For fans of Twilight...
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater is a fast teen romance, centring around Grace and her werewolf soul-mate, Sam. Not too gushy, and the characters are perfect and fresh. It's a series, though, and it's addicting. The second book is brand-new; released 13 July. Rated Teen for -cough- mature, non-graphic scenes? Four stars.
For those looking for a new take on fantasy...
Pillage by Obert Skye and Wings by Aprilynne Pike both are creative looks at classic fantasy creatures, dragons and faeries, respectively. Back-to-the-basics and innovative at the same time, both are gripping beginnings to a series, though they each can easily stand on their own. Girls, don't shy away from Pillage just because it's about dragons; guys... well... Alright, Wings is a bit of a chick flick, but whatever. I liked it. Both sequels came out this summer, both are clean, and they're rated four and five stars, respectively.
For the guy that hates reading...
Going Bovine by Libba Bray is absurd as well as absurdly funny. Libba may have been known for A Great and Terrible Beauty before, but don't hold her to it, guys. Going Bovine is not a chick flick. Actually, I think there are people in the nation who were fans of AGATB who probably have destroyed or sold their copies of Going Bovine. It's absolutely incredible, a prize-winner, long and meandering... I can't praise this book enough. I don't care if you don't like to read. You're going to read this book. And then you're going to brag to all of your friends that you read a five-hundred-page book.
The one book I would personally force every person on the planet to read if I could...
Looking for Alaska by John Green
It is funny. It is heartbreaking. It is powerful. It is emotional. It is profound. It is perfect. You will laugh, you will cry, you will wonder why the hell you'd never heard of John Green before (assuming you haven't). So venture forth and read it.
