Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Cather and her identical twin sister Wren have always been close, but now they are off to college and things are changing. Wren does not want to room with her sister so as the story begins Cather meets her new roommate Reagan. It is the first of many upheavals in Cath's first year.

Cath is a writer - mostly fanfiction of the hugely successful Simon Snow series (with more than a slight nod to Harry Potter). Her online fans (of which there are many) are eager to read her stories based on the popular characters before the real final book is released. Living in this made up magical world is sometimes easier than living in her own.

Things that cause a few road bumps for Cath during her first semester: her mother reappears in her life after leaving when she was 8 years old. Wren wants contact with their mom; Cather wants nothing to do with her. Their dad, a successful but stressed out advertising exec, has another mental lapse. Living without the girls at home means no one is there to keep an eye on his health. Oh...and Cath has writer's block on the assignment that is a huge part of her grade.

Unlike her sister, Cath has always been hesitant when it comes to guys. She 'dated' a guy for awhile but never felt the passion of true attraction. Now, she has Nick from her writing class who becomes a writing partner (but is there more to it?). And Levi, her roommate's boyfriend (one of several). He seems so different from her, and he is always smiling (Cath is NOT a smiler). It is difficult not to notice him when he is around all the time.

What I really like about this books is the depth of the characters. We get to know them. We understand their faults and struggles. These young people are so well drawn. There is one particular scene where one of the guys insists on carrying Cath's laundry (much to her dismay). She feels it is an affront to her feminine sensibilities. The exchange goes on for two pages, and it captures the humorous, smart and flirtatious nature of their relationship.

Cather is a wonderful character that I hope you get to know her, too.

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog and the author's site.

Matched by Ally Condie

Cassia lives in a dystopian society where everyone is watched and monitored. No one is allowed to make a decision for him or herself all in the name of providing everyone with a long, quality life. Cassia is perfectly happy with that. It is the only life she has ever known, and she has the potential to do well with the jobs and life she will be assigned to her.

Cassia is truly excited about attending her Match Banquet where she will find out the person who has been scientifically chosen to be the best partner for her. She will spend the rest of her life and have a family with this unknown guy. She has little doubt that it will work out because her parents are so in love and were well matched. It is only after the banquet that she begins to question her society and the officials. Events begin to reveal cracks in the seemingly serene existence.

On one level this is a dystopian romance, but it is also a science fiction drama. The setting is intriguing from the standpoint that you would hope you never have to live in such a place. There is also hope that one day these likable characters will be able to make their own choices.

Click here for more info about this book from the Indianapolis Public Library catalog.

Jenna & Jonah's Fauxmance by Emily Franklin & Brendan Halpin

This book has the pinkest cover of any book I have ever read. Not that I choose books based on their covers. When I look for a book, I want a premise that is different. In this one, Charlie and Fielding (aka Aaron) have spent the last four years on a popular Disney-style show. On the show, they portray Jenna & Jonah, two average high school students (and next door neighbors) who are secretly world famous rock stars. To keep interest in the show alive, they must also pretend to be in love off screen even though they have truly grown tired of each other.

When we enter the story, Charlie and Fielding are not sure if their show will be cancelled or not. They are strolling along on a beautiful California day acting all romantic for the paparazzi cameras that they know are out there. They have given up everything just to be in the popular show and the tension is high between them but must remain a secret. Something happens that changes everything and forces them to prove something to the world and each other.

This book took a different direction than I was expecting, but I still liked it. If you are looking for a nice quick read, I recommend it.

Click here for more info about this book from the Indianapolis Public Library.