Book Reviews
Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
Reviewed by K. Yanna, September 2018
Clay’s life has hit a low point. He was a computer programmer headed for stardom, until the recession hit. When Clay’s job search led him to stand in front of Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore, he had no clue what a turn his life would take. He was employed, was New Bagel’s website designer. But then the recession...
Read moreLove, Lies and Spies by Cindy Anstey
Reviewed by K. Yanna, September 2018
In a time where ladies are expected to be overly concerned with dresses and ruffles, Juliana Telford is more concerned with her scientific research. The lady beetle has kept Juliana’s attention far more than any dress could. When Juliana goes to her cousin’s to spend the season (the time of year when ladies were...
Read moreThe Boy at the Top of the Mountain by John Boyne
Reviewed by A. Marquardt, September 2018
Following a series of dramatic events that turned his life to shambles, young orphan Pierrot was plucked from his home in Paris to start anew. At first thought, living at the top of the German Mountains appeared to be quite exciting, but odd mishappenings soon lead him to think differently. Pierrot finds...
Read moreLies I Told by Michelle Zink
Reviewed by H. McNicol, September 2018
In Lies I Told the reader follows Gracie and her family as they venture to yet another town. This time it’s Playa Hermosa, but this is just another move in Gracie’s story. Gracie and her family aren’t normal. They are con artists, and their next con is located in Playa Hermosa. This town is different for...
Read moreThese Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
Reviewed by L. Hanousek, September 2018
Just a mismatched couple, alone except for each other and slowly learning to live in the midst of abandoned madness. A soldier and the equivalent of a corporation princess; not the perfect combination, least of all when they’re the sole survivors of a spaceship wreck on a planet long ago determined too dangerous...
Read moreThe Politically Incorrect Guide to The Founding Fathers by Brion McClanahan
Reviewed by R. Plenty, September 2018
This book provides different information on the founding fathers and the time frame in which they lived; while taking into account the actions of everyone to the culture of the time. The book also focuses on other influential people of the time that most people have never heard of. This perspective provides a...
Read moreZero Repeat Forever by Gabrielle Prendergast
Reviewed by K. Yanna, September 2018
“Cities on fire all over the world: Bogota, Denver, Addis Ababa, Mexico City. Armies of death-wielding shadows pouring out of multitudes of monstrous ships. Videos make it real. … ‘Who are they?’ someone says as we trek across the sports field, the stars still flashing and falling in the sky. ‘Terrorists?’ No one...
Read moreNight Witches by Kathryn Lasky
Reviewed by K. Yanna, September 2018
Set in World War II, a seventeen year old Russian girl has little to lose. As her mother passes in a siege in their hometown of Stalingrad, Valya fights tooth and nail to join her sister at a covert Night Witches’ hangar. A female run regiment that pinpoints crucial enemy targets, the Night Witches are vital to...
Read moreThe Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Reviewed by M. Blochwitz, August 2018
“Guard your mortal heart.” At age seven Jude was introduced to the world of Fae. After seeing her parents die by the hand of a man with horns, a Fey, she thought she had seen it all. However she learns she is very incorrect. The Fey had captured Jude and her two sisters and brought them to the High Court of Faerie...
Read moreThe Boy at the Top of the Mountain by John Boyne
Reviewed By: Lizzie Schwenn
The Boy at the Top of the Mountain, is the story of a young boy living in France during the time WWII, who suddenly becomes an orphan when both of his parents pass away. At just 7 years old, Pierrot embarks on a long, tough Journey to find a home. After his Aunt Beatrix agrees to take him in, they make their way...
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