Top Ten Tuesday (#117) (12/22/15) Top Ten Books I Wouldn't Mind Santa Leaving Under My Tree This Year

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

 

Top Ten Nine Books I Wouldn't Mind Santa Leaving Under My Tree This Year

This is really hard because other than ARCs, I have tried to avoid bringing in more print books.  I just don't have enough shelves to hold all my books.  So this list is more along the lines of books I wouldn't mind Santa magically delivering to my Kindle. 

I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

I have the print ARC of this, but I don't have a finished copy. It was so beautiful that I want to revisit as often as I can, so I seeing this under my tree wouldn't be a bad thing.

The Wrath and the Dawn (The Wrath and the Dawn #1) by Renee Ahdieh

My favorite book of this year, another book where I have a print ARC, but a finished copy would not be turned away.

All American Boys by Jason Reynolds, Brendan Kiely

My second favorite book of this year, I would love to get a copy of this.  I checked it out from the library, but I really would love to read it again.

See How They Run (Embassy Row #2) by Ally Carter

This comes out today, so Santa can just drop that copy off right about now.  I had some issues with the first book, but I'm hoping the second book will better.

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

I don't own this in any form and I since I love Rainbow Rowell, I would love to have a copy of this book.

Soundless by Richelle Mead

No reason in particular, I just love Richelle Mead's books, and I don't own this in any way.  It would beat having to check it out from the library.

Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

This is the only Sarah Dessen book I don't own.  Therefore it needs a place on my shelf.  This is the only book I actually want the print copy more than the ebook.

Silent Alarm by Jennifer Banash

Another book I wanted to read this year that was never available as an ebook from the library.  I would love to get a copy from Santa.

Blue Lily, Lily Blue (The Raven Cycle #3) by Maggie Stiefvater

I can't believe I still haven't read this book, if I owned it maybe I would get around to reading it.

Top Ten Tuesday (#116) (12/15/15) Top Ten Best Books I Read In 2015

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

 

Top Ten Best Books I Read In 2015

I have read a lot of books this year, but I haven't been reading as many YA books only about 50, so I feel like I don't have a lot to compare.  Despite that, I have read some pretty awesome books. With a few more weeks left, there may be one that I will read that will shake this list up, but as of this moment here are my 10.  These are IN ORDER.

The Wrath and the Dawn (The Wrath and the Dawn #1) by Renee Ahdieh

This was one of my most anticipated books of the year, and it totally lived up to my expectations. I want the second book in my hands NOW. I really hope they have it at ALA midwinter, I may cry if they don't. I read this pretty early in the year and I didn't think anything would come close until...

All American Boys by Jason Reynolds & Brendan Kiely

I have not been quiet about my love for Jason Reynolds, so I knew ahead of time that I would probably love this book. I wasn't prepared for how amazing it truly was.  I really went back and forth if this should be my number one, and it really could be.  Let's just consider Wrath as 1a and this as 1b.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

This was just so beautifully written.  I was so mad at myself for not reading it last year that this was one of the first books that I picked up in 2015. It was amazing, haunting, and just so tragic.

Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

Any long time reader would not be surprised to see Sarah Dessen's latest book on my list. I really enjoyed this book, as I have most of her other books.  They marketed it as so different from her other books, but in reality it was just as familiar and amazing as her other books.

I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

I can totally understand why this book won the Printz. There is no doubt it deserves it. It is beautiful. And odd. And twisty. And just about perfect.  I waited what felt like 1000 years for Jandy Nelson to write another book after the Sky is Everywhere and somehow I didn't get to it last year, but man was it amazing.

The Wrong Side of Right by Jenn Marie Thorne

More times than not authors get the Washington tone wrong. This book got it very right.  I think the accuracy, the believably and the story itself just completely won me over.  I expected to like this book, I didn't expect to love it as much as I did.

The Boy in the Black Suit by Jason Reynolds

One of my favorite authors writes two books in the same year, two of this books end up on my favorites list. Reynolds debut ended up as my favorite for last year, and while I didn't love this as much as his first effort, this book was still pretty darned awesome.  If you haven't read his books, I can't recommend them enough.

The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord

This book proved that Emery Lord is no one hit wonder. Her debut made my list last year, and now she's two for two.  She is a great contemporary author and I plan to read pretty much everything she writes from now on.

P.S. I Still Love You (To All the Boys I've Loved Before #2) by Jenny Han

To All the Boys was supposed to be a stand alone.  I am so glad that Jenny Han changed her mind.  I loved reading more about Laura Jean and Peter. But it wasn't even the romance, it was just getting that peek into Laura Jeans world and all her oddness yet awesomeness.

