Cry of the Sea by DG Driver

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Fire and Ice
Pages: 200
My rating: 3 stars
Ages: 13+
Series: Juniper Sawfeather

Juniper "June" Sawfeather has spent her entire life helping her environmental activist parents try to save the planet, one small thing at a time. When an oil company's tanker leaks into the ocean, June and her father are the first on the scene. Among the dead and dying oil covered sea life, June finds something almost unbelievable--a mermaid. The next few days see June and her parents trying to convince the world the horrors of oil spills as well as protecting the mermaid. Will big oil find the mermaid and downplay the consequences of the spill or will June and her parents succeed?

I thought that the book dragged a little at the beginning, but a third of the way through it started to pick up. The take on mermaids was completely different than anything else. I have to admit that I thought that they were going to be the pretty, human-like creatures I've grown used to. But it was a good take, especially with how the other characters reacted, creating a conversation that I could see happening. Driver also included Native American tales and culture, mixed with the modern environmentalism.

I wish that the book had been longer and more fleshed out. I would have liked to have seen more interaction between June and the mermaid, as well as with the other characters. The story seemed to end fast, leaving me wanting to know more about the mermaid and what June planned to do if she ever met them again. Perhaps these are questions Driver will answer in another of the books in the series.

No language or sexual situations.

*I received this book from the author in exchange for this review.

Mirrored by Alex Flinn

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Publication date: 2015
Publisher: Harper Teen
Pages: 374
My rating: 3.5 stars
Ages: 13+

After her mother is tragically killed, Celine's father marries Violet--a beautiful, attentive, and loving stepmother. Until Celine gets older and then it seems that Violet becomes jealous of her. Celine tries to stay away from home when she can, but when she is home, the cats and even the appliances seem to attack her. All Celine wants is to make friends and get away from her stepmother. Neither is as easy as it seems.

It's a story we have all heard before. Beautiful queen threatened by a younger, more beautiful girl. The queen tries to kill her, but the girl escapes to live with little people. But Flinn turns the story of Snow White on its head in this modern retelling, introducing new twists and interesting characters.

I have long since liked Flinn, since I read Beastly. She has the unique capability of placing fairytales in a contemporary setting, put magic in them, and yet still have the characters believable and empathetic. However, I did feel that there were a few inconsistencies in the character of Kendra, who has appeared in most--if not all--of Flinn's retold fairytales, including the mention of turning a boy into a beast (from Beastly), but saying that in the 1980s. I haven't double checked, but since part of Beastly is told in a chatroom, I'm pretty sure that it happened after the events at the beginning of the novel.

Despite that, the novel is fun with interesting twists and turns. It isn't necessary to read Flinn's books in the order they were written, though I think Beastly should be read first.

No language and no sex.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon

You're Never Weird on the Internet (almost) by Felicia Day

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Publication date: 2015
Publisher: Touchstone
Pages: 258
My rating: 4 stars
Ages: 16+

From homeschooled "weirdo" to actor/writer/producer, Felicia Day shares the moments throughout her life that created confidence, ignorance, joy, and anxiety. From the her first experience with the internet to creating her own web series, each chapter is filled with funny anecdotes and quick wit.

Felicia shares a story about meeting Nichelle Nichols (Lt. Uhura in Star Trek) at a comic con and feeling like she made a complete fool of herself. It just happens that I met Felicia at that exact con. I waited for about two hours in her line to meet her (so worth it) and had been thinking about what I wanted to say to her. Once I got to the front of the line and said it, I was so relieved that I didn't hear her reply and had to count on my sister and brother-in-law to tell me what she said later. The point of this is that reading about Felicia's run-ins with other celebrities made me feel a lot better about myself.

And I think that's kind of how this book goes. Felicia shares some story about herself, the reader identifies with it and feels better for being weird. There are other moments in the book (one that had me crying at 11 at night) that are sweet or inspiring. Because it seemed that Felicia wasn't going to let anything get her down and she was so determined to show everyone what she could do that she did it.

There is some strong language and sexual references.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

The Time Chamber by Daria Song

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Publication date: 2015
Publisher: Watson-Guptill Publications
My rating: 4 stars
Pages: 80
Ages: all ages

The red haired fairy wonders what the world is like outside of her Time Garden. Once the girl falls sleep, the fairy creeps out and discovers many wonderful things.

I wasn't sure how much a "story" this book would have, since it's also a coloring book. And while there aren't very many words, the story is lyrical. Song's drawings just add to the magical feeling of the story about the red haired fairy.

Mostly, I was eager to start coloring and make the book and story my own in a way. So I pulled out my colored pencils and colored while catching up on my TV shows. One thing I learned what that I need to sharpen nearly all my pencils. Another was that once I made a color decision, I was going to have to stick to that throughout the entire book, if I wanted to appease any sort of perfectionism. Also, my fingers got a little tired from coloring.

The drawings are intricate and detailed, not at all like your child's coloring book, meaning that it could provide you with hours of relaxation and entertainment as you decide on color schemes and watch the drawings come to life.

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

Shady Characters: The Secret Life of Punctuation, Symbols & Other Typographical Marks by Keith Houston

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Publication date: 2013
Publisher: WW Norton & Company
Pages: 246 (not including end notes)
My rating: 4 stars
Ages:16+

What exactly is the pilcrow? How did the hashtag get its start? Why don't we use the interrobang more often? These are all questions that Houston answers in this book. From the Greeks to Twitter, he shares the secret history of punctuation.

