Blood Red Road (Dustlands #1)

Blood Red Road (Dustlands #1)

Moira Young

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 464 pages
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1442429984
ISBN-13: 978-1442429987


Nancy Farmer, author of The House of the Scorpion:

“I absolutely loved Blood Red Road. What a great read! Moira Young goes over the top with a most engaging heroine. Saba is a crusty, foul-tempered warrior woman who must be covered in scar tissue by the end of the book, but men still follow her around like starving wolves. The dialogue is fast and often humorous, the pace never lets up. No situation is so bad that it can't get worse in the next couple of pages. I especially liked the awakening of the hellwurms as they emerge to feed. Well done, Ms. Young!”

This dystopian novel, by Moira Young, is her first novel and she hits the ball out of the park. The pace of this book is intense. It has a lyrical, minimalist style of writing, with no quotation marks throughout the book. The book is written in first person from Saba’s point of view and the lack of quotations marks is very easy to get adjusted to. The book is full of violent action and an epic love story.

Saba and her twin brother Lugh have spent her whole life in Silverlake, a dried-up wasteland subjected to constant sandstorms. Along with the twins are a younger sister, Emmi, and their father. A tsunami sandstorm arrives in Silverlake along with four cloaked horsemen. Their father was killed in the raid and Lugh was captured for, as yet unknown reason.

Saba sets out on an epic quest to get him back. After leaving Emmi with a friend three days ride from their home, Saba must backtrack and then head out alone on her quest. She is introduced to the unpleasantness of the desolate world outside of Silverlake.

We know that Saba is strong in the beginning of the book, but she is always in the shadow of her brother. The twins have an unusually strong bond, which gives Saba the strength to go rescue her brother. Saba is stubborn and hard headed, making her the quintessence heroine in this series of books. She faces everything head-on with the same strength and stubbornness, but she learns and grows because of the other people she meets along her journey.

It goes without saying that Saba is an unbeatable survivor, a ferocious fighter and had the power to take down a corrupt society trying to rule what is left of the world. She teams up with a daredevil named Jack and a gang of girl rebels called the Free Hawks, in order to help change the course of her own civilization.

I will give no spoilers to the end of this book because it is much too good not to read yourself. At 450 pages, this book is the first in the Dustlands series and I think it will keep young adults – and even adults like me – eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.

UFO: Unidentified Feathered Object

UFO: Unidentified Feathered Object
Marie Mitchell and Mason Smith (Author)
Ryan Lanigan (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: The Clark Group
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0983263930
ISBN-13: 978-0983263937

Product Description:

Tim Dixon wants to be home playing video games like most teens. Instead, he's paddling a boat, through the swamp, at night, searching for a bird that's been extinct for years. Tim's cousin, Abby, insists they prove that a Cape May Woodpecker is still alive, and living in their small Kentucky county. Felix Wilson recently spotted the distinctive bird-right where a road is to be built. But Felix has also witnessed UFOs: the flying saucer kind. Still, the publicity has attracted a shady businessman, bizarre birdwatchers, and a whacky weatherman, not to mention a scary Bog Monster-and aliens. Surrounded by such chaos, can the cousins locate the cagey bird before bulldozers level its home?

I think the concept for this book makes it a fun read, but also educational. Children will enjoy reading or hearing about the Cape May bird, but it will make them think about the extinction of animals in their own areas.

Tim Dixon and his cousin, Abby Thomas, have lived next-door to each other all their lives. Their mothers were sisters and they didn’t want to be split up, so Tim and Abby grew up more like brother and sister instead of cousins, especially being the same age.

Felix Wilson an amateur bird watcher, but the town people think he is crazy because he believes in UFO – like in alien - outer space life. Felix comes back from a boating adventure in the Slough yelling about his sighting of the Cap May Woodpecker. The problem with this statement was the Cape May had been extinct since 1937, but that didn’t stop hundreds of bird watchers from running to Buckner County, Kentucky. All these birders had one thing in common – adding the Cape May Woodpecker to their live-list of birds seen and identified.

The Cape May Woodpecker is a very large woodpecker with a red topknot, nearly all white wings, black tail feathers and a long black bill. Before extinction it was considered the largest woodpecker at 20 inches long. It has a distinct call – kik-kik-kik-kik. In order to confirm the sighting, Dr. Goldie Finch, the State Ornithologist (bird expert) is sent to Buckner County, but unfortunately she cannot confirm the presence of the Cap May with only one sighting from an unstable man.

