Psycho

It is September, which means it is officially time to start celebrating Halloween. But we don't want to overdo it with the horror just yet. So I figured I'd pick a nice little thriller to ease into it:

You by Caroline Kepnes

You begins when a gorgeous young woman walks into the East Village Bookstore where Joe Goldberg works. Immediately infatuated with her, he googles the name on her credit card and uses the information on her social media profiles to ease himself into her life and make her fall in love with him. 

When I first read the description my initial thought was: "Well this sounds a lot like another series I know and love." Then I looked up more information, and came across the news that a lifetime series starring none other than Penn Badgley – aka Lonely Boy himself – is in the works.  Figuring that it would be rather unlikely that one of the stars of the show would sign up for a Gossip Girl rip-off so shortly after its finale, I decided to give You a chance despite the similarities...and let me just say, I was in for a shock (the best kind).

While the premise is a little reminiscent of Gossip Girl, the writing is definitely not. Told from Joe's point of view, You takes readers on a dark journey into the mind of a completely deranged individual, which is a scary but also very fascinating place to be. In the tradition of great unreliable narrators like Lolita's Humbert, Joe also has a way of making the readers sympathize with him.  Because as insane at he is, he is also extremely intelligent, witty and incredibly charming.  

On top of that You is also a great commentary on social media, and will probably make you rethink the way you use Facebook and Twitter. You never know who might be reading your posts…

For fans of: 

American Psycho, Lolita, R.L. Stine's Eyecandy 

Peace, Love and Lobsters

Laura 

…and Scene

I love a good Hollywood story. It doesn't matter if it's fact or fiction, comedy or tragedy, romance or mystery …as long as it is set against against a Hollywood backdrop I will get excited about it.  So I thought I'd share two of my non-fiction favorites with you:

Brat Pack America by Kevin Smokler

I have read many books about '80s teen movies, but none of those can compare to Smokler's Brat Pack America. He covers a lot, including some movies I had never heard of (something I definitely want to fix),  but instead of focussing on the characters or stories Brat Pack America is a journey through all the real and fictional places that made these movies so great.  

 From the Goonies Day festivities in Astoria, to a Lost Boys tour of Santa Cruz, Smokler goes everywhere, from north to south. But that is not everything, Brat Pack America also includes interviews with actors, writers and directors, and is full of little tidbits and facts. So if you're in the mood for some time traveling and can't get your hands Doc Brown's DeLorean, this book is the next best thing.

The Disaster Artist by Greg Sestero

If you have not read the story behind the greatest bad movie ever made, you are really missing out.  Sestero, who stared as Mark in the Room, tells the story of how he met the mysterious figure that is Tommy Wiseau and how The Room came together.  

I am a fan of The Room. Yet, I do not think that you necessarily have to love the movie – or even be familiar with it – to enjoy the book. The whole tale is so bizarre that it might as well be a fictional story – a well written, interesting, and hilarious story that will have you rolling on the floor.  

The thing that makes The Disaster Artist so great is, however, not the comedy but how honest and heartfelt Sestero's words feel. It would have been so easy to write a tell-all book that makes fun of Wiseau's antics, but at the end of the day The Disaster Artist is a story about one man with a big dream. And soon, you can even see it play out on the big screen. I can't wait!

Peace, Love, and Lobsters 

Laura 

Girl in Snow

When I read the description of Girl in Snow, I figured it was just another small town murder mystery, where the homecoming queen ends up dead in a ditch and we slowly find out that her perfect life was not that perfect after all…

I could not have been more wrong. When a beloved high schooler named Lucinda is found dead with a cracked skull on a carousel (which is much creepier than your average ditch), no one in her sleepy Colorado suburb is untouched. There is Cameron, the boy who was madly in love (or rather obsessed) with her. Jade, the girl who hated her, but also wanted to be her. And Russ, a police officer with a questionable past.

Author Danya Kukafka does an amazing job of going back and forth between the perspectives of these three characters. Switching perspectives can be confusing, but Kukafka does it so seamlessly that it feels completely natural. The three different voices make the story incredibly vivid, and offer a level of insight that would have been lost with a single narrator. In short Girl in Snow is a solid character study that disguises itself as a murder mystery and explores the way death and grief affect a small town.

