They Both Die at the End, Adam Silvera

This book, which claimed the top spot on the YA paperback bestseller list for over a year, has been a favorite among my students. Inspired by their enthusiasm, I picked it up and was thrilled to find a truly unique story. In the future world of the novel, individuals receive a phone call on the day that they're going to die. This provides them with the opportunity to say and do everything they want before their life ends at some point in the next 24 hours. The novel follows two teenagers who both receive their calls on the same day, but due to different circumstances, cannot spend their remaining hours with family. So, they sign up for the "Last Friend App" and are paired together for their final day of adventures. Despite the spoiler-y title, this book was surprisingly hopeful while depicting a wonderfully detailed alternate reality. I couldn't put it down.

Turtles All the Way Down, John Green

John Green's most recent YA novel has a little bit of everything - mystery, romance, Star Wars fan fiction, and an unflinching look at the kind of anxiety and OCD that Green himself experiences. If you are a fan of Green's earlier novels or his hyper-verbal online videos, you will love this book. I personally found his depiction of OCD very compelling and unlike any other account I've read before. I enjoyed spending time with these characters, especially the protagonist Aza and her best friend, and glimpsing the world through their eyes. 

Bonus: The new film adaptation is now streaming on MAX!

Homegoing, Yaa Gyasi

In class this year, my students have been asking for more recommendations of "composite novels," or books that are made up of stand-alone chapters that work together to form one larger story. My favorite one so far has been Homegoing, which tracks one woman's descendants through two different lines of her family tree for eight (!) generations. That may sound confusing, but each character's story is both incredibly interesting and sets up the next chapter. I literally could not put this book down because I couldn't wait to see what happened to everyone and how it all wound up coming together in the end. I knew almost nothing about this book going into it, but since I finished reading, I haven't stopped recommending it to others and they have all enjoyed it just as much.

I Must Betray You, Ruta Sepetys

I had no idea, Romania-1989. I had just finished college for God's sake. I was young, bright and knew what was going on in the world. Wait, no I didn't; I had no clue. This novel slaps you in the face and says, "Wake up. There are unbelievable atrocities going on in the world at all times."  The case in point here was Romania during the '80's. I didn't hear about at the time, but Sepetys enlightens the reader that Romania really, truly had a tyrannical dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu, that rivaled the likes of Adolf Hitler. He handcuffed and starved his own people while he and his chosen few lived an opulent life. Through the eyes of Cristian Florescu, the protagonist, we learn that Ceausescu's main weapon was spying and betrayal. Who would betray whom? Find out; you'll be shocked!!!!!

*Give historical fiction a chance. Choose a period in time you are interested in, Google that period + the words "historical fiction", obtain the novel, and read away.

Blood on the Moon: The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln, Edward Steers Jr.

This is the BEST historical novel I’ve ever read, period. It is so easy to read; you can’t put it down. It takes you through the planning of the assassination of our greatest leader, the event, and the suspense through the manhunt of John Wilkes Booth from the pursuers and Booth himself. The reading brought definitive and reliable closure to the myriad of questions and conspiracy theories with regard to America’s greatest crime.

A Gentlemen in Moscow, Amor Towles

This book was recommended to me by a college friend, Tom Reed, who covers the Columbus Blue Jackets for The Athletic Daily. He said it was a "must read," and I wholeheartedly agree. Towles writing enthralls me; his sentences seem to dance off the page. The novel is driven by uncanny and precise characterization. This is highlighted by the mystique and decorum of Count Rostov, the curiosity and allegiance of Nina Kulikova, and the trust and brotherhood of Mishka. Also, I won't give away the Count's love interest; you'll have to read it. When you add vivid imagery and clever allusions, you have a splendid experience abound. You can "Count" on this one being a good read.

Educated, Tara Westover

You don't even know ... Sometimes we need to step out of our cultural bubbles and look/empathize where others come from. Take Tara Westover; she scraps metal instead of attending high school, helps mom with illegally delivering babies and herbal remedies, and stockpiles canned goods for dad for when the end of the world comes. Westover also shows us a mountain in Idaho that becomes a deity, a brother that is abusive and has cracked his skull more than once, and add a Mormon world that wallows in hypocrisy. Oh, yeah, did I tell you that Westover will eventually excel at Brigham Young University, Cambridge, and Harvard?  I like a work of non-fiction that leaves me with more questions than answers. This book has me questioning all social and cultural make-up. It was really, really, really interesting finishing this book in a major airport, viewing all of those around me. Try it.

