Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First I read and loved this book, read it again for a Twitter Book Chat and just finished listening to the audiobook which won an award for top 10 Amazing Audiobooks from YALSA! I listened to this audiobook as part of the 2016 Hub Reading Challenge. I was a little unsure about how this book would convert to audio BUT it was fantastic! All of the narrators were unbelievably awesome in delivering this thriller! The sounds of AIDAN, pilots, battles, hackers, and of course, Kady & Ezra make this one of my favorite books and I am most definitely looking forward to the 2nd book! There will be a great Twitter chat with #2jennsbookclub at 8pm Thursday 6/9- join in the discussion!

Here is my review from reading the book:) https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit...
What a fantastic rip roaring good read! As Kady & Ezra break up (this is a big thing) little do they know by afternoon their planet, Kerenza, has been attacked and the ex-lovers (barely speaking & angry with each other) are fleeing for their lives. What I loved about this sci-fi action drama was the high octane super charged way the authors accomplished this first in a series- using Memos, hacked documents (IMs, texts, emails), interviews, pictures, graphics all pull this story into a hold your breath drama where 1 girl (great with technology, doesn't work well with others & super bad ass) and 1 guy (team player, fighter pilot and still in love with Kady) fight together & separately to save those on The Alexander, Lincoln & Hypatia from a mutating disease, AIDAN's insanity, and still stay alive. I could not stop following the Kady & Ezra communications (OMG!!!) I am so looking forward to the 2nd book in the series! Kaufman and Kristoff create a thriller where everything is crazy and Kady & Ezra are very strong protagonists the reader just keeps rooting for! Highly recommended!

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Symphony For the City of the Dead: Dmitri Shostakovich and the Seige of Leningrad by MT Anderson

Symphony for the City of the Dead: Dmitri Shostakovich and the Siege of Leningrad by M.T. Anderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this nonfiction book as part of The 2016 Hub Reading Challenge. MT Anderson did a thorough job researching this brutal time in history and like a novel, he wove a story of brutality and beauty. Dmitri Shostakovich was a brilliant composer who loved Leningrad but hated the way the Stalin regime choked the people of Leningrad. On top of that, WWII and Hitler invade Russia and considering Russians "subhuman" he set out to destroy them. But Hitler did not know how much of a force Dmitri and the people of Leningrad would prove to be. A rousing book that I could not put down (but wanted to because I was sickened by Stalin & Hitler) and highly recommend!

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Audacity by Melanie Crowder

Audacity by Melanie Crowder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my 27th book read as part of The 2016 Hub Challenge and it is a compelling historical fiction novel in verse about Clara Lemlich who came to the US from Russia with her family in the early 1900s. Clara is a spirited girl who loves learning and wants to make a difference. As a garment worker in NY who toils long hours for meager pay and realizes very quickly she wants to be a voice to help those suffering. Clara has "audacity" and spunk and gives, gives, gives to the workers during this dark time for the working masses. Students will love the Clara's zeal and unrepentant spirit when comes to helping workers better their working conditions.

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Audacity by Melanie Crowder

Audacity by Melanie Crowder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my 27th book read as part of The 2016 Hub Challenge and it is a compelling historical fiction novel in verse about Clara Lemlich who came to the US from Russia with her family in the early 1900s. Clara is a spirited girl who loves learning and wants to make a difference. As a garment worker in NY who toils long hours for meager pay and realizes very quickly she wants to be a voice to help those suffering. Clara has "audacity" and spunk and gives, gives, gives to the workers during this dark time for the working masses. Students will love the Clara's zeal and unrepentant spirit when comes to helping workers better their working conditions.

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Ashfall by Mike Mullin

Ashfall by Mike Mullin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to this audiobook at part of the 2016 Hub Challenge and oh it was deadly and cringe worthy but the narrator who plays Alex as a sullen teen who is home alone when an underground Volcano erupts was superb!!! Alex goes from being a total jerk to forging against all odds to search for his family in an end of the world struggle that will keep you listening or turning those pages as Alex fights for his life, food, shelter and even the government (FEMA) in horror filled chapter after chapter. I can't wait for the next in this series!

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The Weight of Feathers by Anna-Marie Mclemore

The Weight of Feathers by Anna-Marie McLemore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh did I love this audiobook, one of my favorites; the magical realism reminded me of Bone Gap by Laura Ruby but the carnival traveling shows reminded me of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern! This is also part of the Hub Challenge, Morris Award winner I am involved in completing. There are 2 rival shows - the acts of the Paloma's are mermaids and the Corbeau's are birds and along with this is a long history of hatred, lies, secrets, taboos & suspicions. Enter Lace (a Paloma) and Cluck (a Corbeau) who happen to save each other on separate occasions. From this meeting, all of the sick family history and taboos sever Lace from her family but luckily she secretly works for the Corbeau family as a make-up artist. And it is here that Lace & Cluck fall in love and the long standing myths are tested, revealed, and overflow in a magnificent scene where Lace & Cluck take on both families. McLemore's plot, setting, imagery, dialogue and language (French & Spanish) drew me in and had me rooting for Lace & Cluck. Especially beguiling were the narrators, Kirby Heyborne and Cynthia Farrell, they brought this magical world to life and continued the fantasy as each chapter unfolded and the reader was plunged into this world of urban fantasy. Highly recommended!!!

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Conviction by Kelly Loy Gilbert

Conviction by Kelly Loy Gilbert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book for 2 reasons - first as part of the Hub Reading Challenge and Morris Award and second as part of the #yearofya April mystery month - this book I listened to is recommended for lovers of Harlan Coben's psychological thrillers. And boy do I agree! The narration by Michael Crouch was oh so awesome! I could not stop listening as teen Braden tells of his life with his father who is a powerful (and very flawed) religious speaker and his passion for baseball and God. He also tugs at your heart when he describes how his brother Trey (also flawed but due to father calling him "a bad person" his whole life) abandons him and he yearns for his companionship over the years. There is an accident and Braden's dad is arrested for killing a policeman with his car and Braden is key to his father's defense. When Trey comes home as his guardian, there is so much anguish in that house; I hoped for redemption for Trey and Braden. But Gilbert's debut is an awesome, anguishing look at the secrets and perverseness of religion and families/fathers. Loved this book but ached for Braden, such a sympathetic character.

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Sacred Heart by Liz Suburbia

Sacred Heart by Liz Suburbia
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I read this graphic novel for The Hub Alex Award and I was disappointed with the storyline. I needed more interaction with the many plot lines and their characters. This graphic novel got high praise but I finished the book wanting MORE that the illustrations and story line did not deliver.

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The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant

The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read/listened to this audiobook as part of the Hub Challenge (Amelia Bllomer YA, Top 10 List) and oh was it good. I could not stop listening to actress, Linda Lavin's beautiful retelling of her life as Addie Baum to her granddaughter. I learned so much about the 1900's in Boston as Addie was born and raised by immigrant parents from Russia who argue incessantly, the turbulence of the times with illness, death & war and the strong personality of Addie and her sister while her oldest sister has a very sensitive constitution. Addie's view of the world is humorous, honest, and forward thinking. I so enjoyed this vibrant novel; highly recommended!

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Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez

Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Pérez
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book as part of the Hub Challenge and it is a finalist for the Michael Printz Award. All is have to say is WOW; it was gut wrenching; I had to keep putting it down because it was so sad and rife with racism, but I also had to keep picking it back up to read and find out what was going to happen to Naomi, Wash and twins Beto and Cari. The story begins with the shocking but true story of a school explosion in 1937 in New London, Texas. But the author then weaves back in time and pieces together the story of Naomi, a Mexican girl who has moved with her very light colored siblings (their mother is dead) and her stepfather, Henry who is the most evil man- he gave me the creeps throughout the book to this oil town. In a town where racism is ripe, Naomi and the twins meet and become friends with African American, Wash. That is the only GOOD part of this story. The rest made me cringe, ache, sob and wish for redemption. All I can say is "it is a must read" but it is not an easy read. Perez's characters, the town, and the times are all too REAL and I agonized as I read every word.

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Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this graphic novel as part of The Hub Challenge and March's #YearofYA twitter chat topic of graphic novels. Astrid is a normal, likable 12 year old with an awesome best friend, Nicole. On one of her mom's ECE's (Evening of Cultural Enlightenment) Astrid and Nicole to a roller skating derby. Astrid is hooked, wants to learn more and signs up for summer camp. It is around this time things with Nicole begin to shift, Astrid begins to lie to her mom about many things, and Astrid begins to "awaken" with her new found sport, friends and competition. Victoria Jamieson did such a great job with the characters, teaching me ALL about roller derby, and each illustration and pane did a spectacular job of moving the plot along, sharing Astrid's ups & downs with roller derby and showing Astrid's insecurities, anxieties and complexities. I loved all the crazy player names and Astrid's growth as a player and friend, highly recommended!

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A Silent Voice Volume 1 by Yoshitoki Oima

A Silent Voice, Vol. 1 by Yoshitoki Ooima
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this manga as part of the Hub Challenge; I normally read graphic novels & love them, but I have to admit, I found it difficult at times to follow this book on bullying. The black & white illustrations were good but there was not much dialogue and I couldn't get enough information on the characters, thoughts and movement forward of the story line. I am going to read the next 2 in the series since they are also on The Hub Challenge and will let you know what I think.

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The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl: Vol 1 Squirrel Power

The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Vol. 1: Squirrel Power by Ryan North
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this graphic novel as part of the Hub Challenge; Doreen Green is her name but she is superhero, Squirrel Girl, and she works with her pet squirrel, Tippy Toe, to keep the world safe. As she begins college, Doreen/Squirrel Girl has a roommate who is spunky and also has a cat, Mew that she loves. Squirrel Girl is very determined to rid the world of Kraven the Hunter and Galactus and with a little help from her squirrel friends, she will win!

