The Dream of the Stone by Christina Askouns

This book is part Wrinkle in Time and a part princess fairy tale. Sarah is daughter of two photojournalists with an older genius brother with a happy, almost perfect life. One night while her parents are flying to California to convince her brother, Sam, to quit his job, their plane crashes. Sarah’s life changes drastically from this tragic event. Sarah must contend with an organization hell bent on destruction, a mysterious gypsy boy, and other worlds in this twisting plot. Unfortunately, the book isn’t near long enough to keep the suspense going and the ending is a huge downer. If the reader stop reading this novel at about halfway mark, the story rocks. The ending is a disappointment.

Book Reviewed: Spanking Shakespeare by Jake Wizner

Spanking Shakespeare is one of those typical novels that feature a teenage boy facing the trials of growing up as its central character. At the same time, it’s not-so-typical. Simply put, it is the story of a boy named Shakespeare writing a story. Not so simply put, it is the story of a non-adjusted, maybe-nerdy senior trying to find his way and get the (right) girl. Filled with many “Omigod, did he just think/say that???” moments, Spanking Shakespeare is a great light read.