In his memoir, Johnson explores his challenges of intersectionality growing up Black and queer. I loved the description of his family, his fraternity brothers, and especially his Nanny. Through his own story, he addresses important perspectives on race, sexuality, and identity. (★★★★)

Let me start by saying that the world of cosplay and anime has never really interested me. Despite that fact, I thought this book was SO. MUCH. FUN. Raffy is a dedicated cosplayer who not only has to compete against his ex, Luca, but eventually collaborate in order to achieve his goal of winning the competition. The book tackles themes of insecurity, acceptance, perfectionism, and the idea of "acceptable" forms of art. (★★★★)

Through a series of letters, Ellie describes her life leading up to her death by suicide and the aftermath. The beginning was tough to get through as it tackled domestic abuse and suicidal ideations. The second half beautifully described Ellie's relationships with her loved ones, even as the plot led up to the inevitably tragic end. This book seemed to have a bit of an identity crisis in the beginning, setting up a mystery that never really played out. However, it was a beautiful and important story. (★★★)

Malorie discovers she is pregnant just as mysterious forces appear, making people turn violent towards others and themselves. The trick is not to look at them. The book alternates between Malorie's past while she is pregnant, figuring out who she can trust, and her present when she must transport herself and two children down the river to a community that can provide a haven and hope for the future. The Netflix movie was amazing, and the book was just as great! (★★★★)

Marco and Anne go to a dinner party at the home of the couple next door, leaving their infant daughter alone with the rationale that a baby monitor and checks every half-hour will be fine. When the baby goes missing, fingers are pointed and no one knows who to believe. What I loved most about this book was that there isn't just one plot twist or "big reveal" - they occur throughout the whole book, leaving the best for last! (★★★★)

Sadie's 13 year old sister, Mattie, is found murdered in their small Colorado town. A year later, 20 year old Sadie goes missing. Told alternatively from Sadie's point of view and from the narrator of the podcast that tells her story, the book gives away small pieces of the mystery surrounding Sadie's disappearance, leading to an unsettling resolution. Great, heartbreaking mystery! (★★★★)

Four refugees from four countries during WWII escape the violence in their hometowns, each one carrying a secret, to board a ship named the Wilhelm Gustloff... but they don't know that this ship is doomed to be a tragedy worse than the Titanic. The graphic tragedy that surrounded the main characters was horrifying to read about, but I enjoyed this beautiful, heart-wrenching book. (★★★★)

Brandi Rarus, former Miss Deaf America and wife of Deaf President Now leader Tim Rarus, tells the story of her journey to adopt her daughter, Zoe. It was enlightening to read more about Deaf culture and about how challenging the adoption process can be. (★★★)

Dimple just wants to go to college and become a coder. Rishi will do anything his parents ask of him. So when Rishi is informed of his arranged marriage to Dimple, he is sent to the same coding summer camp to get to know her; unfortunately, Dimple has no idea about the arrangement! Full of goofy hijinks and some sweet moments, I loved the uniqueness and representation found in this book. (★★★)

This story was beautiful! Set during WWII, it wove together the lives of Marie-Laure, a blind Parisian girl, and Werner, a gifted engineer recruited to the Nazi party. While this book was LONG and took me a while to read, I'm glad I finally did! (★★★)

I LOVE Tiffany Haddish, and her humor and voice completely translate into writing. This book is not for everyone as she is just as open and explicit in her memoir as she is in her comedy. If you want a book where you are crying laughing by page 10, definitely give this a shot! (★★★★)

I didn't realize how much I missed reading about the Hunger Games until I read this prequel! Coriolanus Snow is charged with mentoring a tribute in the Hunger Games, but he is assigned the girl from District 12. On top of this challenge, Snow must hide the fact that his well-esteemed family is broke. It was interesting reading this book knowing how things turn out for Snow, but I really enjoyed it! (★★★★)

Jumping around in time and place and told from varying perspectives, this book tells several stories about individuals whose lives are interwoven. Each one faces their own form of heartbreak while exploring the ideas of choice and sacrifice. I loved how each character was deeply complex and flawed, so even when I wanted to root for a character, I was soon torn. I will always recommend books from this author! (★★★★)

If there is such thing as a perfect book, this is it. Michelle Obama details her life growing up, her college years, meeting and marrying Barack Obama, and the road to and during the presidency. She is eloquent, humble, and honest. Her words are full of grace, and she passes on the wisdom she has gained from others and from her experience. A MUST-READ! (★★★★★★) (Yes, that is SIX stars.)

Ooooh, I LOVE a good thriller! Anna Fox, an agoraphobic who hasn't left her apartment in almost a year, gets to know her new neighbor, Jane Russell, when she comes over to visit one day. Soon after, Anna sees something horrible happen to Jane through her window. However, Anna's frequent drinking and heavy medication make her an unreliable witness... even to the reader. While this book took a while to get going, it definitely picked up quickly. And I'll admit, just as I thought I had it all figured out, I was completely caught off guard by a big twist! I highly recommend this book. (★★★★)

​Teenage Marilyn dreams of escaping her past as a child actress and her volatile uncle's apartment. 18 years later, her daughter, Angie, dreams of the father she never knew and the past her mother won't speak of. Told in alternating perspectives, this story is rich with themes of love, family, dreams, and feeling fulfilled. (★★★★)

The second in a set of two, I had to know how this story ended... but I almost wish the author had just stopped with the first book. Ruby's story continues with her quest to find her father, but she learns some horrifying secrets along the way. While I don't know what other direction the author could have taken this story, I was left unsatisfied. (★★)

​Xiomara is an aspiring poet living under the thumb of her strict, religious mother. Told entirely in verse, this book explores many complex ideas about being a teenager. While I didn't love it as much as her other book, With The Fire On High, it was beautifully written. (★★★★)

​This book alternated perspectives between Elise, a shy girl juggling her first big role in the school play while taking care of her addict mother, and Gabe, who is trying to get closer to the mysterious new girl while avoiding his ex's revenge plot. Despite the slightly predictable plot twist, this book was a fun read but nothing special. (★★)

​I am a BIG fan of Parks and Rec, so I was very excited to read this book. While Aziz Ansari infuses his humor into each page, this book's subject matter was heavier than I expected. A well-researched look into the many stages and forms of romance in the modern age, this book was not a quick read and really made me take another look at how people operate in the world around me. (★★★★)

​Ed lives a simple life driving a taxi, playing cards with his friends, and drinking coffee with his dog, The Doorman. When a playing card with three addresses arrives in the mail, Ed embarks on a strange journey of building connections with those around him and finding himself in the process. I loved Zusak's other book, The Book Thief, and this was no less wonderfully weird. (★★★)

​When the killer rain begins, Ruby soon discovers the hard way that even a drop is fatal if it touches skin. Survival becomes difficult, leaving only a small percentage of the population alive. Ruby has to decide if she should brave things alone or set out to find her father who lives across the country. At first, I wasn't sure if I should read a book like this during the current quarantine, but it was so compelling that I finished it the same night! Now I just need to get the sequel to see how it ends. (★★★★)

​Adeline is the youngest of five stepchildren who are mistreated by their passive father and their vindictive stepmother. Despite her academic accomplishments, she spends her whole life looking for acceptance, much less affection from her family that treated her so poorly. Growing up, I read the children's adaptation of this book, so many of the stories were familiar to me. However, I really enjoyed the extra details as well as the inclusion of the later parts of her life. (★★★★)

​16-year-old Tariq Johnson, who is black, is shot by Jack Franklin, who is a white man. The rest of the book goes through the perspectives of various people involved in the incident, each one seeing the altercation through a different lens. What I loved most about this book is the central idea that no one story can capture what really happens. (★★★★)

​I have been meaning to read this book for years! Susanna Kaysen details her two year stay in a mental hospital among an assortment of fascinating characters. This book felt like a mix of One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest and The Bell Jar but even more compelling with the personal nature of it being a memoir. (★★★★)

​Caitlin struggles to heal after the suicide of her best friend, Ingrid. When she finds Ingrid's journal under her bed, she feels even more caught in the past, trying to understand what her friend was going through that she couldn't share. It may not be fair to say this book felt like a lot of other books with similar themes, but it was still very good. (★★★)

​When Sebastian Kydd moves to town, Carrie thinks she, of all the girls at her school, will never have a chance with him. However, she begins a romance with him that soon becomes complicated, much like the lives of all of her friends. This was a fun read for fans of Sex and the City with an awesome final line that clearly leads to an equally fun sequel! (★★★)

​It's been ten years since Leonora left her friends and family behind after a tragedy caused her to self-isolate, spending most of her time locked up in her apartment. When she is invited to her childhood best friend's bachelorette party, she sees this as a way to clear the air. However, a glass house in the middle of a dark forest proves to be as foreboding as it seems when things turn violent. I really enjoyed the twists in this thriller, and it was an interesting change of pace to read all of the British slang! (★★★★)

Molly has had many crushes, but she's never put herself out there for fear of rejection. When her twin sister gets a serious girlfriend, Molly realizes she may need to be brave to find love, whether it be with the cute hipster she just met or the nerdy boy at work. While this story had many cute, quirky elements, it felt like it just stumbled along rather than following a compelling plot. (★★★)

​Louna works for her mom's wedding planning business where she is able to see relationships succeed where hers tragically did not. She does not expect her summer to include any romance until her mom hires serial dater Ambrose who bets Louna she can't put herself out there like he does. Can Louna learn to let her guard down? This book followed the Sarah Dessen formula, which is reliably predictable, fluffy, and satisfying. (★★★)

