Along with writing and doing the whole author thing, I’ve run across some fantastic stories. I love to read. I love to find a great story that I feel I haven’t read before. As you most likely know, the more we read or write, the harder it is to find these gems! So I thought I’d share them with you.
But first, on a side note, blogging buddy Sheri Larson posted a review of How To Survive Ancient Spells & Crazy Kings. (Thanks Sheri!) It made me very sad because I love that story but since my publisher closed it has lingered on my hard drive. I’m not sure if and when I’ll self publish it. There are many reasons why–too many to pontificate on here. This blog post is to share with you some book love!
The first one completely surprised me. I was like, right, I am not going to like a big thick book about an alien invasion I don’t care how much buzz it received. Then I happened to be at the library and decided to read just the first page. Pure curiosity. I read the first paragraph and plopped it into the library bag. Loved it! Read this big, thick book with 24 hours.
I should’ve called this blog post 1 post-apocalyptic and 4 fun contemporaries. I’ve been on a fun and flirty reading kick lately and here are some great ones I found.
This teen spy novel was on sale for 2.99 and I grabbed it. Very cute and right up my alley. Not like I’ve written about spies or anything.
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Some books I read purely for voice. This story cracked me up! I laughed out loud in parts. I also loved the storytelling. I kept thinking I’d put it down but that never happened. The main character totally sucked me into her story.
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Okay, so superheroes? Eh. But I always like Kelly Oram’s stories. She’s an automatic buy for me, so I tried this one out. Again, the voice and storytelling drew me in and I look forward to reading the sequel.
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This last one took me a while to pluck from the shelves. It has a nice cover but it doesn’t begin to cover the depth of this story. It was the most unique premise I’d read in a while. I enjoyed all the different point of views and how the author tackled the story and concept.
Hopefully, there’s something here you might enjoy if your reading tastes are somewhat similar to mine.
Confession: I still haven’t read The Fault in our Stars. I know, I know, everyone has to read it. I know it’s sad and every time I’m at the library I’m just not in the mood for a sad story. Maybe I’ll put it on my 2014 tbr list. Maybe.
That’s it for me. I’m signing off for the holidays. Let me know any good book recs in the comments! Even if it is about aliens. Have a great Christmas!
You have to read FIOS. It’s sad, but his writing is so clever and witty and humorous, that you can’t help but fall in love with the characters. I do not do sad, but I’d put this book on the top of my favorite YA list.
I finished The Selection by Kiera Cass last night. (I stayed up WAY too late.) I really enjoyed it, and the ending made me want to turn the page right into book #2 – The Elite, I think?
I still need to read The 5th Wave. It’s on my list.
Loved seeing what you’ve been reading. I really enjoyed The 5th Wave too. And I’ll confess that I haven’t read The Fault In Our Stars yet either. I’m hoping the library has an audio version I can read next year.
Glad I’m not the only one. Though the rest of said that it’s more than just a sad book so i might have to try it out!
I’ve contemplated reading The 5th Wave, but had the same inner reaction as your initial one. I’m thinking I should reconsider and pick it up. Thanks!
As far as your MG, if you ever do decide to self-pub it, I’d definitely use an educational angle. Although fiction, you use plenty of authentic Mayan elements for a teacher to use. I really enjoyed it!
I haven’t yet read The Fault in Our Stars either! Like you, it’s the sad premise that’s keeping me from reading it; quite a few people I know are battling cancer or lost their battle with cancer the past couple years. I’m sure I’ll read the book eventually, though, before the movie comes out.
Love the title of Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters! That title definitely makes me want to read it.
Happy reading and writing! from Laura Marcella @ Wavy Lines
Even though FIOS is sad, it’s also beautiful and hopeful. I didn’t come away from it feeling like it was a tearjerker because I saw the end coming from the beginning. But I loved those characters, enjoyed spending time with them, getting to know them. it’s just a great book.
Thanks for the book recs. All of those look like things I would read!
Now I have to find out what that unique premise is for the List! And surprisingly, The Fault in Our Stars isn’t sad (till the end, and even the end is really cool). I put off reading it for a long time for the same reason, but don’t put it off any longer! It really is a wonderful book and there is more humor than sadness.
Thanks for the recommendations! I’ve placed holds on most of them at my library.
I really enjoyed THE 5th WAVE, too. And, like you, I still haven’t gotten up the courage to read THE FAULT IN OUR STARS. I know it will make me cry a lot… 🙂