"Sex and Violence" By Carrie Mesrobian (306 pages)

For seventeen-year-old Evan Carter, sex has always come without consequences. His strategy? Know the profile of The Girl Who Would Say Yes. In each new town, each new school, he can count on plenty of action before he and his father move again. Finding girls is not a problem for Evan, and soon it is what he does best. Until he hooks up with the wrong girl and finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. The girl’s name is Collette, and Evan can’t stay away from her, even though he knows his private school roommate had once dated her. He knows it’s wrong but he can’t help himself. One night, Evan and Collette are seen together and word gets back to his roommate. Evan goes to take a shower that night, only two find two angry guys waiting for him, one of them being Patrick- Collette’s ex-boyfriend. What happen next, Evan isn’t sure, but he wakes up in the hospital without a spleen. His body is completely destroyed, but he soon learns that Collette got the worst of their wrath. Evan’s father knows they cannot stay in that town anymore, and he takes him to the family cabin in rural Pearl Lake, Minnesota, so Evan's body can heal. But what about his mind?

 

How do you go on when you can’t think of sex without thinking about violence?

 

Nothing seems natural to Evan anymore. Nothing seems safe. The fear and the guilt haunt him every day. He can't sort out how he feels about anyone, least of all himself. Evan has really never known everything about someone, and Pearl Lake is the kind of place where people know everything about each other. At first, Evan is annoyed and is sure Pearl Lake is not the place for him. However, as uncomfortable as he is, it might also be Evan's best shot to untangle sex and violence. I loved this book but i definitely think it is for more mature readers, not because of the reading level but because of the context.

"Hysteria" by Megan Miranda (336 pages)

Everyone knows Mallory killed her boyfriend, Brian. Everyone also knows that it was self-defense. Due to Brian’s past history of violence, the fact that Mallory had to defend herself was not a surprise, and because of this Mallory was not charged with murder. Her parent’s felt relieved, but Mallory still feels Brian's presence in her life. Is it all in her head? Or is it something more? Brian’s mom starts sitting out in her green car at all hours of the night, watching Mallory’s house, and Mallory knows this. She knows she did what she had to do to save her own life, but she can’t help wondering if she could have picked a different option other than ending his. She feels suffocated by his presence, and can’t even look into her kitchen where the blood had covered the floor. Brian’s blood.  

 In desperate need of a fresh start, Mallory is sent to Monroe, a fancy prep school where her dad went to school. Mallory hopes she can leave the feeling of Brian back at home, but he follows her, as do her secrets. The first person’s she meets is Jason. He seems a little off, but that’s not the worst part. He is the son of Monroe’s president. Which means he knows… everything. And he has no problem telling everyone about it. People continuously look at her. It turns out that staying home, might have been the better option. Until she runs into Reid, a childhood friend and crush who also is a student at Monroe. Reid is the only person there that makes Mallory feel comfortable. But when she isn’t by his side, she is overwhelmed with the feeling that someone is out to get her. And they want her gone, forever.

And then one of her classmates ends up dead, and Mallory has been framed. Can Mallory make it out of yet another murder case? Find out in this nerve-wracking novel.  It is scary, creepy and you wontwant to stop reading!

“If You Could Be Mine” by Sara Farizan (247 pages)

This realistic fiction story is about two teenage best friends, Sahar and Nasrin, who grow up in modern-day Iran. With Sahar motherless, Nasrin’s family has been there for her since she was just a child but things start to change when there are suspicions of the girls having a secret relationship. In Iran, homosexuality is illegal and sometimes even punishable by death, but getting a sex change isn’t. Is Sahar willing to go through surgery to be with the love of her life? If so, she needs to hurry, and fast, because Nasrin is getting married off, thanks to her parents. 

This book is a quick read and is hard to put down. If you’re someone who enjoys suspense and panic, this book is the one for you.   

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“All Our Pretty Songs” by Sarah McCarry (218 pages)

In this novel about two seventeen-year-old best friends, life is far from normal. Growing up on the west coast is exactly what Aurora and the unnamed narrator enjoy most, with the exception of exploring. Ever since they were little, they were always together, and even lived together for a while, as neither of their fathers were in the picture and their mothers were best friends. As Aurora expresses her wild side, things start to take a turn for the worse when drugs become part of daily routine and going to school loses its importance. As you devour the book deeper, there are a lot more elements of fantasy. This book is very hard to put down and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. If you are someone who likes suspense and adventure with a bit of mischief, this book is perfect for you.  

