Grisham's Back with Appeal

John Grisham has returned to what he knows best: legal thrillers. In Appeal, he spins a tale of 'down and dirty politics' that reach the highest state court. Read from Chapter 1 at NPR and listen to Grisham interviewed on his new novel and politics.

Poitier's Memoir Measures Up

PR senior Will loved Sydney Poitier's Measure of a Man. He thought the "critically acclaimed Hollywood actor" taught his readers how to show integrity through the struggle called life as he leads us through his childhood on Cat's Island into an adulthood facing racism. If you are "still trying to figure out life and your place in it," check out Measure of a Man. You may discover you appreciate adversity after all.

Light on Snow Will Warm Your Heart

PR sophomore Alex liked Anita Shreve's Light on Snow in which a father and daughter relocate intentionally to "an isolated town where nothing spectacular happens, " or so they think. "On one of their evening walks in the snow, they discover an abandoned baby." Who abandoned the baby, and why? You'll have to read the book to find out!

Can't Help But Like Black Swan Green

Kyle, senior at PR, liked David Mitchell's Black Swan Green, though at first the "unique layout of the story" (a chapter for every month in a year of Jason's life), frustrated him. "None of the chapters seem to go together," but "the storyline never seems to break." By the end of the book, "becoming fond of Jason is almost a certainty as he represents good and innocence in a fairly hostile environment."

Hosseini's Splendid Suns Enthralls

KC, senior at PR, loved Khaled Hosseini's A Thousand Splendid Suns and explained that the book "begins with the Soviet invasion and transfers into the terrifying reign of the Taliban" in Afghanistan. It is the story of two women over a thirty year span that shows "how 'free' women lived prior" to the Taliban's rule.

Mrs. Bland also recommends this book though she preferred The Kite Runner. See Mrs. Bland's thoughts on A Thousand Splendid Suns at her What's Worth Reading blog.

Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Seduces

Ashley, sophomore at PR, was suprised to like Stephenie Meyer's Twilight as much as she did and called it "suspenseful and seductive." Edward thought "Bella smelled so good and tasty when he was thirsty," but it's a "risky affection" he feels for her. Will Bella survive Edward's lust? Read the next books (New Moon and Eclipse) to find out.

Scar Tissue is Red Hot

Andrew, senior at PR, loved Anthony Kiedis' (of The Red Hot Chili Peppers) autobiography Scar Tissue and recommends it especially to fans of the band, but really to "anyone, unless for some reason you have something against unlimited amounts of fun, debauchery, and magical music."

Invisible Monsters - Bizarre and Hilarious

Kendra, senior at PR, loved Chuck Palahniuk's Invisible Monsters. With a team of "a newly faceless supermodel, an eccentric transvestite, and a two-timing ex-police officer . . . Invisible Monsters is a story of self discovery in a world racked with life changing decisions and obstacles." The story is told through flashbacks, "each more entertaining than the last."

Be sure to check out the library's shadow box of the letter and goodies Chuck Palahniuk sent to PR!!

Fight Club Sizzles

Ryan, senior at PR, loved Chuck Palahniuk's Fight Club which "sizzles with intensely hot action that grabs the reader by his white collar and throws him into a world of calloused fists and radical ideologies." He believes the book's "witty, unrelenting take on society will have you reexamining what is important in your life."

For "Lovers of All Things Fantasy"

Brian, junior at PR, loved Eldest, Christopher Paolini's second book in the Inheritance trilogy, for its battles fought and love lost. Who is looking forward to the third book?

Armpit provides adventure in Small Steps

Sophomore Brianna loved Louis Sachar's Small Steps, sequel to Holes. Armpit is the main character in this "beautifully written novel" that is one of Brianna's "top five reads."

To Kill a Mockingbird Teaches Important Themes

Senior Karle loved Harper Lee's classic novel and rated it a 9.5 out of 10 for its lessons about the loss of childhood innocence and racism. She particularly liked Atticus, the father in the novel, because he "believed that there was good in all people" and taught his children how sometimes not conforming to society's norms may be difficult but important.

The Kite Runner

PR sophomore Johnny liked The Kite Runner, a novel about "an Afghan boy named Amir and his struggle to gain his father's love." This book "really gives the reader a sense of what is going on in poverty stricken countries" and "shows the payoff of being loyal." He gives the novel "two thumbs up" and would "even consider reading it a second time."

Picoult Fascinates PR

Erin, senior at PR, liked Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult, which she believes "shows that we are really never alone; it is just our choices that make us feel that way."

Mollie, sophomore at PR, believed My Sister's Keeper was just okay. The "extremely heart wrenching tale" fleshes out several "touchy subjects" such as "favoritism of a child" and conceiving one child to save another.

Anne, sophomore at PR, loved The Pact, although she wouldn't recommend it for "something as complicated as a paper or report. The "random twists and turns" seemed "a bit unorganized" but it did make her "put the book down and think" about "forgiveness, truth, and selflessness." Jessica, also a sophomore, read The Pact and loved it, saying it's one of her "favorite books" that she "didn't want to put down for a minute." If you liked My Sister's Keeper, Jessica recommends you try this one whose characters were as real to her "as if they lived down the street."

Laura, a senior at PR, liked Vanishing Acts, though she did not like it as much as My Sister's Keeper. This book tells the story of a family torn apart by a kidnapping charge. The "mystery and excitement" of this book make it "definitely a good read."

Check out the letter Jodi Picoult wrote to PR students (on display in Literacy Center).

Salem Falls by Jodi Picoult

Sophomore Ellen writes: "Salem Falls is an intriguing blend of secrets, controlling pasts, and above all the healing power of love’s simplistic grace. One of the main characters, Jack St. Bride will entrance you immediately with his story of a hidden sexual assault conviction and Addie Peabody breaks your heart with her own tale of the death of her only child. Put these two together and you’ve got one of the most complex relationship of all time, based solely on a leap of faith. . . . Picoult beautifully portrays a highly complex mystery of love, secrets and especially the essence of truth."

Time Travel Complicates Love

Senior PR student Alyssa loved The Time Traveler's Wife, "a classic love story with a twist." Henry's rare time traveling ability means he "repeatedly visits Clare at different stages in her life," leading the reader to believe "fate has brought these two together." The story shows that "with a little patience and a lot of trust, love can endure any distance apart."