The Lost Symbol by:Dan Brown

Hello Fellow Readers,
I'm not quite sure how to say this but, *whisper* I believe Dan Brown is losing his touch. I went out and bought The Lost Symbol the day it came out!!! I was expecting it to be as good or even better than Da Vinci and Angels. I wasn't. The plot is thrilling but, (for those of you that have read other Dan Browns) the prologue doesn't end with a murder. It's not that I like murder Mysteries but I sort of expected it to be one. But enough of the negative comments I a giving to turn you away from this book. The book takes place in modern DC. It opens with a initiation ceremony to the 33rd degree of Freemasonry. This is another Robert and female companion story, and in this book the female companion is ever so much wiser than Langdon. Robert is called to DC by an old friend, Peter Solomon. When Peter arrives he is told that there will be a lecture given and that he has asked Langdon to do it. But there is only a slight catch, the lecture is in less than five hours. There is no lecture. Peter Solomon has been kidnapped and it is Robert's job, along with Peter's sister Katherine to catch the kidnapper and find secret information hidden inside mason secrets that the kidnapper wants. It is very exciting but it took me a long time to get into the book. I would recommend it to other Dan Brown readers but, I'm not sure that this is all that we expected it to be.
I give The Lost Symbol:
3 1/2 stars

Yes it is a Dan Brown but it wasn't the thriller I was expecting. The plot is gripping and the female companion is wonderful. I would definitely check it out and if you don't like it KEEP READING!!!!! It will get better. So TTFN, ta ta for now. Check back soon and happy reading.
Lily Klasing

P.S. As Always.............
P.P.S. If you have never heard of the Freemasons before I would recommend doing some research or watching the second National Treasure before you read the book. It will make so much more sense.

Maximum Ride: School's Out Forever (II) /Angel Experiment (I) by:James Patterson

Hello fellow readers,
The same friend who recommended Dairy Queen is on a roll. This book is hers to. Maximum is a human-hybrid-avian freak/mutant. That doesn't give you the best description of who Max really is though. Max's DNA was genetically engineered to be combined with bird DNA. So she has something that sets her apart from the rest of civilization. She was wings. She was abandoned when she was a baby with no parents to speak of, and now she lives in a country house with her "siblings" Iggy, Fang, Nudge, Gasman, and Angel. They are all avian human birds and they are hiding. They don't have any parents, and all they have is each other. All these kids were made at The School. The School kept them locked up and ran horrible tests on them until a "white coat" took them away to their house now. Fast paced and full of adventure this book is a wonderful fantasy thriller. I loved it!!! It is right up there with Harry Potter, Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons. If that won't make you read it, I don't know what will.
I give Maximum Ride I:
4 1/2 stars

I give Maximum Ride II:
4 5/6 stars (aka I liked the second better than the first.)

Make sure to watch out for Erasers and little sisters who can read you mind. Check back soon and happy reading.
Lily K.

P.S. This book is in a series where you do have to start with book one. It won't make sense unless you do.

Speak by: Laurie Halse Anderson

Hello fellow readers,
Anderson starts the forward of this book with this sentence: Speak is the book I wasn't going to write. I know that hooked me right away. This book is written because of an event that happened over the summer. You never really know what happens until the end. Melinda has no friends. She is quiet, depressed and failing ninth grade. On the first day you don't really know what happened to cause this change in Melinda's social status. But, she does get called some pretty horrible names, and is left to sit alone in the auditorium with a girl named Heather from Ohio, who is also an outcast. The first 3/4 of the book are all the same. It becomes very monotonous after a while. A couple of times I asked myself "why am I reading this book?" I gets loads better. This book takes an interesting spin on a 14 year old girls life. It looks at misunderstandings, friendships, being drunk, and doing stuff you can get in trouble for. (Don't get the wrong idea.) I've never read such an interesting yet terrifying book. It really makes you think, and wonder. What would I do if this happened to me?
I give Speak:
3 7/8 stars

This book takes an interesting spin on what it means to be growing up. Think about Melinda. Don't judge her until the very end of the book. Would you be this girls friend? Check back soon and happy reading.

