I loved the book and thought it is very appropriate considering today's society. I loved his perspective and hope more young people see his message of nonviolence, and how it is not an easy thing to do. I was very impressed with how he described the Civil Rights movement and his involvement. I hope many people, especially the youth, can see value in his voice.
Guy in Real Life by Greg Brezenoff (3/5 stars)
I know absolutely nothing about gaming. Nothing. With that said, I think Steve Brezenoff did ok with the story, based on a high school student who only dressed in black and falls in love with a girl who dresses according to her own style and is a dungeon master. Granted, my only knowledge of dungeons and dragons comes from Big Bang Theory, but I got the gist. And truly, it isn't about the gaming world. It's about 2 kids from Capulet and Montague (just kidding- but same concept) who fall in love. Each other's worlds aren't so sure this is a good thing. But no one dies. Does that count as a spoiler alert? Anyway, there was a twist at the end, so that was cool. It just wasn't something that I loved.
Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult (3/5 stars)
This is an ok version of what happens when we close the books, and the characters become their real selves. However, if you want something where the characters directly interact with their readers, go read ink heart by funke or better yet, any jasper fforde books. I'm not saying this was bad. I just think that the ended was kind of weird, and the switching of characters in the book was awkward. However, I totally enjoyed how Hailey was really awkward and kept hurting the cheerleading queen, all inadvertently. I wish there was more of the real life than the whole fantasy part.
Daniel Plan by Rick Warren, Daniel Amen, and Mark Hyman (3/5 stars)
Not bad. I like the premise that there is more to healthy eating than just eating (food, fitness, faith, friends, and focus), but I have a hard time implementing it all. Regardless, it's good, easy reading and I learned quite a bit, like the horrors of MSG and it's many names.
More than This by Patrick Ness (3.5/5 stars)
I think of this book as a cross between Unwind and the Matrix. I'm not sure why it reminded me of unwind, but it did- maybe the whole concept of what is humanity worth. And of course, the matrix because you aren't sure what what is real and what isn't. But it's cool. And things aren't tied up in shiny bows. It leaves you hanging but hopeful. I would have to say, too, that I would only be disappointed in a sequel. I have the ending in my head and if it is wrong, I'll just be mad.
Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson (5/5 stars)
Wow, incredibly insightful to what some of the soldiers have gone through regarding PTSD. Hailey's father has been home for awhile after being in the war, and he's having a hard time. Hailey is having a hard time with her father, but they are coping. Barely. Laurie Halse Anderson allowed me a sliver of insight for this family dealing with the trauma. I don't know anyone with PTSD like this, so it's the only thing I have to go on, such as even though it is with good intention to thank a soldier for his service, it may be more devastating for him/her than an honor. But there is still humor interspersed throughout, and nice relief between Hailey and Finn. Of course, it is banter that is fairly mature. Maybe I am going on my own slow-wittidness, but I don't think most teens are able to think like they are on an episode of Gilmore Girls like some of these teens. Regardless, I've never read a Laurie Halse Anderson that I didn't like, so I highly recommend it.
Grown Ups by Robin Antalek (4/5 stars)
I couldn't decide between a 4 star or a 5 star. I really enjoyed the characters, the story, everything. But I can't say that I was ever moved to tears, or I felt that I personally needed to know anyone in the story, which I guess is my definition for a 5 star. But, with that being said,
I think every single character, flawed and wonderful, was interesting. The relationships of the characters that grew up in a tiny neighborhood always seemed real, like I could imagine it happening in our neighborhood, or even some of my friends if I ever stayed long enough in a neighborhood. I did wonder, as Sam had pointed out, why they never seemed to have any other friends despite their living very different lives, but I guess that would have ruined the plot.
And, I loved the ending. It was not sappy perfect, but it wasn't the gut wrenching UGH that leaves you wondering why you read the book. I wouldn't say it is summer read, so much as a fantastic book club choice. I'd love to be able to sit around drinking coffee discussing each of the characters. Yup, read it.
Driftless by David Rhodes (3.5/5 stars)
I enjoyed reading Driftless, and I appreciate the life and death concept of the characters- what is living, what is dying, how it impacts the small community around them. And I even get the somewhat hanging threads not quite wrapped up to make the reader feel as though he is looking at a group of people, able to stay for awhile, but never quite being a part. Think about it, we never really know what happens to people in real life after we have just visited. I have to admit, Olivia was my favorite (and of course, July, but who wouldn't say that?). She was quirky and funny, and why did she put the dog medicine in her tea? and I can't imagine her with a tattooed man, and...
Overall, there was a good plot, good characters, and lots going on. I guess I just can't say they changed my life- hence no 5 star rating.