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All the Bright Places by Jennifer Noven

All the Bright PlacesAll the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book on my kindle and LOVED it! Afterward, I went out and purchased the book to share with my friends--and I have to say, I feel readers really miss out on the COVERS of books when they read kindles and nooks. I found the front and back cover of this book so important---Violet and Finch used post-it notes throughout the novel and the 9 post-its on the back cover are a very good summary of epic Finch talking to withdrawn Violet and planting the seeds of excitement about living, loving, and all the bright places they will wander to and experience. Finch and Violet meet on a ledge at their high school; both of these characters are going through some things...Finch stays does not sleep for prolonged periods of time. Violet's best friend/sister died the year before in a car accident and Violet feels responsible. By talking Violet down off the ledge, Finch begins to protect her and then maybe he will be protected too...When they are paired in a school assignment to see the great Indiana wonders and writ about them, Finch pulls Violet into wanting to live- he has terms of endearment for her beginning with Ultraviolet and then progressing to Ultraviolet Remarkey-able. As Theodore Finch saves Violet, the reader is compelled to read about their friendship, their families, their friends. No matter what we think about these two kids---this book speaks volumes about teens and what they grapple with on a daily basis-bullying, death, suicide, depression, mental illness, labels, stigmas, family dysfunction, drugs, you name it! Don't miss Jennifer Niven's Author's Note at the end - it is a very meaningful read. I highly recommend this book to students, parents, school nurses and guidance counselors, and adults.

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The Carnival at Bray by Jessie Ann Foley

The Carnival at BrayThe Carnival at Bray by Jessie Ann Foley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my final read in the Morrison finalist award of The Hub Challenge and oh was it so, so GOOD! I rooted for Maggie as she traversed the many ups and downs of her sixteenth year. Uprooted from Chicago and jettisoned to Ireland, due to yet another one of her mother's marriages (failed relationship, results in another union), Maggie mourns leaving her grandmother, Ei, and her beloved godfather-uncle musician, Kevin. But life in Ireland holds surprises for Maggie-a constant friendship with nonagenarian, Dan Sean, falling deeply and truly in love with Eoin, questioning her relationship with her mother, and ultimately dealing with unbearable loss, all the while questioning who she really is. Maggie's voice was honest and full of contradictions. While she yearns for peace, a normal family, and acceptance--Maggie can't forget what her Uncle Kevin wrote: "Live and then Live some more." With Kurt Cobain tickets in hand from Uncle Kevin, Maggie embarks on a life changing adventure. I recommend this book for adults (adults will really get what Maggie (teens) wrestles with) and young adults will love the drama, angst, and romance of first love. Maggie is one rockin' protagonist, I will not forget!

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Laughing at my Nightmare by Shane Burcaw

Laughing at My NightmareLaughing at My Nightmare by Shane Burcaw
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shane's voice is funny, heartbreaking, and totally honest and positive as he relates his life dealing with the devastating spinal muscular atrophy, level II. He has a blog with a title same as the book and the blog is what spurred him to write his memoir. I also listened to him at the YALSA webinar and he is the real deal. Everyone should read this book and live life like Shane. He has a fantastic family, wonderful friends and a unique perspective on everything. He is humble, irreverent, and just a guy living life day to day and writing about it to over 500,000 viewers.

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The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava LavenderThe Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is another finalist I am reading for The 2015 Hub Morris Challenge. This first novel by Leslye Walton is sweeping in its coverage of family history, trials and tribulations of the family members and their enthralling romances. Ava and Henry Lavender are the final members in Beauregard Roux's family tree and oh how I enjoyed Walton's descriptions of her characters, their homes, the climate, their food (OMG, I salivated while reading about all of bakery pastries and breads!!!) and the tragedies of love that permeate this family. The magical realism that is Ava's wings and the many ghosts that follow Emilienne are just a few reasons this book must be read, savored, and luxuriated in...Read this work of art to find out what the strange and beautiful sorrows really are of Ava Lavender, Viviane, and Emilienn. You will not be disappointed!

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All the Rage by Courtney Summers

All the RageAll the Rage by Courtney Summers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

All the Rage by Courtney Summers
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press and St. Martin's Griffin for the ARC, All the Rage by Courtney Summers. Wow, what a gripping read! Students will be mesmerized by the self-loathing Romy endures as she navigates losing her friends and gains the anger, ire, and hostility of many around her when she accuses the sheriff’s son of rape and is not believed. Romy is a victim and this book is explosive as it ignores her truth and instead believes those with power , like the police, and student athletes. What will happen to Romy as the abuse and tensions grow? A must read for teens and adults as rape, sexuality, identity, and failure are scathingly explored.


