Stephanie's Picks

Yes - another end-of-the-world book. However, this one shows that both man and humanity and survive. It combines the terror of biological warfare from The Stand along with the horrifying redemption available in The Road. Zoe gives us the right amount of strength and vulnerability. She does not have any special training or incredible background. She is a regular person just trying to get by and find love. On the dangerous road to find love, she also finds the worst and the best of the world. We see the cracks in others minds, but we are able to see the Zoe’s iron will - the reason she is more likely to survive. She will give you hope that maybe, just maybe, we as a race can make it after all.

Being a fan of an author can sometimes set their new book up for failure. As a huge Scott Sigler fan, Nocturnal did not disappoint! From the opening scene, I thought I knew the direction this was going to take. Was I Wrong!!!! I did not see the plot twists this was going to take. Bryan should not be likeable, but I found myself liking him and hoping that things worked out for him, but I’m not going to give anything away! Scott Sigler, unlike some authors, is not afraid to get his hands dirty in his writing. His characters are not all going to be likable, nor are they all going to live! That is one of the things that make his books exciting – you never know if you are becoming attached and invested in a character that might die, gruesomely, on the next page. His San Francisco is so vivid that I can see the cracks in the wall where the body is staked. I can see the blades of grass stained with blood and gore. I can smell the fetid reek as the monsters come in for the kill. Even though there are many characters involved, it is not difficult to keep track of them - they all weave seamlessly together in the tapestry that is Nocturnal.

A story brimming with action, intrigue and humanity - all in one! This novel is filled with two generations worth of greed-motivated murder. One of the most powerful men in the country must continue the family’s murderous legacy in order to keep his fortune, which puts the last surviving member of a rival family at risk. Unfortunately for our would-be murderer, John Caine is a survivor. Fast paced action but real characters that make you care what happens. Great for all fans of the intrigue genre!

The main character of Stupid Fast, Felton Reinstein, will appeal to everyone, not just young readers. The story opens when Felton is young, full of angst, worried, and friendless. However, as his body starts to change, so does his outlook on life. He discovers that there is something about him people like, and that maybe—just maybe—he can like himself too. That’s until his world quietly falls apart when his mother has a nervous breakdown from causes he can’t discern. Trying to hold his family and his newly discovered self-worth together proves harder than he thought. But, as Felton learns the hard way, when trouble strikes they aren’t alone—and don’t have to be. 

In Where She Went, I love that you get to hear Adam’s side of the events in Gayle Forman’s New York Times bestselling novel, If I Stay. Unlike in other novels, Adam—the love interest of protagonist Mia—was not a minor character. He was too important, so I am glad that Gayle decided to tell his side of the story, and what happened afterwards. After Mia’s fight to stay alive following her family’s accident in If I Stay, Adam’s life continued—and what a life he has! It’s the life he thought he  wanted, but not even close to what he needs. Where She Went shows the other side to his “rock star life.” The author’s writing is smooth; I knew I had to find out what each new chapter would bring. Each section begins by quoting song lyrics from “Shooting Star,” Adam’s band. This helps bring some needed perspective to the narrative as well.   —Stephanie

Okay, so it's another vampire book... but not really. This is a "family in crisis" book. They just happen to be vampires. This family has some of the same problems we all have -- teenage angst, zits, marital apathy, discord -- they just have fangs and another side to their nature they have to fight. The fact that they are British -- and so supposedly staid as well -- just adds to the satirical aspect of the book.  -Stephanie

On September 11th, 2001, we all saw the evidence of the strength, fortitude and perseverance of New York, her emergency workers and her citizens.  In December of 2005, those same qualities were once again displayed in one man. Matt Long was a New York City Fire Department member for ten years and had seen the best and worst of his city—including the illegal transit strike of 2005. During that strike, he was run over by a charter bus in the streets of Manhattan—his hopelessly mangled body gruesomely merged into the twisted metal wreckage. He was given only 5% chance of escaping death. Matt not only survived—he recovered and fought back, showing the qualities we all have come to expect from the members of the NYFD. This is not just a book of one man’s recovery—it is a story of heart and soul, and a must read!   —Stephanie

When Stephen King announced his "retirement" there was no one to take over. There are excellent writers of psychological terror and excellent writers of horror, but Stephen King writes a fine line and balance between the two. Now there is someone to fill the shoes of King—Justin Cronin can walk that line and make us cry, but quietly so nothing in the night can hear us! The "Heir to the Throne" has been found! —Stephanie

