Breaking Beautiful

Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf
Allie was in a terrible car accident. Not only is her boyfriend, Trip, killed but she loses her memory. As Allie starts to regain her memory she realizes things were not perfect with Trip. In fact they were far from it, he was an abusive and manipulative boyfriend. As her memories start to come back, she begins to wonder what really happened that night. Could the people who loved her the most be responsible for the accident? As Allie gets closer to the truth the town starts to turn against her.

This is an incredible story about the ugly side of an abusive relationship but it also is about healing and learning to trust. Sound like a Nicholas Sparks novel? Trust me it is not. If you like the edgy side of romance with a little mystery you will definitely like this book.

The Bat

The Bat by Jo Nesbo
This is the first in the Inspector Harry Hole series. Harry is sent to Australia to  monitor the progress of the murder investigation of a Norwegian citizen. He soon realizes that this is the work of a serial killer who is murdering their way across the country.

I liked this book because it is true to the Harry Hole character. We finally learn some of Harry 's story. I will say however, this is not as suspenseful as the other books in the series, nor is it as graphic. If you are a Harry Hole fan you will not be disappointed.

Throne of Glass

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Eighteen year old Celaena is an assassin feared by all. She is imprisoned in the salt mines of Endovier. Celaena grabs the attention of the King who is a cruel and evil ruler. He has offered her freedom if she becomes his champion. Celaena must fight for 4 years a total of 23 battles. The king is not the only evil presence in the castle. There is something evil and forgotten in the walls of the castle and killing off the other competitors. 

I think you will either love or hate this book. I really liked it. Celaena is a strong female character but she is a girly girl. She is a smart aleck with a diva personality and she kicks butt.

                                                                            

Far Far Away

Far Far Away by Tom McNeal
Jeremy Johnson Johnson is just like any other 14 year old boy except he can hear the voice of Jacob Grimm. Jacob has been dead for many years and is unable to cross over. He has attached himself to Jeremy. He feels there is something evil stalking Jeremy and the other children of Never Better. Jacob feels the only way to join his brother, Wilhelm, is to protect them.

Far Far Away is narrated by the ghost of Jacob Grimm and is told in the typical  Grimm Fairy Tale style, dark and twisted. There are many likeable characters but my favorites were Jeremy and Jacob. Jeremy is a nerd who gets into trouble when a fiery red head named Ginger convinces him to pull a prank. The prank goes horribly wrong and the town turns on them. Jacob is stuffy and tries to keep Jeremy out of trouble and safe. You are drawn into their story right from the start. This has something for everyone a ghost, a love story and magic. If you like a dark and twisted tale then this is for you.

                                                                  
                                     

                                                                  





                                                          

The Silent Wife

The Silent Wife by A.S.A. Harrison
This is a love story gone horribly wrong. Jodi and Todd have been together for 20 years although they are not married Jodi is the perfect "wife". She caters to Todd's every need. Both have successful careers and appear to be happy, Jodi is a part time psychologist and Todd is an architect. Jodi loves to stay home and play the happy homemaker while Todd likes to step out and doesn't care who knows it. Jodi turns a blind eye to Todd's philandering- that is, until she kills him. What would make Jodi do such an awful thing? Did she snap or just say enough.

The characters are not very likeable but you're not supposed to like them. They are materialistic and shallow. We learn of Todd's murder at the beginning of the book and both Jodi and Todd alternate telling their story. This is a quick read and I found it entertaining although Jodi did get on my nerves.

The Boys in the Boat

The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
I loved this book!! It was inspirational, after I finished reading it I felt like I could do anything.

It follows nine poor boys from the University of Washington on a journey that will change their lives forever and gives a country hope at a time where there wasn't a lot to be found. There is not more I can say but watch the book trailer and be inspired.

                         

Winger

Winger by Andrew Smith
Ryan Dean West is 14, on the varsity rugby team and a junior in high school. This comes with its own set of problems, add a skinny wise guy, rooming with the biggest bully on the rugby team and you have a very funny book. These are not Ryan's only issues. He is in love with his best friend Annie who only thinks of him as a little kid. This doesn't stop him from creeping on the other girls in school. The trouble Ryan gets into is laugh out loud funny. He handles it with humor and sarcasm. Ryan makes some bad decisions along the way but that's what makes him so likeable.

