I read over 60 books in 2016, most of them for my MFA program. After I graduated in July, I kind of slacked on reading, but am excited to dive back in during 2017! Here are my top 10:
Showing posts with label best of. Show all posts
Showing posts with label best of. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
My Awesome Reads of 2015
I read over 90 books in 2015, and annotated all of them for my MFA program at VCFA, though I didn't talk about many of them here. As you can see by the handy Goodreads graphic below, many of them were backlist. If you click on this link, you can find out more about each of my favorites. Also, see my Awesome Reads of 2014 which I just posted now, one year late!
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Best/Most Memorable Reads in 2013
2013 was meant to be my year of more balance. More classics, more backlist, more variety. That's why I reduced my goal to 75 instead of 100. I ended up at 72 (see my list of books read in 2013) including a couple of eNovellas and rereads. Not too shabby for a year in which I spent a lot of time traveling for my books (THE MEMORY OF AFTER/LEVEL 2 and CHICK-O-SAURUS REX), majorly revising CHASING BEFORE and also being in the hospital and recovering from major surgery.
Memorable Dystopian Moments
I'm still reading a bunch of dystopian. The publishing industry might be tired of, but I'm not! My top six dystopian reads were: IN THE SHADOW OF BLACKBIRDS by Cat Winters, STUNG by Bethany Wiggins, NOT A DROP TO DRINK by Mindy McGinnis, REQUIEM by Lauren Oliver, SHADES OF EARTH by Beth Revis and CONTROL by Lydia Kang.
Memorable Debuts
Last year I read over 50 debut novels by the Apocalypsies. This year I read 24 YA and MG debuts from 2013 + 2 from 2014.
Most memorable first line
'I have a dead girl's name.' From Stacey Kade's THE RULES: PROJECT PAPER DOLL. It's an immediate hook that makes me want to know more.
Most quotable overall
SEPTEMBER GIRLS by Bennett Madison. I pulled a bunch of quotes from this, but my favorite is probably: 'I felt life unfurling itself in lazy and salty spirals in the water below my feet, revealing itself as something I would never have guessed.'
Most memorable first chapter
I'm going to say ALL OUR YESTERDAYS by Cristin Terrill. The first chapter with Em in the prison and finding the note she wrote to herself - so tense! When I got to the line 'You have to kill him', I actually gasped out loud.
Most memorable laughs
It doesn't come out until next year, but LOOP by Karen Akins was so witty and fun. And I just started reading it, but SINCE YOU ASKED by Maurene Goo is hilarious so far.
Most memorable cry
IN THE SHADOW OF BLACKBIRDS by Cat Winters. Oh so sad.
Most traumatic endings
NOT A DROP TO DRINK by Mindy McGinnis. STAR CURSED by Jessica Spotswood. IN TIME by Alexandra Bracken.
Most dramatic character arcs
Elise in THIS SONG WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE. Terra in STARGLASS by Phoebe North. Knox in PROXY by Alex London.
Most memorable male leads
Tarver in THESE BROKEN STARS by Meagan Spooner and Amie Kaufmann, Alex in WHERE THE STARS STILL SHINE by Trish Dollar, Anthem in CODA by Emma Trevayne.
Most memorable couples
Zuzana and Mik in NIGHT OF CAKE AND PUPPETS by Laini Taylor. Caymen and Xander in THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US by Kasie West. Fiona and Bowen in STUNG by Bethany Wiggins. Anna and Bennett in TIME AFTER TIME by Tamara Ireland Stone.
Most swoony (almost) kiss
I loved the angry dancing scene in REBOOT by Amy Tintera.
Most badass characters
Amelie in VENGEANCE BOUND by Justina Ireland. Mila in MILA 2.0 by Debra Driza.
Most memorable supporting characters
Baby in IN THE AFTER by Demetria Lunetta, Chris in SHADES OF EARTH by Beth Revis, Alice in ELEMENTAL by Antony John.
Most memorable father/daughter bond
HOOKED by Liz Fichera.
Most memorable locations
The mystical oak tree in RELATIVITY by Cristin Bishara, post-apocalyptic Antarctica in CHAMPION by Marie Lu, the town of Claysoot in TAKEN by Erin Bowman.
