Young Adult Books

I read this book when I was a kid and it's wonderful. Anyone sho loves dogs should read all of Terhune's books.

As long as you can ignore the bigotry of the author (he was a rich, white aristocrat of the pre WWI variety, so he was a snob and a bigot), his writing about the nobility of dogs, his ability to make them live in your mind is still unsurpassed. The author wouldn't pass a modern "political correctness" test, but if you love dogs and you are mature enough to understand that authors are people and thus flawed, this is a book you should NOT miss.

I asked my grandma if she could take me to the library. We were looking around for books together, her boring adult books, me books by Margaret Peterson Haddix and dog books. I was in the aisle R-V and spoted a book with the word "dog" on it. I quickly grabbed the book and held on to it tightly glad no one else had seen it. I looked at the cover and saw an adorable dog on it and decided to check it out. When I got home the first thing I did was start reading it. It was new stile of writing for me; a bunch of chapters that were in order but SOMEHOW a bunch of short stories about one dog, put together. It got my interest right away. I stayed up till about 3:00 A.M reading it. It still hadn't finished it. The next day I continued to read it and I finished it. It was the most wonderful, exellent, heart-warming, special, terrific, best, most interesting book I have EVER read (until I read Terhune's other books)! I bought the book shortly after. I discovered there was more Lad books and got them all. I decided I loved Terhune's books and went on a book shopping spree.

For the REAL review: I HIGHLY recommend this book as well as all of Terhune's dog books to everyone young and old. It changed my life dramaticly and I am very thankful for the day I found the book. But, this book is different from Terhune's other books. Not the best, but in my opinion, the very most special. After all, it IS Albert Payson Terhune's firt book and the first book of his I read.

Here's my sister, Shannon Hyle's feelings for this book:
"Reading about Lad, a Dog by Albert Payson Terhune fired my desire to own a dog, not just any dog but a faithful tawny collie who would keep me company, lick away my tears and save my life (it might have been from falling through the ice or from that car speeding around the corner or maybe from our cantankerous cow with the cock-eyed horn. Terhune's book series was based on the very real Sunnybank Lad, "a thoroughbred in body and soul."
I also found Terhune's books very satisfying reading and couldn't get enough of them or of Thomas Hinkle's horse stories.

are now legion, as they say. But Terhune was the first person to make them worthwhile to read! I recently came across Albert Payson Terhune's oeuvre, Sunnybank, and Lad, etc. while preparing to purchase a collie for our home. Although we did not eventually get the 'dog of our dreams,' all of my hopes and aspirations, which had been fueled by watching "Lassie" almost fifty years ago, were codified, given life, and made literate in the many books by Mr. Terhune.

His way of writing, (though repetitive in terms and phrases from book to book- a relatively minor point, for the writing is evocative, even if repetitive) is nevertheless easily on a par with many 'good' modern authors today, and is therefore of more merit, than perhaps when they were first written!

As Chronicles of history (the era when cars were first being mass-produced & made available by the 'monthly payment with interest scheme,' so burdensome to modern life) when gentlemanly conduct and lady-like manners were not 'chauvinistic,' all of Terhune's books would make a very nice study of American mores and morals of the 1910-1930's era, especially for boys aged 9-12. Where he [Terhune] shines most evocatively, is in giving that sense of awe and wonder, as one looks with love and affection on a dog that many consider the noblest examplar of the breed as a whole!

What was also pleasant to read, is the honest way in which Terhune describes how literate, intelligent, and societally well-to-do [white] folks looked upon the world, their neighbors, the rise of crime as a mobile menace with the advent of said motorcar (and thus, Terhune makes an eloquent 'apologia' for limiting, rather than expanding[!] mass transportation from inner city to outer suburbs in modern metropolises!) with a frankness that is woefully missing today. In short, when needed, Terhune, like almost all men of his era, is willing to 'call a spade a spade.' Some might call his use of terms for some of the less seemly characters he portrays, 'racially insensitive,' but that is only because we have been brainwashed into thinking civility and crassness are interchangeable cogs on a multicultural wheel!

I, for one, found this utter frankness of Terhune and his overt masculinity (in his descriptions of events and persons) a breath of fresh air- especially after the 'Illegal Alien May First walkout of 2006,' Hurricane Katrina and the Superbowl, the Million Man March, and all the other 'minority grandstanding' one has to endure in this "PC" mad era. Terhune's evocation of an era that should come again reveal that civility, proper manners, respect for property, life, and livestock on a working farm or kennel, are things that any child (or adult!) could/should take a lesson from. Along with Knight's "Lassie-come-home,' these books (in their original issue, and not in modern reprints, which clearly would be 'santized' for 'modern dumbed-down readers') are now prize possessions in my antiquarian bookcase. I will return to them every year, (and read them to my children, whom I homeschool!) to read of a lifestyle, a culture, that once defined what it is to be free, noble, and American. IF I could put it into the fewest words possible, I would say Terhune writes of: Man, dog, and nature. If one could sum up Terhune, these three qualities shine through resplendently in all of his works. I can honestly say, that, for a work of fiction, I am a better man for reading them.

