An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While this was still witty and captured John Green's wonderful style, I definitely enjoyed LOOKING FOR ALASKA better. Still, a fun read.

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In The Woods by Tana French

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

I don't normally like mysteries but, thought this was excellent - both the plot and the writing. It was excellent character development and I will definitely check out the other books in this series.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, what a book. I love how Cornwell allowed Uhtred's to grow and develop throughout the book. The history lesson on the 9th century was fascinating and captured the brutality of the day. I need a break from the vivid violence but, will definitely be returning to Uhtred's adventures in the 2nd book of this riveting series.

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Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A young girl and her family in 1943 Copenhagen help a Jewish family. A good story, albeit a bit too syrupy. I was more taken with the author's notes at the end telling some of the facts she combined in to the book.

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My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So beautifully written. This is the story of Raj, a nine-year-old middle son of an illiterate and impoverished native family. Do not read too much else about this novel. Just pick it up and read it and savor. This is one I want to read again.

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My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From the plot description, I didn't think I would like this book. I was right. I LOVED it! I found I couldn't wait to get back to this book. Fabulous read, character development and story line. I am glad this is a series.

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Craving Perfect by Liz Fichera
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book. It flew by and was so much fun. I really enjoyed it being set in Tempe Arizona and having so many familiar references. It is so true that life is never perfect but, sometimes, it takes a bump or two to make you appreciate what you have. A very enjoyable read.

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The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This book has an unusual writing style and creative story line of a girl being able to taste people's feelings. Very quirky and unique.

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The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the first "Queen's Thief" so much that I immediately picked up and read this 2nd in the series. I absolutely loved it and fell more in love with Gen. Can't wait to read the next book in the series. Very well written, good character development a plot that leaves you having to figure things out. Wonderful.

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Nemesis by Philip Roth
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

While I did learn a lot about polio and felt that Roth captured the hysteria that was felt during the epidemic, I struggled through this book. The main character felt weak, immature and totally unlikeable (all the while the author is trying to portray him as some type of hero - which was completely implausible to me). Still, it was educational about the polio epidemic and the impact on the communities.

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The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fabulous story about a wonderful little thief "Gen". I loved the way this book unfolded. Don't read too much about it, just read it! I will be reading the 2nd book in this series soon.

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Lawn Boy by Gary Paulsen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This cute humorous little book is about a boy who gets an old lawnmower from his Grandmother and turns it into a business. It does get pretty far fetched and does some stereo typing but, still an entertaining read. I got this book as I loved Gary Paulsen's WoodRunner (check it out! http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/76207...

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Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Vera is struggling to come to terms with Charlie dying. Charlie was her best friend and, to make things worse, they had a falling out 6 months before he died. This is an edgy, cynical book that confronts issues head on. Very good read.

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Woods Runner by Gary Paulsen

This story of the Revolutionary War is told from the perspective of a 13 year old boy.  Samuel spends his days in the forest, hunting for food for his family. He has grown up far from any town, or news of the war.  Soon, the war comes to him as the British Army and Iroquois attack his home and take his parents away as prisoners.  Each day he confronts the enemy, and the tragedy and horror of this war.

The depiction of war and how impacts both soldiers and local families is realistic and somewhat graphic, so squeamish people might squirm.  The fictional story of Samuel is told with alternating non-fiction chapters telling historical notes that illuminate the sobering realities of the Revolution and add some enlightening context of the conditions, (prisoners of war were fed by their families as their captors weren't expected to be fed by their captors until the 1900's)  This is a quick read that, not being raised in America, educated me on how things were for soldiers and families during this time.  

Every Man Dies Alone by Hans Fallada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This sweeping saga takes place in Berlin under the Nazis and focuses primarily on a working-class couple who, after their only son is killed at the front, decide to take a stand with a resistance campaign. I was engrossed in following their efforts, the furious Gestapo's efforts to capture them along with the many other sinister neighbors, co-workers and snitches. This book captures the fear that every person felt living through those times and makes you see how, despite this fear, many Germans did what they felt was right to stand up against the Reich. I love books that are translated from another language. It adds to their richness. I was 3/4 of the way through this book before I googled it and discovered that this was based on a true story. I wasn't surprised to discover that the author lived through this horrific time which explains his ability to capture the incredible details and evoke so many emotions. You must read this book.

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