Merry Christmas from our family to yours!
See you in the New Year!
Author: Katy Upperman
Class of 2012: YA Superlatives Blogfest – GIVEAWAY WINNERS!
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to everyone who participated in the Class of 2012: YA Superlatives Blogfest!
I have had so much fun blogging with you all this week, and my To-Read list has grown about a mile thanks to all your fantastic book recommendations! You guys have the best taste EVER. 🙂
Thanks also to my co-hosts, Jessica Love, Tracey Neithercott, and Alison Miller. This blogfest wouldn’t have been nearly as awesome without you three. You girls rock!
So… Remember that giveaway we promised? Four names were chosen from the long list of participants who posted and linked to their posts for all four days of the blogfest. Those four winners each get to choose one 2012 book to ordered for them from The Book Depository.
Our lucky winners are…
Elizabeth Briggs
Stephanie Allen
Kari Bradley
Jessica Silverstein
YAY! Congratulations, girls!
If you would please email the title of the book you’d like as well as your mailing address to katy(.)upperman(@)live(.)com (remove parenthesis), Tracey, Jessica, Alison, and I will make sure you get your new book as soon as possible.
And that wraps up my crazy week of daily blogging. If you need me, I’ll be catching up on my reading.
Happy Friday, friends. Have an amazing weekend!
The Class of 2012: YA Superlatives Blogfest – Best in Show
Ahhhh… It’s our very last day!
The Class of 2012: YA Superlative Blogfest (hosted by Jessica Love, Tracey Neithercott, Alison Miller, and me) runs Monday, December 17th through Thursday, December 20th. All of the awesome people who are participating in the blogfest (YOU, I hope!) will highlight favorite books published 2012 using a variety of super fun superlative categories. The Class of 2012: YA Superlative Blogfest is about promoting extraordinary young adult books, so if you haven’t already, draft a post, hop down to the end of this post, and sign up to participate. We can’t wait to see your favorite reads of 2012!
The 2012 YA novels I’ve read, listed in no particular order: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, A Million Suns, The Fault in Our Stars, The Disenchantments, Something Strange and Deadly, Pandemonium, Wanderlove, Under the Never Sky, Ten, This is Not a Test, Happy Families, Insurgent, Amelia Anne is Dead and Gone, Monstrous Beauty, Bitterblue, Time Between Us, My Life Next Door, Breathe, Pushing the Limits, Skylark, The Raven Boys, Live Through This, Bittersweet, Flawed, Ditched, Starters, Reached, Lovely, Dark and Deep, Meant to Be, and Days of Blood and Starlight…
And here’s how I chose to award today’s categories:
Best in Show
Favorite Cover
These covers are practically opposites (bright and fun/dark and mysterious), but they both convey the tone of the stories beneath them so perfectly, I couldn’t choose just one.
Cutest Couple
Samantha and Jase… So sweet and considerate of one another, with chemistry that sings. They bring out the best in each other.
Most Likely to Succeed (Or, Pick a Printz)
This was a tough choice… I read SO MANY award-worthy books this year. But The Fault in Our Stars seems to most exemplify the qualities “literary merit” that the American Library Association looks for.
Most Likely to Make You Miss Your Bedtime
These two… Could NOT put them down!
Best Repeat Performance (Favorite Sequel or Follow-Up)
I was nervous about reading both of these books. I love their predecessors SO MUCH, and I had very high expectations. Luckily, Days of Blood and Starlight and Bitterblue lived up to the excellence of the books that came before them.
Favorite Finale or End of Series
A very satisfying conclusion to a trilogy I’ve followed since Matched‘s debut.
Romance Most Worthy of an Ice Bath
Echo and Noah have some pretty intense sexual tension, which made their otherwise dark and serious story a lot of fun to read.
Break Out Novel (Favorite Book by a Debut Author)
Yeah… This one pretty much blew me away. Beautiful writing, characters I cared so much about, and a romance that had me swooning. Love.
Favorite Old-Timer (Favorite of the Year, Published BEFORE 2012)
I waited far too long to read The Book Thief — now I know why it is so highly regarded. And Saving June, wow… A pretty darn perfect contemporary young adult romance.
