THE BOOK OF LOST THINGS (MISTER MAX #1) by Cynthia Voigt

Max Starling's theatrical father likes to say that at twelve a boy is independent. He also likes to boast (about his acting skills, his wife's acting skills, a fortune only his family knows is metaphorical), but more than anything he likes to have adventures. Max Starling's equally theatrical mother is not a boaster but she enjoys a good adventure as much as her husband. When these two disappear, what can sort-of-theatrical Max and his not-at-all theatrical grandmother do? They have to wait to find out something, anything, and to worry, and, in Max's case, to figure out how to earn a living at the same time as he maintains his independence. This is the first of three books, all featuring the mysterious Mister Max.

 

Hardcover, 1st ed, 400 pages

Expected publication: September 10th 2013 by Knopf Books for Young Readers

First line:
"On a bright Sunday morning in the early years of the last century, a bellhop from the Hotel Excelsior knocked at the front door of 5 Thieves Alley, the home of William and Mary Starling of the Starling Theatrical Company, and their son, Maximilian."

A rollicking good story with mystery and solutions.
Max's parents left him while they went to live in a palace and perform. Well, Max was left accidentally. Luckily, Max's grandma lived just behind the Starling's home and was there to help Max not be a loner at the age of twelve.
Middle grade readers will enjoy this book with Max as the main character. His partner later in the book is Pia and she's a fun and fast-talking partner to Max who isn't a detective but finds solutions to problems.
Max's parents are well-known actors and own their own company and theater. When Max is left to almost live on his own, he has access to his father's costumes and acts the parts that he has seen so many times. When he needs to be a detective, he wears a certain costume or when he needs to look the part of a teacher, he wears those clothes that suit the situation.
And Max is able to solve several mysteries with his quick thinking and smarts. It was fun to try and guess the outcome of the mysteries. This is why I know middle grade readers and up will enjoy this book. It might also be fun as a book to read out loud.
This is the first book in the series and has a cliffhanger.

Rating: G
V: No
S: No
L: No

Liked:
Max
Solutions
Cover

Disliked:
Adults who couldn't see past Max's costumes (I do realize this is MG and will appeal to MG readers)
Cliffhanger

Thanks, netgalley!

4 STARS

MRS. POE by Lynn Cullen

A vivid and compelling novel about a woman who becomes entangled in an affair with Edgar Allan Poe—at the same time she becomes the unwilling confidante of his much-younger wife.

It is 1845, and Frances Osgood is desperately trying to make a living as a writer in New York; not an easy task for a woman—especially one with two children and a philandering portrait painter as her husband. As Frances tries to sell her work, she finds that editors are only interested in writing similar to that of the new renegade literary sensation Edgar Allan Poe, whose poem, “The Raven” has struck a public nerve.

She meets the handsome and mysterious Poe at a literary party, and the two have an immediate connection. Poe wants Frances to meet with his wife since she claims to be an admirer of her poems, and Frances is curious to see the woman whom Edgar married.

As Frances spends more and more time with the intriguing couple, her intense attraction for Edgar brings her into dangerous territory. And Mrs. Poe, who acts like an innocent child, is actually more manipulative and threatening than she appears. As Frances and Edgar’s passionate affair escalates, Frances must decide whether she can walk away before it’s too late...

Set amidst the fascinating world of New York’s literati, this smart and sexy novel offers a unique view into the life of one of history’s most unforgettable literary figures.

Hardcover, 336 pages

Expected publication: October 1st 2013 by Gallery Books (first published September 10th 2013)

First line
"When given bad news, most women of my station can afford to slump onto their divans, their china cups slipping from their fingers to the carpet, their hair falling prettily from its pins, their fourteen starched petticoats compacting with a plush crunch."

