Today:  a book review from J.  She just finished "The Red Pyramid" by Rick Riordan (Hyperion).  He also wrote the Percy Jackson books, which she devoured.  I've read the first 2 Percy books myself, which I thought were wicked fun--the most fun I've had reading a book since the Harry Potter series.  "Red Pyramid" took J a while to read--it's a rather long book (she started it toward the end of school).  Here's her review (her words, with my spelling corrections):

"If I were a critic about to rate "The Red Pyramid" by Rick Riordan I would give it 5 stars.  I say this because the book is full of action and suspense, it really painted a picture in my head.  It used great detail.  Rick Riordan did an excellent job by including great artifacts that actually existed in Egyptian times.  Riordan even adds hints of humor.  This book has all the good components of a truly amazing story."

Next, J and I are both going to read "The Giver" by Lois Lowry (Delacorte).  We did a mother/daughter read last summer at my suggestion, and I think she actually enjoyed it.  This time the book was her suggestion.  She has already hinted to me that it's a book that makes you think, and said, "My kind of book!"  Mine too!