With all the buzz about this book I just had to read it and I was not disappointed. A coming of age story told by a 14 year old junior in high school. I will say the ending was unexpected and I'm not sure what it had to do with the rest of the story.

Life After Life

Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
This has to be one of the strangest books I have read. The premise of reincarnation is not a new but the story of Ursula Todd truly is a unique one. Ursula Todd is born on a snowy night in London in 1910. This is the story of her many lives and deaths. I say deaths because how she dies is just as important and how she lived. She is truly a unique and strong character. Ursula dies and is reborn so many times you need a score card to keep up but it is not until she enters adulthood that we really get to know the character. Each time she dies and comes back she changes something in her life and we see how different choices have different outcomes. Some of the ways she dies are brutal but the most disturbing part of the book was her life during WW II. It was brutal and the horrors she endured left nothing to the imagination.

This book is beautifully written but can be confusing at times.  Do I recommend it? Yes but it is not for everyone.

                                      

All These Things I've Done

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin
This is a story of choices; the right one is not always the easy one. The year is 2083 and 16 year old Anya's dad is the head of Balanchine Mafia. He deals in the illegal sale of chocolate and coffee. After her parents are killed Anya is sent to live with her 80 year old grandmother. She is determined to keep her brother and sister out of the life they grew up in but fate it seems has other ideas. She is falsely accused of trying to kill her ex-boyfriend and the people she is running away from may be the only ones who can save her.

I loved this book. The idea that the two things I just gotta have are illegal intrigued me. Anya is strong but conflicted and at times might seem a little to good but that doesn't keep you from caring about her and hoping she chooses the right path.

Smashed

Smashed by Lisa Luedeke
Katie is about to enter her senior year in high school and life is looking pretty good. She already has a full scholarship to college but she also has a dark secret. If she tells anyone it will turn her life and plans upside down, that is, if it doesn't destroy her first.

Smashed is a cautionary tale about teenage drinking and the consequences. It reminded me of Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. Told by Katie you feel her pain and just want to give her a hug and let her know she is not alone.
 

Shine

 Shine by Lauren Myracle
Don't be fooled by the beautiful book jacket. This is a very tough book to read. Cat and her best friend Patrick are close but lately Cat is pulling away and spending more time on her own. Patrick is openly gay and has paid for it many times in this small North Carolina town. But after he is found brutally beaten and left for dead Cat must come out of her self imposed exile and try and find the person or persons who did this to Patrick. As the story unfolds we find that Cat also has a dark secret.

This is a tough read and deals with some even tougher subjects; bullying, gay bashing, rape and bigotry. I think this is a must read. It will leave you feeling angry and drained but Myracle's writing is so beautiful it is well worth it.

The One I Left Behind

The One I Left Behind by Jennifer McMahon
Thirteen year old Reggie is a little awkward and is struggling to build a relationship with a mother who has no interest in her daughter's life. This is only the beginning of her problems. A serial killer has come to her hometown leaving a severed hand as a calling card and a posed body for the police to find 4 days later. As Reggie tries to find her way, her mother falls victim to the killer but her body is never found. Jump ahead a couple of decades and successful Regina gets a phone call, her mother has been found and is living in a homeless shelter but she is dying of cancer. Regina puts her life on hold to take care of her. Unfortunately for Regina her mom is not the only one to re-enter her life, the serial killer is back and Regina's mom and best friend are in the cross hairs. She only has 4 days to find the killer and save them both.

This was a great book. It had lots of twists and turns that keep you guessing.

