Resolution

Resolution
By Robert B. Parker
Putman’s Sons, 2008. 292 pgs. Fiction

Everett Hitch, a gun for hire, moves on to a new town, Resolution, and takes a job as bouncer at the Blackfoot Salon. Hitch, who always tries to do what is right, learns that Amos Wolfson, the owner of the Blackfoot Salon, might be on the wrong side of a town conflict. Just when he needs advice from his old friend Virgil Cole, Cole comes into town with a problem of his own.

This second pairing of Hitch and Cole with their sense of duty and honor in a town where there is no law; is just as enjoyable as Appaloosa.

KK

Wither

Wither
By Lauren DeStefano
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2011. 358 pgs. Young Adult

In the future, scientists have perfected diseases and flaws, but perfection comes at a cost. The newer generations of young men and women die early—men die at 25 and women at 20 of a horrible virus no one can seem to cure. Wealthier people hire Gatherers to kidnap young women who will be wives to young men in the last few years of their lives and hopefully repopulate. Rhine, an orphan, is kidnapped from Manhattan and taken to Florida, to be one of three sister wives to Linden, whose devious father Vaughn is intent on a cure. Rhine refuses to adapt to her new position and constantly looks for ways to escape and return to her twin brother.

An older teen read, I found this more engaging and original than Matched, but not as compelling as The Hunger Games or Birthmarked. But fans of dystopian novels should enjoy this one and will look forward to the next installment.

MN

The Karma Club

The Karma Club
By Jessica Brody
Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 2010. 258 pgs. Young Adult

When Maddy's boyfriend cheats on her with super popular Heather Campbell, Maddy's mother drags her to a yoga retreat to help her recover. While there, Maddy is struck by the idea of karma--or, more precisely, taking it into her own hands. So, she and her two best friends form the Karma Club, where they help their jerky exes (and Heather Campbell), get a taste of their own medicine. Soon, though, they realize that things aren't working out as well as they anticipated.

The crazy capers that these girls come up with (like replacing Heather's zit cream with Crisco) will make readers laugh--and possibly dream up revenge schemes for ways that they've been wronged. Luckily, though, the overall message is that you don't want to mess with karma, so revenge plots should be nipped in the bud. A fun chick-lit novel, this would be a great beach read.

AE

Bamboo People

Bamboo People
By Mitali Perkins
Charlesbridge, 2010. 272 pgs. Young Adult

In present day Burma, fifteen-year-old Chiko's father has been put in prison for opposing the government. Chiko has been trying to lay low and not attract attention, but when there's an ad in the newspaper for teachers, he decides to go. However, it turns out to be a trap and Chiko is forced into the Burmese army where he trains and then is sent off on a mission that makes him cross paths with Tu Reh, a Karenni refuge whose people have been oppressed and victimized by the Burmese. Tu Reh is bent on getting revenge for his people, and his meeting with Chiko forces him to rethink what it means to be a Karenni man.

This book is an interesting insight into Burma and also into human nature, as Chiko and Tu Reh are both pushed toward violence and hatred but have to decide for themselves if they will choose that path for themselves. It's well-written and gives readers a lot to think about.

AE

Dead Reckoning

Dead Reckoning
By Charlaine Harris
Ace Books, 2011. 325 pgs. Paranormal

In this eleventh installment of the Southern Vampire series, Sookie Stackhouse, telepath, girlfriend of the 1000-year-old vampire, Eric Northman, friend to the Shreveport, L.A. werewolf pack, and relative of the Fae folk has a way of always getting in harm’s way. Early in the book, Sookie survives a fire bombing at the bar she works at, and things get worse from there. Eric Northman and his second-in-command, Pam, are trying to figure out a way to kill off the new Vampire regent, Victor, who is making their lives miserable. Sookie is torn between her desire for a normal, human life and the need to help those she cares about who just happen to be almost all supernatural.

This has been an enjoyable paranormal series. However, like many long series, it is starting to lose its momentum. Also, the entertaining characters (which drew me into the series) have lost some of their charm in the last few books. Readers should also be warned that there are very descriptive sex scenes and some strong language.