Speak, Laurie Halse Anderson

Melinda starts out high school an outcast after she called the cops on a summer party. Compounding this peer pressure, Melinda holds the secret of being raped at that party.  The plot heightens as her best friend begins to date the assailant.  The author creates a voice for the narrator that is candid and witty, forcing the reader to connect with Melinda.  I personally love her view of high school social groups, and I see a lot of myself in Melinda's Art teacher.  Speak was a 1999 National Book Award Finalist for Young People's Literature. 

*This story includes sensitive and intricate issues.  

Tuesdays with Morrie, Mitch Albom

I certainly hope everyone has a mentor in his or her life like Morrie.  We often lose touch with our mentors for one reason or another, but the wisdom they instill can leave a life long impression.  Mitch Albom (the author of The Five People You Meet in Heaven -also an amazing read) rekindles his relationship with Morrie during Morrie's final months, and it makes me wish for the opportunity to revisit some of my great mentors.  As a teacher, this book also inspires me to make memorable connections with my students and to pass on some of life's great lessons.    

March, Geraldine Brooks

An historical text set during the Civil War, March is the story of struggle between the responsibilities of a husband and a countryman.  Mr. March is the absentee father from Alcott's Little Women, providing an interesting perspective of the classic novel.  The detailed imagery of the war-beaten South, and the characterization provided by Brooks drew me to this text.  It is a Pulitzer Prize winner and a great read for 9th grade students. 

Circe, Madeline Miller

The characters and stories of Greek mythology have intrigued me for as long as I can remember. I eagerly awaited the release of Circe after reading and loving Miller's first bestseller,The Song of Achilles, and neither book disappoints. Circe is the daughter of the mighty sun god Helios, but as the "least of the lesser goddesses" she struggles to find her place among her nasty deity family. Don't underestimate her though. Through this beautifully written survival story, Circe emerges as a strong and courageous fighter who even outshines the might of her father. 

The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music, Dave Grohl

This book was bought by my husband right after it dropped in bookstores, but it sat unopened and unread in our family room for months until I decided to stray from my "I don't like to read biographies or memoirs" hang-up and give it a shot before it collected too much dust. WOW. I grew up listening to the mind-blowing sounds of Nirvana, being one of the millions stunned by Kurt Cobain's death, and following Dave Grohl's bounce-back journey with Foo Fighters, but this book is SO MUCH MORE than those topics. Without giving too much away, Grohl writes about his fondness and admiration for his single mom, uses self-deprecating humor about being accident prone, and modestly recalls the moments he met his music idols. Not only is Dave Grohl an amazingly talented musician, he is an amazingly gifted teller of tales. I highly recommend this memoir for any music lover, but this is a book that almost anyone can relate to - it is humble, intelligent, insightful, engaging, and sometimes a little (a lot) emotional. 

***Please note that there is some use of explicit language and descriptions of drug use in the book. 

The Greatest Generation, Tom Brokaw

I firmly believe that the men and women who lived and died during the years of the Depression and World War II were truly part of one of the most remarkable generations to make a mark on history. My grandparents were part of this noteworthy group, and I was intrigued to read The Greatest Generation because I wanted to more clearly understand what life was like for them when the world seemed to be closing in.This book is a wonderful collection of vignettes of how ordinary people from "sea to shining sea" came together to defend our American freedoms by fighting overseas and making sacrifices on the home front. 

When the World Tips Over by Jandy Nelson

Nelson tells the story of the Fall siblings, each unique and unforgettable. Dizzy (12), with her hopeful spirit and ability to see ghosts adds a touch of magic. Miles (17) wrestles with identity and love, while Wynton’s (19) passion for music pushes him to the edge. As they navigate their father’s disappearance and complicated family dynamics, the story blends sorrow and joy in a way that is deeply moving. Nelson’s vivid imagery pulls you into their world from the very first page. This story has something for everyone: love, loss, resilience, and the power of family. Readers that have enjoyed I’ll Give You the Sun, They Both Die at the End, or Turtles All the Way Down should definitely add this to their TBR list!

