Review: Nice Try, Jane Sinner

Nice Try, Jane Sinner
by Lianne Oelke

Publisher: Clarion Books
Publication Date: January 9, 2018

In NICE TRY, JANE SINNER, Lianne Oelke tells the story of 17-year-old Jane Sinner as she begins to complete her high school degree at a local community college. In an effort to move out of her parents’ house and win a car, Jane auditions for a campus reality show called House of Orange. Through HOO, Jane finds an unexpected opportunity to work through personal and family struggles. The novel is written in a series of journal entries and conversations with Jane’s made-up therapist, Dr. Freudenschade, which immediately gives readers unique insight into Jane’s character. Jane is witty and cynical (without sounding obnoxious or rude) which gives the book a fresh feel; her personality and tone match the fast-paced dialogue and diary entries that move the novel forward. Oelke balanced this cynicism impressively with a more serious discussion of mental health throughout the story, which never felt forced or unnatural. Overall, NICE TRY, JANE SINNER offers an original premise and is a great read.

Review: Black River Falls

Black River Falls
by Jeff Hirsch

Publisher: Clarion Books
Publication Date: July 5, 2016

The book BLACK RIVER FALLS by Jeff Hirsch is, at its core, about the value of friends and family. It's about a boy named Cardinal, who lives in a town that was taken over by a virus, and quarantined. The virus leaves its victims alive, but takes away all their memories. Cardinal has not been caught by the virus, but chooses to stay to care for a group of orphaned kids. The book was interesting to me because it made me speculate on what could happen if everyone lost their memories, and the effect that it could have on a society. I also liked the books action-packed and fast paced mystery. The depth of the book was enjoyable, with multiple side plots to keep the reader interested. I would recommend the book to anyone who really likes being able to critically analyze a fiction book, as there wasn't anything gory or gruesome, just action.