Summer reads

Are you the kind of person that tells his/herself that you'll actually read this summer, but end up not even picking up a single book? Have no fear! Despite what you might think, you are not book-a-phobic. There's a book for everyone out there; the foodies, the romantics... and even the maniacs, you just have to get the right kind of book. So print this list and get a head start on your summer reading!
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Title: The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake

Author: Aimee Bender

For: The foodie in you

Summary: At age 8, Rose Edelstein discovers she can taste feelings in food—lonely pie, adulterous roast beef, resentment soup—whatever angst or elation the cook might have experienced while preparing the meal. Weird for any kid, yes. But when a family like the Edelsteins is serving up its own wacky stew of alienation and contradiction—from the taciturn father, who "always seemed a little like a guest," to the misanthropic brother, a physics prodigy with KEEP OUT posted (in 17 languages) on his bedroom door—having the ability to sense the dissonance between emotion and behavior can be especially painful. It's no wonder Rose's insights and subsequent psychic ramblings land her in the ER. Thankfully, George Malcolm, an adorable science whiz, comes to the rescue, simply by believing her. Voracious for human connection, Rose comes of age while unraveling family secrets as strangely lucid as they are nightmarish. At its core, Aimee Bender's novel The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake encourages us all to make the most of our unique gifts while still finding a way to live in the so-called real world. — Kristy Davis

What A has to say about it: It was a good book, but I was a bit disappointed with it due to all the hype there was around this book. I guess I was waiting for a ground breaking book...

Title: The A-List (Book 1 of the A-List Series)
Author: Zoey Dean
For: The gossip-girl lover (don't try to deny it!)
Summary: Anna Percy finds no comfort in her designer clothes when her longtime secret crush falls hard for someone else --- her best friend, in fact. The only thing standing between Anna and the end of high school is an internship at a literary journal, and she couldn't be happier to get away from that scene.
When the internship falls through too, Anna jets out to L.A. to live with her father, hoping to find an internship at an entertainment agency. She's totally ready to break out of the boring East Coast prep life she's been stuck in.
Her adventures begin on the plane, where the fabulous Ben spares her from a lounge lizard seat mate. Upon landing, they have plans to go to a Hollywood wedding that night! But even in the land of eternal sunshine, Anna is experiencing some problems. Her father keeps blowing her off and Ben's old female friends, the A-List, are like a coven of witches. Everything she was looking forward to in her new life slips away and Anna is left wondering how to start over.
What A has to say about it: The A-list series... It's on my A-list. What else is there to say about it?

Title: The Everafter

Author: Amy Huntley

For: The morbid ones & the mystery lovers

Summary: Madison Stanton doesn't know where she is or how she got there. But she does know this - she is dead. And alone in a vast, dark space. The only company Maddy has in this place are luminescent objects that turn out to be all the things she lost while she was alive. And soon she discovers that, with these artifacts, she can re-experience–and even change–moments from her life.

Her first kiss.

A trip to Disney World.

Her sister's wedding.

A disastrous sleepover.

In reliving these moments, Maddy learns illuminating and frightening truths about her life - and death.

What A has to say about it: I cannot say enough good things about this book! It's one of the first books I recommend to people. Though it's quite a short read, the idea behind it is pretty cool.

Title: Wicked Lovely

Author: Melissa Marr

For: Supernatural lovers & romance lovers

Summary: Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries.

Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty—especially if they learn of her Sight—and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens.

Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries.
Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.

Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention.
But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost—regardless of her plans or desires.
Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything.
Faerie intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr's stunning 21^st century faery tale. 

What A has to say about it: I'm actually not the biggest fan of fairies or faeries (or however else you might spell it), but this book had me hooked from the start. Again, the concept behind the series is quite interesting.

Title: Matched

Author: Ally Condie

For: Dystopia and parallel universe lovers

Summary: Imagine a futuristic world where your perfect mate is selected by the government when you're 17, according to DNA compatibility.

At a special matching ceremony, Cassia Reyes learns she is to be paired with her childhood friend Xander Carrow. She is given a microcard with data about Xander, but a technical malfunction shows her matched with another boy – Ky Markham.

Ky is from the unruly outer provinces. He was adopted by his uncle after his parents were killed. Ky has been classified as an "aberration," a person who is not meant to be matched. Cassia questions her match to Xander, and her blossoming relationship with Ky soon jeopardizes her future – and his.

Citizens are monitored by "Officials" who report infractions to a ruling government known as the "Society." There are strict rules and restrictions in place that maintain harmony in both life and death (citizens are euthanized when they turn 80).

There is a curfew. All residents must wear regulation clothing. Citizens are assigned to jobs that best match their skill set. Food is prepared and delivered daily to each person according to specific nutritional needs.

The Society has limited works of art and literature to 100 pre-approved poems, songs and paintings. All other works, especially those that promote free thinking and rebellion, have been destroyed.

"Matched" offers a dose of teen angst and a love triangle. The plot is typical, yet mild compared with other popular young adult novels.

What A has to say about it: It's a novel set in a dystopia. What's not to love? If you devoured Scott Westerfeld's Uglies trilogy, then you'll enjoy this!

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Of course these books are only a few of what's out there, but I hope these help with the start of compiling your summer reading list!
                                      –A