Lauren Oliver once again masters the art of story telling by weaving beautiful words together. Seriously, is there anything she can't write? 
 "It was the final, explosive demonstration of summer, the line in the sand, a desperate attempt to hold fall forever at bay. But autumn nibbled the blue sky with its teeth, tore off chunks of the sun, smudged out that heavy veil of meat-smelling smoke." 
 See? BEAUTIFUL. 
 I don't normally enjoy realistic fiction as much as other YA genres, but this is a story worth reading. Set in a run down town, there's not much hope for the citizens of Carp...unless you win Panic and leave with a whopping 60K in your pocket. Told through alternating POV's, Oliver gives a distinct voice to three players who all want to win for different reasons. 
 Suspense, cheap thrills, survival...Panic has everything. Seriously, I couldn't put it down. 
 But on a side note... 
 (view spoiler)[ I KNEW IT, BISHOP. I KNEW IT. (hide spoiler)] 
 and one more.. 
 (view spoiler)[Seriously, Heather? You really couldn't see he was in love with you? SERIOUSLY *throwsbook* (hide spoiler)] 
 SOOOO GOOD.