Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris

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Publication date: 2000
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Pages: 272
My rating: 2 stars
Ages: 18+

Throughout the personal essays in this book we are introduced to Sedaris's strange and almost unbelievable life. From growing up in North Carolina with a lisp, to going to France for two years but never being able to learn the language, Sedaris puts forth his life for us without any excuses.

I'm a little ashamed to admit this, but I thought that this book was written by someone else entirely. So I was a little surprised when I discovered that it wasn't who I had expected. But I started reading it. Unfortunately, I didn't seem to find it quite as funny as the people who had provided the blurbs on the back of the book did. At least, not until Sedaris got to France, and then I found little pieces here and there pretty humorous--enough that I shared some of them with my family.

There is some language--usually when Sedaris is talking about his brother, who seems to have a bit of a mouth on him. There was also a time in Sedaris's life when he was pretty heavily involved in drugs and he goes into some detail about buying them, taking them, and their effect on him. There were actually a lot of things that I would have been more interested in learning about than what was provided in the essays. How and why did he decided to get sober? How did he get into writing? How did his family react to him being gay? I felt like there was a lot more interesting things that I wanted to know than the story about the lady who made him chase a pigeon.

I've read other memoirs/books of essays that I enjoyed a lot more.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

Vivian Divine is Dead by Lauren Sabel

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Pages: 277
My rating: 3 stars
Ages: 13+

Vivian Divine had everything: fame, money, a hot boyfriend, and a mother who loved her. But six months ago her life started unraveling and it all ends with a death threat. Vivian runs off to Mexico, alone and scared and not knowing who to trust, or who is trying to kill her. Plus, there's Nick, the boy who's been helping her--who she thinks she might be falling in love with!

This was a fast read--I read it in about two days, during my lunch breaks and before bed. It was fun to read, especially because it was the week before Halloween and the climax of the book takes place during the Day of the Dead in Mexico. It's a bit of a mystery, which is always fun, and it wasn't completely predictable. I was only about ten pages ahead of the character instead of most of the book.

This is definitely a book that will intrigue teens the most--those who are probably between 13 and 16 will like it the best. It's not really a masterpiece, but it's not just completely fluff either. Vivian is a teen movie star, her parents are famous, which makes it something that I know I would have liked to read about when I was 13 or 14. Then there's the cute Latino boy, the cultural differences of Mexico, the celebration of a different holiday, with the addition of a mystery. All of this just combines to make an enjoyable read.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider

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Publication date: 2013
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Pages: 335
My rating: 3.5 stars
Ages: 17+

Tennis star, class president, prom king. This was Ezra Faulkner's life until tragedy stuck. Now he's starting senior year with a shattered knee and disillusioned about who he was before. Then he meets Cassidy, and in a blur of adventures, Ezra starts discovering the person he was meant to be.

This book kind of reminded me of John Green's Looking for Alaska, but with a somewhat happier storyline. Ezra is the normal kid, trying to live up to everyone else's expectations. Cassidy is wild and unpredictable, a whirlwind in the otherwise settled town of Eastwood.

I had a hard time deciding how to rate this book. On the one hand, the story was really interesting. I hated having to put it down, really caught up in Ezra and Cassidy. I liked the panopticon idea, that we should all be trying to escape from under the gaze of everyone else's ideas of how we should act. But then there was the overload of sexual language and situations. There wasn't anything as graphic as in Alaska, but I still found it uncomfortable for me to read. Just remember, I'm a little bit more conservative in what I read than some people.

I think there was also a little bit of language. As it is, I think that a lot of teens could probably relate to the book and enjoy it.

*I do not receive any compensation from Amazon.

My Battle Against Hitler: Faith, Truth, and Defiance in the Shadow of the Third Reich by Dietrich von Hildebrand

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Image
Pages: 332
My rating: 3 stars
Ages: 18+

Philosopher, professor, and devote Catholic, Dietrich von Hildebrand was one of the biggest enemies of National Socialism (Nazism). Throughout his life, he spoke out against Hitler and the ideals of the Nazi party, which meant that he lost friends and he had to flee Germany, leaving his family behind. This book exists because his second wife asked to know more about him.

I do have to admit that I only got about 60 pages into this book, but it was fascinating. Von Hildebrand is a great role model of someone who stood up for morality and beliefs, even when the world around him was saying they were wrong. The only reason I didn't continue reading his book is that it's pretty heavy stuff. Von Hildebrand was an intelligent man--which shows in his writing--who suffered a lot. I do hope to finish this book at sometime, but with the holidays and winter coming, it was just a little too depressing to continue reading.

I think something that's pretty nice about this book is that each chapter is sort of a separate incident, so you can read it as you wish, coming and going as you see fit. Great book for historians, those with an interest in WWII, and those who want to learn more about the religious and philosophical side of the war.

*I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Open Road Summer by Emery Lord

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Walker Books
Pages: 342
My rating: 4 stars
Ages: 16+

After hitting rock bottom, Reagan decides to start anew and the best way to do that is to get away from her small town. Fortunately, her best friend is Lilah Montgomery--country star and ultimate good girl. But things get complicated with the addition of teen heartthrob Matt Finch, who is supposed to be pretending to be Lilah's boyfriend, but has gotten Reagan's attention instead. Now it's up to Reagan to decide whether or not the chance of getting hurt again is worth the risk of acting on her feelings.

When I first started reading this, I didn't really have the best attitude toward it. "Lilah is just a stand in for this famous artist, and Matt is just a stand in for that one," I thought. But once I started getting into it I realized that the similarities between the famous artists didn't matter, because the characters had depth and purpose. I laughed out loud at the back and forth between Matt and Reagan, and there was one point where my eyes threatened to tear up. Ultimately, I think Open Road Summer is a story about friendship and how true friends forgive each other and love each other no matter what happens or what you say in the heat of the moment.

Unlike other books about a "regular" person dating a celebrity, I felt this one seemed pretty real. I'd recommend this to anyone who wants a nice summery book to read. There is some mild language.

*I do not receive any compensation from Amazon.

The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy

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Publication date: 2012
Publisher: Walden Pond Press
Pages: 438
My rating: 3.5 stars
Ages: 10+

Prince Charming is tired--tired of being called Prince Charming! There are four princes and none of them are called Charming; their names are Frederic, Gustav, Duncan, and Liam. All four have been immortalized in stories, but none of them get the credit they deserve. Together, they embark on an adventure sure to get them mentioned by name.