Book Most Likely to Make a Grown Man Cry
This one didn’t make me cry, but I’ve heard from a lot of others that they had to raid their tissue boxes, especially toward the end.
Most Pleasant Surprise (Book I didn’t think I’d Like, But Did)
Zombies? Eh. But I love the way Courtney Summers writes far too much to pass up any of her new releases. So glad I gave her version of zombies a chance — this book rocks!
Most Creative Use of a Love Triangle
I think the love triangle between Blue, Gansey, and Adam will develop further as this series goes on, but so far I’m totally on-board with the dynamic between these three. Maggie Stiefvater is masterful.
Sleeper Hit (Book I Found So Awesome I Wish it Was Hyped More)
I know, I know… I’ve talked a lot about this one. But guys, it’s just SO GOOD! If you like contemporary and romance and serious themes, pick Lovely, Dark and Deep up as soon as possible!
Favorite Outlier (Favorite 2012 MG or Adult Book)
Yowza… This story is a total trip. The characters are pretty much all deplorable, but one is such a complete sociopath, she would NOT let me put this book down.
The Class of 2012: YA Superlatives Blogfest – Elements of Fiction
Before I get on with my Elements of Fiction choices for the YA Superlatives Blogfest, I’d love to refer you to Kristin Lynn Thetford‘s blog. First and foremost, she just signed with a fantastic agent… Go congratulate her! Second, she recently interviewed me about my writing, my experiences with querying, and my eventual signing with super agent Victoria Marini of GSLA. The interview is HERE if you want to check it out. (You totally should!)
The Class of 2012: YA Superlative Blogfest (hosted by Jessica Love, Tracey Neithercott, Alison Miller, and me) runs Monday, December 17th through Thursday, December 20th. All of the awesome people who are participating in the blogfest (YOU, I hope!) will highlight favorite books published 2012 using a variety of super fun superlative categories. The Class of 2012: YA Superlative Blogfest is about promoting extraordinary young adult books, so if you haven’t already, draft a post, hop down to the end of this post, and sign up to participate. We can’t wait to see your favorite reads of 2012!
The 2012 YA novels I’ve read, listed in no particular order: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, A Million Suns, The Fault in Our Stars, The Disenchantments, Something Strange and Deadly, Pandemonium, Wanderlove, Under the Never Sky, Ten, This is Not a Test, Happy Families, Insurgent, Amelia Anne is Dead and Gone, Monstrous Beauty, Bitterblue, Time Between Us, My Life Next Door, Breathe, Pushing the Limits, Skylark, The Raven Boys, Live Through This, Bittersweet, Flawed, Ditched, Starters, Reached, Lovely, Dark and Deep, Meant to Be, and Days of Blood and Starlight…
And here’s how I chose to award today’s categories:
Elements of Fiction
Most Envy-Inducing Plot (Plot I wish I’d thought of myself…)
Using time travel to tell a story of intense, lasting love has been done before, but I especially love the way Tamara Ireland Stone uses Bennett’s special “talent” to challenge Anna and everything she thinks she knows.
Most Formidable World (Setting I would NOT want to visit…)
From Smarteyes and Realms to Aether storms and savages and potentially dangerous air, Veronica Rossi has created a detailed and dynamic world where almost nobody can be trusted.
Wanderlust-Inducing (Setting I’d happily travel to…)
Aah, beaches and hiking and fun in the sun — this book’s title is spot-on. I’d love to backpack with Bria and Rowan.
Loveliest Prose
Or… perhaps Fate laid out your life for you like a dress on a bed, and you could either wear it or go naked. ~ Gorgeous imagery on every. Single. Page.
Best First Line
The night before Amelia Anne Richardson bled her life away on a parched dirt road outside of town, I bled out my dignity in the back of a pickup truck under a star-pricked sky. ~ The whole book is written this beautifully.
Most Dynamic Main Character
I absolutely adore Bitterblue. She’s so many things: utterly endearing, open and charmingly honest, naive and occasionally brusque, determined and loyal. Over the course of the novel, she faces what should be soul-crushing opposition, but she never, ever folds.
Most Jaw-Dropping Ending
Ronan’s confession about Chainsaw’s origins… *shivers* Next book, please!
