Identical by Ellen Hopkins

Would you like to judge a book by its cover? This would be a good one. Identical by Ellen Hopkins has a cover image that represents the story in an interesting way. Interspersed throughout the book are pages that are reflective like this cover. On the left hand page are a few select words set apart from the verse on the page. On its opposite right hand page the same words appear in reflection. Each page is the voice of one sister then the other and they are twins. Twins with a sad, serious secret. I imagine the cover image as secretive as well. The reflection of IDENTICAL fades away secretly. Now, let me tell you about the twin sisters.

Raeanne and Kaeleigh are high school identical twin sisters each very much different from the other. Their parents are aloof and high-achieving adults. One, their mother, a candidate for the United States Congress and their father a judge. Their mother is so very busy working on her campaign that they rarely see her. We learn early in the story that their family began to crumble the night of an auto accident. All are in denial, all blame the others, all have serious issues, and all share deep secrets. However, even our author Ellen Hopkins keeps a secret from us, her readers. She craftily writes of Raeanne and Kaeleigh using their voices to tell the story - first one, then the other. Ms. Hopkins keeps a secret about the accident that would explain many of the family problems clearly. She lets Kaeleigh eventually tell us the truth and all secrets are revealed, even some long held by Grandma. This is a gripping story with many chilling scenes. You will be surprised when Kaeleigh shares the ultimate secret.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Decision Points by George W. Bush

Most presidents write a book after they leave the Oval Office. Generally their books are biographical and give the president an opportunity to thank supporters. When I've read (or started to read them because I rarely finish them) a presidential autobiography in the past, I get bored. The books are dry summations of accomplishments. In his book Decision Points, President George W. Bush has taken a new tack in this presentation. In a primarily chronological order, Bush tells us about turning points in his life through the decision process he took. He acknowledges his faults as a young man regarding his known alcohol use and the point in his life when he realized the harm it was causing. Each decision point offers the reader an opportunity to understand George W. Bush, the man and president. If you're a history buff, if you follow politics, if you like to learn about great leaders, then you'll want to read this book. It takes you into the mind of one of our most honest, dedicated, and principled presidents. Listen to President Bush tell you in this video.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

There is one sentence on the book jacket's author bio that I am always drawn to - "This is her first novel." Why do I like that? I've read many books by first time authors that have been impressive, even award winning stories. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver is another and she does not disappoint. To realize that this is Oliver's first book is impressive.

Let's take a look at the cover where another sentence caught my attention - "You'll have no choice but to tear through this book!" I did - finished it in one day, actually a half day and I don't consider myself a fast reader. Here's why.

Samantha is a high school senior in the group of popular kids. In many ways she and her friends are bullies to others. The opening chapters make that very clear as they ridicule their fellow students. Then one night after a drunken party, Sam and her friends are in a tragic car accident, hospitalizing and killing some. The story takes an unusual twist when Sam wakes up the next morning only to realize that fateful day is repeating. She actually repeats that horrific Friday seven times! Each time with subtle changes to the day and of course she begins to change how she approaches each day differently.

What would you do if you could repeat a day? Would you have any regrets? Would you amend your attitude? Treat others differently? Try harder in school? Be kind to your sisters or brothers? Respect your parents? Each day that Sam can repeat the day she grows stronger and more mature finally seizing the opportunity to do the right thing.

This book is also a romance story but not in the sense that only a girl would want to read it. Even the high school boys play an essential role in the outcome. When finished, I was both sad yet proud of Samantha's seventh day. I hope you will be too. You'll definitely be thinking "what would I do" for a long time.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

It's A Book by Lane Smith

For a change of pace, I want to share this short video of the children's book, It's A Book by Lane Smith. Now that texting, tweeting, blogging, and Web browsing take up many hours of our waking hours, it's refreshing to remember the simple joys of reading a book. Watch the monkey explain to the donkey that It's A Book! Find some time to read during our Thanksgiving week vacation or cuddle up with a youngster and read a BOOK!!

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

The Last Child by John Hart

Once in awhile a book comes along that grabs my attention from the very first page. The intrigue, the characters, the setting, or the author's choice of words. John Hart's The Last Child was all of that plus the thrill of the events unfolding. This book is a suspenseful thriller!

Johnny Merriman is searching for his twin sister who has not been seen in a year. She was picked up by a stranger when she was 12 years old and their family hasn't been the same since. His father has left, his mother tries to mask her pain with drink and drugs, even the police officer who worked diligently to find Alyssa is distraught.

Johnny has a plan to find her. He's convinced she is still alive. He puts himself in harms way often - seeking out the local sex offenders, sneaking out of the house driving into remote areas, drinking with his friend, skipping school, and more. You'll find yourself on the edge of your seat and hoping that Johnny will be safe and that he'll find Alyssa.

I love suspenseful mysteries with all the twists and turns that John Hart has cleverly written in The Last Child. I always try to figure out the mystery before the book's end. I came pretty close in this book but Hart outsmarted me again. That's what makes him an award winning author!

John Hart's website

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Neil Gaiman reads Poe's The Raven

Last Halloween I wrote about Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book. That chilling tale of murder, ghouls, and a graveyard seemed a perfect match on our dark, scary, and chilling holiday. That blog post also linked you to Mr. Gaiman reading The Graveyard Book with his deep, haunting voice.

Today I have another Halloween treat from Neil Gaiman. Tonight he reads an excerpt from Edgar Allen Poe's The Raven, one of his "favorite scary stories" when he was a kid. Want to read the entire story? You'll find it in Major Tales and Poems by Edgar Allan Poe in the BHS MCtr @ SC POE.

Trick or Treat?? Happy Halloween?? BOO!

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

"Wasn't that the point of the book? For women to realize, we are just two people. Not that much separates us. Not nearly as much as I'd thought."

When I got to this quote from The Help by Kathryn Stockett, I marked the page by bending the corner. I wanted to find it again - it spoke to me. These words spoke the essence of why Stockett wrote and many have read her first novel. In the author's notes at the conclusion of the book, Stockett reveals that that line was 'the prize' for her as well. She's the author and we shared a favorite line! I felt so good knowing that. But that line comes near the end of the book so getting there required much reading. Or should I say living with three wonderful characters - Aibileen, Minny and Miss Skeeter.

The Help occurs during the Civil Rights Movement of the early 1960s in Jackson, Mississippi. It follows the lives of white women who have black maids as 'help' to do their housework and raise their children. The story unfolds through the eyes of two of the black maids and one of the white women. Stockett has written in such a voice to bring the characters to life and to transfer you, the reader, to the time and struggles of the Civil Rights Movement.

I was a youngster, a young pre-teen, when our country was in the grip of these racial tensions. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was an activist and people had not yet determined if he could be trusted or not. The peaceful demonstrations he spearheaded were sometimes deemed threatening. While I read The Help I felt that tension again in my body. I feared for the safety of Aibileen, Minny and Miss Skeeter. They were putting their lives and livelihood at risk.

Please find time to read this book. My wish is that you'll also find my opening line as a favorite. We are all 'just two people' - it's that simple.

Author's website

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm