Bookanista Recommendation: THE DISENCHANTMENTS

February 2, 2012February 14, 201224 Comments

First and foremost, WELCOME HOME to my husband! He spent the last nine months deployed to Afghanistan and arrived safely back at Ft. Lewis last night. My daughter and I are beyond happy to have him home where he belongs, and I hope to share a few pictures from his homecoming in the coming days. Until then, check out what my (awesome!) neighbors
did to my house to help us celebrate:

And now, today’s Bookanista recommendation:
The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour (February 16, 2012)…

The Disenchantments I love this cover so much!

From Goodreads – Colby and Bev have a long-standing pact: graduate, hit the road with Bev’s band, and then spend the year wandering around Europe. But moments after the tour kicks off, Bev makes a shocking announcement: she’s abandoning their plans – and Colby – to start college in the fall. But the show must go on and The Disenchantments weave through the Pacific Northwest, playing in small towns and dingy venues, while roadie- Colby struggles to deal with Bev’s already-growing distance and the most important question of all: what’s next?

I’m going to go out on a limb right now and say:

THE DISENCHANTMENTS
WILL BE ONE OF MY FAVORITE READS OF 2012.

Yep. It’s that aMaZiNg.

I loved everything about this book, but particularly the tone (kind of hazy, hippy-dippy and blithe and arty), the voice (upper YA, honest, and completely authentic), and the intense romantic tension between our protagonist,
smart and yearning roadie Colby, and his best friend, moody and mysterious lead singer Bev. The Disenchantments is one of those rare books that had me rereading passages, picking sentences apart to figure out what makes them so simplistic but beautiful.

As Colby and The (beautiful, talentless, and utterly endearing) Disenchantments tour through small, forgotten towns in Northern California and the Pacific Northwest, they meet a cast of eccentric characters who are completely unforgettable. They uncover bits of a family mystery. They also begin to discover themselves and the basis of their relationships with each other, their families, and their futures. It’s a simple concept, yet so very fascinating.

While reading this book, I decided that Nina LaCour is masterful at crafting unique but enviable lifestyles. I couldn’t be LESS arty or musical, but she made me long to go to a creative arts high school, join a crappy girl band, and drive along the coast in a vintage VW van with my best friends,
a bag of pistachios, and a Magic Eight Ball.

Intrigued? You should be! And you should most definitely pick up The Disenchantments when it’s released on February 16th. I bet you’ll love it! (And a big thanks to my friend Rebecca Behrens for sharing her The Disenchantments ARC with me. Check out her review of the book HERE.)

Don’t forget to check out what other Bookanistas are up to today:

Christine Fonseca interviews author Denise Grover Swank
Jessi Kirby and Jen Hayley are wowed by WANDERLOVE
Corrine Jackson is mesmerized by MAY B.
Stasia Ward Kehoe interviews DIES IRAE author Christine Fonseca
Debra Driza is entranced by HEMLOCK
Gennifer Albin shares trailer love for STARTERS
Nikki Katz celebrates CINDER
Tracy Banghart marvels at JULIET IMMORTAL
Jessica Love spotlights SHINE

What are YOU reading this week?

January’s Reading Wrap-Up and Book of the Month

January 31, 2012January 28, 201240 Comments

Oh my goodness, has January been good to me on the literary front! I can honestly say I enjoyed every. Single. Book. I read, which rarely happens. They were all winners, but of course I had a stand out favorite. Here’s the wrap-up:

Before I Die by Jenny Downham – Melancholy but lovely. Read my Bookanista recommendation HERE.

Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi – A post-apocolyptic/dystopian mash-up that left me feeling hot and dirty and bleak. That’s not to say Ship Breaker wasn’t good–it was excellent. I felt a deep connection with protagonist Nailer, which is unusual for me when it comes to books written in third person. And the world building… thorough, gloomy, enviable.

A Million Suns by Beth Revis – I very much enjoyed Across the Universe, the first book in this trilogy, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that AMS improved upon it. Loved it! Read my Bookanista recommendation HERE.

The Fault in our Stars by John Green – This one was equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking. Hazel was absolutely darling. Her observations about life and love and death were so very YA and incredibly profound. Though TFIOS doesn’t take the place of Looking for Alaska as my favorite John Green novel, it’s still a definite recommend.

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally – A contemporary full of realistic high school relationships and snappy dialogue. It was fun to be immersed in Jordan’s world of football and cute boys. Plus, this book was set in one of my very favorite cities, Franklin, Tennessee!

Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder – I love Lisa Schroeder’s writing, and I loved this book. It’s a study in nuance and rhythm, and it’s full of beautiful language, imagery, and symbolism. If you’re unaccustomed to novels written in verse, Chasing Brooklyn is a great place to start. I bet you’ll adore it as much as I do!

