Kick your summer reading list into high gear with these intriguing new books. And don’t forget to check out our 15 must-reads in the July/August ’09 print issue. You can enter to win all of our featured books right here.

Life Inc.: How the World Became a Corporation and How to Take It Back by Douglas Rushkoff

Living in today’s world, it’s hard not to notice the dominance of corporations in society. Luckily, we have Douglas Rushkoff to break it all down for us. In his newest book, Life Inc., Rushkoff takes Americans through a thought process that helps make sense of the world around us. From McDonald’s to MySpace, corporations have influenced the skewed way in which we view our environment. Not only is Rushkoff able to give us a unique look at the current economic crisis, but he’s also able to make sense of how we, as consumers, should handle ourselves in the future. His intelligent analysis, combined with his modern style of writing, makes Life Inc. a must-read for anyone interested in business, economics or simply understanding why we operate the way we do. Its 242 pages and nearly 15 pages of endnotes and explanations don’t necessarily make it an easy read, but it’s absolutely well worth your time.

—Gabbi Baker, 18, Columbia, S.C.

Smasher by Keith Raffel
Available Oct. 1, 2009

Smasher is an intensely suspenseful and captivating mystery novel. Ian Michaels is the CEO of Accelenet. Things start going downhill for him when Frankson, the seventh-richest man in the nation, tries to crush Ian’s company. The millionaire Frankson manipulates the company and begins to control how Accelenet acts by frightening potential customers and leaving the company inactive. Meanwhile, Ian’s wife, Rowena, is a district attorney handling her first murder trial, during which she receives a death threat. Although angry, Ian must let it go—until he and Rowena almost get run over. Ian has a broken leg and Rowena has head trauma, leaving her in a coma. Ian needs to find out who’s responsible.

Ian has many difficult things to deal with throughout the novel. For example, Rowena had explained to Ian that the author of a renowned book worked with her deceased aunt in a science experiment. In this book, her aunt, Isobel, is degraded and characterized as the complete opposite of her true self. The author, a shameless egomaniac, won the Nobel Prize shortly after Isobel’s death by claiming her work. Rowena, with her strong faith in Judaism, tells Ian he must seek justice for her aunt. So Ian wrestles between his company and his future, reclaiming justice for someone he never knew, a wife on the verge of death, determining who attempted to kill them and thwarting additional attempts on his life.

—Monica Deutsch, 17, Fullerton, Calif.

A Long, Long Time Ago and Essentially True by Brigid Pasulka
Available Aug. 1, 2009

Reading A Long, Long Time Ago and Essentially True made me want to dig out all those brittle, yellowing photo albums my mom has stashed away in the attic and brush the dust off my own family’s history. Composed of two separate storylines that alternate by chapter, the novel follows the courtship of Pigeon and Anielica in 1930s Poland, as well as the journey of self-discovery their granddaughter embarks on 60 years later.

When Pigeon falls in love with the village beauty, Anielica, he will go through any trouble to obtain her hand, including building her family a home with the “best roof anyone had ever seen," a new garden wall, cellar and even windows. Despite a delayed marriage because of the war, Anielica and Pigeon spend the remainder of their lives in happy companionship in Krakow before tragedy causes Anielica to return home.

Their granddaughter, Beata, grew up hearing the fairytale-like stories of life in Krakow and, determined to find love despite her extraordinarily plain appearance, she embarks on the same journey her grandparents made almost 60 year before. What she discovers in Krakow, however, is a city quite unlike the romantic one in her mind or the prosperous one promised by the fall of capitalism. The occurrences of two great events cause her to discover secrets about her family and country’s past that give her a new take on life and her role in the “new” Poland.

—Mara Hahn, 16, Lenoir City, Tenn.

Anything But Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin

Sometimes a person may find himself or herself at a loss for words or having trouble communicating. These moments make it seem as though getting a point across to another person is impossible—it’s frustrating and difficult. People with special needs face this challenge daily, a lifestyle described in Nora Raleigh Baskin’s Anything But Typical. The book depicts a sixth-grader, Jason, who has autism. He’s extremely talented and kind-hearted but faces obstacles constantly.

The story is told in the first person, so Jason’s perspective is painted rather colorfully. Despite my initial reaction to the book’s description, Jason’s honest voice communicates clearly and poignantly. He’s insightful in describing his surroundings and portraying those around him. Jason is very observant of his environment, and he realizes his differences affect those around him. Throughout the book, he undergoes teasing, sadness and realization. He releases his creativity in an online writing forum, where he meets a girl, Rebecca, who is unaware of his special needs. He plans to attend the website’s convention and possibly meet Rebecca, a dilemma that presents a brand-new challenge.

Though there’s no specific climax and conclusion, the entire novel details a life that requires a tremendous amount of bravery and strength. Readers will find themselves becoming empathetic—not just sympathetic—for Jason, and will gain a new sense of comprehension and acceptance. Jason is definitely not typical; he’s truly special.

—Elizabeth Kirshner, 15, Oak Park, Mich.

The Servants’ Quarters by Lynn Freed

Set in post-World War II South Africa, The Servants’ Quarters offers a moving look at the resounding effects of the war and its power to not only harm, but to unite. The book focuses on Cressida, a fiery girl born just after the conclusion of the war and subjected to live with those deeply affected by its horrors. And yet instead of wallowing in the lasting sorrow of her mother, older sister and brain-dead father, Cressida plows ahead, fully realizing that she’s less “common” than the rest of her family.

When Cressida’s family encounters hard times and is forced to sell their house, an old friend of the family, whose face was severely disfigured in the war, takes them in. At first, Cressida isn’t even able to look at the man for the disgust his face causes her, but as she grows up, the odd pair grows closer and Cressida’s attachment to him deepens. It’s this man who dictates which books Cressida must read, and he patiently studies with her every night in preparation for her college entrance exams. Lynn Freed’s novel offers an up-close look at the traumatic repercussions of war intertwined with the sweet and often petrifying experience of first love.

—Sasha Lansky, 17, Amherst, Mass.

You or Someone Like You by Chandler Burr

In You or Someone Like You, Anne Rosenbaum has it all: the famous Hollywood-producer husband, access to glam friends and parties and an elegant home on a hill in the middle of everything. But it’s her books that she cherishes most. When word gets out that she’s made a list of must-read books for a friend, screenwriters and producers begin to crawl to her, and soon a book club is started. It’s this book club that allows Anne to express her thoughts and beliefs on everything from homosexuality to religion. Right now, her life is great.

But when her young and eager son confesses to being gay, Howard Rosenbaum doesn’t quite agree. Reverting back to his religious roots in Judaism, Howard is willing to leave his family, all in the hopes of filling a missing part of him. As the author writes, “It is Anne who now has to save what she values most: her husband’s love.”

From the start, I fell in love with Anne. Cool, collected and confident, she stood out to me. With numerous allusions to great authors, Anne allows readers to read between the lines of many of life’s greatest stories and poems. It’s Anne who tells readers that sometimes you will find yourself having to make a decision about whether to embrace or run from your identity. This book is worth reading because it allows you to see inside a family that, like most, finds itself in a time of self-discovery. This is an amazing and powerful story filled with life lessons.

—Heather Reinblatt, 16, Ocala, Fla.

The Importance of Wings by Robin Friedman

Since moving to the United States when she was 5, Roxanne is determined to turn her proud Israeli parents and younger sister, Gayle, into the picture-perfect American family. But times are tough in Roxanne’s household, and with her mom in Israel taking care of relatives and her dad working late hours as a taxicab driver in the city, Roxanne and Gayle are forced to fend for themselves. All Roxanne wants is to be the pretty, social, regular American that her blonde-haired, blue-eyed classmates are, with the attitude to match.

The highlight of the sisters’ week is eating cereal and watching television on Saturday mornings. That is, until Liat moves into the “cursed” house next door. Roxanne is shocked by how laidback Liat is; she’s the complete opposite of Roxanne, who’s so interested in having the “right” hair and being popular. Liat isn’t afraid to accept and share her Israeli background, and she shows Roxanne and Gayle that there’s more to life than sitting around and hoping to become someone you’re not. In the few months they’re there, Liat and her family teach the girls the importance of embracing your heritage, being proud of where you came from and staying true to yourself. This is a quick and easy read with a story we can all enjoy and learn from.

—Deborah Silver, 14, Clarksville, Md.

Missed our steamy summer reads in the July/August ’09 issue? Here they are again.

Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin
When a simple coin toss completely alters Naomi Porter’s life, she does a 180. This coin toss leads to a fall down a staircase, and suddenly Naomi’s boyfriend doesn’t seem so hot anymore and the boy with a dark past isn’t so scary. These are just a few side effects of forgetting her entire life past sixth grade. And it seems Naomi can only see people for who they truly are when she can forgive—by means of forgetting—their pasts. This is a story of endings—of friendships and resentments—and also of new awareness.
—Elizabeth Kirshner, 15, Oak Park, Mich.

