The Scorpio Races

The Scorpio Races
By Maggie Stiefvater
Scholastic Press, 2011. 409 pgs. Young Adult

The Scorpio Races occur every November on the Island of Thisby, but it's not your average horses competing in this race. The "water horses" are terrifying, dangerous beasts, drawn to the ocean and unhesitating to lash out at their riders, usually fatally. After her parents were killed by water horses a year before, Puck enters the race with her real horse, Dove, which has never been done before. If she can win the race she and her brothers will be able to keep their home. Sean Kendrick has won the last four races but still hasn't been able to buy his beloved water horse, Corr. He works for Corr's owner in a large stable yard with many water horses, but has a special relationship with Corr that is like no other. If he can win the race this year, will he finally be able to call Corr his own and draw close the only family he has left?

Puck and Sean's stories wind together in this beautiful novel as they come to know and train with each other. They understand how important it is for each of them to win, but there can still only be one winner. Themes of family, freedom, and coming of age are explored in this book, coupled with a dark but beautiful setting and characters to match. While this is a lovely book, it was a little slow for the first half which could have used a bit more action. One other stumbling block is that there's no clear time period or location for this story. I'll make it easy for you and we'll just say it's the early 1930s, and Thisby is an island off the coast of Wales. I still enjoyed this beautiful story and would recommend it to fans of young adult fiction, fantasy, and especially people who enjoy stories about horses.

BHG

Everybody Sees the Ants

Everybody Sees the Ants
By A.S. King
Little, Brown, 2011. 282 pgs. Young Adult

Fifteen-year-old Lucky Linderman has been bullied by Nader McMillan for pretty much his entire life, and several of his teachers are convinced that he's suicidal. To make matters worse, his father (who Lucky calls a turtle) just wants to ignore it and is emotionally crippled by the fact that his father, a Vietnam POW, never made it back from the war. Lucky escapes his life through dreams of his grandfather, still stuck in Vietnam, and different ways that he tries to rescue him, which he sees as his life's mission. When Nader bullies Lucky yet again, Lucky's mother, who normally agrees with his father in an attempt to keep the peace, finally reaches a breaking point; she drags Lucky across the country to visit his aunt and uncle for a few weeks. While there, Lucky faces up to his life in a way that he never has before.

I really liked this book's messages about bullying, suicide, and taking control of one's life. I didn't particularly care for the symbolism of the ants, though, and Lucky's dreams about his grandfather were a little weird to me; I guess I couldn't suspend disbelief enough to really enjoy that part of the story. There's some language, violence, and sexuality that will make this book too intense for some readers, and yet, I feel like it was realistic to the story that was portrayed. I recommend this one to readers who like an underdog and are looking for something thought-provoking.

AE

The Future of Us

The Future of Us
By Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler
Razorbill, 2011. 356 pgs. Young Adult

It's 1996, and Emma Nelson has just gotten the internet. Her former best friend Josh gives her an AOL CD, which she installs, but when she logs on, she finds a weird site called Facebook. She can see herself in the future--and she doesn't really like what she sees. Josh, on the other hand, has a future that looks pretty ideal. Emma tries to find ways to change her future, while Josh tries to keep his the same.

The idea of being able to see snippets of yourself in fifteen years and then either trying to change or keep what you see makes this book a great discussion piece. I didn't particularly like Emma, but Josh was a good character, and that was enough to keep me going with the book.

AE

The Plain Janes

The Plain Janes
By Cecil Castellucci and Jim Rugg
Minx, 2007. 176 pgs. Young Adult Comics

When transfer student Jane is forced to move from the big city to suburbia, she thinks that her life is over until she meets three other girls named Jane who decide to form a secret art gang and turn the town and high school upside down.

When the Jane’s begin the P.L.A.I.N. club—People Loving Art In Neighborhoods they not only form friendships, but they help their community appreciate art. This club also helps our main character Jane heal from the traumatizing event that caused her family to move to the suburbs. I thought this was a pretty good graphic novel. I’ve been meaning to read this for a few years and am glad it finally made it to the top of my reading list.