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"Straw House, Wood House, Brick House, Blow" by Daniel Nayeri (432 pages)

This compilation of novellas features four breathtaking stories:

Straw House: Straw House follows the story of Sunny, a straw dummy in charge of taking care of the crops and livestock on a farm that grows toys. Sunny’s bravery and judgment is called into question when a mysterious “Growin’ Man” and his army of mindless men begin dismantling toys in order to unearth the secret of their life force.

Wood House: Set in the 2060’s, this futuristic novella takes an interesting spin on the repercussions of too much technology. Pursued by a daunting monster, Janey must rush to save the world from the threat of nano-technology instated by a powerful corporation.

Brick House: In an attempt to stop a murder, the Wish Police of New York City must apprehend the wish of a young boy, Randy Bieman, who wishes for the deaths of his parents. This fast-paced detective novella will keep you intrigued until the very end.

Blow: Evocative of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, this love story, narrated by Death, features two star-crossed lovers—the boorish Giacomo and the pampered Chloe—whose parents have been rivals for years. True to its Shakespearean influence, the two lovers have their share of misfortune and near-death experiences, but with a light-hearted twist.

With sarcasm and wit abound, this cleverly-crafted collection of novellas provides a new perspective on four classic genres of literature. This book is well-suited for anyone who loves to laugh; nothing is serious for long in these stories. All four tales are highly imaginative and unlike anything else I have ever read. I found myself wishing for a fifth one!

Reviewed by Aubrie L.

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"The Dead Fathers Club" by Matt Haig (336 pages)

If you have ever lost someone close to you then you know exactly how Philip Noble feels…except for the fact that his loved one has come back from the dead and is looking for revenge. In this modern retelling of Hamlet, the past refuses to rest when Philip’s father returns from the dead as a ghost to inform him that he was murdered by Philip’s uncle—the loud, greasy, intoxicated Uncle Alan—in an elaborate plot to steal his job and family.  The spirit of Philip’s father explains that he will be unable to rest until his murderer is killed, and if revenge is not exacted within two months, he will be forced to suffer “Terrors” which cause him constant pain.  To save his father from the horrific “Terrors” of being a ghost, Philip is charged with one dangerous task: to kill his uncle Alan.

Written in the simple, naïve point of view of an eleven year-old boy, The Dead Father’s Club is a fast-paced, witty story - perfect for mystery lovers that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

When I first picked up this book I was a little concerned that it would be a typical ghost story, but I was pleasantly surprised. Haig’s unique use of language and dynamic storyline drive the story forward and demand your attention. I found myself laughing one moment and near tears the next. This is a quick, easy read and an interesting spin on one of the most famous stories in history.

Reviewed by Aubrie L.

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"Tell the Wolves I'm Home" by Carol Rifka Brunt (360 pages)

June Elbus has nobody. Branded as the “weird girl” at school, she has very few friends and has grown more and more introverted, becoming distant from her sister and parents. June nearly reaches her limit when her only true friend, her uncle Finn, dies from AIDS. To find solace, June wanders into the woods behind her school and imagines she is in a different time.

Prior to his death, Finn—a renowned artist—spent his last few months focusing on a still-life painting of June and her sister, Greta, entitled “Tell the Wolves I’m Home.” At her uncle’s funeral, June sees a strange man, who she discovers to be Finn’s boyfriend, and is warned about him by her parents who blame him for Finn’s death. When she receives a message from the man, Toby, requesting to meet up with her, June is wary at first but ultimately decides to take a chance and see what the man wants.  The two soon grow close, exchanging stories about Finn with each other and taking care of one another. Throughout the months, Toby proves himself not to be the horrible man that June’s mother made him out to be and the two help each other cope with the death of Finn. Heart-wrenching and beautiful, this story of love and redemption will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

I found myself addicted to this book. Tell the Wolves I’m Home has an aspect of intrigue to it that made it difficult to put down. I love the raw honesty of the characters and the relationships they form with each other. Fans of tragedies and tear-jerkers alike will absolutely love this book. I wish all novels were so carefully devised and eloquently executed as this one.

Reviewed by Aubrie L.

