City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

Title:   City of Ember

Author:  Jeanne DuPrau

Reader:  Wendy Dillon

Media: Digital Download

Publisher:  Listening Library; Unabridged edition   Year:  2006

ISBN:  978-0739331675

Genre: Fiction/Science Fiction

This book is for Ages: 9 up

Awards:  ALA Notable Book, Kirkus Editor’s Choice

AR Points:     9.0

Subjects/Themes:  Dystopia, Government Control, Courage, Family, Leadership,

Plot Summary:  Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow have just finished the 6^th grade and have new jobs.  Lina is a messenger, Doon works in the pipe works.  They live in the city of Ember in year 241.  Ember is a city without a sun or moon.  All light comes from lamps powered by a generator.  When the generator begins to fail Doon is convinced the city is in grave danger.  When Lina uncovers a mysterious message they work together to find a way to save the city.  

Review:   This book is one of the reasons dystopian or future imperfect books are so popular.  This is the perfect book for reader’s looking for something different.  The unabridged audio book version is enhanced with sound effects that bring the story to life.  This is a diverting book for listening to on your next road trip.

If you like this book you may also like:  The People of Sparks by Jeanne DuPrau. 

Clear as Day by Scotty McCreedy

Title:   Clear as Day

Artist:  Scotty McCreery  

Publisher: Mercury Nashville/19/Interscope Records

Year: 2011

Format: CD or Digital Download

Genre: Music Country

This album is for Ages:  8-Adult

Awards: Certified Platinum  

Subjects/Themes: Innocence, Summer Romance, Small Towns.

 
Tracks: 

1.      Out of Summertime

2.      I Love You this Big

3.      Clear as Day

4.      The Trouble with Girls

5.      Water Tower Town

6.      Walk in the Country

7.      Better Than That

8.      Write my number on your hand

9.      Dirty Dishes

10.  You Make that Look Good

11.  Back on the Ground

12.  That Old King James

Review: The songs were written by well-established country songwriters for Scotty McCreery who was 17 at the time of recording.  They reflect his youth and are great for any audience.  Track Number 6 Walk in the Country is a cover of a song written by Keith Urban and was previously recorded and released by Keith.  This album is a great first country album.  The content is true to country themes of summertime, mom, first love and small town America.  The songs show off Scotty’s vocal range and deep resonant voice.  

I must admit prior to listening to the CD I had no idea who the Scotty was.  He is the Winner of the 10^th season of American Idol.  The CD was a gift from a music executive to my husband and spent the last few months unplayed.  While I enjoy country music, it is not my first choice.  When my 14-year-old niece told me her friend loves Scotty and is a huge fan.  I knew I would have to listen.  I was really pleased.  The tunes will get your toes tapping.  The lyrics are playful and the album will leave you smiling and feeling good.  

If you like this CD you may also like:  Wildflower Lauren Alaina,