And my very favorite book of January:
The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith…

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

From Goodreads – Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything? Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan’s life. She’s stuck at JFK, late to her father’s second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley’s never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport’s cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he’s British, and he’s in seat 18C. Hadley’s in 18A. Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver’s story will make you believe that true love finds you when you’re least expecting it.

Title? Perfectly unique. Such a mouthful it can’t help but be intriguing.

Cover? Perfectly adorable. Love the color scheme. Love the font. Love the poses of the models. Love the slightly askew heart encircling them.

Characters? Perfectly delightful. I want to know Hadley and Oliver. I want to hang out with them and laugh with them and hear their stories about childhood. They’re true-to-life teens–flawed and funny and confused and endearing.

Romance? Perfectly real. Sure, it develops in a super short span of time (twenty-four hours!), but you will believe in it and you will root for it because it jumps off the page in its sincerity. And the kisses… so sweet.

Want to know the BIGGEST reason I love The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight? Why it won the title of January’s Book of the Month by a landslide? Easy. This book is contemporary and fairly simple in concept, but Jennifer E. Smith’s writing brings a magical quality to each and every page. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight is about people and relationships and learning about one’s self. There are no explosions or evil villains or paranormal beasts, yet I was still at the edge of my seat, flipping page after page to find out what would happen next.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight is honest and heartfelt and warm, authentic in its execution. It’s exactly the kind of book I aspire to write, and I can’t recommend it enough.

Tell me: What’s the BEST book you read in January?

Bookanista Recommendation: A MILLION SUNS

January 19, 2012January 18, 201226 Comments

Today’s Bookanista recommendation:
A Million Suns by Beth Revis (2012)…

A Million Suns (Across the Universe, #2)

From Goodreads: Godspeed was fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos. It’s been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. And everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceship Godspeed. But there may just be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He’s finally free to enact his vision – no more Phydus, no more lies. But when Elder discovers shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, unable to fight the romance that’s growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart. In book two of the Across the Universe trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Beth Revis mesmerizes us again with a brilliantly crafted mystery filled with action, suspense, romance, and deep philosophical questions. And this time it all builds to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship.

So… I’ve been sitting on my thoughts regarding A Million Suns for a few days, and this is still a difficult recommendation for me to write. Why? Because there was just SO MUCH I loved about this book. Sure, it probably had a few flaws (what book doesn’t?), but I completely missed them because I was so wrapped up in the tension and suspense and twists and turns on every. Single. Page.

Now, I worry that this post will come across as an incoherent gushfest.

There are worse things, right?

First, let me say that I very much enjoyed the first book in this trilogy, Across the Universe. In fact, it was among my favorite releases of 2011, and certainly one of the best books I read by a debut author (Go, Beth!). That said, in my opinion, A Million Suns is a stronger, more exciting, more layered story. There’s just so much going on, and the best part is that it all comes together at the end in a way that is absolutely brilliant. Seriously. I want to reread the entire novel just so I can find all the clues and hints that failed to register as clues and hints the first time around.

What I loved:

1) The Characters – Amy rocks, quite simply. She’s a strong, smart girl who doesn’t take crap from anyone, but she’s still a girl, a girl I’d love to be friends with. And Elder is so much more than the typical YA boy. He’s got weaknesses and flaws and tons of self-doubt, but he’s also honest and caring and incredibly noble. His character arc was one of my favorite aspects of A Million Suns.

2) The Writing – Beth is one of those authors who makes reading effortless. Her words and sentences and scenes are stunning and they do their jobs without pretension or heaviness. A Million Suns is a hefty book, but I flew through it.

3) The Suspense – Nothing on Godspeed is as you think. There are surprises behind every door (literally), and no one’s allegiance can be trusted. I felt my jaw drop more than once, and I found myself thinking about this book and its characters, trying to work out the mysteries even when I wasn’t actively reading.

4) The Backdrop – Goodspeed is one of the coolest settings I’ve come across. In this installment of the trilogy, the dystopian aspect of living on a completely isolated spaceship with just over 2000 people really comes into play. The way Beth portrays crowd mentality and a possible uprising is fascinating.

I’m happy to report that A Million Suns does NOT suffer from the dreaded Middle Book Syndrome. It is a story very much its own, one with a conclusion that was satisfying yet still left me DYING to read Shades of Earth, the final book in this series. If you love dystopian, science fiction, romance, or any combination thereof, you simply MUST read A Million Suns!

