Teen Summer Reading 2015: Unmask!

Darcy's Note:  We are a month into our Teen Summer Reading program for 2015 -- Unmask!  Here in the Teen Room, we are using this theme not only to focus on activities and crafts that "unmask" the teens' creativity, but also to focus on books and movies that "unmask" the heroes in our world -- both superheroes and unlikely heroes.


Alyssa, our newest staff member, wrote the following review of an unlikely heroine for this summer blog post.  Don't miss this engrossing title; summer is a great time for a mystery!

The Diviners by Libba Bray

With the summer reading theme of “Unmask!”, The Diviners, by Libba Bray,  seemed an intriguing choice not only for the unlikely heroine who  begins her journey in a selfishly reckless manner, but also for the elements of horror,  historical fiction, romance, mystery, and the supernatural all wrapped into one book.

 Evie O’Neil is a spoiled girl of the 1920’s who, because of poor behavior and an unfortunate parlor trick, is sent to her Uncle’s in New York City where he manages The Museum of American Folklore, Superstition, and the Occult.  Evie reaches New York ready for a life filled with speakeasies, dancing, and the moving pictures.  We follow her and a special set of characters as they navigate the city; all the while evil unlike any other is unleashed as a string of murders takes place.  When investigators find strange symbols left on the bodies, Evie, her Uncle Will, and his assistant are asked to help solve the mystery.

 As the case grows and more victims are found an intricate web is cast throughout the city connecting characters and unraveling secrets.  Soon Evie finds she must confront her own secrets and channel her inner powers in order to bring justice to the city and its citizens.

The sequel to The Diviners, titled Lair of Dreams, is due to be released in August, 2015.