Charming As A Verb by Ben Philippe

Charming as a Verb by Ben Philippe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This 2nd book of Ben Philippe's is a must read; realistic, humorous but angst ridden about the college acceptance process, readers will love the saga of Henri and Corinne's friendship/romance. I loved Henri's dog walking job, his sneaker design obsession, his debate prowess, his friendship with Ming, and his popularity in school. BUT I did not like his obsession with Columbia and his all around weirdness! I loved Corinne's refreshing honesty, her index card system, her dog, Palm Tree and her blackmail of Henri. YA readers will love this book- the friendships, the family dynamics, the senior year drama will have them turning those pages! A must read! Highly recommended.

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The Serpent King by Jeff Zenter (audiobook)

The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to this stunning audiobook (since I had already read the book!!!) for a twitter chat with #2jennsbookclub on 8/8 at 8pm. Since I had already read the book and knew the whole plot; it was at times aching and at times haunting to listen to Dill, Travis, and Lydia as their lives unfold during their senior year of high school. Readers will continue to think about the confines of a small town, bullies, and three best friends who exist only for each other's friendship. Dill is mesmerizing as a poor, down trodden, teen with a disgraced father in prison with debt weighing on Dill and his mom. Travis's dad has become an abusive alcoholic toward Travis and his mom with his brother's death in Afghanistan. And Lydia has supportive parents, a wildly successful fashion blog and looks forward to college in New York. What is most sad is the torment Dill suffers as each day ticks by as senior year draws to a close and Lydia will leave him and never know he had been in love with her for a very long time. What lies in store for these three friends- will their dreams come true or will small town life decide their futures? A must read and listen to!!! Narrators Michael Crouch, Ariadne Meyers, Ethan Sawyer were awesome, with irresistible voices drawing the listener into their sympathetic characters' hearts, minds, and lives! A MUST READ!





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