Thank you to everyone who participated in my first ever blog contest! You guys are awesome :-)
I counted up all your contest entries for my lovely Best of 2009 contest and www.random.org to determine 3 winners. Drumroll please…
3rd place, winner of a $5 gift certificate from the online book retailer of your choice is, Y. BRESSANI!
2nd place, winner of 1 book from my 2009 Best of List is KRISTIE COOK!
And, the lucky 1st place winner that gets to pick 2 books from my 2009 Best of List is JESSICA TUDOR!
Congrats to the winners!! I have tweeted all 3 of you, but please email me at jessicacapelle at gmail dot com so that I can get your addresses and get information from you for your prizes!
Look for more contests in the future and thanks for reading my blog! I will be posting updates on my Banned Books Challenge, a new What are YOU reading post for February, and other miscellaneous posts in the next couple weeks, so make sure to stop back by!
Showing posts with label What are YOU reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label What are YOU reading. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Special 2009 Edition- What Are YOU Reading (plus a contest!)
Yes, I’m a little late posting a “best of” list, but I’m not going to tell you the best books of 2009. What I am going to do is comment on the books that I read in 2009that were my favorites. You see my “To Be Read” pile is so high that I’m a little behind sometimes!
In connection with my list, I’m having a contest. Why? Because I’ve got some amazing followers here, on Twitter, and on Facebook, and I want you guys to discover some of these fabulous books!
I read a lot of YA (young adult) books this year, because I’m writing YA but also because I enjoy them. Some of them are written much better than the novels labeled as for adults. This list is heavy on the YA, but I hope you’ll discover some great new books that interest you. I’ve marked them YA, A for Adult, and MG for Middle Grade (8-12ish), but I think you’ll see that these books transcend those labels.
The contest will run through January 31st at 11:59p.m. Central Time. Entries will be randomized to come up with the winners. To enter, leave a comment here on the blog with your favorite book from 2009 and which book on my list is most interesting to you.
For extra entries, you can do one or more of the following, just make sure and comment at some point before the contest is over so I can give you credit:
+5 entries- new or existing follower of the blog
+3 entries- tweet about this contest or post about it on Facebook or post it in the sidebar of your blog
+7 entries- do a blog post about this contest
+3 entries- become a new follower on Twitter or Facebook
+5 entries- current followers on Twitter or Facebook
PRIZES:
1st prize- choice of 2 books on the list (can be from same or different series)
2nd prize- choice of 1 book on the list
3rd prize- $5 gift certificate to your favorite online book retailer
Rules: Contest is open to US, Canada, and anywhere that bookdepository.com will ship. If winner is not in US or Canada, book selected must be one that bookdepository.com will ship to. $5 gift certificate is in USD only- value will depend on winner’s currency.
Depending on how many people enter, I may add some additional prizes that are writing/reading related or books that I’ve read that are in good shape. Books for 1st and 2nd prize will be new, but may be bargain books so may have retailer marks. If a winner can’t find a book they want on the list (I hope that won’t be the case!), I will make alternate arrangements.
Okay, so now on to the books!
It’s way too difficult to pick a favorite book. That being said, there were two series that so blew me away that I had to make a special mention of them. So… drum-roll, please… the tie for my favorite series of the year (in alphabetical order by author) goes to:
THE HUNGER GAMES Series by Suzanne Collins
The GONE Series by Michael Grant
THE HUNGER GAMES is set in post-apocalyptic Panem (what’s left of the US), where the districts are kept in line through hunger as much as force. The ultimate show of control, however, is the annual Hunger Games; each district must send one boy and one girl to compete, gladiator-style. This novel is so brilliant that I can’t even do it justice. I was worried that I’d be disappointed with book 2, CATCHING FIRE, because I loved book 1 so much. But the second was as good as the first. Hurry up book 3! [YA]
When people ask me what GONE is about, I always tell them it’s like LORD OF THE FLIES mixed with the X-men. Sounds strange, but the book is that and so much more. One day everyone 15 and older disappears into thin air, and a huge, impenetrable dome cuts off the town. The kids are left to fend for themselves, and, to complicate matters further, some kids are developing strange powers and animals are mutating. Once again, I was worried I wouldn’t like the second book in the series (HUNGER) nearly as much, but I actually liked HUNGER more than GONE. I’m on pins and needles for book 3! [YA]
Now for my other favorites this year, all amazing books/series (in alphabetical order by author):
MAGIC BITES (Kate Daniels book 1) by Ilona Andrews- The way Ilona mixes the supernatural world with the real world is amazing. Her descriptions are so tangible that you can see her world as clearly as if you had described it. I love this different take- a mercenary that cleans up magical problems. [A]
THE SUMMONING (book 1 of The Darkest Powers Series) by Kelley Armstrong- Teens end up in a group home because they’re mentally ill… or are they? Chloe discovers she’s actually a necromancer and can talk to the dead. This leads to some genuine creepiness, I tell you. Great story and characters. [YA]
The Gallagher Girls Series by Ally Carter- A boarding school for female spies-in-training? That was all it took to get me interested in this series. The writing and well-done characters kept me coming back for more. This series is funny and interesting but heart-breaking at times. Just like being a teenager. [YA]
THE STRAIN (book 1 of the trilogy) by Guillermo del Toro & Chuck Hogan- I’m all for books about rampant zombie vampire viruses. I enjoyed how the book traced the experiences of many characters, the involvement of the CDC, and the back-story of the Master and his hunter. What they don’t “show” is even scarier than what they do. [A]
THE GRAVEYARD BOOK by Neil Gaiman- Anyone who knows me well knows that I swoon if you just say Neil’s name- I adore his writing. This book is so beautiful, but it’s even better listening to him read it on his website. It tells the story of Bod, whose family is murdered when he’s a baby. The ghosts of a nearby graveyard raise him. I think it’s a gorgeous tale of not letting the dark things keep you from living. [MG]
PAPER TOWNS by John Green- A great YA book told from the guy’s point of view. My SAT students kept telling me that I had to read this book. I’ll admit that at first I had a hard time getting into it. But after Margo disappeared, I started to love it, especially the scenes when Quentin is alone, analyzing her clues. Quentin’s search becomes as much about searching for his true self as a search for Margo. [YA]
The WICKED LOVELY Series by Melissa Marr- I’ve never been into fairies/faerys/fae (or whatever you choose to call them), but I’d heard amazing things about this series. I’m glad I listened. I was engaged the entire time by the story and characters of WICKED LOVELY, and Melissa’s writing was so descriptive. I loved the tension she put into the book and how her characters were never what they seemed. I just finished the second book, INK EXCHANGE, which is just as good as the first. [YA]
The WAKE Series by Lisa McMann- I really enjoy this series about a girl who has the (unfortunate) ability to enter people’s dreams. This could have been just another story about a teenage girl with problems, many of which relate to a power she doesn’t understand. But the story rises above that and is much deeper and intense. I won’t tell you much more because I don’t want to give it away, but Janie is a great, complex, real character, and what happens to her, especially in book 2 (FADE), is so powerful. [YA]
NEVER GIVE UP by Joyce Meyer- This is an inspiring book of sticking with your dreams and goals, no matter what. Joyce includes scriptural references, personal stories, and the stories of people in history that overcame great odds and struggles. It’s a very empowering book. [ALL AUDIENCES]
ANGEL TIME (book 1 of the Songs of the Seraphim series) by Anne Rice- This book was nothing like I expected, but I still enjoyed it immensely. Anne weaves the story of a conflicted hitman, the angel sent to offer him redemption, and the treatment of Jews in English history. Sounds odd, but it works. Beautifully written as always. [A]
The Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series by Rick Riordan- I devoured this series. Even though it was written for an 8-12 year old audience, the books held my interest. Mount Olympus is real? Kids are demi-gods and have to go to camp to learn how to fight? Heroic quests? Very cool. [MG]
LEVIATHAN (book 1 of the series) by Scott Westerfeld- The trailer for this book had me literally salivating to get it. It’s a glorious, steampunk version of World War I. The Clankers (who worship steam machines) are fighting the Darwinists (who worship animals genetically modified to be war machines). I had some difficulty with the vocabulary and pacing at first, but once I got used to it, I loved the book. [MG/YA]
There you have it- the most memorable books for the year for me. What’s on the agenda next? Lots of horror, supernatural beings, a lot of non-fiction (I have quite a pile waiting), retellings of classic novels with monsters, and other assorted fun books. I still have a lot of catching up to do, especially with books that came out in 2009. I’m betting a few of those will be on my 2010 list! Happy reading and good luck in the contest!
