The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Book Thief revolves around nine year old Liesel who's family were killed during World War Two. At her brothers funeral, Liesal finds a book half buried in the snow called "The Gravediggers Handbook" so she takes it. This is only the first of many books she steals and saves from Nazi book burnings.  After the funeral she is placed with a foster family where she is taught to read the book she stole.
Books become the catalyst to her becoming closer to her new family and forming a friendship with a Jewish man the family kept hidden in the basement from the Nazi's but these are very dangerous times, many people die and disappear. Will Liesal be able to survive and cheat death.
The Book Thief is an amazing book unsettling, thought provoking, tragic and beautifully written. A must read for all students.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games is an annual event run  by the Capitol. The story is set in the future where the world is dominated by a ruling tribe who live in luxury in a city called the Capitol. Twelve contestants are selected, one girl and one boy from each of the twelve districts. These teenagers are forced by the government to fight each other to the death in a designated arena for the citizens entertainment.

The plot is simple with strong characters and a fast paced plot. Katniss is the chosen female long with Peeta who is the chosen male both are from Districrt 12.

The story is told through the eyes of Katniss her struggle to survive, her hatred of the Capitol and her dislike of killing but also her desire stay alive. Added to all this is her relationship with Peeta, can she trust him or is he playing his own game?

The winner of the games gets to live in luxury for the rest of their lives.

I loved this book, it is fast paced and full of action and intrigue which leaves you hanging out for the next title in the trilogy which is 'Catching Fire' with he final book in the trilogy Mockingjay.

Before We Say Goodbye by Gabriella Ambrosio

I could not put this book down until I had finished it.

I think Vere Cohen-Barzilay, Director of Communications and Publications, Amnesty International Israel sums this book up very well she says:

" Before We Say Goodbys gives us a rare look and a wonderful opportunity to get to know reality from the birds-eye view, with all its complexity and many faces. It does not embellish it. It does not blame or judge, nor does it get tangled in political accusations of who is better off or who is hurting more. It mourns, it despairs and it hurts, but it is brutally honest. And that is where the importance lies. That is where it magic lies."

I found this book tragic, powerful and an insight into the world of a girl who has accepted her destiny to be a suicide bomber.

A must read.