The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

Author: Neil Gaiman
Title:  The Ocean at the End of the Lane
Publication: June 3, 2014
Publisher: William Murrow
Genre: Adult, Modern Fantasy
Pages: 181
Audience: 17 and up
Rating: 4 out of 5
Source: Purchased

Synopsis (from the cover): Sussex, England. A middle-aged man returns to his childhood home to attend a funeral. Although the house he lived in is long gone, he is drawn to the farm at the end of the road, where, when he was seven, he encountered a most remarkable girl, Lettie Hempstock, and her mother and grandmother. He hasn't thought of Lettie in decades, and yet as he sits by the pond (a pond that she'd claimed was an ocean) behind the ramshackle old farmhouse, the unremembered past comes flooding back. And it is a past too strange, too frightening, too dangerous to have happened to anyone, let alone a small boy.

Forty years earlier, a man committed suicide in a stolen car at this farm at the end of the road. Like a fuse on a firework, his death lit a touchpaper and resonated in unimaginable ways. The darkness was unleashed, something scary and thoroughly incomprehensible to a little boy. And Lettie—magical, comforting, wise beyond her years—promised to protect him, no matter what.

A groundbreaking work from a master, The Ocean at the End of the Lane is told with a rare understanding of all that makes us human, and shows the power of stories to reveal and shelter us from the darkness inside and out. It is a stirring, terrifying, and elegiac fable as delicate as a butterfly's wing and as menacing as a knife in the dark.

 
My thoughts: I love Neil Gaiman and thought he would be the perfect author to read after a rough patch and dry reading spell in my life. It was kind of hard for me to get into this book. I spent a while trying to get into it wondering if I was going to give up on it. I’m glad I didn’t. This book has stuck with me in ways I could not have imagined. 
There are times I am by myself and think of the evil Ursla Monkton and how she invaded the little narrator. I went to a panel with horror writers at a convention. One of the writers asked the audience “What was horror to us?” Someone said to them horror was when something got in other their skin and stayed with them. I can honestly say there was a horrifying chapter with a worm that has not left me since I read it. 
The narrator, he is never named gets on my nerves at times, but the Hempstock women, especially Lettie redeem him and make the book worth the read. Oh and that little cat at the Hempstock house it so precious!  It is a book about growing up, stories, fear, bravery, grief, and all the things that make us human. It was a fantastic read that will stick with you for a while.

Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale by Holly Black

Author: Holly Black

Title:Tithe (Modern Faerie Tales #1)

Publication: October 1, 2002

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Genre: Fairy Tale, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult

Pages: 336

Audience: 15 and up

Rating: 4 out of 5

Source: Public Library

Synopsis (from the cover):

Sixteen year old Kaye is a modern nomad. Fierce and independent, she drifts from place to place until an ominous attack forces Kaye back to her childhood home. There, amid the blue collar New Jersey backdrop, Kaye, finds herself an unwilling pawn in an ancient and violent power struggle between two rival faerie kingdoms- a struggle that could very well mean her death.

My thoughts:

This book has been on my to-read-list for a while. I finally got around to reading it. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it was different than I thought it would be. I guess part of it was I did not read the back cover before I dove into the book. I was expecting most of the book to take place in the faerie kingdoms. not in the modern world, or as the faerie call it, the Ironside, which is also the title to the third book in the trilogy. I read this book in about 4 days or so.  However, there are so many characters and places to keep up with, that by the end of the novel I had confused myself. I was wondering who certain characters were, but I finally got it all figured out.
If you like fairy/faerie tales, then I recommend this book. Kaye is an interesting character who is strong willed and fiercely loyal. I liked her a lot because I too am stubborn and loyal. I don't want to say too much about the other characters, but it appears just like faerie glamor some people are not as they seem.
It is a quick, fun read especially if you like faeries. I hope to find and read the second book eventually. Unfortunately, my public library does not have the complete trilogy.

Black Canary/ Oracle Birds of Prey Volume 1 by Chuck Dixon

Author: Chuck Dixon, Jordan B. Gorfinkel, Gary Frank
Illustrator: Stefano Raffaele, Matt Haley, Jennifer Graves, Sal Buscema

Title:Black Canary/Oracle Birds of Prey Volume 1

Publication: February 1999

Publisher: DC Comics

Genre: Graphic Novel, Comic Book, Super Heroes.

