We Hear the Dead by Dianne Salerni

Currently on pg. 174, ch. 22, part 2

The book does a good job of showing how Kate starts to believe in her own hoax. I wanted to see if there were pictures of the real Fox sisters online so I Googled them. The book refers to them as attractive young ladies (aahh, maybe by 1800's standards).

We Hear the Dead by Dianne Salerni

Currently on pg. 62, ch. 8, part 1

The tale of the Fox sisters teaches a good lessons in lying. When you start a lie, it has a way of snowballing. It can get away from you. You can even start to believe your own lies, like Kate Fox.

We Hear the Dead by Dianne K. Salerni

Interest Level: 6th grade & up

Reading Level: 8.6 grade
Lexile: 1070L
Genre: Non-fiction/historical fiction

Currently on pg. 26, ch. 3, part 1

Maggie and Kate Fox are real people that lived in the 1800's. They are credited for playing a role in the creation of spiritualism. This book tells their story with the author fictionally narrating accounts of events that are documented through correspondences and published writings of that time thus this book is shelved in the 800 section of the library. I am a fan of historical fiction. I just hope the book doesn't get to creepy.

Then and Always by Dani Atkins

Finished the book



I enjoyed this book immensely. Not a Disney ending but still it earns 4 1/2 stars. I recommend it for 11th grade and older.

Then and Now by Dani Atkins

Currently on pg.180, chapter 8

As of page 173, this book no longer became a candidate for a middle school library. Still enjoying it, just on another level.

Then and Always by Dani Atkins

Currently on p.162, chapter 8

Okay, I am loving this book. SPOILER ALERT - Rachel is worried that she has amnesia or schizophrenia. She is beginning to accept that what she is experiencing now is her true reality. That was she thought her life for the past five years was is in fact not true.  In the timeline that Rachel is currently experiencing, she is engaged to Matt and Jimmy is alive. In the timeline that Rachel remembers as what happened during the past five years, Matt is not a part of Rachel's life and Jimmy is dead. What to do!?! Does Rachel have any feelings for Matt? She appears to have feelings for Jimmy. How will she do her job as a journalist? She has no memory of college. Loving it!!!

Then and Always by Dani Atkins

Currently on pg. 98, chapter 5

Rachel arrives in Great Bishopsford and goes to Sarah's hen-party. After the party, she has a headache and loses consciousness. She wakes up in the hospital to a different reality. The author paints a very realistic picture of what it would be like for not only Rachel but her family and friends if something like that happened.

Still loving this book.

Then and Always by Dani Atkins

Interest Level: 11th grade & up

Reading Level: not rated
Lexile: not rated
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Currently on pg. 54, chapter 2

The book opens with Rachel and her friends having one last dinner together before they all head their separate ways. The book is set in a fictional town of Great Bishopsford, England. The characters are 18 years old and have just graduated from the secondary level of education (our version of high school). As they sit in the restaurant, a car crashes into the building killing Jimmy and seriously injuring Rachel. The book then jumps to five years later Rachel must return to Great Bishopsford for Sarah's wedding. She has not been home for three years. She finds it difficult to go back and face the memories of the past.

I am enjoying this book. I am carrying it around, reading it at breakfast, and reading it in the car when I wait for my kid to get out of band.

No Parking at the End Times by Bryan Bliss

Finished the book

On page 194 the main character Abigail puts it perfectly, "We're supposed to be the irresponsible ones - not them. We're supposed to be the ones who make bad decisions and stare at the floor while they explain how our choices will affect our future."

I liked how the author ended the book. SPOILER ALERT - It is a happy ending.

I liked the book. I would give it 4 out of 5 stars. I plan on purchasing it for the library.

No Parking at the End Times by Bryan Bliss

Currently on pg. 234, chapter 14

SPOILER ALERT - The fact that the parents have joined a cult adds the element of them being brainwashed and therefore unable to see what they are doing to their children. With this story component, the kids can leave their parents and try to return to their uncle. Where as if the parents were attempting to find work and shelter, it would be harder for the kids to justify leaving. As I said before, the cult aspect makes the story firmly plotted in the realm of fiction. Cults are just not as common of a reason that people are homeless.

With 33 pages left, I am thinking that I will be purchasing this book for the LRMS collection. I will put a red dot sticker on it. The red dot sticker indicates that the book is probably best for an 8th grader.