Most memorable WTF
Okay WTF was up with the ending of DANGEROUS GIRLS by Abigail Haas? Did. Not. See. That. Coming. Also CHARM & STRANGE by Stephanie Kuehn.
Most memorable animals
The dolphins in THE NEPTUNE PROJECT by Polly Holyoke. (bonus!) The sloths in A LITTLE BOOK OF SLOTH by Lucy Cooke.
Most memorable outfit
Lilac's dress in THESE BROKEN STARS by Meagan Spooner and Amie Kaufmann.
Most memorable scenes that gave me chills
When the missing girl first appears in the car in 17 & GONE by Nova Ren Suma. Pretty much every scene in BLACK HELICOPTERS by Blythe Woolston.
Most memorable scene that gave me chills (in a good way)
The conjuring of peacock footprints in NIGHT OF CAKE AND PUPPETS by Laini Taylor.
Most memorable scare
NIGHT FILM by Marisha Pessl was the creepiest novel I read all year.
Most memorable villain
Johnny in THE COLOR OF RAIN by Cori McCarthy. Dude is messed up.
Most memorable cover
Though I wasn't all that taken with the novel, I adore this cover so much. I think it's the pop of yellow.
Most memorable unexpected reveals
Hands down the twisty twists in THE MADMAN'S DAUGHTER by Megan Sheperd. She knows how to set up shocking reveals.
Most memorable backlist reads
This was the year I finally met Marcus Flutie! (SLOPPY FIRSTS by Megan McCafferty)
Check out my memorable 2012 reads.
Tell me - what were some of your memorable reading moments in 2013?
Monday, December 31, 2012
Best/Most Memorable Reads in 2012
I read just over 100 books this year (including rereads of the Hunger Games trilogy) and by and large, I was happy with my reading choices (see my list of books read in 2012). Here are some of the most memorable aspects of what I read:
Memorable Dystopian Moments
Thanks to two whole dystopian theme months, this was my most read genre. I already pointed out my top 5 2012 faves at The Book Smugglers (you'll have to go over there to see which I picked), but really most of my dystopian reads were awesome.
Memorable Debuts
My other big goal for the year was to read as many Apocalypsies' books as possible, and I read over 50. Check out my Debut Author Challenge list for the lowdown.
Most memorable first line
Most memorable supporting characters
Jane Fonda in THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST by Emily Danforth, pretty much all the characters in REMARKABLE by Lizzie K. Foley (the pirates, the dentist, grandpa, the brother ... oh just read it!), Zu in THE DARKEST MINDS by Alexandra Bracken.
Most memorable locations
Backpackers' Guatemala in WANDERLOVE by Kirsten Hubbard, the Mexican coffee plantation in BECAUSE IT IS MY BLOOD by Gabrielle Zevin, the Pentagonal Spire in INSIGNIA by SJ Kincaid, Heart in INCARNATE by Jodi Meadows, the picnic table in ASK THE PASSENGERS by AS King.
Most memorable WTF
Umm... how about pretty much the whole of GONE GIRL by Gillian Flynn? Other novels that brought the crazy this year (in a good way) were VELVETEEN by Daniel Marks, SHADOWS CAST BY STARS by Cat Knutsson, PURE by Julianna Baggott and HARBINGER by Sarah Wilson Etienne.
Most memorable animals
Hamloaf in THE CATASTROPHIC HISTORY OF YOU AND ME by Jess Rothenberg. The adorable toy poodle in CRACKED by KM Walton. Baruu in STORMDANCER by Jay Kristoff.
Most memorable outfit
The dresses in THE SELECTION by Kiera Cass.
Most memorable scene that gave me chills
Towards the end of THROUGH TO YOU by Emily Hainsworth - twisty twist!
Most memorable scene that gave me chills (in a good way)
The last scene of FRACTURE by Megan Miranda.
Most memorable scare
THE CAVENDISH HOME FOR BOYS AND GIRLS by Clare Legrand was the creepiest novel I read all year. I had to hide under the covers to read it!
Most memorable villain
The principal in THE SINISTER SWEETNESS OF SPLENDID ACADEMY by Nikki Loftin.
Most memorable cover
Lizzy Bromley wins again this year with her innovative design for Lisa Stasse's FORSAKEN.
