Quotes: DramaCon Vol. 2

I just had to post this one. This is my life in so many ways!

"Life, you are offically fired on an account of not being fair..." - Chrisse from Dramacon 2

Review: Christmas Titles

If you’ve been looking for some great Christmas reads, you should check out these reviews:

Mistletoe Madness by Various

Christmas is the perfect time to gather around and read all those wonderful holiday stories that we love. Whether you are into stories about Santa, magic, families, or general goodwill to mankind, Mistletoe Madness has what you’re looking for.

Learn what happens when a 12-year-old cooks her first Christmas turkey, how one family celebrates Christmas two ways, and what happens when a girl rides catches the train for a very special Christmas present. This is just a small peek into the treasures that are in this anthology. Filled with stories, poems, and occasional illustrations this book has something for everyone.

And not all of these stories take place in modern times or under unusual circumstances. Set in both past and present, these stories are full of magic, both real and imagined. My favorite story, “Liranel’s Gift” was set in Medieval times, in a town where blessings are bestowed by Song (magic through singing). Although that one was by far my favorite, I would have to say “The Clauses go to Hollywood” was a close tie. After all, who wouldn’t want to see Santa Claus as a real movie star?

Recommended for ages 12 and up, although readers of all ages will enjoy reading (or hearing) this wonderful collection.

Shady Glade Rating- 8/10

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A Christmas Dozen by Steve Burt

One of my absolute favorite times of year is the Christmas season. It’s a time of widespread goodwill towards mankind, and I love all the stories that come from this wonderful holiday.

A Christmas Dozen is a collection of 12 such short stories, to warm the heart, inspire, and lift your spirits. Each story is unique and completely different. Travel to Europe during World War II to experience how a lost solider experiences his Christmas Eve, see how a pair of circus elephants brought a community together, how one minister’s candlelight service changed his life forever, and how a town’s collective prayers are answered in one unique live nativity.

My personal favorite was a story entitled “Christmas Mouse” about a German mouse who gets caught on a ship in India for Christmas. In a situation reminiscent of Belleau Wood during World War I, a traditional Christmas carol changes this particular Christmas Eve forever.

My only complaint with the book as a whole was that the writing can be a little awkward in some places. However, the stories make up for any temporary flaws. In turns heartwarming, hilarious, and heartbreaking, this collection is the perfect way to get in the Christmas Spirit. Filled with tales that both old and young will enjoy, I recommend this for readers aged 12 and up.

Shady Glade Rating- 7/10

*Please note* These were originally posted off-site. Clicking on the below links will take you to the full body of my reviews found at www.yabookscentral.com

Click here to read the review for Mistletoe Madness
Click here to read the review for A Christmas Dozen

YAY!

Guess what? I’m done with finals. I know this is completely random, but I had to celebrate somehow. *Does a little tap dance*

Anyway, now that my next two weeks are free, you know what that means. Yup, lots of reading! There’s all sorts of good stuff coming your way, so make sure you sign up for the newsletter (over in the sidebar) if you haven’t already done so. You’ll be glad you did!

Review: Stravaganza: City of Masks

Stravaganza: City of Masks by Mary Hoffman

Lucien has been diagnosed with cancer. Undergoing chemotherapy is very tiring, and soon he finds himself falling asleep while clutching a beautiful notebook. Unbeknownst to Lucien the notebook is from a parallel world called Talia, similar to Renaissance Italy. Lucien finds himself in the beautiful city of Bellezza, similar to our Venice. Ruled by the powerful and beautiful Duchessa, Lucien soon finds himself being drawn closer into the beautiful city. But all is not right in Talia. The powerful di Chimici family is determined to take over all of Talia, but the Duchessa is in the way. Can Lucien help save the Duchessa before it’s too late?

Part historical, part fantasy, part mystery, and part political intrigue, this book has everything. The author has crafted a wonderful mystery perfect for any fantasy lover. This book is truly too complicated to summarize in such a short amount of space. It is so involved that there is no way I can do it proper justice without giving parts away. You’ll just have to take my word for it, and go and read it yourself! This is the first of the Stravaganza series, make sure you also check out City of Stars and City of Flowers!

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10!

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Contest: Book Club Sweepstakes

Penguin's Young Readers group is offering a fantastic contest for those bookworms out there who have banded together. You could win a year supply of books for your book club, including favorite books such as An Abundance of Kathrines and Paranoid Park (look for SG's review by clicking on the Review List link in the sidebar).

All you have to do is go to the entry form and submit your information. Could it get any easier? This ends on Wednesday, December 22, 2006 so make sure you enter soon! And hey, if you don't have a book club, enter anyway. Its always a good excuse to start one, right? :-)

Click here for contest details

Contest: Enthusiasm

YABC is offering a contest for 5 copies of Enthusiasm by Polly Shulman. If you love Jane Austen you'll love this book! It's Pride and Prejudice meets modern times in a YA novel that's been getting plenty of fantastic reviews.

Entering is so easy. Simply head over to YABC and answer this question:

If you could be any heroine from any romantic novel you've read, who would you be and why?

Click here to enter

Contest: The Looking Glass Wars

YABC is offering a contest for 5 copies of The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor. I haven't read this one myself yet, but its in my to-read stack. And its gotten rave reviews so far!

Entering is so easy. Simply head over to YABC and answer this question:

If you could live in any alternate world and/or reality from any book...which one would you pick and why?

Click here to enter

Review: The Blue Day Book

The Blue Day Book by Bradley Trevor Grieve

Have you ever suffered from a blue day? One of those “the world is against me” days? Well, here’s the solution! In this book Bradley Trevor Grieve has excellently combined a simple lesson on how to rid ourselves of life’s blue days with animal photographs that magnificently illustrate his points. From the causes of blue days to how to get rid of them, this book is classic. The text and photos go so well with each other, it is impossible to feel sad after reading this book. Whether you are in the mood for a pick-me-up or just a good laugh, check out The Blue Day Book! Let me tell you, it works! It’s the only thing getting me through finals this week!

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10!

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News and Updates (again)

Sorry about the lack of updates! My real life (aka finals) has been getting in the way these past few weeks. In addition I have tons of books to finish for the Cybils awards, and a few Christmas books I need to finish soon for YABC. Anyway, here's what you can expect in the next few weeks:

Contests: I know, I know, December's going fast. I promise to have the contests up soon. Right now, I do have the Harperteen FanLit contest going on, so make sure you click on the "This Month's Contests" link (that way ----->) to go to that.

Quotes, Quotes, and more Quotes: I'm reading some really good books right now, with all sorts of good quotes. Not all of them are reading related, but I'm keeping track of them to post here. Keep an eye out!

Reviews (Of course!): You can see a list of what I'm currently reading by looking at the"Recent Books from my library" list in the sidebar (below "related book links"). Several of them are Christmas, so you can expect reviews soon! In addition, I still have a few older reviews I need to get up, so those are coming along.

Book site reviews: I know its been months since I've done one of these. (Don't hurt me! *cringe*) I promise to get some more of these done, if nothing else than during Christmas vacation when I'll finally have some time to sit down and actually write them. I've got several sites on my list including bookburger, teensreadtoo.com, simonpulse and more. Stay tuned for more.

As always, I'm open to suggestions. I LOVE to hear from people, so email me if you have anything you want to tell me. I'm an email junkie and I'll probably reply within a day or two. We also need a lot more people to visit if I'm going to start book giveaways, so please help spread the word about this blog!

If you need any ideas for Christmas, why not check out The Shady Glade Store? I've just added a whole bunch of BRAND NEW books, and anything you buy goes to help YABC's campaign to support teen reading. Check it out!

