Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Summary: 

Two classes . . . entirely separated . . . entirely different. Reds bleed red and are insignificant, forced to fight a century-long war once they turn 18. Silvers are of the higher class, bleed silver, and have supernatural powers. Two friends, Mare and Kilorn, find themselves facing war as their 18th birthdays approach. Kilorn should be safe. He'll turn 18 first and has a job working as a fisherman's apprentice. Mare has little hope, though. She isn't good at anything but stealing. But when Kilorn's master dies, Mare knows she has to do something to save them both from their fate. The answer comes from an old man named Will, who runs a junk shop in town. Will is not alone when Mare pays the visit. He's with Farley, a member of the Scarlet Guard, a secret society that rebels against the war, the silver king, and the treatment of reds. Protection will cost her and Kilorn more money than they could dream of getting in just two days, not to mention they will pledge their allegiance to the Scarlet Guard, which they know almost nothing about. By a chance encounter with Cal, a prince in disguise, the money is in hand. 

Plans change, however, when Mare is summoned then forced to the palace, where the silver king and queen rule from a distance. Mare is offered a job, meaning she won't have to face war now. How did it happen? She isn't good at anything but stealing! As she's waiting tables at the Queenstrial, a competition in which the prince chooses his bride from among the various houses, Mare reveals a power of her own, one she's not supposed to have . . . one she didn't even know she had. She then faces the king and queen who wish to study her, find out the source of her power, and force her into an engagement with the younger prince. Now she must act a part she doesn't know how to play, the part of a silver. 

Find out if Mare pulls it off when you check out Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard!

Personal Reflections:

I would place this novel in the same category as the Divergent series. I enjoyed Red Queen because it was a pretty quick read and had a story line that wasn't hard to follow but still left an air of suspense. My favorite character was Cal, mostly because he turned out to be the opposite of the other Silvers in the story. I did a few book talks on RQ with my middle schoolers, and many of them have since checked it out or requested it. It's great for middle to high school. Probably a little too strange for elementary. (I don't think they'd get it.) This was the first book I'd read by Victoria Aveyard, and she proved to be a very skilled writer. Anyone who enjoys the sci-fi, fantasy, or dystopia genre would enjoy Red Queen. 

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Summary:

Meet Junior, a resident of the Spokane Indian Reservation, who has big hopes and dreams. When his teacher tells him everyone on the reservation has given up and has no hope, Junior realizes he has to get out of there! But he's a poor Indian kid with a father that binge drinks and disappears, a sister that hides out in the basement all day, and a best friend that is routinely beaten by his alcoholic father. How can he find hope and cling to it? The answer comes in the form of Reardon, a mostly white school about 20 miles from the rez. Attending Reardon is something no one on the rez has ever done before, and Junior will pay many prices for going there. But, he just may find himself and his true place in the world if he does. 

Find out if Junior's dreams are realized and eventually achieved when you pick up The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie today!

Personal Reflections:

Of all the young adult books I've read, I think this could easily be among my favorites. It is funny and witty, course but with an element of softness inside. The characters are very real - ones every kid can relate to - with real emotions, problems, and intentions. The comic-strip-like artwork adds an element of humor while relaying some of the character's deepest desires. I chose this book for a student book club I started with my middle schoolers. The consensus among them was that it is definitely worth reading. For me, I found it to be a very deep representation of society today, with all of its discrimination, fear of dreaming, and tragedy. The book didn't seem to be just about a goofy looking Indian kid. It was more about the imperfections of society and the importance of keeping hope alive. Truly a beautiful story. 

Origami Yoda Series by Tom Angleberger

Summary:

The students of McQuarrie Middle School face off against a few of their teachers, the principal (Mrs. Rabbski), the school board, and the EduFun corporation when they form the Origami Rebel Alliance, a play off of the Star Wars Rebel Alliance. When test scores seem to be directing the curriculum for the entire school and the elective teachers are either fired or forced to teach a FunTime class, the Origami Rebel Alliance has no choice but to . . . well, rebel! Tom Angleberger's series, which consists of 6 books, explores what can happen when students and teachers align to defeat a greater power - the EduFun enterprise, which is backed by the school board. 

Find out what the McQuarrie Middle School students do to defeat the Dark Side when you pick up The Strange Case of Origami Yoda, Darth Paper Strikes Back, The Secret of the Fortune Wookiee, The Surprise Attack of Jabba the Puppett, Princess Labelmaker to the Rescue, and Emperor Pickletine Rides the Bus by Tom Angleberger. And be sure to check out the tutorials in the back of each book and Art2 - D2's Guide to Folding and Doodling so you can make your own origami Star Wars characters! 

Personal Reflections:

I probably never would have picked up this book if it hadn't been for my 5 year old son who asked me to check it out during a random visit to my library. I am so glad he asked, too, because it was such a fun series to read with him! It is definitely written for middle school kids, but he still got the gist of each book. And I found myself laughing because the books were just a little too close to reality! I definitely recommend this series to anyone who has ever had anything to do with the school system, which means basically everyone. Check it out or buy a copy!  