Pages: 208

Audience: 15 and up

Rating: 4 out of 5

Source: Purchased

Synopsis (from the cover): Alone, they are driven vigilantes...together they are a force to be reckoned with. 
Name: Barbara Gordon 
Alias: Oracle
 The former Batgirl, she now serves as information broker to the super-hero community-all the while searching for something beyond the limitations fate has forced upon her.
Name: Dinah Lance
Alias: Black Canary
A master of judo, aikido, karate, and several other martial arts, this ex- Justice Leaguer now finds herself searching for a new direction, a new outlet for her talents.

My Thoughts:
I am a huge fan of Barbara Gordon, who is Batgirl/Oracle. I am also a fan of the Birds of Prey, mainly thanks to Babs. I started the New 52 Birds of Prey and decided I wanted the entire original back story. My husband lovingly spent months, time, and money on helping me collect the original story. The art in this book is marvelous as well as the writing. Granted, the art is a little dated looking. I thought it looked a bit like the 80s or 90s. It is from 1999, so that could explain it, but it is worth the read. Chuck Dixon is one of my husband's favorite comic book writers, and he hasn't let me down on any story I have read by him so far. 
The story is essentially how Black Canary and Oracle come together to create this team of heroines to save Gotham and the rest of the world. The story throws in some details that are probably explained in other comics or hopefully in the future comics of this series. Some of it is kind of understood, like everyone should know that the Joker shoot Barbara Gordon and paralyzes her. She then uses her knowledge and technology to help the super heroes fight the bad guys, and she turns into the Oracle. Occasionally other questionable ladies are thrown into the mix like Catwoman, Lois Lane, Lady Shiva, and the Huntress (I REALLY hate her, especially since the show Arrow had her on there.). Even though there are other characters mixed in, Black Canary proves time and time again she can take care of herself, with a little help from Oracle. If you are interested in the series at all, I strongly recommend this "origin" story.

Fortunately, the Milk by Neil Gaiman

Author: Neil Gaiman

Illustrator: Skottie Young
Title:Fortunately, the Milk

Publication: September 17, 2013

Publisher: Harper Collins

Genre: Children

Pages: 128

Audience: 6 and up

Rating: 4 out of 5

Source: Public Library

Synopsis (from the cover): "I bought the milk, "said my father. "I walked out of the corner shop, and heard a noise like this" thummthumm. I looked up and saw a huge silver disc hovering in the air above Marshall Road." "Hullo," I said to myself. "That's not something you see every day. And then something odd happened." 
Find out just how odd things get in this hilarious story of time travel and breakfast cereal, expertly told by Newberry Medalist and bestselling author Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Skottie King.

My thoughts:

 This book was precious. If I was a children's librarian, I would be so excited to read this book at story time. There is a chance to dress up, make up silly voices, and plenty of sound effects. There are plenty of illustration and I really like how it the art flows into the text of the novel as well. The story is of  a  father goes to the store to buy milk. He takes forever and his children start to worry. When their father returns,he has a wonderful story to tell them about what kept him and how the milk made it home. It is a fantastic little book filled with interesting characters (like dinosaurs and pirates), time travel, and of course milk. I strongly recommend this for young children and for those young at heart. Fortunately, the Milk is the perfect bedtime or story time book.

Black Heart by Holly Black, (Audiobook)

Author: Holly Black
Narrator: Jesse Eisenberg
Title:Black Heart Curse Workers Book 3

Publication: April 10, 2012

Publisher: Listening Library

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Pages: 304
Length: 6 hours and 33 Minutes

Audience: 15 and up

Rating: 4 out of 5

Source: Public Library

Synopsis (from the cover):

In a world where magic is illegal, Cassel Sharpe has the most deadly ability of all. With one touch, he can transform any object- including a person- into something else entirely. And that makes him a wanted man. The Feds are willing to forgive all his past crimes if he'll only leave his con artist family behind and go straight. But why does going straight feel so crooked? 
For one thing, it mean being on the opposite side of the law from Lila, the girl he loves. She's the daughter of a mob boss and thought Cassel is pretty sure she can never love him back, he can't stop obsessing over her. Which would be bad enough, even if her father wasn't keeping Cassel's mother prioner until she returns the priceless diamond she scammed off of him ears ago. Too bad she can;'t remember where she put it.
The Feds say they need Cassel to get rid of a powerful man who is spinning dangerously out of control. But if they want Cassel to use his unique talent to hurt people, what separates the good guys from the bad ones? With no easy answers and no one he can trust, love might be the most dangerous gamble of all.

