Friday, March 31, 2017

[BOOK REVIEW] Orleans by Sherri L. Smith

Fiction/Young Adult/Science Fiction

 Darletha reviews ORLEANS by Sherri L. Smith (Putnam’s Sons, 2013)

The fate of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast goes from bad to worse after Hurricane Katrina. More devastating hurricanes strike and thousands die. Fifty years later, what is left of New Orleans is now called Orleans. The Delta region is walled off from the rest of the United States due to an incurable blood disease called Delta Fever. Despite rumors from the Outer States that everyone inside the quarantine is dead, there are survivors.

Inside the wall people have divided themselves into tribes based on blood type. Fen de la Guerre is a young girl from the O-positive tribe, genetic carriers not affected by Delta Fever. Members of the “OP” tribe are hunted by other blood tribes who need their universal blood type to stay alive. After one such attack, Fen becomes the guardian of a newborn she calls Baby Girl. Fen strives to protect Baby Girl from being tainted by Delta Fever, kidnapped, or captured by blood hunters. When Fen encounters Daniel, a scientist who secretly enters Orleans with plans to find a cure for Delta Fever, she reluctantly joins forces with him to get Baby Girl out of the Delta region. Although Daniel enters with noble intentions, he finds himself in a world more grim and dangerous than he imagined.

I picked up this book because the front cover caught my attention. The post-disaster setting and the author’s descriptive writing style places readers right in the dark, murky city of New Orleans where familiar historical areas are overrun with standing water and decrepit buildings. Fen is a fearless young girl, scarred and toughened by this unmerciful world that doesn’t make exceptions based on age or gender. Told from Fen’s point of view, readers will never forget how it this novel addresses class differences, government corruption and survival.

Darletha M., Staff

Labels: , , , ,



[permalink] posted by Andrea : 9:00 AM  0 comments

Friday, March 03, 2017

[Book Reviews] Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

Fiction/ Science Fiction/Fantasy/ Young Adult

Melissa reviews THREE DARK CROWNS by Kendare Blake (HarperTeen, 2016)

What happens when the glorious war of sisterly rivalry becomes a matter of life or death? When the right to reign supreme is eclipsed by the ever-consuming desire to win at all costs? Kendare Blake answers both questions in this novel, by giving readers a glimpse into the minds and hearts of the eponymous crowns’ bearers.
The island of Fennbirn bears witness to the birth of a set of triplets every generation. Each sister, all of them queens, has a magical gift that marks her as a worthy candidate for the title of Queen Crowned. In Rolanth, the elemental temple, Mirabella appears to be the most promising candidate with her ability to summon lightning, fire and windstorms...but she cannot escape the persistent dreams of a long-forgotten childhood, nor can she ignore her own reluctance to kill her sisters. In the naturalist city of Wolf Spring, Arsinoe is shadowed by her feelings of inadequacy regarding her late-blooming powers--to the point that she is willing to resort to some less-favorable means to further her chance at victory. And lastly, there is the poisoner city of Indrid Down. Within it resides the powerful Arron family, responsible for grooming Katharine, who is the youngest of the triplets...and also the most physically and emotionally unstable due to her poisoner's gift.

With the festival of Beltane rapidly approaching, all three sisters have nothing to lose and everything to gain from becoming the Queen Crowned. Will Mirabella find a way to overcome both her hesitance the visions plaguing her mind? Can Arsinoe, the underdog, unlock her true potential and become the dark horse of this battle? Fragile Katharine’s support from the Arrons can only go so far--but will it be enough to secure her victory?

As the tagline says, “When kingdom come, there will be one.”

Melissa W., Staff

Labels: , , , ,



[permalink] posted by Memphis Reads : 9:00 AM  0 comments

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

[Book Review] As I Descended by Robin Talley

Fiction/Horror/Young Adult
Allison reviews AS I DESCENDED by Robin Talley (HarperTeen, 2016)

Maria and Lily are roommates at Acheron, an exclusive private school on the grounds of an old Southern plantation. They’re also head over heels in love with each other, even though they’re keeping their relationship under wraps. Both girls want to continue their relationship in college, but the only way they can do so is if Maria wins the coveted Kingsley Prize - a scholarship that will let her attend the college of her choice at no cost.
Maria is second in the class, and Delilah, ranked number one, is just slightly better than Maria in every way possible: more popularity, more extracurriculars, better grades. Even with all the extra credit in the world, Maria’s GPA won’t top Delilah’s.
So the girls have to get rid of Delilah. And they know no bounds.
Lily buys an old wooden Ouija board off eBay and holds a seance with Maria, whose belief in spirits was instilled by her Hispanic nanny. The girls use the board to open the door to the spirit world - then forget to close it.
This twisted retelling of Macbeth is delightfully creepy and unsettling. The atmosphere the story creates is dark and spooky, and the suspense builds while the reader wonders what havoc the spirits will wreak on campus next. The history of the slave plantation on which the school is built adds depth to the story.
Allison R., Staff member

