Teen Book Review: Perfect Cover by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Perfect Cover by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, was hilarious to read. It was as comical as it was clever. Toby Klein, the main character of this book is a phenomenal computer hacker but prefers combat boots to heels. So when a group of cheerleaders recruit her to be on their squad she can't help but laugh. But she realizes that it's not just any group of cheerleaders, it's a group of spies. After she joins the squad it gets even funnier as she's forced to wear skirts and lipstick. I couldn't get enough of this book and am very excited to read the second installment.

(Reviewed by Gingerbread637, 14, Western High School)

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Teen Book Review: The Fill-in Boyfriend by Kasie West

This book was an absolutely hilarious read. I think it's fair to say that it was a stroke of genius for West. Although it was a little predictable once it got to the last few chapters, it was still very well written. It was very easy to fall in love with the characters. Hayden, a.k.a replacement-Bradley, of course was very likable. Although he's fictional, he never once failed to make me laugh. Gia on the other hand was very sassy and manipulative, she vaguely reminded me of Rose from Titanic. Although very full of herself in the beginning, she soon revealed her true self. This book would be a very good read for any teen, because it lets you know that no matter how desperate you are you shouldn't lie to your friends. I look forward to reading more from this author. 4/5 stars

(Reviewed by Gingerbread637, 14, Western High School)

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Teen Book Review: Dear Killer by Katherine Ewell

Dear Killer was as close as you can get to perfect. I loved it! Katherine Ewell definitely made this one very unique and exciting. From the first page to the acknowledgments, you don't want to stop reading. I have never read anything like it, it was very original. Often times while you read a book, you see a pattern similar to another book. This one was entirely outside the box. Even though it was pretty amazing, I would not recommend this to anyone who is sickened by the thought of death. It wasn't too gruesome though. But it would be more of a pg-13 rated book, considering that is does contain quite a few cuss words, and murders throughout the story. The only misleading comment was on the book cover where the author said "I belong to no one but the grim reaper herself" which led me to believe that the grim reaper would actually be in it. However, she wasn't mentioned more than once... But if you can get past those extra little things it was very well written. Be warned though, it does leave you on a bit of a cliffhanger! 4/5 stars

(Reviewed by Gingerbread637, 14, Western High School)

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Teen Book Review: My Best Friend Maybe by Caela Carter

My Best Friend Maybe, by Caela Carter, is one of my all-time favorite books. Colette, or ‘Coley’ has just been invited, or ahem, begged to go on her ex-best friends, Sadie’s, summer trip. But previous scenarios make Coley want to say no. Even though she said yes, she still doesn’t realize what she’s gotten herself into. With a summer full of surprises and secrets, there’s not a boring page in this book. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.

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Librarian Book Review: Belzhar by Meg Wolitzer

Summary:

Jam was head over heels in love with her British exchange student boyfriend Reeve. That is until he died, leaving her in so much pain she couldn’t cope with the rest of the world. Not knowing what else to do, her parents send her away to the Wooden Barn, a boarding school for teens who have difficulties or are dealing with trauma. At the Wooden Barn, Jam finds herself assigned to a most unusual English class, Special Topics in English. In the class they will spend the entire semester studying the writings of Sylvia Plath, and writing in a red leather journal. When she starts writing in her journal, Jam finds herself transported to Belzhar, a magical place where Reeve is alive again and they can be together. Unfortunately, each trip uses up pages in the journal and Jam’s trips are limited. Reliving the times with Reeve also bring Jam closer to facing the truth.

Review:

Wow. Where do I start?

This book made it to the top of my reading list because I really didn’t have a choice. It was chosen by my book group as an interesting new title. I don’t think I would have read it otherwise. Let me say, it was a great pick. There is so much to discuss about this book I really can’t wait until our next meeting.

Jam is a sympathetic character. She is in pain and suffering from the loss of her boyfriend. Then she is forced to go to this boarding school where she doesn’t want to go.  It is only in the Special Topics in English class where she begins to open up and connect with other students.

