Young Adult Books

I loved this book. I stumbled onto Ted Dekker a few months ago, and when I heard that Ted Dekker is working with Robert Liparulo, I had to read it.
And what a great story. A lot of suspense, and I couldn't put the book down.

Definitely a Recommend for every body to read.

Buy this book!

If you are a thriller reader, and are at all hesitant to pick up Bob's latest because it's in a young adult category, then trust me, it delivers for us adults! This review won't tell you about the story, all the other reviews do that. I want to focus on how the book reads.

I read almost every thriller writer in the genre, and Bob offers a unique world where violence, horror, suspense, mystery, and action are reduced to the most basic elements, then spun into a believable world - and all that without the industry's typical gratuitous languange, sex or overly descriptive violence. I would have my children read any of his books, but this series I'm holding on to for my nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. In House of Dark Shadows, Bob has delivered true supsense that caused me to read it in one afternoon (during the US Open no less). The opening scene will tell you this is no ordinary haunted house. While utilizing some familiar suspense tones (secret rooms, noises in the night, appearance of unknown forces), he does a great job blending them into a fast paced story that feels like it will come to conclusion. Then, it twists! That's primarily why I'll read the next book, but more importantly, I've become attached to this family, and want to know where they go next, and what historical setting they might experience.

As a reader, I've been allowed in this book to glimpse the family relationship and each of their unique personalities while at the same time using my own imagination to paint a picture of their history, and current importance to their world.

I hope this book sees the publishing success it deserves. By the way, It's design shows well on the bookshelf too. I look forward to the series continuing.

Liparulo established himself as a major presence in the thriller market with "Comes a Horseman," followed by two other fine-tuned suspense novels. I had no doubt he could create the same chills for a younger audience, particularly since he draws from his own experience as a father.

I was not disappointed. "House of Dark Shadows" reads like a mix between a very tame Stephen King and a very mature Choose-Your-Own-Adventure book (you have to be much older than 16 to remember those!). When the King family--no relation to Stephen--relocates to a creepy old house in the woods, they have no idea what they are in for. Xander and Dave, the two brothers, take center stage as they stumble upon secrets and mysterious doorways in their new home. From unexplained footprints, to gladiators, to the jungle, Liparulo takes us along on a fast-paced adventure. He leaves us hanging, anxious for the next book, "Watcher in the Woods," and certain that there are plenty more escapades and dangers for the entire family to maneuver.

I haven't yet read a Liparulo book I didn't enjoy. He always gives a good story, memorable characters, and secrets lurking in every corner.

Oh, and "Gatekeepers" is book three? More good books to read!

I didn't read this personally, but my 16 year old son read them in record time! The first book makes you want to read the second one immediately! The main drawback to this is the third book won't be out until January 2009. My son said he wants to read the third book when it comes out, but he will still continue to live without reading it immediately :) He really enjoyed both books and he doesn't think they're too scary, but when I read them, I may disagree!

I emailed Robert Liparulo and he responded to me personally. He seems like a very nice person and according to my son, an excellent author. I'm looking forward to reading his books!

I haven't seen the Young Adult years in...years, but I can tell you that this series is SCARY even for adults. I finished House of Dark Shadows a little while ago and can testify that it's freakier than Flowers in the Attic by V. C. Andrews and just about as scary as The Amityville Horror. Did I mention this book was scary, LOL? But I finished it. I just didn't read it at night. Seriously. And I'm thankful that my house has neither an attic or a basement or I wouldn't be able to sleep! I know it's just fiction, but while I was reading the story I was in it, so it seemed real to me. Too real.

So far I haven't found a spiritual element (like they didn't even pray when scared) but it's still an incredibly entertaining tale of horror. I dare say it ranks right up there with any number of scary secular novels. There is even some blood in the book. Did I mention it was scary? Bottom line...this is top notch fiction but it is tolerable even for big honking chickens like me. In fact, I want to read the next book right away...but it's dark outside, so that'll have to wait until tomorrow!

