In My Mailbox #2

Today I am going to share the books that I borrowed from the library or  ones that I've recently bought for my classroom library and/or personal enjoyment.  If you've read any of those books, please tell me what you think! This meme is hosted by the Story Siren. 

If I Stay by Gayle Forman
My students showed a real interest in this book and it was recommended to me by a colleague so I bought it at my local bookstore.  I highlighted this book trailer in my recent blog entry. Check it out- it's brilliant.  

Goodreads says: In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen-year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...A sophisticated, layered, and heartachingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make—and the ultimate choice Mia commands.

Deadly Little Secret by Laurie Faria Stolarz

I know this one has been out for a while and the sequel is already out, but I thought I better see what everyone is talking about!  Luckily, a friend let me borrow this book!

Goodreads says:  "Some secrets shouldn't be kept... Up until three months ago, everything in sixteen-year-old Camelia's life had been fairly ordinary: decent grades; an okay relationship with her parents; and a pretty cool part-time job at the art studio downtown. But when Ben, the mysterious new guy, starts junior year at her high school, Camelia's life becomes anything but ordinary.  Rumored to be somehow responsible for his ex-girlfriend's accidental death, Ben is immediately ostracized by everyone on campus. Except for Camelia. She's reluctant to believe the rumors, even when her friends try to convince her otherwise. She's inexplicably drawn to Ben...and to his touch. But soon, Camelia is receiving eerie phone calls and strange packages with threatening notes. Ben insists she is in danger, and that he can help--but can he be trusted? She knows he's hiding something... but he's not the only one with a secret."

Perfect You by Elizabeth Scott

I borrowed this one from the library and am excited to start it!  I need a break from YA fantasy and this seems perfect.

Goodreads says: "Kate Brown's life has gone downhill fast. Her father has quit his job to sell vitamins at the mall, and Kate is forced to work with him. Her best friend has become popular, and now she acts like Kate's invisible. And then there's Will. Gorgeous, unattainable Will, whom Kate acts like she can't stand even though she can't stop thinking about him. When Will starts acting interested, Kate hates herself for wanting him when she's sure she's just his latest conquest. Kate figures that the only way things will ever stop hurting so much is if she keeps to herself and stops caring about anyone or anything. What she doesn't realize is that while life may not always be perfect, good things can happen -- but only if she lets them...."

Dreamland by Sarah Dessen

Sarah Dessen is one of my favorite young adult authors.  There are only a few which I haven't read and this is one of them. I am actually listening to this book on the way to work; it's been very entertaining. However, this book seems much more serious than Dessen's other novels.  It has a strong and important message.

Goodreads says, " Strange, sleepy Rogerson, with his long brown dreads and brilliant green eyes, had seemed to Caitlin to be an open door. With him she could be anybody, not just the second-rate shadow of her older sister, Cass. But now she is drowning in the vacuum Cass left behind when she turned her back on her family's expectations by running off with a boyfriend. Caitlin wanders in a dream land of drugs and a nightmare of Rogerson's sudden fists, lost in her search for herself.  Why do so many girls allow themselves to get into abusive relationships--and what keeps them there? In this riveting novel, Sarah Dessen searches for understanding and answers. Caught in a trap that is baited with love and need, Caitlin must frantically manage her every action to avoid being hit by the hands that once seemed so gentle. All around her are women who care--best friends, mother, sister, mentor--but shame keeps her from confiding in any of them, especially Cass, her brilliant older sister, whose own flight from home had seemed to point the way."