From the back of the book: In the first chapter of this haunting novel, 14-year-old Susie Salmon looks down from heaven and describes the horrifying events of her murder. As time goes on, Susie continues her curious observations while her family struggles to cope with the pain of her death. Her younger sister grows tougher and more mature, her mother goes to desperate … [Read more...] about The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold: A
Books
Possession by A. S. Byatt: A
From the back cover: Roland Michell, a young academic assistant, has devoted his life to studying the life and works of 19th century writer Randolph Henry Ash. One day in the library, Roland opens a dusty volume and finds a provocative letter written by Ash to an unnamed woman. From that moment, Roland begins a quest for information about this mysterious person. His search … [Read more...] about Possession by A. S. Byatt: A
The Xander Years 2 by Jeff Mariotte: B
From the back cover: Most teens have trouble finding themselves now and then, but when you're living on a hellmouth, "trouble" is an understatement—especially if you're Xander Harris. He has never been very popular, and has never had much luck with women, but he is uniquely Xander. After a Sunnydale High field trip to the zoo, Xander becomes obnoxious and aggressive. Giles … [Read more...] about The Xander Years 2 by Jeff Mariotte: B
The Xander Years 1 by Keith R. A. DeCandido: B-
From the back cover: Unfulfilled crushes. Awkward first conversations. A date who wants you... dead. Having a Y-chromosome in Sunnydale is never easy. But Buffy the Vampire Slayer's friend Xander Harris seems to find more than his share of trouble with the opposite sex. At first Xander is happy being the teacher's pet—until his schoolboy crush brings out her true animal … [Read more...] about The Xander Years 1 by Keith R. A. DeCandido: B-
The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner: B+
From the inside flap: The king's scholar, the magus, believes he knows the site of an ancient treasure. To attain it for his king, he needs a skillful thief, and he selects Gen from the king's prison. The magus is interested only in the thief's abilities. What Gen is interested in is anyone's guess. Their journey toward the treasure is both dangerous and difficult, … [Read more...] about The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner: B+