-Lily Klasing

Dairy Queen by:Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Hello fellow readers,
My friend recommended this book to me after reading it. That was last year. I now very much regret having having waited this long to read it. I have always had this dream when I'm the only girl on the baseball team and I hit a home run and then we win the state championship. This has never even come close to happening to me. I don't play baseball, well OK can pitch. But I know that this dream will never come true. But, for DJ its a reality. Her brothers have always been the stars of the Red Bend football team, but she doesn't see them anymore. DJ has had to leave her high school before her sophomore year ends to run the family farm. That summer she gets the job to be the personal trainer of the QB for Red Bends cross town rival, Hawley. Brian Nelson is a baby, at first. He doesn't do anything. He wines, he sits when he should be working, and he complains that he could be having more fun, and then at the end of the day he quits. He just walks away. But as you probably would have guessed, he is made to come back by his coach. He and DJ strike up a friendship that not even a crazy summer can shake. And then when DJ decides to join the football team with out telling Brian, things get a little ugly. With a crazy Best Friend, a maybe crush, and a family feud DJ's summer is turned upside down as she questions who she really is and her entire life's direction.
I give Dairy Queen:
3 1/4 stars

This book really makes you think but not in a way that you would think. (If that makes sense) This book makes you question wither you really are a cow. (no offense)
- L.E. Klasing

The Secret Life of Bees by:Sue Monk Kidd

Hello fellow readers,
Have you ever felt that you are completely alone in the world. Completely cut off. Unloved. Uninvolved. Alone. Lily does. She is 14 years old growing up in the time of the Civil Rights Movement. her nanny Rosaleen is black and Lily and her father are white. Everyone thinks that they are crazy to keep her because they have some of the most racist people in the state living right in their town. So when Rosaleen tries to register to vote she is confronted and carted off to jail with Lily kicking and screaming that she did nothing wrong. T. Ray Lily's father is only able to spring Lily but he leaves Rosaleen saying only that she was crazy to "try a stunt like that". Lily decides that she needs Rosaleen and some answers about her life because T.Ray has refused to tell her anything, especially her mother. Lily has one memory of her mother, When she accidentally killed her at age four. Lily leaves with one town in mind Tiburon, SC which is what her mother had scrolled on the back of a picture. She breaks Rosaleen out of jail and together they hit the road looking for a Negro Virgin Mary and Tiburon. When they reach their destination they meet the Calender-Boatwright Sisters: May, June, and August. Together they form a relationship that is touching, cry-worthy, and dangerous. So strong it may be stronger and more complex than a beehive.
I give Secret Life of Bees:
4 stars

Part Love story, part heart break, part hurt, and part loss, everyone who enjoys books will love this novel. After you read it see the movie. It's just as good. Check back soon and happy reading.
-Lily Klasing

P.S. for all us Lily's out there keep fighting, the world is a better place than you think. Look at me.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by: J.K. Rowling

Hello fellow readers,

So I have always been in love with the Harry Potter Series, but I did not realize until today after I have finished reading the seventh book for the fourth time that I have yet to write a review on the book! So, Harry is 16 years old, and two months before he comes of age. He has been set the enormous task of destroying Lord Voldemort's connections to life, his horcuxes. His two best friends Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger have stood with him and will go with him on this dangerous journey. They are entirely alone, and the one rule is that they must tell no one of their mission. Along the way you meet members of the Order of the Pheonix (maybe with some code names), some goblins (grrrrrrrrr. double crosses), old friends (hooray for Dumbdlore and Dobby), and even a few Death Eaters (or people we thought were Death Eaters). The plot is fast moving and very exciting. And J.K. Rowling has a end that no one who has read the Harry Potter books could ever expect.It's an excellent book to read even if you have already read it, and an excellent first timer to. (But if you haven't read the other installments then you shouldn't read this book before the rest.) I am absolutely in LOVE with this book! This is my favorite book in the series and hope that its yours to.

I give HP and the Deathly Hallows:

4 7/8 stars

Deaths, triumphs, weddings, magical beings, memories, adventures, revenges, battles, and a sacrifice ending in King's Cross. You will love this book so much that you will laugh, jump up and down and maybe start cursing. Enjoy the final installment of the Harry Potter series.

