The Necklace

The Necklace: Thirteen Women and the Experiment that Transformed their Lives
by Cheryl Jarvis


Jonell McLain, a Ventura, California real estate agent, pines for a $37, 000 diamond necklace. She convinces 12 other women to buy it together, each getting a month at a time to enjoy it. It becomes more than an investment, however; the women not only become close friends, they also work through personal problems and use the necklace to raise money for several charities.

I liked how each section covered a different "owner", although some story-lines were more relatable than others. It was also a nice turn when they began to fundraise rather than just enjoy some beautiful diamonds.
**** 4 Sparkly Stars

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society
by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

In 1946, single, 30-something author Juliet Ashton is tired of traveling across Britain promoting her WWII columns about the sunny side of war. Then she receives a note from Dawsey Adams, who lives on the English island of Guernsey. Through a series of letters, Juliet grows to admire the people of Guernsey, a small, forgotten place taken over by the Germans during the war.

I HATE the title of this book, but I LOVE the story. People have complained about the letter-writing storyline... I thought it was a unique and very interesting way to see the thoughts of all the characters.
***** 5 Epistolary Stars

The Body Finder

The Body Finder by Kimberley Derting

Reading Level: 6.8
AR Points: 13

Violet Ambrose can sense the feelings "left behind" after violent deaths, for both the victim & the killer. At age eight, she even found a body in the woods. But when girls begin to disappear in her hometown, she and her best friend Jay race to find the serial killer before Violet becomes the next victim.

I liked the different angle this book started with... Violet has supernatural powers, but not superhuman ones. She also sorts through the crush she develops for her childhood friend Jay. She's not stupid, just not overconfident when it comes to her feelings.
***** 5 Frantic Stars

Beyond the Body Farm

Beyond the Body Farm: A Legendary Bone Detective Explores Murders,Mysteries, and the Revolution in Forensic Science by Bill Bass

Bill Bass, a forensic anthropologist, compiled a collection of case studies and anecdotes from his career in corpse identification. Noting that the CSI form of crime solving is far too convenient, Bass relates the technological advances that have made forensics easier. Combined with his gut instincts, Bass describes the highs and lows of an unusual job.

The title comes from the "body farm" he created outside of the University of Tennessee, where Bass teaches. It is an experimental plot of land devoted to forensic studies, namely recreating body decomposition and insect/victim correlations. I know this sounds a bit weird, but I was fascinated by the stories in this book. Bass tells slightly gross tales of reassembling bodies from a fireworks factory explosion, and trying to figure out how long it took a duct-tape bound man to die. I have always been a fan of lumenol and detective shows, so this was right up my alley.

***** 5 Farmtastic Stars

There's Something About Christmas

There's Something About Christmas by Debbie Macomber

Emma Collins is frustrated with her job writing obituaries at The Puyallup Examiner. So, of course she jumps at the chance to interview three finalists in a national fruitcake recipe contest. Unfortunately, her boss also requires her to fly to each assignment. Overcoming her fear of flying (and her distrust of the charming pilot), Emma learns about more than baking from each contestant.

This story begins as a lighthearted, predictable romance, but once Emma begins her interviews, the story shifts to a more introspective tale. She learns how to see the good in life, and realizes that she can and should change her outlook and expectations of others.

***** 5 Fruitcake Stars

The Grimm Legacy

The Grimm Legacy by Polly Schulman

Reading Level: 4.0

AR Points: 11

Elizabeth, having trouble fitting in her new school and with her new step-family, is delighted to get a job with the New York Circulating Material Repository. She slowly begins to learn that fairy tales could be real, and is intrigued by the Grimm collection, devoted to magical objects from the Brother's tales. Some of the objects, however, begin to disappear, and it is up to Elizabeth and the other pages to solve the mystery.

This was a cute book. I figured out what was happening fairly early in the story, but it didn't really matter. I actually preferred the character interactions, and the stories behind the Repository. However, the adults were dim and of course didn't believe a word the teens told them. Thankfully the story focused on the kids.

**** 4 Fantastical Stars

Paranormalcy

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Reading Level: 4.1

AR Points: 10

Evie has always envied normal teens, but unfortunately she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, is constantly harrassed by a handsome but self-centered fairy, and is falling for a shape-shifter... not exactly normal.

Although the typical vampire-werewolf-alien topics are running out of steam, this is not your typical book. Evie is smart but not a brain, nice but not stupid, pretty but not gorgeous. I liked her, and so I liked the story. The story could have a sequel, but still wraps up everything well & doesn't leave you hanging.

***** 5 Surprised Stars

Black Like Me

Black Like Me by John Howard Griffin

Reading Level: 7.0

AR Points: 11 Points

In 1959, the white author transforms himself using medication and dye in order to live as a black man in the South. His travels begin in New Orleans, wends through various small Southern towns, and ends up in Atlanta, while he tries to discover how blacks are really treated.

I thought this was a fascinating book. I still cannot fathom the reasoning behind "separate but equal" treatment... especially when Griffin can't find a decent hotel or cafe that will serve blacks, let alone a "colored" bathroom. Whites who think they are unprejudiced are too afraid to help blacks when racists are around, and trust between the races is almost non-existent.

Another mind-boggling part of this story was the reaction of his hometown in Texas once Griffin returns home & publicizes his book. The racists even anonymously threaten his mother! I guess this isn't surprising to anyone who lived through the Civil Rights Movement of the '60's... I'm just grateful that I never had to witness this cruelty and unreasonable hatred.
***** 5 Enlightening Stars

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Mikael Blomkvist, a journalist, gets a strange offer from Henrik Vanger: solve the disapperance of Henrik's great-niece almost 40 years ago. In exchange, Henrik will give information on the man who is responsible for Mikael's damaged reputation. Along the way, Mikael enlists Lisbeth Salander, an antisocial genius with issues.

Sounds like it would be an interesting book, right? It's even a runaway bestseller! But, unless you like perversion and serial killers, this book is NOT for you. I was disappointed since I was told what a wonder book it was... bummer. ** 2 Sad Stars

Winter Garden

Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

The Whitson family is held together by Evan, the warm, loving father of Meredith and Nina.  When he unexpectedly dies, the girls promise to take care of their reserved Russian mother, Anya, despite the fact that they have never been close.  Meredith is dealing with running the family business while her marriage is crumbling; Nina escapes through her career as a photojournalist. Listening to Anya's fairy tales, they realize the stories are really about their mother's survival in Stalinist Leningrad.  The girls then try to uncover the truth about Anya's tragic past.

This began as a seriously depressing book... thank heavens it turned into more of a mystery than a what-else-can-possibly-go-wrong tear jerker, or I don't think I could have finished.  Not everything is neatly wrapped up at the end, but that's reality.  I liked that everything didn't magically resolve itself.  **** 4 Frozen Stars

Jinx

Jinx by Meg Cabot

Reading Level: 4.7

AR Points: 9

Jean is a klutzy Iowa girl sent to live with her aunt, uncle, and cousins in Manhattan.  Why?  A boy who refuses to end their relationship.  Unfortunately for him, Jean supposedly cast a spell on him to fall in love with her... but is she really a witch?  Her cousin, Tory, seems to think so.  But Tory wants to be the magical one in the family, and becomes obsessed with ruining Jean's life.

Although I'm a little tired of teenage magic, I still enjoyed this book. BUT... Jean was so naive it was annoying.  Time and again, she would get sucked into Tory's lies, and seemed incapable of defending herself or even arguing logically.  Ugh.  But, I still have no self-esteem as an adult, so I guess it's realistic to have someone behave like a doormat.  Maybe she was too much like me, and I'm angry with myself for still being so insecure (how psychological). **** 4 Silly Stars

Assassination Vacation

Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell

Reading Level: 8.6

AR Points: 13

Sarah Vowell has written a witty, informative travel guide reflecting every museum, plaque, and historic site related to presidential assassinations.  She also describes the political & historical backgrounds that led up to each death, plus revealing what happens after to the assassins & their accomplices.

