Twilight

I can't even begin to describe the force of which this book blew me over with. The longest sheet of paper in the world wouldn't be able to contain all the praise upon which I would like to bestow this book with. As I sit and write this review, I can't help but remember how lively and seductive this book was; the memories are still fresh in my mind. I don't believe I will be able to portray the gorgeous quality of this book, but I will do the best I can. 

First of all, my rating for this book: An enormous 10 on my scale of 1-10. Wow. But I'm serious ladies and gentlemen. This book was a pure work of art. Spellbinding and sparkling with romance and fascination, even the most matured reader will be trembling from this shimmering story. If I could change anything about this book, I would change nothing. This book was perfect, simply perfect, and I am looking forward to reading the next books in the Twilight series. 

Twilight, written by Stephenie Meyer, is a book about a lovable girl named Bella, who is, unfortunately, prone to accidents. She has moved to Forks, Washington, to live with her father, and desperately misses the heat of Phoenix, where she used to live with her mother. But suddenly, Bella is swept up in the engrossing mystery of the Cullen family, a strange but fascinating family that has a curious reputation. Bella seems drawn to them, and soon becomes friends -- or something along those lines -- with Edward, a member of the Cullen family. But the Cullen family is no normal family. And Bella aims to find out the truth. Could the Cullen's really be vampires, like the rumors say? This story is about Bella's attachment to Edward, and the truth she learns about what a vampire really is. 

My Sister's Keeper

My Sister's Keeper is a thrilling book about a family who goes through A LOT to survive. This book is wonderfully written; it is the kind of book that is impossible to put down!

You join Anna on a mind blowing journey she is not sure she wants to take. Anna's sister Kate is extremely sick. Kate has a rare type of cancer and Anna is the only one who can save her. Anna is a perfect bone marrow match. By the time she is thirteen she has undergone countless surgeries and transfusions all to save her sister's life. Now she isn't sure if she wants to do it anymore. Anna is tired of living her life for her sister. She knows that if she stops the transfusions Kate will surely die, but what choice does she have. Anna has never been a normal child. The only reason she was even born was so Kate could live. Her whole life has been based on Kate. Anna has never questioned that until now. Like most teenagers she is questioning who she is, but unlike most teenagers what she chooses to do with herself could cost Kate her life. Anna soon realizes she doesn't want to be Kate's life line anymore. She makes an astonishing decision that could tear her family apart.

This book is one to make you think about what is truely important in life. It is a definate 10!!!!!! No other book has made me think about life more than this one. It is a medical novel( although you don't have to be a doctor to read it). It is truely intense and mind blowing, so be sure you are able to handle it before taking it on.

Peter and the Starcatchers

Peter and the Starcatchers. Whenever I hear someone utter that amazing phrase, I jump in and relate my views on how delicious the book was. And I'm sure you will, too, when you dive into this amazing, action-packed prequel of Peter Pan. I would rate this book a 9 on a scale from 1-10. It is truly an amazing book that will have you reading until midnight! I enjoyed the fast-paced plot and I could easily relate to the story because I have read the story Peter Pan.

 

Our story starts out with five likable boys: Peter, James, Tubby Ted, Thomas, and Prentiss, who are orphans aboard the Neverland, a rickety old ship traveling to Rundoon. Each boy has a unique personality which gives the story a sense of realness.  As they board the boat, Peter eyes a kind girl named Molly, and overtime they become friends. But Molly isn't an ordinary girl, and Peter senses it. Soon, Peter is caught up in the adventure of the Starcatchers. He winds up traveling to an island, and must deal with more than one kind of evil creature!

 

Filled with wit, humor, and sorrow, this book will touch you like none other. Peter and the Starcatchers gives more depth and dimension to Peter Pan, and will have you constantly eyeing the sky for signs of "the flying boy". Nothing could make this book any better; and if you like this book, read the sequel, Peter and the Shadow Theives. Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson have spun an astonishing story about flying, defeating evil, and facing your fears. 

The Bridesmaid

The Bridesmaid is a fantastic story about a girl named Abby. Abby's parents own a place where you can have weddings, called the Dove's Roost. When Abby and her older sister Carol were little, they vowed never to get married. Then, one summer, when Abby is so excited because Carol is coming home from college, Carol tells them that she is getting married to a man named Tucker Robb.'
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Abby freaks out, and immediately tells herself that she is going to hate Tucker, because, well, he's taking away her sister! Carol tells Abby that she wants her to be bridesmaid, and tells Abby that she can even pick out her own dress and that all she has to do is be at the wedding. Abby says okay, and Carol is very happy.