Noggin by John Corey Whaley

It was so bizarre and yet really good.  I listened to the audio of this book, and I laughed out loud many times over.  Is it contemporary, sci-fi? Doesn't really matter, it was just worth reading. 

BONUS

Sweet Filthy Boy (Wild Seasons #1) by Christina Lauren

This was on my mid-year list, and I will repeat what I said then. I fricking adored this book. No it's not YA, at ALL. It's pretty darned X rated.  But I've read it about ten times so far. Every time I think about this book, I want to read it all over again. I enjoyed the other two books in the series as well, but they just don't come close to touching my love for this book. If I included it on the regular list, it would have come in at #7, but because I tried to keep the list YA, it becomes just a bonus.

Top Ten Tuesday (#108) (09/22/15) Top Ten Books On My Fall TBR

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

 

Top Ten Books On My Fall TBR

I love these lists. Recently I have been terrible about reading what I put on my list, however it always helps me focus on what I should be reading for the season.  As always this list is for books published during the fall equinox and the winter solstice.  September 23rd - December 22nd.  Here are my ten.

Romancing the Dark in the City of Light by Ann Jacobus

Expected publication: October 6th 2015 by St. Martin's Griffin

I am a sucker for books set in Paris.  This one is getting pretty good reviews and it's apparently not you typical romance.  I have the ARC and I can't wait to read this.

Winter (The Lunar Chronicles #4) by Marissa Meyer

Expected publication: November 10th 2015 by Feiwel and Friends 

I am curious to see who has read this series that DOESN'T have this book on top of their TBR pile.  I can't wait to see how this series turns out.  I am not always big on Science Fiction books, but I adore this series.

Trust Me, I'm Trouble (Trust Me #2) by Mary Elizabeth Summer

Expected publication: October 13th 2015 by Delacorte Press

I liked the first book in this series and I am curious to see how this book turns out.  I probably need to refresh my memory about what happened in the first book though.

See How They Run (Embassy Row #2) by Ally Carter

Expected publication: December 22nd 2015 by Scholastic Press

This book makes the list only because it gets released on the very last day of fall, and they pushed the publication date up.  I had a few issues with the first book in the series, but I'm hoping I can really appreciate this book.

Soundless by Richelle Mead

Expected publication: November 10th 2015 by Razorbill

I was so sad to see that this book has gotten mixed reviews.  I can't wait to read something by Richelle Mead tthat doesn't deal with vampires.

The Anatomical Shape of a Heart by Jenn Bennett

 Expected publication: November 3rd 2015 by Feiwel & Friends

Along with Paris and NYC, I am sucker for books set in San Francisco. This one looks to be very compelling and it's gotten great reviews so far.  I have the ARC so I have a good chance of getting to this book.

First & Then by Emma Mills

Expected publication: October 13th 2015 by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

FNL is one of all time favorite TV shows, so to see this book described as a combination of Pride and Prejudice and FNL, I can't wait to read it.  I have the ARC for this book as well, so I should get to it soon.

All American Boys by Jason Reynolds & Brendan Kiely

 Expected publication: September 29th 2015 by Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books

I will pretty much read whatever Jason Reynolds writes, so this book is high on my list.  This is another book where they significantly pushed up the publication date, so there are no ARCs available.  The subject matter is so timely, and I can't wait to see the author's take on it.

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

Expected publication: October 6th 2015 by St. Martin's Griffin 

I have a small confession, I liked Fan Girl, I didn't love it.  Even so I am very excited to give this book a chance.

A Mad Zombie Party (White Rabbit Chronicles #4) by Gena Showalter

Expected publication: September 29th 2015 by Harlequin Teen

I was presently surprised to see that Showalter was continuing this series.  I was actually really satisfied with how the last book ended to be a series finale.  Even so, I am eagerly anticipating this next book in the series.

Top Ten Tuesday (#104) (08/18/15) Top Ten Of Your Auto-buy Authors

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

 

Top Ten Of Your Auto-buy Authors

Hi I'm Lisa and I'm a book buying addict.  Seriously, I have had to limit myself to only buying e-books because I can't fit any more books in my house.  I do have some favorite authors though, but while I wouldn't say their books are auto-buys, they are auto reads (always through legal channels, either purchased, reviewed (ARCS), or checked out from the library.)  DON'T download "free" books on the internet.  You are stealing if you do.  Ultimately, they all end up being bought though.  So here are my auto-read authors.

Ally Carter

I've read pretty much whatever she's written, and I will continue to do so.  Her books are just plain good fun.  I may end up eating my words with her new series, but I just love what she's done so far.  My favorites are her Heist Society books.