Don’t forget to check out what other Bookanistas are up to today:

LiLa Roecker adores AUSTENTATIOUS

Christine Fonseca is wild about WOLFSBANE

Stasia Ward Kehoe gives cover love to GETTING SOMEWHERE

Nikki Katz takes a shine to UNDER THE NEVER SKY

Shannon Messenger welcomes four wonderful new Bookanistas

Gennifer Albin joins the Bookanistas with a great giveaway

Jessica Love celebrates joining the Bookanistas

Tracy Banghart is wowed by ON FORTUNE’S WHEEL

Tell me: What are YOU reading this week?

Bookanista Recommendation: BEFORE I DIE

January 12, 2012January 12, 20129 Comments

Today’s Bookanista recommendation: Before I Die by Jenny Downham (2007)…

Before I Die

From Goodreads: Tessa has just months to live. Fighting back against hospital visits, endless tests, drugs with excruciating side-effects, Tessa compiles a list. It’s her To Do Before I Die list. And number one is Sex. Released from the constraints of ‘normal’ life, Tessa tastes new experiences to make her feel alive while her failing body struggles to keep up. Tessa’s feelings, her relationships with her father and brother, her estranged mother, her best friend, and her new boyfriend, all are painfully crystallised in the precious weeks before Tessa’s time finally runs out.

Only one book in my long literary history has made me cry–John Reynolds Gardiner’s Stone Fox–and it was a full-on, heart-wrenching, ugly kind of cry. (If you’re uninitiated, Stone Fox is a chapter book about a little boy in a sled dog race. If it doesn’t send you into hysterical sobs, you might want to check your pulse.) Before I Die is one of the few books that’s come close to taking me back to that place of complete emotional train wreckage.

Despite its melancholy tone, Before I Die is a lovely book. The voice, supporting characters (I adore Tessa’s dad), and setting (yay British slang!) are all quite strong. But there are three things in particular that, for me, nudged this book over the REALLY GOOD line and into GREAT territory.

1 – Tessa. Yes, she can be bratty and selfish and very unlikable, but she’s dealing with A LOT (so much more than your average contemporary YA protagonist), and I think she does so realistically and with more grace than I could hope to retain if faced with a terrible illness and certain death. I enjoyed watching her interact with those around her, especially her dad and her adorable little brother, and it was fascinating to watch her fall slowly and intensely in love.

2 – Adam. Tessa describes him as ugly. She mentions that he has dirty fingernails. He’s kind of sketchy, initially, and his mom comes off as a kook. What’s to like, right? Um, a lot. Growing to know Adam through Tessa’s eyes made him utterly irresistible. Over the course of the book he became this sweet, sensitive, unbelievably strong romantic interest who I won’t soon forget.

3 – The Conclusion. In case you didn’t get this from Before I Die‘s summary, Tessa’s life is coming to a rapid end. That’s a given. They mystery behind this book, the element that kept me turning pages, was HOW she and those closest to her would deal with her death. The format chosen for the last several pages of the story is brilliant. It made me feel what Tessa and her family and friends were feeling, like a bit of me was fading away. And that’s when the tears *almost* came.

Don’t forget to check out what other Bookanistas are up to today:

Christine Fonseca introduces some fabulous reads for 2012

Stasia Ward Kehoe takes a shine to A MILLION SUNS and
UNDER THE NEVER SKY

Veronica Rossi adores EVERNEATH

Debra Driza is in a frenzy over LARKSTORM with giveaway!

Shannon Messenger delves into DOUBLE with an arc giveaway!

December’s Reading Wrap-Up and Books of the Month

December 31, 2011December 30, 20119 Comments

Happy New Year’s Eve! December was a super-busy month, what with the holidays and the Class of 2011: YA Superlatives Blogfest and all, so I didn’t get as much reading done as I’d hoped. Still, there were a few books I managed to get through that definitely deserve mentioning:

Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss – A humorous craft book on grammar and why it’s essential. This one was a fast read and it had me smiling more than once. If you’re someone who rolls her eyes at the misuse of its and it’s or the ever-tricky apostrophe, you’ll appreciate this book.

The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler – This was such a fun book! Read more about why I liked it in my Bookanista recommendation.

The Liar Society by Lisa & Laura Roecker – This one came highly recommended by several Bookanistas and Agent Vickie, and now I know why! Kate was a fantastically funny narrator, though the pain she felt at losing her best friend was also palpable. And the suspense in this one was masterfully built. Recommend!

And my favorite books of December: Crossed by Ally Condie

From Goodreads: In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky – taken by the Society to his certain death – only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake. Cassia’s quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander – who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia’s heart – change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.

This follow-up to last year’s Matched seems to be getting mixed reviews, but I kind of loved it. Yes, it was slowly paced and the ending wasn’t exactly satisfying, but this was the middle book of a trilogy. Not all can be resolved! I was mesmerized by Matched’s setting, its ever-evolving and unpredictable characters, and Ally Condie’s quiet, elegant writing. I’ll definitely be reading the conclusion to this trilogy!

And, Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma

[Imaginary Girls cover]

From Goodreads: Chloe’s older sister, Ruby, is the girl everyone looks to and longs for, who can’t be captured or caged. When a night with Ruby’s friends goes horribly wrong and Chloe discovers the dead body of her classmate London Hayes left floating in the reservoir, Chloe is sent away from town and away from Ruby. But Ruby will do anything to get her sister back, and when Chloe returns to town two years later, deadly surprises await. As Chloe flirts with the truth that Ruby has hidden deeply away, the fragile line between life and death is redrawn by the complex bonds of sisterhood.

This book was bizarre in the very best sense of the word. The writing is stunning, one of those where I found myself rereading sentences in hopes of fully absorbing their awesomeness. And the characters… Ruby. Yikes! I hated her fully, but then I was absolutely smitten with her too, very much the way Chloe seemed to feel about her. The premise of this novel is unique, one I hesitate to talk too much about because the unknowing is quite creepy. I will say that it is guaranteed to keep you guessing with every turn of the page!

What’s the best book you read in December?

Class of 2011: YA Superlatives Blogfest DAY FOUR

December 30, 2011December 30, 201127 Comments

Today is the final day of the The Class of 2011: YA Superlatives Blogfest, a fun and interactive way to highlight and share your favorite YA novels, covers, characters, and story elements, hosted by Jessica Love, Tracey Neithercott, Alison Miller, and me. The Class of 2011: YA Superlatives Blogfest spans four days, beginning December 26th and culminating today, December 30th.

Hopefully you’ve been participating throughout the week, but if not, that’s okay! Just draft today’s post (you can find the topics listed below or on the original post) and then scroll to the bottom of THIS post and add your link to the link list.

I’ve had so much fun dropping by the participants’ blogs this week, and I look forward to stopping by your blog to read about your Class of 2011 selections today!

And speaking of selections, here are mine for Day Four:

Best in Show

Again, my books published in 2011 Reading List:

Crossed, The Future of Us, Hushed, Want to Go Private?, The Scorpio Races, The Pledge, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Chain Reaction, Forgotten, Notes From the Blender, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, Ripple, Hourglass, A Need So Beautiful, Chime, The Day Before, Forever, Moonglass, Beauty Queens, Boyfriends With Girlfriends, Forbidden, Wither, Divergent, Invincible Summer, Trapped, Where She Went, We’ll Always Have Summer, Cryer’s Cross, Across the Universe, Desires of the Dead, Lola and the Boy Next Door, Imaginary Girls, and The Liar Society

And my favorites in the way of Best in Show:

Favorite Cover – I think the cover for Hourglass by Myra McIntyre is beautiful. I love the movement, the graceful point of the model’s foot, and her unusual hair color. I also love the title font. Honorable Mentions: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children because it’s eerily intriguing, and Beauty Queens because it’s graphic and cheeky.

Cutest Couple – Luke and London from Cat Patrick’s Forgotten are so freaking sweet. Their relationship boasts mutual adoration, tons of respect, and a big dose of fun, too. While Forgotten‘s plot is engaging, it was Luke and London’s interactions that snagged my attention and kept me reading for the duration of this novel.

Most Likely to Succeed (Or, pick a Printz Winner) – Are you guys getting tired of hearing about Chime yet? Clearly Franny Billingsley’s novel had a huge impact on me. Of every book on my 2011 list, Chime is the one that, in my humble opinion, most exemplified literary excellence in young adult literature. Honorable Mentions: Divergent, The Scorpio Races, and Daughter of Smoke and Bone for their unbelievably thorough world-building and beautiful writing.

Most Likely to Make You Miss Your Bedtime – Veronica Roth’s Divergent is everything a page-turner should be. I was so connected to Tris and Four’s story, and so drawn in by their world, I could NOT put this book down. I still recommend it to anyone who asks for a great YA book or a fantastic dystopian read.

Best Repeat Performance (Favorite sequel or follow-up.) – An easy choice: Gayle Forman’s Where She Went, or My Most Anticipated Sequel EVER. Love the emotional intensity of this book, and I love how Adam and Mia’s story concluded.Honorable Mention: We’ll Always Have Summer. Belly totally ended up with who I wanted her to end up with!

Romance Most Worthy of an Ice Bath – Harlin and Charlotte from Suzanne Young’s A Need So Beautiful. These two are adorable, and they have chemistry that seeps through the page. Then there was that scene… you know, the one with the fancy dress and the–ahem–wall. Honorable Mention: Violet and Jay from Kimberly Derting’s Desires of the Dead. They’re hot too. 🙂

Pair Most Likely to Stay Best Friends Till They’re 80 – Josh and Emma from The Future of Us. We’ve seen the future (thank you, Facebook!). We KNOW they’ll stay friends!

the-future-of-us-book-cover

Breakout Novel (Favorite Book by a Debut Author) – Yep, Divergent again. This book rocks. Obviously. Honorable Mentions: Moonglass and Across the Universe. I honestly had a hard time believing Jessi Kirby and Beth Revis were debut novelists after reading their first books!

