Reading Update

While I was gone, I continued to read. Here are some of my favorites from the past couple of months:

MG:

• Peter Abrahams’s Down the Rabbit Hole – I don’t think I could say enough good things about this mystery. I loved it. So did Stephen King.
• Joseph Delaney’s Revenge of the Witch (The Last Apprentice 1) – A-Read read the first 2 in the series, and has the 3^rd on deck. A little dark and spooky.

YA:

• Phoebe Kitanidis’s Glimmer – A very unusual story in a very unusual setting.
• Tara Kelly’s Amplified – I just love her writing and her protagonists and her male leads.
• Laini Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke and Bone – Beautiful writing, unusual story, kick-a heroine.
• Suzanne Lilly’s Shades of the Future – Sweet and heart-tugging.

Adult:

• Kendall Grey’s Inhale – This one tugs on other parts than your heart, if you know what I mean. *wink wink*
• Kate Johnson’s I, Spy? – A fun spy romp. Dump your disbelief prior to page 1.

What have you read recently that you MUST rave about?

Randomness 2010

In honor of this year’s Random Act of Publicity week, here are some book recommendations from the past few months.

 Powerful tearjerkers:

 Jandy Nelson’s The Sky is Everywhere
Gayle Forman’s If I Stay

I don’t normally choose books that will make me cry.  I’m the same way with movies.  I like to be entertained.  These books made me cry and laugh and root for the main characters, and I couldn’t help but go along for the ride.  Pure awesome.

 Pure fun:

 Sarah Rees Brennan’s The Demon’s Covenant (Book 2 following The Demon’s Lexicon)
Holly Black’s White Cat
Rachel Hawkins’ Hex Hall 

These are all urban fantasies/paranormals with fun and/or sexy characters.  Brennan’s brothers are irresistible, Black’s twist left me breathless and I could feel the humidity of Hawkins’ setting along with the strong and likeable Sophie.

 Other (mostly) contemporary titles:

 Tara Kelly’s Harmonic Feedback
Pam Bachorz’s Candor
John Green’s An Abundance of Katherines
Francisco X. Stork’s The Last Summer of the Death Warriors

 Each of these books had quirky characters I couldn’t help rooting for and would definitely read more about if the authors decide to write sequels.  They cover a wide variety of settings and issues.  Green is one of my heroes, and I can’t wait for more from Bachorz and Kelly.

 My to-read list*:

 Kiersten White’s Paranormalcy
Kody Keplinger’s The DUFF
Garcia and Stohl’s Beautiful Darkness
Jennifer Donnelly’s Revolution
Cheryl Rainfield’s Scars
Tricia Rayburn’s Siren

*These are not yet on my bedside table.  Click Books in the right nav bar to see what currently awaits my attention.

 There is something for everyone on this list.  So pick up a book and enjoy!