Godsmacked by Paul Sicchini

Charlie is an ordinary type B personality dull guy - nice, but not appreciating or enjoying life. Until he was sucked into a temporal vortex and landed on Heracles on Mount Olympus in outer space. Charlie and Herc become friends and Herc takes Charlie to many of the gods to try to get someone to help Charlie get back to earth. Each god is either unwilling, unable or hampered from helping them and as he tries to help Charlie, Herc grows in strength and size. This is a funny take on Greek mythology and a cute way to present the gospel.
I enjoyed it a lot and think other people will too.

Elephant Girl by Jane Devin

Wow. This story is raw and emotional as it tells about Jane's life as an abused child, teen living on her own and an adult living in poverty. Her thoughts and experiences are shared in a lyrical, gripping, emotional story that I could not put down.

           

Breaking Free: A Journey of Self Discovery by Chett Vosloo

This is an interesting book. Chett tells how he went from a partying college kid to travel the world, teach in Korea, bike ride around the world and spend lots of time in an Indian ashram under the tutelage of Amma, the hugging saint. He explores meditation as a way to try to cure himself of a skin disease that began when he was in college. His experiences as he toured the world are interesting as are his philosophical reasonings. I enjoyed reading this book.

Sway by Amber McRee Turner

I enjoyed this book and I think kids and adults will enjoy it as well.  It is beautifully descriptive and well written.  Ten year old Cass learns that her mother who she idolizes, is leaving her and her father.  Wanting to be a hero in her eyes, her dad takes her on a magical (or not so magical) journey of soap and miracles in an old RV that he fixed up.  A lovely story and I highly recommend it.

River Road by Suzanne Johnson

Apparantly this is the second book in a series. I have not read the first one - I think I may have to do so. Set in post-Katrina New Orleans, where the storm has destroyed the border separating the Beyond, thus allowing preternatural creatures to cross easily into New Orleans and surrounding areas. DJ, a wizard with elven heritage, is tasked with stopping a war between two tribes of mer-people in the Mississippi river. Along with the historically undead pirate Jean Lafitte, her handsome shape shifting partner Alex, and his werewolf cousin Jake, DJ has a difficult job ahead of her.
Supernatural sleuthing, magical creatures warring, and a bit of romance make this a fun read!

Nothing to Lose by Alex Flinn

Alex Flinn tackles the tough issues. This time it is that of a child whose mother is being abused. Michael's mom is married to a rich lawyer. A rich, mean lawyer who beats her. Sixteen year old  Michael quits the football team so he can be home with his mother at night so she won't be alone with her husband. But, that does not stop the abuse. This is a touching realistic story and I highly recommend it.

Gabriel Stone and the Divinity of Valta by Shannon Duffy

This is an imaginative fantasy story for kids. Gabriel is 12 years old. His mother disappeared a year ago. After finding an unusual crystal, Gabriel and his friends are drawn into another world called Valta where an evil man is trying to take control and the world is dying and monsters roam at night. Gabriel is the only one who can save this world. He must be brave to do so. I think kids will like this imaginative book.