AMM

XVI

XVI
By Julia Karr
Speak, 2011. 325 pgs. Young Adult

In a future world, girls become sexually available at sixteen--they even have to get a mandatory tattoo, announcing their age to the world. They become free game, essentially, with little protection from any man who might want them. The governing force and the media give girls tips and tricks and hammer them with images and more that encourage them to amp up their sexuality, and most girls can't wait until they become a sex-teen. Nina, however, dreads turning sixteen and doesn't want to have sex. Already stressed out about her approaching sixteenth birthday, Nina's life gets a whole lot more complicated when her mother is murdered, she finds out that her long-dead father might actually still be alive, and she meets a guy who makes her question everything she thought she knew and wanted.

I thought this book was flawed but still good. I felt like the explanation for why their world is the way it is wasn't very well developed--I never fully got why anyone would think branding sixteen-year-old girls was a good thing for their society and some of the details (such as miners on Mars) just seemed like they were thrown into the story, rather than actually adding much to it. I can understand the bombardment of sexuality in media, but I don't think the author developed why no one seems bothered by it enough as she should have to really establish the setting and ground readers in the world. I also felt like the writing (especially Nina's thoughts) tended to be overwritten--it didn't feel natural. Even if Nina is different and in some ways, more mature than her peers, her voice just didn't feel authentic and in some places had me rolling my eyes. However, the pacing was good and even as I was aware of the flaws in the book, I couldn't help but keep reading; I definitely wanted to see where this book was going. The ending was rushed, and I can't go so far as to say it's a great book, but I do want to continue with the series and see how things play out for Nina. Overall, I thought it was flawed but still really gripping.


AE

Claire DeWitt and the City of the Dead

Claire DeWitt and the City of the Dead
by Sara Gran
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2011. 273 pgs. Mystery

A disciple of the French detective Jacques Silette, and a student of his student, Constance Darling, Claire DeWitt is the self-styled best detective in the world. And she needs to be when she takes on the case of Vic Willing, a district attorney who went missing during Hurricane Katrina, though his house wasn't in a flood zone. DeWitt has unorthodox ways of detecting--many gleaned from Silette's Detection. She drinks, does drugs, dreams dreams, and rings changes on the I Ching. She believes that the only true detectives don't choose their lives, but are chosen to detect. Along with all this truly entertaining mysticism, Sara Gran has her detective always moving through a surely true-to-life post-Katrina New Orleans where most everyone, especially the young people, are resilient, intelligent, and doomed. Neither Claire DeWitt nor this book about her exploits will slot easily into any place one might normally file detective fiction, but it is compelling reading in the best sense of the word.

LW

Farm City: the Eduation of an Urban Farmer

Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer
By Novella Carpenter
Penguin Publishing, 2010, 288 pgs, Nonfiction

An entertaining tale of one woman's quest to turn an abandoned lot in downtown Oakland into a mini farm. Starting with bees, Novella worked her way up to chickens, ducks, rabbits and finally pigs. At times hilarious, readers will enjoy learning about her frustrations as she attempts to feed and care for the increasingly huge and unwieldy animals. In addition to those frustrations she must also deal with the homeless, drug dealers, and skeptical neighbors. A fun book, although be aware, she doesn't shy away from describing the process of slaughtering the animals for consumption.

DEF

The Things We Cherished

The Things We Cherished
by Pam Jenoff
Doubleday, 2011. 304 pgs. Fiction

This novel tells the story of Charlotte Gold and Jack Harrington, two fiercely independent attorneys who find themselves slowly falling for one another while working to defend the brother of a Holocaust hero against allegations of World War II–era war crimes. Their discovery that an antique clock holds the key to solving the mysteries of the past leads them on a search through several countries in order to find it and understand what secrets Roger Dykmans has been keeping.

This book was a great read; the plot is a nice mix of romance and mystery and really keeps you reading until the end. The chapters switch back and forth between the past and the present, and that can get confusing at times. I also thought the backstory was more interesting and better-written than the contemporary parts of the book, but this is still a great book if you like historical fiction (especially with a little romance and mystery mixed in).

JC

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (and other concerns)
By Mindy Kaling
Crown Archetype, 2011. 222 pgs. Nonfiction

Mindy Kaling is an Emmy-nominated writer as well as the actress famous for playing the quirky Kelly Kapoor on The Office. She is a keen and witty observer of life, romance, and pop culture, and in Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, Mindy shares moments of her life interspersed with observations, fears, and opinions about a wide-ranging list of topics. From her favorite types of guys to life in the "The Office" writers' room, her book is full of personal stories and laugh-out-loud philosophies.

I can't tell you how happy this book made me simply from Mindy's amiable and honest writing. I did laugh out loud. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Mindy herself, and her let's-dish-the-dirt voice made this feel more like hanging out with a friend than listening to a book by an acclaimed writer. I think this would appeal to a wide range of people, especially people who enjoy watching The Office, and even though this may seem like a chick read, I think guys would not only find it amusing but would also glean some useful info from it (specifically, her comparison of "Men vs. Boys"). Basically, anyone who could use a laugh will enjoy this.

BHG

Son of Neptune

Son of Neptune
By Rick Riordan
Disney/Hyperion Books, 2011. 521 pgs. Young Adult

After several months of enchanted sleep, Percy Jackson--who has only vague recollections of his previous life experiences--winds up at Camp Jupiter, the camp for the half-human children of the Roman gods. Given that Percy is descended from a Greek god, he isn't fully welcome in camp. However, he and two of the other least popular demigods, Frank and Hazel, find themselves with only days to complete a quest that will require them to defeat giants, free death, and keep their camp from being destroyed. At the same time, Percy has to figure out who he is, Frank has to uncover some family secrets and figure out where his strengths lie, and Hazel has to face up to a bad decision in her past and figure out how to fit in in a world where she doesn't belong.

I highly enjoyed this book. It's adventurous and funny and has a great pace. It was nice to back with Percy, and Hazel and Frank are good additions to the series. I can't wait for the next installment.

I listened to part of the book and read part of it, and I definitely recommend the print version more than the audio version. The narrator did all right for Percy, but for Hazel, he wasn't consistent with her accent, and he made Frank sound like a dope. So, if you can, go for a print copy and pass on the audio.

AE

The Alloy of Law

The Allow of Law
By Brandon Sanderson
Tor Books, 2011. 332 pgs. Fantasy

Three hundred years after the events of the Mistborn trilogy, Scadrial is now on the verge of modernity, with railroads, electric lighting, and the first steel-framed skyscrapers racing for the clouds. Yet even as science and technology are reaching new heights, the old magics of Allomancy and Feruchemy continue to play a role in this reborn world. After twenty years in the Roughs, Waxillium Ladrian has been forced by family tragedy to return to the metropolis of Elendel. Now he must reluctantly put away his guns and assume the duties and dignity incumbent upon the head of a noble house. Or so he thinks, until he's paid a visit from his old partner, Wayne, who is in Elendel investigating a gang of thieves known as the Vanishers who have been stealing from railcars and kidnapping ladies. Despite Wax's misgivings, they decide they are honor-bound to uncover the perpetrators and save the victims.

This was a great read with interesting characters and an exciting plotline. If you read the Mistborn series and like it, you don't want to miss this. If you didn't read the Mistborn series, you can still read this if it interests you and Sanderson provides enough background for you to understand what's going on and how things work. But having read the Mistborn series, I really enjoyed the little breadcrumbs he leaves throughout the book of references to the original characters. This book is left a little bit open-ended, resolving the immediate problems of the book and yet leaving larger problems unexplored, so I'm guessing there will definitely be more from Wax and Wayne (duh, I just got that) in the future. By the way, Wayne may be my new favorite male character from a book. I would have a crush on him if he wasn't such a miscreant.

BHG

Good Tidings of Great Joy

Good Tidings of Great Joy
By Eric D. Hunstman
Deseret Book, 2011. 166 pgs. Nonfiction

Huntsman takes a look at the biblical Christmas story as well as offering ideas for making Christmas meaningful. He compares the accounts in Matthew and Luke, looking at the Hebrew and Greek roots of the words to add insights into their accounts. He also looks at Book of Mormon prophecies of Christ and includes sidebars about Christmas carols.

This book is loaded with illustrations and information. I will say that having quite so many sidebars got distracting for me, but overall, I think most readers will find something they enjoy in this book.

AE

I Love Him to Pieces

I Love Him to Pieces
By Evonne Tsang
Graphic Universe, 2011. 123 pgs. Graphic Novel

When jock Dicey and nerd Jack get paired up for a science project, mutual attraction flares. However, when they go out on their first date, they find themselves in the middle of a zombie outbreak, and they have to figure out how to survive.

This graphic novel is a quick read, and it's a lot of fun. Dicey is a funny, strong female character, while Jack is sweet and dorky and totally loveable. It was fun to watch their developing romance. This is the first book in a series, and I would definitely read the next installment.

AE

Akata Witch

Akata Witch
By Nnedi Okorafor
Viking, 2011. 349 pgs. Young Adult

Sunny is an albino American-born young woman of Nigerian parents and has been living in Nigeria for the last three years. When Sunny’s friends turn on her at school, one young man assists her and introduces her to a friend of his outside of school and they soon reveal to Sunny that they both possess magical abilities. What’s more, they suspect that Sunny has magical abilities as well. While this is shocking news, it begins to make sense to Sunny who has never felt like she belonged. Sunny begins training with her new friends; as they train, they learn that they will be called upon to defeat a man who is kidnapping and dismembering young children in the area.

This work of fantasy is refreshing in many ways, from the more exotic locale and richly described world of magic. Sunny feels real in her struggles to fit in at home and with her new friends and world. I was looking for something new and different and this met my high expectations.

MN

Ghosts in the Fog

Ghosts in the Fog
By Samantha Seiple
Scholastic, 2011. 221 pgs. Young Adult Nonfiction

After the Japanese army invaded Aleutian Islands in Alaska in 1942, the U.S. Army tried to convince the American public that the invasion hadn't happened. At the same time, they began evacuating the islands, sending the native inhabitants to refugee camps where they lived in miserable conditions, and planned their counterattack to regain the territory.

This book was interesting--the invasion of Alaska during WWII isn't something I remember learning about in my history classes--but it was almost too brief. It was a surface-level treatment that left me wondering about a lot of things. I think the author tried to bring in too many people to the story--there are little snippets about a variety of people, but then the brevity of the book made following up on their stories hard. It's a good introduction to the topic, but most readers will want more information than this book provides (which could be a good thing, if they go on to find other materials to supplement it).

AE

The Panic Virus

The Panic Virus: A True Story of Medicine, Science, and Fear
by Seth Mnookin
Simon & Schuster, 2011. 429 pgs. Nonfiction

This book gives a history of vaccination, an overview of public concerns about vaccination, and descriptions of the people and groups that try to link vaccination and autism. He draws on interviews with parents, public-health advocates, scientists, and anti-vaccine activists to tackle a fundamental question: How do we decide what the truth is?

This is a book that I highly recommend to anyone who wants to know more about public health, vaccinations, or even the psychology behind why people think the way they do. The writing is clear and easy to understand, and the author has obviously thoroughly researched his subject in a comprehensive way. I also liked that he does not just cover the history of this most recent public-health controversy, but he also explores things like the problems with news coverage of scientific studies, how we understand and evaluate information, and what influences the choices we make.

JC

This Beautiful Life

This Beautiful Life
by Helen Schulman
Harper, 2011. 222 pgs. Fiction

The Bergamots have a comfortable life in New York City, until one day their fifteen-year-old son Jake receives an email from an eighth-grade admirer with a sexually explicit video she has made for him. Unsure of what to do, he forwards the video to a friend, who then forwards it to another friend. Within hours, it’s gone viral, all over the school, the city, the world. The ensuing scandal threatens to shatter the Bergamots’ sense of security and identity, and, ultimately, their happiness.

This book has an interesting premise and the writing is very good. However, the book left me feeling frustrated and I felt that the ending was weak in comparison to the rest of the book. The book is about the ways in which people miscommunicate with each other and let each other down, and it can be hard to read about people making stupid choices and not doing anything to correct their mistakes.

JC

The Full Burn

The Full Burn: On the Set, at the Bar, Behind the Wheel, and Over the Edge with Hollywood Stuntmen
By Kevin Conley
Bloomsbury, 2008. 214 pgs. Nonfiction

Conley interviews stuntmen from times past to present about the skills it takes to put your life on the line for a stunt. The men and women of the trade are just as rough living off screen as they are on as they build their resume of tricks. This book is filled with humor and moments of sadness as they open up about a world that is generally unknown.

An interesting read about what happens behind the scenes of film, not quite a history of the profession, more of the culture of the people in the job.

KK

Liar's Moon

Liar's Moon
By Elizabeth C. Bunce
Arthur A. Levine Books, 2011. 356 pgs. Young Adult

Digger has returned to her home city of Gerse and find that Durrel Decath, the young noble who was one of her rescuers when she was fleeing the city before, is in prison, accused of murdering his wife. As Digger investigates what really happened, she finds out that there's much more doing on than she realized, including the smuggling and extortion of magical people. Proving that Durrel didn't kill his wife proves harder than she thought--as does denying her growing feelings for him.

A lot of times, the second book in a series is boring or slow; I think Bunce did a good job avoiding that. This book moved pretty well, with action, adventure, and a dash of romance. Fans of Starcrossed will appreciate that. At the same time, they might find themselves disappointed by the fact that most of the characters from the first book don't make an appearance in the second. And for those who hoped Digger's love life might involve a certain rebel prince, they'll be disappointed to see the romance heading a different direction. Overall, though, a lot of fun, and the cliffhanger ending will leave readers hoping Bunce and her publishers put out the third book really quickly.

AE

The Kid Who Climbed Everest

The Kid Who Climbed Everest
By Bear Grylls
Lyons Press, 2000, 283 pgs. Biography

Bear Grylls is the host of T.V.'s Man Vs. Wild and in this biography he tells of his effort to climb Everest. In 1996 he was a Special Forces soldier parachuting over the African Desert but when his parachute did not open, he broke his back. During the long grueling months of bed rest and therapy he decided to pursue his childhood dream of climbing Mt. Everest. He was only 23-years-old in 1998 when he made this attempt and he candidly shares his struggles and doubts during the long months spent on the mountain.

I have not read any books about Everest before so I learned a lot about the difficulty and struggles these dedicated climbers face. Bear Grylls has a very easy writing style but there are some major editing mistakes. There is some swearing and a lot of talk about going to the bathroom, but I guess that would be a critical part of living on a mountain for three months.

AL

The Name of the Star

The Name of the Star
By Maureen Johnson
G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2011. 372 pgs. Young Adult

Rory decides to spend her senior year at a boarding school in London while her parents spend their sabbatical in England. Feeling uncertain being in a new culture and school is bad enough, but soon a Jack the Ripper copycat starts killing people and Rory and her schoolmates find themselves on lockdown. When Rory sees the same man twice near the scene of two crimes, she realizes that the friends with her cannot see him. Sensing something is amiss and that one of her roommates might know the truth, Rory follows her roommate and discovers a startling truth. Armed with this new knowledge, Rory works with a few others to stop the copycat Jack the Ripper.

