Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

This novelwas very intriguing, disturbing and intense. It makes you question every move you make as a parent and look at all those tormented kids in high school with new open eyes.

Very Short Synopsis: A tormented 17 year old kid opens fire on his high school for 19 minutes after years of being bullied. The story follows his youth and his trial. The novel looks at the relationships between parent and child and different peer groups.

BUT... I would NOT recommend this book. It used the "f" word about 300 times and had several 'teen sex episodes.' I was looking for another novel by this author called My Sister's Keeper, but when the library did not have it in, I picked up this one. Picoult is a great writer and keeps you glued, but as someone who does not have a TV in my home and does not watch R rated movies, I was not prepared for the language and content.

The Operative by William Boyd Gardner

FBI operative goes undercover to save an FBI operative in Iran who has been captured.

It sounds more exciting than is was, but it had some interesting turns and a very slight rekindling love story between an estranged husband and wife.

I probably will not pick up another one by this author.

Echoes by N. C. Allen

Okay, not Mrs. Allens forte. She should stick to Historical Fiction.

She is a wonderful writer notheleless, so the story moved quickly and kept you interested. But it was a lot like reading a very clean Soap Opera. Amnesia, money, stumbling accross your identical twin that you didn't know you have, someone always trying to kill you, etc.

Not a bad read if you are looking for a fun almost thrilling, almost romantic read.