"Blankets" by Craig Thompson

There is something satisfying about finishing a 582 page book in 2 days. I love graphic novels! This is Craig Thompson's autobiography about growing up in a strict, Christian home in rural Wisconsin. He meets Raina, and immediately falls in love. He's feeling conflicted about his new feelings and the teachings of his church. Craig's illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and the scenes in the Wisconsin snow are magical and surreal. Craig and Raina's love story is beautifully told, but not sappy, and I only wish I had read this book years ago.

"Outside Beauty" by Cynthia Kadohata

Helen Kimura is a gorgeous woman. Men are immediately attracted to her and easily fall in love. Helen is mom to 4 girls - Shelby, Maddie, Lakey, and Marilyn. The girls may have different fathers, but they all adore their mother and soak up her advice on beauty and men. One phone call threatens to split up the girls and send them each to live with their father. They are determined to stay together, and will go to great lengths to remain a family.

"The Missing Girl" By Norma Fox Mazer

There are five girls in the Herbert family, and they depend on one another when their parents fail to do so. Beauty, Mim, Stevie, Fancy and Autumn. This story is told in alternating chapters, with each girl giving her perspective on their lives and daily activities. What the girls don't realize is that a local man has been following them, and is obsessed. His daily life begins to revolve around them and their activities. What starts as an innocent story about schoolgirls quickly turns into a psychological thriller, as the stalker does the unthinkable and changes the lives of the girls forever.

"Alive and Well In Prague, New York" by Daphne Grab

Matisse misses life in New York City after she and her family move to Prague, a small town in upstate New York. Classmates at her new high school aren't cultured, don't appreciate the fine arts, and act like a bunch of hicks. Matisse's mother is a painter, and her father was a famous sculptor. They led successful careers in the big city, until Matisse's father was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and symptoms finally prevented him from working. Life in Prague is supposed to be easier on his disease and the family, but Matisse struggles with coming to terms with her dad's condition, and the effect on the family.

"Little Brother" by Cory Doctorow

This book has it all - computers, video games, hacking. I'm not into any of these, but I still LOVED this book! San Francisco - terrorists blow up the Bay Bridge. People are scared, and the government starts using high-tech surveillance to "protect" its citizens. Marcus and his friends discover this new system isn't foolproof and innocent people are being interrogated and held prisoner. There is excellent discussion on security versus civil liberties, as well as romance, raving and gadgets galore. Scott Westerfield described it best - “A rousing tale of techno-geek rebellion.” One of the best books I've read this year, and I don't even like science-fiction!

"Living Dead Girl" by Elizabeth Scott

I read this book in one day; it was impossible to put down. This story is every parent's worst nightmare. Alice was abducted by Ray when she was 10 years old, and for the last 5 years has been terrified for her life and that of her family. Ray subjects Alice to obey his every command, and Alice has to numb herself to be able to cope with her situation. Ray is damaged from emotional abuse from his own mother. Ray is evil to the core and his relationship with Alice sent shivers down my spine. I cringed when Alice is forced to do the unthinkable. Mature subject matter.