Raven by Allison Van Diepen

I just finished this book, and tried a new Web 2.0 app--xtranormal. It was easy to use, but the results seem a bit clunky.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

What a wonderful second book in an exciting series. This book grabbed me and wouldn't let go until I was finished. I can hardly wait for the third installment.

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Another supernatural love story, Twilight-esque, but with werewolves.

Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

This book was terrific! What perfect timing for this optimistic, uplifting debut novel set during the civil rights movement in Jackson, Miss., where black women were trusted to raise white children but not to polish the household silver. Eugenia Skeeter Phelan is just home from college in 1962, and, anxious to become a writer, is advised to hone her chops by writing about what disturbs you. The budding social activist begins to collect the stories of the black women on whom the country club sets relies and mistrusts enlisting the help of Aibileen, a maid who's raised 17 children, and Aibileen's best friend Minny, who's found herself unemployed more than a few times after mouthing off to her white employers. The book Skeeter puts together based on their stories is scathing and shocking, bringing pride and hope to the black community, while giving Skeeter the courage to break down her personal boundaries and pursue her dreams.

Because I am furniture

Because I am Furniture by Thalia Chaltas

Written in prose, this novel tells the disturbing story of Anke and her family. Anke's father is abusive to her brother and sister, the whole family lives in fear of his rages. Anke is grateful that her father seems to ignore her, but she is conflicted, she feels like furniture--no voice, no one caring for her, giving her any attention. Against her father's wishes, she joins the volleyball team and begins to have a voice. She relies on this voice and inner power when she finds her father abusing her friend and she acts to stop him. A read a like to this book would be Such a Pretty Girl by Laura Weiss.