The Blue Orchard by Jackson Taylor

Official Summary
On the eve of the Great Depression, Verna Krone, the child of Irish immigrants, must leave the eighth grade and begin working as a maid to help support her family. Her employer takes inappropriate liberties, and as Verna matures, it seems as if each man she meets is worse than the last. Through sheer force of will and a few chance encounters, she manages to teach herself to read and becomes a nurse. But Verna’s new life falls to pieces when she is arrested for assisting a black doctor with "illegal surgeries." As the media firestorm rages, Verna reflects on her life while awaiting trial.

Based on the life of the author’s own grandmother and written after almost three hundred interviews with those involved in the real-life scandal, The Blue Orchard is as elegant and moving as it is exact and convincing. It is a dazzling portrayal of the changes America underwent in the first fifty years of the twentieth century. Readers will be swept into a time period that in many ways mirrors our own. Verna Krone’s story is ultimately a story of the indomitable nature of the human spirit—and a reminder that determination and self-education can defy the deforming pressures that keep women and other disenfranchised groups down.

My Two Cents
This was a very interesting story, certainly a "first" for me in that I have not ever read any fiction that is at all similar to it. I found it to be very engaging, though some parts got to be a little bogged down with politics and the like, never any big favorite of mine. I actually liked the story a whole lot more once I learned that it was based upon the author's grandmother's life. The unbelievable weaknesses and complete inadequacies of all the men in this woman's life was infuriating. Verna should definitely have joined the "She Woman Man Hater Club."

The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott

Very Brief Series Summary of the first 5 books
Two teenage twins, Josh and Sophie, are spending their summer working in San Francisco when they are caught in a battle between two immortals, Nicholas Flamel and John Dee. The story moves at a fast pace as Josh and Sophie are taken with Nicolas to Paris and beyond to escape and ultimately confront “the forces of evil.”
Nicolas believes Josh and Sophie are the twins described by a prophecy that foretells that they will save the world… or destroy it. The twins are swept into the battle as they travel from one country - and one dimension - to another. They meet vampires and witches and gargoyles and all manner of mythical beasts and Gods of legend in their efforts to find out about their destiny.

My Two Cents
These books have been very quick, wildy entertaining reads. The first book, The Alchemyst, was not as good, probably since it was the "set up book," but the others have since picked up the pace. It is difficult to review them separately, for each book doesn't really seem to be a book but rather another chapter of this ongoing story. There is no way you could pick up one of the books in the middle of this series and have any idea at all about what is going on. If you plan to take on the story, start at the beginning. You know what they say - in for a penny, in for a pound...

It is very cool to see who the author brings in as "immortal" characters from history and how he creates their personalities as if he himself knew them. But, I do have to say this latest book has started to get even a little too freaky for me. I am all for imagination but this is starting to take it a little far over the edge. But no doubt I will finish the series - because the ending of the latest book, The Warlock, surprised even me! I am glad the next book will wrap up the story, it would be in danger of jumping the shark if it didn't.

I will label this series under "Max" but fair warning - even though I am for the most part enjoying it, he hasn't really taken to this series.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Official Summary
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

My Two Cents
Is there really anyone out there that hasn't read this book?? If you haven't, please do yourself one of the biggest favors of all time and pick it up. BEFORE you go see the movie. It is one of the best I've ever read. And that is saying a lot.

I'm not really here to talk about this for my Young Adults or Moms, I actually read this book to Charlie (please notice the label). I told him that if he wanted to see the movie, he had to listen to the book. (I was due for a re-read of it, anyway). Well. Let me tell you that this child, who is a tough nut to crack as far as books go, BEGGED me to read to him every night, BEGGED for more chapters each time we picked up the book. He absolutely loved it and wants me to read the rest of the series to him sometime soon. By soon, he means "now" but I needed to take a break from Katniss and Peeta. We'll get to it.

Now - fair warning...it is a little intense and there is one pretty upsetting scene. But Charlie is a second child who has been exposed to stuff that's a little less than "age appropriate" for him his whole life. (anyone else got one of those???) So he was not happy after I read certain parts, but he took it in stride and it didn't give him nightmares or ruin the book for him or anything.

So, consider this as a "read aloud" option. But also consider yourself warned - I would give it a PG-13 rating. It may not be for every grade schooler.

The Death Cure by James Dashner

Official Summary
Thomas knows that Wicked can't be trusted, but they say the time for lies is over, that they've collected all they can from the Trials and now must rely on the Gladers, with full memories restored, to help them with their ultimate mission. It's up to the Gladers to complete the blueprint for the cure to the Flare with a final voluntary test.
What Wicked doesn't know is that something's happened that no Trial or Variable could have foreseen. Thomas has remembered far more than they think. And he knows that he can't believe a word of what Wicked says.
The time for lies is over. But the truth is more dangerous than Thomas could ever imagine.
Will anyone survive the Death Cure?

My Two Cents
This is the conclusion to the Maze Runner trilogy (Maze Runner and Scorch Trials preceded it). And there is no way you could pick this up if you hadn't read the first two. The story is very involved, a little confusing and pretty far out there on the "wacky" scale but it sure was exciting! Yes, another Post Apocalyptic themed series within the Young Adult genre. And the first two books were very intriguing, brought a very different spin to the tried and true theme - but oh! the questions! Mainly, "What the f*%# is going on in this crazy world???" And I have to say - while I was tearing through this action-packed book, I don't really feel like I got all the answers I wish a concluding installment had. But, with that said...very cool, great characters, interesting story that sucks you right in. Worth checking out the whole series.