The Grace Year, Kim Liggett

Lord of the Flies meets The Hunger Games, with a feminists twist. Sixteen-year-old Tierney James dreams of a better life. In Tierney's dystopian county, females are banished to the deep woods during their sixteenth year, known as their "Grace Year”. They are kept within a guarded barrier in order to purge themselves of their dangerous "magic". This magic is said to be an ability to seduce men, lure them to sin and all manner of unsavory things. Once out in the wild, the girls need to survive the elements, stay safe from poachers, and avoid killing one another. One of my favorite parts about the book is the ending. The very last sentence. It's entirely up to the reader to decide how the book ends. Come see me when you've finished so we can discuss!

The Fire Keeper's Daughter, Angeline Boulley

The Fire Keeper’s Daughter follows Daunis Fontaine, a biracial Native American teen who ends up investigating a string of drug-related deaths in her community. Danuis is expected to go undercover and looking deeply into the people and community that has watched her grow up. Lies and death quickly pile up and Daunis finds herself questioning everything. How far will she go to protect her community if it means tearing apart the only world she’s ever known? This emotional story is packed with mystery, heroism, and the struggle between family and trust.

The Name of the Wind, Patrick Rothfuss

The Name of the Wind may very well be the best book that I've read in the past few years. It is a fantasy novel at its core, but anyone with a taste for adventure should give it a try. Kvothe, the story's protagonist, has been everywhere in this fictional world, and Rothfuss describes each setting in colorful detail. But this character's "home base" is a fascinating university that holds the secrets to rare forms of magic,  inviting classification as a more "grown-up" Harry Potter. This is a long story that is likely best for advanced readers, but those who challenge themselves to tackle it will be rewarded with a mesmerizing hero's tale. Oh, and there's a sequel!

All American Boys, Jason Reynolds & Brendan Kiely

In All American Boys, Reynolds and Kiely each narrate from the perspective of a different teenage boy. These two characters (one black and one white) are classmates, but don't have much else in common. That is, at least, until a violent event forges a connection that neither boy wanted. The boys come from very different backgrounds and have very different views, but as the story develops, they begin to recognize the value of learning about and empathizing with these diverse perspectives.

Airborn, Kenneth Oppel

Kenneth Oppel's Airborn is one of my all-time favorite Young Adult novels. The world that the author describes is not too dissimilar from our own, but the preferred method of long-distance transportation involves massive airships (much like a cruise ship 20,000 feet in the air). Matt Cruse works on one of these cruise ships, and his story is a fascinating one. This sci-fi-meets-fantasy novel has a little bit of everything: adventure, mythical creatures, pirates, and even a bit of a romantic subplot. If you enjoy it, come see me for the next book in the trilogy!

Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger

 One of my favorite works of literature. Holden Caulfield is a pessimistic character that takes you on a detailed journey of an experience he encountered as an adolescent. If you enjoy when people are “real” and get annoyed when things are sugar-coated, you’ll be entertained by Holden’s view of the “phonies” he is surrounded by!

Meghan's Journey, The Story of Meghan Redenbach

This is a book that I recommend wholeheartedly. It is a true story written by a teenager while going through the difficult time of being diagnosed with a very rare form of ovarian cancer. This book includes journals written by both Meghan and her mother, Nancy, and it is such a powerful read. I am beyond blessed to know Meghan's mother, Nancy, and feel like I know Meghan through the entries both Meghan and her mother have written. Meghan's legacy has lived on far beyond her physical life on this earth. Be sure to grab this book. You will not be disappointed! 

Fear: The Autobiography, by Dario Argento

As a fan of horror movies, I've always been drawn to the films of Italy's Dario Argento. Often nicknamed "The Italian Hitchcock," his movies are both highly stylized and graphically gory; death has never looked so beautifully-filmed as in Argento's movies. Learning about his life in this autobiography helps to understand how his fears, phobias, and obsessions are presented in his movies.