The race is on to find evidence of the Cap May before a road is built through the Slough, completely destroying the bird’s habitat. It all comes down the Tim and Abby’s grandmother, who has suffered from Alzheimer’s disease for one year. She was an avid sketcher and would sketch anything in sight. The children find a sketch of the Cap May and shorthand notes describing what the grandmother saw.
Will this be enough to halt construction on the road? Or will the supposedly extinct Cape May be lost again, never to come back?

UFO – Unidentified Feathered Object is a fast read and very educational when it comes to teaching extinction to middle school students. I will be anxious to read the next book in the series and I plan on finding the first books of the series. According to the authors: "This is the newest book in the series. Teachers will find the "green" aspects of the book provide many teaching moments. The book discusses loss of wetland habitat, species loss and extinction, and some of the techniques of birding."

Info about authors:

"Marie Mitchell of Richmond, Kentucky, has two series of books available for young readers of middle school age. The first series currently has three books: "The Lost Dispatch" about a Civil War re-enactment in Perryville, KY; "48 Hours," about a family that takes part in the national "48-Hour Film Project," and finally, "UFO: Unidentified Feathered Object," about a long-extinct bird spotted in Kentucky. These were written with her husband, Mason Smith. The second series both are historical novels for young readers set at the Shaker Village in Kentucky in the 1830s, "The Road to Pleasant Hill," and "'Tis A Gift." These were written with her sister Rebecca Mitchell Turney."

Death by Drowning

DEATH BY DROWNING
Abigail Keam

Perfect Paperback: 268 pages
Publisher: Worker Bee Press
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0615429084
ISBN-13: 978-0615429083


In this second installment of the Josiah Reynolds Mysteries – DEATH BY DROWNING - beekeeper-turned-detective Josiah Reynolds is back from the brink of death just in time to solve another Bluegrass murder mystery.

In this brilliant follow-up to DEATH BY A HONEYBEE, Josiah Reynolds' character is increasingly brave as she copes with the pain of recovery, anger, fear and optimism. When she finally returns home to Lexington after a long recovery in Florida, she is determined to solve the mysterious death of a friend’s son. She is living through several sub-plots while still living in fear for her own life because her attacker is found to be alive.

To keep Josiah’s out of harm's way, her daughter hires two personal bodyguards. As Josiah works at healing her body and soul, her nurse Jack and her boarder Matt all rally around her to keep up the beekeeping activities until she can take over again. But they also are looking out for the rogue cop O’Nan, the man responsible for Josiah’s injuries.


Kentucky Author Abigail Keam is also an excellent beekeeper from the Bluegrass Region, having won sixteen honey awards at the Kentucky State Fair. In her spare time, she has started writing books and is quickly becoming well-known outside of Kentucky.

Mrs. Keam has written a fun, exciting and humorous book. The feel of this book allows you to visualize the Kentucky Palisades, even if you have never seen them. She throws in locally known areas like the Lexington Farmers’ Market and Al’s Bar. All the characters are well developed, each rich with his or her own eccentricities. Ms. Keam writing is more like lyrical prose, leaving the readers wanting to know more of Josiah's life and clamoring for the next book.

**This can be read as a stand-alone book, but I highly recommend reading the first book - DEATH BY A HONEYBEE.**

The Magic of Finkleton

The world of Finkleton is a fun new world for children to love. What is the secret of the room of hour glasses and why are there strings attached to each one? Does the lever in the General Store really have an effect on the weather?
Mr. Henry Finkle is the owner of the General Store in the town of Finkleton. It seems that people came to Finkle's General Store not just to buy goods, but also to inquire about the weather.

When Mr. Finkle died, he left his house and store to his nephew, William Finkle. William has a wife, Emma, and three children - Jack, Elizabeth and Robert. Was it a strange coincidence that William and Emma's home had burned to the ground the same day Uncle Henry died?

The Finkle family moved from their former home in Bath, England across the countryside to the town of Finkleton. Work on the home and store began immediately with Emma cleaning, William buying supplies, Jack working on the store's bookkeeping, and Elizabeth cleaning Uncle Henry's library, which she has fallen head over heels in love with. Robert, on the other hand, was doing what Robert did best - snooping and looking for undiscovered treasured.

It is these mysterious and magical features that pull the reader into the world. Hilton is great as pulling elements together so you feel like you are right there. Warning, this book ends as a cliff—hanger, but you don’t have to wait long, because The Return to Finkleton will be released very soon.