-L.E. Klasing

My Sister's Keeper by:Jodi Picoult

Hello fellow readers,
Again like Angels and Demons, four words to start this post off, DON'T SEE THE MOVIE!!! This book this wonderful book is more heartfelt than anything Jodi Picoult has ever written. A book about trying times shows Anna a teenager in a family where her only purpose is to keep her sister alive. Kate has been living with APL (its a type of Leukemia) for almost her whole and Anna is her link to live. But when Anna files a petition to sue her parents, and refuses to give Kate the kidney that she so desperately needs to live questions are raised, fingers are pointed, and and relationships threaten to crumble. All that I had ever heard about this book ended up to be true. It's one of those laugh-cry books where they do something that's completely uncalled for yet its the funniest thing on earth! One of the reasons this book is so amazing is that it's told in first person but from a bunch of different characters. The way Jodi Picoult gets inside their head is amazing I wish that I could do that in my writing. This book will have you guessing, gasping, crying, and laughing up until he very end. Think about it what would you do if you were in Anna's situation? If the only thing that you could do to save yourself would kill someone you love?
I give My Sister's Keeper:
4 1/2 stars

Having had no personal experience with the Fitzgeralds situation I can not imagine the strain and the hurt and the love they must go through everyday. I loved this book and I hope that you do to. Check back soon and happy reading.
-Lily Klasing

P.S. As Always..............
P.P.S. Try to find walks or donation centers where you can help fight cancer for children. Who knows you might save a life.

Shrinking Violet by: Danielle Joseph

Hello fellow readers,
A month ago I promised myself that I would read this book. I came back to find it yesterday, and the one complaint I had about this book was, WHY DID I WAIT THAT LONG TO READ IT? What hooked be four weeks ago was the quote that told Bella to "eat her heart out". Sold. But the book is more than just that. Imagine that you are scared to death to talk to a person that you didn't know, but your life long dream was to become a radio DJ. Not the greatest combo right? Well welcome to the life of Teresa "Tere" Adams. Tere is the outsider, ugly ducking whatever you want to call it. Her mom thinks that she is the worst think in the world since canned spinach. How would you like it if your mom was always trying to find a way to make you prettier, and she didn't even care if you were doing well in school? Tere does. She also cares that Galvin who sits behind her in LA is partnered with her for a major project. She also cares that the chance of her life ahead of her, to be a co-DJ on WMED The SLAM. And the amazing part of this is that she has a secret identity and no one knows its her, and not Sweet T on "The Love Shack". Perfect, until her life gets laid on the line in a contest that fixes her with an anonymous prom date. AHHHHHHHHH! Read the book to find out what happens next.
I give Shrinking Violet:
3 1/2 stars

Put yourself in a place that some of us have never been before, shy land. Close your eyes and put yourself in Tere's position, you may find that you like it. I really liked this book and I hope that you do to. Check back soon and happy reading.
-Lily Klasing

P.S. As always............
P.S.S. Ever wonder what it would be like to make yourself a radio DJ? Honestly.

Last Days of Summer by: Steve Kluger

Hello fellow readers,
Ever hope that a celebrity would answer your desperate email, that I-love-you-so-much letter? Don't we all. Joey Margolis needs his letter answered or he may "have his face smashed in". Joey, a very headstrong twelve year, decides to tell the neighbor hood gang leader that his best friend is Charlie Banks, 3rd baseman for the NY Giants. He better get some evidence to back that up really quick. Now when Charlie receives Joey's first letter claiming that he is dying of an "incurable disease" and could Charlie please hit a home run and say this is for my friend Joey Margolis, he thinks that its just a stupid fan letter. This is his reply, "Dear Friend: Many thanks for your letter and the kind words contained therein. I am enclosing my picture with the autograph you requested. Keep on Slugging. Best Wishes, Charlie Banks". The story evolves from then on through report cards, telegrams, recorded conversations, memos and most of all letters. The relationship between the star ball player and the scrawny kid who peed in the reservoir is one that we all wished for at one time or another. Steve Kluger brings across an amazing message that its OK to be persistent, that its OK to bend a few rules, and that its OK to have others think that your weird. I loved this book. It was so enjoyable that I'm reading it again in a couple of weeks. I hope that you have the same reaction.
I give Last Days of Summer:
3 3/4 stars

Join Charlie and Joey on an adventure that neither one of them could have wished for in their wildest dreams. Read it. Check back soon and happy reading.
-L. Klasing

P.S. As always..................
P.P.S. Read the Author's Note when your done. It's really fascinating.