Best Old-Timer (Favorite read of the year, published BEFORE 2011) – Another easy choice. I read Jellicoe Road this year and it broke me. Never have I envied another writer’s storytelling skills the way I envy Melina Marchetta’s, and never have I fallen so fully and completely for two characters as I did for Taylor and Jonah. Such an amazing book–a definite favorite!

Most Likely to Make a Grown Man Cry – I have it on good authority that “animal books” make men emotional. Take Where the Red Fern Grows, for example, or Stone Fox (hell, Stone Fox made ME cry!). That’s why I have to go with The Scorpio Races. The bond between Sean and his horse Corr is enough to make any man (anybody) weepy.

Most Pleasant Surprise (Book you didn’t think you’d like, but totally did.) – Laini Taylor’s The Daughter of Smoke and Bone, for sure. As a rule, I don’t like fantasy, and I definitely don’t like “angel” books. Plus, the mention of teeth in the back cover synopsis totally skeeved me out. I was wrong, of course. I ADORE this book.

Most Creative Use of a Love Triangle – The “triangle” in Ally Condie’s Crossed is pretty lopsided (Cassia’s not really wavering in who she wants), but there’s an element of loyalty and romance between both she and Ky, and she and Xander. What I love about this triangle is how it’s used in plot twists and in the bigger picture of what’s going on within the Society. Win.

Sleeper Hit (Book I found so awesome I wish it had been hyped more) – Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma. This book was a trip. I wasn’t quite sure what was real and what wasn’t, and I didn’t know what to think about Ruby (or Chloe or London, for that matter) until the very end. Plus, the writing was, as I’ve mentioned, gorgeous.

And now it’s MY turn to pick a superlative! Leave me a note in the comments telling me your:

Most anticipated 2012 YA release…

I’ll tell you mine next week, and I’ll post about your selections. 🙂

And if you’re participating in the Class of 2011: YA Superlative Blogfest, please click on the image below to drop your link:

Class of 2011: YA Superlatives Blogfest DAY THREE

December 29, 2011December 28, 201134 Comments

Today is Day Three of the The Class of 2011: YA Superlatives Blogfest, a fun and interactive way to highlight and share your favorite YA novels, covers, characters, and story elements, hosted by Jessica Love, Tracey Neithercott, Alison Miller, and me. The Class of 2011: YA Superlatives Blogfest spans four days, beginning December 26th and culminating this Friday, December 30th.

I’ve had a blast dropping by the participants’ blogs so far, and I look forward to stopping by your blog to read about your Class of 2011 selections!

And speaking of selections, here are mine for Day Three:

Elements of Fiction

Again, my books published in 2011 Reading List:

And my favorites in the way of Fictional Elements:

Most Envy-Inducing Plot (Or, the plot you wish you’d thought of yourself.) – Easy. The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler. The idea of using Facebook as a way to “travel” to the future is brilliant. There’s also the addition of the numerous nineties mentions that brought nostalgia to a whole new level.

Most Wonderful World-Building – I have to go with Laini Taylor’s The Daughter of Smoke and Bone. There are so many worlds in this story: Prague, Marrakesh, the backwoods of Idaho, and the world beyond the portal doors. While submerged in Smoke and Bone, it was as if I was a willing and active member of all these worlds. I’ve even added Prague on my Must-Visit list! Honorable Mention: The Scorpio Races because by the end of the story, I felt Thisby.

Most Formidable World (Or, the setting I most definitely would NOT want to travel to) – While Lauren DeStefano wrote about Wither‘s world beautifully, there’s no way I’d ever want to visit it. Plural marraige and a painful awareness of the (early!) age at which I’ll die? No thank you!

Most Wanderlust-Inducing (Or, the setting I’d happily travel to) – Jenny Han’s We’ll Always Have Summer. I’ve been romanced by its quaint little beach town setting, Cousins, since I read The Summer I Turned Pretty, the first book in this series. Honorable Mentions: Moonglass by Jessi Kirby and Invincible Summer by Hannah Moskowitz — Can you tell I love the beach?

Loveliest Prose – This was a very difficult choice, but I have to go with The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater because it was so incredibly emotive, yet never overdone. I imagine dual narration is quite a challenge to pull off, but Scorpio‘s Sean and Puck were unique and vibrant, as was their world. Honorable Mention: Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma and Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor. Every sentence = Enviable.

