December Book

Summary: Halley has always followed in the wake of her best friend, Scarlett. But when Scarlett learns that her boyfriend has been killed in a motorcycle accident, and that she's carrying his baby, she's devastated. For the first time ever, Scarlett really needs Halley. Though their friendship may be tested by the strain, like a true friendship, it will endure.

Ms. Czop's Opinion: This was the first Sarah Dessen book I ever read. Since then I have read all of her published books. Ms. Dessen is among the few young adult authors that really "knows" what is going on with teenagers of today. I truly felt for every character in this book, especially Halley when she is trying to balance everything that is happening. No one says it is easy being a teenager.

Sidenote: I got to meet Sarah Dessen at Book Expo of America, which was held in NYC in May. It was awesome, like meeting a rock star:)

November Book

Summary: On a winter night in 1964, Dr. David Henry is forced by a blizzard to deliver his own twins. His son, born first, is perfectly healthy. Yet when his daughter is born, he sees immediately that she has Down's Syndrome. Rationalizing it as a need to protect Norah, his wife, he makes a split-second decision that will alter all of their lives forever. He asks his nurse to take the baby away to an institution and never to reveal the secret.
But Caroline, the nurse, cannot leave the infant. Instead, she disappears into another city to raise the child herself. So begins this beautifully told story that unfolds over a quarter of a century in which these two families, ignorant of each other, are yet bound by the fateful decision made that long-ago winter night.

Ms. Czop's Opinion: Lies, lies, and more lies.... Dr. Henry from the start lies to Norah when he first meets her; he lies to her about the "death" of their child, Phoebe; he lies to Norah about Phoebe's whereabouts; he lies about his real lastname; he lies about his knowledge of his wife's "indescretions". It truly is a heartwrenching story, but there is a silver lining to this one.

October Books

My picks for October:

Carter, Ally - I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You *

Mystery, intrigue, and stalking are all part of the school curriculum for a girl that attends Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women. Gallagher Academy is a spy school for girls. Students take classes in language, encryption, advance martial arts, science, computer hacking, covert operations, etc… anything that will help them to become better spies. Normal is never what any of these girls will be.

Cammie Morgan is a sophomore at Gallagher Academy and her mom is the headmaster. During an assignment for her Covert Operations class, Cammie meets a local boy named Josh. With the help of her roommates, Bex, Liz, and Macey, who act more like sisters; Cammie learns what it is like to lead a double life. Josh truly believes that Cammie is a local girl too, until he sees her kidnapped. Read what happens next in I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You, by Ally Carter.

*This book has been optioned for a film by Walt Disney Pictures.

Carter, Ally - Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy



Summary: When the Gallagher Academy, a secret spy school for girls, hosts male guests from Knowlton-Hale, Cammie is blamed for a series of security breaches that forces her to clear her name while trying to deny her attraction to an incorrigible hottie named Zach.


Ms. Czop's Opinion: The second book in the Gallagher Girls Series. The male version of Gallagher Academy, Knowlton-Hale, is spending time with the Gallagher girls. In this book, Cammie has to step up her spy skills because she is being blamed for many security breaches when the boys move in. It seems that Cammie has met her match with a boy named Zach, when it comes to her spy skills. He seems to be two steps ahead of her and somehow she is the one always in trouble. Read to see how Cammie figures out how to clear her name and bring peace back to her school.