In connection with my list, I’m having a contest. Why? Because I’ve got some amazing followers here, on Twitter, and on Facebook, and I want you guys to discover some of these fabulous books!
I read a lot of YA (young adult) books this year, because I’m writing YA but also because I enjoy them. Some of them are written much better than the novels labeled as for adults. This list is heavy on the YA, but I hope you’ll discover some great new books that interest you. I’ve marked them YA, A for Adult, and MG for Middle Grade (8-12ish), but I think you’ll see that these books transcend those labels.
The contest will run through January 31st at 11:59p.m. Central Time. Entries will be randomized to come up with the winners. To enter, leave a comment here on the blog with your favorite book from 2009 and which book on my list is most interesting to you.
For extra entries, you can do one or more of the following, just make sure and comment at some point before the contest is over so I can give you credit:
+5 entries- new or existing follower of the blog
+3 entries- tweet about this contest or post about it on Facebook or post it in the sidebar of your blog
+7 entries- do a blog post about this contest
+3 entries- become a new follower on Twitter or Facebook
+5 entries- current followers on Twitter or Facebook
PRIZES:
1st prize- choice of 2 books on the list (can be from same or different series)
2nd prize- choice of 1 book on the list
3rd prize- $5 gift certificate to your favorite online book retailer
Rules: Contest is open to US, Canada, and anywhere that bookdepository.com will ship. If winner is not in US or Canada, book selected must be one that bookdepository.com will ship to. $5 gift certificate is in USD only- value will depend on winner’s currency.
Depending on how many people enter, I may add some additional prizes that are writing/reading related or books that I’ve read that are in good shape. Books for 1st and 2nd prize will be new, but may be bargain books so may have retailer marks. If a winner can’t find a book they want on the list (I hope that won’t be the case!), I will make alternate arrangements.
Okay, so now on to the books!
It’s way too difficult to pick a favorite book. That being said, there were two series that so blew me away that I had to make a special mention of them. So… drum-roll, please… the tie for my favorite series of the year (in alphabetical order by author) goes to:
THE HUNGER GAMES Series by Suzanne Collins
The GONE Series by Michael Grant
THE HUNGER GAMES is set in post-apocalyptic Panem (what’s left of the US), where the districts are kept in line through hunger as much as force. The ultimate show of control, however, is the annual Hunger Games; each district must send one boy and one girl to compete, gladiator-style. This novel is so brilliant that I can’t even do it justice. I was worried that I’d be disappointed with book 2, CATCHING FIRE, because I loved book 1 so much. But the second was as good as the first. Hurry up book 3! [YA]
When people ask me what GONE is about, I always tell them it’s like LORD OF THE FLIES mixed with the X-men. Sounds strange, but the book is that and so much more. One day everyone 15 and older disappears into thin air, and a huge, impenetrable dome cuts off the town. The kids are left to fend for themselves, and, to complicate matters further, some kids are developing strange powers and animals are mutating. Once again, I was worried I wouldn’t like the second book in the series (HUNGER) nearly as much, but I actually liked HUNGER more than GONE. I’m on pins and needles for book 3! [YA]
Now for my other favorites this year, all amazing books/series (in alphabetical order by author):
MAGIC BITES (Kate Daniels book 1) by Ilona Andrews- The way Ilona mixes the supernatural world with the real world is amazing. Her descriptions are so tangible that you can see her world as clearly as if you had described it. I love this different take- a mercenary that cleans up magical problems. [A]
THE SUMMONING (book 1 of The Darkest Powers Series) by Kelley Armstrong- Teens end up in a group home because they’re mentally ill… or are they? Chloe discovers she’s actually a necromancer and can talk to the dead. This leads to some genuine creepiness, I tell you. Great story and characters. [YA]
