Specials by Scott Westefeld
is the third book in the
Uglies series. The book follows the life of Tally Youngblood after she receives a surgery to become a Special citizen. Once again, Tally's world is turned upside down after she learns something about the surgery and the world she lives in. The book nicely ends what was supposed to be a trilogy, but Westerfeld has decided to continue the series with a next book called
Extras. Read this book if you're wondering what happens next in the series, if you love dystopian novels, or if you want to read a subtle commentary on war. I give it an 8.5 out of 10.
For a review of the previous book, Pretties,
click here.
is a book of short stories about various Indian people. The connecting thread between each story seems to be an element of love. Some are searching for love, some are adjusting to a new love, some are discovering a loss of love. Each story gets to the heart of its characters. Lahiri knows how to develop stories that pull at heartstrings and make the reader mourn for the characters. All of the stories, except one, resonate with a deep sadness that can begin to feel overwhelming. The last story, however, saves the reader from sorrow by offering hope and happiness. Read this book if you liked Lahiri's novel The Namesake
, if you enjoy short stories, or if you are looking for a quick read with deep meaning. I give it a 9 out of 10.
is the story of a family struggling against a secret that has changed their lives significantly. When the young couple drove to the clinic on a snowy night to deliver their child, they never imagined that they would be blessed with twins. However, the father recognizes that the baby girl has down syndrome, and, wanting to spare his wife from unnecessary pain, asks the nurse to take the baby to an institution. He then tells his wife that the baby girl was born dead. The nurse, however, decides to leave town and raise the baby as her own. The novel follows the lives of all the individuals involved as they struggle with this event. The book lapses over two decades to describe what happens to people when secrets are told and kept. Read this book if you like love stories, if you're interested in family dramas, or if you enjoy best sellers. I give it an 8 out of 10.