Across the Universe

Across the Universe by Beth Revis
Sixteen year old Amy and her parents are about to embark on a 300 year journey. They are leaving everything and everyone behind to start over on Centurion Earth. In order to make the journey they must be put into a cryogenic sleep, everything is in place for their trip but Amy is woken from her frozen slumber 50 years to soon. She is alone amongst the 2500 inhabitants of Godspeed. I say alone because Amy is nothing like the others. They are human but they have lost their individuality. They are drones with no emotions. As the story unfolds Amy finds out that the others are also being woken from their slumber but they are not as fortunate as Amy, as soon as they are awake  they are killed. Amy must figure out who and why before her parents fall victim. Godspeed is governed by Eldest who explains that the people on board Godspeed are the descendents of the original crew. But Eldest has been keeping secrets from the citizens and Amy and her new friend, Elder, must expose him before it is to late.

I usually stay clear of science fiction but I really liked this book. There are some slow spots like when Amy is first frozen she dreams of the life she left behind. Yawn, but once she is awake the action is nonstop with  a little romance thrown in.

Insignia

Insignia by S.J. Kincaid
Earth is in the middle of World War III but it's not fought by men on the ground it is fought in space with drones controlled by men. We are not fighting over religion or politics but real estate. In fact the generals in this war are CEO's of powerful corporations not the military. Tom Rains and his father, Neil, are grifters. They travel from town to town conning people out of their hard earned money. Tom is tired of his ordinary life and wants to do something extraordinary, so he spends all of his free time playing virtual reality games and he is good. He is so good that he gets the attention of Dalton Prestwick who offers him a spot at the prestigious military school, Pentagonal Spire where he will train to become a soldier in the war. Tom's father is dead set against it. He doesn't trust Dalton and we find out later he was right not to. 

Does this sound familiar? Enders Game. Ready Player One. Insignia is non-stop action, full of corporate greed with a definite anti-government feel. Science fiction fans rejoice you are going to love this book. Almost forgot this is book 1 in a trilogy.
  

Quarantine

Quarantine by Lex Thomas
McKinley High is just like any other high school with one big difference, it is next door to a company that manufactures illegal biological weapons. They kidnap and do experiments on local teenagers. The government finds out about it and decides to to shut them down. During the raid one of the infected teenagers escapes and hides in the high school. The adults are all killed and the students become carries of this deadly virus. In order to contain the virus the government decides to quarantine the school and all of its occupants. With all the adults dead, the students are left to survive on their own. This sets the stage for absolute chaos. It is the ultimate battle for survival.

I really enjoyed this book. It is the Hunger Games and Lord of the Flies on steroids. Is it a literary marvel? No, but it is action packed and entertaining. There are some slow spots but this gives you a chance to catch your breath. This book is not for everyone. There is a lot of violence and there is some offensive language but if you can get past it  and you like survival stories this one won't disappoint.

Ask the Passengers

Ask the Passengers by A.S. King
Astrid is a high school junior who keeps everyone's secrets but has no one to keep hers. She decides to tell them to the people in the planes flying overhead. Everyday she sends them her secrets and her love hoping they can use them more than she does. Unity is a small Pennsylvania town and you know the expression, "Small towns equal small minds" well it is true in this case. Astrid's secret gets out and it almost destroys her and her family.

This is a story of strength, tolerance and acceptance. You feel Astrid's pain and you just want someone to listen. This is a beautiful story and I really liked it.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
A man in his mid 40's returns to his hometown of Sussex, England for a funeral. For some reason he is drawn to the farm of his friend, Lettie Hempstock. He hasn't seen or thought of her in over 40 years. He wanders to the backyard and sits down next to a pond where he is flooded with the memories of his 7th birthday. This was a time he had forgotten and for good reason, an evil was unleashed that nearly cost him his life.

This is a story of magic, evil and sacrifice all told by a 7 year old boy. I was so drawn to the characters that I read it in one sitting. If you like a good scary story then this is for  you. it reminded be of his book Coraline with more of an adult tone.

Ten

Ten by Gretchen McNeil
Ten friends, a mansion on an island, sprinkle in a little jealousy and add a vengeful killer. Let it simmer for 3 days and you have the recipe for a great book. Ten is full of suspense at times it can be a little predictable but it is a fun read. It has teenage slasher movie written all over it.

