Son by Lois Lowry

This is the conclusion to The Giver series, so if you haven't read The Giver yet, I suggest you don't get into this book too much until you read the first, actually, I suggest that you don't get into this book at all. However if you have read The Giver, go for it!

This book is about Gabe's mom, (the little dude Jonas took with him).
OK, so remember in the first book how the town Jonas lives in is really insane and particular. So Claire, (Gabe's mom) is assigned a job as Birthmother, which is at it sounds. She basically produces the Products. which are children. The only problem is, she does not get to keep her child, it is only assigned to a family that suites it, because that is how the town works. (Yeah, I know, awful) so when her little son is taken away from her, you can imagine her anguish. During her delivery, there are some unusual complications that Claire has to endure, and after her delivery, she is taken away from the Birthmother role and put into the job of the Fish Hatchery. Somewhere in between getting transferred from jobs, Claire forgets to start taking the Pills again after her pregnancy, so she starts having heartfelt feelings once more. Most of the woman who delivered did not care if their newborn was taken away from them, but for Claire, it was differant. Since she had feelings, she automatically loved her newborn, even before setting eyes on him. This of course, is just the beautiful nature of mothers. So when her little guy is tragically taken away from her, she decides to seek him out in the Nursery, keeping his ID number in mind (thirty-six). Naturally, she finds him, and immediately yearns to be with him forever and ever. However, that is not possible considering the tight circumstances. She instead pays him several visits, short and sweet.
However, once Claire discovers that her child (whom she thinks is called Abe, though his real name is Gabe) has some "problems" to him and will be taken away from the community. What will Claire do?

Find out the story following by reading Son.Trust me, happy ending, lovely book, awesome winter read (especically when it's snowing) so grab some hot coca, (with TONS of whipped cream) and settle down, and read this book. You will not regret. And for all you guys who havn't read The Giver yet, do the same thing, but just change your book choice.

To The Best Book Ever!!! :)

The Springsweet by Saundra Mitchell

You might have noticed that I wrote about another book by this same author (The Vespertine) and you also might have guessed if you're smart that this is the sequel of The Vespertine. if you read the Vespertine then you probably should read this--but if you didn't you probably shouldn't read this; read The Vespertine first!

Ok so this time this is about Zora Stewart, Amelia's cousin, and Zora of course is in a complete mess from the disastrous events that occurred before (With her fiance being shot and killed, and Amelia's sudden "death") and Zora did not know what to do. She had reached a large wall in her life, which she was finding hard to climb over and move on. Zora knew what she needed though--she needed change. Change of everything: change of environment, change of society, change of EVERYTHING! She just needed to forget about her prior life and get out. You might see this as kind of running away from her problems, but it was more of a starting anew type thing. Zora decided to stay with her aunt (Beatrice, or Aunt Birdie) and help take care of her little one-year old cousin, Louella, in the country. When Zora arrives, she meets a charming young man named Mr. Emerson Birch, and is completely taken by him. Unfortunately for Zora, another man comes into the picture--someone who's a bit more likable to Aunt Birdie. The man is called Theo de la Croix, and he is indeed all that his name requires him to be--handsome, smart, rich, and chivalrous. Although Theo was a very kind person--but Zora cannot come to like him, let alone love him! She finds herself completely taken by Mr. Birch, regardless of Aunt Birdie's not so nice opinion of him.
Apart from all this romance, Zora discovers something completely new and astounding about herself--she's a srpringsweet! Um. Ok, great Zora, just what the heck is that? Well, basically it's the quality of having the ability to sense water, wherever, whenever, however. Zora suspects she is emulating her dear cousin, Amelia. Fire and water. Opposites attract, what can I say?

Anyway, this book is absolutely GREAT so please read it (after reading The Vespertine of course!!) I'm really in love with Saundra's style of writing--it's so lusty and deep. I absolutely adore it!
Ok so one million stars, no kidding :) Thanks Saundra Mitchell for publishing this--you're awesome!

The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell

Okay, talk about lusty romance. This book is the definition of it. Not in a inappropriate way of course, but in a precious, sweet way that you want to savor till the last bit. It's basically a historical romance (yes, my favorite) because it incorporates both history (which is the educational aspect) and romance (which is pleasure) so both mixed together is perfect!

Basically this is about a young woman named Amelia who goes to stay with her cousin Zora over the summer. (This book is based in the Victorian times by the way). Zora practically changes her cousins life. Well, indirectly anyways. When a group of men come to visit the girls (Zora, Amelia, and their friends) it seems like the sun has split in two for Amelia. (Almost literately). Nathanial Witherspoon was a young gentleman who visited, and who seemed completely entranced with Amelia, as she with him. It almost seemed like they were...meant for each other! Well, they actually were meant for each other.
Amelia discovers (with the help of Nat) that she has a special ability to portend the future. She says the sunset splits in two, reliving the following days, and she just sees...well, the future! Nathaniel also has a special ability. He can defy the forces of air. He says that's his "element". That's actually what this series is called--the elements series. Basically Amelia is the fire and Nathanial is the air (that's why I said they are literally meant for each other) but this love Amelia and Nathanial have for each other is actually forbidden...so that's what makes it so amazing!

Please read this amazing romance--you will savor every last bit!

Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg

Oh. My. God. This book is absolutely amazing! I read Pride and Prejudice by Ms. Austen, and I have to say, this is a hilarious, cute, amazing spoof of it. Of course it's kind of given that in order to get all the inside jokes from the book, you have to read Pride and Prejudice first (or if you're too lazy at least know the plot by watching the movie)

Basically, there is no point in reading this post if you don't know the plot of the original Pride and Prejudice, that's how similar it is too the classic. Okay, so there is an Elizabeth (of course) but instead she's a scholarship student in a filthy rich school called Loungborn Academy. (yes, I know, hilarious) and instead of Jane being her sister, she's actually her best best best best friend/roommate. Lydia's Jane's really immature lil' sister, and she also goes to Loungborn. Believe it or not, Elizabeth (Lizzie) actually hates Loungborn. Everyone there (with the exception of Jane) seems to be haughty and rude. Lizzie's had to put up with a strawberry smoothie being thrust onto her face, people scribbling "Hobos not wanted" on her dorm door, and daily snide remarks at school. Man, if I were Elizabeth, I'd give up at the first moment. But you know Lizzie, she's not like that! She has a very strong character (haha not to mention prejudiced) and can put up with a lot of things. Okay, so you probably are wondering how she meets Mr. Darcy! Well, Jane begs Lizzie to go to the reception at Loungborn, so Lizzie goes (but only for Jane). Jane wants her to see Mr. Bingley, the absolute love of her life. Lizzie goes, and guess who she meets along with the friendly Charles? The disdainful Will Darcy! Well of course when Will first meets Lizzie, he's all friendly and normal, but then, he discovers that she's a scholarship student and immediately turns black on her. Lizzie is disgusted with his sudden change of manner and decides (with prejudice) that Will Darcy is just a flat out snob. Meanwhile, Will Darcy decides (with pride) that Lizzie Bennet is a flat out lowlife. Of course, we know this is not true and both Lizzie and Will are simply being impulsive and have a certain degree of pride or prejudice.

Well, I'll stop the description there, so you can just sense the awesomeness of it till it overwhelms you so much so that you have to read the book. (Yeah, just wait till Mr. Wickham comes into the picture) I have witnesses to show that this book is awesome and it really is! Also Caroline Bingley is hilarious, it's almost not funny it's so funny. But also, apart from that...there's this whole other side. It shows just how amazing Pride and Prejudice is; other amazing books can spring from one amazing book. It just shows what authors can do if they work together! (like the 39 Clues that was awesome) Well, anyway, please read this book it's really really really good I promise!

