The Point of No Return by Holly Elizabeth-Jean

[The Point of No Return] by [Holly Elizabeth-Jean] is a coming of age story laced with tragedy. Ella Mae loves working at the little local theme park. It is what she spends her summers doing. She is well known and the regular guests and coworkers are like family. When the roller coaster has a massive accident that kills eighteen people Ella and her friend Raymond were at the helm. This is a great story about coping and that not everything is alright all the time.

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

This was a book club book but also on my never ending list. [Laura Hillenbrand] has a masterful way of telling a story that few authors possess. in [Unbroken] she introduces us to Louie Zamperini and takes us through the joy and trails of his life as a precocious child throughbeing an Olympic runner and of course his capture and imprisonment by the Japanese in World Way II. This is a story of strength, courage, doubt, and redemption that I encourage all to read.

Our Fair Eden by Harry Manners

[Harry Manners] sent me [Our Fair Eden] after I had reviewed a few other things he has written and said I would enjoy it. He was right! The whole concept of dystopia came as a push back to utopian ideals. Essentially what happens when ones utopia is not another's and it all goes wrong. That is what this novel addresses. Again [Manners] dark story telling style kept me intrigued. It lets me know others see the dark side of humanity as well.

The Darkling Tide by Travis Simmons

[Travis Simmons] continues his [The Harbingers of Light books] with the second one [The Darkling Tide]. The adventures of our three hero's continues after fighting the warrior that should not have even reached them in the protection of Singer's Trail. Another fae comes to help them but this one may not have the best intentions in mind and Abby does not trust her. Then again who or what can they trust in this strange world?

[Simmons] continues to weave a story that will leave you wanting more.

Into the Ruins:Adventures in Abandoned Japan by Michael John Grist

[Into the Ruins: Adventures in Abandoned Japan] by [Michael John Grist] give new insight as to why his fiction novels are so creative and dark. I love looking at pictures and knowing the stories of abandoned places and [Grist] in this book takes you with him on his adventures with some pretty amazing photography to go along with the narrative. I highly recommend this book as well as his website.

Boonkie In The Community by Lendy Swartbooi-Thobejane

[Boonkie In The Community] has a very good story and message to tell. Unfortunately, the writing gets in the way. It is obvious that the author's first language is not English but that actually lends some validity to the voice. What is needed is a bit of copy editing and cleaning up of formatting. The story is one that deserves to be told and deserves to be told well with the authors true voice.

The State by Tom Wright

[The State] by [Tom Wright] is a fantastic action adventure. In the future the world has free, environmental energy and no crime. This should be a good thing but the energy has been used as a weapon and there is no crime because people are drugged into control by the state. 

You get to see both sides of but also find that the right way may be somewhere in the middle. This concept is driven by plot twists and strong characters. I would recommend this to my students in heartbeat.

Daisy Chain by Grace McDermott

Yet another wonderful story from [Grace McDermott]. In [Daisy Chain] she tells the back story of Magnolia, Taylor's assistant in Combat. There is much more to this colorful character than first appears. If you have not read any of [Grace McDermott's] [Require: Cookie] books you really should!

Boston Strong: A City's Triumph Over Tragedy by Casey Sherman and Dave Wedge

I received this book free in exchange for a honest review.

[Boston Strong] by [Casey Sherman and Dave Wedge] was a very well told account of the events leading to, during and after the Boston Marathon bombing. As I finished this book the surviving bomber is just going to trial so the whole thing is a bit surrealistic. I am used to reading about disasters and horrific events but usually long after they have occurred. i don't expect to see them on my news feed.

I believe the authors did a great job of telling the story without too much bias and with an event like this (as 9-11) that is hard because there is so much emotion tied up in it. I recommend this book especially if you want to know more about the survivors, hero's, and even the bombers.