The Botanist's Daughter,  Kayte Nunn

Each year, the National English Honor Society selects a Common Reader for its members.  The Common Reader is more than just a book recommendation: it’s also a scholarship opportunity. The 2023-2024 selection is The Botanist's Daughter by Kayte Nunn.  

This novel tells the tale of two female botanists, separated by more than a century, in a race to discover a life-saving flower.  In Victorian England, Elizabeth is a botanist’s daughter with a gift for illustrating plants. Her father, on his deathbed, convinces Anna to go to Chile in search of a rare and deadly plant, before his archrival finds it.  In modern-day Australia, Anna has just inherited her grandmother’s house, where she finds a mysterious metal box containing a sketchbook of watercolors, a photograph inscribed 'Spring 1886' and a small bag of seeds. It sets her on a path and a journey that will forever change her.

Throne of Glass,  Sarah J. Maas 

One of the most popular YA high-fantasy series in recent years is Sarah J. Maas's  Throne of Glass series.  This first book introduces the reader to Celaena Sardothien, an imprisoned assassin who is summoned to the castle for a special competition.  If she defeats twenty-three murderers, thieves, and warriors, she will be released from prison to serve as the King’s Champion.  When competitors start to mysteriously die, Celaena’s fight for freedom becomes a fight for survival.   This is an exciting story, filled with mystery and tension.  If you've never tried fantasy, consider giving this a try.  Oh, and if you like this, there are seven (!) more books in the series. 

I Must Betray You, Ruta Sepetys 

Ruta Sepetys has had numerous best-selling, young-adult, historical fiction titles over the past decade.  I Must Betray You is her most recent release.  The protagonist is 17-year-old Cristian Florescu who is living under Communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu in 1989, Romania.  Cristian is coerced into spying on friends, neighbors, and family members until rumors of rebellion start spreading.  He is faced with a choice:  continue to spy on loved ones or join the rebellion. This a compelling novel based on real and (somewhat) recent events - and a must-read for any fan of historical fiction.  

The Boys in the Boat, Daniel James Brown

As a former collegiate rower, I was drawn to this book.  If you are not a rower worry not; you may find this book even more appealing as it vividly opens a new world to you.  The detail and descriptions of what it was to row in freezing temperatures in the Montlake Cut or Lake Washington are exacting.  The descriptions of the pain and perseverance required to complete a practice or a race will be felt in the muscles of every reader, regardless of rowing experience.  However, the true genius and reward of this novel is in the examination of the character constructed in each individual who was a part of this crew.  It is impossible to walk away from this novel once you delve into it, and when it is over, you are beyond certain that Joe Rantz and his crew mates were a once-in-a-lifetime team.  I am certain that once you read this novel, you will be tempted to hop in a shell for a row, and you will be compelled to become a better person than you ever thought you could be.

UPDATE: After numerous attempts, this book has finally been made into a major motion picture, directed by George Clooney, and was released on Christmas Day, 2023!      

A Newfoundlander in Canada, Alan Doyle 

New Year’s Eve 1997, and I was sick as a dog.  The flu knocked me down like never before, and I was in my apartment, flat on my back on the couch, hoping for a miracle cure.  Little did I suspect it would come via a televised New Year’s Eve television broadcast, which I was to have attended.   It was the ninth year for the new and improved Niagara Falls Festival of Lights concert, being broadcast on the CBC.  This year’s event featured a band that would not only become my elixir for that day, but would provide years of musical appreciation for my family, friends and me.   Originating in Newfoundland, Canada in the early 1990’s, The Great Big Sea took the stage in short sleeve shirts, even though at showtime is was about 15 degrees, and absolutely electrified the crowd.   I instantly became a huge fan of the band and their front man, Alan Doyle.  Their acoustic shows allowed them to show off not just their unique sound, but their fantastic story telling via song.  Although the band “retired” in November of 2015, Alan Doyle still tours and has written three books, the most recent of which is A Newfoundlander in Canada, which talks about the hardships of life on the road, along with the joys of coming home.  Alan Doyle writes so well, both musically and as a biographer, it is easy to see how I became a fan.  With any luck, you may as well.