13 Reasons Why

Thirteen reasons why is a powerful novel written by Jay Asher about a young, high school girl who struggles with her purpose in life.  The story revolves around the thirteen reasons why she felt like her life was just too much to handle and why she wanted it to end. Before she committed suicide, Hannah recorded audiotapes explaining the 13 reasons that lead up to her decision.  She pinpoints one person for every reason and puts them on a mailing list.  She sends the tapes to the first person on the list and gives directions on how the tapes must be passed on until they reach all 13 people.  The author tells the story from two different perspectives; one from Hannah's perspective and the other from the ninth boy on the list. Readers see inside Hannah's life and understand how she came to her tragic decision, while also understanding Clay's perspective as a person on the list.  Clay does not feel like he should be on the list and struggles with his emotions as he listens to the tapes leading up to his own. This book really pulls at your emotions and makes you think about life and the impact you have on others.  The storyline is rather deep and may not be suitable for all teen readers; however, the author shares many valuable lessons that can be taken away.

Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverini

Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker is a historical fiction novel written by Jennifer Chiaverini.  The book just released at the beginning of this year! The story follows the life of a young African American woman through the Civil War.  After saving enough money to buy her and her son's freedom, after 40 years in slavery, Elizabeth moves to Washington D.C. where she starts her own dressmaking business.  She is very talented at her craft and soon acquires rather prestigious patrons.  Eventually, word spreads to the White House and Mrs. Mary Todd Lincoln hires her to make a dress for a special event.  Mrs. Lincoln fell in love with her work and hired her to make all of her dresses thereafter.  Elizabeth becomes more than a dressmaker to Mrs. Lincoln, as she confides in her like a trusted friend.  Elizabeth finds herself consoling and supporting Mrs. Lincoln through several tragedies including the deaths of her son and husband.  This novel gives an interesting perspective of life in the White House, President Lincoln, free African Americans, and slaves during the Civil War Era.