"Fourth Grave Beneath my Feet" by Darynda Jones

5 of 5 stars

The Basics: After going through the terror of Earl Walker in book three, Charley has been a recluse for 2 months. Ordering random kitchen items seems to be the extent of her once exciting life as she handles a mild form of PTSD. After eventually getting a case, Charley tries to solve the mysterious happenings surrounding the intimidation/stalking of a wealthy, beautiful woman named Harper. Harper’s stepmother feels as though Harper is crazy and is making up stories of beheading rabbits on her bed which all seemed to begin when her father remarried.

Also, Charley’s father is still trying to figure out the extent of her abilities, which drives Charley to continue to not speak with him or her stepmother. Amongst the turmoil in her life, Charley is working on a case with her Uncle Bob (Ubie) about a serial arsonist and a band of bandits who have been robbing banks. On top of that, she is still being hunted by demons that are now possessing human bodies to avoid being exposed to light (which automatically kills them).  

My Thoughts: (Some spoilers ahead) I continue to adore Charley and this series. I love that the reader got to see another side of her. Before, she was scared of nothing, now her experience with Earl Walker has made her fear everything (which is how the demons sense her). Of course, things between her and Reyes continue to be weird. He always finds a reason to randomly appear and disappear and she desires to know more about him (though she hates him initially because he used her as bait to lure Earl Walker in book 3). Either way, their relationship is enviable because he continues to protect her and he is absolutely beautiful. I love that they actually had sex in this book (in his physical/corporeal form). It was everything I imagined it would be. Darynda Jones wrote the sex scene fabulously. I was envious of Charley at that moment.

At the end of the book, it took me completely off guard that Harper was already dead. I felt so bad for her. I almost shed a tear myself once the family became aware of her death. It was very sad, especially since Charley was sad too. I can’t imagine how it would feel to handle your emotions as well as feel the emotions of those around you. That’s tough.

I am soooo looking forward to book 5. This series cannot get old to me. I am always excited to keep reading. This book did leave me with a few questions that I’m guessing will be answered in book 5. Is Reyes the arsonist? What will happen with the bike gang?

I am also hoping that Charley and her father mend their relationship. I don’t think he means any harm but he has to understand he can’t change Charley, he can only live with her differences and try to understand them. I think he somewhat got to that point by the end of this book. Book 5, here I come.

~Remember, teachers read fun stuff too!

"A Long Walk to Water" by Linda Sue Park

4 of 5 stars

The Basics: This novel tells two stories that eventually merge into one encounter. Nya’s story is told in the beginning of each chapter. She is a Southern Sudanese girl who has to take a long walk, barefoot to a river twice a day to provide water for her family. During the months when the river dries up, Nya and her family move closer to a water source. The water is often tainted and people have fallen sick, including her younger sister. Medical relief is a day’s walk away so it is not always easy for people from her village to get medical care when needed. Nya’s story starts in 2008.

Salva’s story starts in Southern Sudan in 1985 when war is a constant as southern rebels attempt to attack the Northern Sudanese government for religious freedom. An attack near the school separates Salva from his well-off family. Often, young boys are forced to join the rebels so Salva’s teacher instructs the boys to hide amongst the bushes. Salva encounters a group of people that later desert him because it is too much work to feed another mouth when they are seeking refuge.

Salva later meets up with another group of Dinka, which is the same tribe Salva originates from. He meets a friend, Buksa, who is met by a terrible fate as he sleeps. Salva’s uncle later leads the group toward Ethiopia where they will find a refugee camp and get assistance. The horrors that ensue among their journey and Salva’s continuous lose and extraneous journey from one camp to another is certainly a gripping tale.

 My Thoughts: Reading a story such as this makes me thankful for the luxuries of the life I live. It makes me not want to complain about anything because even though I feel like I don’t have enough, I really have more than many people. This book only touches the surface of the horrors of war between the Northern Sudanese government and the Southern Sudanese rebels. Salva’s story is heart-wrenching. As Americans, we don’t think about how it feels to deal with natural predators (like lions and alligators), rebel soldiers, losing one’s family, and walking for weeks, months or even years to find some type of refuge. 

Luckily, Salva’s story is one that turns out prosperous as he is given the opportunity to come to America and later creates a foundation to build wells in Sudan (which is how the story of Salva and Nya become connected).

I read this book as part of the summer reading list for the incoming 8^th graders at my school. I wanted to become familiar with the books they were reading so I could grade the assignments accordingly. I am completely happy I read this book. It is not something I would pick out on my own but it teaches many valuable lessons.

~Remember, teachers read fun stuff too!

"The Raven Boys" by Maggie Stiefvater

4 of 5 stars.

The Basics: This novels follows the raven boys of the prestigious Aglionby Academy. Gansey is searching to find a ley line (death line) which would give him access to Glendower. This would give him the ability to wish for anything his heart desires. Following him on his journey is Ronan, a hot-head who is in danger of being kicked out of Aglionby if he doesn't get his grades up. Also, Adam is assisting Gansey is his search while balancing school, 2 jobs and a violent home life. Gansey's reclusive roommate Noah is also along for the ride but is hiding a big secret.
The boys later meet Blue and her psychic family. Though Blue doesn't possess the same abilities as her family, her presence makes their abilities stronger which makes her all the more useful. When Blue helps the boys find the ley line they've been searching for, they uncover many disturbing truths about their teacher Mr. Whelk and Blue's seemingly secretive aunt Neeve. 

My Thoughts: I did enjoy the book but it was very slow in the beginning. I almost gave up reading it. I kept reading only because it was part of a read along for Bookish Lifestyle. There were 2 discussions on the book and I participated in both. I did end up enjoying the book much more as the plot developed.
So, I love that Blue got along with the boys pretty seamlessly after their initial interaction at her job. But I did feel as though the romance aspect of this book fell apart. It wasn't about romance at all though the book starts off saying that Blue was well aware that she would kill her true love after a kiss. The story developed more into a search to waken the ley line, find Glendower and later expose Mr. Whelk (I'll leave the spoiler out).
Eventually I will read the other books in the series because I would like to know what happened to Neeve, what will happen to Adam after his interaction with the ley line and how Ronan's confession will develop in the next book.

~Remember, teachers read fun stuff too!