Memorable Dystopian Moments
Thanks to two whole dystopian theme months, this was my most read genre. I already pointed out my top 5 2012 faves at The Book Smugglers (you'll have to go over there to see which I picked), but really most of my dystopian reads were awesome.
Memorable Debuts
My other big goal for the year was to read as many Apocalypsies' books as possible, and I read over 50. Check out my Debut Author Challenge list for the lowdown.
Most memorable first line
'I should probably start with the blood.' From Robin Wasserman's THE BOOK OF BLOOD AND SHADOW. And it only gets bloodier from there!
Most memorable first chapter
Nothing drew me in this year more than the beginning of TIME BETWEEN US by Tamara Ireland Stone. What a hook!
Most memorable laugh
REUNITED by Hilary Weisman Graham, for the squirrel scene alone. Also, MOTHERSHIP by Martin Leicht and Isla Neal for its dark humor throughout. Trevor's ever-changing shirt slogans were also great comic relief in TOUCHING THE SURFACE by Kimberly Sabatini.
Most memorable cry
The end of CODE NAME VERITY by Elizabeth Wein. Gutted.
Most dramatic character arcs
Sloane in THIS IS NOT A TEST by Courtney Summers. Elysia in BETA by Rachel Cohn.
Most memorable couples
A and Rhiannon in EVERY DAY by David Levithan, Freya and Garren in YESTERDAY by CK Kelly Martin, Travis and Harper in SOMETHING LIKE NORMAL by Trish Dollar.
Most memorable first chapter
Nothing drew me in this year more than the beginning of TIME BETWEEN US by Tamara Ireland Stone. What a hook!
Most memorable laugh
REUNITED by Hilary Weisman Graham, for the squirrel scene alone. Also, MOTHERSHIP by Martin Leicht and Isla Neal for its dark humor throughout. Trevor's ever-changing shirt slogans were also great comic relief in TOUCHING THE SURFACE by Kimberly Sabatini.
Most memorable cry
The end of CODE NAME VERITY by Elizabeth Wein. Gutted.
Most dramatic character arcs
Sloane in THIS IS NOT A TEST by Courtney Summers. Elysia in BETA by Rachel Cohn.
Most memorable male leads
Jondoe in THUMPED by Megan McCafferty, Gyver in SEND ME A SIGN by Tiffany Schmidt, Julian in PANDEMONIUM by Lauren Oliver.
Most memorable couples
A and Rhiannon in EVERY DAY by David Levithan, Freya and Garren in YESTERDAY by CK Kelly Martin, Travis and Harper in SOMETHING LIKE NORMAL by Trish Dollar.
Most swoony kisses
Finn and Cate in the secret passageway in BORN WICKED by Jessica Spotswood, Noah and Echo in PUSHING THE LIMITS by Katie McGarry. Aria and Perry in UNDER THE NEVER SKY by Veronica Rossi.
Finn and Cate in the secret passageway in BORN WICKED by Jessica Spotswood, Noah and Echo in PUSHING THE LIMITS by Katie McGarry. Aria and Perry in UNDER THE NEVER SKY by Veronica Rossi.
Most memorable supporting characters
Jane Fonda in THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST by Emily Danforth, pretty much all the characters in REMARKABLE by Lizzie K. Foley (the pirates, the dentist, grandpa, the brother ... oh just read it!), Zu in THE DARKEST MINDS by Alexandra Bracken.
Most memorable locations
Backpackers' Guatemala in WANDERLOVE by Kirsten Hubbard, the Mexican coffee plantation in BECAUSE IT IS MY BLOOD by Gabrielle Zevin, the Pentagonal Spire in INSIGNIA by SJ Kincaid, Heart in INCARNATE by Jodi Meadows, the picnic table in ASK THE PASSENGERS by AS King.
Most memorable WTF
Umm... how about pretty much the whole of GONE GIRL by Gillian Flynn? Other novels that brought the crazy this year (in a good way) were VELVETEEN by Daniel Marks, SHADOWS CAST BY STARS by Cat Knutsson, PURE by Julianna Baggott and HARBINGER by Sarah Wilson Etienne.
Most memorable animals
Hamloaf in THE CATASTROPHIC HISTORY OF YOU AND ME by Jess Rothenberg. The adorable toy poodle in CRACKED by KM Walton. Baruu in STORMDANCER by Jay Kristoff.
