Epic by Connor Kostick

I will have to admit this was a bit of a stretch for me. This was a science fiction book about a world where you have to play in a video game to earn money and a place in the "real" world. If your character is killed in the game then in the "real" world you have lost all your fortune and have to start over with a new character. I found the concept interesting (playing in the video game of "Epic"), but must admit at times were confused with the language of the story being futuristic (but this is not my best genre). Towards the end of the story when the quest was at it's peak I could not put the book down. However, I then would have liked to have a different ending. I can see why this book is popular...it is creative, fun, and a good science fiction novel.

Avalon High by Meg Cabot

I really liked this book! I thought that this book was going to be more of a soap opera of a high school, but instead I was able to read a story along the lines of King Arthur. It seems that King Arthur has been reborn in Avalon High, home of the Excalibur. A. William Wagner is the popular quarterback with his trusty tackler, Lance, making sure that nobody sacks him. Guinevere also makes her appearance as Jenny the head cheerleader. The past seems to come to life as the same events surrounding King Arthur seem to be repeating in the high school of Avalon High.

Demon Keeper by, Royce Buckingham

If this book hadn't been recommended to me I am not sure I would have picked it out. On the cover it does not look like a book for me, but I actually enjoyed reading it. Nat is in charge of demons who live in his house. His only job is to feed them and make sure they don't get out. However, one night Nat leaves a window open and two mischievous boys enter the house to see what they can steal. Only one makes it out alive...and worst of all...they have let out the BEAST. The BEAST that is always hungry!!!! Now Nat must somehow bring the BEAST back (while not getting killed), and worry about his enemy the "thin man" who seems to be lurking around. I enjoyed the book, and give it 2 thumbs up....thanks for the recommendation.

P.S. Longer Letter Latter by Paula Danziger and Ann M. Martin

This book is done through letters. Two best friends (Elizabeth and Tara) are dealing with Tara's moving away by writing letters back and forth. Both girls are experiencing changes in friends, and family matters. Each girl needs the other to lean on to overcome the obstacles in their life. It was a fun book to read in a different format for me. I liked it and was surprised by Elizabeth's home life. It was not what I was expecting to be the problem or the solution. I have heard that there is a sequel and it is done through e-mails instead to one another. I hope you give this book a try!

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

The City of Ember is an interesting book. This book is about a town that was built underground (there is no explanation of why it was built underground, but my sources say the third book in the series let's you in on the secret). This town has never known blue sky, the moon, sun, grass, etc. Lately in their town of Ember things have started to shut down and break. The food supply is getting lower and they are starting to have more blackouts (their city is run on electricity, which no one understands). Lina and Doon decide that there has to be a way out of this town, there must be something else out there. These two teenagers embark on a journey to find a way out of their dying town. A very fast and fun read...I am even looking to read the sequel!

Black-eyed Susie by, Susan Shaw

If you liked reading "A Child Called It" you may just want to pick up this book. This book discusses a mom's abuse to her daughter. The book does not focus on the abuse (although you learn of some as you read along) but instead on Susie trying to recover at a mental hospital. Susie has made herself believe that if she does not eat, talk, or move that it will make her mother happy! This book has very small chapters and is a very fast read. As a reader I found myself cheering on Susie's recovering and hoping that other family members would step up and open their eyes to the truth of the mother.

Maxx Comedy by Gordon Korman

Maxx Comedy is about a student who thinks he is a stand up comedian and tries his hand at winning "The funniest kid in America" contest. He sends in his demo tape and is given an audition spot. Now the only problem is trying to practice in front of a willing audience and trying to make it to his audition on time. Trying to get to the audition turns out to be more funny then his comedy act. If you are looking for a light hearted quick book to read (no sadness, no huge adventure, no mystery) then Maxx Comedy has your name on it!