Saturday, August 27, 2011

The Muslim Next Door: The Qur'an, the Media, and That Veil Thing by Sumbul Ali-Karamali

Ali-Karamali presents a down to Earth introduction to the Muslim faith. She covers the Qur’an, a brief history of Islam, Muslim reactions to 9/11, and common misconceptions about Islam. While this isn’t a complete history of Islam, Ali-Karamali’s insights are sure to create a new understand of Islam and American Muslims.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

In the conclusion to this trilogy, the Mercy Falls wolves are in danger when Tom Culpeper uses his connections to set up an aerial hunt. Cole, Sam, Grace, and their new ally Officer Koenig have a plan to relocate the wolves. The conclusion of the Mercy Falls saga is less than satisfying. The author misses opportunities to develop Grace's character when she confronts her parents after Grace had been absent for months - the tension is wrapped up too quickly and too neatly. The conclusion lacks the tension that the trilogy deserves. Despite the plot, it's impossible to stop reading to find out if Sam can lead the wolves out of the woods and into safety.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Forgotten by Cat Patrick

This is a brilliant novel that's impossible to put down! Sixteen year-old London has no memories of her past, but she knows her future. At 4:33 every morning, yesterday's memories are erased. In order to make it through her daily life, she writes herself notes every evening so she know what tests to study for and what she wore yesterday. Her future seems to be a constant struggle of hiding her absent memories, until she meets Luke. She doesn't remember a future with Luke, but slowly their relationship will start a chain reaction to recover her past and perhaps create a new future.