Invisible by James Patterson and David Ellis

Another amazing cannot-put-it-down work by Mr. Patterson.  This one follows Emily, who I adore, as she pieces together a puzzle only she believes is even a puzzle!  I loved the twist of our main character being the only one who believes in this creep, I loved the ending, and I love James Patterson.  With over 200 books to his name and countless authors clamoring to share the byline with him, he hasn't lost his touch at all.  Highly recommended for mystery, thriller, or Patterson fans everywhere.
 5 smiles, 1 wink

Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver

I really wanted to like this book.  I've enjoyed other works by Ms. Kingsolver, including Bean Trees and Pigs in Heaven (highly recommended books, by the way).  This book was a realistic fiction story that follows a rural family with troubles as they encounter a scientific phenomenon that changes their small town.  The story is woven with some excellent science details and a few characters who I really respected and enjoyed (Ovid Byron, for one).

However, the story slows painfully in many spots and I felt myself needing to force the reading to get through it.  The information about global warming is actually presented quite well and reads quickly, helping this earn a smile from me.  Overall, I give this book 2 smiles.  One earned for the presentation of global warming and one earned because I like the extended metaphor of the butterflies to our main character.

Lincoln's Grave Robbers by Steve Sheinkin

This book was a gift to me from some amazing little readers I've had the privilege of teaching or working with in some capacity over the years.  I really enjoyed the factual evidence presented in an interesting way and the pictures were great!  I have never considered myself a history buff, but I completely fell in love with this story.  Anyone interested in history at all should give this quick read a go.

As a side note this would be a GREAT one to read with a class!

4 smiles

Trashed by Diana Morgan

This mystery story is the first novel for a woman from New Hampshire.  Having spent years of my childhood playing around Lake Winnepausakee, I enjoyed the references to the New Hampshire lifestyle.  The mystery itself was good.  The story is interesting, fast, and creative.  I figured it out a bit earlier than I liked, but I enjoyed the ride nonetheless.

The characters in this novel were great.  I really liked (and related to) Will and Vic.  I appreciated the fresh take on the cliche mystery characters this author provided.  She was not afraid to break that mystery mold and I admire her choices.

The only nuances I found, probably due to the fact that this is a first novel, were the difficulties in dialogue.  At a few points in the story I had trouble tracking who was speaking in a conversation.  There are little or no indications (ie "he said") to help you follow.  Occasionally there is even a direction (ie "Will shrugged") that will follow a different character speaking and confuses the reader.  It is a small criticism and it honestly didn't ruin the book at all.

Overall, great story and a remarkable first novel.  Kudos Ms. Morgan.

4 smiles

Getting the Pretty Back by Molly Ringwald

I really wanted to like this book.  Mostly because I've always liked Molly Ringwald movies, honestly.  The book has cute illustrations, glossy pages, and plenty of short lists to keep any reader interested.  But the content is nothing more than dribble.  I wanted the book to be about finding inner beauty, discovering that you have a youthful "pretty" side still inside your aging body.  Instead, the book is about fashion, dinner parties, hair, and other crap I am simply not cut out for.  I can practically hear her hundred dollar bills flying out the window as I turn pages.  Meanwhile, I cannot even fathom a situation that would justify spending that kind of money on a Hermes scarf.

Sorry Molly, I simply hated the tips you provided.  To be fair, if you are the kind of person who reads fashion magazines and lives for fashion tips you'll probably love it.

1 smile since I can't do less.

The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult

"Inside each of us is a monster; inside each of us is a saint.  The real question is which one we nurture the most, which one will smite the other."

Read nothing about the details of this book-search for no other reviews (I promise not to ruin it) and look for no spoilers.  Do this, and you will be shocked with a 1-2 punch that leaves you holding your breath with goosebumps decorating your arms within the first 50 pages.

Jodi Picoult weaves a story of a young woman who makes an unlikely friend harboring a secret she doesn't see coming (and you won't either).  What she chooses next can shape so many things.  Like all good Jodi Picoult books, this one rang with a truth and an emotion that you cannot help but feel.

As my husband, and anyone else who happened to see me reading this book, can attest to this book is an emotional roller coaster.  I couldn't binge read this one like I wanted to, because I often had to set it down to let my emotions roll back downward toward normal.  The topic becomes chilling quickly and the story is masterfully told from points of view that Ms. Picoult certainly must have researched well.

No matter what you like to read, read this one.  Seriously.

5 huge smiles
1 tear

Middle School the Worst Years of my Life by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts

On my quest for finding books that will make students read-I tried this one.  In the style made popular by "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" this book is told by a sixth grader, Rafe, and is heavily illustrated.  The story is fast and full of voice kids will appreciate.

The premise of the story will have some adults turned off of this one-so read it before you hand it to your kids.  Rafe has decided to make it his mission to break every single rule in the school handbook.  Not exactly an idea you want in your kids head.  Patterson makes it pretty obvious that this was not a great choice.  Rafe gets in a LOT of trouble (obviously) for this plan.

The entire theme SEEMS like it's "rules are not for everyone" which some adults may see as a dangerous idea.  However, when you dig for it with your child they will soon realize the true theme is that traditional learning is not for everyone.

I enjoyed the book, but I won't be adding it to the classroom library anytime soon.

2 smiles for the cute idea and the voice