One night, Abby overhears Tucker talking on the phone to a girl named Melissa, saying he will bring the wine, and that Carol doesn't suspect a thing. Abby is very suspicious about Tucker now, but she just doesn't want to make her sister sad, and isn't even sure about Tucker yet.

Abby comes home one day and finds that Carol is using her room to store all the stuff for the wedding, and is using her computer to look stuff up; Abby is not happy. To add on to the problems, her parents are fighting about what the theme for Carol's wedding should be. At a point in the story, they even stop talking to each other. Abby and Carol have never seen their parents like this, they've never even fought before.

To hear what happens to Abby, and all the adventures she has being bridesmaid, you'll have to read The Bridesmaid.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Most people have heard of the movie "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants". Well, I've got news for you!!! It is also a WONDERFUL book. It is filled with laughter(the kind that makes you cry), friendship, and romance. It is a definate 20 out of 10! Most people think it is a book for girly-girls, but really any type of person can read it! I promise if you do you will never forget it!

You join Bridget, Lena, Carmen, and Tibby as they venture off for the summer. That is at least, most of them venture off. Tibby is the only one of her friends not leaving for the summer and trust me she is not happy about it. While her friends go off and find new adventures she is stuck at home working at Wallman's. Although Tibby is positive her summer will be a total drag, she finds an unexpected friend who may change that.

Bridget is going to Mexico for soccer camp. Although she is there for soccer, she finds a boy named Eric who could make camp a whole lot better. Did I mention Eric is a coach. Bridget knows it's against the rules, but she can't help herself. Will it work out between them? Or will it go up in flames?

Lena is the most shy in her group of friends. When she goes to visit her grandparents in Greece she expects a nice, quiet vacation, but what she finds is Kostos. He will change Lena's life in many unexpected ways.

Carmen goes off to South Carolina to visit her bachelor father. At least she thinks he is a bachelor. When she arrives in South Carolina she founds out a secret about her father she does NOT like. What will she do to make him change his mind?

All these friends are worried about being apart this summer, but they have a plan. While out shopping one day they find a pair of old jeans. Most people would say, "Yeah so what? It's just a pair of jeans!" Well, these jeans are special. They just happen to magically fit all four girls even though their body types are nothing alike! All girls are amazed and decide that this summer they will mail the jeans back and forth, so they can stay connected. They hope it will work,but will it? You will have to read the book and find out!

This is the first book in the series by Ann Brashures. Read them they are GREAT!!!

The Door Within

The Door Within is a thrilling book! It is about Aidan Thomas and The Realm. Our world was once connected to The Realm. It was split by The Schism many years ago. Now our worlds are separate. Sometimes humans get taken to the other realm. This is what happens to Aidan.
Aidan is in his basement when some scrolls appear. They tell about the other realm. The scrolls describe the great King Eliam of Alleble. It describes Paragor, the once loyal follower of Alleble. He rose and on one terrible night, killed King Eliam and his Elder Guard. When he tried to rule, he was magically thrown out. Now he rules as Prince in his own terrible part of the country, gathering troops and servants to soon rebel. Aidan reads all of this and believes. He ends up talking to his grandfather who tells him all about the realm. On the last page of the scrolls there is a riddle. Aidan's grandfather helps Aidan get the key and enter the door within. Once there, Aidan is named the twelfth knight and sent on a quest.
You should read this book! I would rate it a 15 out of 10!!! This book pulls you in and really involves you in the story! This book is a definite MUST READ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Three of Diamonds

Three of Diamonds is a wonderful book about a boy named Nick, and his brother Tim Diamond. Nick lives with Tim, his older brother, who is a private detective, because his parents immigrated to Australia. Tim's real name is Hughes Simple, but he changed his name to Tim Diamond, so Nick is now Nick Diamond.Three of Diamonds tells three of Tim and Nick's adventures with figuring out mysteries, murders, and faked deaths. Tim is not a very good detective, and doesn't understand anything. Nick, on the other hand, is really good at figuring out things, and he helps Tim with his detective cases.

In the first case, called "The Blurred Man." It is about a man, Lenny Smile, who owns a corporation called Dream Time. The company gets millions from a man named Joe Carter who donates them. He and Lenny had been pen pals, and Joe wanted to meet Lenny. He flies to England, where Tim and Nick live, and finds out, a few days before he is supposed to meet Lenny, that Lenny has been killed. He enlists Tim to find out how Lenny died, and if it really was an accident.

