The Summoning September 15, 2008

Title: The Summoning

Author: Kelley Armstrong

Summary: Chloe could see ghosts since she was a little kid. Now she’s 15, living with her Aunt and being raised by her absent father and housemaid. When she sees a ghost in school and fights with a teacher, she’s sent to the Lyle House–an institute for teens with ‘mental illnesses’. But Chloe quickly realizes that there’s nothing mentally ill about these kids. But when you’re forced to take ‘medicine’ everyday, blocked from outside contact, and staying in the room next to the girl who hates your guts, it’s just better to go with the flow.  Or at least, Chloe though. As her stay gets longer and her ‘condition’ worsens, she finds herself making new allies in unlikely places in order to find out the secret behind the Lyle house.

Who will like this book?: With the undead and magic themed books starting to take control of the bestseller lists, this is a nice mystery story that takes a different path. It’s a more laid-back read, but you can’t be squeamish about dying things or blood or be too paranoid. It’s also a bit harsh on people who are schizophrenic, pyromaniacs, or have other such ‘mental’ illnesses. Vampires are mentioned only twice.

If you like this, you should try: The Twilight series by Stephenie Meyers, the Maximum Ride series by James Patterson, Deep Secret by Dianna Wynne Jones, and the Abhorsen Trilogy by Garth Nix.

Recommended by: ZZ, resident of Fairfield and avid reader.

Saving Juliet September 12, 2008

Title: Saving Juliet

Author: Suzanne Selfors

Summary: Mimi Wallingford is sick of Shakespeare theater, and even more sick of being recognized solely by the prestige of her last name.  Unlike her ancestors, Mimi has an extreme case of stage fright whenever she’s about to go on. In her current play of Romeo and Juliet, she’s stuck with superstar Troy Summers playing Romeo: He seems to do all he can to put her down.  Right before her final performance as Juliet, she is transported by magic to Shakespeare’s Verona. There she meets Juliet Capulet as well as the entire ‘cast’ of the play that she’s rehearsed for.

But the play Mimi thought she knew takes an unexpected twist when Romeo and Juliet don’t meet at the dance and Juliet is engaged to marry the Paris within a week’s time! Though Mimi’s regarded as a ‘relative Capulet,’ Benvolio’s got his eyes on her, Tybalt’s out for her neck, Lady Capulet wants her dead, and is that a superstar actor/Romeo sneaking along the streets? It’s going to take more than just some good acting for Mimi to save Juliet and find her way back home.

Who will like this book?: Anyone into the historical fiction genre, or the story of Romeo and Juliet.  It’s aimed more at a female audience with plenty of romance and faults of love, but it’s got plenty of action scenes. It’s an interesting twist on the original tale without the havoc of trying to understand what the words mean.

If you like this, you should try: The Shakespeare Stealerseries by Gary Blackwood. Some other time travel books are Lost in Time by Hans Magnus Enzensberger and The Door to Time by Ulysses Moore. For those who are into the classics, thenA Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain is definitely along the right path.

Recommended by: ZZ, resident of Fairfield and avid reader.

Hunter X Hunter September 11, 2008

Title: Hunter X Hunter

Author: Yoshihiro Togashi

Summary: In order to find out about his father, Gon must first get a Hunter’s license, which requires going through various difficult trials. Thousands of applicants try out and only two or three make it per year. On the way, Gon meets up with Killua, the youngest son of a famous family of assassins, Kurapica, whois the last of his clan, and Leorio, a smart businessman. Together they face the trials, tricky competitors, and mortal danger. But the Hunters Test is only the beginning of the long journey the group must endure to find what they are looking for.

Who will like this book?: It’s aimed at males, but can be enjoyed by anybody. You have to enjoy a good fighting story with a fantasy touch.

If you like this, try this: Bleach, Naruto, D.Gray-man, Fullmetal Alchemist, and other Shonen-style manga. This is rated Older Teen (16+)

Recommended by: ZZ, resident of Fairfield and avid reader

Whale Talk September 8, 2008

Title: Whale Talk

Author: Chris Crutcher

Summary:  Chris Crutcher is one of those unique writers who manages to get his work challenged almost as often as he receives literary awards and lands on best book lists.   Whale Talk  is perhaps one of his most controversial and one of his best.  It’s told from the point of view of T.J. Jones, a black, Japanese, white high school senior born to a hippie, drug-using mom and adopted as a toddler by a loving white couple.  While T.J. may be the narrator, this is not just his story.  It’s also the story of a group of misfit teens who are inspired to achieve something of their own, a little mixed race girl struggling against a brutal home life, a good man who spends every day trying to make up for a 20+ year old horrible accident, and the racism and prejudice that tie their lives together. 

Who will like this book: While the basic plot of this story centers around T.J. assembling and leading a rag-tag swim team populated with the biggest school misfits, this isn’t just a book for sports fiction fans.  This book delves into topics of child abuse, racism, and bullying with a raw honesty that is heartbreaking at times. 

If you like this, try this:Any other books by Chris Crutcher, Speakby Laurie Halse Anderson, Tangerine by Edward Bloor

Recommended by: Jen, Branch Teen Librarian

Ranma 1/2 September 3, 2008

Title: Ranma 1/2

Author: Rumiko Takahashi

Summary: Ranma Saotome was your average guy until he fell into a cursed hot spring. Now whenever dowsed with hot water, he turns into a girl! Only cold water can change him back. Even worse, he just found out that he’s been engaged to a ill-tempered tomboy named Akane Tendo. Add in some crazy suitors, a panda father, a psychotic principal, some deadly cooking, and the Tendo school of martial arts, and you’ve got Ranma 1/2.

Who will like this book?: People into fighting, but not just boxing or sparring. Wacky martial art styles and weird twists are common, so you’ve got to be up for anything. There is romance too, and some nudity. This is rated Older Teen (16+)

If you like this, try this: Negima!, Inuyasha, Cowoy Bebop, Trigun.

Recommended by: ZZ, Fairfield resident and avid reader.

Her Majesty’s Dog August 28, 2008

Title: Her Majesty’s Dog

Author: Mick Takeuchi

Summary: Amane is by no means an ordinary school girl. She’s actually the heir to her psychic family who has run away. Her koma-oni Hyohei is also no regular transfer student. He’s a demon dog whose duty is to protect Amane. But with spirits popping up and demons trying to take her out in broad daylight, how long can Hyohei and Amane keep their identities secret? And worse, Hyohei is starting to develop feelings for Amane, but she’s already engaged to another man!

Who will like this book?: If you want a new spin on a romance, or if you’re into dog demons, this is the one to read. There’s plenty of action and some great dialogue, but you need to take the time to read them all carefully since they tend to have little important bits here and there.

If you like this, try this: Inuyasha, Ceres Celestial Legend, Yurara

Recommended by: ZZ, Fairfield resident and avid reader