The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkein

SYNOPSIS:  After Frodo Baggins inherits a ring from his uncle, and learns what it can do, he embarks on a quest to destroy it.  Along the way, he encounters many monsters, along with quite a bit of peril.  He will need the help of all who are willing to destroy the ring.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This book is a classic fairy tale adventure that I think readers of any age could enjoy.  However, there is quite a bit of verse in it, and some of the description and phrasing may be a bit hard for very young readers to get through.  Also, there was some violence and frightening imagery that might be too mature for very young readers.  I would recommend it for older readers for these reasons.

AUDIENCE:  Teens, Young Adults, and Adults

RATING:  PG with Frightening Imagery and Violence

STARS:  3

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Howl's Moving Castle, Inkheart

Ever After High Series by Shannon Hale

SYNOPSIS:  Apple White (daughter of Snow White) has always been at peace with her destiny.  She is more than happy to endure a poisoned apple because she knows it will lead to her Happily Ever After.  However, Raven Queen (daughter of the Evil Queen) is not content to follow her mother's footsteps.  She would rather choose for herself.  Unfortunately, there are others affected by her choices, and they are not happy with the changes she would like to make.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I have been a big fan of Shannon Hale's books, but these two were a little disappointing to me.  When compared with Princess Academy, which is intended for readers of the same age, it is clear that Ever After High is inferior.  While anyone, child or adult, can enjoy Princess Academy, these books seem simplistic and shallow.  However, I will admit that younger readers would likely enjoy them.  I just didn't feel the writing quality was equal to that of Hale's other novels.  Because the books are written for young readers, there was no mature content.  They were very mild.

AUDIENCE:  Children and Pre-teens

RATING:  G

STARS:  1 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Percy Jackson, Small Persons With Wings

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