Three things about this book:
1. Depressing
2. Bleak
3. Edgar Allen Poe


Franny's husband has left her alone in the world with no money and two children. A dear friend invites Franny's little family to live with them. Someone in society has decided to put on artistic gatherings where rich and poor alike can mingle and enjoy educational presentations. Franny goes and there she meets the mystery author of "THE RAVEN" whom everyone raves about.
Franny soon falls in love with "Eddie" who happens to be married. It seems he shares her affections. And while they try to be discreet with their outward demonstrations, many see through their hidings, even Poe's wife. 
Ms. Cullen had a good way of keeping the reader wondering about the sanity of the main three characters. I was also pulled in by the literary scene in New York 1845. Franny drops names through out the story from this era (like Louisa May Alcott), which I thought was fun. But overall, this book is a bit depressing. No one really gets what they want.
The ending was sad but justified.
Readers have to remember that this story is fiction, so take it all with a grain of salt.

Rating: PG 17
L: No
S: Kissing, affair
V: No

Liked:
Interesting story

Disliked:
Ending
Depressing

31/2 STARS

Amazing August Author Event!

I think I'm going to start my Christmas shopping early (hope to see you there!):

NOWHERE GIRL by A.J. Paquette

Luchi Ann only knows a few things about herself: she was born in a prison in Thailand. Her American mother was an inmate there. And now that her mother has died, Luchi must leave the only place she's ever known and set out into the world. Neither at home as a Thai, because of her fair skin and blond hair, nor as a foreigner, because of her knowledge of Thai life and traditions, Luchi feels as though she belongs nowhere. But as she embarks on an amazing adventure-a journey spanning continents and customs, harrowing danger and exhilarating experiences-she will find the family, and the home, she's always dreamed of. Weaving intricate elements of traditional Thailand into a modern-day fairy tale unique unto itself, Nowhere Girl is a beautifully rendered story of courage, resilience, and finding the one place where you truly belong.

First line:
"For the first time in days, I hear voices."

Luchi is born in a Thai prison to an American mother who is hiding from her past. Her mother dies and Luchi has to go into the world, by herself (that was disturbing to me. A little girl, alone in Thailand??). But the warden's son takes her to Bankock, where Luchi claims her family lives. There are obstacles along the way, which are sometimes conventiently taken care of.
People also showed up who helped and hindered Luchi. And sometimes that help was convenient too.
The ending felt too quick and, uh, well, convenient. It was a happy ending.
BUT this is a good book! Ms. Paquette has a beautiful writing style. I did enjoy it and I know middle grade readers would enjoy it as well.



Rated: PG
V: No
S: No
L: No

Liked: 
Book Cover
Luchi's growth

Disliked:
Last confrontation
Ending
 
3  STARS

HOW TO DELIVER A TED TALK by Jeremey Donovan

How To Deliver A TED Talk" is a complete guide for creating presentations that inspire others through your story. Based on intensive study of the most popular TEDTalks, this step-by-step playbook shows you how to select your topic, craft your narrative, master your delivery, and refine your design.

First line:
"Spread your ideas"

Good book with tips to help anyone deliver a good and motivating talk. A quick read.

Thanks to netgalley

4 STARS

SAVING WISHES (THE WISHES SERIES #1) by G.J. Walker-Smith

For Charli Blake, being seventeen is a tough gig.
She's been branded a troublemaker, her reputation is in tatters and she's stuck in Pipers Cove, a speck of a town on the coast of Tasmania.
Thankfully, it's temporary. Her lifelong dream of travelling the world is just months away from becoming reality. All she has to do is ride out the last few months of high school, which is easier said than done thanks to a trio of mean girls known as The Beautifuls.
When Adam Décarie arrives in town, all the way from New York, life takes an unexpected turn. His arrival sets off a chain of events that alters her life forever, convincing her of one thing. Fate brought him to her.
Saving Wishes is the story of a girl who doesn't quite fit the life she's living, and the boy who helps her realise why.

First line: 
"Alex, my brother, sometimes calls me wicked."


Charli wants to leave her home as soon as she graduates. The island she lives on is too small for her adventurous soul. She doesn't see herself as talented and yet, one of her pictures brings a stunning man, Adam, to the island.
Adam and Charli hit it off quick and hard and fast. Too fast for me. Adam seemed to stablize Charli even as you tried to resist the pull.
Charli's brother has taken care of her since their mother died. He owns a diner where Charli and her friend work. 
Charli made a big mistake when she was younger and some of her peers won't let her forget it. And they are jealous of the attention Adam is giving to her. 
All of these plots weave in and out of the story as we read about Charli, her actions and decisions. And her best choice comes at the end of the book. She makes an unselfish/selfish decision. 



Rating: PG 16
S: innuendos, kissing, making out,
V: bullies
L: A few words

Liked:
Charli's spunk
Book cover


Disliked:
love at first sight
Weird familial twist
Trilogy

Thanks to netgalley for the copy

2 STARS 

HOOKED by Liz Fichera

When Native American Fredricka ‘Fred’ Oday is invited to become the only girl on the school’s golf team, she can’t say no. This is an opportunity to shine, win a scholarship and go to university, something no one in her family has done.

But Fred’s presence on the team isn’t exactly welcome — especially not to rich golden boy Ryan Berenger, whose best friend was kicked off the team to make a spot for Fred.

But there’s no denying that things are happening between the girl with the killer swing and the boy with the killer smile...

GET HOOKED ON A GIRL NAMED FRED.

First line:
"I believed that my ancestors lived among the stars."

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. 
Fred is your typical girl who feels she is not special and no way could any boy fall for her. 
Ryan is the typical hot boy who everyone loves. He's also a star player on the school golf team. 
Their two worlds intersect when Fred is invited to play on the all-boy golf team. And she's good. Better-than-all-the-boys good. Which doesn't fly for the other teammates.
And, she's a Native American who lives on the reservation, or rez, in a trailer and who's dad is the groundskeeper for the local golf course.
I really enjoyed reading about Fred and her heritage. I love how her friends and family watched over each other and took care of each other. 
Ryan's life is the contrast to Fred's.
I enjoyed some differences with this YA romance compared to others:
1. Fred was a girl.
2. Fred's passion was golf, and she was good.
3. Fred was Native American.

Fred was an intriguing character. But Ryan had the most growth I think. He stood up for Fred several times. I wish we could have read more about Ryan and Fred's relationship and their interactions.  A few times as I was reading, I thought of Romeo and Juliet.

The top book cover can really throw someone off reading this book so I included the other cover, which I'm not really a fan off because I can't tell what's going on...


Rating: PG 16
L: Yes. Swearing throughout (one girl likes to use the "F" word)
S: Kissing, making out
V: Fighting, bullying


Liked:
Fred
Golf themed story
Setting


Disliked:
Racism
Romantic relationship not more developed

Thanks for netgalley for the galley

3 1/2 STARS



 

THE MAN FROM SHENANDOAH by Marsha Ward

Carl Owen returns from the Civil War to find the family farm destroyed, his favorite brother dead, food scarce, and his father determined to leave the Shenandoah Valley to build a cattle empire in Colorado Territory. Crossing the continent, Carl falls in love with his brother's fiance.

First line:
"The gaunt-featured young man with the lanky build choked down the last of his moldy bread, then got to his feet and climbed atop the stone against which he'd been sitting."

I've been wanting to read one of Marsha's book for a long time! She is such a sweet person and I feel a connection to her in that we lived in the same small town in Arizona. 
Marsha's got a good handle on setting and dialogue set in the time of the Civil War. Carl left his family to serve in the war and when he got home, things had changed. Instead of being able to settle down, Carl's dad is ready to leave for Colorado and start a business he has no idea how to run. Add to that the fact that his dad has also got him a fiance, the journey will be interesting. 

Rated: PG
V: some fighting
L: No
S: Some kissing

Liked:
Setting
Carl
Ellen
Cover

Disliked:
Meddling dad :)

3 1/2 STARS

REALITY ENDS HERE by Alison Gaylin

With a major crush on an adorable pop star, annoying younger siblings, and a mom and stepdad who are too strict, Estella Blanchard is a typical teenage girl-except that her daily struggles are plotlines on the reality show
Seven Is Heaven, which relentlessly documents her life as the older half-sister of sextuplets. Estella's an Oscar-worthy actress at hiding her true feelings from the camera.

However, she can't outrun the spotlight when she receives a Christmas present from her biological father...who died ten years ago under mysterious circumstances. Blamed for this "sick prank," Estella is placed in an unorthodox support group for troubled child stars-including a twenty-three-year-old has-been, a backstabbing drama queen, and a super-cute (but very off-limits) boy bander. And, as weird as the group is, when a creepy paparazzo starts stalking her, claiming that her dad is actually alive, Estella's going to need their help to uncover the truth and stay alive.

