The Cabinet of Curiosities: 40 Tales Brief & sinister

Many short stories of the odd and strange.

Mortal Danger by Ann Aguirre

I really tried to read this story but had a hard time caring for the main characters.  Lots of loose ends that don't add up.  I would say, save your money and your time.  You'll thank me later.  It's just really weak on character, plot and writing.

Pulse by Patrick Carman

First,  I want the tablets that they have in the book!  They don't break unless you really really work at it.  It's self repair.  I kept having questions about the story, and as I read the story answered the questions.  I think it's fine for any library shelf.  Enjoy.

Fall From Grace by Charles Benoit

It took me a bit to get into the story.  At first I didn't like the main character and then you grow to feel kind of sorry and start rooting for the fellow.  Grace has spunk and plans.  She also has her own set of troubles.  Interesting story line.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

This story has many layers and depths to it.  Lots of figurative language and heavy on the family disfunction.  This story works.  It's solid.  Worthy to b any library.  It's serious.  It's about growing up.  It's not easy.  It's about facing the past, that's not easy either.  It's about moving on.  Sometimes that's the hardest.  It's worth a read.  If you choose audio book, it's also a good choice.

Lockwood & Co: The Whispering Skull by Jonathan Stroud

Book 2 is just as great as the first book!  You will be entertained.  If you have a chance to hear the audiobook, the actress captures the voices well.  Enjoy.  You'll thank me later.

Charlie the Ranch Dog: Charlie Goes To The Doctor by Ree Drummond

Catch a Falling Star by Kim Culbertson

This is a great book to recommend for students looking for romance.  It was well written.  I'm looking forward to reading more of Kim Culbertson's books if this is an example.  Reminds me of Sarah Dessen.

Cleopatra in Space by Mike Maihack

It's fine.  A cute graphic novel for tweens.  Okay for any library.  Simple but fun.

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

I don't want to give any spoilers away.  If you are a fan of the Divergent series then here comes the conclusion of the story thread.  Fine for any library.  Should read the first two in order before getting to this story.

Dealing with Dragons by Patricia Wrede

Enjoy.  Strong female character.  Not a damsel in distress.

UnStrung by Neal Shusterman

This is part of the Unwind series.  It's a solid series about kids being harvested for body parts.  Trust me it's a good series.  And it's written with a solid plot and solid characters.  Unstrung is a small book that I read on my Kindle checked out from the public library.  If you are a fan of the series, add this book to your reading list.

BrotherBand Chronicles: The Outcasts by John Flanagan

If you like Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and other adventure stories this is it.  No dragons, or wizards or magic but an icelandic survival with lots of adventure.  Everything about this story is well thought out.  It's a fun read.  Solid story with good character development, and a plot.  I'm looking forward to book 2.  It's a good story for any library.

The Book Thief by Markus Zasak

First, the writing of this book is amazing.  It is Death telling the story of Liesel and the people in her community.  The Nazi party, Air raids, book burning and learning to read.  Learning to care for other people.  It's about being a family, when you are not blood.  It's about protecting others.  It's an amazing story.  And the words are rich, the story takes on many layers.  Stay with this book.  Read it to the end. You'll thank me later.

THe FitzOsbornes At War By Michelle Cooper

This is a well crafted story and lovely to read.  I was reading this while also listening to The Book Thief, the German side of war.  Very powerful to read together.  You can see the research that it took to create this story.  Real people blended with fictional characters to create a life in London and the country side during World War II.  I would have high school seniors reading this one.  It's a good read. I would say at least read book 2 first so that the reader has prior knowledge of the family background and why they were exiled from their small kingdom and landed in England.

The Oathbreaker's Shadow by Amy McCulloch

This is an amazing story.  It's original.  The magic of the story is all new and different.  AN EXCELLENT READ.  Good for any library.  Takes place in a desert of Middle Eastern feel.  It's all made up and the culture created by the author is original.  I so look forward to her next book.  It's a great read!

Paranormalcy By Kiersten White

This is an easy book to read.  Easy story.  Fine for any library.  It has a little of everything.  I listened to the audio version and it was fine.  I liked the main character, Evie.  It was a good set up.  I look forward to reading book 2.

Quintana of Charyn by Melina Marchetta

This is worth the read!  Start with book 1 and work your way through this series.  Excellent writing, character development, plot line and inventing cultures.  Amazing book.  Well crafted. A good read.  There may be some adult content, nothing to be really concerned but just a heads up.    It's Lord of the Rings with out the dragons, It's the Hobbit on a journey.  It's Moses plodding along through the desert to get a home.  It's a good book!

The Book Of Shadows by Cate Tierman

Was not impressed with this book.  Story was laden with way to many details.  It was rather clumsy.  Some parts were strong.  Probably don't want this in a school library.  The context of the book was not well written.  The dialogue was weak.  Not on my list to add to a library.  My recommendations are there are other books out there that work better.  I'd skip this book.