Can you Catch a Microbe Killer?

Deadly by Julie Chibbaro

Another great teen historical fiction novel.  It's told in a series of journal entries including penned drawings. 

Prudence is an intelligent and curious teen living in the beginning of the twentieth century.  She has a mind for science and experience with death.  She is given the rare chance to work at a laboratory (as a secretary) where she gets pulled into a medical investigation of a deadly outbreak in New York City.  Prudence  gets to help track a killer.  But is it a person or a microbe to be considered the killer? 

I enjoyed the way this book was written.  I enjoyed the medical history and mystery included in the book.  It was wonderful to experience the growth Prudence goes through and the way she heals her heart.

This book won the 2011 National Jewish Book Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature.  It is a unique book to find for Young Adult readers.

Case for Christ for the Intellect

The Christ Connection: How the World Religions Prepared the Way for the Phenomenon of Christ by Roy Abraham Varghese

This was a good book.  Not exactly what I was expecting, but I'm glad I read it.  I thought it was going to be more about the connection other religions share with Christ than it was.  That was covered and it was very interesting, yet the majority of the book then branched from there and talked about evidence that points to the truth of Christ and His Resurrection.  Nearly every, if not all, proposed arguments against Christ was detailed and then logic/proof was given to refute each of the arguments.  The book is well researched and well written.  It is not a quick read and nor a book easily skimmed.  The reader needs to be invested in the book, which isn't a bad thing.

I do enjoy my nook, however, this is one book I wished I had not read on my nook.  I didn't realize there would be several tables in the book.  These were difficult to read and follow on my Simple Touch nook.  It was also difficult to refer back to things which I really wish I could have done more easily.

This is a very interesting book for those who want a serious read about the truth of Christ and His follower's claims, as well as for those who would like to have ready arguments for the scholarly atheists in their life.

Plan on an Interesting Read

unPLANNED by Abby Johnson

 This book is the story of Abby Johnson's experience volunteering at, working for, and running a large Planned Parenthood Clinic.  Her goal was to help young woman (and perhaps ease some of her own guilt).  People from Coalition for Life (founders of 40 Days for Life) are ever-present outside the fence of the clinic, so Abby has come to know them and they know her, but she also knows they don't understand what she really does or why it's important she does it.  But, eventually, Abby comes to know what it is she's truly doing and what it is those above her in the organization care about.  After helping in a procedure by performing an ultrasound, Abby realizes she shouldn't and can't keep doing her job at Planned Parenthood. Now what?  Abby Johnson has to make a difficult and important decision that will have a huge impact on the safety of her family--financially, physically and spiritually. 
Abby Johnson is very honest in her book, relating the path in her life that lead her to Planned Parenthood and then lead her away from there and home to the Coalition for Life offices.  Abby Johnson is also fair and compassionate; no one is presented as saint or villain.  I'm very glad I read this book.  I found it exteremely interesting to read about an insider's experience in Planned Parenthood.  I also think this book is good for everyone to read no matter where you stand on the abortion issue.  There are things everyone can learn from Abby's journey.

Is Being Brave Selfless? Is Being Selfish Brave?

Divergent by Veronica Roth

These are central questions for Beatrice as she decides which faction to belong to.  In an attempt to avoid more devastating war, five factions have formed: Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent).  These factions work together to govern and provide for the citizens of a dystopian Chicago.  At age 16, each citizen must decide which faction to chose.  Whether they will stay where they were raised or join a new faction is a major decision.  But making the decision guarantees nothing.  Each candidate must pass a rigorous trial to determine if they will be accepted into the faction or become factionless--a homeless untouchable.

Beatrice encounters new alliances and new emotions on the path she has chosen. She must also endure dangers, deceit, and death as the peace that has been found in this city begins to crumble.  What Beatrice thought she knew begins to disintegrate and her bravery will truly be tested. 

This suspenseful and intriguing trilogy should not be missed!!  The second book came out in May and I can't wait to read it.