I won't recommend this if you are looking for a fast paced thriller that you won't be able to put down. But if you are in the mood for something a little deeper, that focusses on characters instead of clues, then give Girl in Snow a chance. You won't regret it.

Girl in Snow hits the shelves on August 1

Peace, Love and Lobsters

Laura

Special thanks to Simon & Schuster for providing me with an advance copy of Girl in Snow

Merry Ex–Mas

There are times when you just finished a great book and just can't figure out what to read next, so you go with the first thing Amazon recommends. In some cases you'll end up with something that makes you question the sanity of those Amazon elves, but in others you want to run to the kitchen, bake a fresh batch of cinnamon buns, and personally deliver them to those elves to thank them.

Kate Brian's Ex-Mas was such a cinnamon bun situation.  If you've been reading this blog for a while you know that romance isn't exactly my thing unless there's a mystery element to it — yet, I finished this book in two nights.  

Ex-Mas 

For 17-year-old Lila Beckwith popularity is everything, but when her plans to throw the biggest party of the season are ruined by her kid brother, Cooper, her revenge backfires in a way that puts more than just her social life into perspective. After Lila shows Cooper an article about global warming, the Christmas-obsessed kid and his best friend Tyler head up North to save Santa and the North Pole – which means they jump on a train to Seattle. And of course, Tyler just happens to be the younger brother of Lila's antisocial ex Beau. And so, the two exes are forced to embark on road trip to bring their brothers home before Lila's parents get back on Christmas Eve. Bah Humbug.  

There are a couple of reasons why I enjoyed this book as much as I did. For once I do love road trip stories, especially holiday road trip stories. And Brian captured that feeling so well that I almost felt like I was in the car with Lila and Beau. Then there was the Santa element with the runaway boys, that gave it that DCOM feel, I adore. And finally, something that would usually be considered a bad thing: the story's predictability.  I knew how this was going to play out after reading the summary, but it still kept my interest. Which also works well with the road trip theme, because sometimes it really is about the journey and not just the destination.  

So no matter if you're looking for something to read in front of the fireplace, or if you need something to get you through a long car or plane ride, Ex-Mas won't disappoint. 

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura 

Slasher Girls & Monster Boys

October is just around the corner, which means it's only a couple of weeks until Halloween, and since it is never too early to get into the spirit it's the perfect time to get a head start on that Halloween reading list. And when it comes to horror, nothing beats a good anthology.

Slasher Girls and Monster Boys features 14 stories that all draw inspiration from a classic book, film, or song – not necessarily from the horror world – and use it to create something new …and terrifying. 

Even though I am a huge horror fan, I trend to be rather picky about the kind of horror I enjoy. So most anthologies end up being really hit or miss, but with this one I can honestly say that there wasn't one story that I felt like skipping. Every single one–even those with themes I usually don't care for–was so well written that it kept me interested (and chilled) throughout. Plus, my favorite part of it was probably to identify what each story is based on. Here are a couple of my personal highlights:

The Birds of Azalea Street by Nova Ren Suma

The first story of the collection, is about teenage girls, a creepy neighbor and birds (lots of birds). On the eerie instead of the scary side, it's perfectly situated at the beginning of the book, as it sets the mood without being too much.

Verse Chorus Verse by Leigh Bardugo

This one takes place in a rehab facility and deals with the pressures and sacrifices that come with being a teen idol. The theme definitely makes this one stand out a little, and without spoiling anything I have to say that the inspiration for this story is right up my alley.

The Flicker, The Fingers, The Beat, The Sight by April Genevieve Tucholke

Tucholke is the only one of the authors I was actually familiar with, so I expected to like this one. And I wasn't disappointed. The story mixes one of my all time favorite books with a famous urban legend. That said, it isn't anything new, but sometimes a feeling of familiarity can make things scarier than they actually are. So in a way this works in the story's favor.

