The Cemetery Boys

The Cemetery Boys is a book about friendship, loss, and a mysterious urban legend that follows the town of Spencer. It’s a quick read and has an ending that will be sure to leave you surprised. When Stephens’s dad can no longer pay the bills, they are forced to move back to the odd town of Spencer, Michigan. Stephen is rather unhappy with the sudden move but soon befriends the mysterious twins, Cara and Devon. Devon and the rest of his friends hang out at the cemetery where they partake in reckless activities. However, when things start to get out of control Stephen worries that maybe he chose the wrong group of friends. As the summer continues on, Stephen learns about Spencer’s dark past and the story behind the urban legend. Stephen begins to fear that Devon, and maybe even Cara, are involved with the legend somehow. Follow Stephen on this dark twisted journey where he learns that maybe his friends, were never his friends to begin with.

-K.T

Dark Places

In Gillian Flynn’s novel, Dark Places, Libby Day loses her entire family unexpectedly one night due to her older brother killing all but her. She is quick to point fingers at him and he is sent to jail. Now 23 years later Libby is running out of money and needs to find a way to regain the funds she once had. When she get a mysterious letter in the mail with a phone number on it, she learns that I secret group wants to pry information out of her in exchange for cash. Now, the only thing that can come out of it is the truth.
After reading one of Gillian Flynn’s books, I was interested in reading another. She is an amazing author and this book was phenomenal. I recommend it to people who like a well written mystery.  -K.L

The Cellar

Summer was an average 16 year old girl. She argued with her family, hung out with friends, and loved her boyfriend. But all that changed when she was ripped from a party and woke up in a small, abnormally clean cellar which belonged to man who called himself Clover. Clover referred to Summer as Lily and kept three other girls downstairs; Rose, Poppy, and Violet. The four girls created the perfect “family” for Clover. Although we see Summer transform into Lily, she is still thinking about her family and her boyfriend, Lewis, who is ferociously looking for her.

            Natasha Preston creates a spine-chilling novel that is impossible to put down. It takes you through the thoughts of a terrified, yet strong girl, a psychotic serial killer, and a determined lover. Preston makes us sympathize for her characters and want to go more in depth in their lives and relationships. I recommend this book to all who enjoy a twisted maniac embedded in a love story. 

A.K. 

To The Stars

In Molly McAdams’ To The Stars, Harlow Evans meets a boy, Knox Alexander, and instantly falls head over heels. But there’s one problem: Harlow is fifteen and Knox is eighteen. Knox makes a promise to wait for Harlow, but there’s a major mix up that leaves Knox heartbroken; Harlow found Collin. At first, Collin is everything Harlow can dream about and so much more. But as their story goes on, she realizes that Collin is not the man she thought he was. Painstaking nights full of beats and torture forces Harlow to see she married a monster. Now Harlow is left with the underlying thought that she may have made the wrong decision. Will Harlow continue her life and act as nothing is wrong, or stand up for what she wants?

            This book left me on my toes the entire time. Molly McAdams knows exactly how to write a good romance novel. I fell in love with this book and couldn’t put it down. It is a thriller with so much romance and passion that nobody can get enough of! -K.L

The Great American Whatever

In the Great American Whatever by Tim Federle, he takes us through the life of Quinn Roberts, a 16 year old boy who has gone through a lot despite his age. Between his sister’s car accident, his mom’s unhealthy habits, and his dad’s absence, he hasn’t had the easiest time in high school.

            But when his friend, Geoff, drags him to his first college party to get him out of the house, Quinn meets Amir, an attractive college boy. Quinn falls hard and fast for Amir. But what happens when Quinn starts to picture a future with Amir? Is he just dreaming? Or could it possibly happen?

            This book is a great read for anyone who enjoys a story about a boy who faces internal challenges as a part of growing up. Federle creates the perfect balance of humor and reality within a boy who is just trying to find himself. 

A.K. 

Summerlost

Summerlost by Ally Condie is a story of new beginnings, family, loss, and the power of friendship. It’s the first summer since Cedars brother and dad died in a tragic car accident. Cedar, her younger brother miles, and her mom return to the small town of iron creek. She then meets the rather outgoing Leo, who works at the Summerlost festival. They befriend one another and cedar spends the remaining time of her summer in Leo’s company.  While working at the festival, and spending their remaining time with one another cedar and Leo’s friendship becomes stronger and stronger.  Cedar begins to know what it’s like to live again and how to deal with the loss of her brother and father. While Summerlost was a decent read, it most certainly was written for a middle school audience. Summerlost has some great ongoing themes throughout the book, however, I felt like the plot wasn’t going anywhere.  If you’re looking for a quick read with unique characters though then this is the book for you.

-KT

The Art of Not Breathing

Elsie lost her brother 5 years ago. She remembers bits and pieces of the incident, and she knows that he drowned. With her family falling apart at the seams, she struggles to uncover the details of that day at the beach. This is a drama laced with mystery, leaving you unable to put it down. Guilt has always consumed Elsie, and as she pursues a new hobby she discovers memories she didn’t know she had. This novel is a good read and I would recommend it to any reader who can empathize with a young girl who is going through self-discovery.