This didn’t work for me as well as I had hoped. The writing was flat, certainly not “gorgeous” as a blurb claims it to be. The mystery is somewhat interesting and Rory has the potential to be a great character, but it didn’t come together in this.

MN

Around the World in 80 Dinners

Around the World in 80 Dinners: The Ultimate Culinary Adventure
By Cheryl & Bill Jamison
William Morrow, 2008. 258 pgs. Nonfiction

Culinary experts and former travel guide writers Cheryl and Bill Jamison realize a few years before their twentieth wedding anniversary that they have a significant number of frequent flier miles. Deciding they can accumulate more miles for a second honeymoon, the couple plans to visit mostly countries in the Southern hemisphere for three months, concentrating on places where they would love to sample the local, authentic cuisine. Barring a few last minute rearrangements with an airline representative, Cheryl and Bill set out on their culinary adventure, experiencing lots of great-sounding food, history, and a few rogue animals along the way. I think I would have enjoyed this more if I was a foodie and knew what a lot of the food items they discuss are. The history they write about and the travel tips they provide are worth knowing, but this is best read by those who truly love and appreciate new food.

MN

Hero

Hero
By Mike Lupica
Philomel Books, 2010. 289 pgs. Young Adult

Zach Harriman's father was the President's globe-trotting troubleshooter until "the Bads" killed him, and now Zach is starting to feel changes, sharpening of his senses, incredible strength and speed, as though he can text-message himself across miles. Zach begins to learn that his father was no ordinary man - he was a superhero, battling the world's evil. This is a battle that has been waged for generations and that knows no boundaries, and now it's Zach's turn to take on the fight. It's Zach's turn to become a hero.

This is a fun adventure that I think will especially appeal to teenage boys. It's an easy read and Zach is a fun character who has been through a lot but is learning to find his place in the world.

BHG

Thanksgiving: The True Story

Thanksgiving: The True Story
By Penny Colman
Henry Holt, 2008. 149 pgs. Young Adult Nonfiction

Although most Americans have probably learned that the "first" Thanksgiving, and the beginning of our current Thanksgiving traditions, was the story of Pilgrims and Squanto, Colman shows that there are at least twelve different claims of the first Thanksgiving. She briefly addresses some of them and shows how long-standing traditions of harvest festivals and general thanksgiving days, as well as the push of activist Sarah Hale all contributed to our holiday and how U.S. Presidents, including George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, declared national days of thanksgiving, but it wasn't until an act of Congress in the 1940s that Thanksgiving became a national holiday. The second half of the book focuses on Thanksgiving traditions.

I liked the first half of the book better than the second, but overall, it was interesting and informative--and not too long, for those readers who only have time for a short history at this busy time of year.

AE

The Central Park Five

The Central Park Five: A Chronicle of a City Wilding
by Sarah Burns
Alfred A. Knopf, 2011. 240 pgs. Nonfiction

On April 20, 1989, an injured woman is discovered in Central Park; she has been so badly hurt that she will spend the next five weeks in a coma. Within days, five black and Latino teenagers confess to her rape and beating. In a city where urban crime is at a high and violence is frequent, the ensuing media frenzy and hysterical public reaction is extraordinary. The young men are tried as adults and convicted of rape, despite the fact that the teens quickly recant their inconsistent and inaccurate confessions and that no DNA tests or eyewitness accounts tie any of them to the victim. They serve their complete sentences before another man, serial rapist Matias Reyes, confesses to the crime and is connected to it by DNA testing.

This book focuses on the five boys at the center of the case and the reasons why the justice system failed them. It did occasionally feel a bit superficial (the book is fairly short) and it does not cover all aspects of the crime or its victim. However, I did feel that it still provided important insights, not only into the police procedures but also into the culture of New York City at the time the crime occurred. I also felt like I could finally understand why someone might confess to a crime they didn’t commit, and why the attack still plays such a big role in American culture even though what most people think they know about it is wrong.

