Sparrow Road by Sheila O'Connor

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I know a book is a good one when I have to keep reading to satisfy my curiosity about a character or plot. Sparrow Road offers mystery in abundance. O'Connor creates a very real world with characters you can relate to and see in your own life. The story combines dreams, sadness, happiness and imagination.
Raine and her mother abruptly move from Milwaukee, leaving behind friends, a job and a grandfather to take a summer job in Sparrow Road. Once owned by a rich family, Sparrow Road was donated to charity, became an orphanage and later shut down; now it is an artists' haven. And here is where the mysteries begin: why did Raine's mother suddenly decided to move? What is the connection between Lillian and Viktor? What happened to all those orphans, especially Lyman who left his name on a painting in the attic.
An enthralling read. Well worth the time.



View all my reviews

The Truth About Truman School by Dori Hillestad Butler

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Zebby is SO DONE with censorship!!!
As the school administrators force another layer of censorship on the school newspaper, editor Zebby quits!
Though she is done with editing the school paper, she is not done writing about the truth! With the help of her friend Amr, Zebby starts an underground website dedicated to getting the truth about Truman Middle School out to the students.
But while Zebby envisions lively discussions about the math curriculum, the website morphs into something she and Amr never expected—a malicious gossip site.
So when the cyberbullying attacks a particular girl, Zebby tries to get to the bottom of the problem and set the records straight. But how??




View all my reviews

Lockdown: Escape from Furnace by Alexander Gordon Smith

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Furnace is no ordinary prison - it's demonic. It is run by a sadistic warden with the help grotesque guards who bully, abuse and force inmates to do hours of manual labor. Alex has been framed for a murder and finds himself sentenced to life in Furnace. Can someone remain human in an inhuman hell?
The book is a page turner, has lots of violence, suspense and surprises. It ends abruptly leaving you frustrated that you don't have the next installment.



View all my reviews

Sorta Like a Rock Star by Matthew Quick

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is a lovely, enjoyable, uplifting story. I could imagine this story being a movie of the week on the Lifetime Channel.

Living in the school bus her mother drives as a part-time job, Amber Appleton is an upbeat Catholic who spreads joy and happiness while keeping her own difficulties at home very quiet. Amber is irrepressible, always adopting the underdog: a group of needy students; a group of shy Korean women; a Vietnam veteran and haiku specialist; and a nursing home full of old grumps.
Amber's unending optimism in the face of difficult circumstances is well depicted with snappy dialogue and inner musings. When real tragedy hits and Amber is unable to cope, the stark difference between the Amber of the past and the present is effectively delivered in white space and short paragraphs. Amber feels blank. So, can she reemerge as her old exuberant self; can her bunch of misfit friends help? How?
Hugely enjoyable




View all my reviews