Sempre by J.M. Darhower

Release Date: November 2013

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

When and Where:  Modern times, California

Protagonist:  Haven Antonelli, 17 years old

The Story: Born into slavery, Haven has no idea what life is like outside of the isolated ranch compound, but when an act of desperation ends up causing Haven to be relocated to the DeMarco household, an entire world of opportunity is presented.  Dr. DeMarco is deceptively kind, when in fact is an integral member of a Mafia family, serving as both confidant and enforcer to the Don.  Functioning more as a maid and less like a slave, Haven is desperately afraid of her new masters, Dr. DeMarco and his two sons.  Somehow, Haven develops an unlikely relationship with the younger son, Carmine DeMarco, and as romance blossoms between the pair, the mystery of Haven's paternity haunts Dr. DeMarco.  Dr. DeMarco is determined to prevent his son from repeating past mistakes and negatively impacting the future, but it may be too late.

Reaction:  This book was absolutely gripping, though I really don't know who is primary audience should be.  While the characters are 17, the subject matter is far beyond the scope of most high school students, in both background knowledge and maturity.  I was fascinated by Haven's adjustment to a "normal" lifestyle, though the lifestyle the DeMarcos live is far from normal, and  Carmine's self-destructive, impulsive tendencies a desperate cry for help that no one seemed to hear.  I just couldn't stop reading this book, and when the novel came to its conclusion, I was happily surprised to see that the second book is already available.

If You Liked...  movies and stories similar to The Godfather and Goodfellas, then Sempre may be right for you.

Rating: 4

Teacher Notes: Great book, but perhaps one to keep on the upper bookshelf for specific students, rather than full-class access.

The Tyrant's Daughter by J.C. Carleson

Release Date:  February 2014

Genre:  Contemporary Fiction


Protagonist:  Laila

The Story:  As the daughter of a Middle Eastern King, Laila has lived a life of luxury.  When violence erupts in her country and her father is killed, she and the surviving members of her immediate family are whisked away to the United States and immersed in an American lifestyle.  Upon arriving in the U.S., Laila realizes that nothing is as it seems - the media has labeled her deceased father a dictator, her mother is working closely with a covert organization and carefully guards her secrets, and life in the U.S. is so profoundly different from her homeland that Laila struggles to acclimate.  Even something as simple as education and friendships are distinctly different, and Laila feels desperately alone.

Reaction:  I loved, loved, loved this beautifully written book.  Laila's observations of American people are equally fascinating and thought-provoking, and her understanding of the politics of her homeland made me wonder if there are many people in similar situations who just don't know nearly as much about how things works as they think they do.  I think most people have felt like an outsider at some point, which is how many readers will related to Laila, but I also believe that readers will end up reflecting upon their own beliefs and behaviors as a result of reading The Tyrant's Daughter; this is a book that sticks with you, so be prepared to be thinking about the novel long after you have put the book away.

If You Liked...  Shabanu, Daughter of the Wind, then The Tyrant's Daughter  will be a good addition to your TBR stack.

Rating:  5

Teacher Notes:  The Tyrant's Daughter would be a great book to use help teach point of view; it also highlights a culture that is not highly represented in good YA literature.

The Killing Woods by Lucy Christopher

Release Date: January 2014

Genre:  Mystery

Protagonist:  Emily Shepherd, high school student

The Story:  Although Emily is aware that her father, a former soldier, suffers from PTSD, she firmly believes that he would not harm another person.  Emily's beliefs are shaken when her father emerges from the woods near her home with the body of high school student Ashlee Parker in his arms.  Suddenly an outcast determined to prove her father's innocence, Emily unwittingly attracts  the attention of Emily's boyfriend, Damon, who seems to think Emily should be punished for her father's crime.

Reaction:  The mystery behind Ashlee's death drives The Killing Woods, along with Emily's determination to show that her father is a better person than the community is willing to believe.  I liked Emily's drive, but somehow the mystery of the novel fell flat.  Perhaps there was too much internal dialogue or too many vague references to "the game" that Ashlee played in the woods with Damon and his friends.  When the "secret" was revealed, it wasn't as shocking as intended.  What worked well?  The strange push-pull relationship between Emily and Damon.   For some reason, I would have liked to have seen what their interactions were like pre-death.

If You Like...  darker mysteries with a romantic undertone, this book may be a nice summer read.

Rating:  2

Teacher Notes:  The Killing Woods would be a nice addition to a high school teacher's bookshelf.  This is a good high interest, low level book that could be offered to reluctant readers.