Christopher is an only child of two parents that constantly bicker, and every night, Christopher travels to other worlds for great adventures. He has a cool uncle Ralph that seems the understand him. Soon, Christopher is meeting a young man named Tacroy in the other worlds and running "experiments" for his uncle, smuggling magical supplies back to his own world. Christopher, it is discovered, has nine lives and his so magically powerful that he is destined to become the next Chrestomanci. He befriends a similar powerful young person, a Goddess, in another world. Slowly and without realizing it, Christopher falls into darkness, becoming an angry, unkind, and disagreeable child that is breaking the laws of magic. Christopher must determine who is good and who is just trying to use him. My favorite character is Tacroy, who is quite ambiguous, and yet is sort of Christopher's Sirius Black, as the only one who can identify with him as a spirit traveler and understands him. The book itself is just another beautifully written, incredibly clever and imaginative and magical work from Diana Wynne Jones. The images and so vivid and so brilliant. Grade: A-

I read this book many years ago, and did not even realize that it was part of a series until recently. I bought the other books in the series, and was expecting the other books to be similar to this writing style. While the other three books in the series are good stories and entertaining reading, it is "The Lives of Christopher Chant" that is the best of the series. This book has more depth and humor than the other books in the series. I devoured this book in one setting, because of the wonderful imagery and use of dry humor and wit. I actually don't think that you need to read the books in the series in order; besides the first two in the series, these books really don't have much in common with each other, besides the Chrestomanci character. Each book is a wonderful book in its own right. However, it is this book that gives the best background of the world in which Chrestomanci lives. Highly recommended, especially if you like J.K. Rowling - this book is the most similar to Rowling's style.

This an incredibly lovely book that I have read a million times; and each time has been just as enjoyable as the last.
This book is the second in the Chrestomanci Quartet, and is my favorite of the four. The story is about a boy named Christopher Chant who discovers that he has magical powers, and, in due time, a truly amazing and exciting life ahead of him. Buy this book! I assure you that you won't regret it;~)

Diana Wynne Jones tells the backstory of everyone's favorite enchanter, Chrestomanci, in "The Lives of Christopher Chant". Chrestomanci turned the sterotype of old, sagely wizards upside down in the first Chrestomanci book with his dapper attitude and humorous qualities. However, I'll be frank; I did not enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed "Charmed Life". The story was very slow in places and the ending was very rushed. But, Jones still won me over with her delightful characters, quirky magic, and adept talent at writing meaningful and thoughtful fantasy.

Christopher Chant starts out as a normal boy who doesn't quite understand everything that's going on around him. Christopher never even bothered to tell people, ecspecially his feuding parents and nannies, about his dreams and the worlds he visits in them. But one day, Christopher's new nanny discovers all of the objects Christopher brings back from his dreams, and informs Christopher's Uncle Ralph, a charming enchanter, about them. It turns out that Christopher is a spirit traveler, or a person who visits the twelve related worlds in their dreams. Uncle Ralph soon recruits Christopher for many "experiments" where Christopher must bring him back various goods from the related worlds, and Christopher is only too happy to oblige.

On these experiments, Christopher soon loses many lives at such an obvious rate that he realizes he has nine lives and is a powerful enchanter, even though Christopher can barely manage the simplest of spells. Christopher is soon sent to live in Chrestomanci Castle for training, and he hates it. He would much rather play cricket than become the next Chrestomanci, but everything changes when Christoper realizes that his "perfect" uncle is really an inter-world illegal smuggler, and Christopher so happens to be his partner-in-crime even though he didn't know what he was doing in the first place.

The story is told with Jones' usual quirky prose and humor. Many readers who read the first book will smile as the story goes on and many of Chrestomanci's background is cleverly explained. Christopher as a character is skillyfully progressed from a naive and somewhat cold child to an aware and powerful enchanter. However, the story, as much as I would like to deny it, does suffer some problems. The beginning is a very long drawl, as well as the middle, and nothing interesting happens till Christopher finally arrives at Chrestomanci castle. From there to the ending its a smooth ride. Unfortunately, it appears that Jones didn't know what to do with her ending as its very quick and jumbled. For the last fifty pages, everything is unusally described and very confusing. I just wish that the story had ended with a strong conclusion rather than the sentence "that is really all, except for a letter that arrived for Christopher from Japan soon after New Year ..."

Even though the ending was a jumbled mess, we're still talking about Diana Wynne Jones here, and her brilliant writing and humorous details makes even a very weakly plotted book enjoyable. While I did not enjoy "The Lives of Christopher Chant" as much as I enjoyed the first book, readers everywhere are sure to enjoy how Chrestomanci went from a timid boy into a powerful enchanter.

