Top 10 Books that Influenced Me

I was tagged on Facebook to post a list of the top 10 books that influenced me. I love challenges like this, because it says a lot about where I am at the time, since there's always a slight variation (why can't it be 20 books? Then I could list ALL of them!)

Without further fanfare, here's the list, in no particular order:

1. FAHRENHEIT 451 by Ray Bradbury This book is brilliant and important- reading it when I was a teenager was the first time I truly realized how powerful the written word is in society and how much people want to restrict it and silence it.

2. Othello by William Shakespeare (I want to cheat and say THE COMPLETE WORKS) I had a very high reading level and a huge interest in Europe when I was growing up, so my grandmother’s neighbor suggested Shakespeare & gave me access to her attic library with a whole shelf just of Shakespeare. Even though I didn’t understand all of the richly layered prose and the intricacy of the word choice and the adult themes, I felt like I’d entered into a secret society based around these enormous leather-bound books full of stories that had been passed down through time. It was magical. I picked Othello, because the emotion is so raw and powerful, and Iago is, in my opinion, the best villain ever written.

3. THE LITTLE PRINCE by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry This book spoke to my heart so deeply. I read it in French first, and while the English book is just as powerful, something about reading it in the original language deepens the experience. The messages are so simple yet have so much truth in them. And the illustrations are the best.

4. HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX by J.K.Rowling (since I had to pick one) I so envy those who got to grow up with Harry. Besides just loving the books, the series made me realize that “normal people” could get published and that I could write books I’d wanted to read growing up. I picked Book 5 because to see Harry so happy with Sirius and have him ripped away… it gutted me as a reader and as a writer, it taught me that you have to pull your characters to the lowest possible point and let them find their strength to move forward.

5. SPEAK by Laurie Halse Andersen This book saved me. Reading it gave me a voice too. I got to meet Laurie this year and tell her how much it meant to me and thank her for giving me “permission” to let go of what I’d been holding in and let the wounds completely heal.

6. AMERICAN GODS, by Neil Gaiman This wasn’t my first Gaiman, but it’s the one I turn to over and over, probably because of how much I identify with Shadow. For most of my life, I’ve felt very directionless, very much just existing in the world, being pushed from here to there, not being a part of the world around me and not being understood by the people in it. Like Shadow’s journey, mine has been paved with difficulty and heartbreak, and many times I didn’t think I’d make it out the other side. I’m still not where I want to be yet, and I guess that’s kind of the point. We’re always changing and adapting. That’s why this book speaks to me.

7. THE EIGHT by Katherine Neville This is a book I have pushed so many people to read. The dual timeline with events in the past tying into the future, is so well-done. I love how Neville mixes history and chess with the fight to possess this magical chessboard. Any story that takes place around the French Revolution is going to intrigue me, but Neville equally holds my attention when the story shifts to the 1970s. Such a great thriller, with two awesome female protagonists.

8. THE GRAPES OF WRATH by John Steinbeck I read this in high school, and I remember being so captivated by the story. Part of it was Steinbeck, but part of it was my English teacher. We had to write a significant paper on the book, and I choose the use of color. It was fascinating, and the first time I truly got the point of literary analysis. The book also really spoke to me about looking beyond myself and into the situations of others.

9. THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO by Alexandre Dumas, père Oh this book… Justice, faith, love, revenge… Such a powerful story with powerful themes. Is it any wonder I used elements of it for one of my own stories? As someone who always knew I wanted to study law, reading this in high school, with its discussion of justice and divine retribution, cemented that for me.

10. THE HOBBIT by J.R.R. Tolkien This is one of the first books I remember reading that didn’t feel like a children’s book to me, so it made me feel very grown-up at the time. I dove into the world, and re-read it over and over again, like it was my own little secret dream-world.

I'd love to hear about your most influential books too!

Books I Recommend: DAYS OF BLOOD & STARLIGHT

I just finished Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor, which is the second book in the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series. If you know me in real life, you know that I loved the first book with a passion because I bugged everyone to read it!  So as excited as I was for book two, I waited to read it because I was scared I'd be disappointed. I'm happy to say that didn't happen. In fact, I actually like book two even more than book one!

