Across The Universe

I know I'm a grown-up. I know how to pay bills and go to work but I love Love LOVE YA books! 

Across the Universe is one of those books that remind me why. It's faced paced and full of twist and turns. 

Elder is next in line to be leader of a space ship headed to a new planet and fueled with secrets. 

Amy was cryogenicly frozen for a couple hundred years, waiting to be thawed out with her parents when the space ship lands. 

When Amy is mysteriously awoken about 50 years too early, she and Elder strike up an unlikely friendship to figure out what's really going on on the ship. 

This is quick read that will leave you asking, "What happens next?" 

Luckily, there's a second book. 

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Divergent

I know I'm a little late to the game but I just got around to reading Divergent. I loved it. Dystopian books have been big for a while but this one has a unique take. Tris is fascinating and her relationship with Four is one of the few book-relationships I find believable. They don't just look at each other and fall in love (I'm looking at you Twilight). 

The relationships between the teenagers and parents is also realistic. When 16 year olds choose their futures, obviously, some will disappoint their parents. 

My only complaint is Tris' reactions to Peter and, later, Marcus. How can someone be so strong in the face of the government that has controlled everything her entire life but so frightened of a fellow iniate, and then she scared because of Four's fears.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars 

Me. Penumbra's 24 Hour Book store

First off, let me say: I have a hard time with most "important" books. Anything that's been on the New York Times Best Seller List or Recommended by NPR takes me a minute. I can't help it. I love fluffy reading. 

This book was Best Book of The Year by NPR. And I still loved it! Parts were slow moving but the story was so different and quirky and fun.

Clay Jannon is a fantastic protagonist. He's relatable. After a few missteps and in desperate need of employment, he ends up working the night shift at a strange bookstore with a secret.

The plot twist keep you interested and it really is a great story.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars