What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell

When Evie's father returned from World War II, the family fell back into its normal life pretty quickly. But Joe Spooner brought more back with him than just war stories. Movie-star handsome Peter Coleridge, a young ex-GI who served in Joe's company, shows up, and Evie finds herself falling for him, ignoring the secrets that surround him... until a tragedy occurs that shatters her family and breaks her life in two. As she begins to realize that almost everything she believed was really a lie, Evie must get to the heart of the deceptions and choose between loyalty to her parents and feelings for the man she loves. Someone will have to betrayed. The question is... who? - from book cover

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Set in the sticky summer weather in a Florida hotel in 1947, What I Saw and How I Lied is a stunning tale of deception and what happens when a string of vicious secrets is finally surfaced... or downed. 
Evie is a teenager in the 1940s, right after the second World War. Her handsome step-father, Joe Spooner, and her mother, the exquisite Beverly Spooner, set out on a summer vacation in Florida with Evie. Upon arriving in Palm Beach, the Spooner family is unable to find a nice hotel and are forced to rent a room in West Palm in a much older part of town. Nearly board to death by her parents (even though they meet a curious couple), Evie soon discovers that one of Joe’s old comrades from the war is also staying in the same hotel. Caught up in his mysterious and suave attitude, Evie falls in love... or so she thinks. As one cause of events leads to another, dangerous and heartbreaking secrets are uncovered that will make Evie choose between telling the truth, or believing a lie. Evie is just a naive, boy-crazy girl who–at the beginning of this book–desperately wishes she was just like her mother, but knows nothing about Beverly’s so-called “dazzling” life. At the end we discover a girl who has experienced an adult world she never would have imagined.

Based on other [mixed] reviews I’ve read about What I Saw and How I Lied, I’m not quite sure everyone agrees that this book was “good” enough to win a National Book Award title. I don’t really believe it was extremely worthy of that title either, but I will say this: it wasn’t the content that counted; it was the meaning behind the story that won that award. The meaning behind the story is lies. What I Saw and How I Lied brings us a message of the effect of lies and how the truth can come out in some very strange, and frightening ways. Both Evie and the reader will learn that being truthful from the very start is much, much better than creating and living in a network of deception.

I can’t say much more without revealing the very engaging plot of this book, but I will leave you with this: What I Saw and How I Lied is the perfect book for every library, book club, or bookshelf. True, you may only read this book once, but I think it’s worth having around just for the sake of how beautifully and cunningly written What I Saw and How I Lied is. The colorful and delightful slang of the 1940’s is also to die for.

My Recommendation: Again, a great suggestion for libraries, book clubs, and your own personal shelf. Although it’s not such a oh-so-fab, happy story, I think it will be very appealing to both teens and adults for the intriguing plot and message. I recommend for ages 14+.

This Book is For: Teens and adults starting at age 14. History lovers will enjoy this as well–lots of great details about the ‘40s!
This Book is Not For: Young teens or children. (See content)

Content: This book deals with sensuality, both in reference to other characters as well as Evie. Evie makes-out with Peter Coleridge as well as another boy who ends up going a bit too far. (PG-13) There is also a bit of language; not too harsh, but not mild either.

The Last Straw: A taste of slang in 1947: “Jeepers!”, “How do?”, “He cheesed me”.

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Pages: 281|Year Published: 2008|Publisher: Scholastics|

|Genre: Historical fiction, teen romance, World War II|

|Content: PG-13|Age Group: YA, ages 14+|

|Enjoyed It: 4/5|Content Rating: 3/5|Cover: 4/5|

|Overall: 4/5|

The Ancient Ocean Blues by Jack Mitchell

Anyone who thinks ancient history is dry will think again after dipping into these ocean blues. Here, political corruption, intrigue, high-seas adventure, romance, and comedy are all presented in abundance by the likable Marcus Oppius Sabinus, a teenager with a very contemporary attitude. Marcus is unwittingly involved by his cousin in “promoting” the ambitious young Julius Caesar in an upcoming Roman election. When Marcus proves to be even better at bribery than his cousin had hoped, he is assigned a difficult and dangerous mission. He must spy on, and undermine, those who would support Cicero’s control of Rome, so that Julius Caesar can continue his power grab. The mission carries its rewards and risks. If Marcus succeeds, he will be on the inner circles of Rome’s elite. If he fails, he faces exile — or worse. Given very little choice but to accept his assignment, Marcus travels to Greece, but not before he is sidelined by shipwreck, enslavement, and pirate attack. Oh, yes, and the beginnings of love.