AJ

One of Our Thursdays is Missing

One of Our Thursdays is Missing
By Jasper Fforde
Viking, 2011. 362 pgs. Fantasy

Alternative history, intriguing detective mysteries, time travel, and vast amounts of literary satire are just a few of the genre elements found in Jasper Fforde’s enjoyable Thursday Next series. Book six is set almost entirely in the Book World, a dimension where all the fictional characters ever written exist and wait to be read by someone in the real world so they can act out their scenes from the book. Thursday Next, who travels between the real and book worlds solving literary crimes in both dimensions has gone missing just before she was set to lead the peace talks over a border dispute between Racy Novel and Women’s Literature. Thursday, the one “written” for the formerly popular Thursday Next novels, must step into the “real” Thursday’s role to keep the peace talks going. But “written” Thursday isn’t so sure she can live up to the “real” Thursday’s reputation.

I have thoroughly enjoyed every Fforde book I have read. However, Fforde is the king of the tangent. Some readers may be overwhelmed by the number of entertaining but non-essential subplots. Fforde’s playfulness with language and literature make these some of the most entertaining books I have read. I highly recommend these books for anyone who loves literature or is looking for something different.

AJ

Iliad

The Iliad
By Homer
Hackett Publishing, 1997. 516 pgs. Nonfiction

So most everyone's heard of the Iliad--it's a classic--and most everyone has never read it. This is the story of the Greeks' 10 year war with the Trojans. Menelaus' wife, Helen, runs off with Paris of Troy and he rounds up his family & friends to go and get her back. 1,000 ships make the trek to Troy and the Greeks spill out, set up camp, and prepare for war. There are numerous battles and many characters in this dense story. Most of the story is occupied with Achilles' anger and withdrawal from the battle. He sulks in his tent because someone else took the girl he took as a prize. He refuses to re-enter the battle. Then is best friend dons Achilles' armour and enters the fray. The Greeks believing Achilles fights with them again press forward again in battle. Alas, Patroclus is killed by Hector and Achilles then goes after Patroclus to avenge the death of his friend.

Everyone knows the story of the Trojan horse. You won't find that story here. The Iliad stops short of telling of the downfall of Troy--for that story you'll need to read the Odyssey which recounts the story during one of Odysseus's adventures. I listened to this on CD and would recommend this translation and reading to anyone.

SML

Rococo

Rococo
By Adriana Trigiani
Random House, 2005. 272 pgs. Fiction

Between the covers of this book a host of colorful characters surround Bartolomeo di Crespi. He's an interior decorator and his business is the "House of B." B has spent most of his life interior decorating and he's done virtually everyone's home throughout the community. This community revolves around their Church, Our Lady of Fatima which B dreams of renovating and decorating. He is absolutely beside himself when Father Porporino hires someone else for the job. Nevertheless, things do work out and B does achieve his dream.

The way these New Jersey Italians interact--their behavior and dialog is thoroughly entertaining. And the descriptions of architecture, furniture, and fabrics is a bit of an education. If that's not enough there are several mouth-watering recipes tucked into the text.

SML

The Case for Books: Past, Present, and Future

The Case for Books: Past, Present, and Future
By Robert Darnton
PublicAffairs, 2009. 218 pgs. Nonfiction

This book is a compilation of essays and articles written by Darnton through the years all relating to books and reading. Several articles discuss the advent and repercussions of Google Books. Darnton likes Google Books, but fears the monopolistic tendencies of this information Goliath. My favorite essay was "The Importance of Being Bibliographical," which argues for the importance of detailed bibliographic description and comparison useful in certain endeavors in the history of literature. For example, William Shakespeare left no manuscripts and his works appear first in print in the early 17th century. When questions regarding the author's intent arise they must be settled by examining multiple copies of the first editions of the works to try and determine what was original and was intentionally or unintentionally altered as the works came off the hand presses sheet by sheet.

SML

Pastwatch: The Redemption of Christopher Columbus

Pastwatch: The Redemption of Christopher Columbus
By Orson Scott Card
TOR, 1996. 402 pgs. Sci-Fi

This fascinating story really surprised me. It begins in the 23rd century when mankind has essentially destroyed itself. It is widely believed that mankind is making a comeback (or perhaps just holding it's own) after nearly annihilating itself; however, this is incorrect and only a handful of scientists know the truth--that they are irreversibly doomed to extinction. Unless...they are capable of altering the past. To make the shift they believe is necessary they send three individuals back in time. Each has a different set of tasks, but individually or collectively they must somehow prevent Columbus' discovery of the new world and delay the subsequent colonization by Europeans. Interesting plot line with well-developed characters.