Labels: , , , , ,



[permalink] posted by Memphis Reads : 12:26 PM  0 comments

Thursday, November 17, 2016

[Book Review] Pretending to be Erica by Michelle Painchaud



Fiction/Young Adult

 Andrea reviews PRETENDING TO BE ERICA by Michelle Painchaud (Viking, 2015)
 
Violet is not your average good girl. She is one of the most intelligent con artists this side of Las Vegas. Adopted and raised by single guy Sal, he taught Violet every scam and hustle he knew and some Violet was able to learn on her own.
     
Sal has been grooming Violet her entire life for this major hustle. The two of them, with lots of help from doctors and specialists paid under the table, are going to transform Violet into Erica Silverman, the golden child who was abducted when she was in preschool.

It’s been nearly a decade since young Erica was taken from her very affluent family. Her father is grieving in a mental institution but her mother never gave up hope she would see her daughter alive again. The Silverman family also owns a very special and expensive oil painting that Sal must get his grubby little paws on; therefore, the heist was put in motion.
     
Sal and Violet know there have been two other “Ericas” who have tried and failed, so their plan must be fine-tuned to the nth degree. They also know the FBI, reporters, and detectives will be watching Violet’s every move. People are skeptical this is the real Erica, but as long as Mrs. Silverman believes, Violet and Sal are that much closer to stealing the painting.
     
Violet knows the risks of this endeavor but losing Mrs. Silverman’s trust and maternal love for her saved daughter is going cost Violet more.
     
Full of twists and turns, Ms. Painchaud has given her readers quite a thriller that questions what is really important in life. Would you rather have love and protection or material possessions to make you happy? And what would you sacrifice for either?

Andrea Bledsoe King, Cordova Branch Library

Labels: , , , ,



[permalink] posted by Memphis Reads : 11:36 AM  0 comments

Thursday, October 06, 2016

[Book Review] If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo

Fiction/Young Adult

Allison reviews IF I WAS YOUR GIRL by Meredith Russo (Flatiron books, 2016)

Amanda moves from her mom’s place in Atlanta to live with her dad in Lambertville, Tennessee. Who would willingly move from a big city to a small town, especially before their senior year of high school?
Someone hiding a secret.
Amanda was born Andrew, and transitioning into a girl wasn’t an easy situation, even in a big city. Amanda just wants a fresh start before she can leave for college and be whoever she wants, with no traumatic past.
Then Amanda meets Grant, and feels emotions she didn’t think she’d feel. She wants to share herself--all of herself--with him… but should she?
This book is an interesting crash course in transgender issues.

Allison R., Library staff

Labels: , , ,



[permalink] posted by Memphis Reads : 9:00 AM  0 comments

Monday, August 29, 2016

[Book Review] EVEN WHEN YOU LIE TO ME by Jessica Alcott

Fiction/Young Adult

Andrea reviews EVEN WHEN YOU LIE TO ME by Jessica Alcott (Crown, 2015)
It’s hard to be Charlotte (“Charlie”) because guys are constantly drawn to her best friend, Lila. Charlie has always lurked in Lila’s shadow, knowing guys don’t want her around when they’re flirting with Lila, and other girls just put up with her because she is Lila’s best friend.
             
Now it is the girls’ senior year, and things are going to be different. Charlie just doesn’t know how different yet! Enter Tom Drummond, new AP English teacher, whom Charlie feels an instant pull towards. She wants to believe Drummond has feelings for her too, but that’s preposterous because guys like Lila and besides, he’s her teacher!  Or maybe the notion isn’t so crazy, after all.
       
Lines get blurred because the two are consenting adults, but they also need to think about the ethics of the situation and the moral responsibility Drummond should uphold.  I found their relationship complex and intriguing with a twinge of creepiness. Hopefully, other readers will find a lot to discuss after reading this debut novel by Jessica Alcott.