The pacing of the novel is good, and while the other characters begin to open up about their stories, Jam keeps hers hidden and keep you wondering about what really happened. 

Belzhar is a unique construct in this novel, and learning the rules is the fun part. I loved how Wolitzer described this magical place. Each student in Special Topics has their own version of Belzhar where they can experience their life before the trauma that sent the to the Wooden Barn happened.

Audiobook Review:

The audio version of this novel is roughly 8 hours. It is read by Jorjeana Marie and produced by Random House/Listening Library. The production is really well done and free of flaws. Jorjeana Marie does a fabulous job with the narration and making Jam a believable character.  If you like audiobooks this would be a good way to experience this novel.

Overall:
When I first started reading this novel I wasn’t sure what to expect. It is one of those genre bending books that is difficult to classify. So much of the story is realistic fiction, but the story couldn’t happen without the fantasy elements of Belzhar. In the end this novel was an engrossing read. You want to know what really happened to Reeve and why Jam won’t talk about it. Once you get into the novel, you won’t want to put it down.

Cautions for Sensitive Readers:

Violence: Mild
Sex: Mild
Language: Mild
Drugs/Alcohol: None

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Librarian Review: Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger

Summary:
Sophronia isn't the lady her mother wishes her to be. She likes climbing, figuring out how things work, and getting into trouble a bit too much. In an attempt to tame her wild ways, Sophronia's mother sends her off to finishing school. Little does she know this finishing school will do more than teach Sophronia the etiquette of polite society, it will also teach her how to be a phenomenal spy.

Review:
Often I  read the first book in a series and usually go no farther. Sometimes because the book fails to hook me and sometimes because I have so many other things to read. With this series I believe I will make an effort to read more. The characters were well drawn and interesting and I think I want to know more about Sophronia's life and lessons at finishing school.

As I said before, the characters are well drawn. Sophronia is an interesting main character and you never know what kind trouble she will be getting into. She is a plucky and sassy heroine who refuses to apologize for what society would see as her shortcomings. As the novel progresses you begin to realize that those shortcomings are her biggest assets. Throughout the novel, you begin to learn more about her new friends and the school. Some of the people she meets at the school are typical of the "bad girl" boarding school characters, but other characters are more fleshed out.

The action is fast paced and the plot resolves itself well. I really enjoyed all the humor in the book too--it is nice when a book isn't so serious. If all the books are like this, it will be a fun series to explore.

Audiobook Review:
The audiobook is narrated by Moira Quirk who does an excellent job with the narration. Her voices were fun and her pacing is great. The unabridged audio is 8 hours and 55 minutes in length. It is a Hachette Audio publication. I loved listening to the audio and will probably do the rest of the series on audio as well.

Overall:
This is a fun and entertaining read that never takes itself too seriously. I recommend it for fans of steampunk and anyone who likes a good boarding school adventure.

Cautions for Sensitive Readers:

Sex: None
Alcohol: Might have been mentioned, but not significant.
Language: None
Violence: Some, but mostly just mild shenanigans.

Book Review: Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Samantha didn't know that Friday, February 12th was going to be the last day of her life.  She also doesn't know why she is being forced to relive the day over and over again.  But given the chance, wouldn't you try to change that fateful ending?

This is a book that begs to be talked about.  I very seldom give 5 star reviews, but in this case I feel that it is absolutely deserved.  By the end of chapter one I was dying to talk about this book with someone who has read it. 


Oliver has created a flawed yet likable heroine in Samantha Kingston.  She is a girl who was once picked on, but is now popular, who does everything required to fit in.  She is a girl who holds power in her school and knows it.  She is also a girl who has set herself up for a terrible fall.  Friday, February 12th is the last day of her life, and she will have to live it again and again until she gets it right. 