Images of America: Harrodsburg

Soon to be released from Arcadia Publishing is Images of America: Harrodsburg, written by Harrodsburg’s Bobbi Dawn Rightmyer (writer) and Anna Armstrong (photography). The book will be released the week of August 8th, but is already up for pre-order on several different websites:

• Amazon
• Barnes and Noble
• Arcadia

As of this moment, we are not sure when the book launch and signing will be, but we will keep you up-to-date.

Here is an excerpt from Images of America: Harrodsburg:

“Harrodsburg is the oldest permanent settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains and was founded in 1774 by James Harrod. Images of America: Harrodsburg covers the city limits from the late 1770s to the early 1960s and provides over 220 images from the Armstrong Collection, the Harrodsburg Historical Society, the Mercer County Public Library and the Kentucky Historical Society. Within these pages, experience and explore Harrodsburg during the pivotal era at the beginning of the great commonwealth – from the settlement of Old Fort Harrod to the “Saratoga of the West” mineral springs and spas. Follow the growth, hard times, and recovery of Harrodsburg, including government and growing businesses, advancements in education, the rise of religious institutions, and local and visiting celebrities. These well-preserved photographs from the entrepreneurs, grand openings, and expert news reporting all the reader to step back in time.”

Sorry for the shameless promotion, but this is a wonderful book about Harrodsburg - the oldest permanent settlement in Kentucky. Please try to buy a copy! This will also be great for tourist who will be visiting our area on vacations.

Enclave

ENCLAVE by Ann Aquirre

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0312650086
ISBN-13: 978-0312650087

“In her first young adult novel, Aguirre (the Sirantha Jax series) has created a gritty and highly competent heroine, an equally deadly sidekick/love interest, and a fascinating if unpleasant civilization. This series is likely to hold considerable appeal for fans of The Hunger Games.” — Publishers Weekly

Ann Aguirre is an author with a great way of writing in a tone that adults and young adults will both enjoy. Her transitioning each chapter smoothly and without and bumps, keeps the readers hanging on each word and waiting for more.

Through the first portion of this dystopian book, we do not know why enclaves are underground. The underground enclave the main characters live in full of horrors and survival instincts I never wish to experience in in real life. I don't want to spoil the surprise, but these descriptions remind me of a cross between "Beneath the Planet of the Apes" and "The Stand."

Zombies seem be be on the rise in many YA books, but the Freaks in this book feel much more terrifying. This post-catastrophe world is full of good and evil, killers and saviors, and the weak and strong.

I could not put this book down, reading it the day I received my copy in the mail. (This book was an ARC from the publisher, but I receive no compensation for this review.)

I certainly hope this is the beginning of a series because I want to know more about Deuce (Huntress and lead heroine), Fade (Hunter), Tegan and Stalker (both topsiders).

Chinaberry

CHINABERRY Manuscript by James Still and Edited by Silas House

• Hardcover: 172 pages
• Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813133726
• ISBN-13: 978-0813133720

From Publishers Weekly:

A classic story of adolescence by the late Still (1906–2001; River of Earth) pursues migrant workers from Alabama to an East Texas ranch. The 13-year-old narrator has accompanied his father's friend, Ernest, and two young men to Texas looking for work; the barefoot boy is small for his age, and as they pass through an East Texas town, he attracts the attention of a wealthy farmer, Anson Winters, who invites the four of them back to his Chinaberry ranch to stay and work for the summer. Anson lost his son several years before and has not gotten over it; also a widower, he has remarried the lovely Lurie, though in three years of marriage they still have no children of their own. The narrator is installed in Anson and Lurie's bedroom and otherwise spoiled, evidence of Anson's transference of affection to the boy, while Lurie intimates that she and the boy are mere substitutes. The reader is never quite certain where Still is leading—editor House wonders about this in his helpful intro—which leaves a heavy feeling of unfinished-ness about the project, but there are small nostalgic pleasures to be found in reading this simple story of Americana, directly told.

James Still (1906-2001) was and remains a Kentucky icon, also known as the “Heart of Appalachian literature.” Still left a legacy for the coming generations with his rich collections of novels, short stories and poetry. He also left a mysterious manuscript in an older leather briefcase. Still's literary advisers and adopted daughter, Teresa Reynolds, wanted to see this book published, so they asked Silas House to edit the manuscript.

Although Chinaberry is a slim book, it takes us on the journey of a 13-year-old boy, who leaves Alabama and his family to spend a summer picking cotton in Texas. Many people think this young boy was actually Still reliving three months of his life, but this question remains unanswered.

