Mr Toman's been reading...


'The Drop Edge of Yonder' by Rudy Wurlitzer **** 

Based on the same story as the film 'Dead Man' starring Johnny Depp, 'The Drop Edge of Yonder' is a Western, tellingthe story of mountain-man, Zebulon Shook, on the run from the authorities during the San Franciscan Gold Rush. Shot in the heart early on in the novel he begins to question his own existence and whether he is dead or alive. Violent, funny and thoughtful ( and an easy read too) - if you liked Django Unchained then this could be for you.

Mrs Benson's been reading...

The Moment by Douglas Kennedy. I would give it 5 stars. 
It is about the love affair between an American travel writer and a dissident from East Germany, made all the more interesting by the ominous influence of those on either side of the Wall.

Mrs Gripton's been reading...



‘What the **** is Normal’ by Francesca Martinez *****

Francesca Martinez is a comedian and her autobiography describes her experiences of growing up with cerebral palsy (or in her words – “wobbly”). Martinez is a strong character who recounts the challenges she has faced with humour and positivity. The book also asks us to challenge our views on how we perceive ourselves and others around us too. We all have insecurities and things that we view as being weaknesses. Martinez reminds us that we should look for the positives and play to our strengths in life. An inspiring read! I would also recommend checking out her TED Talk on youtube.


We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler ****

The problem with reviewing this book is that I don’t want to give away too much, as a third of the way in the reader’s perception of events begins to change. I got this book for Christmas and knew very little about it before reading it. I enjoyed it all the more for that reason. The quote on the blurb says “what if you grew up to realise that your father had used your childhood as an experiment.” If that line alone draws you in, then it’s worth reading this book.

Mrs. Kerr's been reading ...


Tribes by Catherine McPhail *****

'Tribes is about how a teenager can be drawn into gang culture. To join the gang you have to go through an initiation ceremony and take an oath which you have to sign in blood. The book takes you through the importance of relationships and the need for acceptance. An excellent, exciting book.


Kill Alex Cross by James Paterson *****

'Kill Alex Cross' continues the story of Detective Alex Cross and his family. This book contains the kidnapping of the President's children. Can they be rescued while still alive? The story also contians a terrorism plot. Excellent, fast paced book.

David's been reading...

WORLD WAR HULK  by Greg Pak, Peter David, John Romita Jr

The Hulk got shot off planet by the Illuminati, on his return he is on the verge of destroying the planet. Can the Sentry stop him? Can anyone?

I love because it's the Hulk - *****

Chloe's been reading...

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Set in 1798, the story is about a girl (Catherine) who goes to Bath (at the time a resort town for the upper classes) with family friends. Catherine meets new people, but is the man she falls for going to marry her? She has an active imagination and a love of romance novels but is a bit naive.

I liked it - 3 1/2 stars.

Read it for yourself for free as an ebook!

Mr Cruickshanks been reading...

Bag of Bones – Stephen King ****
Not my favourite Stephen King book, but still a good read. The author himself calls it ‘a haunted love story’ which sums it up quite well. Novelist Mike Noonan suffers from writers block after the death of his wife and muse, Jo. Consumed by grief, he retreats to their small-town holiday home, where he distracts himself by getting involved in a custody battle, which in true Stephen King style, turns out to be much more chilling than it seems. For those interested, it was also turned into a movie starring Pierce Brosnan as Noonan.

The Caves of Drach – Hugh Walters ****
During a tour of a Spanish cave network, the grandson of a very rich man wanders into a restricted area and seemingly disappears. Desperate to find the boy, the grandfather recruits four astronauts (who were holidaying in the area) to go into the cave and search for him, feeling that their skills in deep space exploration would be of use in this situation. As the astronauts progress further into the cave, they stumble across a lost utopian civilisation which has taken the boy under their care, believing him to be a refugee from ‘the surface’.

An Independent Man: The Autobiography – Eddie Jordan ***
Motor racing legend Eddie Jordan tells his story in this book. He covers many aspects of his life and career, starting with his first karting experience in Ireland, through his own driving career, then his transition into team ownership and finally chronicles the downfall and eventual sale of the Jordan Formula One team. It’s a very interesting read to a Formula One fan such as myself, but has limited appeal to a wider audience.

All or Nothing – James Dixon and Chris Gilder ***
This book will appeal to a very niche audience, hence the middling rating. For me, it was an excellent insight into the inner workings of what was my local (and arguably Britain's number one) independent wrestling promotion before it went out in a spectacular blaze of incompetence, bankruptcy and general bad management practices. Wrestlers, bookers and the main main himself, Steven Gauntley, all have a say on the matters at hand, though I feel certain that some interviewees are holding back on the finer details. The book would also benefit from follow-up interviews, allowing the interviewees to respond to allegations made against them.

Ghostgirl by Tonya Hurley

Charlotte User dies just before enacting a plan to date the gorgeous Damen and become popular. She refuses to accept her fate (death by gummy bear) and returns as a ghost with a mission: to go to the Fall Ball with Damen and get a midnight kiss...

