Scrambled Eggs at Midnight

Scrambled Eggs at Midnight by Brad Barkley and Heather Hepler is a story about young love told from two alternating perspectives: Cal and Eliot. Cal is fifteen and travels with her mom, a wench at Renaissance Fairs, from job-to-job. Eliot is fifteen and lives with his parents on a Christian fat camp for kids. When the two meet, they find that their love for each other can help them deal with their odd parents and strange circumstances. However, those very same things they need to deal with might keep the two of them apart. Read this book if you like teen romance, if you want a quick read, or if you like stories told from more than one perspective. I give it a 7 out of 10.

Twilight

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer is the first book in the popular series of vampire novels about Bella and Edward. Bella is a junior in high school who moves to Forks, Washington to live with her dad. She meets a mysterious boy named Edward who is very different from anyone she has ever met. She notices that him and his siblings never eat, their eyes change color, they are very pale skinned, and they stay away from other students. However, Bella instantly falls in love with Edward, and once Edward begins talking to her, he falls in love with her as well. When Bella learns that Edward is a vampire, she must decide if her love is worth the risk. This book is very popular among teenagers and is a fast romantic read if not a bit cliche and cheesy. Read this book if you like romance novels, if you like books about vampires, or if you want to read the book before you watch the film. I give it  7 out of 10.

The Mermaid Chair

The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd is a novel of a married woman coming to terms with her self as an individual. She returns to her home on Egret Island, South Carolina when her mother begins to have a psychological meltdown. While there, she meets a monk she falls in love with, tries to determine what is bothering her mother, and connects with her past in a deeply spiritual and personal way. Read this book if you liked The Secret Life of Bees by the same author, if you like books about women searching for self, or if you want a fun, easy, romantic read. I give it an 8 out of 10.

The Time Traveler's Wife

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger is a love story with a twist. The love story mingles with science fiction because Henry is a time traveler. But, not in the way we normally think. It's not his job. It's not his invention. It's more of a genetic defect. However, his destiny with Clare is clear. The novel traces the love story between Henry and Clare and all the obstacles that come with a man who can suddenly disappear at any time. I'm usually not a fan of love stories, but this one was so interesting that I couldn't put it down. I was told it was a tear-jerker, and I honestly didn't cry although I could see why others have. Read it if you are a sucker for a good love story, if time travel interests you, or if you love reading a story told from the perspective of two different people (Clare and Henry take turns narrating). I give it an 8 out of 10.