Young Adult Books

She is in a mental hospital, that's all you know till fairly well into the book, you don't know why or how, just that it had something to do with insider trading, and her father, and her dog. That's what it all seems to come back to, her dog Checkers. She tells the story through flashbacks. And at first its very confusing, because she seems to be mostly just telling about her dog, like that's her main priority, sometimes she'll go off into something about her family, or why she's in the hospital, and then she'll break off and say "anyway, I was telling you about Checkers" but in the end you'll get why Checkers is so important. "Checkers" has a fairly surprising, sort of freaky ending but I thought it was very well done, and it has a lot of suspense. Very good, short, sweet read.

Chekers tells the story of a wealthy Australian teenage girl. Although her personality and story and well-defined, her name is never given. Told through memories and flashbacks, the story illustrates the girl's plummet from the utmost joy, like getting a puppy checkers and living in a lush home, to her arrival in the phsyc ward that she is currently living in. Told as any true aussie teen would, the story is in fact realistic and chilling. John Marsden carefully reveals that even a wealthy business family can be torn apart by corruption.

A Review by Robin

An Australian teenage girl lived with her mom, dad and brother in a beautiful home in the suburbs; and she had a dog named Checkers. She suffers from depression and she now lives in a mental hospital. She never had many friends, at school or at the hospital. She and several other teenagers attend a daily meeting called group. She has never said anything in group because she is afraid of what people will think of her. One day, she just couldn't handle it anymore. She had to tell somebody. This is her story of how she got there.

I like how this book tells a story about a teenager's life experiences. I can relate to them, such as depression and social issues. This story is suspenseful. Once I picked it up, I didn't want to put it down. Every chapter ends with a cliffhanger. You just want to keep reading. The author doesn't give away the story of how she got in the hospital until the very end. You can easily follow the book with big font and easy to read words. And if you have any troubles with some "aussie" words, there's a glossary in the front of the book to tell you what they are and what they mean. But the characters were realistic, and seemed alive. They're just like people you would meet in an everyday encounter acquaintance. They were believable.

I would recommend this book to people who like stories about real life conflicts and experiences. It would satisfy your needs if you are the type of person who likes to read other people's diaries or journals. I would especially recommend it to any teenagers who think they have it rough or bad. You think you know, but you have no idea.

Though the book seems to have many flaws at first, once you read in to it all, it makes sense.
The story is of a girl whose family is being corrupted by the media, especially her father. Stories in the paper start to bother the girl, and her interest shoots up.
But among this all, is her "darling dog Checkers", a most important figure in the plot development.
While telling the story, the girl is in a Psychiatric Ward. She tells of the others there, and describes the events as if she were writing in a journal.
I high suggest this book to EVERYONE.
John Marsden did an excellent job with this book, an EXCELLENT read.

Told in first-person flashbacks and set in the mental hospital where the nameless protagonist recovers from a nervous breakdown, this story's message is: "The higher you climb, the harder you fall." Wealth and privilege cannot save your family from scandal, our protagonist learns, especially when your father is involved in dishonest business practices a la Enron.

The only honest relationship the girl has is with her mongrel dog, Checkers. She seeks comfort in his company as the media circles like vultures around her house, looking for a way to connect the girl's father to the stock market scandal that's brewing. She would never have thought that the connection they were looking for was sleeping on the rug in front of her fire.

I really liked this novel, and would have loved it if it wasn't about the fortieth book I've read that's set in a mental hospital. Mental hospitals have become way too clichéd in young adult literature. Other than that, though, it was a terrific story.

Reviewed by India Furney (age 12) for Reader Views (12/07)

Darren Shan travels with Cirque Du Freak--a sideshow of non-human creatures like Wolf Man. He hides under the cover of the cirque from his human family and friends who think he is dead, when in reality he is a vampire prince. Now the cirque is going to his hometown. While there he runs into an old friend and has to make up a story about why he's still alive and hasn't aged.

He has been having nightmares for two years about a shadow-like man called Lord of the Shadows. The dreams are full of death and despair and the worst part is that he doesn't know if the Lord of the Shadows will be him or his old human friend, Steve Leopard, who is now the Lord of the Vampaneze. The Vampaneze are half human, half vampire.

