Shelia Solomon Klass

Not bad, but not super. Too many superfluous additions to the text when Sampson's story in itself is amazingly captivating. Whatever.

F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby

Meh.
Why does Fitzgerald write women so unflatteringly? While some of the language was amazing to read, the story could have been so easily told in about 150 less pages...Still, interesting and frustrating all at once--a good thing.

Tennessee Williams: A Streetcar Named Desire

I hate Stanley, but I think I hate Stella more. Her weakness is sickening...

Margaret Peterson Haddix : Palace of Mirrors

STUPID cover. AND the 1st inside panel should note that Ella (from Just Ella) returns in this text--not on the back panel that I read when I was 3/4 of the way through trying to sort out if the Ella was MY Ella.
Really interesting read, the book had an unpredictable ending (I was guessing until the last few pages), but the heroine is not as strong as I saw Ella. She seems to whine a great deal about her "rightful" place as the queen, but it is essential to her character's predicament. I still appreciate this book. I just miss Ella...she and Jed still are not married! :)

K.L. Denman: Spiral (orca soundings)

These Orca Soundings (Currents/sports, etc.) books are awesome for ELL students, and those readers who are less motivated. They are quick reads with interesting plot lines. This was about a girl who was paralyzed from an accident at work, who then became addicted to cocaine. She is admitted to an exclusive horse rehabilitation facility (like a ranch), where she finds herself and becomes adept in her "new" body. Not anything worth cannonizing, but an interesting read nonetheless.

Kristin Cashore: Graceling

Best. Book. EVER.
Seriously. I know that I say that a great deal, but Katsa is by far my favorite heroine EVER. I do wish I didn't have to wait forever for "Book Three" (as per the author), because I do not, in any way want to read about the slime-ball Leck in the prequel due NEXT year!!!
BAH!! Why can't there be more awesome adventures for Po and Katsa????? LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!

Catherine Gilbert Murdock: Princess Ben

Initially, as a YA read, I was thrown by the superfluous diction of Princess Benevolence. She speaks with extremely developed vocabulary, and while I can appreciate that (degrees help), I am curious to know if students will. The end of the text, however, makes the read entirely worthwhile.

Anne Osterlund: Aurelia

Strong heroine, not a pushover. suspenseful and a satisfying ending ensues.
Interesting plot--princess's life in danger, boy-as-spy comes to "rescue" her, witty banter, rebellion, unpredictable--a fun read!

Jane Harrington: my best friend, the Atlantic Ocean, and other great bodies standing between me and my life with Giulio

Pretty mundane. Delia's cluelessness borders on the unrealistic, but she does have a humorous tone that is fun to read. A definite "happy ending," but pretty expected. Not to bad if a reader is looking for some brain candy...

Anonymous: Secret Diary of a Call Girl

Meh...Really well-written: excellent and developed language, highly developed vocabulary, interesting adventures...BUT, the ending leaves the reader wondering why the time was invested in reading "Belle's" story only to be left with no closure or sense of purpose. VERY XXX rated...there is a huge sex scene even before page 3!! Also, the degrading nature of some of her chosen sex acts (voluntary and financially compensated) is slightly depressing.