Category: Great Books

Currently…

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(I plan to do a “Currently…” post every other Tuesday. You should join me! Find the origins of the idea HERE.)

Currently

Loving

Two skin care discoveries… My complexion has been not so great lately, and I’m always on the hunt for products that make my face feel healthy and look luminous. First, Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Moisture Cream, which I’ve been using as an eye cream and, oh my gosh, I love it. It’s super hydrating and really gentle, and it makes the skin beneath my eyes look smoother and more supple. Also, it’s something like $7 — total steal. Second, Tony Moly Sheet Masks. You can order eleven different masks via Amazon for less than $11, and after wearing one for a half-hour, my skin feels smooth and full of moisture and like I’ve enjoyed a trip to the spa (I wish!).

Reading

First & Then by Emma Mills, which was everything I wanted it to be. Devon is a most excellent narrator (she’s got voice for days!) and the complications of friendship and first love play out so deliciously. I also read Jessica Love‘s second novel, In Real Life, and even though I beta-ed an early version of this story a few years ago, the finished copy still gave me all the feels. Hannah and Nick are just too cute, and so easy to root for. Adored both of these contemps!

Watching

 The Fosters, a show about a foster family whose last name is — wait for it — Foster. Oddly enough, in the novel First & Then [above] the boy who is essentially Devon’s foster brother is also named Foster. Clever. 😉 Anyway, for an ABC Family (apparently now “Freeform”) show, The Fosters is quite good. I love Maia Mitchelle (she’s how I picture Kissing Max Holden‘s Jillian), and so far I’m impressed with the diversity of the cast and the quality of the writing.

Listening To

Last week I listened to James Alexander Thom’s Follow the River, which is based on true events and is apparently something of an American classic, though I hadn’t heard of it until my mom started reading it. If you like history and/or survival stories, this is the book for you. I enjoyed it very much, though the audiobook is narrated by a man — an odd choice, as this is a woman’s story. He used weird (distracting) falsettos every time Mary, her sister-in-law, and her female companion spoke. Still, the story and author’s note are fascinating.

Thinking About

The NoVaTEEN Book Festival, which was packed with talented authors including Jennifer Donnelly, Kelly Fiore, and Julie Murphey, as well as Natalie C. Parker, Lisa Maxwell, and Holly Black, who are pictured below. As an added  bonus, I got to meet two Swoon Reads authors, Sandy Hall and Kelly Zekas, who are predictably delightful, and I got to hang with some cool volunteers, including fellow Swanky 17 authors Christina June and Sarah Nicole Lemon.

17fc5-12826198_868513766591232_1691782327_nAnticipating

Drafting. Guys, I haven’t drafted anything new since before I submitted Kissing Max Holden to Swoon Reads back in October. I’ve got two messy partial manuscripts sitting at about 30K words each, and I started reading one over the weekend. It’s actually… better than I recall. (Isn’t it awesome when that happens?) As soon as I finish my refresher read-thru, I’m going to get serious about plotting and drafting its second half. It’s fun to feel inspired!

Wishing

You’ll check out the debut group I belong to, The Swanky Seventeens. We’re growing every day, our members’ books sound fantastic. We’re currently featuring interviews with 2016 debut authors on our blog. You can follow us on Twitter and Facebook, too.

Making Me Happy

Yesterday, in honor of Pi Day, I baked a blueberry pie. It turned out so pretty and it tasted delicious. I love making homemade pie crust — you can find my favorite, no-fail recipe is HERE. Also! My friend Elodie Nowodazkij’s NA romance, Love in B Minor is out today. Friends, you will LOVE its twisty plot, its sexy characters, and its beautiful Parisian setting!

Did you post a “Currently…” this week?
Let me know in the comments, and I’ll be sure to visit! 

Currently…

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(I plan to do a “Currently…” post every other Tuesday. You should join me! Find the origins of the idea HERE.)

Currently

Loving

The National Gallery of Art… We went last weekend for my birthday and it was so cool. We saw work by Picasso and Matisse and Van Gogh, among many, many other artists — the gallery is enormous! I highly recommend checking it out if you’re ever in DC. Beautiful, and free to view. 🙂

Reading

How to Keep Rolling After a Fall by Karole Cozzo, which is fantastic so far. Nikki is such a relatable, complex protagonist, and love interest Pax… all the swoon, guys. I’m loving the premise of this book — the fallout of a terrible cyberbullying incident — and I can’t wait to see how Nikki’s story plays out.

Watching

Fuller House, obvs. It’s so cheesy, but I’m kind of loving it. I’m also going catch up on Project Runway All Stars this week, and hopefully start The Fosters. I turned in my first round of Kissing Max Holden edits the other day, so I’ve got a sudden abundance of free time. 🙂

Listening To

I recently listened to Cristina Moracho’s Althea & Oliver, which I reviewed in yesterday’s February Reading Wrap-Up. The condensed version: A gritty story set in the late nineties that made my heart hurt bad. Now, I’m listening to Marie Rutkowski’s The Winner’s Crime (I read the novel last year) in preparation for this month’s release of The Winner’s Kiss.

Thinking About

The Author Bucket List I recently created. It’s got all sorts of professional goals on it (short-term and long-term) and I’m so looking forward to crossing items off as I accomplish them. (Speaking of bucket lists, I revised my Thirty Before 35 list, and I’m now calling it my Life List. Find it HERE, if you’re interested.)