When I was in 5th grade (25 or so years ago), our teacher, Mrs. Smith had a reward system where if the class got enough checks, we could redeem them for various treats. Time after time, once we got enough checks, we'd beg her to read to us from this book. I don't recall our class ever asking for anything else. I'd strongly recommend this one to parents of kids of any age. This, to me, is as good as American fairy tales get.

This book is very dear to my heart. The stories told in this book came from my family, R.M. Ward. I grew up hearing my grand parents, father & Richard Chase tell these tall tells. I read them to my kids now and I hear my relatives in my head so I begain tellin-um like they told me.My hope is that these stories live on through the generations of my family as well as other families.I love hearing my daughter ask for just one more just like I did.

I remember reading an earlier version of this book as a child. The collection of folk tales is as enjoyable to read as an adult as it was years ago. In fact, I can now bring my children the tales of the Appalachian Mountains and let their imaginations run wild with giants, witches, talking animals, and a witty little scoundrel like Jack. The tales are preserved in a very close "mountain vernacular" language. There is a noticable difference between some stories in the use of terminology, but this helps me to envision another storyteller spinning the yarn in his/her own fashion, which is part of the fun of listening to folk tales. My only complaint is that the collection is not larger.

I had this book as a child, and loved it so much that I bought it for my own children and read them a story out of it every night until they had heard all the stories it offered, and they loved it, too.

I heard about this book from a teacher who used to sub. in inner city schools. She said kids always remembered her for it. It's a compilation of short stories that are supposed to be told orally. They use HEAVY Appalachian dialect and I had thought that might be a problem for my second language learners, but THEY LOVED THEM. The stories tell of how Jack (from the beanstalk) outsmarts giants in different situations. His tricks often have a violent description, but because he's doing it to giants, it's not very traumatizing. A terrific oral language developer, and a whole lot of fun!!

Jessica writes in her Diary about her secret romance with Todd,even secret Phone calls and letters.She even secretly Meets him.Elizabeth doesn't know anything about this.Jessica even pretends to be Elizabeth in front of Lila not to make Lila Suspicious. It is from Outcast to I can't remember.

I loved this book! I just bought 2 of Elizabeth's secret diaries today. i recommend this book cause it is very suspenseful and a good book to read.

i think this was a great book. at first i read elizebeths diary and it was great.i could not put it down.i have about 15 pages left and i think i will finish it right now!!!

This book is one that will never get dull. I read over and over again and each time, something new stands out. It was just like reading my diary. I could really relate to the character's reactions and problems.

In this one, Jessica turns down a chance at stardom because the movie producer seems more interested in her than her talent. She's too dedicated to her relationship with Sam to risk it all for 15 minutes of fame. Then (as all REAL fans know) Sam dies in a wreck.

KEISHA'S DILEMMA by Willie D. Spears, Jr. tells how Keisha meets and falls for bad boy, Derek Cole, upsetting her very religious father. He forbids her to see him, but she does it behind his back. They date through high school and then it's time for Keisha to go to college. It doesn't go smoothly however, because Keisha has a pregnancy scare, and her best friend and mother secretly help her out. The affair continues during her college years and then she meets Clarence Johnson on campus. He is nice, kind and doesn't end up in jail or on probation like Derek sometimes does. Keisha is smitten. But, all does not go well and when Derek finds out, the battle is on. Clarence's family blames Keisha for the battle. Will Keisha be able to convince Clarence and his family that she's not like Derek at all? Then another twist gets tossed into the mix when her best friend meets a man on the internet.

KEISHA'S DILEMMA is a tight, short story that any woman who ever had a strict, religious father can more than relate to. There comes a need, with all the `no's' and "don't do this or that" that forces the forbidden into the forefront and even if the girl didn't really want to do it, teen rebellion and the need for independence forces the issue. It was short and I would just have loved for the story to continue so I could find out what really happened with Keisha.

Reviewed by Alice Holman
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

Keisha's Dilemma was a very good read. Willie writes as he speaks...with a passion that is meant to inspire and educate.