First line:
""It happened again," said my sister Gracie."

I'm not a watcher of reality TV. I'm really not except, like, Storage Wars or Duck Dynasty and those only a few times a month. I often wonder how those on the shows fare outside of the show. 
This book gives a glimpse into one girl's life on and off a reality show. Estella is the oldest of seven, the other six are sextuplets. The step dad decided they would make a great reality show and Estella's life has been turned upside down, espeically now with ratings down. Now someone is setting her up to boast ratings...or are they??
I liked this quick, clean read. Full of intrigue, mystery and romance, I think many young readers will also enjoy this book. It has reality show stuff, teen stars and big TV/movie names. 

Thanks, netgalley

Rating: PG 13
L: No
V: No
S: No

Liked:
Estella

Disliked:
Quick conclusion


3 1/2 STARS

A REUTRN TO VIRTUE by Elaine S. Dalton

When Elaine Dalton's oldest son left for his mission, she wanted to do something that would help her develop some of the same kind of discipline and self-control that he was learning as a missionary. So she decided to run a marathon.
Now, years later, she has taken her experiences and insights related to running and woven them into an analogy for an attribute and value she feels passionate about: virtue.
"I have embarked on a journey to reinstate the word virtue into our vocabulary and our lives," Sister Dalton writes. "We call for a social reform, but what is really needed is a moral reform — a call for a return to virtue." As we run life's race, it is virtue, meaning purity and power, that will sustain us through the long miles.
A Return to Virtue is an invitation and a guide to running well the marathon that we call mortality. "Give it 100 percent," says Sister Dalton, "and one day we will be hugging each other and celebrating — victorious — at the finish line!" 

First line:
"Several years ago, I qualified to run the Boston Marathon."

Good, uplifting LDS book on virtue and modest. It's not just about the clothes, but it's also about attitude and what is in your heart. Where can a virtuous woman be found in this world? In the mirror. We all can strive to be virtuous and examples of modesty to those around us.
This book is full of stories, thoughts, experiences and scripture.

A couple of my favorite quotes from the book:
"When you were baptized, you left the world and entered the kingdom." Elder Hales

"Of all the creations of the Almighty, there is non more beautiful, none more inspiring than a lovely daughter of God who walks in virtue with an understanding of why she should do so, who honors and respects her body as a thing sacred and divine, who cultivates her mind and constantly enlarges the horizon of her understanding, who nurtures her spirit with everlasting truth." President Gordon B. Hinckley

4 STARS

THE EMPEROR'S SOUL by Brandon Sanderson

A heretic thief is the empire’s only hope in this fascinating tale that inhabits the same world as the popular novel, Elantris.

Shai is a Forger, a foreigner who can flawlessly copy and re-create any item by rewriting its history with skillful magic. Condemned to death after trying to steal the emperor’s scepter, she is given one opportunity to save herself. Though her skill as a Forger is considered an abomination by her captors, Shai will attempt to create a new soul for the emperor, who is almost dead.

Probing deeply into his life, she discovers Emperor Ashravan’s truest nature—and the opportunity to exploit it. Her only possible ally is one who is truly loyal to the emperor, but councilor Gaotona must overcome his prejudices to understand that Shai’s forgery is as much artistry as it is deception.

Brimming with magic and political intrigue, this deftly woven fantasy delves into the essence of a living spirit.

First line:
Gaotona ran his fingers across the thick canvas, inspecting one of the greatest works of art he had ever seen."

I'm pretty sure I've never read anything of Brandon's this short. Not even a prologue. :)
 In Shai's world, any object or person, can be rewritten. Their 'soul' can be manipulated to resemble or become something it isn't. Shai is given the task to rewrite the Emperor's soul and bring him mentally back to life. Many of the leaders come to her and ask her to write a back door to the Emperor so they can control him and the kingdom.
Shai has one hundred days to study the Emperor's life through journals and interviews. Then she has to make sure the 'soulstamps' work for which she will apply them to the Emperor.
It was fun to read this book. I enjoyed to smarts of Shai and the intrigue of Gaotona. And the magic was cool. 
This book is up for a Hugo award for novella.


