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.

Gabrielle Zevin: Elsewhere

Third-person omniscient narrator, but yet it almost reads as third-person limited. The story surrounds Liz, who at 15 was killed in a hit-and-run accident.
Elsewhere is where all who pass live out their days backwards until they are reborn back on earth, in a never-ending cycle of life and living lives. It is frustrating the fight Liz puts up as she tries to make sense of what has happened to her, and what is to come in her life, but as I type this I realize how Zevin has articulated the teen angst in a manner that is realistic for Liz's situation. I am glad that I read it, and it is a most excellent way of viewing what happens after our time here, on this Earth, is over.

Patrick Jones: Cheated

This perspective takes depressing to the extreme. Mick feels sorry for himself and the situations he finds himself in, which are a result of his insecurities, upbringing, and overall male teenager-ness. The reader can't feel sorry for him because of the constant whining. The choices that result in a horrific crime are then abruptly not concluded with any satisfaction. I even read the whole thing hoping for a better message. While Mick owns up to his role in the murder, it isn't because of his true nature, but rather his guilt and the pressure put upon him by the adults surrounding him. Pretty disappointing.

Sherman Alexie: The Absolute True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

I knew this would be good, but didn't expect it to be read-it-in-two-hours-even though I need to go to the RR good.
Sad, funny, heart wrenching, overwhelming, and an upbeat ending. One of the best books I have read in a long time. Who would have thought that a Spokane boy's story of finding his way between several worlds would be so powerful?

R.P. MacIntyre & Wendy MacIntyre: Apart

Written in a series of letters....Takes place in Canada (outside researching would have been helpful during, but I was anxious to get to the end). The ending was unexpected, unsatisfying, and while I have come to expect few happy endings from current YA lit, this ending was so not what it should have been. Interesting, well-written, beautiful language and conversations, just disappointing.

Esther Friesner: Nobody's Prize

Definitely not as good as book one.
I don't know why I was expecting more, but this did not live up to my expectations. A lot of running, far-fetched disguises, and unanswered questions. I love the idea of "recreating" the myth, but Friesner took liberties (The Furies, The Amazons, Herakles, to name a few...) that I wasn't anticipating--totally squelched the fun of those stories. Helen is still super strong and an awesome heroine, but the rest of the text intermixed with her story turned me off.
Maybe there will be a third?