Graceling by Kristin Cashore

This was the first title our Book Club read. The students picked it out and I have to say, I enjoyed it as well. Graceling is a fantasy, set in medieval times, in a world where some people are born with extreme skills referred to as Graces. Sometimes the skills are benign, such as a particular flair for cooking, but sometimes the skill causes fear in others, such as the ability to read minds. Katsa, the main character of this story, has inherited a talent for killing people. While she has a talent for destruction, Katsa has an honorable spirit. Her job, when the story begins is, is primarily providing muscle for a corrupt king. It's a job she hates, but doesn't see a way out of. However, we soon learn of an underground group who are fed up with the abuses of power and set out to covertly right some of the injustices. This story is chock full of action, beginning with paragraph one. There's also a nice romance, for those of you who care. Our book club thought the ending was a bit lame, but up to that point, we thoroughly enjoyed Graceling. (submitted by J.S. faculty)

Sarah's Key (Tatiana de Rosnay)

Paris, July 1942: Sarah, a ten-year girl, is taken with her parents by the French police as they go door-to-door arresting Jewish families in the middle of the night. Desperate to protect her younger brother, Sarah locks him in a bedroom cupboard -- their secret hiding place -- and promises to come back for him as soon as they are released.

Sixty years later: Sarah's story interwines with that of Julia Jarmond, a journalist investigating the roundup. In her research, Julia stumbles onto a trail of secrets that link her to Sarah and to questions about her own future.

Zakhor, Al Tichkah ("Never forget" in Hebrew)

This story is so painful yet compelling. Like Julia, one is torn between the desire to know and the comfort of ignorance. I have donated this book to the PHS library. (MLH, faculty).

Twilight-Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer

The Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer was over all ok in my opinion. There was quite a bit of conflict throughout the 3 books but at the end evry single problem was somehow solved in about 5-10 minutes give or take. The entire series seemed like a modern day fairy tale in that the girl got the guy, they both ended up perfect looking, they got married, and even got a pet (sorry Jacob). The level of utter perfection that Edward and Bella have at the end of the story is at times just sickining. Not to say that it was a bad series, at times it was pretty thrilling but the fact that Breaking Dawn almost literaly ends with "... and they lived happily ever after" almost made me gag. I'll admit that I'm a guy and kinda outa the loop when it comes to romance but even this seemed a little corny at the end. The main redeeming quality was that even with the corny love story between Bella and Edward there was enough going on in the backround to keep me interested. The idea of a human living with vampires and werewolves made it worthwhile to see it through to the end, as well as the action of whenever Bella got herself into trouble with Vampires other then the Cullens. Over all I'd give the series a C+ (Gary, Junior)

The Devil in the White City by Eric Larson

Another teacher recommended this nonfiction title. I admit it was the serial killer that drew my interest, but the real tension in the book is the effort it took to create the Chicago World's Fair. It was an amazing feat against time and buracracy. I was fascinated by the period details, not just of the building process, but of Chicago itself. At that time (late 1800's) Chicago was one tough city. The smell alone would have knocked most of us to the floor, what with the sewage in the streets and the additional stink of the meat processing plants, yet it was a thriving metropolis with lots of young women coming to the city to work. And that's where the serial killer finds his prey. Even the burgeoning career of detective work gets a role in this fascinating true story. (sumitted by J.S.)

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time is a fantastically humorous novel about a young boy named Christopher who suffers from Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism. Written from his perspective, young Christopher discovers his neighbor's dog has been murder with a gardening fork. He then decides to solve the mystery of who killed the dog, but along the way his difficulties with interpreting the world around him and overcoming his fears. Along the way, Christopher's investigation develops  into a revealing truth surrounding his mother's death and his father. 

The book is more than just about a mystery, it's a biography of sorts about living with Autism and its effects on people and those around them. It's humorous throughout, serious at times and completely original! It's one of the few books I can read again and again. You must read this book. (Corbin - senior)

Blue Bloods By Melissa De La Cruz

This is an exciting book and a new twist on vampires and the people who first colonized Plymouth. It takes place in present day but has flash backs to the old days. There is a mystery on who is killing all the vampires. This is a highly recommended book which is the first in a series.

Pewaukee High School Book Club

A bunch of students have requested that PHS create a Book Club where students and teachers alike read book and discuss them at meetings. I love the idea!!! We are going need some support from students and teachers to make this club run smoothly, we'll also need to work out all the details. If you're interested, which I'm sure you are, come to a meeting this Thursday in room 220 during resource!

For now, keep reading, keep posting and spread the word! 

Corbin (senior)