Fall Writing Challenge- UPDATE, Choose the WINNER!

The entries for YABC's Fall Writing Challenge are in! Now we need YOUR help to pick the winner!

You can check out the entries using these links below, and then VOTE!

Here's the great entries you have to choose from:
Fall Haiku
The Masquerade
A Moment
Fall Pleasures
Discovering Autumn

This will only be active for 7 days! Please vote now!

Review: Finding Faith #1: Planning it Right

Planning It Right: Finding Faith #1 by Samantha A. Anderer

Kim Carlisle is on a mission! It’s the beginning of Sophomore year, and she is determined to have the greatest year ever. First on her list: a perfect boyfriend.

It all starts at an end-of-the-summer sleepover with Kim, her twin Kara, and friends Nikki, Jackie, Lisa, and Alexis. When the subject of boys comes up Kim admits she’s got her eye on a neighborhood cutie named Nicholas Lamoreaux. Intent to have all of her friends paired off by the end of the year, Kim suggests they leave anonymous notes to each of their love interests. Everyone agrees, except Alexis. Brushing aside Alexis’ newfound stony behavior towards the group, the girls carry out their scheme.

The note plan works out perfectly. Kim and her friends are slowly pairing off with their intended guys. But Nicholas thinks Alexis sent him Kim’s note. Is he Alexis’ newest crush? When Kim observes Alexis’ behavior towards Nicholas on the first day of school, she is positive that he is the reason for her friend’s new cold behavior. No way is Kim going to give up on her man. After all, she saw him first….. right?

Soon things turn ugly, and Alexis tells Kim to back off Nicholas or risk their friendship. Kim isn’t about to let Alexis win, and concocts a fool-proof plan to help her win Nicholas once and for all. When her plan backfires, Kim realizes it’s time to make some changes. Will she remember her Sunday School lesson about kindness, or will Alexis need to watch her back?

I must admit that at first I was very skeptical about this book. Romance novels are not my thing, especially when they involve love triangles. To my great surprise, after three chapters I was completely hooked with Kim’s story, and I was almost sad when the book ended.

Planning it Right isn’t just your average romance. Filled with realistic and engaging characters, the book is a delight to read. Kim’s spunky and headstrong attitude will relate to any reader who has ever felt the need for a little competition. Although the plot wraps up nicely, there is enough questions left unanswered to have readers clamoring for a sequel.Recommended for readers 14 and up, as they will understand high school situations the best. Also suitable for younger readers who may be interested.

Shady Glade Rating: 6/10

Visit the Shady Glade Store for more recommended reads, movies, music and more!



*Please note* These were originally posted off-site. Clicking on the below links will take you to the full body of my reviews found at www.yabookscentral.com

Click here to read the review.

No room at the Inn… sort of

With Christmas fast approaching its always on my mind about how Mary and Joseph were unable to find room at the Inn in Bethlehem. But I have a different dilemma, my books have no room!

As a member of the Cybils nominating committee, I’ve had books rolling in all week (my roommates are getting tired of signing for my UPS packages!). As a college student I have very limited space, and I now am officially out of space. I’ve been keeping the new books in a box on the floor, but today was clean checks so I had to figure out a new spot for them… FAST.

First I tried to weed out the bookshelf I do have… no luck. I checked the cupboard under my bed… already full to bursting with books and other misc. things. Under the desk? Nope, full of laundry. So where did I finally put them? In my dresser drawer! Right there stacked up next to
my shirts and jeans. Go figure. ;-)

Things certainly seem bad when I have completely run out room for books. Guess it’s time to part with some of my beloved possessions. If you haven’t already, click on the link on the sidebar that says The Shady Glade Book Store. Some of my treasures may find a new home with you!

News and Updates

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday break! I got to visit my new five-month-old cousin, he was so cute! :-)

Anyway, the review and contest lists have (finally) been updates. I apologize it took me so long! There are some great contests coming up for December, so make sure you check back to see them. I hope to have some more reviews, interviews, and book websites up soon. School is winding down, so I have a lot to work on, but I'll try to post what I can!