​I finally found the last book in this series so I could know how it all ended! Nikki now has two mysteries to solve, one of which has left her with less of a partner than she had before. She has no idea who to trust; even her own father seems to be wrapped up in the murders that have plagued her past. Can she overcome all of the secrets to unravel the whole thing once and for all? While this book paled in comparison to the other two, it had a satisfying ending and I really enjoyed the whole set! (★★★)

​I did not expect this book to be so emotional! Naila's parents only have one rule: they will choose her husband, so she is not allowed to date. When they find out about her secret boyfriend, Saif, her whole family flies to Pakistan where she is horrified to discover they are planning to marry her off then and there. I don't want to give away any more, but this book takes some truly tragic turns. I still really enjoyed it and highly recommend it! (★★★★)

​Lee and five other students are the surviving witnesses of a school shooter that killed Lee's best friend and made her a religious martyr for defending her faith until the end. But... that's not what happened. Though it may be "too little, too late," Lee is determined to set the story straight, even if it means facing the anger of people who want to believe the lie. This book highlighted the importance of not relying on a single perspective to understand anything, especially something so big and tragic. (★★★)

​Rose has lived in the background since her brother died four years ago, partially because his ghost still hangs out with her every day after school. However, when her old friend (and crush) Jamie moves back and expects Rose to have the same friends and hobbies she used to, Rose has a second chance to reclaim her old life, though it would mean choosing between Logan and Jamie. I loved this author's other books, and this one was fine but not the same. (★★★)

As a huge Nora Ephron fan, I was hoping this would be as funny as her movies... and it was! She shared very personal details about her life, and she made ordinary things remarkably funny. (★★★)

​What a fun sequel! A Simon copycat starts a vicious game of Truth or Dare, which exposes the dark secrets of Maeve, Knox, and Phoebe. As the game turns deadly, they desperately try to figure out who is behind it before anyone else gets hurt. I liked the story, but I really enjoyed finding out what happened after the last book. (★★★★)

As independent Nadia and gentle Saeed's romance blossoms, they are forced to flee their unnamed country. They learn the difficulties of leaving your home and finding a new place and community to belong. This book's beautiful writing style did drag at times, but the magical realism element kept the story fresh. (★★★)

​Bri knows she could really make it with her rap skills and help save her family from poverty. But when she channels her frustration into her lyrics, she starts to become defined by a persona that is not truly her. This is only encouraged by her deceased father's former manager, who forces her to choose between saving her family and her integrity as a rapper. I loved how this book was set in the same neighborhood as The Hate U Give, and I enjoyed the little twists that led to a solid ending. (★★★★)

​Jack Masselin has propagnosia, the inability to recognize faces. Libby Strout was formerly known as the fattest teen in America when she had to be cut out of her house at 13 years old. As both face their personal tragedies, they find solace in each other as they try to find a way to be accepted for who they are. (★★★)

​Elio's family takes a resident into their Italian summer home each year. When Elio meets this year's resident, Oliver, he is immediately attracted to him and learns a great deal about growing up and intimacy. While I liked the story itself, Aciman's writing style was beautiful and enjoyable to read. (★★★★)

​After solving the mystery of Peyton Hollis's attack, Nikki Kill must unravel further complications that start to involve her family. As she digs deeper, she is conflicted with who to trust and who to question. While the first book was slightly predictable, this one had some twists I didn't expect! I am DYING to get ahold of the third book so I can see how this all ends! (★★★★)

​Emoni has always been a gifted cook. In her senior year, she struggles to balance her schoolwork, her part-time job, figuring out what to do after high school, and taking care of her 2 year old daughter. When the opportunity arises to take a culinary arts class as an elective, she doesn't expect the challenges and gifts it will bring, including her new classmate Malachi. I LOVED this book! It was a beautiful story and really enjoyable to read. (★★★★★)

​Nikki Kill has struggled her whole life with synesthesia, an ability to see emotions as colors. However, when Peyton Hollis, a popular girl from school, is attacked and Nikki is the only contact in her phone, she learns to use her synesthesia to help her solve the mystery of who attacked Peyton. I liked this book so much, I immediately went out and bought the sequel! (★★★★)

​Sophie and her brother travel to Paris to spend the summer with the father, his new wife, and their new evil stepsister. Since he left, Sophie has poured her pain into her music; however, when she realizes her father has no piano for her to practice on, she must depend on Mathieu, a French boy with an extremely nice piano who grows closer to Sophie as she uses her time in Paris to grow up and find herself. SUPER fluffy little romance, but very enjoyable! (★★★)

​Lucy and Gabe meet in New York on 9/11, and the tragedy creates a strong bond between them that brings them back together after several years. However, their romance is cut short when Gabe takes a job as a photojournalist in the Middle East. They both find that moving on isn't as easy as it seems. I LOVED this book for exploring the idea of "the road not taken" but also for the tragic love story and the beautiful writing. (★★★★★)

​In this sequel to Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, we get Leah's perspective throughout her senior year as she makes decisions about her future and tries to ignore her big crush on a friend who is already taken. It was fun to revisit these characters and find out what happened to them since the last book ended! (★★★★★)

What are the best ways to deal with change? This tiny book gives an analogy about mice and cheese that helps explain all the different roles and mindsets people take when change is imminent. For a 45-minute read, it was a good book with important lessons. (★★)

When Llewellyn Moss finds a bag with two million dollars, he takes off across Texas, unaware of the dangerous villain who is determined to find him and everyone he loves. I'd seen the movie, and while some parts of the book dragged, I enjoyed McCarthy's unique writing style. (★★★)

​When new cheer coach Colette French arrives and implements new standards, including dethroning Beth as captain, Addy can't help but notice the cheer team improving. But as Beth seeks her revenge, Addy gets closer to Coach until one tragic night when she wonders if she's gotten too close. This book explores the complex dynamics of cheer, friendship, and the difficulties of being a teenage girl. (★★)

When her mom goes to rehab, Ellery and her brother must move to Echo Ridge, a place with a tragic and violent history. Immediately upon arrival, they encounter a hit and run murder, threatening messages, and a homecoming seemingly doomed to end in a murder. I really enjoyed this story, especially the ending! (★★★★)

Kyle Paxson texted five girls to hang out. Only one responded... and she was brutally beaten and murdered. Now, one of the other four girls tries to heal from the tragedy, and, in the process, is drawn to the victim's boyfriend. I felt like this book was advertised more as a thriller than the story of healing it really was. After the first few pages, it felt like a downhill ride where I kept waiting for a plot point that never came. (★★★)

TBD

​Distinctly different from her other books, this story is more of an ode to 90s rap and hip-hop while unraveling the mystery behind 16-year-old Steph's shooting. His two best friends and his little sister find boxes full of his music after his death and decide to release it under the pseudonym "Architect." When his songs go viral around New York and record labels express interest, their plan to honor Steph's legacy becomes complicated and even dangerous. While I definitely prefer her other books, I enjoyed this book for different reasons. (★★★)

This twisty little story revolves around the two women in Richard Thompson's life: the young fiancee and the older ex-wife. Told in alternating perspectives, this book will keep you guessing about what to believe all the way to the epilogue, which was the biggest surprise to me! I love a good thriller! (★★★★)

​Rico Danger works at a convenience store to help support her single mother and brother. When she sells a winning lottery ticket that is never cashed in, she embarks on a mission to hunt it down in hopes that she might benefit. What she doesn't expect is that her partner on the mission, rich kid Zan Macklin, might change her life more than the ticket ever could. I liked this cute little story with an awesome ending! (★★★★)

​It was totally worth it to hunt down this book! Things have gotten even more complicated for DGM with one of them in a coma, one of them on house arrest and a third murder putting them back in the spotlight. Suspecting a copycat group, the original members must ask outsiders for help to stop the killer and clear their names. The book had me guessing up until the end, which was an incredibly satisfying conclusion! (★★★★)

Michelle Kuo decides to teach in rural Arkansas and feels like she's making a difference with challenging students until her parents pressure her to leave for a more lucrative job in California. However, when Patrick, one of her favorite students, is convicted of murder, she returns to see his case through, visiting him in jail for reading lessons along the way. While this book had moments of "Freedom Writers" savior complex, Kuo's self-awareness and focus on Patrick's impact on her made this book more meaningful to me as a teacher. (★★★)

​Lara Jean has always held back from confessing her love to boys, which includes her sister's boyfriend, Josh. She writes letters instead, keeping them locked in her closet... until one day when they are mailed out. What will happen now that all of her secrets are out in the open? I liked reading more about how Lara Jean had to step out of her comfort zone, but this is a rare instance where I preferred the Netflix movie to the book and its weird amount of details on every meal Lara Jean ate. (★★★)

​Anna Kendrick is so funny; I could read her writing all day! Her memoir doesn't hold back. I loved learning about her life before and after her celebrity status! (★★★★★)

​Bree, Olivia, Kitty, and Margot formed DGM (Don't Get Mad) as a way to exact justice on the bullies at their school. Coming from different social groups and never publicly associating helped keep DGM completely secret... until their latest target is found dead. With everyone pointing fingers at DGM, the girls have to solve the murder to escape the risk of being blamed. I had no clue who the killer was... and still don't, because there's a sequel! I need to get my hands on the companion to this cheesy teen mystery because I am dying to know how it ends! (★★★)

