First Boy

First Boy by Gary D. Schmidt

Read by Jesse Berns; An Unbridged Production
 
Summary: After the death of his grandfather, his only guardian, Cooper has all responsibility thrust on him. With no one to help him Cooper must run the dairy farm. Soon a politician comes into town and ask Cooper to be part of his campaign. Cooper has his responsibility at the farm, but the politician seems bound and determined to have Cooper on his campaign, but why?

Personal Review: This was my first time listening to an audio book. I am not going to lie I had a hard time staying focused. I really thought the story was good, and the plot was interesting. I just wish the narrator would have had a more exciting voice.

WARNING: If you have ADD stay away. Boring voice might put you to sleep. 

Bound

Bound by Donna Jo Napoli
Published by Simon Pulse

Summary: Bound is the retelling of the Cinderella story, only in China. Xing Xing's father has died and she must put up with her stepmother and her daughter. She is always talked down to and treated like dirt. Her only happiness is the white carp, that Xing Xing thinks is her mother. When the stepmother kills the carp, Xing Xing recovers the bones and hides them. She then discovers a gown and slippers from her mother. Will Xing Xing find her prince?

Personal Review: This book was so good. I loved this story better than the original Cinderella story. The setting in the China, the binding of the feet, the prince...I loved it all! This book comes highly recommended from me. Read it!

WARNING: Foot binding, evil stepmother

Inexcusable

Inexcusable by Chris Lynch

Published by Ginee Seo Books

Summary: Keir is a highschooler that thinks he is a good guy. Everyone thinks he is the good guy, but is he? Did he really do what Gigi said he did? There is no way he would have done such a thing. Keir goes through his whole senior year, coming up with evidence in his defense of being a good guy. Is Keir really who he thinks he is, or do his actions speak louder than words?

Personal Review: I really enjoyed this book. At first I was too sure about it, but once it got going I could not put it down. I thought the writing was brilliant. I really got into this book.

WARNING: Rape, Language, Drinking and Partying

Love Changes Everything

Love Changes Everything Arlynn Presser
Published by Bantam Books

Summary: Gigi has always dreamed of having Jack Chandler in her life. Ethan has always wanted Gigi, secretly. Gigi is bound and determined to be with Jack. Once they are together it isn't quite like she thought it would be. Gigi must try and deal with the conflicting ideas of love and lust. She has to do some soul searching to find out what she really wants, and what will really make her happy.

Personal Review: This book was interesting. It is the typical story of a girl who falls for the bad guy when there is the good guy right there in front of her. This book was pretty predictable, but it provided me with some laughter.

WARNING: Mushy mushy love story.

Princess Diaries

Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
Published by Harper Trophy

Summary: Mia Thermopolis is just an ordinary teen living an ordinary life. She has a huge crush on the hottest guy in school, and she is just trying to pass Algebra. Suddenly her father comes and reveals to her that he isn't just a politician but a prince of a small country, Genovia. Now Mia has to take lessons from her crazy grandma, "Grandmere" on how to be a princess.

Personal Review: I personally loved this book. It was pretty funny. Mia is so comical, and reminds me of myself sometimes. Although this book is really fluffy and girly, it kept me entertained the whole time. I would highly recommend this to all.

WARNING: Mild language, sexual humor

Cherry Ames: Army Nurse

Cherry Ames: Army Nurse by Helen Wells
Published by Springer Publishing Company

 Summary: Cherry Ames is at is again! She is just graduating and now she has a big decision to make. Should she stay home and practice her nursing, or should she enlist in the military. After analyzing every option Cherry enlists in the army without knowing where she will be sent. After some very intense training Cherry is shipped off to Panama City, where many new and wonderful adventures await her!

Personal Review: I am not going to lie, I had a hard time staying focused on this book. It was very humorous, and I know it was not intended to be. It was interesting to read and it made me be more appreciative of the talent writers have today. I would not recommend this book to people with ADD.

WARNING: Exclamation marks!!!!!!!!!!!

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Published by Scholastic Press

Summary: In a place called Panem there are twelve districts. In each of these districts one boy and one girl are chosen to participate in the "Hunger Games." In the games each tribute must fight one another to the death, the last tribute standing wins fame and food. After taking the place of her sister, Katniss becomes one of those tributes. Also from her district is Peeta, the boy who saved her life. A rule change comes into effect and if gives Katniss and Peeta the opportunity to win together, but first they have to survive the games and the others that are after their lives.

Personal Review: My new favorite book!!! Need I say more? This book kept me on the edge of my bed the whole night. I could not put it down. I even cried in this book. The whole night I dreamt of fighting for my life. This book is really intense and everyone should have to read this!