House tried to stay as authentic as possible to Still’s manuscript by providing transitional sentences. He also rearranged the chapters to make them flow with consistency. House did an amazing job in taking on this difficult challenge.
Without giving away too much of the story, the main relationship is between the boy, who goes to Texas and the Chinaberry ranch's owner, Anson Winters and his second wife, Lurie. Anson virtually adopts the boy, treating him as a replacement for the young, handicapped son whose death he still grieves.

This book ranks up highly with Still’s best written book, River of Earth, published in 1940. Chinaberry is the best book I have read this year and I hope everyone will be able to see two masters at work.

Kentucky Writers' Day 2011

Here is a Press Release that writers from the Bluegrass Region should find enjoyable

The Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet

Kentucky Arts Council

Sent out by:




Steven L. Beshear ..... Marcheta Sparrow
Governor .............. Secretary


Lori Meadows ......... Lindy Casebier
Executive Director ... Deputy Secretary


Kentucky Writers’ Day will include: the Poet Laureate Induction Ceremony; recognition of 2011 Literary Fellowship recipients; poetry recitations by the Kentucky state champion and runner-up in the Poetry Out Loud National Recitation Contest; and readings by past poets laureate Richard Taylor, Joe Survant, Sena Jeter Naslund, Jane Gentry Vance and Gurney Norman.



The event will start at 11am EDT, April 25, 2011 at the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort, followed by a reception on the mezzanine level. This will be an excellent opportunity to congratulate Maureen Morehead and to meet fellow writers.

Tiger, Tiger

TIGER, TIGER by Margaux Fragoso

Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (March 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780374277628
ISBN-13: 978-0374277628

Starred Review from Publishers Weekly. In this gut-wrenching memoir of sexual abuse, Fragoso, who has written short stories for various literary magazines, explores with unflinching honesty the ways in which pedophiles can manipulate their way into the lives of children. Fragoso met Peter Curran at a public pool in Union City, N.J., in 1985 when she was seven and he was 51. He seemed harmless, and invited Fragoso and her mother back to his house. This marked the beginning of Curran and Fragoso's 15-year relationship, which ended when Curran committed suicide at age 66. Fragoso's home life was strained—her mother was in and out of psychiatric wards and her father was an alcoholic—and Curran's home, with its myriad pets and lack of rules, became her refuge. The sexual abuse began slowly, progressing to oral sex in Curran's basement, an act that he requested as a "birthday present." Fragoso's sense of alienation—Curran controlled her world for more than half her life—is palpable in her telling. Using her own diaries and the myriad letters, diaries, and photographs Curran left behind, Fragoso eloquently depicts psychological and sexual abuse in disturbing detail.

One summer day, Margaux Fragoso swam up to Peter Curran at a public swimming pool and asked him to play. She was seven; he was fifty-one. When Curran invited her and her mom to see his house, the little girl found a child’s dream world, full of odd pets and books and music and magical toys. Margaux’s mother was devoted, but beset by mental illness and frightened of her abusive husband; she was only too ready to take advantage of an escape for the daughter she felt incapable of taking care of on her own. Soon Margaux was spending all her time with Peter.

In time, he insidiously took on the role of Margaux’s playmate, father, lover, and captor. Charming and repulsive, warm and violent, loving and manipulative, Peter burrowed into every aspect of Margaux’s life and transformed her from a girl fizzing with imagination and affection into a deadened, young-old woman on the brink of suicide. But when she was twenty-two, it was Peter—ill, and terrified at the thought of losing her—who killed himself, at the age of sixty-six.

With lyricism and mesmerizing clarity, Margaux Fragoso has unflinchingly explored the darkest episodes of her life, helping us see how pedophiles work hidden away in the open to steal childhood. In writing Tiger, Tiger, she has healed herself of a wound that was fourteen years in the making. This extraordinary memoir is an unprecedented glimpse into the heart and mind of a monster; but more than this, it illustrates the power of memory and truth-telling to mend.

Pretty Little Liars

PRETTY LITTLE LIARS by Sara Shepard Paperback Publisher: Unknown (2009) Language: English ISBN-10: 9780061801310 ISBN-13: 978-0061801310 I must admit this is my cheap little bubble gum reading, but I only started reading the series after seeing the TV series on ABC Family. This was a delicious book to spend a cold afternoon. YA girls will truly enjoy this series - there are currently 8 books published so far. The story centers around a group of "in" girls with Allison being the leader. Spencer is the intellect, winning all the awards, plus she comes from rich family. Aria is a high school teacher in love with one of her teachers - a recipe for trouble. Hanna is the girl who used to be fat, but over one summer lost a huge amount of weight and was pulled into the "in" group. Emily is the lesbian of the group, only recently out of the closet. After a night of tragedy, the girls will never be the same. For one thing, Allison has disappeared. I will not give out the ending because it should be a surprise. I am definitely looking forward to reading the next books in the series. I must admit this is my cheap little bubble gum reading, but I only started reading the series after see the TV series on ABC Family. This was a delicious book to spend a cold afternoon.