SML

The Dark is Rising

The Dark is Rising
By Susan Cooper
Atheneum, 1973. 216 pgs. Young Adult

Will Stanton turns eleven years old only to discover that he is one of the "old ones"--ancient and powerful beings who over a period of hundreds or even thousands of years have fought against the evil forces of "The Dark." During the story Will slips between through time into different centuries gathering the information and artifacts needed by the old ones in vanquishing the dark.

This is actually the 2nd in the series of the same title, The Dark is Rising, but I must say that is was a much more interesting story than the first, Over Sea, Under Stone. I actually listened to this book on CD. Alex Jennings does a fine job of voicing the various characters.

SML

City of Fallen Angels

City of Fallen Angels
By Cassandra Clare
Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2011. 424 pgs. Young Adult

Simon, the likeable underdog and Clary's best friend, is having a hard time adjusting to his new vampire life. Luckily, being a daylighter, he can maintain the façade of being human, except for the whole drinking blood thing. But unluckily for him, being a daylighter makes him a target for evil forces wanting to misuse his power. All the while, someone is killing Shadowhunters and planting their bodies in different Downworlder territories to cause dissension among the accords. The battle the Shadowhunters thought they had won might not be over.

I enjoyed the book more than the others in the series, since it focused more on Simon than Clary. But I have to say, I am getting a bit tired of Clary and Jace not understanding the depth of each other’s love. Fans of Twilight looking for a more edgy paranormal romance will not be disappointed.

KK

I Hope You Know How Much I Love You

I Hope You Know How Much I Love You
By John Bytheway
Deseret Book, 2011. 55 pgs. Nonfiction

Popular speaker John Bytheway gives some admittedly simple advice on how live a happier life, stating that even if they're simple, they are also "simply true." Advice includes eliminating the tendency to compare and compete, being grateful, and deciding to be delightful. It's a quick read, and like he says, simple, but it's a fun, uplifting read.

AE

Almost Astronauts

Almost Astronauts
By Tanya Lee Stone
Candlewick Press, 2009. 133 pgs. Young Adult Nonfiction

After the U.S.S.R. launched Sputnik, the U.S. responded by forming N.A.S.A. and recruiting astronauts. Initially, all of these astronauts were men, but then some people began wondering if women were just as capable as men of being astronauts. Since much of the U.S. thought women had no place in space, others set out to prove it, and thirteen women were given and passed the same tests (or, in some cases, even more rigorous tests) administered to male astronaut hopefuls. In many cases, they not only performed as well but better than their male counterparts. However, as Stone explains, there was opposition from male astronauts, politicians, and even a woman who was disgruntled after not being invited to participate in the testing. And so, for many years, women were not allowed to be astronauts.

I've had this book of my "to read" list for a long time, and I'm glad I finally picked it up. Although I found it hard to keep the thirteen women straight, their collective story, their struggle and their rejection but their continued interest in space, was fascinating. For anyone looking to see the political agendas that prohibit women from excelling, anyone looking for a female role model, or anyone interested in space, this book is a great choice.

AE

Sean Griswold's Head

Sean Griswold's Head
By Lindsey Leavitt
Bloomsbury, 2011. 276 pgs. Young Adult

When Payton Gritas finds out that her father has MS--and that her family put off telling her for several months--she refuses to speak with them, so they make her meet with the guidance counselor. As part of her counseling, Payton has to keep a journal about a focus object. At first, she has no idea what to focus on, but then she focuses on something right in front of her: Sean Griswold's head. Since their teachers favor the alphabetical order way of seating students, Payton has spent years near Sean's head, but she's never really gotten to know Sean. However, as she starts focusing on his head, she finds herself wanting to get to know him better, which seems to be going well until Payton's best friend Jac starts pushing her to move faster than she's ready.