WARNING: Killing, Violence, Graphic images in a mind like mine.

Artemis Fowl

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Published by Disney-Hyperion

Summary: At age twelve, Artemis is a criminal mastermind. Artemis and his two accomplices in crime deceive a plan to steal the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. They plan to steal one of the fairies and hold her ransom for the pot of gold. Little does he know that the other fairies, dwarfs, and trolls are not going to give up without a fight.

Personal Review: I really enjoyed this book. It had be laughing the whole time. I really loved all of the characters. I especially liked the Butler. I thought this story should be read by everyone. It is a quick read, and full of adventure and fun.

Warning: You might start devising evil plots of your own.

Godless

Godless by Pete Hautman
Published by Simon Pulse

Summary: Jason Bock decides that his parents religion is a bunch of bogus and that he doesn't believe in it. Searching for something to believe in Jason turns to the town water tower and makes it his new god. Jason starts gathering some worshippers and they start their own church. The new god starts out as just something to believe in, but with the new followers and new ideas things start to change. The harmless water tower god, begins to be a dangerous game.

Personal Review: I really enjoyed reading this book. I could really relate to these kids. I could even imagine me coming up with some new religion. (Don't worry I'm not going to.) I thought it was interesting the whole theme of faith in the book. It really made me think about my faith and where it is. I would recommend this book to everyone.

WARNING: Dangerous stunts, and you might question your own faith.

Touching Spirit Bear

Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen
Published by Harper Trophy

Summary: Cole is a teen with some serious anger problems.After he gets tattled on for a robbery, Cole beats up the kid that told, Peter. He gets the option of going to prison or the Native American Circle Justice. Not wanting to go to prison, Cole chooses the Native American Circle Justice. Cole finds out that he will be spending a year in isolation on an island in Alaska. Cole is determined to show up all those that "don't care" about him. A few days into his stay he is attacked by a bear and almost dies. The near death experience gives Cole the desire to live and to change his life.

Personal Review: I thought this book was very good. I was so mad at this kid and I just wanted him to get what he deserved. I found that after he got attacked by the bear I kind of felt sorry for him. As I watched him make a total change of heart I was so happy. I thought this was an excellent book. I would highly recommend this book! I especially think that young adult boys would find interest in this book.

WARNING: Violence

Bird

Bird by Angela Johnson

Published by Puffin

Summary: This is the story of three young teens; Bird, Jay and Ethan. Bird starts out leaving her home in search of her dad. Someone her life gets tangled up with Jay and Ethan. Jay and Ethan are also connected in a weird way. It is the story of their journey to come to turns with the ghosts in their lives.

Personal Review: This book had the most beautiful language! I loved reading it. It felt like one huge poem. I loved how all the characters lives were interwoven in such interesting ways. I really liked how I was able to journey with the characters as they were able to learn from each other and to grow on their own.

WARNING: You might fall into the story, with no way out!

War Is...

War Is… by Marc Aronson and Patty Campbell

 Published by Candlewick

Summary: This is a compilation of essays, newspapers, plays, and interviews of soldiers and their opinions on war. It ranges from people who are totally against war, to those men and women who plead for our support and prayers. There are also warnings to those who want to join up.

Personal Review: I really enjoyed reading this book. At first it was hard to get into, but once I got going I really liked it. I liked how there were different views of war. It really touched me the letters from the troops and their feelings towards war and what goes on. It was also interesting to read about the lives of women in war.

WARNING: Cussing. War scenes. Violence.

The Lightning Thief

The Lightning Thief by Rick

Published by Miramax

Summary: Percy Jackson is a boy with ADD and dyslexia, and is always getting in trouble in school. He finds out that he is a demigod, son of Poseidon. He must go on a journey to find Zeus’s lightning bolt that has been stolen. He faces many monsters and troubles. The story is Percy’s journey to try and find who he is while trying to please his God father.

Personal Review: Being as I love Greek mythology I had to read this book. I was not disappointed! I loved the book. I cannot wait to read the rest of the books. I love that Rick Riordan took a boy with ADD and dyslexia and turned him into a hero. I would recommend this to young adults and adults!

WARNING: Violence. Addicting book!

Disreputable History of Frankie-Landau Banks

Disreputable History of Frankie-Landau Banks by E. Lockhart

Published by Hyperion Book

Summary: Frankie is the main character in this story. She is sent to this school, the same school her father went to. She grew up on his stories of the school and his secret club. She is very interested in this club. She starts dating a member of the club and she starts picking up hints about the club. Since it is a boy’s only club she isn’t allowed into it and be a part of the secret society. The story is about Frankie and her trying to live up to her father’s expectations while trying to find the secrets of the society.

