The Bad Mother's Handbook by Kate Long

The Bad Mother’s Handbook by Kate Long is the story of three generations of women experiencing very different times and how they cope with one another. Charlotte is a struggling seventeen-year-old who finds herself pregnant in the middle of her junior year with the father consciously ignoring the baby’s existence. Meanwhile, Karen, Charlotte’s mother has problems of her own. Aside from finding the perfect man, and becoming a grandmother when she’s only thirty-three, she has just unearthed a huge secret about her past. One that she’s hoping will explain the current funk she can’t seem to shake. Finally, Nan, Karen’s mother, the eccentric and often perceived as crazy old woman has to cope with her past and learn to deal with her future. When you put them all together in one small English home, the hormones rage and out of the mixture comes three beautiful and strong women who learn lessons that will aid them throughout life.

This book was fantastically imaginative in that it was about everyday life. Someone once commented on how families are really just individual people with separate lives living together under one roof and loving each other. If so, this book contains the perfect example of a family. Each person brings something different to the story; Charlotte and the way she accepts her pregnancy, Karen and the way she discovers the importance of the people in her life, and Nan in the advice and wisdom she offers when it truly matters. This book reeks of English countryside, though the backgrounds and setting easily become familiar. Withholding the fact that I’ve never been to an English club, the club in the story brings memories of clubs I have known. The same goes for Charlotte’s school, the family’s home, and even the home of Charlotte’s friend, Daniel. Part of this book contains sexual material and there is one pretty horrible incident of violence, but other than that it’s marvelous. Part coming-of-age tale, part witty comedy, part bitter tragedy, this is an utterly enjoyable book, indeed.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7
Reviewer Age: 15

Chainfire by Terry Goodkind

ChainFire continues the story of the New World’s struggle against the troops of Jagang and the Imperial Order. Through the prophecies, it is understood that Lord Rahl must be present for the final battle. But much to everyone’s dismay, Richard Rahl seems to have suffered mentally after Nicci uses Subtractive magic to heal him from an arrow wound to his chest. Richard believes he was married to Kahlan, the Mother Confessor, and in reality he was. But the Sisters of the Dark have made everyone forget Kahlan using ChainFire, a dangerous magical power that eventually may lead to the destruction of the World. Only Richard understands the true danger of what is happening and that the final battle is fighting this unpredictable threat. Richard must convince his friends and family in time to save not only Kahlan but also all that they have fought for until now.

Overall, ChainFire is a pretty compelling and dramatic novel. Terry Goodkind does explain everything in great detail, which is great for someone who may have started this series in the middle, but for a reader who has been following the novels, it really slows down the action and thrill of the events. There are a couple of subplots that I would have enjoyed reading more about, but this novel seemed dedicated to following Richard Rahl in finding Kahlan. And although the ending is disappointing after reading such a long book, it really creates excitement and anticipation for his next novel.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Kansas City, Missouri United States

Sleeper Code by Tom Sniegoski

Government conspiracies, assassins, action, adventure, and narcolepsy. What's not to love? From the mind of novelist Tom Sniegoski comes The Sleeper Conspiracy, a two-book series packed with action. For as long as he can remember, a young boy named Tom has struggled narcolepsy, a sleeping disorder that causes him to fall asleep for days at a time. Fearful that he will have an attack in public, his parents have homeschooled him for years. Now in his late teens, his calm but sheltered life is shattered when he discovers that everything he believes is a lie. He isn't narcoleptic - he is an assassin created by an anti-government group. Now his life and the lives of everyone he knows are in danger. The Sleeper Conspiracy by Tom Sniegoski is a page-turner. These books have the makings of a high-velocity action movie. It will definitely appeal to readers of Tom Clancy novels and the Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz, as well as fans of Alias and 24. Who are the good guys? Who are the bad guys? What will happen to Tom? Start the story with Sleeper Code, finish it with Sleeper Agenda - and keep looking over your shoulder as you read.