The Gallagher Girls Series by Ally Carter- A boarding school for female spies-in-training? That was all it took to get me interested in this series. The writing and well-done characters kept me coming back for more. This series is funny and interesting but heart-breaking at times. Just like being a teenager. [YA]
THE STRAIN (book 1 of the trilogy) by Guillermo del Toro & Chuck Hogan- I’m all for books about rampant zombie vampire viruses. I enjoyed how the book traced the experiences of many characters, the involvement of the CDC, and the back-story of the Master and his hunter. What they don’t “show” is even scarier than what they do. [A]
THE GRAVEYARD BOOK by Neil Gaiman- Anyone who knows me well knows that I swoon if you just say Neil’s name- I adore his writing. This book is so beautiful, but it’s even better listening to him read it on his website. It tells the story of Bod, whose family is murdered when he’s a baby. The ghosts of a nearby graveyard raise him. I think it’s a gorgeous tale of not letting the dark things keep you from living. [MG]
PAPER TOWNS by John Green- A great YA book told from the guy’s point of view. My SAT students kept telling me that I had to read this book. I’ll admit that at first I had a hard time getting into it. But after Margo disappeared, I started to love it, especially the scenes when Quentin is alone, analyzing her clues. Quentin’s search becomes as much about searching for his true self as a search for Margo. [YA]
The WICKED LOVELY Series by Melissa Marr- I’ve never been into fairies/faerys/fae (or whatever you choose to call them), but I’d heard amazing things about this series. I’m glad I listened. I was engaged the entire time by the story and characters of WICKED LOVELY, and Melissa’s writing was so descriptive. I loved the tension she put into the book and how her characters were never what they seemed. I just finished the second book, INK EXCHANGE, which is just as good as the first. [YA]
The WAKE Series by Lisa McMann- I really enjoy this series about a girl who has the (unfortunate) ability to enter people’s dreams. This could have been just another story about a teenage girl with problems, many of which relate to a power she doesn’t understand. But the story rises above that and is much deeper and intense. I won’t tell you much more because I don’t want to give it away, but Janie is a great, complex, real character, and what happens to her, especially in book 2 (FADE), is so powerful. [YA]
NEVER GIVE UP by Joyce Meyer- This is an inspiring book of sticking with your dreams and goals, no matter what. Joyce includes scriptural references, personal stories, and the stories of people in history that overcame great odds and struggles. It’s a very empowering book. [ALL AUDIENCES]
ANGEL TIME (book 1 of the Songs of the Seraphim series) by Anne Rice- This book was nothing like I expected, but I still enjoyed it immensely. Anne weaves the story of a conflicted hitman, the angel sent to offer him redemption, and the treatment of Jews in English history. Sounds odd, but it works. Beautifully written as always. [A]
The Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series by Rick Riordan- I devoured this series. Even though it was written for an 8-12 year old audience, the books held my interest. Mount Olympus is real? Kids are demi-gods and have to go to camp to learn how to fight? Heroic quests? Very cool. [MG]
LEVIATHAN (book 1 of the series) by Scott Westerfeld- The trailer for this book had me literally salivating to get it. It’s a glorious, steampunk version of World War I. The Clankers (who worship steam machines) are fighting the Darwinists (who worship animals genetically modified to be war machines). I had some difficulty with the vocabulary and pacing at first, but once I got used to it, I loved the book. [MG/YA]
There you have it- the most memorable books for the year for me. What’s on the agenda next? Lots of horror, supernatural beings, a lot of non-fiction (I have quite a pile waiting), retellings of classic novels with monsters, and other assorted fun books. I still have a lot of catching up to do, especially with books that came out in 2009. I’m betting a few of those will be on my 2010 list! Happy reading and good luck in the contest!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
What are YOU reading?
