Today Allie is here from the fabulous book Breaking Beautiful. Here is her THIS or THAT list. (Interesting note: I think some of these answers would change based on where you were in the book, or where Allie was. I answered as if Allie were at a place in the middle of the story.) Fantasy or Reality Fantasy. Everything is possible in fantasy and there’s always some epic battle where good wins out, in reality that doesn’t happen.
Books or Movies I’m going to have to go with movies. Reading is hard for me.
Funny or Smart Depends on whether you’re talking about whether that’s my preference in boyfriends or whether I would rather be funny or smart. My brother Andrew is super-smart, so I’ve spent most of my life wishing I was smarter. Being able to sit down and do homework without beating my head against the wall? Yeah, that would be great. But if you’re talking boyfriends I’m going to have to go with funny. A guy with a sense of humor makes life so much easier. Guys who take things too seriously aren’t for me, at least not anymore.
Art or Music That’s a hard one, I love music, but lately art has kind of stolen my heart.; )
Fight or Flight Um, flight. I’m not very big and so fighting back really isn’t much of an option. Besides, I’ve learned that fighting, especially in school, just get you in trouble. Better to just run away.
Breaking Beautiful by Janenifer Shaw Wolf Publisher: Walker & Company (April 24th, 2012) Hardcover: 368 pages Reading Level: Young Adult Allie lost everything the night her boyfriend, Trip, died in a horrible car accident—including her memory of the event. As their small town mourns his death, Allie is afraid to remember because doing so means delving into what she’s kept hidden for so long: the horrible reality of their abusive relationship. When the police reopen the investigation, it casts suspicion on Allie and her best friend, Blake, especially as their budding romance raises eyebrows around town. Allie knows she must tell the truth. Can she reach deep enough to remember that night so she can finally break free? Debut writer Janenifer Shaw Wolf takes readers on an emotional ride through the murky waters of love, shame, and, ultimately, forgiveness.
This is another hard list for me. There are so many amazing books coming out next year. Here are j ust a few o f the ones I am looking forw ard to.
Title: Sweet Peril Author: Wendy Higgins Publisher: HarperTeen Add to Goodreads Anna Whitt, the daughter of a guardian angel and a demon, promised herself she’d never do the work of her father—polluting souls. She’d been naive to make such a vow. She’d been naive about a lot of things.
Haunted by demon whisperers, Anna does whatever she can to survive, even if it means embracing her dark side and earning an unwanted reputation as her school’s party girl. Her life has never looked more bleak. And all the while there’s Kaidan Rowe, son of the Duke of Lust, plaguing her heart and mind.
When an unexpected lost message from the angels surfaces, Anna finds herself traveling the globe with Kopano, son of Wrath, in an attempt to gain support of fellow Nephilim and give them hope for the first time. It soon becomes clear that whatever freedoms Anna and the rest of the Neph are hoping to win will not be gained without a fight. Until then, Anna and Kaidan must put aside the issues between them, overcome the steamiest of temptations yet, and face the ultimate question: is loving someone worth risking their life?
Title: Taken Author: Erin Bowman Publisher: HarperTeen Add to Goodreads There are no men in Claysoot. There are boys—but every one of them vanishes at midnight on his eighteenth birthday. The ground shakes, the wind howls, a blinding light descends… and he’s gone.
They call it the Heist.
Gray Weathersby’s eighteenth birthday is mere months away, and he’s prepared to meet his fate–until he finds a strange note from his mother and starts to question everything he’s been raised to accept: the Council leaders and their obvious secrets. The Heist itself. And what lies beyond the Wall that surrounds Claysoot–a structure that no one can cross and survive.
Climbing the Wall is suicide, but what comes after the Heist could be worse. Should he sit back and wait to be taken–or risk everything on the hope of the other side?
Title: Things I Can't Forget Author: Miranda Kenneally Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire Add to Goodreads Companion to Catching Jordan and Stealing Parker.