The Slow Talk of Stones

THE SLOW TALK OF STONES
Sheri L. Wright



Paperback
Publisher: Finishing Line Press; 1st edition (2010)
ISBN-10: 1599246880
ISBN-13: 978-1599246888




Sheri L. Wright will make you feel a communion with Mother Nature; only to hear nature’s painful cries as the earth is slowly destroyed.
Her words are deep and dripping with visualization as she recalls mountain top removal in “Hollow Folk” and the westward movement towards their homes, “… things that will ooze themselves onto your comfort.”
The titled poem will bring tears to your eyes as Wright compares the bones of the Earth to the skin we stand on. The Slow Talk of Stones tells the truth of earth’s destruction and makes us pray for an alternative solution.
I think my favorite poem is “Mama” – the struggle and sorrow a woman goes through to hold a family together, but not conforming to typical ways. Honoring God in her own way with nature and faith, but no church and socializing. The way she feels after receiving a bushel of beans on her front porch, not as charity, but as a kindness, “I don’t hide those give-aways from the girls. I want them to know kindness.”
Wright is the author of one full length book of poetry, Nuns Shooting Guns, and three poetry chapbooks. She currently the host of “From the Inkwell,” a one hour radio show dedicated to all thins literary on CHRadio 1650, live-streaming at www.chradio.net

Angel Sister

ANGEL SISTER by Ann H. Gabhart

Product Details
• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Revell (February 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800733819
• ISBN-13: 978-0800733810
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1.2 inches


Ann H. Gabhart has seamlessly woven three generations of a family into one heartwarming, cohesive story that will keep you reading late into the night. Taking place during the depression years of the late 1930s, this story tells about the many secrets each family tries to hide. The story starts with Kate Merritt, the middle daughter of Victor and Nadine Merritt, who feels the needs to protect her family and clean up all the messes and takes the burden of caring for her family, even though she is only 12 years old. Victor and Nadine were madly in love, but several months after their marriage, Victor volunteered for the war and although Nadine begged him not to go, Victor felt it was his duty to serve his country. Victor was never the same after the war, nor was Nadine after losing their first child, but they managed to hold onto their immense love, ever though life was hard.

Victor Merritt was the son of Preston Merritt, the most powerful man in town. He ran the local store, extending miserly credit to his neighbors so they could survive during wartime. Mr. Merritt had never shown any love toward his youngest son, especially after the death of his favorite son in a drowning accident. Although we learn Mr. Merritt is actually the cause of the oldest son’s death, he must find someone else to blame, and that blame fell on Victor. From that day forward, Victor could do nothing right in the eyes of his father, from buying his own blacksmith job to raising his family. And then when the war dreams started again, Victor began drinking more and more, affecting every aspect of his life.

Nadine was the daughter of Rev. Orrin Reece, the preacher of the house on the hill. Although there have been some difficulties in the relationship between Nadine and her father, Nadine was always in church on Sunday, bearing up under the glare of her father and the sermons he seemed directed straight to her.

While all this turmoil is swirling about like a whirlwind with Kate being the center magnet trying to hold the family together, an abandoned six-year-old girl named Lorena Birdsong is thrown into the mix and Kate immediately feels protective of this girl. Even though the Merritt family can hardly support three daughters, they embrace the child as if she was always a member of the family, and try to keep one of the richest families in town from claiming the child as their own.

This book is layered with forgiveness, love and strength to keep marching through troubled waters and a growing and renewed faith in God. All the book characters face real problems as they try to hold onto what is left of their families. Even the supporting characters – Aunt Hattie, Graham and Fern – gave great consistency to this novel. I think rural Americans as well as big city readers will enjoy this book, based in a real rural area of Kentucky, although Gabhart has changed the name. This story was drawn into the imagination after Gabhart listened to the stories told by her family of years gone by. Many events are actual occurrences, but the author has taken liberties in embellishing this superb story.

