4.5

Historical Fiction

I liked this story because is was an untold story of those who didn't save others during the sinking of the Titanic; I've never really envisioned what it was like for people AFTER the event. Great balance of history, romance, and intrigue. --B

4.25

Historical Fiction

Refreshing from what I usually read: new setting, new history and a romance defying social classes. Beware of the flawed ending --B

5

Science Fiction

AMAZING, couldn't put it down. Inspirational: shows how good we can be if we put our minds to it. A journey of survival and ability to appreciate things different than us. --B

2.5

Dystopian

Worth reading once, but wouldn't read again. The characters dialogue has a LOT of slang--fits the mood of the book, but also annoying after awhile. Also didn't like the fourth book because the main character has selfish desires and ends up saving the day because of it (not very inspirational). --B

3.5

Romance

Clean, regency romance. Typical: the girl is afraid of falling in love and resists a good guy (is this a tragedy?...who denies a good guy??!) Not as good as other romances, but above shallow. --B

4.5

Fantasy

Fantastic! Gripping (hard to put down). Clean. Romance in subplot. Good triumphs over evil (all about that!) --B

4

Historical Fiction

Interesting book that delves into the personal life of being an actor. The official summary describes the love between 2 of the characters as adultery, but didn't seem like it to me because one spouse was refusing divorce until she got paid a bunch of money. (Much cleaner than the summary appears.) Gives hope into the idea that famous people can really have sincere love and character traits. Also a strong moral dilemma of creating a movie about a war while ignoring WWII in the present. One love scene. --B

4

Realistic Fiction

Light, fun. This author has such a way with words--got me laughing throughout the whole thing! Left me with a feeling that the world was a good place and that teaching is a realm of influence. --B

2

Realistic Fiction

Includes a family feud, murder, midlife crisis, romance, friendship and more. A little too unrealistic for me. --B

4.5

Dystopian

The characters in this book are infamous and yet believable. I love that the teens are so strong and overcome the corrupt world. I liked the first book the most. --B

4.5

Romance

Great regency romance! This love story is based in friendship--my favorite kind! The girl is allowed and loved for being herself despite social expectations. --B

4.75

Dystopian

Couldn't put down! Felt connected to the characters almost instantly; they have relatable and clear emotions. A series that really makes one re-look at the world. Could read several times and still find something to think about. --B

4

Realistic Fiction

This book reminded me of 'The Help' a little. It had a taste of Southern Hospitality and strong-willed female characters. A young girl with a dismal past and family is suddenly dropped into the world of fancy dressing women with determinism and unpredictability. Well rounded: made me cry and laugh several times! --B

2.5

Realistic Fiction/Fantasy

A novel that combines elements of realistic fiction and fantasy, with a relationship between an immortal man and reincarnating female...very intriguing but literally NO RESOLUTION. The ONLY reason I would ever recommend this book is if someone could read it and tell me what the heck happens?? did I miss something or is does it literally end with no answers???!--B

4.5

Realistic Fiction

Light and funny! About a successful and independent single woman who has her feathers ruffled. Enjoyed it thoroughly. (2nd book is disappointing, so just stick with this one). --B

4

Fantasy

I really enjoyed this book. Its a book about a girl who gets brought back from the dead 5 separate times. Full of suspense and gets you thinking. --B

4.25

Dystopian

Dystopian, but I enjoyed it because it was unpredictable--you didn't know who was going to betray who, or who was going to remain loyal. I enjoyed the "superhero" powers each of the characters had. --B

4.75

Historical Fiction

This is a book that powerfully addresses the moral dilemma of a culture disappearing due to colonization. The main character has devastating but meaningful experiences. --B

5

Fantasy

This is a childhood favorite that my mom read to my family when we drove across the entire country. The characters become friends and I cried when they had hard times. You can only read if you promise to like every book! --B

4.5

Realistic Fiction

I love this author--he tells everyday stories with such wide ranging emotions of disappointment, pride, and growth. This is a story of young boy who is dealing with his dismal life and discovers his own passions and makes the right decisions despite the odds against him. Satisfying read. --B

4.5

Realistic Fiction

I have been interested in disabilities and mental illness for a long time. Having worked often in 'Special Ed' classrooms when I was a substitute teacher, I found myself easily understanding the main setting of the story. The author handled a severely sensitive subject with realistic experiences and messages. Very good. --B

3

Fantasy

Didn't like this as much as I liked her Cinder series, simply because I don't like the story of Alice in Wonderland very much. It was still clever, but not as good overall. Not a good ending either. --B

3.5

Nonfiction

I read this book in college, but recently stumbled upon my notes of it. I remember thinking this book was really accurate and insightful. Suggests holding boys back the first year of school, which I still plan on doing. --B

3

Science Fiction

SPOILER ALERT: Engaging beginning--the main character has a dilemma right off and you want to see what she'll do about it. Not as heavy as some dystopian books. But overall I would call it a 'dud.' The main characters' mom dies and there are literally 2 paragraphs about it and it wasn't readdressed! Easy to explain how it lost it's realism to me. --B

1.5

Teen Fiction

I had a strange reaction to this book--I was more interested in the first half than the second half and I didn't finish it. It seemed a little childish to me (I think tweens would like it better than teens). Just seemed to lack a edge, although it is clean. --B

2

Fantasy

Dang! I am really striking out lately! Another book I didn't finish. I love stories of girls who want to be boyish instead of frilly and beauty queens... It had so much potential! (can you tell I'm disappointed?) The writing is simply lacking believability...When the elderly school headmistress turns out to be a 17 girl in disguise, I put it down. Lost motivation to read it... --B

-16

Dystopian on steroids

I am NOT exaggerating when I say I have never in my life been more disturbed by a book. I read 1/4 of the book (because it was SUPER gripping), but there is serious danger in this book! Gave me nightmares and the creeps. Hence the -16 rating (as if that didn't give it away to begin with). ---B

4

Realistic Fiction

Interesting. Tells of two different paths one girl takes based on her decision on a tragic night. Liked it. --B

5

Historical Fiction

I loved this book. First of all it is different--the setting is the middle east/holy land during the time of Christ. The main character has many struggles with an amazingly powerful ending. Religious--made me look at the life of Christ differently but didn't feel like scripture at all. AMAZING --B

5

Fantasy

I hope Ally Carter writes a LOT more books before she finishes her career. She is SUCH a good writer!!!! This series is different than her others because it is more dark/deep, but it is as good as always! Would recommend to anyone! --B

4.5

Science Fiction

I liked this series--not your normal dystopian book--it was different because the main character is discovering the world outside her city in the clouds. It felt more like a book of awakening and the main character does not aspire/seem like the heroine all the time. I would recommend the entire series. --B

5

Young Adult Fiction

If you need comic relief in your life, THIS IS THE BOOK. I am not exaggerating when I say that I laughed right out loud at least 6 times in the first 15 pages. HILARIOUS, light, fun! --B

4

Dystopian

Marie Lu is an upcoming author who has stories that will catch your attention in the first 20 pages. Good combination of fear, fighting and self discovery. A little darker/more sensual that her Legend series. A hard-to-put-down book! --B

1

Realistic Fiction

Inappropriate. Didn't get past the first 5 pages.

4.75

Dystopian

VERY engaging. Plenty of action and character development to keep the readers attention. I thought it would be basic, since the books are small and it was teen fiction, but the entire series was amazing! Don't underestimate! --B

3

Fairy Tale

I don't know if I could ever get tired of fairy tales! Especially ones with realistic twists! Loved it!