A Ring of Endless Light by Madeleine L'Engle

Synopsis: About a girl named Vicky who is visiting Seven Bay Island with her family to be with her dying grandfather. Vicky is faced with many heartbreaking challenges including the death of a family friend, the attempted suicide of her ex-boyfriend and her slowly dying grandfather. She also has three main romantic interests that she has to handle with while working on a dolphin-human communications project at a local marine biology research center.

Review: I remember loving it when I read it years back, but as I read it again I was disappointed by the lack of character strength and motivation. Most all of the characters let me down in one way or another and I found Vicky to be a very confused little girl. I did see some growth, but not enough to satisfy me. All in all, I would rate this book as okay-at least for me. Once again, years back I held this book in the highest regard.

Final Act

Synopsis: About a young woman who is hired as a tutor at a very wealthy home which used to host a famous movie star before they died in a mysterious fire years back. While there she is haunted by what at first seems a ghost, but the longer she stays the more she learns of the true secrets that have been viciously kept away from the world.

Review: I liked this book, but I thought it unoriginal. The whole thing screamed Jane Eyre, and I found that it was very much like Jane Eyre the more I read. I did like the main character though. She was a simply girl with understandable emotions and I felt like I was able to connect with her rather easily. I did also like the description; not too much, yet just enough.

Once a Princess by Sherwood Smith

Synopsis: About a modern day young woman who is swept away in a reluctant adventure into a magical world. Her father, the king of this magical kingdom, is having trouble keeping his kingdom in line, and when two mysterious men show up on her doorstep, she knows something has gone terribly wrong. As she enters into the world of her early childhood she is faced with difficult choices, including romantic decisions. Who can she trust in this strange world?

Review: I didn't like it very much. Mostly because I did not like the main character. I don't like her kick-butt attitude and I thought she was even bratty. It's one thing to be obstinate and stubborn, but she was down right rude and if it was meant as humor I didn't like it. I couldn't relate to any of the characters. I did however like the story, it was fun and very imaginative.

Inexcusable by Chris Lynch

Review:

Synopsis:

(Not finished reading)

Heaven by Angela Johnson

Synopsis:

Review:

(Not finished reading)

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Synopsis: About a young teenager who is raped and her mental recovery process as she learns how to cope and make a life for herself. During this book she struggles to find her identity while at the same time attempts to cope with the horrific issue on her own. This book is the story of a girl who learns to open up and to speak.

Review: I loved this book. I thought it was extremely well written and I felt like I really knew Mel as a person by the end of the book. The author has a gift of knowing how to draw you into their mind and keep you there. Not only was it well written, but it was very funny! I laughed out loud many times while reading this book, I think the humor helped show that there really is a lighter and happier side to life despite the bad.

Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt

Synopsis:

Review:

(Halfway Through)

A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer

Synopsis: This book is about a real story of child abuse. Dave Pelzer recalls his own horrifying childhood as he was raised by his mentally unpredictable mother.

Review: It was a depressing book. Throughout the whole novel I repeatedly asked myself, What mother could do this? I felt angry for Dave about the way he was treated at school, by his brothers and even by his cowardly father. The worst/best part of the book is that it is a true story. I admire the author for taking a stand and making his life into something special, and especially for writing this book. This book is truly a testimonial of great healing and I'm sure that it will be a great source of healing for others as well.

The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

Synopsis: As Gen sits miserably in prison he find himself brooding over those dooming, jubilant boasting words, "I can steal anything", which he proudly claimed to one of the city's busiest taverns. On a dare, he successfully steals the King's seal, and carelessly shows it off in the tavern, only to be arrested and taken to prison. After weeks of rotting, stinking, waiting in the dark cell he is called to an interview with the Maggus, the King's advisor, and offered a job. In another kingdom, the Maggus is convinced that there lies a powerful, ancient artifact given by the God's to the rulers of ages past called, the Gift. Realizing his opportunity to escape his suffocating cell, Gen accepts.

Review: I was very entertained. Though it was a little slower the first half of the book, a lot of traveling, I never got bored. Gen, the anti-hero, was a lovable character, despite the whining, and the coward that he claimed to be. I don't think I have ever been so surprised at plot twists! They were entirely unexpected and I loved them! I think the book was well developed and well thought out. The characters all likable. I can't wait to read the next books.

