Here are this week’s reviews!

Beating Heart: A Ghost Story

By: A.M Jenkins

When 17-year-old Evan moves into the Victorian house his mother has remodeled, he gradually realizes that someone else still inhabits his room. He dismisses the thought, yet he continues to be haunted by dreams of a young woman with fine, pale hair who matches the picture he finds in a box hidden in his room. As days and weeks pass, his nightly dreams begins to take a toll on his real-life relationship with Carrie, his girlfriend of two years. Chapters alternate between the narrative of Evan’s life, feelings, and relationships, and free verse poetry depicting the ghostly girl’s thoughts about Evan, to whom she has transferred her love.

Goss Scale: 8/10

This was a very quick read, and I really liked how the text alternated between Evan and Cora. I do not usually read books with free verse poetry, but this book was highly enjoyable!

Memiors of a Teenage Amnesiac

By: Gabrielle Zevin

 Naomi Porter wakes up in hospital after falling down the steps at school and hitting her head very badly. She learns that her parents have divorced and that she isn’t talking to her mother, or her father’s fiancée. She also learns that her boyfriend, a tennis ace, is not the boy who sat with her at the hospital, and that she hangs out with a bunch of snobs that the new Naomi doesn’t like very much.

 So, who does she like? James, the boy who took her to hospital, but who has a disturbing past and his own problems? Will, her co-editor on the school’s yearbook, and best buddy, who makes CD  mixes for her and who is passionate about the job and maybe about her? And how does she sort out the problems she doesn’t remember having? Or is this a chance to start again, with family and friends? Then again, what if she remembers it all?

Goss Scale: 8/10

If you liked Zevin’s other book Elsewhere, then you will love this book. Interesting, funny and fast paced, this is a great read for grades 9-12

Very often I am asked what books are new and interesting to read in the library. Hopefully this weekly book review will help students and parents see what is new and exciting in the Heatly Library!

This week I chose to read two new and interesting books that I hope others will find as enjoyable as I did!

Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos

By: R.L LaFevers

Theo Throckmorton is in big trouble. The 11-year-old lives in London in 1906 and spends most of her time in a museum headed by her father and filled with objects from her mother’s archaeological expeditions to Egypt. Bossy and clever, the girl constantly worries that her work obsessed parents who ignore and neglect her will be destroyed by the ancient curses that only she can see.  When her mother returns from her latest trip with an amulet inscribed with curses so powerful they could unleash the Serpents of Chaos and destroy the British Empire, Theo finds herself caught up in a mystery filled with adventure and danger. In the end, Theo must confront her enemies alone, deep in an Egyptian tomb where she will make some very surprising discoveries.

If you are a fan of mysteries, and historical fiction, this is a very humerous and well-written book that you will not be able to put down!

Goss Scale: 8/10

Fablehaven

By: Brandon Mull

For centuries mystical creatures of all description were gathered into a hidden area called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last places of true magic. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite.

Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea that their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken — Seth is a bit too curious and reckless for his own good — powerful forces of evil are unleashed, and Kendra and her brother face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save their family, Fablehaven, and perhaps even the world, Kendra and Seth must find the courage to do what they fear most.

I could not put this book down! A very exciting and quick read, Anyone who is a fan of fantasy will enjoy this book! Fablehaven is the 1st book in a series - Fablehaven: Rise of the Evening Star, and Fablehaven: Grip of the Shadow Plague follow where the first installment left off.

Goss Scale: 10/10 - LOVED IT!