So Punk Rock (And Other Ways to Disappoint Your Mother) by Micol Ostow
So Punk Rock isn’t an ordinary book—it’s extraordinary. It dissects everything: high school crushes at a Jewish day school, a Jewish rock band and being that unpopular kid. It doesn’t lack in the humor department either. The storyline is believable and keeps your attention throughout the entire book.
—Mike Lebowitz, 16, Wellington, Fla.

My Big Nose and Other Natural Disasters by Sydney Salter
Everyone has his or her insecurities, but Jory doesn’t perceive her “super schnozz” as normal. She thinks her nose is the reason she doesn’t have a boyfriend or fit in with the rest of her family. Her summer goal: Raise the $5,000 to get a nose job, find a boyfriend and discover her passion before senior year. And it doesn’t help that her mom is going on crazy diets, or that she and her friends are slipping out of touch. Sound like your regular teen novel? Think again.
—Deborah Silver, 14, Clarksville, Md.

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
Clary, the main character in the third and final book in the Mortal Instruments series, searches to find the thing that will wake her mother from a coma. In doing so, she encounters many obstacles in her path. Each page literally left me at the edge of my seat; I couldn’t set this book down! With so much detail, Cassandra Clare puts you right in the center of this fast-paced fantasy story. I definitely recommend this book for all ages, plus the previous two books that make this trilogy so original.
—Chandler Landow, 14, Cardiff By The Sea, Calif.

All Other Nights: A Novel by Dara Horn
I was enthralled by Dara Horn’s third novel that introduces us to Jacob, a Union soldier and spy during the Civil War. Jacob is told to poison Confederate leader Judah Benjamin, who also happens to be his distant relative. As Jacob’s mission unfolds and a love interest develops, he’s repeatedly forced to make a choice: be true to himself or be true to the Union. Although the unique exploration of Jews during the Civil War is fascinating, the true heart and soul of this book lies in the intricate character development. Jacob and the family he’s been forced to spy on all have the flaws of human nature and a large capacity for love, hatred and determination. Each character has interesting motives, both inside and outside of the war.
—Tammy Ellenhorn, 18, Bellevue, Wash.

Why These Are Worth Your Time

The Ramen King and I: How the Inventor of Instant Noodles Fixed My Love Life by Andy Raskin
This unusual and heartwarming memoir tells the story of lovelorn Raskin and the Japanese billionaire Momofuku Ando, inventor of instant ramen noodles, who unwittingly helps him turn his life around.

The September Sisters by Jillian Cantor
This bittersweet story about two sisters who don’t realize what they have in each other until one is kidnapped will strike a nerve.

Lush Life by Richard Price
You’ll hang on for dear life as you explore the widespread consequences of a single late-night shooting on Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

It Happened in Italy: Untold Stories of How the People of Italy Defied the Horrors of the Holocaust by Elizabeth Bettina
If the story of Oskar Schindler moved you, check out this book to learn the amazing stories of righteous gentiles in Italy and their efforts to protect their country’s Jews during the Holocaust.

Pitch Perfect: The Quest for Collegiate A Cappella Glory by Mickey Rapkin
You won’t be able to put down this inside look at college a cappella. It’s full of drama, heartbreak and humor on the road to recognition and success.

And Then Everything Unraveled by Jennifer Sturman
Follow the mystery of Delia Truesdale, a California teen suddenly transplanted to New York after her mother’s disappearance, who tries to adjust to a new school, avoid falling for the wrong guy and find out what really happened to her mother.

Love is the Higher Law by David Levithan
David Levithan, co-author of Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, returns with Love is the Higher Law, a poignant story about the lives of three teenagers in the aftermath of 9/11.

A Map of the Known World by Lisa Ann Sandell
Using the power of art, one girl journeys for freedom from her small town. In the midst of dealing with a family tragedy, she also discovers love.

Selfless by David Michael Slater
Just try to tear yourself from Jonathan Schwartz’s journey of self-discovery when his family—grandparents tormented by memories of the Holocaust, a cheating father and malicious sisters—starts falling apart.

The Other Half of Life by Kim Ablon Whitney
Don’t miss the true story about the fate of the MS St. Louis ocean liner in 1939 as two teens attempt to escape Nazi Germany and stay afloat on the resilience of young love.

Enter to win all of these books now!