Summer on East End: Triple Moon by Melissa De La Cru

Meet Mardi and Molly Overbook, twin witches, who are sent to live with their "aunt" Ingrid Beauchamp in North Hampton after they caused an awful accident at their old high school in New York.  Because the twins have not yet learned to control their powers, their father prays that Ingrid will be able to tame the un-tameable terrible twins, before the White Council exiles the twins to Limbo.

This is the first book that I have read that made me rather read than eat.  Very addicting, I would absolutely recommend this to anyone and everyone.

Triple Moon by Melissa De La Cruz

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

 Some of you might be able to recognize this person instantly. (Either that, or you've read the title). He is Steve Jobs, inventor and creator. His path is not like those of other company founders, but, personally, I think Steve Jobs has the most inspirational story of all time.

Adopted at birth, Jobs ended up being fascinated with electronics like his adoptive father. After his schooling years, he and another Steve also interested in electronics, invented the Apple I, signalling the birth of Apple.

This book shows that, even if you don't have a very famous background, you still can achieve something great in life, something that will be used by others for years to come.

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee

"Sweet Angels of Mercy, the world has broken apart."

San Fransisco, 1960: 15 year old Mercy Wong is determined to break from the poverty of Chinatown.  Mercy is determined to get an education at St. Clare's School for Girls, even though it is off-limits to all but the wealthiest white girls.  She gains admittance through a mix of cunning and a little  bribery, only to discover that getting in was the easiest part.  Mercy stands strong, not to be undone by some spoiled heiresses-that is, until disaster strikes.

On April 18, a historic earthquake rocks San Francisco, destroying Mercy's home and school.  Forced to wait with her classmates for their families in a temporary park encampment, Mercy can't just sit and wait for the army to bring help, though fires might rage and the city may be in shambles, Mercy feels as if she must do SOMETHING; But what can one Chinese, teenage girl do to heal the suffering?

I was surprised that this book held my attention: as someone who doesn't enjoy history, this book has not only taking me on a thrilling ride, but taught me about the hardships that the Chinese faced back then.  Not only did this book teach me many things about history, it also made me realize how lucky I am compared to people of the same race 100 years ago.  Even if you normally don't enjoy history, I am positive that you will enjoy this book.

Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Louisa Clark is an ordinary girl with a close family and steady relationship. Who has never been out of her small town.

Will Traynor is acerbic, moody, and bossy. He has always lived a huge life-extreme sports, worldwide travel, big deals. After suffering a terrible accident Will is not interested in exploring a new one.

When Lou is desperate for a job she becomes employed to Will, but she refuses to treat him with kid gloves. In the process of working for him, his happiness becomes more important to her than expected. When she learns that Will has shocking plans of his own, Lou sets out to show him that life is will worth living.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes is the definition of "read it and weep." I thought that it really showcased the idea of friendship, poverty, growth, and family. Although people think it's about romance, it's more about friendship and finding yourself. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes real life stories or tear-jerkers.

Siren's Lament by instantmiso

Lyra a wallflower, has a love for a man that didn't love her back. One night, she slipped from an rusty railing and fell to the sea, where she met a siren who changed her world.

This webcomic has beautiful art, music (yes, it has music), and story. It updates every saturday and I can't help to love saturdays even more because of this. If you aren't aware, this is a love story, and there is two potential lover for our protagonist. This webcomic is free and accessible through webtoons.com

Siren's Lament 

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna's life was in Atlanta with her best friend, job, and crush on the verge of becoming more. But when she was shipped off to a boarding school in Paris she is not exactly thrilled---until she meets Étienne St. Clair. He has it all the smarts, charms, the beauty, and also has a serious girlfriend. 

But when you are in the City of Love, wishes have a way of coming true. 

Anna and the French Kiss is a sweet and heart-warming story. I thought this story was very relatable because of the transition Anna goes through and her crush.

Everyone has been through at least one transition in their life, ex elementary to high school or moving, which makes Anna's struggle to fit in at her new school relatable and when she first starts liking St. Clair it gives you the feeling of "does he like me?" and vice versa. And with the story set in Paris it puts "the perfect cherry on top of the sundae". I would recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic novels.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins 

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

Since the first year of attending the School of America in Paris, the hopeless romantic Isla has always had a crush on an introspective cartoonist Josh. After an unexpected encounter in Manhattan, Isla soon gets a chance at romance. 

When I first started to read this book I became instantly hooked on it. All I felt was butterflies while reading. But this book isn't just about romance, it's about making decisions and conquering obstacles. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic/contemporary novels.

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl is a good book but it is kind of long and rambles a lot of the past which kind of confused me a bit. The characters were a bit bland but bearable, and the main story line was good. I liked the graphic novel of this a lot better, but I still enjoyed this too. I recommend this book to Twilight fans and other teens who like paranormal love stories.

Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen

Flipped is a romance told in two voices. The first time Juli Baker saw Bryce Loski, she flipped. The first time Bryce saw Juli, he ran. That’s pretty much the pattern for these two neighbors until the eighth grade, when, just as Juli is realizing Bryce isn’t as wonderful as she thought, Bryce is starting to see that Juli is pretty amazing. How these two teens manage to see beyond the surface of things and come together makes for a comic and poignant romance.

Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen is a very cute book. The story was really sweet and beautiful. Two sides to the story in this case makes it even better to read so you can look into the minds of these two main characters. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romantic-comedy.

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

From the day she arrives at quiet Mica High in a burst of color and sound, hallways hum “Stargirl.” She captures Leo Borlock’s heart with one smile. She sparks a school-spirit revolution with one cheer. The students of Mica High are enchanted. Until they are not. Leo urges her to become the very thing that can destroy her - normal.

Stargirl is a touching book. It's hands down one of my favorite books. Jerry Spinelli has makes the characters seem down to earth yet different in a way that I cannot explain. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for simply a good book.

Hunted by P.C. Cast

Nothing will ever be the same anymore.

Zoey has her friends back and Stevie rae but when a surprise guest of Neferets comes, The House Of Night is doomed.

Kolona is Neferets new consort and he has taken over by captivating the fledglings to him. With Kalona's Raven Mockers attacking Zoey and her friends they have no choice but to flea as fast as they can from the House Of Night. Now Zoey, her friends, and the red fledglings must hide in tunnels because that's the only place Kalona will never stand in, But they can't hide for ever as Zoey must find away to banish Kalona and Neferet from the House of night but will he put Zoey and her friends under his spell before they can save the house of night? Or will Zoey defeat Kalona?

Hunted is the 5th installment of the House of Night series by P.C. Cast, A dark and suspenseful book that will keep you reading tell the very end.

The Unquiet Past by Kelley Armstrong

"Features a creepy supernatural element. Tess's search for the meaning of her waking visions leads her to an abandoned mental hospital, a series of illegal experiments, and a boy who's looking for answers of his own." —School Library Journal,  October 1, 2015

It's 1964 and Tess' orphanage has just burnt down.  Set out with a suitcase, a phone number and an address, Tess is determined to uncover the secrets of her past and why she is haunted with visions of the past.  When she arrives at the address, she soon discovers the horrible treatment of mental patients and finds out about her depressing family story.  While at the house Tess makes an unlikely ally, and with his help, finally starts accepting her paranormal powers.

The first word that came to me after finishing the first 2 chapters of this book was "scary".  After reading more, I started thinking up more and more words to describe it.  Though scary was still on the list, there was also romance, darkness, thrills and mystery.  Every chapter left me hanging, and I couldn't wait to find out what happened, yet I didn't want it to ever end.  Though short, this book is packed with feelings.

The Unquiet Past by Kelley Armstrong

Draw the Line by Laurent Linn

This book is about a boy named Adrian Piper, he's an artist, geek, and gay! It tells about how Adrian Piper is dealing in a school where being gay is treated with disdain from the majority, even though the time frame was set in a modern day. He also owns a webcomic about a superhero named "Graphite" who lives on the dark side of the moon, while contemplating his need for a male companion. The comic mirrors his daily life and depicts his feeling to a particular event in his life.

This book is fairly new and is slice-of-life. I particularly enjoyed how it had pictures and snips of Adrian's comic in it, and how accurately showed the mind of an artist and what's on their mind while drawing (since I'm an artist myself).  There is one scene in the book where Adrian did the sexual interaction with "somebody" but it was really vague to figure out what it was. Like 'really' vague, the pictures doesn't even help. Overall, it's a great book to read and I would rate it a 4.7/5.

Draw the Line by Laurent Lin

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

The world is divided by blood --- red or silver.

The reds are commoners, ruled by Silvers with god-like powers, their older children forced to fight a war with great loses while Silvers live in luxury.

Seventeen year old Mare Burrow lives in a family with three older brothers, all fighting in the war. It seems like nothing will change. That is, until she reached her hand into an unlikely pocket and was caught. She suddenly finds herself as a servant in the Silver Palace, lived in by the royals. It was there that she discovered her power, despite her red blood.

The royals decided to hide her in plain sight, claiming she is a long-lost Silver princess, engaged to a Silver prince. She worked silently for the Red Guard, a group wanting to bring down the Silvers.

But the world isn't as it seems. As she falls for the prince, the two princes went against each other, one with deadly secret, one that endangers the Red Guard and Mare's hopes.

Virals by Kathy Reichs

Virals by Kathy Reichs

After the death of her mother, Tory Brennan was sentenced to a fate of living with a father she didn't know she had on an island in the middle of nowhere, where she met a group of local 'science geeks' like her and went on adventures, especially to where her father worked.

After rescuing a stray wolfdog pup from a top secret research station and a deadly experiment, their lives changed, along with their DNA. They were suddenly hit with unexpected 'episodes' of heightened senses. However, they were caught in a cold-case murder mystery that's suddenly very hot. With their heightened senses, they have the ability to solve this case. That is, if they don't get killed before they find the killers.

This is a sci-fi book of science (obviously) mystery, betrayals, and this group of teenagers with altered DNA. They were a pack. They were Virals.

Blink by Malcolm Gladwell

Blink by Malcolm Gladwell

Blink is not your average book. It concerns the fact that some people are able to recognize certain things in split milliseconds. For example, in the book the author mentions a peculiar aspect of a seasoned tennis coach, able to recognize double faults before they even happened.

However, when asked, the coach had absolutely no idea how he did that. It is this unconscious thinking that has caused this book to be made. Other peculiarities discussed include instantly knowing when an important statue is fake or not, how people can choose one drink over another differently based on HOW MUCH they drank, and how better advertisement can make food products taste better. 

The important point of this book is for people to realize our true thinking capabilities, and how we can use them to better our lives. Read this book to find out more about unconscious thinking. 

                                                                      

Weekly Prize Draw #2

Congratulations to this week's prize draw winners: Nadia, Avery, Akarty and Jason.  Each has won a prize pack containing coupons and gift certificates to local businesses, as well as a book. Winners will be contacted via email with more details about how to pick up their prize.

Keep those reviews coming for your chance to win!  Just a reminder to make sure you give credit in your summary/description if you're pulling from the book jacket/other review sources.  

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Lola Nolan is a budding costume designer, and for her, the more outrageous, sparkly, and fun the outfit, the better. And everything is just perfect in her life now (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend, Max) until the (very talented) Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood once again. 

When Cricket Bell, a gifted inventor, whom Lola had a major crush on (before he left), steps out from his twin sister's shadow and back into Lola's life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door and figure out what to do.

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins is a fantastic book. The story got started right away perfectly and continued to have my attention through out it. And it is an emotional roller coaster for sure. I loved every single page of it. Stephanie Perkins writes characters that seem like people that you would meet in real life. I would highly recommend this book for people who like romance novels or just looking for a wonderful book.

Nerve by Jeanne Ryan

Are you playing the game or this the game playing you?

Vee doesn't know if she has the guts to play NERVE, an anonymous online game of dares. But she plays it anyways and accidently becomes viral at first but stays for the extravagant prizes.  But whoever is behind the game knows exactly what she wants, enticing her with lustworthy luxuries, prizes, and a sizzling-hot partner. With Ian on her team, it's easy to agree to another dare. And another. And another. At first it's thrilling as the Watchers cheer them on to more dangerous challenges. But suddenly the game turns deadly.

