Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite YA's We've Read This Year

brought to you by: the broke and the bookish

Emily's picks:

1. The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa. I thought this book was alright.  I liked her other series better.  But if you are looking for a new twist on vampires this should do it.

 2. Nil by Lynne Matson.  I bought this book on a whim, and it was actually a fun read.  I thought it was a stand alone, so I'm a little disappointed that it's a series, but it's a interesting read.  A girl gets swept to an island where you have exactly 1 year to figure out how to get off, or your dead.

3. Stolen Songbird by Danielle Jensen.  This book had some really good moments, and some that were, eh. But I am always a sucker for fairy tales. Pick it up and indulge. Why not?  Trolls, hidden cities, Princes, a lonely girl.  Fairy tale fodder for sure.  It's beauty and the beast, but with trolls.

 4. The Headhunters Race by Kimberly Afe. This book.  Well, it has promise, so I will continue the series.  It's a little like the Hunger Games and The Maze Runner. I wouldn't really compare it though.  I thought it had promise and I liked the boy character McCoy.

 5. The Sin Eater's Daughter by Melinda Salisbury. This was a very interesting read. Look at the cover! Twylla is told that she has poison running in her veins, her touch means death.  Her body is owned by the goddess. But her prize is a royal marriage. She is the queen's assassin.

Jeni's Picks: Emily picked a hard subject. I haven't read to many YA's this year. I've read plenty middle grade for book clubs and I've been re-reading some of my favorite books from the past years. So some of my choices are re-reads. 

1. The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson. I saw this book on so many blogs I was a little afraid to read it. I've read some books recently that I hated but other bloggers loved. This book however surprised me. I loved it. I just wished the second book was out already. 

2. The Winner's Curse by Maire Rutkoski. This was another book I read great reviews on. It was a bit slow in parts but I did enjoy the story. The second book is out but I think I'll wait until the third book comes out before I read it. 

3. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins: This was a re-read for me. I haven't read it since March 2011 and I can't believe it. I loved this book the first time around and adored it the second time. I don't think I'll wait 4 years to read it again.  

 4.  Cinder by Marissa Meyer: Another re-read. I had this book on my shelf forever and finally read it and then didn't continue the series. I decided to read it again this year since the finale is coming out in the fall. I have to say the second book Scarlet is my favorite so far. 

 5. The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley: I read The Hero and the Crown years ago but not The Blue Sword. This is an older book, originally released in 1982. I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you like Tamora Pierce you would most likely enjoy this book. 

Re-Read: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins, 

Weathered to Young by Marcia Lynn McClure 

Mrs. Drew Plays her Hand by Carla Kelly,  

The Selection by Kiera Cass

  Hourglass by Myra Mcentire 

hosted by:  Belle of the Literati and So Obsessed With.

           

Anna and the French Kiss

Genre: YA Contemporary

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile

Publication: December 2010

Source: Bought 

From Goodreads: Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris--until she meets Étienne St. Clair. Smart, charming, beautiful, Étienne has it all...including a serious girlfriend. 

But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss? 

When I first  Read

March 2011

What I Remember

Liking it so much I stayed up all night to read it. Blocking out that Etienne is shorter than Anna. I am five feet tall and have never really thought about dating someone shorter than me. So maybe that was why I blocked that part out. 

Why I wanted to Re-Read

After reading a scary book, I needed a book  that would make me laugh and smile. 

How I felt after Re-Reading

Loved it just as much as the first time. Still believe Etienne is taller. 

Would I Re-Read Again

Definitely!!! I can't believe I haven't re-read it before. 

Weathered too Young

Genre: Western-historical

Publisher:Distractions Ink

Publication: March 28th, 2010

Source: Kindle

From Goodreads:Lark Lawrence was alone. In all the world there was no one who cared for her. Still, there were worse things than independence -- and Lark had grown quite capable of providing for herself. Nevertheless, as winter loomed, she suddenly found herself with no means by which to afford food and shelter -- destitute.

Yet Tom Evans was a kind and compassionate man. When Lark Lawrence appeared on his porch, without pause he hired her to keep house and cook for himself and his cantankerous elder brother, Slater. And although Tom had befriended Lark first, it would be Slater Evans -- handsome, brooding and twelve years Lark's senior -- who would unknowingly abduct her heart.

Still, Lark's true age (which she concealed at first meeting the Evans brothers) was not the only truth she had kept from Slater and Tom Evans. Darker secrets lay imprisoned deep within her heart -- and her past. However, it is that secrets are made to be found out -- and Lark's secrets revealed would soon couple with the arrival of a woman from Slater's past to forever shatter her dreams of winning his love -- or so it seemed. Would truth and passion mingle to capture Lark the love she'd never dared to hope for?