Kate has always been the good girl. Too good, according to some people at school—although they have no idea the guilty secret she carries. But this summer, everything is different…
This summer she’s a counselor at Cumberland Creek summer camp, and she wants to put the past behind her. This summer Matt is back as a counselor too. He’s the first guy she ever kissed, and he’s gone from a geeky songwriter who loved The Hardy Boys to a buff lifeguard who loves to flirt… with her.
Kate used to think the world was black and white, right and wrong. Turns out, life isn’t that easy…
Title: Level 2 Author: Lenore Appelhans Publisher: Simon & Schuster Add to Goodreads Three levels. Two loves. One choice. Debut novelist, Lenore Appelhans has written a thrilling otherworldly young adult novel about a place that exists between our world (Level 1) and what comes after life (Level 2).
'I pause to look around the hive — all the podlike chambers are lit up as the drones shoot up on memories … I've wanted to get out of here before, but now the tight quarters start to choke me. There has to be more to death than this.'
Felicia Ward is dead. Trapped in a stark white afterlife limbo, she spends endless days replaying memories, of her family, friends, boyfriend … and of the guy who broke her heart. The guy who has just broken into Level 2 to find her.
Felicia learns that a rebellion is brewing, and it seems she is the key. Suspended between heaven and earth, she must make a choice. Between two worlds, two lives and two loves.
Title: Boundless Author: Cynthia Hand Publisher: HarperTeen Add to Goodreads The past few years have held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner could ever have anticipated. Yet from the dizzying highs of first love, to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she can no longer deny is that she was never meant to live a normal life.
Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her.. even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seems like the best option, so she’s headed back to California — and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.
As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move. And he’s not the only one.. With the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfil her destiny. But it won’t come without sacrifices and betrayal.
Title: The Forever of Ella & Micha Author: Jessica Sorensen Add to Goodreads It's the kind of love that owns you, the kind that last forever.
Ella and Micha have been through tragedy, heartbreak, and love. When they are with each other, anything seems possible. But the days of racing cars and passionate kisses are gone now that they are thousands of miles apart.
Ella continues going to school and tries to deal with her irrevocable mistakes. She constantly worries about how her life will end up, and with her father in and out of rehab, she’s having a hard time making it through the days. All she wants is Micha by her side, but she refuses to let her problems get in the way of his dreams.
Micha spends his days traveling the country with the band, but he knows something is missing from his life. Being away from Ella is harder than he thought. He wants her closer to him—needs her with him. But he won’t ask her to leave college, just to be with him.
The few moments they do spend together are fleeting, intense, and filled with passion, but it only makes it more difficult when they have to part. They quickly learn that a long-distance relationship is challenging and it tests their love.
They know they want to be together, but is wanting something enough to get them to their forever?
Title: If You Stay Author: Courtney Cole Add to Goodreads 24-year old Pax Tate is an asshole. Seriously.
He’s a tattooed, rock-hard bad-boy with a bad attitude to match.
But he’s got his reasons.
His mother died when Pax was seven, leaving a hole in his heart filled with guilt although he doesn’t understand why. What he does know is that he and his dad are left alone and with more issues than they can count.
As Pax grew up, he tried to be the kid his father always wanted; the perfect golden boy, but it didn’t work. His dad couldn’t overcome his grief long enough to notice and Pax couldn’t keep up the impossible perfect façade. So he slipped far, far from it.
Now, he uses drugs and women to cope with the ugliness, the black void that he doesn’t want to deal with. If he pretends that the emptiness isn’t there, then it isn’t, right? Wrong.
And it’s never more apparent than when he meets Mila. Sweet, beautiful Mila Hill is the fresh air to his hardened frown, the beauty to his ugly heart. He doesn’t know how to not hurt her, but he quickly realizes that he’s got to figure it out because he needs her to breathe.
When memories of his mother’s death resurface from where he’s repressed them for so long, Mila is there to catch him when the guilt starts making sense. Mila is the one… the one who can save him from his broken troubled heart; from his issues, from the emptiness.
But only if he can stop being an asshole long enough to allow it.
