Duchessina-A Novel of Catherine de Medici by Carolyn Meyer

Reading Level: Young Adult
Submitted by Gerti

When my daughter had to do a report on Catherine de Medici for her 8th grade class, I requested this book from the library.  The book arrived after the report, but I decided to read it anyway, since I like the approach Carolyn Meyer's takes with her series of Princess biographies, by focusing on the historical figures as children and teens.

I knew from Stephanie's report that Catherine de Medici's parents had died when she was still an infant, which already makes the Duchessina a sympathetic character.  What the Wikipedia articles on the Duchess of Urbino don't focus on is the next part of her life, which the young Catherine spent hiding in convents, as the city of Florence turned against her rich and famous family.  Meyer again makes Catherine an object of pity, as she shows how hard it was for her to have a famous name...giving me a little more sympathy for those rich kids who show up in TV news reports after having done something incredibly stupid, despite having advantages of wealth and fame that normal mortals don't have.  Meyer makes it sound more like a curse than a gift to shoulder a name and a reputation, even before you've grown up to earn one.  It's a fresh perspective, and I always welcome that while reading.

Meyer also gives de Medici a childhood romance, which of course the school of research on Catherine didn't turn up.  Whether or not it's accurate or wholly fictional, I don't know, but it does, I'm sure, make the book more appealing to teenaged readers, who may be harboring their own crushes!  The rest of de Medici's life follows the historical pattern we studied-she moves to France to marry a prince who doesn't love her, but survives it exactly because she had been brought up in such a cold, loveless environment.  Who knows what would have become of her if she had in fact been coddled and sensitive, like we expect our princesses to be!  And she triumphs in the end exactly because of her ability to endure and look at the big picture, which is a great message to send.

In short, I'm not sure about the amount of "fact" in this fictional account, but I do like Meyer's use of language, and her story-telling abilities are spot on in this novel for young adults.  She makes Catherine de Medici an accessible character, someone to whom teen girls can relate, and that's a pretty neat trick for a historical figure who died hundreds of years ago!  Meyer makes Renaissance Italy as real as downtown Hobart, and "Duchessina" a book worth reading for all audiences, from children to adults.

An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

Reading Level: Young Adult

Submitted by Gerti

I’m not sure if this book is supposed to be for adults or young adults, but John Green’s “An Abundance of Katherines” has a charming pre-college narrator who has a bright, contemporary voice. His tortured tales of teen romance took me back to my own glory days. Colin Singleton is a child prodigy who is working hard on becoming a genius, and in his spare time, he romances 18 different women with the same first name. That is just one of the quirks about Colin that makes him such a delightful narrator, even though he is busy trying to survive his breakup with Katherine 19. It’s that breakup that precipitates a road trip of self discovery, as he and his best (only) friend Hassan head down I-65 from Chicago to take Colin’s mind off his heart.

Colin spends his time (while trying not to focus on his latest breakup) by coming up with a mathematical formula that will predict the course of any relationship, based on such factors as a person’s sex, and whether the person asking is more likely to be the dumper or the dumpee when it all falls apart. In the tiny roadside berg of Gutshot,Tennessee, Colin and Hassan meet an equally charming and quirky girl named Lindsey who shows them the grave of Franz Ferdinand, the famous Hapsburg whose assassination in 1914 lead to the start of World War I. When her mother offers them a summer job interviewing the locals to help her write a history of the town, the boys decide to stay.

Of course, Colin falls in love with the girl who by virtue of being a Lindsey breaks him out of his Katherine rut. He also comes out of his geeky, fame-driven shell and does things he could never imagine doing before during his sheltered and dysfunctional upbringing, like wild hog hunting with a 12-gage shotgun. Hassan, who is a Muslim, also does a number of things that are not haram, including kissing a girl and drinking beer. So at its heart, this is a coming of age novel involving both of the boys, which is certainly a classic form when writing about teens. But as opposed to reading something by a dead author like Thomas Mann, this bildungsroman is as light and fluffy as meringue and as contemporary as a gluten allergy. In fact, so many of Green’s characters grow and change during this novel that it is as refreshing as a hit of wasabi as we watch these characters to whom we’ve formed an attachment become more alive and real every minute. You almost expect them to step off the page and show up outside your door, ready to eat cheeseburgers and watch Judge Judy.

I don’t know what the Printz medal is, but after having read this book, I fully believe that John Green deserved to win it with this charming, easy-to-read novel that will take all its readers to the heart of what it means to be young, smart and in love. I can’t wait to read more by Green, and imagine that this book is destined to become a movie.

Just so you know the Printz medal: The Michael L. Printz Award annually honors the best book written for teens, based entirely on its literary merit, each year.  To read more about it click Here

Divergent by Veronica Roth (Movie Trailer)

I thought I would give everyone a sneak peek at the Divergent movie trailer.  Seeing the action makes me want to read the book.  I guess I better get myself on the waiting list!

The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell

Reading Level: Young Adult

Submitted by Gertie

This is the first book I've ever read by the acclaimed author Candace Bushnell that I felt would be appropriate for my teenaged daughter to read.  I've read a half dozen books by Bushnell already, and love her easy, breezy (and sometimes sleazy) writing style!  This book, on the other hand, is a revelation with its simpler, more innocent voice, which makes the read a scintillating mix of sex and sentimentalism.  I haven't seen the TV series based on this book yet, but I look forward now to doing so!

The main characters include the famed Carrie Bradshaw, who is also the main character in the acclaimed TV series "Sex and the City."  Here she is a young high school student, caught between her romance-minded girlfriends, Maggie and Lali, who are somewhat more sexually advanced and aggressive than she is, and her desire for more adventure than her hometown has to offer!  A new boy in school, Sebastian Kydd, brings the choice to a head, as Carrie and seemingly every other female in her class have a crush on him, and for a while, Carrie holds his attention.  But some of the other girls are willing to do more than she is to snag this prize, and Carrie wrestles with betrayals and backstabbing as her best friend and the most popular girl in the class vie to win Sebastion's roaming heart.

Carrie has other options besides being Sebastion's girlfriend, though, including a boring suitor at Brown University with literary connections, and her burgeoning interest in becoming a writer.  She eventually leaves all the high school drama behind after winning a prestigious writing opportunity in New York City, but not before burning a few bridges and setting a few rivals on fire with her scathing attacks in the student newspaper.  In the end, only the reader can decide whether Carrie has made the right decision, but of course, most of us are already aware of her success in the Big Apple, making these petty high school jealousies seem slightly irrelevant.

"The Carrie Diaries" is a delightful read which took me back to my own high school days in a way few other "teen" books have.  Perhaps it's because Bushnell is closer to my generation than some of the other authors penning YA fiction; perhaps because high school is where I made the decision to become a writer, just as Carrie does.  Whatever the reason, the book was a great pleasure for me to read, and makes another great addition to my Bushnell library!

Teen Read Week-Author Interview-Diana L. Sharples

Equilibrium. That's what Stacey and Calvin found in each other. He is as solid as his beloved vintage motorcycle and helps quiet the constant clamor in Stacey's mind. She is a passionate, creative spirit---and a lifeline after Calvin's soldier brother dies.But lately the balance is off. Calvin's grief is taking new forms. Voices of self-loathing are dominating Stacey's life. When struggles with body image threaten her health, Calvin can't bear to lose another person that he loves. Taking action may destroy their relationship, but the alternative could be much more costly. (From LCPL's website)

Click HERE to request a copy.  You will need your library card number and pin.

Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland

Nantucket Blue follows Cricket Thompson who is planning on having the summer of her dreams.  She's going to
Nantucket with her best friend Jules, and she plans on making her crush Jay hers.  Shortly before they are supposed to leave Jules' family suffer a tragedy that tears the two friends apart.  Cricket still decides to spend the summer in Nantucket-but is stuck making beds and cleaning bathrooms to support her.  Cricket also finds time to fall for someone that should be off limits.