Stitches by A.G. Howard

This might be the goriest out of the stories. The imagery is nothing for the faint hearted, but if you're not turned off by a little blood (and severed limbs) it's an excellent read with a very classic horror feel.

All in all, I was really impressed with this anthology and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good scare.

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura

Libraries & Poe-Ka Dots

Just when I though Out of Print already had everything a book lover could want, they put something new on the shelf. And their new collection of leighweight cotton and silk blend scarves might be my favorite addition yet:

I'm in love with the Pride and Prejudice design (and I'm not even a fan of the book).  You can't really tell that it is a book cover unless you unfold it, and a bit of mystery is always a plus …as are brilliant  puns "Poe-ka Dots" anyone?  I can't wait to see this collection grow (Nancy Drew scarf, please).

Which cover would you like to see on a scarf?

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Endless Summer

This may be my final book summer post, but judging by the titles that are hitting the bookshelves this fall we get to hold on to that summer feeling a little longer:

   

The Cabin by Natasha Preston // September 6 

Teens, cabin, murder… yes you probably heard this a 100 times. But there's a reason the trope is so popular: it's fun! The Cabin centers around Mackenzie, a high school senior, who just wants to spend the weekend with her friends in a remote cabin. What could possibly go wrong?  The friends' first night at the cabin ends in tragedy when two of the teens are found dead. And since there are no signs of a forced entry or struggle, suspicion turns to the survivors…  The Cabin is escapist horror fun at it's best: a fast paced, easy read that'll keep you guessing – and sometimes that is all a good book needs to be.

For fans of: Gretchen McNeil's Ten; Fear Street

Pasadena by Sherri L. Smith // September 13

Some call it an accident, others believe it's a suicide, but only Jude knows that there is more to it when her best friend Maggie is found dead in a swimming pool …so she starts digging to get to the truth. But the closer she gets, the more she discovers about herself, as Maggie's friends and family are  not the only ones with buried secrets. The contrast between the sunny and glamorous southern California setting, and the gritty tone and dark nature of the story make it so much more than just another young adult mystery.  Pasadena is a brilliant  homage to the great noir stories of Los Angeles, and an equally stylish, chilling, and honest story that you won't regret picking up.

For fans of: Veronica Mars

The Atlas of Cursed Places: Skeleton Tower by Vanessa Acton // October 1

When Jason's family moves to a historic lighthouse, it doesn't take long until strange things begin to happen. The sudden disappearance of the former caretakers, accidents that might not be so accidental,  and the discovery of a weird diary, all lead to the same conclusion: The lighthouse is cursed! At only a 104 pages, it isn't the most intricate story, but much like The Cabin it's simply fun. There is also a nostalgia factor to it, as the style is quite reminiscent of The Hardy Boys mysteries with some Goosebumps thrown in, and you can't really go wrong with that. 

For fans of: The Hardy Boys; Goosebumps

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura  

Advanced review copies provided by Net Galley

Summer Lovin'

If there's one thing I usually try to avoid it's young adult romance. Maybe I'm simply too old to care about teens falling in love–or maybe I just don't really care for romance in general. There are, however, a few exceptions and most of them come in the form of anthologies. 

I wasn't really familiar with most of the authors featured in Summer Days and Summer Nights, but I am a huge fan of Francesca Lia Block's Weetzie Bat (another exception), and seeing ner name on the cover was enough to make me curious.

Summer Daysand Summer Nights on Amazon

I admit, I read Block's story “Sick Pleasure” first, and it definitely is my favorite out of the twelve short stories featured in the collection. Block's autobiographical account is not a big fairy tale, or a thrilling romance. It is a simple story you probably heard a 100 times already, but her equally sweet and gloomy perspective, and the way she threats Los Angeles as a setting, make it stand out in the best way possible.

Others that stood out to me are “Last Stand at the Cinegore” by Libba Bray and “The Map of Tiny Perfect Things” by Lev Grossman. Bray's “Last Stand at the Cinegore” might not be the best out of the stories, but I am a sucker for campy horror, and this tale of a cursed movie was right up my alley. And “The Map of Tiny Perfect Things”, a clever take on Groundhog Day, is just one of those stories that really makes you stop and reminds you to enjoy the little things that make endless summer days so special.