He knows that. And he’s working on it.
But is that enough to make her stay?
Title: Date You To Author: Katie McGarry Publisher: Harlequin Teen Add to Goodreads"I dare you… "
If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does…
Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him.
But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all…
Title: Fragments Author: Dan Wells Publisher: Balzer + Bray Add to Goodreads Kira Walker has found the cure for RM, but the battle for the survival of humans and Partials is just beginning. Kira has left East Meadow in a desperate search for clues to who she is. That the Partials themselves hold the cure for RM in their blood cannot be a coincidence--it must be part of a larger plan, a plan that involves Kira, a plan that could save both races. Her companions are Afa Demoux, an unhinged drifter and former employee of ParaGen, and Samm and Heron, the Partials who betrayed her and saved her life, the only ones who know her secret. But can she trust them?
Meanwhile, back on Long Island, what's left of humanity is gearing up for war with the Partials, and Marcus knows his only hope is to delay them until Kira returns. But Kira's journey will take her deep into the overgrown wasteland of postapocalyptic America, and Kira and Marcus both will discover that their greatest enemy may be one they didn't even know existed.
The second installment in the pulse-pounding Partials saga is the story of the eleventh hour of humanity's time on Earth, a journey deep into places unknown to discover the means--and even more important, a reason--for our survival .
Title: Apollyon Author: Janenifer L. Armentrout Publisher: Spencer Hill Press Add to Goodreads Fate isn’t something to mess with… and now, neither is Alex.
Alex has always feared two things: losing herself in the Awakening and being placed on the Elixir. But love has always been stronger than Fate, and Aiden St. Delphi is willing to make war on the gods—and Alex herself—to bring her back.
The gods have killed thousands and could destroy entire cities in their quest to stop Seth from taking Alex’s power and becoming the all-powerful God Killer. But breaking Alex’s connection to Seth isn’t the only problem. There are a few pesky little loopholes in the whole “an Apollyon can’t be killed” theory, and the only person who might know how to stop the destruction has been dead for centuries.
Finding their way past the barriers that guard the Underworld, searching for one soul among countless millions, and then somehow returning will be hard enough. Alex might be able to keep Seth from becoming the God Killer… or she might become the God Killer herself. Don't forget to share YOUR list in the Linky below!Today's giveaway is hosted by Mindy from Magical Urban Fantasy Reads NOTE: This is the same Linky on ALL Co-Hosts Blogs.
"Courtney Summers has successfully created a universal character that anyone can relate to on some level." — Miss Remmers
From Amazon.com...
"Perfect Parker Fadley isn’t so perfect anymore. She’s quit the cheerleading squad, she’s dumped her perfect boyfriend, and she’s failing school. Her parents are on a constant suicide watch and her counselors think she’s playing games…but what they don’t know, the real reason for this whole mess, isn’t something she can say out loud. It isn’t even something she can say to herself. A horrible thing has happened and it just might be her fault. If she can just remove herself from everybody--be totally alone--then everything will be okay... The problem is, nobody will let her."
This book is a beautiful, heart breaking, honest read. The plot and the characters are flawless. I feel like I know Parker, Chris, Becky, Jessie, and Jake. I haven't felt so connected to the characters (all of them, even the secondary characters) for such a long time. The most impressive aspect of the book, in my opinion, is the distinct voice or tone. I loved the dialogue (especially in regards to Parker). Besides the dialogue, the overall tone of the novel is witty but real. Sometimes when characters are witty they lose the realness (who is ever really that witty anyway). But Courtney Summers successfully created a witty and real character.
The plot was catching, I had to find out what happened; I told myself one more chapter and then finally had to shut the book (in order to sleep) eight chapters later. I cried more than once and Parker's pain and I was able to follow her train of thought (scary, I know). I saw a lot of myself in Parker, not the suicidal part, but the "perfect"/anal retentive/ type A personality part. But the other part of her, the guilty and hurting part, anyone could relate to. It is precisely this, I think, that makes this book a phenomenal read. Courtney Summers has successfully created a universal character that anyone can relate to on some level.
