If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo

   This book seems so simple, but it isn't.  It's a beautifully written work about issues that are difficult and deeply personal.  Issues that  we, as a society, are struggling with how to deal with and yet this breaks it down into such an understandable  and personal way.

Andrew knows that there is something wrong.  All of his life, he has felt off, like something was missing. 


Amanda is the new girl at school.  Just like all teenagers, she wants to fit in, make friends, fall in love.   But Amanda has a secret and she is determined not to let down the walls protecting herself for anyone..... until she meets Grant.

If you read one book this year - this is it. I gave this book to my mother and it opened her eyes and changed her heart.   This book proved to me, once again, the power of words.  They can raise awareness, make us more compassionate and ultimately change the way we view our world.  This book is so much more than it seems.  It's a powerhouse.  Read. It. Now.  5 stars and I would give it more if I could.

King's Cage by Victoria Aveyard

This is the third installment in the Red Queen series.   The second book left us with quite the cliff hanger.  Mare has agreed to turn herself over to Maven in order to secure the safety of her friends.  What's ahead for her is literally a living hell.

I loved this book because it demonstrates, once again, what a strong character Mare is.  She has focus and a strength of will that many would  be lacking.   I love the way that this author brings the story full circle for the Lightning Girl.  Will she be able to escape the Kings Cage only to fall into another?  I don't want to give too much of the plot away, but I will say that  I can't wait to read the next part of Mare's story. 

This is YA at it's best.  5 stars.

Creativity Inc by Ed Catmull

   I wanted to read more nonfiction this year.  This was  one of the first books that I chose.   I have to say, it didn't disappoint.

I had no idea exactly what was behind Pixar.  The creative minds, the practices they employed, the cultural changes that they were involved in - fascinating.

Ed Catmull wanted to work for Disney since he was a child.  When he had his opportunity, they offered him a job as an engineer creating rides in their theme parks.  He took a pass.  It wasn't his passion, it wasn't what he wanted to do.  But honestly, how many of us pass up on our dream because it was just a little shy of perfect?

All the greats are here:  Walt Disney, Steve Jobs, George Lucas and the list just goes on.  I found this book fascinating and riveting.  I was inspired.  5 stars.