LBD Friends Forever ! by Grace Dent

****** The LBD has always been there for each other, but right now the girls from the LBD are braving the world alone. Can Ronnie take her summer from a bore to a major party with the help of the LBD? ****** The LBD has always been Ronnie, Fleur, and Claude; however, when Fleur and Claude get in a stupid fight it seems like the LBD will just be Ronnie. When summer rolls around, Ronnie has nothing to look forward to, because of Fleur and Claude’s fight, her mom is constantly at her throat, she has no boyfriend, and possibly a job at “Wacky Warehouse”. What could there be to look forward to? Suddenly, a tragedy strikes Ronnie’s family. Claude and Fleur put aside their fight and come to Ronnie’s side. Yet, it still seems like their summer’s going to be a wreck, but Fleur comes up with other ideas. With some quick thinking, the LBD figures out how to get a job in a dreamy location. When they get to their destination though, they suddenly find their job isn’t as dreamy as they had hoped. With an awful boss, a haunted hotel room, some nerve-racking customers, and barely anytime for social or romantic fun the girls’ job is really starting to take a toll on them. Just when things can’t look any worse another tragedy strikes. Can the girls master their jobs, have some fun, get their love lives together, and save the LBD? Find out in this novel by Grace Dent.

I really enjoyed this book. It is a fun read for the average girl teenager. Grace Dent did a wonderful job of making the reader feel like she was there with the characters. I felt their happiness, anger, and their sadness. This book is definitely on my read again list.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Fayetteville, Pennsylvania USA

Flirt by Nicole Clarke

Kiyoko Katsuda is a confident 16 year old living a life everyone dreams of. As a FLIRT intern she's constantly brushing elbows with celebrities and going to clubs with her friends. Kiyoko loves anime and seems to love trouble just as much. Her love life is just as exciting as her daily adventures which never seem to end.

As I was reading the book i found myself getting restless and fidgety. It failed to hold my attention, but it did have some funny lines. Although I did not like this book, I do think that people who like anime and people who are not particularly fond of reading will like this book.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Fountain Valley, Ca United States

The Floating Island by Elizabeth Haydon

The Floating Island begins the telling of the story of Ven Polypheme, son of a shipbuilder, and member of a race that typically dwells below groud, the Nain. Ven is not the typical Nain, even in his family. He doesn't want to build ships; he wants to sail them all over the world. When is chosen to Inspect the family's latest ship, he is ecstatic. His father's ships are the best, and he never imagines anything could go wrong. Ven never dreams that his ship will be attacked by the notorious Fire Pirates and destroyed...But that is exactly what happens.

This book most certainly kept my attention all the way through, and my mind occupied even after I read it, with speculations of what is to come in the next book about Ven. Elizabeth Haydon created a whole cast of brilliantly created characters. Every last one of them seemed to be well thought out and realistic. Ida and Char are especially interesting. Reading this book made me anxious for the next one in the series, to find out what happens next to Ven and his friends. It was certainly a good book compared to other fantasy books, and reminded me a little of the Septimus Heap books, by Angie Sage. While it is similar to a lot of other fantasy books, it certainly stood out from the rest, with its originality, fast-paced plot, intriguing characters, and great writing. Snippets from Ven's journal in the mainly third-person narrative made for a nice change of pace, and were definitely a good idea, as were the great illustrations by Brett Helquist.The Floating Island is a great book for all ages.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Asheville, North Carolina USA

Black Duck by Janet Taylor Lisle

The story begins when an aspiring journalist heads into unheard of territory. Granted David Peterson is only a freshman in high school, but the perfect story is lurking in an old man named Ruben Hart. This old man’s memory contains tales of the Prohibition period. That is what David is here for. One interview soon turns into many when Ruben speaks of himself in a tiny town where corruption and alcohol consume the lives of the people. Ruben tells of a time when he was a young boy and he and his best friend Jeddy McKenzie are on the beach when they find a dead man in a shallow tidal pool. Judging by the gunshot in his neck and the fancy gold watch that he wears, they suspect that he has something to do with the rumrunners or the Black Duck, the elusive smuggling boat. By the time the local police arrive, the body has disappeared. Soon the search for a mysterious ticket for a massive order of liquor is nowhere to be found. Young Ruben doesn’t know that he will soon be floundering at the center of this whirlpool of three gangs wanting the shipment for their own profit. David find himself immersed in this tale when alcohol and money are the driving forces of existence, and you can’t be sure of whom to trust. What is the right side of the law? And is it wrong if the whole town is profiting from it? Secrets that have held this town this together may very well tear it apart.