Best Performance in a Supporting Role
Grace, Trace, Cary, Harrison, and especially Rhys from This is Not a Test. I loved the Breakfast Club-esque dynamic between main character Sloane and her colorful and carefully fleshed-out supporting cast.
Best Use of Theme
Wren’s struggles with unimaginable guilt and grief could have been preachy and cliche, but Amy McNamara handles her protagonist’s troubles with subtle grace, which makes themes of forgiveness and acceptance shine.
The Class of 2012: YA Superlative Blogfest – Popularity Contest
The Class of 2012: YA Superlative Blogfest (hosted by Jessica Love, Tracey Neithercott, Alison Miller, and me) runs Monday, December 17th through Thursday, December 20th. All of the awesome people who are participating in the blogfest (YOU, I hope!) will highlight favorite books published 2012 using a variety of super fun superlative categories. The Class of 2012: YA Superlative Blogfest is about promoting extraordinary young adult books, so if you haven’t already, draft a post, hop down to the end of this post, and sign up to participate. We can’t wait to see your favorite reads of 2012!
The 2012 YA novels I’ve read over the last year, listed in no particular order:
The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, A Million Suns, The Fault in Our Stars, The Disenchantments, Something Strange and Deadly, Pandemonium, Wanderlove, Under the Never Sky, Ten, This is Not a Test, Happy Families, Insurgent, Amelia Anne is Dead and Gone, Monstrous Beauty, Bitterblue, Time Between Us, My Life Next Door, Breathe, Pushing the Limits, Skylark, The Raven Boys, Live Through This, Bittersweet, Flawed, Ditched, Starters, Reached, Lovely, Dark and Deep, Meant to Be, and Days of Blood and Starlight…
And here’s how I chose to award today’s categories:
Popularity Contest
Class Clown
Augustus from The Fault in Our Stars, because if anyone can make can cancer funny, it’s Gus. (image source)
Most Likely to Become a Rock Star
While Bev from The Disenchantments may not have tons of musical talent, she’s definitely got that irreverent, arrogant aura of a rock star down.
Most Likely to Start a Riot
Tobias and Tris from Insurgent. They’re total badasses, and they both possess the leadership qualities necessary for mobilizing the masses. (image source)
Biggest Flirt
Oliver from The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight. He’s such an effective flirt, he got Hadley to fall for him over the course of one night. Plus, his flirting is genuine and sweet.
Fashion King and/or Queen
Bitterblue. Not because she cares about fashion, but because of the beautiful way her gowns and hair and shoes are described in Bitterblue. (image source)
Girl You’d Most Want For Your BFF
Anna from Time Between Us because she’s a loyal, relateable girl with goals and dreams. Plus, she’s a runner like me.
Boy You Most Wish You’d Dated in High School
Jase from My Life Next Door because he’s sweet and attentive and driven, and he has a totally awesome family.
Most Likely to Become President
Elder from A Million Suns. He’s not a perfect leader, but he’s a passionate leader, and he’s an honorable leader. I can’t wait to see how his arch concludes in Shades of Earth. (image source)
Quirkiest Character
Meant to Be‘s Julia has a pencil sharpener in her purse and head full of Beatles trivia, and she travels with dozens of guide books. She’s awkward and sometimes uncertain, but she’s also totally endearing. Loved her!
Villain You Love to Hate
Syrenka from Monstrous Beauty. She can be evil and single-minded and shockingly violent, but she has her reasons. Mermaids need love too, right? (image source)
Favorite Parental Figure
I’m going to cheat a little and go with Blue Sargent’s mother and all of the clairvoyant ladies who live in her house. They’re such an eclectic, strong group of women, and each is so unique. Their scenes were a joy to read.
Coolest Nerd
Xander from Reached. He’s got all those medical, scientific smarts, and he’s sort of brooding and mysterious. A perfect combination. (image source unknown)
The Class of 2012: YA Superlative Blogfest – HEAD OF THE CLASS
It’s here, it’s here, it’s here!