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Popular: Vintage Wisdom for a Modern GeekPopular: Vintage Wisdom for a Modern Geek by Maya Van Wagenen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great book! I read this as part of The Hub Morris/Nonfiction Challenge. Popular is a memoir by Maya Van Wagenen and she is only 15! She took this writing challenge from her mother- Finding a 1950s book in her dad's library- Maya decides to perform an experiment during 8th grade. Read the book and use the many tips by Betty Cornell ensuring popularity. Maya's writing is honest, hilarious, heartfelt and I am looking forward to more of her books! Reading how girdles, rag rollers in her hair, and reaching out to other students changed Maya's life was special because of how she wrote and felt. Maya's shy, nerdy personality becomes popular (with many different results) when she reaches out to others like her (and not like her) and says "Hi, I'm Maya." A definite must read!

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Follett Challenge Highlights 1:1-Please vote!

This is the first year I have even considered entering a contest.  But I am so proud of our students and the exciting projects they can do because of the technology integration we have strived for. It doesn't happen overnight but I think it is definitely worth the effort!

 I would be happy to share ideas.  Please vote for our school.  Thanks.

Wilmington Friends Goes 1:1

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The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of Imperial RussiaThe Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of Imperial Russia by Candace Fleming
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a nonfiction finalist in the Hub Challenge (Morris & Nonfiction). Candace Fleming weaves a thoroughly well researched time in Russian history in which the czar, Nicholas II was totally unprepared and suited to be a ruler. He falls in love and marries Alexandra of Germany and abdicates most of his decision making to her. The problem was that Alexandra believed in a religion dominated by mysticism and she became obsessed with collecting icons, kneeling in prayer and later, a staunch advocate of the charlatan, Rasputin. At a time when Russia needed a strong leader, war erupts and Nicholas drives his country into further distress with his inept leadership. All the while, Fleming weaves into each chapter in a shadowbox-- a look into the lives of the Russian people- peasants, farmers, factory workers and soldiers whose lives were miserable, toiling long hours for low wages and shortages of housing, food, and everything else. An in depth, compelling look at the Romanov family- with their 4 daughters and 1 son -a hemophiliac(both parents decide to keep his life threatening illness a secret from all) is heartbreaking in so many ways. A must read for students and adults!

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The Story of Owen by E. K. Johnston

The Story of Owen (Dragon Slayer of Trondheim, #1)The Story of Owen by E.K. Johnston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book as part of the Hub Morris Challenge and what wonderful writing, storytelling, and dragons and their history seamlessly interwoven into a story that features so many strong protagonists! Siobhan McQuaid becomes Owen Trondheim's bard- she is a little nerdy, loves composing and playing music and once she and Owen are late for the first day of school- it is in detention that they become friends and partners in Owen's job as dragon slayer. Both Owen and Siobhan's parents are strong characters too with Owen's aunts (married to each other) who raised him while his father roams the countryside killing dragons. His very famous Aunt Lottie (her wife, Hannah does other kind of training but is not famous) trains him. Together they all decide to change the way dragon slayers are chosen (family lines) and re-write the dragon charter and begin enlisting volunteers to help guard against the ever increasing dragon onslaught. A ripping good read and I am looking forward to more dragon and Owen stories from E.K. Johnston!

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Gabi: A Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintero

Gabi, a Girl in PiecesGabi, a Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintero
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book as part of the Hub (YALSA) Morris/Nonfiction challenge. We need more books like this! Gabi is a Mexican American BUT since she is so light skinned, even Mexicans don't think she is part Mexican. What I love about Gabi's voice and character is that she is so authentic; she is hilarious in her thoughts and words (she is a wonderful writer and poet- she is compassionate- she is confused) she is just a teen looking for answers. She loves her family but knows they are very dysfunctional in so many ways. Her mother judges her, yells at her, and constantly harps on Gabi to diet and doesn't really see the need for her daughter to go to college or date boys. Her father is a meth addict and Gabi's poem about him on p. 117-122 titled "In Light of the Fear of my Father's Death I Write This Down" is sad, loving, despondent, and honestly to the point. Her best friends, Cindy and Sebastian have their own baggage, but they stick together through thick and thin. Gabi has a good self image about herself but she knows she is not thin and she LOVES TO EAT Mexican food whether it is her mother's, aunt's, or the restaurant- Pep's House of Wings or hidden away in her room. As Gabi tells us in diary format about her senior year and college admission drama, we find a teen who is so so so many things- shy, self-confident, honest, humorous, genuine, hopeful, boy crazy, reluctant to talk back to her parents and elders, and most of all a girl that the reader meets in many different Pieces - A Gordita/A Fatgirl (I loved the cover of this book!!!). I particularly enjoyed the zine she created for a class assignment (with a wonderful teacher, Ms Abernard) beginning on page 193, titled "The Female Body" (her artwork, illustrations and diagrams must be seen and read!!!) It is through her diary, letters to her father, poetry, that Gabi tries to find her way in the world. I love this girl! Highly recommended!

