The Rest of Us Just Live Here / Patrick Ness / 319 pages

You know who they are, those indie kids-- the ones who end up being The Chosen One when the supernatural happens, the ones who have the unique powers, the ones who pretty much save the world from the Ultimate Evil?

Well this is not their story.

This story focuses on (somewhat) ordinary kids who just want to graduate high school before it gets blown up.  Again.  Mikey wants to ask Henna out before her family goes to Africa and has a severe case of OCD.  Mel has to graduate a year late while coping with anorexia.  Jared keeps a lot of secrets from his friends, revealing to them only 1) he's gay, and 2) he's part-god (the God of Cats to be exact; cats love this guy).  Each chapter also begins with a short side story on the indie kids' battle against the Immortals, particularly focusing on a girl named Satchel, though there are other characters like Finn, Dylan, Finn, Kerouac, Finn, Wisconsin, Finn, Finn, and even a prince.  Oh, and not to mention Finn.

This book was recommended to me by a friend, and I must say: this was a witty, yet sad, yet heartwarming book all at the same time.  Every character faces a different conflict, both internal and external, while having to deal with the flaws he or she has, making them more realistic.  As the books tagline says, "Sometimes you have to find the extraordinary in the ordinary."

Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating/ Christina Lauren/ 309 pgs

This is contemporary romance that was a ton of fun. Hazel and Josh knew each other in college. Josh is one of those steady, academic types who never puts a foot wrong. Hazel is one of those crazy, spontaneous types who blurts out things she shouldn't and wears weird fashions. Hazel humiliates herself a few times in front of Josh and then they go their separate ways after graduating. They meet up again in Portland seven or eight years later. Hazel is an elementary teacher and Josh is a physical therapist with his own practice. When her apartment floods, she ends up moving in with Josh. They both think they could never be The One for the other but they do form a cute, close friendship that eventually turns into something more. This is a funny, sweet story of loving someone for who they are, inside and out. Also--gorgeous cover!

Eruption:the Untold Story of Mount Saint Helens/ Steve Olson, 300 pages

Eruption written by Steve Olson is the story of events leading up to the massive eruption of Mount Saint Helens and it's aftermath.  Olson begins with the logging industry that migrates from the upper Midwest to the Pacific north east.  He reveals interesting facts of the part lumber played in the expansion of the USA.  Olson also introduces us to a selection of the people who lives ended with the eruption.  Overall it was an entertaining read of characters and geology for the average person.  This book would appeal to the ready who likes history and adventure.