​Vee constantly feels belittled by her family and friends, especially since they tend to see her in behind-the-scenes roles like costume design and makeup for her theater class. But when she finally decides she's had enough and joins the online dare game, NERVE, she quickly realizes she may be in way over her head, even with her dare partner, Ian, by her side. I had seen the movie and loved the concept, yet the book differed enough where I felt like this was a different experience. (★★★)

I enjoyed this cute twist on Pride and Prejudice! Zuri Benitez loves nothing more than her parents, her four sisters, and her neighborhood of Bushwick. So when rich developers move across the street, she has already formed a prejudice against them... including their cute teenage son, Darius Darcy. Will she be able to overcome her pride to get to know him better? The injection of Haitian, Dominican, and New York culture into this classic made it refreshingly interesting; unfortunately, Zuri wasn't very likeable. (★★)

​Natasha has one day to save her family from being deported to Jamaica. Daniel has to nail this Yale interview to live up to his parents' expectations. When the two literally collide, their stories become one as they each have to figure out what's really important in life. There were interesting side chapters about minor characters that broke up this cute love story and made it even better. (★★★)

​After Julia's older sister, Olga, dies in an accident, she must deal with her own grief as well as her parents' high expectations. However, as she tries to move on from the tragedy, Julia begins to realize that her perfect older sister may not have been as perfect as everyone thought. I LOVED the style and narration and would recommend this book to anyone who has a hard time engaging with books. Amazing! (★★★★)

​I think I may have a new favorite YA author! Mary B. Addison just moved from jail to a halfway home after being released from a six-year sentence for murdering a baby. Allegedly. As she adjusts to new freedoms and discovers she is pregnant, she becomes determined to clear her name in order to keep her baby. While I'm still not sure how I feel about the ending, the details of this book are still on my mind. (★★★★★)

Whoa. It took almost a year for me to read this memoir of a child soldier in Sierra Leone because his story is so heavy and tragic. While not a very long book, Beah provides graphic detail of his violent childhood and how he escaped. (★★★★)

​What a weird, surreal story! Alice has always been visited by Max in her dreams, but when she moves to Boston, she doesn't expect for him to walk into her class in real life! She discovers that she needs to reconcile the differences between her dreams and her reality. If you want a quirky, light-hearted book, this one is for you! (★★★)

Autumn is accidentally locked in the library at the beginning of a holiday weekend, and she soon realizes the school "bad boy," Dax, is locked in with her. As the two try to pass the time, they become closer in spite of their different worlds. However, will their relationship change when they leave the library? This story was a cute little mix of romance, teen drama, and an insight into living with anxiety. (★★★)

​Five students go into detention, but only four leave alive. When the school's gossip blogger dies mysteriously in detention, the other students become immediate suspects. But as they work together to try and clear their names, secrets arise that suggest that one of them might be lying. This was such a page turner with some unexpected twists! (★★★★)

​Jojo, a thirteen year old boy, lives with his grandparents, his junkie mom, and his toddler sister while his father finishes a sentence in jail. Switching between the perspectives of Jojo, his mother, Leonie, and the ghost, Richie, we learn that the dead never really leave us, just like our personal tragedies. This book was beautiful and sad, but I had a hard time getting through it. (★★★)

​Nanette is a normal, high school athlete until her English teacher gives her a revolutionary book called The Bubblegum Reaper. Filled with self-empowerment, Nanette proceeds to establish her own identity by quitting the soccer team, estranging herself from her friends, and even referring to herself only in third-person. Along the way, through a series of wild events, she meets the author of the book, a teenage boy named Alex, a young boy named Oliver, and more. This book jumps around wildly and unpredictably just like Nanette's teenage existential crisis. The title comes from the Oscar Wilde quote: “Behind every exquisite thing that existed, there was something tragic,” which more or less sums up Nanette's experiences. (★★★)

​When Pat is released from the mental institution, he just wants to prove to his estranged wife, Nikki, that he has bettered himself to become the perfect husband. Despite his newfound fitness, the books he's read, and his improved outlook on life, Nikki refuses to see him and end "apart time." Pat must find himself and establish a new life full of silver linings, Eagles games, and dance lessons with his new, equally unstable friend, Tiffany. I'd seen the movie first, but I definitely felt more of Pat's perspective in this book. Worth a read! (★★★★)

​Alternating timelines between the past when Quinn and Graham first meet and the present when they are struggling through their failing marriage, this book explores how life can derail even the greatest of love stories. Heartbreaking at times, the couple struggles to overcome infertility and the emotional impact it takes on their relationship. This book seemed fairly realistic, though the ending wrapped up a little too neatly. (★★★)

​The night that Sasha decides to tell her best friend, Xavier, that she loves him, he ends up getting back with his cheating ex, Ivy. Tired of seeing Xavier's heart broken, Sasha creates a fake online profile to prove that Ivy is still a cheater. What Sasha didn't bargain for was the danger such lies can create, and how far one seemingly harmless act can go. I loved Weingarten's other book, but this one was less intriguing and more predictable. (★★)

​When Mia's father passes away, she moves to New York to run his coffee shop and figure out her next steps. She has always been torn between her business degree and her passion for music, and her new friend and roommate, musician Will, is only complicating her feelings. Mia struggles to deal with her grief, confusion, and growing affection for Will, who she is determined to keep as only a friend. While I really hated Mia and the way she treated the other characters, I loved the story and how many of the conflicts were resolved. (★★★)

​THIS BOOK!!! I haven't read a story this compelling in FOREVER! When Claudia comes home after a summer at her grandma's, her best friend, Monday, is nowhere to be found. Her parents, teachers, and even Monday's family, can't tell her where she went. As Claudia's fear and suspicions grow, more clues hint that what happened to Monday is even more ominous than Claudia first realized. If you read one book this year, it should be this one! (★★★★★)

​Rashad, an upstanding ROTC student who happens to be African American, is just buying chips at the convenience store when he is wrongly accused of theft and then beaten by the arresting officer. Quinn, a family friend of the officer, witnessed the whole horrible thing. Both boys struggle with what happened in different ways, and they end up coming together in a manner they never expected. Reynolds deals with such an urgent topic in a very entertaining, accessible way. (★★★)

South African comedian, Trevor Noah, tells stories from his childhood growing up in a time when apartheid made his very existence forbidden. He conveys the atrocities he faced with humor mixed with entertaining anecdotes (the dancer named Hitler is my favorite!), and I was sad to finish the book. One of my favorite memoirs, ever! (★★★★★)

Elena Richardson lives the perfect life with her perfect family in the perfect town. But when artist Mia Warren and her daughter, Pearl, come to town, they upturn everything, exposing the flaws of Shaker Heights and forcing its residents to choose sides. This story kept me hooked until the end! (★★★★)

Cecilia Fitzpatrick finds a letter from her husband addressed to her in the event of his death, but she debates whether she should open it considering he is still very much alive. She soon realizes the damage one secret can have on everyone involved. The stories of Cecilia, Rachel, and Tess intertwine to form a compelling tragedy about forgiveness, fate, and retribution. (★★★)

Tara Westover was lucky to be accepted to BYU at 17; however, she had never had a formal education beforehand. Raised to sort through junk heaps and to build roofs, Tara's strict Mormon upbringing shielded her from much of the world around her. She suffered emotional, verbal, and physical abuse from her unstable father and her violent brother. Her struggle to rise above her rearing and become educated is unique and horrifying at times due to her family's reaction to her triumphs as betrayal. This was an incredible memoir that reminded me of The Glass Castle at times. I highly recommend it! (★★★★★)

I held off on reading this final book in the trilogy because I didn't want the story to end! Nick and Astrid's grandma, Ah Ma, is dying, and their whole family is in discord over who will inherit the family estate. Some family members will stop at nothing to increase their chances at the inheritance, and, in the chaos, long-buried family secrets are revealed. The ending was perfect, though I am sad there are no more books to read. (★★★★)

​After reading Nijkamp's other book, This Is Where It Ends, I had high expectations for this book. Corey's best friend Kyra mysteriously dies just days before Corey is set to come visit her old hometown of Lost she had left months earlier. The town is personified as a dangerous, unforgiving place, and even though Corey grew up there, she has now become an unwelcome outsider. The suspenseful description sounded thrilling, but there was very little payoff. (★★)

Since Crazy Rich Asians was such a good book, my expectations were high; however, this book did not disappoint! The story picks up as Rachel and Nick are preparing for their wedding. Rachel discovers her father is still alive and pursues a relationship with him that leads to complicated and even dangerous reactions from the people around them. Additionally, Astrid Leong's relationships get more complicated, and Kitty Pong Tai tries desperately to fit in with Asia's rich elite. I could get lost in these stories forever. (★★★★)

I am not exaggerating when I say I didn't put this book down from the time I started to the time I finished it! This story of a school shooting is told through four perspectives: the shooter's sister, the shooter's sister's best friend, the shooter's ex-girlfriend, and the shooter's enemy. Warning: don't get too attached to any of the characters because many more than you expect will be killed. (★★★★★)

Offred lives in a society where fertile women are turned into handmaids: indentured servants forced to bear children for their commanders. However, she longs to escape and reunite with her husband and daughter. I am fascinated by Margaret Atwood's commitment to only write about things that have truly happened in the world; it gave me a humbled perspective of other times and cultures through the lens of an engaging dystopian story. (★★★★)

When Arthur and Ben run into each other at the post office, they hit it off immediately. But when Ben disappears, they wonder if they'll ever find each other again... and if they do, can they turn their spark of chemistry into a relationship? I loved this book, especially the satisfying, refreshing ending! (★★★★)

