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.