Review: Tracers

Tracers by J.J. Howard
Publication date: January 8, 2015
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

I would rate TRACERS by J.J. Howard a five out of five. It is definitely one of my favorite books that I've read in the last few months, or even years. Not only is there a great love story between Cam and Nikki, but there is also a brilliantly woven plot. The writer expertly uses knowledge of parkour to enhance the experience for the reader and add an element of danger to this story. I could not put this book down. The characters are intriguing with their stories and struggles, and the complex web of relationships, loyalties, and betrayals leaves nothing to be desired. I am glad I had the privilege to read this book, because I really enjoyed it. With many a twist and turn, it is impossible to leave off at the end of a chapter, especially when you empathize with the protagonist, as you will, when you read it. I liked this book a lot and I think other people will too.

Review: The Prince of Venice Beach

The Prince of Venice Beach by Blake Nelson
Publication date: June 3, 2014
Publisher: Little, Brown

THE PRINCE OF VENICE BEACH is another great book that I have recently read. This tale describes a young man, Robert “Cali” Callahan and his adventures on Venice Beach. He spends most of his days playing basketball or skateboarding until he is approached by a private detective who seeks to hire him. After two of these jobs, Cali gets approached with an offer that seems too good to be true. For four times the pay, Cali began to comb the boardwalk until he runs into his target, the beautiful Reese Abernathy, and his whole life is changed. One of the reasons this book is so good is due to the simple fact that it’s interesting. Who doesn't want to read about someone who is disadvantaged their whole life making a name for themself in the often cutthroat world of private investigating? I would probably rate this book 4 out of 5 stars because it kept me occupied, interested, and most importantly, reading. This book can be read and enjoyed by anyone from ages 14 to 18.

Review: Noggin

Noggin by John Corey Whaley
Publishing date: April 8, 2014
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

NOGGIN, by John Corey Whaley is a tremendously good book and I’m glad that I had the chance to read it. Without spoiling any plot twists or surprises, I will say a little bit about the story. Our main character, Travis, wakes up five years after having his head cryogenically frozen and now put on another man’s body. This book paints the reader a picture of a boy struggling to find his way in the world, with the love of his life five years older and engaged to another man, and his best friend secretly gay. As the story progresses, Travis finds himself conflicted between his physical age of 16 and all the changes that have occurred around him. As he deals with the fame of being one of two people to have ever survived that experiment, he slowly begins to find himself and realize how much everything has changed around him. One of the reasons that I liked this book so much was because although Travis is far from ordinary, you find yourself empathizing with him and his plight. This book is masterfully written and children 12-16 will find themselves enjoying this great novel. 

Review: Codename Zero

Codename Zero by Chris Rylander
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publication date: February 4, 2014

Carson Fender leads a boring life in North Dakota until, one day, a man hands him a package containing instructions. Because of this package, he discovers a secret government agency that's been hiding within his small town and this agency needs his help.

This book, while admittedly written for a younger audience than me, was a very fun and entertaining read. Throughout the book, I could not put it down, anxiously hanging on the exploits of our two young boys, the main characters. Although the plot seems a little far-fetched at times, I know that it is the dream of many teenage boys to become spies or secret agents, and through this book, we get the chance to. There is not very much overt bloodshed or torture and the reading level is not extraordinarily complex. It is for this very reason that I would personally recommend this YA book for all children from ages 12-15. This book will provide hours of excitement and enjoyment for the reader as they follow the intrepid, newly minted secret agent on his path.