Trance by Linda C. Gerber

Trance is an interesting enough book. It will keep you entertained. It is a super fast read in which you can easily sympathize with the main character.

The book ends in such a way that is makes you suspect that, there will be a sequel.

Grade: B-

Synopsis

Ashlyn Greenfield has always known when bad things are going to happen. Each time that familiar tingling at the back of her neck begins, she knows what's to come—a trance. She's pulled in, blindsided, an unwilling witness to a horrible upcoming event. But she's never been able to stop it—not even when the vision was of her mother's fatal car accident. When soulful Jake enters Ashlyn's life, she begins having trances about another car accident. And as her trances escalate, one thing becomes clear: it's up to her to save Jake from near-certain death.

Hate List by Jennifer Brown

Hate List is a powerful and well written story. It deals with resentment, anger, guilt, fear and many other strong emotions. Many will say that this book is about a school shooting but it is really about, the main character, Valerie, one of Brown's wonderfully crafted characters. Expect an emotional, raw, believable read. You don' t have to be a teen or a victim of bulling to understand and "get" this complex and thought provoking story.

Grade: A 

Synopsis [B&N] Five months ago, Valerie Leftman's boyfriend, Nick, opened fire on their school cafeteria. Shot trying to stop him, Valerie inadvertently saved the life of a classmate, but was implicated in the shootings because of the list she helped create. A list of people and things she and Nick hated. The list he used to pick his targets. Now, after a summer of seclusion, Val is forced to confront her guilt as she returns to school to complete her senior year. Haunted by the memory of the boyfriend she still loves and navigating rocky relationships with her family, former friends and the girl whose life she saved, Val must come to grips with the tragedy that took place and her role in it, in order to make amends and move on with her life.

Misguided Angel (Blue Bloods, Book 5) by Melissa de la Cruz

The Blue Blood Series is quite enjoyable and entertaining, Misguided Angel was a rather short novel in which my favorite characters, Jack and Schuyler made few appearances.

This book focuses on Mimi and her new role in the vampire community. You will be pleasantly surprised at her character change and might find yourself actually liking her.

There is also an introduction of a new character, who I think will be making more appearances in future novels.

This book is more of a "filler" and while I enjoyed it I recommend waiting until it is paperback because the hardback cost is not justified in a book that is under 300 pages.

This is probably my least favorite of the books in this series but I imagine it is only to set up what I anticipate to be some great additions to this series.

The ending sets up for the next book, which I am extremely excited about!


Grade: B-

Synopsis [B&N}

After inheriting the dark Van Alen Legacy, Schuyler fled to Florence—with her forbidden love, Jack. Now the two of them must embark on the mission Schuyler was destined to complete: to find and protect the seven gates that guard earth from Lucifer, lord of the Silverbloods.

As the Blue Blood enclave weakens yet further, fate leads Schuyler closer to a terrifying crossroads—and a choice that will determine the destiny of all vampires

Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern

Absolutely hilarious!

I have never laughed so hard or so much while reading a book! You will not be able to put this book down until the end and then you will be left craving more.

This is not a book for the faint of heart -- expect foul language and lack of political correctness. If you can't see past these things, then you won't enjoy this book, which in my opinion makes this book great!

There are also many touching moments that makes you see the love between and father and soon. A perfect gift for just about everyone.

Grade: A+



Synopsis [B&N]

This book is ridiculously hilarious, and makes my father look like a normal member of society.
Chelsea Handler

Read this unless you re allergic to laughing.
Kristen Bell

If you re wondering if there is a real man behind the quotes on Twitter, the answer is a definite and laugh-out-loud yes.
Christian Lander, New York Times bestselling author of Stuff White People Like

Tuesdays with Morrie meets F My Life in this hilarious book about a son s relationship with his foul-mouthed father by the 29-year-old comedy writer who created the massively popular Twitter feed of the same name.

After being dumped by his longtime girlfriend, twenty-eight-year-old Justin Halpern found himself living at home with his seventy-three-year-old dad. Sam Halpern, who is "like Socrates, but angrier, and with worse hair," has never minced words, and when Justin moved back home, he began to record all the ridiculous things his dad said to him:

"That woman was sexy. . . . Out of your league? Son, let women figure out why they won't screw you. Don't do it for them."

