American Girl

This book kept me glued to the page - not only because the characters were interesting and nuanced and the plot well handled but mainly for the main character Charlie, bright, steadfast, and striving against all odds (her ADHD, possible autistic characteristics, fractious family, dead-end job) to make it out of her small, stifling town and earn enough money to go to MIT and finally claim her life. For a teenager juggling a myriad of responsibilities, she's got courage, loyalty, and empathy in spades. So if you're looking for a book that reads quickly, offers not only a murder or two, but shifty characters and a kick-ass protagonist, look no further than American Girl.