We were Liars

We were Liars by E. Lockhart      227 pages

The book took place during summers 15, 16, and 17. Our main character comes from a wealthy family who during the summers gathers on a private island off the east coast. Her and her cousins are all very close and have a great time during their summers together. When she comes back after missing summer 16 she begins asking questions about why she missed that summer and why everyone is behaving strangely. I kept having ah ha moments that would lead to oh no moments frequently during this book. I would consider this a suspense if not mystery novel. Be prepared to get emotional.

The Witching Hour

The Witching Hour by Anne Rice      1207 pages

Some people may say that Anne Rice is cliché’ thanks impart to the popularity of vampires in pop culture. However, Mrs. Rice also wrote a three part series about witches. The story begins in San Francisco and moves into New Orleans. A young woman moves to New Orleans after the death of her estranged mother. Her odd new family are happy to see her, for the most part, but are not too apt to tell her much about the family secrets. Fortunately for the readers the mysteries of the family are interwoven throughout the story and lead to some fantastical events and odd occurrences. There are references to God, the devil, witch craft, incest, inappropriate sexual relationships and dark themes. It is in my opinion Anne Rice’s best book.

Everything I never told you

Everything I never told you by Celeste Ng    304 pages

I was convinced I knew exactly what was going on the entire way through this book, until the last chapter where I realized how wrong I was. The story follows a mixed Chinese American family after the loss of their daughter. Each character has their own version of the events that led to the final few chapters. The story takes place in 1977 and has themes relating to women’s rights, homosexuality, un-wanted pregnancy, peer pressure, and death and suicide. I felt completely engrossed in this book though my expectations weren’t very high jumping from one genre to another whilst beginning this book. As I said before there are many topics that are touched upon during this novel. I caution young adults to read with care.

Incarceron

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher     458 pages

Dystopian flair with a hint of steam-punk carries this young adult novel through a hidden prison. From the perspective of a young man who was born in the prison to a young woman who was born to the ward of the prison. The main characters are both struggling with their beliefs regarding the expectations their elders and peers have on them, as well as the mystery of how the prince of the kingdom disappeared and the legend behind the only person known to have escaped the prison. I enjoyed this novel for a few reasons. One was the switching of perspectives between our two main characters. I was able to see their viewpoints clearly and to understand why they had developed into the people they were. Their motivations began to intertwine and led into a great sequel. I was impressed by the descriptions of the prison and the kingdom. It was clearly another way to see two different perspectives. I would recommend this book to anyone from 10 years old to 99 years old.