#TBT The 5th Wave

Happy Thursday!  This is a review of one of my favorite recently read books, The 5th Wave.  I have been recommending it to both boys and girls, and most of them liked it as much as I did.

Synopsis: After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it’s the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth’s last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.

Review:  I received a copy of this book at a conference, and it sat on my desk for a few weeks.  I really couldn't get used to the idea of aliens.  Science fiction is a genre I don't usually enjoy, so I looked at it with true trepidation.  However, it kept popping up on my radar- listed in EW's 10 must have list, Amazon rated as one of the best new books for YA, and a starred review in Booklist.  I thought I would give it a shot.  I am so glad I did!  The book is told through different perspectives, which keeps the action moving.  Cassie has a fierce determination to find her little brother, and kept me rooting for her.  The aliens have embodied humans, so you're never sure who is one, and who is not.  This is a book anyone would enjoy, and I can't wait to read the next installment of Cassie's story.

Throwback Thursday

I cannot keep up with my students.  I have kids who read two or three books a day, sometimes more.  I cannot recommend anything to them because they have already read it.  I have two small children and a full-time job, so I read books about once a week.  I can read them a little faster if they are digital because I can read them at the gym.  However, it seems I am read more non-digital lately, so I feel I am falling behind.  In honor of my turtle-speed reading, I am going to start Throwback Thursday.  TBT is a trend on social media which usually entails posting an older picture of yourself.  I will spare you all the horror of my 90s self and post books that I have previously read.

Synopsis: The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, messy, affectionate. And every day from her rooftop perch, Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs up next to her and changes everything.

As the two fall fiercely for each other, stumbling through the awkwardness and awesomeness of first love, Jase's family embraces Samantha - even as she keeps him a secret from her own. Then something unthinkable happens, and the bottom drops out of Samantha's world. She's suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

A transporting debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another.

Review: This book came in my first order of the school year.  This is always like Sophie's Choice for me, how do I pick just ONE.  But, I did, and this was it.  Such a cute book.  If you have Sarah Dessen fans, give this to them.  The Garretts were an easily family to love, as Samantha did, and I found myself wishing I lived next door to them too!  It takes place during the summer, and has all the happy summer feels and smells of lazy, beachy days. A sequel is coming out in 2015 and I can't wait to read more about this family!