NO SPOILERS IF YOU'VE READ BOOK 1
I read the hardcover of Daughter of Smoke and Bone first, but for Days of Blood and Starlight I listened to the audiobook first. At times it was a little disorienting since the POV shifts a lot in this book, but I'm really glad I listened to the audio because it brought out the emotions of the characters and the subtext so much.

As in the first book, Laini Taylor does a fabulous job conveying setting. As I listened, I could close my eyes to a vivid picture of the surroundings. I loved learning more about both the angels and the chimera, as well as Karou and Akiva's struggles to reintegrate with their people.

In the first book, I fell in love with Karou and Akiva. In this book, I fell in love with the people who matter to them. I loved the lightness that Zuzana and Mik brought to the book, and Ziri won my heart. What we learn about what happened to Brimstone and Issa moved me, and Hazael and Liraz made me want to have them by my side.

I'm really looking forward to reading the hardcover now after listening to the audio. Unfortunately I will have to wait over a YEAR for book 3!!! NOOOOOOOOO!!!!

UNDEAD UNCENSORED!

I was very excited last year to have a story featured in the first anthology for the Zombie Survival Crew (ZSC), Undead is Not an Option.  You can purchase it in paperback here or as an e-book here. You can also purchase the paperback on Amazon here. So when the editors asked if I'd submit a story for a new anthology, I jumped at the chance. And starting on December 1, you'll be able to check it out! I will post more info about my contribution to this book of zombie fun at a later date. For now, you can read the briefing below sent out by the ZSC Commander-in-Chief or check out the ZSC website for more info!



From the mobile unit of ZSC Commander-in-Chief Juliette Terzieff:
 

After months of anticipation the day has finally come when we can release the cover art for Undead Uncensored, the second Zombie Survival Crew anthology. This year’s anthology is a vibrant collection of short fiction, poetry and non-fiction pieces designed to help you get your zombie freak on and prepare for what we might all face if the zombipocalypse hits!

Undead Uncensored features the work of yours truly alongside other ZSC Commanders actor Michael Rooker, award winning author LK Gardner-Griffie, and authors Jinxie G, R.C. Murphy and Amy Sundberg. ZSC crew members including Wendy Sparrow, Jessica Capelle, Robin Sellman, Amber Revelt, Stephanie Allen, Christopher De Voss and many others contributed their artistic endeavors to this creeptastic collection!!

Undead Uncensored is already available for pre-order here and orders will begin shipping on December 1, 2012.

Now without further ado… (yes, you can stop holding your breath now)

The cover for Undead Uncensored

 

 

Books I Recommend: SERAPHINA

In order to get myself blogging somewhat regularly, I've decided to mostly post about things I enjoy, especially books. I'm not planning to become a book blogger by any means, but I do find myself making recommendations a lot (and I do read a lot of books). Because I tend to get very enthusiastic when I read/watch/listen to something I enjoy, I'm hoping this enthusiasm will translate into regular blogging, something I've never been great at.

I chose to start with SERAPHINA by Rachel Hartman. This was one of my favorite books this summer. I received the digital ARC from Random House via NetGalley. Full disclosure, I wrote this review on Goodreads when I finished the book, so I am cheating a bit for this blog post!

What a fantastic, gorgeous book. If you're an epic fantasy fan, you must run out and read this now. The writing is beautiful and dense, best digested in small chunks so as to mull it over and re-read to hear the language again, however I often found myself so engrossed in the story that I'd devour 40 pages. It took me a while to read it because of how much I wanted to live in the world for a little longer.

Seraphina is a marvelously complex and interesting character. It blows me away that this is a debut novel. The writing is so tight and lyrical, especially when the author makes descriptions of music come to life. I love dragons and castles and intrigue, and the author delivered and then some. I also really enjoyed the execution of the political intrigue, and the way Seraphina was caught between protecting her secrets and being truthful with those she cared about. This was a unique book that I plan to purchase and read over and over. I cannot wait for the rest of the series.

Blog Relaunch with a FABULOUS Cover Reveal!