Angel meets Hell Boy meets Jack Bauer. A quick ride full of adventure, loyalty and a touch of the unbelievable made believable. Suspend belief for a little while and take Nathaniel Cade at face value. That means accepting his, and our country’s, enemies at face values as well. He is not the good guy so to speak. But he is not the worst that is out there either. Be glad he is on our side. —Stephanie

Having never read a Jodi Picoult novel, I am glad I started with this one! The story line intrigued me. The characters and their lives grabbed me. Picoult does a tremendous job with the research and an even better job of relaying that research in an interesting and empathetic way. Her characters feel like they are in the room with you; you feel everything they are feeling. I now understand the appeal of Picoult’s books and will soon be reading more! —Stephanie

Stephen King fans rejoice—the Master is back! It’s being compared to The Stand, but may even surpass it. From the first several pages I was hooked and could not—would not put it down. With a town full of people to keep track of, King weaves his characters into the community's story so well it feels like you’ve been living in Chester's Mill all your life. If you’ve ever lived in a small town you’ll recognize the politics and dynamic. If not, you’ll feel like you have. Either way, King takes the small town experience and throws his own twist on it... and as we all know, he can be twisted! -Stephanie

In the same genre as Hunger Games, this is our world but not our world. Lyn is a pacifist in a violent world. Her entire life has been built around the gladiator arena and everything she loves is focused there. I enjoy the way Lisa Haines demonstrates the internal war between what Lyn believes and what she lives. The characters all developed at a nice rate and didn't overshadow one another. I enjoyed the entire book and found myself yelling "No" at the climax! —Stephanie

What a ride! A fresh take on the unicorn and its place in mythology and history. I caught myself laughing out loud at the adventures Astrid and her fellow Hunters experienced. And as for Bonegrinder, well you have to experience that one yourself! This could be the next genre of mythical creatures brought to life—not a vampire or werewolf in sight but plenty of excitement and thrills! Enjoy the ride! —Stephanie

Being a hip, young journalist and working for a NON-GREEN organization, Vanessa had her work cut out for her! She had to convince her bosses that she had a great story for them. Then she had to convince herself (after a short time) that the journey would be worth it. In the end, she shows us all that making the small changes to going green is not so hard after all, and it can be done with style, grace, and dignity…and a minimal amount of whining! —Stephanie

This is filled with memories and stories and the poignant tales of a family’s life. It is also filled with some WONDERFUL recipes and a reminder that food is a very important part in our lives. Having four children and a husband of differing tastes myself, I could relate to the stories of dinnertime battles, those won and those lost. I understand the constant search for ways to introduce new flavors and foods to the finicky eaters we love. Wonderfully written, this is a fantastic memoir…or cookbook—whichever you prefer. —Stephanie

Tired of the vampire stories where they are all perfect? Well this isn’t one of them! This one combines all the teen angst with the issues of dealing with the whole bloodlust thing. Mix in a little murder and you’ve got a great tale to get yourself caught up in. I enjoyed the fact that not all the vampires were too beautiful to behold and could have issues and troubles just like us "regular" human beings! No one is perfect—not even the supernaturals! —Stephanie

This is Moore’s best one yet! Completely irreverent with a take on Shakespeare that will leaving you laughing out loud and the Bard turning in his grave! The language is rough, but he warns you of that in the beginning of the book. Consider this: when the author’s note/warning leaves you chuckling, the book can only get better, and this one does. Read, laugh, laugh again, wipe your eyes, and recommend it to your friends! —Stephanie

From beginning to end I was transfixed and completely captured by what happens to these characters. I felt their pain and fear. I was also amazed by the innocence of an 11-year-old child Zero, who has the maturity of a war veteran. The result is a fine line that Oppengaard gracefully guide his hero. Prepare to read this straight through. —Stephanie

If you are offended by language or VERY plain speaking, DO NOT pick up this book. However, if you are looking for a good laugh, and can handle the above, this is the book for you! In typical to his style, Denis Leary manages to offend and amuse at the same time. He is not shy of voicing his many opinions and has one to offend everyone! —Stephanie

Suspenseful, intense, and a great read to the end, I found myself cringing and on the edge of my seat for most of the book while rooting for the good guys through it all. This book was hard to put down—I made the mistake of starting it late at night and not getting enough sleep! —Stephanie