Andrea Bledsoe King, Cordova Library

Labels: , , ,



[permalink] posted by Memphis Reads : 10:00 AM  0 comments

Thursday, July 14, 2016

[Book Review] The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater

This title is one of many e-books available through the Memphis Public Library's extensive e-book and e-audio book collection.
Visit the Memphis Library Overdrive page to browse, reserve, and check out items for free.


Young Adult Fiction/Fantasy

 Linda reviews THE RAVEN KING (The Raven Cycle, #4)  by Maggie Stiefvater (Scholastic Press, 2014)


Wow! Maggie Stiefvater has done it again!


The Raven King wraps up the story that began when Blue Sargent saw a boy named Gansey in the death march almost a year before. What's happened since has been a unique and amazing ride of quests for kings, magical forests, dreams, curses, but mostly, some of the most amazing characters I've ever encountered, and simply, brilliant writing!

As with all the other books in the series, it is best to take your time and absorb every word because each one was carefully chosen and there is new meaning to be found with each re-read. And, let's face it, she writes some of the best quotable passages and one-liners around! There is really no way to describe the scope of the story or the strange and magical things that occur within it. It is best just to say that Maggie is a master at what she does.

Linda Wong, Bartlett Library

Labels: , , , , ,



[permalink] posted by Memphis Reads : 9:00 AM  0 comments

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

[Book Review] Paper Towns by John Green

Each month library staff members learn about different book genres during "What's Your Flavor," a series of Reader's Advisory classes. After each session participants must select a book from that genre to read and profile.

 The book below was selected by a staff member who attended the Young Adult fiction session.


Teen/Young Adult Fiction Genre Spotlight
PAPER TOWNS by John Green (Dutton Books, 2008)

Paper Towns by Green is a very quick read. What is interesting is that every line is important to the continuation of the story.
There are quick retorts and funny comments as the story is told from the perspective of a high school senior boy called Q. This mysterious adventure is driven by a sense of hope to find out who Margo Roth Spiegelman is for real. And since she has disappeared so quickly, yet leaves so many clues for Q to find her, is Margo still alive? Where is she and how can he and his friends find her? Why did she leave the clues for him specifically? Does she want him to find her?

Anna, Library staff

Labels: , , , ,



[permalink] posted by Memphis Reads : 9:30 AM  0 comments

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

[Book Review] LUSH by Natasha Friend

Fiction/Young Adult
Andrea reviews LUSH by Natasha Friend  (Scholastic Press, 2006)

 Samantha wants to be a normal 13-year-old girl. She wants to hang out with her friends, talk about guys, have slumber parties, and go on dates. But because of her secret, being normal is not always possible. Sure, her mother is weird in the fact she thinks yoga will solve everything in her universe and of course her little brother is annoying and adorable all at once because he’s four. These things Sam deals with because it is her father who is the biggest embarrassment to her.
Samantha’s dad is an alcoholic. He constantly promises it will be better or he can cut the drinking down to just one drink a day. But like most alcoholics he has to hit rock bottom before he can quit drinking. He does, but unfortunately it is in a big way that affects everyone in the family. Samantha is floundering. It’s hard enough to be a teenager even without the extra family drama added on top. She begins to confide in a stranger by leaving letters in library books. She looks forward to the advice A.J.K. (whoever they are) gives her by slipping notes back into the library books.
The person she least expects to help her turns out to be her biggest supporter. Also, learning her father needs her help makes her want to support him in return.
This is a poignant and well-written story told from a thirteen-year-old’s point of view who just so happens to be struggling with “normal” stuff but also has another real issue. The author has also included resources for kids and teens who might be going through similar kinds of issues.
Andrea King, Cordova Library

Labels: , , ,



[permalink] posted by Memphis Reads : 9:30 AM  0 comments

Friday, March 13, 2015

[Book Review] Eragon by Christopher Paolini

Science Fiction/Fantasy/Young Adult
Reader’s Advisory Science Fiction/Fantasy Genre Spotlight

ERAGON by Christopher Paolini (Alfred A. Knopf, 2003)
(Inheritance series, Book 1)
Eragon, a fifteen-year-old poor farm boy living with his uncle and older cousin, stumbles upon a large, beautiful stone in the Spine. When the stone hatches a beautiful baby dragon, Eragon’s life is turned upside down and is forced to flee his hometown with Brom, the town storyteller, who also happens to have an extensive knowledge of dragons and the ancient language of magic. Brom makes it known to Eragon that their world hasn’t seen a dragon rider in a long time until now. Eragon and his beautiful dragon, Saphira, will embark a legendary but dangerous journey into war against the oppressive King Galbatorix. Eragon alone will have to make a choice whether to turn his back on the kingdom and live his own life, or join allied forces against Galbatorix.

