Divergent

When I heard the movie was being released this year, I knew I wanted to read it.  Then, after all my students started reading it for a class assignment a few weeks ago, I knew it was time to dig into this book!

Right away I was reminded of another dystopian novel, Matched.  So I wasn't super pumped about reading the rest of this book...but then it really captured my attention.  In contrast with Matched, the leading lady in Divergent takes a much more edgy route to rebellion leading to a lot more action in this novel.  

There is a little of everything in Roth's series starter: futuristic setting, action packed scenes, danger, betrayal and even romance.  I can see why this novel is such a hit with my 8th grade students!  As an adult, though, I did finding myself doubting some of the characters choices.  Based on the characterization that Roth gives  in the first half of the book, I found myself thinking, "...but would she really do that?" or, "I doubt he would say that!".  

Despite these surprise reactions, I found the plot engaging and I'm excited to see what happens to these characters in the second book of the series (and how they turn out in the movie!!)

Rating:  7/10

Three to Get Deadly

As I packed for a family trip to the beach this month, I threw in a copy of Three to Get Deadly by Janet Evanovich at the last minute.  Turns out: wise choice!

Image From: cannonballread4

If you want a deep, thought-provoking read, this series is not for you.  If, however, you want a fun, laughable, entertaining story grab one the Stephanie Plum novels!  In the first book of the series, One for the Money, Stephanie loses her job and in her desperation for money, she decided to track down a Failure to Appear for her cousin Vinnie, the bail bondsman.  Most of the reoccurring characters that we grow to love in the series are introduced in this first book as Stephanie tracks down her old flame, Joe Morelli, an cop suspected of killing an unarmed man.  

In this third installment, Three to Get Deadly, Stephanie is at it again with the help of Ranger, a pro bounty hunter, and Lulu, an ex-hooker that now works for Vinnie.  This time she's been asked to track down Uncle Mo, a local candy store owner that is much loved by the neighborhood, who skipped his court appearance for concealing a weapon without a license.   Stephanie might be in to deep when the neighborhood turns against her, Lulu runs at ever sign of trouble, hints that Uncle Mo is offing local drug dealers and her maybe-love-interest Morelli seems to be hiding information. 

Rating:  8/10