"Oops!" The dragon spews fire all over Christopher and "There goes another life!" The Lives of Christopher Chant is a book about a nine-lived boy named Christopher. Every night he dreams he gets out of bed, walks around the corner of the fireplace in his room, and slips into a dreary world called "The Place Between." While conducting experiments there Christopher loses some of his nine lives.

Strong things about this book are that the story line moves along quickly, so your interest stays captive. You'll also appreciate how Dianne Wynne Jones's story line is unique. No other author has ever written anything like her "Place Between!" Her strong characters really pull the story together. Take "The Christomancy" (The Magic Governor) for instance. It seems like he was always a strict and stern man born to be "The Christomancy." However, he actually started out like Christopher, angry and bewildered.

More details would improve The Lives of Christopher Chant. Having additional information would make it easier to visualize Asheth's Temple, and why The Living Asheth (the girl who acts as a channel for the god Asheth's power) wanted to get away. More explanation about why silver stops Christopher from working magic would be helpful. Was it Christopher's dad's fault that silver stops him operating magic?

Rush out and buy The Lives of Christopher Chant, it's a page turner! The story line is new and interesting. It is a magic book, and you can never tell what's going to happen! I hope you don't lose your nine lives as quickly as Christopher Chant!

This book should be read by anyone not just girls. It teaches
people that if they are molested or abused it is not their fault
especially if they are kids. They didn't do anything wrong. I would recommend this book to anyone who can read.

Jesus, Nina sure wen't through alot! My blood ran cold when her uncle said they were going to adopt a child! Luckily, Nina spoke up. i would have been afraid to tell. Let's hope what Christopher was doing didn't mean any thing. Anyway, it was great!

Nina won't tell is an excellent book from the series Making Out, all written by Katherine Applegate.

It deals with 2 separate topics that Nina won't talk about:

1.) Her crush on her sister's ex, Ben. He happens to also be her best friend's brother.
2.) Her uncle molesting her when she was much younger.

With the help of her friends, Nina is able to confront her past and come out ten million times stronger. By the end of this book, you will be so proud of Nina, even though she is a fiction character.

Nina Won't Tell is basically 2 stories about Nina.

One is that Nina loves Ben, Claire's old boyfriend. Nina has loved him for the longest time, but she hasn't got the guts to tell him. She's afraid that if she tells Ben, he won't love her back and she'll be embarrassed and alone.

The other is a deeper problem that Nina experienced while staying with her Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Mark in Minnesota after her mother died. The problem probably wouldn't have come to anyone's attention if her Aunt and Uncle wouldn't have come out to Maine to visit them. Nina lives in fear until the end of the book.

By the end of the book, you'll have laughed, cried, and mentally said, "You go, Nina!" millions of times!

Somebody should have told Christopher, if he is going to play the field. You do not do it on a small island wherer everything is accessible by foot. He should have kept that on the mainland. I was so glad when Nina blew the whistle on her slime ball Uncle, and when she finally told Ben how she really felt. I like Nina and Ben.

Roses for Mama is my distinct favorite of Janette Oke's Women of the West books. Angela is so sweet she is just about perfect. Yet, there is enough story to move along. If you read nothing else by Janette Oke, choose this book. Enjoy!

Angela Peterson was only 14 years old and her older brother Thomas was only 16 when they were both left to care for their three younger siblings after their both parents died.
Angela's family moved to the west because their mother wasn't feeling very well and the doctor said that the cooler air might be better for her lungs. Their father sold their farm and they were searching for a new land to build another farm in a region with clear air that would improve their mother's health. Their mother felt better for a while, but when the winter cold made her feel sick again, she knew that she had only months to live. Nobody knew that their father will die even faster.
Now three years had passed. Angela is now seventeen and with the help of her nineteen year old brother Thomas, she worries that she won't be able to raise her siblings to be good people and struggles to teach them what they need to be taught, as her mother would have. Angela also worries that Thomas might soon get married and she'll be left on her own to take care of the children. Angela wishes her mother was still there to guide and help her, but she trusts God and relies on him.
Angela begins to think about her future too. Meanwhile her neighbor's son, a wealthy man from the city moves in and begins to court her. As she begins to know Carter Stratton more and more she realizes that he's not perfect for her, and marries Thane who has been Thomas's best friend ever since Thomas and Angela were little.
I think this book was very interesting and touching. It was also very easy to read. The author described beautifully every point in the story. It's a wonderful story of how God changed their plans, but at the end everything turned out to be even better for them.

This is the third Janette Oke novel I have read, and her books have been consistently good. I think I especially liked this particular novel because the romantic male leads were introduced early, and there were two of them vying for the heroine's attention, which made for a more exciting read. The story begins with Angela and her older brother Thomas running the farm, managing the household, and raising their younger brother and two sisters. Their parents have previously passed away. Enter romantic lead number one - Thane is a good friend of Thomas and the family who works at his father's store in town. It's obvious to the reader Thane is interested in Angela, but she just doesn't seem to see past the old friendship and familiarity to recognize it. Enter romantic lead number two - Carter is the very rich and sophisticated gentleman from back East who comes to town after his estranged father has suffered a stroke and is on his death bed. Angela is taken with Carter's fine appearance, and he makes it know that he is quite taken with her. Obviously, she ends up with one of them, but which one will it be? Finding out is a entertaining read.

