Seven Must-Reads for Ramona's Spring Break

With Ramona Unified School District's spring break just in reach (two weeks to go, kiddos!), it's time to start planning how you'll spend your time off. And the owners of Unicorn Books and Gifts on Main Street have seven suggestions for you.

Co-owners Julia Dammeir and Stacy Bart gave Patch seven picks to pore over during spring break, with something for every kind of reader—fiction, self-help and teens.

Pick out your preferred genre and head over to the shop, located at 738 Main Street, to pick up your read for the week-long vacation, which begins March 30 for Ramona Unified School District.

Adult Fiction

Title: The House Girl, by Tara Conklin

What it's about: Lina, a young ambitious New York attorny in 2004, never knew her mother. A young slave in 1852, Josephine, never new her child. Separated by more than a century and their drastically different lifestyles, the women's perspectives are juxtaposed in each chapter, creating an intertwined story worth marveling at.

Why you should read it: This best-seller is a new release, one that Unicorn Books co-owner Stacy Bart says is worth diving into. "This is going to be the 'it' book," Bart said. "It's like the new 'The Help.'"

Science Fiction

Title: A Memory of Light, by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sandersen

What it's about: In book 14 ofr this sci-fi series, Robert Jordan's "The Wheel of Time" comes to an end, completeting the extraordinary saga that began with The Eye of the World.

Why you should read it: "This is what people in fantasy have been waiting for," Bart said, noting that after famed-sci-fi writer Jordan died, Sandersen used his outline to help finish the book.

Self-Help

Title: The Power of Habit, by Charles Duhigg

What it's about: Award-winning New York Times business reporter Charles Duhigg shows us why habits exist and how to change them for the better.

Why you should read it: "It's really hot right now... Basically it works," Bart said.

Easy Read/Beach Read/Fiction

Title: Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn

What it's about: We all know marriage is tough, but did one man take it too far with his wife? It's Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary when Amy disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Nick reveals cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, making him the ultimate suspect—but would he really kill? Follow the mystery with a fast-paced plot and psychological insight.

Why you should read it: Unicorn Books co-owner Julia Dammeir said this mystery book is flying off the shelves due to its easy-read nature and captivating theme.

Young Fiction/Middle School Fiction

Title: Warrior Series: Dawn of the Clans—The Sun Trail, by Erin Hunter

What it's about: Find out origins of the four Clans in this book, which features new characters and a never-before-seen look at the history of the warrior cats.

Why you should read it: "There are groups of kids that follow these books," Bart said. "This is the latest."

Something For the Soul

Title: My Brother's Book, by Maurice Sendak

What it's about:  Fifty years after Where the Wild Things Are was published comes the last book Sendak completed before his death in May 2012. The collection of poems draw influence from Shakespeare and William Blake, with homage to Sendak's late brother, Jack.

Why you should read it: "It's the last book he wrote to his brother before his death," Dammeir said. "It's a collection of poems for all ages."

Teen Fiction

Title: The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green

What it's about: Teen Hazel has terminal cancer, but after a gorgeous boy, Augustus Waters, shows up at the Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's life story gets re-written. This story is heart-breaking and thrilling at the same time.

Why you should read it: If you haven't heard of this book yet, or if you have and just haven't picked it up, Dammeir said this is a must-read for teens. "It's a number one best-seller," she said.