Michigan vs. The Boys by Carrie S. Allen (We Both Liked This Teen Book)

Michigan vs. The Boys by Carrie S. Allen is a YA novel about a girl who loves to play hockey who tries out for the boys' team when the High School cuts out the girls' team due to lack of funds. I thought this book was pretty good.  It is written for teens so I was able to figure out what was going to happen, but I still enjoyed it and give it a solid 4 stars.  I am sure tomboy girls would love it!  It goes very fast, a quick read.  (Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Karen's review:
Michigan vs. The Boys by Carrie S. Allen is an interesting story about Michigan, a high school student whose hockey team was cut due to lack of funds. She loves hockey and wants to keep playing no matter what! When alternatives her friends find do not work for her, she decides to try out for the boys’ team and makes it. Although she is a very good player, even better than a lot of the boys on the team, they are not happy, especially the ones who feel cut because of her! They all give her a hard time except the goalie, who is at least civil to her. The captain, Daniel, is the ring leader and the coach pretty much backs him up in an effort to get her to quit. When she proves to be tougher than they thought, Daniel sets her up in an effort to get her kicked off the team. That is when she finally reports it to the authorities.

I enjoyed this book but thought Michigan let things to too far. She should have reported the incidents right away. Anyhow, this is a good book for any young athlete to read. There is some hockey action, but mostly it’s about practices and off the rink fallout from the hazing Michigan receives. Her brother is a great character who is very supportive of her and for whose team Michigan is an assistant coach. I recommend this book to any girl athlete. I think girls would like it more than boys but it would be good for them to read it as well. (4 stars)


Teaser from page 13:  I'm happiest when I have skates on my feet, a stick in my hands and teammates by my side.  "Please . . ."  My voice cracks and the rest of my plea sticks in my throat.

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"Safe with me " by Amy Hatvany

Safe with me by Amy Hatvany is about a grieving single mother, Hannah, whose only 12-yr.-old daughter, Emily) got killed in a car accident right in front of her house! She decides to allow the hospital to take Emily’s organs to save the lives of others. The other part of this story is Olivia, the mother of her teenage daughter, Maddie, the recipient of Emily’s liver. Hannah is a hair stylist and Olivia is the wife of a wealthy man who is sporadically abusive to her. Olivia and Maddie go to Hannah’s salon one day and hit it off.

I thought this was a okay story, but nothing really grabbed me. It was fairly predictable and pretty sad. I plodded through it but didn’t much care for it. I suppose it would be interesting to a person who has lost a child or was in an abusive situation, but for me, I couldn’t identify with any of the characters.
(Karen's review, 3 stars)

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"No Better Friend" by Robert Weintraub about a WWII Dog

No Better Friend by Robert Weintraub is about one man, one dog, and their extraordinary story of courage and survival in WWII.  WOW!  This book is so good!  My review will not do it justice, but I will try.  Two British sailors were looking for a mascot for their gunboat.  They fell in love with Judy, a fiercely loyal dog, Right away! This took place just as World War II was about to begin.  Judy was right in the midst of the battle.  She had a relationship with all the men but formed a strong bond with a sailor named Frank. 

This book takes you through World War II.  The writing made me feel as though I were right there with them.  The adventures that Judy and Frank go through are really something!  I enjoyed this book very much!  Judy put her life on the line for the men so many times!  What a dog!  What a book!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Teaser from page 5:  "Swim"! Frank yelled to Judy, while giving her one last push that sent her flying out the porthole.  Below, the ocean was roiling and filling with oil and debris from the dying ship.

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"The Institute" by Stephen King (Husband and Wife Both Liked This One!)

The Institute by Stephen King got my attention and kept it throughout the book.  There are no boring parts in this!  I normally do not like Stephen King books; however, this one involving kids peaked my curiosity.  It is horror because of the emotional and physical pain the children endure.  It is about a bunch of kids who were kidnapped for experimentation on developing their special telekinesis and telepathy abilities for the good of the world.  I liked the group dynamics among the kids and how they became friends and worked together to escape the Institute.  It is not all horrific.  There are some funny lines and lots of adventure.  The ending didn't really make sense to me, but I liked the book anyway.  (Karen's review, 5 stars)

Gerard's review 10/24/19:
The Institute by Stephen King is about children who are really smart and have a special ability to do something are taken and put into a large building.  They are held there and are experimented on and they better behave, or else!  Who is doing this and why?  What about the families of these children?

This is very good!  It flows well and is action packed to be sure!  The ending was amazing!  Good stuff!  (5++ stars) 

Teaser from page 63:  Something began to flutter in his chest, and he took several deep breaths to try and quiet it.  He went to the door and grasped the knob, sure he would find himself locked in.