Anticipating

The NoVaTEEN Book Festival! It’s this Saturday, and I’m volunteering my time to help with registration and room monitoring. Mostly, I’m just excited about all the fan-girling I’ll get to do, because the author line-up is aMaZiNg.  If you live in the area, you should come — it’s not too late to register, and it’s free. 👍

Wishing

You’ll check out the debut group I belong to, The Swanky Seventeens. We’re growing every day, our members’ books sound fantastic, and we’re currently featuring interviews with 2016 debut authors on our blog. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook, too.

Making Me Happy

My friend Jessica Love‘s second novel, In Real Life, releases today! Guys, I read an early version of this contemporary YA romance (think Catfish set in Vegas) a few years ago, and I can’t wait to get my hands on the finished copy. It’s an incredible story! Find its summary, advance praise, and order links HERE. Congrats, Jess! ❤

Did you post a “Currently…” this week?
Let me know in the comments, and I’ll be sure to visit! 

February Reading Wrap-Up

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What an incredible month of books!
Note… The number of novels I’m able to read has doubled since I started listening to audiobooks via OverDrive. I highly recommend it, especially if you’re someone who doesn’t have a lot time to sit down with a physical book. I listen when I’m driving, putting on makeup, folding laundry, walking the dog, whatever. Makes the mundane much more interesting. 🙂
(As always, covers lead to Goodreads pages.)

These Vicious Masks by Tarun Shanker and Kelly Zekas – This book is so much fun — like, I was literally grinning throughout the better part of it. It’s Austen-esque, but with characters who have special abilities, sort of like X-Men, an element that gives this novel an extra layer of awesome. Protagonist Evelyn is dry and witty, especially regarding the societal norms of her Victorian world. She’s not interested in balls or fancy dresses or marriage, and she balks with the best sort of snark. When Evelyn’s sister, Rose, goes missing, she knows she hasn’t run off on her own, and she makes sacrifices to find her even when no one else shows much concern. I love Evelyn for her intelligence and determination; she’s no damsel, and she faces problems head-on, using her cleverness to solve them. There’s some love triangle potential in this story, seeing Evelyn’s interactions with Mr. Kent and Mr. Braddock (who I’m totally swooning for) and I’m very curious to see how these relationships play out in the next installment. If you’re looking for a spirited read with a heroine you’ll root for immediately, be sure to check out These Vicious Masks.

November 9 by Colleen Hoover – This book was guilty-pleasure entertaining. I didn’t enjoy it as much as Colleen Hoover’s Maybe Someday, but November 9 definitely kept me absorbed. It’s the story of two eighteen-year-olds, Fallon and Ben, who meet on — you guessed it — November 9th, and feel an immediate connection. Alas, it’s not a good time for either to be in a relationship, so they agree to meet every November 9th for the next five years, while avoiding all contact otherwise. Fallon will work on overcoming self-esteem issues stemming from a disfiguring accident, and Ben will work on a manuscript inspired by their arrangement. Cool premise, right? And it totally works. November 9‘s pacing is crazy-fast, and there are plenty of sweet/romantic/steamy moments between Fallon and Ben. There are some pretty excellent surprises, too. The only thing I didn’t love about this new adult novel were specific (possibly nit-picky) aspects of Fallon’s and Ben’s personalities. She’s rather melodramatic, and he’s got a savior complex that occasionally rubbed me the wrong way. Neither of these character traits kept me from being charmed by the story, though. If you’re a new adult fan, I bet you’ll like it, too.

The Weight of Feathers by Anna-Marie McLemore – I am obsessed with this book. Every aspect of it speaks to me; it makes me feel things, a lot of things, even now, weeks after reading. These characters, Lace and Cluck and their vast supporting cast, are layered and rich and full of passion. Their relationships are complicated and this novel’s stakes are super high. I’ve seen it described as Romeo and Juliet meets The Night Circus, and I’m onboard with that comparison. Lace’s and Cluck’s families are traveling performers; the Palomas are swimming mermaids and the Corbeaus are like winged fairies tightrope walking through the trees. The families have been feuding for years and years, but that doesn’t keep Lace and Cluck from connecting in this intense, sexy, heart-wrenching way. Their chemistry combined with the many reasons they shouldn’t be together… such perfect, perfect angst. The Weight of Feathers is a magical story with beautiful language and gorgeous imagery and characters so enchanting, they’re impossible to forget. I love this novel in the same ways I love books by Jandy Nelson and Jodi Lynn Anderson. Definitely a new favorite.

Becoming Nicole: The Transformation of an American Family by Amy Ellis Nutt – This non-fiction book was fascinating. It centers around the Maines family: Wayne and Kelly, who adopted identical twin boys, Jonas and Wyatt, as infants. As the boys grew, though, it became clear that they were quite different. Wyatt had little interest in “boy” things, preferring The Little Mermaid and feminine clothing, and eventually made it known that he identified as girl. While his family mostly accepted him (Wayne takes much longer than Kelly and Jonas to make peace with Wyatt’s differences), he ends up facing varying degrees of intolerance as he makes the slow transition from little boy to young woman. Author Amy Ellis Nutt focuses most of her narrative on the Maines family, but she discusses gender identity in detail, too, providing scientific evidence and alternate experiences alongside Nicole’s story. My favorite parts of this book were the glimpses into Nicole’s mindset through her journal entries and poetry, as well as Jonas’s perspective on their unique experiences. The twins’ love for each other throughout the many challenges presented by Nicole’s transition feels profound, and the family’s unexpected venture into activism is inspiring. A timely and affecting read.