When people find out that I’ve written a book, one of the first questions I get is about what I’m reading. So, from time to time I’ll post a list of what I’m reading and what I’ve got in the pile that’s lined up next. Some are new, some old. A lot are YA or MG books. I read what I like, and my tastes vary wildly. I also read multiple books at the same time. :-) People are always lending or giving me books, I pick a lot up in the bargain bins at various bookstores, I buy some that I know I’ll want to keep at full price, and I get the rest from the library. I’ve even got readers on my iPhone and audiobooks, but nothing beats flipping the pages…
Didn’t get to post for November, mainly because I wasn’t reading much. I was working on edits for Book 1 and doing NaNoWriMo also, so November was a “read my own stuff” month! Lol
Here’s what I’m currently reading for December:
1) The Golden Compass(His Dark Materials book 1) by Philip Pullman: I have heard about this book for years but just hadn’t gotten around to it. Enter a $2.99 paperback copy from Borders, and the rest is history. I saw most of the movie but wasn’t in the right frame of mind to watch it so I was pretty confused. I’m thinking the book is a better intro to his world.
2) Paper Towns by John Green: I’m finally reading this after months of having my SAT students tell me I needed to because he had nailed YA language. And he definitely did. The characters sound very much like some of my students…
3) The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor: alternate Alice in Wonderland story? I’m SO there! I rushed to get this as soon as I heard about it.
4) Tempted by P.C. and Kristen Cast: I’ve read the whole House of Night series, so of course this was on the list. Always love vamp books.
5) Go Ask Alice by Anonymous: Reading this as part of my Banned Books Challenge.
Just Finished:
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins- I have read this several times over the last couple months. It’s just SO good. It’s an amazing example of world-building. The details are fantastic, and her descriptions are vivid. I fell in love with Katniss, Prim, Gale, Peeta, and Rue. I’m holding off on reading Catching Fire (book 2) until I can let my anticipation die down a bit. I don’t want to be disappointed, and I’m so in love with THG that I fear I will be. If you haven’t read it, you must!
Some of the books coming up next:
- The Strain by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan: One of the first genres I fell in love with was horror, and I’m finding myself drawn back to it a lot right now as I’m writing a series very grounded in the light that needs to touch on the darkness. Vampire virus run rampant? YES!!
- Angel Time: The Songs of the Seraphim by Anne Rice: I’ve always been a huge Anne Rice fan but haven’t read any of her recent work that’s focused on religious themes. Since I’m writing about angels in a VERY different way, I’m really curious to read her take.
- City of Bones (Mortal Instruments book 1) by Cassandra Clare: I’ve heard great things about this paranormal series and it’s been in the TBR pile for a while now.
So, there you go. I’m never without a book or twenty to read! I’d love to hear what other people are reading or want to read so comment or send me a message.
Didn’t get to post for November, mainly because I wasn’t reading much. I was working on edits for Book 1 and doing NaNoWriMo also, so November was a “read my own stuff” month! Lol
Here’s what I’m currently reading for December:
1) The Golden Compass(His Dark Materials book 1) by Philip Pullman: I have heard about this book for years but just hadn’t gotten around to it. Enter a $2.99 paperback copy from Borders, and the rest is history. I saw most of the movie but wasn’t in the right frame of mind to watch it so I was pretty confused. I’m thinking the book is a better intro to his world.
2) Paper Towns by John Green: I’m finally reading this after months of having my SAT students tell me I needed to because he had nailed YA language. And he definitely did. The characters sound very much like some of my students…
3) The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor: alternate Alice in Wonderland story? I’m SO there! I rushed to get this as soon as I heard about it.
4) Tempted by P.C. and Kristen Cast: I’ve read the whole House of Night series, so of course this was on the list. Always love vamp books.
5) Go Ask Alice by Anonymous: Reading this as part of my Banned Books Challenge.
Just Finished:
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins- I have read this several times over the last couple months. It’s just SO good. It’s an amazing example of world-building. The details are fantastic, and her descriptions are vivid. I fell in love with Katniss, Prim, Gale, Peeta, and Rue. I’m holding off on reading Catching Fire (book 2) until I can let my anticipation die down a bit. I don’t want to be disappointed, and I’m so in love with THG that I fear I will be. If you haven’t read it, you must!