I have to admit something. My mom gave this book to me on my birthday in April and it took having "no other books" to read for me to pick it up. But the moment I read the Foreword, I was hooked. This isn't your dry style manual.

Houston is clever, sharing the long history of symbols and punctuation with funny insights and some slight sarcasm. This more than just how to use punctuation, but how it started, who invented it, and in some cases how it disappeared. You go into the history of persons, peoples, and places, to help you better understand why punctuation is such a big deal.

I was having so much fun with it that I annoyed my sister the day she gave birth with pictures from the book and interesting things I had learned from it. (Don't worry, it was AFTER she gave birth, not while she was in the labor and delivery process.)

Recommended for language, writing, and history nerds.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

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Publication date: 2015
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Pages: 491
My rating: 4 stars
Ages:13+
Series: Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard

Magnus Chase has been living on his own on the streets of Boston since his mother died two years ago. But on his sixteenth birthday, everything changes. He dies. Waking up in Valhalla, Magnus starts to learn that the truth about the mysteries of his family, his mother's death, and his uncle's obsession. Now, he needs to go against the odds to find the mythical Sword of Summer, to prevent the world from ending.

This review may be a little biased, because I think that I am going to like nearly everything that Riordan writes, and I have been waiting for this book for over a year. Coming off of his last series, The Heroes of Olympus, Riordan introduces a new hero and a new set of gods. With the attention turned to the Norse gods, there is so much more to learn and love.

Unlike Greek myths, I don't know much about Norse mythology, though lately I have been more interested in it. I mean, mostly what I know comes from the Thor movies, and I don't think they are very accurate. So that was fun, reading and learning more about the Norse gods and the Nine Worlds, etc. I think that's something that I really like about Riordan, is that he's introducing younger readers to things that they probably don't know a lot about and probably won't learn about in school. Magnus is a funny and sympathetic protagonist, along with his friends. And the writing is quick and witty. There are some little references that readers won't understand unless they have read the Percy Jackson and Olympus books, but nothing completely integral to the story.

No swearing or sexual situations.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

The Martian by Andy Weir (Movie tie-in)

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Publication date: 2011, 2014
Publisher: Broadway Books
Pages: 369
My rating: 4.5 stars
Ages:18+

Six days into his Mars mission, Mark Watney ends up alone and injured following a storm that forced the rest of his crew off the planet. Struggling to survive, Watney uses his education and ingenuity in order to try to survive until the next Mars mission . . . 4 years down the road. With no contact with NASA, Mark has to hope that they discover he is still alive. It's a race against the elements and the clock.

I think I was in danger of getting an ulcer from reading this book--I was so tense! It seriously stressed me out, as one thing or another went wrong for Mark.

Most of the book was told through logs in Mark's POV, which makes it fun and understandable. Even with all the math and science jargon (dang the metric system!), I felt that I could easily understand to the extent I needed to what was going on and what he was doing. There have been very few science fiction novels that I felt this is the case. I read it quickly, and near the end I was basically skimming it as I tried to "save" Mark from certain death on Mars.

Considering this is a debut novel, the writing is probably as near perfect as it can get. It might seem long, but it's fast paced and exciting.

There is a lot of language throughout the book, which is why I have the recommended age as high as I do.

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

Emmy and Oliver by Robin Benway

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Publication date: 2015
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 340
My rating: 3 stars
Ages:16+

Ten years ago, Emmy was the last one to see Oliver before his father kidnapped him. Throughout those ten years, Emmy's parents have kept her close while Emmy has found ways to have freedom. Then, suddenly, Oliver is found and returns home. Emmy feels thrown as she tries to reconcile the Oliver that has come home with the Oliver that left.

This was an interesting look into how people in a small community deal with tragedy. Everyone reacts differently, but it all affects them for the rest of their lives. It is also interesting to see how it affects people when someone who as lost is returned to them. It's so much more complicated than being happy, because no one seems to consider the feelings of the person who has been uprooted twice.

I really liked that there wasn't some big upset in Emmy and Oliver's relationship--even though I kept waiting for it, as it's so common in teen novels. And movies. And TV shows. The "big upset" came in another form, with other forces that seems like they would tear them apart, but only helped them to become closer. Emmy's relationship with her parents is nice too, though they have let their fear govern how they raised Emmy.

There is some language, including the F-word, and some mild sexual situations.

*I receive no compensation from Amazon.

Lois Lane: Fallout by Gwenda Bond

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Publication date: 2015
Publisher: Switch Press
Pages: 303
My rating: 3.5 stars
Ages:13+

Army brat Lois Lane and her family have finally settled down in Metropolis. Lois is determined to make friends and not make any trouble, but her plan changes her first day at her new school when she has a run in with the Warheads--a scary gamer group that acts as one. With her new job as a teen journalist, Lois is determined to discover the truth behind the Warheads. She enlists the help of her only friend, a person she only knows as SmallvilleGuy.

I thought this book was so fun. The Lois in this book is so different from the Lois Lane that I grew up with. She's intelligent, troublesome, determined, and kind; instead of just the "damsel in distress" type that are found in many comic books. The references to Superman and other DC comics is fun to pick up on.

I think this is a great book for anyone who likes comic books, mysteries, or comic book based TV/movies. Lois is spunky and reminds me a bit of Veronica Mars.