The Mystery of the Blue Train by Agatha Christie

So I told you how awesomely awesome Agatha Christie is right? And an awesome author writes what? Awesome books. Therefore, logically speaking, since this book is by an awesome author, this book has to be awesome. There, now I went through the logical reasons why this book is awesome, now let's get through the HOW. How is this book awesome? Let me explain...

This book starts with a millionaire (Mr. Rufus Van Aldin) thinking about someone special in his life (no, not his non-existent wife). His daughter. Ruth Van Aldin, who has recently been named, Mrs. Ruth Kettering, has of late, been quite depressed. Her father, not bearing the thought of his daughter depressed, goes to visit her lovely little flat (actually not little since she too is quite well-off) . While visiting his daughter, he gives her a trifle of a present in order to cheer her up. What is it? Only the most famous jewel in the world, that's all. Trust a millionaire to get his hands on something like that then give it to his daughter as a cheer up present. Ruth is quite pleased with her gift, however an expensive stone still does not lift the heavy weight that seems to be weighing her down. Apparently, her husband, Derek Kettering, has been leaving his wife's company more and more, and has been in the company of a more dexterous woman. A lovely dancer by the name of Mirelle has captured Derek's attention entirely, which was, of course, meant to be for Ruth.
Ruth tells her father of this, and he, in rage, convinces her daughter to file a divorce. Ruth tells her father she would, however not immediately doing so.
Rufus Van Aldin decides to have a little chat with his son in-law to give him a little heads up on what his wife is planning to do. Derek seems not to be ruffled, but truly, he was nervous. If Ruth left him, he would once again be the same middle class man he was before marrying Ruth. And Mirelle was only a rich man's luxury, so in the process of him divorcing Ruth, he would not only loose his wealth but also Mirelle.
Days after Mr. Van Aldin had his chat with Derek, Ruth decided to go on a luxury train, Train le Bleu, to go to the Rivera. Unfortunately while on the train Ruth is murdered. Fortunately Mr. Hercule Poirot is also on the train and is there to solve all the questions presented.

There are many suspects, yet so little clues, so it is hard. But Poirot, never failing, solves the case!
Find out how in The Mystery of the Blue Train  by Agatha Christie. This book is a must read for all, so please, what are you waiting for???

To Be A Slave by Julius Lester

My dad got me this book since I have, of late, been watching the TV series, Roots. It's based on an African-American man who decided to be awesome and trace back all the way to the first man in his family who stepped foot in America. Kunta Kinte. Kunta Kinte was a young man when he was brought to America, but unlike other Africans, he did not lose his African identity when in America. He stayed strong to his people, his name, and his customs. He passed down his culture to his daughter, who passed it down to her son, to passed it down to his son, who passed it down to his daughter, and on and on until the message reached the man who decided to be awesome.
Well, you might imagine why I am going on about some TV program when I really should be talking about our lovely book here. Reasons being are, firstly, the book and the TV series concern the same topic (slavery) and secondly, I felt I understood the book two million times better after watching Roots. So there, makes sense right?

Ok, so I might as well give a little of what I think of To Be A Slave. Basically this book encompasses a collection of entries from journals of slaves during their hard times. Reading this book really made me look at slavery in way I never looked at before. Sure, I knew it was cruel and wrong, but why? What were the customs that the whites did to the blacks in those days? How did it feel like to be roped to a tree. Helpless, awaiting a cruel whipping you didn't even deserve? How did it feel like to be stacked on other human beings, like books on a shelve, for several days? Well, obviously we all know the answers to these questions. Terrible. But reading personal journal entries from slaves really put things to a different perspective. I felt like I was living their experience, working tirelessly in the field on a 100 degree day for a person who treated you like dirt, living in a small dark room, getting only scrapings of food, being frightened of "massa", being taken from your home and stacked (literately) onto a ship to be a slave.
Just imagine what those people were feeling. The feeling of being torn from your family, never to see them again. To have a child you love and care for separated from you at birth to work on another plantation. I read somewhere in this book that a mother kept having children, and her children kept being sold, so at one point when she had another child, she killed her newborn to save him from the torment of being a slave. Observe how desperate mothers got to save their children.
This is only a fraction of what slaves experienced. In this book, you are not only reading their experiences but living them. It really opens your eyes to the cruelty that had taken place many years ago, which is hopefully over. It's pretty sad actually, to know that human beings can treat each other like that solely based on the color of their skin. It's such a selfish thing to do, to overwork and abuse someone for the sake of what? Yourself.

Well, please, please, please read this book. I feel that everyone should live the life that the slaves lived, to feel every feeling that went through their body. To feel a whip at your back, then a sting in your eyes, and all the while hearing your mother begging "Massa, please massa, you can whip me, just don't whip my baby!" How cruel is that, to let it even get that way? Anyway, one million stars. Seriously, this book really is the perfect read, and I think every single human being on earth, whether black or white, should read this.

Death On the Nile by Agatha Christie

I have to say, reading this book was like a new awakening to me. I never knew how much I really liked mystery until then. Before, I thought I only had eyes for romance and nothing else. Now, my whole reading experience has changed; it's amazing!
Basically at first glance this seems like the typical cliche romantic mystery. However, after finishing the book one will have a completely different view of things. 

Linnet Ridgeway, a rich, blonde beauty, has a best friend called Jacqueline de Bellefort. It's pretty ironic because Jackie's practically the opposite of Linnet. She's got the most intense of personalities, while Linnet can be calm with just anything she pleases. Also, Jackie's not very well off, Linnet on the other hand got the world right under her pretty little toes.
The mystery starts out with Linnet calling her best friend, asking what she's been up to. They converse together in the most intimate and dearest of ways, just like best friends should converse. Jackie surprises Linnet by telling her that she's got herself engaged to man called Simon Doyle and she is terribly in love. She says that she would kill herself and him if he ever leaves her. Jackie also asks her rich friend if she could visit with this Mr. Handsome and if Linnet could aid him in some financial matters while they were at it.
Linnet agrees, saying it would be "her plesure"
Now, lets see it from our famous detective's side of the story. Hecule Poirot, the well-known detective of England, is going to a restaurant. At the restaurant, he notices a very perfect couple sitting but a few seats away from him. The girl, she has the most serene look on her face, yet, it seems faintly edged with constant alarm, a sort of worry. Something must be bothering her. It seems the couple are discussing their honeymoon plans. "And, as I say, we'll go to Egypt for our honeymoon. I've always wanted to see the pyramids and the sand..."
Poirot contemplates within himself. This woman, she seems too much in love, as if she could never let it go.
You might be wondering how this is important, this little scene that Poirot catches. As our detective says, "Time will tell, time will tell."
Now, let's go back to the two best friends. We are fast forwarding now, later, to what becomes of Jackie and her most excellent fiance. Poirot finally meets both the couple and Linnet in Egypt, where a they are having their honeymoon. They, as in Linnet and Simon. Jackie seems to be following them, in a revenge. The plain, terrible truth is, our handsome Mr. Doyle fell for Linnet on meeting her, and broke off his engagement to Jackie, instead marrying the rich, lovely Linnet. So Simon is going to Egypt for his honeymoon, and in the company of Jackie, (to his greatest anger) but his trip companion a completely different woman. Ms. Linnet Ridgeway, also known as Mrs. Linnet Doyle. And Ms. Jacqueline de Bellefort, formerly known as Ms. Jacqueline Doyle, has accompanied the poor couple with them, tormenting Linnet with guilt in the process.
 