I've been a very bad blogger.  *hides face*

So recently, I made a commitment to myself to relaunch my blog. I'd planned to start again at the end of the month, but then I saw a post from one of our Houston YAMG members about her upcoming cover reveal...  What better way to kick off my new and improved blog! I'll be tinkering around with the format a bit over the next couple of weeks, but you can count on a blog about some random subject at least every Monday.  Once I get that down, we'll see about other days!

In the meantime, I'm so happy to announce the cover for Rachel Harris' MY SUPER SWEET 16TH CENTURY! I'm so excited for Rachel, and I cannot wait to read this book!

ISN'T THE COVER GORGEOUS?!

MY SUPER SWEET 16TH CENTURY by Rachel Harris releases September 11, 2012. It's available for pre-order on: Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  Also, be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads!

Be sure to connect with Rachel at:

www.RachelHarrisWrites.com

www.twitter.com/@RachelHarrisYA

www.facebook.com/RachelHarrisYA

www.goodreads.com/RachelHarris

Here's an excerpt from the book:

I hear their muffled whispers and understand every Italian word. Every witty comment made at my expense.

It’s like my brain is automatically translating.

I bunch the soft fabric of the dress in my hand and then reach up to feel the ribbon in my hair. I lightly skim my fingers over my chin and feel my lack of zit. I take in the costumes of the crowd, the stench of the animals, and the Italian I can now speak and understand. And suddenly it hits me.

Reyna must have pulled some kind of gypsy mojo.

Maybe this is one of those nifty “change your life” magic scenarios like in the movies. I mean, mostly I’m still expecting to blink and be right back in the midst of overpriced, gaudy tourism, but for now, the gypsy-time-warp explanation is infinitely better than thinking I’ve lost my mind. As I decide to go with that option, I feel my frantic tension melt away.

The growing crowd seems to notice my change in demeanor and begins shooting one another amused looks, but I don’t care anymore. A smile stretches across my face. Evidently, I was wrong earlier; Reyna is a psychic mind reader, because if this is her special brand of bibbity-bobbity-boo, then she made my exact daydream from earlier in the courtyard come to life.

The long red gown, the braided hair, the Italian merchant’s daughter, the time period. I am in Renaissance Florence.

I stare dumbly at the ground, the words and reality sinking in.

I’m in Renaissance Florence!

So cool! Major congrats to Rachel!  The cats give it three paws up since it's set in Italy... they're demanding Rachel take them in her suitcase when she does research for the sequel.

See y'all next Monday!

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!

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.

My Little Banned Books Protest

I know we already had Banned Books Week, but I'm a little behind the eight ball since I've been busy and not feeling great. A couple days ago, I saw a post about the American Library Association's list of the most banned books from 1990-2000. The list is here: http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/challengedbydecade/1990_2000.cfm

I was quite surprised by some of the books on the list, like Where's Waldo?, To Kill a Mockingbird, and How to Eat Fried Worms. Others, I was not so shocked to see because of their subject matter, like Madonna's Sex, Curses Hexes and Spells, and The Anarchist's Cookbook. I have read quite a number of these books but was surprised by how many I had not. So, I decided to read them... all of them... as my personal protest to people trying to tell us what we cannot read. No, I don't think kids should have access to be able to read some of the adult books on the list, but I don't think books should be banned from libraries because someone deems them controversional or against their own morals and beliefs.

So, over the next year, I am going to read these books under the following guidelines:
1) If a series is mentioned, I will read at least one of the books.
2) I will re-read books that I have already read.
3) I will not read the following books, only because they don't apply to me now or never did: The New Joy of Gay Sex, What's Happening to My Body: Book for Girls, Asking About Sex and Growing Up, Boys and Sex, What's Happening to My Body: Book for Boys, Girls and Sex.
4) I will keep a list of the books on this blog and will update it as I cross them off. I will report on these books and their appropriateness from time to time.

Anyone who cares to join me in reading the books on this list is welcome to. Now I just have to pick which one to start with! :-)

P.S. Why are the books "What's Happening to My Body" banned so frequently?! Maybe if kids had more information on what was going on with their bodies they wouldn't "experiment" on each other at the age of 10!

Update- have decided to start with A Wrinkle in Time. Have no idea what happened to my original copy but saw it at Half Price Books a few weeks ago and picked it up. I figure it's a good start!

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...

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.