The Coldest Girl in Coldtown

Black, H. (2013). The coldest girl in Coldtown. New York, NY: Hachette Book Group. In a world were cities are walled shut to contain the monsters, predators, and preys, once you cross the wall, there is not turning back. These cities are called Coldtowns.  After waking up the previous night’s party, Tara finds that she is engulfed with corpses around her, all attacked by vampires. Those who survived, her ex, who is now infected, and another boy who is mysterious in his own ways. Does he have something to hide, a secret he is keeping? In order to save herself and the boys, she must venture to Coldtown risking everything. IS she ready to cross over and leave everything behind?

This fantasy novel is intended for adolescents ages 14 years old and up.  Tara knows what happens to those who transform, she saw it with her own mother. The book deals with guild, love, rage, and revenge, as well as horror. Librarians and teachers need to know what extend students are interested in horror before offering the novel.

This novel can be compared to other vampire series, such as Twilight. Teachers can complete a cross text analysis to see who similar and differences there are between the two.

Maybe Someday

Hoover, C. (2014). Maybe someday: A novel. New York: Atria Books.

Her parents told her it was not a good idea, but she did it anyway. Learning her boyfriend is cheating on her with her roommate, who happens to also be her best friend, Sydney is torn to pieces. After packing her belongings and leaving, Sydney is faced with being homeless. That is until Ridge, the songwriter who plays the guitar across the courtyard, offers her a place to stay, in his apartment. Set in Austin, Texas, Sydney and Ridge build a professional relationship as Sydney writes the lyrics for his music. Eventually the lyrics become personal and feelings and desires for one another become to much to handle. Sydney must find herself before beginning another relationship, while Ridge needs to accept who he is really meant to be with.

Maybe Someday is intended for adults as it deals with sex, language, alcohol, and the inner struggle of being faithful to yourself . This realistic fiction deals with everyday affairs of cheating on a partner, struggling emotionally, and falling in love with the right person at the wrong time.  

Colleen Hoover has several other realist novels that would be great to follow Maybe Someday, all dealing with relationships and finding one’s self.