This is the exact imaginary, figurative gold star that was actually awarded to me in real time by the spectacular Neal Shusterman!!

(After I demanded he do so.)

(How I love those that bend to my will!)

How did I earn this gold star? Besides by sheer force of will? Well, it ends up that one of my favorite books that I have read in the past year written by one of my favorite authors that I have discovered in the past year is being released in paperback. And much like my desperate plea for this hard earned gold star, Neal issues his own plea. Tell ten people about the impending release so he can put his son through college! :D

So, now I told you and you need to go tell ten people. Then maybe you will get a gold star too. But not this one. This one is mine. NO TOUCHING. This one was virtually presented to me by one of my favorite authors and you can't have it.

Of course I didn't gush all over him about how much I think he is a genius. And also I do feel kind of stupid after proclaiming him one of my favorite authors after reading only one of his books. But he has a lot of them and I keep meaning to read them. No tisk tisking me! We've all been there.

Okay, so the book, the one I am supposed to tell you about but I haven't because I have been blabbering about myself so much (but that couldn't possibly be a bad thing) is UNWIND! And you really need to read it. It is one of the most compelling, well plotted, and haunting books I have ever read.

I read this book after Chelsea recommended it. She is one of the best book recommenders I know. When I first saw the cover of this book (the paperback is slightly different) it didn't look like something I would like. But Chelsea was right and this book was amazing.

So go out and buy this book. You need to read it!
(Or take it out from the library, but don't tell Neal I said that.)

I have started a few other of Neal's books and have seen many of them listed on various genre lists. I am looking forward to reading more of his books and maybe this time I will actually follow through with it!