Adult Books for High School Students

Adult/High School—Maya lives in a rough-and-tumble neighborhood of Blue Bay on the shores of Mauritius. It is populated by a blend of traditional Indians who follow the caste system, Caucasian tourists, and wealthy landowners seeking an island paradise. Maya works in a fancy hotel, but she dreams of escaping to England or anywhere else. Then she falls in love with Dave, a Brahmin, and also her father's boss in the restaurant at Le Paradis. At 16, her love for him is all encompassing. At 19, when she learns that he has married a woman to whom he was betrothed by his parents, her love becomes obsessive. Palace posits extreme poverty against extreme wealth and calls into question the value of both the caste system and arranged marriages, as Dave continues to have secret trysts with Maya after he weds. Her passion for him could hit home with teens, and her frustration at the simple unfairness of the breakup has a distinctly adolescent perspective.—Sarah Krygier, Fairfield Civic Center Library, CA

Adult/High School—Austen's England is overrun with "unmentionables." Etiquette and polite society still reign, but they do become strained when, for example, the ball at Netherfield is interrupted by an attack on the household staff. In this parody, Grahame-Smith maintains the structure and language of the original while strategically inserting zombies into the story. The surprise is how little changes. Elizabeth Bennett is still known for her beauty and intelligence. Here, she is also known for her expertise in the "deadly arts," abilities that only make her a less-desirable marriage partner. There is the constant physical peril that echoes the menace underlying the original. In addition to a life of homeless spinsterhood, the sisters fear having their brains eaten, or being bitten and turned into zombies themselves (a fate to which one character does unfortunately fall prey). The unmentionables also magnify the satirical aspects of the story. A few key arguments, such as the final confrontation between Elizabeth and Lady Catherine, become all-out brawls to the death. (Lady Catherine is famous for her fighting skills and army of ninjas.) And of course Darcy is a renowned swordsman, known for his gentlemanly ferocity. The concept alone is worth a chuckle. The undead are popular at the moment, and teens will be attracted to this clever version of a frequently assigned classic. However, they should be prepared for a somewhat slow read. The author has not accelerated the pace or created suspense in this mashup.—Angela Carstensen, Convent of the Sacred Heart, New York City

Adult/High School—This complicated, dark mystery reveals the Elizabethan world as a damp and smelly place, and the baser side of human life is shown throughout. The story concerns the brutal death of an aristocratic girl, the attempted assassination of Sir Francis Drake, and the search for two Jesuit priests on the loose from the Continent. The fear of impending attack from the Armada pervades the atmosphere, and there are horrific actions by both sides in the battles between British Catholics and Protestants. John Shakespeare, William's brother, is a Queen's deputy, pitted against his evil colleague, Richard Topcliffe, in the search for answers to the death of the girl, finding the priests, and thwarting any assassination attempt on the queen. Whores ply their trade, crusty sailors and ill-tempered gaolers leer in every corner, and Topcliffe tortures just about anyone he can. But Shakespeare has a strong sense of compassion, thoughtfulness, and loyalty to the queen. He's also portrayed as being more the norm for the time and place than the religious zealots, but could his nemesis be so consistently evil? While that polarity may be for the sake of a good tale, the heartbreaking circumstances of the lives at the lowest rungs of society seem historically accurate. The quality of the writing; complexity of the plot; and vivid descriptions of torture, lasciviousness, and everyday treacherousness make for a compelling tale.—Connie Williams, Kenilworth Jr. High, Petaluma, CA

Adult/High School—Thirteen-year-old Johnny searches for his twin sister who disappeared a year earlier while also mourning the loss of his guilt-ridden father and trying to cope with his mother's abusive boyfriend. Parallel to the rapidly unfolding events is an intriguing and adrenaline-rich mystery that unfolds through Clyde Hunt, lead police detective in Johnny's North Carolina town. Hart develops both characters fully and credibly and brings to life a cast of supporting actors that includes Johnny's depressed and drugged mother and his best friend. The climate and history of the place offer both clues and a well-delineated setting for the plot, giving readers a "you are there" sensibility and an appreciation for how the past creates the present in both evil and good ways. Hart's writing is rich and flowing. Teens looking for adventure, and a story in which a kid shows himself to be smarter than most of the adults around him, will find this novel wholly satisfying.—Francisca Goldsmith, Halifax Public Libraries, Nova Scotia