Overall, I really enjoyed the anthology as a whole. There were two or three stories I just skimmed over, but I think that's going to be the case with any anthology–especially if it combines a wide range of styles. So if you haven't read it yet, check out Summer Days and Summer Nights. It's the perfect book for those last few lazy summer days.

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura

Book Shopping

Book Summer would not be complete without a post on Out Of Print, 'cause no matter if you're back-to-school shopping (they do have amazing  totes and pencil pouches!), on a mission to show the world your favorite book, or just want to do some good (every purchase sends a book to a community in need)  …Out of Print is the place to go.  

Here's a look at their new "Miss Peregrine's Home for Perculiar Children" collection and some of my all time favorites (how cute is that Nancy Drew sweater?):

Which one is your favorite?  

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura  

My Best Friend's Exorcism

Between the mind-blowingly awesome Stranger Things, and the less mind-blowing (but still kind of entertaining) Dead of Summer, I found myself craving even more 80s horror. So, I googled "horror novels set in the 80s" and found My Best Friend's Exorcism. 

The year is 1988, Abby and Gretchen have been best friends forever. Both are a little nerdy, love E.T., and the roller-rink…but all that changes after a little experimentation with LSD goes wrong and Gretchen begins to act strange. While it's not uncommon for childhood friends to drift apart in high school, Abby knows that this is something more…something terrifying.  And there is only one possible explanation: Gretchen in possessed.

Author Grady Hendrix has a unique talent to blend the heartwarming with the disturbing …and still make you laugh at the same time. My Best Friend's Excorcism is chilling, but not a straight up horror novel. It is heart-warning,  but not just another coming of age story. It's a high school drama, but not in the least bit juvenile. It is amusing, but never silly, and the result is a story that keeps surprising you on every page, because you never quite know which direction it will take next. And if that is not enough to win you over, the vivid setting–a Charlestown private school–and the colorful 80s references definitely will.

My Best Friend´s Exorcism on Amazon

So just put on some 80's music, heat up some Eggos (Sorry, I had to),  

and read My Best Friend's Exorcism – you won't regret it.

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura  

Tic Toc Nic…

Even though there is a ferris wheel on the cover, All The Missing Girls  is more reminiscent  of a roller coaster ride – and just like a roller coaster ride it's impossible to get off once you're on it.

Ten years ago Nicolette's (Nic) best friend Corinne disappeared from Cooley Ridge, their small North Carolina  hometown. Now, Nic is back in Cooley Ridge to help her brother fix up their old family home – and it does not take long until her past catches up with her and old wounds that she thought had long been healed start to itch again …especially when Annaleise, Nic's neighbor, disappears, in the middle of the night– just like Corinne did ten years ago.  

Small towns and missing girls are hardly an original premise – but it's the way this story is told that  makes it one of the most original books I've read in years, because author Megan Miranda  is telling it backwards. That's right, after the set up the story jumps ahead 15 days and then counts down – day by day, until we reach the night in question and find out what really happened to All The Missing Girls.

My first thought was that this sounds like a really confusing concept, but Miranda uses this to her advantage, and the result is an extremely immersive reading experience that messes with  the readers' minds in the best possible way:  The confusion – and most importantly the distrust – that is haunting the narrators flies of the pages and makes you feel like you're actually right there in Cooley Ridge, trying to solve the case yourself instead of just reading about it.  

Preorder "All The Missing Girls"

All The Missing Girls hits the shelves on June 28, and is guaranteed to keep you up during those long summer nights – sleep is overrated anyway.

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura  

Advanced review copy provided by Net Galley 

Coast to Coast

There's no better summer read than a good mystery series, especially one that's set at the beach. But – much like the detectives that investigate on them – every beach is different, and not every beach is right for everyone.  So I put together a little quiz that will lead you right to the literary beach that's  perfect for you.

