Koyal dark, mango sweet

by Kashmira Sheth

The youngest of three sisters, Jeeta lives in the Indian city of Mumbai. Jeeta's mother is as old fashioned and traditional as they come, and has nothing on her mind except arranging suitable marriages for her daughters. Through a new friend at school, Jeeta meets the boy of her dreams, and learns what it might be like to want more for herself than an early marriage to a man she barely knows. Much of this book is about the tension Jeeta feels between the old ways of her parents, and her desire for independence, an education, and a marriage based on love. This book is a fascinating look at the everyday lives of teenagers in another culture.

Review by Mrs. Sams

SHATTERED MIRROR

By Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Another one of this teenaged author's vampire stories, Shattered Mirror features Sarah Tigress Vida, vampire hunter and youngest daughter of Dominique Vida, matriarch of one of the most powerful families of witches. A witch of power herself, Sarah recognizes two vampires, a brother and sister, in the new school she has just entered, but finds herself strangely attracted to them rather than repulsed. Her growing friendship with the two gets her into trouble with her mother, and when she learns that their third sibling is Nikolas, one of the most dangerous vampires alive, her life becomes even more complicated. Sarah foolishly breaks all the rules of her family by continuing her friendship with vampires and by attempting to confront Nikolas all alone. When her mother disciplines her by suppressing her witch's power, Sarah finds herself nearly helpless when she confronts Nikolas again, but she knows her life is about to change forever and feels she has nothing to lose.

Shattered Mirror is a quick read and a great story for you vampire lovers out there.

Review by Mrs. Sams

Heroes

by Robert Cormier

Francis Cassavant is eighteen years old and has come home from World War II with his face blown off. He fell on a granade to save his comrades, and has received a silver star for bravery. But the last thing Francis feels is brave. And all he wants to do is find and kill Larry LaSalle, an old friend and another silver star recipient. This story examines the true nature of heroism. One man performs an act of bravery for the wrong motivation. The other man performs an act of bravery, but has an ugly secret in his past. Caught in the middle is a girl who has lost her innocence.

This is a great, quick read, hard to put down.

Review by Mrs. Sams