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Synopsis: in this world, there are people born with special skills labeled Gracelings. this book is about one particular Graceling, named Katsa, who is subject under her cruel Uncle's reign who is the King of one of the seven kingdoms mentioned in the book. Since her uncle discovered that her Grace enabled her the talent to fight with unbeatable skill, he has used her to carry out violent punishments since the time she was eight. Now Katsa has begun to have an internal struggle over her assignments from her uncle, which caused her to create a secret society called the Counsel in which the members would help citizens of the kingdom when the king would not. Everything about Katsa's life will change once she finally meets her match in a fight. A man named Po has come to her uncle's court and Katsa soon finds herself on an adventure of a lifetime that will challenge her physically, emotionally, and romantically.

Review: More! I loved it! I thought that the story was very original and interesting. The plot had just enough twists and turns to keep my mind entertained, not bored or overwhelmed, and the characters were very well developed. The ending was completely unpredicatble- in my opinion- and though I disagreed with Katsa's decision regarding her romantic life, I was still able to connect to her character. I will be reading this one again.

Witness by Karen Hesse

Synopsis: This book is a short free-verse style book of short snippets from several different characters. It was a harder story to follow because not all of the information was just given to you and you could only figure it out through everyone's different perspectives and opinions.

Review: I finished it in a huff. I didn't like it when I finished it, I felt that the ending wasn't satisfying. But as I reflected on the book I found myself more and more appreciative of the way it was written and could even find satisfaction in the ending. Perhaps I read it too much like a novel and read it too quickly.

Getting Away with Murder by Chris Crowe

Synopsis: A non-fiction book about the case of the Emmett Till murder trial. The book goes into extreme detail of the trial and the details surrounding the case including a little bit of Emmett's life before his murder.

Review: I liked it but I got bored about 2/3 in. I thought the trial was put into excruciating detail and could have been summed up a little better. I suppose the book's purpose isn't about "summing it up" though. I thought it was well done. Though you could tell what the author's feelings were regarding the case you could still see the true story. The facts were very well put and organized well. I liked the flow of the book and the transition from topic to topic. It was very well done.

War Is...

Synopsis: The best way to describe this book is a collage of various facts and personal experiences regarding warfare. While much media portrays the glorious, honorable and patriotic side to war, this book illustrates the inglorious, and perhaps more realistic side to war.

Review: I was very influenced by this book. My own opinion has undergone serious renovation because of the personal experiences given from those who fought in both recent and old wars, the frightening facts about war that we don't give enough attentions to, and the well-organized explanations on how war effects us directly and indirectly.

Little Women

Synopsis: This book focuses on a family of sisters who are very close to one another. Mainly the story is centered around Jo, the playful and passionate tomboy of the family. The story line is about these girls growing up together, and maturing independently. A classic.

Review: I love Jo, even when she acts childish and handles something in the wrong way you can't help but smile and shake your head, of course, she probably wouldn't like that one bit.I loved the characters and the old fashioned society. I loved the importance of family and the emphasized value of friendship. Even the romance was believable and appropriate. I never once rolled my eyes at the romance, as I usually do. The way the story was told was so realistically and I think the book is one of my favorites.

The Singing by Alisson Croggon

Synopsis: In the final book of the Pellinor series, Maered and Hem face war, flood and plague as they strive to find one another to defeat the Nameless One. Both equipped with Bardic powers and Elidhu magic, they come together to fulfill prophesy and bring down their overwhelmingly strong common enemy. Their transformation from slave of the world to the saviors of the world is intense, complex and fulfilling.

Review: I liked it, but there were many times when I thinking, "ok, I get it, it's a really hard journey, but let's get it over with! Face the enemy already!" I think the suspense was too long suspended, and became over drawn out. I did like the ending though. I think it addressed all that I, as a reader, wanted to hear about, even after all the action had settled. I think the world that Croggon created was complicated and realistic. I felt like I really understood the culture and the people involved. I also really appreciated the good sense of moral values, and the lack of profanity. I never felt like anything I read throughout the series offended me, which is rare because I have high standards.

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

Synopsis: This graphic novel illustrates the challenges an American-born Chinese boy might face while living in America by following three seemingly different stories. One story is of a monkey deity called the Monkey King who rules his island inhabited by his monkey subjects. When there is a party of the Gods held in the Heavens and the Monkey King is kicked out, he struggles to accept his monkey self and begins to take on human like qualities because he is no longer confident in himself. Another character is introduced as a younger boy in elementary school who is made fun of because of his racial background. When another racially different kid moves in at first the boy treats him badly but soon enough they become good friends. Another character is introduced with his crazy cousin from China staying with his family to visit for a week or so. He is forced to take him to school and is constantly embarrassed by his Chinese cousin and is frustrated to the point of losing it when he learns his cousin's crazy true identity. All of the character's stories come together as they all learn important lessons about accepting who they are and learning that being different is okay.

Review: I loved this book, every page was well done and very entertaining. I think it shared it message well and taught lessons to me that I didn't expect to learn when I opened the book. Though the images are funny and the dialogue doesn't seem serious I think there are serious lessons to hear. I think this book is a friendly graphic novel to any audience and a great way to spend a little less than an hour of your day.

Zel by Nancy

Synopsis: Zel and Mother have always been together. They live in a secluded glen far from any neighbors; they grow their own food; they live their own lives and most importantly, they are always together. Once in a great while Mother will go to town for needed supplies and take Zel along. One time while visiting the market, Mother decides to leave Zel on her own while she finishes some errands and Zel meets a curious young man. The young man is none other than the Crown Prince and after just one encounter with the young lady, the prince is desperate to find her. As Mother discovers her daughter's ardent admirer, she is determined to keep her safe, even to extreme and horrifying ends. Will Zel and her prince ever be together?

Review: It was very well written- 5 stars for great writing, but the ending was too weird for me. I did not believe that many of the attributes of the book were realistic. I did not think that Mother was a believable character- and usually I can be ok with one or two characters not being great, but as Mother was a main character and her story was the base theme for the whole book, I think it could have been...hm, maybe a little less extreme? When I read the chapters that were from Mother's point of view I found myself thinking, "Ok, no human being thinks like that!" I suppose that was perfectly intended, but it just rubbed me wrong. I did not like the ending either. It seemed to me that the story took a while to progress and then all of a sudden it's over! Ta-Da! It was like a sneeze; completely took me off guard and left me asking too many questions. But, like I said, it was very well written, I was intrigued and thoroughly drawn in after every chapter.

Court Duel by Sherwood Smith

Synopsis: The Countess Meliara, known as Mel, and her brother swear to her dying father that they will lead a revolution to usurp the throne from the greedy Galadran. Their rebellion leads to a war that they are unevenly matched for; equipped with impoverished farmers and makeshift weapons, they use their best strategies to hold their own, until the Marquis is called in by the King to solve the problem. After the war settles, Mel finds herself in even more dangerous waters at court. Here her sword is useless and she must learn quickly to use an even more dangerous weapon: her mind.

Review: I love this book and have read it several times. My copy is well worn and well loved. I think this is a classic adventure/romance novel with nonclassic characters and a well organized plot with twists and turns I never saw coming. It reminded me vaguely of another book I read called Trouble with Kings which too is about a war and court life, romance and fighting. I think this book is a great read and recommend it to others looking for a good, past-time read.

The Alchemyst by

Synopsis: This book is a fictionalized fantasy about the ancient celebrity Nicholas Flamel, otherwise known as The Alchemyst. Born in France he led a rather ordinary life until he happened to come across a little copper book that held invaluable secrets, such as the magical brew of Immortality and the formula to the Sorcerer's Stone. HE and his wife Perenelle have been taking the Immortal concoction for several centuries now, but their life of hiding from the ambitious and powerful dark magician Dr. Dee is about to get complicated as a brother and sister, twins in fact, named Sophie and Josh are brought into the scene.

Review: I was not expecting this to be a serious and I'm a little upset that I'm going to have to find the next book in the serious to finish the story! And yes, I really must find the next book because I think it is a good, fresh story and I am quite interested in what twists the author will introduce to the plot next. Though slightly predictable and with a little bit underdeveloped characters the book is carried on by vivid and descriptive displays of a creative and imaginative story that combines all cultures mythology both common and uncommon and creates a new original story altogether.

