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 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.