Libba Bray: A Great and Terrible Beauty

Not your ordinary tale of magic, Gemma Doyle is growing up in a Victorian, suppressive, on-the-brink of change time period, and she is trying to discover who she is.
Really powerful, Bray uses strong language, lyrical imagery, and literary devices (simile/metaphor, etc.) that aren't see as often in young adult fiction. An amazing book. I can't wait to read the last two.

Peter Dickenson: Angel Isle

Book 2 (Sequel to The Ropemaker)

Frustrating beginning, but once past that, an exciting and well-worth it adventure with another strong female heroine!

Jay Asher: Th1rteen R3asons Why

Dang...
Super good book.
A box of cassettes arrive at good-guy-Clay's house, and he has no clue what is in store for him. His crush, Hannah Baker, killed herself recently, and it is her voice on the tapes...she has 13 reasons, 13 connections, 13 people who impacted her decision. While the overall story is a bummer--Hannah goes through things no teenager (let alone an adult) should have to experience, but the overall message of connection is totally worth the pain. Every single thing we do as humans impact something--someone--and we may not even realize it. So when someone ponders whether to say "hi" to an outcast, maybe think about the good that could come from your positive interactions.
I got to listen to the audiobook--and the man and woman who read this (it is told in alternating voices--totally awesome) did an amazing job. Really an excellent text!