Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started listening to this book.  I know Trevor Noah from the Daily Show.  And actually I only know him from clips of the Daily Show on Facebook.  I must say I am so glad that I listened to this book rather then read it.  Read to me by Trevor himself, who better then to tell his story.
At times I couldn't believe half of what I was listening to.  I would stop and research to see if he was taking creative licence with his life.  But as it turns out he didn't need creative licence his life was exactly as he told it.  I laughed until I couldn't breathe and I cried just as much.  His life is incredible.  He is inspiring.  I highly recommend this biography.  If you can, listen to him tell his story.  You won't want him to stop.

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.

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.

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.  

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

This historical tale tell the compelling story of Chiyo and her life after being sold to a Geisha house at nine years old because her family can no longer afford to care for her.  We watch as Chiyo struggles with life around her and then see her transform into Sayuri a popular Geisha sought after by many. This vivid tale is difficult to put down as we hope that Sayuri finds the happiness and love she seeks.