When I first  Read

March 2010 and December 2013

What I Remember

The first time I read it I was skeptical. My friend is a huge Marcia McClure fan and begged me to read one of her books. I am not one for westerns so I'm not sure why I picked this book. It is a little silly in some parts but I enjoyed the story. The second time I read it I just wanted to read a book I knew I liked and could read fast. 

Why I wanted to Re-Read

I stopped reading Marcia McClure books because  all her stories follow the same pattern. I felt I should revisit the one book I liked the most.  

How I felt after Re-Reading

I still enjoyed the story. Slater is by far my favorite character in this book. 

Would I Re-Read Again

Yes, it is a fast read and I like the story. 

Mrs. Drew Play Her Hand

Genre: historical-romance

Publisher:Cedar Fort, Inc

Publication:December 11th, 2012

Source: Bought

From Goodreads:After her husband’s death, Roxanna Drew is faced with the daunting task of providing for her two small girls on her own. Pursued by her lecherous brother-in-law, Roxanna knows her only hope is to escape his grasp by moving into a derelict cottage, owned by Lord Winn—a man known to his tenants only by his checkered reputation.

But when fate brings Lord Winn to her door in the middle of a snowstorm, Roxanna’s not sure which to fear more: letting him into her home or into her heart.

A strong-willed heroine, perfectly paced plot, and plenty of humorous moments make this one of bestselling author Carla Kelly’s most beloved Regency romances. Discover the magic of a love story you’ll want to read again and again.

When I first  Read

March 2013

What I Remember

How have I not run across this author before. I like reading historical fiction and this is the first book I read from Carla Kelly. Lord Winn is fantastic and I loved that he kept saying he never wanted children but gets along so well with Roxanna's. 

Why I wanted to Re-Read

Since this challenge started I have been revisiting books I remember enjoying the first time around and I haven't read a Carla Kelly book in awhile. 

How I felt after Re-Reading

I'm so happy I re-read this one. I enjoyed it better the second time around. Now I think I'll go re-read some of my other favorites from this author. 

Would I Re-Read Again

Yes!!!!!

The Selection

Genre: YA Dystopian

Publisher: Harper Teen

Publication: April 24, 2012

Source: bought

From Goodreads:For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself--and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined. 

When I first  Read

May 2012 and April 2013

What I Remember

The first time around I thought it was fun. Kind of like watching the Bachelor on T.V. The second time I read it because the second book was coming out and I wanted to remember everything. 

Why I wanted to Re-Read

 I picked up the second book and realized I didn't want to finish the second and have to re-read it again before the third. So I put off finishing this series until now. So this is my third time reading The Selection.

How I felt after Re-Reading

I actually decided to read my girls this series. They loved it. We read it in three days. We actually stayed up to midnight the third night just so we could finish. My daughters are split. One really likes Maxon and the other one adores Aspen. I edited the kissing scenes a little because my youngest daughter is only 11. They both think its funny when I skip a scene and just say they kissed. 

Would I Re-Read Again

This is question I will have to answer when I am done with the series. If I hate the ending of the third book I will probably never read this book again. 

Genre: paranormal

Publisher: Egmont

Publication: June 14, 2011

Source: bought

From Goodreads:For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn't there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents' death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She's tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.

So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson's willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may also change her past.

Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he's around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should've happened?

When I first  Read

July 2011

What I Remember

That it wasn't ghosts that she saw. Her brother was sympathetic and her sister-in-law was awesome. I didn't  care for the love interest. 

Why I wanted to Re-Read

This is another series I didn't finish and it's been so long since I read the first one. I know I didn't remember enough to go to the second book right away. 

How I felt after Re-Reading

I'm glad I re-read it because I hardly remembered anything. I completely forgot about Kaleb. The sad thing is I don't think I'll finish the series. I did not like this book the second time around. The relationship she has with Michael is annoying.  I found myself rolling my eyes a lot. 

Would I Re-Read Again

No. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Authors We Would Love to Meet

brought to you by: the broke and the bookish

Emily's Picks:

1. Brandon Sanderson. Okay, so I did meet him, and I asked why his latest book was sooo long.  He didn't get my sarcasm, and even though there was a huge line behind me, continued to tell me why it was long.  It was funny actually. I have yet to read the really long series.

2. Robin McKinley.  I would love to meet her, and beg her to write a book featuring my favorite character.  yes, I would love that chance.

3. Chris Wooding. I wouldn't be an adoring fan, nope.  I would keep myself very calm and composed if I ever met him, and I wouldn't gush and tell him how much I loved his book The Haunting of Alaizabel Cray, or how much I loved the twist in his book Poison.  I wouldn't.