The Saga of Larten Crepsley: Ocean of Blood by Darren Shan

Summary:

Ocean of Blood, which is Book 2 in the Larten Crepsley series by Darren Shan, is the story of Larten and his vampire brother, Wester, who set off in a path of self-discovery that includes quite a bit of self-indulgence as well. When they cut themselves off from the vampire clan to temporarily enjoy the finer pleasures the human world can offer, Larten and Wester are often seen binge drinking and womanizing, in addition to engaging in occasional warfare, in which they feast upon the blood of those fallen. While Larten enjoys being with the young vampires, he soon grows tired of the constant speed and chaos this kind of life lends itself to. 

Find out how Larten deals with his hunger for adventure and his need for settlement when you pick up Ocean of Blood by Darren Shan.

Personal Reflections:

Being the second book in the series, I knew I would enjoy Ocean of Blood because I was already familiar with the character in the book and knew how his whole life would eventually turn out (which we see in the subsequent Cirque du Freak series). Shan does not disappoint. My husband and I read through this book very quickly while we were traveling home from Kansas this past summer. One of the great things about Darren Shan's books is that he writes them for middle school aged kids while still making them enjoyable for adults. They are quick reads - short but intriguing - making them perfect for the average middle school kid. However, in the breadth of the text, you find some very adult things happening in the lives of the characters. I recommend his books for middle schoolers and up. They're a little too advanced for most elementary kids. I also think any adult who needs something quick to read, has a taste for the macabre, and likes vampire stories should check out any of Darren Shan's books. I personally enjoy them immensely. Happy reading! 

Crazy Love by Francis Chan

Summary:

Francis Chan is well-known in the Christian world for his development of a mega-church in California. This book uncovers some of the greatest attributes of our relationship with God. Chan interlaces the fine points of this relationship with the story of his own recognition of the calling God has on his life. The King of Kings, Lord of Lords, God is crazy about us! He loves without condition and calls us to do the same. This book calls for selfless, Christ-like living, in which we give ourselves to God's love and seek to empower others to do the same. 

Personal Reflections:

I picked up Crazy Love when I saw it on one of the Featured Titles tables at Barnes and Noble. When we headed to Kansas this summer, my husband and I decided to read it while on the road. We loved this book for so many reasons. Specifically, we love how it spoke to our faith and to the true character of the God of the Universe. How amazing it is to be a child of the one true king! How crazy it is that He loves us as much as He does! And how awesome it is that we get to live out that love on a daily basis. Pick up your copy of Crazy Love today and read it. You won't regret it. 

The Saga of Larten Crepsley: Birth of a Killer by Darren Shan

Summary:

Birth of a Killer serves as the first in a four-part prequel to the acclaimed series Cirque du Freak by Darren Shan. He writes this new series about one of the main characters in Cirque. In this first book, we find ourselves accompanying Larten as he and his cousin, Vur Horston, both children at the time, head off to work at a factory where the mean boss forces them to dye their hair to match what job they are assigned to do. The orange-haired Larten ends up in quite a conundrum when he murders his boss in retaliation for his boss murdering his cousin. 

When Larten flees his hometown, he finds himself starving and hopeless, hiding in a spider web covered cave that Seba Nile is using for a temporary home. Seba, a vampire, bloods Larten with the intention of using him as his assistant. Larten agrees to this apprenticeship and its terms, and Seba offers him a new life complete with new opportunities and adventures. 

Find out if Larten enjoys his new life when you pick up Birth of a Killer by Darren Shan. 

Personal Reflections:

My husband and I read through the Cirque du Freak books in a series of road trips over the course of a year. We noticed how the series just kept getting better and better with every new book. By the time we finished, we were enamored with it. Today, I recommend the series to all of my middle school students. With that in mind, I just knew both my husband and I would enjoy The Saga of Larten Crepsley, too. Larten is an interesting character. We find him torn between living an adventure-filled vampire life and wanting normalcy. We find him in and out of love. He's easy to relate to. Just as I did with Cirque, I recommend this series to everyone. Loved it!

Brother Odd by Dean Koontz

Summary:

In Book 3 of the Odd Thomas series by Dean Koontz, we find Odd Thomas staying as a guest at an Abbey, where monks and nuns operate a school for mentally handicapped children. Having left Pico Mundo due to a sadness he cannot dismiss, Odd takes refuge at the abbey and befriends many of the individuals who call it their home. But when bodachs start appearing and Brother Timothy disappears, he once again takes on the role of detective in an effort to prevent impending tragedy. When he realizes the love of his life, Stormy Llewellyn, is attempting to extend aid to him through two of the children at the school, he knows he has to solve the crime before it starts and the children perish. Following, we meet another guest at the abbey by the name of Mr. Romanovich, encounter "bones" that comprise horrific monsters and self-destruct, and even face Death on top of the bell tower. And, Elvis Presley makes a few appearances. 

Find out if Odd is able to save the day when you pick up Brother Odd by Dean Koontz today! 

