The Opposite of Here by Tara Altebrando
Bloomsbury / Bloomsbury YA
Publication Date: June 6, 2018
ISBN: 9781681197067
Natalie and her three best friends set sail on what is supposed to be a relaxing 17th birthday cruise, but Natalie is still reeling from the tragic death of her boyfriend. Enter an attractive and elusive mystery guy no one seems to know anything about. Natalie finds herself falling for him, without even knowing his name, after only one intense encounter. When he seems to go missing from the ship, Natalie begins to question her own sanity, especially since her friends do not believe he truly exists, let alone is missing. In the process, she reveals hidden secrets this mystery man and her own best friends would rather keep submerged.
This eerie and atmospheric psychological thriller explores issues of trauma, grief and recovery, the strength of friendships, and includes a subtle nod to the #metoo movement. The book’s concise length, coming in at just under 250 pages, multiple plot twists, questioning of reality, short chapters, and interspersed film-script dialog will sustain reader interest and keep readers on edge. This one will certainly have readers questioning whether they ever want to go on a cruise!
Give this one to readers of E. Lockhart’s Genuine Fraud, Eileen Cook’s With Malice or Altebrando’s previous title, The Leaving.
— Kaitlin Troch
Lies You Never Told Me by Jennifer Donaldson
Penguin Random House / Razorbill
Publication Date: May 29, 2018
ISBN: 9781595148523
Four teens’ lives will explode when the lies they tell go too far.
Gabe is over his needy girlfriend, until her true colors start to show.
Sasha will do anything to get Gabe back.
Catherine wants nothing more than to become invisible.
Elyse is head over heels… for her drama teacher.
Told through multiple points of view, Lies You Never Told Me shows what happens when four teens get tangled up in lies that just might destroy them.
This unputdownable thriller has action, deception, twists, romance, and all you want in an attention-grabbing plotline. The physical book has large font and short chapters making it ideal for reluctant readers in search of a beach-read thriller with both male and female protagonists.
Give to teens who crave darker, more twisted fiction and aren’t afraid to delve into tough topics such as abuse, manipulation, and drug-abuse. Older teens who are hooked on the shows Pretty Little Liars or Riverdale will be up all night with this thriller.
— Anna Taylor
The Many Deaths of Scott Koblish by Scott Koblish
Chronicle Books
Publication Date: May 1, 2018
ISBN: 9781452167121
Scott Koblish is an artist for Marvel Comics and has been creating fun and unique ways that he might meet his demise for years. Now his daydreams are available for all to enjoy in this one of a kind graphic novel. In it you will find his nefarious cat who is always on the lookout along with dinosaurs, space exploration and even a cameo from Death himself.
Scott Koblish presents his demise in unique four panel shorts that grab the reader with their simple style and dark humor. While they are minimalistic with a splash of color and no words, the stories are full of action that grab attention and keep it from cover to cover. It is perfect for a light read that will have you laughing out loud while looking over your shoulder just in case.
This brand of dark humor is perfect for fans of The Oatmeal’s How to Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting to Kill You. It also has appeal for people who love the frankness of Deadpool and the quirky randomness of Rick & Morty.
— Erica Rogers
