BookPikks

Season of Ice by Diane Les Becquets

rpikk — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:01:06 +0000

When Genesis’ father disappears on a routine boating trip, his empty boat is found floating on the lake, but his body is gone. Genesis doesn’t know what to believe–did he die in an accident, or did he disappear to start a new life, as circulating rumors suggest. She decides to investigate and in the process of finding the truth, makes peace with her family. Becquets has written an interesting story, but what I enjoyed most were her descriptions of the northern Maine town where Genesis lives. Genesis lives in a whole new winter world of snow, ice, car racing on frozen lakes, snowmobiles and logging, and Becquets makes it all come alive.

Peeled by Joan Bauer

rpikk — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:50:14 +0000

Hildy is a newspaper reporter for her high school newspaper. She is commited to following in her late father’s footsteps by becoming an investigative reporter. When a local haunted house starts making sensational headlines in the town paper, Hildy decides to find the truth behind the wild rumors. Hildy is a fantastic character–strong, funny and real. I enjoyed seeing her grow from a timid writer to a confident reporter.

The Memory of Water by Karen White

rpikk — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 20:51:46 +0000

Marnie returns home to the South Carolina Lowcountry to help care for her nephew after a boating accident. Once home, she must confront her estranged sister and a whole boat full of family secrets. A good “chick lit” book. White does family drama without making it (too) nauseating.

the mysterious edge of the heroic world by e.l. konigsburg

rpikk — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 03:16:19 +0000

Another unique book by Konigsburg, linking the seemingly unrelated stories of two young boys, their eccentric neighbor, an art museum, an estate sale and a tragic secret from the persecutions of World War II. An excellent story for middle schoolers who are looking for something to read that goes much deeper than the typical middle school dramas.

Road Map to Holland by Jennifer Graf Groneberg

rpikk — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 21:35:15 +0000

Shortly after the birth of their twin sons, Groneberg and her husband were told that one of their sons had down syndrome. Road Map to Holland tells of their first two years as a family. A book every parent should read. Well written and honest.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

rpikk — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 21:02:24 +0000

Katniss lives with and takes care of her mother and young sister in the dystopic nation of Panem. Life is difficult for all but the elite ruling class. Each year, the citizens of Panem are forced to send 24 young people to participate in The Hunger Games. At the end of the Games, there is only one survivor. When Katniss is selected for the Games, she knows that she will be fighting for her life, and for the survival of her family at home.

This was a FANTASTIC book. I had trouble putting it down. Collins has created a unique society, built on the runins of North America. From the first paragraph, she draws you into the tension of “reaping day,” when the Hunger Games participants are selected. Little by little, she reveals more about the dreaded Games, and the evil society behind them. This book is the first in a series and I cannot wait for the second book. If you enjoy survival, apocalyptic-type stories, you will not be disappointed by this book.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

rpikk — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 20:54:23 +0000

I know that Meyer’s books are wildly popular right now, but I was quite disappointed. While Meyer certainly is a gifted writer, her cast of characters are weak and flat. Bella faints on every other page, lies to her parents, and is obsessed with a vampire boyfriend, to the point of hoping for her own death so that she can be with him forever. Her vampire boyfriend Edmund is controlling and in my mind shows some of the classic tendencies of an abuser. Although there are a few exciting moments, it’s certainly not the quality suspenseful romance I was hoping for.

Wake by Lisa McMann

rpikk — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 20:42:26 +0000

Janie is a 17 year old girl with all the normal high school problems, plus one unique addition–when Janie sleeps, she can enter other people’s dreams. With the help of her new friend Cabel, Janie learns how to use her unique “gift” to help others.

An interesting young adult novel. There’s quite a bit of language, teen sex and drug use–it’s definitely a book for older teens.

And a plug for my alma mater…Lisa McMann is a 1990 graduate of Calvin College.

http://www.calvin.edu/news/2008-09/lisa-mcmann/

Juliet’s Moon by Ann Rinaldi

rpikk — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 01:00:12 +0000

A somewhat disappointing Civil War novel. I kept waiting for the book to get going, but it kind of just poked along to the end.

Chanda’s Secrets and Chanda’s Wars by Allan Stratton

rpikk — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:57:13 +0000

These companion books take place in a fictional country in modern day Africa. Looking at the problem of AIDS and child soldiers respectively, these books are difficult to read. Yet, through his main character, Chanda, Stratton offers hope in the midst of despair.