The Catcher In The Rye, by J.D. Salinger

Wow. This book was like nothing else I've ever read.

It's the story of Holden Caulfield - he narrates two days of his life in the most expressive voice.

It's witty, bitter, painful.

Holden is kicked out of his most recent prep school, and he recounts the two days following his expulsion. Throughout he rails at his childhood, the death of his brother, the phoniness of his friends and the people around him, how unglorified being an adult really is -- wishing he were an adult, yet still wistful about his youth. Stuck in this middle ground and entirely disenchanted with his life.

What I wish I had known before reading it (spoiler alert!) is that he is narrating the two days from a psychiatric ward --

which is where his story ends.

Watership Down, by Richard Adams

I know what you may be thinking..... you may be thinking "This is a book about rabbits", and had you been thinking that..... well, you'd be right.

But you're wrong to think that.

Here's the official...

A phenomenal worldwide bestseller for over thirty years, Richard Adams's Watership Down is a timeless classic and one of the most beloved novels of all time. Set in England's Downs, a once idyllic rural landscape, this stirring tale of adventure, courage and survival follows a band of very special creatures on their flight from the intrusion of man and the certain destruction of their home. Led by a stouthearted pair of brothers, they journey forth from their native Sandleford Warren through the harrowing trials posed by predators and adversaries, to a mysterious promised land and a more perfect society.

It IS about rabbits, but it's more about courage, this isn't some talking animal story, it's their world, as if you were in it. It's about destruction. How humans are destroying the land they've called home and how they must face the dangers and heartache of leaving, forever, and journey to what is supposed to be a Utopia, called Watership Down.
Trust me.
Read this.
You won't be disappointed.

Drowning Ruth, by Christina Schwarz

Chapter 1:

Ruth remembered drowning.

"That's impossible," Aunt Amanda said. "It must have been a dream."

But Ruth maintained that she had drowned, insisted on it for years, even after she should have known better.....

********************

Amanda comes home after years of caring for wounded soldiers. She lives with her sister Mathilda and her neice Ruth. When Mathilda suddenly dies, Amanda is left to care for Ruth, Mathilda's husband --barely home from war--, and to hide the secret about Mathilda's death.

The story is weaved through the years and characters, just keeping the truth out of sight in this captivating and chilling tale of the things love can drive a person to do for their family.

Nightshade, by Andrea Cremer

This book was hard summarize in my own words. I've never had that happen before. So, here's the official:

"Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known."

First of all, let me say that I LOVED this book, it was complex, and the storyline was incredibly riveting. I WILL be reading the sequel and recommending this book to others.

BUT, there were a lot of similarities to other popular works. The Wraiths in her story have a lot in common with Dementors, she also uses giant arachnids.... also Harry Potter. The main character saves a boy from being killed by a grizzly bear....very Twilight-esque... I know these are probably coincidences, I just wish there had been no glaring paralells to other extremely popular stories.

That said, her writing style is incredibly descriptive. You will find very few "she said's" in this story, everything was a movement, a feeling, or an action. This author writes in a way that keeps you turning the pages, even if you don't like what's happening. If I had a star system, this would get a 4.

I LOVED the portrayal of romance in this book.

And, finally, let me just say.... this book is deceptive. You'll know what I mean once you read it.

The Help, by Kathryn Stockett

It's Jackson, Mississippi and the year is 1962. This is right before Martin Luther King leads the March on Washington. Jackson is a tense place. Especially if you're black.

But in the midst of it all, three women decide to do something extraordinary, they decide to tell the truth - the truth of what it's like to be a black maid, serving white folk. Some of it's pretty, about how they get extra money come Christmastime, how they love the children they look after, and how they are grateful to have a job in hard times.

The rest of it? It isn't so pretty, the condecension, abuse, humiliation, the segregation -- from the grocery stores they shop in to the bathroom they are allowed to use in their homes, and... how those little ones they looked after and loved? Those little ones grow up, and turn out just like their parents - full of hatred and bigotry.

This story isn't like others though, this story is written from 3 different point of views, with feeling, hatred and love, it's personal, and gives a refreshingly new view on what many of the people living in the south felt at that time. It's about The Help.

Harry Potter, by J.K. Rowling

For many readers out there, this series is a favorite, read so many times your copy is dogeared and discolored. Others still haven't read it.... to those others YOU are missing out my friend.

Harry Potter was left orphaned at the tender age of 1, his parents murdered by the most evil wizard of all time. Left with his aunt & uncle and with no knowledge of the wizarding world, he endures, until he discovers that he is not only a wizard but a famous one.

Join Harry through 7 incredible tales of friendship, bravery, and suspense, filled with writing that is full of wit and emotion.

Through each book I was incredibly riveted and tied to the characters Rowling introduces. Each one has specific traits, they are relatable, and I found myself laughing with them, being angry on their behalf, and half-wishing that I could go along for the adventure myself. If you've already read this series I'm sure you'll agree it's worth rereading, and if you haven't I suggest picking up the first copy today.