Feb 292012
 

On the Fringe

Author: Courtney King Walker

Publisher: Lands Atlantic Publishing

Published: 2011

Paperback: 272 pages

IBSN: 978-0-9825005-5-2

FTC FYI: I received a free copy which did not affect my review

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads summary:  Claire is struggling to overcome the murder of her childhood friend and secret crush, Daniel. Everyone else seems to be moving on with their lives, but she’s still trying to cope. The fact that she finds herself alone and drowning on her 16th birthday isn’t helping.

Neither is thinking she sees Daniel’s face in murky water as she mysteriously resurfaces. But something happened during those four and a half minutes that will make her realize it was not just her imagination.

As Claire and Daniel try to grasp a possible reconnection, other grudge-holding beings have plans of their own. Now, the two of them have to decide if their fleeting relationship is worth the possibility of Claire being trapped on the fringe forever.

Beautifully told, On the Fringe intertwines fresh ideas about devotion, revenge, and the consequences that come with life and death.”

Right when Claire and Daniel are starting to realize they like each other, Daniel is killed in shooting.  They have known each other for years, and Claire is best friends with Daniel’s sister, Addie.  While  Daniel is best friends with Matthew, Claire’s brother.  In the beginning of the book, you get to know the characters and be with them for some of their escapades.

I love the way this book is written. It is told in Claire’s and Daniel’s perspective, and a bit in flashback form.  Very clever, and written well.  This book was so enjoyable and the characters were engaging.  My favorite was Daniel.  I felt myself cheering for Claire and Daniel even though… oops, I can’t tell you all that.  You will have to read this entertaining book to find out all the fun secrets.  It was very intense in some scenes, and spooky too.  There is someone out there on the fringe who wants to hurt Claire, and they need to find out why.

4 out of 5 stars.  Find out more about the author here.  Follow Courtney on Twitter on Facebook.

BARNES AND NOBLE / AMAZON

Jul 012010
 

Walk Two Moons

Written By: Sharon Creech
Published: Harper Collins Children’s Books
Published in: 1994
Won a Newbery Award
Hardcover – 280
ISBN: 0-06-023334-6
First of all, I have to thank Kelli again for this one. She told me about this book awhile ago, and it sat on my to-read shelf for a couple weeks while I was reading more 39 clues. It was coming due, so I started it on a Tuesday, and finished Wednesday. I loved it. It was such a great story. Actually, it’s a story within a story. Sal, is the main character. Her full name is Salamanca Tree Hiddle. She and her father just moved to Ohio from Kentucky. Sal isn’t happy about it. She misses everything about Kentucky. She misses the farm she loved, the trees, animals, her swing, everything. However, her dad had to get away. From what I won’t say because it would too much away.
In Ohio, she meets Phoebe. She’s a strange girl, whose home life seems a bit too perfect. But, something happens in her house that takes perfect off the table. Sal’s dad is close to their neighbor Mrs. Cadaver, and she isn’t thrilled about it. She is the one who helps her dad get a new job, and helps them find a place to stay in Euclid. But, Mrs. Cadaver’s story is revealed at the end, and it made me cry. A stranger comes to the neighborhood, and sets Sal and Phoebe investigating.
But, that’s the story in the story. Sal is taken on a road trip with Gramps and Gran. They want to take her on the same trip that her mom made a year or so earlier. Sal’s mom is Sugar. The heart of story is about her, and why she left. The purpose of the road trip is to see her.
I really enjoyed this book. There wasn’t anything I didn’t like. Phoebe wasn’t my favorite, but I see why she acted the way she did. I liked Ben a lot too. Gramps and Gran are funny, sweet, and seem like they would be fun to hang out with. The last few chapters had me crying. I honestly didn’t want the story and the story within the story to end.
Thank you Kelli for a great recommendation!
4 1/2 stars
I recommend it and would read it again.
I would read more from this author. Going to check out Bloomability next.
FTC FYI- borrowed from library.
(P.S.) It’s great to be back! Wasn’t the Countdown to Summer Awesome?!