Category: Book Review

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Book Review of Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis

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Hardcover, 320 pages
Published September 24th 2013 by Katherine Tegen Books
Summary:
Lynn knows every threat to her pond: drought, a snowless winter, coyotes, and, most importantly, people looking for a drink. She makes sure anyone who comes near the pond leaves thirsty, or doesn’t leave at all.

Confident in her own abilities, Lynn has no use for the world beyond the nearby fields and forest. Having a life means dedicating it to survival, and the constant work of gathering wood and water. Having a pond requires the fortitude to protect it, something Mother taught her well during their quiet hours on the rooftop, rifles in hand.

But wisps of smoke on the horizon mean one thing: strangers. The mysterious footprints by the pond, nighttime threats, and gunshots make it all too clear Lynn has exactly what they want, and they won’t stop until they get it….

With evocative, spare language and incredible drama, danger, and romance, debut author Mindy McGinnis depicts one girl’s journey in a barren world not so different than our own

My Thoughts:
I thought this was a wonderfully written and engaging story! I read it in one sitting! I love how it has a sort of “western” feel to it, yet it feels modern. Really great book!
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Book Review of Doll Bones by Holly Black

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Hardcover, 244 pages
Published May 7th 2013 by Margaret K. McElderry Books
Summary:
Zach, Poppy and Alice have been friends for ever. They love playing with their action figure toys, imagining a magical world of adventure and heroism. But disaster strikes when, without warning, Zach’s father throws out all his toys, declaring he’s too old for them. Zach is furious, confused and embarrassed, deciding that the only way to cope is to stop playing . . . and stop being friends with Poppy and Alice. But one night the girls pay Zach a visit, and tell him about a series of mysterious occurrences. Poppy swears that she is now being haunted by a china doll – who claims that it is made from the ground-up bones of a murdered girl. They must return the doll to where the girl lived, and bury it. Otherwise the three children will be cursed for eternity.
My Thoughts:
I thought this was a great character driven story! It was kind of creepy, yet engaging… It was a great MG read.
I recommend.
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Book Review of The Game by Barry Lyga

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Audio, 517 pages
Published April 16th 2013 by Little, Brown Young Readers
Summary:

I Hunt Killers introduced the world to Jasper (Jazz) Dent, the son of the world’s most infamous serial killer.When a desperate New York City detective comes knocking on Jazz’s door asking for help with a new case, Jazz can’t say no. The Hat-Dog Killer has the Big Apple–and its police force running scared with no leads. So Jazz and his girlfriend Connie hop on a plane to the big city and get swept up in a killer’s murderous game.

Meanwhile, Jazz’s dad Billy is watching…and waiting

My Thoughts:
Loved loved loved this latest installment of the I Hunt Killers series! Gritty, creepy, gorey and disturbing… It rocked!!! Can’t wait for book 3!
Five Stars and TOTALLY recommend!
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Book Review of Letters to Nowhere by Julie Cross

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Kindle Edition, 288 pages
Published August 1st 2013 by Long Walk Press
Summary:
From the International Bestselling Author of the Tempest Series…Set in the tough world of Elite Gymnastics…I’ve gotten used to the dead parents face. I’ve gotten used to living with my gymnastics coach. I’ve even adjusted to sharing a bathroom with his way-too-hot son. Dealing with boys is not something that’s made it onto my list of experiences as of yet. But here I am, doing it. And something about Jordan–being around him, talking to him, thinking about him–makes me feel like I can finally breathe again. That’s something I haven’t been able to do lately. He knows what it feels like to be me right now. He knows what it’s like to wonder–what now? I think about it constantly. I need answers. I need to know how to get through this. In the gym, if you’re struggling, you train harder, you do drills and conditioning. How do I work hard at moving on? At being on my own? And what happens if I might be…maybe…probably falling for Jordan? I mean we live together now. That can’t happen, can it? But kissing him…well, let’s just say it’s not an easy activity to forget.

My Thoughts:
I thought this was a great read! I had my doubts that a book that centered so much around gymnastics would keep my interest, but it really did and that is mainly because the characters are so engaging. I definitely recommend!
I recommend!
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Book Review of If I Stay by Gayle Forman

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Hardcover, 201 pages
Published April 2nd 2009 by Dutton Juvenile
Summary:
In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen-year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck…A sophisticated, layered, and heart-achingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make, and the ultimate choice Mia commands.
My thoughts:
I really liked this book. I love how quickly she was able to establish the characters so that you actually CARED about what happened so quickly. That’s a pretty big deal in my opinion as it takes a lot of skill as a writer. I definitely recommend!