FIVE Challenge: Best Titles for 2010

The FIVE Challenge was created by Adele of Persnickety Snark. A few weeks ago Adele challenged her fellow bloggers to create lists of their favorite books of the year. Today's list includes my favorite books of the year. I read some truly amazing novels in 2010, so narrowing it down to a top five was impossible and even doubling that number proved much harder than I thought. So, I decided to create two lists (I'm such a cheater), and include my top ten reads released this year and my top ten reads released prior to 2010.


TOP TEN RELEASED IN 2010

TOP TEN READ IN 2010

Okay... so maybe I cheated a little more on the second list, but how can you pick one John Green novel!?! You can't, so I included all three. I'm also going to toss in a few middle grade novels. MG isn't something I read a lot of, but these two books were some of the best I've ever read:

So there's my list. It's a lot longer than I intended, but what can I say? I read some pretty fantastic books this year. I'd like to thank Adele of Persnickety Snark for hosting the FIVE Challenge. It was loads of fun to put together, and I really enjoyed seeing everyone's lists. Here's to 2011 being even greater!

FIVE Challenge: Great YA Bloggers

The FIVE Challenge was created by Adele of Persnickety Snark. A few weeks ago Adele challenged her fellow bloggers to create lists of their favorite books of the year. Today's list includes great YA bloggers. It's really hard to narrow it down to five people who have had an impact on me this year, so I may have cheated a little and included a few more...

Here they are, in no particular order, and I think I'll let them speak for themselves:

The Story Siren
Forever Young Adult
Along for the Ride
Forever Young
Steph Su Reads
Presenting Lenore
Persnickety Snark
Bloggers Heart Books

Thanks guys for being entertaining, informative, and always awesome. You make the book blogging community a great one!

FIVE Challenge: Great Author Moments

The FIVE Challenge was created by Adele of Persnickety Snark. A few weeks ago Adele challenged her fellow bloggers to create lists of their favorite books of the year. Today's list includes great author moments. Unfortunately, YA authors don't often travel to the Baton Rouge (or even New Orleans) area, so I don't get to go to signings, workshops, etc. BUT, many authors have an amazing online presence which is really important to people like me who don't have the opportunity to see them in person.

Robin Epstein

God Is in the Pancakes

Robin's was the first author email I've ever received. Shortly after posting my review of God Is in the Pancakes (which I absolutely loved), Robin emailed to thank me for my review. She said:

I just have to tell you how thrilled I was when I saw your ARC review. It was thoughtful, it was well written and I love knowing that you related to Grace and the book! As I read your review I literally clasped my hand to my heart and beamed from ear to ear. You totally made my day and I just wanted you to know that!

What I appreciated most from her email was the description of her reaction to my review, which was my exact same reaction to her email! The love I have for the authors of my favorite books is great, and feeling that love being reciprocated from an author is nothing short of amazing. Thanks, Robin, for your kind words. The praise is greatly appreciated.

Lisa Schroeder
I Heart You, You Haunt Me; Far From You; Chasing Brooklyn
The second author email I received was a thank-you from Lisa for my review of Chasing Brooklyn. Her email was also full of praise, and especially meaningful after knowing she'd read other reviews on my blog. She's also tweeted her approval of my If I Stay review and, just recently, her thanks for choosing Chasing Brooklyn as one of my favorite novels of the year.

Medeia Sharif
Bestest. Ramadan. Ever.
Back when I first started blogging, I was stoked any time I got a comment... from anyone - even my friends who probably felt obligated. So when I started getting "regulars" I was beyond thrilled and grateful. One of these people was Medeia, whose debut novel will be published summer 2011. She was my first author-commenter, and I'm still extremely humbled she even read my blog.

Lauren Baratz-Logsted
Crazy Beautiful, The Education of Bet, The Twin's Daughter
I can't say that I've read any of Lauren's books (not that they aren't on my list) or that I know much about her personally (although I have done some research), but I do know that she's huge on Twitter and despite having over 2000 followers, she still makes the time to tweet to little, measly me. In fact, she complemented me on my spelling, which is something I pride myself in.

Sarah Ockler
Twenty Boy Summer, Fixing Delilah
Any author who takes time away from his/her busy schedule to host Twitter parties, hold contests, and generate interest in upcoming releases via groups like The Contemps is sure to be a favorite among readers. Sarah Ockler is this type of author. Just last month in celebration of her sophomore novel, Fixing Delilah, she hosted a three-hour-long Twitter party. Despite being banned by the Twitter police, she managed to answer questions and reveal trivia answers all while tallying up everyone's entries for her multiple contests. I was incredibly grateful to be a part of such a fun night.