Adult/High School—This stand-alone political thriller starts out with a bang. Nick is kidnapped from his Los Angeles apartment by government agents and airlifted to a nuclear facility where a terrorist is threatening massive destruction unless he talks to Nick. Alone. It all leads back to the murder of Nick's stepfather, Frank, years before. Frank was his role model, part of the Secret Service detail guarding then-Vice President Caruthers. He was that rare government agent who couldn't be bought. Nick was framed for the crime by the government. At 17, he was told he could either disappear or go to prison. After years of running, he is back in LA determined to solve the murder. There are too many twists and turns to number, but suffice it to say that Caruthers is now running for president, and the stakes are high. This is a thriller with heart, anchored by a realistic father-son relationship. Teens will identify with Nick's struggle to find his place in the world. While he always believed in Frank's code of conduct, until now he walked away when the going got tough and never trusted anyone enough to ask for help. Now Nick refuses to give up his investigation even in the face of threats and violence. And he learns to be honest with his mother and with an intriguing ex-girlfriend. Nick's personal journey will hook genre fans as surely as the fast pace, cutting-edge technology, and political machinations.—Angela Carstensen, Convent of the Sacred Heart, New York City

Adult/High School—What was President James Adams thinking when he insisted that Marine One, the presidential helicopter, fly him from the White House to Camp David in a torrential thunderstorm? Who was he meeting? Was the fatal crash an accident or sabotage? Was the president's wife having an affair with Marine One's pilot, who was quite vocal in his dislike of Adams? As Mike Nolan, trial attorney and Marine Corps Reserve helicopter pilot, explores the crash site, more questions come to light, and this fast-paced story doesn't slow down until all of them are answered. Sophisticated teens who regularly turn to adult best sellers for satisfying reading will not be disappointed, nor will those looking for a mystery with political intrigue, courtroom drama, and international controversy. Huston is a solid storyteller and brings it all to bear here.—Joanne Ligamari, Twin Rivers United School District, Sacramento, CA

Adult/High School—"Personal feelings have little to do with marriage," Rie is told by her mother as they discuss her impending nuptials. "Women often find it necessary to 'kill the self.'" Rie is disappointed to discover that, indeed, she must do that to survive her marriage to Jihei, a philanderer who cannot live up to the expectation that he will run the family sake business. Nineteenth-century Japanese mores do not allow a strong woman to participate in business, but Rie; her faithful clerk, Kinnosuke; and her children build the "house" by taking risks, overcoming adversity, and defying tradition. All bend to Rie's will and behind-the-scenes business acumen. The story is rich in plot, but Rie herself is shallow. She hurts many people on her way to the top and only takes a few moments of thought before moving on to the next event. Tragedies occur but she feels none with gravity. Despite the protagonist's weaknesses, this story gives a compelling look at one woman's life and the business of brewing sake during a time when Japan was being forced to open up to the larger world. For those interested in this country, or who want to read about a strong woman during a time of repression, this is an interesting read, and it is not compromised by the leading lady's lack of introspection.—Connie Williams, Kenilworth Jr. High, Petaluma, CA

Adult/High School—The narrator of this novel, seemingly set in the early 1970s, is five-year-old Pigeon. She observes her family's changes during the summer after her parents' separation and during which her 16-year-old sister becomes pregnant. Pigeon is bright and remarkably self-sufficient, and as she describes her mother's child-rearing methods, her self-reliance is credible enough to make the story compelling. Her mother takes her; her sister, Dove; and their 10-year-old brother, Robin, to the Jersey Shore, where they move in with the children's uncle. The mother goes to work in a movie house, Dove takes a job at a diner, Robin discovers a deep commitment to fortune-telling, and Pigeon is often left to her own devices from morning until evening. She longs for her father, can't interpret her uncle's relationships with other men, yearns for company during the day, and offers her sister support while longing for some in return. Robin seems to be more alert to Pigeon's needs than anyone else except for their uncle, who is caring but ineffectual as a substitute parent. Pigeon and Robin struggle to understand the changes in their mother when she takes up with a new man and develops a near obsession with a tent revivalist. Markson sews a neat tapestry of family flaws as observed by the not-yet-judgmental Pigeon, making this a sound and interesting choice.—Francisca Goldsmith, Halifax Public Libraries, Nova Scotia

Adult/High School—A blend of near-future science fiction and police procedural, this novel is a successful example of the hybrid genre so popular of late. In a contemporary time period, two fantastical cities somewhere between Europe and Asia exist, not adjacent to one another, but by literally occupying the same area. Forbidden to acknowledge the existence of one another—a discipline imposed by the shadowy and terrifying entity known as Breach—residents in both cities have honed the ability to "unsee" people, places, and events existing in the other realm. This ticklish balance ruptures when Inspector Tyador Borlú of the Extreme Crime Squad must investigate the murder of a foreign archaeological student. Long after the book's satisfying conclusion, astute readers will have much to ponder, such as the facility with which Authority can manipulate and repress a population and the attendant ills that life in such a society inevitably generate. Add in the novel's highly effective cover art and the result is a book that may appeal as much to a young, new-to-Miéville audience as it will to his loyal fans.—Dori DeSpain, formerly at Fairfax County Public Library, VA

Adult/High School—In Tibet, Shan, an exiled Chinese national, undertakes the difficult task of transporting a corpse over the slopes of Mount Chomolungma (Everest). For religious and spiritual reasons, the successful delivery of the body is crucial to the inhabitants of a local village. Shan knows that he must complete the mission if he is to have any hope of seeing his son released from the deadly confines of a nearby Chinese "yeti factory." Things go terribly wrong. While on the mountain trail with the corpse atop a mule, Shan is suddenly at the scene of a double murder as one of the victims utters her last mystifying words. Also, in short order he encounters an explosion, a landslide, and boulders blocking a bus carrying red-robed monks being held captive by the Chinese authorities. With Shan's aid, several monks disperse. Shots are fired, Shan is arrested for the murders, and the mule and corpse are gone. How the resourceful protagonist negotiates the minefield of villains and thugs, avoids death, and tracks down the truth will keep readers engrossed. But as good as the twists and turns of this thrilling page-turner may be, and as thoroughly as the main characters are portrayed, it's the superbly rendered background story of a nation under siege that sets the book apart. Teens will be struck by how completely and systematically the Chinese government has tried to crush the Tibetan people. And they will be amazed as well by how much strength the Tibetans have found within themselves, and in their deep and complex faith.—Robert Saunderson, formerly at Berkeley Public Library, CA

Adult/High School—Turgeon manages to turn the classic fairy tale into a transcendental apology for the unacknowledged linchpin of the tale: the fairy godmother. Lil is an old woman, spending her days eating, sleeping, and working at a used bookstore in New York City. Her failure to get Cinderella to the ball has haunted her for centuries. No one knows who she is or why she has been exiled from the fairy kingdom to live out her days as a human, strapping down and hiding her beautiful fairy wings. But when the opportunity to once again pair a lovely, deserving woman with a handsome prince presents itself, Lil believes that maybe, just maybe, this is her chance to go home. The story and its characters are unveiled in alternating flashbacks and present time and carry readers along to a jaw-dropping, unexpectedly melancholy conclusion. Is Lil really who she believes she is, or has she created her world out of fairy dust and whole cloth? Teens who expect a fluffy, chick-lit read may be disappointed with the magically pervasive sadness of this story, but those who enter with an open mind will be well rewarded.—Charli Osborne, Oxford Public Library, MI

Adult/High School—Bay presents a scholarly record of the life of a brilliant political activist and early feminist, from her beginnings as the daughter of newly freed slaves in Mississippi during Reconstruction to her primary candidacy in 1930 for the Illinois Senate. The author recounts Wells's childhood in Holly Springs and the drastic changes that occurred when, at age 16, her parents died and she became the caregiver for two younger sisters. In 1883, forcefully ejected from a train several times for refusing to leave the (first class) ladies car for the (second class) smoking car, Wells sued the railroad, charging assault and discrimination, and won. The ruling was overturned two years later by the Tennessee Supreme Court. Frustrated with Jim Crow, critical of the black leadership, and horrified by lynchings and the accompanying myth of black men's hypersexuality, Wells gave up teaching and turned her energy and talent to journalism. Her association with women's groups and black organizations such as the NAACP were often fraught with controversy, and she was often at odds with black leaders. The author quotes extensively from Wells's autobiography, diaries, and articles, insightfully interpreting and occasionally correcting her facts. Black-and-white photos are included. Students interested in post-Civil War history and women's studies will find a wealth of information in this exhaustively researched biography.—Jackie Gropman, formerly at Fairfax County Public Library System, Fairfax, VA