Rating: G
V: No
S: No
L: No

Liked:
Shai
Gaotona
Storyline
Book Cover
Short ;)
  
Disliked:
Nothing

4 STARS

DARK MEMORIES by Jeffrey S. Savage

There are things in the darkness—things much worse than the tracks and abandoned pieces of equipment that trip the children up and gash at their feet and legs—things that brush silently past them, touching their faces before disappearing again.

1977—In the sleepy Town of Twin falls, Colorado, what starts as a carefree school picnic ends in tragedy when six children disappear into an abandoned gold mine. Six enter the dark void—and days later, only five emerge. After an arduous search, the hunt for the last child is called off and the mine entrance is blasted. Little Frankie is left behind, alone in the darkness.

He is coming.

2011—Police Chief Cal Hunt’s investigation into the recent string of bizarre murders in Twin Falls takes a chilling turn when he learns that each of the victims was a survivor of the Seven Stars mine incident. Cal realizes that they share a dark secret—the truth about what happened to Frankie.

To drag them deeper.

With time running out for the remaining survivors, Cal must face a killer that defies all logical explanation. Because no matter how Cal analyzes the facts, there is only one conclusion: A supernatural force is reaching out from the depths to reclaim those who escaped more than thirty years before. And it will not rest until it takes them all . . .

Into the darkness

First line:
"What do you mean you can't find the children?"

And that is how you start out a horror novel. 
Three things I liked about this book:
1. Jeff is a good, clean writer
2. He develops his characters well
3. He had a few red herrings in this story to throw off guessing who was the killer

This is a darker book of Jeff's. It wasn't so scary that I couldn't sleep at night but I did tense, once or twice, when I heard a mysterious noise outside. 
In the 1970's, six children were lost in an abandoned mine; only five were found alive. The story that unfold in 2011 is sad, horrible and scary. Cal, the local police chief, has to solve one mystery after another and is chilled by the clues tracing back to the tragic mine accident. 
Who is cold enough to kill? All signs point to the poor, dead boy who was buried forever in the mine when the authorities blew up the entrance. Has he come back from the dead to exact revenge on those who left him behind?
Or is there something deeper, more evil happening?
I recommend this book if you enjoy a good, clean, scary book.
I don't recommend this book if you don't like the supernatural and demons.


Rated: PG 15
V: Scary, tense moments. People murdered (but not graphic)
L: No
S: No

Liked:
Cal
Touch of romance

Disliked:
No solid clues as to the real killer
Demons

(I'm rating this lower only because it is dark).
3 1/2 STARS

INVALUABLE by Holly J Wood

help wanted
Sixteen-year-old girl seeks advice on how to reach out to a sister who has become distant; how to make up with my best friend, who spends every moment with her new boyfriend;how to avoid losing my job over working on Sundays; and how to figure out who has been putting love notes in my locker.Applicants are also required to provide advice on how to handle being head-over-heels for my prom date's best friend—who happens to be the hottest guy in school.
Math tutoring a plus.
Interested persons may contact Eliza Moore. Sound like a tall order? Well, that is what Eliza Moore is up against during her sophomore year of high school. But when her great-grandmother begins visiting Eliza in her dreams, everything starts to change. These dreams take Eliza back in time to see extraordinary women who help teach her about eight important values. As Eliza learns more about these women and the values they lived by, she discovers the courage and confidence she needs to face her challenges—and her secret admirer.

First line:
""Eliza! Honey, please hurry down for breakfast.""

Rating: PG
V: No
L: No
S: No

Good, clean LDS book about virtues and standing for what is right and righteous. Young Women will enjoy this book as it addresses temptations and worldly conduct and what they can do to strengthen themselves.


Liked:
Young Women values

Disliked:
Nothing

4 STARS

TRANSPARENT by Natalie Whipple

Plenty of teenagers feel invisible. Fiona McClean actually is.

An invisible girl is a priceless weapon. Fiona’s own father has been forcing her to do his dirty work for years—everything from spying on people to stealing cars to breaking into bank vaults.