FIVE Challenge: Most Anticipated

The FIVE Challenge was created by Adele of Persnickety Snark. A few weeks ago Adele challenged her fellow bloggers to create lists of their favorite books of the year. Today's list includes the books I most look forward to releasing in 2011:

Lola and the Boy Next Door
Stephanie Perkins
late 2011

While Lola is not a sequel to Anna, it is a companion novel. What this means exactly is to be determined, as there isn't even a description yet. That said, Stephanie wowed me so much with Anna that I'll read whatever she puts on the shelves.

The Bridge of Clay
Markus Zusak
September 1, 2011

Markus Zusak is another author I completely support and trust. The moment I heard about The Bridge of Clay I put on my to-read list. It could be a history of string beans and I'll read it.

We'll Always Have Summer
Jenny Han
May 3, 2011

I love this series so very much. I wish it could last forever... but like summers, series must eventually end, too.

The Lover's Dictionary

David Levithan

January 4, 2011

Does a David Levithan book need a reason?

Forever

Maggie Stiefvater

July 12, 2011

I'll be so sad when this series is over. It's probably my favorite paranormal romance. I can't wait to see what Maggie has in mind when Sam and Grace's story is done.

*Where She Went

Gayle Forman

April 5, 2011

I had the great honor of reading this back in October, so it's not technically a book I anticipate; however, I am looking forward to its release so I can talk about it with everyone! All I'm going to say is the wait will be worth it.

(*Bonus pick)

FIVE Challenge: Great Re-reads

The FIVE Challenge was created by Adele of Persnickety Snark. A few weeks ago Adele challenged her fellow bloggers to create lists of their favorite books of the year. Today's list includes the books I enjoyed so much that I've wanted to (or actually have already) reread.

The Book Thief
Markus Zusak

This book is the reason I learned to read. It is the one book I would reread for the rest of my life if I had nothing else, the one possession I'd wish for on a deserted island, the one novel that should be required reading for everyone. It is, in a word, phenomenal. The impact it has on me as a reader and a person is astounding.

If I Stay
Gayle Forman

While at times this book had me gasping for air between sobs, it was one of the most hopeful and inspiring love stories I've ever read. I can barely talk to people about this book - I just tell them they have to read it. Period. I could never give this book (or its sequel) justice, so I just tell people they must read it because they, too, will love it.

The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay
Suzanne Collins

I feel like there's really nothing left to say about The Hunger Games trilogy. If you've read it, you get it. If you haven't, you need to go out and get them. Right now!

Anna and the French Kiss
Stephanie Perkins

I'm going to include a quote from my review: "My initial reaction to finishing Stephanie Perkins's debut novel was letting out the breath I'd been holding and hugging this book close to my heart." This book was so wonderfully perfect that it felt like an old friend - one you'd like to revisit very often.

Looking for Alaska, An Abundance of Katherines, Paper Towns
John Green

I feel as though I must bunch all of John's books together because 1. I read them consecutively and 2. they're equally amazing and I just can't pick a favorite. Okay, so maybe Looking for Alaska holds the title, but I swear it's only by a nose. One of my favorite quotes ever actually comes from Alaska, and it exemplifies the quality of writing John Green possesses:

"...I was gawky and she was gorgeous and I was hopelessly boring and she was endlessly fascinating. So I walked back to my room and collapsed on the bottom bunk, thinking that if people were rain, I was a drizzle and she was a hurricane."

FIVE Challenge: Great Series

The FIVE Challenge was created by Adele of Persnickety Snark. A few weeks ago Adele challenged her fellow bloggers to create lists of their favorite books of the year. Today's list includes my favorite series of the year. Now, I know I was late at starting a few of these, but they are highlighted here because they were new to me this year:

The Wolves of Mercy Falls
Maggie Stiefvater
Shiver August 1, 2009
Linger July 13, 2010
Forever July 12, 2011

Great paranormal romance with believable characters and incredible writing. I love love love this series and can't wait for Forever.

Summer
Jenny Han
The Summer I Turned Pretty
May 5, 2009
It's Not Summer Without You
April 27, 2010
We'll Always Have Summer
May 3, 2011

I've only been able to read book one so far, but man was it good. It made me feel all sorts of things - in a good way - and I still think about it months after reading.

Hex Hall
Rachel Hawkins
Hex Hall March 2, 2010
Demonglass March 1, 2011
Triple Hexxx 2012

Paranormal? Psshht. Witches? Whatever. I never thought Hex Hall would be more than some low-grade fantasy that would just be mildly okay. (Sorry, Rachel!) HOWEVER, I totally fricken loved it! The story was adorable, the characters were real, the writing was great. Total shocker. Will read whatever Rachel writes in the future.

