First Day

Reviewed by Jennifer Wilks, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

First Day by Allyson Braithwaite Condie. Published by Deseret Book.

Retail Price: $15.95 Available here

First Day is a continuation of the story Condie started in her first book, Yearbook. Many of the chapters are told from the perspectives of Andrea and Ethan Beckett, and the stories of their friends Julie and Mikey are interwoven in these chapters. New characters are introduced as well, including Joel Hammond and Caterina Giovanni, who each have chapters of their own.

I wasn't sure if I would be able to enjoy First Day, having not read Yearbook first. Many times when reading the second book in a series, it's hard to catch up. There was a little bit of that in the beginning, trying to figure out what was going on in situations that would be obvious to those who had read the first book.

I was pleasantly surprised, however, at how fast I was able to get into the story. The format was unconventional, with most of the story lines basically unrelated to each other, rather than telling different character's viewpoints of the same story. It didn't hold my attention as well as many of the other books I've read recently, but there is also one main story that is pretty compelling and pulls the reader through the book.

On the other hand, the book was fresh and interesting, and it was fun to see the lives of the different characters who were related in some ways, but completely individual in others, just as it is in our own lives.

All in all, I thought it was a good read with a few twists and turns thrown in to keep the reader on their toes. It could be enjoyed alone, but I think it would be most enjoyable for those who have first read Yearbook.

MEE Speaks: But Does She Have Anything to Say?

Reviewed by Melanie Lott, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

MEE Speaks: But Does She Have Anything to Say? by Mary Ellen Edmunds. Published by Deseret Book.

Retail Price: $11.65 Available here

I recently returned from Time Out for Women, where I was able to hear Mary Ellen Edmunds speak. She has become a very popular speaker at events like TOFW, Education Week, and EFY. In this book, she compiles thoughts from different talks she has given. I love the idea of being able to read some of the best talks she has given without having to be there when she gave them. She is funny and heartwarming, all while making important spiritual points. I've said before I love these books that have short, individual chapters because as a busy mom, it's much easier for me to find a few minutes here and there to sit down and read a chapter or two.

Mom Says I Can

Reviewed by Melanie Lott, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Mom Says I Can by Judy Cooley. Published by Deseret Book.

Retail Price: $15.26 Available here

This children's book by Judy Cooley takes us into the imaginative world of Max, who spends his days pretending to be a pirate, cowboy, astronaut, knight, and all sorts of characters. On each page, Max is searching for the greatest treasure ever. With each character, mom gives him encouraging praise like, "You are amazing" and "You are my hero". At the end, Max discovers what his great treasure really is.....his mom. I loved this story because I have a little boy like Max, so I can really relate to his mother.

If you have a boy or girl like Max too, I'm sure they would love to have this book read to them. I would especially recommend this book for those dads or kids that are looking for a sweet gift for Mother's Day.

The Crayon Messages

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

The Crayon Messages by Christine Thackeray. Published by Cedar Fort.

Retail Price: $10.99 Available here

When Cath Reed is given her visiting teaching assignment in her new ward, no one expects very much from her. Her companion sleeps all the time and the sisters that they have been assigned to see have always had letter routes. But Cath determines to do her best. She finds that things never turn out how one predicts.

This is a great book about rising beyond expectations in spite of the obstacles. I really enjoyed this story. Sometimes as women, we truly don't understand each other or our motives. I appreciated the author's approach with this book. The main character, Cath, doesn't know what the outcome is going to be from her efforts to visit her sisters - instead of just sending the letter that she's been told to send. It also seems like everything else in her life is falling apart. But Cath tries to find joy in the small things. I think she is an excellent example of perspective. I thought the whole book was a great reminder of the true purpose of visiting teaching, and I hope there will be another story to follow.

Shades of Gray

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Shades of Gray by Pamela Carrington Reid. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $15.95 Available here

Samara met Adam, an established photographer, years ago on a quiet beach. He introduced her to the tools that could capture the beauty around her, she in turn, introduced him to the gospel. Now, Samara is a promising student of photography, with a steady boyfriend, and a dysfunctional family. Adam's reappearance in her life is a gift, but what does it mean?

What a thought-provoking book. This novel appropriately handles some tougher subjects. Samara has a testimony as a teenager and thinks that it solves all of life's problems. As she gets older, she learns that sometimes her testimony is not the answer to everything and then she's not sure what to do next. "Shades of Gray" is exactly what the name suggests - no black and white answers, just some different levels of thought on different problems. It also touches on the influence and affect we can have on each other's lives. I really liked this book because it was unusual and made me think. I thought I had the ending figured out before I got there - but was very much surprised. I recommend it.