The author is creepily, yet delightfully, obsessed with the circumstances surrounding presidential assassinations.  She drags friends, her sister, and even her young nephew on her pilgrimages of historical death.  Again, what does is say about me that I LOVED this book?  I guess it shows that I'm a history nut, as well as a morbid person, which is absolutely true.  I would love to have this woman as my friend, traveling the East & Midwest in search of any plaque commemorating Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley, and their respective assassins. ***** 5 Funereal Stars

The Keys to the Kingdom Series

Mister Monday   Reading Level: 5.9  AR Points: 12
Grim Tuesday  6.0 / 10
Drowned Wednesday  5.9 / 13
Sir Thursday  6.5 / 12
Lady Friday   6.0 / 10
Superior Saturday   6.1 / 9
Lord Sunday  6.4 / 11

Arthur is a shy, asthmatic boy who discovers that he must travel to a fantastical world in order to save it, and ultimately his own world, from destruction.  Each book tells of his adventures in capturing seven parts of the Will, of which he is the heir. 

This is a fun, sometimes dark fantasy with good characters.  If you like fantasy, you will like this series.  ***** 5 Fantastic Stars

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith

Reading Level: 8
AR Points: 18

Most of Austen's original text has been preserved, while this "expanded edition" serves to explain some key elements in the plot. For example, why are there soldiers stationed in nearby Hertfordshire?  Obviously to protect the countryside from roaming bands of zombies! 

While some Austen-lovers think this book should never have been written, I adored it!  Pride and Prejudice is probably my favorite book, so I know the lines by heart. I loved how the story line linked together.  ***** 5 Bloody Romantic Stars

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith

Reading Level: 6.9
AR Points: 15

After Abe's mother dies of "Milk-Sickness", he learns that she was really the victim of vampires, due to his father's negligence.  Vowing to kill all the vampires in America, he fights for the rest of his life against this elusive enemy.  Mixing history with horror, this book "explains" not only Lincoln's decisions, but also the reasons behind the Civil War.

My husband, disturbingly enough, LOVED this book, which is funny since he won't watch a scary movie.  I love history and horror, so I knew it would be entertaining for me.  It contains "photographic evidence" of the vampire plague, which is fun, and also "excerpts" from Lincoln's diary for authenticity.  ***** 5 Fanged Stars

The Alchemist

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Reading Level: 6.4

AR Points: 6

Translated from Portuguese, this is the story of a shepherd boy, Santiago, who dreams of seeing the world.  He travels from Spain, to Morocco, and finally to Egypt, after dreaming of a treasure buried by the Pyramids.  He literally abandons his old life, meeting spiritual messengers on his journey, including an alchemist who helps him discover the "Soul of the World".

This fable is written in a style that is vague yet appealing. I found myself confused at times, then realized that the point of the book is to make you interpret the story.  Am I adventurous enough to go off and seek my dream?  Or am I satisfied with my decisions, and don't want to know what my "Personal Legend" could be?  Unfortunately, I'm pretty gutless, so if I'm unhappy, it's nobody's fault by my own. ***** 5 Esoteric Stars

The Minority Report

The Minority Report by Philip K. Dick

Police Commissioner John Anderton is the founder of the Precrime System, which predicts, arrests, and jails criminals before they actually commit their felonies.  Unfortunately, Anderton is predicted to be the next killer.  Is he guilty?  The only way for him to know is to steal "the minority report", the one hope of finding out the truth.

This short story is the basis of the Tom Cruise movie of the same name.  As usual, the movie has made the main character 10 or 20 years younger, made him the second in command, and changed basically the entire plot.  I DID NOT like the movie, but maybe that is because Cruise annoys me to death.  As for the book, if you like science fiction, it's a good story.  I'm not a huge fan, so I can't say I loved it, but it was interesting. *** Average Stars

The Zookeeper's Wife

The Zookeeper's Wife: A War Story  by Diane Ackerman

This story centers on Jan Zabinski, the director of the Warsaw Zoo, and his wife Antonina.  After Poland was overrun by the Nazis and the zoo was bombed, they sheltered 300 Jews from the Warsaw ghetto in the sheds and cages left behind. 

There aren't a lot of popular stories about what happened in Poland during WWII.  What made this an interesting story to me is that I love animals, but I never thought about the fact that they were in danger just as much as people.  I always get way more upset when animals get hurt, so the zoo animals being killed was hard to read.  This book is a little tricky to follow, but the story is unique. **** 4 Stars

Magic Under Glass

Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore


Reading Level:  4.6
AR Points: 8


While performing in a rundown music hall, Nimira is discovered by Hollin Parry, a sorceror, and asked to sing with a "clockwork man" that plays the piano.  Nimira discovers that the automaton is really a fairy prince trapped in a robotic body.  She struggles to find a way to free the prince, and save herself in the process.


I enjoyed this book far more than I thought I would.  The plot sounded confusing and slightly silly, but I enjoyed how everything didn't work out easily.  The only downside is the ending... there will obviously be a sequel. ***** 5 Stars

The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Reading Level: 6.3
AR Points: 13

Newly orphaned Mary is sent to live with her uncle.  She discovers the wonders of living on the Yorshire moors, as well as the wonders of a mysterious, abandoned garden.  As she rebuilds this garden, with the help of two boys, she learns that anything is possible.

I have always loved this story, and have probably seen every movie version of it, but finally read the book.  While she begins as a spoiled, yet neglected child, Mary develops into a caring, lovely girl as she learns to see outside of herself. Maybe we should remember that giving someone everything but love, is really giving them nothing at all... Ooo, that's deep. ***** 5 Stars

Revolver

Revolver by Marcus Sedgwick

Reading Level: 5.2
AR Points: 5

Outside their remote Scandinavian village, Sig’s father dies of exposure trying to rush home across a frozen lake. Soon a hulking man arrives at the shack with a Colt revolver, demanding his share of a stolen wealth of gold. But Sig has his own Colt hidden in the storeroom, plus some questions. Who is this man? Is there really a hidden treasure? And, most importantly, can he bring himself to use that revolver to save himself and his family?

This is a "guy's book" that everyone can enjoy.  The story sucks you in as you try to guess whether the father really did steal the gold, and whether Sig will outwit the stranger. ***** 5 Stars

The Hiding Place

The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

Reading Level: 6.4
AR Points: 13

As the Nazis swept through Europe, a watchmaker's family in Holland tried to help Jews escape to freedom.  They are caught and sent to Ravensbruck.  Will their faith endure even in a concentration camp?

I have read this book several times and never fail to be inspired by the quiet strength of the main characters.  The story reminds me how I should constantly look for ways to be thankful, helpful, and stay true to my beliefs.  When Corrie berates herself for being selfish (in a concentration camp!!!), I think of how I don't have ANYTHING to complain about in my life.  Rating ***** 5 Stars

Something from the Nightside

Something from the Nightside by Simon R. Green



This is the 1st book in the Nightside series.

John Taylor is has a talent for finding lost things.  He is convinced to return to the Nightside, where fantasy and reality collide and morning never comes, to find a woman's runaway daughter. 

I LOVE this series. The characters are quirky and likable, even when they're killing people :) WARNING: Many people die!  John Taylor is a man to be feared and even avoided, if only because of his mysterious parentage and "inner eye".  The secrets surrounding his background are a constant theme in all of the books, but each has a separate story to solve.  These books are great weekend or summer reads.  Rating ***** Stars

Raven Speak

Raven Speak by Diane Lee Wilson

Reading Level:  6.6
AR Points: 10

The men of the Viking clan have sailed off to find food for their starving people, with Asa Coppermane, the chieftain's strongwilled daughter, helplessly watching them go.  In the meantime, Jorgen, the clans' wise man, is eager for his power over the people to be complete.  A battle between Asa and Jorgen forces Asa to flee on her horse.  She meets Wenda, an old, on-eyed woman who speaks to her crows and seems to know everything about Asa and her clan.  Will she help Asa save her people?

I like this book more than I thought I would... I liked Asa, probably since she loved horses so much. The characters were also believeable; the strength that Asa shows is pretty amazing, but she only does what she feels she has to do... she's tough but not super-human. Rating: **** 4 Stars

Hex Hall

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Reading Level: 5.2
AR Points: 10

After a love potion horrifically backfires, Sophie Mercer is sent to Hecate Hall, a boarding school for magical students.  She soon learns that a mysterious predator is attacking students, and that Sophie's roommate and friend, the only vampire on campus, is the main suspect.