Will Vee and Ian risk their lives for the Grand Prize dare, or will they lose NERVE?


Nerve by Jeanne Ryan is a really fun book to read. It makes you wonder what people would do for money and fame.

I read the book so fast and I didn't want it to end. I would recommend this book for those who would like to read the book before the new movie based on this book came out or just if you are looking for a good read.

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

Sixteen-year-old Violet Ambrose has a lot going on in her life at the moment. She is crushing on her bestfriend, Jay Heaton. And she has a usual so-called gift of sensing dead bodies -lately of recently murdered girls- and the imprints that attach to the killers since she was a little girl.

Violet had always considered her ability useful, but now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

With her overly protective best friend, Jay, she searches for the murderer. But even though she is falling in love, Violet is getting dangerously close to figuring out who is the killer.... and becoming his prey herself.


The Body Finder is amazing. It was a spine chilling thriller in some parts and a warm, fuzzy, love story in others. Kimberly Derting did a fantastic job describing everything. It was like I was in the story itself. It was a really great read and I recommend it to any other people who are looking for any interesting and different stories to read.

The Ice Dragon by George Martin

The Ice Dragon was a creature of legend and fear, for no man had ever tamed one. It flew overheard and left its wake in the cold and frozen land. Everyone was afraid of the Ice Dragon for when it came, spring and summer would disappear and they had less to plant. But Adara, a winter child was not afraid.

Adara could not recall the first time she saw the ice dragon. From what she remembers, she has seen the dragon her whole life during the wicked winters. As she grew older she was the only child that enjoyed the winter and she was the only brave one to ride upon the dragon's broad.

Ever since Adara was little, the war had been going on. The Fire Dragons were destroying the land with their masters. Nothing could fight against the fiery creatures. It was up to Adara and the dragon she loved the most to save the world from utter destruction.

The Ice Dragon is a good, captivating book on a young girl and her dragon. It shows the strength of family and emotional sacrifices. I recommend this book if you like fantasy and short reads. This book also has appealing illustrations. George R.R. Martin is grear!

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

One day in New York City, a seemingly ordinary teenager, Clary Fray was in a club when she witnessed a murder by three people that looked extremely strange and dangerous with lots of tattoos and weapons but there is one boy with blond hair that Clary just can't look away from. All of a sudden the three teenagers banish leaving no trace of the murder that just happened.

The next day she finds her mother calling her while she is in a coffee shop. She also see's the blond boy from the the club last night that murdered a person. Extremely confused Clary goes to talk with the boy, but her mother still calls, She picks up.

24 hours later her mom is nowhere to be found like she never existed, Clary also finds out that the boy with blond hair is something called a Shadowhunter which they hunt and kill demons.

But why would her mother just disappear like that leaving no clue of where she was? and why are there demons attacking her?

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare is a thrilling fantasy, a must read book for all fantasy lovers who are looking for a great book to read.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky is about growing up in high school, with a family that nurtures secrets, and lies, and amongst friends who are confusing personalities more than anything else- all from the point of view of Charlie, a 15-year-old Wallflower stuck in the midst.

I like this book because of the style of writing. Instead of being narrated from a third-person's perspective, the story reveals itself slowly, from letter to letter. It's almost like you're putting together a puzzle, or finding the plot, as you read, picking up clues from each one of Charlie's letters.

In all, I give this book a 3/5 rating.

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor, mostly known at school for her bright red hair has recently returned home to Omaha, after being kicked out by her monstrous stepfather Richie. When Eleanor spends her time at home she is terrified and she stays in her messy room (which she shares with all her siblings), in fear of offending her alcoholic stepfather. When the new school year arrives, Eleanor starts to get out of her room more and it's all because of Park.

Park, mostly known at school for being half-Korean has lived in Omaha his whole life. He has a loving family, he takes taekwondo and wants to get his driving license. Park has a passion for music and comic books and he shares it with someone who bonds over his interests, Eleanor.

At the start the two sit together on the bus by force. But as time passes, Eleanor begins to read Park's comics over his shoulder. He starts to lend his comics and cassette tapes. Their bond grows and eventually they begin holding hands on their rides to and from school.

