Going to try to read 50 Young Adult novels in 2011...because I guess that's what YA writers do? Most of my colleagues are doing 100, but I just started this month. So maybe I should be shooting for 75? We'll see how long it takes me to get to 50.I'll update here every few weeks with a little blurb about my thoughts. I figured maybe you guys have some suggestions for me?
1. Private-Kate Brian: I was at least excited to find a MC I hate more than Bella Cullen. Still don't get what the fuss is about here...much less how this skank has over a dozen published books and I don't.
2. Perfect Chemistry-Simone Elkeles: Wasn't crazy about it in terms of authenticity and thought the ending was a little too idyllic, but this is my genre so I'm hyper-critical.
3. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows-JK Rowling: Just wanted to check and make sure I was still disappointed in the ending. (I am.)
4. Across the Universe-Beth Revis: I really liked this, and didn't agree with the critique on Absolute Write that the twist at the end came out of left field. I usually hate sci-fi, so the fact that I actually finished this one speaks to it's merit, at least IMHO.
5. The Forest of Hands and Teeth-Carrie Ryan: I finished the book on Sunday and I'm STILL having nightmares. Zombie books are scary in an entirely different way than vampire books. And this one is SO sad. But if you like Zombies and dystopias? Total win.
6. The Hunger Games-Suzanne Collins: Best praise I can give it is I started reading the second book as soon as I could get my paws on it. It really is as good as everyone says it is, and generally speaking I'm not one to give that sort of compliment.
7. Catching Fire-Suzanne Collins: couldn't put it down and picked up the third one right away.
8. Mockingjay-Suzanne Collins: I'm not crazy about the ending but I don't hate it the way a lot of people seem to. She's a best selling author and a brilliant writer, but were I on the level of someone worthy of critiquing her I'd say she doesn't really do a great job with dénouement. For all three of her books the post climax wrap up seems a little rushed for me. But I was sad when I turned the final page and there was no more Katniss left to read. Probably my favorite female character since Scout Finch.
9. 13 Reasons Why-Jay Asher: If you have teens, love teens, work with teens, admire teens, are inspired by teens, write for teens, or are a teen: do not pass go. do not collect $200. Go read this book NOW. A-Maze-Ing. This one may warrant its own blog.
Got a list of titles I'm still trying to get my hands on...you guys got any suggestions?
I really need to add The Forest of Hands and Teeth to my TBR list. I keep meaning to then forgetting! ><
ReplyDeleteThere's very little chance I'll get through even 50 books this year, but I've read 7-8 so far. You might enjoy The Monstrumologist and/or Break. I'm reading Tender Morsels right now and absolutely enjoying it, but I'm only able to read a few pages at a time due to how it's written.
I'm finally getting around to The Hunger Games trilogy that my husband has been trying to get me to read for years. They're as good as everyone says which shocks me. I'll have to add your suggestions to my list!
ReplyDeleteIf you want a quick semi-"fluffy" read, I would suggest 13 Little Blue Envelopes. Not the best book by far, and not extremely memorable, but it kept me reading. I just borrowed the sequel, and will probably begin The Last Little Blue Envelope in a couple of days.
ReplyDeleteKeeping me reading is the biggest challenge! Thanks, Raven!
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