Simply pick what's more your style, and buy a plane ticket hit the bookstore:

If you answered mostly A, then the sunny beaches of Neptune, California, are your destination:

As a follow up to the popular TV show The Thousand-Dollar Tan Line brings girl sleuth extraordinaire Veronica Mars from the screen to the page:  A grown up Veronica is back in Neptune, and struggling to keep her father's PI business afloat while she waits for her first big case. But it soon becomes a case of "be careful what you wish for" when a missing person's investigation hits a little too close to home.  Even though the book serves as a continuation of the TV show, you don't have to be familiar with it to enjoy it.  Sure, it might take a little longer to get into it, but once you're there it's "Sunshine Noir" at it's best. And by book 2, it'll be like you've lived in Neptune for years.   

And if you answered mostly B, then it's off to Cape Cod to solve a case with Asey Mayo: 

When author Dale Sanborn is found dead in his Cape Cod refuge, it is up to hobby sleuth Asey Mayo (also known as the "Codfish Sherlock") to find the killer.  A task that's easier said than done – as almost everyone on the island had a bone to pick with the victim.  First published in 1931, full of quirky characters, and oozing with local color and charm, reading  The Cape Cod Mystery is almost like jumping into a time machine and visiting the the Cape yourself …and the actual mystery is pretty great, too.

Markus Lupfer Tee / Sperry Canvas Sneakers 

 Le Specs Sunglasses  / Urban Decay Bronzer 

Enjoy the trip! 

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Book Summer

The other day I was brainstorming ideas for new posts, and all of them lead to two things: summer and books  – so why not combine them, make it a series and call it a "Book Summer"?

Now, I'm not saying that my content for the next three months will exclusively consist of "summer read reviews" …but you will find a a book – in one form or another – in every post.

So pack your beach bag, find a quiet spot by the water – and don't forget that sunscreen, because we're gonna be out there until September.

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura

Spring Previews

There are a lot of great books coming out this Spring, but I decided to narrow it down to one for each month.  And yes, there might be a little theme going on…

Old Records Never Die by Eric Spitznagel // April 12

Have you ever gotten rid of something and regretted it later?  That's how journalist Eric Spitznagel feels about his record collection after selling it in a financial pinch. So, he sets out on a journey to track down his lost records, but not just copies. No, he's looking for the exact same records he sold, and with them the memories that are attached to them. Old Records Never Die is a beautiful memoir about the magic of music, that brings back the thrill and adrenalin of spending hours in a record store and finding that one album you've been looking for.  Which might be exactly what we need in a time where nearly every song ever recorded is available on a smartphone.  

For fans of: High Fidelity 

Devil and the Bluebird by Jennifer Mason-Black // May 17

Armed with nothing but her dead mother's guitar,  a knapsack of cherished mementos, and a pair of enchanted boots, Blue Riley makes a deal with the Devil to find her runaway sister Cass. But as it goes when the Devil is involved, the agreement has a few catches – the biggest one being that he takes away her voice.  During her journey, she meets a number of colorful characters (some helpful, some the opposite), and finds answers she didn't even know she was looking for. It is never perfectly clear where the journey (and the story itself) is headed,  but that is what makes Devil and the Bluebird so good. It is a lot like life itself …only more magical.  

For fans of: Weetzie Bat 

The Girls by Emma Cline // June 14 

Northern California in the late 1960s, change is in the air, and all 14 year old Evie wants is to break out of her boring life. Her prayers are answered when a group of girls she meets at the park, invite her to their run down ranch, where she is introduced to their charismatic leader. Naive, innocent, and desperate to be accepted, Evie spends more and more time with her mesmerizing new friends, and soon finds herself in the middle of one of the most notorious cults of all time. The Girls isn't a story about Charles Manson (in fact he's named Russel here), it is a story about obsession. The darkness of the subject matter, and the inevitably horrible outcome that is looming over the story from the very first page on,  make a wonderful contrast to the almost palpable air of innocence that surrounds Evie, and all in all it is simply an incredibly haunting tale, that'll keep you thinking long after you put it down.  

