The Lightning Thief {Percy Jackson & the Olympians} - Rick Riordan

In an attempt to read something lighter (and cleaner) I turned to the YA book Percy Jackson & the Olympians "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan. While I was initially introduced to the book through the major motion picture, the book was quite different than the movie (of course).

Although the book was a bit slow at first — it really picked up after a few chapters. I was initially drawn to the book due to my interest in Greek mythology as an elementary and high school student, but I must admit that I did have some difficulty remembering which god which which and remember the significance of each god and goddess. While the book did include some background info, I would have maybe liked to see a chart of the relationship for the gods in the front or back of the book. This would have made reading easier.

Riordan creates great characters, writes with a unique voice, and weaves a great tale. For this reason I rate the book 5 stars.  For more information on the movie— which is quite family-friendly— click on the video link below.

The Time Traveler's Wife- by Audrey Niffennegger

Like many people, I saw the movie "The Time Traveler's Wife" starring Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana and LOVED IT!  While the movie came out in 2009, I finally got around to reading the book "The Time Traveler's Wife" by Audrey Niffenegger this year when I saw it on a special library display. While of course watching the movie gave me an idea what the storyline was, the book (of course) gave more background information on the characters and showed their motivations.

For those unfamiliar with the story, it starts out with Henry a time traveler meeting his future wife, whom his future self has met as she grew up. The logic itself is a bit difficult to understand, so I suggest that the reader just "go with it" and try to not over-think the process, and like Henry — take the time traveling as it comes and goes.

Reading the book was a joy, but it did require me to flip back in the book often to review the date to see whose perspective the section was written from. (Since most chapters are written from both Clare and Henry's perspective, the reader must remember who the "I" is during conversations, part of my frustration is inherent in the book and concept of time travel and the way the book is written.

I rate the book a reluctant 5 stars only because the book wasn't easy to read, but it was FUN and indeed a great read!

Texas Gothic- by Rosemary Clement-Moore

If you are looking for a book filled with mystetry, intrigue and a spunky main character, you've GOT to read the book 'Texas Gothic' by ROsemary Cement-Moore.  Known for her great prose and strong lead characters, this book takes readers to small-town Texas Ranch, with sisters Amy and Phin and a boat-load of other college-age kids. When Amy and Phin agree to take care of their Aunt's farm while she's away on a vacation they expected to water plants and feed the ghoats. What they didn't expect, was to dig up bones and meet some ghosts!

Once again, Rosemary brings characters to life with great narration, witty word-choice and vivid details. While I haven't reviewed Clement-Moore's other books on this blog (although I've read everything she's written so far) I whole-heartedly recommend the books and am excited to award my first 5 stars on this blog.

I particularly liked Clement-Moore's description of Amy's body language when she first meets Ben, and the way Amy names people she just meets, such as "Dumb" and "Dumber" "Boots" and "Truck".

Keep them coming, Rosemary! Readers need more clean (yet spooky and fun) books to read!

For more information on the author, visit her website www.readrosemary.com