Megan and Minne thought they were going to a 3 day bash with their friends. It was going to be a final farewell to their senior year in high school. They had no idea just how final it would be.

The Raft

The Raft by S.A. Bodeen
This is a quick read but by no means boring. Right from the start Bodeen wastes no time getting to the action. Robie is a strong, likable character and must make some tough decisions. It reminded me of the movie Castaway.

Robie is your typical teenage girl. She lives on one of the Midway Atoll Islands, to say she is isolated would be an understatement. The lack of modern conveniences would make most of us cringe. Robie is resourceful. She spends as much time as possible with her aunt who lives in Honolulu and it's on one of those visits where things go horribly wrong. Her aunt is called away on business and Robie must cut her visit short. She decides to catch a ride on a cargo plane and from the cover you can guess what happens. Robie is not only fighting for her life but her sanity.

Shadows on the Moon

Shadows on the Moon by Zoe Marriott
Suzume is no ordinary 16 year old. She is a "shadow weaver," someone who can recreate or weave a new identity from her surroundings. Her life is pretty much perfect until her father and cousin are murdered. Shortly after her father's death her mother marries her father's best friend, Lord Terayma. Lord Terayma is a cold and ruthless man. Suzume starts to suspect that her new step dad may have had something to do with the murders of her family. She is bent on revenging their deaths but it will come at a price.

I liked this book, although at times it did drag. Suzume is far from perfect. She rides a roller coaster of emotion even considers suicide.Her emotions are real and raw and that's why I like this book.

The Burn Palace

The Burn Palace by Stephen Dobyns
Brewster, RI is a small town with the usual small town problems but that is all about to change. An infant is taken from its crib in the hospital and replaced with snakes, a man is found murdered and scalped and there is a pack of aggressive coyotes roaming the streets. The residents seem to think it is the work of a satanic cult. It is up to Detective Woody Potter and the local police to try and solve these crimes before the town goes completely crazy.

I loved this book! It had a little bit of everything murder, mayhem and even romance. It is action packed with just the right amount of dark humor. This is one you will want to read with the lights on!

The 5th Wave

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
If you thought this book was about alien invasions then you would be right. Cassie Sullivan has survived 4 waves of alien attacks but will she survive the 5th. In this the 5th and final wave the aliens intend to kill every remaining human being. She has already lost  her parent but believes that her younger brother, Sammie, is still be alive. She won't give up until she finds him. In a world where it is kill or be killed and trust no one, she must learn to trust if she is to find her brother and survive.

As far a science fiction goes I am usually not a fan but this book blew me away. I liked that it is told by different characters, each having a strong and distinct  personality. If you like fast paced action I highly recommend this book.

                                                                                

Reconstructing Amelia

Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight
I loved this book.The characters are so strong and wicked you can't help but have a love-hate relationship with them. I started reading and didn't stop until I was done. 

Amelia is a 15 year old girl who just wants to fit in at her private school. This leads her to the "Magpies", a club of really mean girls who make her life miserable. Amelia is humiliated and bullied at the hands of the club leader, Zadie, but this is only part of her trouble. She's accused of plagiarizing and gets suspended. Kate, Amelia's mom is dealing with the suspension when she gets a phone call telling her Amelia has committed suicide. Kate is in shock and confused she thought she knew her daughter. Adding to her confusion is a text message she received: Amelia did not jump. The story is told in alternate voices. Amelia tells her story leading up to her death and Kate is in the present. We find out that both had secrets but are they worth dying over?

Impossible Odds

Impossible Odds by Jessica Buchanan and Erik Landemalm
Jessica Buchanan was a humanitarian worker in Kenya. This was something she always dreamed of doing but on October 25, 2011 her life changed forever. Jessica and a co-worker, Poul, were kidnapped by Somalian pirates and held for ransom. This is her story and the unwavering effort of her husband, Erik, to get her back.

I really liked this book. This is an incredible story of strength and faith.