This is a really fun take on fairy tales, focusing on the princes instead of the princesses. Each of the princes have their little quirks that end up becoming strengths and being able to work together.

Though the book is long for middle grade at 438 pages, I think that advanced readers will be able to read it without any problem. I also think this would be a good read-aloud book for parents to share with their kids, as it has humor that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike. There are cute illustrations throughout the book, showing not only what the princes and princesses look like, but also what trolls, goblins, and dragons look like. The narration is fun as the narrator will break in occasionally, giving spoilers, or hints of what is to come. I also think this would probably be a good book for boys and reluctant readers.

*I do not receive any compensation from Amazon. 

The Uninvited Guests by Sadie Jones

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Publication date: 2012
Publisher: Harper
Pages: 259
My rating: 2 stars
Ages: 16+

The Torrington household is preparing for a birthday party, when suddenly, the small party is made considerably larger by the inclusion of a group of survivors from a nearby railway accident. The family grudgingly opens their home, but things are quickly turned upside down and the celebration turns into something much more . . . other worldly.

My local library had touted this book as something that fans of "Downton Abbey" would like. While this takes place in the same time period, it's not anything like the classy period drama of a high society family with an army of servants.

For most of the book, I was annoyed at the family. They were the most forgetful people I had ever read about--the whole lot of them. The youngest, Smudge, seemed to spend most of her life in her bedroom being forgotten by everyone, including her mother. Then when the survivors come, they forget about them until they have to remember. And then none of them seemed to actually do anything; instead they all just reacted to whatever happened to them.

Mostly, I think, I wanted some explanations. There were a lot of strange things going on in that house, but nothing was explained until the very end of the book. If there had been some explanations scattered throughout, I may have found the book more interesting. There is a mild sex scene, but no language.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

See Jane Run by Hannah Jayne

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Pages: 272
My rating: 3 stars
Ages: 14+

Riley is an ordinary high school student with overprotective parents. Her biggest worry is convincing them to let her go on a college trip--until she finds a birth certificate in her baby book for Jane O'Leary. Suddenly, Riley doesn't know what's real or not, and with someone following her, Riley is certain that the truth her parents are hiding about Jane is nothing good.

Anyone familiar with the book The Face on the Milk Carton might be reminded of it for the first half of the book. In fact, I believe there are even references to that book with this one--including the term "daymare." The difference between Face and Jane is that Riley's discovery completely changes how she views everyone around her--including her parents, though they have always been loving and kind, if not a little protective. That really bothered me--I wish that she had just asked her parents about the birth certificate. If she had asked them at least once before going a little crazy, I think I could have accepted it.

However, it turned into a story that was interesting to read, though didn't take too long. I read it in one day, with my reading only taking place on my lunch break and after work. So if you want something to read, but don't have a lot of time, this would be a good one. It's not very thought provoking, and it's a little predictable, but sometimes you just need a book like that.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

My Real Children by Jo Walton

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Tor
Pages: 317
My rating: 1 star
Ages: 18+

Patricia has two sets of memories: two sets of children, two careers, two lives, two worlds. The nurses say she's confused, so she humors them, but she knows that the four children she had with Mark are just as real as the three she raised with Bee. Is it all just a butterfly effect or is one real and the other not?

The premise of this book seemed so interesting. Parallel universes based on one decision and it's alternate, coming together at the end of Patricia's life. Unfortunately, for me, the book didn't live up to its potential.

The chapters alternated between Patricia's two lives, one as Tricia, the other as Pat. But with one chapter spanning anywhere from a year to 10 years, it seemed more of a quick travelogue through their lives instead of a story. I felt no connection to her/them. By the time I reached the middle of the book I was bored--it didn't seem that anything was actually happening. Tricia raised her four kids and put up with her bully husband; Pat raised her three kids and went to Florence every year. Things happened in the background, but in this alternate history Walton created, I had a hard time caring about that as well. Man built a moon base in the 80s? Really? It was more than my suspension of disbelief could handle--especially as I wasn't expecting that.

There is an exploration of sexuality and alternate life choices throughout the book. For those who have read Walton before, this might be something you would enjoy, but I don't recommend it.

*I receive no compensation from Amazon.

The Secrets of Life and Death by Rebecca Alexander

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Publication date: 2013
Publisher: Broadway Books
Pages: 365
My rating: 3 stars
Ages: 18+

In 1585, Edward Kelley and John Dee traveled to Hungry, looking to see if they could save Elizabeth Bathory, though it might take sorcery and result in evil. In 2013, Jack and Felix are racing to see if any of Kelley's writings can help to save a fourteen-year-old girl's life. But there is a mysterious woman and an inquisitor after Jack and Sadie which may result in one or both of their deaths.

Unlike the previous book I had received from Blogging for Books, I was drawn into Secrets. I did like the parts that took place in 2013 more than Kelley's journal, perhaps because Kelley was a little too pious in his writings. The story was interesting, especially as it was based on a historical figure who has become something of a myth.

The book, like a lot of British books, contains hard language, but not too frequently. There is also references to sexual encounters of different kinds. It's not exactly a book that I am desperate to share with my friends or really want to have anyone read it so we can talk about it, but it wasn't hard to read  and I found the drama and magic of it enjoyable.

*I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

We'll Always Have Paris: A Mother/Daughter Memoir by Jennifer Coburn

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Pages: 372
My rating: 4 stars
Ages: 16+

Convinced she will die young like her father, Jennifer decides she wants to give her daughter experiences to remember her by. When Katie is eight, Jennifer convinces her husband to let them go to Paris and throughout the next eight years, Jennifer and Katie travel to Italy, Spain, Amsterdam, and back to Paris where it all started.

I picked up this book when I was at the bookstore. It was on a table labeled "Summer Reads." And it is a great summer read. Coburn shares parts of her childhood with her father as well as the travels she and her daughter go on. Her relationship with Katie is close and real, both of them sharing jokes and Katie taking care of her mother when she freaks out about their trips.

I was reading this off and on while I had family visiting and I just had to keep reading sections that made me laugh out loud. Coburn is similar to me--wanting to see things and experience things, but wigging out when it actually comes down to it. It's funny, it's tender, it's interesting to read, and fun to share with family.

There is a bit of language.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Pages: 389
My rating: 3 stars
Ages: 15+

Gretchen's family are particular favorites of Uncle Dolf's--ever since her father died saving his life. But when Gretchen meets a young Jewish reporter, her life starts turning upside down. The National Socialist party and her Uncle Dolf--or Adolf Hitler as he's known throughout Munich--aren't the innocent politicians she had grown to believe. Then there is the truth to her father's death. In order to find the truth, Gretchen puts herself and her family in danger, but she can't stay ignorant anymore.

This was a book recommended by my library for people who liked Code Name Verity. While I don't think it was as riveting and interesting at Verity was, the amount of true history in the story was intriguing. I don't think many people know much about the early years of the National Socialist (Nazi) party.

There was a chronological error near the middle, which the editor in me couldn't seem to shake off. Other than that one instance, it seemed rather impeccable, with nothing dragging me out of the story. It took me a little while to warm to Gretchen--I thought her ignorance was a little too childish, especially for a 17 year old, but eventually I was able to put aside my 21st century sensibilities and grow to like her.

Strong recommendation for those with a high interest in WWII.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

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Publication date: 1900 (original), 2005 (this edition)
Publisher: Barnes and Noble Classics
Pages: 213
My rating: 4 stars
Ages: 10+

In Baum's classic story, Dorothy travels by way of cyclone to the enchanting land of Oz. In order to get back home to Kansas, she must make her way to the Emerald City to see the wizard. On her journey she makes friends with a scarecrow, a tin woodman, and a cowardly lion, with which she shares adventures as they travel West, North, and back again.

I was surprised when I was at the bookstore and realized that I had never read The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. I was in the play in fifth grade, and the movie is probably one of my favorites. But I had never read the original book. So of course I had to buy it and read it.

The book is enchanting. Younger readers will like the story and the characters. Older readers will pick up on the symbolism, themes, etc. I was surprised that the movie had added so many characters, but really, it's pretty true to the main feel of the story. I was a little surprised at how violent it could be at times. The Tin Woodman at one point chops off the heads of 40 wolves. More than one thing is dashed on rocks. Of course, every thing and person that is killed is wicked.

The person who annotated this edition called Dorothy a flat literary character, which I suppose in a sense she is, though I think that the innocent, wide eyed main character is fairly typical in children's literature, and I find it a bit charming. She knows what she wants, and she helps others get what they want. There is so much conflict in the story surrounding the band of four's quest to get brains, heart, courage, and home that having a more complex character isn't really that important.

In all, a great story that will be enjoyed by all ages.

*I do not receive compensation from Barnes and Noble.

Shades of Milk and Honey by Mary Robinette Kowal

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Publication date: 2010
Publisher: Tor
Pages: 302
My rating: 4 stars
Ages: 15+

At 28, Jane Ellsworth is starting to come to terms with her spinsterhood. Her younger, and prettier, sister has charmed the man Jane loves, and though Jane is more skilled in glamour and arts, it's not enough to recommend her. That is, until Mr. Dunkirk starts paying her special attention, and the arrival of glamourist Mr Vincent sparks her interest.

In Kowal's debut novel the reader is introduced to an England with magic, the ability to manipulate how things look, sound, and smell. Other than that, this is a great example of Regency romance. The dresses, the handsome men, the social mores, balls, accomplished woman, scandals, it's all there. And gratefully, with none of the gratuitous sex that pervades so many historical romances.

This is the first in the Glamourist Histories, of which at the moment there are four. However, one of the best things about Shades is that it is a standalone novel, even with the following books. I've already requested the next one from the library and look forward to reading more about Jane, but those of you who only want to read one--you can! You won't be left hanging.

I'd definitely recommend this book to a fan of Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer, or the book Sorcery and Cecily; or the Enchanted Coffee Pot by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer. I'd even recommend it to those who like period movies, but have not yet ventured into reading the books. It's a great introduction to the time period, and the bit of magic makes it appealing to fantasy fans.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Broadway Books
Pages: 452
My rating: 2 stars
Ages:18+

Seventy-five years after the last of the gods disappeared, the people of the Continent are still discontent with their new life. When a foreign professor is killed, Shara Thivani is sent to the capital city to discover what happened. While she's there, strange things start happening--things that hint that the gods might be returning.

I didn't finish this book. I very rarely do that--especially when I know that I'll be writing a review. But I had to force myself to read it, I never felt drawn in, and it got to the point where I told myself that I had to at least read half of it in order to give any sort of honest review.

I was only partially drawn into this book when I read the synopsis, but it seemed like it could be interesting. Unfortunately, in the 200 or so pages I read, I never felt that interested. And then there was the hard language and sex. It was more the way that these two things were approached more than that they were used, I think. It was the casual, almost tainted way that it was talked about. I've mentioned before that I'm a bit more conservative when it comes to those kinds of things, though.

I did think that the world and mythology building was amazing and full of depth. Bennett obviously put a lot of thought and effort into creating the gods and the stories surrounding them; I almost feel as if he must have studied many different religions and peoples, because I could pick out little things that reminded me of things I had learned in history classes, or religion classes. For someone interesting in those kinds of things, who isn't as sensitive about language as I am, and possibly those who like writers like Brandon Sanderson, this might be a book you would really enjoy.

Unfortunately, it just wasn't for me.

*I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Bright Before Sunrise by Tiffany Schmidt

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Walker Books
Pages: 274
My rating: 3 stars
Ages: 15+

Jonah started at Cross Pointe High in the middle of his senior year and he can't wait to get out of town. Brighton is a cheerful leader, popular and socially active. The two of them are thrown together for one night, but can two people from different worlds really come to understand and like each other?

Bright is told from both Jonah's and Brighton's point of views, with alternating chapters. This means that we get a background look at their lives and see the misunderstandings both have of each other. I found it a fast read--finishing it in just a few hours--but also an interesting look into communication, especially between men and women.

My biggest criticism of this is that Jonah seemed just a little too obsessed with sex. Maybe I'm a prude, and I know that teenagers think about/have sex, but everything seemed to turn his mind to it. It wasn't graphic or anything, but I guess I just believe that boys can (and do) think about more than sex. I know, I'm a revolutionary.

This book didn't stand out to me more than other contemporary teen novels, and I don't know if I would think about recommending it to my friends, but if you're just browsing and need a quick read, this is a good book to pick up.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

Banned Book: The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

Banned Books Week takes place the last week of September every year. It's a time to bring awareness of the banning and challenging of books that is still prevalent in our society. To support the freedom to read, I choose a banned/challenged book that I've never read before. Because of this, my review is slightly different, as I tend to focus on the reason it was banned or challenged for most of the review. For more information on Banned Books Week, visit ala.org.

