Books for Teens

Book 3 of the House of Night series is a page turner!  I tell you as I finish each one, I can’t wait to get my hands on the next.  Zoey realizes that her bestfriend (who died) isn’t really dead.  She is undead and to make matters worse she is a crazed red fledgling.  Zoey has to hide her until she figures out what to do.  Neferet turns out to be a traitor and Zoey knows she can no longer trust her.  She and Erik become closer and she imprints with her human boyfriend.  When a sexy teacher at the school Loren, starts showing Zoey some affection she is drawn to him and can’t resist his poetry and intellegence.  Somehow she ends up with three boyfriends.  And just when things couldn’t get worse, one betrays her and Bella ends up all alone.

This is the third book in the Twilight series.  In this novel, Bella is torn between her friendship with Jacob and her love for Edward.  When Jacob declares his love for her, she doesn’t want to lose their friendship.  In the end, both guys want what is best for Bella and unite to fight off a group of vampires that are hunting Bella.  Bella begs Edward to turn her into a vampire.  But, he insists they get married first, which Bella thinks is not a good idea.  To me that was a little confusing… she wants him bad enough to die for him, but she is not ready to marry him?  Not much gets resolved…which led me quickly to book 4–Breaking Dawn.

When I saw the cover of this book I was intrigued. It is simple and understated yet attention grabbing at the same time. I had never read a book like this one before. I was a little unsure of whether I would like this book after reading the title. Despite my hesitation I really, REALLY liked this book. It was just such a gooooooood read. The main character Paul has known he was gay since his kindergarten teacher wrote it plainly on his report card: “Paul is definitely gay and has a very good sense of self.” Paul is just like everyone of us. Struggling to find his place in the world of high school. His ex-boyfriend broke his heart and spread mean rumors around about how Paul tricked him. Paul doesn’t know when he’ll find a good person to love. When he meets the new boy in town, there is instant chemistry. Noah seems to be everything Paul wants until out of the blue his ex-boyfriend suddenly takes an interest in him again. You know how it is when there is that one person that makes you want to drop everything you’re doing just to have a chance to be with them. Paul feels this way about his ex Kyle. He can’t believe Kyle is finally coming around. When he is with Kyle he feels like one person and when he is with Noah he feels like someone completely different. The problem is that it is all happening at the same time. Without thinking…Paul kisses Kyle and rumors start circulating all around the school. Suddenly, Paul realizes it is Noah he really wants. But is it too late? Noah has heard the rumors and wants some space from Paul. Paul decides to do everything it takes to convince Noah of his love. This is a romantic and laugh out loud book that will remind you of your own experiences.

Let me start by saying I love, love, love this book. It is a book that requires more than a simple read. It requires depth of thought. Often I enjoy teen books as a means to become lost in the the easy going nature of the story line or the thrill of young love or to get lost in fantastical lands. This book was so much more. The story takes place in Nazi Germany during the height of Hitler’s power. It is told by Death. He recounts how he first met the main character and follows her throughout her life. Hearing this story through the eyes of Death makes it seem so unique and interesting. Death gives you clues throughout the reading of things to come. However, still I found myself mesmerized longing to know exactly how and why things happen on Himmel Street. Leisel, the main character, is abandoned at the start of the story. Immediately we feel sorry for her as she is dropped off at a foster home. Her “mama” is always berating her. Later we find out that she only does this as a sign of affection. Perhaps she does not know how to show her affection in any other way. Her new family is poor, however despite this her foster father takes in a Jew to hide in their basement. Their family risks everything to hide and protect him. At first little has changed besides having to split their food rations in four instead of three. However, before long the war hits closer to home and Leisel’s family faces bombings in their city. This novel is about great suffering and the importance of hope in the face of adversity. Will their family be caught? Will the bombs hit their home? Who will survive and who has Death come to take? Leisel must face all these things, plus deal with first time love. I longed for Leisel and Rudy to have their first kiss. But will they get their chance before Death comes to visit their street. Be sure to check out this book to find out the answers.

What if you knew that Faeries existed? What if you saw them playing tricks on people and they never knew? What if one of them wanted you and there was no way to resist him? Aislinn has known about “sight” since she was a child. Her grandmother taught her all the rules to keep her safe from the faeries and other creatures that coexist with our society. However, when an important faerie named Keenan (which she later finds out is a King in his realm) takes notice of her, she does everything she can to avoid him. She turns to her almost boyfriend Seth with her secret and they work together to try to stop Keenan. The Summer King’s power is too strong and she unknowingly is forced to enter the faerie world when he decides he wants her for his future queen. Once chosen, Aislinn must complete a special ritual. She must take the staff from the winter queen or choose to be a summer girl. If Aislinn is the One when she takes the staff she will be transformed into the Summer Queen. However, if she is not the right person she will succumb to the cold and be turned in a winter girl. Keenan’s mother is the Winter Queen and will lose her throne if her son finds his Summer Queen. The Winter Queen does everything in her power to ruin Keenan’s chances of ruling the faerie realm. But what about Seth? Aislinn wants nothing more than to be with him. How can she rule the faerie world with Keenan and not have Seth?