Personal Review: This is another one of my favorite books. I really enjoyed this book. Frankie is one of my all time heroes. I love how she takes charge of her own destiny and does what she wants and breaks all barriers. It is also very funny, and I laughed throughout the whole book.

WARNING: Sensuality. Partying.

Keturah and Lord Death

Keturah and Lord Death by Martine Leavitt

Published by Front Street

Summary: Keturah gets lost in the forest and comes face to face with Death. She makes a deal with death that if she can find her true love by the next day he will let her live. She goes on a journey to find her true love and if she doesn’t she will have to marry Death. It is a story of love, journey, inspiration and Death.

Personal Review: This is one of my very favorite books! I love it! Obviously I would recommend it to everyone. It is a quick read, and the ending will totally take you by surprise. I don’t cry in a lot of books and I cried like a baby at the end of this book. I really enjoyed this book, every single page!

WARNING: You might fall in love with Death.

Along for the Ride

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

Published by Viking Juvenile 

Summary: This is a story about a young girl that is confused after her parents divorce. She decides to go visit her dad and her stepmother at their beach house with their new baby. She ends up taking a job from her stepmother, and there she learns more about herself. Having not been able to sleep since she was young her nightlife becomes a journey with her new friend Eli. Will she change during or the summer or stay the same boring person she was when she came to the town.

Personal Review: I really liked this book.  I liked how she grew and changed throughout the book. I really liked how I was able to be drawn into the story and follow her on her journey to becoming a better person. I would recommend this story to every young adult.

WARNING: Sensuality. Minor cussing. Partying.

La Linea

La Linea by Anna Jarmillo

Published by Square Fish

Summary: This book is about two Mexican teens that are trying to cross the border into America. It takes you through their lives and the hardships that they have to face to make it to the country where their parents are. They are also going because they see their dreams across the border. Will they be able to make it across the border?

Personal Review: I really liked this book. At first it was hard for me to get into, but once I did I was hooked. It gave me a totally new perspective on their life and what they go through to get here. It really made me think. I loved this book and I think everyone should read it.

WARNING: Dead people. People run over by trains.

Splendor

Splendor by Anna Godbersen

Harper Books

**Spoiler Alert**

Summary: This is the last book in the Luxe  series. It is still written from the five main character’s perspectives. By this time Elizabeth is married and about to have a baby. She is finds out new things about her first husband. Diana and Henry unite in Cuba, but are sent home and have to figure out to try and be together. Penelope’s eye is now set on a prince. Carolina is in love with Leland and awaits a proposal. How will the story end?

Personal Review: I loved this book!!! I was so happy to see how it finally all worked out. I was a bit sad to have to leave these characters. This is one of my favorite series. It was way entertaining and it kept me guessing the whole time. I was totally surprised by the ending, but I loved it!

WARNING: More scandalous affairs. Smoking and drinking. Tons of drama.

Rumors

Rumors by Anna Godberson 

Harper Books

 

**Spoiler Alert**

Summary: The drama continues in the sequel to The Luxe. The story still transitions between the five different perspectives. Elizabeth dies leaving Penelope to try and catch Henry. Diana is still trying to get Henry and try to uphold the family name. Henry is trying to find a way to be with Diana, while avoiding Penelope’s advances. Lina is finding that money can bring happiness.

Personal Review: I really love this book. As the sequel it answered questions from the last book and posed new questions that kept me waiting in anticipation for the third book. Again the writing takes you to another place and time. The drama is intense and it keeps you drawn in. I would recommend this book to everyone!!

WARNING: More drama. More scandalous affairs. Occasional smoking and drinking.

The Luxe

The Luxe by Anna Godberson

Published by Harper Books

Summary: The book is set in New York 1900’s. It is full of long, elaborate, fancy dresses. In a time when beautiful women, handsome men, huge houses, balls and gossip reigned supreme. The story is told from five different perspectives; Elizabeth, Diana, Carolina, Penelope and Henry. All of their stories are intertwined in a huge mess. In this, the first book, the mess is just beginning. Carolina is a maid to Elizabeth and is fired by her. Elizabeth gets engaged to Henry, who is Penelope’s man. Penelope is the supposed best friend of Elizabeth. Diana is Elizabeth’s sister who is secretly in love with Henry.

Personal Review: This book is full of drama! It will keep you guessing until the very end. I personally loved this book. I could not put it down and it kept me wanting more. The writing is so beautiful and descriptive. I felt like I myself was taken away into a different world. I really enjoyed this book. The drama is around every corner, while not being too overhearing. I would highly recommend this book to everyone.

WARNING: A lot of drama. Scandalous affairs. Occasional smoking and drinking.