Mindtouch by M.C.A. Hogarth

This is an intriguing book about an alien who can read minds who goes to a psychology college on a planet filled with people who have been genetically engineered to be part animal. I really felt that part was not explained very well. Jahir, who is an alien who could live for thousands of years, becomes roommates with Vasiht'h who is one of the animal/humans who can also read or touch minds with others. They find themselves falling into platonic love as they try to help others with their psychology. I received this book free to review from Netgalley.

The Kiss of Deception (The Remnant Chronicles Book 1) by Mary E. Pearson

This is the first audio book that I have ever listened to. There were things I liked about the audio experience and things I did not like and the fact that it was audio did influence what I thought about the book some. I liked the portability of the audio on my phone and the fact that I could listen to it while driving and while walking. I think I walked a bit farther than I would have because I wanted to listen to more of the story. However, I mixed up a couple of the characters and I did not quite understand a few things because I was listening to the book rather than reading it. The story is a YA paranormal fantasy/romance with a 17 year old girl in a love triangle. Ugh. Thanks a lot Stephanie Myers. I am so tired of the 17 year old girl with two guys in love with her genre. However, the story was good in spite of that. Princess Lia runs away from an arranged marriage, becomes a barmaid in an inn, happily and meets to men who fall in love with her, one having been sent to kill her for political purposes and the other the prince she tried to avoid marrying, but she had never met him so she had no idea who he was. There is action, intrigue and adventure and romance in this first book in the series. I enjoyed it and look forward to the next book.

Popular: Vintage Wisdom for a Modern Geek by Maya Van Wagenen

Such a great book! I cannot believe that an 8th grade girl wrote this! In this memoir, Maya goes through her 8th grade year trying out the tips she found in an old book that was written in the 1950s - "Betty Cornell's Teenage Popularity Guide". Maya changed her diet, her wardrobe and even got the courage to go outside of her comfort zone and talk to everyone in all the different social groups in school. She tells her story openly and honestly with a lot of humor and wisdom. I loved this book and I think middle and high school kids will enjoy it as well.

Saving Lucas Biggs by Marisa de los Santos and David Teague

Told alternately by 13 year old Margaret in 2014 and her friend Charlie's grandfather Josh in 1938, Margaret travels to the past, time travel being a gift that her family possesses, but has been cautioned not to use, in order to save her father's life in the present. However, history resists, as her family has been told, so, can travelling to the past really make a difference? To save her father, Margaret has to try. The story is compelling and well told. I enjoyed it and I think other people will enjoy it as well.

A Tale of Two Mommies by Vanita Oelschlager, Mike Blanc

This is a sweet, simple story for young children about a boy with two mommies. I like the illustrations, they are cute and colorful. The boy's friends ask him which mommy helps him climb a tree and which one helps when he skins a knee among other things in this rhyming story. I think the book is lovely and children and parents will enjoy it. I received this book free to review from Netgalley.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

Quite disturbing psychological thriller. Told in turns by three women, none of whom are really likable characters, involved in convoluted ways with one another and with three men who are also not likable characters. One is murdered, and the rest are all suspect. The book is compelling and creepy.

A Better World (Brilliance Saga #2) by Marcus Sakey

When will the third book in this series be written? This book was totally fantastic and it really made me think about what people in general are like. In this book, Nick Cooper is still trying to save the world and the battle between the norms and the abnorms continues. Lots of action, drama, plot twists and more action occur in this book. I loved it and look forward to the next one.