Best First Line – Laini Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke and Bone: “Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love. It did not end well.” Says it all.

Most Dynamic Main Character – Briony Larkin from Franny Billingley’s Chime. Oh, how I adore this girl! She’s so feisty and loyal and clever and intense. Her inner monologue was a joy to read, sometimes heartbreaking and sometimes hilarious. I want to know her! Honorable Mentions: Sean Kendrick from The Scorpio Races, Tris from Divergent, and Karou from Daughter of Smoke and Bone. All were SO memorable.

Most Jaw-Dropping Finale – The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin because really… did ANYONE see THAT coming?! The last few pages of Mara sealed the deal: I simply must read its follow-up. Honorable Mention: Cryer’s Cross. Yowza. That ending blew me away!

Best Performance in a Supporting Role – Ruby, from Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma. This girl was so colorful, so full of life, such a force to be reckoned with, I loved her and hated her with equal intensity. Entirely fleshed out and incredibly well written.

Best Use of Theme – I’m choosing two here, because they both did what’s nearly impossible: Taught an important lesson in an entertaining way. I’m not going to give those lesson away, of course. If you haven’t read these books, I recommend them both! First, The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder:

And second, A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young:

There you have it… My selections for Elements of Fiction. What do you think?

And if you’re participating in the Class of 2011: YA Superlative Blogfest, please click on the image below to drop your link:

And don’t forget to check out what some of the Bookanistas are up to today…

Shannon Messenger shouts about twelve 2012 releases she can’t wait for–and a pre-order giveaway!

Megan Miranda marvels at UNDER THE NEVER SKY

Corinne Jackson gushes over THE MATCHMAKER AND THE GHOST

Stasia Ward Kehoe gets psyched for 2012

RTW: Top Five (Okay, Six!) of 2011…

December 28, 2011December 28, 201112 Comments

Road Trip Wednesday is a ‘Blog Carnival,’ where the ladies at YA Highway post a weekly writing- or reading-related question for participants to respond to on their own blogs. You can hop from destination to destination and get everybody’s unique take on the topic.

Today’s Topic: What were your top five favorite books of 2011?

Two posts in one day?! That’s right. I couldn’t NOT post about my favorite reads from 2011. That would be, like, a disservice to the reading/writing/book blogging community, right? Oh, and I have SIX favorites because I’m a big ol’ cheater and I just couldn’t leave any of these off my list. Here they are in no particular order, with a link to my original (rave) review after each summary:

Divergent by Veronica Roth – In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself. During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she’s chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she’s kept hidden from everyone because she’s been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves… or it might destroy her. My thoughts…

Divergent (Divergent, #1)

Where She Went by Gayle Forman – It’s been three years since the devastating accident . . . three years since Mia walked out of Adam’s life forever. Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard’s rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia’s home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future – and each other. My thoughts, and also here…

Where She Went (If I Stay, #2)

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins – Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit — more sparkly, more fun, more wild — the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood. When Cricket — a gifted inventor — steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door. My thoughts…

Lola and the Boy Next Door

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor – Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky. In a dark and dusty shop, a devil’s supply of human teeth grown dangerously low. And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war. Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she’s prone to disappearing on mysterious “errands”; she speaks many languages–not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she’s about to find out. When one of the strangers–beautiful, haunted Akiva–fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself? My thoughts…

Daughter of Smoke and Bone (Daughter of Smoke and Bone, #1)

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater – It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die. At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them. Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen. My thoughts…

The Scorpio Races

Chime by Franny Billingsley – Before Briony’s stepmother died, she made sure Briony blamed herself for all the family’s hardships. Now Briony has worn her guilt for so long it’s become a second skin. She often escapes to the swamp, where she tells stories to the Old Ones, the spirits who haunt the marshes. But only witches can see the Old Ones, and in her village, witches are sentenced to death. Briony lives in fear her secret will be found out, even as she believes she deserves the worst kind of punishment. Then Eldric comes along with his golden lion eyes and mane of tawny hair. He’s as natural as the sun, and treats her as if she’s extraordinary. And everything starts to change. As many secrets as Briony has been holding, there are secrets even she doesn’t know. My thoughts…

Chime

*All summaries borrowed from Goodreads.

Tell me… What are your favorite books from 2011?

Class of 2011: YA Superlative Blogfest DAY TWO

December 28, 2011December 28, 201126 Comments

Today is Day Two of the The Class of 2011: YA Superlatives Blogfest, a fun and interactive way to highlight and share your favorite YA novels, covers, characters, and story elements, hosted by Jessica Love, Tracey Neithercott, Alison Miller, and me. The Class of 2011: YA Superlatives Blogfest spans four days, beginning yesterday and culminating this Friday, December 30th.

