The Death Cure, James Dashner (on CD)

Y'know when you spot a glaring error in a TV show or book, but can't believe it's an error because it's SO obvious that the writers must mean to come back and close that loophole?

Well, that's how the end of this book hit me, and not in a good way. The most obvious solution to the problems of the world in this series...is the final scene of this book.

On the other hand, getting there is the fun of the journey, right? And it was a pretty exciting interesting.

When Zachary Beaver Came to Town, by Kimberly Willis Holt

This was recommended to me by a high school librarian I know. She says it takes place in a town like (or THE town) where she grew up in Texas. It's a sweet story about kindness and learning how to treat people right and forgive their idiosyncrasies and just loving them. Everyone in this book is perfectly imperfect: they make mistakes--some big ones--and they struggle to forgive themselves for those errors while missing their importance to one another.

It's one of those books that grows on you after you read it, and I hope it sticks with me for awhile.

The Scorch Trials, by James Dashner (on CD)

I have recommended this series to multiple people as being excellent for reluctant boy readers because the action pretty much NEVER stops. Personally, I find that exhausting (and rather unbelievable), but it does keep you glued to the story.

As in many other series, this book suffers for being #2. I'm torn between wanting to read the next one and being irritated with having very little forward progress in the overall plot.

The Maze Runner, by James Dashner (on CD)

Well. Great plot, good pacing, especially if you like nonstop action. A little repetitive at times, and somewhat unbelievable at other times. And yet...I can't wait to read the next book. I think the flaws would be much less noticeable were I not listening to it.

Oh, and speaking of which, the narrator is simply wonderful!

Freefall, by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams

So, I need to get the next book in the series. That's one of the problems with these--you really HAVE to read the next one because they leave off literally with stuff hanging. Will Chester get home? How will the Styx find Will (because you know they will)? Are there native inhabitants of the area of the Second Sun? What's up with Drake? And Celia--is she going to recover?

AAAARGHHHHHHH!

The Hunger Games Companion : The Unauthorized Guide to the Series, by Lois H. Gresh

I read a couple of chapters but it just wasn't working for me. Definitely written for teens who haven't read much older fiction. Well-written but I didn't finish it.

Torment, by Lauren Kate (on CD)

Title pretty much describes this book. I want to smack this little Bella-like dweeb in the nose. Reading Part 3 is unlikely.

Fallen, by Lauren Kate

Book one in the Fallen Trilogy. Book three got great reviews, so I figured I should start from the beginning. This is a pretty typical YA novel, similar in outline to the dreaded Twilight books, but "starring" angels instead of vampires, et al. Lucinda transfers to a reform school after she is involved in a tragic and deadly event at her former boarding school. Sword and Cross is not a typical prep/reform school: untidy, ugly, weird-but-not-criminal kids, and apparently lots of very hot guys, one of whom is quite charming and attentive, another of which seems to hate her on sight.

Of course, she is drawn more to the latter boy, who ends up being more attentive than he seems while Mr. Charming turns out to be a...well, demon.

War breaks out, her best friend turns out to be mortal after all, and the librarian, while not at all stereotypical, is definitely a villain.

Book Two awaits!!

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, by Ransom Riggs

Very interesting book, about WWII orphans on an island off Wales, except they really aren't exactly as the grandson of one learns when he returns to investigate his grandfather's stories after his death. Turns out there is time travel involved, and these children are definitely peculiar in some very interesting ways. Plus, there are period photographs gleaned from collections the author has had access to. Quite an interesting book. I hope Riggs writes more.

Inkdeath, by Cornelia Funke (on CD)

I've listened to all of these now, and am glad I did; there were some slow points, but this series is really different from any other I've ever read and pretty deep for YA stuff. This book does get into what makes 'real life' real versus the life that is in books; which is more real, really?

Poetry Speaks Who I Am (edited by Elise Paschen and Dominique Raccah)

I finally finished browsing this and made copies of pages I wanted to save for next year's poetry month. Good stuff for younger people. And it includes a CD with some of the poems read by their authors.

Mockingjay, by Suzanne Collins (on CD)

Wow.
Wow.
WOW. This series is astoundingly good. Not just as a YA series, but as a series of any kind. Wow.

Having listened to the whole thing, however, I'm trying to decide if I want to read it too. Maybe on my Nook?

Jane, by April Lindner

When I cataloged this, I knew I had to read it: it's a modern retelling of Jane Eyre. In spite of having reservations towards the beginning of it, by the middle of the book I was firmly pulled in, trying to figure out how Lindner was going to work the original plot out.

Now I need to go find my copy of JE and reread it....

Radiance, by Alyson Noel

Interesting concept of what happens after death, with the idea that personal growth doesn't end then.

Happyface, by Stephen Emond

Catching Fire, by Suzanne Collins (on CD)

As in all second parts of trilogies, this book suffers from a lot of plot building and a climax that mostly just leads to the next book, which can be annoying.

However, Collins is an exceptional author. While I found the first book (Hunger Games) a little "too YA-y", I didn't really pay attention to how well-written it was. Listening to this book, I realized the craft behind the story. So, I'm a convert to the excitement behind this series. Can't wait to get Mockingjay.

Before I Fall, by Lauren Oliver

Sort of a "Groundhog Day" for teens--only it's set up at the beginning with a fatal car crash. Pretty good portrayal of what it means to be a teenager nowadays, and how perilous 'popularity" is, and how random certain parts of life can be. Also a treatise on how life is under our own control--or not.

How to Read a Painting : Lessons from the Old Masters, by Patrick de Rynck

Checked this out at the local high school, and it's definitely age-appropriate. Pretty basic stuff, but fairly interesting. Would have been helpful to have slightly larger photos of some of the paintings, and by the way "judgement" isn't really the proper spelling of that word.

The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins

Very good YA dystopian book, first in a series. Not sure I want to read the rest--it's kinda melodramatic--but worthwhile reading.

Gym Candy, by Carl Deuker

High school football + steroids = YA problem novel.

Good book, though--Deuker really gets to the heart and brains of athletes. And it's not at all conclusive at the end; what does Mick do after he leaves rehab?