I liked "Lord of the Shadows," but it was a little confusing coming in on the 11th book without reading the previous books. I'll have to go get the other "Cirque du Freak" books because I loved this one!

I was very satisfied with the service from this vendor. The book arrived in the time frame promised and in good condition.

Sent on time product was what I ordered and expected. I am very happy with my purcase.

Darren Shan is a wonderful writer and mygrandson and I love his books keep up the good work Darren you make reading great not only for young people but is old grandmas too Jan

This is the best book ever. It's the best book out of all of the whole series. I am really upset. Darren is going to become the Lord of the Sahdows.

Another book requested by my son who loves to read. He is a book collector and had requested the trilogy (in hardcover, of course) for Christmas. He loves them and I'm sure will read them again and again.

This is the last book in the Door Within series. It is just....wow!!! You will have to read it to find out what I mean. It is superb!!! I love this book and it is one of my favorites!!!! You have to read this book!
Lindsay W.

Have you ever been into the Christian bookstore recently? All you see is piles of the next Left Behind, some series about Amish women, a great amount of Dekker/Peretti wannabes, and a great amount of Christian romance. For some that suits their taste buds. But for the fantasy/scifi person I am, that stuff does not at all interest me. With the resurgence of fantasy thanks to Jk Rowling's awesome series about a boy wizard, fantasy books in the reign of Tolkien/Lewis; the master of yesteryears are here to stay. I picked up the series quite randomly, after reading Legends of the Guardian Kings (an amazing series I highly reccomend for mature christian fantasy readers), what I found was a series that was a bit similar to Narnia but much different in its presentation of the awesome Glimpse concept and such great creatures as the mortiwraiths. There are awesome characters such as Mallik influenced by Tolkien lore. Plus there are heroines for the female readers that even male readers like me absolutely love named Antionette, because who does not love a girl who can kick serious butt. The fight scenes are exciting and there are many surprises within the plot, nothing is as predictable as it sometimes may seem to be. Interwoven with all these great characters, locales, and battle sequences; are great spiritual messages that all Christians can relate to! I highly recommend this series to all ages; especially to those who are suffering from Post Potter Depression (like me) and who ever faced the dilemma of finding a fantasy book within a Christian bookstore. Any age can read them, as everyone who has read Harry Potter and Narnia learned, that any good story can be enjoyed by those of all ages.
Also reccomended:Dragons in Our Midst By:Bryan Davis, Dragonspell by:Donita K. Paul
For more mature readers:Legends of the Guardian King By:Karen Hancock,Restorer by:Sharon Hinck and The White Lion Chronicles by: Christopher Hopper,

I have just fininshed reading all three of the Door Within Trilogy books with my son. The first book was engaging, and the Christian message was delivered smoothly and without a heavy hand. The second book was ok, with the message becoming more heavy handed, which does much to destroy the quality of the writing - it becomes less intelligent as the book moves along. The third book is simply DREADFUL. The book still has some of the adventure characteristics that a 10 - 12 year old boy would like, but the quality of the writing is so poor that I would expect more from my 10th grade literature students. The Christian message is very heavy handed, so much so that it became a turn off and distracted from the flow of the story. This book is so poorly written that I actually looked to see who the publisher was, because I couldn't believe a mainstream publisher would have published the book.
I love that Mr. Batson wants to communicate a Christian message to youngsters and applaud his courage for writing the series; probably a fine book for homeschoolers, but not for public school or for any one who wants to model good writing.

An amazing 'ending' to the trilogy!! The story is very character/plot driven, and I had a hard time putting the book down to take care of other responsibilities(like feeding my family! hehe). Although this was the last book of the trilogy, Mr. Batson certainly does leave room for the possibility of future adventures....Adventures are funny things, after all!

It's been one of my favorite books since I was in 6th grade, great life values in this story! Great for kids! and people of any age.

This is a lovely story, and I wanted to own the book to follow while I listen to the story in Spanish on my ipod. Children's stories in Spanish are a delightful way to study for the mid-level student.

T.William Waltrip, M.D.

A BOOK THAT INFLUENCED MY LIFE

The book that has influenced my life is "The Little Prince". This book iis basically about a little blond boy that meets an adult with who he will become friend, somewhere in the world, dunno where.He discovers, during a trip, adults, who will allow him to understand adults world and life on hearth In the begining of the story, the pilot crashes in a desert and thers were the story begings.This story has many characters, but the two main ones are the pilot (the narrator), and the little prince.One of the main settings are the dessert were the pilot meets the little prince, and the planet were the little prince lives, but this story has many settings.

I read this book because my mother told me that every kid must read this book, so she gave me the book and i read it when i was almost 12 years old. This book has influenced my life in many ways. Every time i read this book it makes me think, about pepole and friendship, it makes me cry, laugh, and be a better person and a better friend. It also makes me be more pacient, and this is a thing that im not so good at, but every time im in a cituation were i have to be pacient, since i read that book, I have teach myself to try to understand people, and why they are like that. This book is in a prose/chatter way written, in this way it was easier for me to understand the meaning of the words. This book you have to read it more than once to get the meaning of the words.











By Avira Arreola.

A BOOK THAT INFLUENCED MY LIFE

The book that has influenced my life is "The Little Prince". This book iis basically about a little blond boy that meets an adult with who he will become friend, somewhere in the world, dunno where.He discovers, during a trip, adults, who will allow him to understand adults world and life on hearth In the begining of the story, the pilot crashes in a desert and thers were the story begings.This story has many characters, but the two main ones are the pilot (the narrator), and the little prince.One of the main settings are the dessert were the pilot meets the little prince, and the planet were the little prince lives, but this story has many settings.

I read this book because my mother told me that every kid must read this book, so she gave me the book and i read it when i was almost 12 years old. This book has influenced my life in many ways. Every time i read this book it makes me think, about pepole and friendship, it makes me cry, laugh, and be a better person and a better friend. It also makes me be more pacient, and this is a thing that im not so good at, but every time im in a cituation were i have to be pacient, since i read that book, I have teach myself to try to understand people, and why they are like that. This book is in a prose/chatter way written, in this way it was easier for me to understand the meaning of the words. This book you have to read it more than once to get the meaning of the words.



By Avira Arreola.

Este libro es simultáneo el libro más maravilloso y el libro más triste. La historia del piloto que se estrella en el desierto y que se encuentra ahí con el principito, me aflige mucho.
Aunque es un libro para ninos, gente de toda edad puede leerlo y no es aburrido. Puede ensenarnos mucho sobre la amistad. Para mí este libro fue un enriquecimiento para mi vida. Y podría leerlo decenas de miles de veces.
Si no lees este libro pierdes algo!

I LOVED this book! It is quick paced and wonderful.

Edith Pattou is one of my favorite authors.

This book is great for fans of Tolkien, Nix,etc. With great plot, charactors,a little romance and a big suprise at the end, you will love this page turner, males and females alike!!

This book is great for fans of Tolkien, Nix,etc. With great plot, charactors,a little romance and a big suprise at the end, you will love this page turner, males and females alike!!!!!!!!!!!

when I first took out the book from my library I did not know what to expect. but from the first page on I was excited that I picked this book. I am not your average reader. my thrill for reading depends on the book. if it don't capture me by the first page .. I will put it down. but the Fire Arrow was every hard to put down. Brie's quest for revenge and quest for perpose I think was just like my own .. five stars is not enough for this book .. and now that I read it 3 time before my time was up to bring it back to the library .. I am reading the companion book Hero's Song witch is also a great one ..now that I am half way through this book I am afraid I won't find any like them . and it is true now I been at the library two days and I am not having any luck in finding anything to compare it to Fire Arrow and Hero's Song ...my only hope is to wish Ms. Pattou could wirte another one for her fans...

"Hero's Song" failed to get much of a response from me at all, aside from mild annoyance at the abundance of cliches and flat characterizations. "Fire Arrow" improves on some of those problems, but still has some deep flaws.

After destroying the Wurme in the previous book, Collun and Brie are living peacefully at his father's old home. Until, that is, Brie receives an alarming fortune from a wyll (wise-woman), and a summons from her aunt and uncle. Her old nurse is dying, and leaves Brie a mysterious golden arrow that becomes fiery when she touches it, and gives her visions. It also brings back her strong desire for revenge against the Scathians who killed her father, including a one-eyed man.

