Random Reads

WELCOME!

  This site is dedicated to teen literature.

     I would like others to become acquainted with young adult literature. Many people overlook these books and tend to jump right into Adult Fiction.  As Seinfeld would say, "Not that there's anything wrong with that," but you are missing out on some truly great reads.

*DISCLAIMER*

     Since the majority of the books I read are Young Adult, the reviewed books on this site will reflect this reading habit.  Other books may also include Juvenile, Adult Fiction, and Non-Fiction.

JUST FINISHED READING

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

  I never thought I would enjoy a book so much where the narrator is a dog.  The story is told by Enzo, an aging dog who believes that when he dies, he'll come back as a man.  He watched it on a documentary once about Mongolians.  Enzo relates his life with his master Denny who's passion in life is racing cars.  Enzo watches as Denny falls in love, has a child, and suffers extreme heartbreak and tragedy.  Enzo is there to lend his support as Denny fights for everything he holds dear in his life.  After reading this book, you'll never look at your pet the same way.  A truly remarkable read!

Swim the Fly by Don Calame

  Matt, Coop, and Sean have been best friends since childhood.  Every summer they have a goal.  This summer their goal is to see a naked girl.  A live naked girl.  Not in a magazine.  Not on TV. Not in a movie. And not on the Internet.  They think a good idea is to sneak into the girls locker room dressed as girls and they can achieve their goal.  They're on the swim team so access should be easy.  But for Matt, something goes horribly wrong.  The protein shake he drank that morning was actually a very powerful laxative.  And it decided to kick in during the locker room stakeout.  You can see where this is going.  They obviously didn't see a naked girl in the locker room. 

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

  This novel picks up where Hunger Games left off.  Katniss and Peeta have survived the Hunger Games and begin touring the twelve districts.  Katniss is finally able to provide for her families and continues her relationship with Gale yet she still has feelings for Peeta.  The upcoming Hunger Games marks the 75th anniversary and there is a twist in this year's games which finds Katniss and Peeta back in the arena.  Will they survive a second time?  Is there a secret 13th district?  Will there be a rebellion?  This novel is as good as the first and the surprise ending will leave fans anxiously awaiting for the third and final book in the trilogy.

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

  The setting: a postapocalyptic world where there are 12 districts ruled by Panem,  the Capitol.  As punishment for the previous uprising by the citizens, each year a lottery is held where 2 children are chosen from each district to participate in the Hunger Games.  The Games are a gladiator style survival televised event where the 24 must kill each other.  The lone survivor is declared winner.  Kantiss is from the poorest district and volunteers to take her sister's place.  This novel is full of suspense and readers will eagerly await the sequel which is a planned trilogy.

Touch by Francine Prose

  Something happened to 14 year old Maisie on the back of the schoolbus.  The incident involved her three best friends who are boys.  The problem is that their stories don't match.  Everything spins out of control when the parents, students, police, and the school officials become involved.  Who's telling the truth?  Who's lying?  This novel sounds like a good read but never really lives up to the hype.  Readers would be better off reading What Happened to Mr. Mattero for a he said/she said type of story.

If the Witness Lied by Caroline Cooney

  Two year old Tris killed both his parents.  Wow!  There's a shock plot!  How does a two year old kill his parents?  He's now an orphan with his older brother and two sisters who will do anything to protect him so he lives a normal life.  The problem is their Aunt Cheryl who wants to capitalize on Tris's story but turning it into a reality show.  How the children's father really died is the mystery and did the only witness to the death lie?  This novel is quite suspenseful and readers may be intrigued with the storyline but this reader's interest fizzled out about halfway through. 

Sweethearts by Sara Zarr

     As children, Jennifer and Cameron are each other's best friend and only friend.  They are social misfits that are bullied and harassed.  One day, Cameron mysteriously disappears leaving Jennifer completely devestated.  As time passes, Jennifer transforms herself into Jenna as she begins a new school and new life when her mother remarries.  She is popular with friends and even a boyfriend.  Her world is turned upside down during her senior year when Cameron suddenly reappears.  Their special bond is still present as they relive past memories and return to their childhood homes to relive a terrifying moment.  This fast paced read is very absorbing and readers will appreciate these two childhood sweethearts special connection.