In my opinion, through this book he is reaching out to those who need the inspiration and education most. With his real life experience, both personal and from others, he illustrates the lives of his characters and the choices, and results of those choices, that are being made every day. I would recommend this book without reservation! I'm looking forward to the next one!

KEISHA'S DILEMMA is a short yet very meaningful read about a girl named Keisha, whose life changes dramatically before her senior year of high school. After starting to date Derek Cole without the knowledge of her strict father (who thinks Derek is a thug), Keisha is faced with many difficult decisions.

Not only does she have to lie to her father, but she must choose whether all the difficulties are worth the relationship with Derek. Should she keep lying to her father about the relationship or give up the boy that she has come to love?

This is an honest story that deals with some very important issues of teenagers today. Pregnancy, drugs, relationship problems, and friendships are all brought up in this book, and the issues are discussed in a very effective way. Keisha is a very down-to-earth character, and readers find themselves hoping that things will get better for her. Also, the book has a very clear moral message that never gets too preachy.

KEISHA'S DILEMMA will not disappoint readers who like realistic stories that will move and inspire them to do great things in the world.

Reviewed by: Amanda Dissinger

I recently purchased Keisha's Dilemma from Willie Spears when he made a personal appearance at his former college, NWOSU. I read the entire book that night because it held my interest and I wanted to see what would happen next. I am a senior citizen, but as soon as I finished the book I loaned it to my youngest who is 22 and she came away with the same feeling. It is rare that you will find a book that can hold the interest of all ages, but this one is definately that book. Keisha's Dilemma took me back to stages of my own life as well as my children's lives. I can't wait until my granddaughter learns to read because I think there are good messages for young kids that may turn their lives around or at least keep them on a good path of life. Thanks Willie, I can't wait for the sequel.

I found Keisha's Dilemma to be a very honest, creatively written book of what young people are going through in their lives today. The main character faces real life issues and overcomes them with strength and resolve to do the right thing. The target audience will find the book written in a common language format and to a level that should stimulate continued reading of this genre.

Poignant, powerful stories. Beautifully written with a distinctive and important design. This book's not to be missed--by you, your friends, your business colleagues. Bravo!

Within his book A Leader Becomes A Leader, Kevin Sheehan delightfully illustrates the essence of true leadership. He poignantly definies a diverse group of past and present leaders; while exploring their life events and characteristics of greatness. Encourage your friends, family and coworkers to read this motivational book!

The author does a phenomenal job of breaking the topic down into small manageable and inspiring readings; also covers a great cross-section of leaders and the characteristics that made them successful. I ordered a dozen copies as executive and motivational gifts.

J. Kevin Sheehan presents a celebration of what's possible in his biographical snapshots of great leaders. By focusing on the unique character traits of outstanding leaders the author transforms the mysteries of leadership into something very real. He answers the question "what made them great?" in an extremely concise and inspirational style. Great as a corporate gift or graduation present. My children have used it for school projects and I have found inspiration for my own business. No home or school library should be without this most valuable tool.

What I love most about "A Leader Becomes A Leader" is it's timeless simplicity. I can take this book (turn off the television) and spend quality time with a young child, parent, teacher, grandparent or peer and connect on a visual, thoughtful and emotional level. These inspiring stories remain simple, true and steadfast in their messages of perseverance (and are told with grace). A thoughtful journey through and towards what is really important in life. A great exploration on human potential. This must be shared!

It's true that you will remember this book for a long time. I first read it 27 years ago and I still fondly recall the lead character and her ability to overcome the hardship of being a teenager struggling with blindness. This is a great story for any juvinile struggling with hardship or "being different." Also it would help foster empathy in those without such difficulties. I think adults would still enjoy it, they would just find it a bit of a quick read. The sequal is also very good.

This book is about a girl named Cathy, who has severe glaucoma. She has surgery and it makes the problem worse than it already is and makes her blind. Throughout the book she copes with the blind lifestyle. She gets a seeing eye dog named Trudy who leads her around everywhere. This book teaches you a lot about the morals of life. I highly recommend this book because it also makes me appreciate not being blind and having 20/20 vision.