She sets off across the land of Dungal, and spends some time in a fishing village with a crazy wizard and a Ellyl waystation. But when danger comes closer, Brie must leave peace behind, and finds out who killed her father -- and about the impending invasion that threatens Dungal and Eirren.

In many ways, this book improves on the previous one. Pattou shows a greater sense of atmosphere, and is better able to sustain suspense and mystery. She also expands Brie from a stereotyped woman warrior into a more three-dimensional character, and is able to make the conflict seem more epic and realistic than ever before. Sago is an exceptionally-written character, a wiser-than-he-looks wizard who utters nonsense rhymes much of the time. Collun displays more depth and recognizable emotion than the-gardener-who-wants-to-go-home, with revelations about his family that hint at a possible future instalment.

Unfortunately, most of the cast of the previous book -- including the charming Taliesin -- is abandoned;; Silien and Collun are barely there, and Nessa and Taliesin are gone altogether, except for Collun briefly mentioning his sister. Ciaran the talking horse and Fara the Lassie-like Ellyl pet are more present than the characters that I was more interested in. There is a silly coffee joke early in the book, that Pattou refuses to let drop; also, a reference to chocolate in a mythical early Ireland. We are treated to a retread of Collun and Brie's bloodless romance, after Brie flirts aimlessly with a very boring fisherman, and Pattou introduces a long-lost-royalty cliche late in the book, that any adept fantasy fans will have spotted long before.

Brie has developed substantially from the previous book, in that Pattou effectively displays her conflicting feelings and her thoughts on revenge, whether it's wrong or right. Collun is, oddly, more intriguing when we see less of him; I would have preferred to see his fights with the Scathians instead of page after page of Brie in the fishing village. Silien is good, for what little there is of him; we see him taking an active stance against the Scathians. Hanna, the weather-woman, is an effective and interesting character, while the cowardly, nervy Monodnock sucked all the magic and mystery out of the Ellyl.

Despite this book's flaws, it remains a good read for fans of Celtic-themed fantasy, and plucks out some intriguing plot threads that will undoubtedly make any future stories intriguing, especially if Ms. Pattou brings back Talisen and dispenses with the silly coffee jokes.

this story is a must for any stine fan like me. the book is gory scary and it actually involves the whole family instead of just one teen. the book can also be sad sometimes but is totally unpredictable. sure its just a haunted house taken to the extreme but this house was so evil in the book that it was indeed sad. but even though it ended with a not so wonderful ending (like most stine books.) but its an awesome book and a must for any stine fan.

Cally Frasier and her family have just moved to Shadyside and bought the 99 Fear Street house. Following their arrival, a lot of accidents occur: a tree branch nearly falls on Cally, a window slams on Kody's (Cally's twin sister) hands, their father accidentally stabs himself, Kody falls off a ladder, and Cubby (the family's new puppy) is missing, yet they can still hear his barking and howls in the house. Plus, someone or something has been knocking on Cally's bedroom door late at night. Kody insists the house is haunted or cursed--and she just may be right when a local teen tells them about their house's history. Thirty years ago, when it was being built, several burial plots were found where the foundation would be poured. Instead of ceasing work, they continued with the job, which resulted in a mysterious massacre of the family that moved in. Thus the evil curse of 99 Fear Street. Will the Frasier family follow the previous owners' fate--or will they escape in time to save their lives?

I had started this series because I had heard it was supposed to be pretty good; however, I thought it was quite disappointing. (This can be said for most of the R. L. Stine books I've read.) For starters, the horror scenes in this book are almost comical; they're just flat-out ridiculous sometimes and not very scary at all. Sure they're bloody in parts, but each character pretty much reacts in the same manner by saying "Nooo!", "Owww!", or some other nonsense expression we obviously know they'd say when attacked or hurt. Plus the way each chapter ends with a cliff-hanger is so predictable and tedious. A little variation, please! Bad things don't need to happen in every chapter.

Although the Fear Street books are geared for preteens, I don't think most young adult readers will be as frightened by these books as, say, elementary children (10 years and younger). So, I'd probably only recommend these books to younger readers. If you enjoyed "The First Horror" though, then you might like the following two books in this series: "The Second Horror" and "The Third Horror". Otherwise, try the Fear Street Saga. That trilogy is much better than this one.

