"Elliot Allagash" by Simon Rich

Elliot Allagash by Simon Rich is about a very rich kid, Elliot, who tries to make the least liked kid, Seymour, popular. Has some very funny moments and a great ending. It teaches a lesson we can all learn from this quick read. I enjoyed it. 
(Gerard's review)

This short novel, Elliot Allagash, by Simon Rich is a funny novel about an evil rich boy who tries to prove he can make, Seymour Herson, the least popular kid in school the most popular.  At first Seymour goes along with it, thankful that he has a friend.  Through manipulating, lying, Elliot not only makes Seymour popular, but also corrupts his character in the process.  When Seymour finally has enough and confronts Elliot, he finds himself on Elliot’s “enemy” list but learns that popularity is not so important after all.  I enjoyed this book and recommend it to teens.

(Karen's review)

Please tell us: What categories of literature do you like? What are you reading now? Who are your top five favorite authors? Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

Please Stop Laughing At Me: One Woman's Inspirational Story by Jodee Blanco

If you were picked on in high school and grade school like I was, this book brings back all the painful memories that you NEVER EVER forget! I'm so sorry you had to go through all this, Jodee. I was right there with you! So glad you wrote your book. I wish I had. 

God bless you, Jodee. Hope you enjoy great success in your life. Can't wait to read the sequel. Jodee is right. Teachers do nothing. Parents do nothing. You are on your own! I finished this book in just two days.

(GERARD'S REVIEW 6/15/08)

Please Stop Laughing At Me:  One Woman's Inspirational Story by Jodee Blanco is an autobiography of Jodee's struggles all through school. She tries to stand up for what is right and gets shunned and ostracized. She keeps wanting to "fit in" but doesn't know how without being untrue to herself. Near the end she finally gets some real friends. She takes a lot of abuse from kids who once were her friends, but deals as best she can looking forward to her future at college. I think teens would especially like this book.
(KAREN'S REVIEW 6/20/08)

"Prairie Tale" by Melissa Gilbert

Prairie Tale by Melissa Gilbert is a real eye opener.  The adopted child actress who was in the hit show, "Little House On the Prairie," shares her personal moments, feelings, struggles and triumphs in her own search for identity.  I learned so much about her as a real person and was shocked at some of the things she did.  Her life had lots of ups and downs, all of which contributed to who she is today.  This book gives the reader a look at the acting profession and Hollywood from the inside.  Melissa Gilbert is a great actress who got sucked into the wild life of drugs, alcohol and sex but was able to finally get the help she needed to overcome it.  I enjoyed learning who she really is.
(Karen's Review 7/26/09)
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What an amazing story!  When I found out Melissa had written a book, I knew one thing--I had to read that book!  It took awhile for me to finally get it from the library but it sure was worth the wait.  Whatever you think you know about Melissa, trust me, you don't.  But the good news is you will after you read this book.  What a story Melissa has to tell!  To say I was surprised would be an understatement.  You will laugh and cry; all emotions are in play in PRAIRIE TALE.  One thing you won't be is bored!  My two favorite parts of the book are her Little House years and her relationship with Rob Lowe.  The ending is just outstanding too.  Super job, Melissa!  My expectations were met and then some!   

Gerard's Review 7/18/09)

"Justice In June" Book Giveaway

Crazy For Books is giving away this one!   Justice in June by Barbara Levenson is a new book, just published June 1, 2010 about a defense attorney handling three big cases at once.

It's raining, it's pouring, but the life of criminal defense attorney Mary Magruder Katz is anything but boring - especially when she gets caught up in a whirlwind of three different cases.

Go ahead and enter the giveaway!

Blockade Billy by Stephen King

Blockade Billy by Stephen King is a novel about a guy who comes up to be a fill-in catcher for a major league team.  He loves to block home plate in close plays--hence, the name of the book.  I enjoyed it.  Good twist at the end, Stephen King style!

(Gerard's review 6/22/10)

(spoiler alert)
Blockade Billy by Stephen King is a book that I wish I hadn’t wasted my time reading.  The only good thing was that it is short.  It’s about a catcher who really isn’t who he said and who turned out to be a killer.  When the crowd yelled “Kill the umpire,” Blockade Billy took it literally.  I gave this a chance because I like baseball and that’s what it was about but no more Stephen King for me.

(Karen's review 9/25/10)

Please tell us: What categories of literature do you like? What are you reading now? Who are your top five favorite authors? Have you read this one? What did you think of it?