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Publication date: 2002
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Pages: 372
My rating: 3 stars
Ages: 16+

"My name was Salmon, like the fish; first name, Suzie. I was fourteen when I was murdered on December 6, 1973." Once Suzie is murdered, she follows her family, friends, and murderer from her view in Heaven. She watches as her family falls apart and changes without her there. Will she ever find the peace she needs to move on with her life after death? What will become of her parents, sister, and brother? These are the questions that are answered throughout the course of Suzie's story.

This book was banned in a least a couple of middle schools due to the nature of the story, mostly, I think, because of how Suzie was killed. When this book was first published, I was in middle school and I remember it making a big splash with a lot of people my age. That being said, I was in ninth grade. Because Suzie is raped and then murdered, I don't know if I would recommend it for kids under the age of 16, maybe 15, even though Suzie is fourteen. Mostly I think it's just because teens younger than that would 1) have a hard time understanding what's happening, and 2) be more mentally disturbed by it.

As for how I felt about the book as a whole: when it first started I was kind of interested. I felt like it was a mystery, but one where you already knew who the criminal was and you're just waiting for everyone else to find out too. I was sure that at some time they would catch the man who murdered Suzie. By the time I got to about the last 150 pages, the story seemed to change and everything seemed to be going really fast. To me, it was almost as if it became a completely different story. I wasn't that satisfied by the ending. This is probably just because it wasn't what I expected. The writing was good and kept me interested.

There is some language and sex, which also caused me to put my recommended age higher.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson

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Publication date: 2013
Publisher: Tor Teen
Pages: 370
My rating: 3 stars
Ages: 14+

In an alternate version of America, Joel wants to be one thing--a Rithmatist. Unfortunately, only those chosen by The Master can be rithmatists, so Joel becomes a rithmatic scholar. When rithmatic students start disappearing, Joel uses his knowledge to help uncover the mysterious "Scribbler."

There are so many factors that go into how well you connect to a book, and unfortunately, the factors were not in my favor while reading The Rithmatist. Sanderson is an amazing writer and creator of worlds, and it was very apparent that this book was well written, the magic system thought out, and the mystery interesting and unpredictable. And the thing is, I really want to like Sanderson's books. I think he's a good writer, but his books just aren't my cup of tea.

Because of personal things that were happening in my life, I don't know if this book really got a fair chance. At the beginning I was only able to read a chapter at a time, which doesn't help one get into the story. By the end I was invested more because I sat down and finished it all in one go. I think that readers who are more used to reading a sort of epic fantasy will enjoy The Rithmatist from the start, especially those who are more familiar with Sanderson's writing. It's not long, and I think it's of a "lighter" nature than other Sanderson books that I have read (or tried to read).

This is the beginning of a series.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

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Publication date: 2013
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Pages: 225
My rating: 3.5 stars
Ages: 16+

Two summers after an accident left her with no memories and debilitating headaches, Cadence is returning to her grandfather's island where she is determined to find out what happened. But no one will talk about it and she's left with dreams and flashes of memories as she picks up the pieces of the relationships she left behind.

I chose this book because I've previously read Lockhart's Printz winner, The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks, and loved it. While Liars is well written and intriguing, it's a very different style than History is. Lockhart makes use of an almost disjointed writing style that mimics Cady's disjointed memories and family.

One thing that I found a little confusing was the metaphors--or what seemed like metaphors sometimes and didn't other times. Cady talks about "bleeding" over things, and most of the time it definitely seemed like a metaphor for how she was feeling while other times it could have been literal.

I really liked the twist at the end (I never see them coming, though other people seem to be able to figure them out before hand) and it made the book that much more interesting. I wouldn't say that this is the best summer book, despite it's setting, because it is a little depressing. It's a pretty quick read and I think would be great for high schoolers to read as an example of how literary techniques are used in contemporary writing.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

Aunt Dimity and the Wishing Well by Nancy Atherton

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Penguin
Pages: 276
My rating: 4 stars
Ages: 14+

In the newest volume in the Aunt Dimity's mysteries, Lori and her neighbors in Finch are confronted with a new addition in their village. Jack came all the way from Australia to finish up his late uncle's business. While clearing the land around his cottage, Lori, Jack, and Bree come across a fairy-like well. Soon everyone in Finch is making wishes--and they start coming true! But is all what it really seems to be?

I love the Aunt Dimity books. My mom and I have been reading them and looking forward to them for years, so it's always a special treat when a new one is published. These books would be considered "cottage mysteries;" or, as we call them, "cozy mysteries." They focus on simple mysteries in simple settings, but with a cast of fun characters. The entire village of Finch is filled with gossips and busy bodies who make up the most caring of neighbors.

You don't have to read these books in order, though I might suggest reading Aunt Dimity's Death first so that you know the premise and are given an introduction to the cast. It's a fun light read, good for people who like mysteries, but don't want to read about murder all the time.

*I am not compensated by Amazon.

Just My Typo compiled by Drummond Moir

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Three Rivers Press
Pages: 168
My rating: 4 stars
Ages: 14+

Can a line break change the entire meaning of a sentence? What happens when a typesetter makes a mistake? What about autocorrect? In Just My Typo, we are given a peek at some of the best (or worst) mistakes made throughout history, from Sir Francis Drake "circumcising" the world to being told that "Thou shalt commit adultery."

I loved this book. I started reading it before I went to sleep one night and couldn't keep myself from laughing out loud. Then, as I waited in a line for several hours, I pulled it out and read bits and pieces to those who were with me, which helped ease the stress of our wait.

This is a book that language lovers, readers, editors, English speakers, publishers, or anyone looking for a laugh will enjoy. The book is split up into chapters that focus on specific types of mistakes (e.g. Romance, newspapers, literary, biblical, etc.) and each of those chapters have an "interlude" and typos sent in from those in publishing. Really, my only complaint is that the organization didn't seem very natural. It wasn't enough to bug me a lot, but I did wonder about it here and there.

Also, there is some language which may not be appropriate for younger readers.

*I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. 

The Nightmare Dilemma by Mindee Arnett

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Tor Teen
Pages: 380
My rating: 3 stars
Ages:14+

In this second Arkwell Academy book, Dusty is thrown into a new mystery when Britney, a fellow student, is attacked. Throw in the ex-boyfriend who tried to kill her, a haunting dream, and a rebellion of magickind and the semester gets really interesting, really fast.