Trouble with Kings by Sherwood Smith

Synopsis: Princess Flian wakes up one morning

"Princess Flian finds herself the unwilling object of desire of three royals. Is the one she wants a villainor a hero? Waking up in a strange place, Flian Elandersi at first doesn't know who she is. One wicked prince tells her she is secretly engaged to an even more wicked king who wants to marry her right away. But before that happens, yet another wicked prince crashes through a window on horseback to sweep her off her feet. Memory returns, and Flian realizes that all any of them seem to want is her considerable wealth, not her pleasant-but-ordinary self. She longs to escape the barracks-like, military atmosphere and return to civilization and her musical studies. Who is the villain? Prince Garian Herlesterlanguid, elegant, sarcastic? Prince Jaimhe of the dashing horsemanship? Or King Jason Szinzar, whose ambiguous warning might be a threat? Flian decides it's time to throw off civilization and take action."

Dragon Heir by Cinda Williams Chima

Synopsis: This book is the last of the Heir series. This book is about a boy who is very anti-hero, he doesn't want to do things the traditional way and sometimes even gets his friends hurt. He is not a powerful Weird like his friends, but he ends up playing a vital role in the climax of the series.

Review: He makes mistakes, has a prideful attitude, and is a typical rebel teenage boy- yet you know he would always do the right thing in the end. If I met him in reality I know I would not like him, but I would be lucky to have him as a friend at the same time. The truth is I read the first three books years back and remember liking them so much that I bought the latest book recently. I don't like this book as much as the others. Maybe it's because my taste for books has changed, but I thought the story was a little frustrating. I did like some of the adventure though, and the plot was pretty twisty.

Nobody's Princess by Esther Friesner

Synopsis: Based on the legendary figure of Helen of Troy, this novel tells the story of Helen as she grew up in Sparta, before she became the figure of fame. Helen is a wild child with a determined will of her own. She wants nothing more than a good adventure, to hunt and fight like her big brothers. She comes from an adoring ruling family and has lived with special privileges all her life. As she embarks on adventures of her own she soon learns important life lessons along the way: the need for kindness, the role of gods and the role of man, the importance of comradeship, and loyalty to family.

Review: It was enjoyable and entertaining, but I felt like the writing was a little flat and impersonal. I liked the characters alright but it was hard to really relate to them when the words wouldn't let me. I felt like the writing was like a frosted lens between myself and the characters and heard what they were like, but rarely felt it. I did like the Greek mythology and the wild adventures that she had, but I would only rate this book as "Ok".

Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith

(Same review and synopsis for both books in the duet)

Synopsis: The Countess Meliara, known as Mel, and her brother swear to her dying father that they will lead a revolution to usurp the throne from the greedy Galadran. Their rebellion leads to a war that they are unevenly matched for; equipped with impoverished farmers and makeshift weapons, they use their best strategies to hold their own, until the Marquis is called in by the King to solve the problem. After the war settles, Mel finds herself in even more dangerous waters at court. Here her sword is useless and she must learn quickly to use an even more dangerous weapon: her mind.

Review: I love this book and have read it several times. My copy is well worn and well loved. I think this is a classic adventure/romance novel with nonclassic characters and a well organized plot with twists and turns I never saw coming. It reminded me vaguely of another book I read called Trouble with Kings which too is about a war and court life, romance and fighting. I think this book is a great read and recommend it to others looking for a good, past-time read.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Synopsis: Santiago is a simple shepherd boy who gave up his families intentions for him to study at the monastery and took on the life of a shepherd, traveling among the vast country side of ancient Spain. When Santiago begins to have a recurring dream about the Egyptian pyramids, he decides to leave his flock behind in pursuit of what he believes to be his Personal Legend, his great search for a great treasure. Along his way Santiago encounters many dangers: love, loss, decisions and disaster.

Review: This is in my top 5 books that I have ever read. Every time I read it I feel like I have understood a new life lesson, and feel like I gain serious insights into my own life. The author has a gift to write in such a way that he seems to be telling a story, but in reality he is really sharing what he believes are the meanings of life. The story is told very well, if a little differently because of translations from Portuguese, and I love the simplicity of the book's style.

The Crow by Allison Croggon

Synopsis: Hem is Maered's orphaned younger brother whose stuggle for survival ends as he is reunited with his sister by some strange miracle. Their reunion is bittersweet and leaves a lasting impression on the sibling's hearts but is short lived as Maered is forced to travel north with Cadvan to unveil the life-threatening riddles that haunt her. Hem is sent to study at a Bardic schools to nurture his magical gifts with Saliman, a powerful and respected Bard. Hem and Saliman form a touching and powerful relationship, similar to father and son, as they face wars and horrifying strifes. Together they escape and thwart the Nameless One's plans as they struggle to find their way back to Maered as the Dark Army marches northward.

Review: This was a very dark and depressing novel, lacking beauty and full of sorrow. I had a sad demeanor throughout my days as I read this book. It was continually hardship after hardship and I began to lose hope for a good ending, but the author managed to reel me back into the story by the end and I knew I needed to get the final book to find out how the story would unfold.

Riddle by Allison Croggon

Synopsis: the second book of the Pellinor series, the story follows Meared on her great adventure as she travels to the snowy, beautiful North. Though she faces many perils and powerful adversaries, she quickly learns that her greatest enemy is potentially herself- though she doesn't learn so quickly enough to keep her friends from harm. Alone and determined, Maered ventures to the furthest reaches of the North testing the strength of her spirit in her desperate search for the Treesong, the only weapon strong enough to bring down the Nameless One, with only a dead prophesy for help.

Review: This is my favorite of all the other books in the series. I think the adventures were lively and intense and Meared as a character is strong and easy to feel for. Her adventures were hard but there was a strong undercurrent of hope that I hung onto as I read about her challenges after challenges. I loved the description! I felt like I was there. Well done, Croggon!

Naming by Allison Croggon

Synopsis: Maered has been a slave at the dreadful Gilman's Cot since she and her mother had been sold into slavery when she was a very little girl. She has no memories of her life before slavehood, but yearns for the freedom she must have known before. One say as she is milking cows she is surprised to find a stranger hiding from sight. The stranger, named Cadvan, takes a great interest in her as he realizes she has seem him, and decides to help her escape. Once released from the bonds of slavery and the walls of Gilman's Cot, Maered is tossed into a fierce and intense adventure which tests her abilities as a human being, as well as her newly discovered magical powers which Cadvan helped her to find. He introduces her to the world of Bards, full of magic and mystery and becomes her teacher and friends on their journey to correct ancient wrongs.

Review: I liked the first book very much. I think it moved a little slowly, but I found that I didn't mind-most of the time. Croggon has a wonderful way with description that interests me. She also impressed me with her development of this fantasy world which she created an entire history and culture for. I felt engrossed in the world and intrigued by the various folklore. I really like the poetic inserts often found between chapters, that portrayed their folklore and mythology.

Book Theif by Markus Zusak

Synopsis: This book takes place in Germany during WWII. It is told by a very unique and original character: Death. Death finds the story of Leisel Meminger who has a habit of stealing books. The story starts with Leisel and her brother being taken to live with new foster parents by their mother, but on the way her little brother dies on the train and they stop to bury his body. While they bury his body, Leisel sees a book in the snow by his grave and takes it, partly out of curiosity, but mostly as a token to remember her brother. It was the first of a successful career in book burglary. Her foster parents treat her well and she quickly and easily settles into her new life although she is cursed with dreams of her dead brother and missing mother by night. Eventually her foster parents decide to take a Jewish man named Max into hiding in their basement. Max and Leisel become dear friends who learn to understand and express themselves with one another. This book is the account of Leisel Meminger and the lessons she learned in the form of a story through her life experience living through WWII.

Review: Excellent. Five stars. Two thumbs up- it was phenomenal. I was hooked by the very first paragraph. The narrator, Death, is a very intriguing character whom you both fear and sympathize with. I like that the author chose Death to be the narrator of this great story. Death neither loves nor hates the human race, though he is greatly effected by them. Death learns that human kind is capable of both horrible, heart-wrenching things as well as unexplainable, inexpressible acts of selfless compassion. Humans confuse him, intrigue him, and continuously haunt him. The story itself was touching and full of meaning. Though I doubt I will ever find myself in such extreme war-faring circumstances, I believe I have learned valuable life lesson that will and have benefited me for the life I live day by day such as: the value of human life, service to those in our lives, and compassion freely given, even to those who will never be able to repay you.

