Tag Archives: Must-Reads

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Hate List by Jennifer Brown

As someone in Colorado at the time of Columbine, and can remember that day and the ones that followed, this was a book I felt very compelled to read.

Valerie’s boyfriend went on a shooting spree through the school. His victims were ones that he and Valerie had put on a “hate list.” It was a way to release steam for her, but for him, it was more. So when the truth comes out after the shooting, it’s hard to not blame Valerie for at least part of it, even though she was the one that got in the way and stopped Nick from hurting more people.

Valerie makes the brave decision to go back to the high school for her senior year. She’s faced with the uncertainty of acceptance and having to face all those people that knew they were on the list. The school has been changed and soon, one of the girls that had been on the list reaches out to her, and helps her find some acceptance within the school and with herself.

I was moved to tears at the end of this book. It was one of the most emotional ending I have ever read, and I applaud Brown for tackling this subject with grace and respect and writing one of the best books I have ever read.

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Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Yet another first in the series books. And yet, this one was different. I’m not hanging on the edge of my seat, wishing the next one would come out already.

Don’t get me wrong, I can’t wait to read the next part of the story. But the end of this book was just so…good. There was enough of a conclusion where I’m not ripping my hair out wanting to know what happens, but I’m invested enough in the story to run out and get the next book as soon as I can.

Elder and Amy’s relationship confuses me a little, in that I can understand Elder’s fascination with her, but I’m not sure yet how it can turn into something more in a believable way. I’m looking forward to seeing if Revis can accomplish this.

I give major props to Revis for coming up with a storyline that is unique, and yet not so different that everyone is struggling to find a way to connect. There’s enough of the classics within the book that it’s easy to find a way to connect with a character and find the story possible and believable.

It was a little frustrating how Elder simply believed Eldest without any questions, but I can see why he would. He grew up knowing nothing different, but he does start to question authority and it’s refreshing once he does.

Overall, a great book and I can’t wait to see how Revis handles more of the future.

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If I Stay by Gayle Forman

This book really moved me. It’s all about Mia’s decision to stay on Earth, or pass on into whatever the afterlife is with her family. It’s extremely moving and compelling.

It starts by showing Mia and her family just being a family. They are happy and things are going well for them. They go on a drive, and during that drive, they crash. Mia suddenly is viewing herself as a separate entity. She learns of her brother’s death, and knows she is the only surviving member of her family.

She watches as the people that love her try and convince her to stay, all the while she leans towards going with her family. After all, there isn’t much left for her on Earth now. Ultimately, her boyfriend’s plea, that he wants her to stay, even if it means he never sees her again, that makes her chose to live.

It was a book the moved me to tears, and stayed with me for days after I finished. It is definitely a must read.

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Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna was a refreshing book to read; it was sweet, not too complicated, but still enough that I couldn’t put it down (figuratively).

When I started reading, I was a little worried it was going to be one of the cliché filled high school/teen books, and while on one level it was, it was written in such a way that I didn’t even notice. I was completely entranced by Anna’s story and kept up my hopes that she’d get St. Clair, only for those hopes to be dashed, yet build again.

It was a quick read, but a very good one. I’m looking forward to reading Perkins’ next book when it comes out.