For fans of: The Virgin Suicides 

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura  

Advanced review copies provided by Net Galley 

Lucky Me

With only one more stop to go until award show season is officially over, you might soon feel a little lack of Hollywood drama in your life. But don't worry because Saba Kapur's debut novel Lucky Me is guaranteed to fill that void.  

High School senior Gia Winters seems to have everything a girl could want, a hot boyfriend, a killer wardrobe, and – thanks to her famous parents – she's first in line to be the next next Miss Golden Globe. Most would consider her to be pretty lucky, if it only weren't for a pesky stalker and an even more annoying bodyguard. Or scratch that, because the bodyguard isn't all that annoying after all (even though Gia would rather be seen in last season's Louboutins than admit that). 

In Lucky Me classic screwball comedy meets Hollywood Glitterati, and the result is one of the funniest books I've read in a long time.  If you are looking for a light read, and enjoy campy drama (think White Girl Problems, or Celebutantes), then Lucky Me won't disappoint. Yes, the main characters, Gia and bodyguard Jack, come across as a little immature at times, but for me that only added to the charm.  They don't take themselves too seriously, which makes for a great contrast to the otherwise rather grim subject of a dangerous stalker, who likes to get creative with his methods (poisoned dumplings,  anyone?).

Preorder Lucky Me

Lucky Me is available from April 5
…just in time to ease that Hollywood withdrawal.

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura  

Advanced copy provided by Net Galley 

A Study in Charlotte

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little apprehensive about A Study in Charlotte. Holmes and Watson at boarding school, in Connecticut? Please…

Whether they came in the form of an actual teenaged Holmes, a descendant, or a younger sibling, I've read a fair share of …lets call call them rather adventurous young adult books based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories. And they all had one thing in common, I only enjoyed them because I do enjoy almost anything Sherlock Holmes, which I can't say about  Brittany Cavallaro's A Study in Charlotte …because I quickly realized that it's more than just another reinterpretation of the classic. But let's start from the beginning… 

When Jamie Watson ends up at the same American boarding school as the infamous Charlotte Holmes, it seems like the two teens are destined to be anything but friends, even though Jamie spent the greater part of his life dreaming about going on adventures with the descendant of his great-great-great-grandfather's best friend. In old "be careful what you wish for" fashion, these dreams come true when another student – who happens to be a mutual enemy of the two – is murdered and everything points towards Jamie and Charlotte. 

Even though the suspenseful mystery is filled with (really clever!) references to the original stories,  the characters – especially Jamie …I mean Watson, whose narration is compelling, witty, and sometimes awkward in the best possible way –  are strong enough to stand on their own. Yes, they are Holmes and Watson, but they aren't just Holmes and Watson, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to someone who has never read a Sherlock Holmes story in their life.  Granted, I have a soft  spot for boarding school mysteries, and basically dedicated my entire academic career to teenage detectives, but it's not often that a book keeps me up until 4 in the morning because the cliffhanger endings make it impossible to put it down. So no matter if you're a fan of Conan Doyle's famous detective, or if you just in the mood for a clever and edgy mystery -  A Study in Charlotte won't disappoint.

PREORDER "A STUDY IN CHARLOTTE"

…and even the Connecticut thing makes perfect sense, I promise! 

A Study in Charlotte is the first installment of a Trilogy, and available from March, 1.

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura  

Fall Reading

I love this time of year, when it's still summer but the first Halloween decorations start popping up everywhere, and it's warm enough to sit outside but cool enough to need a sweater when you curl up with a good book on the patio....  

And talking of books, here are my current favorites:

 

Nerve by Jeanne Ryan: "Hunger Games light" - that's how a friend described Nerve to me, and while the emphasis lies on light, I definitely got the Hunger Games vibe from it (minus all the dystopia).  Nerve follows Vee, a shy girl who enters in an multiplayer online game that promises the players amazing prizes for performing dares.  It starts off easy when Vee is challenged to pour water over herself in a crowded coffee shop, but before she knows it she finds herself playing for her own life. I was a bit torn about this, the first chapter had a weird vibe to it, and it took me a few chapters to get into it, but once I did I was hooked.  If you're looking for a quick and fun "bubblegum thriller", then Nerve is what you need.