I read this book when I was in fifth grade, and I absolutely fell in love with it. I am now in ninth grade, but I can remember the stroy perfectly. Kathy's struggles have made me see that I am so lucky to be healthy, and the book has broadened my perspective on life. My teacher recommended this book to me, and I cried when I read it. This book will have a lasting effect on your life, and you will remember it forever. I am so glad I had the chance to read this book.

I am near sighted and one of my worst fears in this world is going blind. This book, however, showed me that most of our fears are only fed by the society we live in. Cathy's triumph in overcoming this obstacle is a sure way of showing anyone the true meaning of living. Enjoy this book and cherish it...Share it but don't give it away. I bet you'll need it again some day!

I read this book when I was in junior high school, and loved it. When I was recently diagnosed with glaucoma, I remembered the book, and re-read it. Even at age 44, I still loved it!

I read this book when I was about 8 years old (I always read at a higher level) and this book had such an impact on me that I still remember it. The Locker was so horrifing and the characters were so real, I couldn't put it down and I read it multiple times. I'm now 23 years old and I'm ordering this book so I can enjoy the thrills again and again. A must have for any library.

i just finished reading this book, and just had 2 tell someone how good it was. it was a bit slow, but the ending was so good. u never see it coming! richie tankersly cusick is my favorite author, ive bought almost all her books, and im making it my goal 2 read them all by the end of the year. her books r so good, i recommend them to older ages though, maybe 12 at the least because it can be bloody @ sometimes. very very good book :)

oh my god, i'm 12 years old and this was one of my favorite books RTC wrote and it was GRADE A+ TYLER WAS SOOOO SWEET hahaha i wasn't really surprised at the ending though sorta... i did a book report on this book and got an A+ defenate reading book, read this book, you won't be mad

The Locker was great! It is the only one of her books that I've read that was written in first person. It makes you more invovled in the book and more involved with the characters. Cusick creates excellent, believeable characters.

This book is in one word amazing! I have always found richie the best author out there and this book explains to me again why. She is the only person who knows how to scare you like hell. She makes it seems so real that you feel like, you yourself are the main character and you are living the situation yourself and that is frightening. Especially the bit in the kitchen of Suellens house was so frightening I felt chills go down my spine, I was there I was in that kitchen and I felt the fear the main character felt. Richie has this incredible way of describing things, describing it so real that sometimes you've got to stop reading. This book was amazing!

This book was really good. In this book Jessica is with the mysterious Mike McAllery. Her friends, Isabella, and her brother Steven warn her about Mike. Saying he drinks constantly and has a diffrent women around for every day. But is all of that true? And when Jessica and Mike are alone together, does Jessica do something drastic? Elizabeth is still trying to recover from her horrible breakup from her x boyfriend, Todd Wilkins. But now Todd has a new girlfriend, Lauren Hill, and life is going good for him. But when Elizabeth uncovers a scandel about the athletes, how will it efect Todd. And could he possibly be involved? And does he also do something with his new girlfriend?The thing liz wouldin't have with todd...sex? This time Liz and Jessic look diffrent. Liz has turned to food for comfort and has packed on the pounds. But does she actually have feelings for someone? Tom vowed never to love anyone again but when he meets Liz will everything change? Winston is living it up at college. But in a all girls dorm! All of his faternity pals are treating diffrent, well of course they would since they want ot meet all of the girls Winstion knows. And what happens between Denise and Winston. Is there something going on between them. Snobby Celine, Liz's roomate, is up to some tricks. She wants the mysterious Wiliam White to herself but she might be a little to late. Could he actually have a thing for Liz? This was a really great book so get it. You won't be disapointed.

This book was really good. I love Liz, and feel sorry for her now that she is pudgy and
can't fit any of her clothes from when she was The Liz Wakefield. Here are changes:
Depressed, tubby, looks like a sassuage in her sheath, on a diet. I hate Todd for
doing this to her! All the things he dated her in and thought she looked beautiful
in can't fit! I will look forward to a time where she will be fit and happy.

