Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne

Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading and loving Berserker by Emmy Laybourne I wanted to go back & listen to this audiobook very awesomely narrated by Todd Haberkorn. I have had this book listed first in my TBR so it has been on there for quite some time. I loved hearing the story from the POV of teen, Dean who is in love with Astrid (she is dating/in love with the jock) who loves to journal, has a younger, very interesting brother, Alex, and one day their lives change when the world experiences disasters one after another, requiring teens and little ones to hole up in a store and try to deal with chemical weapons in the air that make some of them very aggressive, others sexually inhibited, etc. I could not stop listening to the drama of their world but also these kids trying to figure things out, keep out bad people, and yearn for their families. I can't wait to listen to #2 in this series!!!.

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Frigid (Frigid #1) by Jennifer Armentrout

Frigid by J. Lynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really love Jennifer Armentrout romance novels (both YA & adult) and her characters, Kyler and Sydney as 21 year olds who have been best friends forever (but they do not know each is in love with the other) & are snowed in during an epic snow storm- what will happen? Very enjoyable!

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A Million Junes by Emily Henry

A Million Junes by Emily Henry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this enchanting romance/paranormal story for #yabookchat which we will discuss 12/3 at 9pm EST, come join us! This was such a great read; I loved Emily Henry's debut The Love That Split the World but I LOVED this even more- Henry's style of writing pulls me right in; the world of June & Saul with feuding families; the magic of her house with its ghosts (Nameless & Feathers ), Whites, coywolves who take shoes, and the all encompassing grief June still feels at losing her Dad. The characters were all fleshed out, whether they are alive (like June and Saul) or dead (like her Dad and all the O'Donnell partriarchs) strange, spellbinding and all too real. The different "loves" were powerful from friends like Hannah, to June's mom and Toddy, June & Saul and most magic- the memories of June with/and her Dad. I loved getting to know the million Junes and rooted for June and Saul to break the curse but just maybe reunite the O'Donnell and Angert families. Highly recommended.

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Worlds Afire by Paul B. Janeczko

Worlds Afire by Paul B. Janeczko
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this historical fiction novel in verse as part of the November chat for #yearoya focusing on books written between 2002 and 2007. I love Paul Janeczko and this spare novel was heartbreaking. A circus, lots of people, and a fire breaks out, killing 167 people in a few minutes! There are many voices each telling about the fire, the animals, the people, the circus, and how the 1944 fire affected all involved, compelling and great for reluctant readers!

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The Brimstone Journals by Ron Koertge

The Brimstone Journals by Ron Koertge
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this realistic fiction novel in verse as part of the November chat for #yearoya focusing on books written between 2002 and 2007. My students always loved Ron Koertge books, I never found the time to read this, I am so glad I did. With school shootings making the news, this High School in 2001 is dealing with bullying, romance, sexual abuse, and a dangerous group who are making a list of those who will not make it. The teen voices are real and span all kinds of high school kids. Thankfully teens don't shy from talking to the adults and police when they fear for their life. An ALA Notable Book in 2002.

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Kampung Boy by Lat (Mohammed Nor Khalid)

Kampung Boy by LAT (Mohammad Nor Khalid)
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this realistic fiction novel in verse as part of the November chat for #yearoya focusing on books written between 2002 and 2007. Lat's life growing up in Malayasia was so interesting, his fishing, adventures with friends, and his family dynamics made this an interesting look at a life in 1950 that was disappearing even then.

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The Speaker (The Reader #2) by Traci Chee

The Speaker by Traci Chee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh boy did I love this 2nd book in the Reader series!!! Traci Chee kept me turning the pages even when the horror of what Archer and his band are dealing with in memories, self-hatred, loathing, dreams, no sleep. Archer and Sefia use the book to catch, kill, and imprison the Impressors who kidnapped them and stole their lives only to have them survive by killing each other. Now they are finding the kidnapped boys, freeing them and joining Archer to free all the boys and punish the Impressors. But they are always being chased by the Guard (oh do I hate them, Tanin especially) and it is up to Sefia (they call her the Sorcerer) to read the book to lead them to the next encampment. What I found very difficult to read was how tortured Archer was; it was making the distance between him and Sefia very wide (but Sefia is not being honest with him either, is she???) I loved Traci Chee's worldbuilding, 500 pages slipped by, the words, the characters, the plot all were captivating and I thank the author for a positive uplifting ending (Sefia & Archer are together!!!) but still thrilling and exciting about Book 3; can't wait - found this book fascinating; highly recommended!!! I can't wait to find out more about past, present and future as Sefia and Archer have very decided roles they play in this world of reading, magic, Guards, and lies.

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The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage (Book of Dust Vol. 1) by Philip Pullman

La Belle Sauvage by Philip Pullman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love Michael Sheen's superb narration of La Belle Sauvage; and Malcolm and Alice and Lyra are my new favorite characters! I am going to go back and listen to the Lyra books again; such a great series!!! With the world in the throes of a flood, young Malcolm had fled with Alice and the baby, Lyra---there are people who mean to harm her and they will not ever succeed if it is up to Malcom!!! I loved his determination, his personality (he could fool people with his comments but he could also be very truthful to others) and as he plunges with eyes wide open into finding safety---he meets many interesting people. This book has it all, I was gripped with the narration, the worldbuilding, the revisiting of a character I loved, Lyra. What a thrill---I can't wait for the 2nd book; Pullman has crafted a mystery, historical fiction, and rife with spies, murderers, and fanatics. Highly recommended!

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Berserker (Berserker #1) by Emmy Laybourne

Berserker by Emmy Laybourne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great, gripping, thrilling read!!! Emmy Laybourne really knows how to pull the reader in with the Norse/Viking mythology, the Nyette power that runs in certain families, and it ruins them too. When Hanne, who is a Berserker, feels her father in danger, her power comes in full and she kills 3 men, causing the family to flee from Norway to America. Her brother Knut (Nyette is strength) and Steig (Nyette is control heat/weather) are also Nytteson but not their youngest sister, Sissel. They all hope their uncle can help them understand/control their powers as they plod through the west in the 1800s. I loved this family, with their compassion for each other, the brother's aching concern for Hanne's self-loathing, and their quiet, kind acceptance of life in all the good and bad. Their meeting Owen Bennett really added to my love for this intriguing, hardscrabble tale. Owen (really nice cowboy) and his dog, Daisy (OMG, loved her!!!) has had a tough existence but he really messes up when he gets drunk and loses all his earnings. But this could also be the BEST thing for Owen because he meets this wonderful family, gets hired on as their guide (for lots of $$) and really begins to feel special when he is with them. I could not put this book down, so happy for the good advice from Rolf and Ketril's demise (what is the Baron advocating with his Nytteson???) I simply can't wait for the second book!!! Highly recommended!

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Gem & Dixie by Sara Zarr

Gem & Dixie by Sara Zarr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoy Sara Zarr's books so much and sisters, Gem & Dixie, really have a tough life but two different outlooks. Gem was the older sister, so responsible, who watches as their lives fall apart over and over again. She just can't take it anymore. When her father comes home after years away, he lies (as usual) and stashes money under a bed. When the girls decide to run away, they find this ill-begotten money and the way both sisters view this latest betrayal is just so real and sad and plain scary. Because Dixie is the youngest and always had Gem looking out for her, Dixie is able to convince herself there are good times in her future with both parents while Gem takes matters into her own hands to save her heart, her sister, and just maybe carve out a future. This was not an easy read; it reminded me of Nancy Werlin's Rules of Survival- one of my favorite books while at Abington Senior High. There are parents who should not be parents and this is true of Gem and Dixie, but while both girls survive- the damage to Gem will only get worse- what will she do??? Powerful read.

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We Are Okay by Nina LaCour

We Are Okay by Nina LaCour
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was plunged to the depths of despair with Marin, as LaCour's main protagonist struggles with her life before, during, and now in the present, after the death/disappearance of her grandfather. Even though Marin and her grandfather have a great relationship; it was too weird- they did not go into each other's room?!? They did not relate all the time as their dynamics would suggest. And the way Marin deals with "things" after is just plain unbelievable, but then she did receive such a jolt and then she had to question everything in her life-unfortunately that ended in Marin fleeing from her best friend, Mabel and her wonderful supportive family. How she deals with her grief is so awfully lonely, I can't imagine- why would she not answer any of Mabel's endless texts? Why would she flee the police station knowing Mabel's parents were waiting? But the visit from Mabel at her college, the 3 days they spend together, gave me hope and such a wonderful feeling that with Mabel's love, help, and the support of her parents, Marin would heal, find answers and become hopeful once more.

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The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli

The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book for the #2jennsbookclub twitter chat to be held 11/9 at 8PM. Molly was such a likable character; she was shy but always positive, such a uniquely creative person and very aware she is considered "large" or "chubby." She has a twin sister who is thin, blond, gay and I think too harsh with Molly and then gets too secretive when she starts seeing a new girl (she has never been like this before!) as well as trying to overzealously set Molly up with new guy, Will. I loved the family dynamic with the two moms, their upcoming plans for their nuptials, and Molly's new job with coworker, Reid who is funny, nerdy, into Tolkein and super nice. Albertalli really knows how to craft a story; I loved her first book and I think I like this one even more. She gets teens, their dramas, their relationships, and pulls the readers in with the honesty, humor, and ultimate happiness of a really great book.

