American Gods - Neil Gaiman

one sentence summary:
a very interesting look at American culture, told through a road trip.

review:
It seems that the most insightful novels about Americana rely on the road trip setting to get their stories across to the reader, this is no exception. Gaiman looks at American culture through a distorted kaleidoscope and the results are amazing. Well worth reading this is a witty read, moving from discerning broad concepts of reality to moments of hilarity with out missing a beat. It is a fast paced, edge of your seat story that will keep you turning pages and then leave you empty when you turn the last page. I highly recommend it to anyone who isn't easily offended by atheist views.
8/10

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas - John Boyne

one sentence summary:
from very different parts of WWII society two boys become friends.

review:
This is a wonderful "children's book", written so a fourth grader could easily read it on their own it touches on some very grown up concepts. The concepts in this book would make it both a wonderful and terrible class read. This story made me sob, literally sob, while it is an easy read as far as vocabulary goes it is anything but when it comes to the story. I recommend everyone read it (as an adult it shouldn't take more than a few hours) but be warned it will make you feel.

8/10
8/10

Little Women - Louisa May Alcott

one sentence summary
Four sisters have only each other to rely on.
review
This is a quaint read, it is enjoyable and highly entertaining. It does have a bit too much religion for our modern sensibilities but it is still a worth while read. It shows how important family is by drawing four very different characters together through family and love. Aimed at female preteens/teens this novel offers a number of important life lessons.  I recommend it to anyone who likes to read.
8/10

The Book Thief - Markus Zusak

one sentence summary;
there was a lot of death during WWII

review:
This is a beautifully written, terribly depressing story. This is geared to young adults, but I would say adults might get more out of it. A fascinating look at WWII told by an ingenious narrator showing us a side of the war we don't often see. I highly recommend this book to everyone, keeping in mind that it is not a quick read.

8/10

The Midnight Sons Series - Debbie Macomber

one sentence summary:
a group of bush pilots decide that they need to lure women to their town, they offer 20 acres and a cabin but are not prepared for the changes they would have to make.

review:
typical romantic writing, better than your average harlequin but not much better. light hearted, happily ever after, formulaic writing. Entertaining characters and plot devices. I recommend it to anyone looking for an entertaining read. Keep in mind they were written, and take place in, the mid 1990's giving them a bit of nostalgic appeal.

6/10

Needful Things - Stephen King

One sentence summary:
they say money can't buy everything but in this shop you can
Review:
one of Stephen King's strongest works, relying on the horror of human nature rather than the supernatural to get his point across. The writing is fast passed and the characters are all really well plotted out (better than is typical of King). I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys horror, or thinks they might like it. As I said it isn't the typical supernatural story but the horror of it is even more terrifying than that, but it didn't give me nightmares.
8/10

if you enjoyed this check out Dean Koontz, James Herbert and more by Stephen King

The Med Center Series - Diane Hoh

one sentence summary:
Grey's Anatomy for 11 year old girls in the 1990's.

Review:
This is a cotton candy read, bad action, terrible dialogue and unbelievable characters. All thrown into one unbelievable disaster after another.They are awesome in their ridiculousness. I recommend them for pretty much noon but they are highly entertaining reads, just don't bitch at me about how terrible they are, I already know it. I am one of those people who will watch bad action movies (such as 2012, Twister, Day After Tomorrow, Earthquake, Volcano etc.) over and over again, these books are like those movies. People like me are who I recommend them to.
6/10