Sierra's family moves from Oregon to their Christmas tree farm in California for a month each year, meaning she has to balance both parts of her life. This year, however, when Sierra meets Caleb, she has to figure out how to maintain that balance while helping Caleb overcome the ghosts from his past. This was a cute, quick holiday romance! (★★★)

I saw the movie months ago, but I'm so glad I finally read the book! Wade, aka Parzival, searches the Oasis, a virtual world, for an Easter egg hidden by its creator, James Halliday. He joins forces with other "gunters" (egg hunters) to find clues and to battle the head of a company who would ruin the Oasis if he found the egg first. While I loved the movie, the book was SO much better! (★★★★)

Sam's goals for the summer include working her two jobs, training for the swim team, and avoiding her mother's new, younger boyfriend. But when she gets to know Jase, the boy next door, and his large family, she realizes some plans were meant to be broken and some people aren't what they seem. Despite the cheesy plot twist, this book was sweet and full of complex characters. (★★★)

Rachel Chu is dating the man of her dreams, Nick Young. When he invites her back home to Singapore for his friend's wedding, she has no idea what she is in for. Nick's incredibly wealthy family considers Rachel beneath them, and they plan to make it clear to her that she isn't good enough for Nick. I saw the movie first, and I liked both about equally! I can't wait to read and see the sequels! (★★★★)

Simon has a big secret: he's gay. His family and friends don't know, but he has told his online friend, Blue. As Simon's relationship with Blue evolves and his secret is leaked to the class clown, everything becomes more complicated. Simon has to decide who he wants to be and on what terms. While I actually liked the movie more than the book, I liked that the book's timeline went a little further! (★★★)

I'm so glad I finally read this masterpiece! Starr Carter lives between two worlds: her fancy all-white prep school and her neighborhood run by the King Lords gang. When she witnesses police pull over and shoot her oldest friend Khalil, her worlds collide as she has to figure out the importance of raising her voice to injustices, big and small. I loved every bit of this book, especially Starr's relationship with her family. (★★★★★)

This memoir was very different from the Netflix show but in a good way! While I recognized many of the characters, Kerman illustrated many of the issues in the prison system and gave life and personality to a group of people society often writes off. (★★★)

Mae is hesitant to accept the job her friend Annie has offered her at social media company, The Circle, but finds it intensely compelling once she is employed. The pull of multi-tasking, promotions, and "optional" socializing keep her busy; however, the more involved she becomes, the more she starts to catch glimpses of the dark side of the company. This scarily realistic thriller kept me wanting to read all the way to the end! (★★★★)

Beautifully written like poetry in short chapters, this book explores teenage Sal's changing idea of family, identity, and life in general. I'll read anything by this author! (★★★)

At the beginning of high school, best friends Dave and Julia make a list of "Nevers" - cliches they refused to fall victim to. However, in their senior year, they decide to do them all, realizing maybe they missed out on some important experiences. This book was cute and unpredictable! (★★★)

Zoe and Hannah are best friends who yearn to escape their hometown. One day, Zoe suggests they go on a cross-country trip to find all the intangible things their town can't offer. Along the way, Hannah discovers many intangible things and learns about the limits and bounds of friendship. I'm a sucker for road trip books, and this one was certainly offbeat! (★★★★)

Jonah and Vivi have each known tragedy, so when Vivi moves to Jonah's town for the summer, they come together and help each other heal... or so they think. A unique perspective on grief, mental illness, and the complex nature of all kinds of relationships. (★★★★)

Sam's secret OCD has driven a wedge between her and her friends, all but isolating her completely. When a new friend, Caroline, introduces her to Poet's Corner, she finds a way to use her voice to begin new friendships and heal the broken relationships in her life. Despite a weird plot twist, this book serves as an important voice for those struggling with mental illness. (★★★★)

A man returns to his childhood home and reminisces on the strange events that occurred at the house down the lane. Magical realism isn't a genre I tend to gravitate towards, but this book really made me think... especially at the end. (★★★)

Told backwards, this is the story of two friends, Imogen and Jule, whose identities conflict and collide resulting in secrets, crime, and possibly even murder. While confusing at times, this book made me want to keep reading the entire time! (★★★)

Justyce is a star student at his private school and has just been accepted to Yale. As one of two black students at his school, he faces challenges daily ranging from careless comments from his friends to his crush on a white classmate. However, when Justyce and his friend go for a drive while blasting loud music, the consequences are beyond what anyone expected. This book is so important right now, and it covers many facets of the issues currently faced by people of color. (★★★★)

Frank Abagnale Jr.'s memoir details how he passed as a pilot, lawyer, and doctor while cashing over $2.5 million in forged checks - all before he turned 21. I loved the movie, but the book is even more outrageous! (★★★)

Aza lives in constant turmoil as her anxiety causes her thoughts to spiral all day. Then her best friend, Daisy, suggests they reconnect with Aza's old friend, Davis, to try and find clues to collect the reward money for finding his billionaire father, who has recently gone missing. Aza must learn to navigate new relationships in spite of her spiraling thoughts. While I think Aza was an important character to show the truth behind mental illness, the story was a far cry from John Green's other stories. (★★★)

​Marin has just finished her first semester of college, and is staying alone in the dorms for the holidays. She hasn't been home since the end of summer when her life fell apart. Now, her best friend, Mabel, is coming to visit, leaving Marin fearful of facing all that she purposefully left behind. This book was about figuring out how well you really know the ones you love, and how you can heal from that knowledge. (★★★)

In Mindy Kaling's hilarious memoir, she explores her childhood, her friendships, her career, and other seemingly ordinary parts of life. Short and fun read! (★★★★)

Nicolette has avoided her hometown since her best friend went missing a decade ago. But when she returns to take care of her ailing father's affairs, another girl goes missing. Told backwards from the end of the story to the day the girl goes missing, this story kept me guessing all the way through. (★★★)

When Griffin's ex, Theo, dies in a drowning accident, he is devastated and thinks no one can understand what he is feeling. But Jackson, Theo's new boyfriend, might be the key to Griffin's healing, if he can overcome his resentment. This is one of the best books I've read in a long time, if not for the story then for the way Silvera writes. (★★★★★)

When both Mateo and Rufus get a call from DeathCast alerting them that they will die in the next 24 hours, they both take drastic steps to make their final hours count, including finding a Last Friend in each other. This was a sort of surreal story in a world where knowing your future can turn it into a self-fulfilling prophecy. (★★★)

When Cheryl loses her mother and her marriage in a short amount of time, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and reflection through the Pacific Crest Trail. Told in a mix of moments from her journey and her past, this book has a lot to offer on the idea of simply carrying on when things get tough. I can't wait to watch the movie! (★★★★)

What happens when a zombie outbreak becomes a global crisis? How do different countries react and, consequently, interact with each other? While I loved the first third of this book, it became tedious to read. (★★★)

Less than a year after her father's murder, Bridget discovers her ability to hear demons and banish them. Trained by her Catholic school's priest, Bridget is soon able to exorcise people and buildings. But when the demons start making her question her father's death and one of her closest friends is murdered in exactly the same way, Bridget begins a dangerous quest to figure out what really happened and who she can truly trust. This was little predictable but a good horror novel! (★★★)

When Cody's best friend Meg drinks industrial strength cleaner in a motel room, Cody is left with a brief emailed suicide note and unanswered questions. With the help of Meg's friends from college, Cody digs deeper to find out what could have driven Meg to do this. An important story about the survivors of suicide, this book explores how suicide, and the time leading up to it, can surprise even the people closest to the victim. (★★★)

Fresh out of rehab for pill addiction, Casey wants to spend her first night out with her friends, including her best friend Shana and her ex-boyfriend Sam. When they decide to find a secret underground party called Survive The Night, Casey doesn't expect it to become literal. Now, she and her friends must find a way to escape the underground tunnels of New York before they become the next victims. I love a good thriller plot, but this was a little too cheesy for me. (★★)

Camille, a journalist, has been assigned a piece on the murders of young girls occurring in the hometown she has avoided for almost a decade. Upon her return, she has to face several skeletons in her closet, including her estranged mother, the teenage half-sister she barely knows, and the memory of her sister who died when they were children. Will she be able to solve the murders before another girl turns up dead? Like with all of her books, Flynn creates a dark backstory and a plot that keeps the reader guessing until the literal last page. (★★★★)

Despite never speaking at school before, Mark and Kate cross paths one night out in San Francisco and become fast friends. Mark is trying to overcome his longtime crush on his best friend, Ryan, while Kate has just run away from a chance to meet up with a girl she has been crushing on from afar. Together they realize that it sometimes takes a stranger to help you know yourself. While it felt a little short and sometimes cliche, this book gives several different important perspectives on the LGBTQ community. (★★★)

Andie, a senator's daughter, has arranged to spend her summer in a prestigious pre-med program. When her father's political career hits a rough patch and her acceptance is rescinded, she winds up working for a dog-walking company and hanging out with her friends and a cute writer. Surprisingly, she learns that some unexpected plans turn out for the best. This was a fun summer read but nothing too special. (★★★)

When Taylor's dad receives a diagnosis revealing this summer will be his last, he requests the whole family spend the summer at the lake house they haven't gone to since Taylor was twelve. Now, instead of running from her problems, Taylor will have to face her first love and her childhood best friend who she hasn't seen since she messed things up with both of them five summers before. This was a cute book about friends, family, first love, and facing problems head-on. (★★★)