There is more than holding hands that show the two's love for each other as they face the obstacle that does not allow them to have/treasure their relationship-the world.

This is an excellent romance novel that can warm your heart but break it at the same time! I highly recommend this book if you like contemporary novels and enjoy reading about romance.

Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

Lady Midnight is a book based on a teenage girl named Emma Carstairs. Emma is a shadowhunter that lives with the Blackthorns. The Blackthorns are like her family and there's ever one that is her parabatai. A parabatai is your best friend, you can feel what they feel, but a parabatai can never fall in love with each other. Julian Blackthorn is Emma's parabatai.

When Emma discovers that humans and faeries are being murdered the same way her parents were killed when she was a child, Emma Carstairs is ready for revenge with the help of her friends Emma will to anything to find out who killed her parents and she will do anything to bring back Julian's brother Mark back if it means killing the murderers who killed her parents. But will Emma's love get in the way of everything?

Lady Midnight is a phenomenal book based on the Mortal Instruments series 4 years after the war. Cassandra Clare's Lady Midnight is an extremely detailed book that will put you at the edge of your seat.

Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Many years later, thanks to technology, many people will be able to live without fear of disease. One generation after that, our lifespans will be dramatically decreased. With males' lifespan of 25 years and females' at 20 years. When the years are over, you die. Yep, just like that.

Rhine is sixteen, which means she has four years left. She was kidnapped, along with other teenage girls, to be sold to rich families for pregnancy and children. When she became a bride, she vowed to do everything she could to escape, to go back to her twin brother. Her husband, Linden, has fallen hopelessly in love with her, and she couldn't bring herself to hate him as much as she wanted to. She became glued to her two 'sister wives' and the wealth and luxury this marriage offered.

Her father-in-law, an eccentric scientist hoping to find the cure to their short lifespan, is storing corpses in the basement, and her sister wives are not always lovable.

Along with Gabriel, a servant she has fallen in love with, they attempt to escape before her seventeenth birthday. But in a world of orphans, poverty, and crime, is there any hope for them?

Looking for Alaska by John Green

"Compelling... Brilliant [and] insightful" - Chicago Tribune

Meet Miles "Pudge" Halter- his whole existence has been one big nonevent.  He heads off to the sometimes crazy, possibly unstable and anything-but-boring world of Culver Creek Boarding School, and his life becomes the opposite of safe.  Because down the hall is Alaska Young.  The gorgeous, witty, funny, sexy, screwed-up and totally fascinating Alaska Young.  

This is Before

After- Nothing is ever the same.

While reading Looking for Alaska I simply COULD NOT put the book down.  Every chapter leaves you on a cliffhanger, leaving you wanting more.  I could feel every emotion that each character was feeling; sadness, joy, anger, regret; John Green's writing helps convey the characters feelings.  While I was reading, I felt as if I was in the moment with the characters.  I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read.

Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

Halo is based on 3 angels Gabriel the warrior, Ivy the healer, and Bethany the little sister who have been sent from heaven to come to a city on earth because there has been bad and dark forces that have been happening there, that's why they have been sent from heaven to bring good to that city.

It is quite strange for angles to live on earth because well things like time does not exist in heaven. Another is school, usually angels don't go to school but Bethany will have to go.

Bethany has been sent to go to high school so she looks and seems like a normal teenager girl. As days pass on Bethany starts making new friends but then Bethany meets Xavier Woods. Days turn to weeks Bethany's and Xavier's attraction start to grow which leads to falling deeply and helplessly in love. But there is always a consequence when an angel and human fall in love. Will love destroy everything?

Halo by Alexandra Adornetto is an extremely intriguing book about angels and human on of the best fantasy book I've read.

Before We Go Extinct by Karen Rivers

Before We Go Extinct by Karen Rivers

JC, also known as either Sharkboy or Sharky has been having a difficult time ever since his best friend died right in front of him. What scares him and causes him to have a hard time is that his friend 's (he calls 'The King') death may have not been an accident and he wasn't able to save him. Weeks pass and JC spends most of his time in his room, watching documentaries about the creatures he loves-sharks. He also watches about climate change and he even texts his dead friend. 