No swearing or sexual situations.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

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Publication date: 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pages: 452
My rating: 2.5 stars
Ages:16+
Series: The Mara Dyer Trilogy

After recovering from the terrible accident that killed her friends, Mara and her family move to Florida to get away from it all. But the ghosts of those who died seem to have followed her. With strange things happening around her, Mara is starting to think that maybe she's as crazy as everyone thinks.

This was an interesting concept and I think I would have liked it more if it hadn't been part of a trilogy. I didn't feel like I gained any answers; instead it was just a long set up for the rest of the trilogy. I have no problems with series/trilogies, but the first book has to really grab me and make me want to stay with the characters. Mara just didn't do that for me.

But, as I said, the concept was interesting, the characters were fine, and the writing was good. It just wasn't a reach out and grab me kind of book.

Use of swear words, including the F-bomb.

*I receive no compensation from Amazon.

Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling

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Publication date: 2015
Publisher: Crown Archetype
Pages: 226
My rating: 4 stars
Ages: 16+

Mindy Kaling does it again in a new book of personal essays. Divulging on everything from boyfriends to sororities, the writer/comedian/actor uses her trademark style and humor to entertain and connect with the reader.

I love Mindy Kaling. She's like the "every girl" of Hollywood. I think a lot of actors get called that, but I really think that Kaling is more so than anyone else I've heard of. She's not afraid to talk about eating all the rolls because no one else is (which is ridiculous, rolls are the best part of a meal sometime), or how she has issues with her body, anxieties about work, and disappointments in life. And I can relate to her, not because I'm a first generation child of immigrants, or a woman of color, but because I'm an American woman who is constantly told that I'm supposed to be this thing that seems impossible to achieve.

In Kaling, I see myself. I daydream about how my life would have been if I did something else. I have woken up in the middle of the night worried about life. I love romantic comedies (probably why I love her TV show so much that I've watched the entire thing twice in two months). And I try to find humor in life. Maybe not like Kaling does--because I don't think I have her wit or her charm--but humor as I can.

I've completely gone off on a tangent. Why Not Me? is fun to read. I started it before I went to bed and found myself actually "LOLing" to just one sentence. A sentence that kept setting me off as I read the rest of the page and my eyes kept flitting back to it. Kaling's style and perfect timing make her writing easily consumed, with enough lightness to make it seem like she's not actually saying anything, when actually she's saying just about everything.

I highly recommend this book to everyone, but mostly to teen and twenty-something women.

Some language spattered throughout and comments about sex.

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

Mrs. Sinclair's Suitcase by Louise Walters

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Publication date: 2015
Publisher: Putnam
Pages: 271
My rating: 3 stars
Ages: 18+

When Roberta finds an old letter in a book belonging her to grandmother, it starts her on a road to discovering the secrets of her family. In 1940, Dorothy was housing land girls in her cottage, glad to be away from her husband and their childless, loveless marriage. But when a young Polish pilot stops by the house one day, Dorothy begins to think that her life isn't over yet. Both Roberta and Dorothy take turns telling a story that has been 70 years in the making.

This debut novel deals with interesting issues, including love, family, friendship, loss, and secrets. Roberta is faced with the decision on whether or not she should ask her father and grandmother about the truth of their family, or whether she should just accept what she's been told.

Then the reader gets to know Dorothy's story, the complete story that no one will know except her. The story of her lost son, her lost love, her hidden life. There is a parallelism between the lives of Dorothy and Roberta, though their stories end very differently.

There is some hard language and sexual situations, including a rape.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

The Third Twin by CJ Omololu

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Publication date: 2015
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Pages: 326
My rating: 3 stars
Ages: 15+

Ever since they were small, twins Ava and Lexi have used Alicia (their imaginary "third twin") as a scapegoat. Now 18, Ava and Lexi use the Alicia alias to date guys they wouldn't normally date. But then one of those guys ends up murdered and Lexi starts seeing a girl who looks just like her and Ava. Then the police start asking about Alicia. Is someone setting Lexi and Ava up or are one of them to blame?

I think the cover of this book makes it look creepier than it is, though the mystery can be a little spooky. It was one of those mysteries that I thought I had figured out several times throughout the course of the book. In the end, one of my guesses was right, but I had gone from one to another so many times that it was still surprising.

This book is good for anyone who likes murder mysteries. There is some some language (including about 6 instances of the f-word).

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

So, Anyway . . . by John Cleese

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Three Rivers Press
Pages: 375
My rating: 3.5 stars
Ages:  17+

John Cleese never thought he would become part of one of the most loved British comedy troupes, or that he would become anything more than just a middle-middle class lawyer. But through events throughout his early life, by the time he was 25 he had been employed as a writer at the BBC and gone on tour and performed on Broadway. All of this led up to creating Monty Python's Flying Circus.

I love reading about people like John Cleese because you always think you know someone. Oh, that's John Cleese, he was in Monty Python and Fawlty Towers, he's pretty funny. But to read about a person from his birth, to see the things that influenced his life and how he became "John Cleese" puts things into a completely different perspective. Like, that he actually considers himself more of a writer than an actor, or that he never really seemed to try to get any of his successes (a fact that is both amazing and completely frustrating for all of those who have to try incredibly hard!).

Cleese's humor is quintessentially British, which can be hard to understand if you aren't familiar with it. Should you be taking it seriously or is everything a little tongue in cheek? It can be hard to tell. But I liked it. Even the captions to his pictures were funny. I don't know if I ever really "laughed out loud," but I definitely smiled.

And I also feel the need to go back and watch Monty Python and Fawlty Towers again.

There is some hard language spattered throughout the book.

