Posts Tagged 'friendship'

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Any Sign of Life by Carson Rae

Published March 18, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Realistic Fiction

Paige wakes up in her bedroom hooked up to an IV without any memory of how she got there. Her mother is a nurse, so she’s guessing she got sick and her mother rigged the IV for her, but it’s obvious no one has checked on her for awhile as she is weak and underweight. As she begins looking around it becomes obvious that not only has her family died, but so has everyone in her neighborhood. As she struggles to get her strength back she finds her neighbor’s beloved dog still alive and finally has a companion. Eventually, she meets a few other survivors, but no one seems to know what caused this horrific turn of events. To make things even worse, they have spotted alien type creatures out patrolling as if looking to make sure no one has survived. Is this some kind of alien invasion? Why didn’t Paige and the other survivors die along with everyone else? What could the aliens want from Earth? What must Paige and her new friends do in order to survive long term?

The first in this series is compelling from the start as Paige struggles to come to terms with her new reality. She loses absolutely everything within a matter of days including her family, best friend, house, belongings, etc. She is definitely affected by this, but her desire to survive outweighs her need to feel sorry for herself. The other people she meets all have their own baggage as well, but despite their grief and fear they all do want to survive even though life as they knew it is completely different now. This book will interest everyone from avid readers to reluctant readers and everyone in between. It has a lot of action and plot twists that will keep everyone guessing and there’s plenty more story to come out as there is more to come. Highly recommended.

The Knockout by Sajni Patel

Published February 6, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Realistic Fiction

Kareena Thakkar, a 17 year old high school student of Indian descent, excels in a sport called Muay Thai, which is a type of fighting. Due to this interest, many people in their Indian community have shunned her and her parents because they don’t think it’s an appropriate activity for a proper young lady. Kareena’s parents have been nothing but supportive, especially since her father is very ill and they have suffered financial difficulty due to his bills and inability to work. She has shied away from telling too many people at school, however, because she is afraid of what the reaction will be, but when she is offered the chance to attend the US Muay Thai Open she knows word will get out. Plus, she desperately needs to raise enough funds to actually go to the competition that her coach thinks she has a chance of winning. To make matters more exciting, there is talk of making Muay Thai an Olympic sport. Once other female athletes begin to hear about her sport they are very supportive and want to help her reach her goal of attending this prestigious competition. She has also begun tutoring a young Indian guy who is very charismatic and smart but seems preoccupied and exhausted most of the time. She doesn’t feel she can press him on what is bothering him without sharing her goals for Muay Thai and her father’s illness in return. Also, when his traditional parents hear about her untraditional aspirations they are less than supportive. Can Kareena manage to be there for her parents, keep up with her studies, and train for the US Muay Thai? Can she trust her friends to accept her for who she is, even if it doesn’t conform to Indian traditions? Can she find time to begin a relationship with her new Indian friend?

This story does a great job of illustrating how difficult it can be for anyone to adhere to the expectations other set on them. Kareena is very lucky to have supportive parents and friends, but it’s obvious how much it weighs on her when people judge her and her decisions unfairly. Many high school students of all backgrounds will be able to identify with a character who doesn’t feel she is accepted by those around her. This book also illustrates how times are changing and it’s becoming more and more celebrated to be who you want to be with your individual strengths and goals. Stress and familial pressure are another theme in this story which is another thing young adults struggle with. Recommended for anyone looking for an engaging read. 

Secrets Never Die by Vincent Ralph

Published January 24, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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                  Genre: Suspenseful Thriller

Sam Hall was a child tv star until tragedy struck and he stepped away. Rumors have plagued him ever since as no one really knows the truth about what happened to his family and why he wanted to quit acting. Sam and his friends have a yearly tradition where they go into an abandoned hut in the woods on Halloween and reveal their innermost secrets. They believe it is cathartic and will help them heal, but this year their session was interrupted by screaming and someone throwing eggs at the hut that are filled with blood. They are all justifiably scared by this, but they convince themselves it was a Halloween prank and try to move on. Soon, however, they all start receiving creepy messages from someone named Sasha and it is quickly revealed that this “Sasha” has something to do with one of their secrets. It becomes clear that someone knows the secrets they revealed in the dark that night and they are coming to life to haunt them. None of them want to seek help because then they would have to reveal their innermost secrets, but as the threats become more serious they wonder if they have any choice and what lengths the person behind this will truly go to in order to get what they want. Would this person actually harm them? Is there any way to confront their attacker without having to let the entire world know their darkest secrets?