I started this book on audio, and while it isn't unusual for me to switch back in forth between audio and the printed version, it is unusual for me to get so wrapped up in a book that I set everything aside to finish the book in one night.  Yesterday afternoon when I got out of my car after I got home from work, I was only about 30% through the book, by the time I went to bed I had finished the book.  In fact I wouldn't go to bed until I finished.  I had to know how the book was going to end. 


Don't get me wrong, the audio version of this book is extremely well done.  It is narrated by Sarah Drew and produced by Books on Tape.  Drew does a great job with the voices with the possible exception of the teachers Mr. Otto and Ms. Winters who sound a little too over the top.  Despite that, this is a great audio book, but I couldn't wait to finish the book so I picked up the hardcover and finished it in one sitting. 


This is a book that really makes think about your actions and what you would do if you could live the day over.  It was fascinating and gripping.  I think Jay Asher's (author of Thirteen Reasons Why)quote on the cover says it best "You'll have no choice but to tear through this book."  I am only sorry I waited so long to get to it. 


Cautions for sensitive readers:  Definitely for mature readers.  There is alcohol and drug use in this book, along with some swearing, and sexual references.





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Book Review: Prada and Prejudice by Mandy Hubbard

Prada and Prejudice by Mandy Hubbard


My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“It is a truth, universally acknowledged, that a teen girl on a class trip to England should be having the time of her life” (pg. 1)


Callie is a self described clumsy, loser who can’t get any of her classmates to give her the time of day. It is the summer before her sophomore year and she is supposed to learning about London’s historic sites for European History next year, but she can’t seem to catch a break since her best friend Katie moved away last year. After a particularly embarrassing incident, Callie engages in some retail therapy and purchases a pair of red Prada pumps, hoping to redeem herself in the eyes of her classmates. Shortly after leaving the Prada store, Callie trips and wakes up in 1815. How is a loser from the 21st century supposed to get along in the year 1815? By pretending to be someone else of course!

Fifteen year-old Callie is a loveable and endearing character. I felt I knew Callie instantly. She is clumsy, awkward, and flawed, yet a character you just want to know and be friends with. Her antics are hilarious and the situations she gets into are a riot. Hubbard has done an excellent job with all of her characterizations, but Callie’s character is the true Gem. You find yourself cheering as she transforms from a self-conscious, uncertain teen to a confident young woman.

I found this book to be one of my favorite reads this year. I didn’t want it to end and longed to spend more time in 1815 with both Callie and Alex. This is a fantastic debut novel and one that is highly recommended.

Cautions for sensitive readers: None.

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Book Review: Heist Society by Ally Carter

Heist Society by Ally Carter

Katarina Bishop attempts to leave her old life of crime to attend a prestigious high school, but finds herself in the midst of a prank that leaves her expelled. With her failed con, she winds up back in the family business, “art distribution.” Kat’s best friend, Hale, convinces her to steal back a mobster’s prize art collection in order to save her father from unmentionable torture. Unfortunately, the art is being housed in the one museum that is impenetrable.

Heist Society takes off at lightning speed and doesn’t let up until the end. Then, it leaves you wanting more! The characters are people who are usually viewed with contempt, thieves, but Carter makes them endearing. The attempted caper becomes a background story for a girl rediscovering her family roots. However, the excitement comes from the impossible task of stealing back a priceless art collection in less than two weeks.

Usually, I have the unfortunate ability to see what is coming next in the story. I couldn’t do that with this book. The main characters traveled all over the world to gather a team and gadgets to pull off their heist. The relationships between the characters kept the book from becoming your typical mystery. A little bit of art history makes this story complete. I can’t wait to read another book by Ally Carter.

Guest Reviewer: Courtney Klueh, KHCPL South Children's Librarian

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Book Review: Fallen by Lauren Kate

Fallen by Lauren Kate


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lucinda Price has seen shadows her entire life, dark twisting blackness that leaves disaster in its wake. It is because of the shadows that she is forced to go to Sword & Cross reform school, because she can’t remember exactly what happened to Trevor the night the shadows came. Now she finds herself living at Sword & Cross, with other “troubled” teens. It is there, at Sword & Cross, where she first sees him, a boy her own age who looks so startlingly familiar, Daniel. As she tries to get closer to Daniel, to discover how she knows him, the shadows too are moving closer to Luce and the people she cares for.