I guess I needed a little holiday spirit in June because I read this book of twelve holiday stories in a day! Written by some of my favorite YA authors, these stories are the perfect amount of warm and fuzzy! (★★★)

Recent high school grad Emi couldn't think of anything better than her position as an intern set designer in Los Angeles. However, when she and her friend Charlotte stumble across a mysterious letter from a deceased Hollywood legend, they not only discover his long-lost granddaughter, but Emi realizes how appreciating the little details in life can lead to something great. (★★★)

Madeline has had to spend her whole life indoors due to a weak immune system. Her only companions are her mother and her nurse until Olly moves next door and tries to break down the walls built to protect her. Maddy will have to decide what definition of "living" she wants for herself. I really enjoyed the indoors world Maddy created, and I'm excited to see this as a movie! (★★★)

When her mother passes away, Lina is suddenly transported to Italy to spend the summer with the father she just discovered she had. While Howard is welcoming and gracious, Lina is determined to learn more about her mother through the journal she left behind. With the help of her new friend, Ren, Lina explores Italy, her mother's past, and, inadvertently, her own background. Reading this before my own trip to Italy got me excited for all the magic found in the landmarks (and food!) of Italy! (★★★★)

After swearing she would never subject herself to an abusive marriage like her parents', Lily has found a seemingly perfect relationship with Ryle, the handsome doctor. But when Atlas, her first love, reappears in her life, Lily is faced with a series of conflicts that makes some of life's most important decisions incredibly difficult. This book was surprisingly different than anything I'd read in a while, and I really enjoyed the ending. (★★★★)

Paloma High School is shaken by the rumor of a teacher-student affair, and seven students are wrapped up in the fallout. Through the incident, each person exhibits one of the seven deadly sins as they reveal secrets, destroy friendships, and explore long-buried family trauma. This was a fun, quick read! (★★★)

When June finds out her former best friend Delia has killed herself, she wonders if she could have saved her had they remained friends. As June collects information about Delia's life before she died, she realizes there may be more to the story than anyone knows. This book has an insanely compelling plot with several twists. (★★★★)

Lane is only concerned with passing his AP tests and maintaining his status as class salutatorian. However, when Lane catches the new strain of TB that has no cure, his parents ship him off to Latham House, a sanatorium for sick teenagers. At a loss for what to do, Lane begins to depend on a new group of friends, especially Sadie, who teaches him to adjust his views on life. (★★★)

Best friends Emily and Sloane are inseparable... until the day Emily finds that Sloane and her family have suddenly left town. Emily is at a loss for what to do until she receives a list from Sloane with thirteen things to do, each one more daring than the last. Hoping the list will help her find Sloane, Emily bravely works her way through the list with the help of some new friends. This was a fun read that is perfect for summer! (★★★)

This book had a lot to live up to after I read The Kite Runner, but it sure delivered! Mariam and Laila, sister wives born a generation apart, suffer greatly during the violence of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. In spite of their tragic pasts, they learn to depend on each other to form their own kind of family. Love, loss, healing, and sacrifice shape an amazing plot spanning decades of history. (★★★★★)

​It's 1996 and Emma has discovered that her AOL CD-ROM contains a link to the future through a website called "Facebook" that shows what life is like in 15 years. When she confides in her neighbor, Josh, who had been her best friend until he realized he wanted more than friendship, they realize that the smallest actions can change their entire futures. Aside from the unique plot, I loved the nostalgic references to 90s pop culture! (★★★★)

Devon has not had much happen in her life aside from a longtime crush on her best friend, Cas. This year is different; her 14-year-old cousin, Foster, has come to stay with her parents, and Ezra, the school's star football player, has taken a sudden interest in her. Devon must determine the role she will allow each boy to take in her life. (★★★)

When Violet and Finch both find themselves on the roof of their school's bell tower one day, their paths become entwined as Finch battles his mental illness and Violet struggles to move path her sister's death. (★★★★)

​Set at the same time and place as The Giver, this story follows Claire, a birthmother who was reassigned after her first and only birth went awry. Compelled to stay close to her son, she breaks rules to see him until a boy named Jonas escapes the community with him. In an effort to follow, Claire is swept out to sea and, over the years, faces many obstacles and evils in her journey to reunite with her son. This was a pretty satisfying ending to a quartet that tied everything together. (★★★)

A companion to The Giver, this story explains how the village Jonas escaped to and now leads has become corrupt. It is up to Matty, a messenger boy with a gift, to bring his friend Kira through the dangerous forest and save the village from destroying itself. (★★)

Narrated mostly in dialect, Janie recalls her three marriages to her friend, Pheoby. Considering this was written in the 1930s and that the protagonist is an African American woman breaking social norms, this book demonstrates the power of any minority willing to subvert expectations to achieve happiness. (★★★)

Lola's life is pretty great; she has two loving dads, a cool older boyfriend, and a loyal best friend... but when an old crush moves back into the house next door, Lola has to reevaluate what she wants and who she wants to be. I really didn't like the characters in this book as much as in the author's other books, so I wasn't as much of a fan of this book. (★★)

​In a twisted, futuristic retelling of Cinderella, Cinder, a cyborg mechanic with no recollection of her past, lives with her stepmother and stepsisters. As a plague takes over her city of New Beijing and the Lunar Queen threatens both Cinder and the city's prince, she must use her skills and her limited knowledge of her past to save not just herself but everyone on Earth. As far as twisted fairy tales go, this one was pretty unique, though a cliffhanger ending was clearly a gimmick to get readers to buy the next book. (★★★)

​After the death of their mother, Addie, the Bundren family travels to bury her in her hometown. Along the way, rotating narrators share their perspectives on their mother, each other, and the deepest secrets of their family. Although I have taken time to appreciate the complex layers of this book, it was hard to follow the storyline at times. (★★)

​Why are there not more books like this?! Twenty-five years after Libby survived the now-famous massacring of her family by her brother, she decides to investigate the murders. As she learns more, she realizes that her brother may not be as guilty as she thought. Alternating between Libby's present day perspective and her mother and brother's perspectives from the day of the murders, I wasn't able to figure out the answers until close to the end of the book! (★★★★)

Greg and his foul-mouthed friend Earl make terrible movies that they never show anyone. When Greg's mom guilts him into visiting his childhood friend Rachel who has leukemia, he and Earl discover a new audience and muse for their filmmaking. I liked that this book had no cheesy lesson to learn, and it was uniquely written. (★★★)

Charlie enters a study designed to make him more intelligent and raise his low IQ. He documents his change through his diaries as he charts a path only traveled before by a lab mouse, Algernon. This story is amazing and heartbreaking, and I'm glad I reread it after so many years. (★★★★)

Isla finally begins a relationship with longtime crush, Josh, but she quickly finds that good things don't last long, especially with parents in politics, meddling sisters, and jealous friends. (★★★)

If you're looking for a unique read, this is it! Aaron Soto has been struggling to find happiness since his father killed himself four months ago. He has a supportive girlfriend, a close-knit group of friends, and a job to keep him going. It isn't until Aaron meets Thomas that he starts questioning what it means to be happy. I thought I liked this book until the plot twist... and then I loved it! (★★★★★)

Emiline has a decent life in California as a teaching assistant with a long-term boyfriend. But when her roommate insists Emiline read the new bestseller, All The Roads Between, she realizes that the story is about her long-buried childhood, and the author is her first love: Jase. Alternating between excerpts from the book and Emiline's present-time reactions to it, Carlino kept me wondering why Emiline wanted her childhood to be kept secret and what drove Emiline and Jase apart. This may be my new favorite YA author! (★★★★)

This screenplay companion to Will Grayson, Will Grayson spends the first half explaining (through song) Tiny Cooper's childhood, including coming out to his parents, friends, and teammates; the second half focuses on Tiny's successes and failures in his love life. I love the character of Tiny Cooper, but when he's the narrator, it's harder to appreciate him as much. (★★)

As an asteroid hurtles towards Earth with a 66% likelihood of destroying it, several teenagers in Seattle reevaluate their lives and make decisions about how to live what might be their final months. While many elements of this book were cliche, it was a good read that reminds readers to never take a moment for granted. (★★★)

This story details what could happen if people slowly became blind, and it explores each person's search for control and humanity in a world where there is little to be found. It took a while to adjust to the style (it was translated from Portuguese and has few periods and no quotation marks), but it was a good reminder of what can happen to a society when tragedy strikes. (★★★)

The day Luke buries his wife Natalie, who has died of cancer, he is only focused on taking care of his three kids and trying to take things day by day. But when a letter from Natalie arrives, Luke is torn between feeling hopeful for more letters and troubled by the secrets the letters slowly reveal. As if the letters from Natalie aren't enough, Luke begins to learn more about Annie, Natalie's best friend, and Jessie, the mysterious babysitter Natalie lined up before her death. This book was so well-written that I read halfway through without realizing it! (★★★★★)

First of all, I loved this book for two reasons: it gave me a better understanding of my students who are introverts, and it helped validate my own introverted nature. Cain explores the sources of introversion, the reason for introverted behavior in different roles and situations, and how to balance an introverted personality with jobs and relationships that oppose it. I think every teacher, if not everyone in general, should have to read this! (★★★★★)

When Anna's father sends her to a private school in Paris for her senior year, she doesn't realize how difficult it will be to balance her old life and her new friends. Her situation becomes even more complicated with her growing attraction to her new friend St. Clair, who already has a girlfriend. This book was an easy, enjoyable read! (★★★★)