Adult/High School—This is an informative and entertaining account of the people, science, and history surrounding nature's most violent and unpredictable force. The Wizard of Oz notwithstanding, here DOROTHY is the fictitious tornado probe from the movie Twister, TOTO stands for "Totable Tornado Observatory," The Tinman is a steel-encased photographic probe, The Wicked Witch is an aerial tornado surveillance mission, and The Flying Monkey is a tornado video downlink. It's pretty obvious that tornado chasers are quite partial to Oz. The authors admit they hunt tornadoes for the rush, but also to gather additional information needed to create more accurate warning signals, hoping to give people more time to prepare and get to safety. They note, too, that more is unknown than known about tornadoes. A glossary is interspersed throughout the chapters, and specific steps for a successful survival plan and suggestions for an annual family drill are included. Whether teens actually chase and find a tornado or simply enjoy or fear them from afar, this book offers all the information needed to weather these most dangerous natural occurrences.—Joanne Ligamari, Twin Rivers United School District, Sacramento, CA

Adult/High School—In 38 brief chapters, Bentley explains such "bad day phenomena" as stubbing a toe, accidentally letting loose a computer virus on one's coworkers, being where bird poop lands, and burning oneself with hot chocolate. Like David Bodanis in The Secret House (S & S, 1986), who used the ploy of following someone through a "typical" day, but without photographs, Bentley personalizes the misadventures described by writing in the second person. Each episode, whether related to natural phenomena inside or outside our bodies or to technology, opens with a brief story of how you got into this predicament: in your haste, you drove off with your bag on the roof of your car; trying to help someone, you got your finger broken in a heavy door; lightning just struck your television. The explanations of how and why and what readers can do to avoid a repeat extend over three to five pages; they are presented with levity as well as documented fact in terms that make even Einstein's theory of relativity approachable. Science buffs will enjoy the sardonic approach as well as the facts, while the index makes this book a good reference tool for those who just want an explanation of how to remove chewing gum from hair or why we become lost.—Francisca Goldsmith, Halifax Public Libraries, Nova Scotia

Adult/High School—The Crafty Chica wants her readers to relax, have fun, gain confidence, and enjoy being creative—she calls herself a "thread artist" instead of a seamstress. Her colorful book opens with a chatty, upbeat, and practical introduction that features a list of reasons to learn how to sew (gain a skill, meet new friends, honor your elders, learn about yourself, design/create your own projects). A brief tutorial on sewing machines describes types, offers advice on selecting one, explains various parts, and provides step-by-step directions for getting started. Instructions for 30 projects in three categories (purses, wearables, and household decor) include a rating (easy, intermediate), lists of supplies, and numbered steps. First-person anecdotes are sprinkled throughout, "stitch in time" boxes offer quotes on sewing from crafters around the country, and a couple of longer segments offer lessons learned from embarrassing moments in the author's life as a crafter. The full-color photographs feature ethnically diverse models sporting the various items. This book is geared toward beginners with a sense of fun—there's a pop-culture vibe to the projects and lots of resources listed in the back matter. This will certainly appeal to crafty and wanna-be-crafty teens.—Sondra VanderPloeg, Colby-Sawyer College, New London, NH

Adult/High School—Head on, Holmes confronts the notion that human beings are just another mammal, essentially creating a field guide for Homo sapiens. Eleven chapters focus on a physical description, the brain, perception, range, territoriality, diet, reproduction, behavior, communication, predators, and ecosystem impacts. Each one begins with a clinical description (from one-half to a full page) of the subject discussed, which is then examined in detail by looking at a sample of Homo sapiens (the author herself) and then at different theories that explain why Homo sapiens are the way they are. Holmes is good at providing all sides of the story—often, all current theories—even those that contradict one another. In addition, she compares Homo sapiens to other animals, revealing our species' strengths and weaknesses, and our environmental impact—the good and the bad. The book combines comparative anatomy, biology, anthropology, and psychology and presents the information in a witty and humorous style that will attract even the most disinterested readers. This volume would be an excellent selection as a biology class review book.—Kelliann Bogan, Colby-Sawyer College, New London, NH

Adult/High School—This revisionist biography will inform readers about the merits of probably the most important African-American man of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Norrell provides a clear representation of the sulfurous hate and mortal dangers facing Washington as he built a major university literally from bare ground in a South that despised successful blacks. Washington was also viciously maligned by northern black intellectuals like W.E.B. Du Bois and T. Monroe Trotter, who never faced the lethal dangers menacing him. He is still a controversial figure, but Norrell's volume provides the milieu necessary for understanding his triumphs and defeats against a climate of hatred and terrorism, and, therefore, the reason the founder of Tuskegee Institute deserves respect. Hundreds of quotes bring his story to life. Congressman Tom Heflin shouted in a campaign speech: "If Booker interferes" in this election campaign, "we have a way of influencing negroes down here when it becomes necessary." Norrell writes that the "threat of lynching" by Heflin "spurred whites to a standing ovation." This biography will give teens a precise and keen experience of what it was like to be a black man in the South during Washington's time.—Alan Gropman, National Defense University, Washington, DC