Book Nook

This is my Book Nook Column from July 2010 in "The Harrodsburg Herald" - highlighting "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest" by Steig Larsson and "The Red Pyramid" (the Kane Chronicles) by Rick Riordan.

Radiance by Alyson Noël

Radiance by Alyson Noël is a spin-off from "The Immortals Series" and features Riley, Ever's little sister, who just happens to be a ghost. The Immortal series includes:

• Evermore
• Blue Moon
• Shadowland
• Dark Flame
• Night Star (coming in November 2010)

Check out the book trailer below:

Care and Feeding of Nightmares

Okay, so I'm shamelessly promoting my own chapbook of poetry. It's my blog and I'll pimp If I want to ...


For anyone who would like to purchase my 2nd chapbook of poetry, "Care and Feeding of Nightmares" - you can email me at:

careandfeedingofnightmares@gmail.com

with your snail-mail address. The books are $5 each plus $2 for shipping and handling. I hope to have PayPal set up on my blog in a few weeks for payments, but currently I can only accept checks or money orders. I will mail out the book on the day I receive your order. You can also buy the books at J. Sampson Antiques on Main Street in Harrodsburg. Thanks to everyone who buys a book!

With Purpose and Promise

With Purpose and Promise
A Novel by K. Melissa Burton

This book will not be released until August 31, 2010. In full disclosure, this is a review copy from the author; I already love reading her children's books.

Perfect Paperback: 240 pages; $14.99
Publisher: Tate Publishing (August 31, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1616634340
ISBN-13: 978-1616634346

"She seemed like your average country girl on a farm in rural Kentucky...

But she had purpose...

She had promise...

And she had an opportunity.

Inspired by real-life local events in her hometown of Lawrenceburg, author K. Melissa Burton introduces Lilly Kate Overstreet, a resourceful young lady of the early 1900s. As Lilly Kate nears the end of eighth grade, she assumes her years of education are coming to a close. But when a family tragedy opens the door for her to attend the local high school, Lilly Kate takes up the mantle to be the first in her family to receive a high school diploma.

But the task is far from easy. Not only is the school's founder, Mrs. Kavanaugh, a formidable taskmaster, Lilly Kate is nearly overwhelmed by the changes taking place in her life and in the world around her. Yet, when the girls of Kavanaugh High are introduced to a new game called basketball, it proves to be a catalyst for moving them all forward."

Melissa Burton's grandparents met at Kavanaugh High School in the late 1940s, so it was easy to settle on a research paper while she was in college. As she was going through old newspaper clippings, she found an article with two pictures from 1912. The pictures contained five girls and a basketball. This photo opened Burton's imagination and took her on a journey that would become "With Purpose and Promise."

I normally read Burton's children's books, so I was apprehensive when I began her first novel. After the first few pages, I put my fears to rest and enjoyed one of the best stories I read in a long time.

From the time Lilly Kate was a small child, she dreamed of going to the small school in Fox Creek. When Lillian Katherine Street finally got to announce her name to her first grade teacher she did it with authority and pride. When the teacher told her that was a big name for a little girl, Lilly Kate answered, "My poppa says it's a name filled with purpose and promise." From that line, I was in love with Lilly Kate.

Life in the early 1900s was still extremely hard for most farm families. Most farms still did not have running water or electricity, but they maintained large gardens to feed and support their families. This was also a time of tragedies and serious changes in family life.

Without giving spoilers, on Lilly Kate's 13th birthday tragedy entered the Overstreet family, she and her mother were forced to move to town. One mother, one daughter, but two strong women. Even though life was hard, all things happen for a reason. When the new home in town was refurnished, Momma used money from the sale of the farm to buy a new Singer sewing machine in order to take in sewing work. Lilly Kate, who loved to bake, was able to make spending money of her own.

When she graduated eighth grade, Lilly Kate was able to begin attending Kavanaugh High School, something she thought would never happen. Keeping her nose to the grindstone and showed respect to others which opened doors for her she never thought would happen. I was proud of Lilly Kate when she stood up for women's right to vote and when she kept a private secret for a girl who had treated her badly for three years of high school.

This book made me cry and it made me laugh out loud. It made me reevaluate my life and realize that my life is easy compared to what it would have been like in 1912, the year Lilly Kate graduated high school.

The two phrases I enjoyed the most were:

"...but maybe God's just shutting this door so you'll go through a door of his choosing."

"...Daughter I'm not sure what the future holds, but I'm quite confident that it will be fantastic. Pray about it. Listen to that still small, voice, and you can't go wrong."

