"The Game Can't Love You Back" by Karole Cozzo is a Fun Read!

1.    

The Game Can’t Love You Back by Karole Cozzo is a fun read about a high school girl, Eve, pitching on a boys’ baseball team, where Jaimie is the Ace pitcher.  They start out on very rocky ground, but Eve gets Jaimie’s respect which develops into deeper feelings.  I enjoyed it very much.  I think girls, especially tom boys, would like this one more than guys.  It’s more about relationships than it is baseball.  (Karen's review, 4 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Notes on Your Sudden Disappearance" by Alison Espach

Notes On Your Sudden Disappearance by Alison Espach deals with two teen sisters--Sally and Kathy.  They both like Billy, a well-known boy at the local high school.  One day all three are in the same car when an accident happens.  One of the sisters is killed and Billy will never be what he wants to be.  Can the other sister pick up the pieces?  

When this book was clean, it was very good, but for some reason, the author had to put smut into it which ruined it for me.  (Gerard's review, 3.5 stars)  

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"For Your Own Good" by Samantha Downing is Really Good (if you like Creepy, Twisted Characters)!

For Your Own Good by Samantha Downing is about deaths of two headmasters, three teachers, and a parent of a student at a private high school.  Mr. Crutcher, the teacher of the year, teaches English but is a creep as well as the main character!  This is not a very happy book, but rather quite sinister.  I must say, I flew through it because the story line was so compelling.  The reader knows from the start that Mr. Crutcher is behind the murders but I had to keep reading to find out if he gets found out.  This was quite the story with the twist of much of it being written from the murder's view.  (Karen's review, 4 stars)

In For Your Own Good by Samantha Downing, Teddy Crutcher is a good teacher.  In fact, he got the teacher of the Year award!  He tries to get the most out of all of his students.  Now if only the rest of the faculty will stay out of his way he can get on with doing his job.  If they do not, he has ways to handle that too.  I thought this book was really good.  I flew through it!  The writing and story line are very good!  I also loved all the characters and the great ending.  I loved it!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Dread Locks" by Neal Shusterman is Dreadful

Dread Locks by Neal Shusterman was a dreadful for me.  I enjoyed many of his other books, but this one was too stupid.  The beginning was intriguing but that didn't last for long.  It's about Tara, a lonely teenage girl who turns people to stone and gives Parker her "gift."  I did not care for any of the main characters and really disliked Parker.  The best thing about this book is that it is short so didn't waste too much of my time.  Teens may enjoy it much more than I did though, as that is his primary audience.  Still, I would suggest you read other books by Shusterman instead of this one.  (Karen's review, 2 stars)      

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The DH" by John Feinstein

The DH by John Feinstein is about a high school baseball team and the main character, Matt Gordon.  Matt is an outstanding player.  He is a very good pitcher and even better hitter!  The story centers around Matt hitting a batter in the head with the ball in a fit of rage.  His friend, Alex, has a dad who is a lawyer.  In an effort to restore a good relationship with his son, the lawyer defends Matt in his suspension case.

This book was okay, but I enjoyed the football book much more.  (Karen's review, 3 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The Walk On" by John Feinstein

The Walk On by John Feinstein is the first of The Triple Threat series about a high school freshman quarterback, Alex Myers.  There are two QBs ahead of him in the depth chart, the starter being the coach's son!  Alex is a very good passer though and the coach's son is not.

I thought this book was good and enjoyed the dynamics on the football team as well as the insight in play calling during games.  I liked Alex and his girlfriend who was a reporter for the school newspaper.  I thought the story line was good, although predictable.  The only thing I did not like was ending.  I would have liked to have seen how the Championship game played out!  (Karen's review, 4 stars) 

Gerard's review of 5/16/21:

In The Walk On by John Feinstein, Alex Myers is a very good Freshman quarterback.  He is starting at a new school and wants to play for the varsity football team.  The problem is that the quarterback they have is not only good, but also the coach's son!  I thought this book was good for a children's book.  It goes fast but is predictable.  It is light reading which is a break from normal.  (4 stars)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The Bright Lands" by John Fram

In The Bright Lands by John Fram, the small town of Bentley loves their high school football team.  The town has secrets and now the star quarterback goes missing before the biggest game of the year!  This might be the biggest secret of them all.