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"The Night Child" by Anna Quinn

In The Night Child by Anna Quinn, Nora is a high school English teacher.  She thinks that her husband is cheating on her and her relationship with her daughter, an only child, is so-so at best.  One day she sees an image in her classroom.  She blows it off, but when she sees it again, she goes to see a psychiatrist.  What is going on?  Can she be cured?

I thought this book was pretty good.  I never really knew what was going to happen next.  It's a quick read.  This is the author's first book--not bad at all.
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Teaser from page 10:  "I saw something, Paul, an apparition or I hallucinated or I'm going crazy or something."  She hears the instability in her voice and knows she is dangerously close to crossing a line.

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"Sold on a Monday" by Kristina McMorris

Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris takes place during the Great Depression in 1931.  A picture started it all.  Ellis is a reporter who is struggling to keep his job.  One day he saw a sign that reads "2 Children For Sale" and took a picture.  For sure people would be interested in this.  Could this be the break he has been looking for?  Lilly Palmer, a secretary where Ellis works, sees the picture.  Both of them want to find out more about this!  There is a lot more to this than they could have ever imagined!

This is good and flowed along with some good action.  (Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Teaser from page 17:  Were there other siblings being spared?  Would the brothers be separated?   

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"A Dog Called Hope" by Jason Morgan & Damien Lewis

A Dog Called Hope by Jason Morgan is the true story about a wounded warrior and the service dog who saved him.  It is fantastic!  Jason was hurt during an anti-narcotics raid in Central America.  Months later, he was told he would never walk again.  When he is finally doing a little better, his wife leaves him.  He has three young boys and really needs something to go right!

Napal is in training to be a CCI dog.  Napal is a special dog just waiting to be given a chance to be someone's special helper. 

I really enjoyed Jason and all the stuff he had to battle through!  Of course, I loved Napal, the great dog!  This book went fast and I was engaged from page 1!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Teaser from page 282 (large print edition): 

As I left, Napal threw me a look that could melt anyone's heart.  It spoke to me so powerfully.  There's so much love, devotion, and companionship in here if you'll only have me.  Stand by me, and I'll be your battle buddy until the day I die.

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Million-Dollar Throw by Mike Lupica

Million-Dollar Throw by Mike Lupica is about the friendship of Nate and Abby, two 13-yr.-olds. They are best friends. Nate loves playing football and Abby loves art and watching Nate play football. Abby gets Nate to sign up for a football throwing contest that offers a prize of 1 million dollars. Nate is the quarterback on his team and idolizes Tom Brady, the Patriots QB. Nate has a great arm, but when he becomes distracted with family financial pressures, getting nervous about trying to win the million dollars, and finding out that Abby is losing her eye sight, he starts playing badly and loses his confidence. Can he get it back in time for the throwing contest? If he wins, what will he do with the million dollars?

This is a pretty good story about friendship, courage and football. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to kids or young teens. (Karen’s review, 4 stars)

Teaser from page 19: “You’re the one who’s always telling me that the very best part of sports is how it can make a new memory for you practically every day. And right now you’ve got a memory going that will last both of us our whole lives, whether you make the throw or not.”

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"Cold Woods" by Karen Katchur

Cold Woods by Karen Katchur is good stuff! When the long buried bones of a man turn up, the detectives know that it’s a cold case. After all, they guess it’s been 30 years! Three women, who were teen friends at the time, know something about the man that was killed and buried. Will the truth of this come out after all these years?

I liked this book. The pacing of the book is good. It did go back and forth in time though of which I am not a fan. The surprise ending made up for that.
(Gerard’s review, 5 stars)

Teaser from page 3:  Side by side, they tossed more and more dirt on him.  When they were close to finishing, their fear kicked into high gear.


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"Every Note Played" by Lisa Genova

Every Note Played by Lisa Genova centers on two people:  Richard and Karina.  They were married but separated and divorced.  Karina is having trouble moving on.  Her only child, Grace, has gone to college and has little interaction with her mom.  Karina has no one.  Richard is an accomplished concert pianist, but now he has ALS.  Soon he is going to need someone to take care of him 24-7!  He is not close to his family and has no one.

WOW!  I really enjoyed reading this book.  I liked both Richard and Karina.  Lisa  Genova does a great job with the story line.  I have loved all her books and this one is as good as the others!  I laughed, smiled and cried.  It is my book of the month so far!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Teaser from page 27:  Her stomach floods with emotion, her inner streets crowding fast as fervent protest stands upon its soapbox in her center, outraged that she has to deal with this, that Pam especially can't be more sensitive to her.  Richard's canceled tour isn't her concern.