Burton's words were like lyrical prose on each and every page. I could smell the firewood or the food that was cooking. I could smell the flowers or the pages of brand-new books. I could she the latest fashions in the clothes Lilly Kate's Momma made. And I think the thing I love the most was Burton spelling Momma the way I always spelled Momma. I know this is a book my Momma would have enjoyed reading - it is definitely one I will be passing around to my family and recommending to family, friends and my neighborhood librarians.

I look forward to Burton's next novel.

Available from Tate Publishing and Amazon on August 31, 2010.

FIRE

FIRE (A companion to Graceling) by Kristin Cashore

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 480 pages
Publisher: Dial; First Edition edition
trong>Language: English
ISBN-10: 0803734611
ISBN-13: 978-0803734616

From Amazon for readers Grade 9 Up — This fantasy, shot through with romance and suspense, is set in the same world as GRACELING, but on the far side of the mountain barrier in the kingdom of the DellS, are monsters, enhanced and exceptionally beautiful versions of various animal species. Fire is a human monster, so beautiful that she has to hide her hair for fear of attack by both raptor monsters and human men. She is able to enter other people's minds and exert power over them. It is a tumultuous time in the kingdom, as various lords are preparing to overthrow the king, and Fire is drawn into the fray. With a larger cast and a more complex canvas than Graceling, the story begins slowly and takes its time establishing itself. Fire's path is not immediately clear, and although full of action, her quest is largely internal. While the plotting is well done, there are a few quibbles about Cashore's world-building and about the role of a major character from GRACELING, Leck. But, this is Fire's story, and readers will fall in love with her as she struggles with her pivotal role in the war effort as well as her complex relationships with her oldest friend and lover, Archer; with Prince Brigan, whose mind is closed to her and who becomes central to her life; and with her monster father's fearsome legacy. More adult in tone than GRACELING, this marvelous prequel will appeal to older teens, who will not only devour it, but will also love talking about it.—Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

FIRE takes place in the same world as GRACELING, but with very little crossover. It is supposed to be a prequel, set at least a decade before GRACELING, and only one character appears in both books. These two books don't have to be read in order for you to understand Fire, but once you have read FIRE, you will want to immediately read GRACELING.

The Gracelings live over the mountains in kingdoms that are relatively peaceful, living on what the Gods have offered them. But over the mountains live the the kingdoms of the Dells, where many unusually monsters live among the people. The nobels of the Dell work with some of these animals to plan rebellious plot against the young king . In this country, the are monsters, brightly colored, beautiful, and often dangerous from normal animals.

Fire is a human monster, the last of her kind. Fire is an outcast in her society, with her vibrant and unnatural red hair color - a clear indicator she is a monster - and status as a powerful mind controller. She resists using her ability, remembering the terrible example of her brilliant, twisted father. When the king's brother Brigan arrives to ask for her help against the rebel lords, she is pulled against her will into the turmoil enveloping the kingdom.

King Nash is struggling to hold on to his kingdom as enemies from the north and south threaten to overthrow him. Both Nash and his brother, Brigan, distrust Fire at first because of the damage her father did to the kingdom before his death. Brigan would like nothing more than to kill Fire, but they manage to find a way to resolve their differences and work together.

Fire is a strong heroine - tough and fiercely independent - but loyal and kind to others. She is thoughtful, and concerned for the other people she has befriended. She especially struggles to reconcile her own nature and her father's actions, to become the person she wishes to be. Katsa's was a stong heroine in GRACELING, but I think Fire has developed into an even stronger character in the book, FIRE.

Although FIRE is not a happy, warm and fuzzy book all of the time, after all it does deal with death and violence and the cruelties of life. Cashore has a talent with writing optimistic and sensitive material, and inserting rare scenes of romance and humor to keep the story moving along at a fever-pitch. She is definitely a YA fantasy writer to be watching because her writing style and subject matter will attract not only the young adult population, but the adult population (like myself) who enjoy an excellent fantasy story. If readers weren't already in love with Cashore after reading GRACELING, they will be after reading Fire

This complicated and layered story made for the perfect summer read. The characters are amazing and complex, intense and believable and written with great prose and feeling. FIRE (and GRACELING) are excellent books. The characters will satisfy readers who like adventure, intrigue, and romance even the villains are interesting, intelligent people. The twists and turns of the plot are unpredictable and keep you turning the page until the wee hours of the morning.

With Purpose and Promise

With Purpose and Promise
A Novel
by K. Melissa Burton

"She seemed like your average country girl on a farm in rural Kentucky...

