Uglies is a dystopian novel set in a society where everyone gets a mandatory cosmetic surgery at 16 to become a “Pretty.” The story follows Tally Youngblood, a 15-year-old girl eagerly waiting her transformation. However, she starts doubting the system when she meets Shay, a rebellious girl who resists the operation and introduces Tally to the Smoke, a hidden city of people who reject societal beauty standards.
This book is an informative biography of Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president of the United States. The book explores Truman’s early life in Missouri, his military service in World War I and his unexpected rise in politics. It highlights key moments of his presidency, including his decision to use atomic bombs in Japan, the start of the Cold War, the Marshall Plan and his leadership during the Korean War. The book is aimed at younger readers or those new to learning about Truman. It provides a clear timeline of his life and presidency, making it easy to follow.
Warcross by Marie Lu follows a teenage hacker/bounty hunter, Emika Chen, in a futuristic New York City. Emi makes a living by tracking down illegal gamblers in the brain-computer interface game known as Warcross. Unfortunately, her profits aren’t enough to save her from eviction, leading her to steal power ups at the Warcross Championships. She does get caught, but instead of being arrested, Emi gets hired by the creator of Warcross, Hideo Tanaka, to find an elusive hacker known as Zero.
Harry Turtledove's Days of Infamy is an action-packed alternate history novel that presents a chilling "what if" scenario of a successful Japanese invasion of Hawaii following the attack on Pearl Harbor. The novel vividly portrays the chaos and terror that engulf the islands as Japanese forces occupy and attempt to control the local population.
Harry Turtledove's Give Me Back My Legions! is an action-packed historical novel set in an alternate timeline where the Roman Empire never fully conquered the Germanic tribes. The plot centers on the dramatic clash between the Roman legions, led by the historical figure Publius Quinctilius Varus, and the Germanic coalition, led by Arminius, in the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest.
Harry Turtledove's We Install is an action-packed science fiction novel that explores the potential consequences of advanced technology and social change. The plot centers around a near-future society where incredibly realistic androids are becoming increasingly integrated into everyday life, offering services from household chores to companionship.
Harry Turtledove's Hitler's War is an action-packed entry in the World War series, continuing the gripping alternate history where aliens invade Earth during World War II. This installment delves deeper into the global conflict, showcasing humanity's ongoing struggle against the technologically superior Race.
Harry Turtledove's Last Orders is an action-packed alternate history novel that plunges readers into World War II where the United States is losing. The narrative centers on the evacuation of Southern California as Japanese forces advance, focusing on a diverse group of characters and their desperate struggles for survival.
Scythe by Neal Shusterman takes place in a world where humanity has conquered natural forms of death with the help of a godlike artificial intelligence known as the Thunderhead. To prevent Earth from overpopulating, an organization known as the Scythes formed to “glean” citizens at random. The story follows two teenagers, Citra Terranova and Rowan Damisch, who are selected by Scythe Faraday to train as his apprentices. Neither have a choice in the matter, but must compete for the title of scythe.
Alex Volkov is a man with a dark past and an even darker heart. His past is filled with trauma and tragedy that forced him to be closed off. However, when he is forced to look after his best friend’s sister, he begins to feel foreign emotions. Ava Chen tries to see the good in everyone, even a man who never shows kindness. They shouldn’t want each other, but they cannot resist. Secrets unravel and the past threatens to pull them apart.