My only real complaint about the novel is that it gets a little preachy at one point when Angela explains the salvation process to an elderly neighbor, Charlie. In my opinion, this interupts the flow of the rest of the story. I don't understand why Christian authors feel the need to preach in their novels. Isn't their primary audience already Christian? Wouldn't that audience already understand the basics of the salvation process? It makes me wonder to whom they think they are preaching. I wouldn't expect a casual reader to select a Christian romance novel. Perhaps I am mistaken, and I think this is probably my own little personal irritation anyway. Overall, Roses for Mama is an easy and entertaining read, and the quality is consistent with the other Janette Oke books I have read. I think most readers who enjoy Christian romance novels will enjoy this novel as well.

Janette Oke is a wonderful author and this is a well written series. The reading level is for ages 4-8. My concern is whether it is wise to introduce romance to girls at such a young age? I don't think so and hence my lower rating.
There are plenty other excellent historical fiction series and clsssics for that do not contain romance that I would rather see my daughter reading.

I first read "Roses For Mama" when I was 13 (many years ago), and was completely "hooked" on this story from the start. I have read it over and over and keep thinking about the characters and events even though it's been about a year since my last read. This is excellent fiction for readers of all ages - particularly for teenage girls, as it provides good moral lessons that are strongly needed today.
Though I do agree with some reviewers that Angela is a bit on the perfect side, you can't help but love her. The love that gradually develops between Angela and Thane is very sweet and memorable. One of my favorite scenes between them is after her birthday party, when Thane gives her the necklace (swoon!).
This book is really a page-turner. Thank you, Mrs. Oke, for this story...I wish there was a sequel!

This was the first book that I read out of many of Gerlad Morris' comical retellings of King Arthur. The information seems to be accurate and the book is just so funny. These books are classics that anyone of any age will enjoy!

I first read this book when I was in sixth (or fifth, or something -- I don't remember exactly when) grade. My church met in a school building, and toddler nursery was held in the library. I was bored one day, and I thought "The Savage Damsel and the Dwarf" looked interesting, so I started to read it. I was pleasantly delighted with my discovery. (My parents had to search the entire building for me -- that's how engrossed in the book I was.)

Unfortunately, we left that building, and my memory of the book's title left with it. It took me until last year to find it -- and I did that only by looking through all of the shelves in the children's section of the local library.

I was again pleasantly suprised by the book -- it's very well-written, immensely funny, and admirably suited to reading aloud (I had my mom read it out loud to me and my younger sister). At parts, it had me shivering with anticipation, and other times I was consumed entirely with helpless laughter.

I would highly reccomend this book to anyone. My dad, who doesn't particularly enjoy reading what he calls "girly books", thoroughly enjoyed this one. In fact, this book has inspired in us a delight of all books Gerald Morris -- and he's never disappointed us.

I love this book. Completely fabulous dry wit. Sassy girl protagonist, great dwarf character. Plot goes along at a good clip. I've been a long-standing fan of Gerald Morris, and this one is his best one, as far as I'm concerned. I've read and re-read it.

I absolutely loved this book! It is a retelling of the story of Beaumains (beautiful hands) the Kitchen Knight. Perhaps some of you are familiar with this story. The basic plot is that a young man comes to King Arthur's court to work in the kitchen. He has beautiful hands unused to hard work, hence the name. Anyway, one day a lady comes to Court to find a champion to rescue her sister who is besieged by the red knight. The kitchen boy is knighted and offers to go with her. She treats him badly throughout their journeys, though he often proves himself. At the end he frees and marries the sister and shows himself as Sir Gareth, younger brother to Sir Gawain.
Well, leave it to Morris to mix this story up! First of all, Lady Lynet is helped on her journey by a mysterious dwarf, Beaumains is a complete dolt, the sister, Lady Lyonesse is a disgraceful cold-hearted flirt, and far more is happening than appears to be! The ending is delightfully satisfying and romantic, and I cracked up hysterically several times during this book. I finished it in one sitting! Definitely a must-read for King Arthur fans!

Lynet ("The Savage Damsel"), younger sister to the beautiful Lyonesse, wants to deliver her family from the hands of the dreadful Knight of the Red Lands, so one night Lynet leaves the Castle Perle and makes her way to Camelot. She hopes to find a great knight who can deliver her family from the Red Knight. Instead she finds no help from a great knight, but instead a dwarf, named Roger, and an interesting kitchen knave, named Beaumains. Many adventures befall the three unlikely companions as they travel from Camelot back to the Castle Perle. Lynet falls in love with Beaumains as the journey continues. Near the end of the book, Lynet finds out that 'Beaumains' is actually Sir Gareth, brother to the greatest knight of Camelot, Sir Gawain.

