I, the Jury

I, the Jury is by Mickey Spillane. The first book in the Mike Hammer mystery series. When Mike's best friend is brutally murdered, he swears revenge and sets out to find the killer before the police do. But as he finds suspects, they all seemed to die by the same gun that killed his friend. Who is the killer? Can Hammer find him first before the police or before the killer finds him? A true masterpiece of American noir. 

Ratings: Adult - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence). 

The Jungle Book

The Jungle Book is by Rudyard Kipling. The classic fantasy tale that should be read by everyone. Mowgli is a young boy who is taken in by a wolf pack. He is raised knowing the Law of the Jungle, but as a man-cub he can't stay in the jungle forever. This book also contains several other tales of India including "Rikki Tikki Tavi" and "Toomai of the Elephants" and another tale. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read. A truly wonderful classic. 

Ratings: 6th grade - 9 out of 10.  

Into the Drowning Deep

Into the Drowning Deep is by Mira Grant. The first installment of the fantasy horror Rolling in the Deep series. An entire film crew is lost at sea trying to make a mockumentary on the existence of mermaids. Seven years later another group of scientists and film makers head out to try and discover the truth of what really happened on the Atargatis. Will the truth be their destruction as well? A truly horrifying book. If you are thinking of Ariel, think again! I want to read the next in the series and I don't want to read it at the same time. 

Ratings: 12th grade - 7 out of 10 - V (violence) - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content). 

Raising Hare

Raising Hare is by Chloe Dalton. A charming memoir. Dalton stumbles upon a newborn hare on a walk. She decides to take it home to save it from the cold. As the hare survives and grows, Dalton learns much about raising hares and about nature and man's effects on it. This is a very well written memoir and nature lovers will enjoy it thoroughly. 

Ratings: 8th grade - 9 out of 10. 

Modern Scholar: The Anglo-Saxon World

Modern Scholar: The Anglo-Saxon World is by Michael D. C. Drout. A nonfiction lecture series on the Anglo-Saxons and their importance in English history. A very informative series of lectures. I learned much I was unaware of. 

Ratings: Adult - 8 out of 10. 

Modern Scholar: From Here to Infinity

Modern Scholar: From Here to Infinity is by Michael D. C. Drout. An fantastic nonfiction lecture series on science fiction literature. Drout discusses its contributions to literature as a whole and goes through various science fiction books. Definitely a must listen for SF fans. 

Ratings: Adult - 8 out of 10. 

Modern Scholar: Shakespeare: The Seven Major Tragedies

Modern Scholar: Shakespeare: The Seven Major Tragedies is by Harold Bloom. An interesting nonfiction lecture series on the Seven Major Tragedies of Shakespeare. Thought provoking and well worth the time it takes to listen to them carefully. 

Ratings: Adult - 8 out of 10. 

Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake is by Juneau Black. The third installment in the Shady Hollow fantasy mystery series. Orville has decided to run for sheriff of Shady Hollow. Vera doesn't want to be seen to actively support his candidacy due to conflict of interest, but while she is dealing with this problem - Dorothy Springfield insists that the rat posing as her husband is an imposter who actually murdered her husband. Confusing, yes, only Vera believes her and sets out to discover the truth. Fans of this series will love this installment. It is as charming as the other two. You won't be able to wait for the next book. 

Ratings: 8th grade - AC (some mature thematic content). 

Why Literature Still Matters

Why Literature Still Matters is by Jason M. Baxter. A must read for all teachers and lovers of classic literature. Baxter explains its importance and why we must insist it be taught to the next generation and why we must read it ourselves. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read. 

Ratings: Adult - 10 out of 10. 

Mystery Mile

Mystery Mile is by Margery Allingham. The second book in the Albert Campion Mystery series. When an American judge is targeted for execution by a sinister criminal mastermind, he turns to Campion for help. Campion must save the judge and unmask the criminal, and still manage to stay alive. Can it be done? A Golden Age mystery that reads more like a parody of Golden Age mysteries. It is cleverly written and amusing. Some of the characters are hilarious. Golden Age fans may or may not like this series. I enjoyed it for what it was - a parody, not a serious mystery. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 6 out of 10 - AC (some mature thematic content). 

Dungeon Crawler Carl

Dungeon Crawler Carl is by Matt Dinniman. This is the first installment in the Dungeon Crawler Carl science fiction series. An alien race destroys the Earth and the survivors are herded below ground into a fantasy dungeon to fight for survival in an alien game show. Carl, and his ex-girlfriend's cat, find themselves teamed up in a sadistic version of Survivor. The winner - gets to live. Science fiction fans will enjoy this series. It is violent and sadistic, but funny. Princess Donut, is a riot. 

Ratings: Adult - 7 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence).