My Bookish Highlights of 2011

I wanted to wait until 2011 was as close to being as finished as possible before I posted my End-of-Year Book Survey, hosted by the lovely Jamie over at The Perpetual Page-Turner. 


This is the second year I've participated and let me tell you, this year might have been more difficult than the year before! So many good books and awesome memories to recount, and here's to hoping I can squeeze all (or most) of them in this post.

Books

1) Best book you read in 2011?
There is just no way I can pick one, so here are just a few that are in the running:

-Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
-Saving June by Hannah Harrington
-Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
-Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
-The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
-Divergent by Veronica Roth
-Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter
-Where She Went by Gayle Forman
-Forever by Maggie Stiefvater


2) Most disappointing book/book you wish you loved more than you did?
Here Lies Bridget by Paige Harbison. The premise was so interesting but the book just wasn't for me.


3) Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2011?
The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan. This book came out in 2009, but I didn't read it until 2011. This was my first book about zombies and I wasn't sure how I would feel about it. Needless to say, I LOVED it!


4) Book you recommended the most to people in 2011?
I think that the Harry Potter series will forever and always be my most recommended :) But besides that, I pimped out Between Shades of Gray and Saving June quite a bit.


5) Best series you discovered in 2011?
This is a tough one, but I would have to pick the If I Stay series by Gayle Forman. There are only two books out so far, but they are absolutely amazing.

6) Favorite new authors you discovered in 2011?
Stephanie Perkins, Lauren Oliver, Tahereh Mafi, Veronica Roth, and so many others.


7) Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?
I read A Game of Thrones just recently for book club and surprisingly fell in love with it. I'm not usually big into adult fantasy but the book just sucked me in. 


8) Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2011?
There were so many books that had me up way past my bedtime this year, but I would have to say Divergent by Veronica Roth. Oh Four...


9) Book you most anticipated in 2011?
I think this is a tie between City of Fallen Angels and Lola and the Boy Next Door.


10) Favorite cover of a book you read in 2011?

11) Most memorable character in 2011?
I definitely can't just pick one... so I would pick both Harper and Jake from Saving June, Juliette from Shatter Me, and Audrey from Audrey, Wait!


12) Most beautifully written book read in 2011?
Forever by Maggie Stiefvater and The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan.


13) Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2011?
Between Shades of Gray had the most impact on me in a historical fiction sense, and Saving June is now my perfect example of what I look for in a contemporary YA novel.


14) Book you can't believe you waited until 2011 to finally read?
The Luxe by Anna Godbersen. I have had this entire series just sitting on my shelves and I finally gave in and read the first book. Needless to say, I will be devouring the other three this year :)


15) Favorite passage/quote from a book you read in 2011?
This question could probably be a whole post on it's own. Here are just a few of my faves:

“You?' is all I can manage to choke out. 
'Always me,' she replies softly, bashfully. 'Who else?” 
- Gayle Forman, Where She Went


“Sometimes kindness can be delivered in a clumsy way.”
- Ruta Sepetys, Between Shades of Gray


16) Book you read in 2011 that you will most likely reread in 2011?
I will most definitely be rereading all of the first books in the series that have sophomore novels coming out in 2012, including Shatter Me and Delirium.


17) Book that had a scene you HAD to talk to someone about?
I think for the answer to this question, all you would have to do is look at my gchat history with Ginger and Anna :)

Book Blogging/Reading Life in 2011

1) New favorite book blog you discovered in 2011?
Lisa is Busy Nerding - if you don't already read Lisa's blog, I highly suggest you change that ASAP!


2) Favorite review you wrote in 2011?
Between Shades of Gray. It was by far my most heartfelt and longest review.


3) Best discussion you had on your blog?
Here is a blogger fail on my part this year - I didn't post nearly as many discussions as I'd hoped, so that will be one of my most important goals for 2012.


4) Most thought-provoking review or discussion you read on someone else's blog?
Supernatural Snark has a knack for thorough and awesome reviews.


5) Best event you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?
So.Many.To.List.

BEA! Jamie, Britney, Heidi, Farrah, Kristi, Tara, me, and Anna at the Children's Author Breakfast

Jamie, Carla, Anna, Shanyn, and me outside the FedEx in NYC...

Teen Book Con in Houston...

And of course, Ginger's visit to Chicago!