Aaaaaahhh. Frachine knocks off the Wakefields-are-perfect stuff. As Elizabeth puts it,
''only one of the Waefield twins were a perfect size six, and it wasn't Elizabeth.''
In SVH, Liz was always thin. Jessica was aways dieting. But now Liz is on a diet, because
she put on so much wieght. I roared my head off when Liz was trying to get into the
sheath! On to Tom. Liz sounds perfect for him. They've had their worlds turned upside down since the got to college, so their a little scared approach their new selves.
I love this book.

Jessica moves in with Mike McAllery and sleeping with him,She has sex with him the first time,Alexandra is now one of Jessica's friends[Sound familiar] kind of like Amy Sutton from 6th Grade She was Elizabeth's best friend,then when she moved away,then when she returned to Sweet Valley,she and Elizabeth had nothing in common as 11th graders,She was boy-crazy as Jessica,and a Cheerleader. Alexandra is in Theta Sorority,and she and Elizabeth drifted apart.Why Can't I find friends so easy at Mott? Elizabeth meets Nina Harper,a black student. Todd dates this girl named Lauren,and has Sex with her.

This book raises alot of questions about what will happen to Jessica and Elizabeth. Jessica is looked down on for sleeping with and over at Mike's House.

The monologues are very good, but they are shorter than two minutes, so that didn't help us find an appropriate monologue for the high school musical. It would probably be a good book for junior high school.

Want to make a lasting impression at an audition? Then buy this book! It is written in a format that is accessible to all ages and the material is easy to memorize, which will help your performance be more relaxed and natural. The monologues in this book are also structured in a way that allow young actors to put their unique stamp into their performance. Now go and break a leg at your next audition ... that is if you have the book!

I am always asked at auditions where I got that monologue from! Most books for teens and kids are just comedic, yours have comedic and dramatic so I can be prepared for any audition.

Excellent!! Great collection of monologues that helped me get an LA agent. Would recommend it to someone if they could only buy one monologue book.

Chamber's monologues are so realistic and the characters come to life with minimal effort and it has a lot to do with the talented writing he puts forth in this.

This is an excellent first book to give a teen who is not sure about investing as a good place to put his or her money. It is written with teens in mind and has tons of real-world examples to which teens can relate. It is a good start to get teens exciting about making their money work for them. I got it for my 16-year-old nephew who was skeptical, but is on board with taking control of his own financial future.

This book will basically focus on the way the stock market works and how to invest in it. It also tells you how much you can save in the future. It is the meat of the book when it comes to the stock market, but the book will also teach you the cost of bad habits such as smoking and the upsides of credit cards if used right. The book teaches you how to get your money's worth in the bank, teaching you everything from how they make money to what a cd is. The worst thing about this book that annoyed me so much, I took off a point, was that they try to write the book in a type of slang format. Going from saying the word dawg and writing rock lyrics about the book. This is very annoying, but the tips this book gives are just too valuble to detour you alway.

I recommend it to anyone of any age.

This books gives the true value of savings: a life worth dreamings about and investments we make for it to see it happen. This is a sweet and funny little book that makes money look exciting as a tool and token. I see this book as the clues to playing a cool video game. (More, like the hint book.) It's so casual that you think your reading Reader's Digest. You never feel confused! Math teacher's, parents, middle schoolers, high school students, college students, retirees: you'll love this book.

This book has reinforced what I have been preaching to my 17 year old for years......1) save and invest your money early, 2)live within your means as you get started in life (used vs new car), 3) attend the local university (keep student loans to minimum) and 4) practice a healthy lifestyle and you will soon learn that by the time you are 30 you will have more financial freedom and less debt than 90% of Americans.

I wish I had been taught the discipline for the first two items as it wasn't until age 40 that I reached financial freedom. Fortunately for him, he is a believer after reading this book. Maybe along the way he will guide others in the right direction.

I only skimmed this book (after all, I own almost all the other TMF books!), but I think this book is by far one of the best financial books for **any** new investor, regardless of age. While other books may have more content, this is one of the most approachable financial and investing books I've read. (Plus, its worksheets **force** you practice what you read!) Readable by adults, too!