This novel is told by a bunch of people which added to the story in my opinion.  This is a wild book for sure, but in a good way with a few twists and turns.  I also liked the ending.  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Teaser from page 29:  "But they'd kill me if I went to the station.  I ain't even supposed to be here."

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"A Good Girl's Guide to Murder" by Holly Jackson

Roxy is sad the dog in the book got killed--not good.

a good girl's guide to murder by Holly Jackson centers on a high school senior girl named Pip.  For her senior project, she decides to look into a 5-yr.-old murder of Andie Bell, a high school senior.  The police consider the case closed, but Pip has some doubts.  For a while it was interesting to play along with Pip as she did her research, but became tedious.  There is a lot of talk in this book without much action.  I was mad at the author for killing off the dog for no good reason so only give this one 3 stars.  (Gerard's review)

To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"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.  

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"The Rising" by Heather Graham and Jon Land - Science Fiction

The rising by Heather Graham and Jon Land has two main characters:  Alex, a star high school quarterback who looks forward to being a QB in college and the pros; and Samantha who has big future plans, but for now is a tutor to Alex.  She would love to have a future with Alex.  Alex gets hurt in a game and is rushed to the hospital.  The test results are like nothing the doctors have ever seen and a secret that has been hidden for many years will come out!

This thriller is pretty good.  I loved Alex and Samantha and the story line was good too!  This is well worth reading.
(Gerard's review, 4.5 stars)

Karen's review:
Well, I disagree with my husband's review on this and his rating.   The Rising by Heather Graham and Jon Land is the first in a science fiction series about Alex who is human, but al from some other planet far, far away which he remembers nothing about since he came to earth when just a baby. He was the star of his high school football team, but when he got clobbered in the head breaking up a tackle, his life changed! He and is tutor, Samantha, find themselves on the run.

 I did not care of this book and was very happy when I finally reached the end. No way will I continue with this series. Absolutely nothing made any sense to me. I just thought the story line was very dumb and the characters were just okay, not very well developed. The only reason I continued reading to the end was because I thought things might make sense if I read it all, but I was wrong. I didn’t enjoy this at all and certainly would not recommend it to anyone! (2 stars)

Teaser from page 37:  Then Alex realized it wasn't just that he couldn't get up, he couldn't even move.  Started to suck in a deep breath when he realized he couldn't breathe, either.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Two Weeks" by Karen Kingsbury

In Two Weeks by Karen Kingsbury, Elise just needs to get by one semester of high school with no problems.  Then she can get on to her adult plans.  Cole has big plans too after graduation, but when he meets Elise, love is in the air!  When Elise discovers she is pregnant, both hers and Cole's plans are up in the air!  Her big decision is whether to keep the baby or put it up for adoption.

I thought this was pretty good.  I enjoyed all the characters and even thought I guessed the ending I was happy about it!
(Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Teaser from page 7:  Whatever happened next in her life, Elise made herself a promise that day.  She wasn't going to talk to her mother about it.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Heroine" by Mindy McGinnis

In Heroine by Mindy McGinnis, Mickey is a young teen girl.  She has had a rough life to this point in her young life.  She is a bit of a loner.  There is one place where she feels good:  being the catcher on her high school girls' softball team.  Her best friend is the pitcher.  But when they both get into a car accident, all of a sudden Mickey's spot on the team is in danger.  To make matters worse, it is her senior season!  She will do and take anything to make sure she is ready to play!

This book is fiction but it rings true to life for me.  It goes fast and the story moves along at a good pace.  Give it a try, you will be glad you did!
(Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Teaser from page 9:  Carolina wipes a tear from her face as she looks down at me.  She takes a deep breath and it hitches, stuck in her lungs, refusing to release.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"the night Olivia fell" by Christina McDonald

the night olivia fell by Christina McDonald is about a mom's worst nightmare--A call in the middle of the night saying her pregnant daughter was found lying under a bridge--brain dead!  Was she pushed or did she jump on her own?  Who is the father?

I thought this book was really good!  It is told by Olivia, the daughter and Abi, the mom, who wants to find out what happened, and why.  Try to get your own answers.  I am guessing you will be wrong like I was!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)  

Karen's review:
the night olivia fell by Christina McDonald is about a teen girl, Olivia, who met an early death before her mother even knew she was pregnant. This novel is told from alternating perspectives of the mother, Abi, and the daughter, Olivia The mother hid a secret from Olivia for years and when Olivia discovered what it was, she was on a personal secret mission. Although the police said her death was accidental, the mother went on a personal mission of her own to find out details and exactly what happened. Olivia was declared brain dead but was kept on life support in the hopes of saving her baby. Was it an accident or did someone push her off that bridge? Will the baby survive? Who is the father?