The Red Garden by Alice Hoffman

Official Summary
The Red Garden introduces us to the luminous and haunting world of Blackwell, Massachusetts, capturing the unexpected turns in its history and in our own lives.

In exquisite prose, Hoffman offers a transforming glimpse of small-town America, presenting us with some three hundred years of passion, dark secrets, loyalty, and redemption in a web of tales where characters' lives are intertwined by fate and by their own actions.

From the town's founder, a brave young woman from England who has no fear of blizzards or bears, to the young man who runs away to New York City with only his dog for company, the characters in The Red Garden are extraordinary and vivid: a young wounded Civil War soldier who is saved by a passionate neighbor, a woman who meets a fiercely human historical character, a poet who falls in love with a blind man, a mysterious traveler who comes to town in the year when summer never arrives.

At the center of everyone’s life is a mysterious garden where only red plants can grow, and where the truth can be found by those who dare to look.

Beautifully crafted, shimmering with magic, The Red Garden is as unforgettable as it is moving.

My Two Cents
I found this book to be imminently readable. I honestly thought it was really well written and brilliant in its character stories and connections through time. However, I found I could very easily put it down. This is probably due to the fact that each chapter was pretty much a contained short story that had its own closure. And for all of the "lushly written" and "mystical mixed with logical" prose, I found it got a little dull in certain places. But not terribly so - it was definitely worth picking up and reading. Just not an "edge of your seat" kind of book is all.

P.S. - I had the feeling that there was some serious literary symbolism and metaphors and whatnot that I was just not getting. While I don't consider myself unintelligent, I will admit to being a "lazy" reader. I don't want to think and ponder and contemplate. I just want the author to spin me a good yarn.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

Official Summary
Orphan, clock keeper, and thief, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric, bookish girl and a bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the station, Hugo's undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message from Hugo's dead father form the backbone of this intricate, tender, and spellbinding mystery.

My Two Cents
I was a little leery of this book and to be honest, so was my 8 year old son - the amount and frequency of illustrations made it smell suspiciously of a "baby book" but on the other hand, the sheer amount of pages was a little frightening. But, in the end, this book was well worth every single session of reading aloud. It was a very different, very interesting read for both of us. No real violence, no real romance - enough action and chase scenes to keep it exciting - most of all, it was just a very engaging story of a boy trying to "find" his father and ultimately, himself.

Iron House by John Hart

Official Summary
An old man is dying.

When the old man is dead they will come for him.

And they will come for her, to make him hurt.

My Two Cents
Well, based upon the "Official Summary" this book seems to be pretty lame and a LOT cliched.

Have you ever had one of those impulse library check-outs - one that you weren't even going to use up the energy to bring to the desk but decided...ah, why not? If it stinks, I can stop reading it and just bring it back? But it didn't just turn out to be mildly amusing and perhaps worth the 1 or 2 calories burned picking it up off the shelf...but it turned out to be wonderful?? Doesn't happen often but I am here to tell you that this is exactly what happened to me with this book.

Was it a little bit lame and perhaps a bit cliched? Yes. I just don't think you can get away from that in this genre. But it was a Mystery/Thriller that had a complex and interesting story and it was really rather beautifully written to boot. And I have read enough of these books to know that that is almost NEVER the case.

Warning! There is one part of the book that gets pretty gross and graphic that frankly I could have done without, but it wasn't enough to ruin the book.

I will be checking out more from this author so stay tuned.

Legend by Marie Lu

Official Summary
What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths--until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

My Two Cents
This book was wonderful! My son Max touts it as "one of the best he's ever read." Now, granted, the Teen Fiction sub-genre of Post Apocalyptic Dystopia, fueled by the Hunger Games series, has become a bit played out. But this book stands out among the rest as the next great series. Another quick read, edge of your seat excitement - as good as watching TV (well, I think better). Another great one you and your kids can share.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Official Summary
A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. A strange collection of very curious photographs.

It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.

A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.

My Two Cents
I guess technically this book is Teen Fiction, which some of you may know I lean towards to begin with - but what a wild and wonderful trip this book turned out to be! I absolutely could not put it down and I tore through it in a matter of 2 days.

However - consider yourself warned...this book was pretty darn wacky. But when you consider Harry Potter and the Twilight series, it's not so far out there so that it shouldn't be considered.

I actually had a discussion with one of the librarians at the MO Middle School about this book and found out that many of the teachers have it in their classroom as an "extra reading" option for the kids. By all means, give it to your kids to read! But absolutely check it out yourself if you're looking for something original and lots of fun.

To Start...

I used to post what I've read on Facebook, using an app called WeRead - which was wonderful. It let me provide my humble opinion of whatever book I just read, kept track of my "library" and let me check out what other people have been reading. However, this app decided to totally crap out. And the hundreds of books I posted were *poof* ... gone.

I realized at this point how much I relied on this app and it really pissed me off that it was gone. And I also realized that people were actually following me and checking out my WeRead library to see if there was anything I've written up that they might want to check out.

So I decided to try to do something about it. I'm going to TRY to make something here for those who did follow me on Facebook - and hope like heck that other people can post and share and comment and give me some good book suggestions, too!

Needless to say I've read a whoooole bunch since my Facebook/WeRead hiatus, so I'll first try to catch up and will probably only post what was worthwhile. But as time moves on, I hope to create categories (i.e. Mystery/Thriller, Teen Fiction, "Oprah-ish," etc.) and write up the good, the bad AND the ugly.

Let's see if I can get anywhere, and hopefully you're all willing to come with me if I do!