Reading Abounds

Title: The Wager Author: Donna Jo Napoli Perma-Bound Catalogue #: 44190 Description: Having lost everything in a tidal wave in 1169 Sicily, nineteen-year-old Don Giovanni makes a simple-sounding wager with a stranger he recognizes as the devil but, while desperate enough to surrender his pride and good looks for three years, he is not willing to give up his soul. Rubric Rating: Level 2 - Like It Why I Read It: The cover and write up made the story sound interesting.  I have also read other titles by Donna Jo Napoli. Lori's Notes: Don Giovanni is a rich youth in Italy until Mt. Etna erupts and a tsunami swamps the town of Messina where he lives.  Calling on his friends and guardian, Giovanni learns he has spent through all of his inheritance.  Living like a beggar he runs into a man who makes a wager with him.  Giovanni will be given a magic purse if he does not wash or change his clothes for 3 years, 3 months and 3 days.  Giovanni learns the valu...

Title: Matched Series: Matched Trilogy Book 1 Author: Ally Condie Perma-Bound Catalogue #: 47538 Description: Cassia has always had complete trust in the Society to make decisions for her, but when she is being paired with her ideal mate, a second face flashes on the screen, and Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility. Rubric Rating: Level 2 - Like It Why I Read It: I read this title while reading a bunch of other dystopian selections.  I also really liked the cover. Lori's Notes:  Cassia Reyes has turned 17 and is "matched" with her good friend Xander.  Not often do people in the same community get matched and she feels lucky that she has her best friend for a mate.  However, while looking at Xander's microcard Cassia sees another face - her friend Ky Markham.  Ky is an aberration from the outer provinces who is ineligible for matching.  Could society have made a mistake? Could Ky be her true match?  A dystopian tale, wher...