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!

At the Scent of Water by Linda Nichols

A lovely book, that held my interest completely. Two parents are separated after the death of their daughter, a complete accident. However, they haven't forgiven each other or themselves. This story has many scripture references throughout and the reader can see the power of prayer, and how all our lives are connected. 4 and 1/2 out of 5.

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

Loved the book. I read it in about 2 days. The teenage main character, Auden, has dealt with her parents divorce in what seems a very mature way. But deep down she struggles with the untangible feelings that she can't quite get a grip on. Ever since the divorce she's become an insomniac and prowls the town at night, discoving a world that doesn't sleep and yet is very interesting. She does meet an interesting boy, who also is struggling with his own "demons." I give it 4 out of 5 stars. :)