​Andy is a normal teenage boy; he plays basketball, acts up in class, and has a girlfriend. When Andy and his friends get in a car accident that leaves his best friend dead, Andy can't deal with the guilt of being the one behind the wheel. Told in a unique collection of letters, poems, phone calls, and interviews, this book shows how one tragic event can affect a whole community. (★★★)

While on a tour of Europe with his friend, 17-year-old Jack discovers an abandoned city with a sleeping princess. After inexplicably kissing her and waking the whole city, Jack and Princess Talia run away back to Miami, where Jack is from. As Talia adjusts to 21st century life after being asleep for 300 years, she must make Jack fall in love with her to ensure her curse stays broken. I usually like these twisted fairy tales, and this one did not disappoint! (★★★)

​Thomas has always known it was his destiny to join the Army just like his father and brother. However, when his brother returns from Afghanistan completely changed, Thomas decides he will run away after graduation night rather than ship off the following morning. This book spans one night, but that night helps Thomas reflect on his past (especially with the return of his childhood friend, Mallory) in order for him to face his future. While the story had a lot of potential, there was ZERO character development, which made it hard to root for any of the characters. (★★)

​Regan is a pretty average teenage girl trying to navigate high school and crushes. Her main obstacle is her brother, Liam, otherwise known as Luna. Regan is the only keeper of Liam's big secret, and this proves to be a bigger burden than either of them realized. Although I felt sympathy for Luna, I felt it through Regan's inconveniences as they both tried to hide something that shouldn't be kept secret. (★★★)

This book was so good that I started it one night, read until I couldn't stay awake, and finished it the next morning! The story begins when Matt and Grace see each other on the subway for the first time in 15 years, since their college romance ended. The story shifts to the day they met, and from there we learn the whole story of their lost love. One of the best love stories I've ever read, this book delves into the little things that make people fall in love and the big things that can tear them apart. (★★★★★)

​This book is a compilation of commencement addresses from various colleges over the past few decades. The speeches are filled with wisdom and good reminders of how to live. I especially liked the speeches by Khaled Hosseini, Jonathan Safran Foer, and David Foster Wallace. (★★★)

​Ari and Dante could not be more different, but, after meeting at the swimming pool, they develop a strong friendship. When Ari saves Dante's life, things change, and the already difficult process of growing up becomes complex. I loved the themes of family, coming-of-age, and culture, and I cannot think of many books with such well-developed, lovable characters. (★★★★)

​This memoir details Walls's unconventional upbringing. Walls describes her struggle between resenting her childhood poverty and hardships and loving her family too much to hold it against them. Knowing her story was entirely true made it that much more incredible to read. (★★★)

​Cal is one of the few carriers of a parasite that turns people into mindless cannibals - essentially, vampires. As a carrier, he is tasked with hunting down and securing infected "peeps" to ensure the safety of the uninfected. Cal's job leads him to a mysterious building that holds deep secrets about the parasite and leads him to Lace, an uninfected who insists on helping Cal despite the danger. Thanks for the recommendation, Winter! (★★★)

After learning of her mother's illness, Mim has decided to run away from her new home with her dad and stepmom in "Mosquitoland" (aka Mississippi) to track down her mom in Ohio. Along the way, Mim reveals bits of her past, meets new people (good and bad), and begins to fully admit that she is not okay. The plot and characters are interesting enough, but it's the witty writing style that kept me interested until the end. (★★★)

After losing her job as a celebrity gossip blogger, Noelle Hancock is stuck in a rut until the day she sees a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt in a coffee shop: "Do one thing every day that scares you." Hancock begins a year of facing her fears, large and small, and begins to discover who she can be when nothing stands in her way. This book is full of great wisdom and inspiration, not just from Hancock but from Eleanor Roosevelt herself. (★★★★)

​A quick read, this book centers around Paul and his complex relationships with his best friend Joni, whose new boyfriend is less than ideal; Tony, who is struggling to come out to his parents; Darlene (formerly Daryl), who is both the quarterback and the homecoming queen; Kyle, Paul's ex who won't leave him alone; and Noah, the new boy at school who has caught Paul's eye. My favorite part of this book was the ideally tolerant school and town that serve as the setting, but the characters are pretty interesting, too! (★★★)

Dan could not have been more excited for his summer program; new friends, fun classes, and opportunities to prepare himself for college. However, the dorm, a former asylum, offers many mysteries and questions that Dan and his friends feel compelled to answer. When people start dying, Dan wonders if they've gone too far and how he can stop it before it's too late. I'll be honest... I was scared to read this book at night! (★★★)

Frank Rath has long since detached himself from the police force since his sister and her husband were brutally murdered, leaving him to raise their infant daughter. Now that Rachel is all grown up and away at college, Rath has been hired to investigate a series of missing girls and to determine if there is a common thread between them before it's too late. One of the best thrillers I've read, this book's ending was both unsettling and completely satisfying. (★★★★)

​This book is a collection of short stories and essays by Marina Keegan, who died in a car crash five days after her graduation from Yale. I don't know what impressed me more: Marina's writing abilities or her amazing accomplishments at such a young age. If you're looking for writing inspiration, read this book! (★★★★)

Nick and Amy have a seemingly normal marriage, but when Amy disappears on their fifth wedding anniversary, all signs point to Nick. This book alternates between Nick's point of view during the search and Amy's memories of their relationships as told by her diary. It may be unfair that this book was built up so much for me, but even though I LOVED the first half of the book, the "shocking" ending left me underwhelmed. (★★★)

Jack has never known anything outside of Room, the 10x10 space he shares with his Ma. Old Nick, their captor, gives them enough to get by, but when Ma decides that Room is not enough, Jack has to accept that his world is going to get bigger than he ever realized it could be. I loved this book, and now I can't wait to see the movie! (★★★★)

It's Leonard's 18th birthday, and, to celebrate, Leonard has decided to kill his former best friend, Asher Beal, and then himself. Before he does, Leonard has four gifts to deliver, and many lessons to learn along the way. This was a unique story, and it highlights the fact that everyone has painful secrets, regardless of how well they hide them. (★★★)

​Told through the eyes of Scout, a young girl growing up in Depression-era Alabama, this novel explores themes of racism, social class, and the loss of innocence that comes with growing up. Since I didn't read this in high school, Harper Lee's death felt like an appropriate occasion to finally read this classic. I do feel like I appreciated it more as an adult than I would have at 14. (★★★★)

Georgie has been putting her job writing for a sitcom ahead of her husband and two daughters... and when she bails on their trip to Omaha at Christmas, it's the final straw for her husband, Neal. When he and the girls fly to Omaha without her, Georgie reflects on her marriage, and, through a magical connection to the past, considers if Neal would have been better off without her. One of the saddest, most realistic books I have ever read, but I couldn't stop reading until I found out how it all ended! (★★★★)

​Chloe is on vacation in Greece when she is drugged, kidnapped, and held hostage in exchange for the release of a prisoner. During her captivity, Chloe forms a relationship with her captor and begins to wonder what life will be like when, or if, she is released. This was a fun, quick read that explores the line between Stockholm Syndrome and love. (★★★)

​Kristina is a "good girl" who visits her estranged dad and uses the opportunity to experiment with new things as her alter ego, Bree. Bree quickly falls into a world of drugs, boys, and lies, and she continues to fall deeper when she returns home. The story itself was intense, but I enjoyed the unique use of stream of consciousness poetry. (★★★)

While this book was hard to get into at first, once the full plot was revealed, it was hard to put down! Stephen, who has been invisible to everyone his whole life, is shocked to discover that his new neighbor, Elizabeth, can see him. This discovery opens up a whole world of curses, spells, and secrets. This wasn't my favorite David Levithan book, but I'm relieved the ending wasn't a cop-out. (★★)

While this novel is based around the mysterious death of 16-year-old Lydia, it reveals so much more about the other members of her family, especially her parents. I loved reading about the central issues of family, diversity, ambition, and identity. (★★★★)

​I don't know what I expected from this book, but I was very disappointed. Told like a fable, Coelho tells the story of Santiago the shepherd boy, who travels the world in search of an alchemist and finds out that everything he wanted was closer than he could have imagined. This story dragged and the ending was cliche. (★)

Alternating perspectives tell the story of Dash, who picks up a red Moleskine notebook left in a bookstore by Lily for anyone willing to play her game. The writing and the characters were witty and kept me wanting to know how things would turn out for them. (★★★)

Kendra, a witch, tells the story of a girl named Emma, who is essentially the not-so-evil stepsister in a subverted Cinderella story. Kendra interrupts the primary stories with other noteworthy memories, which are more of an annoying distraction from finding out what happens to Emma. (★★)

This is one of the best YA horror novels I've read in a while. Meg and her best friend Minnie are invited to a weekend party at an island house. As the weekend progresses and a storm takes out all contact from the outside world, guests start mysteriously dying in incredibly specific ways, leaving Meg to find the murderer before it's too late. (★★★★)

As Augusten's home life spirals out of control, he is taken in by his mother's psychologist and his eccentric family. Augusten's stories are both entertaining and tragic as he redefines his idea of family. (★★★★)

This book details Canada's personal experiences violence growing up in the Bronx and his later work with at-risk youth. Canada argues how stopping violence at its roots can prevent later tragedies, and his opinions are well supported by personal examples. (★★★★)