In case you’ve forgotten, The Class of 2012: YA Superlative Blogfest (hosted by Jessica Love,Tracey Neithercott, Alison Miller, and me) begins today, Monday, December 17th, and will run through Thursday, December 20th. All of the awesome people who are participating in the blogfest (YOU, I hope!) will highlight favorite books published 2012 using a variety of super fun superlative categories. The Class of 2012: YA Superlative Blogfest is all about promoting extraordinary young adult books, so if you haven’t already, draft a post, hop down to the end of THIS post, and sign up to participate. We can’t wait to see your favorite reads of 2012!
So, here are the 2012 YA novels I’ve read over the last year, listed in no particular order: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, A Million Suns, The Fault in Our Stars, The Disenchantments, Something Strange and Deadly, Pandemonium, Wanderlove, Under the Never Sky, Ten, This is Not a Test, Happy Families, Insurgent, Amelia Anne is Dead and Gone, Monstrous Beauty, Bitterblue, Time Between Us, My Life Next Door, Breathe, Pushing the Limits, Skylark, The Raven Boys, Live Through This, Bittersweet, Flawed, Ditched, Starters, Reached, Lovely, Dark and Deep, Meant to Be, and Days of Blood and Starlight…
And here’s how I chose to award today’s categories (I totally cheated and named two novels for a few of the categories… there were just too many fantastic 2012 books to choose from!):
Head of the Class
Favorite Dystopian
This novel had it all: Lauren Oliver’s beautiful writing, a crazy-fast pace, a slow-burn forbidden romance, and a world that is both unique and formidable. I’m dying to see how this trilogy concludes when Requiem comes out in a few months.
Favorite Science Fiction
Once again, life on the Godspeed had me absolutely enthralled. Beth Revis has created a fascinated world and filled it with complex characters and tons of twists and turns. Can’t wait for the final installment of this trilogy!
Favorite Fantasy
Oh, Bitterblue… This novel gave me all the feelings. I laughed, I swooned, I cringed, and I worried. I adored everything about Bitterblue and her complicated world, especially Gideon. If I had to choose an absolute favorite 2012 YA novel, it would probably be this one.
One of the most original books I’ve read this year. I loved headstrong Blue, and I loved the complex, realistic relationship between the Raven Boys. This one had a twist that gave me shivers!
Favorite Contemporary
From the music, to the road trip, to the colorful characters who populated this novel– not to mention their wild relationships — I adored it all. Nina LaCour has a way of penning imperfect characters who are easy to root for, which I think is this novel’s greatest strength.
Once again, John Green has shown that he is a master at lending humor to unimaginably heartbreaking situations. Oh, and he rocks at writing a teen girl’s voice. This novel didn’t make me cry (I’m not an easy crier), but it did make me want to go to Amsterdam!
Favorite Action/Adventure
I could have filed this one under dystopian, of course, but because each and every page was filled with heart-pounding action, I thought it would fit well here, too. Oh, Perry… I’d leave the dome for him any day.
This is Not a Test was definitely action packed, but it was character-driven, too, a perfect combination. Sloane was at first a difficult character to root for, yet I loved her for her honesty, and I loved the way she came out at the end of this novel. Courtney Summers writes unlikable narrators like nobody else.
Favorite Comedy
This story is just adorable. It’s not slapstick, silly comedy, but more subtle and refined, something real teens will actually find funny. Julia is a quick, witty narrator, definitely someone I’d want to be friends with!
Favorite Mystery
Kat Rosenfeld’s prose is gorgeous and literary and mature, and the creepy murder mystery at the center of this book’s plot kept me guessing until the end.
Favorite Romance
Bria and Rowan’s relationship throughout the course of Wanderlove progressed believably and sweetly. They challenged each other, yet they had a very clear mutual respect for one another. I was rooting from them from their very first encounter.
Doesn’t every teen girl want to live next door to a cute, considerate, attentive high school boy? My Life Next Door fulfills that fantasy with a believable, enviable romance between main character Samantha and boy-next-door Jase. These two are just too cute together.
Favorite Paranormal
Monstrous Beauty is two interwoven stories in one, told in a parallel manner with twists and turns that left me all kinds of surprised. None of the characters in this book are quite who they seem, and the mermaids are creepy and diabolical, a win when it comes to this paranormal story.
Favorite Family Drama
I could have chosen Lovely, Dark and Deep for the romance category because main character Wren’s relationship with older boy Cal is all kinds of steamy, but there’s a lot going on in the way of Wren’s family dynamics too. Whatever the genre, I loved every minute of this novel.
