Think about how many times a day you switch on your t.v., log on to your computer, scroll through playlists on your iPod, or answer a call on your cell phone. Now imagine that an evil alien - say Number 5 on The List of Alien Outlaws on Terra Firma - decided to use popular technology to hypnotize humans into doing exactly what he told them to do. Well, it wouldn't be pretty.


That's exactly the freaky kind of situation in which Daniel finds himself in Watch the Skies, James Patterson's second book (the first with contributor Ned Rust) starring the cool-headed Alien Hunter. Although Number 5 professes to be melting humans merely for alien endertainment, Daniel senses the slimy monster has ulterior motives. He just has to figure out what they are. And, oh yeah, stop a notoriously bad, bad alien outlaw. Luckily, he has the help of his super powers, a minivan decked out with every high-tech gadget imaginable, and his butt-kicking imaginary friends. Yes, I did say imaginary. How exactly are they going to take down Number 5? Very, very carefully. And with some rocking, superhuman stunts. He may even capture the heart of Judy Blue Eyes in the process. That's if he survives to take her on a second date, of course.

If you liked the first book in this series (you can see my review here), you'll enjoy this one, too. It's got everything readers love about James Patterson - fast action, snappy dialogue, quick humor - without any of the racier elements found in his adult books. If you're looking for developed characters, a complex plot, or writing that will make you swoon, you'll definitely want to look elsewhere. But if you - or the tween boy in your life - long for a light, action-packed, funny read, this is your (or his) series. Oh yeah, and if you want to frighten said tween boy away from technology overload, Watch the Skies just might just do the trick. After all, what's scarier than a bloodthirsty alien bent on taking over the world via iPod? It's enough to make you pop out your earbuds - a least long enough to devour the 250 pages of this fun, thrilling adventure. It's just plain ole' good endertainment.



Grade: B-

If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG for fantasy violence and a few (non-graphic) reference to "stoners," making out and a "booty call."

First off, can I say what a happy day this is? My two oldest are back in school. My preschooler starts tomorrow. As I was snapping the kids' official First Day picture, I told them to pretend to smile and I would pretend to cry. Ha ha. Seriously, though, we're all so ready for this.

Random.org did its magic and the winner is ... STACIE! Unfortunately, I don't have an email for you and your blog is private, so please jot me a note (blogginboutbooks[AT]gmail[DOT][COM]). If I don't hear from you within a week, I'll choose another winner. Congratulations!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you didn't win this time, don't fret. My airheadedness has again worked in your favor. Lest you think I do this on purpose (I really, truly don't), I have to say that I received two copies of one of these books in the same mailing envelope. So, I don't think it's that I'm a complete idiot, I think it's that Disney is just amazingly efficient and generous. So, thanks again, Hallie!

I got double copies of both these YA titles, so I'm giving away one of each. I haven't had a chance to read either, so click on the book cover for plot summaries courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

Here we go:

1. Secrets of Truth & Beauty by Megan Frazer (Published July 2009)

2. Psych Major Syndrome by Alicia Thompson (Published August 2009)

You may enter to win only one book or both - either way, just specify which in your comment. Contest is open internationally. When you comment, PLEASE leave a valid email address, especially if you don't have a public blog. I need some way to get in contact with you :)

Okay, here's the nitty gritty: Now that summer's over (for me, anyway), I'd love to know what books you read and loved during the long, hot break from school. I'm always looking for recommendations, especially now that I'm going to have so many hours of free time on my hands (I wish!). That's it. Easy, right? If you post about this contest on your blog or on Facebook (sorry, I don't know anything about Twittering or Tweetering or whatever it is), I'll spot you an extra entry. I will draw the names of the winners on August 30 (my 12 year wedding anniversary!). Good luck, everybody.

It's been awhile since I've found a Mormon mention, but here's one from the book I just finished, Angels of Destruction by Keith Donohue:

"'We've got problems in this country. Black men in Watts without jobs, poor people living like dogs, Tricky Dick Nixon in disgrace, gas shortages, and Whip Inflation Now buttons, and all you see is the rich man in the country club, the white-shirt crewcut Baptist, the jelly-doughnut-eating Mormons, the cannibalistic Catholics --'" (169-170).

Usually I like to affirm or rebut Mormon myths I find in books, but these lines are uttered by a character who's already a little bit crazy. He's hopped up on the idea of a revolution, crazy with his desire to deconstruct the world - he's not supposed to be making sense. I'm not even sure what "the jelly-doughnut eating Mormons" means exactly. Probably nothing good. Ah well - I did mention the character's crazy, right?