Review: The Best Man

The Best Man by Richard Peck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book! Richard Peck does it again!!! What a great current story about Archer who quickly takes us from first through much of the book in 5th and 6th grade. A book about family, love and friendship. I have too many great things to say about this book, but I don't want to give anything away - the way this story is woven and Archer the main character is so enjoyable. It's always great to find a book with a male main character that both male and female audiences can read.

This book is at LV IMC. Readers of all levels will enjoy this book. Some will not pick up on the sarcasm and humor if they are younger, but they will not be lost by the story! A great book for both parent & child to read together to talk about!

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Review: The Woman in Cabin 10

The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lo Blacklock, a travel writer, is going to go on a luxury yacht for a private press tour. While Lo is leaving her broken private life behind for a week, a burglar break in and a possible break up with boyfriend Judah, she needs to "get it together" to show her boss that she can handle this assignment. The yacht, Aurora, is beautiful, luxurious and filled with top press and a variety of photographers and other wealthy investors. Lo is still struggling with the stress and anxiety from the break in which leads her to being sleep deprived and drinking too much at dinner on the first night. Just when Lo is finally asleep she is woken by a scream and hears splash. Lo runs to the veranda and thinks she sees a hand in the water and blood smeared on the veranda next door. As Lo tries to make sense of what has happened in cabin 10 she has a hard time finding support from security on the boat since nobody was assigned to cabin 10. It was to be empty for the entire trip. Lo knows what she saw, and is determined to find out what happened to the woman in cabin 10.

A thrilling story with many twists and turns - it will not disappoint.

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Review: Inexcusable

Inexcusable by Chris Lynch
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Did you like Speak? If so, this book takes a dramatically different look at date rape from a male's perspective. The story itself was told in a choppy format, and I didn't enjoy the writing that much. I'm not sure if this was Chris Lynch's idea of showing how main character Keir's thoughts were all over the place due to events that took place. In any case, it was interesting to see how Keir lives his senior year and the ups and downs that take place. Disappointed his sisters don't attend his high school graduation he ends up going to see them with high school princess Gigi - the girl who he rapes. Keir doesn't believe he has done anything wrong and expresses to Gigi she never said "no." While I didn't think this was the best book I have ever read, I did like getting to Keir's realization about what his actions mean and what will happen to his future.

*This book is not available in the LV IMC

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Review: Parrotfish

Parrotfish by Ellen Wittlinger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

New to LV IMC shelves - hardcover & paperback

Angela has just announced she is transgender when beginning the book. Her family is trying to be accepting of what is going on, but like any family has questions and are confused. Angela recently came out as a lesbian, but upon reading more and understanding that her gender is actually male she decides upon a name and Grady is born.

This book has very comical moments. Grady is realistic in the fact that nothing is going to change dramatically overnight for his family, friends and his classmates. Parrotfish has everything you hope for a teenager to have in regards to support in their life. Grady starts to develop a strong friendship while also dealing with the bullies who may not accept him.

Parrotfish will not disappoint. It's a very gentle introduction to being transgender and focusing more on how family, friends and the transgender teen figure out who they really all are.

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Review: What Light

What Light by Jay Asher
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

For fans of Jay Asher, you will not be disappointed in his new book. We've been waiting for 10 years to see something else from the Thirteen Reason's Why author. However, if you are hoping for as dramatic of a story you will not get it here.

Sierra lives with her parents on a Christmas tree farm in Oregon and every year from Thanksgiving through Christmas they drive to the lot in California her family has had for over 30 years to sell trees. Sierra basically has two lives and two sets of best friends in Oregon & California, except this could be her last year on the tree lot.

As Sierra is realizing how important her life in California is, she also overhears her parents mention this may be the last year on the lot due to not making as much money. Enter Caleb, a funny and handsome boy with rumors swirling about him and his past.

Will Sierra and Caleb enter a relationship? What about the Christmas tree farm? What will happen to her California life if she is not to return again?

A perfect read during the holiday season reminding us about family, love and the magic of the holidays!

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Review: Through the Woods

Through the Woods by Emily Carroll
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

5 creepy tales told with equally scary illustrations. Fans of ghost and horror stories will be drawn to this graphic novel. I'm excited to add this title to our school's collection which is currently on the 2016 Abe Lincoln list. Recommended audience grade 8 and higher. Some students in grade 7 will be drawn to this book as well.

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Review: Everything, Everything

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A truly great story by Nicola Yoon. Madeline is sick with "bubble baby syndrome" and cannot leave her house. She's never been to school, let alone outside since she was diagnosed as a baby. Her life is lived in the walls of her house among her books and online tutors. Her mother constantly worries about her health. Maddy is lucky to have nurse Carla care for her and be the one true friend she has ever had until someone moves into the neighborhood. Madeline discovers friendship with Olly, the boy who moves in across the street. Can someone fall in love through a window? Can Olly accept Madeline for who she is? A book that will tug at your heart. Cleaver illustrations (created by Yoon's husband David) help create the vivid pictures for this story.

Recommended for students in high school.

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