Thursday, December 29, 2011

YA Superlatives Blogfest: Elements of Fiction

Hosted by Jessica Love, Katy Upperman, Alison Miller, and Tracey Neithercott

The end of another year is here, and I can't wait to see everyone else's end-of-year lists. It's one of my favorite aspects of the blogging community. I read some great books this year, and it was really hard to pick favorites. Also, I cheated a little and picked from all the books I READ in 2011 - not necessarily published in 2011. I hate to break the rules, but I wanted to highlight all the great books I read, including those old and those not yet published. Feel free to leave comments - I'd love to hear what you think of my picks - and be sure to visit my lovely hostesses! Thanks, ladies, for putting this together! I can't wait to read your posts, as well.

Most Envy-Inducing Plot
This was one of those books I just knew I'd love when I read the synopsis.
Doesn't that just make your heart break a little?

Most Wonderful World-Building
Before this book my love for space only extended to the movie Apollo 13.
But this book had me seeing stars - in a good way.

Most Formidable World
I am always cold, and I live in Louisiana. You think I'd make it in Siberia?!
Forget about the Nazis, I'd have frozen to death in the first chapter.

Wanderlust-Inducing
A stage may not seem very special, but having the ability to make me yearn for ballet classes when I have two left feet gives Bunheads this honor.

Loveliest Prose
I will read anything Kirsten ever writes. Ever. She is so good at making you feel things.

Best First Line
Cheating a little here since it's the first line of the second chapter, but it is David's first:
"i am constantly torn between killing myself and everyone around me."

Most Dynamic Main Character
Emerson is a snarky, vulnerable, stubborn, feisty girl who stole my heart on the first page. She is everything I could ever want in a female protagonist.

Most Jaw-Dropping Finale
It was one of those I-should-have-seen-that-coming-but-totally-didn't-see-that-coming endings.

Best Performance in a Supporting Role
Lola's best friend Lindsey, Lola's dads, and a few familiar faces
all make Lola and the Boy Next Door special. Sure Lola and Cricket steal the stage, but the others help shine the light on them.

Best Use of Theme
Theme is one of those things that's hard to describe and so is Ellen's work.
But the way her words seamlessly flow from one character to another is exactly the theme of her latest novel: perfection.


So there you have it - my favorite books of the year! Come back tomorrow for the Best in Show where I'll be showcasing even more of the greatness found in YA this year. Be sure to visit other blogs and feel free to join in with your own picks!

9 comments:

  1. Great picks, and LOVE seeing these covers (Bunhead is amazing). Thanks for sharing!

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  2. These are great books (and great covers!). I am really looking forward to reading BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY. Awesome!

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  3. Thanks for all the great picks! I've only read Lola, so I'll be adding all the others to my TBR list!

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  4. You've got several books on your list that I've yet to read, but REALLY want to, namely: BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY, BUNHEADS, and PERFECT. And I love AtU as Most Wonderful World-Building. That ship... Holy cow!

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  5. You have a great list here. I feel like I'm posting the same ol' same ol' books, so I'm glad to see some other choices. I REALLY want to read Bunheads. I love that cover.

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  6. Eep! I'm reading Mara Dyer right now, so I'm getting amped for the end now. Haha.

    Love the cover of Bunheads. I admit, I am intrigued despite being not-at-all cut out to be a dancer. I'm going to go check out FORGOTTEN. Hadn't heard of it before this post, and the cover is eye-catching!

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  7. Great list! I really liked Forgotten and, yes, I totally wish I thought of that. This list also reminds me that I need to read Will Grayson, Will Grayson. It's been on my TBR list for a while and for some reason I haven't read it yet. Thanks for the reminder!

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  8. Emerson was my dynamic character too! And agreed on Perfect. Ellen Hopkins is sensational!

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