Who knows what the infamous Jackie will do to the man she loves to death, and of course, the woman who stole the man she loves to death? Find of by reading Death on the Nile, by Agatha Christie. I recommend reading this book in a cold, darkened basement at the dead of night; it really gives you the thrills and shivers! (that's what I did, no kidding) Well, exit real, innocent world and enter the intriguing world of Agatha Christie, Queen of Crime! 

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey

I know there are a lot of books which are like this (teen advice/help) but I've got to say, this book rises above the rest. Why? Because teens can relate to the author, which is rare for any kind of book.
Covey's book is full of his experiences as a teen, which of course is very similar to the average teen. For example, Sean Covey tells the reader about the dangers that are out there for teens by illustrating it into a little drawing with a speech bubble on the side of the book. Also, Covey writes the book in a way that seems like his story as a teen, which makes the book 100x more interesting than it would have been if he was just spewing of what to do and what not to do as a teen. All these little changes in the book add up to make it very prominent and helpful. Personally to me this book was helpful, and I found myself nodding in agreement a lot of what Covey was saying. Like, "Yeah, I know right?"
I think what makes a good book is a good author, and what makes a good author is a good person, and what makes a good person is good role models. In Sean's case, his role model was his father, Stephen R. Covey, who I'm sorry to say died quite recently. He was a very good man, and in fact wrote a book very similar to his son's. It was called, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" and Sean based his book on his fathers. How amazing is that?
Their motto is, "Habits: They Can Make You or Break You" and the message that the Covey's are trying to send out to the world is; you can choose if you want your habits to make you or break you. You've got the willpower to make the right choices. Everything comes from your heart so listen to it. And I'm not talking about the petty desires you think your hearts asking you for, I'm talking about the inner heart, dig deeper and you will find the real desire.
Sometimes though a human can make icky choices once in a while, but this book tells you what teens can do to avoid those choices, or if you already made them, how to not make that same mistake again.
The Covey's realize that every human being is not flawless, but they're not hopeless either and there are certain things you can do to improve yourself greatly and just let yourself thrive.

Well, was that encouraging enough? If it wasn't, then let me tell you, grow up already and open your eyes! And if it was, happy to say you can safely be called that strange word which is "normal" whatever that is.
Anyway, I send my condolences to this genius author's even more genius father, and hope he's happy up there in heaven if God wills him to be.
Well, that's the way life goes, you're born, you live your life, and then...you die :(
Okay, don't want to end it on that sad note so just read this book and it will do you tons of good okay?
Sayonara  people!

Nobody's Prize by Esther Friesner

If you were obedient and read the first book, I am glad to tell you that you can read this post without screaming at me for ruining everything. If you didn't read the book, stop reading this post RIGHT NOW! However I can direct you to a more suitable post for you, try Nobody's Princess by the same author. Then you may read this.
Now, enough with the warnings. This will be a little shorter since this book is basically the continuation of the other. Like, immediate continuation. The end of Nobody's Princess and the beginning of Nobody's Prize are both on the same day for Helen. Well, I'll do the best I can for you who didn't listen to me when I warned you, but can't guarantee you'll be safe reading this. Keep a glass of water right next to you just in case you faint.

When Helen decides to sneak onto the Argo for The Quest of the Golden Fleece along with the ex slave Milo, she discovers it's not easy disguising herself as a man and being called Glacus instead of Lady Helen. Firstly, her brother's can easily notice her familiar blue eyes and those long lashes. On top of that, if she does get figured out, her punishment will be nothing she ever experienced before. On the bright side, Helen was getting exactly what she wanted; an adventure. Also, Milo knew her secret, and was always there when she needed him the most.
He aides her in basically everything; from getting her a blanket to stay warm to keeping her perilous secret safe and sound.There is also something else to the story. It's called my favorite subject, otherwise known as romance. Helen meets a handsome sailor named Hylas. The only problem is--Helen's a boy too! Milo notices the faint trace of a blush creeping up on Helen's cheeks everytime Hylas comes near, he notices the stutters and anxiety. Milo finally realizes the real reason he is so protective over his lady; his queen. He loves her.

Eeeeeee!!!! Love! Doesn't it just make your heart vibrate with excitement? Doesn't it just make you feel warm and content in your heart? Don't miss this thrilling sequel to Helen's adventure. Helen's waiting for you, so don't keep her too long.  

Nobody's Princess by Esther Friesner

My goodness! There are just some books that you pick up from the library thinking, "this gotta be a good one" and it just captivates you. This is the exact kind of book. Everything about it is just perfect. The picture on the front begs for you to pick it up and just read it! The font used on the front cover looks so thrilling that it sends shivers to your heart. (Well, that's what it was like for me).

Nobody's Princess is about a princess (um, really?) but not just any princess. This gal's called Helen of Troy, otherwise known as the beauty of Rome. The story starts out with eight-year-old Helen wondering why everyone keeps on calling her beautiful, yet her twin sister Clytemnestra just has the title of artistic or talented. Sure, instead of  Clytemnestra's deep brown eyes, Helen has blue, and instead of a sharper nose, Helen's was more petite and round. But did all of these differences add up to what is known as beauty? On top of that, Clytemnestra was getting a little jealous of her twin sister. Who could blame her? The last straw is when it is announced that Helen shall be the heir to throne for Troy, leaving Clytemnestra to marry some other prince in a neighboring city. Clytemnestra was not the only one who need to find a match, Helen's elder brothers, Castor and Polydeuces had to marry off to another princess as well.
Helen took all of this in a very good way; she was not proud like a peacock due to her fruitful future. Instead, she focused on being different. All Helen's life, she had been told to "do this" and "don't do that" and Helen just couldn't take it any longer. She decided to go her own way, and follow the ways of the goddess Artemis. She started secretly training to become a Trojan warrior, alongside her brothers. Once they realized what their sister was taking on, they had no choice but to agree since once Helen decided on something, there was no way of turning her back.
By the age of fourteen, Helen started changed. It might have been all the training, it might have been just growing up, but she noticed she wasn't getting compliments like, "Oh, beautiful lady Helen!" any longer. Clytemnestra also noted this, and was getting a little more content with her position. Besides, Clytemnestra had found a prince in the city of Mykenae, and was marrying him in four days time. However Helen was grateful to Aphrodite for giving her as much as she already had.The only thing Helen yearned for, the only thing she dreamed about day and night, was an adventure. When the king agreed to let Helen accompany her twin sister to Mykenae for the wedding, Helen just might've found what she was looking for.

Yes, I know, the seat-gripping cliffhangers. I feel your pain. I know the cure to that though. All you have to do is read the book. I gave you the title, the author, and a brief description, so what's there to stop you?

Born To Write: The Remarkable Lives of Six Famous Authors by Chris Cotter

Almost half of the books I read are classics. And almost half of the classics I read have very unique authors whom you would never dream of having a mystery to.
This book not only solves their mysteries, but also show how hard it was in their time period, before life got easy. Take  Lucy Maud Montgomery for example; her parents died when she was but a child, and moreover she had to live with a strict grandmother who loved giving orders. Montgomery took losses much to heart, to give you an example her cat died one day and she cried for two days. Thus showing she was quite a sensitive child. You can see how her personality reflects on Anne so much. Like Anne, Lucy loved nature and it's serenity, and also lived in a very similar house. Unfortunately Lucy's childhood was not as joyful as Anne's; she did not have loving guardians nor did she have a "bosom friend" like Anne did. Basically Anne of Green Gables was Lucy's vision of her perfect life; a dream.
Lucy was also a very depressed girl, and at the age of 68, she died of drug overdose. Not a very happy ending for her, but the works she left were priceless. Who would have ever known the person who wrote Anne of Green Gables, the cheerful timeless classic, had a depression problem!

