Orange by Ichigo Takano

On the first day of 11th grade, Naho receives a letter from her future self directing her to save the life of a Kakeru, new student at her school.  To her surprise, there is a new student that day who becomes a good friend.  Now, with the help of the letter and her friends she must somehow save Kakeru.

This was an unusual manga that was realistic with hints of the supernatural.  It deals with the very serious subjects of self-confidence, depression and suicide.  With only two volumes in the series, it is a quick read for those who like manga.

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick

Leonard Peacock has big plans for today!
It's his 18th birthday and he's going to celebrate.

Instead of getting presents from others, he plans to give presents to his four "best" friends.

Then he's going to give a gift to himself.  He's going to take his grandfather's World War II Nazi gun and shoot his former best friend Asher Beal.




This book was a fascinating to read.  The dilemna of what Leonard would do plays out throughout the entire novel.  Will he?  Or won't he?  As he recalls moments with his friends, anticipates how people will react, and even reads letters from the "future" -- you're kept in suspense.  The reader is living the day with Leonard.  What kind of birthday will he have in the end?