A quick read historical fiction book that once started is hard to put down. I found that the transitions between flashbacks and present were surprisingly smooth. Chapters would switch between the present where David was interviewing Ruben, and a flashback when Ruben was telling the story. All of the characters in the tiny town come to life under the artistry of Janet Taylor Lisle. Every person, whether it be young Ruben or Mildred, the police secretary, have personalities that are most memorable. The climax crept up on me because it came sooner than I expected it to. Soon even the reader is guessing about who is on the right side of the law. Charlie Pope is the deputy police officer is a shady character. So if the police are in on the rum running business than who can the innocent trust? Quick moving with many twists and turns, this is a great book to read on a summer day.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Belton, Missouri USA

John-Browne's Body and Sole by Jonathan Pearce

Although the big fight may not have been John-Browne's fault, all the fighters have to participate in a special martial arts presentation at school. Jack and his pals think of karate chops to cement blocks. The beauty of akido surprises them and the principles of humility, endurance, responsibility and compassion become part of their adoloescent world. Their punishment enables the boys to develop fight-avoiding scripts. As school life becomes more settled, Jack learns that troubles threaten to change the family.

Jonathan Pearce mixes adolescent agnst with martial arts philosophy to create a robust story of family life and friendships. I especially like the encouraging, but not cloying, notes family members leave for each other. Grandpa invites Jack to "build his own person" while remembering family history. Not only has the author created a believable community in his books, he has also developed a community of readers eager to revisit that small town. This book should be filed under fun and substance. Well work reading for all ages!

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 10
Reviewer City, State and Country: Timonium , MD US

Bizenghast by M. Alice LeGrow

Bizenghast, a beautafully craft Graphic novel, follows the unexpected twists and turns in the lives of two friends; Dinah and Vincent. Dinah, the heroine of this book, is an orphan living in Bizanghast with her Aunt. Perhaps on the edge of her sanity, she has fits and is able to see ghosts much to her Aunt's worry. When touring the grounds of the large home with Vincent this story really begins. When Dinah accidently signs a contract in a hidden Masolium she and Vincent must go back every night and the free the souls lost inside. This book, quickly and easily read, follows Dinah and Vincent as they encounter different souls trapped in their nightmarish and hauntingly gothic past.

Although the writing itself in this book is often below par and the sub plot of each lost soul can be somewhat annoying (I was often reminded of many short stories hastily thrown together rather than a central story - something I don't often enjoy), the artwork and ideas more than make up for it. As my first graphic novel I didn't quite know what to expect, however this book seems different from the norm. McGrow creates ideas that are dazzeling and her artwork refelcts this. As a lover of horror and fairytales, the drawings are dark and beautiful, well up to standards and better than many paintings I have come across. Often reminding me a children's book for teenagers, the weak writing can easily be over-looked and just seeing the pictures is like looking into a dream. While I don't reccomend this for anyone looking for a good plot or likely to take any weakenesses too seriously it is defiantly worth reading. If you're a fan of artwork, enjoy beautiful things, or have a taste for the supernatural or the weird I would definatly read this...

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Bristol, n/a England

Pucker by Melanie Gideon

His mother is dying; his father is dead. His face was disfigured in a fire. Not much else can go wrong for Thomas Quicksilver a.k.a. Pucker. Alas, the worst is yet to come. His mother tells him that the only way he can save her is to return to Isaura, the world they were banished from on the day of the fire and his father’s death. When he returns to the world of his birth, his scars are removed, and he becomes the handsome boy he would have been if the fire hadn’t occurred. He falls in love. Things are definitely looking up. Unfortunately, his mother will die without her seer skin, a special second skin that many people in Isaura develop when they reach their teens that allows them to see into the future, and he still has to recover it before time runs out. If Thomas is to save his mother, he must find what he came for and return to her on Earth, losing his new face and breaking his heart in the process. What will he decide?

Pucker is the story of a boy who is judged by his blemished cover. In this brilliantly written novel, readers will discover the pain that people go through when they are ridiculed because of their appearance, and the joy they feel when they finally realize that somebody really does care about them. Melanie Gideon has created a novel that will teach readers to look beyond the skin to the heart beneath. Pucker’s story is truly one that teens and adults can learn from and enjoy.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9
Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Chambersburg, PA USA