6) Best moment of book blogging in 2011?
This will just have to be shown through pictures.

Meg Cabot at BEA

Maggie Stiefvater at BEA

Lunch with Tahereh Mafi

7) Most popular post this year on my blog?
Oddly enough, my second Dear Diary post that was started by Anna has the most views, following by my City of Ashes review.


8) Post you wished got a little more love?
Let's be for real - I wish all of my posts got a little more love :) 


9) Best bookish discovery (book-related sites, bookstores, etc.)?
I have discovered a super-cute indie bookstore in my new neighborhood, The Book Cellar. It is a bookstore/wine and cafe shop, so you can't beat that!


10) Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for 2011?
I signed up for a few reading challenges but didn't really keep track of my progress. This year, I plan on signing up for just a few and doing a better job of keeping my progress up to date.

Looking Ahead

1) One book you didn't get to in 2011 but will be your #1 priority in 2012?
I have an ARC of Pandemonium that I will be devouring very, very shortly.


2) Book you are most anticipating in 2012?
SHATTER ME #2!!!!!


3) One thing you hope to accomplish or do in your reading/blogging in 2012?
I solemnly vow to write my reviews IMMEDIATELY after I read the book. If I can manage that, I will be a happy camper :)

Waiting on Wednesday: Miracle by Elizabeth Scott

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases you are eagerly anticipating.

Title: Miracle
Author: Elizabeth Scott
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: June 5, 2012 

From Goodreads:
I sat there and wondered again why I'd lived…

Megan is a miracle. At least, that’s what everyone says. Having survived a plane crash that killed everyone else on board, Megan knows she should be grateful just to be alive. The truth is, she doesn’t feel like a miracle. In fact, she doesn’t feel anything at all. Then memories from the crash start coming back. Scared and alone, Megan doesn’t know who to turn to. Her entire community seems unable—or maybe unwilling—to see her as anything but Miracle Megan. Except for Joe, the beautiful boy next door with a tragic past and secrets of his own... All Megan wants is for her life to get back to normal, but the harder she tries to live up to everyone’s expectations, the worse she feels. This time, she may be falling too fast to be saved…

***

Elizabeth Scott has done it yet AGAIN. Miracle sounds like a truly emotional, gut-wrenching book but with hope and love mixed in to create one amazing story. I seriously cannot wait for this one to come out!!

Review: Everlasting by Angie Frazier

Title: Everlasting
Author: Angie Frazier
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Publication Date: June 1, 2010
Pages: 336
Source: Library

From Scholastic: 
Sailing aboard her father's ship is all seventeen-year-old Camille Rowen has ever wanted. But as a lady in 1855 San Francisco, her future is set: marry a man she doesn't love in order to preseve her social standing. On her last voyage before the wedding, Camille learns the mother she has always believed dead is in fact alive and in Australia. When their Sydney-bound ship goes down in a gale, and her father dies, Camille sets out to find her mother and a map in her possession - a map believed to lead to a stone that once belonged to the legendary civilization of the immortals. The stone can do exactly what Camille wants most: bring someone back from the dead. Unfortunately, her father's adversary is also on the hunt for the stone, and she must race him to it. The only person Camille can depend on is Oscar - a handsome young sailor and her father's first mate - who is in love with Camille and whom she is inexplicably drawn to despite his low social standing and her pending wedding vows.

With an Australian card shark acting as their guide, Camille eludes murderous bushrangers, traverses dangerous highlands, evades a curse placed on the stone, and unravels the mystery behind her mother's disappearance sixteen years earlier. But when another death shakes her conviction to resurrect her father, Camille must choose what - and who - matters most.

***

***Pets the pretty cover and all of its blue and purple glory***

Sorry, I got a bit distracted. The colors of this cover are so.freaking.lovely. The cover plus the fact that it was historical fiction made me not hesitate one bit to take this off the library shelves.

I devoured this book in a day and couldn't have enjoyed it more. The story flowed so well and there were never any dull moments. The fast pace, along with the interesting story of Camille's life accompanying her father on his ship, were simply fantastic.

And let's not forget the steaminess between Camille and a certain someone. Um, yeah, let's just say it was HOT. I swear that YA can be much hotter than other genres because it doesn't go too far - it just gives you that little taste that leaves you wanting more.