The first thing I can say is that Arnett is great at creating a magical society within the world that already exists. While the magickind may have their own government and systems, they still live in the world of "ordinaries"--they use technology, watch TV, etc.

The second thing I like about these books is that while they are a part of a series, each book ends--so far, there hasn't been a cliffhanger. While there is an overarching story that connects all the books, each book has its own story that is resolved by the end. Throw in an attractive boy, fun characters, and a good mystery and it all comes out to a good book.

There were some proofreading errors that should have been caught before going to print. And this isn't a book I'd go around telling everyone to read, but for those who like Harry Potter, or just want a fun book to read, I think this is the book for you.

*I am not compensated by Amazon.

My Sister Lives on the Mantlepiece by Annabel Pitcher

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Publication date: 2011
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Pages: 211
My rating: 3 stars
Ages: 12+

Jamie's family has been orbiting around the urn on their mantlepiece for five years. Then Jamie's mother leaves them and Jamie and his sister, Jas, move out of London with their father. Jamie is forced to face the truth of his dad's drinking, his sister's death, and his mom's new life.

This is Pitcher's debut novel, and while nominated for several awards, I found Ketchup Clouds to be a more superior read. Jamie is the narrator, and at ten years old, I found it hard to read. Then there was the way that there was no conversation--anytime Jamie recorded when someone spoke, it was written in italics. This ended up being draining on my brain. I just wanted conversation, set in a familiar way.

Other than that, the story is really interesting. The trials of a family still reeling from a child's death, how that effects their actions and thoughts, and what it does to Jamie who doesn't remember his sister. The end was hopeful, but honest, which seemed to make up for the frustration I felt while reading the book.

*I am not compensated by Amazon.

Stories I Only Tell My Friends: An Autobiography by Rob Lowe

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Publication date: 2011
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Pages: 306
My rating: 4 stars
Ages: 18+

Actor, director, and writer Rob Lowe offers an inside look into his life. Starting with his parents' divorce all the way up through his time on the West Wing, Lowe offers an honest, no holds barred story. He offers no excuses, but tells it like it is, from how he wanted to become an actor, to being on the set of Star Wars, to his alcoholism.

While I was reading Lowe's book, I kept telling everyone how amazing it was. First, because it was insane to me how many people he met--even before he became famous. He was friends with Charlie Sheen and Emilio Estevez, giving him access to their father Martin. He dated Cary Grant's daughter, was given access to Liza Minnelli's hotel room, went to school with Robert Downey Jr., met LaVar Burton the week before he became famous for Roots. The writing is mostly in the present tense, and the mentions of most of these people are casual. Lowe really encapsulates what it was like, without seeming to let everything that happened since then influence how he wrote about it.

The stories about his acting jobs are fascinating, and it's interesting to see how different and similar teen actors where then compared to now. But the part of the book that got to me--the part I actually shed a few tears during--was when he decided to seek help for his alcoholism. The honesty as he describes how he knew he needed to stop and how he discovered what was important is moving.

There is some strong language, and references to sex and drugs, which is why I put the age rating up.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

I Heart New York by Lindsey Kelk

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Publication date: 2010
Publisher: Harper
Pages: 307
My rating: 3 stars
Ages: 18+

When Angela finds out her fiancé has been cheating on her, she makes a brash decision to leave England and go to New York. With one small travel bag, a pair of Louboutins, and a bridesmaid dress, she arrives in New York with nowhere to go and no one she knows. She soon meets Jenny who uses her Oprah-like advice to give Angela a new look, and a new life.

This book reminded me a lot of the Shopaholic series by Sophia Kinsella. A girl loves shoes, meets an attractive guy or two, there's a problem, she finds herself. There isn't anything bad with this formula, and I find Angela a little less annoying than Becky. This is a fun lite lit for when you need a break from heavier stuff.

That being said, there was some stuff that annoyed me. The language, for one. Hard language is pretty typical in British novels, but it's just not something I like. There is also the fact that within two weeks of Angela breaking up with her fiancé and moving to New York she sleeps with not one, but two men. The last thing that bothered me was the editing. At first I could see that the proofreading didn't seem to have been very thorough--strange extra spaces, the wrong word here and there. And then I started noticing inconsistencies that should have been picked up by an editor; the biggest one being that the chronology would get off. Angela would say she had a meeting the next morning, but she wouldn't actually go to it until two days after she said it; she lived one Monday twice, etc.

If the language and sex doesn't bother you and you can turn your brain off to the editing, this is a fun start to a light read series.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

Cruel Beauty by Rosamond Hodge

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Pages: 342
My rating: 3.5 stars
Ages: 14+

Nyx was raised to do two things: to marry the Gentle Lord and to kill him. For 900 years her country has been ruled over by the demon they call the Gentle Lord and, as her father had bargained her away, Nyx is chosen to be the woman to defeat him and free Arcadia. The only thing no one counted on was that she might fall in love with her husband.

I passed over this book many times before I actually decided to get it from the library. I was wary about another Beauty and the Beast retelling, especially after the last one I read. But after having seen it recommended several places, I finally bit the bullet and got it.

This is not your typical retelling of a familiar fairytale. Taking place in a parallel world where the Grecko-Roman empire was destroyed, save for the island of Arcadia, Hodge intertwines Greek mythology with fairytale, creating something I wouldn't have expected. This isn't a story about a beautiful girl taming a wild beast, but a story of revenge, complicated love, and bargains that harm more than they help.

Since I had such low expectations going into the book, I finished it surprised. It's a debut novel, and I expect that Hodge's writing will just continue to get better. Nyx's jealous and dark hearted nature was a little wearing at times (I find it hard to believe that twins could be so blind to each other's true nature for seventeen years), but the characters grow in change throughout the novel which is always good. A good book for anyone who wants a new kind of fairytale, but it's not exactly the first title that will come to my mind when someone asks me for a recommendation.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Pages: 337
My rating: 4 stars
Ages: 14+

Lucy and Owen meet in an elevator during a New York City blackout. Two weeks later they are traveling in completely opposite directions, Owen to the West, Lucy to Scotland. The only things keeping them connected are the postcards they send each other, and the realization that the center of the world isn't a place, but a person.

This is a great example of how contemporary YA should be written. It's realistic, but imaginative. I also appreciated the clean language and the absence of sex. A love story can be told without sex and, personally, I think it's important to show that intimacy is more then being physical with someone. Smith shows this true intimacy, born out of having a long distance relationship that was started in a moment that unites strangers.

A good indicator of a well written story is when you can't put it down. After I turned off my light to go to sleep, I turned it back on to finish the book. There are moments when the story seemed to jump around, and it would take me a couple of pages to catch up again. But there were some beautiful turns of phrase, and the growth of the characters was refreshing and natural. Great for teens and adults.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling

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Publication date: 2011
Publisher: Crown Archetype
Pages: 219
My rating: 4 stars
Ages: 16+

Comedienne, writer, and actor, Kaling presents a memoir full of humor, and almost surprisingly profound advice. In this book you'll discover everything about why Kaling no longer eats cupcakes to how she made it to show business. For those only familiar with Kaling's character "Kelly Kapoor" from The Office,   you'll be delighted to learn that Kaling was a bookish little girl and has an Ivy League education.

There is something about comedians . . . they always seem so down to earth, as well as unashamed to share the good, the bad, and the ugly. Kaling is no different. Her writing actually caused me to laugh out loud at times, as well as nod my head in agreement with her thoughts on marriage and one night stands.

If anyone should be a role model to teen girls, it should be Kaling. She is a woman who is respectful of her parents, took her education seriously, and followed her dreams. But she also shares her failings (like when she was kicked out of work by her boss), and unique ideas on how to leave a party you don't want to be at. This is a great book for older teens who are looking toward the future after high school, as well as those adults who are still trying to figure out what they are doing in their life. Or, maybe you just need a laugh.

*I do not receive any compensation from Amazon

Me Since You by Laura Wiess

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Gallery Books
Pages: 342
My rating: 4 stars
Ages: 16+

Rowan's life changes forever the day she skips school. One man's action ripples outward, changing her, her cop father, her librarian mother, and a boy she's never seen before, in ways they could never have imagined. Everyone in town knows, and everyone in town has their own opinion, so how can Rowan find the peace she needs to keep on going?

This is a deeply moving book about family, grief, depression, and suicide. It's the kind of book that stays with you for a little while after you finish reading it, leaving you feeling a little morose.

The book is kind of split into two different sections, with the second half of the book being almost completely about Rowan dealing with her and her mother's grief. Truthfully, the second half is hard to read. It felt long, not because of the writing, but because it felt real. Grief is long. It takes time. And sometimes--a lot of the time--you fall apart. And things affect you in ways you didn't realize, even when you think you're getting better.

Because of this, as well as language, teen partying/drinking/smoking, I would recommend parents read it and discuss it with their teenagers.

*I am not compensated by Amazon.

Unraveled: A Tale of True Love by Julie Daines

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Pages: 185
My rating: 3 stars
Ages: 14+

Bronwyn has been crippled for years; her legs made weak by the same sickness that took her father and siblings. She knows she won't ever marry, and will instead live with her mother the rest of her life. Then a witch, the Gwyllion, comes to their home and leaves a pair of shoes that magically straighten and strengthen Bronwyn's legs. The future is finally open to her and she longs for love. But the lies she tells soon capture her in their web and she's not sure if she'll ever be free.

This book is a short, fast read. Which is good, because 50 pages in I already knew all of the major plot points and continued to read it just to make sure I was right. It's a new kind of fairytale, which is why I was so ready to read it, but I was disappointed with how predictable it was, without any sort of twist to make me doubt my predictions.

The writing is good, and the setting of a Wales-like country was intriguing. But I was glad it was so short. I was tired of Bronwyn's lies and her attempts to cover things up. I had to remind myself that she was only sixteen and therefore was prone to make some bad decisions. I think this will be good for younger teens, and those who want a quick, light read.

*I am not compensated by Amazon.

Veronica Mars: The Thousand Dollar Tan Line by Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Vintage Books
Pages: 324
My rating: 3 stars
Ages: 18+

In a continuation of the hit TV series and movie comes the beginning of a new book series. Picking up where the movie ended, Veronica is taking on Neptune's corrupt sheriff's department as she tries to find two missing spring break co-eds. With her dad recovering from his injuries, and no money coming in, Veronica must deal with the surprises thrown at her as she goes against Sheriff Lamb, a drug cartel, and her own insecurities.

I'm a big fan of "Veronica Mars" and was pretty excited about this book, hoping to be able to give in to my Mars need with a new story. Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed--perhaps my expectations were too high?

Call me a cynic, but whenever I see two names on the cover of a novel, and one of those names is a well known one and quite a bit bigger than the other name, I tend to think that it was really the second person who did most of the work, as an acknowledged sort of ghost writer. While Thomas created the characters, and probably had a supervisory role on the storyline, I just didn't feel that the writing was up to the standards set forth in the series and movie. The one liners weren't as good and it was missing the "noir" feel that really made Veronica Mars unique. Instead, it could have been any mystery novel. There was also a lot of language that I wasn't used to, having the show come from network TV and a PG-13 movie.

I did feel that the plot, mystery, and resolution lived up to what I had come to expect. It kept you guessing, and gave some gasp-worthy twists. For the casual Mars fan, these books would be great. And, you know, despite everything I've said, I may read the other ones. But I don't think I'll buy them.

*I am not compensated by Amazon.

3 Willows: The Sisterhood Grows by Ann Brashares

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Publication date: 2009
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Pages: 318
My rating: 3 stars
Ages: 12+

Ama, Jo, and Polly have been friends since the first day of third grade, but by the last day of middle school they had drifted apart. Jo wants to be popular and thinks Polly needs to grow up. Ama spends all of her time either doing homework or in the library--doing homework. But during the summer before high school all three learn what friendship is and grow closer together.

This book takes place at the same time as the fourth Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants book. There are a few appearances of the original sisterhood, but they are not the focus.

While the individual stories were interesting, I just didn't feel that 3 Willows held the same kind of emotional impact as the original series did. There wasn't the same heart, nor did I care as much about Ama, Jo, and Polly as I did about the previous sisterhood. But, as a standalone, this is a fun read, especially good for younger teens.