After sixteen years, Fiona’s had enough. She and her mother flee to a small town, and for the first time in her life, Fiona feels like a normal life is within reach. But Fiona’s father isn’t giving up that easily.

Of course, he should know better than anyone: never underestimate an invisible girl.

First line:
"I nearly died the second I was born."

Pitched as Godfather meets X-Men is a pretty good assessment. There is a mafia and there are people with special powers.
And a story about an invisible girl? Cool. Poor Fiona is a teen and invisible. Literally, invisible. I enjoyed reading her storyline and how she changed and grew as a person.
I liked the neighbors! And Seth.
I hoped for more reconciliation between Fiona and her mom.  And maybe a little more scenes with her dad.
A quick, fun story with a cast of interesting characters. Ms. Whipple has debuted a great book. Keep 'em coming, Natalie!


Rating: PG 13
V: Some fighting
L: Sprinkling of swear words
S: Kissing

Liked:
Seth
Special abilities
The twist

Disliked:
Fiona's treatment of her mom
Ending came too quickly

4 STARS

CODE WORD by Traci Hunter Abramson

The media portrayed the military operation as a complete success, but Navy SEAL Jay Wellman wouldn’t describe it that way. He was there. As he tries to come to terms with his role that fateful night, he notices something different about his teammates and wonders if there may be more to their beliefs than he first thought.

When she heard the gunshots, Carina Channing knew the past had caught up with her. She may have changed her last name, but she can’t change who her father is. Carina understands the evil that lurks in “The Family,” and she is determined to steer clear of that life and any other emotional connections.

When they meet, it seems Jay and Carina have only two things in common—mutual attraction and the fact that they are both struggling to overcome devastating trauma. But when a member of The Family arrives and upsets the delicate balance in Carina’s life, Jay chisels away at the barrier Carina has erected around her heart and offers himself as her protector and friend. But can Jay’s Navy SEAL skills, military connections, and loyal Saint Squad friends keep Carina and her sisters safe? And with their different beliefs, can Jay and Carina’s friendship grow into anything more?

First line:
"Carina Channing navigated her way through the outskirts of Denver and listened to her two younger sisters chat about their summer plans."

I enjoy reading Traci's stories for three reasons:
1. She knows what she's talking about when it comes to knowledge about CIA, FBI and other secretive stuff.
2. She develops her all characters really, really, well.
3.  She always has great romantic tension.

Carina's father is a mob boss and in prison for killing his wife. Lou, a friend and bodyguard, has helped Carina and her two sisters stay away from the family and safe. Carina meets Jay, a Navy SEAL, and there is a connection between them but Carina doesn't trust anyone because of her crazy family. 
Jay is a good, strong man who isn't easily intimidated, even by people sent from the Mafia to gather up Carina and her sisters. Jay helps keep them safe when the bad guys come looking for them.
I enjoyed reading Jay's story and the story between Jay and Carina. I did skim a little on the parts where there was a lot of interior dialogue. But overall, this is a good, clean, intriguing read. Keep up the good work, Traci!


Rating: PG 13
V: Mafia, shootings, intense moments
L: No
S: No

Liked:
Jay! I loved Jay!

Disliked:
I had to wait to long for the main couple to get together :)
Skimming a little 

4 1/2 STARS

THE LOST GIRL by Sangu Mandanna

Eva's life is not her own. She is a creation, an abomination—an echo. She was made by the Weavers as a copy of someone else, expected to replace a girl named Amarra, her "other," if she ever died. Eva spends every day studying that girl from far away, learning what Amarra does, what she eats, what it's like to kiss her boyfriend, Ray. So when Amarra is killed in a car crash, Eva should be ready.

But sixteen years of studying never prepared her for this.

Now she must abandon everything and everyone she's ever known—the guardians who raised her, the boy she's forbidden to love—to move to India and convince the world that Amarra is still alive.

What Eva finds is a grief-stricken family; parents unsure how to handle this echo they thought they wanted; and Ray, who knew every detail, every contour of Amarra. And when Eva is unexpectedly dealt a fatal blow that will change her existence forever, she is forced to choose: Stay and live out her years as a copy or leave and risk it all for the freedom to be an original. To be Eva.

First line:
"I remember being in town with minna ma."

I can't rate this book. I never finished it. I tried. I got about a third of the way through and had to stop. I love the premise of the book, just not the way it was written. I never really connected to the characters except Sean. I was hoping it would be more unique but it followed the same formula of other books. Girl doesn't fit in; love triangle; girl must fight against prejudice, etc etc. It's not bad, it's just my expectations weren't meet.

BOYS, GIRLS & OTHER HAZARDOUS MATERIALS by Rosalind Wiseman

Looking for a new beginning after a terrible mean girl past, Charlie Healey realizes there's no escaping high school drama...

Charlie Healey thinks Harmony Falls is the beginning of a whole new life. Middle school was brutal. But high school is Charlie's big chance to start over and stay out of drama, except that on her first day she runs into Will, her ex-best friend, who had moved away. Now a varsity athlete and hotter than Charlie remembered, Will hangs with the crowd running the school. But Charlie doesn't understand their power until an innocent delivery guy falls victim to a near-deadly hazing prank.

Torn between doing what's right and her secret feelings for Will, Charlie must decide whether to turn in her very best friend or live with the guilt of knowing what he did.

Rosalind Wiseman's first novel for young adults is a fresh, funny, and juicy read about friendship, betrayal, and how far some will go to be accepted.

First line:
"Here's the deal."

What will you put up with to have friends?
Charlotte, AKA Charlie, was in a negative relationship in junior high and was ecstatic to leave it behind when she entered a different high school. The girls were mean, degrading and enjoyed putting others down. When something happened they didn't like, they resorted to bullying and cyber bullying.  Unfortunately, Charlie did not stand up for the other person nor did she stand up to her friends. That is hard to do!
But after Charlie finds friends who like her and are positive and stand by her, she develops into a stronger person. So when she gets the chance, she tells off her ex friends. Her BFF, Sydney, watches the exchange and is pretty proud and amazed at Charlie. So when a boy starts bullying Sydney, she takes a page out of Charlie's setting-down-mean-frenemies and tells him off. But she takes it a little further and Charlie feels she has to tell her friend to stop.
In the meantime, their is hazing going on and someone gets hurt. Charlie saw the whole incident and feels she has to tell someone but she's stopped by others because who do you tell? Adults? They don't really care. They are all about image and the schools reputation.
So Charlie has to make amends with her friend, find the courage to turn someone in for a hit-and-run and try to figure out the boy she's crushing on.
This is a good story about healthy relationships from girls to girls, boys/girls to girls/boys and teens to adults. The story was pretty balanced in adults who will help and understand to those who turn their head and ignore. And a good balance with stupid girls and smart ones. Also, the problems were real life problems that can be handled and this book teaches some ways to handle them.
The characters were written well and grew throughout the book.
I think this book is worth teens, boys, girls and parents, reading.



Rating: PG 14
V: Bullying, hazing
L: Swearing sprinkled throughout
S: Kissing

Liked:
 Sydney
Charlie
Will
Good look at healthy relationships

Disliked:
Excessive use of exclamation points!!!!

3 1/2 STARS

SONGS OF WILLOW FROST by Jamie Ford

Twelve-year-old William Eng, a Chinese-American boy, has lived at Seattle’s Sacred Heart Orphanage ever since his mother’s listless body was carried away from their small apartment five years ago. On his birthday—or rather, the day the nuns designate as his birthday—William and the other orphans are taken to the historical Moore Theatre, where William glimpses an actress on the silver screen who goes by the name of Willow Frost. Struck by her features, William is convinced that the movie star is his mother, Liu Song.
Determined to find Willow, and prove his mother is still alive, William escapes from Sacred Heart with his friend Charlotte. The pair navigates the streets of Seattle, where they must not only survive, but confront the mysteries of William’s past and his connection to the exotic film star. The story of Willow Frost, however, is far more complicated than the Hollywood fantasy William sees onscreen.
Shifting between the Great Depression and the 1920s, Songs of Willow Frost takes readers on an emotional journey of discovery. Jamie Ford’s sweeping book will resonate with anyone who has ever longed for the comforts of family and a place to call home.


First line:
"William Eng woke to the sound of a snapping leather belt and the shrieking of rust springs that supported the threadbare mattress of his army surplus bed."

