And boy, am I ever happy I did! This was hands-down one of the most entertaining reads I’ve had in a loooooooong time.

The series focuses on two girls: Emerson Watts and Nikki Howard. Emerson is your average video-game playing nerd, while Nikki is a world famous supermodel and the face of Stark Industries, an amalgamation of business industry giants: Wal-mart, Victoria’s Secret, Apple, among others. They set up mega-stores that cause small businesses to shut down, they hold an annual lingerie fashion show featuring their Angels and they sell cutting-edge computer and electronics.

In the original novel, Nikki tried to blackmail Robert Stark, head of the company, and he tries to have her killed in a “freak accident” at one of the stores. Emerson Watts also happens to be in the store and have a similar accident happen: a TV falls on her head. Because Nikki is the face of the company, Robert still wants to use her body, so he has scientists engineer a body transplant, putting Emerson’s brain into Nikki’s body.

[Okay, take a breather, I know that was a lot to take in. But don't worry, that's as sci-fi as the book gets.]

“Runaway” starts off with Emerson (in Nikki’s body) being held hostage by Brandon Stark, son of Robert Stark, along with Nikki’s real mom, brother Steven and Nikki herself (again, in another body). Brandon is trying to get Nikki to reveal the secret that she was using to blackmail his father until her unfortunate “accident” so he can use it to become the head of Stark Enterprises. However, the kidnapping is the least of their worries: Robert Stark is downloading information from customers who purchased his laptops and using it for something called Project Phoenix. And Emerson appears to be at the center of his plan. When her ex-boyfriend Christopher arrives to help her escape, they not only have to deal with Brandon, but also this new Stark mystery. And so it goes….

I don’t want to give anything else away so I’ll stop there, but this is definitely a book you need to pick up.

“Runaway” is so refreshing; here is a teen book that is actually SMART. I have to admit, I clumped Meg Cabot into the brainless (albeit entertaining!) chick-lit category, but this series has serious substance. The plot is well thought-out and so, so, so clever. I cannot say enough good things about the storyline in these books. And the best part is, everything Meg discusses is actually plausible: from appearing to model Stark after real-life corporations, to incorporating areas of neuroscience that I’m sure are not so far off! I thoroughly enjoyed “Runaway” and think that most of you will too! It’s fast-paced, funny and a great departure from the usual chick-lit we see.

Plus, with the weather warming up, it’s the perfect book to read while soaking up the sun.

How about do a little reading for pleasure? You know what I’m talking about, right? The kind of reading you can do without a highlighter. Without making annotations. Without a 12lb textbook that hurts your arms as you attempt to read it in bed.

Yeah, that’s right. The good kind. For a reader like me, winter break means catching up on all those books I’ve been missing out on thanks to the hundreds of pages of History reading my professors assign nightly. If you’re looking for some good books to pass that time at home (or on a warm beach somewhere) with the parentals, allow me to recommend a few of my favorites. If you do anything over this break (besides watch TV and eat leftovers) you must pick up at least one of these:

1. Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko
Anyone living in North America has had some experience with Native Americans and the hardships that they face. But how much do we really know about their lives, their world and their culture? “Ceremony” tells the tale of a young Native American war veteran who returns to the reservation where he grew up. To help him cope with the trauma surrounding his experiences, the elders of the community decide to conduct traditional ceremonies and healing rituals. This book provides great insight into the ancient traditions of Native Americans, which is incredibly interesting (who said you can’t learn for pleasure?). It also happens to be a “Penguin Classic” so the writing is most definitely exceptional.

2. What is the What by Dave Eggers
This recommendation comes straight from CollegeCandy’s wonderful editor. She is also probably the tenth person to recommend it, so I decided I had to give it a go. “What is the What” is a fictionalized memoir of Valentino Achak Deng, a real hero and refugee of the Sudanese civil war. After years trying to piece a life together in refugee camps, Valentino makes his way to America, where he finds that perhaps the hardships of making a life there may be greater than his time in Africa. Most people believe that once a refugee is in America or another “safe” land, their life becomes a fairytale; as we see in this story, that not the case. “What is the What” is a fascinating story and a powerful read; definitely a good one to sink your teeth into over the break.