Death Cloud

Death Cloud by Andrew Lane
The story takes place in 1868, a 14 year old Sherlock Holmes tries to solve the deaths of two men. They appear to have died from small pox or the plague. This intrigues young Sherlock and he and his friend Matty investigate. The investigation takes them from small town England to the shores of France. What they find is a mysterious cloud of death and a baron worthy of Moriarty.

I liked this book. It was a really quick read and had all the "quirks" of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes. I will say that I was disappointed with the actual "death cloud". The premiss behind it was brilliant but the reality of it  was a little  farfetched. Sherlock Holmes fans you will not be disappointed.

Eleanor & Park

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Set in Omaha, it follows the doomed love story of Eleanor and Park. It reminded me of a modern day Romeo and Juliet if it were 1986.

Eleanor is the new kid in town. She is poor and  just doesn't fit into her new school. Her home life is tragic to say the least. She lives with her step dad, Richie, who is  a tyrant and abusive. Eleanor's mom just sits back and takes it. Park's life is completely the opposite of Eleanor. He has a loving and supportive family but it is not perfect. Park is half Korean in an all-white school and that comes with its own problems. From the moment they meet Eleanor and Park have a connection, even if they don't know it, the readers do.

Cracked

Cracked by K.M. Walton
Victor is tormented and bullied by Bull and the only way out, or at least as far as Victor is concerned, is to take a bottle of sleeping pills. This lands him in a psychiatric hospital. But Bull has his own problems; he lives with an alcoholic mother and a grandfather who uses him as his own personal punching bag. Bull has had enough of his grandfather's abuse and decides to put an end to it and his grandfather. Both Bull and Victor end up at the same hospital where they are forced to work through their issues.

I really liked this book. You feel for both characters. Victor you feel for from the start and you begin to realize Bull is a true victim of his surroundings. There is no happy ending but there is hope and that is why I liked this book.

Where Things Come Back

Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley
This story is about Cullen Witter and Benton Sage. Two separate lives that are on a collision course with each other. Cullen lives in Lily, Arkansas. A small town with not a whole lot to do, that is until someone spots the Lazarus woodpecker, then the entire town goes woodpecker crazy. In the middle of this craziness Cullen's younger brother, Gabriel, goes missing. Cullen is heartbroken. Now for Benton Sage; he is a missionary in Africa whose father is an overbearing and critical man. Benton is searching for a purpose to his life. How do their lives intersect? Well you will just have to read the book.

I liked this book; however the connection between Benton and Cullen seemed a little farfetched. It is a story of first love, friendship, loss and hope. If you like John Green you will like this book.

Blindness

Blindness by Jose' Saramago
For some unknown reason a city is plunged into a white blindness. The government not sure what has happened or what to do orders all those stricken to be quarantined in an abandoned mental hospital. Here the strong rule and the weak perish. This is also where humanity breaks down. But all is not lost, there is one person, a doctor, who has not lost her sight and she will lead a small group through the city to safety.

This is a disturbing story to say the least but I found the way Saramago described the total collapse of humanity and compassion the most disturbing. This is not an easy book to read and at times the way it is written can be a little confusing but stick with it. It's worth the time.

Never Let Me Go

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Kathy, Ruth and Tommy all grew up together in a secluded English boarding school, Hailsham. They were raised by "guardians" who limited their contact with the world outside of Hailsham. The residents of Hailsham were no ordinary students, they were "donors", cloned and used for their spare parts until they have nothing left to give. The story is told by Kathy, now 31 and a "carer". She is reunited with Ruth and Tommy after many years and old feelings and self doubt start to surface.

This is a story about a very controversial subject. It begs the question, "just because we can, should we?" It is also a story of forgiveness.

Shatter Me

Shatter Me by Taheren Mafi
Juliette Ferrar is 17 and has been alone and jailed for almost a year, 264 days to be exact. Juliette has a gift or curse as she likes to call it, her touch causes pain and eventually death. This is something the government want to control and use for their benefit. On day 264 she is given a cell mate, Adam, who is immune to her touch. Coincidence, I think not, he is working for the government. They want him to get Juliette to come over to their side. But things are never that simple, Adam falls for Juliette and together they try to defeat the "Establishment".