If you are a fan of historical fiction and steaminess, definitely pick up Everlasting!

***

In other news... it's my birthday today! I will be spending it driving back to Chicago from Michigan but I plan on having a celebratory cocktail when I get home :)

Merry Christmas!

For those of you out there who celebrate, Merry Christmas! I will be spending the day surrounded by family and opening gifts while eating way too much food. Whether you celebrate the holiday or not, I hope you all have a wonderful day!

Fabulous Gifts Galore!

It's not even Christmas yet and I have received some FABULOUS gifts from some amazing people. I wanted to write this post to thank the three lovelies who gifted me such wonderful things :)

As you can imagine, I freaked out when I opened the box and discovered this fantastic framed poster from Ginger. Is that not sheer perfection?!?! I also have a gift card to Chick-Fil-A that I cannot wait to use (I have an addiction, it's an issue).

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS!!!! I literally squealed in Starbucks when I opened the box from Anna. And then Switched at Birth for my birthday... doesn't get much better than that :)

This lovely bundle of goodies came from Ruby's Reads, my Book Blogger Secret Santa! I may have screamed a little when I saw the shiny cover of Shatter Me, and holy wow on the chocolate! Thanks so much for everything Ruby :)

I hope you all are getting ready for a happy holiday season and that you are able to spend time with friends and family!

Waiting on Wednesday: Gilt by Katherine Longshore

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases you are eagerly anticipating.  

Title: Gilt
Author: Katherine Longshore
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Release Date: May 15, 2012

From Goodreads:
In the Tudor age, ambition, power and charismatic allure are essential and Catherine Howard has plenty of all three. Not to mention her loyal best friend, Kitty Tylney, to help cover her tracks. Kitty, the abandoned youngest daughter of minor aristocracy, owes everything to Cat – where she is, what she is, even who she is. Friend, flirt, and self-proclaimed Queen of Misrule, Cat reigns supreme in a loyal court of girls under the none-too-watchful eye of the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk.

When Cat worms her way into the heart of Henry VIII and becomes Queen of England, Kitty is thrown into the intoxicating Tudor Court. It’s a world of glittering jewels and elegant costumes, of gossip and deception. As the Queen’s right-hand-woman, Kitty goes from the girl nobody noticed to being caught between two men – the object of her affection and the object of her desire.

But the atmosphere of the court turns from dazzling to deadly, and Kitty is forced to learn the difference between trust and loyalty, love and lust, secrets and treason. And to accept the consequences when some lessons are learned too late.

***

One of my goals for 2012 is to read more historical fiction novels, and Gilt fits into this perfectly. The whole world of kings and queens and drama just sucks me in no matter what. And... this is Katherine Longshore's debut novel! Needless to say, I'm anxious for May to come around :)

Review: Love & Leftovers by Sarah Tregay

Title: Love & Leftovers
Author: Sarah Tregay
Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books, an imprint of HarperCollins
Publication Date: December 27, 2011
Pages: 448
Source: ARC from publisher

From HarperCollins:
My wish is to fall cranium over Converse in dizzy daydream-worthy love.

(If only it were that easy.)

Marcie has been dragged away from home for the summer—from Idaho to a family summerhouse in New Hampshire. She’s left behind her friends, a group of freaks and geeks called the Leftovers, including her emo-rocker boyfriend, and her father.

By the time Labor Day rolls around, Marcie suspects this “summer vacation” has become permanent. She has to start at a new school, and there she leaves behind her Leftover status when a cute boy brings her breakfast and a new romance heats up. But understanding love, especially when you’ve watched your parents’ affections end, is elusive. What does it feel like, really? Can you even know it until you’ve lost it?

Love & Leftovers is a beautifully written story of one girl’s journey navigating family, friends, and love, and a compelling and sexy read that teens will gobble up whole.

***

The only verse books I have read are by Ellen Hopkins, and I wanted to branch out a bit because I really like the way verse books flow. When I saw Love & Leftovers I thought it would be a perfect way to start my adventure into more of what the verse world could offer.

While I enjoyed Love & Leftovers as a whole, I just couldn't connect with the characters as much as I would have liked. Even though verse books are fast reads, I feel like you can still connect with the characters just as much, if not more, than a "regular" book. This didn't happen for me, even though Marcie went through some major emotional events during the book.