This book made me think twice about the authors of any books I read. I wonder, "What made this person want to ever write a book with a plot like this? Did something happen in their life that sparked a fire which fueled every word of this book? What message did they want to convey when writing this book? Is any character in the book based on people in their personal life or even themselves?
Things like that also help you understand the book your reading. It makes sense; if you understand the feelings the author is having while writing the book, it is completely logical that you would also fully understand the character's feelings as well, since the author's feelings and the character's feelings are always in sync. They have to be. The author fabricated the character, so some feeling from the author would be reflected onto the character. Perhaps the author and the character are having similar problems in life, whether it be moving to a new unfamiliar place or having your parents die at a young age. All problems in life are at the same intensity and level, but it's the range that's different. A small child can take the death of her pet goldfish as intense as if her parents died, and vice versa,

Anyway, you get the point I am trying to make. Please, please, please read this book because it's amazing and makes you smarter than you ever were before (take my example). Yes, I know, I flatter myself sometimes. Ok moving on, read this book please because it makes an awesome essay :) AND the books written in a way that's educational and fun. Who can say no to that?

The Search For Wondla by Toni Diterlizzi

I've talked about the sequel of this book, so I thought it only logical that I post about the first book as well.
I told you about the basic plot, however now I'm going to expand on everything.

12-year-old Eva Nine has never stepped a foot on earth, yet she knows how to speak English fluently and can read very well. Eva has never conversed with a human being. but knows how to hold a conversation very well. Eva Nine has never eaten a home-cooked meal, but is still a very healthy child. This is all thanks to a caring mother robot (known as Muthr) who looks after Eva as if she was her own. No one knows why, no one knows how, and no one knows where. Everything is unknown and unclear. The only thing that is known is that Eva lives in a high technology sanctuary with Muthr and yearns to meet another human being. When a evil guy named Beestal   steals the scene and starts breaking in to Eva's sanctuary. Muthr tells Eva to leave and safe herself. Eva reluctantly does so, but worries that she won't see her beloved companion any longer. This is Eva's first experience outside of her personal sanctuary however fortunately she is bestowed with many high-tech devices that help her with, well, everything!(this device is most commonly known as the Omnipod) She meets another creature called Rovender Kitt (whom she nicknames Rovee) and then finds Muthr. Unfortunately her once very well working robot was now broken and unresponsive. Rovee decides to help Eva out and both of them set out back to the destroyed sanctuary to fix Muthr.

I know what you're thinking right now, and I'm not physic reader person either. You want to know WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!!! To get the answer to that question, I am very happy to say you will have to read the book! (Don't worry, it's not that long, it's only 466 pages) I read it in 1 hour; this is the kind of book you just have to sit down and read through all of it in order to not go crazy with suspense.
So sit in a nice, air-conditioned room and grab a few ice cubes, and enjoy!

No Body's Perfect by Kimberly Kirberger

My dad picked up this book from the library since I am VERY self-conscious about myself (that's beside the point) anyway, it was actually very helpful as well as interesting. The book is written in a way which is like a fiction story. Basically the author gathered stories about the different difficulties girls are going through in their youth. From anorexia to being seriously left out; this book has it all.

This book was very helpful to me because I have some self-acceptance problems of my own as well. It made me see myself from a whole different angle; a more positive and higher self esteem angle. Even if you think you don't have these kind of problems, you'll be surprised with the things you discover about yourself. For example, I particularly noticed this with high school girls but they all dress exactly the same. It's like a uniform or something. The reason behind this is because they've actually lost their identity; they don't know what defines them anymore. And the only way to find out you have that problem in the first place is to read up on it!

This book will help you with identity problems and more! So don't hesitate to get this book by any means possible, open it up, and discover your true colors. Enjoy! 

Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr

Yet another of Zarr's amazing masterpieces. This time about a sixteen-year-old girl named Samara Taylor (or Sam) who has a pastor for a father and a pretty blondie for a mother.

Life for Sam had been pretty bumpy in the past few days. First, the air condition failed, then Sam's mom got into a crazy car crash and was thought mental and therefore was brought to a mental health ward for help. So Sam was left with a 100 degree temperature house and no mom. Add a busy pastor of a dad and a very close friend named Jody missing. Life was downright terrible. It was not long before Sam started having questions about her religion, and doubting there was even a God out there in the first place. And Nick, Jody's eighteen-year-old brother was being accused of kidnapping his own sister! Sam knew this was not true of course since Nick was the most innocent boy she knew; he would never do that to sister. He had neither the means, the motive, OR the opportunity. So Nick was off the list. Days passed, and thirteen-year-old Jody was still missing. More questions arose in Sam's head; more doubts.
Would Sam survive this difficult test, or would she give up and turn away? Would she ever see her mother again? 

Looking for the answers for these three questions? I've found the perfect solution for you; go to your library, or nook, or kindle, or anything like that, and enter Sam's world.

A Hero For Wondla by Tony Diterlizzi

If you didn't read the first book of this series, you most probably will have no idea what I'm going on about. So read the first book. And if you DID read the first book, awesome! I'll try my utmost best not to be a spoiler. ;)
Brief overview of what happened in the first book for those of you who were too lazy to read the first one:
A 12-year-old girl by the name of Eva Nine lives on a strange planet with no other human being than herself and a robot for a mother. Throughout the book, a whole lot of disasters occur and basically at the end Eva is left with a alien type friend and a dead Muthr. Add meeting a guy named Hailey who is actually human!

In the second book of this compelling series, Hailey Turner, the guy Eva thought was a friend, unexpectedly takes a 180 degrees turn leaves Eva in a human inhabited city. Eva searches for her friendly alien friend, Roverder Kitt (preferably known by Eva as Rovee) however fails to find him through flow of events that are flooding Eva's life. To make things even more crazy, Eva meets her "sister", Eva Eight. Eva Eight was born in the same sanctuary as Eva, and was brought up by the same Muthr until she was whisked away to the city. Apparently Eight was waiting for Nine the whole while and desires to escape back to the other world with her, since the human world did not meet Eva's anticipations. Eva is torn between friends and her sister, and if you read the book, you might well discover Eva's choice.

This book is filled with thrillers and shivers, so I highly suggest reading it....NOW! (okay, maybe you can put it on hold if you can't get it immediately :) Five stars hands down!!

Twice Upon a Time: Sleeping Beauty (The One Who Took a Really Long Nap) by Wendy Mass

I've mentioned this series before in another book I reviewed by the same author. Now, I can actually tell you about it's awesomeness. Basically Wendy Mass puts a twist to the plot of the popular fairytale, Sleeping Beauty.

Basically everything is the same in the beginning except that the prince is a son of an ogre, but thankfully didn't inherit any ogreness. In fact, the prince is quite handsome, with startling blue eyes and light brown hair. Unfortunately for the prince his mother despises beauty, but thankfully she doesn't notice her son's sudden teen handsomeness. The chapters fluctuate from the princess's point of view to the prince's. The prince actually doesn't have a name; he is just known as "the prince". The princes on the other hand is named Rose, and her beauty lives up to her name's beauty, if not more. Her fairy godmothers' bestowed a gift upon Rose which was everlasting beauty and perfection in every single thing she did.

I'm not going to tell you the twist in the story that Mass fabricated, but I am going to tell you it's amazing. This book is the definition of perfection; a little bit of this, a little bit of that. It's the perfect read for anyone anytime anywhere! :) So what's there to stop you from reading it?