Fallen, from the very beginning, is both intriguing and enticing. It grabs you from the first page and propels you into an ages old struggle between good and evil. At each haunting turn you never know where this story will take you. It keeps you on the edge of your seat as the story progresses. Fallen is both romantic and intriguing. The ending left the reader wanting more, which leaves the door open for sequels. Torment the next installment is due out September 28, 2010 in the US. I will probably pick up the sequel since I enjoyed Fallen so much.

While I would classify this as paranormal romance, I think fans of the genre may find it a little lacking on the romance side. You feel the attraction between the characters, like you do in Twilight and maybe even Linger but unlike those, sometimes the relationship between the characters leaves you cold. You don’t see it; you don’t really feel it. If you are looking for the hot attraction you see in those books, you might what to try something else, because it just isn’t here in Fallen

The audio book is read by Justine Eyre who does an excellent job narrating the story. Her narration is the picture of clarity and is spot on for Luce and her schoolmates. The running time for the audio is just short of 11 hours and consists of 9 compact discs if listening on CD. It was the audio that propelled me through the tough, slow spots, and is an excellent way to enjoy this book.

Cautions for sensitive readers: Mild language and some violence are present in the novel. Mild kissing, but no sex.

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Book Review: Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In an instant, Prince Alek’s life changes forever. His father Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, and his mother are assassinated while visiting Serbia. On the run with a few of his father’s most trusted men, Alek seeks to escape from those who would kill him or make him a pawn.

Dylan Sharp, a young Midshipman aboard the Leviathan is more than he appears to be. Dylan is actually Deryn, a girl who longed to fly who disguises herself as a boy in order to enlist in the navy. When the Leviathan is attacked by the Germans and forced to crash land in Switzerland, Deryn meets a most unusual young Austrian who may or may not be her enemy.

In a world where Darwinist creations such as the whale of the Leviathan roam the skies, and Clanker machines walk on two, four, six, or even eight legs, you never know what will happen next.

Westerfeld refers to this book as being steampunk, a mixture of history, and science fiction. Where advanced technology may appear in an historical era. That is indeed the best description of what this novel is. It takes place right at the start of World War I, after the death of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife.

While the book was action packed, it did take a while to get used to the world Westerfeld has created. The book has interesting drawings to accompany the text which is helpful in visualizing the world Westerfeld created.

An audio version of this book is available in the teen book section.  The audio is well done and very engaging.  The only downside to listening to the audio is that you miss out on the interesting (and sometimes helpful) illustration that pepper the text.  The illustrations help the reader visualize the machines, but even this did not detract from the quality and interest of the audio.

Overall, I felt this was an fascinating book, but I found the ending a bit abrupt.  Since this is the first book in a series, I am anxious to see how this story will end. In some ways it reminded me of Eoin Colfer’s Airman, a book I also enjoyed. I just wish I had gotten more of a concrete ending to this book. I will pick up the next though, since I have to know what happens next.

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Book Review: If I Stay by Gayle Forman

If I Stay by Gayle Forman


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
For a long time I did everything I could to avoid any book with a sad or even depressing story. As a rule I still turn to books that I know will end happily or at least not leave me in tears. I have never been a Lurlene McDaniel fan and in fact have always wondered at the devotion of her readers—the ones who can’t get enough of her sad romance stories. I’m not really sure why I picked up this book. It really didn’t fall into the categories I usually choose, but for some reason I have wanted to read this book for a long while.

If I Stay is an emotional roller coaster. One minute you are smiling and laughing, loving the main character, Mia and her family, and the next you are crying because of all she has lost. On a snowy day in Oregon, Mia and her family go on a drive that ends in heartache. She finds herself thrown out of her body as a result of an horrific car accident and left with the choice to live with a loss that will change her life forever or to die.

