Loved! It made me laugh and cry.(which doesn't happen very often with books). It was very reminiscent of "Beaches". This story spanned four decades of two girls' friendship and all that comes with it. It shows the ups and downs in their relationship. Definite 5 out of 5 stars.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

I really liked this book. The whole story is told from the main character, Melinda's point of view. She's an intelligent, witty young woman, that is the victim of, the unspeakable, rape. She has to deal with being an outcast because of her calling the police resulting in the busting of the party where she got raped. The student body pretty much hates her, and she copes through her art and staying quiet. Very simple yet powerful book! 4.5 out of 5 stars. Made into a movie that I would love to see.

The Circle Trilogy: Black, Red and White by Ted Dekker

I finished Black this weekend and started Red immediately. I really wasn't going to read these, the back covers didn't sound like anything I would have liked, a bit of a fantasy genre. But a student, Andrew, lent me his collection so I could have all three and not have to wait on the library copies.
It is a story that spans two realities with one common thread, Thomas Hunter. In both worlds/realities and he's trying to save the world, but each reality depends on what happens in the other reality. I know it sounds confusing - but it is very well written, and I haven't got lost or confused by the switching of realities, it is done in Thomas' dreams. I give it 5 out of 5 stars!!
Another student ruined the trilogy by telling me the ending of White, but it hasn't prevented me from wanting to know how everything turns out! I am curious how the last book, Green, will tie into the "trilogy."

Sophie by Guy Burt

BIZZARE BOOK! It began as a "Secret Garden" then it went whacked! It goes back and forth between Matt and Sophie's childhood years, to when Matt is holding a girl captive. You find out that his sister is truly twisted and manipulative and affects her younger brother Matt (Mattie). I never quite figured out who the young women was that Matt was holding hostage. I am just as confused as I was when I first started reading it. I would only give it 2 out of 5 stars.

Good book I finished this weekend. Imagine a girl in your class commits suicide and then make tapes for each of the people who she feels played a part in her wanting to do this. Clay was Hannah's crush and doesn't know why he received the tapes. He listens through them, retracing her steps trying to understand why she felt she had no other choice. Good book for teenagers to see how sometime the littlest things that you do or say can have an impact on someone.
4 and 1/2 stars out of 5.

The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks

Wow - he did it again. I honestly wasn't too thrilled at the beginning. I thought it was very reminiscent of Sarah Dessen's "Along for the Ride," which I read this summer. A teenage girl gets sent to live with her father, at the beach, for the summer. But the more I read, his character development was just great. I felt a part of their lives. I laughed out loud with/at Jonah, the younger brother, and I cried with the sister Ronnie. I don't want to give anything away, but have the tissues handy.It was one of his best. I already feel the need to re-read. 5 out of 5.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

I just finished this book and talk about thought provoking! Whew! It was written from the nine year old, main character's point of view, Bruno. He just doesn't understand why he has to move, he thinks his father mustn't have done a good job, to get the family transferred to "Out-With." Being completely bored, Bruno decides to go out exploring and discovers a new friend, Shmuel, who lives in his striped pajamas.
Wonderful book that pulls at your heart. 5 out of 5!

Slumdog Millionaire by Vikas Swarup

I loved the book but hated the movie!! I hate when Hollywood/Bollywood changes books when they make movies (My sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult was like this too!) It was a heart breaking story about an young orphaned boy who went through so many trials, each of them relived during the game show. The author did a great job of making the reader feel for the characters. There were some graphic parts I wouldn't recommend for a younger reader, but other than that it was a good book (bad movie).
4 out of 5 stars.

Funerals and Fly Fishing by Mary Bartek

Mrs. Teri Potchak recommended this book, since she went to school with the author. It was a great middle school book about a 6th grade boy who visits his grandfather, that he never remembers meeting. He travels to Pennsylvania and discovers his grandfather owns/operates the local funeral home. Sweet book for all ages.
4 and 1/2 out of 5!

Dinner with a Perfect Stranger by David Gregory

A short little book, but very thought provoking. What would you do if you received a dinner invitation from Jesus of Nazareth? That's what happened to the main character, Nick. He does accept the invitation, and has a intimate dinner, full of discussion and thoughts. Along the way, Nick confronts his own unfulfilled longings, spiritual uncertainties, and anger with God and he begins to wonder if the man across from him holds the answers to his deepest questions. 4 and 1/2 out of 5!