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The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil RightsThe Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights by Steve Sheinkin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read Bomb and Notorious Benedict Arnold by Steve Sheinkin and I love his writing. His nonfiction reads like thrillers you pick up and read in one night; you keep turning the pages- holding your breath and hang on the edge with each turn of the page. In Port Chicago 50, Sheinkin's research is thorough, and even though it seems words and phrases are repeated...it is pivotal to drive home the unequal, horrible treatment these young African Americans received as sailors for the Navy. No one would listen as the discrimination and degradation continued. No one would listen when these boys were not trained to handle dangerous ammunition. And no one believed them when they said officers placed bets on which divisions could load the most ammunition the fastest. What Sheinkin shows in this must read book is the continued injustice and mistreatment by the Navy, even after the horrible explosion that claimed so many lives and caused fear in those that survived. Even with Thurgood Marshall involved, the trial was a sham with lies and bias by the white officers, prosecutor and the members of the Court toward the 50 young sailors. Highly recommended for students and adults.

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Breaking the Rules by Katie McGarry

Breaking the Rules (Pushing the Limits, #1.5)Breaking the Rules by Katie McGarry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have only read Crash Into You by Katie McGarry (recommended on Simone Elkeles website) and I am hopelessly hooked! Teens will love her books and reluctant readers will love her books- there is definitely drama (foster kids), romance, and even an urban edge (you will see what I mean)! I met characters, Echo and Noah in Crash Into You and when I saw there was a follow-up story including Isaiah's "family" - Noah and Echo- I couldn't wait for the book to come out. Both characters have experienced grave losses, found each other and love each other tremendously. After they graduate, Noah and Echo, set out for a summer of travel, peddling Echo's art work while Noah works and tries to find out more about his mother's family. I just loved how much both of these characters truly cared about one another- how much they were willing to give up and how much they were willing to grow for one another. As the summer ends, both characters have life altering decisions to make- will this impact their romance and end their relationship? Very edgy, teens and reluctant readers will enjoy- since they are on their way to college- there is some sex going on- so more mature readers for the edgier topics. Highly recommended.

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Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi

<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14288998-into-the-still-blue" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Into the Still Blue (Under the Never Sky, #3)" border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1417467183m/14288998.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14288998-into-the-still-blue">Into the Still Blue</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4637369.Veronica_Rossi">Veronica Rossi</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1133608885">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Wow, what a great series and this 3rd book was suspenseful, sickening, mesmerizing, hopeful, and down right awesome! Aria and Perry have to battle evil Sable of the Horn Tribe and Hess (of Aria's Realms) to gain entrance to the Still Blue before their world implodes.  The pace is frantic, gripping and at times, sickening as good versus evil battle for life in a world that has been legend.  Sable kidnaps Cinder due to his unique ability to control the Aether.  They will have to try to pierce an opening in a solid Aether wall to make it into the Still Blue.  The route and all that leads up to the Still Blue (trying to rescue Cinder) is fraught with all kinds of drama I can't even begin to name! Ties are tested between Perry's Tribe, Roar is inconsolable with Liv's murder by Sable, Aria meets her father, and her people from the Realms can't or won't accept their new life in the cave as part of Perry's Tribe.  The reader is catapulted into a world that is dying, evil leaders, innocent children, and letting go of a world/life that will not sustain them anymore.  Rossi does a tremendous job of ripping out your heart while building up the resolve of Perry and Aria to save their loved ones.  p. 220 - "I'm thinking this, Soren said. "Sable killed Perry's sister, Perry killed his own brother. My father and Sable both left thousands of their people to die. I'm dependent on drugs to keep me sane. And we're the only ones who are trying to start over? How are we the best hope for a new world?" Aria said, "Because we are the only ones left. We all have the potential to do terrible things, Soren.  But we also the potential to overcome our mistakes. I need to believe that. What point is there otherwise?"<br>p.262 Perry had no idea if he's expressed half of what he'd intended. He knew he'd been selfish , leaving Roar to deal with Liv's death alone.  He hadn't let himself accept that she was gone, so he'd failed his friend, and himself, but he meant to change that.  He was terrible at falling-Roar was right about that-but nothing would ever keep him down again. As they walked back to the cave, a piece of him that had been broken felt whole again. Nothing looked the same or smelled the same, and maybe the world was ending, but he and Roar would walk to that end side by side.<br>p. 277 What I was trying to say," Perry whispered, is that I see you in everything.  There isn't a word for you that means enough, because you're everything to me." Perfect words," Aria said, her smile wobbling with emotion. "Magical." His mouth found hers again, his kisses hungry, his weight settling onto her. She wover her fingers in his damp curls, and she was gone. Swept away. Nothing else existed beyond his body and hers, moving like strength and surrender, folded into one.<br>I found the ending hopeful, meaningful and inspiring---a terrific conclusion to a fantastic trilogy. Highly recommended!
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Through the Ever Knight by Veronica Rossi