Angels and Demons by: Dan Brown

Hello fellow readers,
Four words to start... DON'T SEE THE MOVIE!!!!! OMG!!! Read the book! I haven't seen the movie but I'm guessing that it was pretty crappy reading the reviews. There is no way that Ron Howard could have captured the deception, thrill, and adventure that Dan Brown creates! This book introduces Robert Langdon a symbology professor at Harvard, who gets called in the dead of night by a "loony" claiming to have found the ancient symbol of a long dead satanic cult, the Illuminati. This ancient brotherhood is said to be dead but it appears to have resurrected from the grave. In this epic tale joining Langdon is Vittoria Vetra a bio-physicist for CERN. The two get carted off to Rome in an unexpected adventure that will test their regilous strength and that of the entire world. Before you read this book google the word: Berini. I won't say anymore though. Pick up this book and start reading. You will be possessed by the demons who won't let you stop reading, and the angels who lead you through to the end. AHHHHH! I love this book. Like the Da Vinci Code the book is big! (470+ pages!) But this is a page turner, you won't be able to put it down.
I give Angels and Demons:
4 1/2 stars

The Author's note on the first page reads: "references to all works of art, tombs, tunnels, and architecture in Rome are entirely factual (as are their exact locations). They can still be seen today. The brotherhood of the Illuminati also factual." I don't know that was what hooked me. Pick it up and start reading! Come join Robert and Vittoria on an adventure that you couldn't have imagined in your wildest dreams.
-Lily Klasing

P.S. As always..........
P.P.S. You don't have to read the Da Vinci Code before!

Fairest of them All by: Jan Blazanin

Hello fellow readers,
OMG! This book is the bomb! I have rarely been captivated by a realistic fiction novel. This the new book of the year! Now, enough of my raving. Fairest... is about a model, actress, dancer that is not excepted at school, at dance, and most definitely by her competitors. She is the type of girl we all want to be, stunning beautiful with princess hair. Ori has the chance of a life time when a movie director comes to cast a part for the biggest chic flick of the year, Razzi's Tale. Ori lets herself be Razzi. Who cares if she flunks math? at least she'll get the part. The first time I read the first couple of chapters I was awestruck by how self centered this girl is. But, it's not her fault. She just doesn't know how to be any other way. As this book takes you along on an adventure imagine yourself as Ori. A girl who is stuck between "primrose princess" or something else. I wish I could tell you more but I can't. What if you were on the verge of everything that you ever wanted? What if you were so close you could taste it? What if it was all just snatched from you like you didn't matter, like you were just a disposable bag that was of no use once it was ripped? Think about it.
I give Fairest of them All:
3 3/4 stars

You won't believe everything that you could learn from this girl who has to go through everything to get her life almost back to normal. It's new so don't wait! Check back soon and happy reading.

-Lily Klasing

P.S. As always.......
P.P.S Goggle the word alopecia. See what you get.

Flush by: Carl Hiaasen

Hello fellow readers,
On the cover of this book there is a fish. So, when I picked it up I automatically assumed that it was about a fish that got flushed accidentally. I was so wrong! This book is an exciting adventure that is another Florida environment story. Noah's father has been thrown in jail for sinking the Coral Queen casino boat, because he believes that the owner Dusty Mullman has been dumping illegal toilet waste in protected waters. Noah's mom thinks that his dad is crazy, so does Noah's sister Abbey. But, Noah is convinced that his dad is telling the truth. The read puts together an interesting cast of characters that include Shelly, the scantly clad bartender at the Coral Queen, Lice Peeking, a man who was going to give a statement at Noah's dad's trial, Abbey, Noah's little sister who bites and bites hard, and Grandpa Bobby, who has been dead for a really long time in South America. These characters will come together to prove that Dusty Mullman is a no-good, rotten, environment killer, or will they? This book moves fast once you get to page 120. So hold on to your seats so you won't get flushed.
I give Flush:
2 3/4 stars

Join Noah, Abbey, and their Dad on a smelly and fuscia colored adventure. Don't miss Flush. Check back soon and happy reading.
-Lily Klasing