In other news, viewing numbers are up, but I'd still love to have more people. Spread the word about the site, and if you have promotion ideas, email me here. If I get enough viewers I might be able to have some contests, including giveaways for SIGNED books. So get brainstorming!

Contest: Fall Writing Challenge

Calling all writers, this contest's for you! The following is a copy of a post on YABC's blog. PLEASE consider entering, we still need at least one more entrant to get any prizes. You could win a 3 DVD set, and you still have until the end of Novemeber to enter! See below for details.

You have until the end of November to submit the following in the YABC Forum:A short story or poem that somehow encompasses Fall -- it could be about what Fall means to you, or to a character, or just have that general "Autumn" feeling to it. In other words, you can make an argument for just about anything that has to do with the season! An introduction of 150 words or less can be included to explain what your intent is with the piece. All forum members are welcome to enter. You can only enter once. After the contest period is over, a poll will be held to determine the winner. Chances of winning will depend upon the number of entries and, of course, how you are judged by your peers. The only ones who have no chance of winning are those who don't enter!

The 2006 Cybils

I have to opportunity to be on one of the committees for the 2006 Cybils awards. Nominate your favorite books of 2006, this is the award where YOU determine the nominees. Nominations close Monday night so head over there now and cast your votes.

Also, we REALLY need nominations for the Graphic Novels category, so make sure you nominate your favorite GNs of 2006.

Review: The Fairy’s Return and Other Princess Tales

The Fairy's Return and Other Princess Tales by Gail Carson Levine

For those of you who haven’t had a chance to read Gail Carson Levine’s Princess Tales yet, here’s your chance. And for those of you who consider these stories among your favorites already, now they are available in one magnificent volume. And the new cover’s pretty, which is always a plus!

The Princess Tales take us to the village of Snettering-on-Snoakes in the kingdom of Biddle. Each chapter takes a traditional fairy tale and turns it on its head until it emerges as a hilarious and charming new story, sometimes unrecognizable as the original tale.

What would happen if the fairy’s gift backfired as it does in “The Fairy’s Mistake”? How about a boy Cinderella (that’s Cinderellis to you!) and has to rescue his princess by climbing a glass hill (“Cinderellis and the Glass Hill“? What if the “princess” in The Princess and the Pea wasn’t really a Princess (The Princess Test”)? It’s all here in this book.

These tales are a true delight to read. I first discovered them several years ago, when “The Fairy’s Mistake” had just been published. To this day they remain some of my favorite fairy-tale retellings. Quick, easy reads full of laughter and fun, this is a book you will not want to pass up.

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10!

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Review: An Aquaintance with Darkness

An Acquaintance with Darkness by Ann Rinaldi

After 5 bloody years of conflict, the Civil War finally has come to an end. But the day the war ends is not a happy one for Emily Pigbush. While the rest of Washington is celebrating, Emily is mourning the death or her mother, leaving her an orphan. Following her late mother’s wishes, Emily moves in with her Uncle Valentine, a successful doctor in Washington DC. However, she soon learns of several suspicious acts occurring around her uncle’s practice. Could Uncle Valentine really be an illegal grave robber?

Meanwhile, Annie Surratt, Emily’s best friend, has her own problems. Annie’s mother has been accused of being involved with the people who planned Lincoln’s assassination. Since Annie’s mother runs the boarding house where the accused lived, the government suspects she also planned Lincoln’s murder. Can Emily help her friend while finding out what Uncle Valentine is up to?

For those of you who read this blog regularly, you know I’m a big Ann Rinaldi fan. This book has been one of my favorites since I read it a few years ago. It became really hard to find, but has recently been re-released with a new cover (which I think is better than the old one). This book satisfies my cravings for a good Rinaldi novel, but also offers something different. Rather than focusing on the historical events (in this case, Lincoln’s assassination and the criminal trial that followed), the book offers us a look at a time period in general. Emily’s life reflects the uncertainty and turmoil that was rampant in Washington DC at the close of the Civil War. Overall, a great historical read, especially if you are interested in the time period.

Shady Glade Rating: 7/10

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Review: The Book of Enchantments

Book of Enchantments by Patricia C. Wrede

This book is a wonderful collection of short stories written by Patricia C. Wrede, author of the Enchanted Forest Chronicles. There is a little bit of everything here! Some stories are funny, while others have a more serious, or even spooky, atmosphere. Most are set in traditional fantasy worlds, but a few have modern settings as well. “Stronger Than Time” explores what would have happened if Sleeping Beauty’s prince had never come. “The Lorelei” explores a modern twist on the German legend. And look for the story “Utensil Strength”; a story featuring our favorite characters from the Enchanted Forest and an amazing weapon: The Frying Pan of Doom. This one is my personal favorite, but I also really enjoyed "The Princess, the Cat and the Unicorn."

This is just a small selection of the wonderful stories found in this book. The stories are easy to read, and yet many of them make you think after you finish them. I love reading this book so much, I re-read it all the time! The book also offers a author’s note at the end to answer the question “Where do you get your ideas?” A very cool, very good, book.

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10!

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Contest: Haters

YABC is having a contest to win 15 copies of Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez's new book Haters. Simply answer this question to enter:

Are there any haters in your school? How do you stand up to them? Or, if you don't, how do you wish you did?

Click here to enter.

Review: The Annotated Classic Fairy Tales

The Annotated Classic Fairy Tales, edited by Maria Tatar

Although this book might not necessarily be classified as YA, I enjoyed it enough that I just had to share it. I’ve always been a fan of fairy tales, ever since I was little. I loved the tales of fairies, magic, handsome princess, and beautiful heroines. But fairy tales were not originally written for children. Many of them are deeper and more complex than many of the Disney movies imply.

This volume of Fairy Tales not only presents the tales in their original forms, but it is annotated with new insights. There are 28 tales included, and each one is accompanied by beautiful and classic illustrations from the original editions. An introduction at the beginning of each story not only gives background on the story, but gives the reader a basic idea of the deeper meaning behind it. Although there are annotations, many of them are fairly short and uncomplex, fully enriching the tales by providing interpretations, insights, and background information for certain fairy tale situations.

If you’ve ever been a lover of fairy tales, this is not a book to miss out on. Full of all sort of new information, I promise you will never look at your favorite stories the same way again.

Shady Glade Rating: 8/10

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Review: Fairy Dust and the Quest for the Egg

Fairy Dust and the Quest for the Egg by Gail Carson Levine

When a baby laughs for the first time, a fairy is born. Prilla is the newest laugh-born fairy to arrive in Neverland, but she is different that any other Never fairy. Even the island itself has a hard time deciding whether or not to let her enter! Prilla curtsies, visits the forbidden Mainland, says “I’m sorry,” and generally acts more like a Clumsy (the fairy name for humans) than a proper Never fairy should. Worst of all, Prilla doesn’t know her talent, which makes her the most unusual fairy to ever show up at the Home Tree.

Hoping Prilla might be a pots-and-pans-talent fairy like herself, Tinker Bell offers to show Prilla around Fairy Haven. That’s right, the same Tinker Bell from Peter Pan fame. Tink quickly finds that Prilla doesn’t have a talent for fixing pots and pans, playing with water, or communicating with animals. Frustrated at Prilla’s apparent lack of talent, Tink and Prilla set off to meet Mother Dove: a grandmotherly figure who watches over the fairies and is their sole source of magic Fairy Dust. Mother Dove instantly recognizes how special and unique Prilla is, but she is unable to tell the new fairy what her talent is.

