A Complicated Kindness by Miriam Toews

Nomi Nicke is an articulate imaginative girl trapped in a repressive small-minded town. Her mother and sister have both vanished, and she and her devastatingly sweet, yet slightly delusion father both slowly spiral out of control. A popular award winner, written with wit and charm, though Nomi’s constant wit and charm grows boring after awhile. Awards: Young Adult Canadian Book Award (2005), Governor General’s Award (2004)

3 stars
256 pages

Crush by Carrie Mac

Hope, a hippie commune kid, is sent to Brooklyn in order to spend the summer with her sister so that her lovey-dovey parents can go to Thailand on a second “non honey-moon”. Hope, without money or friends, is left pretty much alone and can’t stop obsessing over her last disastrous relationship. Luckily, true to her name, Hope remains--well hopeful and within a few chapters pays off an inexplicable debt to a vet, finds a new great job, and comes out of the closet. Pleasant and quick to read, in the same way one could read a glossy magazine article without coming up for air, this book is a surefire winner for the reader who loves plot and hates description. Also perfect for reluctant readers.

3 stars
106 pages