Genesis Alpha by Rune Michaels - Josh and his brother Max are close, closer than most brothers. Not only do they look alike, sound alike, and have the same interests, but Josh was genetically formed in order to save Max's life. An interesting mix of science fiction, murder mystery, and cyberspace, the novel revolves around the murder of a young girl and the suspicion that Max is the murderer. Many revelations have dire implications, not only for Max, but also for Josh.

I enjoyed this book a lot as the issue of Josh being born solely to save Max's life reminded me of My Sister's Keeper. I think this is a great option for guys especially, and won't hesitate to recommend it!

Compoundby S.A. Bodeen - I picked this YA title off of the book fair as it looked like a good "guy read" to have as a recommendation. Boy, was I ever surprised. Not only would this title make a good "guy read" but it was a great book that even girls are sure to enjoy.

The book opens with Eli and his family in the Compound, a place where Eli's father took them six years prior when there was a nuclear attack, or so Eli thought. Although the Compound was just as comfortable as their home above ground was, the situation has become increasingly dire as they are starting to run out of food. Eli's father, a billionare computer whiz, accounted for everything, or so he thought. Eventually, Eli begins to suspect that maybe his father isn't telling him the entire story and is secretly able to get a wireless Internet signal through which he makes contact with his twin brother Eddy who wasn't fortunate enough to make it into the Compound with the others. Through this contact Eli realizes that there was no nuclear attack and that the entire Compound was an experiment concoted by his father. A confrontation ensues and the novel resolves itself with much action and suspense.

I really enjoyed this novel and would suggest it to any YA!

Home to Holly Springs by Jan Karon - I have had this book since early last year...I was so excited to buy it and read it. However, I've been so busy with other books that I haven't had the time to get to all the ones I've wanted to read for ME...such is life. But, finally, I had the time to read for me and the book was well worth the wait!

Another offering from Karon in the Home in Mitford series, Father Tim and Barnabas venture back to Holly Springs, the town of his childhood, recalled to the Southern utopia by a vague note. Father Tim goes home in search of answers and finds them, both by making new friends and by uncovering old memories.

Although this is a series that doesn't really reflect my reading tastes, I can't seem to get enough of the innocent plots and true-to-life characters that Karon creates in this series.

The Lady Elizabeth by Alison Weir - Historical fiction can be enthralling when written well, and this tale of Lady Elizabeth falls into that catagory. Having been to London I could visualize many of the locations referenced, and it was interesting to juxtapose my view of the Tower of London with the one described in the book. I learned quite a bit about the English monarchy while reading this book, and finally came to understand how and why religion played such a huge part in many of the decisions throughout this period. At the end, I felt like the book was really just getting ready to start, but not in a bad way. I'm ready to read the next book from Ms. Weir that, hopefully, will follow Elizabeth through her reign as Queen of England.

*** After reading this for our Rival Reader book club, my interest was so piqued that I picked up The Other Bolyen Girl. I'm in the midst of that now (along with a few other books!) and am enjoying the immersion in royalty for a bit longer.