Customer Review - Shift

Shift
by Jennifer Bradbury [j Bradbury]

Shift is a excellent quick read. It is under 300 pages so it is fast and makes for a great story. The characters show a deep friendship that must be changed in order to grow and it makes you reflect on your own life. The humor and truth to the story is compelling and keeps you hooked because of the mysteries that lie within. Recently making the transition to college from high school my self, I can relate on many levels and it very accurately portrays many of the struggles that comes with moving on and keeping your existing friends. The greatest strength of this book is it doesn't waste any time getting into the story. You're moving as soon as you hit page 2. I highly recommend this title to anyone looking to not get into a new series and have a quick read, especially for young adults getting ready, making, or have recently made the transition to college. -- review submitted by Alex A. - a customer of the Gere Branch Library

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New Customer Reviews appear regularly in the pages of the BookGuide web site, particularly during the Summer Reading Program. You can visit the Customer Reviews page to see them all and/or submit your own, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually as we receive them.

Customer Review - The Raft

The Raft
by S.A. Bodeen [YA Bodeen]

This book was recommended to my by Sarah D. at Gere Branch, when we were talking about another book we had read in the teen summer book group by the same author. We had read The Compound by S.A. Bodeen, and I enjoyed that book so much I decided to read The Raft. The main character Robie gets stranded in the Pacific when the plane she is on crashes, en route to her home on Midway Island. I was skeptical about this book because this route has been taken by many other authors and can seem repetitive since it has been, however, I was disproved quickly. Much like The Compound, the book moves at a fast pace, but not so fast that you can't keep up and get lost. The story line is solid and pleasing. I would highly recommend this read to any young adult looking for a quick and good read. -- review submitted by Alex A. - a customer of the Gere Branch Library

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New Customer Reviews appear regularly in the pages of the BookGuide web site, particularly during the Summer Reading Program. You can visit the Customer Reviews page to see them all and/or submit your own, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually as we receive them.

New Customer Review - The Compound

The Compound
by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen [YA Stuve-Bodeen]

The Compound is a great, quick read for any young adult. I read this for our teen book group at Gere and was finished with it in 2 days from the time I started it. The story line never hangs onto one scene for too long, and is constantly evolving and keeping you on your feet. The most apealing factor of this book, is that I can really see the plot of having to go into a underground compound after a nuclear weapons launch, and having to adapt to all the changes happening. I think that it is excellent because it is told from the point of view of a teenager and that they aren't set into stone about what should be and shouldn't be happening. I'm excited for the sequel to come out this September and I highly recommend this book for anyone. -- review submitted by Alex A. - a customer of the Bennett Martin Public Library

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New Customer Reviews appear regularly in the pages of the BookGuide web site. You can visit the Customer Reviews page to see them all and/or submit your own, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually as we receive them.

Two New Customer Reviews of The Replacement

The Replacement
by Brenna Yovanoff [YA Yovanoff]

Normal is not a familiar word for Mackie to live by. He has never been that way and has always had to hide who he really is. Only his family and best friend know what he truly is. I enjoyed this book and came across it as one of the books for the Gere Branch TeensRead Book Group. I felt that the story was well crafted. I would recommend this title because it looks into some common teen issues about trying to fit in and have fun with others. The book does seem slow at time, but it is offset through action and the climax of the story. One of the biggest appeals of this book is how it makes you think about the world around you, and how others generally react to issues that occur. This book is a good read for almost anyone and especially young adults looking for something to read. -- review submitted by Alex A. - a customer of the Gere Branch Library



In a town of strange occurances and dark strangers, where people lie to themselves to retain a balance of normalcy, there is Mackie. He longs to belong but when you suffer just from being near iron and and you can't go near the consecrated church and cemetery ground it can make things difficult. He knows he's different and must lie to everyone, including himself, just to seem human. Dark, mysterious, strange, all words to describe this interesting and fun book. The characters are relatable and flawed, some dark and kinky. The town of Gentry is a character in and of itself. For me, the main character Mackie was the most relatable to me, and I could understand his longing just to have a normal, easy-going conversation. But if I had to pick my favorite, I would have to choose Morrigan, who is so darkly cute and kind and odd, you can't help but like her. -- review submitted by Wyatt P. - a customer of the Gere Branch Library

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New Customer Reviews appear regularly in the pages of the BookGuide web site. You can visit the Customer Reviews page to see them all and/or submit your own, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually as we receive them.

New Customer Reviews - Looking for Alaska

Looking for Alaska
by John Green [YA Green]

John Green addresses teen issues well in the truthful but funny book. Given that it is his first published book, it seems as if he has been working at writing for many years given the detail and depth of this story. An interesting format of the book is the chapter formats. In the beginning it is chronicled leading up to the climax of the story, and then begins to count forward in time after the climax. The story goes into detail about the main character, Miles, and his feelings about starting a new private school by choice to try and set a path for himself to find "The Great Perhaps". This book is full of humor, truth, and fun. It is a must read for any young adult. -- review submitted by Alex A. - a customer of the Gere Branch Library



When I first heard about Looking for Alaska, I thought it was going to be just a fun read... Boy, was I ever wrong. This is not a walk in the park. More like a walk in hurricane Katrina. I'm not saying the emotions in this book were a roller coaster, but the way the book changes was. Because, when you first meet Miles or as the "Colonel" calls him, "Pudge". You think he'll be a smart, not-stupid, boy. You think he'll turn down cigarettes, beer, and girls who'll use him just for..pleasure. Oh no. He does them all. The same goes for Alaska. This may not be the best book in the world but it does make you think what you would do if you were in Pudge's shoes. Also, if your looking for a long read, this is the book. Even if it is only 221 pages, it feels like forever. -- review submitted by Vanessa L. - a customer of the Gere Branch Library

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New Customer Reviews appear regularly in the pages of the BookGuide web site. You can visit the Customer Reviews page to see them all and/or submit your own, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually as we receive them.

New Customer Review - Paper Towns

Paper Towns
by John Green [YA Green]

John Green really goes in depth with this book. It is about a boy named Quintin but everyone calls him Q. His life suddenly changes when a friend who has lived next door to him since he was a kid runs away. Again. The only difference is that this time, she doesn't come back in the amount of time that she usually does. Left with poetic clues by Margo, Q and his friends go looking for Margo, and it takes them to the most unimaginable places physically, mentally,and emotionally. It is a great read for young adults and will keep you on your toes. -- review submitted by Alex A. - a customer of the Gere Branch Library

Have you read this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

New Customer Reviews appear regularly in the pages of the BookGuide web site. You can visit the Customer Reviews page to see them all and/or submit your own, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually as we receive them.