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.

Winter by Marissa Meyer

I love series books.  There was a time when I wasn't a fan because I am not the most patient person and waiting around for the next installment can be frustrating.  There have been many series that I started that I lost interest in while waiting and I didn't go back to but this wasn't one of them.  I totally enjoyed waiting for this last installment.  I have thought about the interesting twists that Marissa Meyer's incorporated to her story using the much beloved fairy tales.  It was an exciting and heart wrenching ride at times.  But it was so well worth it.  I highly recommend the series to fans of dystopian novels, fairy tales and science fiction.  It is gruesome enough for guys with enough romance to keep girls swooning.  A great read!