Maggie Stiefvater

I admit I am one book behind on the Raven Cycle books, but I plan to remedy that very soon. My favorites are her Wolves of Mercy Falls books.

Sarah Dessen

 This one goes without saying.  I have read everything she's written and will continue to do so. She is my favorite author right now and she has been for a while.  My favorite books of hers are The Truth About Forever and This Lullaby.

Richelle Mead

 I haven't read any of her adult books, and I am in no hurry to.  Her YA books, I consume them as soon as they come out.  My favorites are the Vampire Academy Series.

Rachel Hawkins

I've read all of her books too.  I just love them.  They are just really good fun, and if you are not following her on twitter, I highly recommend checking it out.  She's funny.  She has a middle grade book coming out soon that I'll probably skip, but anything YA I'll definitely read.  My favorite is her Hex Hall series.

 Jennifer Echols

There are a few of her past books I still need to read, but I read each of her new books when they come out, or sometimes I review them and get to read them early.  She is definitely one of my favorite authors.  My favorite books are Going too Far and Perfect Couple.

E. Lockhart

I think there is one book of hers that I haven't read yet, but I will get to it eventually.  She is an amazing writer, and each time I pick up one of her books I get surprised again by how awesome they are. I just can't pick a favorite of hers, I love them all.

Jandy Nelson

She's only written two books, and they were both amazing.  I feel like I waited forever for I'll Give You the Sun, but it was worth the wait.  I will read everything and anything she writes next.  Not going to pick a favorite of hers either.

Gayle Forman

I've read most of what she's written, everything but her first book.  I will continue to read everything she's written because I love all her books.  My favorite book of hers is If I Stay.  Loved it.

Jason Reynolds

He's only written two books too, but they were both awesome.  He has another book coming out at the end of September that I will grab as soon as I can.  He also is writing a middle grade that I don't know if I'll pick up, but I'm sure will be awesome.

Top Ten Tuesday (#100) (07/21/15) Ten Books That Celebrate Diversity/Diverse Characters

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

 

Ten Books That Celebrate Diversity/Diverse Characters

When making this list, I realize I read a lot of the same type of book.  However, more often than not, when I branch off, I am rewarded.  Here are some of my favorite books that feature a main character or their love interest that are diverse in some way.  There are a ton of other books that have secondary characters that are a minority in some way, so I decided to just limit it to the main characters.  Here are my ten.

Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves

This book was so bizarre; but really well written.  It's so odd that it's hard to even focus on the fact that the main character is black.  But she is, even though I don't remember it being a huge focus on the book.

Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles #1) by Marissa Meyer

Yes Cinder is an android, but I think she's also Asian.  I think only because they don't really go into what she looks like from what I remember.  The story takes place in New Beijing, so I'm pretty sure they are all Asian.  If nothing else, they are all Asian in my mind.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor comes from a very poor background, however it's Park's Korean mother who steals the show in this book. Park's ethnicity comes up quite a bit during the book, but I think it's really well done.

I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

For some reason this is the only book that features a gay character that made my list, although there were others that could have easily been on it.  I just loved how this book was written, and the one of Noah's scene with Brian gave me the most happy chills.  I just adore this book.

Monster (Monster #1) by Walter Dean Myers

If found this book to be pretty amazing.  It was just such a different world than I have ever experienced, but it was enlightening.  I highly recommend this book.

Biggest Flirts (Superlatives #1) by Jennifer Echols

This series actually has several different races.  In this book the main female character is Hispanic.  One of my favorite things is that the Echols doesn't really make a big deal about it, it's just a fact about Tia much like so many others.  In the third book, the main female character is black, and it's brought up a little more, but once again, it's not a big deal.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before (To All the Boys I've Loved Before #1) by Jenny Han

I love that Jenny Han wrote this series.  Laura Jean is such a fantastic character, and she seems like such a typical teenager.  I have loved reading about her Korean customs, and her and her sister's do to keep that part of who they are.

The Wrath and the Dawn (The Wrath and the Dawn #1) by Renee Ahdieh

One of the few books I read with a Middle Eastern main character, and it is awesome.  I can't imagine this story being told any other way.

When I Was the Greatest by Jason Reynolds

I have never been shy about my love of Jason Reynolds books.  One of the things that I loved about this book is that the characters seem so real.  I can't wait to read his next book.

Perfect Chemistry (Perfect Chemistry #1) by Simone Elkeles

This is a perfect romance with characters that are not only from different socioeconomic backgrounds, but also from different races. I don't read enough books that have primary characters that are Hispanic.