I'm sad that this is a library book and that I have to return it. Despite the bit of foul language and the minute allusions to sex — I think this book would be a great book to inspire a non-reader to read recreationally. I will definitely be purchasing a copy for my classroom. And while I was going to wait a while to read "Some Girls Are" — I think I'll read it next!
Favorite Quote: "I've never met a girl so content to be a growth" (124).
"Fantastically timed writing along with perfectly developed characters and a seamlessly exciting plot makes "Delirium" an instant favorite and a story not likely forgotten anytime soon." — Miss Remmers
From Barnes and Noble...
"Ninety-five days, and then I'll be safe. I wonder whether the procedure will hurt. I want to get it over with. It's hard to be patient. It's hard not to be afraid while I'm still uncured, though so far the deliria hasn't touched me yet. Still, I worry. They say that in the old days, love drove people to madness. The deadliest of all deadly things: It kills you both when you have it and when you don't."
Book Trailer: Much like "Before I Fall, " this was a book I had been itching to read. The premise and beautiful cover were eye catching already, but nothing, not even my love for "Before I Fall," prepared me for "Delirium."
Written fantastically well with characters who were so real to me that even when I took a reading break for much needed groceries I found myself thinking back to them.
I laughed out loud, I blushed, I gasped, and I cried while reading "Delirium" — no other book has had me so emotionally invested in it. Lena was fantastic character whose transformation was flawless from government follower to all out rule-breaking rebel. But it was Alex who tugged at my heart in every way. I could see him, I could feel him, I could hear him — I knew him in every way. Besides the amazing plot, it is Alex's return that I am anxiously awaiting with the next installment of this series.
Just as strong as the characters, the plot of "Delirium" was excellently executed. Really, if there was one thing that I could say in regards to the plot that I kept coming back to was its' timing. Timing. It's not something that I think about when reading very often and it's not an element of a book like plot, characters, etc. But this novel demonstrates how vital timing is to a novel. Excuse me while I go teacher for a moment: the exposition of the novel "hooked" me from the first page but didn't drag on, in fact it blended perfectly with the complication of the novel. From there on the rising action was flawlessly constant and the intensity and excitement didn't recede until the book was closed. Every time I thought I knew where the story was headed there would be a new twist, or complication, introduced that would have me gasping out loud (true story). These twists were perfectly timed and executed.
One last thing... the ending. Oh. My. Gosh. I was reading so fast, as if I were watching it unfold or even living it. This book will make a fantastic movie someday. Fantastically timed writing along with perfectly developed characters and a seamlessly exciting plot makes "Delirium" an instant favorite and a story not likely forgotten anytime soon.
To find out more about this series and author, visit the following links: -Visit Laurenaround the web here: Website -BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
This year we wanted to add to the excitement of Top 10 lists by making it an event! Lisa from A Life Bound By Books, Rachel from Fiktshun & Jaime & Patricia from Two Chicks on Books and and I are hosting a top 10 week where everyone can join the fun! You can check out this post for more information. Each day you add your top 10 list to the linky (below), you get an extra entry into the giveaway for a $50 amazon gift card! Just remember, each day will have a linky for THAT Top 10 topic and your list has to be for that top 10.
First, we wanted to do a little wrap-up for the year! 117 Books Read! 36,776 pages read! 435 posts this year!
My goal for this year was 100 books so next year I'm bringing that up to 110!
Today is Top 10 Books I'm Looking Forward to in 2012!
Why: I've had Divergent on every single list this week so it's obvious that I'm dying to get my hands on this book! Can't.wait!! Add it to Goodreads Summary: One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.
Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.
Onyx by Janenifer L. Armentrout Entangled Publishing (May 2012) Series: Lux #2 Why: Does anything by Janenifer even need an explanation anymore? Hot guys, wonderful plots, kick-butt heroines, it's all there! And look at that *points to cover*.yeah… who can resist him?! Add it to GoodreadsSummary:No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies…
Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins Hyperion Books (March 13th, 2012) Series: Hex Hall #3
Why: I adored the first 2 books in this series and I can't wait to find out what happens next. Sophie is one of my favorite female characters of all time! Add it to Goodreads Summary: Hailed as “impossible to put down,” the Hex Hall series has both critics and teens cheering. With a winning combination of romance, action, magic and humor, this third volume will leave readers enchanted.
Just as Sophie Mercer has come to accept her extraordinary magical powers as a demon, the Prodigium Council strips them away. Now Sophie is defenseless, alone, and at the mercy of her sworn enemies—the Brannicks, a family of warrior women who hunt down the Prodigium. Or at least that’s what Sophie thinks, until she makes a surprising discovery. The Brannicks know an epic war is coming, and they believe Sophie is the only one powerful enough to stop the world from ending. But without her magic, Sophie isn’t as confident.
Sophie’s bound for one hell of a ride—can she get her powers back before it’s too late?
Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready Simon Pulse (May 1st, 2012) Series: Shade #3 Why: This series has a special place in my heart! I'm so sad to see it end but I know Jeri will not disappoint.Add it to GoodreadsSummary: No other love has burned so bright
Life can change in an instant, and no one understands that better than Aura. It’s been almost a year since her boyfriend tragically died. She’s finally letting go of Logan’s violet-hued ghost, but not her search to uncover the truth about her past.As the first in a generation that can see ghosts, Aura is convinced that she has a connection to the Shift. She’s trusted Zachary, ever patient and ever by her side, with all that she knows. But when the government threatens his life in an attempt to learn Aura’s secrets, she will stop at nothing to protect herself and the one she loves… even if that means betraying her own heart.
Why:Starcrossed was awesome and I really need to read this book! There were so many questions that have to be answered and I can't wait to see how it all plays out! Add it to Goodreads Summary: As the only Scion that can enter Hades at will, Helen descends to the Underworld in search of a way to overcome the Furies and end the cycle of revenge that has cursed the Scions. But she’s running out of time. Each descent weakens her both in mind and spirit. A mysterious stranger might be her only salvation, but the price may be her love for Lucas Delos.
As an unforgettable love triangle emerges, Josephine Angelini’s compelling saga becomes ever more intricate and spellbinding. The eagerly awaited sequel to the internationally bestselling Starcrossed, Dreamless delivers with a huge emotional impact that will leave readers satisfied—and longing for more.
Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore Dial (May 1st, 2012) Series: The Seven Kingdoms #3 Why: I read Graceling and Fire a long time ago and have been checking on this book for over a year! I was so excited to see the cover and a release date, YAY! Add it to GoodreadsSummary: Eight years after Graceling, Bitterblue is now queen of Monsea. But the influence of her father, a violent psychopath with mind-altering abilities, lives on. Her advisors, who have run things since Leck died, believe in a forward-thinking plan: Pardon all who committed terrible acts under Leck’s reign, and forget anything bad ever happened. But when Bitterblue begins sneaking outside the castle—disguised and alone—to walk the streets of her own city, she starts realizing that the kingdom has been under the thirty-five-year spell of a madman, and the only way to move forward is to revisit the past. Two thieves, who only steal what has already been stolen, change her life forever. They hold a key to the truth of Leck’s reign. And one of them, with an extreme skill called a Grace that he hasn’t yet identified, holds a key to her heart.
Why: Hourglass was a whole book of greatness and I know this one will be just as good. And, I do <3 me some Kaleb!! Add it to Goodreads Summary: A threat from the past could destroy the future. And the clock is ticking…
Kaleb Ballard's relentless flirting is interrupted when Jack Landers, the man who tried to murder his father, timeslips in and attacks before disappearing just as quickly. But Kaleb has never before been able to see time travelers, unlike many of his friends associated with the mysterious Hourglass organization. Are Kaleb's powers expanding, or is something very wrong?
Then the Hourglass is issued an ultimatum. Either they find Jack and the research he's stolen on the time gene, or time will be altered with devestating results.