Some of the books coming up next:
- The Strain by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan: One of the first genres I fell in love with was horror, and I’m finding myself drawn back to it a lot right now as I’m writing a series very grounded in the light that needs to touch on the darkness. Vampire virus run rampant? YES!!
- Angel Time: The Songs of the Seraphim by Anne Rice: I’ve always been a huge Anne Rice fan but haven’t read any of her recent work that’s focused on religious themes. Since I’m writing about angels in a VERY different way, I’m really curious to read her take.
- City of Bones (Mortal Instruments book 1) by Cassandra Clare: I’ve heard great things about this paranormal series and it’s been in the TBR pile for a while now.
So, there you go. I’m never without a book or twenty to read! I’d love to hear what other people are reading or want to read so comment or send me a message.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
What are YOU reading?
What is "What are YOU reading?" all about? When people find out that I’ve written a book, one of the first questions I get is about what I’m reading. So, from time to time I’ll post a list of what I’m reading and what I’ve got in the pile that’s lined up next. Some are new, some old. A lot are YA or MG books. I read what I like, and my tastes vary wildly. I also read multiple books at the same time. :-) People are always lending or giving me books, I pick a lot up in the bargain bins at various bookstores, I buy some that I know I’ll want to keep at full price, and I get the rest from the library. I’ve even got readers on my iPhone and audiobooks, but nothing beats flipping the pages…
Here’s what I’m currently reading:
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman: He's one of my fave authors, so of course I'm reading this, just can't believe it took me so long to get to it! :-) It's beautifully written (duh!) and I love the mood the illustrations make.
Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis: Won a signed copy on the Bees' Blog http://yawriters.blogspot.com/ and just started it. Why was I so excited to read? 1) Debut book and 2) werewolves. Cool.
Story by Robert McKee: The guru of screenwriting has a lot to say about how to write, and I've been told by everyone who's anyone to read it. It's helping me tremendously so far.
Planet India by Mira Kamdar: (carried over from last month)
The Host by Stephenie Meyer: (carried over from last month and will probably carry over into next year)
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold: (carried over from last month)
Just Finished:
Gone by Michael Grant: I am obsessed with this book. It's like Lord of the Flies meets X-Men as everyone 15 and over disappears and Perdido Beach is cut off from the rest of the world. And then kids start developing powers. It's awesome. Go buy it now. As soon as I can allow myself to buy another book (I'm on a book buying freeze for a bit till the pile gets lower) I'm getting the next in the series, Hunger, and will probably finish it in one sitting. SO GOOD! Are you at the bookstore buying it yet?!
Some of the books coming up next:
My Life in France by Julia Child: Gift from a friend since I'm a definite Francophile and love to cook.
Geektastic- Stories from the Nerd Herd edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci: anthology of short stories about geekiness by a great group of YA authors.
The Shack by William P. Young: It's been in the pile for quite some time because I've been told I will bawl like a baby.
The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe: She had me at Salem Witch Trials.
**************
Not sure how much actual reading I'll get done this month. I'm prepping the WIP so I can send queries to agents later this month, and then it's time to prep for NaNoWriMo. Here's my NaNo page if you're doing it this year- I need some buddies!! http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/user/433001
And now, off to write...
Here’s what I’m currently reading:
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman: He's one of my fave authors, so of course I'm reading this, just can't believe it took me so long to get to it! :-) It's beautifully written (duh!) and I love the mood the illustrations make.
Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis: Won a signed copy on the Bees' Blog http://yawriters.blogspot.com/ and just started it. Why was I so excited to read? 1) Debut book and 2) werewolves. Cool.
Story by Robert McKee: The guru of screenwriting has a lot to say about how to write, and I've been told by everyone who's anyone to read it. It's helping me tremendously so far.
