Obernewtyn

Obernewtyn
By Isobelle Carmody
Tor, 2000. 246 pgs. Young adult fiction.

In a post-holocaust world where people who are deemed abnormal are either burned or carted off to work as labor, Elspeth Gordie is forced to keep her unusual mental powers hidden. When she is denounced as a Misfit, one who has such powers, her punishment is banishment to the compound called Obernewtyn, buried deep in the mountains. She finds people both wonderful and terrible there and realizes she must stop the evil designs of those attempting to resurrect destructive forces.

This was an excellent, fast-paced read with complex characters and intriguing twists and turns. The first in a series, I look forward to reading the continuing books.

CW

Forgotten Fire

Forgotten Fire
By Adam Bagdasarian
Laurel-Leaf Books, 2002. 272 pgs. Young Adult

Forgotten Fire tells the story of one boy's experience during the Armenian genocide. Vahan Kenderian has a nice home and good family. But in 1915, the Turks decide to wipe out the Armenians, and Vahan's family is included. His father is taken away, two of his brothers killed, and the remaining members of his family led on a death march. Vahan and his only remaining brother escape, but they don't know where to go, as Armenians across the country are being exterminated as quickly as the Turks can find them. Vahan ends up on his own, desperately trying to survive.

This book is intense and powerful. It is valuable in providing information about the Armenian genocide, but it's also a wonderful story about the human spirit and Vahan's determination to survive. Based on the story of the author's great-uncle, it bluntly recounts the atrocities Armenians faced, but at the same time is a beautifully written and memorable story. The intensity and the themes (including violence, rape and death) may make it hard for some readers to stomach, but those who make it through will be rewarded.

AE

The Lost Symbol

THE LOST SYMBOL
Dan Brown
Doubleday, c2009. 509 p. Fiction

All hail Da Vinci Code enthusiasts, Robert Langdon’s back. The famous symbologist of Dan Brown’s Parisian adventure now finds himself embroiled in another mega-thriller and this time the setting is Washington D.C. and the Grand Masonic Lodge, home to the highest order of the Freemasons.

Conspiracy theorists should gleefully devour this dramatic suspense novel based on the Masons, their primordial history and their rituals of cloaked secrecy. However, the ranks of the Masons consist of many a well-known historical figure, Isaac Newton and George Washington included, and both these revered men figure prominently in the book. Encoded messages, an ancient pyramid, CIA involvement and the requisite raging psychopath ensure that Langdon is on the run the entire novel. The appearance of a lovely scientist adds a romantic element and her research into Noetics and apotheosis—the idea that men can become gods—will cause raised eyebrows in some and a satisfied nod in others. But, a quest for ultimate power will leave someone dead.

It’s a blending of fact and fiction, the mystical and the scientific and it’s difficult to distinguish between the two—which is exactly Brown’s point. He's done his research though, and that might be what took so long to bring Langdon back in the game. Be sure to read the Fact page, which carefully notes that “all organizations in this novel exist…all rituals, science, artwork, and monuments are real.” Now that certainly ups the ante. There’s even a three line shout out to Mormonism the local community might find interesting. In the end though, despite Brown's respectful (at times almost reverential) tone, I can’t help wondering what the Masons will think of all this.

DAP

Princess Ben

Princess Ben
By Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Houghton Mifflin, 2008. 344 p. Young Adult

In this fresh fairy tale, Princess Benevolence, known as Ben, starts off as a slightly spoiled, self-indulgent girl who has no interest in her royal inheritance. When her parents and the king, her uncle, are killed, her aunt Sophia becomes queen and Ben has no choice but to be groomed as heir to the throne. During this painful period, Ben discovers something magical about herself and her castle room that proves a wonderful and liberating diversion during her internment. This discovery leads to Ben's final blossoming into maturity as well as helping her find the strength she needs to step into her rightful role as royal heir. With adventures, magic, and a touch of romance, this unlikely princess is sure to please.

I was very delighted with this book as a fairy tale. I liked that the princess was atypical in her gluttonous nature and rotund physique; it added an interesting and unusual element to a princess tale. I really enjoyed Ben's narrative voice and felt the author truly drew in readers with her frank and authentic writing. The magical element was a great touch, layering well with the story as a whole and proving key to the plot. All in all, this was a fun, satisfying book to read whether you're looking for a princess story/fairy tale or just a coming-of-age tale.

CW

Inexcusable

Inexcusable
By Chris Lynch
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2005. 165 pgs. Fiction

Keir Sarafian is a good guy, so he can't be capable of doing what Gigi Boudakian says he did. He loves her, and he knows that when a girl says "No," she means no. Keir just isn't capable of doing something like that, and he sets out to prove that to the reader, offering proof that he is what he says he is--a good guy. This book alternates between the present, with Keir trying to convince Gigi that everything is okay, and the past, with Keir narrating the events of his senior year, leading up to that night with Gigi.

This is a thought-provoking book. Keir doesn't always see things the way that they are, and the reader needs to discern what is true and what is Keir's distorted reality. Reading between the lines to get the real story and considering the implications of what Keir has done and who he really is make this book a compelling read.

AE

The Stolen One

The Stolen One
By Suzanne Carlisle Crowley
Greenwillow Books, 2009. 405 p. Young Adult

Katherine Bab is a wild, irrepressible girl with an amazing gift for embroidery. When her foster mother dies, Kat and her deaf sister travel to London in order to unearth clues to Kat's parentage. When Kat is invited to join Queen Elizabeth's court, she becomes tangled in its complex dynamics, love being not the least of these. As she struggles to understand her feelings and her true desires, her story and the truth about her past are revealed in unexpected ways.

This was an interesting story with great appeal for the historical fiction fan. Although I encountered some personal frustration with Katherine's character, she was vividly drawn, as were all the characters in the novel. Although it was intriguing, this is not a book I would choose to read again, but it is, nonetheless, worthy of recommendation.

CW

Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen
By Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Houghton Mifflin, 2006. 275 pgs. Young Adult

D. J. Schwenk is 15 years old. She is pretty much running the family’s dairy farm because her father's accident left him unable to work. With the little spare time she has, her father's friend asks her to help train Brian, the rival high school football player. She gained those skills while training her brothers when they played. This is just the beginning of D.J.’s discovery of herself, her first love, and resolving the problems between her family members.

I have to say, I was reluctant to read this book though I had heard so many good things about it. The old book cover had a picture of a cow wearing a jeweled crown. I was afraid this was going to be about a girl who had to change her tomboy ways to be homecoming queen. That is not what happens and that is not what the book is about. It is about discovering oneself and being good at it. Don’t miss this well written novel.

KK

Crocodile on the Sandbank

Crocodile on the Sandbank
By Elizabeth Peters
Dodd Mead, 1975. 273 pgs. Mystery

After receiving a large inheritance, and having no desire to marry as is the custom in Victorian England, Amelia Peabody decides to travel. During her travels she helps rescue Evelyn, a disgraced young woman with no means. She decides to have Evelyn be her traveling companion on her trip to Egypt. While in Egypt Amelia delves into her passion of Egyptology and visits archeological digs. She crosses paths with Radcliffe Emerson, an archeologist who is just as stubborn as she. During their exploration Evelyn becomes a target of kidnapping and ghostly apparitions and Amelia decides it is up to her to get to the bottom of things.

The mystery may be easy to solve in this first book of the series, but don’t let that stop you from reading the others. Peabody’s spunky attitude with her formidable parasol (no woman should be without) sparring wits with Radcliffe’s set in his ways attitude are a delight to read.

KK

The Hot Rock

The Hot Rock
By Donald E. Westlake
Mysterious Press, 1970. 304 pgs. Mystery

John Dortmunder, recently released from prison, receives an offer to steal the famed Balabomo Emerald for a United Nations African Ambassador. He gathers a team of eccentric criminals to help pull off the heist. Just when they think their plan is perfect, things start to go awry and hilarity ensues.

Westlake’s humor makes this an enjoyable, lighthearted caper that keeps you guessing if Dortmunder’s team will ever succeed.

KK

Great Kisses...and Famous Lines Right Out of the Movies

Great Kisses . . . and Famous Lines Right Out of the Movies
By Timothy Knight
Harper Entertainment, 2008. 108 pgs. Nonfiction

The lights are low, soft music is playing in the background, the guy leans in and says those magic words, that only a screenwriter can write, and then…they kiss. This tiny but photo filled book covers 50 great romantic films such as Roman Holiday, Random Harvest (personal favorite), Moonstruck and yes, even Rocky has a place in great kisses history. This is a fun book to flip through even if you only have a few minutes.

KK

The Widow's Kiss

The Widow’s Kiss
By Jane Feather
Bantam Books, 364 pgs. 2001 Romance

Lord Hugh, by the order of the Privy Seal, investigates the latest demise of Lady Guinevere’s fourth dead husband, Sir Mallory. Is she murdering her husbands for money or is she a witch? Set during the reign of Henry VIII and Thomas Cromwell, this historical romance finds Lord Hugh falling for the beautiful Lady Guinevere himself. Will he become her next victim?

This historical romance gives great insight into the time period, but beware, there are a few steamy scenes.

KK

A Stranger Is Watching

A Stranger Is Watching
By Mary Higgins Clark
Simon and Shuster, 1977. 314 pgs. Mystery

In just a few days the convicted murderer of Steve Peterson’s wife will be executed, allowing Steve to move on in life with his son. He even started dating Sharon, a colleague of his. One night just like the one a few years before, someone enters Steve’s home and the nightmare starts all over again. Can Steve protect them this time or will he lose everything?

Even though this book was written in the seventies, the mystery still holds tight for today’s readers.

KK

Spells and Sleeping Bags

Spells and Sleeping Bags
By Sarah Mylnowski
Delacorte Press, 2007. 293 pgs. Young Adult

Rachel, who has finally received her witch powers, is off to Camp Wood Lake with her sister Miri for the summer. Being a city girl she is not overly thrilled about the great outdoors except for the prospect of getting back together with Raf, who is also attending camp. As she makes new friends and practices her new powers, she also makes new enemies. Why is Liana, the evil girl in the next cabin, out to ruin her?

At times Rachel and Miri can be annoying as they whine over their angst, but still, I can’t stop reading the series. Maybe I’ve been put under a spell?

KK

The Name of the Wind

The Name of the Wind
By Patrick Rothfuss
Daw Books. 2007. 660 pages. Fantasy

He has been known as Kvothe the Bloodless, Kvothe the Arcane, and Kvothe the Kingkiller. Stories are told of him throughout the land, sometimes as a hero, sometimes as a villain, but always highly embellished and inaccurate. Kvothe who is presumed to be dead is now hiding out as a humble innkeeper name Kote. One day he is recognized by a chronicler of the realm and soon agrees to recount his life from young prodigy to the most notorious wizard, musician, thief, and assassin in the world.

This is a vastly interesting novel and Rothfuss is a masterful storyteller. So much so, that I am willing to forgive some major flaws in the book. It takes Rothfuss 660 pages to get. . .really nowhere. You learn a lot about Kvothe, and the stories are rich and absorbing, but it also left me with questions on just about every plot point. There is a planned sequel, but its publication date has been delayed for at least another year. If you are willing to commit to a long book and what, I am assuming, will be a long series, then I would definitely recommend this book. Otherwise, I wouldn’t bother.

AJ

A Duty to the Dead

A Duty to the Dead
By Charles Todd
William Morrow, 2009. 329 pgs. Mystery.

Bess Crawford has a sacred duty to the dead—she has been commissioned by a dead soldier to pass along an important message to his brother. Bess has been avoiding this duty, but finds herself having the time after her Red Cross ship is hit by mines during World War I. She travels to the Graham home to deliver the message, but is disturbed by Jonathan’s dismissive response to it. Bess is further distressed by the Graham family’s treatment of the oldest brother, Peregrine, a resident of the local asylum who comes home to die from pneumonia. Bess nurses Peregrine back to health, which results in her becoming involved in a mystery and dangerous conditions.

I am a huge fan of the author’s Ian Rutledge series (also set in post-WWI England) which are top-notch mysteries. I am hoping that, since this title is the first in a new series, the next Bess Crawford books pick up in pace and have tighter mysteries. This mystery had some holes in it and there was a lot of “talking” in this book instead of the author showing the reader what we needed to know. I will read the next one in the series and hope it improves on this one.

MN

West of Cheyenne

West of Cheyenne
By Lee Hoffman
Doubleday, 1969. 190 pgs. Fiction

When Eben Hawkins headed west, he thought he could leave the past behind. Free after several years as a prisoner, he just wanted to be left alone. Hawkins could stand a lot of heat, but when a rancher named Starrett and his bully cowboys tried to burn him out of a homestead where he had every right to be, they were tangling with the wrong man.

This is a great, classic western story about protecting what's yours and standing up for yourself. I enjoyed this book, though I started out disliking the main character. But he went from a hardened and untrusting man to finding himself again - very satisfying.