I thought the story was pretty good but I did not really care much for Olivia because of the way she treated her mother and her boyfriend, Tyler. This was written in a way that I found sort of annoying, the book jumping back and forth from the present to the past. I was a bit surprised at the ending of who her death actually happened. I liked the mother, Abi, and give her credit for pursuing the truth about her daughter’s death. (4 stars)


Teaser from page 46:  I remember looking at Olivia in the fading evening light and feeling like I didn't know her anymore.  I knew then that something had been shaken loose, something I had no power to put back together. . . .

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"One of Us is Lying" by Karen M. McManus

In One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus, five high school kids are in detention in a classroom.  One of them does not make it out alive!  It was no accident.  Who did it?  I almost gave up on this one, but I'm glad I did not!  Once the story picked up, it was kind of hard to put down!  The other four characters were really brought out very well.  It has some good twists and turns also.  If you love a good who done it mystery, this book is for you.  This is well worth reading!
(Gerard's review, 4.5 stars) 

Teaser from page 15:  He runs a shaking hand through his think white hair as one of the paramedics stabs Simon with a syringe and the other two lift him onto the stretcher.  "God help that boy," he whispers.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"When the Men Were Gone" by Marjorie Herrera Lewis

When the Men Were Gone by Marjorie Herrera Lewis is based on a true story that is inspiring.  In fact, it even inspired the author to give coaching football a try!  Brownwood, a small Texas town during WW II was on the verge of canceling their High School football season because they did not have a coach.  Tylene, a former English teacher and now assistant principal at the High School loved football and what it meant to the town.  She also hated to see the season canceled, knowing the then some of the seniors may drop out to enlist.  She began her search for a coach and found herself stepping into the role!  A lady football coach was unheard of in the 1940s, but Tylene ignored the insults and proved she knew the game and could play!

I enjoyed this book very much.  I really liked the football parts and how Tylene and Moose interacted with the players and how she convinced the men she could be the coach.  I give this 4 stars because I would have liked to have had more football games than just one.  This is a quick read and I was sad to see it end.
(Karen's review, 4 stars)


Gerard's review:
When the Men Were Gone by Marjorie Herrera Lewis is based on a true story.  In the early 1940s, in a small town in Texas, it's time for high school football.  It is the place to be on Friday nights!  But, with the men of fighting the war, somebody needs to step up to coach the team.  With no one coming forward, it looks like the season will be called off until a woman steps up!  How will that go over?

I enjoyed this book very much.  Tylene was a great character and rally carried the book.  The story line rang very true in this quick read.
(5 stars)

Teaser from page 3:  "When are you going to call the shots out there, Tylene?"  Mr. Periwinkle asked.
      "I'll go down there right now if they'll let me," I said.
      My father turned to the men.  "Don't kid yourselves.  She might just take over before the second half."

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"That's Not What Happened" by Kody Keplinger

That's NOT What Happened by Kody Keplinger is a book about six survivors of a school shooting who try to piece together what actually happened.  In a small town at the local high school, a shooting took place.  Flash forward three years and this came out to tell the story of one girl who had words with the shooter.  But one girl knows the real story of how it went down and wants the truth to come out!

If you are looking for an action book, this is not it.  It is an interesting look of how a group of teens each have their own version of what happened.  For the most part, this book kept me engaged.  The down parts were few and far between.  The best part of this book were the letters on the strength of that, I give this book 5 stars!
(Gerard's review)

That's NOT what happened by Kody Keplinger is about six survivors who actually were with classmates when they got shot.  This book focuses on the aftermath and how these six dealt with their traumatic experience.  When a story develops that isn't true about how Lee's best friend was killed, Lee decides she has to set the record straight.  She gets all the survivors to write letters telling their stories of what happened to them.

I was somewhat confused, thinking this was about the Columbine shooting; however, it is a fiction story that appears to be loosely based on that which I found kind of distasteful.  It's well written and certainly interesting. 
(Karen's review, 3 stars)

Teaser from pg. 11:  And there is so much that you--and they--don't know.  So many stories that had gotten mixed up, confused, or misrepresented.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

QB 1 by Mike Lupica is a Heartwarming Sports Story

QB1 by Mike Lupica is about Jake Cullen, a high school freshman quarterback who is struggling with trying to be as good as his dad and older brother and win his father’s love and attention. Jake feels like he’s always playing second fiddle to Wyatt who is now starting QB at University of Texas. Jake is smart, but doesn’t have quite as strong an arm as Wyatt. Fortunately, his high school coach got him to change his throwing mechanics to create his own throwing style which works better Troy Cullen, Jake’s dad, is a former player whose pro career ended in just his second year after four concussions (brain wounds) and seems to be living vicariously through his older son, Wyatt. When Jake finds himself in a QB controversy, everyone is pretty surprised when he gets to be the starting QB while only a freshman. His father is caught off-guard at how good Jake got so quickly.

I enjoyed this book very much because there was a lot of football in it as well as the team dynamics and the feelings of insecurity Jake was dealing with concerning his father and older brother. This takes a good look from the perspective of a younger brother feeling the pressure of following in his star brother’s footsteps and yearning for some of his father’s attention. This book got my interest and kept it from page 1. I would recommend it to anyone who likes high school football and team dynamics.
 (Karen's review, 5 stars)

Teaser from page 13: He knew already that he just wasn’t going to be the player his dad had been before him, certainly wasn’t going to be the player his big brother had been.
He had talent, just not Cullen talent, at least not that he’d noticed so far in his young life.


Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Neverworld Wake" by Marisha Pessl

In Neverworld Wake by Marisha Pessl, Beatrice has five cool friends she made in high school.  Her boyfriend was the sixth and the leader of the group!  He has a shocking death and two year later, Beatrice is not over it.  Now the old gang is getting back together for the first time since high school graduation.  Beatrice decides to go because she knows secrets about her friends and maybe she can get some answers about her boyfriend's death.

For the most part, this book was pretty good.  Some parts were far fetched, but the ending chapters more than made up for that!  Beatrice was a real good character!  Give this a shot!
(Gerard's review, 4 stars)  

Teaser from page 30:  "You're all nearly dead.  Wedged between life and death."

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"Bruiser" by Neal Schusterman

Bruiser by Neal Schusterman is a contemporary fiction novel but with one special boy, named Bruiser. Somehow, he has an unusual power to take on himself the pain of those he cares about, like his younger brother and his Uncle. His uncle tries to protect him as best he can be keeping him home so he doesn’t make friends. He just goes to school and comes home, until Bronte decides to be nice to him. Her brother, Tennyson, doesn’t like her seeing Bruiser at first, but then also becomes his friend, realizing he’s not really so bad after all. Bruiser is wired to only receive pain, not give it.

Teaser from page 14:  I hate him.  I hate the concept of him.  He's a freight train of bad news barreling at my sister.

I thought this book was just okay because Bruiser was so unbelievable in what was an otherwise modern-day contemporary fiction book. The story was pretty good and it kept my interest but it wasn’t near as good as the other books I read by this author.
(Karen's review, 3 stars)


Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!

"In 27 Days" by Alison Gervais (YA about Suicide with a Twist)

In 27 Days by Alison Gervais, Hadley Jamison has it all.  Her parents are very well off so she lacks for nothing.  She is pretty with lots of friends and lives in a real nice apartment.  When she finds out a classmate of hers has died, someone she hardly knows, she wishes she could have done something.  Sometimes wishes come true, but it comes with a cost.  In this case, the cost is plenty!

I was into this book from page 1!  The characters are believable and the story line kept me turning pages.  What more do you want out of a book?  I LOVED It! Do not miss this one!
(Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

Karen's review, 8/11/17: 
I liked In 27 Days by Alison Gervais too.  This is about two high school students in a prep school who come from very different backgrounds but develop a friendship through very unusual circumstances.  When Hadley goes back in time 27 days to try to prevent Archer from committing suicide, both their lives change for the better!

I liked this book and would recommend it to teens.  It promotes the value of life and shows how just by making time for others can make a huge difference in their lives.  The only thing I didn't get about this book was the paranormal characters, Death and Havoc.  That's why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5.  I almost finished this book in a day.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. To find books on a specific topic, scroll to the bottom and click on the topic you want. Happy Reading!