Fact: I don’t read a lot of girl books. I don’t mind them–they’re just not what I usually read. So when I won a copy of Sarah Dessen’s Lock and Key from YA Highway, I was excited to try something new.

Also a Fact: I am so so so so so so glad I read this book. Book cover synopsis:  Ruby can take care of herself. She’s used to counting on no one and answering to nobody. But all of that changes when her mother vanishes and Ruby is sent to live with her older sister, Cora.  Now Ruby’s got her own room in a fabulous new house, she’s going to private school, and–for the first time–feeling as if she has a future.  Plus, there’s the adorable and sweet boy next door, Nate.  Everything should be perfect.  So why is Ruby so wary? And why is Nate keeping her at a distance? Ruby soon comes to realize that sometimes, in order to save yourself, you’ve got to reach out to someone else. Lock and Key is beautifully written, and the characters are well rounded people with very realistic motives. While the big sources of conflict in the book may be things that a limited number of people can relate to, the driving themes of friendship, love, and perseverance are poignant and relevant to everyone. And Ruby–oh, Ruby!–her voice was so honest and alive that I couldn’t help but love her. I will definitely be reading more Sarah Dessen in the future.