My Two Cents

Sweethearts by Sara Zarr
Book Description: Jennifer Harris, years after being the tormented outsider on the playground, has reinvented herself into Jenna Vaughn, a popular girl with what seems to be the perfect life, but when a childhood friend re-enters her life, she is forced to confront the most traumatic event of her past and question who she really is.

My two cents: Zarr has a way in telling a rich, complex story in a very small amount of pages. Sweethearts is a story of two people: Jennifer aka Jenna and Cameron. Their relationship is hard to explain-more than sister & brother, lovers, friends. I would say they are kindred spirits. Jennifer and Cameron have been childhood friends. One day, Cameron doesn't go to school. Jennifer hears a rumor at school that Cameron has died in an accident, which her mother later confirms. Eight years later, Cameron reappears on Jennifer's birthday. What happened between those eight years? How will Jennifer and Cameron work it out? Interested? Request it for our library!

Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Book Description: In a world where some people are born with extreme and often-feared skills called "graces", Katsa struggles for redemption from her own horrifying Grace of killing and teams up with another young fighter to save their land from a corrupt king.

My two cents: If you are a fan of Meyer's Twilight or Bray's Gemma Doyle Series, then this book is for you. Katsa is a kick butt heroine, who doesn't compromise herself because of what's expected of her in her society. The writing is very strong as well as the character development and themes. The romance was a nice bent to the story. I can't wait to read the next one.
Interested? Request it for our library!