JC

Hourglass

Hourglass
By Myra McEntire
Egmont, 2011. 390 pgs. Young Adult

For several years, Emerson Cole has seen ghosts from the past, and she can't figure out how to make it stop. When Michael Weaver arrives from an organization called Hourglass, Em is eager to find out that she isn't alone in the world--other people have strange abilities as well--and impressed by Michael's dashing good looks. But it turns out that Michael isn't only there to help her; he also needs her help to travel back in time to prevent the death of a man who never should have died--and he insists that their task leaves them no room for romance. Em has to not only prevent the plans of a murder but also convince Michael that their connection is one worth bending a few rules for.

This book has some minor flaws that will be easily overlooked by most readers, who will be drawn in by Em's feistiness, a quick-moving plot, and the romance. The ending was a bit rushed, but it's good enough to tide readers over until the next book in the series. This is a good sci-fi pick for readers who don't really like sci-fi, since you can just kind of gloss over the time travel details (which aren't too heavily described) and enjoy the rest of the plot. There's a little bit of language, but overall it's pretty clean.

AE

Modoc: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived

Modoc: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived
By Ralph Helfer
HarperCollins, 1997. 325 pgs. Nonfiction

Modoc is the joint biography of a man and an elephant born in a small German circus town on the same day in 1896. Bram was the son of an elephant trainer, Modoc the daughter of his prize performer. The boy and animal grew up devoted to each other.

When the Wunderzircus was sold to an American, with no provision to take along the human staff, Bram stowed away on the ship to prevent being separated from his beloved Modoc. A shipwreck off the Indian coast and a sojourn with a maharajah were only the beginning of the pair's incredible adventures.

They battled bandits, armed revolutionaries, cruel animal trainers, and greedy circus owners in their quest to stay together. They triumphed against the odds and thrilled American circus audiences with Modoc's dazzling solo performances, only to be torn apart with brutal suddenness, seemingly never to meet again.

Hollywood animal trainer Ralph Helfer rescued Modoc from ill-treatment and learned her astonishing story when Bram rediscovered her at Helfer's company. His emotional retelling of this true-life adventure epic will make pulses race and bring tears to readers' eyes.

This was an incredible story of friendship, love, loss, and devotion. Modoc was such a smart elephant and Bram her perfect human companion. I would recommend this book to animal lovers and anyone looking for an uplifting story. This nonfiction book reads just as easy as a novel and you won’t be able to put it down!

AMM

Kitchen Confidential

Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly
by Anthony Bourdain
HarperCollins, 2000, pgs. 312. Non-fiction

This is a fun book for any foodie or anyone who enjoys watching food shows on Food Network. Bourdain breezily tells the story of his colorful path from food prep acolyte to celebrity chef. The various accounts of his experiences in the kitchens he has worked in are heavily spiced with salty language, so this book may not be for everyone. However, if you are in any way familiar with his television programs, this should come as no surprise. This was a fun read and recommended for those who love a light if spicy (language again) read by and/or about celebrities.

Crossed

Crossed
By Ally Condie
Dutton Books, 2011. 384 pgs. Young Adult Fiction

At the end of Matched, Cassia’s world completely crumbled. Her family and Ky have all been sent away from the safe community she has always known. Now in search of Ky, Cassia has found her way to the Outer Provinces. After discovering a lead, Cassia along with another girl, Indie, escapes from the Society to follow Ky into the wilderness. There Cassia learns about the possibilities of a different life. But all is not in her control as she begins to question much of what she holds dear.

I was uncertain what to expect from this book because so many sequels can be disappointing especially if you really enjoyed the first book. I am happy to report that fans will be very satisfied with this highly anticipated follow up to Matched. I especially enjoyed Cassia’s growth and development.

AJ