This book is the first in a trilogy. Juliette's character starts out a bit whiny but as the story develops so does her character. If you are a fan of dystopian novels with romance thrown in you will not be disappointed.

                                                                               

NOS4A2

NOS4A2 by Joe Hill
Joe Hill is the son of Horror Legend Stephen King and his father has taught him well. This does not mean that he is riding his father's coat tails, oh no, Joe Hill has a voice all his own and let me tell you it is CREEPY! I loved this book. If you are a fan of horror and like to be scared, sit back and enjoy the ride. It will be a long one, 686 pages.

Victoria McQueen has a special bicycle it allows her to cross a bridge into another world and find things that are lost. This is where she grabs the attention of Charles Manx, a 140 year old vampire who likes to steal children's souls. He takes them to "Christmasland' where they are never seen again. Victoria is the only one of Manx's children who got away. She becomes his obsession. He kidnaps her son and Victoria must save him before he becomes one of the lost souls. 

                                                                         

Ashfall

Ashfall by Mike Mullen
Alex is your typical 15 year old high school student fighting for his independence. His parents are planning a family trip Illinois for the weekend and of course Alex does not want to go. After much debate his mom finally caves and allows Alex to stay home by himself, this will be a decision they will both soon regret. There is a super volcano under Yellowstone National Park and it erupts, taking everything and everyone out that is in its path. Alex makes the decision to travel from his home in Iowa to Illinois to find his family. He is in a race for his life, everything he has known is gone and now it's kill or be killed.

I really liked this book from the first page it sucks you in and you can't help but think, what would I do? Alex's character is strong and believable but he is also flawed and I think that is what makes this book so good.

BZRK

BZRK by Michael Grant
The Armstrong brothers, Charles and Ben, are twins but they are no ordinary twins, they are conjoined. They own the Armstrong Fancy Gift Corporation (AFGC). Charles and Ben had such a horrible life they  wanted to spare the rest of the world the pain, so they invented nanobots that control human emotion. Their intention were good, no emotions no pain, but sometimes the worst experiences come from the best intentions. Enter Sadie Mclure, her father and brother also work for AFGC and are killed in a horrible accident. As the details of the accident unravel so does the secret they were keeping and Sadie is pulled into a war to save free will.

This is definitely science fiction and not for the squeamish. Grant goes into great detail about the way the nanobots enter the brain and control their host. I am not a big sci-fi fan but I really enjoyed this book. This is the first book in a series.

                                                                      

Caring is Creepy

Caring is Creepy by David Zimmerman
Lynn Sugrue is a 15 year old self-centered, manipulating, all around nasty teenager. I found myself really disliking her and her best friend, Dani, by the end of the book but it did not stop me from reading it. Lynn's mother is a nurse who works too much and is too busy with her pill popping boyfriend, Hayes, to notice that her daughter is playing a very dangerous game. Enter Logan, a 25 year old soldier in the Army, who meets Lynn on the internet. Logan has his own troubles. He is AWOL. I found this part of the story a little hard to believe, I would like to think that no matter how busy or distracted a parent might be they would notice their 15 year old daughter having a relationship with a 25 year old man. Everything comes together in the end and Lynn's world will never be the same.

Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore A Novel

Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore A Novel by Robin Sloan
Clay Jannon is a web designer in San Francisco, or at least he was before the recession, now he work the night shift at Mr. P's bookstore. This is no ordinary bookstore and it doesn't take Clay long to realize something is definitely different about the place. There are very few customers and the ones who do come in treat it more like a library than a store, borrowing and not buying the books, per instructions of Mr. Penumbra. Upon further investigation Clay learns they are part of a secret society trying to decode a 500 year old book to find the secret of immortality. Clay recruits some of his techy friends to try and decode the book. It is high-tech vs no-tech full of unexpected twists and turns.

This book reminded me of  National Treasure crossed with the Da Vinci Code. Do I think everyone will like this book? No, but I did. If you are a techy and like to read adventure and suspense then this is the book for you.

Pure

Pure by Julia Baggot
First let me start off by saying this is the first book in a trilogy, so if you are expecting a nice clean ending it doesn't happen. I really liked this book but I found the relationship between Pressia and El Captain a little hard to swallow.

Pressia is a 16 year old girl who lives with her grandfather. They have survived the "Detonations", which happened 9 years earlier and totally changed the world. If you were outside the dome when the detonations happened you where fused to your surroundings; if you were lucky enough to be inside the dome then you escaped unscathed and you were "Pure".  It is Pressia's birthday and she must choose, become a heartless solider or die. Today is the day she starts fighting for her life.

Girl Stolen

Girl Stolen by April Henry
Imagine going to the store with your mom, you're sick, you just feel awful and you fall asleep in the back seat, only to be abruptly awakened by a would-be carjacker. Well that's what happens to 16 yer old Cheyenne. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, she's blind! Griffin is the want-to-be carjacker, who only does it to make his loser dad and friends accept him. When he arrives home his dad is not exactly thrilled, that is, until he realizes the Cheyenne is worth a whole lot of money. Her dad is the CEO of Nike and would be willing to pay a lot of money to get her back. This is where the story takes a turn. You start to feel sorry for Griffin and realize he is a victim of his surroundings.

Cheyenne is a strong and believable character. This is an easy and quick read but don't let this fool you, you will be hooked from the moment you start reading.

UNBROKEN

UNBROKEN by Laura Hillenbrand
I loved this book!!!! It is the incredible life of Louis Zamperini and it is truly a story of survival, resilience and redemption.

Louis  is a rebellious teenager. He spends most of his time getting into fights and running from the police. It all changes when his high school track coach realizes he is a natural runner. Louis puts all his "energy" into running and it pays off. He earns a spot on the 1936 Olympic Team and continues to run until life gets in the way. It is 1945 and WW II is in full swing. Louis wants to do his part and joins the Army. While on a routine mission over the Pacific his plane gets shot down, this is where Louis' life spirals completely out of his control. Want to know more then you 'll have to read the book. You won't be disappointed.

Between the Lines

Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer First let me say this book is not written by Jodi Picoult. She co-writes it with her daughter Samantha Van Leer, who by the way is a junior in high school. This is a fairy tale with a modern day twist. It reminded me a lot of the book Inked.

Delilah is in high school and doesn't have time for the drama. She would rather go to the library then have to deal with it. One day while there she finds a fairy tale called Between the Lines but this is no ordinary book; the characters seem to come to life. Delilah is instantly drawn to the hero, Oliver. Oliver, it seems, also has feelings toward Delilah. The problem, they live in two different worlds. Together they must find a way to be together.

Wonder

Wonder by R. J. Palacio What a great book!! Once again I leave the comfort of my reading zone and I find  a book that I totally enjoyed.

Wonder is a heart-warming story of a young boy with a facial deformity. He has lived a somewhat sheltered life with an incredibly supportive and loving family. After many years of being home schooled August is finally ready for public school. Unfortunately for August he is entering the dreaded world of middle school. He will need all of his strength to deal with the bullies and drama that 5th grade has to offer.

My Friend Dahmer: A Graphic Novel

My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf
This book it totally out of my comfort zone but when I saw it I just had to read it. 

Jeffery Dahmer a serial killer who killed 17 young men before he was caught, had a friend and this is his story.

In Zanesville

In Zanesville by Jo Ann Beard
To be perfectly honest this is not my kind of book. Does it mean I do not recommend it? Absolutely not. As I was reading, I kept waiting for something tragic to happen, it didn't. This is a story about a friendship between two girls growing up in a small town.

In Zanesville is beautifully written. The friendship between the narrator and her best friend, Felicia is totally believable. It chronicles the trials and tribulations of friendship, from babysitting pitfalls to that first kiss. If you like John Green then this is for you. 