The Seventeen Traditions by Ralph Nader

This book really made me look at life in a completely different spectrum than I used to. I really recommend this book for tweens and up. It really makes you think how different the world would be if people just opened their eyes and observed.

Basically Ralph Nader is talking about what traditions his family created via the family. Now, all families have traditions, for example eating together at the dinner table. When you talk about tradition with your family, it's always what we used to do. But what Nader is trying to say is that it really doesn't have to be like that. You could still uphold your traditions even if you are grown up. "The garb may change, after all, but the wearer does not." As quoted by Mr.Nader. If you think about it, it really is important to keep up traditions. If all politicians did this, our presidents and congress would be way more considerate people. Tradition basically equals love and kindness. And the only way to uphold tradition is practice it. Practice it with your own family, practice it with your friends. It will actually be beneficial to the people around you because they too will get a taste of what is the end result of tradition. And the end result is something amazing and full of love and consideration for others.

The book began with Ralph as a young boy, moving from town to town. He names each part of nature which he would make a tradition. For example, a rock, a tree, a lake. Tradition is something you practice regularly at a young age. Ralph would go to these pieces of nature and just experience nature. Only a kind heart would take the time to really go out and observe God's creation.

Also, another important thing is having exemplary parents. Why? Parents are the people in your life that you look up to; your role models. In Nader's case, he had very kind traditional parents who wanted to create a successful but gentle road to Ralph's adulthood.

Anyway this is just a brief preview of how the book is like. It really can be life changing! I rate this 5 stars :) You'd never think this is what America is missing. Tradition. 

As We Speak: How to Make Your Point and Have It Stick by Peter Meyers and Shann Nix

I'm basically going to summarize the book here:

The book began with a scenario of a person public speaking. This speech was a complete failure, being that the individual had no knowledge how to start his presentation and get the audience interested. Also, he did not give a good entrance on stage; his palms were sweating, and a drop of sweat was rolling down his forehead. This of course, is the perfect example of an inexperienced public speaker.

One very important thing about public speaking: being prepared and rehearsed. For example, if you just walk up to that platform and surprise! You have no idea what to say or do. This is just a basic example. However, situations like this have occurred, and that is why it is always important to prepare and rehearse. It’s no different than putting on a play; you plan, create, and rehearse. A good habit to form is to do a dress and tech rehearsal prior to the day of the presentation. You could even ask a few friends to come over and act as the audience. This might seem strange at first, but when the day of finally comes, you will have already experienced how it’s like to be on a stage, talking to an audience, and you won’t be quite so nervous.

Once you begin your speech, picture yourself saying: “Hi, I am so glad you all could come out to this event. I think this subject is very important because it impacts me in a numerous amount of ways.” What word do you think is being used most here? It’s I. You’re just spewing off about yourself. This is the worst mistake you could make while presenting. Why? Because this causes the audience to be disinterested. The audience doesn’t care about you. They didn’t come out to this event to listen to an “About Me” they came to be inspired and fascinated. The number one thing that will draw in an audience is to talk about them. How what your talking about will impact them.

Before you even decide on doing a presentation however, it is always important to ask yourself three questions. What do you want to accomplish when doing this talk? How will you present the information? Is your topic important and prominent? Now, let’s break up these questions further. The first question: What mind frame do you want your audience to have when you’re done with your presentation? Basically, will they be on the same spectrum as you? Second question: Will you present the information in a way that will be bland and drift your audience away? More simply, make your information interesting. Make it understandable. One good method to use is to use metaphors. This will give your audience a clearer picture of what you’re talking about. Now, third question: If your presentation is about how we should all love rap music, will this impact and improve anything in a productive way? No. Absolutely not. Therefore, think about your topic, and ask yourself why you want to do it.

To get your audience inspired and take action, you need your objectives to be realistic. If I say, “We should sell cookies and raise 1000 dollars.” Then my, do I need a lot of cookie-lovers and batter. Look at your reaction to the cookie idea. You were probably thinking, “Is this some idea of a big joke?” This is exactly the mind frame your audience will have as well. However, if you say, “We should sell cars and electronics and raise 1000 dollars.” This is more reasonable. Your audience will consider this. But my friend, consideration is not enough. You need to give at least five reasons how and why this should work. You need to get your audience sure about themselves.

Next, your voice. Just the manner in which your voice is going is important. A lot of people don’t notice, but we humans tend to mumble and mix up all of our words. You need to listen to yourself as you speak. Catch yourself when saying things like “um” or “uh”. A good habit to form is to listen to yourself as you talk to a close friend. You wouldn’t really think about clarity while talking about Riley’s new baby, would you? Just this habit alone will improve your speech immensely. Another good routine to start is to read books your working on aloud. Try and stumble on fewer words each time, until, surprise! One day, you’ll find that your speech is completely flawless and clear.

Going back to the scenario that began this book; a person is nervous and uneasy in public speaking. Ever heard of the saying, “Practice makes perfect”? well, this abides to a numerous amount of situations, however public speaking is not one of them. Sure, you get used to being nervous, but how exactly do you perform a speech without the butterflies? Unfortunately, you cannot completely eliminate the nervous breakdown you have before stepping onto that stage, but what you can do is find ways to control it. Again, rehearse your presentation, so that you know what you’re going to say and how you’re going to deliver it.

Now, at the end of a presentation, we always should have a Q&A session, to give your audience a chance to ask. The way you give your answer is very crucial. It is very important to be open and sincere when answering a question. Also, if a person was to ask you a question with a very argumentative nature, it’s very essential not to mirror their tone. If you, the speaker and leader of a large group of people, are arguing with an audience member, how petty would that seem? Therefore, make sure the question is merely out of curiosity and inquiry, rather than to put you down. If you come across one of these questions, than just answer in the most open way you could, and never, ever get frustrated.

Suppose a person is to ask you a question that debunks all your ideas and plans. What a pleasant “The End” to your presentation that would be! This is why, after your Q&A session, always prepare a closing. You can never know with questions what kind of ending they will leave, that is why it is important for you to decide what kind of conclusion your presentation will take. Conclude with a final flare to your presentation that will leave an inerasable mark in your audience’s hearts. Something that your listeners come home and really think about what you said in bed. Play with their emotions, and be specific. Most importantly, conclude leaving your audience members satisfied and ready to take action.

I learned a lot while reading this book, and I will definitely put these ideas to practice! This is just a brief summary of the book, just to get a feel of how it’s like. I highly recommend this book if you’re planning to do presentations, or if you’re just having a casual conversation. Public speaking is in the form of many situations; you could be taking to three people, or over 100 people. However, this doesn’t matter. It’s all about delivery, content, and state. You’d be surprised what situations could be considered public speaking. It could be just having a normal conversation with a close friend. Imagine how good your voice will sound with clarity and no “ums” Even if you’re a completely confident person, there’s always more to learn, so never stop!!

Finis

PS. This book is very informative for all you shy people out there by the way :) it will completely change your life!

 

Forest Born by Shannon Hale

Shannon Hale. Is. The. Most. Amazing, Author. Ever. Ok, this is the last book in her The Books of Bayern series. This book encapsulates fantasy and a touch of historical  fiction. (if you're looking for romance, read the other books int the series) Well, this is the only book I can read without romance. (Yes, it's that good)

Forest Born starts with a girl named Rin who lives in, surprise, the forest! She is the perfect example of a complete angel of a daughter but has one flaw. People Speaking. Basically, if you didn't read the other books, it's an ability to speak and be obeyed instantly. Rin is not the only person with this ability however, the infamous Selia has it as well, but unlike Rin, she misuses it.
When Rin gets the opportunity to go to the city with her brother, Razo, she starts living a completely new life. She meets the beautiful, kind Queen Isi and her baby son, Tusken.
Rin learns a lot about life just by visiting the city, and it's not soon before danger creeps in.
Can Rin suceed and use her abilities for the best?
Find out in Forest Born by Shannon Hale.

