Books Read in January 2016

A story about growing up and losing the innocence of childhood set against the background of World War II. Gene is introverted and lonely. Phineas is handsome and a daredevil. What happens between these two unlikely friends will change their understanding of life. 1 star.

Right under Yellowstone is a supervolcano, and it's overdue for an eruption. Alex plans to spend the weekend enjoying his house to himself by playing video games and hanging out. But the eruption disrupts his plans as it plunges his world into darkness and ash. He must trek across the country to find his parents. 4 stars.

Piscine Molitor "Pi" Patel must spends 227 days on a life boat trying to beat all odds, including Richard Parker, a Bengal Tiger. 2 stars. My Review

When an unexpected rule change forces all students to join a sports team, an even more unexpected group of kids, with Jack Logan as their leader, decide to make a team whose goal is to lose. But soon they've made a name for themselves and are winning in ways they didn't foresee. 5 stars.

Darrow is a Red, the lowest caste in a color-coded society. He believes he's making the surface of Mars habitable for all the other castes, until he realizes he's been lied to. In a quest for revenge he must infiltrate the highest caste, the Golds. He will stop at nothing to bring the Reds justice even if it means becoming a Gold. 5 stars.

Every October Cara's family becomes inexplicably accident prone. They do everything they can to protect themselves, banish sharp objects, switch off electronics and cover table edges. But why are they cursed? Can they ever break free? 2 stars.

Note: If you would like a detailed review of any of these books, please comment the title and I will get it posted as soon as possible.