I have read better..

Con Academy

By: Joe Schreiber

Genre: YA Realistic Fiction

Pages: 240

Published: 2015

Read: August

3 out of 5

How many con artists can attend one prep school and not get caught? Well, quite a few at Connaughton...maybe it’s the name. Schreiber did a good job developing the characters and the plot was unique and interesting. The main plot was 2 students who discover each other conned their way into the exclusive prep school, but I felt everyone was a con. I did love the character, Gatsby (and her name!), she has the best personality and who wouldn’t love to grow up in a used book store. Although there was a share of twists I felt it was too contrived of a novel. 

not worthy of the Teens' Top Ten nomination

You and Me and Him

By: Kris Dinnison

Genre: YA LGBTQ

Pages: 288

Published: 2015

Read: July

2 out of 5

Pretty in Pink 2015?  The entire book reminded me of this great 1980’s movie, but that was its only good quality. There is a vintage record store with a gay (It IS 2015) owner, a poor employee and friend, and a love triangle. Of course, this love triangle included a gay guy, but he was still quirky. What I didn’t like…all the characters! The main character, Maggie, did nothing wrong but felt guilty about everything. Her gay best friend hated her because she liked the new kid (who wasn’t even gay). The new kid was a totally player…I didn’t understand why anyone would want him anyway. Everyone thought he was just friendly versus a totally jerk. Of course, in the end they lived happily ever after! Maybe I needed to be a teen girl to LOVE this book, but I felt it sucked.