Yes, I know, lovely suspenseful ending I put to that :)
Well, I hope you're the curious type and go on to actually reading the book as well as the rest of her series.
It's wonderful!! Million thumbs up!

13 Gifts by Wendy Mass

Oh my goodness! This is the most amazing book! A perfect read for any day. This is the third and final book in Wendy Mass's amazing trio. I have to say, I read all her books, and I love every one of them. The perfect twist of fantasy and modern day.

13 Gifts starts with a twelve-year-old named Tara Brennen breaks into her principles office in the dead of night and attempts stealing the principle's most cherished stuffed goat. Apparently this was actually a dare from her snobby friends in school. Of course however, Tara get's caught in the process and the principle leaves Tara to her parents to meet her doom. Tara's parents were originally planning to go to to a large island off the coast of Africa that summer, however when this incident occurred, her parents decide to leave Tara with her aunt in the sleepy town of Willow Falls and go without her.
Tara, having no other choice, gets on the train and is off. Once Tara gets to the town though, strange things start happening, things that have to do with a certain duck-shaped birthmark.

Now, if you want to know what strange occurrences are happening and who is the weird ducky woman, I would put reading this book at the top of your LOTTD list. It's definitely infinity thumbs up!!
I also recommend reading the other books by her, including 11 Birthday and Finally. This is actually not the only series she wrote (yep, there's more) she also wrote a series called, Twice Upon a Time.
Complete awesomeness as well :)
Ok, hope you take my recommendations; you won't regret anything!

The Betrayal of Maggie Blair by Elizabeth Laird

This is one of those books which you pick up thinking, "Looks amazing!" but once you read it, you are terribly wrong. As they say, don't judge a book by it's cover! (or it's introduction for that sake) As much as I would  love to say, all books rock! I'm sorry, but this one just does not meet my expectations. The plot sounded quite interesting once I read the front cover, but as I started reading the book, I started getting more and more bored. A good plot calls for a good description, however the way this book was written was just not compelling enough.

The book started out with a sixteen-year-old girl name Maggie. She resides with her old hag of a grandmother and an old man. When Maggie's grandmother is executed because she was accused of witchcraft, Maggie is left all alone to find out her supposedly living relatives. Surprisingly enough she finds them and starts to live with them. The down side is that her uncle is terribly preoccupied with another dilemma, and is somehow put to jail! Now, Maggie is alone with only women, who were so weak and insignificant when the story is set.

Well, that's the best description I personally can give of the book, I recommed it only if you're interested in writing a history report. Ok, fine, I'll give it one star. :)

Hannah by Cathryn Lasky

Fifteen-year-old Hannah has always loved the sea. Always. But not until now has she been getting sick away from the sea, like she's allergic to being far from the sea! She first experiences this when a religious catholic couple adopt her and bring her to Louisiana, a state with absolutely no bodies of water except for a few small creeks. Hannah starts getting a terrible rash, and strangely enough, little sea crystals start flaking off her skin. The couple, alarmed, bring Hannah to the local doctor to see what is wrong. The doctor is also bemused and takes a few crystals with him to show a more professional doctor. Hannah does not want him to take anything, and quickly takes the crystals back without him looking, replacing it with something else.
Then, Hannah asks if she can go back to the orphanage where the sea is close and alive. The couple, seeing this poor girl suffer, immediately return her to the orphanage to be adopted by someone else who resided a little closer to the sea.
Luckily, Hannah's chance came when the Hawley's, a wealthy Boston family, brings her to their house as a maid. There, Hannah learns the difficulties of being a maid, and also gets a good taste of what it's like to be rich.
Mr. Wheeler, a painter who comes to paint the Hawley girls, senses something strange about Hannah, something that is bothering immensely. Hannah notices a touch of regret in his eyes, and maybe, just maybe. sadness.
Soon, Hannah realizes she has something special about her, which no other girl has. Unfortunately, she does not know what it is, but what she does know is this, it has to do with the sea.

To discover what occurs next, read this book! You might recognize this award winning author, Cathryn Lasky. She has wrote a numerous amount of books, including a popular children's series called The Guardians of Ga'Hool and the YA book, Hawksmaid. These are both also very amazing books, like this one. Hannah has successfully suceeded in drawing all it's readers in, and not without cause. I lobe this exquisite mix of fantasy and romance, and I'm positive you will too.

Cate of the Lost Colony by Lisa Klein

I've read other books by this author, one being Ophelia. I love the way Klein plays with her characters and plot, giving a little spark to all her books. This book, I've got to admit, has the most spark. It's about a girl named Cathrine living in the Elizabethan times, in England.

Cate was only five years of age when her father died, leaving her an orphan.(her mother had died during childbirth) She was left to live with her selfish aunt, who worked Cate to her death. One day, Cate was washing the floors when a mail carrier came in, claiming he had a letter to her from the queen, Queen Elizabeth. Cate, stunned and delighted, opened the letter to discover the queen requesting Cate as one of her ladies in waiting! This was a great honor indeed, and Cate's aunt could not disobey the queen.
So it was settled, Cate was to reside at the castle as one of Queen Elizabeth's ladies in waiting. There, she met the haughty Frances, a friendly girl named Emme, and lovely Lady Anne, one of Queen Elizabeth's most highly prized ladies in waiting. Although Cate loved and respected the queen very much, she also noticed that the queen was, in a way, very unkind and selfish. Also, she discovered that the queen had a false kind of beauty, using loads of face powder everyday and instead of just leaving her hair be, Elizabeth insisted on using wigs upon wigs. Cate was ashamed to have her respect for the queen decrease so much, but there was so much to the queen that she had not ever known until now.
Then, Sir Walter Raleigh entered the stage, and Queen Elizabeth soon discovered that Cate and Sir Walter were lovers! The queen, green with envy, has Cate banished to the island of Roanoke in the New World, and so has Raleigh all to herself.
Cate, desperate to see Sir Walter, is very unhappy at the island, and longs to go back. However, when Cate meets a friendly Native American called Maneto, her view of everything completely changes, and finds herself rethinking Sir Walter's values. Would a hero be cooped up in Queen Elizabeth's castle, not doing anything? Would a hero let his lover suffer, and not take action? No, this cannot be, therefore Cathrine Archer came to the decision that this so called, "hero" must be a coward. Kate's real hero was somewhere else, far, far from England.

To find out this, you must, I am happy to say, read the book. (Yes, I know, cliffhanger!) This book has the perfect mix of history and romance, giving a good taste of reality but at the same time shadowed closely with a touch of fiction. I highly recommend this if your doing some kind of report on Roanoke Island, or Walter Raleigh. You'll get information in a interesting and compelling fashion. Of course though, I also recommend picking this book up at the library and reading it for no specific reason; it's amazing! If you like this book, I also highly suggest reading Ophelia, another masterpiece by Lisa Klein. Well, enjoy! :)

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

You all have probably heard of the popular Japanese anime, Howl's Moving Castle, but what you probably haven't heard is that the movie is based on a book, not by Hayao Miyazaki as you think it would be though. I think the book is very well written, filling in all the blanks in the movie. (no offense, but it was a little hard to understand the movie, although it was cute) If you don't already know the overall plot, I'll explain.