My thoughts:
The book starts off a bit slow. It seemed to be about the same pace as the others, but the last few discs had some action to them! I was shocked by the actions Cassel takes and the events that unfold for Cassel and his friends. This book was the perfect ending. However, Holly Black crafted the book so that if she decides to visit Cassel Sharpe and his friends again, she can. If she chooses not to write anymore Curse Worker books, this book won't leave you hanging off a cliff, but you'll wonder about a few things that were left open. As I mentioned before, this book is the most action packed. Cassel and Sam are up to their usual crazy shenanigans again. Sam and Danica are having some major relationship issues, so are Cassel and Lila. Then there is the Feds and the crime families, as well as Cassel's family thrown into the mix. As well as crazy dude and an unusual mystery to solve. It is a great book to end the series with and makes the books worth the read.

 

Death of a Neighborhood Witch

Author: Laura LevineTitle:Death of a Neighborhood Witch (A Jaine Austen Mystery)

Publication: September 3, 2013

Publisher: Kensington

Genre: Comedy, Mystery

Pages: 304

Audience: 17 and up

Rating: 4 out of 5

Source: Public Library

Synopsis (from Amazon.com): When Jaine Austen's beloved cat Prozac unwittingly scares to death a parakeet belonging to the neighborhood's resident curmudgeon, Jaine finds herself knee-deep in toil and trouble. The cantankerous Hollywood has-been once played Cryptessa Muldoon, television's fourth most famous monster mum. Now she spends her days making enemies with everyone on the block. So when the ornery D-lister is murdered with her own Do Not Trespass sign on Halloween night, the neighborhood fills with relief - and possible culprits. With a killer on the loose, Jaine hardly has time to fall under the spell of her yummy new neighbor, Peter. As the prime suspect, she summons her sleuthing skills to clear her name and soon discovers that everyone has a few skeletons in their closets...

Favorite Quote: "I can't take me anywhere."- Jaine Austen

My thoughts:
I work at the public library, and I kept checking this book out to patrons or into the library. One afternoon, I snatched it up and decided to read it. Laura Levine used to write for The Laverne and Shirley Show, and I loved it. So her writing was humor based mixed with a murder-mystery. I loved Jaine. She was just so down to Earth and you could relate to her. I also enjoyed her cat, Prozac because cats are that outrageous. I didn't like her friend Lance, he was a total butt-hole and no one needs a "friend" like that. Her other friend, whose name I have forgotten, did not play a huge role (obviously since I forgot her name!), but she was okay just a bit ditzy. The neighbors were a lot like actual neighbors, they all have their good and bad sides. As a friend said, this book was not a great piece of literature, but it was a nice read. If you want something funny with a mystery twist, then check out this book.

 

The Nightmare Garden

Author: Caitlin Kittredge

Narrator: Katie MacNichol
Title: The Nightmare Garden: The Iron Codex Book Two

Publication: February 14, 2012

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers /Listening Library

Genre: Graphic Novel, Comic Book

Pages: 432
Length: 14 hours and 19 minutes

Audience: 16 and up

Rating: 4 out of 5

Source: Public Library

Synopsis (from the Amazon.com): Everything Aoife thought she knew about the world was a lie. There is no Necrovirus. And Aoife isn't going to succomb to madness because of a latent strain—she will lose her faculties because she is allergic to iron. Aoife isn't human. She is a changeling—half human and half from the land of Thorn. And time is running out for her.

When Aoife destroyed the Lovecraft engine she released the monsters from the Thorn Lands into the Iron Lands and now she must find a way to seal the gates and reverse the destruction she's ravaged on the world that's about to poison her.

