Sold by Patricia McCormick

Written in verse, this beautiful, award-winning book tells the story of Lakshmi, a girl from the Himalayan mountains who is sold into sex slavery by her step-father. She is forced to work in a brothel or else face starvation and eventual death on the streets. The book is very well researched since the author traveled to India and Nepal to interview women working in Calcutta's red light district. I could not put this book down--once I started, I was hooked! McCormick is also the author of Cut, a book about self harm; the author thoroughly researched the topic, which is something I really appreciate about this talented writer. 

I recommend this book to readers who like survival stories, realistic fiction, and real world issues. It does have some explicit and inferred violent abuse, so I recommend it for mature readers. 5 out of 5 stars!

Shelter by Harlan Coben

If you like mystery and fast-paced action, you will love this book. Meet Mickey Bolitar--his dad just died, his mom is in rehab, and he's stuck living with his uncle Myron. Mickey doesn't have much to be happy about--until he meets his girlfriend Ashley at school orientation. Ashley is the bright spot in Mickey's days, until she abruptly disappears. Now Mickey will stop at nothing to find Ashley--and to figure out why crazy old Bat Lady said that his dad is still alive....

I recommend this book to readers who like mystery, action, and a small bit of romance. I really liked it, but I'm stingy with 5 star ratings. 4 out of 5 stars!