Middlemarch by George Eliot

SYNOPSIS:  Dorothea knows what she wants.  Or at least she thinks she does.  However, when her marriage to the much-older Mr. Casaubon proves restrictive, she becomes unhappy.  However, through fate's fickle hand, she is given another, much different choice.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I think this is a good book for discovering more about history.  I also think the book has a thought-provoking message, and an interesting plot.  That being said, there was quite a bit of description and scene-setting that weighs down the story a bit.  Young readers, especially, would likely be bogged down by the language and text.  Also, there is some discussion of love outside of marriage, and some references to murder.  I would recommend it for older readers.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults and Adults

RATING:  PG for Mature topics

STARS:  3

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Jane Eyre, Little Women

Life After Theft

SYNOPSIS:  When Jeff's dad finally realizes his career goals, his family moves to California.  On his first day at a ritzy private school, Jeff sees a girl lying on the floor.  He is intrigued, then shocked when he realizes no one else can see her.  When she tells him she is a ghost, and that she must return the things she stole before she can move on to the afterlife, he feels compelled to help her.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I liked the storyline, and the writing style.  However, there were quite a few sexual references, some language, and some sensuality.  In the end, I think I'd recommend skipping this book, or at least reserve it for older readers.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adult

RATING:  PG13 for Sensuality, Sexual References

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Heist Society, Numbers

The Opposite of Hallelujah by Anna Jarzab

SYNOPSIS:  Caro has never come to terms with her much-older sister leaving home to become a nun.  So when she returns home, she is anything but pleased.  She acts out, even lying to her friends about where her sister has been.  Eventually, however, she realizes she is only pushing those she cares about further away from herself.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I checked this book out based on the author, because I enjoyed Tandem.  However, the author was the only thing the two books shared.  This book was a coming-of-age novel, full of teen angst and shenanigans.  In addition, it had some pretty strong language and references, as well as underage drinking, and some brief sensuality.  I wouldn't even say the writing style was a redeeming quality.  I'd recommend skipping this book altogether.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Strong Language, References, and Underage Drinking

STARS:  1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  The Impossible Knife of Memory, Dreamland Social Club

The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die by April Henry

SYNOPSIS:  Cady wakes up one day as a man is dragging her away to be killed.  She has no memories, and has to fight her way out.  When she meets Ty, who has mercy on her and tries to help her, she discovers horrible clues as to whom she is.  If they are true, she may not want to remember her previous life.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I like mysteries, even if the plot or writing isn't as great as I would like.  This book was one of those.  It was definitely entertaining, and thrilling.  However, it wasn't the most amazing or thought-provoking book I've ever read.  Basically, it was an easy, entertaining read.  As far as content goes, there was some strong and disturbing violence, and some language content.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adult

RATING:  PG13 for Violence

STARS:  2 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  The 39 Clues, I'd Tell You I Love You, but Then I'd Have to Kill You

Across the Universe by Beth Revis

SYNOPSIS:  Elder is destined to rule the ship headed for another planet, captaining it to its landing.  Amy has been cryogenically frozen for hundreds of years, headed for the same planet as cargo on Elder's ship.  With years before they land, she is thawed mysteriously.  When she sees how the people are living on the ship, she realizes that some things need to change, and tries to show Elder that view.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This book started out all right, with an interesting plot, and believable characters.  Before long, however, there were several distasteful scenes, including strong sensuality and sexual references.  In the end, the writing quality and story were lacking, and I would recommend skipping this book, especially due to the strong content.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults and Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Strong Sensuality and Sexual References, Violence, and Language

STARS:  1

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Tandem, The Golden Compass