Favorite Genre Bender
Laini Taylor’s writing is absolutely beautiful. She melds romance and urban fantasy and lots of crazy uniqueness so perfectly, her world feels absolutely real. I cannot wait for Book 3!
Bookanista Recommendation: FLAWED
Today’s Bookanista recommendation: Flawed by Kate Avelynn
From Goodreads: Sarah O’Brien is only alive because of the pact she and her brother made twelve years ago—James will protect her from their violent father if she promises to never leave him. For years, she’s watched James destroy his life to save hers. If all he asks for in return is her affection, she’ll give it freely. Until, with a tiny kiss and a broken mind, he asks for more than she can give. Sam Donavon has been James’s best friend—and the boy Sarah’s had a crush on—for as long as she can remember. As their forbidden relationship deepens, Sarah knows she’s in trouble. Quiet, serious Sam has decided he’s going to save her. Neither of them realize James is far more unstable than her father ever was, or that he’s not about to let Sarah forget her half of the pact…
I’m so excited to share my love for Kate Avelynn’s debut novel, Flawed. I had the privilege of reading this story in its earliest days, and then again as it was revised and refined into the novel it’s become today. Flawed is a stunning contemporary. It broke my heart, and continues to do so every time I read it.
As you might recall, I am not a crier. I didn’t cry while reading The Scorpio Races or The Book Thief or even The Fault in Our Stars. But Flawed *almost* got me. It’s a serious book, a dark book, but an important one. It’s beautifully written and skillfully plotted and packs a crazy emotional punch.
Sarah O’Brien’s home life is so incredibly heartbreaking, and her love for Sam so perfectly genuine, I couldn’t help but feel for her. While she’s certainly downtrodden, Sarah is a relateable character. You’ll want to cheer her on because she’s inherently likable. Each time she falls, she picks herself up and charges forward, and her loyalty to the people she loves–though sometimes misguided–is moving.
Sarah’s brother James is all kinds of damaged. He has moments of such sweetness, yet he’s manipulative in the subtlest, scariest ways. He knows how to control Sarah and does so without hesitation, yet there are reasons why he is the way he is. Throughout most of Flawed, I hated James, but I also got James. Those complexities, the contrasting emotions he inflicts, make him the very best kind of antagonist.
And then there’s Sam… Guys. He’s adorable. Smart and sweet and self-sacrificing; you can feel his love for Sarah–his absolute devotion to her–seeping from the pages. Despite the dark and serious tone of this book, Sam and Sarah share some very romantic, very intense moments (Kate Avelynn is a master of hot kisses and steamy scenes), and you might find yourself wanting a Sam of your own by the time you’re done reading this story.
Flawed is a definite recommend for all lovers of contemporary romance, but especially those who favor stories with heavier themes. You find Flawed at Amazon, The Book Depository, and Barnes and Noble.
The Class of 2012: YA Superlatives Blogfest
The Class of 2012: YA Superlatives Blogfest is only
ONE WEEK AWAY!
In case you’ve forgotten, The Class of 2012: YA Superlative Blogfest will run Monday, December 17th – Thursday, December 20th and will highlight our favorite books of 2012. This blogfest (hosted by Jessica Love, Tracey Neithercott, Alison Miller, and me) is all about promoting extraordinary young adult novels, so don’t worry if your 2012 reading list is on the short side. And don’t worry if you don’t have a book/character/cover/element for each of the categories. We just want you to jump in and participate any way you can!
That said, there is an incentive to participating each and every day of the blogfest: Those who do (and who link to their posts via the daily linky lists so we can verify) will be entered to win a 2012 YA novel of their choice! Four winners will be randomly selected and announced December 21st on the hosts’ blogs. There will be a $20 limit, and the giveaway is open to anyone who lives where The Book Depository ships. (Just to be extra clear: It’s okay to skip a category here and there if you don’t have a book to fill it, but you must participate during all four days of the blogfest to be eligible for the giveaway.)