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"Heartbeat" by Elizabeth Scott (244 pages)

Emma’s life completely changes after the sudden death of her pregnant mother. She becomes a failing student and ends all interactions she previously had with her stepdad, Dan, because of a decision he made.  Without consulting Emma, Dan decided to keep her mom’s body functioning with the help of machines in order to keep the unborn baby alive. Although her best friend Olivia is always there to support her, Emma leans toward someone who is highly frowned upon in their city, Caleb Harrison. This bad-boy easily relates to some of the feelings Emma has and they start to bond over their experiences. Not only does Caleb connect with Emma, but he helps her realize what she needs to do in order to be happy again.

The progress Emma and Caleb make as individuals gives you a sense that people can turn their lives around when they’re in horrible situations. This book made me realize that things happen extremely quickly and that I need to take advantage of opportunities because they might only happen once.






 
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"And We Stay" by Jenny Hubbard (221 pages)

One night at a party changes Emily Beam’s and Paul Wagoner’s  lives, but one day in the school library changes their lives FOREVER. 

After the unexpected suicide of her ex-boyfriend, Emily is sent to boarding school in Amherst, MA, where she gets close to three girls; two of whom are alive. These three girls help Emily heal her damaged self; however, it is the spirit of Emily Dickinson that helps her heal the most. At first, Emily Beam hides her past from everyone at the boarding school, but as she reveals her true self, she feels more comfortable in her new home.  Just like Emily Dickinson, Emily Beam reveals herself through poems. Dickinson inspired Emily Beam in a way that no one really understood.

This book was not what I was expecting, but when I understood the relationship between Emily Beam and Emily Dickinson, the book became a lot better. I would recommend this book to people who understand poetry well!

"Don't Forget to Fly; A Cycle of Modern Poems" collected by Paul B. Janeczko

In honor of poetry month, I decided to read a poetry book. “Don’t Forget to Fly” is a collection of modern poems organized by themes. For instance, there are three poems about love and four poems are about teeth extractions. I’m not a fan of reading poetry for fun, but I did like these poems overall. One of the poems that spoke to me is called “Lines for a Friend Who Left.” This hit my soft spot because one of my friends moved away five years ago and I haven’t seen her since. As it says in the poem, I want her to “come back, before I forget what we both look like.”

My favorite poem in this book is called “Insomnia” because it describes how crazy our minds get when we are so focused on trying to fall asleep that we can’t fall asleep. I love how accurate it reflected my own experiences when I can’t fall asleep; my mind is everywhere at once, and I end up hearing things that are not there. 

Reviewed by S.C

"Mary Poppins, She Wrote" by Victoria Lawson (416 pgs)

Works Cited
Beck, Dennis. Mary Poppins @ New Amsterdam Theatre on Broadway. 2012. Broadway Tour, New York City. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag. Flickr. Web. 8 Apr. 2014. .
Brown, Jane. Pamela Travers. 1995. Pamela Travers, Her Life, My Biography, Disney's Movie. Web. 8 Apr. 2014. 
Creator of Mary Poppins. 1950s. Popperfoto/Getty Images. What Saving Mr. Banks Tells Us About Mary Poppins. Web. 9 Apr. 2014. .
Julie Andrews, Walt Disney, and P.L. Travers. N.d. 'Saving Mr. Banks' Conflict of Interest. Web. 8 Apr. 2014. .
Mary Poppins as Drawn on the Pavement by Bert. 1934. In Search of Bert (1934-1988. By Philip Battle. Web. 8 Apr. 2014. .
Mary Poppins, P. L. Traver's Most Famous Creation. N.d. The Strange Life of the Creator of Mary Poppins. Web. 8 Apr. 2014. .
N.d. Giorgia Grilli: Myth, Symbol and Meaning in Mary Poppins: The Governess as Provocateur/Valerie Lawson: Mary Poppins, She Wrote: The Life of P. L. Travers. By Iain Mackensie. Web. 9 Apr. 2014. .N.d. 
State Library of NSW, Sydney. Mary Poppins Day. Web. 8 Apr. 2014. 
Travers Goff. N.d. Saving Mr. Banks (2013). Web. 8 Apr. 2014. .
A Young P. L. Travers. N.d. NSW State Library, n.p. 

Reviewed by K.S.