Hopefully you participated yesterday, but if you didn’t, that’s okay! Just draft today’s post (you can find the topics listed below or on the original post) and then scroll to the bottom of THIS post and add your link to the link list.

I had a blast dropping by the blogs of all yesterday’s participants, and I look forward to dropping by your blog to read about your Class of 2011 selections!

And speaking of selections, here are mine for Day Two:

Popularity Contest (Characters who fit each topic from ANY 2011 YA book!)

Again, my 2011 Reading List, in no particular order:

And from those, my Most Popular List:

Class Clown – I could have gone with any of the lovelies from Beauty Queens, or Declan from Notes from the Blender, but I’m choosing a more nuanced clown: Josh, from Jay Asher and Carolyn Macker’s The Future of Us. While he wasn’t particularly outgoing or boisterous, that kid had me laughing out loud on several occasions. Loved his subtle sarcasm and witty inner monologue!

Most Likely to Become a Rock Star – Sam Roth from Maggie Stiefvater’s Forever. He’s knows what an uncertain future feels like, so I think he’d do everything in his power to reach his musical goals. Plus, Grace thinks he’s really talented.

Mostly Likely to Start a Riot – Luis Fuentes from Simone Elkeles’s Chain Reaction. He’s not afraid of anything, and he’ll do whatever it takes to prove a point, dangerous or not. In fact, Luis’s reckless behavior had my heart going double-time for the last quarter of this book!

Biggest Flirt – Brooklyn, from Kimberly Derting’s The Pledge. She’s all about strutting her stuff for the guys, but there’s definitely more to Brook than meets the eye–which is why I loved her so much!

Fashion King and/or Queen – Cricket Bell and Lola Nolan from Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins. For him: narrow, pinstriped pants and an arm full of rubber bands. For her: themed outfits, colorful wigs, amazing make-up–everyday a different persona. They’re a match made in fashion heaven. ♥

Girl You’d Most Want For Your BFF – This one was hard… I almost went with Karou from Daughter of Smoke and Bone. She’s awesome, but she’s not exactly present all the time, so I’m going with Briony Larkin from Franny Billingsley’s Chime. I love her for all the reasons I love Karou (brave, clever, and loyal), plus, Briony is someone who can be counted on to drop by with a pint of ice cream (or a bottle of wine?) after a rough day.

Boy You Wish You’d Dated in High School – Adam Wilde from Gayle Forman’s Where She Went. He’s devoted and brooding and musical and he loves deeply, with everything in him. And that scene from If I Stay where he cries… Good grief! Gets me every time!

Most Likely to Become President – Four from Veronica Roth’s Divergent. He’s able to overcome the few things that scare him, he leads without evoking fear in others, and he makes decisions based on what’s best, not necessarily what’s popular. I’d vote for him!

Quirkiest Character – Harley from Across the Universe by Beth Revis. I could never quite put my finger on what it was about Harley that I appreciated, but I suppose that was part of his charm. He was eccentric and unpredictable and artistic and never played by the rules. Love that!

Villain You Love to Hate – Facebook, from The Future of Us :). One of the most inimitable antagonists I’ve encountered.

Favorite Parental Figure – This might be an unconventional choice, but I pick Brimstone from Laini Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke and Bone. Strange and distant as he is, there’s an obvious and fierce love between Brimstone and Karou that feels boundless.

(Source Unknown)

Coolest Nerd – Cricket Bell from Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins. Yes, friends, Cricket is a nerd. But it’s that bumbling awkwardness and observable intelligence that makes him so adorably charming. What girl wouldn’t find a guy like Cricket irresistible?

(Illustration by Simini Blocker)

There ya have it! My Popularity Contest selections! Thoughts?

And if you’re participating in the Class of 2011: YA Superlative Blogfest, please click on the image below to drop your link:

Class of 2011: YA Superlative Blogfest DAY ONE

December 27, 2011December 26, 201134 Comments

Today’s the day, the day I’ve been looking forward to for WEEKS!

Today is the first day of the The Class of 2011: YA Superlatives Blogfest, a fun and interactive way to highlight and share your favorite YA novels, covers, characters, and story elements, hosted by Jessica Love, Tracey Neithercott, Alison Miller, and me. The Class of 2011: YA Superlatives Blogfest will span four days, beginning today and culminating this Friday, December 30th.

Hopefully you’ve already signed up to participate, but if you haven’t, that’s okay! Just draft today’s post (you can find the topics listed below or on the original post) and then scroll to the bottom of THIS post and add your link to the link list.

We can’t wait to drop by your blog and read about your Class of 2011 selections!