Incantation by Alice Hoffman

Synopsis: This book does not flinch away from the excesses of the Spanish Inquisition era and depicts many of its horrors and challenges faced by those whom it effected. Estrella lives a comfortable life as a Catholic in Spain around 1500 in a small beautiful and very old city. She and her best friend, Catalina, are close and have grown up together since early childhood. The anti-Jewish riots that sweep through her town barely touch her life at all until she discovers that her family is keeping a terrible and fatal secret. Simultaneously she finds herself falling in love with Andres, Catalina's cousin who is expected to marry Catalina. Estrella very suddenly is put into very difficult situations attached with decisions that mean life or death to those she loves most.

Review: I loved this book. It is written very poetically and was well written. You can tell that Alice Hoffman put much thought into it and organized it extremely well, weaving symbolism and understanding into every paragraph. I will read this book again, I'm sure I will read it several times in my lifetime. I felt deeply touched by this characters experiences and felt my curiosity spark towards the Spanish Inquisition as I found myself falling in love with their peculiar culture. I want to learn more about the Inquisition and about Spanish culture during the time period. Alice Hoffman's elegant, beautiful and fluid style of story writing is enchanting and left me wanting more.

White Darkness by Geraldine McCaughrean

Synopsis: Symone, a 14 year old girl from the UK, is obsessed with Antarctic exploration. She has even taken Titus Oates, one of the many explorers whose life was claimed by the cruel and unforgiving antarctic wilderness, as her very own imaginary friend. The only person in Sym's life that seems to take any interest in her, besides Titus, is her Uncle Victor, who is a long time family friend. Since her father died Uncle Victor has taken on a father type figure in her life. The story begins as Uncle Victor unexpectedly takes Sym on a vacation to Paris, only to discover that her Uncle has other, very dangerous and exciting plans for her- a trip to Antarctica!

Review: It was harder to read than most books, mostly because I did not like the main character- in fact I did not like an of the characters. But in this story I do not think any of the characters are supposed to be liked. Throughout the whole book you know something bad is going to happen, you can feel it coming, you don't know what but you know it is going to be really bad; this was probably the only thing that kept me reading. I did not care for the characters as I said before, the plot was unbelievable and unrealistic, and the ending I think was unsatisfactory. Symone herself was a hard character to take the story from; she was so apathetic and indifferent and lacked passion until it was literally forced on her.

Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin

Synopsis:

Matt, Callie, and Emmy are siblings in a dangerous world. Though, for them, the danger isn't outside the home, it's inside. Their mother, Nikki, is a continuous nightmare who has them living in fear from the moment she walks in through the front door. So what keeps them there, besides their fear? Love. Matt's story is a hard one of a great escape from the one who claims to love him the most. A story of the nature of love, and to what ends it is justified.

Review:

This was a hard book to read. I felt that there wouldn't/couldn't be a happy ending, because even if they did manage to escape their mother, their memories would haunt them for the rest of their lives. At least I think that is the case for Matt. Emmy and Callie seem able to move on, in their way, and take advantage of their fortunate opportunities. But Matt, being the oldest, is continuously daunted by his learned "rules of survival". A thought provoking novel to say the least and a heavy hearted one. There was a point in the book that I had to put the books down and go on a walk and try to be happy for a while because the story depressed me so much. I can't say even the ending was satisfactory, though I admit it aroused great questions and insights. I don't feel that I gained much from reading this book in a rewarding sense.

Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Synopsis:

Written from the perspective of a young teen-aged girl who is called D.J., this book is an account of the challenges she faces as an ordinary high schooler in Wisconsin. With her father unable to work the farm D.J. suddenly finds herself baling hay while her friends are hitting parties. Despite her hard work nothing she does seems to be good enough for her father, and her mother is no help as she sits passively by, keeping her opinions a well-kept secret. He brother, Curtis, may be her only friend, besides her best friend Amber, and his aptitude to prefer silence over conversation keeps D.J. and him at a friendly understanding. But her comfortable world is suddenly shaken when Brian Nelson shows up on the farm out of the blue with instructions from his football coach to learn the meaning of hard work.

Review:
The important messages given to us in Dairy Queen are not given directly to the reader. The lessons to be learned are written very subtly. The story, however is written very bluntly and from the point of view of DJ, a girl living in Wisconsin, who loves football. I would say that this book is more for leisure time reading than anything else. I doubt this book will ever be known as a classic but it was certainly an easy read, entertaining, youthful and straightforward novel. It would not be the first book I would recommend.