The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith

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Jennifer E. Smith's book "The Geography of You and ME", is a fantastic book involving adventure,
action, and a riveting story of love.

The daughter of rich parents who are constantly traveling the world gets stuck in a NYC citywide blackout. Stuck in the elevator of her apartment building she meets Owen, the new superintendent's son. They have a connection filled night under the rare stars on the rooftop. Though their parents both make the move, Edinburgh to London, San Francisco, to Seattle, their connection doesn't brake. Will the two find a way to come back to each other? Only time will tell (but point zero in Paris might help too).

I would recommend this 5 star book to anyone who enjoys a good love story.

Need by: Joelle Charbonneau

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This book falls into the category of realistic fiction and a bit of romance.


“No one gets something for nothing. We all should know better.”


At Wisconsin's Nottawa High School, there is a new . . . trend, you could say, going around. This is not just any "trend" though. This one can very well end with death, yet does anyone particularly care? Not really. Ask for anything that you can imagine, money, a car, a house . . . a gun. Need can get whatever you desire for a price, of course. All you have to do is complete a task and take a picture of it. Whether the task be break into someone's house or even kill someone, the task must be completed.


As this new trend rises, so does the body count.


What I liked about this book is that it gives you a lot of reasons to suspect a lot of different people so that it wasn't all that easy to figure out who was running the site.


I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Water for Elephants By: Sara Gruen

I was finishing my veterinary degree at Cornell when everything changed. All I wanted to do was work with my father at his animal clinic. I never planned on joining the circus. Or falling in love.

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Now I am 90 years old, or 93, I'm not sure. I'm stuck in "assisted living" with a bunch of men and women that have long since lost their marbles even though they are years younger than I am. No one could ever imagine my story. Sometimes, however, that's all I can do.

The main thing I liked about this book is how it switched time periods. There was an amazing story happening in the past while in the present, there is an equally compelling story. I also liked how the author used the present to wrap up loose ends. It was much better than simply saying what happened.

The main thing I didn't like about this book was, because this is an adult novel, it was very mature in spots. Read at your own discretion.

Overall, I would give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Just a Drop of Water by Kerry O'Malley Cerra

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Jake Green is struggling with every-day middle school troubles. He's annoyed that he's not the cross-country team captain, mad that a new addition to the team gets that spot, and even more angry when his old friends start welcoming the new guy who stole his spot.

Then September 11th happens, and his whole world is changed. His best friend Sam-- a Muslim American-- is suddenly distant and suspicious as the community begins to suspect his family had something to do with the attacks. Sam's mother is paranoid and moody and suddenly seems to not trust her son. Sam's father is still traveling, even in the aftermath of the attacks. And Bobby-- the school bully-- is worse than ever. He's even starting to become physically violent. How will Jake cope in a world where everything seems stacked against him?

If the reader can stick it through the build up of the first 30 or so pages, the book definitely hooks you as the events unfold. After reading the teaser, I knew the book would be about 9/11, and I think I was just anxious to get to that part in the book-- this made the beginning feel a bit slow. Though the book is slow at first, I really liked the point of view that this books shares. Jake's post-9/11 fears and anger will really strike a chord with adult readers who remember the experience, and it will do a great job informing younger readers about the true effects of that day on average American citizens. It also gives a timely warning of what happens when we allow our choices to be tainted with prejudice and unfounded fears.

 I'd give this book a 4/5 stars!

Three Dark Crowns By: Kendare Blake

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"Three dark queens are born in a glen, sweet little triplets will never be friends.

Three dark sisters all fair to be seen,two to devour and one to be Queen."

Every generation on the Island of Fenbirn, the reigning Queen gives birth to a set of triplets. Each has a unique and powerful skill. They could be a naturalist, able to control the fiercest bear or bloom the brightest rose. They could be an elemental, with the power to bend  the elements to her will. They could be a poisoner, capable of consuming vast amounts of poison without any side effects.

After they leave their mother, the Queen's reign ends. But at the Beltane festival during their 16th year, they battle between them will begin. And only one can claim the crown.

The main thing I liked about this book was how it focused on a matriarchal society. It was fun to see the difference between the mainlanders and the islanders in this aspect.

The main thing I didn't like about this book was that it started kind of slow. Other than some minor confusion over the point of view, it was good for the most part.

Overall, I would give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Replica By: Lauren Oliver

People scream from the shores towards the Haven Institute. They scream of monsters created there against God's will. They scream of aliens. The want it gone, they say. They have no idea what is really going on there. Few truly do.

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Number 24, or Lyra as she is known by her friends, is a Replica. A man made clone. She has never left the confines of Haven. But when disaster strikes, Lyra sees an opening to escape and see the outside world.

Gemma doesn't fit in anywhere. At school people laugh at her body that is marred by scars. At home her mother is always happy to take a few pills and forget her troubles and her father seems to hate her. She has never had a chance to be free. But when she hears whispers of Haven and a dark secret that her parents are trying to keep, she is determined to find the truth. Regardless of the risks.

The main thing I liked about this book was the fact that it is actually two books. Gemma and Lyra's stories are separate. You can either alternate chapters or read one at a time. However you choose, it is all one amazing story.

The main thing I did not like about this book was how much it challenged the "what makes you human" arguement. This was a little frustrating to read. Also, I am not the biggest fan of this author's writing style.

Overall I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Les Misérables By: Victor Hugo

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France, 1789-1799. This is the period of the revolution.
During this time Jean ValJean was condemned to 5 years of hard time.  For multiple attempts at escape he ends up serving 15-20 years. He escapes around year 18 and 19. Once escaping he flees into the countryside. Only to be rejected by all he asks for help. He searches for days tired a weary he come to the house of the bishop. The Bishop shows poor Jean ValJean hospitality and kindness. The experiences Jean has change his outlook on life.

After he leaves the Bishop's house he swears to be a good man for the rest of his days. And acting upon his vow he becomes the  mayor of Montreuil-sur-mer. He is a good man who helps all people and when he sees that a women has been through great hardships in his name he is devastated. He wants to help poor Fantine and that he does he saves her from the ruthless Javert who is always tracking and pursuing Jean ValJean.  He lets her live in his home and tends to her every need. He even saves her poor child Cosette from the ruthless Therniaders. But alas at the sight of seeing Javert again kills Fantine (who never saw her child again). Jean ValJean and Cosette are sent into a world of down spinning doom. A life of hiding and a life of hope. They lead their live the best they can while running from Javert. But there can be no happiness for them. For how can they be happy when after all they are The Miserables.

Les Misérables is a wonderfully written book. It's language and imagery is astounding. The way it pulls at every heart string is truly incredible. The reader feels the pain and misery, but also the love the characters feel. Victor Hugo is a true literary genius. A quote I particularly like in this book is in the dedication it states the following; "... in other words, and with a still wider significance, so long as ignorance and poverty exist on earth, books of the nature of Les Misérables cannot fail to be of use." -Hauteville House 1862