Planet India by Mira Kamdar: (carried over from last month)
The Host by Stephenie Meyer: (carried over from last month and will probably carry over into next year)
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold: (carried over from last month)
Just Finished:
Gone by Michael Grant: I am obsessed with this book. It's like Lord of the Flies meets X-Men as everyone 15 and over disappears and Perdido Beach is cut off from the rest of the world. And then kids start developing powers. It's awesome. Go buy it now. As soon as I can allow myself to buy another book (I'm on a book buying freeze for a bit till the pile gets lower) I'm getting the next in the series, Hunger, and will probably finish it in one sitting. SO GOOD! Are you at the bookstore buying it yet?!
Some of the books coming up next:
My Life in France by Julia Child: Gift from a friend since I'm a definite Francophile and love to cook.
Geektastic- Stories from the Nerd Herd edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci: anthology of short stories about geekiness by a great group of YA authors.
The Shack by William P. Young: It's been in the pile for quite some time because I've been told I will bawl like a baby.
The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe: She had me at Salem Witch Trials.
**************
Not sure how much actual reading I'll get done this month. I'm prepping the WIP so I can send queries to agents later this month, and then it's time to prep for NaNoWriMo. Here's my NaNo page if you're doing it this year- I need some buddies!! http://www.nanowrimo.org/eng/user/433001
And now, off to write...
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
What are YOU reading?
When people find out that I’ve written a book, one of the first questions I get is about what I’m reading. So, from time to time I’ll post a list of what I’m reading and what I’ve got in the pile that’s lined up next. Some are new, some old. A lot are YA or MG books. I read what I like, and my tastes vary wildly. I also read multiple books at the same time. :-) People are always lending or giving me books, I pick a lot up in the bargain bins at various bookstores, I buy some that I know I’ll want to keep at full price, and I get the rest from the library. I’ve even got readers on my iPhone and audiobooks, but nothing beats flipping the pages…
Here’s what I’m currently reading:
- Planet India by Mira Kamdar: I have a fascination with India and its culture. This is an interesting book about the rise of India as a global power. I just started it, but it’s very good so far.
- Never Give Up by Joyce Meyer: I really enjoy Joyce’s books. They give me the kick in the butt that I need sometimes. This book is all about staying determined to follow your goals and dreams. She intertwines scriptural references and personal stories with profiles of great men and women in history that refused to give up despite overwhelming odds. Very inspiring.
- The Host by Stephenie Meyer: I’m still trying to get through The Host. I’m determined. I keep putting it down so it’s going very slowly. I hear that it gets better towards the middle. One day I’ll get there.
- How I Write by Janet Evanovich: I’m reading this very slowly and soaking in all the great tips. Janet is a writer I admire very much. Her writing is fun and so descriptive. She always conveys a lightness to her world, even in dark scenes. I’m enjoying “picking her brain” in this book.
- The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold: When people hear that my book is told from the POV of a dead girl, they always tell me to read this book. So I finally am.
Just Finished:
- I’d Tell You I Love You But Then I’d Have to Kill You by Ally Carter: I learned about this book several months ago on an agent blog. I thought it was a great cover and neat concept. The story is about a school for girls that is actually a school for spies. It’s a fantastic book, and I wish I had written it! I’m going to scoop up the next book in the series as soon as possible.
Some of the books coming up next:
- The Good Guy by Dean Koontz: Love the suspense and mystery in Dean’s books. They’re a fun roller coaster ride. I’ve read most of his work, but this is one book I missed. My mom gave it to me for Christmas so it needs to be read!
- The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton: Really liked the movie with Gillian Anderson so I scooped this up when I saw it in a bargain bin a few months ago.
- Inkheart by Cornelia Funke: The Thief Lord is one of my all-time favorite YA books, so of course I was curious about Inkheart. Just hadn’t gotten around to it yet!
- Oh.My.Gods. by Tera Lynn Childs: Part of a series about a normal girl who travels to an island where the kids are all descendants of Greek gods. Too cool.
- Rampant by Diana Peterfreund: How can you not want to read a story about killer unicorns?!
So, there you go. I’m never without a book or twenty to read ! I’d love to hear what other people are reading or want to read so comment or send me a message.
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