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

The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West

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Publication date: 2015
Publisher: Harper Teen
Pages: 343
My rating: 3.5 stars
Ages: 14+

When Gia is dumped by her older, long distance boyfriend in the parking lot of her senior prom, she get desperate to prove to her friends that her boyfriend does exist. So when she sees a boy sitting in a car alone, she begs him to pretend to be her boyfriend for the night. Everything seems to go as planned, but she can't get her "fill-in boyfriend" out of her mind. She'll do anything to find out who he was, even become friends with someone she never would have before.

I was really surprised at this book. I was expecting a light teen romance, but I really think that that was secondary. Really, it was about Gia finally becoming her own person, making her own decisions, and deciding what it is she wants from her friends, her family, and from life.

Also, this book was so funny. The repartee between Gia, Bec, and Hayden is great. I really just wanted to keep reading, so I did. I finished the book in a day, staying up a little later than normal to finish it. I've read books by West before, and I think this is my favorite by far.

No language, no sex.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

The Game of Love and Death by Martha Brokenbrough

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Publication date: 2015
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine
Pages: 329
My rating: 3 stars
Ages: 15+

For hundreds of years, Love and Death have played their game, choosing their players carefully. In 1920, they picked Henry and Flora. Seventeen years later, the game is coming to its climax. With the differences in the players' status and race, Love considers changing his methods while Death grows tired with her destiny. All Henry and Flora want is to be happy.

This was an interesting way to tell a story, moving between characters (two who are immortal) to tell the story. However, it did take me awhile to really get into the story. The history of the 1930s was well represented, though I feel ashamed that I didn't realize how much the far west of the United States was affected.

I think that those who like books like The Book Thief, may find this an interesting read, though I don't think that I could say that it is comparable in quality, though similar in feel and narrative. I did like the ending and the changes in ALL the characters, not just Henry and Flora.

There is no language, but some sexual situations, though they happen off page.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

Crimson Bound by Rosamund Hodges

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Publication date: 2015
Publisher: Balzar + Bray
Pages: 436
My rating: 4 stars
Ages:14+

At fifteen, Rachelle had to choose between death or murder. Choosing to live, three years later she is a bloodbound, doomed to become a servant of the Devourer. But Rachelle is determined to fight against her destiny and kill the Devourer, which means that when she is assigned to guard the king's illegitimate son, she's annoyed. But there is something more to the prince than what's on the surface . . .

I loved Hodge's debut novel last year, and this one did not disappoint. Using the tale of little red riding hood and 17th century France as her inspiration this time around, Hodge weaves a story that is new and fresh. She is able to create a world that is new, yet easily understood and familiar, never "talking down" to her readers. I think she does this by using elements that we are already familiar with, but she bends and infuses it with new and interesting things which is what makes it feel so real.

The twists and turns in the story are echoed in the cover design. All the characters are rich and complicated, with history and reasons for everything they do. The world is full and complete. I think that Hodge is definitely an author that I will continue to read.

There is an off the page sex scene, but no language.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume

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: 1970/1988
Publisher: Atheneum
Pages: 153
My rating: 3.5 stars
Ages: 10+

After moving from New York City to New Jersey, 11-year-old Margaret must deal with finding new friends, a new teacher, and the changes in her body. The only person she can truly be honest with is God, who she speaks to on a regular basis.

This book was first challenged in 1982 for being amoral and sexual explicit. It was then continued to be challenged/banned for those reasons and for being anti-Christian.

Margaret is the daughter of a Jewish father and a Christian mother, but she doesn't have a religion, though she does, obviously, believe in God. Throughout the course of the book Margaret researches several different religions, trying to see if there was one where she feels God. I don't see this as anti-Christian or anti-religion.

As for being sexually explicit. There is talk of breasts and menstruation. Though, when I was about 11, I read books with girls who were going through the same things that I was. It was nice and I probably learned more from them than anyone else, except my mom. The thing is, girls want to know about their bodies and the way they are changing. They want to know what a period is like and if their breasts are ever going to grow, but sometimes they are embarrassed to ask someone. It's perfectly normal and I don't think that there is anything wrong with books that feature preteens with the same questions.

As with almost all of the banned books that I have read over the years, it's a good way to open conversations. Also, to actually be read by parents, instead of just flipped through. Without context, I guess I could see certain parts being seen as inappropriate, but then, without context, most anything could be considered in appropriate.

It is a bit outdated and might contain references that today's preteens may not understand.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

Ink and Ashes by Valynne E. Maetani

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Publication date: 2015
Publisher: Tu Books
Pages: 380
My rating: 3.5 stars
Ages: 14+

Claire has a trouble free life: parents who love her, two brothers, a life-long best friend, and a place on the soccer team. But everything changes when she finds a letter from her biological father to her stepdad. The letter hints at a much darker secret, and then someone starts targeting Claire using Japanese superstitions. Has her father's past come back to haunt her? And what connection did her fathers have to each other?

In her debut novel, Maetani uses her own childhood and history to create a mystery different from many others marketed to teens. She entwines Japanese traditions, culture, and superstitions with modern American teens.

Not knowing very much about Japanese/Japanese-American culture, I found the book pretty fascinating. Understand about the Japanese mafia and Japanese superstitions (like not passing food from your chopsticks to someone else's) was easy and never took away from the real story, which was the mystery of Claire's father's past and what it has to do with what is happening to her in the present. I also enjoyed that it was set in my home state, making certain things relatable and easy to envision. The mystery, I don't think, was simple to figure out-in fact, I had this dread that it was going to be one of the characters I liked.