When college professor Randy Pausch discovers he has terminal cancer, he plans to give one last lecture about what he has learned about life. This book is filled with good life lessons told in the form of personal stories. (★★)

Edited by Stephen Chbosky (The Perks of Being a Wallflower), this is a collection of short stories by relatively unknown authors. The stories range from sentimental to unsettling, but they are all refreshingly unique. (★★★★)

​I've been wanting to read this memoir for years, and I'm glad I finally did! Tina Fey weaves together highlights from her life and career with her opinions on politics, gender equality, and the nature of television and comedy. My favorite part of reading this book was how her humor never faltered, no matter the topic. (★★★)

​Even at around 600 pages each, I read these so quickly that they blend together in my mind! This set of books continues Percy's story with the addition of Roman demigods and a whole new enemy to conquer. Almost as good as the original set, these books are great if you're looking for a light, action-packed read! (★★★)

Holden Caulfield, kicked out of yet another school, avoids telling his family by staying in a hotel and pretending to still be at school. His perspective on girls, his "friends", his family, and other people in general comes off as whiny, but reveals his deeper issues. I was a little underwhelmed, but I'm glad I finally read this book. (★★)

Recommended to me by a student, this story is about unknown horrors and how humans face their fears. Although the details of this story were consistently fascinating throughout this novel, the language and absurdity of the story lost me. Sorry, Thomas. (★)

​After the cliffhanger in Just One Day, I was anxious to read this book to find out what happens, and I was not disappointed! Willem's perspective is well-developed and equally rich in ideas about family, fate, and accepting the whole truth. As if this book wasn't enough, the box set included a tiny companion, Just One Night, that gave the books a 100% satisfying ending. If you're looking for a good romance, I can't recommend these books enough! (★★★★★)

This book takes a look into the different aspects of fast food and how the industry's growth has affected America, as a whole. It covers the growth of fast food restaurants as profitable businesses, the industrialization of agriculture to provide for fast food restaurants, and how all of these businesses have harmed Americans financially, physically, and emotionally. This was an incredibly dense read, but I valued every bit of information given. (★★★★)

In the last days of her pre-college tour of Europe, Allyson ditches her structured routine to explore Paris with Willem, a handsome stranger. She learns that throwing caution to the wind, even for only a day, can be life changing in the best of ways. I thought this book would just be a fun, fluff read, but it ended up touching on ideas about identity, love, and how to truly live life.  (★★★★★)

Finny and Gene, best friends who attend a boys school during World War II, each face internal struggles after an accident. Their feelings about their futures, their role in the accident, and the approaching enlisting age test the strength of their friendship. (★★★) 

​Wildly different from the movie, this book tells the story of Bianca, who needs an escape from troubles in her love life, in her home life, and with her self-esteem since being labeled the "DUFF" of her group of friends. Wesley, the school womanizer and Bianca's sworn enemy, provides her with a way to distract herself through an enemies-with-benefits relationship. I actually liked that the book was different from the movie and it was a entertaining read! (★★★)

​I read this compelling memoir in one afternoon! Michael loses his "perfect life" when he is fired from his corporate job, gets divorced, and is diagnosed with a brain tumor all in a matter of a few years. As he sits in a Starbucks one day, he is offered a job and takes it. Through his experience in customer service, he finds true happiness that he never thought possible. (★★★★)

A snapshot of the lives of members of the "Lost Generation," this book describes how Jake Barnes and his friends, including the love of his life, Lady Brett Ashley, wander Europe together. Through their conversations, Hemingway gradually reveals the toll World War I took on each character. Anyone looking for another great book set in the 1920s after reading The Great Gatsby should look no further, but don't expect a fairy-tale ending. (★★★)

I've wanted to read this modern Beauty and the Beast for years, but forgot about it until recently. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good fairy tale! (★★★)

​I have never read a book that was so closely aligned to its movie, but it was interesting reading this version.  Just like the movie, 9-year-old Bruno's naivete about the concentration camps and his friend Shmuel paints a different version of the Holocaust stories I've read before. (★★★)

​This book is a great summer read, especially if you love a good road trip! As they drive from California to Connecticut, family friends Amy and Roger realize they each carry too much baggage to take the direct route; instead, they take a series of detours that both hope will help them begin to heal. Unique story, but nothing too special. (★★★)

​Noah and Jude are twins who, despite their differences, compete for the same things: the affection of their parents, a spot at the local art school, and love interests. The narration shifts between Noah when he is 13 and Jude when she is 16, which turned this book into a real page turner as I tried to piece together what happened in between. Overall, I liked Nelson's other book, The Sky is Everywhere, more than this one, but the plot and characters were more interesting here. (★★★)

​I needed a quick read after Unbroken, and this book was perfect. Mitch reconnects with his college professor after learning Morrie is dying of ALS, and, through their Tuesday visits, Morrie imparts his lifetime of wisdom upon Mitch in what will be Morrie's final class. This book is a great reminder of what matters in life and how we often don't truly live until we are dying. (★★★)

When Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner, enlists in the military during World War II, he has no idea he will face one life-threatening experience after another. The obstacles Louie faces might have broken others, but his strength carries him through the most incredible of hardships. This book was dense with information, and although it took me over a month to read, it was well worth it. (★★★)

​I remember loving this book when I was younger, so I decided to reread it. As 9-year-old Sookan, her family, and the rest of Korea struggle through Japanese cruelty and oppression, and, later, Russian occupation and the division of North and South Korea, she must say goodbye to people, places, and the life she has always known. This book was definitely worth revisiting, and covers some pretty heavy parts of history for being an easy read! (★★★)

​Ezra believes that everyone has a tragedy, and his own occurred when he was injured in a car crash after walking in on his girlfriend cheating on him. Once the homecoming king, class president, and tennis captain, Ezra loses everything he knew, but is able to make room in his life for his old friend, Toby, and the mysterious new girl in school, Cassidy Thorpe. I enjoyed this story and despite a predictable "plot twist," it was a satisfying read from start to finish. (★★★★)

​This book reminded me of Love Letters to the Dead, but I liked it more. Lennie had always looked up to her older sister, Bailey, but when Bailey suddenly dies, Lennie is left with a hole in her life. As she struggles to deal with life without Bailey, Lennie must also choose between Bailey's boyfriend, Toby, and the new boy in town, Joe. One provides a connection to the past, while the other helps her see a brighter future. I enjoyed how the two boys represent the two sides of grief, and the characters were memorable. (★★★★)

Kind of a letdown, this book explores the perspective of Four/Tobias in the years before Divergent takes place, as well as during the first half of Divergent. Although the book had some interesting moments, it was not worth a whole book devoted to this character. (★★)

​"A" faces a unique challenge: every day, he wakes up as a different person. He has no control over who he wakes up as, and has learned over the years that the easiest way to live is to attempt normalcy for his host. This all changes when he wakes up as Justin and falls in love with Justin's girlfriend, Rhiannon. Now, A must figure out how to how to have a life of his own without destroying the lives of everyone he inhabits. I loved that this book was brave enough to explore all the possible conflicts of A's situation and to not take the easy way out in the end. (★★★★)

I feel like I should get a medal just for reading a 550 page book at the end of the school year, but this book was worth it! Liesel, a young girl growing up in Germany during World War II, finds her greatest happiness in reading, and, even though she must steal many of her books, she is able to share her love of reading with her foster father and the Jew hiding in her basement. Aside from having Death narrate the story, what I most loved about this book was the author's format of storytelling mixed with pictures, foreshadowing, and "important notes". (★★★★)

From birth, August has not looked like other boys his age. When he starts attending public school, he and his family encounter obstacles, but, through new friends, they see how kindness can overcome anything. This was a good read, and I enjoyed the rotating narrators. (★★★)

​This is another book I didn't get to read in high school, but I've always wanted to read. Set in the future, people have forgone traditional families and emotions for lives full of pleasure and controlled social order. All of this is disrupted when a "savage" from outside of this society subverts the way people have perceived their "perfect world". I think I liked the world of this book more than the story, but it's mind-blowing to think about the parallels between Huxley's world and the modern world. (★★★)

​18-year-old Ben Wolf learns he has cancer, and, rather than fighting it, decides to make his senior year of high school the best year of his life. This book has the perfect balance of witty dialogue, football, relatable teenage situations, and the message that if you live like you're dying, you might get everything you ever wanted. (★★★)

​I love this author! This story is about Cath, who is beginning college with her twin sister, Wren, who has refused to be her roommate in order to break away from Cath and assert her independence. Cath spends her time worrying about her father, who she has been caring for ever since her mother left, fighting her roommate's efforts to "normalize" her, and, most importantly, writing fanfiction. Even at almost 500 pages, I could not get enough of this book! The characters and each of their stories left me desperate for a sequel. (★★★★)

​Each year around the time of the homecoming dance, an anonymous person releases a list of eight girls: the prettiest girl in each grade, and the ugliest girl in each grade. This book follows each of the eight girls during homecoming week and demonstrates that a piece of paper holds more power than the girls realize... and not always the way they might think. This book dragged a little, but it was an entertaining read with some strong messages. (★★)

Astrid holds many secrets about her friends and her family, but none as conflicting as her own. How can she be her true self in a small town that cherishes conformity? This book tackles issues not found in many current YA books, which made it an uncommon find. (★★★★)

Emaline is content to start college at the state school in the fall with her high school boyfriend, Luke, but things get complicated when her biological father comes to town for the summer and she meets a documentary filmmaker, Theo, who both make her question if she should reach for more. Although Sarah Dessen books are pretty predictable, this one broke the mold slightly with a more satisfying, less cliche ending. (★★★)

