Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne

Wow, just wow!  I will start this off by saying I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this.  I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan and wasn't exactly sure how I felt about continuing on with the next generation.  My family couldn't believe I didn't pick it up the day it came out or read it in a couple of hours.
I decided to pick it up at a shopping trip to Target and when I got home sat in my comfy chair and opened it.  That was all it took.  I was transported back to the wizarding world in one swoop.
While not a fan of the play format it did not distract me in the least.  I loved every second of the story.  I felt Harry's pain as he struggled with parenting, something I can totally relate to.  I loved watching the progeny be the same and yet very different from their parents.  I loved the inside jokes and the ribbing.  I am so glad I read it,  I while I didn't devour it in an hour, it only took a day.  I highly recommend it.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

There are no words strong enough to describe how this bittersweet story made me feel.  A beautifully written tale about Louisa, a quirky young women who has lead a relative boring life.  This all changes when she becomes caregiver to Will Traynor a former jet-setter who is now wheelchair bound after a tragic accident left him quadriplegic.
Louisa's goal show Will that life is still worth living, Will's goal, get Louisa to live.  Humorous one page and heartbreaking this next you will go on a roller-coaster adventure with the two.  The conclusion of which will have you reeling.

Dare to Diappoint by Ozge Samanci

A beautifully written and illustrated graphic novel that tells the coming of age story of author/illustrator Ozge Samanci.  The story takes place in Turkey during the turbulent 70's and 80's.  We watch as our heroine struggles to find herself while trying to please all around her.  In the end she learns that in pleasing herself might disappoint some her happiness is what's important.

El Deafo by Cece Bell

This autobiographic graphic novel tell the story of Cece Bell.  Cece contracted spinal meningitis when she was just four years old and suffered severe hearing loss.  El Deafo tells the struggle she had with learning how to come to terms with and adjusting to this.  The book focuses on her elementary school years, and like many children she is learning to make new friends and fit in.  Cece just wants to be accepted and have friends like a normal hearing kid.  Under times of stress we see inside her and the superhero person "El Deafo" she created to help her get through difficult times.  This Newberry Honor book tells this story that anyone who has gone through elementary school would relate to.  There is crude humor, some misbehavior, a couple of tantrums, and just plain adolescent behaviror.  The comic book illustrations which are reminiscent of Marc Brown's Arthur support the story throughout.

Transgender Lives: Complex Stories, Complex Voices by Kirstin Cronn-Mills

Transgender Lives: Complex Stories, Complex Voices is a  book that gives its readers a brief introduction into the world of the transgender.  Filled with individual’s accounts on their own lives and experiences the book gives insight to the difficulties people face.   Facts are sprinkled throughout the book in call-outs explaining various terms  and situations.   Transgender Lives is good introduction to help teens struggling with their identity as well as help people understand what it means to be transgender.  

Infinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Ok am I allowed to just post OMG I love this book and this series just because??   Well as a teacher and a librarian I have to say no because that just isn't a good enough review.  I would tell my students to expand on that so that someone else wants to read it.  Infinity is the first book in the Chronicles of Nick series.  It is a supernatural fantasy that has action, adventure, and a little bit of romance. In a nut shell someone or something has turned the high school football team into Zombies.  The question is --Can they be turned back before they eat New Orleans.  Infinity is a great start to an amazing series.  It has a great pace, with interesting and funny characters.  And while I love Nick---Bubba is my favorite computer geek.  

This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki, Jillian Tamaki

This Caldecott honor book is a graphic novel about summers up at the lake.  Each panel is beautifully drawn with many important details that add to the story.  While the age range listed was 12 and up, some content may seem targeted to a more more mature audience.  There is some harsh language and the story explores more difficult parts of life.  The protagonist has to deal with a rough time in her parents lives as well as some not nice things about her most recent crush.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

This psychological thriller takes a page out of Alfred Hitchcocks 'Rear Window'.   During her commute Rachel loses herself in the fantasy tale she created about a couple she passes daily.  The fairy tale she weaves doesn't end in a happily ever after but in a suspenseful mystery.   This fast-paced crime drama is sure to take you on a roller coaster train ride.

Need by Joelle Charbonneau

Need by Joelle Charbonneau is a thought provoking novel about the combination of social media, desperation, and what you might be willing to do for something when you aren't sure what price you might be paying. Main character Kaylee is introduced to the new social media web site "Need".  They promise to fulfill your wishes if you just invite a few friends to join, but how do you get your need fulfilled when everyone you know is already a member...you just have to do one little favor.  Sometimes those favor come at a very high price.
Told in multiple perspectives we see the inner moral character or lack there of in everyone who has a NEED.  

Amazing Fantastic Incredible: a Marvelous Memoir

Let me start this review with I LOVE STAN LEE!! I really do.  I have grown up on Marvel comics and cartoons and can honestly say that I think he is brilliant.  I am in awe of his creativity and imagination and truly believe that he created something phenomenal in the world.
With that said, I didn't love his autobiography.  There were parts that I did love.  The comic book genius's memoir written as a comic----ABSOLUTELY.  His sense of humor is evident on every page and he gives credit to all of the creative minds behind his work.  My major disappointment is that it only touched on the surface of his life.  I really wanted to get to know Stan Lee but I don't feel like I have.

Humans of New York Stories by Brandon Stanton

Let me start by stating that I love the Humans of New York Facebook page.  I discovered it about a year and a half ago and thought that it was a great concept and use of Facebook.  Sometimes I wonder what the purpose of Facebook really is... but I digress.
I picked up the Human of New York Stories book because I was interested in how it would translate into a book.  I think the photographs are beautiful and each caption whether one sentence or paragraphs long gives a little bit of a persons essence.  I am surprised though that I missed the comments that I usually scroll through on Facebook.  I find that the comments add more to the humanity depicted in the post.  Which is rather unusual because it is usually the exact opposite--comments in my opinion have brought out a darker side to people.  HONY-Stories was a quick and enjoyable read and I am glad that I did, but I am really happy that I can get a little taste each day online.