Exit Strategy

Exit Strategy is by Martha Wells. The fourth novella in the science fiction Murderbot Diaries series. Murderbot must rescue Dr. Mensah from the clutches of GrayCris and submit the evidence of their treachery to protect her and himself from the corporation. But what does a "rogue" SecUnit do after saving his "friends"? I can't wait for a full novel about these characters. I want a Murderbot!

Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10 - V (violence). 

The Essex Serpent

The Essex Serpent is by Sarah Perry. This is one of the most beautifully written novels I have ever read! It is an historical fiction novel set in England in 1893. When Cora's abusive husband dies, she decides to live her life as she has always wanted - studying nature. She, her son, and her servant take rooms in Colchester so she can pursue her amateur naturalism. While there they hear rumors of the appearance of the Essex Serpent, in Aldwinter and Cora decides to see if she can find the beast. In Aldwinter, she meets the local vicar, William Ransome, and his family. Their lives become intertwined as they each seek the answer to the mystery of the serpent in their own way. This is more of a character study than a fast-paced novel - but the language and writing is astounding!

Ratings: 11th grade - 9 out of 10 - AC (some mature thematic content) - P (profanity). 

I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001

I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001 is by Lauren Tarshis. A realistic fiction recreation of the events of 9/11 for younger readers. Heartbreaking to read for any age, especially if you are old enough to remember that day.

Ratings: 5th grade - 6 out of 10. 

Wayfaring Strangers: The Musical Voyage from Scotland and Ulster to Appalachia

Wayfaring Strangers: The Musical Voyage from Scotland and Ulster to Appalachia is by Fiona Ritchie and Doug Orr. A beautiful coffee table book that traces the history of musical migration from Europe to America. The pictures are wonderful! It is a slow read, but if you read a little at a time it is well worth the time. There is also a CD of fantastic music to listen to as you read.

Ratings: Adult - 9 out of 10. 

Waiting for Gertrude

Waiting for Gertrude is by Bill Richardson. This charmingly funny little fantasy novella is for cat lovers everywhere - and anyone in need of a good chuckle. In Paris' famous cemetery Pere Lachaise, famous "residents" are being reborn as cats. Everyone from Oscar Wilde to Chopin to Alice B. Toklas has returned in feline form. Alice has been waiting for her lover Gertrude Stein for a long time and decides to take matters into her own hands - EH paws - and highjinxs ensue. There is definitely some mature content in this novella, but it is funny and charming nonetheless.

Ratings: 11th grade - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (some mature thematic content). 

Rogue Protocol

Rogue Protocol is by Martha Wells. The third book in the Murderbot Diaries science fiction novella series. The case against GrayCris is faltering and questions are being asked about the missing SecUnit, questions Murderbot needs to go away. He sets out to find more evidence to help Dr. Mensah defeat GrayCris and protect his own existence. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10 - V (violence). 

Artificial Condition

Artificial Condition is by Martha Wells. The second installment of the science fiction novella Murderbot series. Murderbot is trying to ferret out the truth about his past. To do so he partners (reluctantly) with ART, a transit research vessel bot and together they must find the truth and protect another hapless bunch of humans. A must-read series!

Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10 - V (violence). 

All System's Red

All Systems Red is by Martha Wells. The first science fiction novella in the Murderbot Diaries series. In the future corporations send security androids (SecUnits) to protect clients on surveying, mining, and other missions. One self aware unit in particular, who refers to itself as Murderbot, has hacked its governor module, and although it performs its duties, it would prefer to watch downloaded serials. When a neighboring mission goes dark, Murderbot must assist its humans in finding the truth and making it off the planet alive. This series is AWESOME!

Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10 - V (violence). 

Dragon's Green

Dragon's Green is by Scarlett Thomas. The first in a dystopian fantasy series (Worldquake) about a group of friends with different special powers. In the London of this book a "worldquake" has occurred and technology is iffy at best. Magic is practiced by certain people, but not out in the open. Effie's mother and grandfather are involved in the magical word. After the "worldquake" her mother disappears and her non-magic believing father tries to keep her away from her grandfather. Something happens and Effie's grandfather winds up in the hospital close to death; he begs her to save his precious library and gives her some mysterious gifts. She and her friends are then thrust into a dangerous world of magic to recover her legacy. 

Ratings: 6th grade - 7 out of 10. 

The Hunting Party

The Hunting Party is by Lucy Foley. A truly creepy realistic fiction mystery tale, which will remind you of And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. A group of thirty-something Oxford friends decide to spend New Year's Eve at a remote Scottish estate. A record snow fall cuts them off completely from the outside, and then one of them goes missing. When the body is found it is obvious the cause of death was not accidental. But who did it? This book is creepy and the ending was a complete surprise, which was a nice treat. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10 - V (violence) - AC (some mature thematic content).