Morris tries to make Lynet ("The Savage Damsel") independent and strong-willed with her cutting remarks and her rude behavior. But instead of being 'the savage damsel' that Morris tries to make her, Lynet still came off to me as ungrateful and whiney to all those around her.

And by the end of the book, I found her character, and all the rest of the characters as well, shallow and unreal. The end was more than unrealistic (despite the basic storyline being unrealistic, as well).

This subject of the Legends of King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table is very interesting, but I would go elsewhere to learn and read about it.

~Atalanta

Follow the further adventures of Sita the oldest vampire on the planet.

After breaking a promise and making her partner a vampire, Sita and Ray try to live a somewhat normal life. Until they hear of some murders in LA.

It seems that someone is killing people an terrible ways. Dismamberment, limbs torn off, and in some cases even drained comepletly of blood. In otherwords the killer is making it look as if another vampire is loose on the world.

Did Sita succeed in destroying her maker or is he alive and finding ways of making her pay?

Is this some new sort of vampire? If so, from whence did it come?

Can it be stopped before the world knows about vampires?

To find out you will have to read this book.

I especially liked...

How the book explained they new vampire. Normaly the peson is a real creep, but with superpowers he is even more of a menace. Quite scary acually.

When I finished reading this Book I wanted to...

Everyone says that they read it again. Not me I went out dressed in black looking for vampire victims......J/K

The author of this Book...

Christopher Pike

He has written a whole slew of teen thriller novels and this is one of his best ones.

I recommend this Book because...

It is packed full of action and vampires and a real cool way in which to make them.

I loved the first book in the series. This may better then the 1st book if possible

I don't recommend this Book because...

There is nothing about this book that I do not recomend.

Further Comments...

The beginning starts with Sita stating that she is not afraid of blood. What she is afraid of is what it can do.

I relly do not like reading but this book got my attention because it is trilling I think it is thrilling besause the vampires are relly strong,fast, smart, and they can hear and see relly good beter the any thing.

Absolutely love this book, and the entire "The Last Vampire" series in general. Following Sita's journey is an exciting and wonderful adventure, and this book is no exception. Sita is 5,000 years old and thought all vampires (aside from herself and her lover Ray) were gone, until a series of unusal murders force her to realize she was mistaken. She must meet this new foe, destroy him, and try to do so without destroying herself. A great (and quick) read.

This book is great. It's a nice sequel to #1, though it does become boring in some points.. There's small sub-stories that get told inside by the characters that dont really seem like they need to be there, but nonetheless, they add to the overall effectiveness of the plot.

I read this whole book last night. I just couldn't put it down! It was about a 3 1/2 hour read without too many breaks.. I found it took me 4 chapters to realize i had to go to the restroom and to actually get up to go.

The bad guy's mother is a bit off her rocker, being as old as she is.. Really sick minded, its no wonder that the boy turned out the way he was.

Anyway, it was a good book and i just couldnt put it down. I reccommend this read to anyone who is a fan of Christopher Pike. :)

Ray is adjusting to being a vampire. He is depressed about having to sever contact with his family and friends, and appalled at having to drink human blood. But Ray doesn't have too much time to figure things out. There has been a series of brutal murders in LA. Sita knows a vampire is responsible.
Sita and Ray are going to LA to investigate and look for the one who is creating vampires. The First Vampire, Yaksha, is supposed to be dead. Even if he survived the explosion at Sita's home, he swore a vow to God not to create any more vampires, and to destroy all other vampires. Sita has not made any more. So who is making the vampires?

A new character comes in: FBI agent Joel Gray. In charge of the murder investigation, he zeroes in on Alisa. Will she have to kill this well-meaning man if he gets to close to the truth?

This story is a better read than the first one in the series. A lot more action for one thing, a compelling enemy, and less of Sita musing on what a hottie she is. Pikes writing is a little better. Still, Pike throws in gems like "I like horny men. I feel they are true to their nature." Riiiiight.

My book was about the senior year when the guys finally meet the girl of their dream. This guy name Jeremy meets the girl of his dream her name is Jessica Wakefield, who has a twin sister name Elizabeth Wakefield. But their is a little problem that jeremy has everytime he wants to go out with Jessica something has to go wrong. they never get to see each other until the last minute. this book is very interested for young girl like me, i guaranteed that you will enjoy reading this book. if you really want to know what your senior year will kind of be when you finally get there or if you are already their you make think its kind of what you went thru.

This book is a great book. It is about highschool students and their lives. If you like this book you will like the other SVH books. There are lots of other Books like Sweet Valley university and elementary and you get the idea.

I love the whole jessica and jeremy thing, i think he is really good for her. i just wish she would get over will, he is a jerk. i feel bad melissa tried to kill herself, but i mean over a guy? really... melissa is supposed to be super cool, but why is it everytime her and will break up she goes mental? she is not exactly stable... conner is annoying and liz is annoying for trying to be with someone like that. he isn't worth her or maria's time.

