I’ve been reading a bunch of great books. And since I’ve been reading way more books than ever thanks to ebooks, libraries, and self-publishing, I love to share my findings with my readers.
By the way I read about 50% traditional books and 50% self published. Give or take.
More so than any other month, my sampling of books that I read (not counting the ones that I didn’t finish because I kept falling asleep) represents me as a reader and a writer. The aspects in these stories are everything I love. From dark and emotional to fun and breezy.
First lets talk about funny. As an adult, I’m a picky middle grade reader. After all, they are meant for kids. Right? So I end up loving the middle grades that have great writing, heart, humor, and a story to tell. Ha. Don’t we all?
When I read my first illustrated novel, thinking these really were just for kids….I was wrong. So I decided to try I, Funny. Loved it. It surprised me. It was not only a humorous story, but it had a lot of heart, snuck in when no one was looking.
I downloaded The Peculiar during an ebook sale. Loved it. The writing is superb and even though the plot was simple, the story was fast paced, bouncing back and forth between a boy and an adult, it was really the writing that kept me reading, more than the storyline.
I also love literary ghost stories. Filled with gorgeous writing and heart. So when I read Notes from Ghost Town, I knew on the first page, I’d love it. And I did.
Where there are ghosts, often there is murder. This leads to my next book, which I downloaded during a free promotion. Yes, an adult book. I Think I Love You by Stephanie Bond. I loved the sibling relationship, murder mystery and the love subplot. I will definitely read more of her books.
So, onto stories with love and romance being the central story.
I’m getting tired of this kind of reality TV show plot, but for all its faults, this series is fantastic. It comes down to the writing and the relationships. Reading The Selection was fast, easy and good. Reading The Elite was the same way. I’m looking forward to the conclusion next year. Kiera Cass does a fantastic job with character and relationships.
My last book was a fun, flirty, sweet romance. I Kissed The Boy Next Door. Love! Love! Loved it!
Yes, I write and read about spies, murder and mystery. But it’s really so much more than that. And that’s reflected in my writing and reading.
**Two books I read, worth mentioning, are Unravel Me and Life After Theft. Good but not great.
What have you been reading?
Loved hearing what you’ve been reading. My daughter and I want to read The Elite this summer.
I’m reading Unbreakable by Elizabeth Norris right now. I love the suspense and the ticking clock to get what needs to be solved by a certain time. It’s a great series and am glad that book 2 is as good as Unraveling, the first book in the series.
You’ve highlighted some awesome reads here. I’m just finishing up with SERAPHINA. Just amazing!
You’ve been doing some serious reading. And quite the variety.
ooo, I’ve been wanting to read those Kiera Cass books. They have the best covers. And I Kissed the Boy Next Door looks TOO CUTE!
My reading at this point has been my stuff and CP stuff… work work work! But fun work~ :o) <3
I’m reading about 50/50, too, when it comes to self published and traditionally published books.
I love the new cover for Butterfly Clues. 😀
Thanks for these recommendations! I’m looking for some summer reading!
Oh, the more books I find, the more books I find! Right now, though, I’m rereading STORY ENGINEERING and CP stuff.
All of these look great! Thanks for the recs. 🙂
OH thanks for reminding me about The Peculiar–i have that waiting to be read with my son!
I love finding great books! Thanks everyone!
Oh man i want to read these all. I hope in heaven we have eternity to keep reading because I’ll never have time to read everything I want to. If I read 1 book a week, that means I only have time for about 2300-2500 books in this lifetime. Wahhh!
I’ll never have enough time to read all the books I want to, but that’s a good thing!