Little to no language and no sexual situations.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

They All Fall Down by Roxanne St. Clair

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Pages: 339
My rating: 3 stars
Ages: 14+

When Kenzie ends up on the school's yearly "Hottie List," the only thing she thinks it will change is her social status. But then strange things start happening--dangerous things. The girls on the list start dying in strange "accidents," one by one. Kenzie must hurry to find out what's happening, before her number comes up.

This was a good mystery, with just enough "creep" factor. I was kept guessing, trying to figure out what was going on and how they were all connected. Of course, I'm notoriously bad at figuring out mysteries, so take that with a grain of salt.

The end was a little difficult to make fit into what I had created as the believable perimeters of the story. But it didn't ruin it for me, I just had to adjust the suspension of my beliefs. This book could either be the beginning of a series, or a standalone, which is nice.

There is some language, but not sexual situations.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

Silver in the Blood by Jessica Day George

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Publication date: 2015
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pages: 351
My rating: 4 stars
Ages:14+

Lou and Dacia, cousins in two of the most influential New York families, are on their way to meet their Romanian family. But what they thought was going to be a family reunion becomes so much more when they learn about the dark family secret and their destiny. Not all destinies need to be followed and not all princes are charming.

This review might be a bit biased since I love anything by George, but this book was like a breath of fresh air. A book dealing with the paranormal that presents it in a unique but classic way. No sparkling or dark angels in this book. I think that setting it in the late 19th century really helped to make it that way.

It was a lot of fun to see the changes throughout the book of Lou and Dacia, their ups and downs and how they react to the revelation of the dark family secret. One thing I love about George's books is that her strong female characters don't have to sacrifice their femininity in order to be respected by the other characters.

No sex, no swearing. Great for teens who love fantasy and the paranormal.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

Plumdog by Emma Chichester Clark

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Potter Style
Pages: 160
My rating: 4.5 stars
Ages: 8+

Plum lives in London with Emma. She keeps this diary to share the fun, annoying, interesting, and thoughtful things that happen to her. The words are her own, but Emma helps by illustrating them.

This book is completely charming and fun. It follows Plum throughout a year as she travels and meets up with her dog friends. The illustrations are beautiful and colorful and fun.

I wasn't really sure what I would be getting when I requested this book to be sent to me, but I am so glad that I choose this one. I think everyone will like this book, kids, adults, dog lovers, and probably even cat lovers! There isn't much that I can say about it except pick up a copy. It will provide a great evening's entertainment

There is one swear word near the end of the book.

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

I Am Princess X by Cherie Priest

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Publication date: 2015
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
Pages: 227
My rating: 3.5 stars
Ages: 13+

After losing her friend Libby to a car accident three years ago, May suddenly starts seeing artwork from the stories they used to make together. Certain it's a sign that Libby is actually alive, May starts trying to find clues in the online comic.

I wasn't really sure about this book at first, but I really liked it.  It's mostly novel with a little bit of graphic novel in it as you read along with May as she tries to find clues into Libby's disappearance/death. I love the tone of the writing, which seemed familiar to me but in a way I can't really explain. Maybe a little noir-feeling? Or something.

I think this is something that nearly anyone could enjoy. It has mystery, graphic novel, computer hacking, puzzles, adventure, friendship, etc. Also, I would love to see a Princess X cosplay.

No swearing and no sexual situations.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

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Publication date: 2015
Publisher: Harper
Pages: 278
My rating: 3 stars
Ages: 18+

No longer the young Scout, Jean Louise Finch is returning home to Maycombe, Alabama, for her annual trip to see her father, Atticus. Everything is going as normal, with Hank courting her and her relatives driving her crazy. But Jean Louise starts noticing how things have changed in Maycombe--or maybe it's New York that has changed her.

I tried to keep myself away from other reviews of this book, but it's a little hard when people have been waiting for over 60 years for another book by Lee. However, that did mean that I was expecting some of it.

I tried to keep in mind that this book was written before To Kill a Mockingbird, in fact, that it was because of this book that Mockingbird was written. At least, that's what I understand from the news stories that came out when this book was "discovered" by Lee. So, with that in mind, here is what I have to say:

Mockingbird is the far superior book. It is more polished and focused. Watchman goes from the past to the present with little warning, and at times seems to be more stream of conscious. That said, it was an interesting story. It seemed so far distanced from Mockingbird that the characters almost seemed like different people to me, which is why I don't think I was as shocked as the early reviewers were. Or perhaps it was because of the early reviews that I wasn't shocked.

There were times when I got lost in the narrative, but not in a good way. I was mentally lost--I didn't understand things they were referencing or things were just going over my head. Maybe I was a distracted reader, or tired, or maybe I just really didn't understand. I think that the main point of the story was an interesting point to make and worthwhile to think about.

There is some language, including the "n-word," which is a product of the time it was written and the themes.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

An Uncertain Choice by Jody Hedlund

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Publication date: 2015
Publisher: Zondervan
Pages: 254
My rating: 2.5
Ages: 12-15

Since she was fourteen, Rosemarie has done two things: 1) ruled her land, 2) prepared to enter the convent on her eighteenth birthday. With a month to go for her birthday, she is faced with a decision. She can enter the convent like she had planned,  or attempt to find true love with one of the three knights she is presented with. But with murder plots and a sacred vow, Rosemarie isn't sure how to make the right choice.