Marcus's uncle is Julius Caesar's best bud when it comes to campaigning, and when his uncle wants Marcus to spy on the famed "hero" Spurinna, Marcus is up to his eyeballs in trouble. Uncle Gaius insists that a trip to Athens will be a adventure of a lifetime, but Marcus soon finds himself shipwrecked along with some very unique characters. Those of you who aren't fans history or ancient Rome, are in for a for a BIG surprise!

I LOVED this book! The characters were fun and the plot was something out of a, well, a Greek novel (in the words of Pualla). It was a really short book--filled to max with twists, action, and comedy--so it's a perfect book for hesitant readers and those who have a hard time enjoying history. 

Overall, I had a great time reading The Ancient Ocean Blues and I hope you do to! Wishing upon a star that Mitchell writes more of these action packed books. Also, don't forget to check the pervious adventure of Spurinna in The Roman Conspiracy! Recommend for ages 12 and up.

|Pages: 200|Year Published: 2008|Publisher: Tundra|
|Genre: Historical fiction, Ancient Rome|
|Age Group: YA, ages 12+|Content: None|
|Enjoyed It: 5/5|Content Rating: 5/5|Cover: 5/5|
|Overall|

At Face Value by Emily Franklin

A tennis champion, straight-A student, and editor of the school paper, Cyrie Bergerac has learned to live with her (ahem) peculiar proboscis. And she's got an armory of witty retorts for every schnoz joke that comes her way. But despite her talents and charm, Cyrie is convinced that no guy—hot or otherwise—would deem her crush-worthy. Certainly not Eddie "Rox" Roxanninoff, who's gorgeous, smart, and genuinely nice to boot! There's someone else smitten with Rox, too. It's Leyla, Cyrie's pretty yet tongue-tied best friend. Helping Leyla seduce Rox through email provides a wonderful way for Cyrie to express her true feelings. But watching her crush hook up with Leyla may be more than she can take. Will Cyrie find the strength to risk it all—nose be damned—and confess her love?

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Based on the originial big-nosed romantic, Cyrano de Bergerac; At Face Value  is a charming and witty novel exploring friendship, love, and self-confidence. Everyone has a part of them they don't like. Noses, bean-pole body, skinny legs, big ears, too short (that's me) and so on. It's caused by lack of self-confidence and brought on by teasing and insecurity just as Cyrie experiences in this semi-romantic narration. Personally, I loved reading this book because of its classic, yet suspenseful love triangle at the center of this story. The characters were just as lovable with their humor, awkwardness, and cleverness which keeps you in touch in reality and that will ring true to many teen girls.
I have read-not a lot- but enough to where I know what I want from a YA romance novel: I want to be kept guessing, end of story. I have read many a teen romance in which I have guessed right on the dot what was going to happen. With At Face Value however, Franklin kept me surprised and I honestly think that this book will please even the pickiest of readers. Even though the acceptance and friendship themes are expected, I still think the romantic side of the novel does have a few twists up its sleeve. The best part of this charming novel is not the romance nor the characters, but how the school scene and Cyrie's comedic mistakes are portrayed. Cyrie will make you laugh or shake your head as she falls head over heels and pokes her nose in places it shouldn't be in.

Overall, At Face Value is a lovable story of several smitten boys, the school's "it" chicks, and one big nosed girl who must discover that value doesn't lie on the outside, but the inside. I highly recommend to any teen girl.

Emily Franklin is the author of dozens of books for teens including The Principals of Love series, the Chalet series, and The Other Half of Me.

|Pages: 264|Year Published: 2008|Publisher: Flux|

|Genre: Contemporary fiction, teen romance, friendship, teen issues|

|Age Group:YA, ages 12+|Content:Very mild language and mild sensuality|

|Enjoy It: 4/5|Content Rating: 4/5|Cover: 5/5|

|Overall|

Kiss Me Kill Me by Lauren Henderson

When 16-year-old Scarlett Wakefield transfers from St. Tabby’s to Wakefield Hall Collegiate, she is relieved that no one knows her dark, haunting secret. A few months ago, Scarlett was invited to an elite party with a guest list full of the hottest names in British society, including Dan McAndrew. Before the party, Scarlett had only imagined what it would be like to have her first kiss with Dan, but on the penthouse terrace, Dan leaned in close and she no longer had to wonder. Their kiss was beautiful and perfect and magical, and then . . . Dan McAndrew took his last breath as she held him in her arms. No one knows how or why Dan died, and everyone at St. Tabby’s believes Scarlett had something to do with it. But now that she’s safely hidden away at Wakefield Hall, Scarlett would rather forget that it ever happened. Only she can’t. Especially when she receives an anonymous note that will set her on the path to clearing her name and finding out what really happened to the first and last boy she kissed. - from book cover

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One thing that I can difiantly tell you about this books it that it's hard to find! Well....at my library at anyway. With it being a paperback, naturally I searched in the YA Paperback section. Nothing.

Okay, maybe the librarian stuck it in with the hardcovers. Zilch. Finally, after like seven library-trips of searching, I finally found a copy in the section where they stash the Paperbacks of Unusual Size (i.e books that can't fit in those little paperback holders that turn.)

You've got be kidding.

To be completely honest I was expecting Kiss Me Kill Me have more mystery within it's pages. Instead, it kind of fluttered around talking about how Plum and her followers treated Scarlett or how much she missed Dan. It didn't actually pick up the scandal/mystery about Dan's death till the end of the book. (I'm assuming that was the publishers and author's devious plan. LOL)

At first I liked Scarlett's character, but when she skipped out on her friends and got caught up with Dan's death, she became just like the rest of St. Tabby's cookie-cutter, elite girls. And what about the magical first kiss? [Cough] More like two crazy teenagers expressing hormones. First kiss? Special. Scarlett's "first" kiss? Um, was it really her first kiss?-because it sure didn't seem like it.

Not all of the book as cliché though. The scenes with Scarlett and her new found friend, Taylor, were fun to read: spying, climbing up drain pipes, dodging snooty teachers, etc.; and the prestigious school background was interesting enough to keep you captivated. Still, this book didn't have that genuine mystery feel to it. Despite my negativeness, I will probably read it's sequel Kiss and Lies in order to find out what happens to Scarlett. Maybe after reading the second book, I can make my review more complete.

I neither recommend nor discourage you from reading Kiss Me Kill Me because it depends. If you were expecting a mystery novel or something grand and exciting like the cover, I wouldn't scour the library like I did. If you like the silly scenes of high society teenagers and scandals, then be my guest-but don't say I didn't warn you.

Pages: 272 Published: 2008 Publisher: Delacorte

Genre: Contemporary, teen romance,teen drama, British

Age Group: YA, ages 14+ Content: Language, kissing, sexual references

Enjoyed It: 3/5 Rating: (based on content)

The Musician's Daughter by Susanne Dunlap

History, a mystery, and a little music.

The Musician’s Daughter is a mysterious and musical story of a girl’s desperate search for truth and justice. The characters were very true to their era (even if they’re were a little too vague sometimes)-it was the fad back then to be extremely polite and obedient, even if it meant life or death; being vague and secretive, and no emo showing whatsoever. The book had  a sense of adventure and mystery and Theresa was a very good heroine.

Around the first couple chapters of the book, I became confused and annoyed because of the simple details, that’s when I realized I had to use my imagination. After that, it was a breeze. The glamorous city of Vienna came to life, and the hardships of the 18th century became more realistic. My brain buzzed with excitement when Theresa dodged scheming politicians, visited the Gypsy (Romanian) camps for clues, and unveiled the nasty little secrets of her uncle.The Musician’s Daughter is written in first person (which I tend to like more) and is a wonderful example of justice and the love of music. Books are so much better when they have a meaning. The plot was wonderfully crafted-which kept those pages turning- and the ending was perfect.

I think The Musician's Daughter will appease to both historical fiction lovers, and non-history lovers alike. (My sister is not a history fan and she enjoyed it) 

Might I also add that the cover is just curious?

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Upon learning that this book took place in Vienna (the music capitol of the world) I immediately thought of the violin or on a more detailed note, the Stradivarius. The Stradivarius is a type of violin made by Antonio Stradivarius in Italy during the 1680s-1700. They are very valuable, rare (only about 700 hundred were supposedly made and very few are actually known to this day), and cannot be re-created. Be sure to check the attic for any old violin, who knowns, your grandpa may have owned a Stradivarius and never even known it.

