This is the second book in the Twilight trilogy (see my Twilight review below). I don’t want to give too much away, especially to those who haven’t yet finished the first book (if you haven’t – what are you waiting for?!?), but in this novel, there is a lot less of Edward & his vampire family and a lot more of Jacob and his, um, “pack”. As Bella and Jacob’s friendship flourishes, Jacob becomes involved in his own mystery and of course, our Bella is right in the middle of it. As for Bella and Edward? It helps to have read or seen Romeo and Juliet here as the R&J theme is heavy in this novel. Think Romeo vs Paris, separated & distraught lovers, crucial MISinformation, warring families. This sequel provides a nice change of pace and an excellent buildup for major battles (there are many to be waged!) in the final book. I’m off to hunt it down in the shelves. Nobody else had better have it out!

Reviewed by: Mrs. Walker

Tookie Williams was the cofounder of the Crips gang.  He wrote this book while serving time on Death Row (he has since been executed).   His work in prison, including this book, reflect his repentence of his gang life and earned him a 2001 Nobel Peace Price Nomination.  This book gives a true-to-life look at life in prison including the realities, daily routines, and emotional challenges.   The details are interesting (for example: hygiene is an interesting challenge), but at times he tries too hard to connect to kids.   What struck me most about his account was how he confessed he used to look forward to prison life (hanging with the guys, working out, earning a “gladiator” status), but once inside he found it humiliating, dehumanizing, and painfully lonely.  

This book is a quick read – I read it in one lunch period, so carve out a bit of time and check it out.   You can find it in the Biography section call number 920 Wil.

Reviewed by: Mrs. Walker

As I mentioned, I do so love Vampire stories. Peeps is a very different kind of vampire story. Here vampirism is actually a disease caused by a parasite and spreadable through biting (naturally!), kissing, etc. Our protagonist Cal is himself a vampire but is immune to many of the typical vampire symptoms. Unfortunately, his past girlfriends weren’t so lucky, so he must now locate each one and, with the help of a special secret agency, help contain the spread of vampirism. And of course, a new love interest frustrates the situation as he can’t act on any emotions (see kissing=girlfriend vampire). Sounds pretty hokey, but it’s actually pretty darn good. And because vampirism is so different in this book, it’s hard to predict where things will head. Turns out there’s WAY more to this story than Cal even knows and mysteries are revealed at a frantic pace at the end. The plot gets a little complicated and darned if I didn’t realize this is a series! I only purchased the first novel, but I’ll hunt down the sequel The Last Days soon, I promise!

Scott Westerfeld has been getting a lot of buzz. This is the first novel of his I’ve read, but I just purchased several more (non-vampire) titles. Check below my review of Twilight (below) for more vampire recommendations. I’m on a vampire reading spree, so you’ll be hearing more as I finish them.

Find all Scott Westerfeld books in the Fiction section, FIC Wes.

Reviewed by Mrs. Walker

While I dislike scary movies and horror stories, I am always, always up for a good vampire story. Twilight is a very good one. Bella leaves sunny Arizona to live with her father in dark and miserable Forks, Washington. At her first day at her new school, she is fascinated by a table of quiet, pale teens, each of whom is “devastatingly, inhumanly beautiful.” She soon falls for Edward, a member of this mysterious family, who we learn (of course!) to be a vampire. It gets a little too long and mushy for a bit, but bear with it as the final chapters bring an unexpected and horrific twist. And the best part…there’s more! Twilight is the first of a trilogy, so hunt down the sequel New Moon (we’ve got it!). All Stephenie Meyer books can be found in the fiction section under FIC Mey. Find more Twilight reviews here.

Readalikes:

If you like Twilight, try sinking your teeth into: The Silver Kiss (FIC Kla), Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles which begin with An Interview with a Vampire (FIC Ric), Bloodline (FIC Car), Peeps (FIC Wes). Still want more? Visit the OPAC station and search for Subject -> Vampires.

Reviewed by: Mrs. Walker