After a childhood spent in the foster care system, Victoria Jones is unable to get close to anybody, and her only connection to the world is through fAfter a childhood spent in the foster care system, Victoria Jones is unable to get close to anybody, and her only connection to the world is through flowers and their meanings. Now eighteen, Victoria has nowhere to go, and sleeps in a public park, where she plants a small garden of her own. When her talent is discovered by a local florist, she discovers her gift for helping others through the flowers she chooses for them. But it takes meeting a mysterious vendor at the flower market for her to realise what's been missing in her own life, and as she starts to fall for him, she's forced to confront a painful secret from her past, and decide whether it's worth risking everything for a second chance at happiness. (Desc. from LT)
Watching Victoria overcome her terrible childhood is redemptive and makes you want to keep reading and rooting for her until the very last page. There's lots of interesting information about the meaning of certain flowers. Highly recommended....more
Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificently adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbQuentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificently adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs back into his life--dressed like a ninja and summoning him for an ingenious campaign of revenge--he follows. After their all-nighter ends and a new day breaks, Q arrives at school to discover that Margo, always an enigma, has now become a mystery. But Q soon learns that there are clues--and they're for him. Urged down a disconnected path, the closer he gets, the less Q sees of the girl he thought he knew. (Amazon desc.)
Green is a master at exploring the character of teens as they search for adulthood. "Q" is a great character and his friendship with Radar and Ben is spot on. I found myself laughing out loud in several places. This is a very satisfying, enjoyable look into the lives of teenagers on the brink of adulthood....more
Lucy Sinclair grew up in St. Dennis, a small town on the Chesapeake Bay. Her best friend was Clay Madison from the time she was in 3rd grade. But in hLucy Sinclair grew up in St. Dennis, a small town on the Chesapeake Bay. Her best friend was Clay Madison from the time she was in 3rd grade. But in high school, Lucy began to withdraw from Clay and the rest of her friends. After school she moved across the country to California to start a highly successful event planning business. Now, several high profile events are taking Lucy back to St. Dennis. While she is reluctant to return, she begins to be drawn in by her family, friends, her memories and especially by Clay.
This is the 5th book in the Chesapeake Diaries series. The series is sweet and "feel good". It's fun to see previous characters in the book. A nice beach read....more
Daisy and her daughter Zoe are traveling to Paris from St. Louis for Zoe's spring break. Daisy is a top-notch chef and recently left a restaurant job Daisy and her daughter Zoe are traveling to Paris from St. Louis for Zoe's spring break. Daisy is a top-notch chef and recently left a restaurant job to clear her mind and decide what she wants to do next. Andrew and his ason are heading to Madrid for Andrew's job as an exhibit designer. On the plane, Andrew actually jostled a woman holding a glass of wine which spills on her silk blouse. Andrew feels terrible. The woman is very attractive and Andrew is drawn to her. Uncharacteristically, Andrew composes a note apologizing and asking her out for a drink when they are back in St. Louis. He stuffs the note in her open purse. When the parties arrive at their respective destinations, Zoe and Webb realize that somewhere during their journey, their bags have been switched. From this unpromising beginning, the four characters...Daisy, Zoe, Andrew and Webb...go about their business not realizing that everything they do is connected in some way.
This book is a light, entertaining and funny read. It is told through the POV of each character. The reader sees the interconnections among the characters which adds to the fun and fast pace. It's really two stories...Daisy's and Andrew's, both looking for something more in their lives...and Webb and Zoe's...both on the brink of adulthood and trying to stand on their own. Teens will enjoy this book as much as adults will. It's a perfect beach book!...more
Sixteen year old Dylan has never met her father. Now, out of the blue, he has contacted her and asked her to be a bone marrow donor for his other daugSixteen year old Dylan has never met her father. Now, out of the blue, he has contacted her and asked her to be a bone marrow donor for his other daughter, Casey, who is 4 years old and suffering from a form of leukemia. Dylan lives with her mother, Amanda, and her adopted sister, Karma in near poverty. She discovers that her mother has been lying to her for years about her father and more and now she doesn't know how she feels or who to trust.
