"Have a Little Faith: A True Story" by Mitch Albom

Mitch Albom's latest is an inspiring true story of the power of faith. Nearly every paragraph has pearls of wisdom and different ideas to think about, making it a great book for reading groups or for people to discuss. I could read this profound, meaningful book again and again--it really touched my heart.

Marie gives this book five out of five carrots!
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Cowboys and Wills: A Love Story by Monica Holloway

Anybody who has ever owned a dog knows that they possess a certain, magical ability to know what we require of them. If you're sick, a dog knows to nuzzle you sweetly and serve as the world's best heat source. If you're sad, a dog knows that a quick lick on the face will usually do the trick. In this heartwarming book, the author discovers that her loveable son, Wills, has autism spectrum disorder. Wills begs and begs for a puppy and finally, on his sixth birthday, Cowboy Carol Lawrence becomes a part of their family.

Cowboy, a rambunctious golden retriever, opens Wills' world and his heart. Wills moves from being shy and overly cautious to sharing stories about his new "sister", Cowboy. This is a touching story of family and unconditional love that everyone, especially pet lovers, will enjoy.

Joanne gives this five out of five carrots!

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World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie Apocalypse by Max Brooks

Zombies may not be as in vogue as the ever-so-popular vampires are at the moment, but that doesn't make this book any less awesome. Fans of horror will be intrigued by this unique way of describing a crisis--through hundreds of brief, vastly unique oral interviews. Dallas Morning News compared this novel to Orson Welle's War of the Worlds--and rightly so! It's unique to see how people in all walks of life--from the politicians dealing with the zombie outbreak, to the families of newly infected, to farmers living in the remote jungles of South America--cope with the looming apocalypse. This book never fails to be interesting and thrilling, with just the right amount of gore that horror fans just eat up (bad zombie pun intended). If you're a zombie extremist, you can try Brooks' other book, The Zombie Survival Guide, or the abundance of other undead-related tomes this author has concocted in recent years. But World War Z is a compelling, if not improbable, account that is enjoyable through and through. It would also be a great book for any guy who seemingly prefers his Xbox 360 over reading, because Brooks' nonintimidating, yet sometimes horrifying, writing style is just about as "awesome!!!" as your son's zombie shooting game.
Beth gives it four out of five carrots!
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"Made In America: An Informal History of the English Language in the United States" by Bill Bryson

This is my first Bill Bryson book, and I'm as excited and giddy as a little girl discovering ice cream for the first time. His writing style is a series of wonderful contradictions: light and funny while still thought-provoking, intelligent while still completely comprehendable, irrevelant but yet...so not. I picked up Made in America because of my interest in linguistics, and found a fascinating history of America drastically different (and much, much more interesting!) than any history textbook. Those interested in language will be in complete heaven as they read through the origins of some words, as well as the rejects (among my favorites: hot-dogatorium and bounceberries, the original name for cranberries). Those who love history will be delighted to see a different side of it as Bryson debunks some common myths. Anyone who loves a good writer will become obsessed with Bryson's voice. It's hard to think of anyone who won't love this trivia-filled, anecdotal history of the United States--but maybe that's because I enjoyed it so thoroughly.

By the way--this would make an excellent gift!

Beth gives it five out of five carrots!

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"Are These My Basoomas I See Before Me?" by Louise Rennison

I've loved the Georgia Nicholson series since they first came out nine years ago, but it was hard to be sad while reading this latest (and final!) book. In fact, it was hard to do anything but laugh hysterically. Rennison has once again shown her finesse at diving into the confused minds of teen girls, who are--in English-speak--quite mad. This final chapter in the Georgia Nicholson saga finds our protagonist choosing between Masimo, the English-impaired Italian heartthrob, or Dave the Laugh (who is, of course, a laugh). I savored every moment of Georgia and her friends' chaotic, laugh-out-loud funny lives.

A note to parents: don't be thrown off by the...err, unique titles of the books in this series. The Georgia Nicholson books are among the cleanest, most appropiate young adult books I've read. There is no drinking, no drugs, no sex...just great hilariousness that your daughter (and you, probably!) will love. This book is recommended for seventh grade and up. (Also...adults love it too! There have even been editions of this book published just for grown-ups.)

Start off with Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging and you won't be able to stop reading this fabulous series!

Beth gives it five out of five carrots!

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"For The Thrill of It" by Simon Baatz

I am completely and utterly obsessed with Chicago history. I devoured the fantastic Devil in the White City by Erik Larson and, more recently, was sucked into the sinister side of the city with Sin In the Second City by Karen Abbott. "For the Thrill of It" is a compelling portrait of a heinous 1921 murder of a young Chicagoan boy by two incredibly intelligent, well-bred college students. The murder shocked the city--why would two young men with sizeable trust funds kidnap, ransom, and brutally kill a 14-year-old boy? Baatz delves not just into the crime itself but--intriguingly--the trial and its cast of fiery lawyers and politicians, including the famed lawyer Clarence Darrow and his bitter enemy, state's attorney Robert Crowe. Weaved in betweeen the crime and the courtroom drama are plenty of anecdotes about Chicago at the turn of the century that will delight any history lover. Any fan of true crime will enjoy this eerie, well-written read.

Beth gives it four out of five carrots!

Click here to buy For the Thrill of It by Simon Baatz at The Velveteen Rabbit Bookshop!

"Ghost in the Machine" by Patrick Carman

Skeleton Creek fans will not be disappointed in Patrick Carman's sequel, Ghost in the Machine! Continuing with its groundbreaking format, readers can read Ryan's account of the strange goings-on at the dredge in his journal and then watch Sarah's videos to discover the secrets buried in Skeleton Creek.

This is another sequel that I have anxiously been awaiting. I found myself feverishly reading Ryan's journal whenever I had a spare moment and then running to the nearest computer to watch Sarah's videos. I also discovered that going to sleep immediately after a sojourn to Skeleton Creek was easier said than done! Filled with suspense, intrigue, and great visual effects, Ghost in the Machine is perfect for those who loved to be scared and are looking for a spook-tacular read this Halloween!
**WARNING: This is not a book for the weak of heart. The videos can be rather frightening for young ones. I recommend this book for ages 10 and up.

Grace gives it five out of five carrots!

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Click here to order your copy of the first book in this series, Skeleton Creek, from The Velveteen Rabbit Bookshop!