I'm not exactly sure where to start with this book. I don't think I've ever read anything else by Hedlund, but she seems to be a pretty well loved author, which is why I was surprised by this book. I found the story predictable and some of the writing choices questionable.

The Point of View for most of the book is first person, by Rosemarie. But about every seven chapters, the font and POV changes. The first time it happened I thought the font change was a mistake. It wasn't until I was halfway down the page that I even realized that the POV had changed. And I didn't really see the point, since I didn't learn anything that I couldn't have learned from Rosemarie.

The ending made it seem like this story is going to be continued in another book.

The writing is technically good, but I just felt that the story could have gone deeper and been more mysterious, keeping me guessing. That's why I have put the age limit where I did, because I think that younger teens would get more enjoyment out of it than anyone older. There is no swearing or sex.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

Dear Mister Essay Writer Guy: Advice and Confessions on Writing, Love, and Cannibals by Dinty W. Moore

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Publication date: 2015
Publisher: Ten Speed Press
Pages: 193
My rating: 4 stars
Ages: 16+

After having gathered questions from his writer friends, Moore attempts to answer them, and in the process creates "the most important book ever published."

This book was so much fun! Moore answer each letter's question with his own letter and then a personal essay illustrating the point.

The letters from the writers are funny themselves, and then Moore's answers and essay just make them more funny. This isn't your usual book about writing--the usual rules or dry prose. There is a bit of wry-ness, some satirical-ness in the way the Moore and the others approach writing.

There are a lot of topics covered, mostly in reference to creative nonfiction, from em-dashes (my favorite punctuation, unless they ever decide to make the interrobang a thing and then it will be dethroned) to why there is an "ess" in "essay."

Fun to read, quick, and rather informative.

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

The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brusker Bradley

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Publication date: 2015
Publisher: Dial Books
Pages: 316
My rating: 4.5
Ages: 13+

With threat of the war coming to Britain, Ada and Jamie join other children leaving London for the country. Ada had never left their apartment, her mother too ashamed of having a cripple for a daughter, so the world outside is full of surprises. Though living with Susan is difficult, Ada begins to grow and change. But the war threatens more than just Britain; it's threatening the life Ada has started to accept.

I loved this book so much I couldn't stop reading it. When I came to the end of the chapter, I just wanted to keep reading, even though I knew I had to do things like take a shower and get ready for the day. This is one of those books that you start reading one night and finish the next morning because you need to, because the characters need you to finish their story so that they can get to the end and make sure it ends well.

I was so involved in Ada's story, in Jamie and Susan--horrified and over joyed at different times, sad and scared at others. I had never thought about what it would be like to see trees for the first time or to not know how to write or walk. It amazed me that in the 1930s, there was still someone who hadn't ever used a bathtub, or flushed a toilet. Mostly, I found it interesting to see the war through the eyes of an English girl who was basically new to the world.

The writing is simple but interesting, showing the effects of abuse on someone and how they react to everyone around them.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

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Publication date: 2015
Publisher: Viking
Pages: 417
My rating: 4 stars
Ages: 14+

Sydney has always been in her older brother's shadow and is even more so now that he's in prison. She thought she was used to being invisible, until she met Layla and Mac. Not only do they see her, but teach her the joys of pizza and the seriousness of french fries. While things are falling apart at home, Sydney turns to Layla and Mac more and more. But even that can fall apart.

After reading this book I finally understand all the comments on Twitter about people craving pizza, DumDums, and fries while reading it. It does make you a little hungry.

I think what I like most about this book is that it's not really the typical "Girl meets boy, they fall in love, something happens, they break, they get back together, happy ending" type of YA novel that we come across so often. Everyone has a back story, everyone has reasons for doing and being who they are. Mac isn't just the handsome guy, Layla isn't just the pixieish best friend, Sydney isn't just the shy girl. They are well developed and interesting. They all have issues, "tender spots," and family drama.

Saint Anything is more the story of accepting yourself, your family, and your friends. To grow as a person, in spite of how all of these people try to influence you in a different ways.

No language and very vague sexual situations.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

A School for Unusual Girls by Kathleen Baldwin

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Publication date: 2015
Publisher: Tor Teen
Pages: 344
My rating: 3.5 star
Ages: 13+
Series: Stranje House

The war is over and Napoleon is imprisoned on Elba. But Georgiana's imprisonment is just beginning. After accidentally burning down her father's stables, Georgie is been taken to Miss Stranje's home for girls to be made into a presentable young woman. Miss Stranje's has a horrible reputation for punishing her students in unimaginable ways; which is just one reason why Georgie doesn't want to be taken there. But things are not always what they seem.

While this is the beginning of the novel, the story (for the most part) comes to a close at the end of the book. Which I appreciate. I may read more books, especially since it looks like they each focus on another one of the girls. Baldwin created an intriguing alternate England, with well-rounded characters.

My own big complaint was that both Georgie and the reader is kept in the dark for about half the novel. I kept wanting the girls and Miss Stranje to spell out exactly what they do at the school. In fact, there is still a lot unanswered, and that is kind of bugging me a little. Maybe enough for me to continue reading . . .

This book has spies, romance, history, and science. No language and no sex.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

A Wicked Thing by Rhiannon Thomas

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Publication date: 2015
Publisher: Harper Teen
Pages: 337
My rating: 3 stars
Ages: 13+

When Aurora is woken by a kiss, she discovers that 102 years have passed, though it only seems a night. With her awakening comes a fiancé and the knowledge of a destiny. But after meeting a barkeeper and another prince, Aurora has become confused about what she should do and if she even has a choice.

