Wicked Charms is by Janet Evanovich. The third book in the fantasy Lizzy and Diesel series. Diesel has reappeared in Lizzy's life, this time he needs her help to find the Stone of Avarice, which is buried with a pirate treasure. Only they're not the only ones looking for the stone or the treasure. A tale of minions, monkeys, and the usual mayhem; fans of the series will enjoy this installment.
Ratings: 11th grade - 7 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content).
Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI is by David Grann. A fantastic multi cultural nonfiction read about a crime very few people have ever heard about. In the 1920s, the Osage tribe were some of the wealthiest Americans in the country. Oil had been found on their Oklahoma reservation and the money was pouring in; then they started to be found dead, some by poison, others just murdered. Grann relates the facts of the cases, the stories of those involved, the founding of the FBI who was sent to solve the cases, and the conspiracy that should have shocked the nation; then he reveals discoveries he made while researching the book. This book is a must read for history lovers and lovers of true crime.
Ratings: 10th grade - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence).
The Autobiography of Malcolm X as Told to Alex Haley is by Malcolm X and Alex Haley. An interesting, poignant, and classic autobiography of a man few know much about. His death was overshadowed in some ways by the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., his more well known contemporary. Haley paints an objective picture of Malcolm X, his faults and his good qualities. It is clear Haley liked Malcolm. An excellent read for a look at racial relations in the 20th century.
Ratings: 11th grade - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content).
Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Story is by Leonie Swann. A absolutely charming fantasy novel that is also a mystery. In the Irish village of Glennkill there is a shepherd named George and his beloved flock of sheep. When George is found murdered, pinned to the ground with a spade, his flock decides it is their duty to discover who killed him, so justice can be done. This novel is delightfully funny and also gives some great insight into human nature as seen and understood by sheep. Lovers of magical realism, mystery, and humor will love this book.
Ratings: 10th grade - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity).
Space Opera is by Catherynne M. Valente. A amusing science fiction tale. Imagine if Douglas Adams and David Bowie had a love child. After the Sentience Wars, the species of the galaxy decide to hold a contest, a gladiatorial music contest. All new species must send a representative musical group to prove their sentience. They must place somewhere other than last place or their entire world will be destroyed; and guess who was just contacted and must prove their deservedness to exist? Now the aliens have chosen glam-rock-has-beens Decibel Jones and the Absolute Zeros to represent Earth - we're doomed - or are we? Incredibly funny and philosophical at the same time. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Ratings: 10th grade - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content).
The Half Has Not Been Told: Slavery & the Making of American Capitalism is by Edward P. Baptist. An interesting nonfiction look at slavery, King Cotton, and how slavery was the driving force behind the American economy even in non-slave states. The book is well researched and thought provoking.
Ratings: Adult - 6 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content).
The Switch is by Beth O'Leary. A poignant and funny realistic fiction novel. Leena has a high-powered job in London. Her grandmother Eileen lives in a small town in Yorkshire. Leena's beloved sister has died of cancer and her grandfather left Eileen and ran off with a dance instructor. Leena is having panic attacks and just blew a huge presentation at her job. When he boss forces her to take a two month sabbatical, she decides to switch places with her grandmother, who is looking for a new man in her life. They switch cell phones and homes and of course, hijinks ensue. Both Leena and Eileen find what they were looking for, just not where they expected to find it. This is a charming novel.
Ratings: 11th grade - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content).