P.S. As always..........
P.S.S. This book is at a little younger reading level. Maybe 5th or 6th grade, but it's still a great and quick read for people who are older.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by: Brian Selznick

Hello fellow readers,
Have you ever wanted to build a robot? Hugo wants to rebuild the one that used to be his fathers. But he must do it in secret. Hugo winds up all the clocks in the train station that he works at, once his uncle's job. But one day he disappears and Hugo is left the job so no one will discover that he is living alone. Hugo is never seen but is stealing parts of Papa Georges toys from his store in the train station. But, he doe wonder why some of his toys don't works when they are brand new. One day Hugo gets caught stealing from the shop, and he gets thrown into a spider web of lies, deception, and mystery. And at the center of this time adventure is the automaton that Hugo has inherited. This book looks really big (500+ pages) but actually only about 200 pages have text on them. Brian Selznick tells the story of Hugo and the automaton through pencil sketches. These make the story what it is, and how good it is. This book is a really quick read, but it will have you enthralled the entire time. Hugo is the hero that we all want to be, and has the adventure that all of us would wish to have.
I give The Invention of Hugo Cabret:
4 stars

This book is only worthy of the highest praise! Join Hugo and his automaton on this quest for answers and a chance to see what it is like to be really loved. Don't miss this book! Check back soon and happy reading.
-Lily Klasing

P.S. As always.............

Twilight by: Stephine Meyer

Hello Fellow readers,
Twilight. It has been called the next Harry Potter. Others say that it is the worst book that they have ever read. Having just finished the book today, I am not quite sure where I stand in the Twilight crowd. Twilight is about a seemingly normal girl in high school, Bella Swan. Bella has recently been thrown out of her security zone when her mom ships her off to Forks, Washington to be with her dad. Bella must make new friends, get used to her new high school, and get over the fact that every boy she knows in Forks is asking her to the Prom! Up until it sounds a lot like a girl book. It's really not. The other antagonist, Edward Cullen, is the one who sits next to Bella in biology, and who tries to switch his class because of it. Edward and Bella's relationship goes beyond the realm of normal high school love as Bella gets thrown into the fantastical world of fantasy. Edward must decide to stay by Bella's side or abandon her as only a coward would.
I give Twilight:
3 1/2 stars
Get to know Bella, Edward, and their families as you never could in the movie. Let your imagination run wild as you drink in all the elements of a good book. Check back soon and happy reading.
-Lily Klasing

P.S. As always..........
P.P.S THIS IS NOT JUST A GIRL BOOK!!! SOME OF MY GOOD GUY FRIENDS HAVE READ IT AND LOVED IT!!! GUYS, TRY READING IT.

Scat by: Carl Hiaasen

Hello fellow readers,
Scat (the dictionary.com defenition) - 1 to go off hastily, 2 the excrement of an animal. Scat can be used to say go away, or to describe the (there isn't a nicer way to say it) poop of an animal. For Nick Walters all he wants to see is a panther, maybe not even a panther maybe a footprint, or just a little panther poop. But when Truman Middle School goes on a field trip a panther call is heard, and then Mrs. Bunny Starch, notorious enemy of her biology classes disappears, but suddnly everyone thinks of Smoke. Smoke a half-pyro just looking for a spot to fit in has to battle with himself, and must realize when its time to stop running. An extremely funny book, and another environmental adventure Scat is a best-seller in the making. Carl Hiaasen comes back for his third Flordia wildlife adventure in Scat.
I give Scat:
3 stars

So make sure to "scat" over to your libary to check out this sensation, you really don't want to miss it. Check back soon and happy reading.
- Lily Klasing

P.S. As always.....

Lucky by: Rachel Vail

Hello fellow readers,
Do you think of yourself as lucky? I mean really lucky. Phoebe does. She's about to leave middle school behind, her friends are perfect, her family has lots of money, and the perfect graduation party is planned. But then everything goes wrong. This modern realistic fiction novel about a "riches-to-rags" family will have you in tears by the end. This book really shows the true meaning of following your heart and doing what you think is right. But it will also teach you that you sometimes have to dig a little for what you want, and maybe sacrifice a little to. This book by acclaimed Rachel Vail, author of You, Maybe and If We Kiss will give you good book equal parts middle school drama, and friendship. This novel is a quick read but worth the time to read it. I hope that this book will teach all you materialistic people out there that there's more to life then just your special green dress.
I give Lucky:
2 1/2 stars
Put yourself in a place where you wish or are lucky. Try it! Check back soon and happy reading.
- Lily Klasing