This was a really good book. It just didn't have enough Liz/Connor interaction for me. I think Connor is being a jerk at the end. I like how it ended with Jessica and Will makin up and Jessica and Jeremy getting together though. I also like the friendship developing between Ken and Maria. Overall, a very good book.

Following the events in "Your Basic Nightmare" (#6), "Boy Meets Girl" (#7) makes some interesting changes in the main character's lives. For starters, Jeremy Aames finally asks Jessica Wakefield out on a few dates after their first kiss in the previous book. However, their dates never seem to go as planned, and they both begin to have their doubts about whether or not they should continue seeing each other. Plus, there's that added tension with Will Simmons showing up on one of their nights out. His appearance would seem harmless (after all, Jess swears she's over him), but if you read on, you'll see why it's not.

Next up is Melissa Fox, who is hospitalized after trying to kill herself in book #6, right after Will Simmons broke up with her. Most everybody feels guilty about this incident, especially Jess and Will, yet that's not stopping either one of them from thinking about each other. Could there still be some possible chemistry between these two? (I hope not. Jess seems happy enough with Jeremy, without Will ruining things.)

And lastly: Maria Slater had caught Elizabeth Wakefield and Conner McDermott kissing, and now she's not speaking to either one of them, mostly Liz though. And not surprisingly, Conner is now avoiding Liz, too, so she can "work things out" with Maria. More like so he can leave the "relationship" quietly.

There were some really good lists, journal entries, and assignments in "Boy Meets Girl", in particular Liz's freestyle writing assignment about the meaning of love and Maria's "Why Books Are Better Than People" list (my favorite). This is probably one of the better books I've read so far in this series. Jessica is finally back to her old self, worrying about boys and appearances, plus being more assertive, which was the biggest character trait missing in the previous six SVHSY books. "Boy Meets Girl" is worth reading if you finally want to see Melissa get her comeuppance and Jessica land on her two feet again. For readers age 12+

this was a great story. i love this author, she just has a certain style that brings whatever she says to another level. this said, the story isn't perfect. the major relationships between the main character and those around her aren't very strong, not strong enough anyways. at the end, not to spoil it, but she asks someone to come back for her, but the relationship between them wasn't strong enough for her to ask that of him... or at least we the readers weren't privy to it. they don't have to be ridiculously close or anything, the perceived distance between the characters is fine, but the draw between characters must make sense to the reader. if the author spent more time fleshing out relationships i think the story would've been better, because the relationships are very compelling, we just know too little of them. peri says she enjoyed certain people's company because they needed her. unless she is so weak and needy that someone recognizing her existence would make her go crazy, which i don't think she was, there is a part of the story the readers don't know about, or have to fabricate for themselves. so in a way it felt like she was grasping at straws, and the introductions of some characters, namely the workers at the inn, were kind of awkward.
criticism aside, it was a wonderful story. the plot was well thought out and kept me interested. i thought the author did a great job of characterizing the sea. Kir was a great emphasis for this because he was half of the sea himself, so we had the sea both as itself and humanized in Kir. periwinkle was ok, not the strongest heroine but compelling in her own way. i liked her name though, periwinkle, you get few characters with such whimsical names.
it was a great story though. it was short, i read it in a couple of hours, and it left me feeling kind of whimsical .

This is the first book I ever read of hers and it remains one of my all-time favorite books ever. It enchanting and beautiful, haunting and wonderful. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy. McKillip's writing is so fluid and beautiful, she transports you to her worlds effortlessly and you don't want to leave.

I'm still at a complete loss as to why I had never heard of this book before. The storyline is delightfully complex for as short as it is. The descriptions are lush and beautiful, but not so much as to bore. As a new English teacher, I plan on using this book for my classes during our study of fantasy-based romance. The characters are deep and very profound, and it would be an excellent read for people of all ages. Don't be deterred by how thin and short it seems, it's length doesn't make it any less powerful. I, myself, am extremely picky about what I ready and even more so when I'm reading anything with romance in it. I prefer a strong central female character, which Peri truly is, and of course a strong male central character who isn't questionable in his morals. This book checked all the blocks for my standards and I've put it promptly among my favorites.

I just adored McKillip's novel. A wonderful story, combined with excellently developed characters, and descriptive wirting that takes you soaring through her world, make this novel one of the most memorable you will ever read. For lack of a more fortified adjective, it was amazing. I've read McKillip before and been a bit disappointed, to be honest; but this was just a lovely, lovely, lovely book, one to cherish forever.

This is the first McKillip story I ever read, the book that got me hooked to this author's writing. Patricia is an inspiration to writers, and a continual source of entertainment for readers. I know the listing says juvenile, for readers ages 6-12, but that is just wrong. I enjoyed this story at age 23 and I'd enjoy it just as much now at 44.

Everyone should read this book, no matter what your age is!