My thoughts:

 My plans were not to continue with the series, but I could not get the characters or the story out of my head. I also accidentally read the cover of the last book in the trilogy, and I just knew I had to read it. After listening to this novel and the first, I have come to the conclusion that the first book is mainly to set the stage and introduce all the characters. This book is mainly action and a lot of truths come out in this one. The evidence behind the truth was always there, but were you clever enough to catch it? I wasn't and at first I was shocked, but when I thought back on the story the little revelations made a lot of sense.
Aoife really steps it up in this book. She is no longer the good, quiet Victorian girl. She is her own woman whether or not others like it. She also makes her own decisions and pays dearly for their consequences, but she is not as naive and is ready to face the challenge. Her brother Conrad is such a jerk in this novel. I'm not sure how she ever looked up to him. Dean is just as charming. Aoife and Conrad's father is now in the picture but he cannot make up for lost time. Plus, Aoife is smart and has already made up her mind.
There are some new characters and they help the action sequences along. I feel like Aoife really steps up to the game and accepts the responsibility for all that she has done and will do. She is such a strong willed character. There is more action in this novel than the first. From the synopsis of the last book, it looks like it will be filled with some action and life or death situations.
 I really enjoy Katie MacNichol's audio performance. If there was ever a movie production of this series, she would have to play Aoife (as well as Dean, Betina, and Conrad, Narissa, etc). She does the narration so well! There is never any confusion of who is speaking when and the voices she does for each individual character has been unique. She is a wonderful narrator and makes this crazy, sci-fi, dystopian, steam punk story an enjoyable story to listen to. I cannot wait to get my hands on the audio version of The Mirrored Shard.

Fated (Soul Seekers): Audiobook

Author: Alyson Noel
Narrator: Brittany Pressley

Title:Fated (Soul Seekers)

Publication: May 22, 2012

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Genre:  Young Adult, Paranormal

Length:10 hours and 44 minutes

Pages: 368

Audience: 17 and up

Rating: 4 out of 5

Source: Public Library

Synopsis (from the cover): Strange things are happening to Daire Santos. Crows mock her, glowing people stalk her, time stops without warning, and a beautiful boy with unearthly blue eyes haunts all her dreams. Fearing for her daughter's sanity, Daire's mother sends her to live with the grandmother she's never met. A women who recognizes the visions for that they truly are- the call to her destiny as a Soul Seeker: one who can navigate between the worlds of the living and dead.  

There, on the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico, Daire sets out to harness her mystical powers. But it's when she meets Dace, the boy from her dreams, that her whole world is shaken to its core. And Daire is forced to discover whether Dace is the one guy she's meant to be with...or if he's allied with the enemy she's destined to destroy.

My thoughts:

 I enjoyed the novel. I have seen reviews where people thought it was missing something or it just wasn't what they expected. I'm just wondering what were they expecting. I believe this book contains a little bit of everything. It takes Latino/Latina culture along with Native American culture and blends it into a story that flows well. I want to share more about this, however, I do not want to ruin any part of the book. I had no idea this book would be so hard to review. As I said, the book has a little bit of everything from romance to gore to paranormal to mythology. I have fascination with Native American culture so I really enjoyed the spirit animals and the journey Daire went on to find her spirit animal. I'm not sure if fits her just yet, but perhaps in the later books it will.
The characters were believable and sometimes they got on my nerves. I think it was more of the narrator's fault than the author's. Daire's mother is just stupid and acts like a 17 year old instead of a mother. I understand her mother is young, but there is a point where you grow up and act like an adult. Sometimes Daire sounded like a whiny teenager. I think characters tend to grind on my nerves when I listen to audiobooks. Ha, but I promise Daire wasn't all bad, she just was confused and unsure of herself.
My favorite character was a background character. Please excuse me because I'm probably about to butcher her name since I listened to the book instead of reading it, Xochitl (pronounced: So-chee), it means flower. Xochitl is a pistol! She is a great character and I hope she plays a bigger role in the next book. Dace is such a hottie and I loved listening to his description.
Brittany Pressley did a great job narrating. She sounds like a preppy high school girl, and it can be a bit annoying. When she did other characters like Xochitl, Daire's grandmother, Shay, etc. she did an excellent job of changing her inflection and tone so each character had distinct voice. It was a bit of a long book, but totally worth it. If you have time you should check it out. I'm starting on Echo, the second book of the series and should have a review on it soon!
 

The Wolves in the Walls

Author:Neil Gaiman

Illustrator: Dave McKean
Title: The Wolves in the Walls

Publication: July 26, 2005

Publisher: HarperCollins

Genre: Children

Pages: 56

Audience: 7 and up

Rating:4 out 5

Source: Public Library

Synopsis (from the cover): Lucy hears sneaking, creeping, crumpling noises coming from inside the walls. She is sure there are wolves living in the walls of her house. But, as everybody says, if the wolves come out of the walls, it's all over.

