The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Name: The Alchemist
Author: Paulo Coelho
Genre: Adult Fiction
Reviewer: Karen Pellett
Rating: Fabulous
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise (be brief): - "An Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago travels from his Spanish homeland to the Egyptian desert in search of treasure buried in the Pyramids. Along the way he meets a gypsy woman, a man who calls himself king, and an alchemist, all of whom point Santiago in the direction of his quest. No one knows what the treasure is, or if Santiago will be able to surmount the obstacles along the way. But what starts out as a journey to find worldly goods turns into a meditation on the treasures found within"--Container.
Opinions: This book was absolutely incredible. Based on a fable known throughout the world Coelho gives an eye-opening rendition that struck home to me personally. I found a new way at looking at the world and at my life. If you have ever felt strongly that you have a purpose on this earth but might be too afraid to pursue it, then you should read this book. It might just be the motivation you need to get started. If not at least it will leave you with a lot of profound thinking to do.

The Beggar King and the Secret of Happiness by Joel ben Izzy

Name: The Beggar King and the Secret of Happiness
Author: Joel ben Izzy
Genre: Adult Non-Fiction
Reviewer: Karen Pellett
Rating: Fabulous
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise (be brief): - Once upon a time there was a story-teller who traveled the globe collecting and telling stories that had been passed down for generations. Though the tales he told held great wisdom, he failed to grasp their true meaning until the day he lost the power to tell them. This is the true story of that man -- who finds happiness just when he thinks he has lost everything. In this surprising and altogether original book, Joel ben Izzy takes us on a journey into a world of beggars and kings, monks and tigers, lost horses and buried treasure. (King County Library)
Opinions: This book is intriguing and thought provoking in the best sense. It is a non-fiction story filled with fictional tales. Joel ben Izzy learns how to overcome the struggle of losing his voice to throat cancer by reviewing the tales he told for decades to find within them a deeper meaning that helped to heal his heart and soul. I highly recommend this as a fabulous read to anyone willing to give it a try.

The Hollow Kingdom by Clare B. Dunkle

Name: The Hollow Kingdom (trilogy)
Author: Clare B. Dunkle
Genre: Juvenille Fiction/Fantasy
Reviewer: Karen Pellett
Rating: Fabulous
Alerts/Warnings: Goblins kidnap teenage girls who wander out in the night. Might be scary for younger kids.
Premise (be brief): - In nineteenth-century England, a powerful sorcerer and King of the Goblins chooses Kate, the elder of two orphan girls recently arrived at their ancestral home, Hallow Hill, to be his bride and queen. (King County Library)
Opinions: I just went ahead and read the entire series again for the second time. For three books it took me under four days and that is while taking care of my teething seven month old. I love this series. It is imaginative, spooky, thrilling and there is this whole underlying theme of not judging on looks, etc. which is really good. I love Kate - the strong, ellegant sister who sacrifices her freedom to save her sister - and I adore Emily - the headstrong, determined, fun-loving younger sister who would consider it an absolutely grand day if she were ever kidnapped by goblins. This is a fun read. The good guys may not be so good and the bad guys might just be the night in shinging armor, but then what if it was the girl who had to go save them all? Hmmm.....something to ponder as you read.

Secret of the Sirens by Julia Golding

Name: Secret of the Sirens (Book 1 in the Companions Quartet)
Author: Julia Golding
Genre: YA Eco-Fantasy
Reviewer: Karen Pellett
Rating: Love
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise (be brief): - Upon moving to her aunt's seaside home in the British Isles, Connie becomes part of a secret society that shelters mythical creatures, and must use her ability to communicate with these beings to protect them from evil and the incursions of humans. (King County Library)
Opinions: This entire series has been a joy for my husband and I to read. Though heavily environmentalist throughout the book we were so easily drawn into the life of Connie, a girl thrown into a world full of mythical creatures, as she learns to communicate with all of them (a talent that was thought long lost from the earth). Through many trials Connie strives to help these wonderful creatures avoid extinction through mans carelessness with some humans treat the earth, all the while fighting against the worst of mythical creatures - a shape shifter named Kullervo who is determined to pit man against beast until all are destroyed. For those who enjoy reading Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and the Olympians series should enjoy this series as well.

To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Name: To Kill A Mockingbird
Author: Harper Lee
Genre: Historical Fiction
Reviewer: Karen Pellett
Rating: Love
Alerts/Warnings: Swearing, Drinking, Rape, Racism
Premise (be brief): - Scout Finch, daughter of the town lawyer Atticus, has just started school; but her carefree days come to an end when a black man in town is accused of raping a white woman, and her father is the only man willing to defend him. (King County Library)
Opinions: This classic is a must read, but only if you are prepared. Tough subjects are talked about throughout this book, but they are well done. I love that we see this story through the mind of a child in all its purity. If you wish to have your children read this book, or if they are assigned to read it in school, I highly recommend that you read it with them so you can discuss it thoroughly on your terms.

The Celtic Riddle by Lyn Hamilton

Name: The Celtic Riddle: An Archaeological Mystery
Author: Lyn Hamilton
Genre: Adult Fiction/Mystery
Reviewer: Karen Pellett
Rating: Like
Alerts/Warnings: Swearing, Drinking
Premise (be brief): - Toronto shopkeeper Lara McClintoch is back--and heading for Ireland--in this thrilling new novel in the series called "exotically absorbing and culturally colorful" by "The Midwest Book Review." (King County Library)
Opinions: I enjoy a good mystery and this is a good mystery. I also loved learning a lot about Ireland and Celtic Lore. If you are looking for a good old who-dunnit story this is for you. If you want to learn more about Celtic myth and legend then this story is also for you. So pick it up, check it out and enjoy the read.

The Beekeeper's Apprentice...by Laurie R. King

Name: The Beekeeper's Apprentice or on the segregation of the queen
Author: Laurie R. King
Genre: Adult Fiction/Mystery
Reviewer: Karen Pellett
Rating: Fabulous
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise (be brief): - Long retired, Sherlock Holmes quietly pursues his study of honeybee behavior on the Sussex Downs. He never imagines he would encounter anyone whose intellect matched his own, much less an audacious teenage girl with a penchant for detection. Miss Mary Russell becomes Holmes' pupil and quickly hones her talent for deduction, disguises and danger. But when an elusive villain enters the picture, their partnership is put to a real test. Martin's Press. (King County Library)
Opinions: Fabulous!!!! I love Sherlock Holmes, but this is Sherlock Holmes with a feminine twist. Can you imagine such an intellect as Holmes training up a 15 year old girl in his ways of deduction. I couldn't either, but it is FANTASTIC. This book is the beginning of a series of books with Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes working together to solve cases. I own all of the books in this series that have been published to date and I am dying for more to come out. This book was so good that a couple of years ago I recommended it to my book club. Everyone was skeptical from the start, but when we actually met to discuss it everyone raved about it. This is a must read from my point of view.

Midnight for Charlie Bone by Jenny Nimmo

Name: Midnight for Charlie Bone (Children of the Red King Series)
Author: Jenny Nimmo
Genre: Teen Fantasy/Sci-fi
Reviewer: Karen Pellett
Rating: Fabulous
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise (be brief): - Charlie doesn't want to believe it when he discovers that he can hear the thoughts of people in photographs. But his horrible aunts are delighted - it means that he is one of the chosen and must attend the Bloor's Academy for gifted children. (Pleasant Grove Library)
Opinions: Fabulous!!!! Now this is an easy read, but it is one that was quite enjoyable. I think I actually enjoyed it better than Harry Potter (AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!) Did she really say that? Yes, I did. Harry Potter was definitely more detailed of a read and much more envolved. Don't get me wrong, I still think it is fabulous and I own all seven books and have read them several times. However, for a story about a magically "endowed" child going to a special school I think I preferred the story line of Charlie Bone much more. Not everyone at Bloor's Acadamy has special abilities, but for those who do...each ability is different. Whereas, with Harry Potter everyone at Hogwarts has some ability of magic, but each person has different areas they are better at. At Bloor's you have kids both magically endowed and regular kids striving together to save the day. This book is so good that my husband and I are reading the rest of the entire series together. So far we have gone through a book a day. Its a fast read, but well worth reading.

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

Name: Howl's Moving Castle
Author: Diana Wynne Jones
Genre: Teen Fantasy/Sci-fi
Reviewer: Karen Pellett
Rating: Fabulous
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise (be brief): - Eldest of three sisters in a land where it is considered to be a misfortune, Sophie is resigned to her fate as a hat shop apprentice until a witch turns her into an old woman and she finds herself in the castle of the greatly feared wizard Howl. (King County Library)
Opinions: I admit that I read this book several years ago, but I remember completely that it was amazing. It had mixed reviews at the book club that I attended as many thought it was just an enjoyable read than something profound, but this is an amazingly fantastical book. It takes place in a magical realm, but there is a special door that lets the wizard Howl visit someone in our world. I loved the freedom that Sophie found in becoming an old women allowing her to slough off her hesitant personality of youth. I found this book full of profound insight if you choose to look for it, but it is still filled with such fun, fantastical characters and events that keep you wanting to read until the end. This book was SO good that as soon as I finished reading it I immediately started reading it again, this time out loud to my nephews. There was a movie made of this movie, but in my opinion the book outshines it 100%.

