Looking For Alaska by John Green

     Looking for Alaska by John Green is absolutely fantastic and splendid! If you've read the book, you might remember that a girl named Alaska would leap into those words (absolutely, splendid and fantastic). The depth to which Green goes into conveying the personality and spirit of each character in this book is wonderful to explore and makes it easy to conjure an image, then bring to life the story in your mind. Because of the well-developed characters and their respective spirits, you're sure to keep this book close to heart and soul.

     Because this "coming-of-age" story is split into two parts, "Before" and "After", around a central event, I cannot easily describe much of the book's wonder without spoiling what is sure to be a new favorite of prospective readers.

     Miles "Pudge" Halter is in search of the "Great Perhaps". Upon moving into Culver Creek, a boarding school, he is sure his chances of finding the Great Perhaps are more likely because of the friends he makes almost immediately. Life at the Creek is exciting, unpredictable and fun. He embarks on adventures rather frequently with his roommate "The Colonel" and their mutual friends Alaska and Takumi.

     Alaska is moody, fun, intelligent and broken. At times, Miles is unsure what Alaska's most recent issue with the world is, but he grows accustomed to her mood swings and finds himself head over heels for her anyway. Though Alaska is dating a guy named Jake, Miles can't stop the feelings he has for Alaska but keeps them safely tucked away for the sake of their friendship.

Author John Green

     Miles has found acceptance, love and adventure at the Creek and it seems things couldn't get any better on his journey to the Great Perhaps. Life has a way, however, of throwing a wrench in the motor of a smooth-running machine at times. Suddenly things are moving (and stumbling) at the speed of life and you, the reader, are along for the ride. Miles and his friends find themselves in a world turned topsy-turvy and gray where tough questions are left unanswered.

     You're certain to find yourself enveloped in the setting, the characters and the storyline. I would encourage you to read this novel to discover what exactly happens at the Creek that thrusts Miles & Co. into some of life's biggest issues no one can really expect or prepare for, especially at their age.

     You can find Looking For Alaska at your local library. You can also purchase it from Amazon for your Kindle, as a hardcover, paperback or audiobook.

The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)

     The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (a pseudonym of J.K. Rowling's) is a tale of the suspicious suicide of famous model Lula Landry. Cormoran Strike, private detective, is hired by Landry's brother John Bristow three months after Landry's fall to her death. With occasional assistance from the newly engaged Robin, his temporary secretary, he's to determine whether or not Landry's death was, in fact, suicide or murder. Strike is a war veteran, rough around the edges and hard on his luck but very real and easy to relate to.

     From homeless acquaintances to superstar model coworkers and clothing designers, we're meeting characters, suspects and witnesses from all walks of life. It would seem every character has something to hide or that they'd rather not say regardless of how helpful it would be in the investigation of their former friend or family member's death. Most interesting of all are the people who are afraid of being reprimanded for crimes or scandal unrelated to the suicide/murder but whose true details and admissions stand in the way of Strike's successful investigation. What will it take to get them past their barricades and speaking the truth so necessary for justice?

Author J.K. Rowling

     Throughout the novel it's up to the reader (and Strike) to take everyone's account, decide what's true and what's false and how exactly everyone's story plays together. In a most delicate case seeming most like suicide, we're along for a ride of mystery, excitement and scandal. If you're like me, you won't have an easy time of putting the book down as things come together. During the final hundred pages or so, I felt as if I were flying with an ever-increasing momentum towards a stunning conclusion.

     You can check out The Cuckoo's Calling from your local library. You can also purchase it on Amazon for your Kindle, as a hardcover or audiobook. Don't forget to follow J.K. Rowling on Twitter (@jk_rowling)!