50+ years of DNA

Double Helix by Nancy WerlinThe story begins with Eli, a senior in high school who decides to take a job instead of going to college.   He decides to take a job at Wyatt Transgenics, a famous biogenetic research company.  The company is run by noble prize winner, Dr. Quincy Wyatt.  After taking the job, he soon realizes that his father hates Dr. Wyatt.  His father wants him to quit his job but  he refuses to tell him why.  Eli and his father’s relationship is strain because his mother is dying of Huntington disease.    As he continues to work for Dr. Wyatt,  Eli discovers some secrets about his family.  People who are interested in science will absorb this book.  Other recommended books:  Double Identity by Margaret Petersen Haddix, Eva by Peter Dickinson, and Being by Kevin Brooks (although, I didn’t really like Road of the Dead).

Truth and Lies during the Spanish Inquisition

I really liked this book.  It is a historical fiction.  I know most students avoid historical fiction, but I enjoy them because they offer me an opportunity to learn about events that I might have limited knowledge about. 

Well, it is a story about two best friends and how their relationships change during the Spanish Inquisition.  One girl learns that everything she has been told about herself and her family is a lie.  The other girl reacts in a jealous manner, which leads to betrayal.  The story begins slowly but if you stay with it, you will enjoy.

Fantasy at its best

I almost forgot to mention but Melissa Marr’s Wicked Lovely is superb!  Read it, I’m sure you will like it.  I’ll explain more soon.   It is definitely not about vampires or werewolves, thank goodness.  Other good reads are:  Holly Black’s Ironside, Alex Flinn’s Beastly and A.M. Jenkins’ Repossessed.