Prilla’s troubles are soon pushed to the back of everyone’s mind when a terrible hurricane ravages the island. The storm blows Mother Dove off her nest and shatters the magic egg that is responsible for Neverland’s eternal youth. Now Prilla must set off on a quest to save the egg, along with a sweet fairy named Rani and viscous Vidia, who’s only mission in life is to fly faster than everyone else. Can the three questers restore the egg, or will Neverland slowly age and die?

Famous storyteller Gail Carson Levine has created a wonderful masterpiece, perfect for the young and young-at-heart. For those of you who have ever wondered about what happened beyond Peter Pan, this book not only offers an answer, but presents a totally new side to the Neverland story. In addition to the beautiful writing, Levine has created a cast of unforgettable characters that will have readers laughing, crying, and smiling all throughout the book. Illustrator David Christiana adds a wonderful dimension to the story with his breathtaking accompanying watercolor illustrations.

Fairy Dust and the Quest for the Egg is recommended for readers 8 and up, although younger readers will enjoy having the story read to them. Don’t be turned off by the fact that this book is published by Disney, you will miss out on a very good read!

Shady Glade Rating: 9/10

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*Please note* This was originally posted off-site. Clicking on the below link will take you to the full body of my reviews found at www.yabookscentral.com

Click here to read the original review.

Quotes: Paranoid Park

Here's a quote from Paranoid Park by Blake Nelson:

“I stared out the window. I imagined riding to the police station, my hands cuffed behind my back. That would be fine with me. It really would. I was done. There was no point now. My life sucked so much, I might as well get caught.”

You can check out the review of this book here.

Review: Paranoid Park

Paranoid Park by Blake Nelson

It all started with a skate park. Paranoid park is the roughest skate park in Portland, but it’s also the best. When a 16-year-old Prep gets a chance to skate there, he jumps a the chance. After running into a street skater named Scratch, the two boys decide to ride a train across town. The problem is, a security guard is waiting for them when they arrive at the train yard. After a quick struggle, the security guard is dead and both boys flee the yard. Now the narrator has to deal with the guilt of what has happened to him. Should he tell someone, confess to the police, or keep the whole thing secret?

Told in fast, quick prose, this story easily compels the reader along. Nelson’s writing has the ability to pull readers along with the narrator’s story, completely submersing them in his head. Never once, is the narrator referred to by name, effectively placing him in a role of any normal teenager. Overall this is an interesting and engaging teenage thriller.

Recommended for readers 14 and up. Due to some sexual talk and profanity, I really wouldn’t recommend it to anyone younger without caution.

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Quotes: Scott Cooper

From a book I am currently reading, and will be reviewing soon:

“I believe that different books, and even different passages and pages, become scripture for different people.” - Scott Cooper, from God at the Kitchen Table.

As always, please feel free to let me know what you think!

Review: Waiting for Odysseus

Waiting for Odysseus by Clemence McLaren

We've all heard the story of Homer's Odyssey: The Greek hero Odysseus is on his way back from the Trojan wars and ends up spending 10 years fighting his way back to his home on Ithaca. This book takes that story to a whole new level.

This is the Odyssey told through the eyes of the women who knew him best. First Penelope, Odysseus' wife tells the story of how they met and fell in love. Next Circe, the sorceress who turns men into swine recounts how she fell for the great hero. Greek goddess Athena recounts how she watches after her favorite mortal, and the story ends with the account of Eurycleia; Odysseus' old nurse who has raised his son in his absence and is the first to recognize him when he comes home.

I have always loved Greek mythology, and I was eager to read this when I first saw it. It turned out not to be the best mythology retelling I've ever read, but it was enough to keep me interested. It is a little more appropriate for female readers (mostly because of the viewpoints) but everyone can enjoy it. It tends to center more around the romance of the story, which gives it a very different feel than the Odyssey. Greek society was very male-oriented and women are often neglected or overlooked in many Greek myths.

