Leaving Paradise
Easily one of the best books I've read this year, this original story is an instant YA classic about the transcending power of forgiveness. It is the ultimate exercise in imagining complexly, but also so much just an amazing story. Good writing is important, and Elkeles is capable of it, but having that unique, compelling concept to propel the storytelling is critical, and at that, Elkeles' book is perfection. What a powerful book. I feel that the main story was slightly cheapened by the last minute plot-twist, which is never explored as much as it could have been, but the underlying message of our shared humanity is still an important one.