Personal Reflections:

I knew I would like this book before I even started it. I've become a big fan of the Odd Thomas books, so I knew that even if it had slower parts (which it didn't) I would find it worthwhile to read. It did not disappoint. Suspense was found on nearly every page. Who is Romanovich? Who is attempting to hurt the children? Who is Jacob's father? And why is Odd reluctant to use Flossie to solve the mystery? By the end of the book, all I could say was, "Wow." If you like mystery and suspense entangled with a bit of horror, pick up this book. Just a caution, though . . . Don't read the series out of order. It will leave you confused and disappointed if you do. 

Forever Odd by Dean Koontz

Summary:

Once again, we find ourselves alongside Odd Thomas investigating a crime that is quite horrendous. When Danny, a childhood friend of the main character who is also disabled, disappears and the ghost of Danny's stepfather appears to Odd, Odd knows something is terribly wrong in the small town of Pico Mundo. He alerts the police chief, Wyatt Porter, and follows the ghost inside a house that's definitely been the victim of intrusion. There, the body of Dr. Jessup, Danny's stepfather, is discovered, having been brutally beaten. Further into investigation, Odd discovers Danny is missing. He knows Danny has been kidnapped when a mysterious woman with an evil sort of laugh calls him multiple times, beckoning him to find her before sundown or else he can forget about rescuing his friend. What ensues is a series of mazes, tunnels, encounters with more lingering dead, and a poltergeist display that rocks the shambles of the once-casino in which Odd finds himself. Oh, and did I mention the eerily gorgeous kidnapper, Datura, is obsessed with living forever and participates in various rituals that would make anyone cringe? 

Find out if Odd Thomas is able to rescue his friend and solve the mystery when you pick up Forever Odd by Dean Koontz. 

Personal Reflections:

I admit I struggled to get through the middle of this one because it seemed to slow down right about that time. Things really started to pick up in the latter portion of the story, though, and I was very glad I didn't give up on it. By the time I got to the last hundred pages, I didn't want to put it down. When I finished the book, I looked back and thought, "Okay, that was absolutely worth it." Odd Thomas is an interesting character. In this book, we don't have as much of a love story entwined. But, we do hear more about Stormy Llewellyn, the love of Odd's life, and we do hear about a friendship Odd believes is worth dying for. The lingering dead encounters are tragic and sad. The story is a little out there. And if my path ever crosses with someone like Datura, heaven help me. Still, I recommend picking up Forever Odd, which is Book 2 in the Odd Thomas series. 

Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst

Summary:

Uninvited is the latest book by author and founder of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa TerKeurst. It was released in 2016. In this book, we are encouraged to explore the concept of rejection, which is among Satan's most powerful tools to use against us. TerKeurst explores this concept by interweaving much of her own feelings of rejection with what the Bible has to say on the topic. In this Christian book, women find not only a connection to the author but also to God, as they come to understand how God sees them versus how others see them and even how they see themselves.

Personal Reflections:

I would recommend this book to anyone really. I participated in both an Uninvited book club and a life group at church. I got so much out of the book. I'll be honest in saying that often I start books of this type and never finish them. It's not because I don't enjoy them or find them boring. I just get caught up in other things and don't finish. But, I finished this one, and I am so glad I did. I think I enjoyed it so much because I connect with the author in a lot of ways. Every woman needs to read this book at some point. It will be worth your while.

Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz

Summary:

Dean Koontz, known for writing books in the thriller genre, writes the story of Odd Thomas, a man who sees dead people who have not moved on for various reasons. The first of seven books in the series, Odd Thomas begins in the small, fictitious town of Pico Mundo, where a crime is about to unfold. Because of his gift, Odd Thomas often pairs up with the police department, which is headed by Wyatt Porter, a sort of father figure to the main character. Though the dead are unable to speak to Odd, they often put him on a path to prevent an impending crime or solve the cases of their own murders. Because of his compassion and realization that what he can do is truly a gift, Odd returns the favor by coaching the spirit to move on to whatever lies ahead for them. 

In this particular novel, we, as readers, find ourselves uncovering a crime that has yet to be committed. When bodachs, shapeless spirits that always indicate mass deaths, begin to flock to the town of Pico Mundo, Odd knows something major is about to happen. He sees them everywhere he goes - hundreds of them - in his hometown. And he knows he has to prevent the crime before it happens and the bodachs see the deaths they came to see. In the midst of this story unfolds another story - a love story between Odd and Stormy Llewellyn, who are destined to be together forever. 

Find out if Odd is able to prevent the crime when you pick up Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz, available in your library.

Personal Reflections:

Whereas I am not typically a reader of books in the crime thriller/horror genre, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Odd Thomas. It has a little bit of everything - suspense, action, blood and gore, and a crime that makes you question if it could happen in your town. The characters may seem a little far-fetched at times, but they also are quite believable. 

Dean Koontz does a phenomenal job of adding tidbits of wisdom throughout the novel, and it provides the reader with a picture of a character who is wise beyond his years. I guess I would probably be wise beyond my years, too, though, if I had gone through what Odd Thomas has. I loved this book and immediately picked up the next two in the series.