There was one thing at the beginning that threw me off. There is a time when the three girls all share how they became friends, but at first I thought that they were letters written to the other girls, then I realized that it was a first person perspective. But it only happened at the beginning and not more than two or three times. Other than that, the writing was well executed and the pacing of the three plots was good.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

My Animals and Other Family by Clare Balding

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Publication date: 2012
Publisher: Penquin
Pages: 318
My rating: 3.5 stars
Ages: 16+

In this memoir of an "English Treasure," Balding discusses what it was like growing up the daughter of a champion race horse trainer. As the daughter she was seen as less than her brother, but during her time in the amateur racing circuit, she proves to everyone just what a woman can achieve. Balding's storytelling is quintessentially British, showcasing the stereotype that Brits only show affection to dogs and horses.

I was first drawn to My Animals when I saw an interview with Balding in which she discussed this book. Being American, I had never heard of Balding, nor did I know much of anything about racing (other than what I had picked up from movies such as National Velvet and Seabiscuit). But I wanted to read her book because it seemed so odd to me that the Queen Mum would eat breakfast with the family of the man who trains her horses.

For the most part, Balding explains the racing terms in such a way that even someone like me can understand. But it's really more than racing--I would say that the racing is actually a secondary part of My Animals. I think it's more about growing up thinking that you need to be a certain way to get recognition from your family, and that you need to meet certain expectations. I like the uniqueness of having the chronology given through which dogs where in her life or which horse she was riding, though I felt a little thrown about in some of her chapters as she would go forward or backward in time and then return to whatever event she was initially talking about. They were all related, it just seemed abrupt.

This is a good read for older teens and up, especially those who like horses.

*I am not compensated by Amazon.

Cress by Marissa Meyer

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Pages: 550
My rating: 4 stars
Ages: 14+
Series: The Lunar Chronicles, book 3

In this continuing story, Cinder, Scarlet, and the rest go to rescue Cress--a lunar "shell" being kept on a satellite orbiting earth. In the process of the rescue, the group is split up and must find each other again while coming up with a plan on how to stop the wedding between Emperor Kaito and Queen Levana.

There are few series that I'll read all of, and even fewer that I look forward to the next installment every year. The Lunar Chronicles is one of those. Each book is fresh, without feeling as if the story is being dragged on past its expiration point. I think this is because of the introduction of new characters and a new subplot in each book.

The Lunar Chronicles will be loved by sci-fi fans, as well as fans of fantasy, fairytales, and dystopia. Each new section has a sentence or two from the classic fairytale that book is focusing on, but Meyer presents the familiar stories in a unique and unexpected way--leaving you guessing what's going to happen next, and excited when you recognize a part of the fairytale we all know. The books may be long, but the pace is good, and for teens (even younger teens with a higher reading level) who have read Harry Potter, it will be easy for them to make it through. Book 4, Winter, will come out probably next January.

*I am not compensated by Amazon.

The 57 Lives of Alex Wayfare by MG Buehrlen

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Strange Chemistry
Pages: 410
My rating: 4 stars
Ages: 14+

Alex is a social outcast--by her own design. She can't let anyone know about the visions she's been having since she was four years old--visions that are too realistic to be just visions. Then she meets Porter, a mysterious stranger who has been looking after her her entire life, and she learns the truth. Or does she? Someone doesn't want Alex to keep going into the past, putting her family and her life in jeopardy.

Buehrlen's debut novel is fantastic; I couldn't put it down. The story and the characters kept drawing me in, which meant that I finished it in less than two days. This is what the world needs: more amazing stand alone novels.

There is something in the design of the book that I wish was done differently. There are times when someone is speaking to Alex's mind, but it isn't set off any differently than the rest of the text. Maybe that confusion was intentional, but I found it distracting and would have liked it set off by italics or something else. Other than that the story was easy to follow, and the world of "descenders" was believable.

*I am not compensated by Amazon.

Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Full Fathom Five
Pages: 452
My rating: 3 stars
Ages: 16+

Amy Gumm has been picked on for years--ever since her dad left, and her mom got addicted. So when she's taken from Kansas to Oz, she's ready for a change to good. Unfortunately, Oz is not the Oz in the stories. Dorothy has returned and the power has gone to her head. In order to save Oz and its people, Amy must kill Dorothy.

I was really intrigued by this book when I saw it at the bookstore; an intrigue which slowly lessened into interest as I started reading it. It was hard for me to overcome Judy Garland's Dorothy and believe that Dorothy had become a power hungry despot who showed way too much skin. This book is full of gray areas and very little black and white, good and evil. Just as Amy doesn't know who to trust, neither do the readers.

My biggest disappointment came as I was nearing the end. I had about 50 pages to go and started wondering how the story could be completed in that amount of time. Simple answer: it couldn't. This was the beginning of a series. There was absolutely no way this could even try to act as a stand alone novel, but there was no clue anywhere that I could see (and I started looking at the back of the book, and on the flaps) that there would be more books. Instead of feeling that I completed a story in 450 pages, I ended the book feeling like it had all been set up to the real story that was to come.

There was some hard swears, but no sexual situations.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

This Star Won't Go Out: The Life and Words of Esther Grace Earl by Esther Earl (et al.)

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Dutton
Pages: 431
My rating: 4 stars
Ages: 14+

When Esther died from thyroid cancer at 16, she left one goal unfulfilled--to be a published author. Her parents made that goal come true with this book as they use letters she wrote, her journals, and emails, along with stories from friends and family, to create this book. We learn about the last year or so of Esther's life as she reaches out to people and inspires them to make a change.

I first learned about Esther through the online community started by John and Hank Green called "nerdfighteria." Reading this book made me realize what exactly it was about Esther that was so compelling, and why she was so loved. I feel that this is a unique look into someone's life that we rarely get--to be able to read her own words, and realize that she got angry, and hated her cancer, but that she worried about her relationship with her family and God, too. Even though I knew how her story ended, I still found myself crying along with the rest of her family, mourning a girl I never knew.

I feel that it is hard to share my criticisms, because I'm afraid that it might seem that I'm criticizing Esther, her journey, and her family. I'm not in anyway. I think she was incredible. She went through everything with grace. My criticism is actually toward the editing. Having worked in documentary editing, I understand the need to balance clarity with staying true to the original document, but as I was reading it I kept being drawn out of Esther's story by poor editing choices. Whether it was the way certain things were grouped together, or that it wasn't clear who was writing what, or the inconsistencies in headings, dates, etc. That's the only reason I gave this four stars, because otherwise I think everyone should get to know Esther and the good she inspired in the world--and how she still lives on in the lives of others and her family's foundation.

*I am not compensated by Amazon in anyway.

