The Fault in Our Stars

By John Green

Be ready to tear up as you turn the pages. This book introduces the reader to two star-crossed lovers who try to live their lives while fighting cancer. Hazel Grace Lancaster, who is fighting a severe form of lung cancer, is very smart and opinionated. Augustus Waters is a typical teen boy who is sarcastic and funny. He has definitely raised my standards for a boyfriend. When Hazel is healthy enough, she and Augustus take their dream trip together, which is to go meet their favorite author.

I imagined myself in Hazel’s shoes as she explained what it is like to be aware that you are dying. I really appreciated that although each character learned the other was dying, they chose to love each other equally. Even though this is a tear jerker, it will make you laugh because of the characters’ personalities.

This book tells the great journey of Hazel and Augustus’ unbreakable love I definitely recommend it, but I also recommend you to keep a box of tissues by your side

Divergent

By Veronica Roth

When Tris jumped off the top of a building not knowing what was underneath, I was inspired to be fearless and brave just like the Dauntless. “Tris” Prior chose to live a crazy life with the Dauntless faction, where it is a constant battle of the bravest, strongest and smartest. I thought that was bad action considering she is hiding a huge secret that can get her killed, and she’s not supposed to attract any attention to herself. Four, who is one of the leaders of the Dauntless, shows Tris the ways to be fearless and hide her true identity.

The Dauntless have to face their fears while dreaming and learn how to control them; the goal is to have the fewest fears. There is a growing romance between Tris and Four, but it is not the focus of the book. Throughout the book there’s a good amount of violence, and some gross and bloody scenes. Divergent is a great start to a fascinating three book series.

The Selection

By Kiera Cass

A hundred years in the future, young girls ages 16-20 are chosen in a competition to marry the prince who is to come of age. Seventeen- year-old America enters this competition against 35 other young girls to see who gets to live the ideal “fairy tale” life. Soon-to-be-king Prince Maxon has to chose one of the 35 girls competing to be his royal wife.

The girls who are in the competition are very rude to each other and would do anything to get to the top. Yet, as the competition continues the girls come together as a whole and learn how to express their worries and issues with each other.

America is faced with the decision if she really wants to be with Maxon in a big kingdom or with her ex-boyfriend back home whose plan was to marry her before she entered the competition. America is a great role model for younger readers and this story shows there are different decisions in life, but good and bad ways to handle them. “The Selection” is the first book of its series, and if you are looking for a romance book, this is the perfect choice.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of The Universe

By Benjamin Alire Sáenz

Aristotle is a bored teenager with a brother in prison. Dante is a very smart teen with a unique way of looking at the world.
These two opposite boys meet at a swimming pool one day and build a strong friendship.

The friendship between Aristotle and Dante reveals the truth about themselves and the kind of people they would like to be. As the boy’s friendship continues, the reader will experience many emotions as the boys express themselves. Dante is very open about his homosexuality.

I wish the story would have shown both boy’s perspectives instead of just Aristotle’s. This story tells the special friendship between two young boys, that changed their perspective on the world. “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” is a beautiful story that is a worthwhile read.