In this week’s “Mandatory” edition of Friday Five! we’re celebrating author Jess Riley and all the fantastic coverage her new book, Mandatory Release, has received from HelloGiggles, Betty Confidential, Wisconsin State Journal and more. “With appeal for fans of Jonathan Tropper, Tom Perrotta, and Laurie Notaro, this snarky mash-up of Girls and Oz is so painfully honest you might think you’re reading a memoir.” Read on to see the exciting spotlights on Mandatory Release!

What’s on my iPod: “Next Girl” by The Black Keys
What I’m reading: The Carolyne Letters by Abigail B. Calkin
The last person I followed on Twitter: @HeidiHurstSpark

1. HelloGiggles features Mandatory Release

HelloGiggles chose Mandatory Release as a funny, secretive and satisfying story. “The book left me with that satisfying feeling after reading that you get after you watch a really great movie and want to play it again just to hang out with the characters for just a little bit longer.”

 2. A 5-star book

“Well Jess Riley is a one of a kind! This story was really different from anything I have ever read! From the setting of a prison to a twist that was so twisted I didn’t see it coming! This book will have you wanting to peek at the end (DON’T DO IT) I love that the characters felt real. So many books don’t do that anymore! This is definitely an author that I’m adding to favs. 5 stars.” – The Witchy Contessa

3.  A phenomenal summer beach read

Betty Confidential chose Mandatory Release as a phenomenal summer beach read to fill your Gone Girl withdrawal.

4.  An intriguing story

Sharon’s Garden of Book Reviews recently read Mandatory Release and had this to say: “I found Mandatory Release to be a surprisingly fun book to read. This is a well-written, intriguing and, yes, funny story that I thoroughly enjoyed. I highly recommend it!”

 

5. Jess Riley picks her favorite authors

Jess Riley recently sat down with Wisconsin State Journal and shared her three favorite books, which she recommends to everyone.