BHG

Blue Bloods

Blue Bloods
By Melissa De La Cruz
Hyperion. 2006. 302 pages. Young Adult

Schuyler Van Alan is the last line of her prominent family which can be traced all the way back to the Mayflower. Although her family is now poor, she still attends an exclusive private school in New York. Schuyler and her friend Oliver are treated like outcasts by the popular elite such as Mimi Force and her twin brother Jack. But when Jack begins to notice Schuyler and strange things start to happen to her body such as strong blue veins showing through her skin, she learns of her true heritage and connection to the elite families of Manhattan. However, there is trouble a foot when a girl is murdered from her school.

This romantic vampire tale has many appealing factors for teens (such as a voyeuristic view into the privileged lifestyle of upper class New Yorkers). It is also a perfect read-alike for such books as Twilight, Vampire Diaries, Eternal, Vampire Kisses, Evernight, etc. etc. It should be noted, however, that the book contains prevalent smoking and use of alcohol by underage teens and one scene where two teens nearly sleep together.

AJ

Pop

Pop
By Gordon Korman
Balzer & Bray, 2009. 260 pgs. Young Adult.

Marcus Jordan is having a rough time. He has just moved to a new town whose high school football team has just had a perfect year. Marcus possesses a great arm, but the entire football team is reluctant to take him on because of their perfect year. To add insult to injury, Marcus has also attracted the attention of the quarterback’s on-again, off-again girlfriend, Alyssa, which makes him more of an outcast. And then there is the strange, older man who plays football with Marcus in the local park. This old man likes to play expensive pranks, involving Marcus in the pranks. Needless to say, Marcus begins a relationship with the local police officer.

Matters become more complicated when Marcus realizes the old man is the quarterback’s father and an old NFL player. Marcus realizes the family is hiding a secret about the old football player and has to decide how much he will help his new (and only) friend. I was hoping for a more laugh-out loud offering from Korman, a master of humor, but this was a great read about an unlikely friendship.

MN

Forest Born

Forest Born
By Shannon Hale
Bloomsbury USA Children's Books, 2009. 389 pgs. Young Adult

In the fourth enstallment of the Books of Bayern Series, fifteen-year-old Rin, Razo's little sister, has always lived in the forest, taking comfort in the trees and being careful not to let loose a darkness she feels lurking inside of her. But when the trees no longer soothe her, she accompanies Razo out of the forest to the city, becoming a lady-in-waiting for Queen Isi. As Rin cares for Isi's son, Tusken, she also finds herself being comforted by the queen's presence. When Bayern is attacked and King Geric is wounded, and Isi, Enna, and Dasha set out to find out who is behind this latest treachery, Rin tags along. Along the way, she figures out what the darkness inside her is and had to come to terms with who she is and what she is capable of doing, all the while trying to protect her friends as well as Razo.

Although I didn't like this book as much as the first three books of the series, I still think it's one that fan of Shannon Hale will enjoy. Like the other books, there are elements of a coming-of-age story, with Rin discovering who she is and who she wants to be. The language has hints of lyrical magic mixed with the funny bluntness of those who are forest-born. Overall, not as enjoyable as the first three books, but it's still one worth reading.

AE

A Version of the Truth

A Version of the Truth
By Donna Kaufman and Karen Mack
Delacorte Press. 2008. 322 pages. Fiction

Cassie Shaw’s husband has just died, but that’s the good news. He was a cheating jerk who left her with nothing but debt. Now Cassie, who barely finished high school because of her dyslexia, is so desperate for a job that she lies on a job application for office assistant at the local university.

Working in the psychology department, especially under the charming William Conner, an animal behavior professor, soon ignites a passion for learning. Cassie begins to read poetry and philosophy especially if they are about her passion, animals and nature. Her thoughts and opinions soon become valued by the department professors, something that means so much to Cassie.

This book was everything I was hoping for in Kaufman’s first novel, Literacy and Longing in L.A. It made me want to go read all the books that Cassie reads, which in this novel, are mainly about nature such as the transcendentalist writers, Whitman and Emerson. I enjoyed Cassie’s character who was so quirky and flawed, but despite that, she is willing to risk a lot to become the person she’s always wanted to be. This novel does a great job of mixing together love, humor, philosophy, and a passion for nature.

AJ

The Sky-Liners

The Sky-Liners
By Louis L’Amour
Bantam Books, 1967. 188 pgs. Fiction

Flagan and Galloway Sackett enter the town of Tazewell, Tennessee to pay off their late father's debt, but they get more than they counted on. First, they run into Black Fetchen causing trouble in town and they get the better hand of him, making Fetchen swear vengeance. Second, they run across the Costellos, an old family friend, and promise to escort their granddaughter Judith back to her father in Colorado. Third, Judith is engaged to Fetchen. So what the Sacketts thought would be an easy trip turns into an adventure, but then again, we are talking about the Sacketts.

Fast and enjoyable, as with all the other L’Amour books.

KK

The Last Lecture

THE LAST LECTURE
Randy Pausch w/ Jeffrey Zaslow
Hyperion, 2008. 206 p. Biography

If you knew death was waiting a mere six months for your soul, what last words would you leave for posterity? It’s a sobering thought and most of us don’t have such precipitous forewarning, but Randy Pausch was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and with it came an imminent death sentence.

However, as a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon, Pausch was afforded an opportunity given to all academics as they leave the school—a chance to give one “last lecture”. So Randy decides to speak as if he were giving all the advice, wisdom and love he would offer if speaking to his own three children. Because the lecture will be taped, he knows his wife and young children will be able to watch it after his death. He touches on the achievements he’s made in life, but more importantly the wisdom he’s learned from his varied experiences and relationships. He’s a self-confessed egoist, but an engaging fellow and this little book is an easy to read, interesting and inspirational story without any wallowing. As a national bestseller, Randy's last lecture has achieved more than a few followers. Highly Recommended.

The book will have you contemplating your own Last Lecture and leave you with a stirring urge to live more fully, more exuberantly and more wisely while you have the chance.

DAP

Danger Trail: Knife Thrower's Journey West

Danger Trail: Knife Thrower’s Journey West
By Boyd Richardson
Covenant Communications, 1995. 199 pgs. Western

As a young boy Samuel Harold sees his Mormon parents killed by a mob in Missouri. He escapes the mob and is adopted by the Pawnees who name him Knife Thrower because of his skill with knives. When he returns to live with the white community he becomes known as Brigham Harold because of his allegiance to Brigham Young and the Mormons. Brigham Harold is a peace loving man but he has all the skills he needs to handle any enemy – and he has a few. When a beautiful girl named Erma refuses to marry a drunken settler in the town of Steady and falls in love with the Knife Thrower instead, the two of them find themselves tracked and harassed by ruffians looking to steal their gold and feuding brothers of the rejected suitor.

Alternating chapters from the viewpoints of Erma and Brigham Harold move this western adventure forward. In Manti, Utah, they make a home but, in classic western style, there will be no peace for the two of them until after a showdown with their enemies. SH

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
By Lewis Carroll
William Morrow & Co. 1992. 196 pgs. Young Adult

Alice falls down a rabbit hole and lands in Wonderland, a place with strange talking animals, nonsensical rhymes, and characters including the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, and the White Rabbit.

I had never before read this children’s classic. I can’t say that I really loved it. The story doesn’t have a very straightforward plot. That being said, I am interested in seeing Tim Burton’s adaptation of the story starring Johnny Depp which will be in theaters on March 5, 2010.

AMM

Live your Life for Half the Price

LIVE YOUR LIFE FOR HALF THE PRICE
Lyle and Tracy Shamo
Deseret Book, 2009. 207 p. Nonfiction

Could you wear the same dress for an entire year? That’s 365 days…in a row. Now men might balk for obvious reasons, but not a single female I know would approve of this economy saving measure. However, one brave woman had the chutzpah and then blogged about her experience. And you know, most people didn’t even notice.

While the authors of this new personal finance guide aren’t advocating such extreme measures for everyone, they do relay the story. The Shamos divulge their secrets for what we all want to know--how to live on less. The book is chock full of all the best bits of monetary wisdom and how to get the most from your dollars. If your piggy bank has shrunk under the current economic crisis, you’ll want to flip through this collection of practical advice. Easy readability on an assortment of fiscal topics organized under useful chapter headings. Information ranges from 'family fun on a shoestring' and knowing your home mortgage and health insurance options to coping with job loss, etc. I learned that Wednesday is the best day to shop--less people, more sales. Let’s face it people; frugal is the new sexy.

My personal finance tip: Return your library books the day before they’re due and you’ll never have to worry about late fees again. Cha-Ching! It’s like money in your pocket.

DAP

The Selected Works of T. S. Spivet

The Selected Works of T. S. Spivet
by Reif Larsen
Penguin, 2009. 374 pgs. Fiction

Twelve year old T. S. Spivet is a cartographer, illustrator, and first-rate scientist who lives with his father, mother, sister Gracie (and the sorrow of his brother Layton's death) on the Coppertop Ranch just north of Divide, Montana. The Smithsonian knows only the scientific and Montana parts of Tecumseh Sparrow's life when they offer him the prestigious Baird award and fellowship for the popular advancement of science. Knowing they don't know how young he is, T. S. at first declines but changes his mind and hops a freight for the nation's capital where he will be expected to make an acceptance speech to the learned body and assume the duties of a year-long fellowship. T. S.'s goal in life is to map and otherwise diagram the known and unknown worlds and his story is accompanied by side notes, footnotes, and illustrations of everything from a Map of North Dakota Showing Ecoregions, Surface Water, and Locations of Twenty-Six McDonald's to Patterns of Cross Talk at his family's dinner table, not to mention a graph of Synchrony in Montana Photinus pyralis. T. S.'s overland journey on a flatcar in a Winnebago named Valero gives him a chance to know himself, his roots, and the space-time continuum better (as the whole train makes a brief detour into one of several unmapped wormholes in the Midwest). Funny, touching, mind-bending, and heartfelt, The Selected Works of T. S. Spivet, though a bit boggy and uneven here and there, is a delight, with a young hero you are unlikely ever to forget.

LW

Mr. Darcy, Vampyre

Mr. Darcy, Vampyre
By Amanda Grange
Sourcebooks Landmark, 2009. 308 pgs. Fiction

This book picks up where Pride and Prejudice left off. Following a double wedding with Jane and Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth begin their wedding journey to Paris. Elizabeth soon finds that life as Mrs. Darcy is far from what she had expected. Her husband seems overwhelmed with concerns he refuses to share with her and he is reluctant to touch her and never visits her room at night. The title of this book tells the reader of Mr. Darcy’s dark secret, but his wife remains unaware of the curse Darcy is trying to hide.

Mr. Darcy, Vampyre was everything I had expected from Pride and Prejudice and Zombies but did not get. It was fun to see the supernatural world interacting with long-loved characters without it becoming unbearably ridiculous. The ending was rushed and a little trite, but this is a great choice for anyone looking for a really quick, light, entertaining, and surprisingly clean read.

CZ

Twenties Girl

Twenties Girl
By Sophie Kinsella
Dial Press, 2009. 435 pgs. Fiction.

Lara’s life is a bit of a mess. Her career is quickly unraveling, her boyfriend has just dumped her, her family relationships are a bit beyond strained, and on top of all that, she is being haunted by her Great-Aunt Sadie. Sadie, who recently passed away at the age of 105, appears to her great-niece as a vibrant and demanding flapper in her 20’s, who desperately needs Lara’s help in order to ‘rest in peace.’

This entertaining piece of romantic comedy is one of Kinsella’s cleaner books, which is still far from being a clean read. I really enjoyed the glimpses of the 1920’s along with the idea of generations meeting and finding common ground. If you like British chic-lit, you will like this newest addition to the genre.

CZ

The Bar code Tattoo

The Barcode Tattoo
By Suzanne Weyn
Scholastic. 2004. 252 pgs. Young Adult

It's 2025, and the thing to do on your 17th birthday is to get a bar code tattoo, which is used for everything from driver's licenses to shopping. Kayla, almost 17, resists because she hates the idea of being labeled. Then the tattoos begin to drive people to commit suicide, Kayla's father among them, and she soon finds out that the markings contain detailed information about their bearers, including their genetic code. When the government, controlled by a corporation called Global-1, makes the tattoo mandatory, Kayla joins a teen resistance movement.

I thought that the premise of this book was really intriguing. However, I felt that the authors’ writing was a bit choppy. I liked the book ok, but can’t say that it is my favorite.

AMM

Nights of Rain and Stars

NIGHTS OF RAIN AND STARS
Maeve Binchy
Dutton. 2004. 294 p. Fiction

Set on a quaint Greek island, this novel begins with a boat tragedy that forever changes the lives of all who were there, tourists and residents alike. This book is rich in character development focusing on; Andreas the elderly tavern owner who had a falling out with his only son; Elsa the striking German TV reporter who gave up everything to sort out her life; David, the only son of an English family who does not want to follow in his father’s footsteps; Fiona, the young girl from Ireland who left her family and nursing job to follow her “love?”; Thomas the Californian on sabbatical and escaping his recent divorce; and Vonni the Irish transplant who has lived with her numerous secrets for over 30 years in the small Greek village. As the days go by, their lives collectively intertwine. Each needs much. Each has much to give. Sounds complicated but really this is a clean easy read for anyone who just wants a story to enjoy. The unabridged, 8 disc, 9.5 hour BBC Audio version is read by Terry Donnelly who does a delightful job of keeping all the characters charming and personable.

mpb