Most memorable outfit
The dresses in THE SELECTION by Kiera Cass.
Most memorable scene that gave me chills
Towards the end of THROUGH TO YOU by Emily Hainsworth - twisty twist!
Most memorable scene that gave me chills (in a good way)
The last scene of FRACTURE by Megan Miranda.
Most memorable scare
THE CAVENDISH HOME FOR BOYS AND GIRLS by Clare Legrand was the creepiest novel I read all year. I had to hide under the covers to read it!
Most memorable villain
The principal in THE SINISTER SWEETNESS OF SPLENDID ACADEMY by Nikki Loftin.
Most memorable cover
Lizzy Bromley wins again this year with her innovative design for Lisa Stasse's FORSAKEN.
Best dress on a cover
I need this red dress in my life. (EVERNEATH by Brodi Ashton)
Most memorable unexpected reveals
The twist at the end of STARTERS by Lissa Price which was also ewwwww. PARTIALS by Dan Wells also had some awesome reveals.
Most memorable backlist reads
I hardly read any backlist this year - shame on me!
Most time spent on describing mundane tasks
MONUMENT 14 by Emmy Laybourne - we know how they prepared every last meal.
Check out my memorable 2011 reads.
Tell me - what were some of your memorable reading moments in 2012?
Most memorable unexpected reveals
The twist at the end of STARTERS by Lissa Price which was also ewwwww. PARTIALS by Dan Wells also had some awesome reveals.
Most memorable backlist reads
I hardly read any backlist this year - shame on me!
Most time spent on describing mundane tasks
MONUMENT 14 by Emmy Laybourne - we know how they prepared every last meal.
Check out my memorable 2011 reads.
Tell me - what were some of your memorable reading moments in 2012?
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Best/Most Memorable Reads in 2011 + Giveaway
I read just over 100 books this year (full list coming soon), which was down from last year's 160, but certainly more than I was expecting to considering I also wrote a novel!
My most memorable read in 2011 was Megan McCafferty's BUMPED - and since Megan sent me an extra signed hardcover of this amazing novel, I'm going to start this post out with a giveaway. Enter here by Dec 31st, 2011 at 11:59 pm CST to win!
Memorable Dystopian Moments
Thanks to two whole dystopian theme months, this was my most read genre. I already pointed out my top 5 2010 faves at The Book Smugglers (you'll have to go over there to see which I picked), but really most of my dystopian reads were awesome.
Most memorable first line
WHEN SHE WOKE by Hilary Jordan starts out: "When she woke, she was red." Perfect first line for this novel. I love it paired with the last line (which I won't spoil here).
I haven't reviewed CRACKED by K.M. Walton yet because it comes out in 2012, but this book made me cry multiple times. It's so rare that a book hits me THIS hard emotionally. Wow.
Most memorable couples
June and Day from LEGEND, Jordan and (spoiler!) in CATCHING JORDAN, Juliette and Adam (major chemistry alert!) in SHATTER ME.
Most memorable male leads
Noah in THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER, Jondoe in BUMPED, Four in DIVERGENT.
Lizzy Bromley designed this gorgeous art for WITHER by Lauren DeStefano. And guess what guys?! Rumor has it that Lizzy Bromley is designing the cover for LEVEL 2 as well. I am deliriously excited about it!!
Most memorable unexpected reveal
The end of VARIANT by Robison Wells. I knew I was in for a big. shocking. twist! But I never saw THAT coming.
Most memorable backlist reads
THE HOUSE OF THE SCORPION by Nancy Farmer
My most memorable read in 2011 was Megan McCafferty's BUMPED - and since Megan sent me an extra signed hardcover of this amazing novel, I'm going to start this post out with a giveaway. Enter here by Dec 31st, 2011 at 11:59 pm CST to win!
Memorable Dystopian Moments
Thanks to two whole dystopian theme months, this was my most read genre. I already pointed out my top 5 2010 faves at The Book Smugglers (you'll have to go over there to see which I picked), but really most of my dystopian reads were awesome.
Most memorable first line
WHEN SHE WOKE by Hilary Jordan starts out: "When she woke, she was red." Perfect first line for this novel. I love it paired with the last line (which I won't spoil here).
Most memorable first chapter
This award goes to Kimberly Derting's THE PLEDGE for her ultra-creepy prologue featuring the most dastardly queen this side of SNOW WHITE.