Carolina Salcedo, Randolph Branch

Labels: , , , ,



[permalink] posted by Memphis Reads : 9:30 AM  0 comments

Monday, December 29, 2014

[Book Review] Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson

"What's Your Flavor" is a series of reader's advisory sessions where library staff learn the distinctive qualities of fiction and non-fiction genres. After each session they are tasked with selecting a book to read and review. 
Reader’s Advisory: Science Fiction/Fantasy Book Review
Science Fiction/Fantasy/Young Adult

Linda reviews STEELHEART by Brandon Sanderson (Delacorte Press, 2013)
It’s been ten years since Calamity, a meteor event that caused normal people to develop superhuman abilities. It’s been ten years since David watched Steelheart kill his father with his own gun.  Now 18 years old, David is ready to seek his revenge on Steelheart and wants to join a group of rebels called the Reckoners.  
David has amassed a wealth of knowledge about the Epics over the years and filled several notebooks with what he’s learned.  He knows their names, their abilities, and how they can be defeated.  He’s ranked them according to their invincibility, calling those with no known weakness High Epics. Steelheart is thought to be a High Epic, but David has seen him bleed before and is determined to see him bleed again.  
The characters are fun - smart and quirky – and the witty dialogue moves the plot easily and quickly.  The world building is great.  I would call it a dystopian/comic book mash-up, with lots of action and a nail-biting ending that will leave you wanting the next one to see what happens to these great characters.
Linda Wong, Bartlett Public Library

Labels: , , , , ,



[permalink] posted by Memphis Reads : 9:00 AM  0 comments

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

[Book Review] The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson

Fiction/Young Adult

 Andrea reviews THE IMPOSSIBLE KNIFE OF MEMORY by Laurie Halse Anderson (Viking, 2014)

 This is another brilliantly tragic young adult (YA) novel written by author, Laurie Halse Anderson, who won the Michael L.  Printz Honor award with her debut novel, Speak.

 Told primarily from the voice of Hayley Kincain, she is being “raised” by her Iraq war veteran father, Andy.  I am using the word raised loosely because, unfortunately for Hayley and all those around her, her father suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after serving tours in Iraq.
       
Andy’s primary occupation after serving his tours of duty was semi-truck driver. Because Hayley’s mother and grandmother both had died, Andy felt he had no choice but to take her on his long hauls. Hayley claimed she never saw the need for formal education; she was learning all she needed from being on the road with her dad. All that came to a screeching halt when Andy decides to put Hayley in public school for her senior year. Andy’s PTSD demons are getting worse and he decides to self-medicate. Hayley is having a hard enough time fitting in with the “zombies” of high school without Andy’s abusing her and himself.
       
This is a heartbreaking young adult novel that shows readers how war is destroying many people in so many different ways.

Andrea King, Poplar-White Station

Labels: , , ,



[permalink] posted by Memphis Reads : 9:30 AM  0 comments

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

[Book Review] If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch

Fiction/Young Adult

 Andrea reviews IF YOU FIND ME by Emily Murdoch (St. Martin’s Griffin, 2013)
This is a touching, painful story of sisters Carey and Jenessa who have only had each other to survive. When their crystal meth-addicted mother abandons the girls in a broken-down camper deep in the Tennessee forests, it is up to 15-year-old Carey to feed, clothe, and take care of young Jenessa. Carey constantly reminds herself as long as they have each other, the two of them are home.

Mama has been gone on the longest binge ever and it doesn't seem like she is coming back to the girls. The girls are surviving on only two pairs of clothes and eating canned beans each meal. After their mother has been gone over two months, a social worker and a man claiming to be their father come to their rescue. Just as Carey is suspicious of the strangers’ motives, she wants the best for her baby sister who loves Mrs. Haskill and Charles wholeheartedly and immediately.

As Charles arranges to have sole custody of his girls and blend them in with his new family, anger and tension ensue. Soon, taking care of Jenessa becomes the primary focus for each family member (even for the lovable blue-tick hound, Shorty) so trust replaces suspicion and secrets are shared with each other.

This young adult novel is an emotional roller coaster. Readers will not soon forget Carey and Jenessa’s plight.

Andrea, Poplar-White Station Library

Labels: , ,



[permalink] posted by Memphis Reads : 9:00 AM  0 comments

Friday, March 21, 2014

[Book Review] The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

Fiction/Fantasy/Young Adult
Nakia reviews THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS by Rae Carson (Greenwillow Books, 2011)
I enjoyed reading The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson.  At the beginning of the book the heroine, Princess Elisa, is not your average heroine, and this is why I like her. Princess Elisa is endearing, intriguing, thoughtful and compassionate. But, she is also overweight and lacks confidence and self-esteem. She is a good balance of lovable and flawed. Although this main character is flawed, she is chosen for a great task.  

 Princess Elisa is picked over her pretty sister to become the Chosen One.  In this role she must marry a handsome king and she is selected to be the one in her family who possesses special powers and gifts.  She doesn’t know why or how she will make a difference in this role, but a move to a foreign land forces her to be bold and courageous. Through a journey of intense adventures and self-discovery, Princess Elisa transforms right before our very eyes. 

 The other characters in the book also have a good balance of strengths and weaknesses.  If you love Fantasy, you will absolutely love the world building and the mystery of the Godstone. 

 I loved the ending!  I loved the fact that the ending wasn't all about the King and her affection for him, rather this ending was all about Princess Elisa – her strength and confidence!

This book was amazing!  

 Nakia Armstrong, Central Library

Labels: , , ,



[permalink] posted by Memphis Reads : 10:30 AM  0 comments

Thursday, November 21, 2013

[Book Review] Panic by Sharon Draper

Fiction/Young Adult

Andrea reviews PANIC by Sharon Draper (Simon and Schuster, 2013)

There are always strong, heated emotions in Sharon Draper’s books. Her newest young adult book, Panic, did not disappoint readers in the fact there is a lot a frustration and anger brewing within this story.


 Fifteen-year-old Diamond Landers has always wanted to be a famous ballerina. When a stranger she meets in the mall offers her the chance to audition as Wendy in a movie version of Peter Pan, Diamond is more than ecstatic to have the chance. The stranger appears to have plenty of money and contacts to enable her dream, so what is the harm with leaving the mall with him?


 In the story’s subplot, fellow ballerina Layla has been feeling neglected by her waitress mother and inmate father, so she takes up with school thug, Donavan. Even though he always insults and abuses her, Donavan tries to make sure everyone at school and the ballet studio knows Layla is his “property.” He especially tries to prove this to Justin, Layla’s dancing partner. Of course Donavan loves Layla; why else would he be so jealous and possessive of her?


 Panic is a fantastic book that will exasperate readers with Diamond and Layla’s naiveté but make us realize people of all ages are struggling with self-worth. Sharon Draper once again proves through faith, family, and friends that life may not be absolutely perfect but it is definitely much better.

 Andrea King, Poplar White Station Library

Labels: , ,



[permalink] posted by Memphis Reads : 9:00 AM  0 comments

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

[Book Review] (Book Trailer) Gone by Michael Grant

Fiction/Young Adult

Jason Sharp, one of our talented staff members, created this book trailer for the novel, GONE by Michael Grant (Harper Teen, 2008).

Here's what Jason has to say about the novel:

"Gone is an amazing series that focuses on a world quickly deteriorating in chaos. It takes the best parts of the Lord of the Flies, the X-men and the Hunger Games to create something very new and interesting. Check out the provided trailer for more info." -Jason Sharp, Whitehaven Library




Video description and script can be found at Gone Book Trailer: Sam's Story on YouTube

Labels: , , ,



[permalink] posted by Memphis Reads : 10:00 AM  0 comments

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

[Book Review] BOMB by Steve Sheinkin

Nonfiction/History/Young Adult

Dean reviews BOMB: THE RACE TO BUILD--AND STEAL--THE WORLD'S MOST DANGEROUS WEAPON by Steve Sheinkin (Roaring Brook Press, 2012)

 Developing the atom bomb is without doubt one of the greatest scientific world-changing events. This fascinating account of that world-changing development adds high level espionage to the story.  It is set in the historic time period before, during, and at the end of World War II. Providing enough detail to keep the reader engaged, it moves at a fast pace. One can readily agree with the various selection committees who have distinguished this book with multiple awards.  It has four awards to date. These are: National Book Award finalist, YALSA Excellence in Young Adult Nonfiction, The Robert F. Seibert Medal, and Newbery Honor Book.


Sheinkin writes with a reading ease and attention-grabbing style.  Even though this title is nonfiction, it easily crosses into the narrative mystery fiction genre.  As indicated by the YALSA Award, the target audience is young adult readers.  It deserves to be recognized as excellent both as YA and as adult non-fiction.  The author takes the intrigue of international espionage and relates a down-to-earth account of closely guarded military secrecy.

The plot is a historical account of the building of an enormously powerful weapon we know as the atomic bomb.  It describes scientific discoveries and those who made them. It follows the international community's involvement in making those discoveries. Then it provides the historical development and deployment that came from those breakthroughs.
If you like mystery and intrigue this is a great read.  If you are fascinated by WWII this is a must read.  If you enjoy stories of international espionage you will not be disappointed by this work.

Dean Moore, Frayser Branch Library

Labels: , , ,



[permalink] posted by Memphis Reads : 9:30 AM  0 comments

Monday, March 25, 2013

[Book Review] DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS by C.J. Omololu

Fiction/Young Adult

Andrea reviews DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS by C.J. Omololu (Walker and Co., 2010).

(This reviewer found this young adult novel difficult to read because her mother-in-law is a hoarder like Joanna. She is glad she finished the story because she now has even more compassion for her husband who, like Lucy, was forced to lived in squalor and counted down the days until he could get out.)

Lucy has a secret. Yes, it is dirty, and unfortunately, it is not so little. Each day she leaves her house for a life of cleanliness, orderliness, and normalcy.

Lucy’s mother, Joanna, is an oncology nurse with a compassionate nature. No one would ever figure out the secret that plagues her and Lucy. Joanna is a hoarder who lives in absolute squalor. Because of her lifestyle choices her husband, adult children, and other family members have left her and Lucy in the filthy house.

Lucy is counting down the days until she can leave home and go away to college. The last thing she needs or wants is for anyone to see how her mother lives. Lucy keeps her bedroom immaculate but knows it won’t matter if it is clean if anyone should see the other parts of the house.

When Joanna dies in the very beginning of this young adult novel, Lucy panics.  Does Lucy call 911 and expose her and mother’s hoarding secrets? Does she call her older siblings to help her? Would her best friend understand?

Would anyone understand?

Andrea King, Poplar-White Station Library

 *Note* This book also includes a discussion guide

Labels: , ,



[permalink] posted by Memphis Reads : 10:00 AM  0 comments

Wednesday, March 06, 2013

[Book Review] THE DIVINERS by Libba Bray

Fiction/Young Adult

Beth reviews THE DIVINERS by Libba Bray (Little Brown, 2012)

This book either needed editing or should be broken into two books.  It was just too long!  (I think a little of both honestly.)  But I love Libba Bray and will probably read the next one in the series.

WARNING: Contains murder, grave robbing, teen drinking & smoking, psychics and the occult/cult, language, racism, anti-immigrant, homosexuality, human testing

SPOILERS BELOW!
It's 1927 and Evie, age 17, is sent to stay with her Uncle Will, a professor of the occult and manager of the Museum of the Occult in New York.  Evie is a party girl who used her psychic ability to read the wrong person's secret--and revealed that secret!  Now in New York, she continues to party but also helps her Uncle solve a string of murders that they trace back to a long-dead man.

The evil spirit, Naughty John, is killing people according to an old prophecy.  His goal is to become the Beast and reign Earth as a God.  Can they stop him in time?  Will anyone believe the truth?  What will Evie's powers be needed for next?  Are there others like herself?

Beth, Cordova Branch Library

Labels: , , ,



[permalink] posted by Memphis Reads : 11:00 AM  0 comments

Thursday, January 24, 2013

[Book Review] CRATER by Homer Hickam

Science Fiction/Young Adult

Beth reviews CRATER: A HELIUM-3 NOVEL by Homer Hickam (Nelson, 2012).

It's the 22nd Century and our main character, the orphaned Crater Trueblood, just turned sixteen and is already a seasoned Helium-3 miner on the moon. His lifelong goal is to be a foreman on the scrapes (the mining area). Crater sees his chance when his boss, the Colonel, requests Crater to take a treacherous journey through space to pick up a priceless treasure. Crater, accompanied by Maria and his gillie--an often insubordinate clump of slime mold cells that has amazing capabilities--must move a convoy of Helium-3 trucks across an unsettled section of the moon.

What is the treasure Crater is looking for? Why are so many willing to kill for it? Is it worth the trouble?

Beth, Cordova Library

Labels: , ,



[permalink] posted by Memphis Reads : 9:00 AM  0 comments

This page is powered by Blogger. Isn't yours?