The Boy Who Drew Monsters by Keith Donohue – Far from my usual fare, I listened to The Boy Who Drew Monsters and found it gripping. The setting (coastal Maine during a harsh winter) was perfectly drawn, as were the underlying chords of something is very wrong here. I hated pretty much all of this novel’s characters, especially Tim, the father, who’s a complete asshole; I suspect that’s by design, though, and the way this book kept me on the edge of my seat makes up for its mostly despicable cast. I did enjoy Jack Peter, an apparently agoraphobic boy on the autism spectrum. He draws monster after monster, watching the world from the windows of his family’s beach house and occasionally playing with Nick, the only friend who hasn’t given up on him. Jack Peter is appropriately creepy, but with an innocence that kept me guessing. The Boy Who Drew Monsters is a legit horror novel, and it boasts some truly frightening moments. And the end? I totally got the shivers.

The Love That Split the World by Emily Henry – I love this book. Along with The Weight of Feathers, it’s a new all-time favorite. There’ve been many stories that I’ve deeply enjoyed, but almost always, I’m able to step back and look at the work from a thoughtfully critical standpoint. No book is perfect, right? But as far as I’m concerned, The Love That Split the World is as close as close can get. It’s beautiful, enormously emotional, and despite its *SPOILER* parallel universe/time travel elements, it feels incredibly tangible. Natalie Cleary is a remarkable narrator. She’s dealing with plenty: a complicated break-up, a best friend who’s moving away (I adore Megan), nerves regarding her acceptance into Brown and pending move to Rhode Island, and the conflicted feelings that’ve come with being an American Indian adopted into a white family. On top of all that, Natalie’s had a lifetime of nightmares and visions and strange lapses in time. Then she meets Beau who is, frankly, everything I’ve ever wanted in a Book Boy. He’s gorgeous and sweet, he plays football and piano, he has this charming drawl (fine = fahn), and, most importantly, he’s adorable with Natalie. I suspect that your enjoyment of this novel will hinge on whether you buy into Natalie and Beau’s intense relationship, and I absolutely do. Without saying too much about The Love That Split the World‘s plot, I will mention that it’s multi-layered and wonderfully imaginative and, regardless of some carefully placed exposition, it moves fast. Debut author Emily Henry’s prose is stunning in its evocativeness, and the characters she’s created have claimed a place in my heart. From its first chapter, I could not put this book down. Recommend!

Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey – I’ve owned this book for ages, but for whatever reason, I only just felt compelled to pick it up. Cold Kiss falls into the paranormal romance category — in fact, it’s a zombie book — but more than that, it’s a story about grief. Wren’s lost her boyfriend, Danny, in a tragic car accident and she’s so overcome by sadness, she casts a spell to bring him back. But the boy who appears in the cemetery after Wren’s incantation isn’t the warm, funny Danny she remembers. This Danny is cold and needy, and he lacks a heartbeat (though, he’s not a shuffling, brain-eating zombie — he’s a romanticized version of the undead). Wren knows she’s made a mistake, but she doesn’t know how to deal with her corpse of a boyfriend, or her lingering sadness, until she meets compassionate Gabriel, who she has more in common with than she could’ve guessed. I love Amy Garvey’s writing; Wren’s voice is lovely and lyrical, and her sorrow is palpable. I love, too, the way this novel concludes. It’s the first in a duology, but it ties the most important threads in a way that’s bittersweet yet satisfying. If you’re into bewitching prose, or if you’re nostalgic for the paranormal YA of five years ago, please do give Cold Kiss a read.

Althea & Oliver by Cristina Moracho – This book is gritty and poignant, and I enjoyed it so much. It’s set in the late nineties (a time I refuse to call “historical fiction” because I was a teen in the late nineties) and author Cristina Moracho does an amazing job nailing down the simpler, grungier feel of the decade. Althea and Oliver have been best friends forever, though they’re very different. Oliver’s chill and effortlessly smart, while Althea is impulsive and fiery. Their friendship works, though, until Althea develops feelings for Oliver, and he begins to suffer from a debilitating sleep disorder, one that knocks him out for weeks, leaving him with no memory of the time that passes. It’s during one of these sleep spells that Althea lets something irrevocable happen, changing her relationship with Oliver forever. He decides to leave North Carolina for New York, where he’ll participate in a sleep study, leaving Althea alone with her guilt — until she makes the decision to track Oliver down so she can set things right. Althea and Oliver have the most captivating character arcs, and even in their ugliest moments, I found myself hoping they’d triumph. This book is fearless and very smart, and it deals in a lot of gray areas. Its conclusion feels inevitable, an appropriate — though far from perfect — ending for Althea and Oliver.

Tell me: What’s the best book you read in February? 

Currently…

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(I plan to do a “Currently…” post every other Tuesday. You should join me! Find the origins of the idea HERE.)

Currently

Loving

The #AuthorLifeMonth photo challenge, hosted by Dahlia Adler. I’m still going strong, and so are tons of other writers. Check out the hashtag on Instagram to see how everyone’s responding to the prompts. A few of my favorites so far…

Reading

If you remember back to my last Currently… post, I mentioned I was reading The Weight of Feathers by Anna-Marie McLemore. Well, I finished, and I loved it — it’s definitely a new favorite. Please, please, please pick it up! I also recently finished These Vicious Masks by fellow Swoon Reads authors Tarun Shanker and Kelly Zekas, and it was SO much fun. Protagonist Evelyn is the best sort of snarky, and the “Jane Austen meets X-Men” pitch is spot-on. Recommend! Now, I’m reading The Love that Split the World by Emily Henry and it is aMaZiNg so far. Guys, I’m so lucky — I’m picking up the BEST books this year!

Watching

Kendra Akins on YouTube. She posts videos on health and beauty and lifestyle. I love her makeup-focused videos most. I’ve learned tons about the big name brands, as well as lesser-known natural products. Check her out if you’re into beauty and/or healthful eating — she’s super savvy.

Listening To

I recently listened to Colleen Hoover’s November 9, which was everything I was hoping it’d be: romantic, but also angsty and overwrought — a total guilty-pleasure listen. If you can overlook some slight but irritating misogyny, you’ll likely be entertained. And I just finished Keith Donahue’s The Boy Who Drew Monsters, a creepy adult horror. Different from my usual fare, but I liked it!

Thinking About

Wrapping up the Kissing Max Holden revision I’ve been working on since Christmastime. I’ve completed all of the big-picture changes, and now I’m in the midst of a read-through, doing all the fun fine-tuning stuff. Yay!

Anticipating

My birthday… It’s Saturday! I’m going to (try to) sleep late, and then my husband and daughter are going to make me crepes for breakfast — yum! Be on the lookout for a Thirty Before 35 update later this week. Spoiler alert: I haven’t finished all of my goals, but I’m not about to let them go. 👍

Wishing

For sandals and summer and sunshine. Simple as that…

Making Me Happy

These two, as usual. My girlie has had lots of time off school lately (snow days and end-of-quarter days and holidays), and while I do value my quiet work time, I really love having her home. ❤

Did you post a “Currently…” this week?
Let me know in the comments, and I’ll be sure to visit! 

Currently…

13 Comments

(I plan to do a “Currently…” post every other Tuesday. You should join me! Find the origins of the idea HERE.)

Currently

Loving

My new yoga studio! My husband bought me a membership for Christmas and it is aMaZiNg. I’ve practiced yoga for several years now, but mostly at home. I’ve never consistently attended classes, but after just a few short weeks in the studio with instructors who are deeply knowledgeable about the practice, I’m hooked.

Reading

Julie Murphy’s sophomore novel, Dumplin’, a contemporary YA about a small town girl who loves Dolly Parton and ends up an unlikely participant in a local beauty pageant. So far, it’s as glorious as its cover.

Watching

My husband and I just caught up on Homeland and, as per usual, my favorite character appears to have died in the season finale. I’m sad. My falling in love with a TV character pretty much guarantees his or her demise, which is why I don’t watch much TV.

Listening To

The new season of Serial, for starters. It explores the case of Bowe Bergdahl, the Army soldier who was held as a POW by the Taliban for five years. I have a lot of feelings about Bergdahl and the circumstances under which he was captured, and I’m finding Sarah Koenig’s reporting compelling as usual. I’m also listening to a YA historical fiction, Stacey Lee’s Under a Painted Sky (using the new-to-me OverDrive app). I’m enjoying the story and the narration very much.

Thinking About

Goal setting, and the sort of 2016 I’d like to have. In the past, I’ve set a focus word for the New Year (Resolve, Acceptance, Stoicism, and Present) and tried to keep that word in mind as I went about the business of being a wife, mama, friend, and writer. This year, though, I’ve decided to create a mission statement, one that will hopefully remind me to live my best life in 2016. Already, it feels like a postive step forward…

Anticipating

My upcoming writers’ retreat! I get to spend four days in a lovely Maryland house with five of my favorite writer buddies. I’ve got plenty to do as far as my Kissing Max Holden edits go, and I’m super excited about a girls’ weekend away. Can. Not. Wait!

Wishing

For smooth sailing as I tackle a fairly substantial revision. I know the changes on my To-Do checklist are going to make for a stronger story, but man… I’d forgotten how challenging revisions can be! One tiny alteration, and I’ve suddenly got a waterfall of adjustments to make. But! I love revising a thousand times more than drafting, so no complaints here. 🙂

Making Me Happy

Guys, I signed a publishing contract. I have an amazing editor, and an edit letter I believe in. Kissing Max Holden is on Goodreads. I have an author page on Facebook. In 2017, my book is going to be a BOOK. How can I not be happy?!

What’s currently making YOU happy?

What I Read in 2015 + All My Faves

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This is a long post, guys, but I hope you’ll find lots of awesome book recommendations while perusing. 

First up, I’ve listed all the books I read in the last year, organized by age category: adult, new adult, and young adult. Young adult books are broken down more specifically by genre.

FYI: Titles link to Goodreads pages. Titles with * were published in 2015. Books are categorized as I saw most appropriate; some may fit into more than one age category or YA genre, but I did the best I could. 🙂

Adult 

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, The Girl On the Train* by Paula Hawkins, Pretty Baby* by Mary Kubica, Lord of the Flies by William Golding, Mud Vein and Marrow* by Tarryn Fisher, The Game Plan* by Kristen Callihan, and Sloth* by Ella James

New Adult 

I Was Here* by Gayle Forman, Flat Out Love and Flat Out Matt by Jessica Park, The Friend Zone* by Kristen Callihan, Last Will and Testament* by Dahlia Adler, and Surf & Surrender* and Truth & Temptation* by Riley Edgewood

Young Adult 

Next, a look at my favorite YAs of 2015, broken into genres and sub-genres and even some random categories that allowed me to feature the books I loved most. Covers link to Goodreads pages where you can learn more about each book, as well as find my full reviews. Again, genres and categories are subjective.

