Dreamland / Sarah Dessen

Title: Dreamland (see above images for different bk covers available--the one I read was the first one)

Author: Sarah Dessen
Owned by CCLS? Yes

On Caitlin's sixteenth birthday she wakes up to find her older (and only) sister Cassi gone; and so begins a tumultuous year. Caitlin attempts to find her own way in the world--traveling a different road than her sister may have taken, perhaps one less perfect. However, when Caitlin makes the cheerleading squad, she wonders how different a path she has actually chosen. It is after a cheerleading event that Caitlin meets Rogerson Biscoe, a handsome boy with wild hair, money, and a car. Caitlin and Rogerson quickly becomes a couple and although Caitlin falls hard for him, the reader quickly realizes that their relationship is far from perfect when Rogerson hits Caitlin, first once and then regularly. Caitlin loves Rogerson so much that she does not tell anyone about the abuse. Will Caitlin come to her senses and break things off with her abusive boyfriend or will someone else have to intervene on her behalf before it is to late?

M's Verdict... Popular YA author Sarah Dessen always weaves a great three-dimensional tale that keeps readers hooked. I loved This Lullaby and was planning on reading What Happened to Goodbye, but they were all checked out. So I chose Dreamland. It's a great read on a story that's not often told. What happens when you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship? There seem to be enough headlines and Lifetime movies about husbands or jealous boyfriends who kill their wives or girlfriends, so it seems appropriate to use this storyline in a fiction novel for a teen audiences. Having said this, I do wish that this story had wrapped up a little differently. [Without spoiling the ending] I don't wish that the ending was more Disney-esque, but I would have been more impressed with an ending kind of like in By the Time You Read This I'll be Dead by Julie Anne Peters; where there were additional resources at the end of the book that provided the reader with information and help regarding the tough subject of the book (in the case of Julie Anne Peters's book: teen suicide/bullycide). Dessen's book was the perfect medium for discussing abusive teen relationships, but past finding some solace in the fictional story, it would have been nice to provide readers with some additional resources. Overall...good dramatic story with realistic issues that provide the opportunity for great educational discussions that could help bring about awareness regarding abusive relationships.

Stick / Andrew Smith

Title: Stick
Author: Andrew Smith
Owned by CCLS? Yes

Stick, the boy born with only one ear, and his older brother Bosten live in Washington state with their parents. Due to his lack of an ear, Stick gets made fun of and is constantly harassed by his classmates at school. Fortunately, Bosten is usually there to put the bullies in their place; unfortunately, when the boys get home, they are usually faced with even bigger, more serious issues. Their parents enforce strict rules in the house that include only weekly showers, a strict dress code, hair length requirements, and regular beatings and visits to St. Fillan's room.

When it is revealed to the boys's father that Bosten is gay, Bosten suffers through one final beating before he decides to run away. Having no one left he can count on, Stick also finds himself on the run, in search of Bosten. Along the way, both brothers experience additional tragedies and events that test their strength and ability to hope for a better life. In the end...will things get better and will Stick find Bosten?


M's Verdict... Intense read! I chose to read this particular novel because I wanted a story that was written by a male author and featured guys as the main characters. Ater reading Stick, I would certainly read another of Smith's books. The story was believable and so terrible that I couldn't stop reading--I had to know how it ended! Despite Bosten and Stick's terrible home, once Bosten runs away and Stick takes off after him, the road to finding his brother and perhaps a better life, takes both boys through terrible encounters that may just be worse than what they left. It's a great story of survival, hope, and taking a stand for yourself, no matter what. I recommend this book to older teens, both guys and girls looking for something different to read.

By the Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead / Julie Anne Peters

TITLE: By the Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead
AUTHOR: Julie Anne Peters
OWNED BY CCLS? Yes.

High school student Daelyn has been bullied her entire life; for being fat, for being there; really just because she's an easy target. Due to her various past traumatic experiences, Daelyn has attempted suicide multiple times. She is fed up with the bullying and is determined to end it once and for all. After "Through the Light.com," which is a forum for those who want to end their lives, Daelyn makes a "Date of Determination" and begins counting down the days. Will Daelyn go through with her final suicide attempt and end her life? Or will Daelyn begin to feel less depressed, become less of a target and learn to trust others again and live?   

M's Verdict: Going into this book and having liked all of the other Julie Anne Peters books that I had previously read, I was a bit surprised at how much more intense and dark this novel was. I kept tensing up for the very depressing and terrible ending that seemed to be inevitable! I couldn't stop reading! By the time I was done reading, I can truthfully say that I was mentally and physically exhausted. This story is not for the faint of heart and it's definitely not a fun or light read. This story, although rather depressing is quite relevant to today's generation of teenagers and does provide some uplifting moments and great resources at the end of the book. This is definitely a great book for discussions on bullying and bullycide and if anyone reads the book and wants to talk about it, I'd love to be a part of the conversation.

Black, White, Other... / Joan Steinau Lester

 

TITLE: Black, White, Other: In Search of Nina Armstrong
AUTHOR:  Joan Steinau Lester
OWNED by CCLS? Yes.

Nina's mother is white, her father is black, and her younger brother Jimi is a spitting image of their father. Where does that leave her? Is she black, white or other?

When Nina enters ninth grade, things start to change. Race riots take place nearby and racial tensions arise at her school and among her friends. It all prompts Nina to think about where she fits in. Does it really matter what color her skin is and if it does matter, why is she just noticing it now?

Learning about an ancestor on her father's side who was a slave helps Nina find perspective. But will Nina be able to determine who she is, keep the peace with her family, and keep her BFF? In order for Nina to find peace, she must take a journey (both figuratively and literally) to figure out who she truly is, black, white, other...

M's Verdict: Good read! The story was a relevant coming of age tale that not many books address so well. Perhaps the story may have been more authentic coming from someone who was biracial and was able to give the story a more personal touch, however I did enjoy it. Nina is a believable chigh school student with a typical HS friend whose your BFF one day and then the friend of your enemy. I liked how Nina's father's book about their slave ancestry gave the reader a historical look into the past and compared situations in Nina's realistic and present world to the world of a slave. This book would be a great transition into historical fiction and would provide any teen with a great story on figuring out who you are and how your family stories help to shape who you become.

Currently Reading...

• Matt de la Pena's I Will Save You 

Define Normal / Julie Anne Peters

Title: Define Normal
Author: Julie Anne Peters
Author Website
Owned by CCLS? Yes.

The ultimate tale of "appearances can be deceiving," so "don't judge a book by its cover."

Antonia and Jazz, who appear to be complete opposites, are paired up by the school counselor Dr. Dileo as peer counselors. Antonia is an A student who dresses, well, like an A student. Her style is nondescript and simple. On the other hand, Jazz is a rebel rouser. She has piercings, tattoos, wears leather jackets, black lipstick and her hair changes color like the weather. Jazz is the epitome of punk rock and Antonia is more of a, well, nerd. Antonia seems like she's the stable one of the group and even thinks she's there just to try and help the mess that is Jazz, but perhaps two people who appear to be so different can not only help each other, but may also have similar problems.

M's Verdict: I love Julie Anne Peters! If you've never read any of her books, you don't know what you're missing! I highly recommend starting with Luna or Between Mom and Jo.

Who can't relate to being judged based solely on your appearance? What you look like is one of the first things someone notices the first time you meet, that's why people dress up for interviews; to make a good impression. Even though the setting is a middle school, as I read, I definitely pictured that the characters were in high school. It's a story for all ages and at 196 pages, this is the perfect quick read.

Although I loved the believable characters, the great plot, and the drama, there was one thing that just didn't gel. As Antonia and Jazz go through the peer counseling process and begin to learn a few things abut one another, the reader quickly learns that Antonia's mother is suffering from debilitating depression. The depression is so bad that Antonia is essentially running the house and caring for herself and her two younger brothers. Without spoiling the ending, let me just say that I feel that the way that Antonia's story wraps up is just a bit too tidy for me. I'll leave you with this, read it and see what you think...

Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip / Jordan Sonnenblick

Title: Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip
Author: Jordan Sonnenblick
Author Website
Owned by CCLS? On order.

You're an all-star pitcher who loves playing baseball with your best friend. Playing gets you status, makes people take notice, and it's what you're really good at. Then during the league championship game, right before you're about to begin your freshman year of high school, you blow out your elbow. Your baseball career is over. You're in denial and find yourself unable to tell your best friend that you will never be able to play ball again (or any other sport for that matter). On top of all of that, your grandfather, who you're extremely close to and who came out to every single one of your games, is starting to show signs of Alzheimer's. Just like you with your injury, your grandfather is in denial and won't let you tell your parents that there's a problem. What would you do? (Oh yeah, and since it's high school, don't forget to add in a little boy-girl drama too.) How would you or how have you handled a similar situation? Read Curveball to find out whether or not freshman Pete Friedman was able to play ball again, save his grandfather, keep his best friend, and get the girl...

M's Verdict: Good read! Recommended to guys & girls and sports lovers or not. It's a relatable story of tragedy, disappointment, and being able to roll with the crazy punches that life sends your way, inevitably all at once. It's about being able to define yourself by your actions not by what sports you play or used to play; it's about the bigger picture. Great morals, a believable storyline, and likable characters make this a story you'll breeze through. If you read any of Sonnenblick's other stories and liked them, you'll love this one just as much if not more!

Troy High / Shana Norris

TITLE: Troy High
AUTHOR: Shana Norris
OWNED BY CCLS? Replacement copy on order.

Cassie Prince lives in the shadows of her all-star athlete brothers; Perry and Hunter. She's a band geek with decent grades and the closest she gets to being involved in a sport is playing in the marching band at Troy High football games. Her best friend Greg is a student at Lacede High (a.k.a. Troy's archenemy/rival). Cassie and Greg's friendship is put to the test when friendly school rivalry turns into an all-out-war and Cassie is forced to choose between Greg and her brothers. Will Cassie choose to be loyal to her school and brothers and give up her one true friend? Or is Cassie willing to sacrifice her new found popularity for a BFF who could become something more?

M's Verdict: Good read. I enjoyed the plot line and characters and read through the story pretty quickly. Although I never read The Iliad in high school (or at any point in time, yet) I would recommend Troy High to anyone who did read it. Whether you loved or hated it, I would think that it would be pretty cool to be able to compare and contrast the two stories and characters. It's a modern twist that is sure to leave readers salivating. It's realistic and wraps the reader up in all the drama that is high school. There's something for everyone; cheerleaders, band kids, football players, misfits, and more. Drama abounds and the rivalry between the Spartans (students @ Lacede) and the Trojans (students @ Troy) is totally entertaining and intense. How can you not want to know what happens between Cassie and Greg?

For more info, check out author Shana Norris's Website .
These are some of the cool thinks @ SN's site:
*book trailer,

*comparison of characters in The Iliad to characters in Troy High
*Troy High character quiz--which character are you?
*Troy High soundtrack! (I love this kid of stuff!!)
*and more!

Love, or Something Like It--Valentine's Day Stories for the Teen-age

Happy Valentine's Day!

In the spirit of the holiday, I wanted to provide your brain with some oh-so-love-ly tales. All of the novels below are available at at least 1 library in the Cumberland County Library System. Some are tales of heartbreak, while others are tales of love conquering all.

[DISCLAIMER: I have not personally read every single title on this list and therefore am not explicitly endorsing them, however, from the descriptions in the catalog, they all sound just about right.]

An Abundance of Katherines / By John Green
Having been recently dumped for the nineteenth time by a girl named Katherine, recent high school graduate and former child prodigy Colin sets off on a road trip with his best friend to try to find some new direction in life while also trying to create a mathematical formula to explain his relationships.

Blushing: Expressions of Love in Poems and Letters / compiled by Paul B. Janecsko
A critically acclaimed poet and anthologist collects the most poignant and moving musings about love from a diverse group of classic poets and writers, such as Shakespeare, Walt Whitman, Maya Angelou, and Emily Dickinson.

Delirium / By Lauren Oliver
Lena looks forward to receiving the government-mandated cure that prevents the delirium of love and leads to a safe, predictable, and happy life, until ninety-five days before her eighteenth birthday and her treatment, when she falls in love.

Enthusiasm / by Polly Shulman
Julie and Ashleigh, high school sophomores and Jane Austen fans, seem to fall for the same Mr. Darcy-like boy and struggle to hide their true feelings from one another while rehearsing for a school musical.

Fallen in Love: A Fallen Novel in Stories / By Lauren Kate
A collection of four love stories featuring Shelby, Miles, and other characters from the Fallen series. (And if you're interested and haven't read them yet, read Fallen, Torment, and Passion before the final book in the series; Rapture, comes out this June.)

Hot Mess: Summer in the City / by Julie Kraut
To escape a bad breakup in Bridgefield, New York, almost-eighteen-year-old Emma takes a summer internship in New York City where she, her best friend, and their rich, sophisticated landlady face a series of dating disasters.

How They Met, and Other Stories / David Levithan
Eighteen stories all about love, all kinds of love. From the aching for the one you pine for, to standing up and speaking up for the one you love, to pure joy and happiness, these love stories run the gamut of that emotion that at some point has turned every one of us inside out and upside down.

Immortal: Love Stories with Bite / edited by P.C. Cast
Stories by popular young adult vampire and fantasy authors. Stories included are:
Haunted love / Cynthia Leitich Smith
Amber Smoke / Kristin Cast
Dead man stalking / Rachel Caine
Table manners / Tanith Lee
Blue moon / Richelle Mead
Changed / Nancy Holder
Binge / Rachel Vincent
Free / Claudia Gray.

Night Star / By Allyson Noel (Book #5 in the Immortals series)
Psychic teenagers Ever and Damen face down bitter rivals, jealous friends, and their own worst fears--all in hope of being together forever.

Son of the Mob / by Gordon Korman
Seventeen-year-old Vince's life is constantly complicated by the fact that he is the son of a powerful Mafia boss, a relationship that threatens to destroy his romance with the daughter of an FBI agent.

30 Days to Getting Over the Dork You Used to Call Your Boyfriend / by Clea Hantman
BEING DUMPED HURTS. But you know what? It happens to everyone. Even Gwyneth, even Cameron, even Madonna have been on the losing end of love. The part you might not believe is that no matter how brutally your heart’s been broken, those wounds will heal. But the longer you dwell on the dork, the longer your heart will remain cracked. Enter 30 Days to Getting Over the Dork You Used to Call Your Boyfriend. One day at a time, 30 days in a row. At the end, you’ll find you have the power to yank that dagger out of your chest, stand tall, walk proud, and move on. And along the way, you may just discover something marvelous and surprising about yourself.

Dead to You / Lisa McMann

TITLE: Dead to You
AUTHOR: Lisa McMann
OWNED BY CCLS? On Order.

Ethan DeWilde was seven years old when he was abducted. Nine years later he is reunited with his family. He tells Child Protective Services that he found his family by searching through the missing childrens' database online. When he came across his photo, he compared it to looking into a mirror. After all that he's been through, Ethan is ready to have a place to call "home" again. The transition from being abandoned in a orphanage to living on the streets and now living in a home with his new/old family would be a whole lot easier if he had any memories of his life from before his abduction. But he just can't seem to remember...

Get ready for a HUGE surprise. Who has the bigger secret? Ethan or his family?

M's Verdict: Don't judge a book by it's cover. The story almost doesn't so justice to the cover. Although it's a quick read and keeps you turning the pages waiting to figure out what could possibly happen next, I felt unfulfilled. I haven't read any of McMann's other novels, but this would probably prevent me from picking up another one. Don't get me wrong, this novel is based upon the pretty intense event of a child being abducted from his home, which keeps the reader glued, but it's just missing something... I do commend McMann for the WOW ending. I won't spooil it; check it out @ your library to see for yourself.

Ten Things We Did... / Sarah Mlynowski

TITLE: Ten Things We Did (And Probably Shouldn't Have)
AUTHOR: Sarah Mlynowski
OWNED by CCLS? On order.

Let me set the stage by providing some background...

April is your typical teen; sort of. She's a junior at a high school in Westport, Connecticut and like every other teen on the planet, it seems that her parents are out to ruin her life. Her mother's affair with another man is the catalyst that causes her parents to get a divorce. And before the ink has even dried on the divorce papers, her mother and father have both remarried. April moves in with her father and stepmother so as to avoid leaving Westport, her school, her friends, and her boyfriend Noah, and April's younger brother Matthew moves with their mother and stepfather to France.

Now let's get to the good stuff...

It's now halfway through April's junior year of high school and her father decides to take a job in Cleveland. April obviously will not let her father's new job title and salary cause her to leave behind all that she loves. So... April and her BFF Vi (a senior) manage to convince her father to let her live the rest of her junior year at Vi's house. April's father, under the assumption that Vi's mother will be present, agrees.

Picture this... you're a junior in high school living in a house on the beach with your best friend and fellow student; alone. Your parents are a few states away and you have the house to yourself for the next six months. What would you do?

Would you be the responsible one? The one who goes grocery shopping, does the laundry, and takes care of the house? OR... Would you be the "wild child?" The one who hosts the parties, has boys over and buys a hot tub?

Ten Things We Did (And Probably Shouldn't Have) chronicles three months in the life of April Berman. Everything that could possibly happen when two teenagers are living without adult supervision happens. This is a great story of what it takes to be a grown up; responsibility for your actions and your words. It's a true tale of teen angst, growing up, and forgiveness.

M's Verdict: If you're looking for a book with a hook, try this out. This is the first book I've read by Sarah Mlynowski and I was impressed. Great cover & title (which caused me to pick up the book) and a great storyline (which made me not want to put the book down).

I love that the book is so realistic, but not depressingly so. There is still plenty of comedy, but the reader is able to relate and connect to the characters without having that "Disney-feel". Mlynowski does a great job of making this story modern and believable. It involves underage drinking, sex, profanities, and plenty of totally irresponsible behaviors or minors, sp it's not for the more conservative crowd, but it's sure to hit close to home for many a teen.

Check it out... (coming soon to your library)

Carter Finally Gets It / Brent Crawford

TITLE: Carter Finally Gets It
AUTHOR: Brent Crawford
CCLS OWN? Yes--in print (book), electronic (e-book) and audio (CD)

This is not your average and oh-so-predictable coming of age tale of boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl, and that's a wrap. Carter Finally Gets It is told from the perspective of high school freshman Will Carter (aka Carter), a guy just trying to figure it all out before the end of his freshman year; how to get the girl, the cool nickname, the varsity letter jacket, the spot on the football, swimming and baseball teams, and ... the part in the school play. Carter is such a realistic character that readers will be rooting for him while simultaneously laughing at the horribly awkward situations that he finds himself in.


Still not quite hooked? Check out some of these can't miss lines from the novel Carter Finally Gets It...

We look like a pair of escapees from a mental hospital, or an S&M sex convention. My shirt is all ripped up and my hands are bound behind my back. EJ has puke all over his shirt, buttless pants, and only one shoe.

We're having chili for dinner tonight. It's my favorite thing Mom cooks, because instead of vegetables or rice or something on the side of the main dish, we have cinnamon rolls. I don't know who told her you could swap broccoli for a cinnamon roll, but I like it...

She definitely had a nice butt; I can tell that at any speed.

"Fight nothin', Mom! Let's talk about how Lynn had a huge party when we were at Grandma's funeral, and how the house was so jacked up that she had to hire a cleaning crew and a contractor to put it back together!"

If her wiggly walk was a crime and I was asked to testify against it at trial, I could give you every detail.

I learned a valuable lesson. Teachers are people...underpaid, poorly dressed, lame car-driving people.

I'm going to the dance with the hottest girl in my class, yet her dad will kill me if I touch her, and she's been ambushed by some demented makeover show.

In this process of becoming an adult, I think some people have got to get hurt. We hurt ourselves, and we hurt others. Some deserve it, while others are just waiting in line to play Ms. Pac-Man.

M's Verdict: I LOVED IT! This is the first book that I completely read on my Kindle and somehow it made the experience even better. I was able to save notes to use for my review and it was just as hilarious as if the book was right in front of me! I highly recommend it to everyone!
I chose to read this particular book because I felt like the books that I had been reading lately were written predominantly by and intended for female readers. I wanted something written by a man and told from a teen boy's perspective. Crawford hit that nail right on the head! (In other words, this was exactly the book that I was looking for!) It's the perfect book--it's filled with non-stop comedy, action, drama, and more.

It's a great choice for anyone who has gone through that awkward transition from middle to high school. Regardless of whether you are a guy or a girl, you are sure to find the totally bizarre (but believable) situations that Will finds himself in absolutely laugh-out-loud hilarious! Whether it's when Will and his friends are running from the cops, driving on the wrong side of the road, practically draining themselves of blood while shaving, or totally striking out while trying to pick up the rival schools' hotties, this book is sure to keep you entertained while still giving that feel good message of... it gets better & everyone has a rough patch (or two). I promise that if you read this book, you will declare that it is of epic proportions;)

Racing in the Rain / Garth Stein

TITLE: Racing in the Rain: My Life as a Dog
AUTHOR: Garth Stein

OWNED BY CCLS? Yes.

(Adapted from Stein's adult novel The Art of Racing in the Rain).

Racing cars is similar to life in that it is not just about the speed; there are many other factors that come into play and can change the outcome. Enzo, a wise and wonderful canine, is one such "person" that has come to understand this in his many years as a dog.

On his deathbed, Enzo (named after Enzo Ferrari) explains to the reader how he has come to become a knowledgeable soul (by watching television and listening and observing his owner--race car driver Denny Swift) and how all of his acts as a dog will hopefully allow him to become a human in his next life (he believes in karma).

Enzo tells of the many events that have impacted his life and the life of his owner. From the time Denny picked Enzo out of his litter, to when Denny first brought home Eve (his future wife), to when Denny and Eve's daughter Zoe was born, to the nasty custody battle between Denny and his in-laws.

Reminiscent of John Grogan's Marley and Me, Racing in the Rain offers dog lovers a new inspirational story. Enzo's perspective is refreshing and the storyline is both unpredictable and an emotional roller coaster (so have the tissues nearby).

M's Verdict... If you are a dog lover, like to read fictional dog tales or enjoyed John Grogan's Marley and Me, you'll love Racing in the Rain! I couldn't put it down and am looking into some of Stein's other books. After reading Racing in the Rain, you will likely look at your dog(s) a little differently than you did before. Because if, like Enzo, they really do understand everything that is going on and are simply unable to verbalize their happiness, disgust or frustration with us, perhaps we'd better listen a little more carefully!

a MUST read! check it out @ your library!

It's Not Summer Without You / Jenny Han

Okay, I'm not quite ready to write another book review, but I just had to post this:

Last week I read Jenny Han's The Summer I Turned Pretty.

This week I finished the second book in her Summer series, It's Not Summer Without You. I am not much for series, but I couldn't help myself! I breezed through both books and enjoyed every minute! You know you're reading a good book when you look forward to reading it and make a point of taking reading breaks throughout the day or at least once a day (because sometimes there just isn't enough time in the day).

There's one last book in Han's Summer series called We'll Always Have Summer and I am going to try to wait until next summer to read it. I feel that it's only appropriate that I save the finale for actual summer-time. It'll be a definite good read that I can look forward to.

For now here are the books that are in my possibly next pile:

An Abundance of Katherines / John Green
Batman: R.I.P. / Grant Morrison
New Ultimates: Thor Reborn / Jeph Loeb
Wolverine, Weapon X Vol. 2, Insane in the Brain / Jason Aaron

Emiko Superstar / Mariko Tamaki

TITLE: Emiko Superstar
AUTHOR: Mariko Tamaki
OWNED by CCLS? Yes.
FORMAT: Graphic Novel

Emiko is a geek. With summer right around the corner, rather than head off to finance camp with her friends, Emiko decides she needs to figure out who she is. Her mother does not think this is going to happen while Emiko lays around watching TV, so Emiko gets a job babysitting.

It is through her babysitting job that Emiko finds a secret journal that gives her the inspiration that she needs to shine at a local underground "freak club." Will the change in friends and atmosphere be what Emiko needs to find herself or will she realize that being a geek isn't actually that bad?

M's Verdict: Emiko Superstar is a quick read. Although not particularly inspiring or thought provoking, it does provide homage to Andy Warhol and '60s culture. Perhaps readers new to graphic novels would be better served reading Cecil Castellucci's Plain Janes and Janes in Love, which were GREAT, had a bit more of a story line and certainly seemed to have a bit more depth to them.

If I Stay

TITLE: If I Stay
AUTHOR: Gayle Forman
OWNED by CCLS? Yes.

I will admit right off the bat, that I am totally swayed by the cover of a book. Covers pull me in and it's the first few pages and chapters that hook me (or totally turn me off). Don't get me wrong, a book with a great cover can be completely horrible, so don't let the cover be the only deciding factor. Anyhow, I do have a point...

One YA book that I recently picked up (based upon the interesting cover) was Gayle Forman's If I Stay. It's about a teen girl and her family who are in a terrible car accident. The entire story revolves around whether the talented teen cellist Mia will fight to live or succumb to the darkness of death that seems to be calling her.

I was drawn to the impending doom that seemed to drip off of the blurb of the book, but I can't say that that was enough to propel me through the entire book. For the readers of this blog, I can proudly say that I was able to power through the whole book; depressing topic, high level vocabulary, obvious outcome and all.

M's Verdict: Eh, not good enough for me to want to read the sequel: Where She Went. From looking at our copy, it's checked out a lot and the reviews are really good too, so obviously my opinion is not the same as many others. If you disagree with me, let me know! Share your thoughts and give me a teen perspective of If I Stay by Gayle Forman.