Monday Morning Book Review--The Living

The Living by Matt de la Peña--Shy thought working a cruise ship for the summer would be a fun adventure.  Who knew that it would turn into a nightmare?  On his first voyage, a man throws himself overboard as Shy tries to hang on to him.  On his second voyage, mysterious strangers show up to ask questions that Shy can't answer.  Things go from bad to worse as the voyage continues--rough seas, tsunami's, shipwrecks and a mysterious island...this book has it all.  This book will keep you turning the pages for more.

Monday Morning Book Review--Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library  by Chris Grabenstein is a companion book for Silicon Valley Reads this year.  It is available from the MHS Ebook Collection.  Alexandriaville hasn't had a library for twelve years, so to celebrate the grand opening 12 lucky students are invited to a very special grand opening.  The catch?  They are unexpectedly locked into the library and have 24 hours to solve the mystery of how to escape from the library using clues throughout the displays and various rooms in the library.  A fun read that will leave you smiling at the end.  (Note:  MHS has copies of Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore and The Shallows in the regular collection, too.)

Monday Morning Book Review--Etiquette & Espionage

Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger is the first in a series.  Sophronia arrives at finishing school and discovers that it's not what she expected.  Why is she being trained in the fine art of knife throwing as well as the proper way to curtsy?  Where will she ever use the covert skills taught along with the proper way for a young lady to flirt?  A fun read with some strange twists.  

Monday Morning Book Review--Scat

Scat by Carl Hiassen--An unpopular Biology teacher goes missing after a class field trip to the wildlife preserve.  The student who confronted her has suddenly become a model student.  Nick and Marta decide to investigate.  A fun mystery set in the swamps of Florida with a missing teacher, endangered species, a crazy millionaire and evil oil corporation.  What is going on?

Monday Morning Book Review--Chopsticks

Chopsticks by Jessica Anthony and Rodrigo Corral is a unique book which tells the story through photographs, postcards, instant messages and other mementos.  Glory is a piano prodigy and Francisco is the boy next door.  Their romance explores  the tragedy of forbidden love and Glory's struggle with her talents.  A haunting story that will leave you wondering. 

Monday Morning Book Review--Thereby Hangs a Tail

Thereby Hangs a Tail: a Chet and Bernie mystery by Spencer Quinn--Chet the dog is at it again.  This time he brings his narrative to a dognapping and kidnapping case.  Princess has been threatened and then she and her owner go missing.  Chet has seen them both.  Can he help Bernie track down the culprits?