This story was surprisingly creepy and suspenseful. The threats are intricate and keep getting spookier and spookier. Eventually, they do bring in their families, but their reaction to the threats is very unexpected and helps build up to the climax of the story. Most readers will find the ending satisfying, but it is still a little crazy who is behind it and how far they were willing to go to terrify these teenagers. The story does send a positive message about how bad things happen to everyone and it’s important to try to heal, move forward, and look at any positivity that may have come from the bad things. Many teens often feel like everyone else has it all together and they are the ones struggling when in reality everyone has stuff they are dealing with. Recommended for fans of more suspenseful mysteries. 

Thieves’ Gambit by Kayvion Lewis

Published December 13, 2023 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery/Adventure

Ross Quest, a seventeen-year-old girl raised by a single mother in a famous thieving family, is desperate to break out on her own and experience a little normalcy. However, her plans fall apart when her mother is kidnapped and held for ransom and she is forced to dive deeper into the thieving world by entering the Thieves’ Gambit. The Thieves’ Gambit is an elaborate three part competition designed to pit the world’s best thieves against each other. The winner earns one wish, any wish, that is guaranteed to be granted. The winner is also required to work for the organization running the gambit for an entire year with no questions asked. Ross did not have any interest in doing this, but after exploring all options realizes she must in order to truly save her mother’s life. Can she compete among very determined and talented young thieves such as herself? Can she save her mother without condemning herself to another year or intense thief work? Is it possible she might find some common ground with the other teens in the competition?

Fans of heist shows and books will be immediately drawn to this title. It’s exciting, fast paced, and has many twists and turns as Ross tries to outmaneuver her opponents no matter what obstacles are placed in her way. The other characters are well described and it’s easy to see where they are all coming from, but that doesn’t change the crazy lengths they will all go to in order to win the competition. Ross has been warned her entire life not to trust anyone and the few times she has it has ended in disaster. She does not plan to make that mistake again, but some of the contestants help her see that trust isn’t always a bad thing…or is it? Highly recommended for anyone looking for a fun, fast paced escape. 

The Counselors by Jessica Goodman

Published December 6, 2023 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Goldie loves Camp Alpine Lake more than almost anything, and after the terrible year she’s had she’s desperate to go back one more time to be a counselor with her best friends, Ava and Imogen. They have been going to this camp since they were little and now proudly serve as lifeguards. Camp Alpine Lake is a favorite among the wealthy and powerful people to send their kids to and therefore the local townspeople are not always fans of the campers because they feel they are entitled and bratty. Goldie grew up in that small town, but since her parents work at the camp she has always been allowed to go for free. Ava and Imogen became very important to her from a very early age, which is why it has been so hard to keep her terrible secret from them, but she’s afraid they’ll look at her the same way everyone in her town does if they knew the truth. Shortly after they arrive, however, a local boy turns up dead on camp grounds and Goldie instinctively knows it could not have been an accident. As she’s putting the pieces together it becomes obvious that her two best friends are also keeping secrets from her. Is it possible one of them could have hurt this local boy to keep their secrets safe? Can she find her way back to trusting her friends with the shambles that has become her life? Will she ever get over what happened to her or will it plague her forever?

This mystery story does a nice job of getting the reader to know and therefore care about the main characters. Once it is revealed what happened to Goldie it is heartbreaking to see how the repercussions of that terrible night have completely unraveled her life. The vivid camp descriptions will make anyone long to go back to camp, even those that never attended in the first place. The traditions and activities seem so American and wholesome, but underneath there are many secrets that cannot stay hidden forever. The ending is satisfying and not too predictable which will please mystery fans. Recommended for those looking for a fun book to escape into.

The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson

Published November 8, 2023 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Alice went missing for several days over the summer and it became a big scandal until it was revealed that she had just ran away. Now, as Alice tries to reenter her high school life as the new social outcast, her ex-boyfriend is suddenly accused of having something to do with his new girlfriend Brooke’s disappearance. Brooke is also Alice’s ex-best friend and as much as she is angry at her for taking her boyfriend she can’t help but notice how unfazed everyone (the police, her stepdad, the boyfriend) seems to feel about the fact that she’s missing. So, she calls Brooke’s grandmother who immediately enlists help and establishes a reward for any information that leads to Brooke’s whereabouts. Iris, who has been assigned as Alice’s tutor, could really use that reward money, so her and Alice decide to start investigating in order to find out where Brooke is. Will anyone take two teenage girl detectives seriously? Can they find out the truth about what happened to Brook before it’s too late? Will anyone ever take Alice seriously again after her disappearing act the summer before?

This fun story follows two teenage girls trying to solve a murder for a variety of reasons and will definitely remind readers of famous teenage girl detectives Nancy Drew and Veronica Mars. Alice is a complex character with many things those around her do not know and therefore even though it appears she has everything she actually feels quite alone and abandoned. Meanwhile, Iris feels completely invisible in this school and just wants to earn a little extra money to help her mom make ends meet, even if it means tutoring someone who claims to not know her despite the fact they have gone to school together since kindergarten. As the two begin to really work together and get to know each other they learn quickly that high school perceptions are not always accurate and can lead to snap judgments. Recommended for readers looking for a fun mystery.

The Only Girl In Town by Ally Condie

Published October 25, 2023 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Realistic Fiction

When July waked up to find she is the only remaining person left in her town she immediately begins to look for people anywhere she can think of including her school, her friend’s houses, and even local businesses. When she fails to find another living person she tries to get in her car and flee the town only to be stopped by an invisible barrier. As she starts to get used to being the only girl in town she notices objects left around the town that each represent a person she deeply misses including her best friend and her parents. She gets the idea that maybe she is supposed to solve a puzzle with the objects in order to bring everyone back, but the harder she tries to connect the objects the more she is reminded of several painful memories that have happened over the last year. Can July face her difficult past in order to move forward? What is going on in this town and where did everyone disappear to?

This story uses past memories to help the reader feel why July is struggling so much in addition to the fact she is now totally alone in her town. The objects she finds help her to start facing all the things she misses about those around her so that she can better focus on a plan to bring all of those people back into her life. The relationships around her start to become very clear with each memory she revisits and it’s easy to want to know what happened that made her feel like she had to change all of her priorities in life. Recommended for those who enjoy realistic fiction with surprise endings.

Stars and Smoke by Marie Lu

Published October 18, 2023 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Action Mystery

Winter Young is the biggest pop star in the world, but he is still reeling from the untimely death of his older brother. Despite his enormous popularity he can’t help but wonder if his life is fairly pointless, unlike his brother who was in the peace corp. So, when he is approached by a secret agency to help take down a powerful trafficker he thinks this might be his chance to do something important. He does not have much time to train, however, so he is paired with Sydney Cosette, a long time secret agent despite her young age. The two get prepared as best they can, but then they must go undercover knowing that things could get very dangerous if their true motivations are revealed. As Winter gets to know the daughter of the criminal they are trying to take down, he quickly realizes that every situation has many people involved and is difficult to navigate at times so that the wrong people don’t get hurt. Can he and Sydney fulfill the goals they set out to do with this mission? Will they become more than friends along the way?

This story is fun and exciting with many suspenseful action scenes. Technically, there is a little bit of romance, but I would not let that deter any boys who enjoy action from picking this one up. It very much reads like a spy novel and the characters are engaging from the start with several revelations coming out about both of their backgrounds. There are many surprises in regards to what they think they know about this mission and the ending is very exciting and dramatic. Definitely recommended for anyone who enjoys a good action spy adventure.

The Getaway by Lamar Giles

Published September 20, 2023 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Futuristic Fiction

Jay and his friends and family feel very blessed to be able to work and live in the vacation oasis reserved for the wealthy and powerful because everyone knows how difficult life is outside the walls of this getaway. One day, however, his friend Connie and her family mysteriously move out in the middle of the night and he’s pretty sure it’s not her answering the texts on her phone. Meanwhile, he starts to notice changes around the resort. The patrons are getting meaner and never seem to go home. It even comes to their attention that the wealthy guests can shoot electric currents through employees using their employee bracelets. This sets an unfortunate imbalance of power that the guests seem to relish. Jay’s parents have also been reassigned to menial, back breaking jobs instead of the ones that qualified them to live in the oasis in the first place. Jay’s one wealthy friend, the heiress to the entire place, has been cold and different and he knows she knows more than she’s letting on about the current changes going on around them. Should he try to escape this place and take his chances outside the “protective” walls? Or, should he try to join the underground rebellion that is growing as the workers are treated worse and worse? Who can he trust and is the world really coming to an end all around them and they are too sheltered to know?

This book takes on many issues in a thrilling setting including race, class, climate change, and corporate control. Jay is the central figure, but there is a lot going on with his family and friends and he struggles sometimes to keep up with everything while still trying to keep himself safe in this increasingly unpredictable place. The ending is exciting and satisfying and will answer most of the questions, but will leave readers wanting to know more. Fans of futuristic fiction such as the Testing and Divergent will be instantly hooked by the unusual setting and unknown future of the characters.