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"REBEL" by Marie Lu

REBEL by Marie Lu is told by two brothers, Daniel (Day) and Eden. Eden is the younger brother and Daniel aka Day is a legend. They now live in Ross City, Antarctica in 2142 AD where the higher level you are, the better standard of living you have. Eden gets mixed up with a mob boss who would like nothing better than to get rid of the levels and run things his way. Daniel is an Antarctic Intelligence Service agent who goes after the criminals. The deeper Eden gets involved with the mob, even Daniel might not be able to save him! This book is so good! I loved being back with Day and June again from The Legend series. This book had a good flow to it and had plenty of action.
(Gerard’s review, 5++ stars)

Karen's review:
Eden, at an illegal drone race in the undercity. Eden is trying to become his own person and establish his place in the world away from his brother’s shadow. Daniel is still seeing Eden as his little brother who needs his protection.

I enjoyed this book, it just didn’t grab me like the others did. It was fun seeing the brother’s relationship develop as they both move into adulthood. The romance between Day and June picks back up and was kind sweet. I think if you enjoyed the prior books in the Legend series, you will enjoy this one as well.  (4 stars)


Teaser from page 13: Me? I’m the nerd with bad eyesight who likes building things and framing flowers. When I speak, my voice is higher and softer than my brother’s. He is the hero who never has nightmares anymore. I am the odd, quiet one that he still treats like a kid.



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"Good Girl, Bad Girl" by Michael Robotham

In Good Girl, Bad Girl by Michael Robotham, a girl is found in a secret room.  Who knows how old she is?  She will not tell and there are no records of her birth!  She is given the name Evie.  She demands to be free from the secure children's home.  A forensic psychologist, Cyrus, is call in.  He has never met anyone like Evie.  In addition, a young high school girl is murdered.  Cyrus is called in to help find the killer.  Are these two girls somehow related?  Who is Evie really and who killed Jodie?

This is a wild book to say the least!  Something is always going on!  This book is told by Cyrus and Evie.  I enjoyed it!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Teaser from page 12:  "Evie has made an application to the court to be released, but she's not ready to leave Langford Hall.  She's dyslexic.  Antisocial.  Aggressive.  She has no friends.  Nobody ever visits her.  She's a danger to herself and others."

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"The Good Father" by Diane Chamberlain

The Good Father by Diane Chamberlain centers on Travis and his 4-yr-old daughter, Bella.  Robin was very sickly and fragile when he got her pregnant and did not want the baby so Travis got full custody.  When his mother's house burns to the ground, he finds himself and Bella homeless.  Then he loses his job and moves to Raleigh to follow a job lead.  He meets a woman at a coffee shop, Erin, who is still grieving over the loss of her child but hits it off with Bella.  His job is not what he thought it would be and finds himself mixed up with drug dealers.  He left Bella with Erin while he went to work, but didn't come back!  What will Erin do with Bella?  Will Travis get out alive and see his daughter again?  What about Robin?  These are all questions answered when you read the book.

I enjoyed this book, although it started off a bit slow.  It really has three story lines about the three main characters, Travis, Erin and Robin.  This book looks at parenting and grieving.  This would be a good book for a book club to discuss.  It has discussion questions in the back.
(Karen's review, 4 stars)

Teaser from page 8:  The only thing was, she might be too good.  The kind of person who'd call the cops on me.  I just had to trust her not to.

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"The Pale-Faced Lie" by David Crow (True Story)

The Pale-Faced Lie by David Crow is about his terrible childhood, his abusive parents, and his struggle to be free from his father’s control and the guilt and shame he felt most of his life. He also had an older sister and a younger brother and sister. This is a sad story and one that is hard to believe families like his actually exist. It sheds light about life on an Indian reservation and how much damage can be caused by abusive parents. His dad was an ex-con who got away with murder and expected David to help him in his criminal activities. The only times David’s father was pleased with David was when he did mean things to people that his father thought was hilarious. Although David had a lot of obstacles to overcome, including his upbringing, hearing loss, poverty and dyslexia, he had a lot of determination and mental toughness. He barely graduated high school and went on to graduate college, majoring in political science. This book made me want to keep reading to see what was going to happen next and how he succeeded (I knew he did since he wrote the book). This was heartbreaking, but at the same time, extremely interesting.
 (Karen’s review, 5 stars)

Gerard's review 9/25/19:
The Pale-Faced Lie by David Crow is the true story about his family.  He had three siblings and they idolized their dad who told them stories about his World War II feats.  But, there was another side to Thurston Crow, the dad.  David tells the story of growing up with his dad and his mentally ill mother including plenty of action!What I enjoyed most about this book is that I really never knew what was going to happen next.
(5++ stars)

Teaser from page 8:  Other days, Dad tied me to the pine tree in our front yard.  He'd wrap a thick, scratchy rope around my chest and ankles and tug on it hard to make a tight know.

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"You Owe Me a Murder" by Eileen Cook

In You Owe Me a Murder by Eileen Cook, Kim is headed to London on a class trip.  Good time for it because her life is not going very well.  She really needs this!  She meets a stranger on the plane and they have an instant connection.  In London, things go south in a hurry and Kim finds her life is at a crossroad!

I enjoyed this book!  Kim is a great character.  The pacing of the book is okay and I especially liked the last part of this book.  If you liked "Stranger on the Train," you will also like this!
(Gerard's review, 5+ stars)

Teaser from page 15:  I was a walking black cloud of doom.  I hadn't bothered to get to know anyone else coming on the trip and now I was going to be miserable and alone.

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"Just After Midnight" by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Just After Midnight by Catherine Ryan Hyde centers on two women--Faith and Sarah.  Faith escapes her abusive husband, for now.  While at her friend's beach house, she befriends a young girl, Sarah.  Sarah is going through a rough time.  Her mom just died unexpectedly but the death is suspicious.  Also, her dad sold her house without saying anything to Sarah.

This book was pretty good.  I enjoyed Faith and especially Sarah.  I would have liked a little more action though.  (Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Teaser from page 17:  "Faith.  What if it works this time?  What if I ride her and make her look really good, and it works, and somebody buys her?  Then what?"

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"The Hive" by Barry Lyga and Morgan Baden

The Hive by Barry Lyga and Morgan Baden tells the story of Cassie, a young teen girl who knows all about "The Hive."  It is social media that hands out punishment if need be on people who post what they consider to be "out of bounds."  One day Cassie makes a joke and is smack in the middle of Hive justice!

This book was pretty good.  I enjoyed Cassie, but the other characters were not brought out very well.  That being said, I still give this book a solid 4 because it had some good action.
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)

Teaser from page 39:  "But it's a joke," Sarah added.  "Only the popular people ever trend positive.  Each week, a certain crowd decides who will be the targets, and everyone just follows along.  It's not even real justice.

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"Outlaw" by Ted Dekker

Outlaw by Ted Dekker is a novel that takes place in the jungle of Irian Jaya. It is about how Julian Carter and her 2-yr.-old son Stephen left America because she felt called to go to New Guinea to be a missionary through a reoccurring dream. She found herself shipwrecked on the way and captured by an unknown tribe of cannibals, the Tulim people who lived in the jungle in 1963 and obviously had a very different culture than she was used to and did not know their language.

I was looking for a change of pace and this book gave it to me. I enjoyed learning about the culture of cannibals and jungle tribes. This book is packed with adventure and is written by a man who was born and raised by missionaries in the jungles of Irian Jaya. This is a pretty amazing story and although some parts didn’t quite make sense to me, I still enjoyed it. This is a wild book! (Karen’s review, 5 stars)

Teaser from page 5: I cried out and frantically searched the foaming water but there was no sign of the captain. The ocean had swallowed him whole and shoved the boat far from where he’d gone overboard.


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"Making a Play" by Abbi Glines

Making a Play by Abbi Glines teen fiction about the romance between 18-yr.-old Ryker, an outstanding high school football receiver who uses girls and the quarterback's twin sister, Aurora, who is deaf and just starting at the school.  Ryker is immediately attracted to her and she finds him attractive and nice.  Although her brother and her friend warn her about him, she is determined to get to know him and make up her own mind.  The fact that she is white he is black does not bother her at all, but her dad has a different opinion. 

I liked this book better as it went along.  As Ryker changes to become more worthy of Aurora, the language improves.  I would have enjoyed more football action but that was just a backdrop.  The main story was about Aurora adjusting to a new school and fitting in even though she was deaf and how Ryker changed and started really caring for her.  Her brother was sweet to in how he wanted to protect her and look out for her.  I liked that chapters alternated between Ryker's point of view and Aurora's.  It went fast.
(Karen's review, 4 stars)

Teaser from page 32:  She knew he wouldn't accept me when he found out about my being deaf.  I was disappointed, but it was an emotion I knew well.  I would survive.  

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"The Unwinding of the Miracle" by Julie Yip-Williams

The Unwinding of the Miracle by Julie Yip-Williams is the true story of how Julie overcame so much. She was born blind in Vietnam.  Her grandmother wanted her killed just two days after she was born. With 300 other people in a boat, she made it to Hong Kong and then America where she attended Harvard and became a very good lawyer. She married and had two daughters.  But unfortunately, she could not overcome colon Cancer.  She wrote this book for her daughters to remember her.

Julie tells her story and pulls no punches.  There is some humor also.  Rest in peace, Julie.  Job well done!  (Gerard's review, 5+ stars) 

Teaser from page 8:  But also as your mother, I want you to feel the pain, to live it, embrace it, and then learn from it.  Be stronger people because of it, for you will know that you carry my strength within you.

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