Howland's weaves together a wonderful story of loss, love, friendship and finding who you are.  I loved Cricket, she did not give up when her plans were messed up a few times in Nantucket.  She got to experience so many things that she wouldn't be able to if her and Jules didn't have a falling out.  All the characters were great in the story. I absolutely hated Jules who I know was going through a lot of family grief but that did not make it all right for her to be such a brat to everyone.

Make sure you check out Nantucket Blue if you're looking for a great young adult romance book.

Spark by Amy Kathleen Ryan

Reading Level: Young Adult

On my massive reading list!

From the catalog: Waverly and Kieran are finally reunited on the Empyrean. When Seth is mysteriously released from the brig the night of a strange explosion that sends the ship off-course, tensions between Kieran and Seth reach a boiling point, as Waverly ponders following her heart, even if it puts lives at risk.   

Ask the Passengers by A.S. King

Reading Level: Young Adult

On my massive reading list!

From the catalog: Astrid Jones copes with her small town's gossip and narrow-mindedness by staring at the sky and imagining that she's sending love to the passengers in the airplanes flying high over her backyard. Her mother doesn't want it, her father's always stoned, her perfect sister's too busy trying to fit in, and the people in her small town would never allow her to love the person she really wants to: another girl named Dee. Little does she know just how much sending her love-- and asking the right questions-- will affect the passengers' lives, and her own, for the better.

Stay With Me by Paul Griffin

Reading Level: Young Adult

On my massive reading list!

From the catalog:  Mack, a high school drop-out but a genius with dogs, and Céce, who hopes to use her intelligence to avoid a life like her mother's, meet and fall in love at the restaurant where they both work. When Mack lands in prison he pushes Céce away and only a one-eared pit-bull can keep them together.     

Freefall by Mindi Scott

Reading Level: Young Adult

On my massive reading list!

From the catalog:A bass guitar player in a teen rock band deals with alcoholism, his best friend's death, and first love.

From the cover of the book: Sometimes the edge is closer than you think.

This looks like a good one!  The catalog description only whets your appetite on this one.

Someone Else's Life by Katie Dale

Reading Level: Young Adult

On my massive reading list!

From the catalog: When Rosie's mother dies from Huntington's Disease, a devastating secret is revealed. Rosie embarks on a journey from England to the United States with her ex-boyfriend, where she discovers yet more deeply-buried and troubling secrets and lies.     
 

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

Reading Level: Young Adult

On my massive reading list!

From the catalog: To free herself from an upcoming arranged marriage, Claudia, the daughter of the Warden of Incarceron, a futuristic prison with a mind of its own, decides to help a young prisoner escape.     

The Thing About The Truth by Lauren Barnholdt

Reading Level: Young Adult

I haven't read this book, but one day I'm going to.  It's on my list and was on my pile and eventually the pile has to get checked in.

From our catalog: In a story told from alternating viewpoints, Kelsey seeks to redeem her formerly flawless reputation with the help of Isaac, a senator's sexy but arrogant son, who has ulterior motives.    

Sounds like a good one!

Dare You To by Katie McGarry

Katie McGarry is quickly becoming one of my favorite YA authors.  Her writing is fresh, in your face, and the romance is smoking hot.  The characters she creates stick with you long after you read the last page.  I am still just so thrilled I got to see her speak at an ALA conference and bummed that I didn't get to meet her at the book signing (she ran out of books). :(  Ms. McGarry is from Kentucky which isn't too far away so hopefully she will do a book signing not too far away.  One can only hope.  With three books to be published in the near future she doesn't seem to be slowing down.  Which I am so happy about!

This is technically the third book which will be coming out in May, May 28 to be exact.  The second book, Crossing the Line, about Echo's best friend Lila, from Pushing the Limits will be published in e-book format in April.  For those who are fans of Ms. McGarry never fear because Isaiah's story, Crash Into You, is coming soon probably next year.

Now that we have that out of the way Dare You To is about Beth.  Beth has been hiding what her home life is really like and when she can't hide it anymore she gets shipped off to live with her uncle who has been MIA for most of her life.  Ryan is the baseball star golden boy, but looks can be deceiving.  When these two come together it is explosive.  My only complaint is that they were away from each other to long on the page.  Ms. McGarry deals with very real, heavy topics.  Topics that teenagers shouldn't have to deal with but in reality many do.  I think that she does a good job with it.  She has them work through it and not just sweep it under or say okay my life is fine now without dealing.  I can't wait to read Lila's story and then Isaiah's.  I hope Isaiah's cover has him on the front showing off his tattoos.  A girl can only dream!

Keep an eye out for Dare You To coming to the library in May!

Crimson Frost by Jennifer Estep

 
 
 

Reading Level: (Young Adult)
(4 out of 5)

I was so excited to find out that the library finally purchased this awesome series by Jennifer Estep.  The Mythos Academy series is full of Greek myth, romance, danger, action and humor.  Book one is Touch of Frost, book two is Kiss of Frost, book three is Dark Frost, and book four is Crimson Frost.  Book five Midnight Frost will be out in August.  I can't wait.  Just so you know all four books are only available at LCPL through e-book.  If you are a die hard print fan put in a purchase request!

Gwen Frost is a gypsy and she has the gift of being able to touch an object or a person and feel their emotions and see things.  After her mother dies she is enrolled in Mythos Academy a school of myths, magic and warrior whiz kids, where even the lowliest geek knows how to chop off somebody's head with a sword and Logan Quinn, the hottest Spartan guy in school, also happens to be the deadliest. 

By book four Gwen has been in many battles, made many friends (Daphne, Carson, Kenzie, Oliver), and has finally snagged Logan the hottie Spartan.  I don't want to talk much about what happens because it will give away a lot of what goes on in the previous books and I want you to read them.  I think these books are great and I think you will too.  So check them out today!

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

Four minutes does not seem like much time-but it was just four minutes that changed Hadley Sullivan's life.

In the book The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith Hadley is four minutes late for her plane.  A plane she wasn't to excited to get on in first place since it is taking her to London to her dad's wedding to the woman he left  her mother for. 

As she waits for the next flight she meets Oliver, whose British and perfect of course.  They connect instantly after a long night on the plane next to each other.  After loosing each other at arrival will there be a chance for them to meet again?

This is a great teen read.  Although it just seems like a harmless romance, Hadley has to deal with her feeling toward her dad who she hasn't seen in over a year.  The scenes with Hadley and her father are heartbreaking and I think he is really selfish man.  On the other hand her and Oliver definitely have some swoon-worthy scenes. 

Definitely check out The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight if you are a fan of teen romances.

Breathe by Abbi Glines

 Reading Level: Young Adult
(4 out of 5)

I have found a new author! The best part is she writes both paranormal romances and realistic romances. I will get the best of both worlds and hopefully both series will be good. The paranormal series is a trilogy with the first book called Existence. The library has it on order. Breathe is the first in a series called Sea Breeze. There are four so far. I'm not sure if the author is writing more. Breathe is on order for the library and if you want to read it put yourself on hold for it because the second book called Because of Low has six holds and I'm sure the people who have read it will want to read Breathe. I'm going to see about getting books three and four.

Anyway Breathe is about Sadie White and Jax Stone. Sadie and her mother have been on their own for most of Sadie's life. Sadly Sadie has been more of a mother than her mother has. Now at 17 Sadie's mother is pregnant and bringing another life into their dysfunctional family. When the pregnancy becomes too much for her mother Sadie takes over her cleaning job that turns out to be at Jax Stone's house, one of the hottest teen rockers in the world.

Sadie isn't impressed by the fame, she just wants to keep a roof over her head and food on the table. Jax is drawn to Sadie even though he knows a relationship would probably never work. Then there is also Marcus, who is also very crush worthy and a great guy. You can tell this is Ms. Glines first book but I thought she did it well and I can't wait to read Marcus's story in Because of Low. Now she has several novels under her belt and I just know they have gotten better and better.

Easy by Tammara Webber

Reading Level: Adult
(4 out of 5)

Being dumped by your boyfriend of three years has to be devastating.  But hearing his reasoning for it, "Jackie, I'm going to be a politician one day and I won't be able to get my hand down every girl's skirt I meet because it would cause a scandal so I have to do that now while I'm in college."

I might have put my own spin on that but I'm sure you get the gist.  Jacqueline, who was called Jackie by her ex-boyfriend Kennedy, I know right! isn't having a very good couple of weeks.  First she gets dumped by her boyfriend and second she gets attacked.  Thank heavens she has a guardian angel in the body of smokin hot tattooed, pierced Lucas.  He swoops in and saves her.

Jacqueline doesn't know what to make of him.  Lucas is everything she is not, laid back, slackerish, and oh so bad, in a good way.  Her friends push her at him to try and get her out of her break up funk.  But she also seems to have a flirtation going on with her economics tutor, Landon, online.  Although she hasn't seen him in person he is everything she likes in a guy, motivated, smart, and easy to talk to.  Will Jacqueline end up with Lucas, Landon, or both.  I have to keep you guys guessing until you read the book, which you must.  It was so good.  Hurry, go get it now!

The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa

Reading Level: Young Adult
(4 out of 5)

Book will be published on October 30: I tried not to include any spoilers

I was really excited when I found out Ms. Kagawa was returning to the world of the Iron Fey.  I just didn't want this wonderfully colorful, and sometimes frightening world to be over.  I was even more excited when I got my hands on an advanced reader copy.  Sometimes being a librarian just rocks! 

Ms. Kagawa returns with Ethan's story.  It has been thirteen years since Ethan was last in the land of Faery, when he had been kidnapped by the Iron King.  His sister Meghan came to his rescue and ended up the Iron Queen.  He lost his sister to the land of Faery and Fey and he never quite got over it.  The fey won't leave him alone.  He has spent all his life trying to dodge them and they just keep getting him in trouble.

At his new school he just wants to keep his head down and graduate.  But a half faery named Todd and a girl named Kenzie make it hard for him to do that.  When a group of fey Ethan has never seen before starts coming around, him and Kenzie end up in Faery, in the Iron Kingdom.  I think that is where all the fun begins.  Familiar characters pop up like Grimlakin, Puck, Ash, Glitch and some new characters as well.  My only complaint is I felt like I was missing something when it came to Ethan and Keirran and why Meghan didn't want Ethan coming to Faery.  I'm not sure if  I missed something not having read Iron's Prophecy or if it will be revealed in the next two books.  Other than that this was another great Iron Fey novel.  I am looking forward to the next one.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Reading Level: Young Adult
(4 out of 5)

Before you sit down to read this book grab a box of tissues.  You don't need them right away but trust me you will.

All the librarians are talking about this book.  Amy told me I had to read this book.  I'm not sure I'm going to take any more recommendations from her...:)  I kid!

This really is a moving book.  Although I just knew it was a tragedy from the beginning, how could it not be when most of the characters have some form of cancer, you can't put this book down.  Mr. Green writes the main characters, Hazel and Augustus, with such humor and grace you hardly can believe that they are only 16 and 17.  I think that the reality of having a disease like cancer can age a person, make them sound and feel older than they really are.  But they still have their moments of teen angst.  Hazel Grace has a type of cancer that cannot be cured, it can only be treated.  She knows her days are numbered.  Then she meets Augustus Waters at a Cancer Kid Support Group and he completely turns her life around.  Augustus had the type of cancer that took his leg, but is in remission.  Hazel doesn't want to get involved with Gus because she is afraid of him seeing her die.  But Gus doesn't take no for an answer.

I bawled twice while reading this book, twice.  So please have your tissues ready.  But this book is so worth the crying because before the tears there is laughter and young love.  Oh and it takes place in our very own Indianapolis!  Very cool!