I did enjoy reading about the group of Leftovers, including Marcie's boyfriend, Linus, and Marcie's best friend, Katie. For me they were the highlight of the book and played a big role in my enjoyment of the book.

If you haven't read a verse book and are thinking of trying one, I would recommend this book because I think it's a good jumping point to get used to the style and flow of verse.

Hop Over To My Guest Post...

Today I am honored to kick of Lisa's week-long feature highlighting favorite books of 2011! Head over to Lisa Is Busy Nerding to check out my top five reasons why you should read Saving June by Hannah Harrington, my fave contemporary novel of this year. Thanks again for allowing me take over your blog for the day Lisa :)

In My Mailbox (52)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme created by Kristi at The Story Siren that gives readers the chance to share the books they bought/received/swapped/borrowed over the past week.

From the library:

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs (for le book club)

Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready

For review:

Irises by Francisco X. Stork (thank you Scholastic!)

Never Enough by Denise Jaden plus signed bookmarks (thanks Denise!)

I hope you all are getting prepared for the holidays and enjoying the last bit of 2011 :)

Movie Trailer: The Woman in Black

As you all know, I am a huge fan of Harry Potter. I am also a huge fan of anything that involves one of the actors from this series. And holy crap, Daniel Radcliffe is moving even more out of his bespectacled self in his newest movie, The Woman in Black. Normally I would NEVER see this type of movie. I don't do very well with scary movies so I tend to just avoid them. BUT... and that's a huge BUT, it's DANIEL RADCLIFFE PEOPLE. Which means I just have to see it and suffer. I will probably have nightmares for weeks but I don't care. I have a strong feeling it will all be worth it :)

If you haven't seen the trailer yet, take a peek below but be warned - even that short clip freaks me out to no end.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Thing About the Truth by Lauren Barnholdt

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases you are eagerly anticipating.  

Title: The Thing About the Truth
Author: Lauren Barnholdt
Publisher: Simon Pulse, an imprint of Simon & Schuster
Release Date: July 10, 2012

From Goodreads:
Sixteen-year-old Kelsey Romano has always been one of the most popular girls at Concordia Prep. But after a disastrous breakup and her subsequent meltdown (um, destruction of school property, anyone?) she's kicked out of Con Prep and shipped off to Concordia High School, for good.

Seventeen-year-old Isaac Brandano has been kicked out of more prep schools than he can name. But now that his father's State Senate campaign is pushing a public school agenda, Isaac finds himself enrolled at Concordia High.

Kelsey and Isaac are destined to hate each other. And at first, they do. But when they are forced together on the creation of a new school club, sparks begin to fly. Then the club's critical event turns into chaos. Now Kelsey and Isaac must retrace their steps and figure out how and why everything got so got screwed up, who was to blame, and how they can move forward.

This new novel from fan-favorite Lauren Barnholdt showcases--through a sweet and sparkly narrative--how the last person you expect might just be the one who changes your life forever.

***

For starters, I am in LOVE with this cover. At first you think it's passionate and all kissy, but then you realize she's looking away with this "what the hell am I doing" look. What is going on that is making her look this way? Throw in the summary with the cover and I think we have a surefire winner come July!

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Would Give as Gifts

This week's topic is to list the top ten books you would give as gifts. There are so many books that I would love to give for a variety of reasons and I wish I made millions so I could buy books for everyone!

As always, the lovely ladies over at The Broke and the Bookish deserve a shoutout for hosting Top Ten Tuesday!

1) The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling - Yeah, I know this is a given for me. But I would give this entire series to every single person who hasn't experienced the magic yet.

2) The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins - Another fantastic series that I think everyone should read. Period.

3) A Blue So Dark by Holly Schindler - I would give this book to anyone who either has a mental illness or knows someone that does. It's a great book for anyone, but I think those of us personally affected by mental illness will perhaps appreciate the story a bit more.

4) Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson - I would give this book to every teenage girl out there. Speak has such a powerful message that I think every young girl needs to hear at a young age.

5) Saving June by Hannah Harrington - Because this is my favorite contemporary YA novel I read this year, I think everyone should read it :) It's swoonworthy but has that touch of "grit" that I love.

6) Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys - Ditto to Saving June about my fave book, but this falls within my fave historical fiction novel of the year. 

7) Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Schecter - I would give this book to anyone interested in Egypt. Egyptian culture is one of the topics that I feel is underrepresented in YA, so I was thrilled to read this amazing book that brought Cleopatra Selene's story to life.

8) Stay by Deb Caletti - I would give this book to every teenage girl who may or may not have experienced an abusive relationship.

9) The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare - I would give this series to anyone who enjoys some fantastic paranormal with major sexytimes thrown in.

10) Audrey, Wait! by Robin Benway - I would give this book to any girl that has experienced a terrible (and maybe even public) breakup. 

In My Mailbox (51)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme created by Kristi at The Story Siren that gives readers the chance to share the books they bought/received/swapped/borrowed over the past week.

For review:

Love & Leftovers by Sarah Tregay

Slide by Jill Hathaway

(thanks HarperTeen!)

Eve by Anna Carey

(thanks Ginger!)

I've said it before and I'll say it again - bloggers are some of the nicest, most humble people ever! Heidi from YA Bibliophile was super nice enough to let me borrow her copy of Pandemonium and she threw in something extra - a Clockwork Prince t-shirt! Thanks a bunch Heidi!

Holiday Giveaway Time!

With Christmas only a little over two weeks away, my holiday spirit is kicking into high gear and my gift buying is out of control! As a token of my appreciation to all of you bloggers and authors out there, I've decided to do a Holiday Giveaway to celebrate the season. One lucky winner will receive any book of their choice (up to US$20) from The Book Depository. So you know what this means... this giveaway is open internationally! 

Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below and make sure to read my full giveaway policy before entering. Good luck and happy holidays!

Waiting on Wednesday: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases you are eagerly anticipating. 

Title: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: April 24, 2012

From Goodreads:
For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

***

Secret, forbidden love? A prince? Royalty? COUNT. ME. IN. Plus I can't stop staring at this cover and how the girl is peering over her arm all mysteriously. Needless to say, April cannot come soon enough!

Top Ten Tuesday: Childhood Favorites

This week's topic is to list your top ten favorite childhood books. Even when I was young I had my nose in a book all the time and definitely had some faves. I remember (before my mom caught on) getting in trouble and being sent to my room where I would just sit and read a book - not punishment at all :)

As always, the lovely ladies over at The Broke and the Bookish deserve a shoutout for hosting Top Ten Tuesday!

Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
The Baby-Sitters Club series by Ann M. Martin
The Hardy Boys series by Franklin W. Dixon
Goosebumps series by R.L. Stine
The Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner
The Baby-Sitters Club Little Sister series by Ann M. Martin
Mandie series by Lois Gladys Leppard
Matilda by Roald Dahl
The Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Review: Amplified by Tara Kelly

Title: Amplified
Author: Tara Kelly
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Publication Date: October 25, 2011
Pages: 304
Source: Borrowed from Ginger

From Goodreads:
When privileged 17-year-old Jasmine gets kicked out of her house, she takes what is left of her savings and flees to Santa Cruz to pursue her dream of becoming a musician. Jasmine finds the ideal room in an oceanfront house, but she needs to convince the three guys living there that she's the perfect roommate and lead guitarist for their band, C-Side. Too bad she has major stage fright and the cute bassist doesn't think a spoiled girl from over the hill can hack it...

***

Amplified was a fun, fast read that encompassed a lot of different themes but blended them together seamlessly. As I started reading the story I definitely got a Stephanie Perkins vibe with the writing style, which made it that much more enjoyable to read. 

Jasmine has got a lot going on right now - parental issues, money issues, self-confidence issues, and more. We have all been in Jasmine's shoes before and it made her super relatable to the reader. Even though Jasmine had issues with her parents, I still like that they were at least semi-present in the story. Let's be for real, not many teenagers have picture-perfect relationships with the parentals, and I applaud Tara Kelly for including this in the story.

As a person who loves to listen to music but isn't exactly up on the technical lingo, I felt that the author did a great job of incorporating the musical language into the story without making the reader feel clueless or out of the loop. In fact, I actually learned more about guitar playing then I ever knew before, so bonus for me!

Overall, Amplified is a quick and enjoyable read that I thoroughly enjoyed and I can't wait to read more from this fabulous author!