This is, not exactly a retelling but a more of an extension, to the Sleeping Beauty tale. It answers the question of What happens when Sleeping Beauty wakes up? It can't all be as simple as "happily ever after," not when a hundred years has gone by. This also isn't your typical retelling--it's unpredictable, full of political plots and uncertain romance.

I don't know if this was meant to be the beginning of a series, but the ending left me unsatisfied. I didn't feel that there was any real resolution to the problems that Aurora was faced with throughout the novel. There was so much given to us that I would have liked the book to either be about 100 pages longer or to have cut out some of the subplots.

In all, it was good writing and a nice take on a classic fairytale. No language and no sexual situations.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

The Theft of Memory: Losing My Father One Day at a Time by Jonathan Kozol

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Publication date: 2015
Publisher: Crown Publishers
Pages: 271
My rating: 3 stars
Ages:18+

When neurologist and psychiatrist Harry Kozol starts noticing lapses in his memory, he sits his son down and describes what is happening to him. Over the next 14 years, Jonathan experiences losing his father to Alzheimer's.

Part of my interest in this book came from losing my grandfather to Alzheimer's--a disease that takes years to realize and even more years to complete it's course. I was expecting something different though. The summary I had read before choosing to read it made me think that the book would have Dr. Kozol's record of his disease based on his medical background as well as Jonathan's account of taking care of his father and memories of his father. However, it is only Dr. Kozol's conversation with his son that shows his approach to diagnosing himself with Alzheimer's and describing what it is like.

Though a little disappointed from unmet expectations, the book was interesting. Kozol talks about decisions regarding his father's care, about talking with his mother, and how certain memories of his childhood would come up during the course of this. I was horrified by the care Dr. Kozol received from his geriatric doctors, though pleased by the care his received from nurses and other caregivers other than his son. There were times when things seemed a little over my head, especially regarding Dr. Kozol's work as a doctor. And one of my biggest critiques was the lack of emotional pull I felt from Kozol--which I think can be explained by him having written it just a few months after his father's death, perhaps as a way to deal with his grief?

This book a little unapproachable for younger audiences, but there is little language.

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

A Mad, Wicked Folly by Sharon Biggs Waller

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Viking Books
Pages: 448
My rating: 3.5 stars
Ages: 15+

After having been sent home from finishing school in France, Victoria Darling struggles to feel free. She wants to be an artist, but in London high society, all she is expected to be is a wife and mother. Thinking that marriage will give her the freedom she can't have in her father's house, she agrees to an arranged marriage. But things get complicated when she meets Will and the suffragettes.

As an Anglophile, I love just about anything that takes place in England, and this is no exception. The Edwardian period isn't one that I'm greatly familiar with, so it was really interesting to learn more about the suffrage movement in England at that time and see it with a character like Vicky. She had to make a tough decision, her family and money for her freedom. I loved it. The talk of art was interesting too--I had to keep looking up pictures that were mentioned.

There were times when I wasn't sure how historically accurate something was (just once or twice), but the author seemed to know what she was doing, so I'm going to trust her. I really liked the extra information at the end of the book about the WPSU and the era in general.

Some very mild sexuality, no language.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

Oh Yeah, Audrey! by Tucker Shaw

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Amulet Books
Pages: 243
My rating: 3 stars
Ages: 14+

Gemma ran away from home to wait outside Tiffany's. She is planning to meet the other members of her Tumblr, "Oh Yeah, Audrey!"--a celebration of all things Audrey Hepburn. Gemma has the whole day planned out, but things go off course when she meets Dusty. Suddenly, she feels like Audrey. But is being Audrey everything she thought it would be?

I have to admit that what drew me to this book was Audrey Hepburn. Though, unlike the characters in this book, I'm more a Roman Holiday, Sabrina fan. I've only seen Breakfast at Tiffany's once. However, it isn't necessary to know Tiffany's in order to enjoy this book.

The book is really about knowing what is really important, and learning to love yourself. Is Audrey important or was it that she brought together four people? What about family and friends? Sometimes, we need to go off track a little bit so that we can see who we really are.

The book was well written, though I had some disbelief about some of the motivations of the characters and their actions. I think it is more geared toward young to mid-teens. There isn't any language and a mild sexual situation.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

Five Years in Heaven by John Schlimm

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Publication date: 2015
Publisher: Image
Pages: 272
My rating: 3.5 stars
Ages: 14+

While trying to find a new direction in life, and feeling disheartened, John walks into the convent's ceramic shop and meets Sister Augustine. For five years, John joins Sister in her shop, learning from her and getting everyone else excited about the ceramics shop. It's an unlikely friendship, but one that helps John, Sister, and the convent.

For about two pages I wasn't sure how I would like this book. My mind changed quickly. Everything that Sister Augustine said to John seemed meant for me--and I think anyone reading it will feel that way. After reading the first couple of chapters, I got out some sticky notes and started marking pages that had something that I really liked.

Another part that I really liked was the story of how Sister Augustine got her call. Amazing and beautiful.

This is a bit of a niche book--those not religious may not like it. Also, I felt that the dialogue was a little stilted, but since Schlimm's writing is usually on a different end of the spectrum, I can see why. As it is, I thought it was a great story, had some amazing insights, and I think should be something everyone should read.