Jamie Ford is a gifted writer. His talent is bringing places and times to life through good storytelling. This newest book of his is no exception.
Willow's life is never really her own. She does as others ask or demand. The era she lives in is not kind to the Chinese and everywhere she turns, she is looked down on, even in her own family. Her parents were singers and actors. Willow inherited a beautiful voice and is able to earn money by singing.
The chapters are either set in 1934, William's time (Willow's 12 yr old son), or 1921, telling about Willow's younger life.
I enjoyed Jamie's last book and was excited to see this one on netgalley so I requested it. I had a hard time reading it. Without spoiling the story, let's just say I got very frustrated with the story. I learned how hard and prejudice society was toward unwed mothers AND the Chinese people. The injustices were pointed out again and again and again and again. So much so that I started skimming. I wanted something positive to happen sometime!
I never really empathized with William. He didn't act twelve. I actually thought he was younger.
 I did like the romance between Willow and Colin but that one left a bitter aftertaste as well.
Finishing the book was hard, but I was determined to get through it. If not for Jamie's writing ability, I would have given up one third of the way through.



Rating: Adult reading
V: Bullies
L: No
S: Yes: one scene of rape, implied prostitution

Liked:
love story of Willow and Colin

Disliked:
Willow's constantly harsh life


3 STARS

Thanks to netgalley for the preview

TIGER'S CURSE (The Tiger Saga #1) by Colleen Houck

Passion. Fate. Loyalty.

Would you risk it all to change your destiny?

The last thing Kelsey Hayes thought she’d be doing this summer was trying to break a 300-year-old Indian curse. With a mysterious white tiger named Ren. Halfway around the world. But that’s exactly what happened. Face-to-face with dark forces, spellbinding magic, and mystical worlds where nothing is what it seems, Kelsey risks everything to piece together an ancient prophecy that could break the curse forever.

Tiger’s Curse is the exciting first volume in an epic fantasy-romance that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.

First line:
"The prisoner stood with his hands tied in front of him."

I really liked the idea of this story. A curse that spanned hundreds of years that needed broken, a beautiful tiger and handsome prince. What could be better? Well, maybe an editor who put this book through one more revision. But I did enjoy the story and adventures.

Rating: PG
S: No; teen lusting, some kissing
L: No
V: Some fighting, intense scenes

Liked:
Ren 

Disliked:
Constantly referring to Ren's strong chest, cobalt blue eyes, beautiful face. 
Kelsey's tantrums 

2 1/2 STARS

THE RUNAWAY KING (The Ascendance Trilogy #2) by Jennifer A. Nielsen

A kingdom teetering on the brink of destruction. A king gone missing. Who will survive? Find out in the highly anticipated sequel to Jennifer A. Nielsen's blockbuster THE FALSE PRINCE!

Just weeks after Jaron has taken the throne, an assassination attempt forces him into a deadly situation. Rumors of a coming war are winding their way between the castle walls, and Jaron feels the pressure quietly mounting within Carthya. Soon, it becomes clear that deserting the kingdom may be his only hope of saving it. But the further Jaron is forced to run from his identity, the more he wonders if it is possible to go too far. Will he ever be able to return home again? Or will he have to sacrifice his own life in order to save his kingdom?

The stunning second installment of The Ascendance Trilogy takes readers on a roller-coaster ride of treason and murder, thrills and peril, as they journey with the Runaway King!


First line:
"I had arrived early for my own assassination."
I'm really enjoying this series. There are pirates, treasures and a princess involved in this installment.
Jaron is the rightful king and after making it back on the throne, he has to leave it again to keep his country safe. He turns on the people who are close to him so they don't get hurt because of him. I( didn't really like that part.) I felt bad for both Imogen and Amarinda. I like both of them and didn't think they got treated well.
I thought Jaron was clever and I found myself rooting for him to win, even when he pulled through because something convenient happened. 
There is a lot of action and a few twists that kept me reading. Good job, Ms. Nielsen.


Rating: PG
S: No
L: No
V: Some fighting

Liked:
Jaron
Storyline

Disliked:
Roden
Why Roden??


4 1/2 STARS