Day 44: 45 Days of Summer

In the Bag by Kate Klise

I originally posted about this book a couple of years ago. You can read the review here.

But summer is winding down, and I haven't done enough books "for adults" so I thought I would highlight this perfect vacation read.

Travel, adventure, a little romance...it's all in the bag!

Perfect for: adults looking for the perfect "beach read." Would also make a decent mother/daughter book club read for moms with high school age daughters.

Day 30: 45 Days of Summer

The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith

I love everything written by Jennifer E. Smith. EVERYTHING!

This is her latest, and fans of light-hearted romance will be excited to have the perfect book to read at the beach this summer.

If you've ever heard the phrase "meet-cute" you will know that this book defines the term in the best way when the two main characters get stuck in an elevator together during their first meeting.

And things only heat up from there. Sort of.

Can you ever get back the spark you felt the first time you met someone special? Can you make romance work long distance? What if you never see each other again? 

Following the journey of Owen and Lucy will have you rooting for love to conquer all.

Perfect for: 7th grade and up...adults too!

Series Saturday: Review: Crash (McMann)

Title: Crash
Author: McMann
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, Supernatural, Family
Pages: 233
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Ages: 7th-10th grades

We were so lucky to host this author (along with Jennifer A. Nielsen) at Evergreen this past March. You can read all about the AMAZING experience here. Since I am also a huge fan of both of these authors, I was especially excited for the event. It definitely did not disappoint.

The "Wake" trilogy is a popular series in my library, and Cryer's Cross (previously reviewed here) is also the perfect creepy tale. And this year I will be promoting her new "Unwanteds" series. Because she obviously doesn't have enough to do, this series starter was also published this year. 

From the Publisher: 
If what you see is what you get, Jules is in serious trouble. Jules lives with her family above their restaurant, which means she smells like pizza most of the time and drives their double-meatball-shaped food truck to school. It’s not a recipe for popularity, but she can handle that.
What she can’t handle is the recurring vision that haunts her. Over and over, Jules sees a careening truck hit a building and explode...and nine body bags in the snow.
The vision is everywhere—on billboards, television screens, windows—and she’s the only one who sees it. And the more she sees it, the more she sees. The vision is giving her clues, and soon Jules knows what she has to do. Because now she can see the face in one of the body bags, and it’s someone she knows. Someone she has been in love with for as long as she can remember.

As soon as I read this book, I knew just the student who would enjoy it. And I was right! I'm including her review below, but wanted to add my two cents first. This book has mystery, suspense, and romance. It is a page-turner that is hard to put it down because you desperately want to find out if Jules is able to save the day. I really liked Jules and her narration is spot on. The supporting cast is also well-defined. This is definitely an exciting series starter (there are supposed to be 4 books in this series; the 2nd book, "Bang" comes out this fall), and one that we will have on the shelves for the fall.

Jenni's review:
Loved Crash! It kind of reminded me of Romeo and Juliet- but still really original seeing as how there was resistance from Sawyer's part. I liked how different Jules is from me because as I've said before I usually subconsciously (now I'm actually aware of it though *laughs) try to identify with the protagonist of the books. I found myself cringing a lot when Jules would do something like approach Sawyer or even tell him she loves him. Yeah, this chick is way more ballsy than I ever will be. But I liked seeing how her actions played out in the end. 

Sawyer was frustrating too. The story in general was frustrating because like Romeo and Juliet I find it completely idiotic for parents and kids to allow feuds to be passed down and to live by them. I liked how Jules, although she kind of abided by that old fight, basically said, "I don't give a damn, I'm gonna try to save these people." 

The ending was satisfying because it made sense, but as all good authors do, it didn't leave me too satisfied since I felt like there is still more to be said of Jules and Sawyer's story. All in all, I can't wait for the next book to come out!

