The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary Pearson

Jenna Fox has just awoken from a year long coma after surviving a terrible car accident.  She has no memories at first, and the memories that do start to come back with time are scattered and leave her lost and confused as to what her true identity was or is.  Jenna's parents strangely have taped much of her life and encourage her to watch videos that cover major events in her life over the years.  As Jenna struggles to understand her true identity - a series of medical ethics questions are raised.  How far would you go to save someone you love?  Can a person be a series of events and memories or is there more to it?  Set in the future, I can see science advancements that seem attainable in the not so distant future.  This was a great read, I enjoyed how the author described Jenna's family and wondered why they were so distant and cold towards Jenna.  I had to keep reading more to find out the answers to all of my questions.  I would have preferred a more shocking ending, but ethical concerns are addressed without being too preachy!  You should definately read it - a nice quick summer read!



The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

When troubled student Percy Jackson vaporizes his math teacher on a class field trip, he begins to suspect that his life is not what it seems. He discovers that his lifelong reading and attention troubles are all signs that he is a half-blood-a child of the Greek gods. After a summer training session with other demigods and Chiron the centaur, he sets off on a cross-country quest to Los Angeles (the entrance to Hades) with his friend Grover the faun and Annabeth, a child of Athena, to recover Zeus' lost thunderbolt and stop a war between the gods. Along the way, where modern life and mythology intersect to create both humor and excitement, Percy will come to know his father Poseidon, rescue his mother, and discover that he has what it takes to be a hero. Ultimately, Percy learns to trust his friends and his abilities and to choose love over despair. (Taken from Scholastic.com)

There was so much action and so many details I found it hard to create a summary of this book in my own words.  People raved about this book, and honestly it was not my favorite.  I'm not a huge fan of fantasy, but if you enjoy fantasy and Harry Potter books you will LOVE this!  I did enjoy all of the references to Greek Mythology and loved Percy's character.  Some of the plot was corny, but I feel that many children and adults will treasure this book.  Give it a try - it is definately worth it.  Overall, I'm glad I read  the book.

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Jacob Jankowski is 23 years old and one final exam away from becoming a certified veterinarian at Cornell University.  A horrible accident occurs leaving both of Jacob's parents dead.  Soon after, Jacob suffers a breakdown and jumps onto a moving train.  The train happens to belong to "The Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth", and Uncle Al the owner of the circus agrees to let him stay and work as the circus veterinarian.  Jacob's journey through the traveling circus during the Great Depression is a lucky one as he has shelter and food unlike many others during this time.  Husband and wife August and Marlena befriend Jacob and allow him to reap the benefits that the performers recieve.  August is terrifyingly magical as he exhibits a split personality, charming one minute and abusive the next.  Jacob and Marlena have fallen deeply in love with one another - - will their affair outlast the rage of Uncle Al and August?  This is an A plus historical novel and  has even  been transformed into a movie starring Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon!  I can't wait to see it!  This book is truly one I won't forget.

Royal Bride Sparks Fascinator Frenzy

After tuning in to the royal wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton early this April morning, I a couldn't wait to comment on all of the unique hats that mostly (if not all) women wore during the ceremony.  I give these women a whole lot of credit for attempting this bold fashion statement.  Not just anyone can put on a goofy hat with feathers and other crazy decor and make it look so good! Although, I'm pretty sure Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie took the hat craze a bit too far - check their picture out below.

Check out some other hats that were worn today: Best and Worst Hats

Kate Middleton has sparked quite a frenzy in what the Brits call "fascinators."  A fascinator is described as a decorative trapping made of fanciful materials such as flowers, feathers, lace, or beads.  They're typically attached to hats or worn in lieu of a hat, along with formal attire.  I favor the fascinator over some of the other  hats that were worn today at  the royal wedding.  I'd like to totally rock a subtle fascinator at a wedding this summer.  Check out this article from Wall Street Journal to learn more about fascinators: Kate Middleton Sparks Fascinator Frenzy

Fallen by Lauren Kate

If you liked the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer, you'll obsess over Lauren Kate's debut novel Fallen. 

Luce Price is mandated to attend Sword & Cross reform school after the mysterious death of her boyfriend.  Even relocating to a new school won't stop the evil shadows from chasing after Luce, and causing death and destruction to the innocent people around her.  There's something achingly familiar about her fellow classmate Daniel Grigori.  Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, Luce won't stop until she gets what she wants even if it costs her life.  You'll fall in love with Sword & Cross Academy, the people, the atmosphere,  as well as the quirky characters Luce meets along the way.  Keep reading and don't give up - the beginning was a bit slow with a lot of  background information to cover, but the ending will not dissapoint!  If you're into mythology/vampire/angel/demon books you'll eat up the "fallen angel" theme which is super trending right now!  It was a breath of fresh air!  Fallen will also be a movie coming out within the next year or so!  Be on the lookout!

Lockdown: Escape From the Furnace by Alexander Gordon Smith

Whoaaa, Alexander Gordon Smith could very well be the next Stephen King. Two words to describe this book: delightfully disturbing.  "Furnace Penitentiary: an underground hellhole built especially for young felons.  A place ruled by murderous gangs and thuggish guards.  A place where horrific creatures come out in the dead of night to steal you away.  A place where the impossible - escape - is your only hope."  Alex, a  not so innocent teenager who has a history of breaking and entering, has been framed and wrongfully accused of murdering his best friend. Alex ends up being sentenced to Furnace Penitentiary for life and struggles to stay alive each and every day.  I freaked myself out while reading this book, and even thought about it when I wasn't reading. Some of its' grotesque scenes include the descriptions of skinless hounds, violent gang fights, and the food that the prisoners are forced to consume to survive in Furnace. In all seriousness, I found myself gasping for air several times during reading this novel.  It will satisfy all readers (beware if you're squeamish), especially horror fans.  This book ends with a cliffhanger as we find out if Alex is able to escape Furnace once and for all.  The sequel to this book is called Solitary and I'm going to have to read it ASAP!

Easter Bow Ties for Dudes

Attention guys!  If you want to snag a date to prom you should probably invest in a super chic bow tie featured on Etsy @ http://www.etsy.com/listing/72384502/men-and-boys-easter-basket-plaid-bow-tie?ref=cat1_gallery_20.  Etsy is one of my all time favorite websites where all of the items sold are hand made by artisans around the world.  I guarantee all of the girls in school will be swooning when they see the new bowtie trend started by YOU!