Fallen Angel by Walter Dan Myers

Great story told by a young black soldier, Richie Perry.  Perry's account of what happened in the Vietnam war is both sad and fascinating.  Violent war stories are not my cup of tea but I truly enjoyed this book and am glad to see a story not only about the never ending war in Vietnam but also about a young African American boy who finds himself in a war that involves "kill or be killed", survival, and death.

Chains by Laurie Anderson

 Isabel and her younger sister Ruth find themselves slaves of the evil and unrelenting Locktons.  Still hoping that someday they will be free Isabel offers her services as an informant to the Rebels.  Isabel believes that she will be set free if she continues to offer information.  She is desperately disappointed and saddened when Ms. Lockton sells her baby sister Ruth and the Commander does not pay up on his promises.  Isabel is badly beaten but still finds hope in words said by her dead mother.  She even goes out on Christmas and gives to those in need.  One night she decides to excape and sneaks Curzon out of the prison. She eventually finds herself on an island with Curzon after rowing all night in the freezing, icy river.

Leviathan

I enjoyed reading this story.  I think the part of Deryn Sharp a commoner, and a girl that disguises herself as a boy in the British Air Service has me rooting for her success. She's a brilliant airman, but is in constant fear that someone will find out her true identity.

The Knife of Never Letting Go

Todd Hewitt is a child by Prentisstown Standards.  Everyone is able to hear the thoughts of every person who lives in this town.  It becomes so jumbled that it is just constant noise.  This town also has no women. They were all killed by a disease.  One day he happens to run across silence near the swamp and knows something is very wrong.  He returns home and is told he must leave immediately with no explanation.  He sets out to find a place his mom once wrote about and unexpectedly runs into a girl.  He is shocked and speechless.  They begin to run from the hunters and along the way they endanger the lives of others.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth

Mary yearns to see what is beyond the forest. She lives in a small town surrounded by a fence so the evil unconsecrated stay out. When her mother gets attacked by one and is sent to the other side she is sad and heartbroken. She begins to plan on ways to see the ocean beyond the forest. The stories her mother told her about the ocean inspires her even more. With her questions and outward emotions she begins to catch the attention of the head mistress, a very strict and controlling sister (religious). Once it becomes apparent that she will not be “called” to marry she is sent to the sister’s compound unwillingly. While there she begins to search for answers and the truth behind the town and falls in love with Travis who is in fact betrothed to another. The town becomes infested with unconsecrated and they must flee to safety. Ultimately she finds herself by the ocean in a very bizarre situation.

The Giver

Jonas, a twelve year old boy has gotten the assignment of the century.  He will be a receiver of memories.  He is taken aback by this very prestigious assignment and finds himself feeling apprehensive.  As a receiver he must meet the Giver of memories and receive all his memories in small bits.  He finds that life is really not what it appears to be.  He is missing out on many of life’s beauty as well as the horrific events of the past.  Jonas also realized through the memories given to him that releasing a newborn or an elderly individual meant they were going to kill them, which was extremely sad and unnecessary but this was part of the perfect life they all lived no war, no hunger and no conflicts and did not include the ability to see color or love, passion, and happiness.

The Hunger Games

I did not enjoy this book at all.  The first couple of chapters were slow and unusually uninteresting.  I tried to read with an open mind but just couldn't get into it.  I found Katniss brave when she takes her sisters place in the fight to the death.  The government makes young adults fight to the death on live T.V. I found this disgusting and unbelievable.  I feel guilty that I could not get into this book, but I guess its all about personal preference.  I'm going to try to read it again in the future.

Bumped by Megan Mccafferty

What happens when women over the age of 18 can’t have children?  They have young teenagers have the babies for them.  In today’s society we call it “surrogates.”  The only difference is the girls are 16 and are teenagers not grown women who can offer their womb in good conscience.  The difficulties surrounding the twin girls in this novel are sad but true.  There are definitely shows that currently imitate this whole situation.  16 and pregnant totally frustrates me and I no longer view this show.  It seems like in today’s society it is deemed as “cute” instead of disgusting to see a young teenager pregnant.  To see a 16 year old girl pregnant fills me with sadness and pain, this story just didn’t work for me. 

Unwind by Shusterman

In this novel's merciless future, teenagers are being murdered for the so called good of others.   Any The federal government has outlawed abortion but instituted the practice of “unwinding,” or retroactive pregnancy termination. Before the age of 18, any teenager, at the discretion of a parent or guardian, can be killed and disassembled, with his or her organs going to the sick and injured.  What a sad and petrifying premise.  Those that get away are on the run with one thing on their mind survival until  the become 18.

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson

After a terrible car crash Jenna is badly hurt and in a coma. When she awakens from the coma she doesn’t recognize anyone or remember anything. As days begin and end she starts to remember little by little. Her parents try to help by showing Jenna old movies of herself at different ages. Her grandmother’s reaction towards her triggers some very unexpected questions. What really happened during and after the accident is the questions that are bothering her the most. After finding some interesting hard drives her parents tell her the sad truth.

Luna by Julie Anne Peters

A great read, inspirational and heartwarming.  I story told by a sister who loves her brother unconditionally and will do what it takes to make him real.  Regan does what ever she can to help him make his transition into Luna but finds it a bit difficult when he begins to go public.  In the end she offers her complete support and understanding and feels extremely sad when he leaves to begin his formal transition.  What a wonderful and supportive relationship Regan offers to Luna.  This relationship is one that should be replicated by every brother and sister.

Freak Show by James St. James

Overall a good read.  I found it at times a bit sad and overwhelming.  Billy was a strong witty teenager who through his wit is able to overcome so much.  His ability to mentally pull himself out of situation (out of body experience)proves to be a great defense mechanism.  While he is who he is and makes decisions based on that he finds himself in very dark and sad situations and uses laughter and outrageous actions to deal with it.  One day while being beaten severely he is rescued by  a young, popular and his savior, Flip.  Flip turns out to be a great friend and hangs out with him quite frequently.  In the end he gets his man and is extremely happy.