I really enjoyed reading about Payton and Sean; I found the idea of using Sean's head as a focus object to be a bit far-fetched, and Jac was over the top and I didn't feel like their friendship was developed enough for me to understand why Payton would want to be friends with her. However, I did think the plots of Payton and Sean's budding romance and Payton dealing with her dad's illness were well-developed, interesting, and realistic.

AE

The Indigo Notebook

The Indigo Notebook
By Laura Resau
Delacorte Press, 2009. 324 pgs. Young Adult

Fifteen-year-old Zeeta has lived all over the world, thanks to her free-spirited mother, who constantly moves them around the globe. When they move to Ecuador, Zeeta, who has always wished for a normal life, finds that she just might get it after all: her mother meets an American man, who specializes in organization, and seems to be settling down. Meanwhile, Zeeta meets a guy of her own: Wendall, a teenager from the U.S. who was adopted as a baby and has come to Ecuador to find his birth parents. As Zeeta helps him on his search, she is also searching to discover what it is that she really wants.

An interesting look at another culture, this book also provides readers with adventure, family issues, and a bit of romance. This highly enjoyable book is the first in a series, and I look forward to reading more about Zeeta. A little bit of language, but overall a fairly clean read.

AE

Caleb's Crossing

Caleb’s Crossing
By Geraldine Brooks
Viking, 2011. 306 pgs. Fiction

Caleb Cheeshahteaumauk was born a Wopanaak chief’s son on the island of Noepe (Martha’s Vineyard) in 1646. Colonists from the mainland had just settled on part of the island and some felt they had a Christian responsibility to convert as many native islanders as possible. Bethia, the daughter of one such missionary and religious leader, tells Caleb’s story which leads him from the warrior traditions of his people to the halls of Harvard as the first Native American to graduate from that institution.

Pulitzer Prize Winner Geraldine Brooks has penned another amazing work of historical fiction. Little is actually know about Caleb Cheeshahteaumauk other than a bare sketch of his existence and achievements. But despite sparse facts, Brooks has imagined an impressive representation of what he may have been like and the struggles he would have had to face. Brooks has a gift for depicting vivid characters and a true sense of time in her work, totally immersing the reader in a breathtaking journey to another era. Caleb’s Crossing is another great work by a spectacular author.

CZ

Infertility: Help, Hope and Healing

Infertility: Help, Hope and Healing
By Kerstin Kaynes
CFI, 2010. 180 pgs. Nonfiction

Full of hope and inspiration, this book will help those who have experienced infertility or just know someone who has. The author uses the experiences of others and her own insights along with gospel principles from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to explore the many different emotions and frustrations of this trial.

She makes you realize that the feelings you have are normal and it is possible to live a full, happy life, whether you have children or not. I appreciated that this didn't get into all the medical explanations and detail, it dealt more with healing emotionally, physically, spiritually, mentally and socially. I also liked that many of the suggestions on how to be sensitive to someone experiencing infertility can apply to people struggling with many other types of trials.

AL

Please Look After Mom

Please Look After Mom
By Kyung-sook Shin
Alfred A. Knopf, 2011. 237 pgs. Fiction

On a train station platform in Seoul Korea, Park So-nyo disappears. Her husband and four children search for her without results for weeks. They run newspaper ads and walk the city’s streets handing out flyers offering a reward for information leading to her recovery. The emotional journey this tragedy forces the family to take is told through the voice of a son, a daughter, a husband, and a mother. Each must deal with a lifetime of regrets built by daily taking those closest to us for granted.

This is a powerfully poignant book perfect for Mother’s Day. It aptly demonstrates the sacrifices so many mothers make as they struggle to raise children, support husbands, and fulfill the myriad of responsibilities and tasks required when keeping a home. Several of the sections of this book are written in 2nd person taking the reader on a strangely personal journey with the character. The last time I read something in that tense it was “Choose Your Own Adventure” story. This book was infinitely better and can easily be recommended to anyone. Perfect for book clubs.

CZ

Pinocchio Vampire Slayer and the Great Puppet Theater

Pinocchio Vampire Slayer and the Great Puppet Theater
By Van Jensen
SLG Publishing, 2010. 163 pgs. Young Adult Comics

More lies! More vampires! More... puppets! Pinocchio is back, but now he has to share the vampire-killing stage with his wooden siblings. The stakes are raised in this sequel to the acclaimed 2009 graphic novel, as Pinocchio unravels the mystery of the undead menace and his own shadowy background. But will turmoil within the band of slayers spoil their efforts as they battle the bloodsuckers across Italy and even at sea in this darkly funny take on the classic character?

I didn’t enjoy this volume as much as the previous one, but it was still a fun read. Volume One of Pinocchio Vampire Slayer was one of the top ten Best Graphic Novels for Teens as voted by YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association).

AMM

Death Cloud

Death Cloud
By Andy Lane
Farrar Straus Giroux, 311 pgs. 2011. Young Adult

To his chagrin, fourteen year old Sherlock Holmes is sent to live with his aunt and uncle at Holmes Manor in Farnham for the summer. Things brighten up, though, when his new unconventional tutor, Amyus Crow, who has a set of his keen observations skills, arrives. While Sherlock and Amyus are out on a walk, they encounter a body that appears to have suffered from the plague, but further investigations prove things are not as they seem. With the help of his friends Matty, a street urchin, and Virginia, Amyus’ daughter, they start to unravel a mystery that puts their lives at risk.

The only flaw I found was the encounter with the over the top villain at the end of the book. With that being said, it did not distract from my enjoyment of the book. There is lots of action to capture any reluctant reader, especially those who enjoy Charles Higson’s Young James Bonds series.

KK

The Scarecrow

The Scarecrow
By Michael Connelly
Little, Brown and Co., 2009. 419 pgs. Mystery

Jack McEvoy is an excellent journalist--but he's given the boot when the newspaper targets 100 employees to cut their expenses. He goes out on a story about a central LA drug-dealing kid who's been arrested for the murder of young, attractive white woman. One thing leads to another and Jack comes to believe that the kid didn't do it. He decides to make his last newspaper story the best story it can be, that is if the real murderer doesn't take him out in the process. The scarecrow is a criminal mastermind who takes it as a compliment that such a fine investigative journalist is on his trail. But the scarecrow is always several steps ahead of Jack. This gritty, plot-driven story moves along very nicely.

SML

The Chili Queen

The Chili Queen
By Sandra Dallas
St. Martin's Press, 2002. 292 pgs. Historical fiction

Addie French is a proprietor of a house of ill repute; on a train back to her establishment, the Chili Queen, she meets Emma Roby, who is heading to Addie's town, bound to wed a man she's never met because it will be better than staying with her domineering older brother, who has denied her her half of their inheritance. When they reach Naglitas, though, Emma's intended won't have her, and she turns to Addie for help--and even stays in Addie's home. Addie's lover, the bank-robbing Ned Pardner, comes around, and along with Addie's servant, Welcome, they hatch a plan to trick Emma's brother out of the money that is rightly hers. However, as the plan unfolds, it becomes clear that things are not exactly as they seem.

In a book where everyone seems to have some tricks up their sleeves, readers will be pulled along by the twists and turns and hints that something isn't quite right. In a book that I can only describe as a women's western, the characters are all flawed and yet endearing, readers will find themselves entertained but also reconsidering human nature and relationships.

AE

Courting Miss Lancaster

Courting Miss Lancaster
By Sarah M. Eden
Covenant, 2010. 205 pgs. Romance

Harry Windover is practically penniless and spends a large portion of his time at the estate of his friend Adam, the Duke of Kielder. Adam is a good friend to him, so Harry wants to repay his kindness, but when Adam asks him to help his wife's sister, Athena, find a husband, Harry is put in a difficult position--because he is in love with Athena. His lack of money would eliminate him from becoming a suitor, and helping with this endeavor only heightens his awareness that he can't have her. He accepts the assignment, though, and after finding out that Athena thinks she'll simply know when she meets the right man, sets about introducing her to men who are less than desirable for a prospective husband--men obsessed with their own appearances, conversant only about topics such as trees, or overly devoted to their mother--in order to help her realize what characteristics she really wants in a husband.

This is a fun, lighthearted Regency romance. It's a good choice for fans of Jane Austen or historical romances.

AE

The Last Little Blue Envelope

The Last Little Blue Envelope
By Maureen Johnson
Harper Teen, 2011. 282 pgs. Young Adult

Seventeen-year-old Ginny Blackstone precipitously travels from her home in New Jersey to London when she receives a message from an unknown man telling her he has the letters that were stolen just before she completed a series of mysterious tasks assigned by her now dead aunt, an artist.

I enjoyed traveling through Europe with Ginny and her friends in this adventure! It has been almost six years since Maureen Johnson introduced us to Ginny in Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes. In this new novel we finally find out what Aunt Peg wrote in the last letter.

It has been several years since I read Thirteen Little Blue Envelopes and while I enjoyed this novel, I would suggest that the books be read in sequence if possible. If you enjoyed Stephanie Perkins book Anna and the French Kiss, I recommend you check out these two books by Maureen Johnson.

AMM

Battle of Nashville

The Battle of Nashville
By Benson Bobrick
Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2010.

Bobrick gives a brief overview of the Civil War, including the succession of the Southern states and the incompetence of many of the Union generals and highlights General George H. Thomas, who actually won all of his battles during the Civil War. Thomas did things differently than a lot of the other generals, avoiding many of their mistakes and even thinking ahead of his time. Resisting pressure from General Grant to advance at Nashville before his troops were ready, Thomas raised a cavalry unit and trained new soldiers, certain that rushing things would cost them the battle; his patience and preparation paid off and his army was triumphant in a battle that proved to be a turning point in the war.

I'd never actually heard of General Thomas, but this was a very informative and interesting read, if slightly biased (the author clearly didn't like Generals Grant and Sherman).

AE

Tangled

Tangled
By Carolyn Mackler
HarperTeen, 2010. 308 pgs. Young Adult

The lives of four teens are tangled as they vacation at a resort in the Caribbean. Rich girl Skye's mother invites a friend and her daughter, Jena, to vacation with them, despite the fact that Skye and Jena have never really clicked. While there, Jena starts a whirlwind romance with Dakota, who is pretty much a jerk, and briefly sees his brother Owen working on a blog; the blog intrigues her and they become friends.

I'm sure there are readers out there who would like this book, but I am not one of them. I liked the interaction between Owen and Jena, but I didn't really care about any of the characters (I find it hard to connect with characters when there are multiple narrators), and I actually didn't like Dakota, even when he started to change. This isn't a clean read, and while I do read books that aren't squeaky clean, and this isn't the "worst" one I've read, something about this one bothered me. Overall, the few things I did like pale in comparison to the things I didn't.

AE

Cloaked

Cloaked
By Alex Flinn
HarperTeen, 2011. 341 pgs. Young Adult


Johnny is a poor kid who repairs shoes for his family business. When Princess Victoriana requests his services, not only in fixing her shoes, but also in looking for her brother, who has been turned into a frog, Johnny is skeptical at first, but longing for adventures (as well as the lure of wealth, since if he succeeds, the princess will marry him), he agrees to do it. He sets out on his quest, aided by his best friend Meg, and finds that finding a frog in Florida can be a lot harder than he expected.

This was a fun modern fairy tale. It wasn't particularly deep, but it's a great quick read, and a clean one to boot.

AE

The Remarkable Soul of a Woman

The Remarkable Soul of a Woman
By Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Deseret Book, 2010. 55 pgs. Nonfiction

In this short book, adapted from the talk President Uchtdorf gave as the 2008 Relief Society Broadcast, he encourages women who may be feeling overwhelmed or inadequate to find God's happiness by looking for opportunities to be creative an compassionate.

I thought this was a fabulous a talk when President Uchtdorf gave it, and it was great to reread his message.

AE

Ten Miles Past Normal

Ten Miles Past Normal
By Frances O'Roark Dowell
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2011. 211 pgs. Young Adult

Janie begged to live on a farm when she was younger and was surprised when she got her dream. Years later, the novelty has worn off when her social status as a high school freshman is not helped by the goat poop she has on her shoe. Janie’s beginning as a freshman is further frustrating by not having the same lunch period as her old middle school friends. But then she meets Monster (his real name) who is larger than life, literally, and starts a project with her best friend’s wild older sister and some civil rights activists. These happenings change Janie’s outlook on life and she determines to become bigger and better than normal. Janie is very likable and Monster is charming in this lighthearted read. Fans of Joan Bauer will enjoy this one.

MN