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Top Ten Tuesday (#97) (06/30/15) Top Ten Books I've Read So Far In 2015

6/30/2015

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.
 
Top Ten(ish) Books I've Read So Far In 2015


I've actually managed to read many more books this year than anticipated.  That's the good news, the bad news is that less than half of those books were good enough for me even to consider putting them in the top 10.  Here are the best so far.  These are IN ORDER.


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18798983-the-wrath-and-the-dawn

Easily the best book I read this year. I loved just about everything about it.  To the point where as soon as I finished I had to write my review.  I don't know how anything will knock this off the top spot.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18339662-we-were-liars



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23009402-saint-anything

So there is no surprise that a Sarah Dessen book makes my list.  I really enjoyed this story, and I liked getting back to my favorite type of Sarah Dessen book.  Good stuff.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20820994-i-ll-give-you-the-sun

Another book I didn't get to last year, but it was worth the wait.  I can totally understand why this won the Printz, it was just amazing.  I waited for Jandy Nelson to write another book after the amazingness of The Sky is Everywhere, and she more than lived up to my expectations.  I can't wait to read what she writes next.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21490991-the-boy-in-the-black-suit

I love Jason Reynolds, so I'll pretty much read whatever he writes.  This book was a heartbreaking take on one boys journey through grief, and it was just beautifully written.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22429350-the-start-of-me-and-you

I am really loving what Emery Lord is writing.  Her first book just missed out on making my Top 10 last year, I hope this one makes it in the end.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20698530-p-s-i-still-love-you

The first book made my Top 10 of last year, and I loved the second book too.  I loved Lara Jean in all her neurotic (but realistic) glory.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18140047-love-letters-to-the-dead

This was one of those books that I intended to read last year and never got around to.  I'm glad I got to it, because it is just as good as I had hoped.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23281652-daughter-of-deep-silence

This was such a nice change from Carrie Ryan's previous books.  However, it was just as well written as her other books.  It was nothing earth shattering, but it was just good fun read.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22836575-99-days

I liked this book.  Many of the characters were pretty unlikeable, but it just made them seem a little more real.  I doubt this book makes my top by the end of the year, and officially it shouldn't be on this list at all (see below).  Either way, this made my list for now.

 

Bonus:


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18775297-sweet-filthy-boy

This is a YA blog, so I wanted to keep my list YA based. However, I can't have a top 10 list and not mention this book.  It is actually my 5th favorite book that I've read this year, and the only one of the books on this list that I've read multiple times.  I adored this book and can't wait for the next book in the series to come out in September. If you like NA/Adult that is as far from YA as possible, I highly recommend this book.



"Waiting On" Wednesday (#96) Worlds of Ink and Shadow by Lena Coakley

6/24/2015

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm picking:

Worlds of Ink and Shadow by
Expected publication: January 5th 2016 by Amulet Books

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24795912-worlds-of-ink-and-shadow



From Goodreads: 

Charlotte, Branwell, Emily, and Anne. The Brontë siblings have always been inseparable. After all, nothing can bond four siblings quite like life in an isolated parsonage out on the moors. Their vivid imaginations lend them escape from their strict upbringing, actually transporting them into their created worlds: the glittering Verdopolis and the romantic and melancholy Gondal. But at what price? As Branwell begins to slip into madness and the sisters feel their real lives slipping away, they must weigh the cost of their powerful imaginations, even as their characters—the brooding Rogue and dashing Duke of Zamorna—refuse to let them go.

Gorgeously written and based on the Brontës’ juvenilia, Worlds of Ink & Shadow brings to life one of history’s most celebrated literary families.



Why I'm Waiting:

Confession, I've never read any books by the Bronte sisters.  I know a bit about them, but I look forward to learning more about them and their books through a fictional story. 








Teaser and Top Ten Tuesday (#96) (06/23/15) My Ten Favorite Top Ten Topics We've Ever Done In The Past 5 Years

6/23/2015

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

My Ten Favorite Top Ten Topics We've Ever Done In The Past 5 Years


I've only been doing this for two years, so I can't speak of the topics before that, but here are my favorites that I've done since I started this blog.



1. Top Ten Books On My TBR For (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall) -  These are by far my favorite. Not only to read what others have to say, but to write.  I love seeing what others are planning on reading for the season, and I like showing off what I plan to read, even if I don't always get to them.  Plus it helps me organize my reading so I know what I should be making a priority for the season.

2.  Top Ten Books I Read in (Year) - This is easily my second favorite topic.  I love sharing my favorite books for the year, and I love see what others list as their favorites.  I have a tendency to prioritize books that frequently make other peoples lists.

3. Top Ten Most Anticipated Debut Novels For (Year) - I love debut authors.  I just love discovering new authors in general, and this list never fails to get me excited every year.  I love visiting other people's lists to see what they are looking forward to.

4. Top Ten New To Me Authors in (Year) - Much like the Top Ten books for the year, I love to discover new authors, and this is one of my favorite annual topics.