This is a well-written story about a teenager being forced to confront questions about her past, her family, her relationships and her very identity. Dylan is a well-developed, realistic character and teens will be able to relate to her dilemma. Highly recommended....more
When her surgeon-mother leaves LA and goes to South America on a charity project, 16 yr. old Poe Holly goes to live with her father in the small town When her surgeon-mother leaves LA and goes to South America on a charity project, 16 yr. old Poe Holly goes to live with her father in the small town of Bender. Poe has never met her father who also happens to be the school counselor at her new high school. Poe doesn't know why her parents divorced. She is a rebellious teen who doesnt' get along with her mother and blames her father for never being there for her. Poe meets two new friends...Theo, the son of the mayor and "Velveeta", a troubled teen who is the perpetual target of school bullies. Poe soon realizes that a major bully at the high school is Colby Morris, star football player. Colby is brutal and untouchable...his father is well-connected. Poe sets out to prove that Colby and his friends are responsible for a near-fatal attack on Velveeta, thereby putting her own life in danger.
Harmon does a good job of keeping the action moving. Brutal was hard to out down once started. The characters aren't fully drawn; it's very hard to understand the motivations and actions of Poe's parents. Poe's constant rants about the hypocrisy of the school and adults is a little over-the-top and not always believable...she gets pretty obnoxious sometimes. However, the issues are timely, the characters are likable and there is lots for teens to relate to....more
Tamila Soroush comes to America ostensibly to visit her sister, but hoping to find someone to marry so she can stay in America. Her sister tries to arTamila Soroush comes to America ostensibly to visit her sister, but hoping to find someone to marry so she can stay in America. Her sister tries to arrange a marriage between Tami and a Persian man, but all efforts fall through. On the last day before she must go back to Iran, Tami opens her hotel door to see Ike, an American man she has come to love. Ike knows about her need to marry and so he marries her right away. Even though Tami and Ike love each other, many people don't believe it, instead choosing to believe that Tami only married Ike for a green card. His parents are particularly hostile to Tami. But Ike and Tami continue as a couple, even starting a business together, but the time for Tami's immigration interview is getting closer and she is getting nervous. Will she get to stay in America or will she lose Ike and her freedom completely?
Dreaming in English is a sequel to Fitzgerald's previous book, Veil of Roses, the story of Tam's sister. Either book can stand alone, but it's nice to read both. I liked Dreaming in English. The story is told by Tami in first person, present tense. The reader knows what Tami is seeing and thinking at all times. Sometimes funny and sometimes sad, she paints a powerful picture of the reason so many people leave everything and everyone they know to come to this country. Tami is a wonderful character and I didn't want the book to end. Highly recommended....more
Maureen Davenport is Avalon's town librarian. She is totally devoted to the library and her patrons, but she's just received word that the library wilMaureen Davenport is Avalon's town librarian. She is totally devoted to the library and her patrons, but she's just received word that the library will be closing unless funds can be raised to operate it. Although she is devastated by this news, she is also excited about the fact that she will be the director of the town's annual Chritmas pageant, a dream she's always held. The only rub is that her co-director is Eddie Haven, a former child movie star, who is perfiorming court ordered community service. Maureen and Eddie clash from the very beginning. she is too prim and proper for him and he is too untraditional for her. Soon, as they get to know each other better, they see the strengths that each one brings to the project. But both Maureen and Eddie have secrets that could nip their growing relationship in the bud. As they work together on the pageant and on raising money for the library, the spirit of the season surrounds them and after all, miracles do happen and angels walk among us.
