Just One Year

  When Willem wakes up, he can barely remember what happened. He doesn't even know how exacty he ended up in the hospital. The only thing he remembers is the girl who he needs to get back to. Lulu. Not even her real name. Just the nickname he gave her, because he said she looked like a Lulu. Nevertheless, she is waiting for him, and he must get back before it's too late.


    For those of you who read my review of Just One Day or heard my rant about it, I was not as disappointed with Just One Year as I thought I would be. The messages in the first book were awesome, and I was sure that this second book wold ruin it.
   But it didn't. Instead, this book, told from Willem's point of view, was about his journey to realizing his mistakes. Sure, he still isn't the greatest role model, but I like that he became a better person by the end. I loved how the so-called "accident" helped him to fix his relationship with his mom (No, I didn't cry...I have no idea why you would think that....).
  

The House of Hades

In the fourth book of The Heroes of Olympus, things are only getting harder for the seven demigods. *spoiler alert* Percy and Annabeth are in Tartarus and the rest of the crew is trying to save them. But a demigod's journey is never that simple.

  I've liked this spin-off of the Percy Jackson series a lot more than I liked the Percy Jackson books. Don't get me wrong, I loved those too, but these are much better in my opinion. 

   House of Hades was, well, depressing. Although in a good way. I enjoyed it tremendously and the character development was incredible. Jason was addressed for being "perfect" and I like him a lot more now. 

   As for Nico...I won't spoil anything, though I found him way more relatable in this book. He hid his feelings for fear of being teased. That I can definitely understand. He is quiet because he doesn't think the others will accept him,  which is how I was when I first moved to Ohio (and it's been in the last two years or so that that's changed.) So although it may sound strange, that is honestly how I feel. (Tease me all you want, it'll only prove my point.) ;) 

Artemis Fowl

  Artemis Fowl is a twelve-year-old genius. A criminal mastermind with foolproof, evil schemes.
However, these plans are not fairy-proof. Artemis thinks he knows exactly what he's getting into by taking Holly Short captive. But then the fairies stop playing by the rules.

  I've heard this book talked about a lot, but it was always one of those things where I would say, "I really don't need to waste my time with books I probably won't enjoy."
  It wasn't until I was waiting at the library and saw it on the shelf that I gave the book a second chance. I just wanted to pass the time, and I ended up loving the book. I really enjoyed Colfer's witty remarks throughout the story (which is awesome, by the way). The fact that it is an Irish book probably contributed to my liking it, too. :)

The Little Woods

   Calista Wood transfers mid-year to a boarding school called St. Bede's. While most people go there so they'll have a better chance at getting in to a good college, Cally is there for another reason.

   Although it has been ten years, Cally has held on to the hope that she can solve the mystery behind her sister's disappearance. Clare had gone missing from St. Bede's, and rumor has it she was murdered. But was she really? Or is she still alive, living  in the little woods? 

   I have read some mixed reviews about this book. Many complain that the author used too many big words, that the mystery was easy to solve, and that the characters were flawed. I, however, really enjoyed it. I though the author's descriptions of people were awesome. I liked how she described them just as Cally saw them, which mad it easier to relate to her. The mystery was pretty easy to solve, but it was still enjoyable. My only complaint would be that sometimes the characters were unrealistic, and their reasoning didn't actually make sense. Otherwise, it was a good book. 

Irish Fairy and Folk Tales

  This book is a collection of fairy and folk tales from Ireland. It's written almost exactly like the Irish talk, so it was a little hard to get into, and at times very hard to understand. Despite this, I still really enjoyed it. It was really interesting and I learned a lot about the culture, language and history of the Irish (and I also learned that they are weird). If you're studying Ireland, or just want to learn about it, or looking for something to give you nightmares, this is the book for you!

Wonderstruck

  Ben and Rose secretly wish their lives were different. So when Ben finds a clue in his mother's room and Rose reads a headline in the newspaper, both children set out on a quest to find what they are missing. Their stories--Ben's told in words and Rose's in pictures--are set fifty years apart, and the ways they are similar and how they intertwine are sure to amaze its readers.

  I had heard that this was a good book and it sounded interesting, but when I saw that one story was in words and the other was pictures, I thought it wouldn't be good. Wouldn't it just be confusing and hard to follow?
  However I was very wrong. Wonderstruck is a wonderful book, and both stories are unique and engaging. Rose's story isn't at all hard to follow. And I liked how the stories were connected.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

 Through letters to someone he's never met but has heard is a kind and understanding person, Charlie tells of the ups and downs of freshman year. As he deals with the loss of his best friend who killed himself and his aunt Helen who died in a car accident, he is also trying to "participate" as his English teacher suggested. 

  I read this book knowing the twist because I didn't know until after the movie that it was a book. But I still loved it. There was one scene that wasn't in the movie and was not mentioned on Common Sense Media, and it definitely should have been. I liked the witty remarks that were scattered through Charlie's letters and how everything that seemed kind of unrealistic or odd was explained at the end. That's one thing that most books fail to do. I think this would be a really interesting book to read with a book club. because there's so much in it to discuss. 

My Name is Memory

 Lucy has had a crush on Daniel for years, although he seems not to want to even be friends with her. When, at their senior prom, Lucy finally gets an opportunity to talk to him, she is ecstatic. Little does she know that Daniel has The Memory, which allows him to remember all his past lives. He and Lucy have fallen in love before, only to be tragically torn apart. 