The story begins with a girl named Sofie Hatter who lived in the town of Chipping, England. Sofie's sister, the beautiful Lettie, was a headstrong, independent sort of girl who couldn't stand people telling her what to do and what not to do. Mr. Hatter owned a small hat shop in town. When Lettie and Sofie were children, their father remarried to his youngest shop assistant, Fanny. Just two years later, Martha was born. Unfortunately the three girls' father died just a year after Martha was born, giving Fanny the chance to own the hat shop. All three girls grew up to be pretty, strong-minded women. When the girls turned into women, Fanny decided it was time to send them off to their own life. Martha she sent to live with a close friend who practiced magic, and Lettie she sent to work at a nearby bakery. Sofie, the eldest of all the three was left to own the hat shop because Fanny was remarrying (for the two-thousandth time) Sofie spent most of her time working in the back of the shop, sewing the hats. Her life was pretty dull until one day, the infamous Witch of the Waste visited Sofie's hat shop and turned Sofie into a ninety-year-old woman. Sofie, desperate, ran away from the hat shop and went up to the hills to collect herself. There, Sofie discovered a castle, and surprise, it was literally Howl's moving castle!  The castle was basically a big piece of junk that lumbered from place to place constantly. Wizard Howl, the handsome owner of this castle, had a reputation for luring young woman to love him, then stealing their hearts. However, rumors are rumors and always shall remain rumors, so this was not necessarily true. Sofie climbs aboard this "castle" and discovers that it's run by a fire demon named Calcifer. She also meets Howl's young apprentice, Michael. Add a weird creepy turnip head, a rusty old guitar, and a old pair of shoes. 

This book will definitely keep you on your toes. I also suggest watching the movie after reading the book, so you can see the differences more clearly. Both book and movie are amazing in their own cute little way though :) Lovely little mix of fantasy, humor, and romance. Two thumbs up definitely! 

The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal

I was browsing through the YA section in the library, and I picked up this book. It was as if the book was begging me to pick it up and read it. :) This is a perfect example of a book that would catch my eye. A wonderful mix of fantasy, mystery, and romance. Perfect. The book starts out with a princess named Nalia who is talking to her best friend, Kiernan. She is called by her parents (the king and queen) to talk with them. Sixteen-year-old Nalia is pretty surprised because her mother and father rarely call on her.
Once she comes to them, they reveal to her a terrible secret that has been kept confidential for a long, long time;she is not the princess. In fact, she was just a common girl. The reason why she was standing for the princess was because the princess had a prophecy revealed to her when she was born.

The prophecy foresaw that the real princess was to die at age sixteen. To prevent this from happening, the king and queen decided to get a girl just like her, and after sixteen years return the rightful princess to the castle. This, of course, was all quite upsetting to Nalia, whose real name was Sidna. She would lose the life she knew, the best friend she knew, her "parents" she loved; she would lose everything. And she did, instead moving to a small quiet town to live with her aunt.  Sidna's real father was a weaver, and he had died some few years ago. Sidna's mother had left her father a while ago as well, so of course Sidna was left with her strict, skeptical aunt. She did not do very well in that small town, and especially when a certain friend of her's deceived her into thinking he loved her. Sidna was sick and tired of everything. The last straw came when Kiernan came to visit her. She was so ashamed to have him see her in work clothes. Sidna lost her temper with him, and let him fly off back to the city.

The following day, Sidna told her aunt that she was leaving to the city. And she did. In the city, she was recruited to be an understudy to a woman to practiced magic, Aunt Varil. Aunt Varil tells Sidna she has special magic powers, probably passed down from her father.  While at the city, Sidna discovers something that could change the course of the royal family's history forever. The true princess that had come to take Sidna's spot, Princess Nalia, was not the princes at all!  To find out what happens next in this compelling mystery, I highly suggest you read the book. I promise you, you won't be disappointed.

Dragon Kiss by E.D Baker

This is the 7th book in this series called Tales of the Frog Princess. It's about the Frog Princess Emerelda's daughter named Millie. Millie is in love with a dragon named Audun, but of course she cannot marry him. Audun loves her as well and yearns to win her heart and become human. Audun asks the King dragon if there was any way he could become human, and the king tells him he must complete a few tasks before becoming human. Audun agrees, but these are dangerous tasks, and Audun can quite easily get killed. Will Audun survive this perilous journey and win the beautiful Millie's heart? Or will everything come to nothing and Audun never get's to see Millie's face again?
Well, these questions shall have answers if you read Dragon Kiss by E.D Baker. It's a great book by the way so get a bowl of ice cream, grab your book, and enjoy the ride.

Euclid: The Great Geometer by Chris Hayhurst

If you're looking for a book about Euclid's life, you won't find one, but this book comes the closest to doing that.
Although historians don't know much about Euclid, the little they know is all wrapped up in this book. Euclid didn't actually invent geometry because how did the ancient Egyptians build the pyramids without knowing any geometry? Euclid did revolutionize geometry though. He wrote a book called The Elements, which told all about his discoveries with math. Many people looked up to him, and some even thought him God.  Of course this was not true, although Euclid was one of the smartest men ever to live. Historians could not discover much about Euclid because he did not really say much about himself during his life due to lack of paper. However historians do know that Euclid was a very humorous man, and joked around to his students. Euclid studied a great deal in Alexandria Library, the biggest library in the world!
Well, that's it about Euclid, Happy Reading! :)

Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen

I've read a lot of Dessen's books, but out of all her many books, this I have to say, is the best one.
Lock and Key is about a teenage girl named Ruby who lived in an old yellow house because her mother mysteriously disappeared from Ruby, so poor girl she has no choice but to live alone. Unfortunately for Ruby a social worker visits the old yellow house and asks Ruby why she was living alone.
Ruby knows the jig is up and goes to live with her newly married elder sister Cora and her rich entrepreneur husband Jamie. Although Ruby now lives in a luxurious house, gets whatever she wants, and goes to a rich kid's private school, she still can't seem to be grateful for everyone and everything around her. Cora thinks Ruby is having some problems fitting into her new school, but unfortunately it's not that simple.
To find out what's the real reason Ruby can't find her happiness, it might be good to read this book.
Also, don't try and do it the easy way and search on Google what happens next. Nothing can beat the joy of actually reading this book.

The No.1 Detective Ladies Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

If you're into crime and mystery, this is definitely the book for you.
This book is about a character called Mma Ramotswe. Her real name is Precious, but out of respect people call her Mma Ramotswe. She is a detective in Botswana, and a clever one at that. The first book in this series is a collection of her encounters with notorious criminals and her odd clients. Most of her mysteries seem complicated but in the end turn out to be very simple and ridiculous. The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency includes quite a bit of comedy as well; Mma Ramotswe is a very comical character. If you're wondering about the strange names, the story is set in Botswana so it was completely normal then to have names like, "Pretty" and "Big".
Thank You for reading this! Actually, you should be the one thanking me because I am doing you a favor actually recommending this book to you. :D

Sweethearts by Sara Zarr

Although a bit sad, this book is amazing for mystery/romance lovers.Many years ago, when Jennifer Harris was still in Kindergarten, she met a boy in her class named Cameron Quick.
Not before long, they realize that they are both social outcasts and soon become the best of friends. Cameron is a very nice boy, but he also is strange. For example, one day when Jennifer and Cameron were in 4th grade, Cameron gave Jennifer a genuine amethyst ring! Cameron claimed he found the ring in their school parking lot. However, during Jennifer's year in 5th grade, she finds Cameron missing from school and soon learns from her teacher that he has unexpectedly died!
    Now, when Jennifer (now known as Jenna Haughen) is in High School, she has forgotten about Cameron and his mysterious death, and instead is happy and popular. However on her seventeenth birthday, Jennifer spots a note on her desk from no other than Cameron Quick! It says happy birthday. Then, Jennifer sees Cameron at school and gets even MORE alarmed. Did Cameron Quick wake up from the dead?
 If you want to know the answer, I highly suggest reading the book. It's not that long , so if you don't like long books than you don't have a problem. Happy reading! :)

Suspense And Senesibility by Carrie Bebris

Here's another Mr. and Mrs. Darcy Mystery, this time involving Kitty Bennett, Elizabeth's flirty immature sister. Except now, Kitty has learned her lesson and is a more respectable woman. Because of this, Kitty's father decides it's time to get Kitty married, so Mr. Bennett looks to Elizabeth for help. Elizabeth takes Kitty to Pemberly with her and there Kitty meets a very respectable gentleman named Mr. Harry Dashwood. Kitty finds herself utterly in love with Mr. Dashwood and Mr. Dashwood loves Kitty. At first Mr. Darcy is very cautious with Kitty and Mr. Dashwood because Mr. Darcy suspects Harry to be like Mr. Wickam, a scoundrel and a liar.