To refresh your memory, here are this year’s categories:
Monday, December 17th: Head of the Class
Favorite Dystopian
Favorite Science Fiction
Favorite Fantasy
Favorite Contemporary
Favorite Action/Adventure
Favorite Historical Fiction
Favorite Comedy
Favorite Mystery
Favorite Romance
Favorite Paranormal
Favorite Family Drama
Favorite Genre Bender
Tuesday, December 18th: Popularity Contest
Choose characters who fit each topic from ANY YA book!
Class Clown
Most Likely to Become a Rock Star
Mostly Likely to Start a Riot
Biggest Flirt
Fashion King and/or Queen
Choose characters who fit each topic from ANY YA book!
Class Clown
Most Likely to Become a Rock Star
Mostly Likely to Start a Riot
Biggest Flirt
Fashion King and/or Queen
Girl You’d Most Want For Your BFF
Boy You Wish You’d Dated in High School
Most Likely to Become President
Quirkiest Character
Villain You Love to Hate
Favorite Parental Figure
Coolest Nerd
Boy You Wish You’d Dated in High School
Most Likely to Become President
Quirkiest Character
Villain You Love to Hate
Favorite Parental Figure
Coolest Nerd
Wednesday, December 19th: Elements of Fiction
Most Envy-Inducing Plot (Or, the plot you wish you’d thought of yourself.)
Most Formidable World (Or, the setting you definitely would NOT want to visit.)
Wanderlust-Inducing (Or, the setting you’d happily to.)
Loveliest Prose
Best First Line
Most Dynamic Main Character
Most Jaw-Dropping Ending
Best Performance in a Supporting Role
Best Use of Theme
Thursday, December 20: Best in Show
Favorite Cover
Cutest Couple
Most Likely to Succeed (Or, pick a Printz Winner.)
Most Likely to Make You Miss Your Bedtime (Book you just couldn’t put down!)
Best Repeat Performance (Your favorite sequel or follow-up.)
Favorite Finale or End of Series Novel
Romance Most Worthy of an Ice
Breakout Novel (Your favorite book by a debut author.)
Best Old-Timer (Your favorite read of the year, published BEFORE 2012.)
Book Most Likely to Make a Grown Man Cry
Most Pleasant Surprise (Best book you didn’t think you’d like, but totally did.)
Most Creative Use of a Love Triangle
Sleeper Hit (Book you found so awesome you wish it had been hyped more.)
Favorite Outlier (Your favorite middle grade or adult 2012 book)
Your turn! Pick your own superlative category and post it at the end this day’s list. Blog hoppers will be able to drop by and vote for their pick in the comments of your blog!
So, finish up those 2012 reads and start drafting your posts now! And please feel free to grab our banner and/or button (both designed by Tracey Neithercott) to post on your own blog to help us spread the word.
Questions? Ask away in the comments. 🙂
What I’ve Been Reading (Mini Reviews)
I’m behind in blogging about the books I’ve read lately (with the exception of yesterday’s Bookanista Recommendation), but I’ve got a few fantastic novels I want to tell you about and the best way to do that is with some mini reviews. Below you’ll find my brief opinion on some contemporaries (because they’re my great love), and some dystopians (because, well, they’re everywhere!).
Cracked Up to Be by Courtney Summers – Oh, man… Courtney Summers never fails to blow my mind with her gorgeous prose and unflinching storytelling. Parker is one of the least likable main characters I’ve encountered, yet I was rooting for her. Plus, the boys in this book are all kinds of awesome, and the high school setting is totally believable.
Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler – Cute, cute, cute. Main character Hudson’s voice rocks, and I loved this wintry world of diners and cupcakes and hot hockey boys. Twenty Boy Summer remains my favorite of Sarah Ockler’s books, but Bittersweet was a very satisfying read.
If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch – This one doesn’t come out until March of next year, but I scored an ARC (signed!) and I’m so very thankful. If You Find Me is gorgeous and heartbreaking, tragic and uplifting all at once. Emily Murdoch’s writing is beautiful, and I fell in love with main character Carey on page, oh… two? She’s sweet and strong and so very loyal. Please mark this one as To-Read, and watch for it next year!
Starters by Lissa Price – While this book’s world certainly requires some suspension of belief, it’s one of the stronger dystopians I’ve read this year. I’m a fan of main character Callie, the pace was fast, and the writing was spare and competent. The action-packed climax had me wanting to just finish already!