  After the first few pages I was prepared not to like this book. It didn't seem to me that the rest of it could be interesting or good; Lucy was obsessed with Daniel. Daniel wanted Lucy but didn't think she would understand or remember. How could this go on for three-hundred more pages?
   I ended up liking it, though. I thought it was cool that Daniel told the story of his past lives, and as he told them he came to realize some important things. Honestly, I think it could have done without the romance. The book would have been great just as a sci-fi novel. The romance scenes just seemed pointless to me (and there were just one too many of them.) I also thought there were some really funny lines. 

   
   

Just One Day

  Allyson is an obedient, sheltered American. Towards the end of her senior year she goes on a trip to Europe with some of her classmates, enjoying the fun before she heads off to college.
  When she and her friend Melanie sneak off to see a performance of Twelfth Night, she meets Willem and there is a definite spark. So when Willem invites Allyson (he knows her as Lulu) to spend a day with him in Paris, she accepts after a few mocking comments from Melanie. Allyson has a fantastic day in Paris and has what she thinks is a connection with Willem.
  Which is why she is shocked to wake up the next morning and find that he is gone.

   I actually really liked this book. I was glad to find that it wasn't all about Lulu and Willem's romantic day in Paris, that it also had some good messages in it. It was really saying how one mistake (like running to Paris with a guy you just met) can effect you for the rest of your life, however if you try you can learn from these mistakes.
   I'm looking forward to the sequel yet dreading it. Just One Day, I think, made a good point by itself. Just One Year is from Willem's point of view, and it could either make the messages in Just One Day stronger or it could ruin them. It could be that Willem realizes his mistakes and tries to improve, or that he is actually the perfect guy and Allyson was wrong to ever doubt him. (I'm hoping it's the first one).

The Red Pony

  Raised on a ranch in northern California, Jody is well-schooled in the hard work and demands of a rancher's life. He is used to the way of horses, too; but nothing has prepared him for the special connection he will forge with Gabilan, a hot-tempered pony his father gives him. With Billy Buck, the hired hand, Jody tends and trains his horse, restlessly anticipating the moment he will sit high upon Gabilan's saddle. But when Gabilan falls ill, Jody discovers there are still lessons he must learn about the ways of nature and, particularly, the ways of man.

  I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was interesting and really neat. It's also a small book and a quick-read, so perfect for long car trips!

Ben and Me

  Ben and Me is written from the point of view of Amos, the mouse who changed history. Amos was friends with Benjamin Franklin, and is the one responsible for all his great inventions.

  I really liked this book. It's educational, a quick read, and absolutely hilarious. I loved Amos's small comments, and the book can help make history fun!

Julie of the Wolves

Miyax (also known as Julie, her English name) runs away from a home situation she finds intolerable and plans to go to San Francisco, towards her pen pal. But it isn't long until she finds herself lost in the Alaskan wilderness.
She is then adopted by a pack of wolves, who she loves as her brothers. And with the help of her new family and the survival skills her father taught her, Miyax struggles to survive.

Although I would have liked a little more description here and there, I really enjoyed this book. I liked how the author didn't tell you Miyax's story right away, she left you wondering for a little while. Also, I loved when Miyax sorted her memories by color, because I do that all the time! I'd say this is a must-read for all animal-lovers.

City of the Beasts

 Alexander Cold is sent to live with his fearless grandmother, and shortly after his arrival they set out on a journey to the dangerous forests of South America in search of the legendary creature known as the Beast.
   But as Alex and his new friend Nadia find out, the unexplored wilderness is full of secrets. With the help of the forest spirits, both of them are led on an unforgettable and thrilling adventure. 

   This book is a quick read and hard to put down. I like the author's writing style and the characters are all very amusing. I especially like Kate, just because she has such a unique personality. I love that Alex and Nadia could just be really good friends, and I also like how Alex started the journey as a grump and a picky eater but completely changed by the end of the book. I recommend for any fantasy lover!

My Top Ten

  Like any bookworm, it is extremely difficult for me to chose my absolute favorite book. There are just so many to chose from! But here are my top ten (for the time being, anyway). They all made the list for different reasons, and they were all quite fun to read!

1. Harry Potter~just because the stories, the twists, the writing, the characters, are all awesome, in a magical way.

2. The Hunger Games~a story of love, being strong, and doing what's right. The protagonist isn't at all the typical teen girl found in most novels.

3.The Underneath~it's a terrific tale, mystical yet realistic, and a quick read.

4. Percy Jackson~it's Greek mythology and teens who have powers, and laced with wit throughout the series. What's not to love?

5. If I Stay~one of the saddest books I've ever read. I found it easy to like and relate to the characters. Just remember your tissues.

6. The Help~a must-read. It's interesting, educational, and touching.

7. Wildwood~a great adventure, good humor, and well-developed characters. Sure to make your "Favorites" shelf.

8. Breadcrumbs~the main character is one of the very few that I have thought "That's me!" Her sense of humor, way of thinking, and love for her friends make her a great protagonist. Not to mention her well-described adventure in search of her friend.

9. Picture the Dead~Mysterious from the start, this book will surely surprise you with its twists.

10. Twilight~DON'T PANIC. I do not really like Twilight. It made my list because without it, my friends and family would not have anything to make fun of. A good book to read when you need to laugh (a LOT)

Where She Went

It's been three years since the accident. Three years since Mia made a miraculous recovery. And three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life.
Then, by chance, the two of them run into each other in New York. And that night all their memories--the good and the bad--are unearthed, causing both of them to rethink their choices, their emotions, and, most importantly, their futures.

I enjoyed reading this book. It had the same lovely writing style as If I Stay, but I would suggest being at least 14 to read this one as it has plenty of language and some other content. One of my favorite things about this book was that Adam had the "perfect life" desired by most people, but he wasn't happy and his problems didn't disappear; rather, they multiplied.