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Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale

Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this fairy tale as part of the Hub Challenge and Dashti, the servant girl of Lady Saren is the protagonist who stole my heart. She was down to earth, loyal, loved animals, and used music as a way to heal. Saren & Dashti are sealed in a tower for 7 years by Saren's father because she refuses to marry this evil man, Khasar. As they settle in, Khan Tegus is the ruler Lady Saren promised herself to and as he sneaks & visits them, Saren makes Dashti talk to Tegus as Lady Saren. This arrangement is uncomfortable to Dashti but she took and oath to obey her Lady and she continues to do what Lady Saren does throughout the story. What an engrossing tale Shannon Hale weaves, complete with animals Dashti & Saren love and depend on. The ending was my favorite part! Highly recommended for those who enjoy fairy tales and retellings and great storytelling.

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ShadowShaper by Daniel Jose Older

Shadowshaper by Daniel José Older
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book as part of The Top 10 Best Fiction of Young Adults for the Hub Challenge and I finished in 2 days. Sierra Santiago's voice, personality, spirit grabbed me from page 1- she is from Brooklyn, a muralist, and she is noticing the murals around Bed-Stuy are changing, get less distinct, and she even sees one tear drop out of a person's eye on the mural! What is up? Daniel Jose Older has written a book that is diverse, funny, magical, mystical, and urban - from Sierra's family, friends and community- the reader is treated to a book that tells a story about a teen protagonist you will not soon forget. Not only do we have Sierra's world of painting and friends but the reader is treated to magic, evil monsters, shadowshaping, and a girl who will stop at nothing to figure it all out. Highly recommended!

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The One (Selection #2) by Kiera Cass

The One by Kiera Cass
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved the drama, intrigue and rebels in this 3rd book of The Selection! Amy Rubinate did not disappoint as she continued to be the most awesome narrator America Singer. As with the first 2 books Maxon & America do not take the easy way into LOVE! Although the reader always knows Maxon wants America---America always has other reasons to doubt Maxon's caring & herself-such as the other girls, the King hates her, the caste system still guides all her decisions an reactions, feelings for Aspen, and the rebels continuing and increasing ambushes. Loved the ending and I am definitely going to listen to the heir- but I will miss Amy Rubinate's narration, darn!

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Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War by Steve Sheinkin

Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War by Steve Sheinkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this Nonfiction Book Award Winner as part of the 2016 Hub Challenge. I have read and loved all Sheinkin's nonfiction books and Most Dangerous does not disappoint!!! Sheinkin's thrilling narrative and thorough research brought the Vietnam War and it's atrocities alive. The government's role was riveting and heinous. Daniel Ellsberg was a dedicated government employee who was passionate in everything he did and Sheinkin's portrayal was moving and convincing. I could not stop turning the pages and it is Sheinkin's engrossing narrative that sucked me in and kept me glued to the final page! I recommend Teachers and students of American history read this- as well as adults and teens. Highly recommended!!!

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The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B by Teresa Toten

The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B by Teresa Toten
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to this audiobook because my friend, Tiff Emerick highly recommended it and also as part of the 2016 Hub Challenge. What a great book about friendship, battling OCD, first love and the crushing feelings/lies/secrets have on teens. Adam is the main character struggling with OCD and we meet him as part of an OCD support group (loved his therapist!!!) and I especially enjoyed their nicknames as a way of working through their discussions, therapies, and life. There is so much humor to help level the angst that these teens grapple with. Robyn and Adam's growing friendship totally sucked me in, loved them, their support for each other, and their love for each other. The hoarding and letters Adam's mom received are examples of the lies/secrets I hated that Adam felt he could not share...It was good to see Adam's other family where his little brother, Sweetie totally idolized him and his Dad and Stepmom loved and worried about him. I wish there had been another ending...but this a book I highly recommend for teens.

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March Book One by John Robert Lewis

March: Book One by John Robert Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read March for 2 reasons; the Hub 2016 Challenge and Twitter Book Club for Feb (Social Justice) and March (graphic novels). This graphic novel touched me deeply, I loved the character of John Lewis, the way illustrations made you sick but also honored so many who fought/marched/demonstrated/served so ardently for civil rights then and now. It was so important to find out about the man who had so much to tell- his life in Washington, DC, his beginnings in Pike County Alabama as he loving raised chickens & practiced preaching to them and his pivotal role in the civil rights movement. A must read!

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Ms Marvel: Generation Why by G. Willow Wilson

Ms. Marvel, #8: Generation Why by G. Willow Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this graphic novel as part of the 2016 Hub Challenge and Ms. Marvel is one kick ass heroine living in Jersey City fighting to keep the bad guys out of her neighborhood. She fights against the Inventor alone but is aided by Lockjaw, a dog with super powers. As an inhuman she fights to protect and I can't wait to read more about this superhero (but also just a plain old teen in high school).

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