Favorite 2015 YA Historical Fictions

 
Three Day Summer, an incredible debut set at Woodstock. Its voice is light and fresh, and not just when exploring bands and skinny-dipping and bad acid trips, but also when discussing the more serious issues of the time, like the draft and the conflict in Vietnam. Its romance, though quickly intense, is genuine and charming and really sexy. And Vengeance Road, a desert-set story of revenge and lost treasure; it’s rich, authentic, atmospheric, and incredibly well-researched. Protagonist Kate Thompson is stubborn and rash, but she’s also brave and loyal, making her a narrator worth rooting for. Loved this Western!

Favorite 2015 YA Science Fiction


As much as I enjoyed Their Fractured Light, I couldn’t read more than a chapter or two per sitting — it made me so anxious. That speaks to how much I’ve grown to care about these characters, but man — my pulse was racing for the better part of Sofia and Gideon’s story. The Starbound novels have some of the most incredible world-building I’ve read, and I was thrilled to see tiny threads from the earlier books picked up and woven into the tapestry of this final installment. Such a great conclusion!

Favorite 2015 YA Fantasy 


The Winner’s Crime‘s Arin and Kestrel are incredibly smart and courageous. They make difficult decisions with selflessness and poise. They make sacrifices for love. And, they have aMaZiNg chemistry — even when they’re hating on each other. My only complaint about The Winner’s Crime? Its brutal cliffhanger ending. I need The Winner’s Kiss, like, yesterday!

Favorite 2015 YA Contemporaries

 
I love that 99 Days is supremely messy, I love that its characters are deeply flawed, and I love that it made me think — that it changed the way I was thinking. That, for me, was the magic of the book — it’s rare that my perceptions are so entirely altered by fiction. It’s beautifully written, full of angst and duplicity, and it tackles some important issues in subtle, thoughtful ways. Violent Ends also tackles difficult subject matter: the before, during, and after of a high school shooting. It’s a heartbreaking, poignant, powerful story — chill-inducing in many instances. Though shooter Kirby didn’t earn my sympathy (how could he possibly?), he earned my regard, my consideration, my reflection. And his victims, those who died and those who were irrevocably impacted by the shooting, will continue to haunt me.

Favorite 2015 YA “Issue” Book


Made You Up is shrewd, unflinching, and really special, and it left me in awe of its author and her creativity (seriously — I still can’t believe this novel is her debut!). It’s a twisty, compelling read about family, friendship, and mental health, and Francesca Zappia’s prose is beautifully literary. This book was impossible to put down — definitely a 2015 standout!

Favorite 2015 YA Thrillers

 
The Devil You Know is dark, raw, sexy, and scary. There are a few delightful road trip moments, but mostly I was just waiting for things to go bad. And they do — really bad. This story is a thriller mashed with a romance, and it’s incredibly well done. Its quick pace, swampy Florida setting, and impending sense of doom make it unputdownable. From Where I Watch You surprised me. I was expecting a story about a baker girl (love baker girls!) who’s getting some unsettling (though probably harmless) anonymous notes. While there were a few sweet moments between MC Kara and a very endearing boy, this is a dark book that addresses serious issues with frank, compelling prose. Its plot is gripping, and Kara is strong but sympathetic. Another impressive debut!

Favorite 2015 YA Novel With Verse


All We Have Now follows Emerson and Vince, two homeless Portland teens (absolutely believable BFFS), as they live out their final hours awaiting the arrival of a catastrophic asteroid. This one’s such an enchanting story, I almost forgot, at times, that the end of the world was dawning. Lisa Schroeder’s verse (and prose) are lovely as usual, and I was especially impressed by how this story concluded in a fresh and real and, for me, totally unexpected way.

Favorite 2015 YA Novel About Friendship


I found The Start of Me and You to be as close to perfect as possible. MC Paige’s character arc is so compelling. She’s struggling to come to terms with the sudden death of her first boyfriend, but her story never feels bogged down by grief. She wants to make changes and find happiness, and she takes steps toward her goals with the help of her most excellent group of girl friends, plus some new boys who enter her life rather unexpectedly. Totally heartwarming.

Favorite 2015 YA Mystery


Courtney Summers is a fearless author, and All the Rage is bold, gritty, and so, so good. MC Romy isn’t likable in the traditional sense (she lies, she gets into fights, and she thinks cruel thoughts) but I happen to love her. She’s so honest — an uncomfortable, exhilarating sort of honest. Her gut-wrenching story illustrates how complicated it is to trudge through life as a female, and how scary it can be to raise a girl in this world. Read it.

Favorite 2015 YA Retelling

The Wrath & the Dawn is a spin on The Arabian Nights: Tales From 1,001 Nights and it’s full of tension, mystery, magic. MCs Shahrzad and Khalid have some of the best chemistry I’ve read; she’s smart and courageous and cunning, while he’s dark and brooding and furtive. Renee Ahdieh’s prose is gorgeous and evocative, and the world she’s built is rich and vividly described. I went in not realizing this novel had a sequel, so be prepared for a cliffhanger ending that just might break your heart. Can’t wait for The Rose & the Dagger!