Adult/High School—This memoir is an extreme tale with a familiar teen theme—the exchanging of a family's teachings of "truth" for the painfully won act of interpreting the world independently. Sayrafiezadeh is the son of an Iranian-born father (a professor portrayed as a human superhero) and an American Jewish mother (a college graduate who surrenders to a hopeless love and cause) who separated when he was nine months old but remained married for decades. Early on, the author suspected that he and his mother were "following a peculiar set of rules" dictated by the Socialist Workers Party, to which his parents belonged. The severe demands of Sayrafiezadeh's childhood, with its intentional and self-inflicted poverty, boiled down to an agonizing parade of do-as-I-say-and-not-as-I-do moments that will resonate with readers struggling to understand the boundaries and systems created by their own parents. Crisply written, the narrative skips through time and space, offering enough optimism throughout to reassure readers that personal triumph is possible. As a child, this outsider could only offer party lines in response to a teacher's questions, and for years he pursued an acting career. But he grew into a man who created his own worldview to make order out of chaos. This book is an education in socialism and history disguised as an accessible, smart story.—Kate Dunlop Seamans, Colby-Sawyer College, New London, NH

Adult/High School—This genealogical detective story takes readers on an intimate search for identity and personal history. The daughter of a now-divorced interracial couple, the author knew all about her Boston blue-blood mother's family history—her ancestors were writers, widely published, and their personal stories are interwoven with traditional American history. She hungered for information about her black father's background: all she had were ephemeral stories about her grandmother Anna and her alleged grandfather, a white Mexican boxer who disappeared after her father's birth. Unraveling the mystery of her father's family involved trips to the Deep South that offered confusing glimpses into the world of his impoverished childhood. As Senna met people from his past and tried to make sense of their relationships and their stories, she struggled to piece together the clues about his genealogy: What was the truth? What gifts had she gotten from her father? Could she forgive him his paternal shortcomings? Her memoir effectively draws in readers and her evocative descriptions of people, places, and actions provide immediacy and suspense. She explores themes of race, racism, genealogy, black families/kinship, adoption, secrets, class, education, and sibling and parent-child relationships. The story is not without humor, but more often readers encounter pathos, pain, and real people.—Sondra VanderPloeg, Colby-Sawyer College, New London, NH

Adult/High School—This cheerful little book is the print version of the author's Web site. Tenzer started her campaign by challenging herself to do one concrete nice thing every Monday. Although not all of the projects and activities seem feasible for teens, a number of the efforts were spearheaded by children. Many of the ideas are adaptable and could be used as starting points for a brainstorming session on voluntarism. The book is divided into chapters that describe what people can do for children, for pets, the planet, soldiers, and so on. Each idea is outlined in two pages that include an introductory paragraph, a quote or testimonial from someone who has done the deed, necessary contact information, and instructions for repeating the act (URLs, recipes, addresses). Although many of the suggestions are familiar, Tenzer's engaging tone and practical information are likely to motivate readers. With more than 100 ideas, the book (and Web site) would be a useful reference for a teen service club or library teen advisory group interested in working on philanthropic activities.—Sondra VanderPloeg, Colby-Sawyer College, New London, NH

Adult/High School—In a memoir that is frequently hilarious, occasionally terrifying, and ultimately bittersweet, Wolff forces readers to consider whether racial identity is the result of nature, derived through nurture, or constructed and reconstructed throughout life. The author was born to white parents and raised into early adolescence mostly by her father, a man who worked harder to remake his own and his children's identities as black than he did at earning a living. From early childhood she tried hard to sort through evidence of her own sense of self and belonging: rougher kids in their working-class black Seattle neighborhood rejected her while adoring her younger (equally white) sister; other black kids accepted her as an equal or pitied her confusion; her father's second wife (black) rejected her cruelly; and her mother was willing to take her in but not to confront her former husband's careless child rearing. When her mother enrolled her in a public school program for intellectually gifted children, Wolff had to accommodate her worldview to take into account her classmates' relative wealth and mindless racism. Father and daughter eventually found a bridge through sports, but this rapprochement was made possible as much by the author's maturing emotional health as by her father's realization that he risked losing her. Wolff writes fluidly and offers moments of great insight through story rather than through explanation, making it easy for readers to engage with the child's questions and growing frustrations. An excellent choice for discussion in ethnic identity curricula, but absorbing reading, too.—Francisca Goldsmith, Halifax Public Libraries, Nova Scotia