This award goes to Kimberly Derting's THE PLEDGE for her ultra-creepy prologue featuring the most dastardly queen this side of SNOW WHITE.
Most memorable laugh
Last year, Leila Sales’ MOSTLY GOOD GIRLS won this award, and this year it has to go to her PAST PERFECT. And not just because it was the only humorous book I read all year.
Last year, Leila Sales’ MOSTLY GOOD GIRLS won this award, and this year it has to go to her PAST PERFECT. And not just because it was the only humorous book I read all year.
Most memorable cry
I haven't reviewed CRACKED by K.M. Walton yet because it comes out in 2012, but this book made me cry multiple times. It's so rare that a book hits me THIS hard emotionally. Wow.
Most memorable couples
June and Day from LEGEND, Jordan and (spoiler!) in CATCHING JORDAN, Juliette and Adam (major chemistry alert!) in SHATTER ME.
Most memorable male leads
Noah in THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER, Jondoe in BUMPED, Four in DIVERGENT.
Most memorable locations
I loved Laini Taylor's use of setting in DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE. I adored pretty much everything about the novel, but the fascination of locations such as the Prague locale Poison Kitchen and Brimstone's shop where he bought and sold teeth really drew me in.
Most memorable WTF
Definitely the gator scene in THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER.
Most memorable WTF
Definitely the gator scene in THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER.
Most memorable animals
Bundle in Lauren Oliver's LEISEL AND PO. Is he a cat or a dog? Doesn't matter - he's adorable!
Honorable mention: The possum in Jen K. Blom's POSSUM SUMMER.
Most memorable outfit
Lola's Marie Antoinette dress in LOLA AND THE BOY NEXT DOOR.
Most memorable scene that gave me chills
There is something that happens near the end of Randy Russell's DEAD RULES that was subtle, but changes an interpretation of a character and his motivation in a big way. It still gives me chills to think about it.
THE DARK INSIDE by Jeyn Roberts was without a doubt the scariest novel I read this year. Though that hell house in SMALL TOWN SINNERS by Melissa Walker was also super freaky.
Most memorable villain
So, he did do a lot to redeem himself in SINISTER SCENES (the third book in Paul Bracegirdle's JOY OF SPOOKING trilogy), but I've always loved the complexity and moments of unfettered evil glee that Mr. Phipps brought to the equation. I will miss him dearly.
Most memorable cover
Most memorable scene that gave me chills
There is something that happens near the end of Randy Russell's DEAD RULES that was subtle, but changes an interpretation of a character and his motivation in a big way. It still gives me chills to think about it.
Most memorable scene that gave me chills (in a good way)
I love the scene between Isabel and Cole in FOREVER (Maggie Steifvater) when they're hiding under the counter and he drives his die-cast Mustang up her arm.
Most memorable scareI love the scene between Isabel and Cole in FOREVER (Maggie Steifvater) when they're hiding under the counter and he drives his die-cast Mustang up her arm.
THE DARK INSIDE by Jeyn Roberts was without a doubt the scariest novel I read this year. Though that hell house in SMALL TOWN SINNERS by Melissa Walker was also super freaky.
Most memorable villain
So, he did do a lot to redeem himself in SINISTER SCENES (the third book in Paul Bracegirdle's JOY OF SPOOKING trilogy), but I've always loved the complexity and moments of unfettered evil glee that Mr. Phipps brought to the equation. I will miss him dearly.
Most memorable cover
Lizzy Bromley designed this gorgeous art for WITHER by Lauren DeStefano. And guess what guys?! Rumor has it that Lizzy Bromley is designing the cover for LEVEL 2 as well. I am deliriously excited about it!!
Most memorable unexpected reveal
The end of VARIANT by Robison Wells. I knew I was in for a big. shocking. twist! But I never saw THAT coming.
Most memorable backlist reads
THE HOUSE OF THE SCORPION by Nancy Farmer
EVERLOST by Neal Schusterman
Most time spent on describing chickens
HOUSE OF THE SEVEN GABLES by Nathaniel Hawthorne. I meant to read a classic a month this year, but after spending nearly two weeks reading this one, I abandoned that lofty goal.
What were some of your memorable reading moments in 2011?
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