P.S. As always.... ( see previous P.S.s)

The Da Vinci Code by: Dan Brown

Hello fellow readers,
Ancient Art. Romance. Murder. Deception. Mystery. Hidden Clues. Adventure. Put all of these things together and you have The Da Vinci Code. The Da Vinci Code is a thriller that after its publication caused a lot of argument. When you read it you'll see why. The exciting sequel to Angels and Demons (you don't have to read it before Da Vinci) will have you on the edge of your seat till the very end (I was screaming at the characters by the end!). The Code brings a new look on religion, the church, and modern and past art that you've never thought of before. As Dan Brown brings again to life Robert Langdon, a Harvard Professor that teaches symbology, and Sophie Nervu, a cryptolygist for the French Judicial Police you will see how the Bible may be misinterpreted, and the Mona Lisa completely unread. This book looks big (its a whopping 454 pages!) but boy, does this book go fast. Don't miss this amazing book that is purely genius!
I give The Da Vinci Code:
4 stars
Don't miss what Da Vinci 's art is really hiding, and what the church may be hiding from us.
-Lily Klasing

P.S. As always post your own reviews or your own comments on The Novel News.

The Outsiders by: S.E. Hinton

Hello fellow readers,
This book is one that many schools use for discussion, my school has used it for over 20 years. Even though the book is outdated the themes are not and neither are the characters. This book is about two different social classes; Socs (not Socks!) and Greasers. These two groups of people think that the only way to solve a conflict is by violence. There is a depth to this story that none of us could ever understand. This book is about helping your friends, protecting your family, and "staying golden". This book written by a high school senior, as a creative writing project shows that everyone has a good and bad side, and that we need to work to show the good side even if its not what we're the best at doing.
I give the Outsiders:
3 1/2 stars
This is a tuff (yes its spelled right) book that you don't want to miss. Decide whether you are a Soc or a Greaser, read the Outsiders.

-Lily Klasing

P.S. You can always post your own reviews and comments on The Novel News.
P.S.S. SPOILER WARNING!!!!! DON'T READ THE BACK COVER OF THE BOOK, IT SPOILS THE ENDING!!!

The Theif Lord by: Cornelia Funke

Hello fellow readers,
This weeks pick book is the The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke. This book is about two brothers; Bo and Prosper that run away from their Aunt to Venice. The city that their mother has told them all about. This book entwines fate, fantasy, and a little bit of heroics, into a humorous story that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Don't miss this awesome book by this amazing author.
I give the Thief Lord:
3 1/2 stars
Make sure to put this great book on your list. As always, check back soon and happy reading.
-Lily Klasing

P.S. You can always send me your own reviews, or post the on The Novel News.

Good Enough by: Paula Yoo

Hello fellow readers!
Good Enough is about a high school senior that plays violin, has a huge crush on a guy in her homeroom, and has to be a P.K.K. (perfect korean kid). Patti Yoon has plenty of problems but this exciting book will keep you on the edge of your seat, and keep you laughing the whole time. You'll just want to know what happens next! Good Enough will take you beyond the realms of regular high school normal and will show you how your world can be turned upside down by a boy, a violin, and AP Caculus. Don't miss this terrific book, read it now!
Check back soon and happy reading.

-Lily Klasing

P.S. You can always post your comments or your own reviews on The Novel News.

Peaches by: Jodi Lynn Anderson

Hello fellow readers,
In this wonderful book three girls (who couldn't be more polar opposites) come together on a peach farm in Georgia to learn the true meaning of friendship. Sounds cheesy right? Not so, Peaches is a book that really shows you how you should give others a chance. I'm not lying it really is a good book. I am now eagerly reading The Secrets of Peaches by: Jodi Lynn Anderson. You may just find that Murphy isn't so bad, and that Leeda may be a little more sure of herself, or mabey that Birdie isn't as peachy as you thought it was.
I give Peaches:
3 stars
Peaches is a great read thats got to go on your list. Check back soon and happy reading.

-Lily Klasing
P.S. You can always post your comments or your own reviews on The Novel News.