Now Kaleb, Emerson, Michael, and the other Hourglass recruits have no choice but to use their unusual powers to find Jack. But where do they even start? And when? And even if they succeed, it may not be enough…
Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver HarperTeen (February 28th, 2012) Series: Delirium #2 Why: Love the storyline that goes along with this series and Delirium really left me needing more! I plan to read this one very very soon! Add it to GoodreadsSummary: I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare, pushing aside thoughts of Alex, pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school, push, push, push, like Raven taught me to do. The old life is dead. But the old Lena is dead too. I buried her. I left her beyond a fence, behind a wall of smoke and flame.
Fever by Lauren DeStefano Simon & Schuster (February 21st, 2012) Series: The Chemical Gardens #2
Why: Another very unique dystopian and I really want to get my hands on this book to find out what happens to Rhine and Gabriel! Add it to Goodreads Summary:Rhine and Gabriel have escaped the mansion. But danger is never far behind.
Running away brings Rhine and Gabriel right into a trap, in the form of a twisted carnival whose ringmistress keeps watch over a menagerie of girls. Just as Rhine uncovers what plans await her, her fortune turns again. With Gabriel at her side, Rhine travels through an environment as grim as the one she left a year ago―surroundings that mirror her own feelings of fear and hopelessness.
The Two are determined to get to Manhattan, to relative safety with Rhine's twin brother, Rowan. But the road there is long and perilous―and in a world where young woman only live to age twenty and young men die at twenty-five, time is precious. Worse still, they can't seem to elude Rhine's father-in-law, Vaughn, who is determined to bring Rhine back to the mansion… by any means necessary.
Deity by Janenifer L. Armentrout Spencer Hill Press (November 8th, 2012) Series: Covenant #3 Why: *see answer above*: ) Actually, there is another book, Pure, coming out before this one, but I read it as soon as it entered my door so now I must have Deity.like.NOW! Add it to GoodreadsSummary: (Not available yet)
A Want So Wicked by Suzanne Young Balzer + Bray (June 26th, 2012) Series: A Need So Beautiful #2
Why: Really loved A Need So Beautiful and the interesting plot in this series. It was another book that left me with a ton of questions that I gotta know the answers to! Plus, Harlin *swoon*. Add it to Goodreads Summary: Elise is a normal seventeen-year-old girl until the day she wakes up in a desert park, with no idea who she is.
After that episode, her life takes a bizarre turn. She’s experiencing unexpected flashes of insight into people’s lives—people she’s never met before. Strangers frighten her with warnings about the approaching Shadows. And although Elise has never had a boyfriend, she suddenly finds herself torn between two handsome but very different young men: Abe, the charming bad boy whose affect on her both seduces and frightens her, and the mysterious Harlin, who’s new to town but with whom Elise feels an urgent, elemental connection—almost as if they are soul mates.
Now Elise begins to question everything about her life. Why do these guys both want her so desperately? What are the Shadows? Why does the name Charlotte inspire a terrifying familiarity? And who is Elise, really? Yes, I know that was 11: ) There are so many more books too! I tried to highlight books in a series here but below are a few stand-alone books I can't wait for…
If I Lie by Corrine Jackson Simon Pulse (August 28th, 2012) Add it to Goodreads
Breaking Beautiful by Janenifer Shaw Wolf Walker & Company (April 24th, 2012) Add it to Goodreads
Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry Harlequin Teen (August 2012) Add it to Goodreads
Something Like Normal by Trish Doller Bloomsbury (June 19th, 2012) Add it to Goodreads
The Thing About the Truth by Lauren Barnholdt Simon Pulse (July 10h, 2012) Add it to Goodreads
Don't forget to link each day! Signing up & then linking your Top 10 posts early you EXTRA entries into the $50.00 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway. The last day to share your posts is January 8th, 2012. The winner will be picked using Random.org and announced during the week of the 9th, 2012. Good Luck! NOTE: this is the SAME Linky on each of the Co-Hosts Blogs, so please only enter your Name, Blog Name and URL once. Thanks!