5. Top Ten Books I HAD To Buy...But Are Still Sitting On My Shelf Unread - This topic came up towards the beginning of my blogging journey, and it's one I have thought about a lot in the years since I wrote it.  I went back to look at my list, and thank goodness I have actually read some of the books on this list. Sadly, not all of them.

6. Ten Places Books Have Made Me Want To Visit - Any time I can combine two of my favorite things, books & traveling, I am happy.  This list was fun to do, but hard to narrow down.

7. Top Ten Characters I Would Crush On If I Were Also A Fictional Character - I love to talk about characters that make me swoon, we also did a topic about books that make you swoon that I enjoyed as well.

8.  Top Ten Books I'm Looking Forward To In (Year) - I really do love these end/beginning of year lists.  They are my favorites to both write and read what others are looking forward to.  I have added so many books to my TBR list because of what I've found while looking at other people's lists.

9.  Top Ten Authors Who Deserve More Recognition - I like when the topic focuses on Authors, and this was one of my favorites because I'm all for the under recognized authors.

10.  Top Ten Most Memorable Secondary Characters - I remember this topic well, and I think about it on occasion.  It was just a really nice list that highlighted some of those awesome and well written secondary characters.

"Waiting On" Wednesday (#95) When We Collided by Emery Lord

6/17/2015

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm picking:

When We Collided by
Expected publication: April 5th 2016 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25663637-when-we-collided


From Goodreads: 

Meet Vivi and Jonah: A girl and a boy whose love has the power save or destroy them.

Vivi and Jonah couldn't be more different. Vivi craves anything joyful or beautiful that life can offer. Jonah has been burdened by responsibility for his family ever since his father died. As summer begins, Jonah resigns himself to another season of getting by. Then Vivi arrives, and suddenly life seems brighter and better. Jonah is the perfect project for Vivi, and things finally feel right for Jonah. Their love is the answer to everything. But soon Vivi's zest for life falters, as her adventurousness becomes true danger-seeking. Jonah tries to keep her safe, but there's something important Vivi hasn't told him.

Perfect for fans of E. Lockhart and Jandy Nelson, When We Collided is a powerful story of two teens whose love is put to the test by forces beyond their control.



Why I'm Waiting:

I have really enjoyed Emery Lord's first two books.  They are perfect contemporaries, so I have high hopes for this one.  She is quickly becoming one of my favorite contemporary authors.  I am also very curious to see what's going on with Vivi.


Top Ten Tuesday (#95) (06/16/15) Top Ten Books On My TBR For Summer 2015

6/16/2015

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.
 

Top Ten Books On My TBR For Summer 2015


These lists are always my favorites.  Like always, I am limiting this list to those books that are being published during the summer solstice June 21st through the fall equinox, on September 23rd.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23369370-hello-goodbye-and-everything-in-between
Expected publication: September 1st 2015 by Poppy

Jennifer E. Smith is quickly turning into one of my favorite contemporary writers.  I have the ARC on this, and I can't wait to dig in.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24885736-the-shadow-behind-the-stars

Another book I have the ARC to that I need to make sure I read before it comes out.  The Fates are my favorites from mythology, so this one has me excited.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23340891-sweet-madness
Expected publication: September 18th 2015 by Merit Press 

Another book I have the ARC for that I must read.  I can honestly say that I've never read a retelling of the Lizzie Borden murders.  This book really has me intrigued.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23310761-tonight-the-streets-are-ours
Expected publication: September 15th 2015 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

I've really enjoyed the other Leila Sales books that I've read, so I am pretty excited about this one.  Plus it almost has a Nick & Norah feel to it, that has me really intrigued.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24885809-anne-henry
Expected publication: September 1st 2015 by Simon Pulse

As a history major, I am really intrigued about how they are going to portray this.  I've seen some mixed reviews, now I just have to read it for myself.  I have the ARC on this one too, so I need to get to reading.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20753330-jubilee-manor
Expected publication: August 11th 2015 by Dial Books

I found the first book in this series to be very interesting.  It wasn't a favorite from last year, but it had me intrigued enough to take a look at the second installment.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24611995-the-accident-season
Expected publication: August 18th 2015 by Kathy Dawson Books

Once again an ARC that I must make sure I read before it comes out.  I am really intrigued by this book.  I don't know if I've ever read anything like this story before.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24396858-the-dead-house
Expected publication: September 15th 2015 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

This book looks unbelievably creepy, and I can't wait to get my hands on it.  I have seen a couple of early reviews on it, and others seem to really like it. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24611582-the-boy-most-likely-to
Expected publication: August 18th 2015 by Dial Books 

This probably my most anticipated of all these books.  I LOVED Huntley Fitzpatrick's first book, and I can't wait to revisit some of these characters.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18484795-a-million-miles-away?ac=1
Expected publication: July 7th 2015 by Poppy

I love a good contemporary, and this book looks like it will be my type of book.  My only hesitation is that they state it's for fans of Nicholas Sparks.  That does not have me excited. Either way the ARC is sitting on my shelf waiting to be read.