 "Ghostgirl" by Tonya Hurley is about a girl who is a nobody; she is invisible to others, nobody talks to her, and nobody listens to her. One day she is paired with her crush in Science and she thinks her dreams have come true when their teacher puts them together. Now she’ll be noticed. But unfortunately she dies choking on a gummy bear...
Why should you read it? It is an amazing book and should appeal to everyone. You can relate to it. I found it very exciting and interesting. Everyone either knows someone or is that person who is always left out so it’s a great book for friendship as well.

By GummyBear1243

Mrs Wilson's Been Reading...

Our cool librarian - Mrs. Wilson
1. Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters *****

I love this story, so much so that this was a re-reading for me. The story is the first in a series and sees the first appearance of the formidable Amelia Peabody. Set in the Victorian era this first book follows Amelia on her first trip to Egypt. There she discovers not only a passion for archaeological wonders but a mummy risen from the grave. Perfect escapism.

2. No.1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith ****

This was my second attempt to read this book. The first time I found the pace too slow but this time I really liked the slower storytelling. Set in Botswana it follows the story of Precious Ramotswe who has set up the countries only female detective agency. It reads like a collection of short stories but they all weave together into a very enjoyable story. It was one of those stories that transports you to a different country - well worth a read if Scotland is feeling too cold and dark.

4. Horrible Histories Big Fat Book of Christmas by Terry Deary ***

This was a fun book to read post-Christmas as it provided facts and comedy related to the 12 days of Christmas. I read it a day at a time finally finishing it on Twelfth Night. My only complaint was that quite a few of the facts were ones covered in other books in the series (though there was enough original content that this wasn't a big issue). It was worth a read for Martin Brown's rat illustrations alone.

Ms Dewar's been reading...



1. The Children Act – Ian McEwen ****
Fiona Mayes is a High Court judge, asked to rule on whether a 17 year old, a Jehovah’s Witness, should get life-saving treatment with blood products against his will. The consequences of her judgement are traced against her personal history and the difficulties in her marriage. Ian McEwen’s books seem slight & straightforward, but behind the simple, weightless writing is a serious reflection on relationships, religion & moral responsibility.

2. Like Agatha Christie if she had a sense of fun, well plotted, well drawn characters, well realised historical settings and a well-heeled lady detective with a lovely turn of phrase. I read three in three days and was delighted to find there are 10 in the series already.

Dandy Gilver and the Proper Treatment of Bloodstains- Catriona McPherson ****
 Murders upstairs and down in Edinburgh’s New Town

Dandy Gilver and an Inconvenient Day for a Murder Catriona McPherson ***
Close family relations lead to tragedy in the Aitken’s Haberdashery

Dandy Gilver and a Deadly Measure of Brimstone Catriona McPherson *** 
Spirits are disturbed in a sulphurous Borde​rs spa.

3. Moriarty - Anthony Horowitz ***
Nothing compares to the real Sherlock who is absent, presumed drowned, throughout the action of this story. However as Holmes tributes , parodies and knock-offs go, this is well done – Horowitz captures something of the atmosphere of the real Holmes and the plot has a satisfying twist.

JYHS Library's 10 Book Reading Challenge


Read 10 books this term
(so all done by 2 April - that's 10 books in 12 weeks).

Read any books the only requirement is you do a mini review for the title to count. 
(If like me you read a lot of picture books you need to read 5 for them to count as 1 book).

What exactly do you want me to for this review? Mark the book out of 5 stars, give me the author, title and a little blurb sharing what the books is about without telling us the whole plot. Pick up a form in the library.

What's in it for me? Well apart from getting to read books there is of course a prize draw (for an exciting and mysterious prize).

How do I sign up? Fill in a sign up sheet in the library.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games trilogy is still in great demand in the library, especially with the latest Hunger Games movie, "Mockingjay, Part 1". If you haven't read any of the series, why not catch up now? These reviews talk about the second book in the trilogy, "Catching Fire":


Everyone should read "The Hunger Games" and "Catching Fire". The author of "Catching Fire" is Suzanne Collins and it is the second story of three books. Two people from each district who have won previous Hunger Games need to go back in the arena and fight for their lives again. The Hunger Games are games that two people from each district enter, and they need to fight for their lives, trying to find food, and kill each other until there is only one person left, or two people from the same district.  Everybody should read this book because it is really good and chapters end on cliff-hangers, so it makes you want to continue reading. 
By hnaa05

The Hunger Games are written by Suzanne Collins.  This book is set in the city of Panem. Katniss , known as ‘Katnip’, and Peeta won the first battle to death in the 74th Annual Hunger Games. This book is about the victors from the past Hunger Games leaving their families for the second time to fight to the death in the arena. A love triangle also occurs throughout the book. Everyone should read this book because it’s an award winning novel and has lots of cliff-hangers and suspense.
By Wubs and Chubs

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