The Best Thing About Summer?

I can do whatever I want. And what I want involves reading books. Here are reviews of some of the books I have read so far.

Wicked by Gregory Maguire

You probably know by now, but it is very, very different from the musical. And to tell you the truth, I liked the storyline of the musical a lot better. For 500 pages, there were only a few parts here and there that I actually liked and that is what kept me reading.

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

This was an interesting novel. A girl dies and has to live the last day of her life over and over again. There was a little bit of sex, and some questionable choices that she made on some of the days, but I loved the end. I loved the choice that she made and why she made it. Worth a look.

The Princess Plot by Kirsten Boie

This book was originally written in German which I think explains why I had a hard time getting into the flow of it. I also had a hard time suspending my disbelief, but for younger readers (middle school students) I think that it is a good story and interestingly executed. Not for everyone, but if you know anyone between 11 and 15, have them read it.

The Magic Thief by Sarah Prineas

This is another one for the younger readers, but I enjoyed it and think other older readers will too. It is a fast read and the narrator has a great voice.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

With a title like this, you know it's going to be good! Definitely the best book I have read all summer. It is told in letters, cables, and telegraphs immediately following the end of the second world war. I have never felt so connected to characters as I did to the ones in this book. I was involved in their lives and laughed when they laughed and cried when they had reason to cry. I was bawling at one point, with my bottom lip quivering uncontrollably--I know that not everyone will have that reaction because not everyone is as much of a crybaby as I am, but you will probably tear up. Read this book! This is an amazing book and beautifully written. Also, one of the few adult books I'll read this summer.