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Review: The League and the Lantern by Brian Wells
Title: The League and the Lantern Author: Brian Wells Genre: YA, adventure Publisher: Republic Ink Date: May 16, 2016 To say that Jake Herndon is going through an awkward patch is a bit of an understatement. After a variety of misadventures in sixth grade, he’s ready to move into seventh as the great Do Over. This time he’s going to make things much better! Except that his first meeting with his seventh grade class is a disaster. Choking on corn dogs, a stained shirt, and an unfortunate Hello Kitty shirt all play a part in making it seem like seventh grade will end up no different than sixth. It’s when…
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Review: The Last One by Alexandra Oliva
Title: The Last One Author: Alexandra Olivia 26 Genre: suspense Publisher: Ballantine Books Reality TV shows. We have all seen them. All of us at least understand the premise. People sign up to compete in some manner for fame, glory, and usually some sort of monetary reward. Usually the competition involves harsh physical conditions, though sometimes, it can also include embarrassment and a variety of demeaning tasks. Also, none of these programs really encourage teamwork. So when there’s a book’s premise revolving around a reality show, the audience is pretty sure to understand the setting. In this book, a young woman that the…
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Book Review: Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
Title: Dark Matter Author: Blake Crouch Genre: suspense, sci-fi, thriller Publisher: Crown Date: July 26, 2016 Jason Dessen is brilliant. With his mind, he could have been one of the foremost scientists in the world – easily. But he decided to focus on his family instead. His relationship with his life is key to keeping him grounded. And his son is a light every day. Even when things get a little boring, the simple things bring him pleasure. Making dinner. Spending time. It’s all good. And then one night he goes out for a drink. No biggie. Jason merely wanted to celebrate a friend’s accomplishments. But on the way home,…
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Review: Sense and Sensibility by Sarah Price
Title: Sense and Sensibility Author: Sarah Price Genre: Amish Publisher: Realms Date: March 1, 2016 Eleanor, Maggie and Mary Ann are still reeling from the sudden loss of their father when they discover that their home is about to convert into their brother’s hands. He promised his father that he would care for his sisters and step-mother, but his wife isn’t a big fan of the idea. Her thoughts on ‘caring’ vary quite differently from what most would consider it. As a result, the little family finds themselves in very unhappy and miserable circumstances. They know that they must change their situation and moving to another farm seems like a…
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Book Review: Since She Went Away by David Bell
Title: Since She Went Away Author: David Bell Genre: thriller Publisher: Penguin Date: June 21, 2016 Jenna Barton has had a rough time of it lately. A few months ago, her best friend, Celia, disappeared. If that wasn’t bad enough, Celia was on her way to meet Jenna when she went missing. This puts single mom Jenna and her son directly into the spotlight. Reporters, social media, activists, rumors, speculation – it’s all a part of her life now. It’s caused Jenna to spiral into a weird guilt situation where she spends her time constantly searching for Celia or any lead she can find. Messageboards have become an odd…
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Book Review: Ben Hur by Carol Wallace
Title: Ben Hur Author: Carol Wallace Genre: Historical Publisher: Tyndale Date: July 19, 2016 Ben Hur. The very title of this book evokes immediate response in generations of people. Most instantly have horses, chariots and roman gladiators in mind. Some picture Charlton Heston. Some might even have a bit of a stab of guilt because they haven’t read the book or watched the film. I fell into that latter category until recently. Judah Ben-Hur is a Jewish nobleman. He’s always only known comfort, luxury, and preferential treatment. Though he treats others well, his best friend, Messala, comes to resent him. Unaware of his friend’s anger, Judah still treats his friend…
