World War Z

At some point in the not-too-distant future, the world has struggled back from a zombie apocalypse. Humanity was nearly destroyed, but thanks to the toughness and resourcefulness of some, we were able to globally mount a resistance and fight the undead hordes back. Max Brooks subtitles his book, "An Oral History of the Zombie War", and it reads just that way- each chapter is an interview or story of a survivor. (Obviously) many of the stories are deeply creepy and gory, some are very moving, and a few "survivors" obviously trampled on as many heads as it took to obtain their own safety, making you loathe the scum. Brooks' portrayal of a world-wide catastrophe and various governmental and individual responses was so realistic that this book has actually been studied by several different groups in the field of disaster-preparedness.
Really well-written and gripping- a great investigation of human nature in crisis; it really digs into all the dirty dealings, and ineptitude and heroics that crises bring out in people. And for a crazy premise, it feels disturbingly plausible. Did I mention there's a sequel? It's a handbook of everything you need to survive in a zombie apocalypse. Always keep your baseball bat handy, kids.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Ever read a book that made you desperately wish you could buttonhole the characters and demand they immediately become your friends? That's this book. Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows create a witty, plucky English author who has used her literary gifts in wry short stories that manage to make a nation under fire laugh a little- no small feat. But she needs a new project, one a little more substantial. Inspiration comes in the form of a letter from a man she has never met who lives on the Guernsey Islands (which were occupied by the Nazis during the war). He and his friends accidentally created an unusual and eclectic literary society that becomes something rich and extraordinary in the lives of all its colorful members.
The book is epistolary for the most part- written as letters back and forth- a form I usually abhor as something contrived and frankly rather boring; here it's fresh, witty, and impossible to put down. I startled my husband several times by bursting into laughter reading this book, but I think he became slightly concerned when he caught me wandering through the kitchen with a stricken expression and tears streaming down my cheeks. Amazing story about the power of really great books, true friends, deep tragedy and triumph over it, and of course, true love. The best book I read this year, and one of my new favorites.

The Hunger Games

Could a concept for a young adult book trilogy be a little darker please? In a future America ruled by an evil totalitarian government, the twisted punishment for a rebellion generations ago is for each district of the country to randomly choose two teenagers to fight to the death in the Arena. Worse, the Hunger Games are a giant production and mandatory televised sport. Gutsy Katniss volunteers for her Appalachian district in place of her beloved younger sister and is immediately swept into a world of glamour, danger, and forced brutality where each decision is life-or-death for her- but as she fights to save herself, her desperate choices make her a hero for an entire oppressed country.
Fast-paced, gritty, and moving, Collins creates a fascinating plot and a deeply nuanced character in Katniss. Growing up is hard enough without having to fight for your life to do it, but you're rooting for this tough- skinned survivor of a heroine every step of the way. Seriously, if this book doesn't at least make you tear up a little, you might want to check and make sure you still have a soul.
*Some of the scenes get pretty graphic. Young kiddos might want to use caution.