The Ghosts of Kerfol September 19, 2008

Title: The Ghosts of Kerfol

Author: Deborah Noyes

Summary: Just in time for Halloween, this elegant collection of gothic stories based on a classic will chill you to the bone. In Edith Wharton’s original story, Kerfol, a cruel lord falls to his death and his much-younger bride is put on trial for murder. But she insists her abusive husband was killed by dogs - or the ghosts of the many dogs the man killed in order to keep his wife from having any hint of affection in her life. Author Deborah Noyes builds on this tale with five short stories about the haunted mansion, and the ghostly spirits who inhabit it.

As the book progresses, we meet a young maid who was a witness to the original horrors of Kerfol, a young nobleman who has survived the French Revolution, a young American heiress, a couple on the rocks, and a deaf Irish gardener. Each has their own experience with the ghosts of Kerfol, and not all of them survive their hauntings.

Who will like this book?: Fans of ghost stories and short fiction with dark twists and turns.

If you like this, you should try: Noyes is also a terrific editor: Check out Gothic: Ten Original Dark Tales and The Restless Dead: Ten Original Stories of the Supernatural. If you loved the elegant writing of this book, try a classic by Edith Wharton, particularly my favorite, The House of Mirth.

Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian

The London Eye Mystery July 16, 2008

Title: The London Eye Mystery

Author: Siobhan Dowd

Summary: When their cousin Salim, visiting from Manchester, goes up in the London Eye (sort of like a gigantic Ferris wheel overlooking the city) but does not come back down, 12 year-old Ted and his older sister Katrina decide to figure out what happened . As Ted describes it, his brain runs on a ‘different operating system’ from most people - he isn’t very good at recognizing emotions, reading body language, or understanding slang, but his way with facts and puzzles might be just the right kind of thinking to find the missing Salim.

This book isn’t just about Asperger’s syndrome: First and foremost it is  a terrific, fast-paced mystery. It happens to also be a great choice for people looking for stories with differently-abled heroes. Ted’s charm and humor shine through as he learns to cooperate with his surly sister and ’see things differently’ as they hunt for their missing cousin. This is a fun read, and like any great mystery, it will keep you guessing right up to the end!

Who will like this book?: Fans of fast-paced, but not terribly intense mysteries. Readers who get a kick out of British authors and stories. People interested in learning more about the way teens with Asperger’s think.

If you like this, try this: Another book featuring a teens with Asperger’s is The Very Ordered Existence of Merilee Marvelous by Suzanne Crowley. For mature readers, check out The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon and the non-fiction Look Me in The Eye: My Life with Asperger’s by John Elder Robinson.

Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian

Madapple June 11, 2008

Title: Madapple

Author: Christina Meldrum

Summary: This book for mature readers packs in so much intensity, mystery and drama, it is really hard to explain why exactly it is such a terrific read. Aslaug lives alone with her brutal mother in a remote cottage in Maine, home schooled in science, mythology and the medicinal properties of the herbs and plants that grow all around them. But soon, events spiral out of control: Within the year, Aslaug will meet her extended family, become pregnant, and stand trial for murder. To say more would give away too much. The book alternates from the main story to transcripts from her trial, giving you clues to the mystery that is Aslaug’s past. Is she a cold-blooded killer? Is her pregnancy miraculous - or the product of something more sinister?

You have never, ever read a book like this. While it is a murder mystery, the book draws on themes as diverse as early Christian beliefs, Nordic mythology, herbal folklore, family dynamics, and miraculous occurences to become an original, unforgettable story. It might be slow going at first, but stick with it.

Who will like this book: Mature readers who like serious, intense, challenging stories. Be advised: Madapple discusses some controversial religious and social topics.

If you like this, try this: Another read that rewards you if you stick with it is The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing by M.T. Anderson.

Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian

Unwind April 28, 2008

Title: Unwind

Author: Neal Shusterman

Summary:  Shusterman imagines a world where a war fought between Pro-life and Pro-Choice has ended in a unthinkable compromise.  The Bill of Life provides that a human life may not be touched from conception to the age of thirteen.  However, from the ages of thirteen to eighteen a parent or guardian is given the option of “unwinding” their child.  The unwinding procedure requires that the teen be cut apart and that every single part be used as donor material for those with medical problems.  This is to be the fate of Connor, Risa, and Lev, until a chance encounter throws them together and launches them into a journey that could just save their lives. 

Who will like this book?: This book has appeal for both sci-fi and thriller fans.  Abortion, and to a lesser degree, organ donation, are controversial topics, but Shusterman’s handling of the issues really works to provoke thought not outrage. 

If you like this, try this: The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer and Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

Recommended by: Jennifer, Branch Teen Librarian

The Missing Girl April 21, 2008

Title: The Missing Girl

Author: Norma Fox Mazer

Summary: The man watches the five sister- Beauty, Mim, Stevie, Fancy and Autumn- with an eerie fascination.  In fact, fantasies about them occupy his every thought.  Yet, the girls don’t even know him.  Instead, they go about their own lives distracted by a depressing home life never realizing the danger that threatens their world. Chapters alternate telling the story from the viewpoint of the different sisters and their stalker. 

Who will like this book:  People who like stories told in first-person.  Fans of thrillers will enjoy getting into the minds of the predator and his prey. 

If you like this, try this:  Gail Giles books such as Shattering Glass, Right Behind You, and What Happened to Cass McBride?

Recommended by: Jennifer, Branch Teen Librarian

The Luxe April 21, 2008

Title: The Luxe

Author: Anna Godbersen

Summary: The story opens with the 1899 funeral of New York City’s premier debutante, Elizabeth Holland.  From there, the author travels back two weeks to tell the story of Elizabeth Holland and her rich friends, secret love, and vicious enemies.  The cast of characters includes: Diane Holland, the younger sister, filled with barely restrained rebelliousness and a complete disinterest in polite society; Penelope Hayes, the best friend, a spoiled and cunning beauty bent on having everything her heart desires; Henry Schoonmaker, New York City’s premier bachelor and the distant fiancee of Elizabeth Holland; and Will Keller and Lina Broud, servants and former friends from Elizabeth’s childhood. 

Who will like this:  Fans of historical sweeping drama and romance told in a Gossip Girl fashion.

If you like this, try this: A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray and Gossip Girl by Cecily Von Ziegesar

Recommended by: Jennifer, Branch Teen Librarian