Must Read Monday

Every year I create Summer Reading lists for all ages, Kindergarten through High School. You can find them by clicking here. Friends and family usually start asking for this list around the 1st of May, and typically I finish/publish it the first week of June. For each grade level, I try and "star" some of my absolute favorites, ones that I think either have wide appeal, are outstanding books not to be missed, or simply ones that left such a remarkable impact on me that I can't imagine not sharing them with you.

All summer long, my own friends have been asking for reading suggestions, so I thought that I would highlight the titles that I have been recommending to them. Plus, I thought it better that I highlight these titles all in one post rather than consecutive posts that all said the same things...

Amazing!
Must Read!
Incredible!
Could not put it down!
In LOVE with this book!

I was seriously worried about sounding like a broken record and/or gushing like a school girl.

It goes without saying that I always recommend "Code Name Verity" and "The Fault in our Stars" with the caveat that you can no longer be my friend if you haven't read those. However, these were books that I highlighted on last summer's lists, so you should already know that they are "Must Reads."



This summer's "you must read these if you still want to be my friend" titles include:

"The Moon & More" by Sarah Dessen. No really, I would be gushing like a school girl over this book (and every title by Ms. Dessen. Okay, let's be honest, I've been known to gush like a school girl in her presence. Don't believe me? Ask any of my library friends...there are pictures to prove it). There is just something about the way that she writes that draws you in and makes you feel so much a part of what is going on. The entire experience is so real and authentic. As one review put it best, "it's just not summer without Dessen." AMEN! What I most love about these books is that I share a love of the author with my now 24 year old niece. Oh no, "teen books" are not just for teens.


"This is What Happy Looks Like" by Jennifer E. Smith. Last summer it was the author's "The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight." This year, it is this perfect summer read. The set-up for this book draws you in, and the characters keep you reading. The sense of place is also very strong and will make you feel like you are there.


"Winger" by Andrew Smith. Wow! is about all I can say about this book. Seriously, I don't even know how to describe it. Other than to say that I couldn't put it down, and at 438 pages, that is saying something. This is not a light summer beach read, but it also feels like just the right story to read. It's reminiscent of Dead Poet's Society, but also in a league of it's own. Humor, and heart, and a story that will stay with you long after you read it. I dare you not to fall in love with Ryan Dean West by the end. (A good title for boys or girls).

"Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. I am seriously in LOVE with these characters. If you were looking for a new book to take the place of TFIOS (not that anything could), this is the book that you want. But it is so much more than just a "if you like this, read that" kind of book. I can't even describe it other than to say that my heart still feels the emotional ride I was on with this book. Unforgettable.

Review: Life After Theft (Pike)

Title: Life After Theft
Author: Pike
Genre: Fiction, Ghosts, Paranormal, High School
Pages: 345
Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars
Ages: High School 

First, I feel like I must start this review with an admission: I don't like paranormal books. At. All. There are days where I think if I see one more angel/devil/vampire/ghost book come across my desk, I will lose it. Ask my students...they know. That being said, I know that it is popular and I love that YOU love them...just don't make me read them.

Now you're asking the question, "so, why did you even pick this book up?" Truth be told? I don't really know. It had a little to do with author name recognition (she's quite popular), and the fact that in the fall I have to give a seminar on all the latest and greatest books of 2013 for teens (and I'm sure if I wasn't at least knowledgeable about the title I wouldn't be doing my job). But, quite honestly, it actually sounded interesting to me. Shhhh...don't tell anyone!

From the Publisher:
Kimberlee Schaffer may be drop-dead gorgeous . . . but she also dropped dead last year. Now she needs Jeff's help with her unfinished business, and she's not taking no for an answer. When she was alive, Kimberlee wasn't just a mean girl; she was also a complete kleptomaniac. So if Jeff wants to avoid being haunted until graduation, he'll have to help her return all of the stolen items. But Jeff soon discovers that it's much easier to steal something than it is to bring it back.