This is the 6th offering in the Lakeshore Chronicles. Many characters from previous novels in the series appear in this one, so it feels just like coming home for readers who have been following the series. Since it's a holiday-themed entry, it doesn't "feel" like a full novel; it feels more like coming together to celebrate with the characters we know while waiting for the next installment in the series....more
Zander Scott and his friends, Kambui, LaShonda and Bobbi are students at the DaVinci Academy for the Gifted and Talented in Harlem. Unfortunately, theZander Scott and his friends, Kambui, LaShonda and Bobbi are students at the DaVinci Academy for the Gifted and Talented in Harlem. Unfortunately, their grades are slipping and Mr. Culpepper, the assistant principal, is just waiting for the opportunity to kick them out of the school. Part of the problem is their alternative newspaper, The Cruiser, which allows them to present their own unique point of view to the rest of the students. They are given one last chance to stay. The school has begun a study of the Civil War. Instead of just learning dry facts and dates, the school has divided the students into the various factions who were present at the time of the War...confederates, slaves, plantation owners, etc. Zander and his fellow Cruisers are presented with the task of bringing the factions together peacefully and preventing the Civil War altogether. As the students get into the project, the students representing the confederacy begin acting out their roles a little too realistically, causing much friction among the blacks and other minorties, resulting in fights and ill will among all of the students. Zander and the Cruisers have their hands full trying to avoid a second Civil War...right in DaVinci Academy.
Walter Dean Myers is a prolific writer and knowledgable voice for African-American teens. He has tackled tough issues facing teens and presented those issues in a realistic way. "The Cruisers" takes on the issue of racism today, by illustrating how those same issues caused the Civil War. Myers' voice is casual and humorous, making his work very readable. This particular book, however, is a little "preachy" at times. It feels like the author is trying to teach a lesson rather than present the situation through realistic dialogue. Other than that, the book is a fast, enjoyable read, providing lots of food for thought and discussion and leaves the reader wanting to see more of the Cruisers. ...more
It is Caitlyn O'Koren's 16th birthday when her older sister, Cass, runs away. It is the beginning of her junior year of high school and all people canIt is Caitlyn O'Koren's 16th birthday when her older sister, Cass, runs away. It is the beginning of her junior year of high school and all people can talk about is Cass. Cass was the "perfect" daughter...involved in everything, accepted at Yale, popular. Caitlyn has always been in her shadow, but she and Cass have always been close. With her parents focused on finding Cass, Caitlyn becomes "invisible". This is her chance to become the person she wants to be, away from the shadow of Cass. She joins the cheerleading squad with her best friend, Rena, something Cass never did. She doesn't really like it, but it's different. Then she meets Rogerson. He is so different from the jocks she and her friends hang out with. He is mesmerizing and maybe a little dangerous. He has a reputation for doing drugs and has been arrested before. Soon Caitlyn and Rogerson are spending all of their time together. Rogerson has easy access to the drugs he sells, and turns Caitlyn on to smoking pot. Then one day, when she turns up late for a date with him, he punches her in the face. It is shocking and painful and Caitlyn isn't sure what to do. She loves him. Afterwards, he is tender and loving toward her and promises it will never happen again. But it does, over and over again. Caitlyn hides it well, but she becomes a different person, hiding her bruises from everyone who cares about her. quitting the cheerleading squad, hanging out with Rogerson's friends, smoking pot. She needs to tell someone; she wants to talk to Cass desperately, but Cass is gone and Caitlyn is sliding away.
This book by Dessen is about 6 years old, but as always, right on the mark. The phenomenon of date abuse (not rape) is not openly discussed, but in fact 1 in 11 high school students report being abused on a date. Teens who read this should have their eyes open to the signs of someone being abused and what to do if you are the one abused. The teen characters are well-drawn and believable, and the story is still very timely....more
In 1945 London, Juliet Ashton, a journalist who wrote a popular newspaper column during the war, is trying to come up with a subject for her next bookIn 1945 London, Juliet Ashton, a journalist who wrote a popular newspaper column during the war, is trying to come up with a subject for her next book. Through a series of flukes, she begins a correspondence with a man who lives on Guernsey Island. She learns about an organization there called "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" and she is fascinated to learn more about it. Her correspondence continues with the man and others on the Island and eventually goes to visit them. The visit changes her life.