A new family moves into this house in Shadyside. They are the Frasiers. But little does the Frasiers know that the house is a seed of Evil. They're terrorized by it. Will the Frasiers be able to live in this house of Evil that has been haunted? Can Kody and Cally Frasier beat the evil that haunts this house?

Find out when you read the book!

This was the best of the trilogy. I loved this one, especially when James goes missing (to find out what happens to him in the end, read 99 Fear Street: The House of Evil - The Second Horror!) This one didn't hold back the gory stuff, especially the blood dripping from the ceiling and the garbage disposal scene. Cally and Kody rocked, although I didn't like how one of them died, it was way too short, and there wasn't much detail. All I have to say was this is the best of the three, and you have to read it, for sure!

I read the first,second, and third horrors on a drive to Massaschussets with my family. They were such mind grabbing books. The first book was the best!
It's so creepy how she writes in her diary,"dear diary, tonight i died" that was very very creepy.
I can be a fast reader at times but sometimes i am slow. But i read the series quickly because they were attention getters!

This product showed up speedily and in very good condition. I am very happy with it.

I own this series in Japanese, and it is a wonderful read! It has all the important elements of a good shoujo manga: it is romantic, twisted, with a shoujo (in the traditional meaning of the word) involved in finding a new family and love triangles galore. It is just a very fun read, no matter the language!

reading this book makes me want more to read

for people who love fruits basket, this will probably be one of your favorites in the series. full of drama and revealation, i think it is one of the best. i like how there is drama, but not too much of it; it's just in the right spots. kyo realizes his feelings about toruh, and yuki does too, i believe. momiji has really grown up! and u finally realize things about akito. a great read for furuba fans, but i say if u haven't tried this series bfore, research a little on it before deciding to read it!!!!:) i know i can't wait for volume 14!!!!

Fruits Basket volume 11 is probably among the darkest volumes in the series. When you read this one, I can assure you that you will easily be moved to tears - and also part of what makes it dark is our finding out about the zodiacs' futures, particularly Kyo's.

It's obvious that this family holds lots of betrayal and backstabbing, and this volume makes that a big part of its aura. Parts of the book are rather surprising and catch you off-guard while you're reading it. I remember sitting on my bed while reading it, turning to the next page and going "WTF KYO KNEW KYOKO" because basically, this is the volume where we find out about that.

Akito finally confronts Tohru with her real attitude towards outsiders, and gives her a small wound in her anger (poor Tohru!). However, Momiji fans will love this volume, as we see his courageous and protective side towards loved ones.

And LAST but not least, the "love triangle" Between Tohru, Yuki and Kyo is certainly getting more complex. You'll know that in the previous volume, Yuki confessed to himself his love for Tohru. In this volume, the same happens with Kyo. I know who she ends up with in the end at this point (and also by reading spoilers! Haha), but I won't tell you for the sake of my poor head before getting hit by an iron skillet. VERY worthy of five stars, although my favorite volumes are still 1, 4, 6, and 13.

If you love mangas and love a story that gives you every emotion a story can give you, then this is the book for you. The main part of the story is comedy but it does have a lot of other emotions to it and there are a lot of plot eliments that will keep you wanting to read. I don't want to give anything away so I wont, you'll just have to read it. ^_^

I own this series in Japanese, and it is a wonderful read! It has all the important elements of a good shoujo manga: it is romantic, twisted, with a shoujo (in the traditional meaning of the word) involved in finding a new family and love triangles galore. It is just a very fun read, no matter the language!

As an American whose undergrad studies revolved around European subjects, I am still quite ignorant of Japanese customs/cultures/naming conventions and so on. This book confuses me in a few different ways: 1, as another reviewer pointed out, several of the characters look nearly identical, and I had to go back and reread several portions to figure out who was whom. 2, the variations on naming are awkward to me. Tohru is variously referred to as Tohru, Tohru-san, Tohru-chan, Tohru-kun, Honda-san, sometimes even Kyoko-san, which is her mother's name. This isn't so bad, because Tohru is always Tohru no matter what is on the end of it, but for example Hatori is sometimes Ha'ri and sometimes Haa-san and this happens with all the characters who have more than 2 syllables in their names.