"Waiting On" Wednesday (#94) See How They Run (Embassy Row #2) by Ally Carter

6/10/2015

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm picking:

See How They Run (Embassy Row #2) by
Expected publication: January 5th 2016 by Scholastic Press

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24644814-see-how-they-run


From Goodreads: 

Inside every secret, there's a world of trouble. Get ready for the second book in this new series of global proportions--from master of intrigue, New York Times bestselling author Ally Carter.

Grace's past has come back to hunt her . . . and if she doesn't stop it, Grace isn't the only one who will get hurt. Because on Embassy Row, the countries of the world stand like dominoes, and one wrong move can make them all fall down.

The twists get twistier and the turns get even more shocking in the second thrilling installment of Embassy Row.



Why I'm Waiting:

In Ally Carter I trust.  I didn't love the first book in this series, I know way too much about the U.S. Foreign Service to overlook the glaring inaccuracies that ripped me out of the story time and time again.  That being said, I've loved every other book that Ally Carter has written, so I'm willing to give this series another chance.


Top Ten Tuesday (#94) (06/09/15) Top Ten Most Anticipated Releases For the Rest of 2015

6/09/2015


Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.
 

Top Ten Most Anticipated Releases For the Rest of 2015

This is really interesting, I looked ahead pretty far to what I anticipated reading late last year, and I've stuck with it.  I also need to make sure I'm not going to repeat books that will be on next week's list. Here are my most anticipated/what I'm looking forward to for the rest of the year.


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23848163-romancing-the-dark-in-the-city-of-light
Expected publication: October 6th 2015 by Thomas Dunne Books

 This one is definitely one of my most anticipated, and if I unless I manage to get hold of an ARC, it will end up on my Fall TBR list.  I have a weakness for books set in Paris, and this one has me giddy with anticipation.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18748653-daughters-unto-devils
Expected publication: September 29th 2015 by Harlequin Teen

This will be a super creepy book perfect for Halloween.  This was my WoW last week, and with good reason. Just read the description, and check out the cover, and there will be chills.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20652088-ash-bramble?ac=1
Expected publication: September 15th 2015 by HarperTeen 

I love a good retelling, and I am really looking forward to this one. I don't love the cover, but I do love the font and the title.  This looks great.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24885790-lock-mori
Expected publication: September 15th 2015 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

I love Sherlock, and retellings of Sherlock stories.  This looks like it will be a great twist.  I have the ARC, I just have to read it now.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20623529-the-fixer
Expected publication: July 7th 2015 by Bloomsbury Children's

I love books set in DC, the only problem is that I live here, so any inconsistencies make me snicker and ultimately annoy me.  I really hope this one is done well.  I've been meaning to read a books by this author forever, and I really hope I get to this one.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24751478-soundless
Expected publication: November 10th 2015 by Razorbill 

 Yes, a new Richelle Mead YA book that does not involve vampires.  I'm so excited.  I loved the VA and Bloodline series, but I can't wait to read what she has in store next.  Plus it's a retelling, which I love.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23453083-trust-me-i-m-trouble



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13206900-winter



https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21424692-for-the-record
Expected publication: November 10th 2015 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers

I love contemporaries, and I love books that deal with music and musicians.  I have high hopes that this book will be as good as it looks.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23310751-first-then
Expected publication: October 13th 2015 by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

This one had me eager to read it when it listed Friday Night Lights meets Pride and Prejudice.  FNL is one of my all time favorite TV shows, add in P&P elements, and I must read this.  My only hope is that they get the football part right.  I know a lot about that topic, and if it isn't realistic, I get really annoyed.


"Waiting On" Wednesday (#93) Let Me Walk You Home by Rachel Dukes

6/03/2015

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm picking:

Let Me Walk You Home by
Expected publication: February 9th 2016 by Amulet Books

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24795892-let-me-walk-you-home?from_search=true&search_version=service


From Goodreads: 

Amanda and Eric, blissfully happy and soon to be engaged, have the kind of romance that seems charmed. Amanda’s home life is tumultuous at best, so her close relationship with Eric’s family—particularly with her “surrogate mother”—feels like perfection.

Then one shocking incident destroys everything. When Eric’s brother, Scott, commits an unspeakable act against Amanda, he challenges familial relationships and divides friendships at their picturesque New England university. Eric and Amanda’s formerly airtight romance begins to falter. Despite their enduring love, the pain Scott caused threatens to destroy them.

It’s up to Amanda to channel the courage she needs to thrive. But in the wake of events both devastating and uncontrollable, how can a victimized young woman reclaim happiness?



Why I'm Waiting:

The description sounds absolutely heartbreaking, but I am still very intrigued by this book. It looks like it will be a tough yet beautiful story.  I don't often read graphic novels, but this one really has me intrigued.  Plus it's wordless, so the pictures really have to tell the story.