The Undertaker's Daughter  by Kate Mayfield: Can you imagine growing up in a funeral home? For Kate Mayfield this was the reality. In a voice that is reminiscent of Harper Lee's young Scout  Mayfield  writes about the ups and downs of being raised in a funeral home in Jubilee, Kentucky, during the nineteen sixtes and seventies  While The Undertaker's Daughter is definitely not the lightest read, it does not feel as heavy as the the load of serious topics it deals with. The book might not be for everyone, but if you like episodic memoirs that are a little on the odd side, you will  LOVE this.

Bag of Bones by Stephen King: I'm gonna be honest I only bought this because I really enjoyed the movie (in an "it's so utterly ridiculous it's awesome" kind of way), but now I'm so glad I did! It's classic Stephen King with very touching components, that make it sweet without compromising the scary side. If you enjoy a good haunted summer house story, with a number of shocking family secrets thrown in, then Bag of Bones if the book for you.  

What's on your reading list?

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura

Summer Reading

There's nothing better than reading a book you don't have to read. Not for research or a grade, just for fun. Here are some of my mine favorite "fun-reads" for summer:

Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway: I know memoirs might not be everyone's idea of a fun reading material, but there are few things I enjoy more than diving into someones past – especially if it is as fascinating as Cherie Currie's.  I've always been a fan of the Runaways singer, but I don't think that you have to be a fan of her or the band to enjoy this book.  It's just an exciting story about a girl and her life as a teenage rock star in the 70s – the ups, the downs, the glamour and of course the dirt.

Joyland:  Stephen King is always a good choice for a summer read, but this one is particularly great. Joyland  follows Devon Jones, a 21 year old college student and aspiring writer, who spends the summer of 1973 working and "wearing the fur" at a small North Carolina amusement park with a dark history. It's part thriller, part coming of age story, and so much more than you would ever expect.

Paper Towns: I have to admit I am not the biggest John Green fan, don't get me wrong he's a great writer but his books just aren't my cup of tea. I had pretty much given up on him until I saw  the trailer for the Paper Towns movie adaptation - which looked like something  I would love. So I decided to give him another chance – and I'm so glad I did. I just somehow felt a connection to the characters that I never had with any of his other books. So even if you're not a John Green fan, give Paper Towns a chance.

Secret Society Girl: The Secret Society Girl Series is my everything. Full of drama, action, and romance  Diana Peterfreund's saga around a Skull and Bones like society is the perfect summer read. 
The first book in the series of four is admittedly a little slow - there's a lot of exposition but it's necessary, and the next three books definitely make up for it (especially Rites of Spring-Break - One word: lifesavers!)

What is on your summer reading list?

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura 

Punk Fiction

Out of Print never disappoints when it comes to "literary merch", but their newest design takes being a literature nerd to a whole new level of cool.

Meet the "Punk Rock Authors" tote: 

via: Out Of Print Clothing

Your favorite authors as  punk rockers – pretty sweet, right?  It's definitely one of these things that you never knew you wanted  until you saw it,  but that's what makes it so awesome.  

…and if the tote is not enough check out the matching coasters (interesting conversations are guaranteed if you keep them on your coffee table).

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura 

Silent Night?

Just like  any real 90s kid I've always loved  R.L. Stine. I've read everything from Goosebumps, to his adult novels, downloaded the new Fear Street novel (it is SO good!) the day it came out, and already preordered the next one.  

Yet, I've somehow managed to completely miss his Fear Street Super Chiller Christmas trilogy

"Silent Night"…at least until now:

Part 1, 2, and 3

To me, the books about mean girl Reva Dalby, and her not so pleasant Christmas surprises (psychos, kidnappers, stalkers) are the perfect holiday escape (nothing's more relaxing than reading about psychopaths, am I right?). And then there's the nostalgia factor (all the white mohair turtlenecks), which is always nice around the holidays.  

Also, these books would make pretty awesome stocking stuffers for the R.L. Stine fan in your life.(Seriously,  there is nothing better than finding childhood favorites in your stocking. Nothing!)

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura