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The Girl Who Fell to Earth: A memoir
by Sophia Al-Maria
The child of a Bedouin father and an American mother, the author of this coming-of-age memoir spent the majority of her childhood living in the United States. When she entered a rebellious phase at twelve years old, however, her mother sent her to live with her father's extended family in Qatar, in hopes that they could straighten her out. Her subsequent efforts to find herself and fall in love, all while learning to navigate the unwritten rules that govern her place in her family and in Qatari society, make for a quick read filled with humor as well as insights into Bedouin life and culture.
Suggested by Gretchen.
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Into the Night
by Suzanne Brockmann
Overall this book was very well written, I enjoyed the characters and felt Brockmann created a detailed and believable world. Readers who love mystery or thrillers and are interested in trying something new might enjoy this novel, especially given the fast-paced writing style which is similar to the thriller genre. I would have loved even more character development to make the end even more satisfying. Since this is part of a series, some characters do not have a happy ending to their romance story -- yet.
Suggested by Shoshana.
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A Clean Kill in Tokyo by Barry EislerThe first novel in the John Rain series introduces John Rain—a half-Japanese, half-American living in Tokyo. If you need someone gone and for it to look like an accident, he’s your man. He doesn’t ask questions until he gets involved with the daughter of his latest “job” and things start to unravel. A wonderful read-alike for fans of Lee Child's Jack Reacher series!
Suggested by Cheryl.
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Seven Minutes in Heaven
by Eloisa James
James has created another gem of historical romance laced with humor. I loved the audio version, where Duerden's smoky English accent pairs perfectly with the aristocratic Regency setting. Ward Reeve seeks a Snowe’s Registry governess to aid in retaining custody of his orphaned half-siblings. Meanwhile, Eugenia Snowe emerges from widowhood and succumbs to her own and Ward’s sensuality. Duerden not only animates James’ signature witty dialogue, but Duerden’s deadpan delivery of the children’s most outrageous activities and ludicrous antics adds an extra dollop of whimsy. Her erotically lush delivery of the by-play between Eugenia and Ward involving cakes makes this a wonderful selection for foodies. The conflicts arising from surviving loss as well as the social status bias add just enough seriousness to superbly spice this confection. Although the third volume in the series, this novel makes a hot, entertaining, and thoughtful standalone.
Suggested by Karen.
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Lost Names : Scenes from a Korean Boyhood by Richard E. KimLost Names is a semi-autobiographical account of a boy growing up in Northern Korea. Set between 1932 and 1945, Kim tells seven fascinating vignettes that start when the boy is not even a year old and end when he is thirteen. Japan has occupied Korea and the boy learns about the state of the world from his Japanese run school, his political father, and his many forays into the local bookshop. Readers interested in Korean history should check out this classic work. Suggested by Susan.
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The Surrendered
by Chang-rae Lee
The Surrendered by Chang-Rae Lee is a novel about three people whose lives were irrevocably changed by the horrors of war in Korea. June, an 11 year old orphan who watched her whole family be brutally killed either by soldiers or horrific accidents; Sylvie, a missionary’s wife who saw her parents murdered by soldiers; and Hector, an American soldier who witnessed the brutality of some of the members of his own company. The plot takes us back and forth in time and finally we find how all of their lives intersect in present day.
Sugggested by Cela.
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After Dark
by Haruki Murakami
The action of this short novel takes place during one long night in Tokyo, and focuses on two sisters. Eri is a beautiful fashion model who does nothing but sleep as a way to escape reality, though she seems to drift between alternate worlds. Her sister Mari is a college student willfully pulling an all-nighter, reading and drinking coffee in a Denny’s, then interacting with an eccentric group of night people, including a soul-searching jazz trombonist, a Chinese prostitute badly beaten by a john, and the motherly manager of a “love hotel.” In their intimate conversations, they express their desires, fears, regrets, and their unique kinds of loneliness.
Suggested by Beth.
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The Raven Boys
by Maggie Stiefvater
Every St. Mark’s Eve, Blue Sargent sits with her mother in a church graveyard and writes down the soon-to-be dead people her psychic mother sees. Not clairvoyant herself, Blue never sees any of the specters who present themselves in the churchyard, except for this year. The fact that she can see this boy, Gansey, a student of the local elite boarding school, means that he is destined to either be Blue’s one true love, or that Blue is the one who kills him. Blue soon meets Gansey and his group of magic hunting friends and embarks on an adventure of mythical proportions. Beautifully written, with a mystical and mysterious atmosphere, The Raven Boys is an utterly captivating start to this four book series.
Suggested by Christi.
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Orange: The complete collection. 1
by Ichigo Takano
What would you do if you received a letter from your future self, warning you to change things before something horrible happens to someone you care for? That is the problem Takamiya Naho is faced with when on the day a new student arrives, a letter is delivered warning her of terrible consequences of her and her friends actions, unless she changes them. If Naho is to succeed she will need to be braver and follow her true desires. And, as Naho will learn, it will take more than just herself to create a better future. This manga covers serious topics, with a few surprises along the way, but still has a fun and light air about a group of teens in high school. A great series that can be read quickly.
Suggested by Marissa.
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Code Name Verity
by Elizabeth Wein
This is a historically realistic and heartbreaking story of espionage, heroism and friendship during World War II. After crash-landing in France in 1943 and being arrested by the Nazis, a young female radio operator for the British (sometimes known as Queenie, Eva, Katharina, Verity or Julie) reveals bits of code and details of the War Effort in exchange for reprieve from brutal torture and time to tell her story. Interspersed with the narrative of her struggle for survival is that of her fierce and unlikely friendship with civilian pilot Maddie. In the last part of the novel, Maddie narrates, describing her desperate attempts to rescue her friend and complete her mission, as well as the gut wrenching climax. Inspirational and sad, this layered story has memorable characters, suspenseful plot twists and precise historical detail. It would appeal to adults as well as older teens.
Suggested by Beth.
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