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Warcross (Warcross #1) by Marie Lu

Warcross by Marie Lu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Since I am not into gaming at all, I absolutely loved the narration by Nancy Wu; her voice had just the right amount of tension, yes there is lots of that in this high stakes gaming competition that has someone trying to destroy the game. Emika Chen hacks into the initial Warcross game and that has her meet the creator, Hideo, who hires her as a hacker to find who is hacking into Warcross. There was so much going on, I loved the narration, I would have been lost because I am not familiar with all the terms used but I loved the artificial worlds, the ins and outs of the games, the way the games were set up using bots, virtual weapons, Ash in a wheelchair but he runs in the game, and bounty hunters!!! I can't wait for Book 2 because the ending really surprised me- I think Emika is such a bold, fierce, amazing and strong female main character- I can't wait to see what happens.

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The Empress (Diabolic #2) by S.J. Kincaid

The Empress by S.J. Kincaid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well I have to say I loved the book for the first 80%, but the last 20% really hurt---still could not stop turning the pages! I know Kincaid writes a thrilling book, I could not put it down!!! There was so much going on with the politics in the court, the trip to see the Interdict, Pasus is evil to he core (I could not put it down, but as I read what he made Tyrus and others do I was truly sickened...) I will definitely read the 3rd book but I realize, the ending of this book, has spelled out a death knell that I should have seen coming...I love Nemesis and Tyrus together but the world is against them and when Nemesis makes a decision that takes her away from Tyrus for 4 years, well you can only guess the worse happens---but like Nemesis, I hoped for a great homecoming, never seeing that her decision and all its implications- was too long and painful for Tyrus. That darn drug, Tyrus having to make Pasus family, all culminate in a Tyrus so changed I hated him to the core. Now I am left with waiting for the 3rd book, knowing there can be no coming back for Nemesis and Tyrus, so Kincaid better come up with some whopper for the 3rd book. This book has so many plot twists and turns, my heart was up and down, my aggravation knew no bounds, and my wishes are dashed- so it was amazing but I can't get over the Tyrus/Nemesis debacle, but I guess I understand, but I don't like it at all...

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Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust

Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved Jennifer Ikeda's brilliant narration of this reimagining of the Snow White Tale in this 2017 release. The voices, the inflection and the feelings and inner monologues of Mina and Lynet were wonderful to listen to; Mina's feeling of entrapment by her father, her husband the king, and being told by her father she would/could never be loved by anyone because of her glass heart, plunged Mina into a life of harsh insecurity believing only her beauty would garner her success. Lynet, the princess was such a special, strong, capable character- even though her father, the king, kept her away from playmates, she found love and acceptance with Mina. I especially enjoyed Felix and his transformation over time; it was just so good, since everything was so calculated by Mina. It was always tough to listen to Gregory, he was such an evil heinous character. But the ending, oh the ending- it made me so so happy with this new re-imagining; Highly recommended!

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Turtles All The Way Down by John Green

Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, this was an awesome book to listen to, Kate Rudd nailed Aza's obsessive compulsive mental illness-BUT it was tough to listen to (I ached for Aza) but a book teens need to read and will resonate with as mental illness, friendship, loss, families, are all explored and not easily resolved. Green is such a great writer and the fact that he himself suffers from OCD, it brought immediacy and urgency to Aza's story. She is naturally weird, so her obsessions don't help, making her shy and aloof. She has a very capable therapist, but Aza won't take her medicine as prescribed, doesn't always tell the whole truth and as she devolves--- fights the part of her illness that is obsessed with germs and microbes, breaking open a scab on her hand and compulsively cleaning and re-bandaging it- I asked myself, is it because she is a teen and doesn't know any better that she drinks hand sanitizer, and shirks the healing effects of taking her medicine? This book was a journey - Aza's friendship with Daisy and her romance with Davis saddened me; I wished a happy outcome and life for Aza, but I guess we need another book about an older Aza, don't we?

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House Arrest by K.A. Holt

House Arrest by K.A. Holt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh do I love K.A. Holt's novels in verse- they stop my heart with Timothy's house arrest, problems with hit little brother, his mother who won't accept help (so Timothy won't accept help either), and a father who fled because he couldn't handle the medical burden of his baby son. Once Timothy makes a very well intentioned but BAD attempt at theft to help pay for his brother's medicine- he must see a parole officer and therapist and journal for the year about his feelings and oh did I ache for him. This was a tough book to read but so relatable to what kids endure, their feeling of being alone, with no help, and not being able to do anything about it. I really love Jose's family, thank God for them. Holt's ability to use verse to tell this story was just so real, I could not put it down, everyone needs to read this book! Adults, kids, teens, teachers, health providers- a must read!

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