I always read the novels that win the big literary prizes (this one won the Pulitzer). They are usually serious, bordering on depressing. This book is anything but. It is poignant, smart and very, very funny. The protagonist is endearing and sympathetic even as he bumbles his way though his 50th birthday, managing to losing almost everything.

I really enjoyed unraveling this story! The author took multiple perspectives, time periods, and details and weaved them together beautifully! The fantasy and adventure was awesome and I love how the author kept the story on the edge between reality and fantasy in order to make the book more real.

Dude! You have to read this book. It's totally about this platypus and this beaver who are friends. They want to go surfing but dude, there's this shark who's in the ocean, too. But don't worry. This shark approaches and you'll never guess what happens.

The Thunderhead cannot interfere in the affairs of the Scythedom. All it can do is observe—it does not like what it sees. A year has passed since Rowan had gone off grid. Since then, he has become an urban legend, a vigilante snuffing out corrupt scythes in a trial by fire. His story is told in whispers across the continent. As Scythe Anastasia, Citra gleans with compassion and openly challenges the ideals of the “new order.” But when her life is threatened and her methods questioned, it becomes clear that not everyone is open to the change. Will the Thunderhead intervene? Or will it simply watch as this perfect world begins to unravel?

A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery: humanity has conquered all those things, and has even conquered death. Now Scythes are the only ones who can end life—and they are commanded to do so, in order to keep the size of the population under control. Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe—a role that neither wants. These teens must master the “art” of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own.

In the land of Sempera time is money, literally. In this unique YA fantasy we find ourselves in a world where blood and time are turned into coin, and where the rich tax the poor to death while extending their lives by centuries. When Jules finds herself once again serving one of Sempera's richest families she ends up deeper involved in their world of secrets and lies then she had ever dreamed, or wanted. This is a must read for any fans of Victoria Aveyard or Marissa Meyer.

Your relationship has ended. After waking beneath an avalanche of Twinkie wrappers and Kleenexes, wearing the same clothes you had on three days ago and scrolling through your Facebook feed wondering how an obviously hysterical lunatic hacked your account to post forty-seven all-caps rants about your former beloved, you conclude that you're the absolute worst at handling a breakup. Ever had a young man castrated and marry him cause he looked kinda like your ex-wife? No? Then congratulations! You are keeping it together post-romance better than at least one person in Jennifer Wright's book. This is a deft, sometimes tragic, wryly hilarious survey of some of the worst (and weirdest) human relationship behavior, from which we can cast our own foibles in a gentler light and take a few cues about behavior best avoided. (Hint: Definitely NOT cool to threaten someone with execution unless he pretends to be a chicken. Literally.) If your heart is bruised and you need a giggle, listen to this book. Then let me. No, seriously. I just got a suspiciously vague text from my dearest that we need to talk; I think I know what's coming. Pass the Ben & Jerry's.

In the post-apocalyptic town of Ark, survivors of the floods have decided that language is the reason mankind has ruined the earth. Surviving mankind can only be trusted with 500 words according to their occupation. Letta becomes the wordsmith and keeps records of all of the old words and old language in the event that mankind can once again be trusted with freedom of speech. Only Letta knows about words like music, freedom, and hope, that is until she meets the outsiders in Tin Town. Those unfortunate souls who didn't make it into Ark are scavengers who can't possibly have a life worth living. What could they teach Letta? Letta uncovers the dark intentions of the elite leader of Ark and must act or risk losing what little the people have of their humanity.

This book was full of Indian folklore, spunky characters, good vs. evil, snippets of humor, and lots of adventure! I really enjoyed getting lost in Kiranmala's world!

Samantha Irby unabashedly opens up about her life in her most recent book, “We are never meeting in real life.” You will laugh out loud at her relationship with her cat, Helen Keller; feel her pain as she describes her many relationships with unsuitable men; and finally celebrate her finding true love with her now wife, Mavis. Get ready to laugh and cry!