A few weeks months ago I asked for your opinion: what books would you recommend to my students. I had a fantastic response. If my stats for that post are any indication, this question has been asked many times before and people, especially teachers, are still looking for those great recommendations. Well, after asking my mom (a school librarian) and the librarian at my school, I'm finally making public what we have put together. I'm pretty sure everybody can find something on this list; I know that nonfiction is an area I need to work on as well and as I'm expecting one nonfiction read from my students by the end of the semester I've set the same standard for myself.
If you'd like to look at these lists in a Google Doc format: Recs from Readers and Recs from Teachers
Here are the recommendations from other readers: Title of Book Diary of Anne Frank In the Garden of Beasts Manhunt Farewell to Manzanar Graphic Novels: Maus and Persepolis Half Broke Horses I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings The Meaning of Matthew: My Son's Murder in Laramie, and a World Transformed What is the What I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Freakonomics Under the Black Flag Cleopatra: A Life All But My Life Freedom Riders Einstein's Refrigerator Brothers in Arms The Devil In The White City Little Princes 360 Degrees Longitude Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
You Had Me at Woof Decoded Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us Night Eat, Pray, Love I am Scout: The Biography of Harper Lee I am Scout: The Biography of Harper Lee The Glass Castle The Children's Blizzard Rocket Boys Stitches: A Memoir
And here are the recommendations compiled by two fantastic school librarians:
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I've started doing something new where I highlight all of the Indie/Small press books I've picked up to read on my Kindle. I will post mini-reviews of the titles each month. The top 2 books from this month were Bully by Penelope Douglas and Lick by Kylie Scott!
Bully by Penelope Douglas Add to Goodreads
Review: OMG, I need about 10 more books just like this one! Bully was one of those"enemy to lovers" stories and I devoured every single word! Tate and Jared were best friends and then he changed and started treating her like crap. Yes, this makes Jared a bit difficult to love but I just couldn't help myself!! Over time, I could see how he was hiding his feelings. I also loved the fact that Tate was a really strong character. She was tired of putting up with his crap so she made sure he knew it. I loved the ways she'd get back at him. They had a lot of great interactions. I'm just sad that it's over: ( I want to re-read this one very soon!!
Lick by Kylie Scott Add to Goodreads
Review: Ahhh, love! This book was a surprise for me. I'm not wild about the cover but I heard it was great so I picked it up. Plus, waking up not knowing you married a rock star? YES PLEASE! I ended up loving this story so much! Evelyn wakes up with a stranger next to her, David, and she has no earthly idea who he is. After dealing with a killer hangover, and going back home, the press soon figures out what happened and she has to run back to David to get the situation fixed. But things happen and they then start to get to know each other. Evelyn gets small pieces of the night back and.*happy sigh* it was just wonderful! This is another book I want to read again! Both characters were fantastic and had amazing personalities! I highly recommend it!
The Hazards of Skinny Dipping by Alyssa Rose Ivy Add to Goodreads
Review: This was a fun read. Pretty light and, while it does take a look at a controlling relationship, there's much more to the book. Juliet has had her eyes on Dylan for a while. They"hook up" and it turns out to be horrible but Juliet still dates him. At school she tries to have a good relationship with Dylan but he is really controlling. She finds a friendship with a guy named Reed and they were terrific together. I really wish I had a friend like Reed.: ) He was such a good guy and he really cared for Juliet. Their bond builds slowly, which was nice. As far as"first college experiences" go, this was a super fun book.
Dark Summer by Lizzy Ford Add to Goodreads Review: I picked up this book knowing nothing about it. It was free on amazon but I'm so glad I took a chance with it! Summer has been to a lot of boarding schools but they always fail. Now, she's trying a new place and it's finally somewhere that she fits in, sort of. There are many people who don't like Summer but she still builds some great friendships and connects with twins Beck and Decker. At age 18 each person is turned either Light or Dark, but that doesn't really mean they have to be evil. We learn this after hearing about Decker and his fate. The whole world behind this book was enjoyable and I can't wait to see what happens next!
Beautiful Broken Rules by Kimberly Lauren Add to Goodreads
Review: I actually wasn't sure if I would enjoy this one. The blurb didn't really grab me but I was happy to see that the book was better than I expected. Emerson is known as the slut in school and she's sort of okay with that. She wants nothing to do with relationships but she is surprised by her feelings with Jaxon, one of her best friend's new roommates, comes to town. She finds herself breaking a few of her strict rules about guys. She tries to hide away due to heartache but soon realizes what she is missing out on. I had fun with this one. It's nothing too deep or original but it was still a nice read.
Elite by Rachel Van Dyken Add to Goodreads Review: Wow, what a book. I had no earthly idea what to expect with this book. I wasn't sure if it was dystopian or just a whole different world, or if it was something paranormal. I was a bit surprised by the"surprise" of it all. Trace wins a scholarship to an elite school and she is immediately faced with the complexity of the school structure. She's shocked to find out that a student, Nixon, is in charge and that he seems to completely hate her. There are some things Nixon does that are just so unforgivable but then I ended up liking him anyway? GRR! Trace was great and I enjoyed finding out more about her. The friends (semi-friends) she makes along the way range from nice to deadly and the twists and turns are unimaginable! It's really hard to even describe this book so I'll just say, if you are looking for something completely different, with a big twist, get this one!
A Matter of Fate by Heather Lyons Add to Goodreads
Review: I was reluctant to pick up this book because I'm not a huge fan of Magicals. In the end, I was happy I had read it and I do plan to read the second book soon. Chloe is a Magical but she knows very little about herself. From the start we learn that she's had dreams about a guy since she was young and then he is suddenly there in her school. This leads to a crazy love triangle though but it was pretty well done. I was a bit confused at times by all the Magical knowledge we get at once, but it was pretty unique. If you are a fan of paranormal books that have a very unique world, get this one!
Let Love In by Melissa Collins Add to Goodreads This is another brand-new-to-college book with a character who has a tragic background. Not a new idea for a book but still well-written. Maddy lost her parents when she was young and it has made her fight against falling in love. She meets bad-boy Reid at school and their relationship begins. They both have went through a lot so this made for two stubborn, slightly frustrating characters. A lot happens in this book between the two and some decisions I didn't quite understand. It's still a pretty enjoyable read. Nothing too surprising inside but nice.
Delayed Penalty by Shey Stahl Add to Goodreads
Review: This story has a very emotional start. A young girl is found by a hockey player in an alley after a brutal attack. It's obvious she would have died there if he hadn't brought her to the hospital. The book started out a bit stronger than it ended for me. For some reason, even though I should have felt terrible for Ami, I just never really connected with her. On the other hand, Mase was fantastic. I loved his character and POV. He had a wonderful family and great teammates. I just felt that if Ami would have been a slightly better character, and not so dry, I would have enjoyed it more.
Trying Not to Love You by Megan Smith Add to Goodreads Review: This is hard for me to review. The actual story idea is amazing. I loved that Kenzie and Hunter had a relationship going back to childhood. I loved the family dynamics and the role of her best friend. But the writing brought it down, IMO. I don't think teens speak to each other like"I do not know why he was not there." (this isn't an actual sentence from the story but it shows what I'm referring to). It just messed with the flow of the story and the actual dialogue itself. It's robotic and caused me to pause quite a few times. I've seen another reviewer get comments because she said it bothered her while reading and yeah, it totally bothered me too. Big time. It took something away from the characters and made it more difficult for me to connect with them and believe them as being young adults. I really wanted to feel bad for Kenzie during parts of the story but I didn't feel a lot for her. Maybe it was mostly due to the language or feeling like I was just being told what was happening instead of really feeling the emotions behind it. This book ends on a huge cliffhanger, which I'm not a big fan of honestly. I do think I'll read the next one when it comes out. I know this story has a ton of fans already and everyone is entitled to their opinions on it.
