Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Bleh....with unnecessary overuse of the "f-word".

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Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This must-read will anger some, sadden all, and hopefully cause its readers to live outside of themselves. It is a lopsided love story majorly conflicted, especially so depending upon one’s spiritual and religious beliefs. But to explain why reveals more than I want to share about its plot or ending. So let me just say the story of Lou Clark, a 26-year-old working class girl who becomes the care assistant to Will Traynor, a victim of quadriplegia in the wake of a motorbike accident, is deserving of the high ratings it has received. Moyes paints life as a quadriplegic with such poignancy, your heart feels as though it will be crushed by the weight of the burden this once vibrant, still handsome man must endure. It is a book about respect, life, living, and changing course when all you find yourself doing is running around in circles or living with stupid or no goal in mind.

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We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

ew.....An unreliable narrator with amnesia drags out a tale of her sterotypical self to its strange and tragic end. This would have made a brilliant short story but as a novel it just didn't get there for me.

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My Reading Life by Pat Conroy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This love story to reading will prompt you to read more, both of this silver tongued tale spinner and of others. Conroy chronicles his lifelong love affair with the English language: as a student, reader, teacher, and writer. Books are the vessel on which Conroy first escaped a troubled childhood and abusive father, the bullying of officers as a cadet at the Citadel from which he graduated, and at a young age became a national-bestselling author.

He recounts how throughout his life he’s found meaning in words: through his mother's self-education and passion for "Gone With the Wind,” the loving mentorship of Gene Norris, his 9th grade English teacher, the absurdity of Eileen Hunter, the irascible librarian at his Beaufort, South Carolina high school, the rhapsodic detail of author Thomas Wolfe’s, the exactness and purply prose of US Congress Poet Laureate and novelist James Dickey, and so much more.

As you read this book, inspired in Conroy's own journey is perhaps a parallel and more powerful narrative: that of the way in which words have had a similar purport in your own life.

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Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Finally, here is current YA fiction I actually would feel comfortable recommending to YAs. It is a witty, cute, clean, well-done realistic teen romance, more likely enjoyed by girls than guys. I read it a while back so it is not fresh I my mind but I remember having an enjoyably fun time listening to the audio book.

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The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a sometimes uncomfortable yet compelling tale of abolition of slavery and the search for freedom. It is a very well written book based upon the lives of a real women.. Sue Monk Kidd is an excellent author and has done much research resulting in a historically accurate and detailed portrayal of Charleston, S.C., with its iconic characters of the 1800's.

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The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It is hard to believe this beautifully told poignant story is a debut novel. It hooked me at the beginning, tore at my heartstrings, and I didn't want it to end. The author's own experiences as a foster mother and teacher shine throughout.
It was a great selection for me and would make for excellent review and book club discussion.

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The Martian by Andy Weir
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars...If I were a guy I'd likely give it 5+ but the technical jargon was far beyond my comprehension. Still I enjoyed the story, loved the humor...laughed out loud several times...and even learned a few things. Mark Watney's irreverent cheekiness, unfailing optimism, and determination to survive the unsurvivable earns him my vote as the man I'd most like by my side when the world comes to a halting and apocalyptic end. Plus the man know his stuff, and I'd trust him with my life a hundred times over. Favorite quote:
“Yes, of course duct tape works in a near-vacuum. Duct tape works anywhere. Duct tape is magic and should be worshiped.”

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The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Faced paced mystery with memorable Australian characters, witty humor and dialogue. The lives and perspectives of 3 women are skillfully woven together as they are forced to examine their core values and live with the consequences of same. Great use of metaphor......if you have already or intend to read this clever beautifully written novel, think Tupperware, Berlin Wall and Pandora's box. This would stimulate great discussions for book clubs.

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The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Teen love story, family loss, emotional recovery story with both humorous and poignant scenes. Interesting and real characters with good dialogue made this an enjoyable fun read, BUT why is it considered "good" YA fiction when it encourages impulsive behavior, e.g. getting drunk with a bunch of people you don't know and sneaking out late at night? The epilogue is too perfect. A happy and meaningful life is not the result of the "live a little...you should be out partying" philosophy.

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