Sharky's mom wants to do everything she can to help him deal with his loss and him being traumatized, so she sends him to visit his dad on a small island in Canada. There, Sharky explores and enjoys his new surroundings and the life he didn't have, as he tries to get away from what leaves him breathless the most-'The King's' Death. But out of all his adventures and new bonds, he meets a girl who may show him how to love and live again. 

This is a great book with meaningful quotes and poetry and it shows how someone can relive and have a fresh start even if something or someone they've lost hurts them the most. 

I recommend this book to you if you want to learn about sharks and if you enjoy reading romance novels. 

Silverwing by Kenneth Oppel

Silverwing by Kenneth Oppel


When Shade, a young Silverwing bat angers the owls that live in the same forest as him, he accidentally causes war between the bats and owls that result into the destruction of his colony's roost. As the surviving Silverwings flee for hibernation, a violent storm separates Shade from his family and he ends up on a deserted island. There, he meets different bats and a Brightwing bat named Marina. Shade and Marina's search for his family is less difficult, thanks to a mental sonic map Shade's mother had left him. On their way to his new roost, the journey becomes difficult as the two young bats encounter malevolent vampire bats that want Shade to lead them to his colony so they can devour his kind, Silverwings. 

Shade must summon the strength and courage to save his own kind from total destruction and he must prove to those who doubt him that he is capable of doing more than what they think he can't. 

But will he be able to save his fellow Silverwings? Will he be able to prove himself? Read to find out.

This is a good book if you enjoy adventure and suspense! 

Maggot Moon by Sally Gardner

Winner of the 2012 Costa Children's Printz Award, Maggot Moon follows a young, dyslexic boy named Standish.  Set in 1950, Standish is living in what seems to be an alternate reality in which the "Motherland" has control over his country.  

This book, by Sally Gardner, centers around the fact that the "great Motherland" has landed on the moon.  

However, Standish soon finds out that the moon landing was in fact fake, a hoax the get the citizens to believe that their country was the best.  After finding this out, Standish sacrifices it all he has and does everything in his power to let the people know that the moon landing was a hoax.

Though this book may not be the best book I have ever read, I would still definitely recommend this book, though not to everyone.  This book will leave you thinking many "What if's" for a long time.  A good read especially during long car rides.

Speechless by Hannah Harrington

What if you were the most popular person in your school then turned into a total outcast? Well, this happened to Chelsea Knot.

Chelsea Knot was your ordinary popular girl in high school. She had extremely popular friends and a awesome reputation but one day all that changed when Chelsea was at a party when she told everyone what she saw.

The party was over and now Chelsea Knot almost got someone killed just because she couldn't shut her mouth.

That's it for Chelsea when she decides to take a vow of silence. Now Chelsea turned into the most popular girl in school in to person that gets bullied or attacked.

But Chelsea soon finds light when she meets people that she would never have talked to if she was still popular.  These new people soon turn into her closest friends.

Speechless by Hannah Harrington is a powerful story that will change your whole world.

Animal Farm by George Orwell

This book's plot may have fantasy characters, but the plot line has a much bigger moral. This piece of literature concerns a farm in which the animals can supposedly 'talk'. In a swift but steady act, the animals reject their owner and seize the farm. Establishing seven commandments, they elect a leader, ironically named Napoleon, who works alongside comrade Snowball. (It is worth noting that stated leaders are pigs). 

However, Napoleon abuses the power bestowed upon him by his subjects, eliminating those who defy him, eventually (and inevitably) reverting back to the ways of the farm before the revolution, the only difference being Napoleon's rule.

This book is worthy of reading because of it's strong political message: those who you give trust to may not be the same person you thought they'd be. 
                                                                    
 Is this book fiction? Or is there something more to it? Read Animal Farm by George Orwell to find out!

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

 Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

"She had been innocent once, a little girl playing with feathers on the floor of a devil's lair. She wasn't innocent now..."
   
Meet Karou, the mysterious art student that fills her sketchbook with drawings of monsters, speaks over twenty languages, and has blue hair that grows out of her head. Who and what is she? Even Karou herself doesn't know, but she is about to find out. Her 'parent' Brimstone collects teeth in exchange for wishes. She doesn't know what he does with the teeth, but have always did his 'errands' for teeth. Until one time, she met an angel, the beautiful, haunting Akiva, with fiery eyes and secrets.