                                       

Pages: 336   Year Published: 2008   Fiction: Historical  

Time Period: Vienna, 1779    Level: YA, ages 13+     

This Books is For: Girls    Should I Waist My Eyes On This? Yes    

Buy or Borrow: Both  [NEW]

Audrey, Wait by Robin Benway

I had heard a lot of good stuff about this book, so naturally I wanted to find out what the fuss was all about. Now, though, I am going to stick even more to the fact that just because a book is popular, doesn't mean it's any good.

Don't get me wrong, the plot was fresh and I can't count how many times I laughed out loud, but seriously, we can do without all the cuss words thank you very much!

Audrey's character was likable and seemed like she was going to be different and not have some clone personality. Er, so I thought until she goes and makes-out with a rock-star at random. I mean gosh, at RANDOM? Sounds like some Hollywood reality show stunt or maybe all that loud music was affecting Audrey's thinking?

I could see why some people really love this book. It's your average fantasy love story gone-wrong gone-right or the tale of an unexpected ride to fame. Some people-like me-might not enjoy this book because it had too much language. 

Either way, Audrey Wait! was still a disappointment [sniff] (especially after I won this book in a contest) and I won't be recommending it. Next time, Benway, please write something that won't make your ears ring every time a character says the "f" word.

             Rating:

 

      Reviewer Enjoyment:

 Pages: 313     Year Published: 2008    Fiction: Realistic/Contemporary 

Level: YA (16+)     This Book is For: Girls   

Should You Waist You Eyes on This? No

The Parliament of Blood by Justin Richards

After reading the Twilight series, I had enough of “good” vampires. There are tons of vampire books, but can you believe there are very few with “bad” vampires in them?

It makes you wonder if anybody knows that vampires were considered evil (yeah, sorry girls, if vampires were real, chances are Edward would be more interested in his next meal than getting a girlfriend) or that they are more monster than human.

I mean, seriously, if vamps really existed, they’d probably be laughing their fangs off reading all the stuff we’ve come up with about them (no offense readers and authors).

[Somewhere near a dark forest, in a misty grave yard, a muffled voice from deep within the earth says, “None taken.”]

Um, did you hear something? Ooookay.......

My idea of a vamp novel would be a good old fashion one where the vampires are “bad”-ya know the ones where the villagers hang garlic on their doors and scream “AHHH! Vampire, run! instead of “OMG! It’s Edward!! Pinch me!”. With much searching, I found one:

It all starts out with Sir William and his discovery of an old sarcophagus in the Unclassified Department where he works in the London Museum (aka the department full of stuff that the museum doesn’t have a special room for, or things that They don’t want anyone to see). And for the record, museums really do have stuff on file that has been discovered blah blah years ago, but has never been displayed. Kinda of creepy if you ask me.

After a little accident with a knife and some spilled blood, the mummy comes to life and is picked up a mysterious driver and his coach that has a symbol on it. Was it a prank or something dangerously real? When George Archer and Sir William find some mysterious photographs that reveal literally nothing, lets just say they’ve really uncovered something worth show casing.

With the police involved, half the nobles attending a centuries old secret Club, and all their witnesses turning up either dead or undead, George, Eddie, Liz, and Sir William must get to the bottom of this......before it’s too late.

Parliament of Blood is told from the human’s side of story and is clearly a humans vs. vampires book like that of Dracula. The book takes place in the late 1800s and sticks to traditional and historical vampire facts and legends. I gave it four B.L.Ts not because there was anything in it, but because it was a tad creepy at times.

I’m glad I choose this vampy book, but I for one won’t be reading another thriller book for awhile.

(Not good for the subconscious mind.)

And, oh yes, don’t read this book at night.......

Pages: 359 Year Published: 2008 Genre:: Thriller/Horror

Age Group: YA, ages 14+ Content: HorrorRecommend? Yes

Enjoyed It: 5/5 Rating:

Book previews or book clips are becomeng very popular. Some book previews are just pictures, but some I have seen with actual actors. I decided to make a book preview for Parliament of Blood. I hope to feature more of my "home-made" book previews in the future or simply do a podcast of a review.