Through the Ever Night (Under the Never Sky, #2)Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this 2nd installment of Under the Never Sky, the worlds of Aria and Perry are breaking down. The Aether is becoming more punishing and taking away lives and eroding the land. p. 143 - "The Aether flowed, corded and angry, giving the night a blue, marbled glow. After the storm, the calm skies had only held for a day. Now there was little difference between day and night anymore. Days were darkened by clouds and the blue cast of Aether. Nights were brightened by the same. They flowed together, the edges blurring into an endless day. An ever night."
Aria and Perry are definitely together but have to hide their relationship. Perry's people, the Tides, dislike her because she is a Dweller- not one of them. Perry realizes in order to save his people, they will have to leave their land and live in a cave underground. Perry knows the only way to keep his people alive is to get to the Still Blue. The Still Blue is a rumor, gossip that people have been talking about. Together Perry, Roar, Marron, and Aria realize they must make contact with Sable, the leader of the Horns, who has the coordinates and knowledge of what it needed to get to the Still Blue. But Sable is an evil character. Perry's brother sent his sister, Liv to become Sable's wife---and in turn food, animals and supplies would help keep the starving Tides alive a little longer. I could not put this book down; there is so much drama going on and as Perry becomes their Blood Lord (very graphic description!!!) he begins to question himself in every way as a person and a leader, but he only grew in my estimation. I never tired of Rossi's language, her descriptions, and her use of characters. I am so looking forward to Book 3!!! Highly recommended!

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Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Under the Never Sky (Under the Never Sky, #1)Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I saw Marissa Meyer's One Hundred Book Challenge, she had read all three of Veronica Rossi's books in the first quarter of the year, one right after the other. Now I know why!!! I finished the first book, Under the Never Sky, last night and jumped right into the 2nd book, Through the Ever Night. To say I am in love with this story, the main characters Aria and Perry and their "relationship", their quests, and everything and everyone in this fascinating dystopian world is an understatement. Rossi has spun a mesmerizing world of Scires, Seers, life as a Savage and life as a Dweller with fear, love, and passion driving the lives of Aria and Perry. I am so looking forward to reading all three of these books, one right after the other!!!

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Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

Brown Girl DreamingBrown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jacqueline Woodson's novel in verse about growing up in the different worlds of Ohio, South Carolina and New York. She has loving parents who do not stay together for too long. It is difficult to move between the culture of the North and South and Woodson's words from a child's view point are so poignant, always reminded by the times of civil rights and unrest, being Jehovah's witnesses, but always knowing they are loved deeply. School is where Woodson discovers her love of words, writing, and creating stories. The friendships and relationships Woodson describes are deep and profound. I did not want this book to end. I think this book will be enjoyed by children, teens and adults alike. There is such a deep sense of history, family, and education running through Jacqueline Woodson's childhood. Highly recommended.

