Continuing on from last week, we are still featuring some thoughts on our favorite titles from 2014. This week we will be focusing on the youth with three days of books that are for the under-18 set. But adults, these books are for you too – especially today’s selections!
And remember, if you want the full 2014 Staff Picks list, you can visit any of our library locations or check out it out online in two parts: 2014 Staff Picks for Adults and 2014 Staff Picks for Children.
Here are our favorite teen reads of 2014:
All the Truth That’s In Me by Julie Berry
A tragic, chilling tale about a Puritan girl who returns home as a mute after she went missing 2 years earlier. Written in a series of journal entries the story slowly reveals clues to her disappearance. – Madeline
Cress by Marissa Meyer
This third entry in the Lunar Chronicles finds our previous characters interacting with Repunzel-like hacker Cress to find a way to over-throw Lunar queen Levana. Read the first two books, Cinder and Scarlet to get to this best-yet in the series entry. Audiobook narrator Rebecca Stoler brings the characters and story joyfully to life! – Jennifer
Grasshopper Jungle by Andrew Smith
One of the most imaginative books I’ve ever read is not for the faint of heart. Sixteen year old Polish-American Austin Szerba recounts the story of his relationship with his best friend Robby, who is in love with him, and his girlfriend Shann, who is also in love with him, both of whom he may be in love with, which causes him great confusion. To complicate matters further, Austin and Robby accidentally unleash a plague of giant, killer praying mantises upon humanity, bringing about the end of the world. Smith’s story is wickedly funny, imaginative, heartbreaking and profane. Recommended for adventurous, mature readers who are not easily offended. – Jennifer
The Infinite Sea: The Second Book of the Fifth Wave by Rick Yancey
Awesome science fiction adventure with action from start to finish. It’s the sequel to The Fifth Wave which you must read first. – Lesley
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
Spending the summers on her family’s private island off the coast of Massachusetts with her cousins and a special boy named Gat, 18 year-old Cadence struggles to remember what happened during her fifteenth summer. Lyrical language and slowly unraveling suspense make this a must-read (or must-listen-to.) – Jennifer
A couple leaves Los Angeles to live off the grid in a post-decline America. This survivalist, end of the world novel, has an interesting plot and gives insight into the unraveling of civilization. – Madeline
Pushcart Prize-Winner, Smith Henderson, has written a spectacular first novel. Social worker, Pete Snow, serves the working poor of rural Montana; overworked and underpaid, Pete struggles with his client’s desperate lives while dealing with his own troubles. He’s left his adulterous wife and angry teenage daughter to live in a remote cabin with no electricity. His dedication to his job helps him ignore his own unraveling life. “I take kids away from people like us,” he tells his ex one drunken night. Pete’s life intersects one day with an eleven year old boy whose father is a tyrannical survivalist awaiting the “End Times”; whose harsh life and treatment of his son reels Pete into their world. Full of complicated, sympathetic and realistic characters, Fourth of July Creek is a home run. More please, Mr. Henderson. – Linda
Looking for a fantasy title free of horrifying bloodshed, vampires, or zombies? The Goblin Emperor is the story of a half-goblin, half-elven prince; the result of a political marriage of the Elven Emperor to his despised fourth wife, a goblin princess. Raised in seclusion away from the byzantine elvish court, Maia suddenly ascends the Emperor’s throne after an ‘accident’ kills the emperor and existing heirs. Maia struggles to retain his crown in a hostile court where everyone wants something from him (no matter how formal and politely they may ask). Written from Maia’s perspective, I found him to be utterly likeable and charming. And while there is some bloodshed, there is also a thread of hope throughout the book. – Deborah
If Not for This by Montana author, Pete Fromm, is an amazing, heartfelt love story filled with characters you cheer, laugh, and cry with. Maddy and Dalt meet as rafting guides on the Snake River, fall in love, marry, and lead and adventurous, active life together. Economic realities force them to leave their beloved river and move to the suburbs of Ashland, Oregon. There, Maddy’s dizzy spells and weakness morph in a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis – at the same time she learns that she is pregnant. Written in Maddy’s voice, If Not for This, is filled with wit, poignancy and heart-breaking sadness. Have the Kleenex handy. – Linda
From the author of Winter’s Bone this short novel reflects on a mysterious explosion at a dance hall in Missouri in 1929. The author paints a vivid scene and uses capturing language to tell this non-linear story. – Madeline
This is from the book description on Amazon: “Meet Kick Lannigan. She’s twenty-one. She can pick any lock. She knows five ways to kill you with a jacket. Get ready to fall in love.” Five ways to kill you with a jacket? I’m in! One Kick is the first book in a new series written by local author Chelsea Cain. I really like the Archie Sheridan series by Cain and I really like this one too, though there are parts that are difficult to read. But Compelling storyline, characters, and lots of action will keep you riveted. Kick Lannigan has been through a horrific childhood and she gets caught up in solving a case similar to her own. Warning: this book is not for the faint of heart. – Lesley
A story of loss, injustice, and morality – with splashes of love and beauty – as seen through the eyes of renowned, yet reclusive, artist and fisherman Jim Stegner. After fully absorbing the shock of the death of his teenage daughter and sinking in a mire of self-recrimination, alcoholism and impetuous action, Jim is on a path back to life when he encounters Dell Siminoe brutally beating a horse on a back road. His actions, right or wrong, set the pace for the rest of this emotional suspense story. A highly compelling book – it had me shaking my head and exclaiming “no, no, no,” over and over again. – Jenni
The Queen of the Tearling was my favorite discovery of 2014. The main character, Kelsea, is complex and relatable and the book is full of interesting characters. There is lots of action and adventure. If you like Game of Thrones you will like this book! – Lesley
A haunting ghost story set in early 19th century and present day Vermont. Creepy characters and an exciting plot make this a novel a beautifully written page turner. – Madeline
First Impressions
First Impressions
First Impressions
First Impressions
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