Overall, and interesting take on a traditional story.

Shady Glade Rating: 7/10

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Writing Contest: HarperTeen FanLit- Round 1

Round 1 of HarperTeen's FanLit writing contest has begun! Paranormal is the winning premise, and the setting for chapter 1 have been posted. Here's the schedule for Chapter 1:

• The beginning Story Line is posted on October 27th;
• Chapters are submitted;
• All submitted chapters are displayed to registered players for viewing and voting.
• The 10 submissions with the highest votes will enter a 48-hour final voting round from November 8th-10th where everyone can vote for their favorite! Our author panelists will each designate a chapter as their “Author Pick.” Their picks get extra points!
• The first weekly winner is announced on November 10th, and the next Story Line is posted.

You are eligble for prizes even if you don't write! So head over there and check it out!

Contest: Salem Witch Tryouts

Veronika Asks is hosting a contest for The Salem Witch Tryouts, the new book by Kelly McClymer. Enter to win a signed copy or other fantastic prizes. Deadline is October 31st, so hurry and enter!

Click here for more information and to enter.

Lack of updates

Sorry folks! I haven't been able to update much recently. I'm smack dab in the middle of midterms, and all my professors pretty much decided to give us huge assignments in addition to the tests we have to study for. I promise I'll update as soon as I get a moment to breathe! ;-)

In the meantime, if you have suggestions, comments, or would just like to contact me, you can email me here.

News: Book Sales and Wish List

Here's some of the newest features to be added to the site:

Book store
I’ve opened an amazon.com book seller account. Visit to find used and new copies of all sorts of books reviewed on this site, and even some that aren’t. In addition, you find collectable signed copies that will be hard to find anywhere else. Click here to visit! If you’re looking to buy any of these books, please consider purchasing them from here. You’ll not only be funding this site, but part of the profits will also be donated to YABC’s DropCash campaign (which you can read about here). YABC is committed to inspiring teen reading, so you will be helping other teens just like you.

Wishlist
All the books I review for this site have to come from somewhere. I’ve complied a list of books I would love to review, and if you would be kind enough to donate any of these titles I would be extremely grateful. You can view it by clicking here. If you would like to donate, or if you would like me to review your book, please email me here.

Ultimate Summer Reading List

As part of a summer feature Teenreads.com complied a list of what books teens think should be on their summer reading lists. With over 250 different entries, it is quite the list. Rather than posting the whole thing, I decided to post the books that I agreed with from the entire project. If you would rather see the whole thing, you can view it here. Keep in mind that I haven't read all of these books, but many I have. Happy reading!

The Ultimate Summer Reading List:

• The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver (Fiction)
• Brooklyn Rose by Ann Rinaldi (Historical Fiction)
• A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb (Romance)
• Cheaper by the Dozen by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey (Humor)
• The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis (Fantasy)
• The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank (Memoir)
• East by Edith Pattou (Romance)
• Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine (Romance)
• Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card (Science Fiction)
• Eragon by Christopher Paolini (Fantasy)
• The Foretelling by Alice Hoffman (Fiction)
• Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg (Fiction)
• The Giver by Lois Lowry (Futuristic Fiction)
• A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray (Fiction/Literary Suspense)
• The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood (Science Fiction)
• The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams (Science Fiction)
• I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith (Romance)
• The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan (Fiction)
• Maus : A Survivor's Tale by Art Spiegelman (Graphic Novel)
• The Minister's Daughter by Julie Hearn (Fiction)
• Night by Elie Wiesel (Memoir)
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (Fiction)
• The Princess Bride by William Goldman (Fiction)
• The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot (Fiction)
• Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor (Historical Fiction)
• The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman (Thriller)
• Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares (Fiction)
• Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson (Fiction)
• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (Historical Fiction)
• Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (Horror/Romance)
• Will Of The Empress by Tamora Pierce (Fantasy)