Will Karou find out her true identity? Or will she get lost along the way with her deadly angel?

Z by Michael Thomas Ford

Z by Michael Thomas Ford

In the game of zombie hunting there can be only one winner

Step one: Cleanse with fire
Step two: Save all humans
Step three: You can't bring them back.

This is virtual reality all day for Josh.  He's one of the best torchers in the game and with his buddy Firecracker he's unstoppable.  His mom doesn't like it but it's been fifteen years since the zombie war and even though he feels bad it doesn't stop him from playing.  His life is pretty much normal until he gets a message from 'Charlie' ,one of the top players in the game, telling him to meet her at the park.  Notice the 'her'.  Charlie tells him about a secret group that takes virtual reality to the next level and transforms it into reality.

At first, it's all just like the game, but when team members disappear after a 'game' Josh knows he is a part of something much more than a game.  What he does determines the fate of everyone in the country.

Boys Don't Knit (In Public) by T.S. Easton

 
Boys Don't Knit (In Public) by T.S. Easton

Meet Ben Fletcher: Accidental Criminal

After an incident involving a crossing guard and a bottle of Martini Rosso (and his delinquent friends), 17 year old Ben fletcher must develop his sense of social alignment, take up a hobby and do some community service to avoid any further probation.  Sounds pretty easy right? It's not.  

Taking a knitting class (it was that or his father's mechanic class, which is DEFINITELY NOT happening) with the impression that it's taught by the hot teacher he and all the other boys fancy. It turns out, it's not- it's taught by his classmates mother.  Perfect

Regardless, he sticks with it and discovers he's a natural knitter.

It helps ease his anxiety an worrying; Now, the only challenge left is keeping it hidden from his friends, his crush and his homophobic father.

Situated in the United Kingdom, this slice of life book has many relevant references, and also shows self exploration, even in the toughest times.  An excellent read, I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something new and different from the everyday book.  Though it starts off a bit slow, after a couple chapters, it really gets going.  Rate 8/10 would recommend and maybe read again.

Weekly Prize Draw #1

Congratulations to this week's prize draw winners - Julipears, Almira, Maggie and Hellal.  Each has won a prize pack containing coupons and gift certificates to local businesses, as well as a book. Winners will be contacted via email with more details about how to pick up their prize.

Didn't win this week?  Remember to keep posting reviews for your chance to win!  The more you post, the better your chances of winning.

Also, Don't forget about our Selfie Scavenger Hunt contest - From now until July 22nd, complete the selfie scavenger hunt for a chance to win great prizes.  Details on the Contests page. 

Nil by Lynne Matson

Nil by Lynne Matson

On the island of Nil, you have exactly one year -365 days- to escape, or you will die.

Seventeen years old Charley didn't know that. one moment she was in a parking lot in a town in United States, and the next she was lying alone in the middle of a red rock field.

Soon, she encounters other people, and Thad, the handsome leader of Nil City, the 'city' of other teenage refugees. She fell in love, and discovered that leaving would be harder than she imagined. Thad has less than 75 days, and Charley doesn't plan on leaving without him. To save their future, she has to save him first.

The only way home is by going through gates of shimmering air. A gate can only transport one person. They arrive unexpectedly and are usually gone within a few minutes. However, multiple gates do sometimes appear at once, so would Nil be generous enough to give them one to catch?

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

A must read book that will warm your heart

This book is based on a boy named August. August didn't grow up as a normal child would. he had a deformed face, with that he chooses to be home schooled. August didn't have very much friends. He has a sister, a mom and dad. Until one day when August goes to 5th grade in a private school. This worries August as his face is deformed making him feel self conscious around other people. August want's to prove to everyone that he is a normal kid and that just because he has a deformed face it does not mean that he can't be normal and go to school like a normal child would. This new school isn't so bad with making new friends that accept him and features nothing could go wrong until a shattering lie that will break August heart into pieces.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio is non fiction, heart warming book about the real world and discovering what friendship is. Wonder will put a smile on your face when you're lest expecting it.

Untwine by Edwidge Danticat

Isabelle and Giselle Boyer are identical twin sisters. They do everything together and remain close even as their family seems to be falling apart. On their way to a music event, the Boyers encounter a tragic accident, that shatters their world and may have a chance of bringing the family together.

From the accident, Giselle wakes up in the hospital with injuries, unable to move or speak. During her way to recovery, she tries to piece together the accidents’ details while the doctors and her own family mistaken her as Isabelle. They begin to suspect that what was originally considered an accident, might not have been, prompting the police to go into further investigation.

A life from the accident has been taken and it has affected the family greatly. From then on, the ones who have been left learn to forgive and have strength in matters that seem hopeless. The Boyers that remain try to recover emotionally and physically.

Will this accident tear the family apart even more? Or will the Boyers grow and adapt to changes together?

Untwine by Edwidge Danticat is a mesmerizing story about family, love, loss and sisterhood. I recommend this book to you if you like books about romance, friendship and if you want to see a wise teenager deal with loss, grief and her broken family.

Ghost Story by Jim Butcher

Ghost Story by Jim Butcher takes place in the Windy City, where Harry Dresden, the only wizard in the phone book, is dead. But even after dying (or is it just Purgatory?), Harry still has to save Chicago from evil wizards and mad ghosts. The thirteenth book in the Dresden Files series, this book continues Harry's struggles to protect his fellow Americans from the supernatural (or natural, if you think about the ages of Faeries, because they make human life look as short as bacteria).

Losing his powers and a physical body to house his spirit, Harry is rendered next to useless and cannot even defend himself. He would try to figure out what went wrong, but turns out that he can't escape an angry Queen of Faerie, especially the deal that they struck together...

WARNING: MATURE LANGUAGE. READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.

The Selection by Kiera Cass

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Thirty-five girls were chosen for the opportunity of a life time. They have a chance of getting a future with glittering gowns and Prince Maxon. All they have to do is win the competition with thirty-four other girls.

However, getting chosen is a nightmare for America Singer. (I know, the names are really weird) Even though her and her family is looked down on as artists in the third lowest caste. Getting chosen means turning her back on her secret love, who is a caste below her, and going away from her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want.

Then she met Prince Maxon, and realizes that the life she had dreamed of may not compare to a life she's never imagined.

Please don't judge the whole series on the first two books. The better parts begin in book three. Caution: love triangle. If you don't like them, turn away now.

The Fault in our Stars by John Green

The Fault in our Stars by John Green

This book has lots of realistic material making it interesting to read and easy to comprehend. I don't like reading sad stories or books that have been too hyped. But with The Fault in the Stars, however, I made a good choice. 

This book was flawless. From the moment I began reading, I felt an instant connection to the story. I was enthralled, engrossed and completely absorbed in this magical, romantic, harrowing tale that John Green so finely crafted. The Fault in Our Stars was every bit phenomenal as I was hoping it would be. I am utterly amazed with this book.

Frozen by Melissa De La Cruz and Michael Johnston

Frozen by Melissa De La Cruz and Michael Johnston

The first book in a trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Melissa De La Cruz and Michael Johnston have created a beautiful novel, captivating the reader, leaving them wanting more.

Welcome to New Vegas, a city once covered in bling, now covered in ice.  Like much of the planet, this place knows only one temperature; freezing.  However, the cold never stops anyone from coming to play at the casino; freezing temperatures? Sorcery? Never mind that! There's a casino! Let's play!

Natasha "Nat" Kestal is a young blackjack dealer looking for a way out of the city.  Like a lot of people, she's heard of "The Blue" an unreal island, where the sun still shines, and the water is still blue, hence the name "The Blue".  Most importantly, it's a place where she won't be found, even if her darkest secret becomes known.

However, the way to the Blue is dangerous, perhaps even impossible.  Nat has only one chance to get to the Blue; depend on a ragtag crew of mercenaries, led by their cocky leader, Ryan "Wes" Wesson. Danger lies on every corner of their journey, and Nat and Wes find themselves becoming more and more attracted to each other... But can true love survive the cold?