The sixth book, The Vampire Prince, is great compared to the last two. It's a bit slow, but it picks up a bit about halfway through. I had a little trouble understanding the end, but I have a good enough grasp. As for the end...I'm not sure if I like the decision. But I'm sure there are people out there who feel differently. The next one seems good, and I'm hoping we get to see more of the title! (Cirque du Freak)

The Vampire Prince is about a half-vampire named Darren. He was beaten up by Vapaneze, barely survived a treacherous river down Vampire Mountain, and then was treated by roaming wolves. When he was better, he made his way back up to Vampire Mountain. He was trying to find Kurda, the soon-to-be Vampire Prince, to stop him from tracking all Vampires with the Stone of Blood and killing them all! Darren tells everyone what Kurda is up to, but it was too late.The Vapaneze were after him.There was a big fight between Vampire and Vampaneze.Many were killed,some were wounded.In the end,the Vampires won and everyone made Darren into a Vampire Prince.

The book is good,because it is not boring. The book keeps you interested. It is probaly a book most kids would like to read or understand. It is probaly a book most kids would read,because it is kinda scary. You never know what is gonna happen. Every time, there seems to be a knew problem. The character are vampires, so you would expect there to be alot of action. If you lik action books this is the book for you. But the best part about the book is that it has sequels. So, if you like the book, there are plenty more.

This a great book full of gore and excitment. Darren Shan captures you in a world of horror and blood. VAmpire lovers will love this book. All people thinks about vampires as they turn into bats and suck blood. But, Cirque Du Freaak makes it seem really real and that they do not turn into bts as some books put them. it will capture anyones attention. Get the book, trust me it is great!!!

The Vampire Prince
By: Darren Shan
Reviewed by: J. Zhu
Period 6

Darren Shan, a half-vampire, is barely surviving this treacherous river down Vampire Mountain. When he finally stops to a place where the current is slow, he rolls onto his back and he swims toward land. Darren, on his way to Vampire Mountain, meets up with his old pal Rudi. Soon after Rudi howls and Darren is reunited with his wolf friend Streak. One day, Darren sees Mr. Crepsley, Arra Sails, Kurda Smalht, and three other vampires are searching for Darren. After searching all night, the vampires decide to go back to Vampire Mountain. Darren thinks for a while what Kurda might be planning and figures out that he is going to use the Stone of Blood to track and kill vampires when he becomes prince. After Darren finds out, he realizes that he must go back to Vampire Mountain to tell the other vampires about Kurda. When Darren gets to Vampire Mountain, a guardian of the blood sneaks Darren into the mountain undetected. After Darren is actually in the mountain he realizes that if he dies then no one will know what Kurda is planning. Darren then decides to tell his trusted friend Seba Nile. After he tells Seba Nile the story, Seba is outraged and decides that he should do something about it. Finally the investiture began and Seba had men positioned in areas during the ceremony in case any one had a weapon. When Kurda was about to be blooded to become a prince Darren shouted stop and Kurda's men saw him and tried to kill Darren. Luckily Seba's men reacted quickly enough and took Kurda's men out. A while later, Darren finally got to tell the princes about Kurda. It took a while for the princes to agree with Darren, but after a while they finally agreed with Darren and knew that he was not lying. Finally, the vampires went down into the tunnels and had a fierce battle with the vampaneze. One vampaneze took out Vanez's only eye and now Vanez could not see at all and had no eyes. In the end, the vampires won and everyone decided to make Darren into a Vampire Prince!

I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed it partially because Darren Shan is a wonderful writer. In the book he has many descriptions that gives you a good mind picture such as this quote from the book: " Darkness - cold - churning water - roaring, like a thousand lions - spinning around and around - bashing into rocks - arms wrapped around my face to protect it - tucking my legs to make myself smaller, less of a target." I also like this book because there is a lot of action in The Vampire Prince such as this quote from the book: "Its OK," I lied. "It's only a fresh wound, you'll be up on your- " Before I could say more, he coughed. Blood pumped out of his mouth, a huge torrent of it. His eyes widened, then closed. He groaned softly, fell back, shuddered then died."

My favorite part of the book was when Darren was chosen by the Vampire Princes to be one of them! This was my favorite part because I was really into the book and I felt that Darren deserved to be one. I think he deserves to be a Vampire Prince because after he knew that if he went back to Vampire Mountain, he would be killed and he went back just to warn his fellow vampires of Kurda's evil plot.

Do Hard Things by Alex & Brett Harris is an amazing book by two amazing young men. These teenage twins are determined to shatter the image of teenagers as irresponsible and lazy. They've already interned at the Alabama Supreme Court and worked on political campaigns. They have a top-rated blog at The Rebelution. This book is a powerful read, not just for teens, but for their parents as well. All too many teens, and even those in their twenties, are underachieving with society's permission. Alex & Brett use examples from the Bible and history like King David, Timothy, George Washington, and Clara Barton to prove that young people can do amazing things by listening to God and trusting Him. They also include several stories from young people they know who have made a difference in their community and the world. Along with these anecdotes they include lots of Scripture and encouragement to find your own calling and do your hard thing. This inspiring book should be required reading for all Christian teens. I'm impressed by the Harris brothers aside from their book. Alex just joined Shelfari on Saturday, and I was one of the first people he asked to be his friend (probably because I had Do Hard Things on my reading list), and he included a warm message. These are young men who are going to do not only hard things, but great things as well.

The Harris Brothers have written a book that is truly connected to the seeking hearts of the Millinial Generation. It is written by teens, for teens. My 13 year old son reads a few chapters then chews on what he's read. He's sharing with us (his parents) what he's reading. He is inspired to step out of his comfort zone and go against the flow of culture and society to do what God has put on his heart to do which is generally not "popular". Oddly enough, many follow his leadership because it is trustworthy and right - which is what this generation is craving - righteousness.

As a parent I am so thankful the Harris brothers chose to live out their calling by delivering this imperative message to their generation. Parents, get this book for your teens.

"Do Hard Things" is written by Brett and Alex Harris. Both are only 19. And both speak the language that teens speak.

I JUST got done reading "Do Hard Things" and it was one of the most inspirational books I have read. Alex and Brett's story is one that makes your jaw drop. But, then they tell the story of other teens who have done "Hard Things". The stories are incredible. It makes you realize that not only can teens make a difference but we CAN affect the world.

The Harris' brothers approach the teen years with the mind set that most teens have. Most teens say, "Hey who cares? I'm a teen I'm supposed to be reckless!" Teens think that since we turn 13 that we can now throw our lives out the door until were 20. Alex and Brett correctly show that not only is that wrong but un-biblical. Teens were leaders in the Bible's days(but we weren't called teens). We are supposed to be the influence for the older and younger. These years make or break our lives!

Alex and Brett prove to so many teens that have the "I can't do it" attitude that, YOU CAN! If God calls you to do something than do it and don't worry about the obstacles that will face you. Have faith and you shall overcome it!

Alex and Brett correctly approach the Take A Stand attitude. They tell the story of one teen who insted of joing the group and seeing Beerfest, goes with his friend to see Invincible. That is the examples kids need. That is something that evryday teens can do. To say "No" isn't shameful but prideful in God's eyes! Go against the crowd!

"Do Hard Things" is a book I will not only pass around but tell people about. Every teen, parent and/or church member should pick up this book. Join the Rebelution! It's never too late to do Hard Things.

I am a mom of 4, so what am I doing reading a book by teen boys?

Well, I have an "almost" teen age daughter. Hannah will turn 13 this year, and let me tell you, that life is wild for tweens and teens. They are crossing lines, dressing older, dating younger, and facing the challenges we may have faced in our late teens in their junior high years.

I was very intrigued when I heard of thios book by two twin brothers who are 19 years old. What could they have to say?

Well, a lot! And it is exactly what I want Hannah to hear. And I can guarantee that she will listen more to these two teen boys quicker than me.

Do Hard Things is a must read for every mom or grandma with a tween or a teen. I am almost done reading it, and will pass it on to Hannah to read next, Then she and I can go out to dinner some night and talk about what she learned.

This is a book that gets to the heart of the matter - living for Christ no matter what your age. As a forty year old mom, I learned a lot myself, about what teens go through, and about some of my own struggles as well.

As a 40 year old mom, I want to know more about what is in my teenager's heart, how I can help her through these tough years, and point her to Christ.

And, as a 40 year old mom, I want to Do Hard Things, Too!

Trish Berg
Mother of 4, Book Reviewer, Author
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I don't mean to have a dig, but this book is so much more superior to any emerging church book written, and it is written by teenagers.

Alex and Brett Harris discuss the issue of low expectations which are not just laid upon teens but is accepted by teens and teen culture of play and fun. For the Harris' enough is enough. They want to blow away the notion that teens are unable to understand anything complex or important - that they can't do things which is vital, or make a difference. The Harris', who have clerked for a supreme court have show that not only is it good to have higher expectations, but that it is biblical.

They write on page 50 "We are convinced that the teen years are the primary time God has given to us for strict training....Prov 20:29, "The glory of young men is their strength."

The book is very challenging - they ask questions such as "Are we doing things now that will equip us for the greater things God may have for us to do? These are the fundamental questions for this season of our lives."
And the bulk of the book focus upon the five different kinds of hard things which they encourage teens to do:

1. Things that are outside your comfort zone
2. Things that go beyond what is expected or required
3. Things that are too big to accomplish alone
4. Things that don't earn immediate pay off
5. Things that challenge the cultural norm

Let me end with a quote from them:

"We've noticed that the fence that keeps us from breaking out of our comfort zones is nearly always built of fear - fear of weakness, discomfort, failure, humiliation. We've noticed something else too: you can't live by fear and live by faith at the same time. As Paul wrote in 2 TIm 1:7 "God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power, of love and of self discipline." And when we read the Bible heros who accomplished big, hard things for God, we discover the main job requirement: "Without faith it is impossible to please God." (Hebrews 11:6)."

This is a book which we will give to every member of our youth ministry!