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Crash (Visions!) by Lisa McMann

Crash (Visions, #1)Crash by Lisa McMann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I couldn't put down the Wake Trilogy and after reading Crash, I am thinking I will be gobbling these Visions books too! Jules and her family own a pizzeria, work constantly, has no life and friends. But Jules has begun to see a vision on billboards, stop signs, TV screens and it is increasing and always the same- a truck, out of control, bangs into their pizza rival, Angotti's building with 9 body bags laying in the snow; one of which is Jule's heartthrob, Sawyer Angotti. What I liked about Jules is that we see through her eyes the visions over and over again. She can't stop them, she can't tell anyone- they will think she is crazy. Jules doesn't care that she has no friends, she cares only for her family (and Sawyer), which has some major problems. The pace is a little plodding as you see the visions over and over (Jules is all alone with this torture)- but the suspense just keeps building as Jules figures out what she must do to try and stop this vision from happening. Heart-stopping with romance, humor, and good character development- I can't wait to read Bang!!!

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Blue Lily, Lily Blue by Maggie Stiefvater

Blue Lily, Lily Blue (The Raven Cycle, #3)Blue Lily, Lily Blue by Maggie Stiefvater
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am so glad this was not the end of The Raven Cycle books! There is so much more you learn about the main characters- Blue, Gansey, Ronan, and Adam. Blue's mom has disappeared and Blue vacillates between missing her terribly and being angry that she would leave and not tell anyone where she is or when she will return. Maggie Stiefvater really knows how to build the suspense, all the while providing humor, much of pondering by the boys and Blue, how much they really care about each other even if they don't show it. I liked Malory, one of Gansey's ley line experts who arrives with a dog and moves right in. The Gray Man has become one of my favorite characters and I am so glad this hit man is sticking around- yes, he is a hit man! I disliked Greenmantle and his wife intensely---Ronan and Adam dealt with Greenmantle rather nicely---if only his wife took a powder too! Jesse Dittley was another great addition to the story---his family owns the ground that houses the cursed cave (could Blue's mom be trapped there?)I am really looking forward to #4, Maggie Stiefvater is the queen of fantasy.

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Grasshopper Jungle by Andrew Smith

Grasshopper JungleGrasshopper Jungle by Andrew Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was a very wild ride! Andrew Smith's description of the end of the world through narrator and recorder, Austin is a whole lot to digest. But with Smith as an expert with words and Austin and his best friend, Robbby Brees and girlfriend, Shann Collins, the reader follows this wild unbelievable ride! In Ealing, Iowa Robby and Austin accidentally unleash a plague that will herald the end of the world with 6 foot tall praying mantises that were bred by Shann's stepfather's brother. They were supposed to stop the war as soldiers for the government but since they have insatiable appetites with food and sex, they kill anyone in sight, except Robby, who seems to be a god to them. Shann finds a bunker on her property that sheds light on this whole sordid mess with journals and films. As Austin records what he is thinking and feeling (This is history, and it is also the truth), the reader is gripped by the sheer craziness of this situation but also totally enmeshed in Austin's search for himself- can he love both Robby and Shann. Through lots of cigarettes, Austin ponders the world, both past and present, and as the reader, I could not stop reading it! I loved Smith's writing- he got bullying, Robby being gay and in love with Austin. Smith's description of the bizarre is sickening (the two headed boy, Hungry Jack mutating into the 6 foot tall giant bug)not for the feint of heart. There is also a lot of F-bombing, being horny and masturbating. Schools will have problems with this book, parents will have problems with this book but I think teens will love this book. For a book that defies description in so many ways, there are wonderfully drawn characters, lots of humor, lots of action and a rippin' good read. I loved Winger by Smith and this crazy book with a sci-fi, romance, and horror will make you THINK and THINK again!

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She is Not Invisible by Marcus Sedgwick

She Is Not InvisibleShe Is Not Invisible by Marcus Sedgwick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Marcus Sedgwick is such a superb author when it comes to suspense! Laureth Peak and her brother fly from London to New York when Laureth believes her dad has gone missing (he is not answering her emails or phone calls)and she receives an email on her father's account (Laureth is his secretary) from someone who claims to have his black book in NY (he was in Switzerland). Since Laureth knows how important this book is to her writer father; she takes money and credit cards and her seven year old brother, Benjamin (and his raven, Stan) helps her navigate (she is blind since birth)taxis, airports, and hotels . What a creepy adventure they plunge into and with each step toward NY and her father---there is more of a concern that her father may have met with a mishap or something far worse...Sedgwick weaves an intricate tale from Laureth's POV - the reader feels her fear, anxiety and deep seated worry that her dad may have become overly obsessed with the current book he is writing. With each clue Laureth and Benjamin unearth in the black book, the mystery deepens and hurtles them(and us)along for a very twisted and satisfying read.

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