Blue Labyrinth

Blue Labyrinth is by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. The fourteenth installment in the Pendergast series. When a dead body arrives literally on Pendergast's doorstep, he finds himself plunged into a deadly game of cat and mouse that is more dangerous than anything he has ever faced. This episode involves Pendergast's family history, which then leads to a search for vengeance. As suspense-filled as any book in this fantastic series; fans will not be disappointed.

Ratings: Adult - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence).

Maus, Vol I: My Father Bleeds History #1

Maus, Vol I: My Father Bleeds History is by Art Spiegelman. This absorbing graphic novel tells of Spiegelman's father and mother, and their experiences as Polish Jews during WWII. Spiegelman interviews his father about his experiences and turns the interview into a graphic novel in which the Jews are represented by mice and the Nazis by cats. A moving tale, the first volume takes us from the mid-1930s until 1944 when Spiegelman's father and mother are taken to Auschwitz. A must read for young readers - reluctant readers especially. Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10 - V (violence) - AC (some mature thematic content).

The Circus of Dr. Lao

The Circus of Dr. Lao is by Charles G. Finney. This classic little book is a wonderful treat! When the unusual circus of Dr. Lao arrives in Abalone, Arizona, the citizens are treated to a variety of strange attractions such as a mermaid, a sphinx, a chimera, an ancient god, and other bizarre creatures. Set in a small town during the Great Depression, this is a classic work of speculative fiction. Warning: it is not politically correct in any way shape or form, so be prepared. For those of you who have seen the movie version, the book is similar - but there are differences. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended read.

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

Grendel

Grendel is by John Gardner. A fabulous re-telling of Beowulf from the point of view of Grendel, the monster. A must read for anyone who has read the epic poem. Read this in tandem with Seamus Heaney's translation, they make a spectacular duo. Gardner never paints Grendel as less than evil, but you can't help walking away from the story without feeling for him. A wonderful book. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read.

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

The Immortal Realm

The Immortal Realm is by Frewin Jones. The fourth installment in the Faerie Path series. A plague is sweeping through the Faerie realm and Tania and her sisters seek help from the mortal world to save Faerie. Tania, Rathina, and Connor set out on a quest to find an ancient magic that will save everyone they love. Fans of the series will not be disappointed and will be anxious for the next installment.

Ratings: 7th grade - 7 out of 10.

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry is by Gabrielle Zevin. This charming story follows A.J. Fikry the grumpy, book-snob owner of a small bookstore located on isolated Alice Island. His wife recently died in an accident and he is struggling to cope with his loss. Then one day he meets a new publishing rep, has his prize collection of Poe stolen, and discovers an unexpected package left in his store that changes his life forever. A wonderful story about books, their place in our lives, and the power of love to help us overcome life's challenges.

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

A New Orleans Voudou Priestess: The Legend & Reality of Marie Laveau

A New Orleans Voudou Priestess: The Legend & Reality of Marie Laveau is by Carolyn Morrow Long. A fascinating look at the historical "Queen of Voudou" and New Orleans in general. Long does a great job of sifting through legend and myth to find the truth about Marie Laveau. A very well researched book, at times a little dry in the reading, but nevertheless a great read for anyone interested in learning more about historical New Orleans and the emergence of voudou and its most famous practitioner. Long shies away from voudou practices and sticks with historical information about the city and the people.

Ratings: Adult - 8 out of 10.