I'm Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom

I'm Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom is by Jason Pargin. A weird realistic fiction novel that will make you want to avoid the internet forever. In LA, a driver is offered $200,000 to drive a girl in green sunglasses and a mysterious black box across the country to Washington, D.C.; only he can't look in the box, he must leave all trackable devices behind, and he can't tell anyone. Rumors begin to spread on social media that the box contains a weapon of mass destruction that will go off in Washington on July 4th. The box is being tracked by an ex-FBI agent and a killer. This is the strangest book I have read in a long time - while some may find it entertaining, it gave me a headache and made me hate social media more than I already do - which I must admit is a masterful feat. 

Ratings: 11th grade - 5 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content). 

The Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping

The Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping is by Sangu Mandanna. Another cozy fantasy from this author. Sera Swan is a witch, she lives in an inn that can only be found by people who really need to find it. She was one of the most powerful young witches of her day, until she cast a spell that resurrected her dead aunt and lost almost all of her power. Now she tries to keep the inn going and looks for a way to get her power back. A charming fantasy that will leave you feeling good. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10 - P (mild profanity) - AC (some mature thematic content). 

Knowing God

Knowing God is by J. I. Packer. The classic Christian work on what it means to truly "know" God. Packer's classic is a must read for all Christians and for anyone interested in understanding more about God and the Christian faith. This timeless work encourages us to explore the profound joy of personally knowing God through a relationship with His Son. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read.

Ratings: Adult - 10 out of 10. 

He Who Whispers

He Who Whispers is by John Dickson Carr. The 16th book in the Golden Age historical fiction Gideon Fell series. Miles Hammond is invited by Gideon Fell to a meeting of the fabulous Murder Club. The guest lecturer at this meeting is a Frenchman who is going to tell them about a murder he believes was committed by a vampire. On arriving at the designated restaurant, Miles finds the rest of the Murder Club is not present: only the lecturer and a another female guest. The lecturer tells them the story and suddenly Miles finds himself involved in the mystery with Gideon Fell. Fans of Golden Age mysteries will enjoy this one. 

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

The Book That Wouldn't Burn

The Book That Wouldn't Burn is by Mark Lawrence. The first book in the fantasy Library series. A young girl is rescued by a band of soldiers when enemies destroy her settlement and kidnap her along with several other children. Taken to the city, she is apprenticed to The Library - the main source of knowledge for this society. A young boy has been trapped in an unknown section of The Library his entire life. When these two meet, things come to light that will change everything they know. This is a strange book. I liked it, but honestly not enough to continue the series. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 7 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence) - P (profanity). 

The Republic

The Republic is by Plato. The classic philosophical treatise that is a must read. It is challenging and requires time and thought, but what you glean from the struggle is well worth it. This translation is one of the best. 

Ratings: 12th grade - 9 out of 10.