As I was telling Sara the day before yesterday, some books deserve far more than a ten-second summary. Books which are bigger than the implications on the jacket flap and the assumptions based on the cover. Books which I put in customers' hands and say:

"Read this. Don't read reviews or anything which could possibly spoil the ending for you. Just read this."

These books include but are not limited to the following:
(Click the title for my full-length review or a related post.)

Looking for Alaska by John Green
Looking for Alaska is about a girl, not a state. It's also about a boy, but it's not your typical boy-meets-girl story. Boarding school, friends, famous last words, and before and after all factor in this dramatic and engrossing tale. John Green's debut novel is about a search for self, and it's a story readers won't soon forget.

The Alison Rules by Catherine Clark
After Alison's mother passes away, she is reluctant to confide in anyone other that her long-time best friend Laurie. Alison decides to play it safe, rather than be sorry later. Truly, do not let anyone spoil this book for you. Just get it and read it, then come back to this post and discuss it with me. This book is poignant and real, and it gets my highest recommendation.

Innocence by Jane Mendelson
If you like coming-of-age stories written in highly imaginative, lyrical prose, and you aren't afraid of a dark story, pick up Innocence by Jane Mendelsohn. The story utilizes the Final Girl concept to the fullest extent. The family set-up - the only child, a girl, has a dead mother, a lonely father, and an evil stepmother - reminds me of a fairy tale, but the story is set in a fully modern world. This is an intriguing one-sitting read which will keep you guessing until the last page. Thoughtful, quotable writing, vivid imagery, and exciting characters. Once you finish this book, you'll never look at the world the same way again.

If you have read any of these titles and wish to discuss them in the comments below, please feel free to do so. Also tell me which books you think of in this way.

I cannot discover the identity of the creator of this meme. I found the meme at firstgold.

Hardback or trade paperback or mass market paperback?
I like all three formats - their sizes, their weights, their look.
Since hardbacks are expensive, I rarely buy them. This means I do not own some of my favorite recent releases because they are not yet available in paperback.

Bookmark or dog-ear?
Bookmark. I do not fold pages in my books. Perish the thought.

Alphabetize by author, alphabetize by title, or random?
Alphabetize by author.

Keep, throw away, or sell?
Keep. Never throw away. Perish the thought.

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