My thoughts:

 Another Neil Gaiman book to mark off my list. This book is so adorable. I love how Lucy tries to warn her parents that there are wolves in the walls, but the only response she gets is, "If the wolves come out of the walls, then it's all over." She  asks who says that, and the answer is "Everybody." It is kind of like the ever elusive "they". For example, "You know what they say?" Who is they? Does anyone know? I feel like the book was a play on that saying, perhaps. I wouldn't recommend this to a young child unless they could handle the images. I was surprised that Dave McKean would illustrate a children's book. If you recall, McKean was the artist for The Sandman series, and the images were thought provoking and grotesque at times. So, the images for this book were a bit Picasso and Sandman with a pg-7ish rating is what I would give it. Either way, the story is an adorable one!

The Scent of Cherry Blossoms

Author: Cindy Woodsmall
Title:The Scent of Cherry Blossoms

Publication: February 21, 2012

Publisher: WaterBrook Press

Genre: Graphic Novel, Comic Book

Pages: 208

Audience: 18 and up

Rating: 4 out of 5

Source: Public Library

Synopsis (from the cover): Inappropriate and forbidden. These words should stop Old Order Mennonite Annie Martins from even entertaining the idea of a romance with Old Order Amish Aden Zook. But as Annie works alongside Aden in Zook's Diner, a restaurant her Daadi Moses Burkholder co-owns, she cant hep but notice what a fine man Aden has become. A shy and stuttering talented artist, Aden struggles while toiling in the shadow of his outgoing wheelchair-bound twin brother, Roman. 
With the weighty responsibility of running the family business and serving as Roman's mobility, Aden knows that Moses could shut down the restaurant if he acts on the feelings he has for Annie. Despite so many reason to walk away, Annie and Aden struggle to envision their lives apart. Will they commit to be together in the midst of deeply drawn dividing lines and potential family hardship- or sacrifice their personal feelings for their vows to their churches, for the good of the Plain communities and the traditions they honor so much? 

My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this novel. I know there is a difference between Mennonites and Amish, but this book really illustrates the differences between the two religions. So, I learned a lot and I really like a book that can teach me something new. 
Annie and Aden are so precious together. Aden's stuttering  pretty much stops due to his love and admiration for Annie. Annie does all she can to help Aden- it is a pure, true love. Their love is forbidden by their church and their families. This does not stop the two from seeing and wanting to be with one another. The question is, will there love be able to cross holy boundaries or will it crush all that each family holds dear?
Roman is a bit of a jerk. He is self centered...and he even admits to being even more full of himself before his horrible accident. As the story continues, you actually see how vulnerable, reliant, and  angry he truly is. He is still very mad at God and how his life has played out. He has built a wall around him and his family and has a hard time letting people in until he meets Marian. Marian is one tough Amish chick who is Roman's match. But will he be able to let go and accept his life and allow Marian to help and love him as well?
This book is also about love, healing, and tolerance. If you have never read an Amish Romance, then try this one out. I really enjoyed it. 

 

Giveaway and Review: The Sound of Sleigh Bells

Author: Cindy Woodsmall
Title: The Sound of Sleigh Bells

Publication: October 6, 2009

Publisher: WaterBrook Press

Genre: Amish, Romance

Pages: 208

Audience: 18 and up

Rating: 4 out of 5

Source: Purchased

Synopsis (from the cover): Beth Hertzler wourks alongside her beloved Aunt Lizzy in their dry goods store and serves as a contact between Amish craftsman and Englischer retailers. But remorse and loneliness still echo in her heart every day, and she still wears dark dresses to indicate her mourning of her fiance'. When she discovers a large intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow in an Englischer store, something deep inside Beth's soul responds, and she wants to help the unknown artist find homes for his work.
Lizzy sees the changes in her niece when Beth show her the woodworking, and after meeting Jonah, the artist, she is determined that Beth come to know this man whose hands create healing art. But it's not that simple- Beth has cut herself off from any possibility of romance. Will Lizzy's elaborate plan to reintroduce her niece to love work? Will Jonah be able to offer Beth new hope and a s second chance at real love- or just more heartbreak?

My thoughts:

 First of all, I just want to say, it is not my plan to offend anyone by reading and reviewing this religious romance novel. For a class assignment, we had to sign up for booktalks. Someone mentioned the Amish romance because they did not know why they were so popular, and other people agreed. I decided to take this genre on.

The Sound of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Smallwood is a great way to dip your toe into the genre of Amish Romance. However, this book is not just about romance, it is about healing from physical and emotional wounds. I really enjoyed the wealth of knowledge each character shared on the process of healing.
After surpassing the typical amount time of mourning, Beth is still mourning the tragic death of her fiance', Henry. She has built a wall around her heart to let no one in. She has even pushed the people who truly love and care about her, her family. Beth helps her Aunt Lizzy run an Amish dry goods store that helps support their Amish community. Beth finally decides to go on a business trip that will change her life. Also, Beth is not so bitter that you can't stand her. She is a bit annoying, but she has a human quality and you can sympathize with how she acts the way she does.
Jonah has physical wounds from a horrible accident that happened early in his youth. He was angry, but learned there was no reason to be angry for his situation. Since he has healed emotionally, Beth's Aunt Lizzy sees a way for Jonah to help Beth melt the ice around her heart. Jonah may not be in the ideal shape that he would want to be in at 28, but he has a handsome ruggedness about him. He is wise beyond his years and is extremely patient. He is just a loveable character.
The book is really great. The romance is not sexual, it is more about pure, true love and the power of healing and letting go of the past. I never thought I could enjoy an Amish romance, but I did. I believe Cindy Woodsmall is a great author to try the genre out with.


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The Iron Thorn, The Iron Codex Book One: Audiobook

Author: Caitlin Kittredge
Narrator: Katie MacNichol

Title: The Iron Thorn, The Iron Codex Book One

Publication: February 14, 2012

Publisher: Ember

Genre: Young Adult, Horror, Sci-fi, Fantasy, Steampunk

Length: 13 hours
Pages: 512

Audience: 17 and up

Rating: 4 out of 5

Source: Public Library

Synopsis (from Goodreads): In the city of Lovecraft, the Proctors rule and a great Engine turns below the streets, grinding any resistance to their order to dust. The necrovirus is blamed for Lovecraft's epidemic of madness, for the strange and eldritch creatures that roam the streets after dark, and for everything that the city leaders deem Heretical—born of the belief in magic and witchcraft. And for Aoife Grayson, her time is growing shorter by the day.
     Aoife Grayson's family is unique, in the worst way—every one of them, including her mother and her elder brother Conrad, has gone mad on their 16th birthday. And now, a ward of the state, and one of the only female students at the School of Engines, she is trying to pretend that her fate can be different.

My thoughts:
Umm...well...where to begin? I picked this book up and was interested by the cover and synopsis. So here is a quick run down of my reactions to the book. I was excited, I was a little nervous and thought it was weird, then I loved it, then I hated it and wanted it to be over, and then I was angry because it got pretty good at the end and left me hanging. The final book to the trilogy just came out so I can finish the trilogy...maybe. I'm just not sure I want to. This book makes you think you are reading a harmless young adult, dystopian, fantasy, steampunk novel...but in reality it drops you into a world of creatures orginially created by the master of horror,sci-fi, and fantasy himself, H.P. Lovecraft. If you love H.P. Lovecraft then I suggest you read it. Ms. Kittredge made many, many references to him and his works. I think she throws everything into the novel except Cthulhu (he may appear in the later novels). I know I put this in a horror genre. I wasn't really scared, but some of the descriptions were so gross and the monsters so scary that I would define it as more of a light-horror (if there is such a thing! Ha!)
The characters in the book are the only things that seem real in this crazy weird story. Aoife (pronounced like Ee-fa) is our main leading lady. She is strong willed, a bit naive, a bit gullible, but she won't let her disadvantages get in her way. Her disadvantages include being a girl and possibility of going mad on her 16th birthday. Like I said though, she is a tough character and I can respect her for that. Her best friend Cal, I wish he would have been killed off because he was so whiny and scared through most of the book. It really grated on my nerves. Dean was the sexy bad heretic who helps Aoife and Cal find their way. I really liked him because he looked like the big bad wolf, but inside he was a soft marshmallow. One character I just loved who was not a main character was the maid, Betina. I have no idea why I loved her because she could be annoying at times, but her accent was awesome, and she was a bit loveable with all the craziness around.
The audio was performed by Katie MacNichol. She was really great to listen to. She did different accents to a believable Scottish to a manly Cajun accent. She was really great and I enjoyed her audio. When she played Aoife she really acted the part. If Aoife was out of breath, angry, or crying Ms. MacNichol acted it out as she read. She kept me entertained even though the story seemed to drone on and on in parts. The audio was superb, the story was entertaining enough that I stuck with it. I gave it a 4 out of 5 stars.

Girl of the Moment

Author:  Lizabeth Zindel

Title: Girl of the Moment

Publication: April 5, 2007

Publisher: Viking Young Adult

Genre: Young Adult

Pages: 288

Audience: 16 and up

Rating: 4 out of 5

Source: Purchased

 Synopsis (from the cover): When Lily's internship at the Museum of Modern Art falls through, she thinks her summer is ruined. Then her dad hooks her up with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to interns for Sabrina Snow- sixteen-year-old Hollywood starlet and the girl of the moment. From the pages of Party Weekly magazine, Sabrina's world looks like a nonstop merry-go-round of glamorous parties, red-carpet events, and designer clothes. But Lily soon learns that catering to a rising star is more work than play. Once she develops a crush on Sabrina's boyfriend (that may or may not be reciprocated) and a yearning to help a needy fan, Lily's summer starts to spiral out of control. If she can get things back in order, she will be richly rewarded. But do the costs of working for Sabrina outweigh the benefits?

My thoughts:
I originally bought this for my niece. I was going to read it before I gave it to her, and boy am I glad I did! She is 12 and Amazon's age group is 12 and up. With the language, sexual references, underage drinking, and all the other things it contained, I would suggest 16 and up. I also had an issue with Lily being 16. Unless she was able to skip a grade or start school early, I'm not sure how she was going to college the following year. I was 18 when I graduated high school and started college. So the fact that the characters are 16 and not 17 or 18 bothered me a bit. They acted more like 17 and 18 year old to me.
I started out liking Lily. She was a cool, level-headed teenager trying to boost up her resume' for college. When she gets this internship for Sabrina she becomes a naive, stupid, butt kisser. I wanted to reach into the book and shake her and ask her what her deal is. I mean she some of the most stupid and crazy stuff throughout her internship. Sabrina is your typical spoiled, rich, actress and you really want to mush her face into the dirt she is so snotty along with her friends. I think the only rational character in the book is Sabrina's boyfriend Bronson and Lily's friend, Evie. I can sympathize with Lily's dad too, but I think he goes a little too far when he was the one pushing her to take the internship in the first place. Let's not even touch the needy fan, Taylor. I feel so bad for this girl, but that in itself is just a big mess. The entire book is pretty much a mess and it is entertaining to see how Lily deals with each problem.

Dewey: There's a Cat in the Library!

Author: Vicki Myron and Bret Witter

Illustrator: Steve James
Title: Dewey There's a Cat in the Library!

Publication:September 15, 2009

Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers

Genre: Children
Pages: 40

Audience: 3 and up

Rating: 4 out of 5

Source: Purchased

Synopsis (from the cover ):

When Dewey is found in the book drop slot of the public library on the coldest night of the year, he is just a tiny kitten-shivering and very, very dirty! Vicki the librarian takes him in, warms him up, and decides then and there that he will be their library cat, naming him Dewey Readmore Books. Dewey loves his new home and he's always ready to play...But when he discovers the littlest library visitors- who like to chase him, pull his tail, and squeeze him extra tight- Dewey wonders if he is truly cut out for his new job. In this hilarious and heartwarming tale based on Vicki Myron's bestselling true story, Dewey learns what it really takes to be the best library cat of all.

My thoughts:
I remember this story in the news several years ago. I was really excited when I found out the librarian who found Dewey had written a book about it. The best-selling book. Dewey was such a waste of time. If I wanted to hear about martial problems or illness, I would go home. My town is small enough that everyone knows about everyone and I can hear that at home. When I saw that Vicki Myron had written a children's book about Dewey I thought this book will have all that memoir parts cut out of it and focus on the cat. This book is adorable. It is about Dewey finding his place in the library. The book is short enough to hold a child's attention span. The artwork is just beautiful. It is a super cute story.