Books I Love (That You'll Love Too)

I read a lot, everyone at junior does. But it is often the case that some books stand above the rest. I want our blog readers to know some of the best books we have to offer! I'll start with teen fiction. Oh, some of these books might not even be out yet so watch for pub dates!

(In no particular order)

1. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins.
IMPORTANT: Book pub date: 03/02/10
Signing: 03/09/10 at 4pm
The problem: Sophie Mercer is a witch who has just come into her powers and in the mortal world they have gotten a bit out of hand. The solution (a sentence handed down by her high-ranking father): a boarding school for problem Prodigium (witches, fairies and the like). Unwillingly shipped off to reform school Sophie has more to deal with than just taming her powers. Like the ghost of her dead grandmother who believes Sophie isn’t getting the training she needs, a clique of witches who raise demons in their spare time, and a crush on a handsome and unavailable warlock. When mysterious attacks begin on campus Sophie’s only friend and the schools only vampire also becomes the only suspect. In trying to clear her best friends name, Sophie uncovers secrets three generations old and an ancient society dedicated to wiping out all Prodigium, including herself.
I can't wait for the sequel!

2. Fallen by Lauren Kate
For several years, vampires, zombies and werewolves have dominated the pages of teen literature. The struggles between morality and immortality and good vs. evil have battled their way into the hearts of readers. But after all these mundane monsters, Fallen is blazing a new trail. Fantastical romance though it may be, this new series takes readers back to basics, the paradigm for which all other epic battles of good and evil are created--the ceaseless eternal war of the angels. Unbeknownst to humanity, fallen angels vie for power, yet thus far it has always ended in a stalemate. What if this time, the tables have turned and the immortal soul of a human girl is just the ting to tip the balance?
This was a serious page turner, but be warned you will be left holding your breath for the sequel. It was full of action and romance, and I feel stranded not knowing the rest!

3.The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
If, on pain of death, I was forced to label this book using just one word it would be EPIC. Emphatically and unequivocally EPIC. Not since Pride and Prejudice or Jane Eyre has a book come along to touch my soul in such a way. Lennie, our bookish heroine, has just lost her vibrant, passionate older sister. An unexpected and untimely death, the loss of Bailey has thrown Lennie's world into chaos. Torn apart by grief and addled by guilt, Lennie is finally beginning to emerge from the shadow cast by her shining sister. But how can she go forward and shine in her own life when Bailey's was so abruptly taken? Family secrets, grief, and an earth shattering love place this novel on par with those that inspired its conception.

4. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
Seriously awesome science fiction. If you have read Maze Runner and Hunger Games this book the next logical jump. I flew through it and its sequel (which is unfortunate since now I have to wait MONTHS for the third and final installment). Everyone should read this book.







5. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
IMPORTANT: Book pub date 03/19/10
Violet has a very unique ability; she can sense the imprint of a recently deceased body, be it animal or human. But that little girl’s body in the woods was a one-time deal, after all it was so long ago and she has much more interesting problems now. Like how to get rid of the heart-stopping crush she has on her life-long best friend (who has recently become a minor deity in the social world). But finding a way to keep Jay as just a friend proves as hard as living a normal life as a body finder. Someone has begun abducting and murdering girls Violet knows, and she knows she is the only one who can make it stop. Increasing danger brings Jay to Violets side in protection, but it also brings her closer to being the prey of a careful and systematic killer.
I have heard through the grapevine that this is also going to have a sequel. I mean come on, we all want to know more about Violet and Jay, and you can't tell me that with an ability like that she's going to live a normal and uneventful life. I WANT MORE!