But she had purpose...

She had promise...

And she had an opportunity.

Inspired by real-life local events in her hometown of Lawrenceburg, author K. Melissa Burton introduces Lilly Kate Overstreet, a resourceful young lady of the early 1900s. As Lilly Kate nears the end of eighth grade, she assumes her years of education are coming to a close. But when a family tragedy opens the door for her to attend the local high school, Lilly Kate takes up the mantle to be the first in her family to receive a high school diploma.

But the task is far from easy. Not only is the school's founder, Mrs. Kavanaugh, a formidable taskmaster, Lilly Kate is nearly overwhelmed by the changes taking place in her life and in the world around her. Yet, when the girls of Kavanaugh High are introduced to a new game called basketball, it proves to be a catalyst for moving them all forward."

240 pages - $14.99 (paperback)

Available from Tate Publishing on August 31, 2010.

Lessons From a Dead Girl

Lessons From a Dead Girl by Jo Knowles

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0763632791
ISBN-13: 978-0763632793

From Amazon: Leah Greene is dead. For Laine, knowing what really happened and the awful feeling that she is, in some way, responsible set her on a journey of painful self-discovery. Yes, she wished for this. She hated Leah that much. Hated her for all the times in the closet, when Leah made her do those things. They were just practicing, Leah said. But why did Leah choose her? Was she special, or just easy to control? And why didn’t Laine make it stop sooner? In the aftermath of the tragedy, Laine is left to explore the devastating lessons Leah taught her, find some meaning in them, and decide whether she can forgive Leah and, ultimately, herself.

This slim book was so compelling that I read it in on sitting. With every turn of the page, the antagonist Leah Greene, is consistently harassing, to the point of abusing, her "so called" friend forever, Laine McCarthy.

It was so easy for me to see signs of "battered woman syndrome" in Laine, wanting to be a part of Leah's "in group," up to the point of allowing herself to be abused. Leah and Laine are like night and day, and they barely seem to meet in the middle.

The title of the book gives you a clue as to the ending of the book, but still you are not ready for the ending and you keep hoping things will turn out better. The control vs. submissive games or "practice" played out by these little girls, gives the brain food for thought on how these patterns may haunt other young children and teens. This story is definitely not one of those "feel good" teen books, but it makes you look at a different side of bullying and abuse. It is not until the end of the book that we understand the reason Leah has tormented Laine.

This is the first book I have read by Knowles and I look forward to more of her work in the future.

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest (#3 in the Millennium Trilogy) by Stieg Larsson

Hardcover: 576 pages
Publisher: Knopf
Language: English
ISBN-10: 030726999X
ISBN-13: 978-0307269997

Amazon Best Books of the Month, May 2010: As the finale to Stieg Larsson's Millennium Trilogy, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest is not content to merely match the adrenaline-charged pace that made international bestsellers out of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Girl Who Played with Fire. Instead, it roars with an explosive storyline that blows the doors off the series and announces that the very best has been saved for last. A familiar evil lies in wait for Lisbeth Salander, but this time, she must do more than confront the miscreants of her past; she must destroy them. Much to her chagrin, survival requires her to place a great deal of faith in journalist Mikael Blomkvist and trust his judgment when the stakes are highest. To reveal more of the plot would be criminal, as Larsson's mastery of the unexpected is why millions have fallen hard for his work. But rest assured that the odds are again stacked, the challenges personal, and the action fraught with neck-snapping revelations in this snarling conclusion to a thrilling triad. This closing chapter to The Girl's pursuit of justice is guaranteed to leave readers both satisfied and saddened once the final page has been turned.

I love Lisbeth Salander - she is the perfect hero. Treated violently throughout her childhood and involuntarily committed to an insane asylum at the age of 11, she has had to fight and claw her way to a somewhat "normal" existence. This last book sees Lisbeth come full circle and open herself to the few friends she truly has in her life.

I was so sad to see this book end because I know there will be not further books by Larsson (he died in 2004, shortly after turning in the manuscripts for all 3 books). There is rumor of a 1/2 finished 4th book, but I'm not sure if this is true.

Without giving away much of the plot, I can honestly say I was happy with the way the trilogy ended. I have told everyone in my life they need to read these books. Larsson had a way with words that truly sucks you right into the story.

There is currently a Swedish film for the first book - entitled "The Man Who Hated Women." They are also in pre-production for an American film and it will have the same title as the American book, "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo." I currently have the Swedish film in my Netflix queue waiting patiently to watch it.