The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball

I've long been a fan of my friend Risa Green, contributor to Sleep Is for the Weak and author of Notes From the Underbelly and Tales From the Crib. As soon as her debut young adult novel The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball came out, I ordered myself a copy (because that's what you do for authors -- you buy their books, ahem, ha!).

This book was perfect for a young teen. The characters are high school sophomores, there's a little kissing but nothing extreme and there are no disturbing themes. What there is: fun. Texting tricks, a "magical" crystal ball complete with freaky New Age dead aunt and logic-based riddles, a hottie boy and best friends.

An example of the riddles that came with the crystal ball:

• Absolute knowledge is not unlimited; let your planets be the guide to the number.
• There are sixteen ways to die, but four of them you will never see.
• The future belongs to you alone. Other voices will be disappointed.
• One rotation is as far as you can see. Only uncertainty lies beyond.