The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker

The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you to my friend, Michelle for recommending this a few times. Awesomely narrated by: Cassandra Campbell, this was a spell binding, gripping, lyrical, and mesmerizing romance of two people in Burma, who end up saving each 0ther. I loved the way Sendker told this awesome historical fiction story---his writing was beautiful, the way Tin Win views the world as a blind man and his romance with Mimi (how he details their lovemaking, his comfort and solace with carrying her on his back, the beauty of MiMi and Kalaw. I loved how this story unfolded and have not been able to stop thinking about the series of events in U Ba's story to Julia about Tin Win and MiMi's life and how affecting it was to Julia and her thinking and her outlook on her life and her father's life in Kalaw. A must read!!!

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Count All Her Bones (Girl, Stolen #2) by April Henry

Count All Her Bones by April Henry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My students at Abington Sr Hi loved April Henry mysteries!!! Now that I am retired, I continue to read and love her books and this 2nd in the series was such an addicting psychological thriller, I could not put it down, devoured it in one day. Cheyenne was blinded from a very sharp impact to her skull, and after being found in the car that was carjacked by Griffin Sawyer, Cheyenne's life since then has been one of a bodyguard/also martial arts instructor, no friends, home and school until the trial is over, hopefully convicting Griffin's dad, Roy, with their testimony (Griffin & Cheyenne). But Roy has plans to put all the blame on Griffin and have his son serve time in prison; and that is how Plan B gets put into effect. Cheyenne rocked as a blind teen who knows how to protect herself; she is one of my fave characters; she definitely has some issues, but she is grounded enough to struggle through, keep her fiery personality (as Griffin sees her "bad ass") as a central part of who she is and wants to be in life. I rooted for Griffin and Cheyenne being able to "find each other" again - reluctant readers will love this mystery series; once again April Henry has written a quick thrilling read that will keep teens reading, guessing and fingers crossed! (Read it December 1 but Goodreads would not let me put that date in, argh!!!)

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As Brave As You by Jason Reynolds

As Brave As You by Jason Reynolds
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love all of Jason Reynolds books, his urban fiction is real, authentic and a must for teen readers. But this book is NOT urban fiction and just as awesome as his other titles- boy does he know how to write!!! Brothers Genie and Ernie are taken to their grandparents home in Virginia for a month while their parents work to keep their marriage together. Genie always writes down any questions he has and if he can't get an answer from the mouths of family and friends, he goes on to the internet for his answers. Both are from Brooklyn and going from the city to country is a rude awakening; as they settle in Genie weaves a story about their adventure (and worry-filled) filled life with their grandparents. Quickly Genie learns his grandfather is blind, hasn't left his house in years, and has recruited Genie for some secret night travels. While Ernie is totally cool with his signature shades & love of karate and beating up on Genie when he is annoying; things transpire like a girlfriend for Ernie, Tess and on his birthday a surprise gift from his grandfather. I loved Genie, Ernie, Tess, Grandma and Grandpa, parents and learning about their family secrets, loves and losses. Middle school and teens will love this book about brothers, family, loss, grief, and finding one's voice.

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Not If I See You First by Eric Lindstrom

Not If I See You First by Eric Lindstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have to admit, I liked Parker Grant more and more as I read this book. Losing your sight and mother at age 7 is very difficult for any child and as Parker grows up she creates The Rules and these rules govern her friendships, family, and relationships. Fast forward to high school where Parker has just lost her father, runs every morning, and reunites with the guy she blames for ruining her life. Lindstrom deftly portrays Parker's feistiness to the world but he does a superb job of fleshing out her insecurities, which make her wretchedly question many things she was so so sure about. How will Parker deal with her new reality of Scott, Jason, Molly, Trish, Sarah, and Sheila? Loved this book and the cadre of teen characters, the fierce friendships, the importance of friends and finding oneself!

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