The Infernal Devices
Cassandra Clare
Clockwork Angel August 31, 2010
Clockwork Prince August 2011
Clockwork Princess 2012

Having never read The Mortal Instruments series, I wasn't sure how I'd like Clockwork Angel. Even though you don't need to read one before the other, I was worried I wouldn't "get" it or that there'd be something missing. Wrong again. It was fantastic. I can't wait for the rest of the series and to finally get started on The Mortal Instruments.

The Hunger Games
Suzanne Collins
The Hunger Games September 14, 2008
Catching Fire September 1, 2009
Mockingjay August 24, 2010

Does this series even really need an explanation?

FIVE Challenge: Great Covers

The FIVE Challenge was created by Adele of Persnickety Snark. A few weeks ago Adele challenged her fellow bloggers to create lists of their favorite books of the year. Today's list includes my favorite covers of books I've read this year, meaning they weren't necessarily published this year.

Shiver

Maggie Stiefvater

Book design by Christopher Stengel

I love these covers so much. The matching colored font is what really does it, though. Such a smart move, and not something I would have ever thought of. These books are very pretty on their own, but I think the blue, green, and red are going to look fierce together on any shelf.

Before I Fall

Lauren Oliver

Jacket photo by Veer Incorporated

Jacket design by Joel Tippie

This cover is nearly as stunning as the story between its pages. From the green of her eyes to the freckles on her nose to the blades of grass - there's so much detail to absorb. It's definitely eye-catching.

The Dark Divine

Bree Despain
*Help! I couldn't get my hands on a copy to give credit!

This may be a cover that has nothing to do with the story, but that doesn't stop it from being breathtaking. I guess you could say it captures some of the mysteriousness of the book? Regardless, the cover is beautiful and made me want to pick it up.

Once a Witch

Carolyn MacCullough
Cover art by Eva Kolenko
Jacket design by Sheila Smallwood

The jewel tones of this cover are gorgeous. I literally picked it up off  of a display shelf based solely on its cover. When I was browsing my local library's shelves looking for something familiar to strike me, I kept being drawn back to Once a Witch. Luckily, the story inside lived up to its beautiful exterior.

Vixen

Jillian Larkin

Book design by Trish Parcell Watts

I have a wedding dress that I love. A lot. But I would trade it for the dress on this cover in a heartbeat. It's so elegant and the perfect fit (heh heh, I crack myself up) for the cover of this book.

FIVE Challenge: Great Debuts

The FIVE Challenge was created by Adele of Persnickety Snark. A few weeks ago Adele challenged her fellow bloggers to create lists of their favorite books of the year. Today's list includes my favorite debuts of the year. I was only able to read a small sample of the awesomeness that was published by first-time authors this year, but these are my top picks from my reading list:


Anna and the French Kiss

Stephanie Perkins

December 2, 2010

If you've read my review, you know I have nothing but love for this book. It was sweet, it was funny, it was everything I could ever want from a contemporary romance. That this is Stephanie's debut novel just blows my mind. How is it that some people can get things just so right?

Before I Fall

Lauren Oliver

March 2, 2010

Now that I've recovered from my initial freak-out, I can tell you why you need to read Before I Fall. Wait, no I can't. Because I still have the urge to jump up and down and scream whenever I think about it! So just trust me, and go get it. Go! Now! I promise you it is that good. You can send me ugly fanmail if you disagree.

The Body Finder

Kimberly Derting

March 16, 2010

With all the paranormal YA out there, you may be wondering why you should read The Body Finder. Well, Violet's morbid ability is the only paranormal factor in this novel - there are no sparkly vampires or brooding werewolves. But there is this guy named Jay, who is so deliciously yummy that I often forget why else I liked this book. Oh yeah, because Violet is a completely relatable character and you get to see the inner-workings of a serial killer's mind!

The Absolute Value of -1

Steve Brezenoff

September 1, 2010

If you're looking for something contemporary, from multiple perspectives, and/or a bit different, then Steve Brezenoff's debut novel may be for you. This book made me feel all sorts of things, and I think it's probably the most under-appreciated debut of the year.

The DUFF
Kody Keplinger
September 7, 2010

As the Designated Ugly Fat Friend, Bianca is who we all wish we will never be. Except she throws this label (along with her cherry coke) right back in pretty boy Wesley Rush's face, which makes us all want to be exactly like her. Smart, sassy, and sarcastic, Bianca is a trifecta of attitude and wit. Alternating between laughing hysterically and drooling incessantly, The DUFF was a fun and sexy read that I thoroughly enjoyed.