4. Neil Gaiman.  Did you know he wrote episodes for Doctor Who? Yep, so this makes him cool. Wouldn't you love to talk with him and see what's in his brain?  I would.

5. Cynthia Voigt. I first read Jackaroo when I was 12, and then 14, 16, 26..

6. Michael Pollan. I love his book In Defense of Food.  I think he is on to something. Plus, he writes about food.

7. Patricia C. Wrede.  I love her books, they are witty and silly and fun. Dealing with Dragons was a great read.  My daughter loved them.

8. Patricia Briggs.  I have to thank her for introducing me to werewolves, and a world where vampires don't sparkle.

9. Rick Riordan. Percy Jackson is the character who made my daughter want to read.  So, in my eyes these books will forever be the best in YA.

10. Rosamunde Pilcher.  This fine lady I have spend many a happy day with.  I have a time of year where all I read is her books.  I love them.  Snow In April is short, impossible and divine.  Sleeping Tiger is a great beach read in the best sense. And Coming Home is a story we can all relate too. It's growing up, painfully, awkwardly and being an adult all in one. I will forever read this lady.

Jeni's Picks:

1. Rick Riordan. I was so sad to find out he was coming to Utah but you had to live in Provo/Orem to be able to get tickets. 

2. Kerstin Gier: Her Ruby Red Trilogy was fantastic and I would love to meet her in person. 

3. Sarah E. Ladd: Her books get better and better. I'm crossing my fingers she will come to Utah one day. 

4. Lynda Mullaly Hunt: One for the Murphy's was a great book and my daughters loved it. We would all like to meet her. 

5. Rebecca Stead: When You Reach Me and Liar & Spy were awesome. 

6. Rosamunde Pilcher: I'm with Emily on this one. Every time I re-read one of her books I fall in love with her characters again. I just want to give her a big hug. 

7. Sarah Dessen: My sister and I have read all her books. Meeting her in person would be a perfect girls night out.

8. Anne Frank: I know this one is impossible but it would definitely be a great life experience if she were still alive today to meet. 

9. Judy Blume: One of my favorite authors in elementary school. It would be amazing to meet her in person. 

Top Ten Tuesday Books We'll Never Read

brought to you by: the broke and the bookish

Jeni's Picks:

1. Paper Towns by John Green: I've read Looking for Alaska and The Fault in Our Stars and didn't like either of them. I think of him as the YA version of Nicolas Sparks.

2.11/22/63 by Stephen King: I tried reading this book and couldn't get into it. Plus its really long. 

3. Outlanders by Diana Gabaldon: I also tried reading this book. But the scene where he states he has to spank her for punishment had me laughing out loud and I just couldn't finish the book after that. These books are long and I can't imagine reading seven more. 

4. Defy by Sara B Larson: I was so excited to get this book that my sister and I went to the book launch. The author and her agent were so rude to us.  I wanted to return the book for a refund on the way out. I've met many others and couldn't believe how snotty this author was. Maybe she was having a bad day. But it was her book launch and people were there to buy her book. If your in a bad mood just smile and sign. Don't tell people their home state is a crappy place to live and you know how to spell my sisters name when there are multiple ways to spell it and then actually spell it wrong. Seriously  worst book signing experience ever. 

5. Allegiant by Veronica Roth: My friend finished reading this before me and called me up crying and totally ruined the book. So I have no interest in finishing it. 

6. Eragon by Chrisotohpher Paolini: Too many people have said they loved the first two books but didn't enjoy the last two. 

7. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness: A friend of mine loved this book and begged me to read it. I tried but I just couldn't get into it. 

8.Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick: I barely made it through Hush, Hush and Crescendo. I decided there was no way I would make myself read Silence. 

9. The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling: Too many bad reviews. 

10. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl: I should've made this blog post: Books I started but couldn't finish. The characters in this book drove me crazy. I had to stop reading.

Emily's Picks

1. Sunshine by Robin Mckinley. I am a huge fan of hers, but this book, ugh. Talk about walking into the next trend. I think she should stick with what she does best.

2. Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James. This book is not my scene and I wouldn't touch it.  And I'm wondering why women would subject themselves to a book like this. I'll stick with romance that is more in line with a man bringing me chocolates and flowers because he is sweet thank you.

3. Everneath series by Brodi Ashton. I loved the idea of this series, but after book one I just couldn't get myself to read the rest, which is such a shame, because I bought the first two in the series before reading them.

4. Tangled Tides by Karen Amanda Hooper. I do not understand why this book has such a high rating on goodreads!  Does any one read the actual book? It was silly, and it was not well written at all! I couldn't even finish it.

5. The Chemical Garden series by Lauren Destefano. Eh. The first book had promise but after hearing about the second book I have very little interest in reading the rest of the series.  And I haven't missed it.