Favorite 2015 YA Romances

 
 
I‘ll Meet You There is real and raw and unflinching, and its voice… extraordinary. I mostly love the seriousness with which protagonists Skylar and Josh come to take their relationship. Their absolute commitment to one another — baggage and all — is refreshing and beautiful and (for me) very relatable. There’s something so special about Emmy & Oliver. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and romantic and sorrowful, infused with a slightly subdued version of the humor that first made me a Robin Benway fan. Emmy and Oliver are pretty much the greatest. They’re so considerate and affectionate with one another, and I love they way they support each other unconditionally. Jesse’s Girl is a perfect music-infused, tons-of-banter, charged-with-swoon read. Miranda Keneally’s MCs approach their relationships with candidness that’s refreshing; she lets her female characters act on their attractions in the same free way male characters have been doing for ages, and she shines a positive light on the choices that come with the physical aspects of teenage romance. Things We Know By Heart is a quiet story about a sad girl and a sweet boy who fall slowly and convincingly in love. I appreciate how patient Quinn and Colton are with each other. Even in moments of (understandable) dishonesty, there are no overblown fights or melodramatic break-ups; I got the sense that Quinn and Colton are meant to be, no matter how rutted and roundabout their path to each other has been.

Favorite 2015 YA Magical Realism

Bone Gap is fantastical novel about two sad brothers, a ballsy beekeeper, and a beautiful, missing girl. There are summer jobs and whispering cornfields and first kisses; there is a fascinating small-town dynamic, a twisted fairy tale, and a magical horse. Bone Gap is so beautifully written, so evocative and powerful, it’s the sort of book that makes me want to work harder on my own writing — a haunting, lyrical story about love and perception and feminism.

Favorite 2015 Genre Bender

Love Fortunes and Other Disasters has the feel of a contemporary, but its setting is most whimsical, and it’s all about fortunes and fate and magic. The romance in this super cute story feels inevitable, but somehow still wondrous, and the chemistry between MC Fallon (who’s smart and idyllic and easy to root for) and the boy who catches her eye (a “serial dater”) is slow to build and totally believable. Loved this charming debut!

Favorite 2015 YA Series Wrap-Up


** spoiler alert ** One of my most anticipated sequels of 2015 — I had very strong feelings about how I wanted this duology to conclude. While I adore MC Lara Jean’s voice, her unapologetically innocent personality, and her family’s dynamic, I knew my enjoyment of P.S. I Still Love You would depend solely on whether she and Peter, her love interest from To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, ended up together. Good news: I LOVED THIS BOOK. Jenny Han is one of my favorite authors, and if you’re not reading her novels, you should be.

Favorite Prequel/Novella

I had so much fun reading Nick and Emilia’s witty repartee, not to mention their dance scenes, which feel intensely charged and full of longing. A Summer Like No Other‘s not a fluffy story — these characters have goals, and they’re facing turmoil and some serious challenges. Warning: this novella’s ending is going to leave you desperate for more, which is actually sort of perfect, since you can read the rest of Nick and Emilia’s story in Always Second Best.

Favorite 2015 Debut

I read a lot of exceptional debuts this year, but More Happy Than Not impressed more than all the rest. First, simply, I loved it. Second, it surprised me. Third, it’s gritty, and intense, and its cast is super diverse, and it boasts one of the biggest holy hell?!?! moments I’ve experienced in a long time. Like, really, I didn’t see… it… coming. But wow! More Happy Than Not is a story about identity, family and friendship, love and loyalty, and it is smart. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a truly unique YA.

Favorite Reads Published Before 2015

   
I’ve read all of Courtney Summers’s published books, and I am officially declaring Fall For Anything my favorite among her extraordinary body of work. This book shredded me. It surprised me in ways I didn’t know I wanted to be surprised; I would have been perfectly satisfied (happy, even) if the plot had played out the way I’d anticipated, but the story took this phenomenal turn, leaving me staggered and gratified and very, very impressed. The Distance Between Us was my first of Kasie West’s books, and I adored it. It’s my favorite sort of contemporary YA: a real story about real people dealing with real issues–nothing melodramatic or over the top. Caymen’s voice is just so good, and Xander brings all the swoon. And Something Real‘s “growing up on reality TV” angle is fascinating, and the “super enormous family” situation is compelling, and I always love a sweet romance. This story is a gripping peek into the toll reality TV can take on its non-consenting minor stars. It’s also a story about relationships, and standing up for what’s right, and love of all sorts. Highly recommend all three of these!

Favorite 2015 New Adult Novels

 
I don’t know what it is about The Friend Zone that makes it so compulsively readable. Maybe it’s the football. Maybe it’s the fast pace, or the angst, or the (refreshing) lack of blown-up misunderstandings and melodrama. More than anything, though, I think it’s the characters. Kristen Callihan writes college girls who are smart, driven, confident, and relatable, and guys who are… hot. They’re star football players and they’re very much alpha-types, but they’re also flawed have interesting backstories. Riley Edgewood’s Surf & Surrender is equally incredible. Sawyer and Quinn are two of my favorite 2015 characters; I love their intense bond; even after years of separation, and their chemistry is smoking. I love this story’s unexpected surprises, its beach-y setting, and its lovely prose — even during Sawyer and Quinn’s steamiest moments. 

Favorite 2015 Adult Novels

 
Pretty Baby made me sad, sad, sad. I found myself thinking, a lot, about what I’d do in the multitude of messy situations presented in this beautifully written sophomore novel. Told from the point of view of three vastly different narrators (Heidi, an altruistic wife and mother; Chris, her driven but meandering husband; and Willow, a skittish runaway with an infant), Pretty Baby is character-driven, yet fast-paced and twisty. Marrow reminded  me a little of Dexter and a little of that Charlize Theron movie Monster, and it’s a total freaking trip. MC Margo endures a violent and upsetting journey throughout the course of the story; the brave, resilient woman she becomes is vastly different from the hopeless teenager who opens the book. Marrow made me think. It made me wonder. And most importantly, it made me feel.

So, tell me! What’d you read and love in 2015? 

December Reading Wrap-Up

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A weird mix of books in December…
(As always, covers link to Goodreads pages.)

Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman – Guys, I would’ve sworn I didn’t like Westerns before reading this Arizona-set stand-alone. Now, I’m a convert. I loved Erin Bowman’s Taken trilogy, but Vengeance Road affected me in a completely different way. It’s a trek through a rugged and unforgiving desert, a quest for revenge, a treasure hunt, and a romance. It’s historical fiction at its best: rich, authentic, atmospheric, and incredibly well-researched. MC Kate Thompson is stubborn and rash, but she’s also brave and loyal, making her a narrator worth rooting for. And I love the people she meets during her journey — Will and Jesse and Liluye in particular. They’re fascinating in their own right, and they make this novel feel even deeper and more vivid. All of Vengeance Road‘s characters have enviable strengths and cringe-worthy weakness. There are no easy decisions in this story, and there are no perfect outcomes, but there are some super surprising twists which made for an intense reading experience. Vengeance Road is definite 2015 favorite, plus such a gorgeous cover!

Their Fractured Light by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner – A satisfying conclusion to a series I’ve loved since the release of its first book, This Shattered World. As much as I enjoyed this final novel, I couldn’t read more than a chapter or two per sitting — it made me so anxious. That speaks to how much I’ve grown to care about these characters, but man — Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner had my pulse racing for the better part of Sofia and Gideon’s story. It’s hard to chat candidly about Their Fractured Light because it’s full of spoilers from the first and second books in the trilogy, but suffice to say: I thought this story was amazing. It’s super fast-paced and packed with emotion. My heart literally hurt for these characters because they run into road block after road block, and they’re challenged in ways that are just awful (poor Tarver can’t catch a break… that boy needs a hug).  The Starbound novels have some of the most incredible world-building I’ve read, and I was thrilled to see tiny threads from the earlier books picked up and woven into the tapestry of this final installment. I’m endlessly impressed with this trilogy, and I recommend you pick it up, even if you don’t fancy yourself a sci-fi fan — it’s that good.

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen – This one was a reread for me; this time, I read it aloud to my eight-year-old daughter. While the story of Brain’s survival in the Canadian wilderness was just as riveting as I remember, it was the language, Gary Paulsen’s spare but evocative prose, that awed me most. Those scenes with the mosquitos, and the porcupine quills, and the turtle eggs — so visceral! This is a really cool story of perseverance and courage, and it’s packed with interesting facts about surviving with nothing but a hatchet and some serious gumption. Additionally, Writer Katy found Hatchet to be a compelling character study. I can’t remember the last story I read that featured a protagonist with such a steep arc. Check it out if you haven’t read this classic!

Every Day by David Levithan – I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator did a wonderful job. The story came to life as she read A’s tale and, overall, I enjoyed it very much. The concept is fascinating, the pacing is quick, and the flow is seamless. I have one issue, though: I didn’t feel as though I got to know A as someone other than a person who loves Rhiannon. Maybe I’m shallow, but without a physical appearance, or hobbies, or friendships, or a gender, or familial relationships to go on, I had a hard time connecting with A. Rhiannon, yes — she felt whole, fully formed and charming. Even the minor characters, like Justin and Nathan, struck me as complete. But A… A was mostly focused on checking for Rhiannon’s emails and plotting new ways to be near her. I get that — love was a new experience for A, but still… I wanted more. That said, I did feel like A was redeemed in the novel’s final scenes; A’s gesture and the way Rhiannon was left in a place of hopefulness were really lovely. My favorite aspect of this story is its vignettes (for lack of a better word) — the scenes where A is in random bodies and has experiences completely unrelated to Rhiannon. I found them captivating, and very profound. Pick Every Day up if you like a novel with a unique concept and a focus on romance.

Tell me… What’s the best book you read in December?

Currently…

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(I plan to do a “Currently…” post every other Tuesday. You should join me! Find the origins of the idea HERE.)

Currently

Loving

My most recent craft book purchase: The Emotion Thesaurus. ABC Family’s holiday movie marathon — here’s full the schedule! This recipe for Beer Mac-N-Cheese — the best homemade mac I’ve ever made. My new favorite pens: Pilot’s FriXion Point Erasable Gel Pens. And the beautiful #SipSwap mug (and super thoughtful extras!) sent to me by Laura Marcella.

Reading

Over the long weekend I read Sloth, an adult novel by Ella James. It was intense, and very good (I reviewed it HERE). Now, I’m reading Erin Bowman’s Vengeance Road. It’s as excellent as its cover implies. (Don’t forget to peruse my November Reading Wrap-Up HERE.)

Watching

Mockingjay – Part 2, finally. Overall, I think The Hunger Games movies are an excellent adaptation of the book series. Jennifer Lawrence is a goddess, and the films are visually stunning. Also, Effie and Haymitch? I buy it…

Listening To

I’ve been listening to my Kissing Max Holden playlist in the car a lot lately (driving my daughter nuts in the process). It’s full of awesome country music, plus a few fun poppy numbers, and includes songs by Taylor Swift, Johnny Cash, Lady Antebellum, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, The Band Perry, Echo Smith, Dolly Parton, and Zac Brown Band, among others.

Thinking About

Some of my most anticipated 2016 YA releases…

Anticipating

The holidays! We’ve decorated our house; it looks lovely and festive. Now I need to get my shop on. My dad and my father-in-law are always the most difficult to buy for… Any gift recommendations for men in their early sixties?

