BETWEEN THE SEA AND SKY by Jacolyn Dolamore

For as long as Esmerine can remember, she has longed to join her older sister, Dosinia, as a siren--the highest calling a mermaid can have. When Dosinia runs away to the mainland, Esmerine is sent to retrieve her. Using magic to transform her tail into legs, she makes her way unsteadily to the capital city. There she comes upon a friend she hasn't seen since childhood--a dashing young man named Alandare, who belongs to a winged race of people. As Esmerine and Alandare band together to search for Dosinia, they rekindle a friendship . . . and ignite the emotions for a love so great, it cannot be bound by sea, land, or air.

Rachel's Thoughts: This book was a good read, probably more relaxing than anything because it doesn't get into serious topics or evoke deep emotions of any kind. It was just a quick, easy read. I continued to turn the pages, wanting to know what happens next but not because I was invested in the characters and cared about them a whole lot; more so because I liked the world the author created and enjoyed reading about it. I couldn't see what Esmerine saw in Alan and often times he downright irritated me and then the ending seemed very quickly pulled together. Like I said, a good book for light reading. I gave this book 4 bookmarks.
 

THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games," a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed.

This book is said to be for ages 12 and up.

Rachel's Thoughts: I have to be honest, I was so enthralled with this story that there may have been a kiss or two, and I really don't remember because the pacing moves so quickly. It's just that good. I think this is a great one to read along with your teen and then afterward discuss the underlying topics such as poverty, dysfunctional government and the fact that extreme power corrupts extremely. I also really liked Katniss' character and how strong she is, able to hunt, and protect herself. I thought the author did a wonderful job at showing us the warrior in Katniss without making her into a blood thirsty conqueror. This is one of those books that I not only bought after reading the library copy, but I went out and bought the trilogy set...in hard back. I have allowed my own daughter to read this series and now she is a Hunger Games fanatic! So is my husband. :)  I gave this book 5 bookmarks.

Lakela's Thoughts: This is my new favorite book! I loved everything about it, the story, the characters, everything. I'm addicted. I gave this book 5 bookmarks.