There are some weird cultural things drawn in here that I don't understand: a sketch of Tohru's mom in middle school, and she's wearing what looks like a surgical mask? (She was not a doctor.) One of Tohru's friends is referred to as a Yankee, but I can only assume this has a different meaning in Japan. Her name is Arisa Uotani-san (sometimes Uo-chan, which really threw me!) and that is definitely not an American name. So, here I am confused again.

Please forgive my ramblings but once I get started, it's hard to stop! I'll be continuing with Fruits Basket.

I think that the storyline is so nice and is definitely worth reading. I prefer reading it in Nihongo though. All in all the story is very enjoyable and it has a good balance of darkness and drama against lightheartedness and comedy. Ga suki furuuts basuketto!

Tohru Honda's adventures really get going in the second volume of "Fruits Basket," where the upbeat teen moves into the Sohma household. Natsuki Takaya's storytelling is stronger and steadier in these chapters, since she's introduced the main characters and can now get going on the plot.

Tohru is moving into her newly furnished room, and her pals (wave-reading goth Saki and toughgrrl Hana) decide to stay over to make sure that the guys will take care of their cheerful friend. And when New Year's rolls around, Kyo and Yuki find themselves wondering what to do -- go to the main house with the other family, or stay with Tohru?

And at the school, the students are planning a cultural festival, and Tohru encounters two other Sohmas -- the chilly doctor Hatori, and the effusive half-German Momiji, who is instantly pals with Tohru. But Tohru learns of a different side to the zodiac members' lives, when she hears about Hatori's tragic past.

The first volume of "Fruits Basket" was all about introducing the characters and getting them into the same house. And in the second volume, Takaya gets to flesh out the cast with new characters and new storylines, and hints about the more sinister aspects of the Sohma family's curse, and the family head Akito.

The storylines in general are darker here, especially the harrowing flashbacks of Hatori's love affair with his ex-fiancee, and the bitterly chilly way that it fell apart. But Takaya also sprinkles it with happier moments, such as the naughty novels, the preparations for the cultural festival ("She brought an IRON PIPE to school!"), and poor Yuki having to wear a dress, much to the delight of his crazed fangirls.

There are also some new dimensions shown in Tohru here. Sure, she's always cheerful and pleasant, but Takaya hints that she is actually quite lonely now, despite the presence of her friends. But the zodiac members also get some development -- including Tohru's whole talk with Kyo about the "umeboshi" on people's backs.

The second volume of "Fruits Basket" is even better than the first, and introduces the mix of tragedy and comedy that Takaya is so good at. And it will only get better.

Durham evokes the wildness of the Plains and West with superb prose, sometimes nearly poetry in its details. Gabriel is a realistic depiction of an impatient, uncertain teenager. The plot line certainly keeps the reader involved, as we are curious to learn what new horror Marshall and Caleb will unleash on the people around them, as well as whether Gabriel and James will escape. But Durham's decision to present certain portions in italic with no names given to the people in them--even after we have been introduced to those people--struck me as striving too much for some mystical effect. I'm not clear on what this style is supposed to achieve and found it more annoying than effective.

The characters a full-bodied and mature. The story is heart-breaking and real to the core. One sympathizes with the protagonists and wishes the antagonists straight to hell. Now that is what I call a good novel. Durham has done a fabulous job...

Good stuff. Don't have anything deep and meaningful to add, but I liked this book and wanted to say so. It pulls you in slowly, so that you might think it's going to be one sort of book and next thing you know you're off on wild ride across the West. Literary and exciting; a western and yet subversive of the genre at the same time. And I thought the twist toward the end was great. Didn't really see it coming, but once sprung it all made sense.

Rarely do I read a book in one sitting, but I felt I had no choice in this one. I wish more books that I picked up held my interest, my imagination, and my heart as well as this one has. The main character, Gabriels, tells us a story of the American West in a unique manner far different than the "typical Western" we know. I highly recommend this book to those who are tired of cliches and formulas. I'm glad I found this little treasure.

Yes, Kansas was and is a Great Plains state, and anyone who first arrives might say, "I can't believe I'm in Kansas."

