The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

From the master storyteller, Neil Gaiman, comes a magical story of love, friendship, and survival. Nobody Owens, otherwise know as Bod, is the lone survivor of a family massacre. He is taken in by a dead couple at the local graveyard, as well as a guardian that is neither living nor dead. Concurrently, Bod is raised in the graveyard, between the two worlds of the living and the dead. There are many obstacles to overcome, for growing up in graveyard can prove difficult at times. However, through the eyes of the dead, Bod comes to discover how truly wonderful it is to be alive. If you are a true Gaiman fan, The Graveyard Book is not to be missed!

Next up is Wicked by Gregory Macguire.

Flower Children by Maxine Swann

Told through the eyes of Maeve, the second oldest of four children, Flower Children is a story of childhood, innocence, maturity, and exploration. The story itself is heavily influenced, if not completely derived from the author's own childhood. Maeve and her three siblings grew up in household where nothing is secret. Everything is open for honest discussion and nothing is discrete. The parents both come from wealthy families, both with ivy league degrees. Though they are sometimes brought into this world, the children mostly enjoy the comforts of their care-free and unconventional lifestyle. I rather enjoyed reading Flower Children with one exception; Swann begins to lead the reader into adolescence, then abruptly stops at childhood and ends the story. I think a continuation through high school would have given more character depth and development, especially given the way Swann ends the book.

Next up is The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman.