Review: One Man Guy

One Man Guy by Michael Barakiva
Publication date: May 27, 2014
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Have you ever read a book so good that at a certain point your fingers are flying, trying to turn pages as quickly as you're reading? Have you ever read a book that you couldn't put down, despite your best efforts? A book that, once finished, leaves a warm, fuzzy feeling within you for days? To clarify, have you read ONE MAN GUY by Michael Barakiva?

ONE MAN GUY centers around Alek, a young, awkward, and Armenian highschooler, who has just been sentenced to spend his vacation in summer school. However, while there, he meets Ethan, a free-spirit who takes a particular interest in Alek. A new take on the coming-of-age-romance genre, ONE MAN GUY is by far one of the best standalone books I've read. Barakiva has a sharp, quick, and witty style that makes the book easily accessible, and easily enjoyable. Not only is the writing style spot-on, but the characters are brilliantly diverse and exceptionally intricate. I very rarely read coming-of-age stories, but I'm glad that I read this one, because ONE MAN GUY definitely made it onto my list of favorite standalone books. If you're 13 or older, don't mind some profanity, and are looking for a sweet and fun read, I'd definitely recommend this book to you!

Review: My Last Kiss

My Last Kiss by Bethany Neal
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Publishing date: June 10, 2014

MY LAST KISS is the story of Cassidy Haines, a 17 year old ghost who can’t seem to remember how she died. The police ruled it a suicide but Cassidy knows that there has to be more to the story. With only her boyfriend Ethan Keys able to see her, they try to solve the mystery around her death all while trying to keep their love alive. This page turning debut novel by Bethany Neal is a cross between a tragic love story and a murder mystery, perfect for fans of “Pretty Little Liars” and “Thirteen Reasons Why”. Contrary to what the title might have lead you to believe, this story is less about kisses and more about the jealousy and hardships of friendship. Cassidy is often struggling with everyday teenage problems (like forgiving her friends, dealing with her parents divorce and finding herself) making her a very relatable character. Although this book has paranormal aspects, I found that the realistic elements made it a more contemporary novel. MY LAST KISS is filled with twists and turns making it a fun and intriguing novel, great for anyone who enjoys a young adult mystery.