3. Wicked by Gregory Maguire
Everyone is familiar with the Wizard of Oz and, of course, the mysterious villain, the Wicked Witch of the West. But, just like any other villain, the Wicked Witch has her own story. Gregory Maguire has taken this strange, misunderstood character and weaved an entire biography, explaining every evil thing she does. I just love the creativity of the author and how he leaves no stone unturned, from her strange color to her capture of Dorothy and her relationship with Glinda, the Good Witch. The musical “Wicked,” which was inspired by the book, is probably more well-known than the book and certainly a lot “brighter” as far as storyline goes, but the book is captivating. From the way Maguire addresses social issues to creative way he weaves in the story of Oz as we know it, you won’t be able to put this down.

4. Get into a SERIES!
This one is a bit more general, but with all the free time you’ve got for the next few weeks it’s the perfect time to get into a series. There are so many out there, but here are a few recommendations:
Twilight: Duh. The books aren’t worthy of a Pulitzer, but the story will definitely suck you in.
Harry Potter: If you haven’t picked up a HP book, now’s the time. Regardless of the audience these books were intended for, anyone and everyone will enjoy this series.
Something Borrowed: It’s a total beach read. Your typical “girl in New York on her quest for love,” but they’re good. And quick. And really, really good.

There are tons more out there, so get to that bookstore and search!

4 & 1/2. Going Bovine by Libba Bray
I don’t care if I reviewed this one a month ago (that’s why it’s only a half).  YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK. I find myself still thinking of it and how wonderfully it is written. The lesson in this book is just so absolutely profound. I don’t think I can even write down in words how awesome it is and the feeling I got while reading the ending. Just read it. Do it,.

And I agree! “Effigy” tells the story of Dorrie, the 4th wife of Mormon Erastus Hammer. Set in the 1850′s, she becomes his wife at the tender age of 14. Erastus learns of Dorrie’s skills as a taxidermist and respects and values her deeply. But the ability to stuff and mount dead animals isn’t (shockingly) what makes this story interesting – it’s the inside look at a polygamist family.

Polygamy is such a foreign concept, so it absolutely fascinates me. Particularly the tension felt between the wives, including their pathetic displays to feign affection. I have a long-term boyfriend and I can’t imagine what it would be like to have to share him with one other girl, nevermind three! They also treat each other as sisters, all collaborating in the household and raising their children together. The children in polygamist families tend to treat their father’s wives all as mothers (as far as I know…), which I also find interesting.

York is also a very accomplished writer. She handles each character and the sensitive subject of polygamy with great care. I can honestly say that “Effigy” even gave me insight into the polygamist lifestyle and made me respect the women who live it. Granted, I believe that if they experienced a monogamous life, they would choose that any day over sharing a husband, but they don’t seem to know any better.

“Effigy” was an eye-opening and highly educational read. With shows like “Big Love,” and the situation with the Yearning for Zion compound in Texas, polygamy is currently a hot and controversial topic. If you’re looking to add some substance to your summer reading list, “Effigy” is a great place to start!

I first noticed “Dedication” at the bookstore where I work. I read the back – it sounded cute and light and had a musical aspect to it, so I thought I would enjoy it.

I visited my library and checked it out? What? I don’t need the other people at work knowing about my vice!

Basically, the story involves a girl, Kate, and her highschool sweetheart, Jake Sharpe. The book chronicles their romance, right from their meeting, flashing back to the eighties while keeping up with the present story. The turning point is when Jake becomes a rock-star while Kate goes off to university. Unfortunately he uses their relationship and Kate’s personal life as obvious inspiration for his songs and sends her life on a downward spiral. They eventually come back together after many years, and this is where the story really gets good.

Don’t worry – I won’t spoil anything. But it is just. so. good.

Unlike most chick-lit, Dedication is realistic. It’s not about a white knight riding in on his steed to save the damsel in distress. Besides the whole famous-rock-star thing, the book reads like a story from a friend. Kate’s emotions are real and raw and, sometimes, wrong. I find chick-lit is usually so safe; the protagonist does everything right, everytime. McLaughlin and Krauss take chances with their novel and allow the character to become more believable by doing so.

This book was a quick read, but differed from all the other chick-lit I’ve read in that it actually pulled at my heart a bit. I wasn’t terribly impressed by The Nanny Diaries (also by this pair), but with Dedication they’ve really stepped it up!

If you are looking for something quick, fun and totally chick-y, this is definitely the book.

And Anthony Kiedis does not disappoint.

Anthony’s autobiography begins right at the beginning: his birth in 1962. He chronicles his experiences as a child that lead to his excessive party lifestyle as an adult, many of which are with his father, Blackie, a drug dealer. He discusses all of his relationships and diligently reports on the formation of the original Red Hot Chili Peppers.

At some points the book becomes slightly redundant: drug abuse, rehab, clean, repeat. But that was his life and although this repetitiveness takes away from the severity of the issue of drug abuse, the stories that go along with this vicious cycle are amazing and can only be those of a rock-star.

And they stay with you. Even though I read this about 5 years ago, certain anecdotes have never left me and I still find myself thinking of them.

If you are a Red Hot Chili Peppers fan, then you must read “Scar Tissue.” The band’s formation and progress alone will reel you in. However, any music or biography fan will enjoy the rich detail and frank honesty. I finished this book and did not doubt any of Kiedis’ statements for a second, as often happens with biographies (Remember James Frey?!). It’s a bit of a long read (almost 500 pages), but goes by quickly, as you will not be able to put it down.

I love science. Figuring out how things work, studying anatomy, mixing chemicals; I love it all! So naturally, I dabble in the Science Non-Fiction section at my local bookstore. I know what you’re thinking: books about science are written by hundred- year- old men with big, scraggly beards who use big confusing words and even more confusing concepts. But that’s where you’re wrong!

Sure, you can find those kind of books if that’s your thing (for those who love science a little too much…), but there are also some really interesting ones written in totally understandable English. And guess what? They’re interesting and funny!

Mary Roach introduced me to the world of enjoyable science reading with her book about human cadavers, Stiff. I’m sure some of you shuddered at the word “cadaver,” but if you can handle it, this book is FANTASTIC! That lead me to Roach’s second book Spook, which is about the paranormal and a lot less gory. I loved both, so when I heard Mary Roach had a new book coming out this past summer, I was over the moon! And she didn’t let me down.

Written with her usual smart wit, Mary Roach creates a fun and interesting look at the scientific side of sex with her latest book, Bonk.

Topics range from Kinsey’s experiments (so interesting and this book only made me want to research them more) to the biological function of the female orgasm to even sex toys, without ever making you feel awkward or talked down to as a reader. She is able to take both serious and funny topics and turn them into interesting, informative chapters. And her research is meticulous. The woman covers her bases, especially when it comes to the studies she checks out. Heck, she and her husband even partake in the horizontal mambo for one!

Mary Roach has a rare gift: she is able to take scientific topics with the potential to be horribly boring and create fun, enjoyable, yet educational reads. As I said, she is the reason I venture to the science section. Roach is like that one teacher in high school who paid attention to you and showed you that you could survive your most hated subject and even grow to love it. She has truly found her calling as a writer and I cannot wait for her next book.

Jeffery Eugenides has received much praise in the past few years for his novel Middlesex, which is a great book too, but The Virgin Suicides was his first mega hit…and for good reason.

It is a simple yet powerful story. Eugenides forgoes the use of literary devices and flowery language and instead pours his energy into creating a unique plot. The title is pretty self-explanatory and the frankness with which Eugenides describes the events is riveting. Some books are enhanced by descriptive details and flowery imagery, but The Virgin Suicides proves that none of that is necessary when weaving a great story. It is a perfect example of how a short and concise book can still evoke emotion when written by a great author.

The story revolves around the five Lisbon sisters and events that take place in their town. It is told from the point of view of a group of boys who are obsessed with the sisters. This is interesting because, just like the narrators, the reader never truly knows what is happening inside the sisters’ heads and can only make assumptions.

This illustrates another aspect of Eugenides’ writing prowess: he writes this book and gets you thinking, but never gives you a definitive answer. Some people may find this frustrating, but I find it fascinating. We are constantly reading books for school that require us to digest and never to think; this book allows you to do both.

If you’re looking for a quick read, The Virgin Suicides is a good choice.  It’s also a good start if you’re looking to get into the work of Jeffery Eugenides, which is oftentimes long, complex and a work (well worth it) to get through.