Saving June by Hanna Harrington – I adored this book — it’s a new favorite! It’s a mash-up of Jandy Nelson’s lovely prose and Courtney Summers’ s bold storytelling, all wrapped up in an epic road trip. And the boy… Jake. He totally made me swoon. If all that isn’t enough, the songs that are a part of the various mixed CDs mentioned throughout the story are compiled into playlists at the end. I want to download them all and relive the book while I listen!
Reached by Ally Condie – I’ve been waiting a long time to know the end of Cassia, Xander, and Ky’s story. I’m a big fan of Ally Condie’s writing. She’s a master at seamlessly embedding symbols and motifs, and her prose is enviable. I found the development and arcs of the three main characters believable, and I thought this final installment of the trilogy a compelling conclusion.
So, what’s the best book you’ve read lately?
Bookanista Rec: LOVELY, DARK AND DEEP
{First, thanks so very much to everyone who commented on yesterday’s post, and to those who congratulated me via Twitter and email. It has been so much fun to celebrate my good news with all of you. Your support means the world to me, and I am grateful to have made such amazing writing/blogging/reading/tweeting friends in the YA community. You guys are the BEST! Hugs and Jelly Bellies for everyone!}
Now, I’m so excited to share today’s Bookanista Recommendation with you. I finished reading Amy McNamara‘s Lovely, Dark and Deep the other day and I’m still thinking about it…
From Goodreads: A resonant debut novel about retreating from the world after losing everything—and the connections that force you to rejoin it.Since the night of the crash, Wren Wells has been running away. Though she lived through the accident that killed her boyfriend Patrick, the girl she used to be didn’t survive. Instead of heading off to college as planned, Wren retreats to her father’s studio in the far-north woods of Maine. Somewhere she can be alone. Then she meets Cal Owen. Dealing with his own troubles, Cal’s hiding out too. When the chemistry between them threatens to pull Wren from her hard-won isolation, Wren has to choose: risk opening her broken heart to the world again, or join the ghosts who haunt her.
Lovely, Dark, and Deep is all of those things: Lovely prose that tells the story of a girl in a very dark place, and the deep relationships she forms as she struggles to find light again. This novel is mature and literary and full of romance that rings so true. It’s a hard read thanks to its difficult themes of loss, guilt, and obligation, but a hopeful read too. I couldn’t put it down.
Because of the car crash that killed her boyfriend and wrecked her life, Wren is taking a “gap year” after graduation, putting art school on hold. As the novel opens, she meets Cal (who I adore), a college student on hiatus thanks to some serious medical issues. As her relationship with Cal sparks and grows, Wren begins to find a happier place, a sense of peace she can’t find with anyone else.
But Wren’s recovery is far from easy. Despite the small surges of happiness Cal brings, she goes through periods of selective silence, runs obsessively during the frigid Northeast winter, and makes some pretty damaging life choices. It might have been easy to become frustrated with Wren — sometimes I did want her get it together already — but she’s so self-aware and honest about her grief, I mostly just longed to make her a big bowl of hot soup and give her a tight hug. Amy McNamara has a beautiful but precise way of describing pain and sorrow. Her carefully chosen words let the reader feel the emotion behind them, and that, more than anything, helped me empathize with Wren.
“So this is life. Love. We spend all this time reaching for each other and mostly we end up hurting each other until it’s over.”
― Amy McNamara, Lovely, Dark and Deep
Lovely, Dark and Deep has a cast of supporting characters who are mesmerizing in their own right. I particularly enjoyed John, Wren’s kind artist father, and Mary, a colorful RISD student in town for a fellowship. Lucy, the local librarian, made me feel all happy and warm, and even cocky Nick, another fellowship student, brought a smile to my face a few times. So… if you like books that are character-driven and complex and gorgeously written, books that ask deep questions, yet don’t give away all the answers, I highly recommend Lovely, Dark and Deep.
Check out what my Bookanista friends are up to today…
Elana Johnson raves about THE IMMORTALITY EXPERIMENT
Jessica Love delights in CHOPSTICKS
Tell me: Do you prefer to read books that are dark and deep, or light and fun?
Katy Upperman ~ Author 