"Do people your age know how to comb their hair? It looks like two squirrels crawled on their heads and started fucking."

"The worst thing you can be is a liar. . . . Okay, fine, yes, the worst thing you can be is a Nazi, but then number two is liar. Nazi one, liar two."

More than a million people now follow Mr. Halpern's philosophical musings on Twitter, and in this book, his son weaves a brilliantly funny, touching coming-of-age memoir around the best of his quotes. An all-American story that unfolds on the Little League field, in Denny's, during excruciating family road trips, and, most frequently, in the Halperns' kitchen over bowls of Grape-Nuts, Sh*t My Dad Says is a chaotic, hilarious, true portrait of a father-son relationship from a major new comic voice.

Mockingjay (The Final Book of The Hunger Games) by Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay -- was a well written conclusion to the series but it lacked the excitement the Collins produced in her two previous books.

Unlike her other books in this series, I wasn't as absorbed with the storyline and characters are before. They were mainly flat with the exception of one supporting character, named Finnick.

I was left disappointed and unsatisfied but that didn't stop me from reading this book in one day because Collins created a wonderful character and unique storyline that intrigued me.

The end is cliched and unfulfilling... but the series as a whole is an enjoyable read.

Grade: C

Catching Fire (The Second Book of the Hunger Games) by Suzanne Collins

It is rare when a second book in a trilogy is as, spell bounding as this one. Collins is an impressive author. She remains true to her characters and storyline, while adding to it in ways that one can't possibly imagine. There is one major event that happens, which I was able to figure out but all the others were complete surprises, especially the ending! This second book picks up right when Hunger Games left off - It is seamless, engrossing and written which such profound meaning that one can't help but become 100% absorbed in this story. 

Grade: A+ 

Synopsis [B&N] Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

The Haunted (The Hollow, Book 2) by Jessica Verday

The Haunted isn't nearly as good as, The Hollow (the first book in the series) but it is in the middle of a trilogy so it is to be expected.

I do love the built in legend of Sleepy Hallow and the reappearance of those characters. Abby, the main character is a bit more dramatic in this book but still like able.

There is a cliffhanger ending and I can't wait for the last book.

Grade: B -


Synopsis [B&N]

An impossible truth. An impossible love.


After a summer spent reclaiming her sanity and trying to forget the boy she fell in love with--the boy who must not exist, cannot exist, because she knows that he is dead--Abbey returns to Sleepy Hollow, ready to leave the ghosts of her past behind. She throws herself into her schoolwork, her perfume-making, and her friendship with Ben, her cute and funny lab partner, who just might be her ticket to getting over Caspian once and for all.

But Abbey can never get over Caspian, and Caspian has no choice but to return to her side, for Caspian is a Shade, and Abbey is his destiny. They are tied not only to each other, but also to the town of Sleepy Hollow, and to the famous legend that binds their fates--a legend whose dark truths they are only beginning to guess....

Full Dark, No Stars by Stephen King

Stephen King is a master at writing and creativity. He delivers some of his best work in the new collection.

Full Dark, No Stars is a collection of four, short stories. Each grab your attention in there own unique way and keep you up reading much later than necessary.

The characters, settings, plot and emotions are superb in each story.

The first story, "1922" is very reminiscent of Dostoevsky, Crime and Punishment. King's delivery makes you squirm in your seat.

The second story, "Big Driver" is about revenge. If you pay close attention to details, King lets you know early on who is to blame. This is an engaging read that will make you think twice about trusting seemingly trust worthy individuals.

The third story," Fair Extension" got to me the most in terms of emotions. It is the shortest story and perhaps the best one. I don't want to give anything away and I feel that discussing it would take away from reading this particular tale.

The fourth and final one, " The Good Marriage" is very good. It is about finding out that the person you thought you knew - isn't at all whom them seem to be.

This is not the book to read before bed (my mistake!) Unless you like double checking locks on doors and windows and looking under the bed. Right now I'm cuddling with my ferocious chihuahua and hoping that after I finish this, I will get a dreamless sleep.


