Invisibility by Andrea Cremer and David Levithan

SYNOPSIS:  Stephen has never been seen by anyone.  So when the new girl in his apartment complex interacts with him, he's completely shocked.  As they get to know each other better, she becomes as intrigued by him as he is with her.  She knows that she will need to help break his curse.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This was an intriguing story.  The main character is likable, and even though the subject matter is quite unrealistic, it's told in a way to make it believable.  It was romantic, without too much sensuality, so I'd recommend it for teens and older.

AUDIENCE:  Teens and Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for some sensuality and language

STARS:  3 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Ella Enchanted, Goose Girl

PERSEFoNE Series by Michelle Gagnon

SYNOPSIS:  Noa Torson wakes up to find herself in a hospital bed, with a cruel scar across her chest.  She has no recollection of how she got there, and even worse are the side effects of whatever has been done to her:  her eating and sleeping habits have gone completely haywire.  She uses her hacking skills and the community at her disposal to try to find out what is going on, before it is too late.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This is an exciting and fast-paced trilogy.  However, I sometimes felt that it was dragging along, with pitfalls and speed bumps that seemed somewhat unrealistic and detracted from the flow of the plot.  However, it would be a fun read for teens looking for something exciting and action-packed.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults and Teens

RATING:  PG13 for sensuality, violence, and language

STARS:  3

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  The Adoration of Jenna Fox, Wither

Frozen: Heart of Dread by Melissa de la Cruz and Michael Johnston

SYNOPSIS:  Natasha Kestral is marked, which means she has special powers.  She has escaped from a government compound, and is hiding in plain sight in New Vegas, working as a blackjack dealer.  She knows her destiny is in The Blue, a paradise within the frozen wasteland, and all she needs to find is someone who can take her there.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I don't have much good to say about this book.  The story-line had potential, but I felt like the storytelling wasn't enough to fulfill that potential.  The characters were hard to be invested in, and their adventures seemed to be a bit contrived and sometimes too convenient to be believed.  Also, there was some sensuality and violence, as well as homosexual references.  I'd skip this read.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Violence and Sensuality

STARS:  1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Mystic City, Fathomless

Catherine by April Lindner

SYNOPSIS:  This Wuthering Heights retelling follows Chelsea, who has believed her mother Catherine to be dead most of her life.  However, when she discovers that she is missing, she goes in search of her.  Her search takes her through her mother's past, and into dangerous territory.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  Although this story is a fun-to-read mystery, it is quite dark (as you might expect, given its inspiration.)  Also, there was some adult language, as well as some sensuality and sexual references.  For that reason, I would only recommend it to older readers.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Violence, Sensuality, and Language

STARS:  3

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Life After Theft, The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

SYNOPSIS:  Hazel knows how her life will end.  As a terminal cancer patient living on borrowed time, she realizes that she doesn't have long to live.  When Augustus Waters shows up at her cancer support group meeting, she finds that change can bring happiness, even in the darkest of times.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  Although the narration was quick-paced and entertaining, I had a hard time with this book.  It seemed a bit predictable to me.  In addition, it seemed a bit gimmicky, with two cancer patients, meeting with death hanging over their heads.  I felt like it wasn't that creative, honestly.  In addition, there was quite a bit of sensuality, as well as plenty of language and sexual references.  I wasn't very impressed with this book, and would recommend skipping it.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Language and Sensuality/Sexual References

STARS:  2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  A Walk to Remember, Girls Don't Fly

Cinder Series by Marissa Meyer

SYNOPSIS:  Cinder has been a cyborg since her accident as a child.  It is all she knows.  However, she doesn't appreciate the way she is treated by those around her, especially her stepmother.  However, when she meets Emporer Kai, her life is changed forever.  And when she is enrolled against her will in a study to find a cure for the plague, she discovers an unsettling secret about her heritage.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I wasn't expecting to like this series very much, but I actually really enjoyed it.  Although the concepts were firmly in the realm of science fiction, the story was told in such a way as to make it believable.  The characters were realistic and endearing, and I enjoyed the retelling of the fairy tales.  There was exactly the right amount of romance and adventure to keep the story moving quickly.  However, there was quite a bit of graphic violence, especially in the second book of the series, so I would recommend it only to older readers.

AUDIENCE:  Teens, Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Violence

STARS:  4

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Towering, Legend

Bleak House by Charles Dickens

SYNOPSIS:  Esther Summerson spent the first years of her life being told it would have been better if she had never been born.  However, through this adversity, she develops qualities of humility and kindness that endear her to others.  When John Jarndice takes her on as a companion for his cousin, she quickly becomes an indispensable member of the household.  However, there are secrets to Esther's parentage that would be devastating if they were to become public, and which come into play as she grows into womanhood.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This was not my favorite Dickens novel.  There were so many characters, introduced with such rapidity that I had a hard time keeping them straight.  However, it had a good message of the value of humility and resiliency that I did like.  I would recommend it to older readers, especially those who enjoy dark stories, because of the allusions to murder and illegitimacy, and because of the advanced reading level.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults and Adults

RATING:  PG

STARS:  3

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Wuthering Heights, North and South