And speaking of selections, here are mine for Day One:

Head of the Class…

I’ve read SO MANY amazing 2011 YA books this year! Here they are, in no particular order:

And here are the best of that bunch, categorized by genre:

Favorite Dystopian: Veronica Roth’s Divergent came to mind immediately. Still, I made myself scan back through all the dystopians I’ve read this year–there were several!–and… yep. Divergent was my absolute favorite. The world-building is fascinating, Tris and Four are compelling, and the pace is gripping and swift. Cannot wait for the follow-up, Insurgent. Honorable Mention: Crossed, a quiet mid-trilogy book with stunning writing and fantastic character development.

Favorite Science Fiction: I’m not usually sci-fi reader, and I know this one is fairly light, but I’m a big fan of Across the Universe by Beth Revis. The first chapter was absolutely riveting. With each page I turned, I marveled at the detail of the Godspeed and the compassion I felt for Amy, Elder, and everyone else cooped up on that ship. The twists and layered mystery unfold masterfully.

Favorite Fantasy: I honestly didn’t think I’d enjoy Franny Billingsley’s Chime (it’s sort of confusing, initially, and VERY fantastical), but I heeded the reviews of some taste-making friends and oh-my-goodness I adored this book. It features some of the most gorgeous writing I’ve encountered, and heroine Briony is absolutely lovable. Plus, Eldric… Yes, please!

Favorite Contemporary: Where She Went was the follow-up I was most looking forward to this year, and also the book I was most terrified to read. I loved If I Stay so much that the thought of a sequel tainting its perfection made me anxious. Turns out my fears were unfounded. Gayle Forman is brilliant. She took Adam and Mia’s story exactly where I wanted it to go, and she threw in a few surprises too. Plus, the end… Oh, the end!

Favorite Action/Adventure: Jus Accardo’s Touch could fit into the paranormal romance or mystery categories too, but one of the things I love most about this book is its exhilarating pace and constant sense of impending doom. Main character Dez is tough and hilarious, and love interest Kale is all kinds of tortured and adorable.

Favorite Historical Fiction: Eek… Cheater Alert! I’m ashamed to admit that I didn’t read a historical fiction published in 2011 during 2011. I did read Jennifer Donnelly’s Revolution (pubbed in 2010), though, and while not strictly historical, it is AMAZING. That’s why I’m breaking the rules to recommend it.

Favorite Comedy: I usually like my books serious, dark, and, um, turn-your-heart-inside-out depressing. But Notes from the Blender by Brendan Halpin and Trish Cook was a pleasant change of pace. It literally made me laugh out loud. Death metal fan Declan should have been off-putting, but he was so freaking funny I couldn’t help but find him endearing. He has some of the best one-liners I’ve read. Honorable Mention: Beauty Queens. Obviously.

Notes from the Blender
Favorite Mystery: Cryer’s Cross by Lisa McMann was a mystery with a dash of horror and a sprinkle of romance, and it was excellent. I actually had to stop reading more than once because I was home alone at night and totally spooked. There’s something very atmospheric about this book, something that leaves you feeling isolated and at risk. I still get chills thinking about the end. Honorable Mentions: Imaginary Girls, because for a good chunk of the book, I didn’t know what the heck was going on with Chloe and Ruby, but I sure was desperate to find out, and The Liar Society because it was chock full of suspense.

Cryer's Cross

Favorite Romance: Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins has everything a fantastic romance should, times ten! A girl you can’t help but root for? Check. A boy who’s flawed but irresistible? Check. Countless obstacles standing in the way of our dream couple? Check. A setting that makes you want to hop on a plane? Check. That longing, hopeful, can’t-live-without-him vibe? Check, check, check! Honorable Mention: Desires of the Dead. I ♥ Jay and Violet.

Favorite Paranormal Romance: I’m not entirely sure how to classify Maggie Stiefvater’s The Scorpio Races, but I do know that it most definitely belongs on my Best of 2011 list. The magical water horses fit into the paranormal realm, and while the romance is light, it’s definitely a factor, so… Favorite Paranormal Romance it is. This book was beautiful and intense and threatened to shred my heart more than once. I was completely and utterly romanced by Thisby and Sean and Corr and Puck and The Scorpio Races.

Favorite Family Drama: Jessi Kirby’s debut, Moonglass, is lovely. It’s set on the beach, protagonist Anna is vibrant and likable, and the issues she faces concerning her family are relatable yet heart-wrenching. Plus, love interest Tyler is, in a word, hot. Moonglass‘s ending is one of those that comes together in a way that’s surprising but entirely perfect.

Favorite Genre Bender: Daughter of Smoke and Bone completely blew me away. It’s part urban fantasy, part romance, and part paranormal, and it’s one of my newest all-time-favorite books. Laini Taylor’s writing is absolutely gorgeous, and the way she crafted her world and her characters… enviable. The ending is a little abrupt, but honestly, it just made me crave the sequel even more!