I really enjoyed this book! No, I'm serious. The characters were well-developed, and the relationship between Jeff and Kimberlee was so authentic. Full of snark and wit and emotion, their banter drew me in. There is quite a bit going on in this book: bullying, acceptance, friendship, romance, and what it means to be happy. But I never felt like I was being hit over the head with "messages" or talked down to. 

Told from Jeff's point of view, I think this book has potential to appeal to boy and girl readers. Well, teen boys brave enough to read a book with that cover, I suppose.

Also, the Kindle edition of this book is currently on sale for $1.99. Bargain! You can't really go wrong on this one.

Review: Sea (Kling)

So, I was going to post the review for a different book today. 

But then I watched the movie "The Impossible" (starring Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor) last night. And now I can't stop thinking about the movie...and the story...and the family that the movie is based on. I'm not kidding when I say that this movie really impacted me.

I decided to postpone my original review (the first in a segment I'm going to call "Series Saturday"), and go back to this one from 2010. Mainly because, like the movie, this book is based on the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami. Click here for the original post (which the author commented on, BTW!), or read below for my edited review...


Title: Sea
Author: Kling
Genre: Fiction, Survival, Romance
Pages: 336
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Ages: 7th grade and up

Sienna Jones is known as Sea to her friends and family because of her love of the ocean and surfing.  Unfortunately, Sea doesn't go in the water any more because the plane her mother was flying crashed into the Indian Ocean and there were no survivors.  Sea doesn't do a lot of the things she used to because she is haunted by horrible nightmares of her mother's death.

But now, six months after the 2004 tsunami that devasted SE Asia, Sea has the opportunity to travel with her father to help survivors.  Sea reluctantly agrees to join the team.  In an Indonesian orphanage, she meets Deni, a scarred orphan young man who is more like Sea than anyone she has ever met.  She feels an instant connection to Deni and cannot stay away from him.  But what about her best friend/boy friend back home? 

I am a little late to the "love" party for this book.  (I actually read it right before school started, but am a little behind in my reviews).  This is a powerful debut novel that is equal parts adventure, survival, and romance.  It will make you sad, but it will also leave you hopeful.  Sea is a character that I know many of my readers will relate to...you can understand where she is coming from, and will root for her to get to where she needs to be.  

Review: Meant to Be (Morrill)

Title: Meant to Be

Author: Morrill
Genre: Fiction, Love, Travel, High School, Humor
Pages: 292

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Ages: 7th grade & up

This is not a new title, but I think that this book also falls into the "neighbor girl borrowed and I never read" category, because I just discovered this book on my shelf last month. 

From the Publisher: Meant to be or not meant to be . . . that is the question. 

It's one thing to fall head over heels into a puddle of hazelnut coffee, and quite another to fall for the—gasp—wrong guy. Straight-A junior Julia may be accident prone, but she's queen of following rules and being prepared. That's why she keeps a pencil sharpener in her purse and a pocket Shakespeare in her, well, pocket. And that's also why she's chosen Mark Bixford, her childhood crush, as her MTB ("meant to be").

But this spring break, Julia's rules are about to get defenestrated (SAT word: to be thrown from a window) when she's partnered with her personal nemesis, class-clown Jason, on a school trip to London. After one wild party, Julia starts receiving romantic texts . . . from an unknown number! Jason promises to help discover the identity of her mysterious new suitor if she agrees to break a few rules along the way.

I think this book is an enjoyable read, especially for all those teen girl fans of romantic comedies. I mean seriously...just look at the book cover. It practically screams "Rom-Com" movie poster! And even though the action in the book takes place over spring break, it's a great summer read because the travel details are part of the fun. 

This book is not the most surprising from start to finish, but you really can't help but like Julia, even when she's acting too smart for her own good. I really loved her and all her quirkiness...pocket Shakespeare? A pencil sharpener at all times? How could you not love this girl? And root for her to find the love that is "meant to be"?