This book is better than the typical "I need to learn how to use my powers" story, although it still has a lot of the typical characters.  I guess popular, rude teenagers exist everywhere though, along with adults that don't feel kids are "mature" enough to know the truth.  I am assuming that this is the first book in a series... at the end you're left with a lot of loose ends. Rating: **** 4 Stars for magic-school loving readers

Brave Companions; Portraits in History

Brave Companions: Portraits in History by David McCullough

A compilation of 17 biographies of people that changed the shape of the nation.  They include, among others, a scientist, writer, artist, and engineer that had a far-reaching influence on our culture.

Being a history buff, I enjoyed learning more about people that I just knew as names, like Frederick Remington.  The stories were readable and entertaining, especially the essay about the pioneers of aviation.  Antoine de Saint-Exupery, who also wrote The Little Prince, especially moved me.  Not only did he love to fly, he loved humanity, and died flying during World War II.

The last section was probably the only section I didn't love... McCullough wrote about what is worth exploring in the Washington, D.C. area.  Although it was interesting, it wandered too much, so my mind wandered too.  I would have given the book 5 stars if it had ended a section earlier.  Rating: **** 4 Stars

The Ghosts of Kerfol

The Ghosts of Kerfol by Deborah Noyes

A.R. Reading Level: 6.4

Quiz Points: 6

Beginning with a story set in 17th Century France, this collection of five stories center around one haunted house.  The first story features a young wife and her abusive, older husband.  Although the master of the house kills his wife's dogs one by one, the story ends with him found dead, mysteriously mauled by dogs.  The four following, inter-connected stories also involve these dogs, and take place from 1802 to 2006.

The first story begins slowly, but if you have patience, you'll  be rewarded.  I can't say I loved this book, but I enjoyed it.  Yet, I wish the stories were better connected. I wanted to read more about the necklaces and the mysterious portraits. Instead I got sidetracked by little things, like wondering which jewelry the author was writing about... sapphires?, diamonds?... make up your mind!  Rating: **** 4 of 5

13 Things That Don't Make Sense

13 Things That Don't Make Sense
by Michael Brooks

The book explores all that experts know about science, and the tremendous amount that they still have to discover.

If you are a science geek, this book is for you.  If you are just interested in why things happen, most of the subjects will be interesting.  I actually enjoyed most of this book, but some subjects were out of my league.

The chapters about whether homeopathic medicine works and what The Placebo Effect is got my attention... even the first chapter about dark matter was almost written for "regular minds". Rating *** Stars for non-science types

Dear John

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks


Reading Level: 5.5
AR Points: 13


John, an aimless young man, decides to join the Army after high school.  While home on leave, he meets the girl of his dreams -- Savannah, a college student spending the summer building a house for the homeless.  They fall in love, but when John re-enlists after 9-11, Savannah marries someone else. 


Here's a good summer read... You can easily breeze through a Nicholas Sparks book in a day. The cover doesn't fit the book, since Savannah is a brunette, and John has some major tatoos on his arms, so don't watch the movie and expect it to be identical. 


I liked this book.  Sparks' books follow a basic formula -- someone has to die, someone "becomes a better person", someone is always nicer than real life.  This story also throws in autism and Asperger's syndrome. 


I thought Savannah was immature. We all do stupid things, but to marry a guy just because he's there & the love of her life is in the Army is pretty shallow.  Talk about messing with a guy... I can't see how that's a good example of how to be a wonderful person.  However, the fact that I even thought about it means it's an effective story. 
Rating: ***** 5 Stars

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

Reading Level: 8th Grade

AR Quiz Points: 12

Originally published in 1876, this book is based on Mark Twain's childhood experiences in Hannibal, Missouri.

I enjoyed this book, even though Tom is a typical boy...he thinks the world revolves around him. Tom spends most of his time and energy trying to get out of work. Not a big deal if you don't mind being illiterate & ignorant, until Tom and his friends witness a murder. Trying to stay out of trouble gets tougher after that...

Rating: * * * * * 5 Stars