Grade: A




Synopsis [B&N]

"I believe there is another man inside every man, a stranger . . ." writes Wilfred Leland James in the early pages of the riveting confession that makes up "1922," the first in this pitch-black quartet of mesmerizing tales from Stephen King. For James, that stranger is awakened when his wife, Arlette, proposes selling off the family homestead and moving to Omaha, setting in motion a gruesome train of murder and madness.

In "Big Driver," a cozy-mystery writer named Tess encounters the stranger along a back road in Massachusetts when she takes a shortcut home after a book-club engagement. Violated and left for dead, Tess plots a revenge that will bring her face-to-face with another stranger: the one inside herself.

"Fair Extension," the shortest of these tales, is perhaps the nastiest and certainly the funniest. Making a deal with the devil not only saves Dave Streeter from a fatal cancer but provides rich recompense for a lifetime of resentment.

When her husband of more than twenty years is away on one of his business trips, Darcy Anderson looks for batteries in the garage. Her toe knocks up against a box under a worktable and she discovers the stranger inside her husband. It’s a horrifying discovery, rendered with bristling intensity, and it definitively ends a good marriage.

Like Different Seasons and Four Past Midnight, which generated such enduring films as The Shawshank Redemption and Stand by Me, Full Dark, No Stars proves Stephen King a master of the long story form.

The Awakening (Darkest Powers Series #2) by Kelley Armstrong .

This series is absolutely intoxicating. The characters are well developed and the storyline keeps you alert and on edge.

This unique series full of paranormal activities does not disappoint. There is never a dull moment in this must read series.

I expect the next novel, The Reckoning will be just as fantastic.

Grade: A

Synopsis [B&N]

If you had met me a few weeks ago, you probably would have described me as an average teenage girl — someone normal. Now my life has changed forever and I'm as far away from normal as it gets. A living science experiment — not only can I see ghosts, but I was genetically altered by a sinister organization called the Edison Group. What does that mean? For starters, I'm a teenage necromancer whose powers are out of control; I raise the dead without even trying. Trust me, that is not a power you want to have. Ever.

Now I'm running for my life with three of my supernatural friends — a charming sorcerer, a cynical werewolf, and a disgruntled witch — and we have to find someone who can help us before the Edison Group finds us first. Or die trying

Sugar and Spice: An L.A. Candy Novel by Lauren Conrad

Conrad's writing is simple, pleasurable and fun!

This is an adorable series and the final book ends on a good note. You must read the previous two books in order to get a full understanding of the story lines and characters.

This is the type of book that can turn a bad day into a good one!

Grade: B




From the Publisher

Sugar and Spice . . . Not everyone's nice.

Fresh from being betrayed by one of her closest friends, new reality-television celebrity Jane Roberts has learned a few lessons. Most important: know who to trust. And in Hollywood, that list is short.

Although the press is intent on creating a tabloid war between her and ex-friend/current-costar Madison Parker, Jane just wants to take control of her life. She’s started by swearing off guys and the drama that comes with them. But when her high school sweetheart Caleb and her unrequited L.A. crush Braden show up, both acting sweeter than ever, Jane has a hard time remembering her no-boys rule. . . .

Her best friend, Scarlett, has only one guy on her mind: her new boyfriend, Liam. The girl who once thought love was a four-letter word is now head over heels. The problem is, being on a hit reality show means hanging out with other guys on-camera, and Liam isn’t too happy with pretending to play a bit part in her love life.

Just when everything feels out of control, Jane makes a shocking discovery—one that changes everyone’s definition of “reality” forever.

Dead in the Family (Sookie Stackhouse, Book 10) by Charlaine Harris

Dead in the Family isn't as great as the other books in this series but it is still pretty good.

A lot of small things happen... There is not ONE huge plot and a lot of things are left unresolved, which is good and bad. Good because it means more Sookie books, bad because your left wanting so much more!

This book is entertaining and enlightening but this fan is starting to wonder if Ms. Harris should wrap up this series and start on something else because the last few books haven't been as enjoyable as the first four or five.

Grade: B

Synopsis:

From Barnes & Noble

Sookie Stackhouse somehow survived the Faery War, but life never seems to get easy for Bon Temps' telepathic (but tip-poor) barmaid. In the tenth installment of Charlaine Harris's resilient Southern Vampire series, Sookie and heartthrob Eric Northman come under intense regal scrutiny, but there are dangers even closer at hand: The doors to Faery slammed shut before some Fae were able to return and they're holding Sookie very personally responsible

I Am Number Four (Lorien Legacies) by Pittacus Lore

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I don't normally care for Sci-Fi but I simply couldn't stop reading this one.

I was captivated from page one. This is one fast-paced, adventurous journey. It is very imaginative which makes for an exciting read. It is rumored to be a six part series and I for one can't hardly wait for the second book to come out in 2011.

Other than a bit of stereotypes as far as characters are concerned you are pulled into them and "who" they are.

I am Number Four is a narrative driven story that will keep you entertained. The twist and turns are enough to keep you up until you finish this particular book.

On a side note, The Movie is set to come out on 2-18-2011. [Pittacus Lore is also a pen name. I am anxious to find out who this is!]

Grade: A


Synopsis [B&N]
Nine of us came here. We look like you. We talk like you. We live among you. But we are not you. We can do things you dream of doing. We have powers you dream of having. We are stronger and faster than anything you have ever seen. We are the superheroes you worship in movies and comic books but we are real.

Our plan was to grow, and train, and become strong, and become one, and fight them. But they found us and started hunting us first. Now all of us are running. Spending our lives in shadows, in places where no one would look, blending in. we have lived among you without you knowing.

But they know.
They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They killed them all.

I am Number Four.

I am next.

Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

Sparks writing is descriptive and chilling. He does such a excellent job at tackling domestic abuse one has to wonder if he knows someone who has gone through such a horrible act because he captures it perfectly.

This is a story about love, hope, survival and loss. It is also reminiscent of the movie, Sleeping with the Enemy.

I haven't read too many books by Sparks but if I had to recommend one to read by him, this would be it.

The characters are true to life for the most part. A enjoyable book!

Grade: A



Synopsis
When a mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small North Carolina town of Southport, her sudden arrival raises questions about her past. Beautiful yet self-effacing, Katie seems determined to avoid forming personal ties until a series of events draws her into two reluctant relationships: one with Alex, a widowed store owner with a kind heart and two young children; and another with her plainspoken single neighbor, Jo. Despite her reservations, Katie slowly begins to let down her guard, putting down roots in the close-knit community and becoming increasingly attached to Alex and his family.

But even as Katie begins to fall in love, she struggles with the dark secret that still haunts and terrifies her . . . a past that set her on a fearful, shattering journey across the country, to the sheltered oasis of Southport. With Jo's empathic and stubborn support, Katie eventually realizes that she must choose between a life of transient safety and one of riskier rewards . . . and that in the darkest hour, love is the only true safe haven.

The Summoning (Darkest Powers, Book 1) by Kelley Armstrong

What a great start to a series! The characters are wonderful, the storyline is enchanting. You will simply devour this book.

The Summoning is unique and unlike any other book I have read. There is supernatural drama, eeriness, suspense and action.

Armstrong does a splendid job at weaving together the past and present life of her main character, Chloe.

This is a fast paced, drool worthy tale. I am excited to get the other two books in this series and just hope that they don't disappoint.

Grade: A


Synopsis [B&N]

My name is Chloe Saunders and my life will never be the same again.

All I wanted was to make friends, meet boys, and keep on being ordinary. I don't even know what that means anymore. It all started on the day that I saw my first ghost—and the ghost saw me.

Now there are ghosts everywhere and they won't leave me alone. To top it all off, I somehow got myself locked up in Lyle House, a "special home" for troubled teens. Yet the home isn't what it seems. Don't tell anyone, but I think there might be more to my housemates than meets the eye. The question is, whose side are they on? It's up to me to figure out the dangerous secrets behind Lyle House . . . before its skeletons come back to haunt me.