Just One Day by Gayle Forman
Gabbie's rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I stumbled upon this book in the library and was interested after reading the inside cover. I am so glad I picked up this book. This novel portrays the life of Allyson, a girl who has never questioned who she is and her goals in life. By chance, Allyson meets the Dutch actor, Willem, who helps her realize life is more than  plans and time. Life is full of accidents. After one day together Allyson goes through a change, and she spends a year trying to discover who she wants to be. I am in love with this novel, and am impatiently waiting for the sequel.

Can't Get There From Here by Todd Strasser
Gabbie's rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Everyone wonders where they'll be in 10 years, or after their high school graduation, or after college; but that is not what concerns the "asphalt tribe" from this novel. Maybe, a homeless teen on the streets of NYC, struggles with envisioning her future. She lives in the moment, with adults that lie, cruel critics, and the struggle to survive without a home. When her world beings to crumble before her eyes, she realizes that not everyone is as they seem. She is introduced to a slew of people who show her that you have to care about yourself is you want others to care about you. Not everyone is cruel, and you can always get there from here if you choose to change. Great read.

Remembering Raquel by Vivian Vane Velde
Gabbie's rating: 3 out of 5 stars

I saw this book when doing an online search of young adult novels, and was intrigued by the storyline. Unfortunately, upon getting the book I discovered there is little plot or substance. I wish the book spanned over a greater period of time and had more thorough character development. With that being said, I did find this book original and intriguing. It pushes the reader to question, "How would you be remembered?"

How To Save A Life by Sara Zarr
Gabbie's rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Mandy knows what it feels like to have no one to care for, or to care about her. So when she gets pregnant, she wants her child to live a better life than she has. As a result, her world collides with Robin MacSweeney - a recently widowed woman who wants to fulfill her and her husband's dream of adoption. Robin's daughter, Jill, however is skeptical about the whole affair. However, when Mandy's past comes back to haunt her, these very different girls join forces. A great read, a touching and well-written piece.

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Gabbie's rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Ella is unlike other girls, while others worry about riches and royalty, Ella must worry about cruel people discovering her curse and using it to exploit her. The gift of obedience seemed as if it would be a harmless blessing, but when Ella is faced with the reality that she will put those she loves in danger, she must deny herself to do what is right. A fun book to read, especially if you enjoy romance and fairy tales.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Gabbie's rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Wow! Often when I read books I find that sequels cannot equal their predecessors in action, character development, and plot. I was refreshed by this novel as it continues the story of Katniss. Join Katniss and Peta as they re-enter the arena. The games - as these two come to discover - do not end when you step out of the ring. This is my favorite of these books and I couldn't read it fast enough. A must read.

 

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Gabbie's rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Suzanne Collins continues to impress me by her books. I began this novel immediately after Catching Fire. This book is the conclusion of the life of "the girl on fire." Follow Katniss as she discovers who she is, and who she must be in order to save those she loves. This book illustrates the sacrifice and determination it takes to become the "mockingjay." I reread the last page 5 times. An epic finale to a marvelous trilogy.