NW

NW by Zadie Smith

This book is not for everyone. If you like to read traditionally narrated books then you may not like this book but give it a chance. There is not a single plot but 4 as we are introduced to each of the characters and their lives. Each story is written in a different style, for example one is written in poetry and one as online chat and yet another is a series of vignettes.

NW follows the lives of 4 friends in NorthWest London. All close growing up in a housing project but each growing up to live very different lives with very different secrets.

The Snowman

The Snowman by Jo Nesbo

This is the first book by Jo Nesbo I have read and I can tell you it will not be my last. I think he just might take the place of Dean Koontz as my favorite author. This is a very dark detective story full of twists and turns.

Jonas awakes to find his mother is missing. The only clue is a snowman with the pink scarf Jonas gave her for Christmas around its neck. Harry Hole is the detective bought in to solve the crime. He is convinced that this is the work of serial killer who calls himself “The Snowman” and may be responsible for a dozen murders. Unfortunately his co workers do not believe him. Harry is caught in a "catch me if you can" game with the killer.

Accelerated

Accelerated by Bronwen Hruska

Have you ever thought that ADD is over diagnosed then you have to read this book? It will make you think.

Sean Benning a recently single dad is pressured into getting his 8 year old son, Toby, tested for ADD. Toby attends Bradley School, a school for the gifted as well as the wealthy. The school administration suggests Toby be medicated to control his behavior. Sean disagrees and begins to dig into the school. He soon learns that some parents will do anything to have their students succeed.

Care of Wooden Floors

Care of Wooden Floors by Will Wiles

This book will make you laugh out loud and squirm at the same time. I have to admit I might have seen just a little bit of myself in one of the characters.

Oskar is to put it nicely is a little OCD. He has to leave his home and go to LA to settle his divorce. He asks his old  friend to stay at his apartment and take care of his two cats. Sounds simple right well it’s not. The story is narrated my Oskar’s  friend whose name we never learn. It seems Oskar is a neat freak and leaves notes all over the apartment for his friend. He tells him how to take care of his apartment. especially his beloved French wooden floors. As you can expect things go terribly wrong and the more the friend tries to fix it the worse he makes it. The more he tries the more you laugh and shake your head in disbelief. The only thing stranger than the experiences of the narrator, is the ending you never see coming.

Legend

Legend by Marie Lu

The United States no longer exists. It is called the Republic and is made up of the west coast of the United States. Sound familiar well. If you liked The Hunger Games you will absolutely love this book. It is non-stop action from the first page to the end and there’s even a little romance.

The Republic is a country always at war with its neighbors. June is a 15 year old rich girl who is being trained for the Republic’s military elite. Day the Republic’s most wanted criminal, fights for his family’s right just to survive. June’s brother Metias is murdered and Day is the number one suspect. June vows to bring her brother’s killer to justice. As June hunts down Day she finds out that things are not as the Republic would like everyone to think.

Code Name Verity

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

If you like historical fiction then this book will blow you away from the first page to the last. The characters are strong and believable. From the moment you are first introduced to Verity and Maddie you want to know more about them and what happens to them.

Julia, Queenie, Eva, Katherine or Verity her name changes to suit her mission, is captured and tortured by the Nazis during WWII after her plane crashes in France. They want the wireless codes she has memorized for the British government as an operator. We are lead to believe that she sells her soul to save herself. As her confession unfolds we learn about Maddie, the pilot that flew her to France, their friendship and more details about her capture by the Nazis. We also learn Maddie’s story told in her voice. The final third of the book will blow you away.

The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Hazel is a 16 year old girl suffering from terminal thyroid cancer. I know what you’re thinking. Why would I want to read this book? Because this is a great book! Yes she has cancer but there is so much more to this book. It is beautifully written so keep the tissues handy.

Hazel is struggling with how she will be remembered once she is gone. A question I think all of us have thought about at some point in time. To complicate things Hazel meets Augustus, a member of a cancer support group she attends, and they fall in love. This is not your typical YA love story. Hazel is obsessed with a book she once read and wants to know what happened to the characters. She travels to Amsterdam with her family to meet the author and is very disappointed. She soon realizes that things are not always as they appear.