Make sure to turn up your sound! Tell me what you think:

Two Girls of Gettysburg by Lisa Klein

FROM THE BOOK JACKET:

Lizzie and Rosanna are cousins. But when the Civil War breaks out, fifteen-year-old Lizzie finds herself committed to the cause of the Union, while Rosanna is swept up in the passions of the old south—and in her love for a young Confederate officer. Torn in their alliances, yet as devoted as sisters, each girl finds herself grappling with the senseless brutality of war, and the sacrifices that must be made

 in order to su

rvive. It will take one of the war’s bloodiest battles—fought on the farmlands of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania—to bring them together again. Unflinching in its portrayal of war, and inspiring in its depiction of two resilient young women, this is a historical novel of exceptional depth and reach.

The Review

Two Girls of Gettysburg was fairly slow and didn’t start getting interesting until half-way through the book. The book was way too long for it just to end after the Battle of Gettysburg. (I would have enjoyed the book even if it just was about the Battle of Gettysburg period.) The book really took off just before Battle of Gettysburg and proved itself a recommendation. The battle scene at the end of the novel was breathtaking. I really loved it the detail and emotion Klein put into the final battle of the Civil War. I really enjoyed Lizzie’s side of the story because Roanna’s was a bit too stiff and there towards the middle, she only talked about historical events.

Klein did do a good job at portraying two very different girls: with Lizzie there was a sense of hidden adventure; with Rosanna there was a sense of a fantasy gone haywire. Lizzie learned to dream and Rosanna got a reality check. Both girls saw and experienced the aftermath of battles: they walked through the bullets, watched people die, and lost loved ones.

Two Girls of Gettysburg was a stunning read about the Civil War and all it’s tragedies and yep, happy endings-despite it’s slowness in places. I hope Klein writes more HF!

Rating: 3 stars       Pages: 387       Year Pub.:2008   Level: YA   Fiction: Historical

Time Period: Civil War (1870s)         Recommend? Yes

White Sands, Red Menace by Ellen Klages

FROM THE JACKET:

It is 1946, and the events of The Green Glass Sea have changed the world—and Dewey Kerrigan’s life. She’s now living near the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico with the Gordon family. Dr. Gordon is working on rockets that will someday go to the moon; Mrs. Gordon is working on stopping the Bomb. Meanwhile, Dewey and her “sister,” Suze, share secrets, art, and science as they adjust to high school in an isolated desert town. Then, like a different kind of dropped bomb, Dewey’s long-lost mother, Rita Gallucci, reappears in their lives. And she wants to take her daughter away. 

The Review

Like it says above, it's the sequel to The Green Glass Sea. Though I didn't read the first book first, I'm glad I didn't. Who knows, if I hadn't picked up the second book because: #1 there's not many books about life after WWII; #2 it took place in Alamogordo, New Mexico, I may have not never gotten to meet Dewey and Suze.

It was fun reading about the 40s with it's first Harley Davidson gangs, old movies, slang words of the era, the first TVs, and the inside scoop on the missiles being tested out on the White Sands Missile Range.

This book will make you look for the nearest Drug Store that sells old fashion sodas! 

 Dewey and Suze are two average girls (with the exception of "bomb scientist" parents): one's the artsy string bean and the other is the "whiz kid". Having The Wall gave the book a great whimsical fling to it. (Dewey and Suze literally built a entire wall with moving gizmos, levers, pulleys, a diorama of the Alamogordo fair, and other movable objects.) I definitely recommend reading this book-wether or not you've read the first one.

-Alamogordo Now-

Alamogordo hasn't changed much (I pass through there often since I live in NM), just a little newer. The School for the Blind is still there, so is the scrap yard that's mentioned in the book (it's three times as bigger now and filled with old cars), and the Missile Range is as active as ever.

There is no "Little Chihuahua" anymore, but since the German Military Base was founded, there has been hundreds of German moving in. So many, that there is now German side of town.

Well there you have it. The past and present history of Alamogordo, NM. Now, you need to get a better taste of it through Ellen Klages White Sands, Red Menace!

Rating: 4 stars    Pages: 352        Year Pub.:2008   Level: YA        

Fiction: Historical    Time Period: 1940s    This Book Is For: Girls   

 Should I Waist My Eyes on This? Yes    

(see the ratine scale at the bottom of this blog)

Morgan & Julie