Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell

SYNOPSIS:  "Mary" writes about time she has spent with her friends in Cranford, a town full of spinsters.  It is a story of daily comings and goings amongst people in a small town.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This wasn't my favorite book for a few reasons.  First of all, characters die just about as soon as you get to know them.  Secondly, some of the events were a little dull and monotonous, which would be hard for a reluctant reader to get through.  Finally, the main character, who is narrating the story, is practically invisible.  She doesn't really describe herself, or her own life.  However, the story is a charming portrait of the past, and is humorously and honestly told.  I would recommend it for an older reader, based on difficulty, but it would be appropriate for anyone based on content.

RATING:  G or PG

AUDIENCE:  Young Adult or Adult

STARS:  3

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Anne of Green Gables, Wives and Daughters, Eight Cousins 

Fallen by Lauren Kate

SYNOPSIS:  Luce finds herself in a reform school after a boy mysteriously burns to death while she is alone with him.  She is drawn to two different boys at the school, and tries to discover their histories, realizing along the way that they are not ordinary boys.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This is another Twilight-type book that found its way into my digital check-out cart.  Although the writing was better than some other similar types of books I've read, I still felt it was a little moody and dramatic for me.  Aside from a lot of kissing, and some violence, the content wasn't too shocking, though.  I would recommend it for older readers who enjoy dark and dramatic books.

RATING:  PG13 for Violence and some Sensuality

AUDIENCE:  Teens and Young Adults

STARS:  2 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Twilight, City of Bones, Kane Chronicles

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Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

SYNOPSIS:  Grace finds herself drawn to the wolves that live in the woods by her house, even after a severe attack by them.  One wolf, especially, draws her to him, and she discovers that he is a werewolf, who transforms into a boy she quickly falls in love with.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  It's the same old story:  supernatural boy falls in love with ordinary girl, followed by several chapters of teen angst and lust.  Honestly, I checked this out of the digital library as an audiobook, thinking it looked interesting, but it ended up being more of a bad copycat of Twilight.  Also, it had some violence in it, and some strong sensuality.  I wouldn't recommend it, since I spent half the book rolling my eyes, and the other half cringing back from the content.

RATING:  PG13 for Violence and Strong Sensuality

AUDIENCE:  Young Adult

STARS:  1

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Twilight, Fallen