The Adoration of Jenna Fox (3 stars)

The Adoration of Jenna Fox
Mary E. Pearson
266 pages

       This book was ok. It was suggested to me by my biology teacher, who requested that the entire class read it as it deals with biomedical ethics and science. The book is about a girl named Jenna Fox, who awakens from a year long coma with no memory. Her parents won't tell her anything about the accident, and she has to find out what has happened. The story line was really great and original. However, the writing is choppy and takes some getting used to. The choppiness could be partially due to the fact that the plot is revealed through Jenna's thoughts, and she is still regaining her memory. All in all, it wasn't very good. I really liked the scientific aspect of it, and I wish that the author had expanded on that. I would recommend this book purely because of how interesting the material was. Happy Reading!


Sincerely,

Word Girl Paige

Russian Winter By Daphne Kalotay (4 stars)

Russian Winter
Daphne Kalotay
480 pages
Teen-adult appropriate

Russian Winter is about Russian ballerina who has defected to the United States. Half of it is set in the past, in the ballerina's prime in Russia, and half is set in the present, when the ballerina is retired and auctioning off her jewels to benefit the Boston Ballet. Every other chapter switches. I liked this book, but probably because it had a ballerina in it and because the Russian aspect was interesting. While I was reading it, I was transported inside the book. The language was very descriptive and well written. The happiness of her past is juxtaposed with the pain and loss of the present in each alternating chapter. There is a subplot of a scholar who seems to know Nina (the ballerina) and a young women who is managing Nina's jewels. It is a long read, but it is worth it. The imagery is fantastic, and you feel all of the emotions that the characters feel. I was truly transported to another world. I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in ballet, soviet Russia, or just plain likes to read for fun. Go forth and read it!

~ word girl Paige

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice

by Jane Austen

298 pages

5 stars

(classic)

In starting Pride and Prejudice, you, naturally, have some prejudice towards the book; it is one of the most popular Jane Austen books of all time. Upon actually beginning it, however, you realize that this book is definitely not what it seems to be. The old english gives the literature an unexpected class, and naturally, the overwhelming twists in the plot will keep even the most seasoned Jane Austen fans interested. This novel will be re-read time and time again for years to come (as it always has been). I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a really good classic.

Happy Reading!

Word Girl Caroline

The Book of Luke by Jenny O'Connell

The Book of Luke

Jenny O'Connell

4.5 stars

304 pages

(teen/young adult)

When high school senior Emily Abbott is hit with the news of her father's sudden job transfer, she believes that things can't be any worse. She has to leave her seemingly perfect life--perfect friends, boyfriend, and hopes of becoming valedictorian behind. Her situation worsens when her boyfriend breaks up with her on the morning of the departure, and she has to cope with heartbreak all the way to Boston. Luckily, she reconnects quickly with old friends and tries as hard as she can to blend in. When, however, the senior class is forced to contribute to a time capsule, she and her friends hatch a plan to make a guide that will supposedly help future girls deal with heartbreak. They find the perfect model to help them finish the guide-an "evil" ex-boyfriend named Luke. As the girls become more involved in the project, they see that not only Luke has things to learn--they do as well. I would recommend this book to teens who need a really quick and easy read. This has a fun, upbeat pace and twists in the plot make this book all the more interesting. I read the entire book on an airplane!

Happy Reading (and Holidays),

Word Girl Caroline

P.S. link to Jenny O'Connell's website: http://www.jennyoconnell.com/

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

Incarceron
Catherine Fisher
464 pages

Incarceron was a very interesting book. It is set in either an alternate universe or the future and centers around a prison called Incarceron. Only one person has ever escaped, but that doesn't stop Finn from trying to figure out his past and escape. Claudia is the warden's daughter who has been raised in the lap of luxury and is soon going to marry a prince and become Queen. I thought it was a pretty good book, although a little predictable. It is very intense, and I read it in two sittings as I could hardly put it down. It took me a while to figure out exactly what was going on in the beginning, as Fisher does not put enough background in. (at least for my preferences). It really is a fascinating book. It is Fantasy mixed with Sci Fi, which is an interesting blend. All in all, I thought this was a pretty good book. I would not read it again, though. I recommend this book to middle school students and high school students who enjoy fast paced fantasy novels. There is a sequel out, but I don't think I will be reading it.

Happy Holidays!

Word Girl Paige

Auntie Mame: An Irreverent Escapade by Patrick Dennis

Auntie Mame: An Irreverent Escapade
Patrick Dennis
320 pages
(12+?)

I really enjoyed this book. It is about Auntie Mame- a glitzy, bubbly and not to mention rich woman who suddenly finds herself as the caretaker of her young nephew (the author). Each chapter tells a different story in which Auntie Mame does something ridiculous, outrageous or glamourous. The story starts in 1929 and ends around 1940ish. It is a laugh out loud novel, and is fairly quick. It is actually based on the author's (Patrick Dennis) aunt, so it is almost true. And the story reads so true and honest that I believe it.  Auntie Mame was actually made into a play, musical, movie and a movie musical. I highly recommend this book. Go forth and read it! I guarantee that you will laugh out loud!

Sincerely,

Word Girl Paige

The Distant Hours by Kate Morton (5 stars!)

The Distant Hours

Kate Morton 

576 pages

(ages 12+)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I am an ardent fan of Kate Morton and I have loved her other novels. The Distant Hours centers on a woman who is selected to write an introduction for a famous children's novel. The author himself is dead, but he is survived by 3 aging spinster daughters. They (and the castle they live in) are hiding secrets from the past and its up to the woman to uncover them. The story switches between the woman's percival of the past and actually what happened. It is an extremely well written book. It floridly describes every scene in wonderful detail so that it is easy to picture. It is the perfect book to read on a dark and stormy night as it is a haunting and cleverly told tale. There is so much more to the story than what I am telling you! This is a must read for people who love to read and have lots of time on their hands.

Sincerely, 

Word Girl Paige