The Wild Trees
by Richard Preston

If you like trees, you'll love The Wild Trees, I did. Non-fiction isn't everyone's cup of tea, but Preston does it right. His books read more like fiction, with scientific information here and there.
This book follows the story of Steve Sillett and Marie Antoine, two daring tree climbers. But these aren't just any trees, these are the biggest living things in the world. Some redwood trees exceed 350ft in height. This book is fast-pace and interesting, perfect if you're into science or plants. Recommended to everyone 13+, 4/5 stars.

If trees aren't your thing, but you still want to try some nonfiction, I highly recommend Preston's book The Hot Zone, reviewed below.

The Host
by Stephenie Meyer

Stephenie Meyer took the nation with her bestselling Twilight Saga. She's done it again with her new novel.
The Earth has been taken over by aliens, but they aren't your typical sci-fi killers. Actually, they take over the humans' bodies and make the world a better place. But Melanie, Wanderer's host body, refuses to fade away. Trapped by Melanie's vivid emotions and memories, Wanderer finds herself falling in love, with the man of Melanie's memories.
Though a little slow at first, this book is very addictive and fast-pace. I recommend it to everyone 12+. 5/5 stars!

The Hot Zone
by Richard Preston

Despite that it's nonfiction, The Hot Zone is something of a horror story. It is very science-based and is about an outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus in the DC area. I absolutely loved this book, and found it fascinating. It is very interesting and detailed. Only for the strong-stomached.
4 1/2 out of 5 stars
Recommended to everyone 14+

21
Movie Review

If you like black jack, las vegas, Jim Sturgess or MIT, you'll like 21.
Ben is about to graduate MIT and has been accepted into Harvard Medical School. But there's one thing missing, the money for tuition. In desperation to acquire the $300,000 he needs, Ben joins a covert card-counting team run by his math Professor. But the lure of the money can overcome even the most level-headed people and lead them down a path to destruction.
4 out of 5 stars
Rated PG13
Recommended to everyone 13+

Speak
by Laurie Halse Anderson

Melinda Sordino used to be happy. She had great friends, and school was good. But after she called the cops at a party, she's the most hated girl in school. What they don't know is the real reason she called the cops, and it's something Melinda's never told anyone.
This is a wonderful, moving book. The writing style is different, but very interesting. Melinda is a wonderful narrator, the characters are very vivid. I highly recommend it to teenage girls. 5 out of 5 stars!

A Countess Below Stairs, by Eva Ibbotson

This book is your typical romance, with a lot of history thrown in. The book starts off a little slow, leading the reader to wonder when something is actually going to happen. Nonetheless, it is a sweet romance, with vivid imagery. My only complaint is the writing style. Ibbotson seemed to be trying so hard to sound sophisticated, that I got lost in the verbose writing style.
Anna is young countess whose family fled Russia after the start of WWI. With no money, she has no choice but to work at the Westerholme Estate. It is there that she meets the young Earl of Westerholme, Rupert, who is engaged to woman who appears kind on the surface, put is in reality something far more evil.
Despite its weaknesses, A Countess Below Stairs is a nice read for teen girls. I give it 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

Maximum Ride: The Final Warning
by James Patterson

I aboslutely love this series, but I was slightly disappointed by this fourth installment. It was much shorter than its predecessors and essentially, nothing happened. Nonetheless, it still had our favorite characters, and was rich in Max's wit and sarcasm.
After years on the run, Max and her flock have finally risen to meet their final purpose, saving the world. But even in Antartica, one of the farthest reaches of the world, are they really safe?

This series, starting with Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment is great for both guys and girls of all ages. I give the 4th book in the series 3 1/2 out 5 stars. The series overall, 4 out of 5 stars. I definitely recommend these books!