Kansas is an acquired taste, and Gabriel Lynch, a youngster frresh from the big eastern city of Baltimore, could not quite discover the tastefulness of farm life. Not many teens today could either. But they should read "Gabriel's Story" anyway.

This coming of age drama by David Anthony Durham has Gabriel run away from his mom and new step-dad to join up with a motley crew of vicious criminals. Gabriel soon learns to cherish a more simple life.

One might say he learned a lesson: Be loyal to your family. They're not as bad as you think.

Larry Rochelle, author of DEATH & DEVOTION: A Palmer Morel Mystery

"Lean" with Allen "Pooney" Richards as he jumps into the gang life; struggle with him as he tries to maintain a double life of school and sports as a young man and the gang life as a Crip. You will grow with Mr. Richards as he realizes the life he has chosen may put him and his family in harms way and decides to make a turn on the right path. Rochan's story is unique in the way the content is handled, gangs are often a staple in some novels, but never before has it been explored in this way. The plot and action was steady throughout, the characters were well-developed and distinct, the only thing more I could ask for is maybe a bit of history on some of the characters.

1. What did you like best about this book?
I liked how the author addressed an issue that is very prevalent amongst youth. Although a bad situation the author showed that redemption is possible if you want it.

2. What did you dislike about this book?
There wasn't anything I disliked about the book.

3. How can the author improve this book?
The author could give the reader some more insight into the characters with a little more back information.

Okay so let me tell you this book is about a boy named Allen a.k.a. Pooney he just joined the Deuce-Nine Crips and he's loving it at first. He thought he had it all money,respect,power, and lets not forget about the women, but then one of the highest ranking members starts taking a liking into Pooneys little sister Sheila and let me tell you shes only 13 years old Pooneys love for "the family" starts to crumble and he wants out, but it's much harder to get out of this gang then it is to get in so what is Pooney to do

Regina Richards knows how hard it is being a young adult in such a corrupt world. Her kids father have been locked down for years and he will not see the light of day on the outside again. Regina knows that her young son Pooney will need the structure of a strong man to make it in an increasingly violent world. Hopefully, someone else doesn't decide to take the stand for the father Pooney once had.

Sheila knows that one day her lies of trying to hide Pooney's ways are going to catch up to her. She loves her older brother and fully understands that he is caught up in something that is hard to get out of. If she is trying to watch out for Pooney, who is watching out for her?

Pooney loves the life of money, cars and respect. His fifteen year old mentality ensures him that the "street life" is more important than being a good student, a responsible son and a helpful older brother. After reaching great levels in the notorious street gang, Deuce-Nine Crips, Pooney realizes that it is not all fun and games.

Gangsta Lean takes you from the heart of a young man to the bold streets of Galveston, Texas. There are pages that will make you laugh, cry must mostly understand. You understand how hard it is to raise two children as a single parent and also to raise a teenage son. You also begin to see that peer pressure and the streets are easily something that we call could fall victims to. Great story for all to read.

I loved this book.....I liked how the main character Pookey wasnt like the other street guys that are portraied in other books.....the author didnt try to make him seem like he was a normal street hustler....and was doin the things that he did since he was 9 years old as others are seemed to be in other street novels........it showed how a normal young male got into the wrong things and making the wrong decisions......the author Rochan Morgan made him like a regular teenager.......I liked how he was a virgin in the beggining of the book unlike other books make the teenage guys have sex with every girl that pops up in the book........I loved the relationship between him and Taye and loved how it came about....he didnt step to her she stepped to him......regardless of her dangerous ex Lil Arthur.......this book had me in tears at the end......everybody should read this book.....I cant wait til Rochan Morgan releases his next book

Allen Richards aka "Pooney" was just a 15 year old trying to fit in. A proud new member of the Deuce Nine Crips, Pooney is faced with the seemingly easy street life. As naive as Pooney was he knew it was time to call it quits when his gang leader, Mo is building a relationship with his sister. But how can he just quit? It's Deuce Nine 4 life--right? With a tough predicament at hand how can Allen do whats right?
This book has it all. Action,love,suspense,gangs and murder. It showed all the characteristics of the street life. The book was outstanding. If you haven't read this yet you should jump it up in your to read list. Trust me, you wont be dissappointed.