Wishing

You’ll check out my post about how you can help support a fantastic literary event aimed at middle schoolers: Cavalcade of Authors West. It promotes Pacific Northwest YA and MG authors while introducing kids to a variety of genres and subject matter and promoting reading and writing within the community. And in case you didn’t know, today’s Giving Tuesday — the perfect day to donate to worthy causes. Click to support to Cavalcade of Authors West

Making Me Happy

The long holiday weekend, which is exactly what I needed to recharge for another week of substitute teaching.

What’s currently making YOU happy?

Currently…

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(I plan to do a “Currently…” post every other Tuesday. You should join me! Find the origins of the idea HERE.)

Currently

Loving

My New York & Company 7th Avenue Design Studio Knit Pants, which look like dress slacks and fit like yoga pants, currently buy one, get one free. The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Expression, which I bought because my writing descriptions are starting to feel quite stagnant; I’m loving how this craft book gives me fresh perspective. Shenandoah National Park, which we’ve now hiked twice — so beautiful. The YA Buccaneers, who invited me to guest post about my experience submitting to Swoon Reads. And my new Erin Condren notebook, which I’m using to compile family recipes and my go-to Pinterest favorites; it’s mostly filling up with desserts.

Reading

I finally finished Grave Mercy by Robin LeFevers. It took me for-freaking-ever to get through, but that is in no way a reflection of my feelings about the book — I loved it! Ismae is a badass, and her story transported me to 15th century Brittany completely; I was totally caught up in the political intrigue and, of course, the most excellent romance. Now, I’m reading Shattered Blue by Lauren Bird Horowitz, a romance involving a girl and a Fae — not usually my thing. But this recent release is set at a Monterey boarding school, which is so totally my thing. Plus, the writing is gorgeous. I’m really liking it so far!

Watching

My new favorite You-Tuber, Ashley at That is All. I discovered her a few months ago while pouring over planner reviews (her review was a big part of the reason I bought an InkWELL Press planner for 2016), though the main focus of her channel is makeup. She’s delightful and she has cute kitties and I’ve picked up a few excellent skin care products on her recommendation.

Listening To

Am I the only gal who ends up with an anthem for each manuscript she drafts? For my current WiP, I’m listening to Matt Nathanson’s Faster on repeat, all the time. It’s inspiring all the romance. ❤

Thinking About

The tragic terrorist attacks that occurred in France and Beirut last week. My heart is broken for everyone affected.

Anticipating

The holidays. My husband and daughter love the many foods associated with Turkey Day (I love the pie) and my parents are coming for a visit during Christmastime. Looking forward to getting started on my seasonal decorating and shopping. Our Elf on the Shelf will be here before we know it. 🙂

Wishing

That she will always fall asleep with a book in reach.

Making Me Happy

I have a job! Well, sort of. I recently joined the pool of substitutes in Fairfax County, hoping to work two or three days a week at my daughter’s elementary school. But on my first day of eligibility, I was offered a multiple-week position as an instructional assistant in one of the resource rooms. So, I get to visit various classrooms and work with kids on various subjects, including reading and writing, which is awesome. The only downside is that my daily drafting time has all but disappeared. Who wants to do nighttime sprints with me?

What’s currently making YOU happy?

Currently…

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(I plan to do a “Currently…” post every other Tuesday. You should join me! Find the origins of the idea HERE.)

Currently

Loving

My new Nikes, which I’ve been eyeing for months. Chestnut Praline Lattes with coconut milk, ’cause everything’s better with coconut milk. Erin Condren notebooks — since I’m going with an InkWell Press Planner in 2016 (!!!), I used my stockpile of EC credits to score a notebook and several dividers, and I’m going to use it to record family recipes. Finally, Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting — so yummy!

Reading

I recently finished Violent Ends, an anthology about a school shooting which totally blew me away. Find my review and an opportunity to win a copy of your own HERE. Last night I finished The Game Plan by Kristin Callihan, the recently released third book in her Game On series, which I’m kind of obsessed with. A smutty good time. 😉 Now I’m reading Grave Mercy by Robin LeFevers, which is excellent so far.

 

Watching

Parks and Recreation. Sitcoms aren’t usually my thing, but this one… I’ve been watching compulsively, and ~literally~ every episode makes me laugh. Plus, they’re short, easy to fit in while I’m folding laundry or cleaning a bathroom. (My life is so glam.)

Listening To

I 💜 Echosmith!

Thinking About

My WiP, a contemporary YA set in Northern Virginia/DC. It’s been extra fun to draft because I’ve taken myself on a few field trips to visit some of the locations where scenes are set. For example, the Washington National Cathedral, which is gorgeous. My WiP’s hovering right around 30K, and I’m currently brainstorming fun and unexpected ways to move it forward. 
Anticipating

November 15th, the last day readers can leave ratings and comments on their favorite Swoon Reads stories to help give them a shot at publication. After the 15th, Swoon Reads editors will start reading and considering… All the nerves! (Find my story, Kissing Max Holden, HERE.)

Related… A reader at Swoon Reads recently left the loveliest comment on Kissing Max Holden — totally made my day. An excerpt from her review: This seems like it wasn’t written to impress anyone. No ego in it – just humanity in all its joyous and shattering pieces.

Wishing

That I could relive this night! I met Judy Blume, guys, and she was wonderful. So sweet and enthusiastic and encouraging and inspirational. She was exactly the woman I’ve imagined over the nearly thirty years that I’ve been a fan. ❤

 

Making Me Happy

Sip Swap is approaching! I’ve signed up for this super fun writers’ mug exchange hosted by Kelsey Macke and Jessica Love — have you?!

What’s currently making YOU happy?