The Perfect Stranger by Megan Miranda
I snagged this book from the Scholastic book fair at work, and I’m glad I did. Although I enjoyed All The Missing Girls, also by Miranda, I liked The Perfect Stranger even more. Leah Stevens, a former journalist has relocated to a remote western Pennsylvania town after a scandal sent her into hiding. There, she lives with her roommate, Emmy, a free spirit who goes missing at the same time a local woman is found bludgeoned to near death in the woods behind their house. Leah must battle her past demons while trying to make sense of the present situation. Where is Emmy? Who attacked the woman in the woods? What really happened back in Boston? This book had the perfect mix of suspense, vivid characters, and a fast moving plot that kept me turning the pages. I’d recommend this book to anybody who enjoys a quick-paced mystery.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by JK Rowling
I’m not into fantasy, but I’d be lying if I said there were not exceptions to that rule. I have taught middle school for 13 years, so it was about freaking time that I read the Harry Potter series. If you can get through the first fifty pages of background, Hogwarts will captivate you. Hogwarts, of course, being the wizard school Harry Potter has been recruited by. Harry’s parents were famous in the magical realm, and, especially, at Hogwarts. After being tragically destroyed by the evil Lord Voldemort, the Potters left behind one son. Harry, only a year old when his parents were killed, managed to escape the ordeal brandishing a scar on his forehead in the shape of a lightning bolt. Because of his ability to ward off Voldemort at such a young age, Harry is respected amongst his peers and teachers at Hogwarts. I was a skeptic for sure, and, while I’m still not a fantasy nut, I’d recommend Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone to all my friends. Honestly, I couldn’t put it down.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rowling
The second installment of Harry Potter was just as enjoyable as the first. I didn’t love the ending (it felt slightly anticlimactic), but the novel as a whole was really well done. The characterization was solid, the messages about morality were strong, and I was not disappointed. I’d recommend the Harry Potter series to anybody who likes magic and fantasy and is ready to fall in love with some incredible characters.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by JK Rowling
After completing the third book in the series, I’m really starting to understand why Harry Potter has such a cult following. My bestie Marissa is a huge fan, and when she was over the other day, we couldn’t help but talk about which house we would be in if we were to attend Hogwarts and which classes we would enjoy most (potions for me; charms for Marissa). I think that’s my favorite thing about this series. Not only is it well-written and appealing to those, like myself, who aren’t always drawn to the fantasy genre, but it makes you think. While reading, I have found myself comparing my traits to those of the characters. I have wondered what I would do in some of Harry’s predicaments. I have had some deep dialogue with truly amazing people of all ages about the moral dilemmas presented in the novels. Harry Potter, so far, has entertained me and sparked me to connect with a variety of people over our love of these books. What more can you ask for really? I’d recommend this series to anybody who’s ready to join the conversation and see what all the hype is about.