The story is told completely by correspondence (letters, wires, etc.) between Juliet, her publisher, her best friend, and the residents of Guernsey Island in 1946, just after WWII. It is a charming, historical, funny, heart-warming book. I had a hard time putting it down....more
Jenner Redwine works in a factory until she wins the lottery, which totally changes her life. She begins to hobnob with the wealthy and elite, but nevJenner Redwine works in a factory until she wins the lottery, which totally changes her life. She begins to hobnob with the wealthy and elite, but never feels like she fits in. She has one real friend, Sydney, who talks her into going on the maiden voyage of a luxurious cruise ship for charity. Before the women board the ship, they are kidnapped. Sydney is sequestered in a hotel and kept from boarding. Jenner is held hostage in one of the staterooms and forced to pretend to have a romantic relationship with one of her captors. Things aren't always as they seem, however...it's sometimes hard to tell the difference between the bad guys and the good guys.
The story starts out a little slowly, after the first couple of chapters, it really takes off. There is plenty of suspense and romance. Once started, it is hard to put down. ...more
As the story opens, Henry is a 12 year old Chinese boy who is attending an all-white elementary school on a scholarship. He meets Keiko, a Japanese giAs the story opens, Henry is a 12 year old Chinese boy who is attending an all-white elementary school on a scholarship. He meets Keiko, a Japanese girl who attends the same school. Henry and Keiko become friends. It's a bad time for a Chinese boy and a Japanese girl to be friends in 1940s San Francisco. The Japanese have bombed Pearl Harbor and all Japanese people...whether they are American citizens or not...are being shipped off to internment camps for the duration of the war. Henry's father is outraged that Henry has befriended a Japanese girl since Japan is also at war with China. When Keiko and her family are sent away to a camp in Idaho, Henry promises to wait for her forever. At first they write weekly, but after awhile, Keiko's letters are fewer and fewer. Henry is broken-hearted, but moves on. At the end of the war, Henry meets a young woman named Ethel Chen. They marry and have a child. The book is told in alternate chapters with Henry as narrator in 1942 and 1986. Henry's wife has died from cancer and now he feels compelled to try and find out what happened to Keiko.
This book is well-written and takes the reader to a time and place in American history not often written about. Ford skillfully moves the story back and forth in time, slowly unraveling the story of Henry and Keiko. Highly recommended....more
In the conclusion to the "Sign of Seven" trilogy, three women and three men merge their powers to battle the ultimate evil, proving that friendship, fIn the conclusion to the "Sign of Seven" trilogy, three women and three men merge their powers to battle the ultimate evil, proving that friendship, family, love, and passion is much stronger than the looming darkness.
Nora Roberts is one of my favorite authors and I especially enjoy her paranormal paperback series...such as the "Sign of Seven" series. Roberts is a great storyteller...lots of suspense and romance....more
Hannah's novel spans three decades and is the story of three sisters from the time their mother dies in the 1970s to the current day. The bonds of sisHannah's novel spans three decades and is the story of three sisters from the time their mother dies in the 1970s to the current day. The bonds of sisterhood and family are very strong and should withstand any difficulty, but Winona, Vivi Anne and Aurora are torn apart when Winona and Vivi Anne vie for the same man. The three women struggle over the years with their own issues, including men, children, careers and most of all with their cold and distant father. The story is full of emotion with moments of humor. Once started, it's hard to put down. Because it spans such a long period of time, it's hard to get to know the characters in depth and some of the multiple plot lines aren't developed fully and I think that would have strengthened the novel....more
Phoebe and her group of wealthy friends are planning the ultimate 8th grade graduation party. Then, her mother loses her job and Phoebe's lifestyle haPhoebe and her group of wealthy friends are planning the ultimate 8th grade graduation party. Then, her mother loses her job and Phoebe's lifestyle has to change. Will that affect her relationship with her friends and her status as one of the most popular girls in school?
The issues of popularity and friendship...big ones for middle school students are well-developed in this very readable novel....more
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