The second one in the book is called "The French Confection." It all starts when Tim opens a Bestle' yogurt, and finds out that Nick and Tim have won a few days trip to Paris! On the train, Tim and Nick sit across from an older woman named Erica Nice, who owns a bakery, and a Texan named Jed Mathis, who owns an oil company. Tim tells Erica Nice that he is on a case for the Interpol, the International Police. Tim and Nick get caught up into a frenzy of adventures, some not so fun.

The third and last story is called "I Know What You Did Last Wednesday." It all starts when an old friend form high school, Rory McDougal, invites Tim to a high school reunion. Tim and Nick get on a train, and Tim meets up with all of his old "buddies" from high school. There was only one person from the high school not there, and no one had any idea where he was. The "reunion" was on Crocodile Island, and that's where the boat that they had been told was going to take them to the island took them. When they got there, there was no one to greet them, so they barged on in to the castle house. When they got there, they saw that Rory McDougal had been murdered, and they didn't know why. Could it be one of them? You'll have to read Three of Diamonds to find the rest out.

Down the Rabbit Hole : An Echo Falls Mystery

This book is all about Ingrid Levin-Hill and her red soccer Pumas. It all starts at the dentist. Ingrid has just had a check-up and is preparing to go to her next soccer practice at 4:30. She was waiting very impatiently for either of her parents to pick her up. She is impatient because of her strict coach's rules. Rule #1:Miss a practice, miss a game! Rule #2:Miss a game, miss the next game! Rule #3:Being late for practice= push-ups. Ingrid would hate to be late, or worse...MISS PRACTICE!!!! It was 4:18 and Ingrid just couldn't take it any more so she started running as fast as her feet could carry her to the soccer field.

After a while she slowed down to see where she was... but it didn't help because even if she did slow down she still couldn't tell where she was...she was lost. Just then a weird looking lady walked up to her, a lady who was commonly known as Cracked-Up Katie.

Cracked-Up Katie was actually very kind to Ingrid and offers to call her a cab. While they wait Ingrid takes out her red soccer Pumas to put them on... then Cracked-Up Katie asks her what she likes to do. Ingrid answers that she likes soccer and drama. When Ingrid says drama Cracked-Up Katie asks her who she plays for. When Ingrid answers that she plays for the Prescott Players Cracked-Up Katie freezes and turns pale as if she just realized something then she staggers out of the room. Just then the cab pulled up. Not wanting to be late Ingrid jumps in the cab and leaves. Once she gets to the soccer field she notices that no one's there. She sits down and waits just when her mom's car pulls up. She tells Ingrid that soccer was canceled. Oooops!

Later on she looked all over for her soccer cleats but just couldn't find them! Weird... hmmmmm.

Later the next morning she found herself looking at the newspaper and she saw this on the front page: a picture of Cracked-Up Katie, a headline that read: LOCAL RESIDENT FOUND MURDERED, and a subhead that read: ASSAILANT UNKNOWN. Then it hit her, her soccer Pumas were at...Cracked-Up Katie's house!

Read this Grand Canyon Reader Award book to find out what Ingrid will do to solve this mystery and get her shoes back!!!!

Code Talker

Code Talker is a fantastic book about the Navajo Indians. It tells how, during the Vietnam war, the Navajos played a huge part in helping our country win the war. The Navajos went to a special training base, where they made up a secret language using Navajo words. The Japanese could listen in on the calls, but they never made out what the calls were saying. If you want to find out more about this book, you'll have to read it.

City of the Beasts

City of the Beasts is a fantastic book about a boy named Alexander, his new best friend Nadia, and their adventures in the Amazon. They are on an expedition looking for "the Beast" from the Amazon. It has a terrible smell, and is very tall. Alex and Nadia go on many adventures with the "People of the Mist," the Beasts and many other interesting creatures. Have you ever heard of Atlantis, the city of gold? Well, Alex and Nadia go there to meet with the beasts, and go on their quests to help save the "People of the Mist." To hear about all of their adventures, you'll have to read City of the Beasts.

Six Months To Live

Six Months to Live is a wonderful story written by Lurlene McDaniel, about a thirteen year old girl, Dawn Rochelle, who finds out she has a type of cancer called Leukemia. Dawn has to go immediately to the hospital, where she meets her room-mate Sandy. Dawn and Sandy become best friends, and try to help each other through their cancer treatment and their hair falling out from the treatment. The book has tales of Dawn and Sandy's adventures, and what happens in Leukemia. I hope you can have the chance to read this fantastic book.

Once Upon A Marigold

Once Upon A Marigold was a wonderful, heart- warming story. It told of a princess who had an evil step- mother, and a very loving father, and a young boy who lives out in the woods near the back of the castle. The boy saw the princess and immediately loved her. The princess, Marigold, would send her two pigeons with a message out to Christopher, the boy. They would talk through the pigeons, and no one ever knew. Christopher knew that this was the girl he loved, and that he needed to get to her somehow. To find out wha happens next, you'll have to read the wonderful tale of Once Upon A Marigold.

"Extras" - Read It

This book is not about Tally Youngblood, it is about some new people called the extras. It's a few years after rebal Tally Youngblood took down the uglies/pretties/and the specials regime. Without those strict roles and rules, the world is in a complete cultural renaissance. "Tech-heads"flaunt their latest gadgets, "kickers" spread gossip and trends, and "surge monkeys" are hooked on extreme plastic surgery, and it's all monitored on a alot of different cameras. The world is like a gigantic game of american idol. Whoever is getting the most buzz gets the most votes. Popularity rules. The main character is Aya Fuse.

As if being fifteen doesn't suck enough, Aya Fuse's rank of 451,369 is so low, she is a total nobody. An extra. Her only chance to escape extra-land is to find a big story to kick like something wild and unexpected. Then Aya meets a clique of girls who pull crazy tricks, yet are deeply secretive of it. But the sly girls are hiding something bigger than an explosive discovery that may change the face of the brave new world forever. If Aya kicks this story, she'll be propelled into the world of fame, celebrity and extreme............. To get the rest of the sentence you will need to read the book.

Sahara Special-5 stars

Sahara Special-5 stars

Sahara Special is one of the greatest young adult book ever written. Sahara Jones reads, writes, and is one of the smartest kids in her class. Than why is she being held back? and why is a very pointy lady involved? The words in Sahara Special will reach out and touch you. It will touch places you never thought possible. This book will make you laugh, make you cry, make you shudder, and somthimes all three. I award Sahara Special by Esme Raji Codell 5 stars. 5 stars for a beautiful book. I am so surprised that this book isnt covered in awards.

I think that everyone will find a bit of Sahara Jones in them. I know I did. The words will move you like nothing, and in several points, you will find yourself close to tears. Once you pick this book up. you wont be able to put it down. THis book is one of my favorites, and I hope that who ever reades this will feel the same way. I just want to read it over and over again. I havent felt this way about a book since I read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. No book has ever got to me like this. THis book is only competed with the Harry Potter series.

Maximum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports

You think you know what your favorite book is? Wait until you've read Maximum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports before you answer. This book is so brilliant it will have you thrown out of your seat! With an incredible plot and fast-paced action, this sequel to the second Maximum Ride will amaze you. 

I must admit that I call many books, "my favorite." But, truly, there can only be one. And this is it, my friends! So, naturally, this book rates a 10 on my 1-10 scale of books. If you haven't started reading the Maximum Ride series yet, you are missing out - big time! 

Join Max and five other astonishing kids who can do something almost everyone dreams about: flying. Our adventure starts with a plan to save the world and destroy Itex, an enormous company that has scary plans to cut the world's population in half. But this is no easy task. Even for six super-strong, flying children and a talking dog. Soon the flock has headed west. However, they will encounter more problems then they can count, and find trouble whichever way they turn. Filled with hilarity and sorrow, this book will make you laugh until you fall over and cry until your eyes are sore. There might even be some romance!  

As readers wait for the fourth and final volume of the Maximum Ride series to come out in March, I suggest you read this book (and the first two in the series if you haven't already) as fast as you can! I promise that it will touch you like it has touched me! James Patterson has called Maximum Ride the best story he has ever written. It's time for you to join the ride. 

The Sea of Monsters

Hello, fellow blog readers!! The book I will be trying to get you to read is actually the sequel to the book The Lightning Thief and the second book in the series The Olympians.

It picks up right where it left off with Percy returning home to his mother. He is now going to a school where for a finale exam all you have to do is mix chemicals and if it explodes you get an A! For those of you out there saying, "uh,SO NOT fair", I'm right with ya!!This is just the way things are done at that school, which helps Percy out considering he is dyslexic. At this school Percy makes one friend named Tyson. Percy sometimes thinks he is a little weird, like the fact that he is monstrously tall and strong and even though Percy can't quite pick it out there is something very strange about Tyson's eyes... Later on the last day of school, even after an almost complete year of school with no monster attacks, there was a break out fight during a game of dodge ball and a fight that includes Percy also HAS to include bloodthirsty monsters who wish nothing more than to see Percy dead! So, on that happy note, later on during this battle who should pop in and save the day but Annebeth, Percy's old friend from Camp Half-Blood! She tells Percy that it is vital that they return to camp Half-Blood! Once they get there there is some startling news, Thalia's tree has been poisoned!!!

Thalia's tree was formed when three half bloods, Annebeth, Luke, and Thalia were being escorted to Camp Half-Blood by Grover, one of Percy's friends who is a satyr (half goat half human), when they were attacked. Thalia told her friends to run while she tried to fend off the monsters. She was wounded and almost died when Zeus (her father) turned her into a tree. The tree was later made the boundary line for Camp Half-Blood. If it is poisoned the boundary line is broken and any monster can, with a bit of difficulty, get in. Percy and Annebeth put their heads together and finally come up with one thing that might save Camp Half-Blood, the Golden Fleece! The Golden Fleece has the power to heal anything!!!! Journey with Percy, Annebeth, and Tyson on their search for...the Golden Fleece!!!!

This is an AMAZING book and I give it an 10 on a scale of 1-10!

Book Club Students to Attend "Seussical"

The Chat & Chew Book Club students will be attending the stage play "Seussical" at the Tempe Center for the Arts on Thursday, December 13th. We are excited to be able to attend as it promises it to be a fun-filled musical for the holidays. We will meet all our Dr. Seuss favorites - Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie La Bird and so many more. We are looking forward to a toe-tapping Broadway musical that says it will have us dancing in the aisles!

"Double Identity"

Have you ever read a book that you made you want to read it again? One great book that should be on everyone's must read list would be "Double Identity". This book is one that is a little creepy, but a wonderfully written story. It will keep you on the edge of your seat and is sure to make you think about life a little differently.

You join a character named Bethany as she struggles through some strange happenings in her life. The first weird thing is that out of the blue Bethany's mom starts crying constantly. She tries to hide it from Bethany,but Bethany is no stupid twelve year old girl. Not to long after her mom starts crying, her dad packs them all into the car and drives for days straight. Bethany has no idea where they are going and she doesn't want to ask. After a few days on the road, late into the night they arrive at a strange house. To her surprise Bethany finds out about an aunt she never knew existed and know her parents want her to stay. Bethany has never spent more than a few hours away from her parents, so the thought of not knowing when she would see them again is terrifying. All Bethany is left with are a few words her father says to her aunt: "She doesn't know anything about Elizabeth." Now Bethany is left feeling abandoned by her parents in a strange town with some unkown aunt. What is she to do? And who is Elizabeth?

This book is marvously written! If I were to give this book a rating (one being the worst, ten being the best) I would say it is a high eight. It's mix of genres and intense subject make it a wonderful read!

The author Margaret Peterson Haddix has written many books including: "Running Out of Time", "Escape From Memory", and "Just Ella". Her books are truely amazing and are hard to forget.

Evolution, Me, and Other Freaks of Nature

Who would have known Robin Brande's first novel could be so incredibly intriguing? Evolution, Me, and Other Freaks of Nature is so astounding that it will blow you away. On a scale from 1-10 (1 being the lowest rating, 10 being the highest), I would most definitely give the book a 9 because of the great style of writing, deep plot, and a sense of realness the story offered. Robin Brande captured a profound sense of what it would be like to be a teenager in a world where you must stand up for what you believe is right. 

The story starts out with likable character Mena Reece, who is hated by her parents, church group, and everyone else who knows what she did. In her heart, she knows what she did was the right thing, but it is hard to keep that in mind when everyone but your super-cool (and kind of cute) lab partner is disgusted with you. Then Meena's science teacher starts the unit on evolution... and that's when Meena has to find her true self, acknowledge her beliefs of religion and Darwin, and stand up for what she knows is right.  Trying to juggle too many balls is a struggle- especially when your name is Meena Reece. 

Evolution, Me, and Other Freaks of Nature is superb. It would be a great weekend read that will leave you with a lot to ponder. Robin Brande's writing style is easy to like and flows exceptionally well; I can't wait to read another one of her novels if they are available. As for suggestions, I have none. This book was terrific. Period. 

Note: If you are sensitive about creationism, please know you might want to consider reading a different book; the author tries to tread delicately on the controversy between God and a science evolution.