A Long Stretch of Bad Days by Mindy McGinnis

Published September 13, 2023 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Lydia Chass is used to things going her way, she is a Chass after all. So she is stunned when she learns that an error has left her one credit shy of graduating. Determined not to be left behind she concocts a plan to create a true crime podcast about her small town’s “long stretch of bad days” that included a tornado, flash flood, and the town’s only homicide. She learns that another student also needs one credit to graduate and so the school is strongly recommending they work together. Bristal Jamison, however, does not come from a distinguished family and at times her family’s reputation is actually a hindrance in their investigation. Nevertheless, they both bring strengths to the podcast, albeit in their own ways. The town was so preoccupied with the natural disasters all those years ago and the murder victim wasn’t exactly the model citizen so no one ever looked too hard into the crime, but now that they are there is definitely someone out there who wants to stop them at all costs. Was the murder one of convenience due to the natural disasters or was it just lucky timing? Can Lydia and Bristal find a way to work together and maybe even become friends?

This mystery story really hinges on the personalities of the two main characters. Lydia is very domineering, but in a way that the reader comes to find endearing, especially as she becomes more aware of her own privilege. Bristal, meanwhile, is very rough around the edges but often says the thing everyone is thinking and does manage to get some answers from people who do not want to talk. She also has a very open and honest relationship with her mother, which is interesting, because their family is often looked down upon but Lydia quickly sees that just because something does not look as you would expect does not mean it’s wrong or bad. The mystery is interesting, but perhaps more so is the impact this string of bad days had on the characters they encounter and how it still haunts them to this day. Recommended for readers who like mysteries, but also friendship stories.

The Island by Natasha Preston

Published September 5, 2023 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Thriller Mystery

When Paisley, an influencer, is invited to preview a private island resort created by a billionaire who wants to create the ultimate getaway she is thrilled and honored. Her father is initially against her going with a handful of other influencers she does not know to an island where it might be difficult to reach her, but her mother convinces him to let her go. At first, this island seems too good to be true with a beautiful hotel, high end restaurants, and a full amusement park. Each influencer is assigned a lush private suite in order to truly impress them. There are some rules in place, but they are encouraged to take photos and videos in order to create buzz for this new destination. Paisley agrees to meet another influencer after hours so that they can see the amusement park on their own, but her partner never shows. She is annoyed, but figures he fell asleep. The next morning he does not show for breakfast and his room hasn’t been slept in. They are on an island so Paisley is immediately concerned, but it takes awhile before others start to notice his prolonged absence. Besides the influencers, the only other people on the island are the owner and a handful of workers. As more people start noticing strange things and getting separated from each other it becomes clear that something is not right. Could someone really be trying to keep them all from leaving the island? Who would want to hurt people they have never met prior to this island? Who can Paisley trust to keep her safe? Will she and her new friends make it safely off this island?

This exciting mystery thriller is everything you would expect in a story of this kind. The characters are all introduced and somewhat developed before things start to go wrong. There are several red herrings that make it more challenging to work out who is behind all the bad things going wrong on this island. The plot twists and turns until the very end, which will keep all readers, but especially reluctant readers, interested until the final reveal. The final page will definitely leave readers wanting more! The setting is truly unique and described in a way that makes it very easy to imagine. Recommended for horror and mystery fans!

Today Tonight Tomorrow

Published May 5, 2023 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Romance

Rowan and Neil have battled throughout high school in everything from grades to class elections. Now it is the last day of senior year and they are both eager to hear who will come out on top for valedictorian. This is also the day where seniors can compete in a very challenging scavenger hunt for bragging rights and a nice cash reward. Despite their differences, they quickly realize that if they pair up for the race they have a better chance of winning. Their group of friends has grown a bit tired of their exhausting feud, but wants to support them as best they can. As the day goes on they begin to learn things about each other that they never knew and it changes how they see each other. Is it possible they wasted their high school years hating someone they should’ve been friends with? Now that they’re both going to different colleges is there still a chance they could form a relationship?

This book takes place in one day and yes a lot of plot happens as two high school seniors begin to learn about people they thought they knew pretty well. The setting is fun with the scavenger hunt and the characters are well developed so that it’s easy to care about what happens with these two. The mixed feelings they have about leaving high school are something many students can identify with. Recommended for those looking for a romance.