However, Mr. Darcy's opinion of Mr. Dashwood changes entirely when Mr. Darcy has a conversation with Mr. Dashwood and discovers him to be very respectable and pleasant. Soon, Dashwood and Kitty are happily engaged, and then something very strange happens. Mr. Dashwood starts acting so revolting. He took another mistress, and left Kitty alone. Kitty, enraged and distraught, goes to Mr. Dashwood's estate along with Elizabeth to go see what is amiss with him. Mr. Dashwood proves to be very rude and soon Kitty consents to break the engagement. But Elizabeth has discovered something very intriguing about Mr. Dashwood's mirror that he had brought back with him from his old house. She discovers another Mr. Dashwood trapped in the mirror itself!

To Elizabeth, it appears as though the real Mr. Dashwood is being held prisoner in the mirror! So, who was the other revolting gentleman impersonating Mr. Dashwood? Well, Elizabeth concluded that it was Mr. Dashwood's great grandfather, known for his ill reputation. The only dilemma that remains for Elizabeth is to get Mr. Dashwood out of the mirror (called The Mirror Of Narcissus), so Elizabeth seeks help in a supernatural professor who explains to her a way to get Mr. Dashwood out of the mirror. Before getting the real Mr. Dashwood out of the mirror, the fake Mr. Dashwood (Sir Francis) has carelessly locked himself into a freezer while in the act of getting some ice cream, so he dies. With the help of her husband and the professor (Professor Randolph) Elizabeth succeeds in getting Mr. Dashwood safely out of the terrible mirror. Then, like a true gentleman, Mr. Dashwood apologizes to Kitty and they get engaged again.

This book is really amazing, and I love the way Carrie Bebris has spun this tale :)

Frederick Douglass: For The Great Family of Man by Peter Burchard

Frederick Douglass was a black slave in his childhood and most of his adulthood. However, Douglass was no ordinary slave. He was very tall, and he had a strong personality that made him different from all the other slaves. He believed that there was hope for blacks to not only to be considered humans (I know, it's really sad how the whites thought back then) but American citizens.

Frederick Douglass was born in 1818 in the month of February, and the exact date of his birth was unknown. His name had not always been Frederick Douglass; his original name was Frederick Bailey, but he changed his last name so that when he was escaping from his owner, he would not be recognized. Douglass was not born into slavery; he actually had a happy childhood. He lived with his Aunt Betsy who was very strict and loved to scold him. But to Frederick that didn't matter because he had the most loving mother any child would want. However, after she died, Frederick was miserable. Then he along with his Aunt Betsy were unfortunately enslaved.

Douglass was a very defiant slave, as well as tall and quite strong. One time when Frederick returned from running way from his owner, his owner got very angry at him (naturally) so when Frederick started acting in a defiant way, his owner asked him, "Are you gonna disobey me?", and in response, Frederick pinned his owner to the wall, and then his owner was helpless. Well, you can now get the idea what a strong and amazing person Frederick was. Later Douglass married a woman named Anna, a former slave herself who had been freed. Well, this is a brief bio on Frederick Douglass, but if you are interested in reading up about him in more detail, just get the book. By the way did I forget to mention Frederick Douglass thought Abraham Lincoln's legs were too long?

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

Probably most of you already heard about this book because it's a popular classic, and you probably are like "Oh, it's too boring, ugh. Classics!" But seriously, when you read this it will totally change your view of classics forever. It's about this ten-year old boy named Pip and his parents died so he is left to his already married sister, and he starts living with her. His sister has married a blacksmith by the name of Joe Gargery. When Pip is ten, he meets a strange old lady by the name of Ms. Havisham. He starts visiting Ms. Havisham regularly to entertain her. Ms. Havisham has been in her wedding gown for many years, and has a old, disgusting, rotted wedding cake sitting at a dusty table. Ms. Havisham has stopped all her clocks and Pip has no idea why. (hint hint if you read the book, you just might find out why though). Ms. Havisham has a young girl living with her (same age as Pip), and the girl's name is Estella. Estella is a very beautiful girl and treats Pip like he is scum. However, Pip LOVES Estella and dreams about her day and night. Apart from all this romance, Pip encounters a convict who asks Pip for a bite of food, and Pip gives some to him, not knowing what else to do. The convict frightens Pip immensely, and Pip hopes he never sees this strange man again! Okay, so that's all I am going to tell you, interesting enough, huh? Yes, I told you so. I highly recommend listening to this book with audio, especially a certain BBC version. (That's what I did, then I read the book myself.) Anyway, classics are wonderful. Please read this book because you will really enjoy it, guaranteed. Happy Reading! :)

Pride And Prescience by Carrie Bebris

Now, I have read Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and absolutely wished there was a sequel to the book. Most attempted sequels of Pride And Prejudice turned out to be really lame, but this certain book is really amazing! It's basically a mystery and Elizabeth Darcey and Mr. Darcey try and solve it. The beginning of the book is set the same day Elizabeth Bennett (now Darcey), and Jane Bennett (now Bingley) gets married, and it's the marriage reception. However, everyone at the wedding reception is giving all the attention to Caroline Bingley because she is engaged to a Mr. Parrish, who came from America. Mr. Parrish reminds me a lot of Mr. Wickam (personally speaking), because he is so humorous and smooth. After the wedding, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcey go to London for a honeymoon and VERY strange things happen on this honeymoon. Elizabeth spots Caroline on the dirty streets on London in complete rags. If you want to find out what happens next, kindly read this awesome book. The only thing is though, you might want to read Pride And Prejudice first before reading this because then you will know all the characters and recognize them and things will totally make more sense to you. Thank you!

The Princess Curse by Merrie Haskell

If you like fairytales, this book is perfect for you! It's about a thirteen year old girl who is a herbalist's apprentice. She herself is not a princess, but she makes many herbal potions for the princesses to cure them whenever they fall ill. However, all the princesses have one curse.One very ridiculous curse. Whenever they wake up, their night slippers have holes in them and are all tattered up. All the princesses want the herbalists apprentice to cure this curse. She agrees to help them, even though she thinks it's a ridiculous curse that doesn't make any sense whatsoever! All the townsfolk think that the herbalists apprentice has NO way of breaking the curse by using herbs. The herbalists apprentice has full faith in her knowledge of herbs though, and sallies forth to help them. While looking for the right kind of herb to cure the princesses, the herbalists apprentice meets a strange man. He wore a long black cloak with a large ornate broach on the center of his cloak. Could this strange gentleman help her into breaking the curse? if so, what would happen after the herbalist's apprentice finally broke the curse? Find out all in The Princess Curse! <3 this is absolutely a book worth reading!!