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"This Star Won't Go Out" by Esther Grace Earl (431 pgs)

In 2010, at the age of 17,  Esther Grace Earl died of thyroid cancer. This Star Won’t Go Out is a compilation of Esther’s journals, letters, and pictures, and tells the story of her life and how she and her family dealt with the cancer. When Esther was diagnosed in 2006, she and her family moved from France to the United States so she could visit the Children’s Hospital in Boston regularly for treatment. She blamed herself for her family having to leave. She knew they loved France but she needed as much help as possible. During her four years of enduring this cancer she had the support of her online friends, family and famous her favorite author, John Green. For those of you who aren’t familiar with John Green, he wrote The Fault in Our Stars, Looking for Alaska and other young adult books. Esther was lucky enough to meet John Green at a convention and they continued to keep in touch. 

In the forward of this book, John Green mentions that his time with Esther gave him inspiration to write and he dedicated his novel, The Fault in our Stars to her. During this time Esther taught John that “a short life can be a good and rich life.” Sadly, Esther was one person who John wanted to read the The Fault in Our Stars, but she never got the chance. 

This Star Won't Go Out is a must-read for those of you have have read The Fault in Our Stars. If you haven’t  had a chance to read The Fault in Our Stars, you should pick it up at the library and become immersed in this tear jerking novel that Esther never got the chance to read. Read the book our star inspired.

Reviewed by: Kelsi Bucknam

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The Beginning of Everything (335 pgs)

Ezra Faulkner believes that everyone has a tragedy. Ezra’s tragedy was in the form of a horrible car accident. He was at a party with his jock friends and tennis team when he caught his girlfriend with one of his “best friends”, Evan. He stormed out, got in an accident, and ended up in the hospital with serious injuries. Ezra had it all; he was Captain of the tennis team, homecoming king, and president of his class, but he lost all of those things due to his accident. When he met Cassidy his whole life turned around. Cassidy teaches Ezra many things about life, in this witty and romantic novel. You could say, Cassidy was Ezra’s "Beginning of Everything".

At first I didn’t like this book. I am typically one for fantasy romance novels and I just couldn’t get myself into it, but Ezra pulled me in with his wit and charm.

I would recommend The Beginning of Everything to those who enjoy adventure romance novels filled with witty remarks. 

Reviewed by: KB

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"Crash and Burn" by Michael Hassan (531 Pages)

Hathorn, Billy. Pleasanton, TX, High School. 2010. Wikimedia Commons, Pleasanton.

RED3. N.d. Red Carpet/On the Spot Memories. RED CARPET|On the Spot Memories. Web. 3 Apr. 2014. .

Phaea. N.d. Blogspot. Geranium Cat's Bookshelf. Web. 3 Apr. 2014. .

"Crash and Burn." Goodreads. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Apr. 2014.

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"Thousand Words" by Jennifer Brown (284 pages)

This is the story of a girl named Ashleigh, who made the biggest mistake so far in her life. She was at a party with two of her friends, Vonnie and Rachel, who convinced her to text a nude picture of herself to her boyfriend, Kaleb. The intention of the picture was for him to have it when he left for college at the end of the summer.

After a bad breakup Ashleigh, Kaleb proceeds to forward the picture to his entire baseball team. From there, the photo goes viral. The police, the school board, and her father (the school superintendent) all get involved. Follow Ashleigh through the aftermath of the picture going viral and the humiliation she deals with as it taunts her. There were really important highlights from the story. You definitely learn the true meaning of “a picture is worth a thousand words.”  This book covers how cruel people can be online, the dangers of sexting, and how relevant this storyline is to high school students. As much as I personally don’t agree with the choice Ashleigh made, her true strength after losing the support from her friends and family really inspired me. I’d recommend this book to any girl in high school, I really appreciated this book.

Reviewed by S.C.

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Steal like an Artist

Steal like an Artist is an illustrated novel about being creative. According to this novel, if you want to learn creativeness you need to learn the ten steps to creativity.

1. Steal like an artist
2. Don’t wait until you know who you are to get started
3. Write the book you want to read
4. Use your hands
5. Side projects and hobbies are important
6. The secret: Do good work and share it with people
7. Geography is no longer our master
8. Be nice. (The world is a small town.)
9. Be boring. (It’s the only way to get things done.)
10. Creativity is subtraction

One thing you can do is “fake it till you make it”, that is always one way to get things done. You try convincing yourself as well as others. You should copy your heroes, but use your own style and don’t “worry about people stealing your ideas. If your ideas are any good, you’ll have to ram them down people’s throats.” Meaning that your ideas are still your ideas and you should be happy that they are being used for good use.

I would recommend this book to those who want to learn a little more about their creative selves.

Reviewed By: Kelsi Bucknam

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