All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir

Published April 26, 2023 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Realistic Fiction

Salahudin and Noor were best friends growing up, but when Noor expressed an interest in pursuing a romantic relationship things took a bad turn and they haven’t spoken much since. Salahudin’s mother has missed having Noor around and has been trying to get them to reconcile ever since. Salahudin’s mom is very sick and his dad is an alcoholic, which makes running their small hotel a challenge. When Noor relents and goes to visit Sal’s mom she is shocked to find her health has declined rapidly. She accompanies her to the hospital and fears the worst. Meanwhile, Noor is expected to work every hour she’s not at school at her uncle’s convenience store. He is not kind to her and blames her for the fact he had to quit college and raise her when her family was killed in an earthquake in Pakistan. He wants her to work at the store after high school so he can go back to college, but Noor wants more for her future even though she feels she does owe him for taking her in. The death of Sal’s mom brings him and Noor back together and Sal starts to realize that Noor is dealing with a lot at home and he isn’t sure how to help her. He’s also terrified they are going to lose the family business and contemplates taking some ill advised measures in order to keep that from happening. As Sal and Noor grow closer it becomes apparent that both of them are keeping secrets from the other and when they all come spilling out they are forced to deal with the terrible aftermath. Can they find a way to be together after everything that has happened? Can they make peace with a future they didn’t expect or plan?

This story connects the characters to the reader in a way that many readers will not expect. It’s easy to sympathize with the situations both Sal and Noor find themselves in and it’s easy to see why they would make questionable decisions based on the reality they have to deal with every day. Both characters want a good future for themselves, but also care about those around them which makes them very likable and believable high school students. Forgiveness is an important element as well because it’s the only way to relieve some of the anger and rage they have been dealing with due to their overall frustrations with their difficult lives. Poverty is another theme that is prevalent throughout and is written in a way that shows many of the myths about poverty are simply not true and it can happen to hardworking people who are trying their best. Finally, there are some great cultural references to the Pakistani community living in California and some of the challenges that brings. This is an Iowa High School Award Winner for 2023-24 and is highly recommended.

Live Your Best Lie by Jessie Weaver

Published April 6, 2023 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Summer Cartwright is a very powerful social media influencer who has gathered secrets about those closest to her including her best friend, Grace, her ex-boyfriend, Adam, her former camp mate, Laney, and a sophomore who aspires to be just like her, Cora. Everyone has heard the news that Summer has secured a book deal and plans to release ALL of the secrets she has on everyone else. Therefore, everyone feels they need to be especially nice and accommodating so that she might change her mind. Summer is planning the biggest, splashiest Halloween party and insists these four come. However, shortly after everyone arrives they receive a strange text message that Summer will be dead in five minutes. The party guests assume it’s a murder mystery party and start looking for clues…but then Grace, Cora, Laney, and Adam stumble upon Summer’s body and they know it was all too real and that they will all be prime suspects. Who would kill Summer at her own party? How did they do it? Is there a way for them to clear their names before it’s too late?

This story covers a lot of issues including parental abuse, academic pressures, plagiarism, the dangers of social media, and even teen dating. Many readers will find something they can commiserate with as they get to know these characters. It’s told in alternating chapters so you get to see how each one of them feels about Summer and her murder, but it takes awhile before all of the secrets spill out and it becomes clear who the killer is. The ending is exciting and satisfying and will leave readers wanting to know more about these characters. Recommended for anyone who enjoyed One of Us is Lying.

Bluebird by Sharon Cameron

Published March 30, 2023 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Historical Fiction

Eva arrives in New York City along with her friend, Brigit, who has suffered some mental trauma in the aftermath of the war. Both women know that there will be people who do not accept them due to their German accents, but there was nothing left for them in Berlin and Eva has a mission to find her father whom she believes is also in New York. The story alternates between Eva in New York after the war and Inge in Berlin during the war. It quickly becomes apparent why Eva desperately wants to find her father and the terrible deal she was forced to make in order to be able to come to America at all. They are fortunate to find people willing to help them acclimate to a new country by providing food and shelter, and mostly kindness. Eva has struggled to take care of Brigit for over a year now that she has reverted to a childlike state after her trauma. She’s hopeful she will be able to find a doctor who can maybe help her, but how can she hope to make her way in a country that sees her as the enemy? How can she prove to people that even though she was subject to Nazi teachings she no longer adheres to the doctrine? How can she fight against other Germans who still believe they are above others? How can she face her father again now that she knows the truth?

This historical fiction novel really illustrates what it was like for people living in Germany under Hitler’s rule and what it was like after the war when it all came crumbling down. As all the secrets and lies come spilling out there will always be people who don’t believe the truth or even still defend the teachings of the Nazis. It’s no surprise that Eva struggles to trust other people after what her life has been like thus far, but nevertheless she still has hope for humanity and desperately wants to do her best to right the wrongs of the past. This story shines a light on aspects of the war that aren’t discussed as much and fans of WWII fiction will very much enjoy the twists and turns of the plot.

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