This book has been on my shelf for years, and even though I knew the plot already, I'm so glad I finally read it. Melinda Sordino, who has been ostracized for calling the cops to a party over the summer, has to begin high school with a terrible secret and no one on her side. The writing style is both unique and true to what I remember thinking in my high school years. (★★★★)

​Upon his death at his job at the amusement park, Eddie travels through significant events in his life and meets the five people who had the biggest impact on him, whether he realized it or not. I loved how such a short book communicated such powerful messages. (★★★)

​After the death of her big sister, May, Laurel decides it will be best to start fresh at a new school for 9th grade. As she makes new friends and begins dating the mysterious Sky, all the feelings Laurel has held inside start to surface through the letters she writes to dead celebrities. Unfortunately, Kurt Cobain and Amy Winehouse can't help Laurel overcome her past. If you liked The Perks of Being a Wallflower, you will love this book. (★★★★)

​Let me start by saying that I LOVED this book! It is probably my new favorite YA book. This book tells the story of three people, all connected by the newspaper they work for, who deal with relatable problems known to 20-somethings everywhere. I was skeptical of the book at first because it alternates between narrating Lincoln's story and showing email conversations between Jennifer and Beth, but the plot got better and better as I read! (★★★★★)

​Quentin has always has a crush on Margo Roth Spigelman, and when she climbs through his window and invites him on a midnight adventure, he can't say no. However, when Margo goes missing the next day, Quentin decides it is up to him to follow the clues she left to discover where she went and what role he is to play when he finds her. I had high expectations for this book, and although it wasn't quite as good as I had hoped, it was still a good read. (★★★)

Esther's life as a budding writer seems to be going as she planned, but things go south pretty quickly. This was a book I had wanted to read for years, and although it was beautifully written, I felt lost by the storyline... and I think that was supposed to be the point. (★★)

​This book had a lot of potential, but quickly ran out of steam. Thomas and the remaining Gladers find out the secrets behind WICKED and start to work towards a solution. This was a disappointing ending to a trilogy that started strong, but couldn't maintain the quality of The Maze Runner. (★★)

A far cry from the quick pace of The Maze Runner, this book describes the next set of challenges the Gladers face after leaving the maze. The mystery of WICKED is never revealed, which frustrated me, but I still enjoyed the story, overall. (★★)

​The fictional story of a school shooting is set up by a "journalist" who uses compiled interviews, articles, and evidence to tell the story of how two boys took action after feeling bullied for years. Footnotes at the bottom of each page give true insight into America's gun laws and the different views and facts about them. I loved how hard facts and quotes were used to frame a story that, although made-up, has happened in cities across America. (★★★)

​What a weirdly awesome book! The book is told in alternating narrations between two protagonists, both named Will Grayson, both facing major issues in the departments of love, friendship, and inner demons. I loved the complexity of each Will Grayson, but I mostly just loved Tiny Cooper. This book is great if you're looking for a strange but satisfying read. (★★★)

Three YA authors each present a story based in the small city of Gracetown where Christmas can bring conflict and, sometimes, romance. I'm a sucker for interconnected storylines, so, despite the predictability of each story, this book was a perfect mix of happy endings and loose ends tied up. (★★★★)

​I whizzed through these too quickly to even separate them in my mind! I learned so much about Greek mythology through these books without even realizing it because I was so focused on the action, the foreshadowing, and the relationships. The ending was satisfyingly perfect and this is the first series I have loved from beginning to end since Harry Potter! (★★★★)

​The Rising has begun! Cassia, Ky, and Xander all play roles in implementing The Rising in order to overthrow The Society, but when an unexpected disaster throws off the plan, all three play a much more crucial role than anyone realized. I had to take a leap of faith in reading this third and final book, but it was worth it. (★★)

​As a reader, you are immediately thrown into a world with a strange environment, strange terms, and strange scenario. You are put into the same situation that Thomas, the protagonist, also faces: complete confusion. I'll confess - at first, I couldn't get into it. My cousin convinced me to give the book a second chance, and I'm glad I did. As Thomas's confusion turned into fascination, mine did, too. I have never read a book with such great action scenes, and it was hard for me to put the book down at times. I've already got the second and third books lined up so I can find out what happens next! (★★★)

How has it taken me so long to read this?! Ponyboy, Johnny, Soda, Darry, Dally... The characters make the book. The conflict between the Greasers and the Socs builds up throughout the book, but, to me, the plot was more about how each character's life is, could be, can't be, and won't be. Every year, students always confess that the last book they loved was The Outsiders... and I see why. (★★★★)

​When I started this book, I thought it would just be about a school shooting. Instead, it was more about Valerie's road to normalcy after her boyfriend, Nick, kills several students, a teacher, and then himself. The description of Valerie's emotions throughout her experiences was believable, and her flashbacks showed that things aren't always black and white. (★★★)

The first book, If I Stay, left me wanting more information about Mia's future; this book absolutely delivered. Told from the perspective of Mia's ex-boyfriend, Adam, this book shows what happens to all involved parties after a tragedy. I was able to see how, in spite of how much three years had changed them, both characters managed to reconnect for one night. I liked this book even better than the first. (★★★★)

Recommended by a student, this book was the perfect way to ease into the school year. Three children are in trouble, each needing something to overcome their respective obstacles. A series of events leads them to realize they will need each other to acquire what they need and to deal with anything that tries to stop them. A fun read - thanks Maranda! (★★★)

Percy Jackson thinks he's a normal kid... until his math teacher tries to kill him. Shipped off to Camp Half-Blood, Percy soon solves the mystery of who his father is, and learns his own capabilities in the process. I enjoyed the way Greek mythology tied in with the modern world, and I already have the next book lined up! (★★★)

Fifteen-year-old Tyrell was left homeless in New York after his father was sent to jail. His mother and young brother depend on him for money, but since Tyrell refuses to sell drugs like his friends, he decides to DJ a party like his father used to do. While I wasn't a huge fan of the book overall, Tyrell's internal thoughts built an interesting character who had to juggle financial responsibility, family, girls, and being thrown into adult situations before he is ready. (★★)

This has been at the top of my "to-read" list for years... and I finally understand why so many people recommended it. Set in Afghanistan through the rise and fall of the Taliban, Amir's story is one of friendship, brotherhood, and honoring love through sacrifice. Heartbreaking at times, this book is  absolutely a must-read. (★★★★★)

​After a tragic accident, Mia is left in between life and death... and she must choose whether to stay or go. This was a quick, easy read; I read the entire book in an afternoon. I loved the characters, especially Mia's parents, but it left me wanting more. I hope the sequel, Where She Went, will help with that. (★★)

Having seen the movie, I tried to read this with an open mind, and ended up falling in love with the story all over again. The alternating perspectives of Aibileen, Minny, and Skeeter added a depth to the story that the movie just couldn't capture. I think this may be one of my new favorite books! (★★★★★)

I've been meaning to read this for years, and while I'll admit it was hard to get into at first, I found myself wanting more by the end! A great eye-opener the culture and traditions in Africa as well as the impact of missionaries on the people and customs of Africa. (★★★)

An interesting perspective on drug abuse in the 1960s told in diary format by a teenage girl who is quickly caught up in more than she can handle. Interesting story, quick read, but not extremely believable. (★★★)

I can't believe I hadn't read this until now! 14-year-old Lily Owens narrates the story of how she runs away from home on a quest to learn more about her dead mother. Brilliantly written, and a great story, overall. (★★★★)

Colin, a former child prodigy, has just been dumped by his 19th Katherine. In order to recover, he takes off on a road trip with his best friend, Hassan, ending up in Gutshot, Tennessee. The nerd in me loved the trivia in the footnotes throughout the book, but this was a far cry from Green's other books. (★★)

​This was a beautiful tribute to the suffering Japanese-Americans endured during WWII, both while placed in internment camps and after their release. The effects of internment, illustrated through the author's own experience, are heartbreaking, especially concerning Houston's father. (★★★)

Auden, a girl in the habit of staying up all night, hadn't experienced much in life beyond her studies... until she meets Eli. Nothing in this book was too different from anything else by Sarah Dessen, but it was a good read all the same. (★★★)

Told from alternating viewpoints of both Cassia and Ky, the two protagonists search for each other, and for hope of a rebellion against their society. Not as impressive as Matched, the first book in the trilogy, so it didn't leave me eager to read the third book, Reached. (★)

Intense! Don't read in public! The vivid descriptions of Pelzer's abuse as a child will leave you horrified. (★★★)

Get ready for an emotional roller coaster. It was strange keeping up with alternating narrators (Tris and Tobias), but I got used to it after a while. Amazing ending. (★★★★)

Better than TFIOS, but not a light read. Narrated by "Pudge," each chapter in the first half of the book is a countdown from "Before"... just wait until you get to "After." (★★★★)

​This was a slow read and kind of a disappointment. Three perspectives (a teenage boy, an old man, and a young female teacher new to town) describe the small town of Owl, North Dakota leading up to a horrific blizzard. Although the details were well placed, the story seemed to go nowhere until the end, which was anticlimactic. (★)

​A great historical fiction novel, this book tells the story of the events that led up to the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and the event itself. Using the alternating viewpoints of an Italian immigrant, a Russian Jew, and a rich American girl, the plot never failed to keep me interested, and the description of the fire was devastating. (★★★)