Mia’s family and friends are touchingly and memorably portrayed. The story smoothly transitions between where Mia is now, and her touching memories of her family and friends. The characters are well rounded and real and love between them and the difficulty of the decisions they make are palpable.

This book made me both laugh and cry. It gave be a better appreciation for a good tearjerker. As I read the book it made me think about my family and what is important to me, and how I would feel if I were in Mia’s position. While I won’t go out of my way to find tearjerkers from now on, I must say I was really impressed with this book.

A must read for those who like tearjerkers!

Cautions for sensitive readers: The main character does have a sexual relationship with her boyfriend although one situation has a rather steamy moment, it cuts off before anything explicit happens. There is also some foul language used in the book although it is very rare. There are some graphic depictions of the car accident that may disturb some readers, but once past that part, the book is pretty tame.

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Book Review: Beastly by Alex Flinn

Beastly by Alex Flinn

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


There are many different versions of the Beauty and the Beast fairytale out there and many of them have been novelized. Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast by Robin McKinley is probably my favorite one, but there are a number of others. It seems like every time you open a review journal these days you see another retold fairytale, be it Beauty and the Beast, or some other one. Stories like this are timeless and that is why we continue to rework and retell them, even setting some of them in our time and world rather than the far off time and place of the originals.

Beastly is another retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but unlike many of its processors, this novel is told from the perspective of the Beast. We finally find out, what he did that caused him to become the Beast. Set in modern day New York City, Beastly is the story of the young man who is cursed by a witch to be a beast until he finds his true love, and can make her love him in return. Kyle Kingsbury had everything, wealth, power, and good looks, until one fateful night when a witch sees him for what he really is and curses him.

I do like these retold fairy tales. I like to see how authors can take a story that I am completely familiar with and create a new story, or tell me things I didn’t know about the old one. I do admit, however, there has been one exception to my fascination with these retold tales. I have never really been fond of any that take place in modern times. I found combining magical with the mundane world a daunting task for most authors, and had trouble believing it. In many cases I have trouble following the story—I want my fairytales to be “once upon a time” not the here and now. Alex Flinn, however, just might have converted me. It seemed so natural the way she incorporated the magical in to our modern world. I could even believe that a frog could be part of a discussion forum.

In the end, I loved this story. It was interesting to see the story from a new perspective, and it seemed natural that it should be set in the modern world. Alex Flinn did an excellent job!

On another note, they are making Beastly into a movie by CBS Films. It should be out in theaters in July 2010. Here is the link for the movie trailer from Alex Flinn’s website:

Beastly Movie Trailer from Alex Flinn's Website

Cautions for sensitive readers: I don’t recall any offensive language in this book, but there is some mild sexuality. Kyle is a teenage boy and he briefly mentions encounters and urges—no descriptions are given though.
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Book Review: Marked by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Marked by P.C. Cast


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
All Zoey Redbird wanted was a place to fit in. She thought that place was with her ordinary human friends at her high school until the vampyre tracker marked her as a fledgling vampyre and changed the course of her life forever. Now Zoey must try to fit in at the House of Night, a school for vampyre fledglings, but making that even more difficult is the fact that she has been specially marked by the goddess Nyx and is not the average fledgling. If she makes it through the Change she will become an adult vampyre, if not she will die.

This is the first book in the House of Night series. It is an interesting combination of two of the more popular trends in teen fiction: vampires and boarding school stories. While the book is enjoyable on a purely escapist level, it lacks depth, and is terribly predictable. The dos and don’ts of proper teenage behavior are a bit preachy at times. Other than that, if you are looking for a quick read that doesn’t require much thought, this book fits the bill. It is a fun story if you are willing to put up these flaws.

I would recommend this to teens who are fans of either the boarding school stories or of vampire stories.

Cautions for sensitive readers: There is some foul language present in the book that may offend readers who don’t like bad language in their books. Since this is also a story about vampires, you can expect to find some violence and sexuality.

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