The Fearless Pregnancy by Victoria Clayton...

I KNOW!!! You are seriously asking how I can post three reads this week. Well, I'm just good (just kidding). My sick child is finally sleeping soundly and I'm taking a moment of peace and reflection to spread the word for some wonderful reads and to amaze one and all I'm actually about to recommend a self-help book. Yes, I actually read more than teen fantasy. Just wait and I will amaze you at the various types of books that I end up reading.




Name: The Fearless Pregnancy: Wisdom and Reassurance from a Doctor, a Midwife, and a Mom
Author: Victoria Clayton, Stuart Fischbein, and Joyce Weckl
Genre: Non-fiction/Self-Help
Reviewer: Karen Pellett
Rating: WORSHIP!!!!!!!!!!
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise (be brief): - Like other best-selling pregnancy books, this The Fearless Pregnancy shares first-person information from a new mom, but what sets it apart from the other books is that it also includes helpful advice from both a doctor and a midwife...(Amazon.com)
Opinions: OK I have a religious side of me that rebels at saying that I worship this book, but come on... I just had my first child this spring and anyone who has ever been pregnant knows the emotional gambit a woman traverses during the time she is caring that special being within her (even more so having previously miscarried several pregnancies before this one). Having made it past my first trimester I wanted to know everything and anything about being pregnant, what I was going through, doctors' tests, etc. This book was AMAZING!!! It covers the fears, the myths, the facts, and any information from three different view points that will allow a mom to make a decision to personalize her own pregnancy and delivery. This book was so good that I'm willing to hand it out (or recommend it spastically) to anyone that I hear is pregnant.



Seriously, feel free to send us suggestions, or reviews of books that you have read if you would like to see anything from someone other than Stephanie and myself.

The 13th Reality by James Dashner

Name: The 13th Reality: The Journal of Curious Letters
Author: James Dashner
Genre: Teen Fantasy
Reviewer: Karen Pellett
Rating: Love
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise (be brief): - Thirteen-year-old Atticus "Tick" Higginbottom begins receiving mysterious letters from around the world signed only "M.G.," and the clues contained therein lead him on a journey to the perilous 13th Reality and a confrontation with evil Mistress Jane. (King County Library System)
Opinions: Having previously read the first book in Dashner's Jimmy Fincher series I immediately went to my local library and requested another one of Dashner's series - The 13th Reality: The Journal of Curious Letters. I do not know a lot about Quantum Physics, but I do know that this was a fun read. It is a great look into the power of a person's choices and the amazing things that teenagers (let a lone any of us) can do in this world. I was also quite impressed with Atticus "Tick" Higgenbottom's (seriously the main character's name) parents. Many times in the last two years I have read books where the teenager or young adult has harsh, mean, or unfeeling parents. In this book, Edgar and Lorena are an amazing support to their son. They believe in him and trust in him (granted he has NEVER given them a reason not to). Overall...I love this book and read it as quickly as I could.

A Squire's Tale by Gerald Morris

Name: A Squire's Tale
Author: Gerald Morris
Genre: Teen Fantasy
Reviewer: Karen Pellett
Rating: Adore
Alerts/Warnings: There are some mentions of people getting their heads cut off (on purpose or accidentally) and other people having to carry these heads to King Arthur to account for their crimes. These scenes are short but I am told are a lot less gruesome than the original Le Morte d'Arthur.
Premise (be brief): - In medieval England, fourteen-year-old Terence finds his tranquil existence suddenly changed when he becomes the squire of the young Gawain of Orkney and accompanies him on a long quest, proving Gawain's worth as a knight and revealing an important secret about his own true identity (King County Library System).
Opinions: This book is the first in a series of books retelling Arthurian legend tales. I not only thoroughly enjoyed this book, I have been enjoying the entire series. It is a relatively smooth read, filled with adventure, emotions, swordplay, sarcastic commentary, and an interesting look into what makes a woman - their souls vs. their beauty. I highly recommend this as a fabulous read.

A Door in the Woods by James Dashner

Name: A Door in the Woods
Author: James Dashner
Genre: Teen Fantasy
Reviewer: Karen Pellett
Rating: Love
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise (be brief): - Fourteen-year-old Jimmy Fincher sets off on a quest that takes him from Georgia across the country and to other, sometimes terrifying worlds, armed with a powerful gift and a mission. (Summary courtesy of Orem, UT Public Library)
Opinions: The voice of the book is what made the book for me. The narrator is quirky, blunt and hilarious (especially from a 14 year-old point of view). I finished this book in less than a day. It is an easy read, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and refused to put it down until I was finished. Let's just say it was good enough that I wrote the author an email to thank him for the journey.