The Crying Tree by Naseem Rakha

Reading Level: Adult
(4 out of 5)








What does it mean to Forgive? According to the dictionary it means to grant pardon for or remission of an offense, debt, etc. To grant pardon to a person. Sounds easy enough but would you be able to forgive your son's killer?

Irene and Nate Stanley have lived a quiet life with their two children, Bliss and Shep, in southern Illinois for most of their lives. One day Nate announces that he got a sheriff position in Oregon and they were going to move. Irene doesn't want to leave the life she has always known but she gives in to her husband and off they go to Oregon. About a year into living in Oregon the unthinkable happens. Their fifteen year old son Shep is shot in killed in there home during a robbery. His murder turns the Stanley's lives upside down. All Irene can think about is wanting justice for Shep's death and for her that means putting his killer to death. But the justice system can work slowly and years go by without word of his execution and Irene has to face facts. Can she continue hating her son's killer or can she forgive him?

I thought that this was a thoughtful, emotionally moving book. Life does move on after a tragedy. But how you move on is different from person to person. Ms. Rakha does throw in some curve balls that I wasn't expecting and I always enjoy when I don't see something coming.


On the back flap the book says, "Dramatic, wrenching, and ultimately uplifting, The Crying Tree is an unforgettable story of love and redemption, the unbreakable bonds of family, and the transformative power of forgiveness.



I highly recommend this book.

New Moon the Movie

Now I know what your thinking. This is a book blog but in my defense New Moon was adapted from the book by Stephenie Meyer.

I went and saw New Moon last night and I was not disappointed. I thought it was fantastic. I liked New Moon even more than I liked Twilight. The story stuck pretty close to the book and any additions that were made I think just added to the movie. The acting was well done and the special effects were really cool. I thought the wolves looked pretty realistic. I can't wait to watch it again.


Leave us a comment!
Did you love the movie or hate it?

Wings by Aprilynne Pike

What would you do if one morning you found a flower blossom in the form of wings on your back?

In the novel Wings by Aprilynne Pike, this phenomenon happens to Laurel, and she realizes that she is not human.

With her new identity, Laurel must defeat the trolls, who could destroy the fairy world. This extraordinary story gives a new meaning to the word 'fairy tale.' It is a refreshing read because the author does not follow the original ideas of fairies. The creatures are life-sized with flower wings instead of the traditional butterfly shape. This story is spiced up with a love triangle which has a surprising ending. Although the completion of the novel does not completely satisfy the reader, it leaves room for a very anticipated sequel.

This review was written by Samantha, a Hobart library volunteer. Do you have books you would like to review? Email them to cdaumer@lakeco.lib.in.us and type Book Review in the subject line.

Jermy Fink and the Meaning of Life by Wendy Mass

What if four keys held the meaning of life? That’s what a soon to be 13 year-old is trying to find in the book Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life by Wendy Mass. Wendy Mass’s one-of-a-kind characters, realistic settings, and unique situations, keep readers hooked through all of the many twists and turns.

Through reading this book, I had the privilege of experiencing all of those qualities. Let me tell you- it did not disappoint! It starts off great. A young teenage boy, Jeremy, is sent a box from his deceased father. Supposedly, it holds the meaning of life. How can something so small hold something so big?

Seems simple, right? Wrong. What seemed to be something way too easy to do suddenly gets complicated- the four keys required to open the box are missing! Before he can think twice, Jeremy and his best friend, Lizzy, set out on a quest to find these keys that appear to be literally impossible to find. But, this duo has everything it takes- passion and determination. Well, at least they think that’s all they need…

For a thought-provoking read, engulf yourself in Jeremy and Lizzy’s adventure in Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life by Wendy Mass!


Submitted by Guest Reviewer A. Jenkins

Love Rules by Dandi Daley Mackall

Reading Level: Young Adult
(4 out of 5)



Jake, Emma, and Mattie have been like the Three Musketeers all there life. Jake and Emma Jackson are brother and sister and Mattie Mays is Emma's best friend. While Emma and Mattie were originally in the same grade Mattie skipped a grade due to her really good test scores. So Mattie and Jake graduate at the same time and both are going to the same college in California. Emma makes them promise to send her a love rule every week. This was a fun read. It makes me sad I didn't go away for college. Dorm life seems like it would have been fun. If you are looking for a feel good book about first loves and being away from home for the first time check out Love Rules.

The Carousel Painter by Judith Miller

Reading Level: Adult
(4 out of 5)











If you are looking for an inspirational story that has romance and mystery then this may be the book for you. It is a sweet story and I read it in a day. The process of making the animals for carousels was really interesting and they sounded beautiful.

Carrington Brouwer moves from Paris to Ohio and gets the enviable job of painting carousel horses for a factory owned by her friends father. She has to deal with prejudice in and out of the workplace. Then a valuable necklace is stolen and she is the prime suspect. Will she find out the truth before her livelihood and budding romance is put at risk?

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvator

Reading Level: Young Adult
(4 out of 5)


This book has a whole new take on werewolves. Forget about changing with the moon, they change with the seasons. Sam lives two lives. In the winter he is a wolf and he watches over Grace and in the summer he is human but never dares to talk to her. Grace has spent years watching the wolves in the woods behind her house. The yellow eyed wolf, her wolf, watches back and he feels deeply familiar. Then one day Sam changes back to being human even when it's cold out and him and Grace look for a way to have a future together.

This is the start of a new series. I loved this book and can't wait for the next one.