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

SYNOPSIS:  Aria has led a sheltered life--literally--in the Pod.  She can live a life of fantasy in the Realms any time she wants.  When her mother disappears, her search for her mother leads to her own expulsion from the safety of the Pod.  She is left at the mercy of Perry, a wild outsider who shows her life in the real world.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I had a hard time getting into this book.  Not only was the writing slow and the characters superficial and shallow to the point of annoyance, but there were some content that I felt was  a bit mature for the intended audience.  There was quite a bit of sensuality, as well as some reference to physical maturation, and some graphic violence.  I'd definitely recommend skipping this book.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adult

RATING:  PG13 for Sensuality and Violence

STARS:  1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Alanna, Eon

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

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

Breathe by Sarah Crossan

SYNOPSIS:  Alina, Quinn and Bea live in a time when the world has very little oxygen.  Everyone lives in pods, where they pay for the privilege of breathing.  Only the wealthy can afford to do strenuous activity or buy tanks to leave the pod.  When Alina has to run from the authorities, Quinn and Bea get entangled in her fight to make a better future.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I thought this would be a fun adventure story, but in the end, I felt it was a bit heavily weighted on the environmentalism side.  Also, I felt the story was a bit weak, with too much drama, and oversimplified characters.  That being said, I'm sure other readers would enjoy the dystopian story.  For content, there was some sexual references and language, and violence.  I would recommend it for older readers.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Sexual References, Language, and Violence

STARS:  2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Divergent, Partials

The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson

SYNOPSIS:  Hayley's life hasn't been easy.  Since her father has been relieved from active duty, he has suffered from intense flashbacks, and has anger issues.  As she tries to hold it together for both of them, she has to sacrifice some things, however.  Eventually, she has to question what is most important to her.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I like books that deal with important issues, but I think there was too much teenage angst and drama for me in this book.  In addition, there was quite a bit of sensuality and sexual references, plus some strong language and violence.  I would recommend skipping this book, or at least reserve it for mature readers.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults

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

STARS:  1 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Between Shades of Gray, A Corner of the Universe

Dreamland Social Club by Tara Altebrando

SUMMARY:  Jane has been content to sit on the sidelines since her mother's death, but when she moves to Coney Island, she begins to see life might be better if she gets involved.  As she learns about her mother's past, she tries to figure out what is most important to her.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I had a hard time getting into this book.  There was a lot of teenage drama, and the story wasn't easy for me to relate to.  However, it may be more interesting to a young person, especially one interested in the carnival as a setting.  As far as content goes, there was some sensuality and language, so I would recommend it for older readers.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adult

RATING:  PG13 for Language and Sensuality

STARS:  1 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Along for the Ride, Lola and the Boy Next Door

The Golden Compass Series by Philip Pullman

SYNOPSIS:  Lyra has always been content with her life, until her friend Roger is taken by the "Gobblers," a group of people who take children from their families.  When Mrs. Coulter takes her on as a protege, she must decide what her priorities are, and stand for what she believes.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I had heard good things about this book, but I had thought it was a children's book.  After having read it, I no longer believe that.  There was some disturbing imagery, and some adult topics and symbolism that I think would be more appropriate for older readers.  However, for readers who can handle the Violence and Mature topics, I would recommend the book as a thrilling and exciting adventure story.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Violence, and Mature Topics

STARS:  3

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Tandem, Inkheart

SYNOPSIS:  Will is on the run from men who are looking for his father.  On his quest to discover what has happened to him, he finds a gateway to another world and meets Lyra, with her strange shape-shifting Demon and mystical compass.  Their meeting leads to more danger and adventure than either is prepared for.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  Once more, I need to emphasize that this book has more violence in it than I would feel comfortable recommending to younger readers.  There is also some sensuality and references that I think are more appropriate for older readers, as well some dialogue which might seem sacrilegious.  That being said, it was an exciting story that I think others would enjoy.

RATING:  PG13 for Violence and Sensuality

STARS:  2 1/2

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

SYNOPSIS:  Narrated as though it is a true story, this book follows the lives of several characters, primarily Jean Valjean.  After stealing some food out of necessity, Jean's life takes a downward spiral.  However, when he is shown mercy, he makes an effort to rise above his past and change his life for the better.  Along the way, he changes many lives.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This book took me a long time to complete, mostly because of its length and language.  For that reason, I would recommend it to older readers.  There were also some very mild sexual references.  However, it is a great story, and leads to many questions of ethics and morality.  What makes a person good or bad?  How does each decision we make change our lives?  Definitely a wonderful book for any mature enough to handle it.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults and Adults

RATING:  PG

STARS:  4

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Short Stories by O. Henry, Jane Eyre

Linked by Imogen Howson

SYNOPSIS:  Elissa has been having horrible dreams since she became a teenager.  During these dreams, she feels like she is being tortured.  She wakes up with bruises and other injuries.  Because of the dreams, she becomes alienated by her friends and others who think she is a spoiled teenager trying to get attention.  So when a new doctor offers the opportunity for her to have a surgery which will cure her of the dreams, she leaps at the chance.  However, as the time before the surgery grows nearer, she begins to question if it is really a good idea.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  This was an exciting and interesting adventure story.  I definitely enjoyed it.  However, because of some brief references to maturation, as well as some disturbing imagery, I would recommend it only for older readers.

AUDIENCE:  Teens and Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Disturbing Imagery and some mature references

STARS:  2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Tandem, Delirium