loved, loved this book. Hope was here is such a sweet, simple story, but yet it is so complex. It will be the perfect story to read in a literature circle/book club setting. A young girl named Hope and her aunt move from New York City to a small town in Wisconsin. A lot of underlying issues are going on that can be wonderfully brought up in a discussion. There are a lot of issues with right and wrong and just what exactly a family is. This book will stay with you long after it is read!

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

This is the story about one of the young vampires Victoria makes in Eclipse. If you don't do Twilight you definitely won't care anything about this. It was a quick, easy read. It was good, but I think more could've been added places to make it more of a complete story. Overall, an interesting look at another side of the Twilight Saga.

If I Stay

If I Stayed is an absolute gem of a book. It is about a girl who is in a devastating car crash along with her parents and younger brother. Her parents die on impact, and she is removed from her actual body. She must decide whether to stay on earth, or be with her family. The book goes back and forth between the present, which is her in the hospital having various operations, and her life before, which is mixed in with her love of music, her close-knit relationship with her family, and her true young love. The "young-love-soul-mate" aspect of the book reminded me of the strong connections that Bella and Edward have in Twilight, but this book is much deeper rooted in the other aspects of life. I couldn't believe how quickly I flew through this book.

The Cay

This is another 6th grade novel. The setting in World War II. When a boat is bombed in the Caribbean, a boy, who was raised to be prejudices and an older black man get stranded on a deserted island. The rest of their story is their adventure living with very little. This book provided some great discussions in my classes!

Barefoot

This is the story of three women, each with enormous hurtles to get over in their lives. One has cancer. Another had an affair with a student. Lastly, one is pregnant by her husband who also happens to be cheating on her. They spend the summer in Nantucket trying to sort things out. This book was a quick, easy read that I thoroughly enjoyed- nothing profound but a beach book for when you just don't wanna think much.

The Carrie Diaries

This is the first book about Carrie Bradshaw's early years. If you don't know who Carrie Bradshaw is, she is the main character from Sex in the City. This book takes place Carrie's senior year of high school. It's full of lovable characters, relate-able teenage issues, and laugh out loud hysterics. And most importantly, not to give away the whole ending, but let's just say she moves to a more familiar place and meets a familiar face at the end of the book. I can't wait for part two to come out.

The Lovely Bones

I've had this book forever and finally decided to read it since I really want to see the movie. The first is a little harsh. Reading about a 13 year old girl getting raped and murdered is never pleasant, but the rest of the book was really good. I kept feeling like the plot was going in several directions, but none of them ever played out. I liked the whole book except for the ending. I didn't feel like it ever really ended.

A Summer Affair

I read this book on my spring break cruise. I highly disapprove of affairs and I don't want to say that I now feel they are okay, but I guess I can see the desire behind one now. More than the affair part, I loved reading the friend/neighbor/family dynamics of this book. It does a great job of showing how life truly is- both the good and the bad.

Dovey Coe

This was a quick/easy read with a terrific voice. Dovey is accused of murdered the guy who was in love with her sister. He is a jerk of a guy. I loved Dovey's character. You can't help falling in love with her and her brother. This book brings in a lot of the culture of small towns and the way things were long ago while adding a perfect hint of mystery.

The World We Live In

The World We Live is the 3rd book in the Life As We Knew It series. It is every bit as consumable as the 1st two. Yes, a lot of the same issues are happening over and over again but the author manages to keep things fresh. I am hoping there will be a 4th book!

The Girls from Ames

The Girls from Ames is by the co-author of the last lecture. Typically, I don't care for nonfiction, unless it's a book about dogs. This is the story of 11 friends, who've been friends since high school and beyond. I related to so many of their stories, and the best part was they were all true. I laughed and cried multiple times. Not only does the book tell their stories, but it also gives lots of research on why woman's friendship is so important.

Marked

I still can't decide how I feel about this book or if I'm going to continue the series. In this vampire series, you are marked at a certain age and are trained to become a vampire. Zoe is not only marked, but is given powers that go beyond others her age and even many adult vampires. Normal teenage drama is mixed in well.

When You Reach Me

When You Reach Me was the Newbery Medal winner this year. I don't ever think I've read a book with a more surprising twist. It became a completely different genre at the end, from realistic fiction to science fiction. Overall, it was enjoyable.

Twenties Girl

This might have been the most difficult book I've ever tried to get into. It's about a girl whose great aunt dies, an aunt she didn't even know. The aunt's necklace has been stolen, and they go on a journey together to retrieve it. I did like it toward the end, but in general this just isn't my thing.