Ketchup Clouds by Annabel Pitcher

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Publication date: 2012
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Pages: 261
My rating: 3 stars
Ages: 16+

Zoe is a teenager living in England. Stuart Harris is a prisoner on death row in Texas. They have one thing in common--as Zoe puts it in her first letter to Mr. Harris: "I know what it's like . . . Mine was a boy. And I killed him three months ago." That begins a one sided correspondence in which Zoe shares both the present and the past as she deals with the guilt and grief she's feeling.

I really like Zoe as the narrator. She's honest and straightforward. She's able to wind together both parts of the story she's telling, how her actions in the past affect her present. It's a little hard to tell her age--I would guess about 16, but at times she seemed younger than that to me.

Ketchup Clouds puts forward some interesting ideas and questions about guilt, death, capital punishment, and love. It's easy to see how something can turn out so differently if you had only made a different choice once out of a hundred little times. But in the end, you can't go back and change it.

There are somethings that I feel were never really resolved, though I didn't necessarily want the book to be any longer. It was mostly issues in Zoe's family, but I suppose that really that was just background and over the year the novel takes place not everything could be resolved so well. There are some scenes of a sexual nature, but very little to no swearing (I didn't notice anything).

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

Doon by Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon

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Publication date: 2013
Publisher: Blink
Pages: 395
My rating: 2 stars
Ages: 14-16

After McKenna's aunt leaves her Scottish cabin to McKenna in her will, McKenna and her best friend Veronica decide to spend the summer after high school graduation there. Veronica needs to get away from her mom and her ex-boyfriend--and the visions of a strange boy in a kilt she has been having. When two rings lead the friends across a bridge into the mythical land of Doon, they must prove that they aren't witches, while being pulled to Doon's princes.

While I felt that the story held a lot of promise--digging deeper into the story of Brigadoon, the town that only appears once every 100 years--I was sadly disappointed by this book. It took me a long time to read because I wasn't drawn to it and the only reason I finished it was because I knew that to give a fair review I would have to. While the story is told both from Kenna's and Vee's point of views, there didn't seem to be any pattern of which chapter was told by whose point of view. The viewpoint only seemed to change to Kenna's point of view when the authors thought that we needed to know something and Vee wasn't there.

As for the writing: It was predictable and cliched. The romances were unbelievable, and every romantic scene kind of made me roll my eyes. The backstory of Doon was convoluted and hard to follow. And then I discovered that it was the beginning of a series, which is always disappointing to discover when you aren't expecting it. I did give it two stars instead of one because the writing is technically good--the story just wasn't delivered well--and because I think that middle school girls would like it (handsome princes, falling in love, the girl saving the guy, soulmates, etc.), but for a more mature reader, this is a pass.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

A Beginner's Guide to Acting English by Shappi Khorsandi

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Publication date: 2009
Publisher: Ebury Press
Pages: 309
My rating: 3 stars
Ages: 16+

When Shaparak's family first moves to England from Iran, they are only going to be there for a couple of years. But while they are there, there is a revolution, replacing the Shah with the Ayatollah--what, at first, seemed a good change. But with this change comes extreme laws and another revolution. Shappi's father, a satirist, is wanted by the Ayatollah and so the Khorsandis become refugees.

This is an interesting memoir, told from the view of a child between the ages of 3 and 13 in the late 1970s and 80s. The innocence and naivety that Khorsandi uses to tell the story of her father and the unrest in Iran is a great story telling technique.

However. The narrative was hard to get into. Part of this might be the expectations I had going into it, and part could have been that Iran and Farsi are something that I know next to nothing about, so I had no frame of reference. I found myself wishing that there was a glossary of Farsi terms in the back, because Khorsandi would use words and phrases without really explaining what they meant--leaving me to figure it out, which pushed me out of the narrative.

In spite of this, I've been telling people about the story and what I've learned. As I said, I knew very little about Iran and the revolution, the Iran-Iraqi war, or the Ayotallah regime (which came across so much like the Nazi regime in WWII that it was frightening), so I found the subject matter and Khorsandi's first hand experience as a child really fascinating. I think those with an interest and better understanding of the Middle East and its history will find the book a better read than I did.

*I do not receive any compensation from Amazon.

Rock and a Hard Place by Angie Stanton

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Publication date: 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 290
My rating:  2 stars
Ages: 14-16

 In the first of the Jamieson Brothers novels, we are introduced to Jamieson front man, Peter--he of the swoon worthy voice and magical lyrics. While on tour, Peter meets Libby, a beautiful but tragic girl with a penchant for art. Both Peter and Libby feel a strong connection, but can they possibly clear all the hurdles that stand in the way of them being together?

Since I'm all about being honest here, here is what I thought while reading this book: "It's like a teenage fantasy written down." I'm sure I'm not the only one as a teenager that had a celebrity crush and fantasized about meeting him and him falling in love with me . . . (oh, I was?) Anyway, it's a little bit like Jonas Brothers fanfic, except the names of the brothers are changed.

That being said; it was a quick read, a little bit of fluff in what I've been reading lately. I really think that younger teens would enjoy this book, but the writing doesn't shine as anything special, and the story is contrived.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

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Publication date: 2005
Publisher: Scribner
Pages: 288
My rating: 4 stars
Ages: 18+

In this memoir, Walls gives an in depth view of what it was like for her growing up in the 1960s and 70s, roaming from place to place with her parents. Her father--an intelligent, creative man with a drinking problem--and her mother--an artist and writer without any real maternal instinct--pack their family up and move all across the west anytime they lose a job or get so behind in their bills they have to leave to avoid paying their debt. Finally, they end up in West Virginia, when the four Walls kids are old enough to realize that they want more than the life they had had, causing all four to leave their parents and move to New York.

The writing of this memoir is amazing. There were times when I had to remind myself that the things Walls wrote about actually happened, and that it wasn't just a story. This is definitely a case of truth being stranger than fiction--the life Walls led as a child is so fantastical that it's hard to believe that anyone could have gone through everything she did in the time that she lived.

The Glass Castle is an amazing journey through a daughter's eyes as she goes from holding her father in the highest esteem to becoming disillusioned when she realizes how his drinking has affected him and their whole family. Walls had to learn that even when you love someone, you sometimes have to leave because it's what is best for you. It doesn't mean that you love them any less. In a way, this is really a book about family, and how to be a family.

I put the age rating high because there is mention of sexual assault and some swearing, as well as the subject matter being mature.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.