Review of Zac & Mia-A.J. Betts

If you were a fan of the TV show Red Band Society, you will like this book.  Two teens connect in a cancer ward and must find strength in each other to move forward.  Both characters are believable as their unlikely friendship is forged through extraordinary circumstances.  3 Elves - Recommended for teens and adults

Review of Fairest-Marissa Meyer

A shorter work than others in the Lunar Chronicles series, this is the story of Levana, the queen of Luna.  We find out why she is so cruel and what happened in her life to make her that way.  It's interesting to read her back story, but also the history of both Selene and Winter.  In addition, there is a preview of the last book in the series, Winter. 3 Elves - Recommended for teens and adults

Review of I Was Here-Gayle Forman

Another YA book about teen suicide - an important subject.  This novel is both about the person who committed suicide and mainly about the friends and family she left behind.  Cody's best friend committed suicide, but she didn't have a clue that her friend was even contemplating the action. Cody begins a journey to find out why this happened and discovers an inner strength she didn't know existed.  This is a compelling and important book about depression, friendship, secrets and love.  4 Elves - Highly recommended for teens and adults

Review of All the Bright Places-Jennifer Niven

Now I understand all of the awards and accolades for this book!  This incredible novel is lyrical and heartbreaking, with believable characters and situations.  Finch and Violet meet on the ledge of the bell tower at their high school and both of them, for different reasons, are in despair.  Without the ledge, they would never have met, since Violet is popular and Finch is a "freak".  But, they find strength in each other.  As Violet begins to find her way out of depression, can Finch find his way?  No spoilers here - you'll just have to read this remarkable book.  Unforgettable!  4 Elves - Highly recommended for teens and adults who remember what it was like to be a teen