Hollywood Car Was

For some reason I just love Hollywood/New York easy read books. This one did not disappoint. A small town Midwestern girl gets her break on a sitcom in LA. The things they make her do- all the way through plastic surgery- are outrageous. I was a little disappointed that she seemed to lose herself on the way and she was eventually forced out, which turned out better for her in the long run. I just wish she would have stood up for herself and then everything worked out.

The Dead and Gone

This is the next book in the Life as We Knew It series. It was equally engaging as it's sister story. I can't wait to read the third, where the main characters from each book come together!

The Devil's Arithmetic

This is one of the books we read in 6th grade. I read it with the kids, which actually turned out to be really fun. Another teacher had told me how good it was, but I was worried the first few chapters. If I couldn't get into this book, how did I expect my students to? Well, it wasn't long until I was completely hooked and absolutely couldn't put it down. This is definitely one of the best historical fiction novels I've ever read. If you like Number the Stars, you'll love this!

The Big Field

This was about a kid who plays baseball. His father was really good but didn't make it to the pros, and because of this their relationship is tense. One of my students got me to read this. He has read all of this author's books. It wasn't that it was bad- it just isn't my genre. I understand the game of baseball, but this was still difficult for me to read. I really didn't like the ending though. I don't feel like him and his father ever made any real progress.

Lost and Found

This is officially my least favorite Andrew Clements book. It does recognize a problem any twins feel- always being referred to as one. The twins find themselves at a new school, who doesn't realize there are two of them. So they start skipping school every other day to see what it feels like not being a twin. But in the end it is about kids getting essentially rewarded for breaking the rules. And even worse, it sorta puts the blame on the school, which is one of the things I feel like is wrong with today's society anyway. We already have enough problems with students not taking responsibility for their actions. Now here is a book that tells them they don't have to.

Book of a Thousand Days

I am so sorry to put this book down. I loved The Princess Academy which was also by Shannon Hale. I even met her while at the International Reading Association Conference, and she was so sweet- she even remembered my name when I bumped into her later, but this book is just to choppy to me. I've found myself going back and having to reread a lot. I just can't get through it...

The Blind Side

I was so excited to see this book was a New York Times Bestseller. That must mean it isn't just a book about sports right? Wrong. This book was about the evolution of football. Every other chapter was just about that. It was so hard to find the story of Michael Oher and the family that took him in. I just couldn't keep skimming the boring parts anymore.

FYI

I've decided to also start writing about the books I start and don't finish. Well, not the ones that I only read the first chapter of, but the ones I get over half way through and still can't get into.

The Sugar Queen

A friend recommended this book to me several months ago, and of course I went out and bought it, but didn't pick it up until last week when a teacher at my school mentioned she read it and really liked it. I really enjoyed this book. It kept me guessing with many twists and turns. The characters were so real and lovable- the kinds of people I could see myself in. Then, normally this would bother me, but it also had a bit of magic to it. Things happened in their lives that couldn't be explained and instead of making the story unbelievable, it made it even more enduring.

True Colors

True Colors is by Kristen Hannah. Last time I read one of her books I declared I had found a new favorite book of all time. Which is why it is so painful for me to write this review. There is one thing I can say about Kristen Hannah- she is a fabulous story teller. But the truth is this story just wasn't for me. I can't quite put my finger on why I didn't like it. It was the story of three sisters. One we never learned much about except that she wasn't really in love with her husband. Then as a side note, we find out he had an affair and left her. Next, was Winona. She was a lawyer- had the brains of the family, but was overweight and unlucky in love. Then there was Vivi Ann. The town beauty who was obsessed with her parent's farm and horses. Vivi Ann falls tragically in love with an Indian, Dallas. Then Dallas get convicted of murder. If it weren't for Vivi Ann's son being tied in at the end of the novel, I would have really disliked this book. I don't want to give away the whole ending, but it just didn't seem to come together for me. I couldn't respect what Vivi Ann did to herself while Dallas was in jail. I didn't feel like they really feel in love or even had a story- he just had power over her. Then at the end the man who Win had a crush on finally realizes she is the one he wants- I don't know. Kinda far fetched and unbelievable...

The Last Song

The Last Song is Nicholas Sparks' latest book, and I loved it. I know I've mentioned this before but some of his stories have the greatest plots and you can't help falling in love with the characters and then there has to be this sadness for no real reason. Well this story isn't like that. I think it is the deepest of all his books I've ever read. It had many layers and I couldn't stop thinking about it afterwards. Yes, it is sappy. Yes, I laid in bed and cried on and off for a good 30 minutes, but I really got something out of it that can be applied to my own life. Ronnie, the daughter in the book, always saw her dad as weak. Then, she is forced to spend the summer with him on the beach in North Carolina (shocking I know), away from her life in NYC. Through this she learns so much about herself and what kind of person he truly was. The Bible ends up having a lot of presence in this story without being forceful. There is a particular verse in Galatians that he reads to her that talks about how the Holy Spirit is always with us, guiding us, helping us make decisions and get through life. Instead of seeing her father as weak, she finally sees what a good person he is and how he makes his decisions in life. He is stronger because he has self-control and doesn't let his temper or other life problems control him.

The Choice

Wow! You can't help but get completely lost in Nicholas Spark's books. This is no exception. About 5 years ago, I swore off his books because they made me too sad, but I couldn't keep away. His characters are so strong! You feel like you're their best friend or close relative. The Choice is about falling in love where it is least expected, not playing by the rules, and making beyond difficult decisions in life. It is very surprising because while you're preparing for heartbreak- it isn't the heart break you're setting yourself up for.

Extra Credit

I love Andrew Clements books. This is about a girl who must do an extra credit project to pass the 6th grade. Her project ends up being a pen pal from Afghanistan. Through this process both students learn a lot about themselves and life. I think it will be especially good for students to read. It really gave me a good cultural idea of what life is like in a small town in Afghanistan. I wasn't too crazy about the ending, but I guess there was no other way to end it.

The Cinderella Pact

The Cinderella Pact is about three friends who decide once and for all to lose weight. They each take three different paths and learn a lot about themselves on the way. Then of course, there is a "Cinderella" type story going on with the main character. One of the characters ends up divorcing her husband because she realizes she just settled for him. This really bothered me. Here was this guy who loved her to begin with, with the weight on, and then she decides she didn't really love him. She goes out all the time, flirting with guys and drinking. Besides that, I loved this book!

Always and Forever

This book is why it feels like I haven't been on here in forever. It took me about 3 weeks to read. It was very good but slow in parts. Typical women's friendship book where you learn about 3 unconnected women in alternating chapters that are going through one of the many hurtles of life. At the end they all become friends when meeting at a spa in Ireland. This book was okay, but nothing out of the ordinary.

The Christmas Cookie Club

Still not sure what my final assessment of this book is. Its about 12 women who get together once a year, bring cookies with recipe, and discuss their lives and the cookies all night. Reminds me of my friends with book club and recipe club. This was actually the December pick for my book club. Of course every woman had gone through some different kind of heart ache or obstacle, and we learned in detail about each. Some of the issues were downright scandalous and promoted a lot of discussion during book club. Made us think a lot about the line between our morals and the friendship and love we share for one another. I guess the biggest downfall of this book is that it gives us the background of these women, but the story ends that night. So where they all go is undetermined. Instead of the book coming to a conclusion, it seemed to leave a lot unsaid. There really wasn't an ending for most of the issues- not that there is in life, but too much was left up in the air for me.

Feathers

Even though this book was written beautifully, I didn't "get" it at all. I know there was supposed to be some kind of deeper meaning, but it was too hard to dig for. And I felt like the story was just getting started and then the book was over. I guess it makes you look for hope, but I feel like hope is like faith. It is something you have to believe in even when you can't see it.

Mr. Maybe

I have had this book for years, and I love Jane Green's books. But for some reason I kept putting this one off. I guess it is because this was the only Jane Green book I haven't read and I love them so much I didn't want them to be over. This book is more similar to her earlier books about young singles making their ways in life. Libby is looking for love and keeps getting hurt over and over again. Then she falls in love with irresponsible Nick, who will not ever be able to provide the kind of life she wants. Then, why is she so heartbroken when they break up. Then she meets the perfect guy. He's filthy rich, spoils her with gifts, and takes her to all the fanciest restaurants. Does it really matter that she doesn't fancy him that much? I think this is a dilemma a lot of girls face. The security of money vs. the freeness of just getting by.

Catching Fire

The best sequel ever! This book is the sequel to all my student's favorite book, which is The Hunger Games. Katniss is back trying to figure out a way to get back at the Capital. Trying to keep herself and her family alive. SPOILER alert! And yes she is back in the hunger games in a twist so surprising my mouth literally dropped open and I couldn't get it to close. The greatest/worst thing about this book is the ending. Everything and I mean everything is up in the air: love, lives, the future.

Bergdorf Blondes

Going to the opposite side of the country as Celebutantes, this book has very similar issues. Instead of dealing with celebrities, this story is about the socialites of "Manhattan's elite"- the upper east/west, whatever side. They're still getting freebies from the most fabulous designers and going to exclusive beginning of the season sales. Which still confuses me, all the rich people who can afford the clothes/accessories get them for free. Of course, there is a romantic storyline that is maybe a little too coincidental, but still a fun read. It is fun to escape to NYC and hear about a more glamorous life. It leaves you wondering if people really are this self-centered and spoiled.

Anything For a Dog

I loved A Dog's Life, the prequel to this book, so I was so excited to see the story of Squirrel. One couldn't help but want to know what happened to him after reading the first book. This book is told from 3 different characters perspectives:
- Charlie, whose older brother just died
- Henry, who wants a dog more than anything in life
- Squirrel, a stray dog just making his way in life trying not to starve
I couldn't for the life of me figure out how these character were going to connect, but oh boy you're in for a terrific surprise when you do. Everything for a Dog is a short, quick, easy read but still manages to pull on your heartstrings and make you cheer!

Just Ella

Just Ella is the story about what happens to "Cinderella" after she moves to the palace to live "happily ever after." I guess as a child, since I never really thought about Cinderella as an adult, I never considered meeting a prince, dancing with him for one night, and then being in love, and more importantly, living happily ever after to be somewhat of a stretch. That isn't how life happens. Well anyway, let's just say Prince Charming isn't so charming. It fact he is dull and boring. Ella isn't allowed to do anything for herself so she is bored out of her mind. She hates all the rules and the way she is supposed to treat her servants. The real fun begins when Ella realizes she isn't in love with the Prince. The Prince has never not gotten his way- he can't even understand the fact she isn't in love with him. To him love is simply looks.

This book also gives the real story of Cinderella, whose real name is Just Ella. To my disappointment the whole pumpkin turning into a carriage thing didn't happen. There is no such thing as fairy godmothers. And even though I'm an adult and know that, I was a little sad that the author took away that magic. The ending of this book is a cliffhanger- Ella is happy- but as far as the true love part- it isn't there yet. I will defiantly read the next book!

Savvy

Okay book. It is written beautifully, but sometimes I felt all the figurative language made it choppy. Not sure it was worthy of the Newbery Honor Medal. Plot consists of a girl that learns what her "savvy" or special power is on her 13th birthday. Everyone is her family does. There skills lead them on a crazy adventure to see their dad after he is injured in a car accident.

Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life

I loved this book. It's about a boy who is about to turn 13, and he receives a box in the mail from his dead father that he is supposed to open on this 13th birthday. Inside the box is the "meaning of life." But there are 4 missing keys to this box. This is the story of Jeremy and his best friend, Lizzy, searching not only for the keys to the box, but also for the meaning of life. I love the characters! You can't help but fall in love and rout for them. It also has a great message... live everyday to the fullest, like it is your last- really makes you evaluate your own life!

The Leanin Dog

This was one of the books we read for our middle school book club. It was a cute coming of age story about a girl dealing with the loss of her mother and a dog that seems to have been abused before.

The Help

Loved this book!!! It is haunting, but in a good way. I constantly thought about it while I was reading it, and it is still making an impression on me. It really makes you wonder about the choices you would've made, especially here in the South, if you experienced the civil rights movement. It inspires me how much these characters were willing to fight for what they believed considering how dangerous it was. It makes me want to be part of something as big and life-changing as the characters in the book.

The Art of Racing in the Rain

Beginning on the last night of the dog's life, this story never stops. I loved how this book was from the dog's point of view, and how insightful he was! Even though a lot of the racing metaphors went over my head, they tied in well with the story. This story is hearwarming and a tearjerker!

The Magician's Elephant

Very cute, magical story. Same wonderful storytelling you expect from Kate DiCamillo. This story is about believing in magic; that there is purpose in life, a reason behind events. A mysterious elephant appears from a magic trip gone wrong, but ends up bringing a family back together again. I didn't like it at much as Edward Tulane or Despereaux, but definitely worth a read!

Shiver

I LOVED this book!!!!! Just about as close to Twilight as I think a book could possibly come. It's about a girl and a wolf/werewolf and this special connection they have. This book is both sensual and fast paced. Anyone who enjoyed Twilight and needs another fix will love this. It's so funny, in general, I don't like fantasy, but with all these true love fantasy books I'm starting to change my tune- growing as a reader...

Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!

This book is by the same author as Fried Green Tomatoes. I liked this book, but I didn't relate to it very much, so it isn't my favorite. But I do appreciate it for it's story. It's about a girl with a troubled past that she doesn't really understand herself. On her way to rising fame through broadcasting, she finally discovers who she is. I did like the social "norms" that are brought up in the book: the city, the south, and prejudice. It made me think about the way things were and even how they are today... Just people's perceptions in general.

Dune Road

I absolutely love Jane Green's books, and this is no exception. I love how she weaves several stories, while linking them all together. This is probably one of my favorites of her books. The main character gets a divorce and then learns a lot more about love and what is important, which eventually leads her back to where she began. A lot of the book is about family, friends, and forgiveness. And it takes place in the Hamptons, which always makes for a fun story.