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

The Last Best Kiss by Claire LaZebnick

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Publication date: 2014
Publisher: Harper Teen
Pages: 374
My rating: 3 stars
Ages: 14+

Three years ago, Anna and Finn were perfect for each other. But Anna let what her friends thought of Finn color their relationship, and she lost him--and more than just romantically. Finn and his parents moved away at the end of the year. Now seniors, Anna and Finn are reunited, but Anna isn't sure if they can ever be friends (or more) again. Not after what she did.

This is a retelling and modernization of Jane Austen's Persuasion. In a way, it was fun for me to try and figure out which characters were supposed to be which and what situations lined up with the original novel. And sometimes it was distracting. Those not familiar with Persuasion will be able to find the story as enjoyable as other YA romances.

This is a quick read--I read it within 24 hours of starting it. It was light, the characters were fun, and it was an easy read. It's definitely something that I see younger teens reading and enjoying at face value. I liked it at face value for some light reading, but I liked it more because of its connection to Austen.

There was some drug and alcohol use, one use of the F-word, and some sexual situations, but nothing too hot and heavy.

*I do not receive any compensation from Amazon.

Inherit Midnight by Kate Kae Myers

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Publication date: 2015
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pages: 390
My rating: 4 stars
Ages: 14+

When Avery's grandmother creates a set of challenges to determine who will be her heir, Avery is glad for the chance to get away from her boarding school. However, the thought of spending time with her uncles and cousins leaves much to be desired. Over two weeks and several countries, Avery learns more about her family and where she came from.

This book was one of those books that I just wanted to keep reading, which is tough when I read during my lunch break. The adventure comes through these series of challenges, a sort of giant scavenger hunt based on family history. Avery is a complex character, tough but vulnerable, smart but somewhat naive.

As in her previous novel, Myers weaves an interesting and complex story, full of twists and turns, make it enjoyable to read and fairly hard to predict. Which I love. I like her characters, her settings, and the descriptions. And who can deny the presence of an attractive guy?

There is no language and no sexual situations. Perfect for teens.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.

Silver Screen Fiend: Learning About Life from an Addiction to Film by Patton Oswalt

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Publication date: 2015
Publisher: Scribner
Pages: 222
My rating: 3 stars
Ages: 16+

Oswalt spent four years sinking deeper and deeper into his addiction. It was alcohol or drugs, but film. He needed it, craved it, as much as any other drug. He planned his weeks around his movies, lost a girlfriend, and alienated friends. While he eventually found his way out, he shares these stories to show what he learned.

This is one of those books that makes you rethink your own life and actions. Are you enjoying life or only seeing it through a screen or reading it on a page? Like Oswalt, are we saying that we are going to do something, that we're getting "inspiration," but never actually doing it?

In fact, there were times that I almost felt uncomfortable reading it because I could see parts of myself in it. But I think that's what made it good and worth reading. Shouldn't memoirs help us learn a little about ourselves? The writing was good and entertaining. I think those interesting in film and cinema would especially like it.

There was some hard language.

*I do not receive any compensation from Amazon.

Halley's Gift and Eight Other Extraordinary Tales by Carey B. Azzara

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Publication date: 2015
Publisher: By the author, produced by Boston Writers Publishing
Pages: 232
My rating: 2 stars
Ages:18+

In nine short stories, the reader is introduced to nine different people who overcome trials in a variety of ways. From Halley learning to use her gift to Elysha fighting for her life and her treasure.

I liked that Azzara's stories are about people overcoming their difficulties, even if I didn't think that the way that some of them overcame them was the best way to do so. And I have a lot of respect for someone who puts their fiction out there for the world to see and judge.

That being said . . . I guess it's time for my judgment. It's difficult to turn off my editor's eyes. I've trained to have them and sometimes I can, but sometimes I can't. I think that Azzara would have benefitted from the help of a substantive editor during the revision phase, and a proofreader/copy editor before printing. I came across chronological errors, as well as some typos. In one story, it seemed that Azzara's character bio for the main character was left in--because I couldn't make it fit into the story.

It's obvious that Azzara loves to write. It was clear that he did a lot of research for his stories.

There is some language and sexual situations.

*I received this book from the author in exchange for this review.

Dream a Little Dream by Kerstin Gier (trans. Anthea Bell)

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Publication date: 2015
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Pages: 319
My rating: 4 stars
Ages: 14+
Series: The Silver Trilogy

Liv has lived all over the world, loves a mystery, and is looking forward to settling down in a little cottage in Oxford with her mom and sister. Things don't turn out the way Liv was expecting and she ends up living in London. Her dreams become vivid and more intense--and then she starts seeing the four hottest boys from her new school in her dreams. And that's only the beginning of the weirdness she encounters in the first few months of her new life.

I really liked Gier's first trilogy (the Ruby Red Trilogy) and I'm so glad that this book has now been translated into English. Gier creates unique and interesting stories that grab you and keep you reading. In Ruby it was time travel and this one it's the dream world. She creates good characters, not just main characters, but secondary and background characters too. And it's obvious that she has the same love of London that I do.

I also feel like there needs to be a shout out to Bell. Her translations are amazing. There are moments when I wonder how on earth she was so flawlessly able to translate something that obviously is a play on words or turns of phrase. That is a talent that I know I will never have (not being fluent in another language . . .) and I admire her work. There were a few times when I think that the language was a little too formal for the characters, but I'm not sure if that was an error in translation or was originally written that way by Gier.

I am so looking forward to the next installment to this trilogy and hope that I won't have to wait too log for it to make it to the states.

Some sexual innuendo and mild language.

*I do not receive compensation from Amazon.