Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns), by Mindy Kaling

Borrowed Kindle version from my local library.

This was an easy read—light and fluffy like the snow outside. If you believe everything that Mindy Kaling wrote in this book, she is actually a pretty good role model. She's smart, she's funny, and she knows what she wants and doesn't let other people influence her behavior. This should be required reading for the young adult crowd.

Catch #245!

Just a day after leaving Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None" pinned to the community bulletin board at Panera Bread in Greensburg, it has been caught! And I know whodunit—new member Krsprincess82. She writes: "My mom works at panera and knows how much I love reading. So she brought it home for me. Can't wait to read it." It's a good one. Enjoy!

Anna and the French Kiss, by Stephanie Perkins

Borrowed Kindle version from my local library. I was excited to see it was not only available, but available immediately, as it had been on my BookCrossing wishlist for a couple of years—probably soon after my own trip to Paris.

"Anna and the French Kiss" is a charming and surprising YA book. I loved exploring Paris again, living vicariously through Anna who was lucky enough to be there more than a week, and learning a few things for when I go back someday. For instance, I didn't know about the wishing on the star at Point Zero, nor about the Pantheon. Stephanie Perkins managed to convey some good lessons about how to be a true friend without sounding preachy, along with important reminders that the world does not revolve around you. 

Looking for Alaska, by John Green

Borrowed Kindle version from my local library.

I was really enjoying the first half of this book as it counted down to some big unknown thing happening. When the something big finally happened, I was afraid it was going to take a nosedive into a preachfest. It was touch and go for a couple of fictional weeks, but I think John Green pulled up on the controls just in time. The characters seemed true to life, with the same foibles and feelings, problems and preoccupations, light and dark, that real teens (and people who used to be teens) have. It's a thought-provoking and thoughtful book. I liked it.