I'm not numbering these since I can't pick a fave. But I did enjoy all of them!
-Divergent by Veronica Roth
-Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
-Paranormalcy by Kiersten White (Supernaturally was also good)
-Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins
-Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
-Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead
-Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols
-Entwined by Heather Dixon
-City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
-The Lost Saint by Bree Despain
-The Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
-Forever by Maggie Stiefvater
- The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins
-The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff
-Seer of Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier
-Hourglass by Myra McEntire
-You Against Me by Jenny Downham
-Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting
-Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion
Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Tell Me What You Want, What You Really Really Want
No, this post isn't about my love for the Spice Girls, which I have mentioned once before, and despite the fact that there is talk of another reunion. It just so happens that the lyrics from their famous hit "wannabe" fit perfectly with what I want to discuss today.
I'm curious, I want to know what you, as writers AND readers, want more or less of in the market. Here's the thing, I don't write for trends, I write what I'm most passionate about. I will say that when I first began writing I worked on a Vampire story. Not in the trend we've recently seen where the girl falls for a Vamp, but rather the whole "wow these are bad mothereffers and we better haul a** if we don't want to end up as soulless, blood sucking monsters." I shelved the idea after the fire fizzled out. It's still an interesting concept because I really want to see more creeptastic vampire stories, but I have other projects that are calling to me right now.
Here's what I would like to see represented more often in the books I read:
- Boys with feelings. What's wrong with the guy who cares, who doesn't act like a douche one second and a witty charmer the next just because he can? Sure he may have daddy issues (and maybe a few mommy ones) but that doesn't mean he can't be nice. That's not to say I want a guy who cries every time he watches The Notebook, but someone who feels and cares enough to be there. I hate it when the nice guy gets pushed aside for the cocky jerk. Ladies, there's nothing wrong with going for the guy who treats you with respect.
- I also want more smart girls. A girl who gets good grades, that isn't labeled as a nerd for arming herself with knowledge, a girl who can kick butt and save the guy every now and then. I've heard so many complaints about Mary Sues, and I second that proposal to stop the insanity. A girl can be awesome way before a boy walks into her life. Adding some eye candy can just be a plus.
- I'll be the first to admit that I'm a sucker for romance. I'm much more likely to enjoy a story if there's some kissing involved, but let the characters fall in love over time. They can be attracted to each other before L-O-V-E factor comes into play, but saying "I love you" after only a week or month, and sometimes even a day of knowing each other isn't realistic. Work with the tension, the growing feelings, I think the pay off is much better when you take this route.
-Maybe you don't care about any of these things but would much rather see a specific genre represented. I love sci-fi and high fantasy and there's not enough in the YA market. And of course, books targeted for boys.
Okay, so maybe I missed something that you feel very strongly about, I want to know what that is. So, I ask again, what do YOU want, what do you REALLY REALLY want?
I'm curious, I want to know what you, as writers AND readers, want more or less of in the market. Here's the thing, I don't write for trends, I write what I'm most passionate about. I will say that when I first began writing I worked on a Vampire story. Not in the trend we've recently seen where the girl falls for a Vamp, but rather the whole "wow these are bad mothereffers and we better haul a** if we don't want to end up as soulless, blood sucking monsters." I shelved the idea after the fire fizzled out. It's still an interesting concept because I really want to see more creeptastic vampire stories, but I have other projects that are calling to me right now.
Here's what I would like to see represented more often in the books I read:
- Boys with feelings. What's wrong with the guy who cares, who doesn't act like a douche one second and a witty charmer the next just because he can? Sure he may have daddy issues (and maybe a few mommy ones) but that doesn't mean he can't be nice. That's not to say I want a guy who cries every time he watches The Notebook, but someone who feels and cares enough to be there. I hate it when the nice guy gets pushed aside for the cocky jerk. Ladies, there's nothing wrong with going for the guy who treats you with respect.
- I also want more smart girls. A girl who gets good grades, that isn't labeled as a nerd for arming herself with knowledge, a girl who can kick butt and save the guy every now and then. I've heard so many complaints about Mary Sues, and I second that proposal to stop the insanity. A girl can be awesome way before a boy walks into her life. Adding some eye candy can just be a plus.
- I'll be the first to admit that I'm a sucker for romance. I'm much more likely to enjoy a story if there's some kissing involved, but let the characters fall in love over time. They can be attracted to each other before L-O-V-E factor comes into play, but saying "I love you" after only a week or month, and sometimes even a day of knowing each other isn't realistic. Work with the tension, the growing feelings, I think the pay off is much better when you take this route.
-Maybe you don't care about any of these things but would much rather see a specific genre represented. I love sci-fi and high fantasy and there's not enough in the YA market. And of course, books targeted for boys.
Okay, so maybe I missed something that you feel very strongly about, I want to know what that is. So, I ask again, what do YOU want, what do you REALLY REALLY want?
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Books,Books,Books
Every few months I get restless, because I run out of books to read. So I buy some more. My husband makes fun of me for it, but he doesn't understand the obsession that drives me to spend his hard earned money. Not that he would ever claim his paychecks as his, we share. Afterwards I get all giddy with excitement to read those purchased goodies, and usually I'm not disappointed with my selection. What is it about reading that makes me this way? I think everyone needs an escape every now and then, reading is mine. Here is a list of said goodies I got this time around:
Paranormalcy along with the sequel, Supernaturally- very enthused about these two because I've heard such wonderful things about Paranormalcy and I also discovered Kiersten White's blog and she seems like a really cool chick.
Incarceron and Sapphique by Catherine Fisher: I've been debating about this series for a while, I've read reviews but was still on the fence, but I decided to take a chance. The plot sounds unique and it's always nice to find a book that's a little different from the rest of the pile.
Anna and French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins: Okay, I've heard many wonderful things about this book. I'm estatic to read it for myself.
Sirensong: This is the last book to the Faerie Walker series by Jenna Black. I own the previous two and really enjoyed them, I also got my sister into them. It's such a cool take on the whole fairy mythology which, i admit, I'm sort of obsessed with. I can't wait to see how it all ends.
Reckless: This is by Cornelia Funke, and I'm ashamed to say the first book I'll read by her. The reason I've stayed away is because I was intimidated by this great woman who is kind of a hero in the fantasy fiction realm. But I am over the fear and ready to finally read her printed word.
Gracling by Kristin Cashore: Another book that I've been putting off, but has kept popping up in my mind.
What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen: I have loved Sarah Dessen since high school, I enjoy all of her books and writing style. She is awesome. I encourage all who haven't read any of her work to get out there and pick up one of her books. She's so cool, and I read her blog religously and we both share a common addiction: television.
Haven by Kristi Cook: I think this one came out a relatively short amount of time ago, but it intrigued me. I don't know much about the author, and sometimes that's a good thing.
The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff: This I bought from the recommendation of a favorite author of mine. Maggie Stiefvater, hope it doesn't disappoint. The whole changling mythology is also one that interests me.
The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney: What can I say, I love me some some fey. I didn't mean for that to rhyme.
Hourglass by Myra McEntire: Another book with great buzz that I couldn't resist.
I also preordered 'You Against Me' by Jenny Downham and 'Vanish' The sequel to 'Firelight' by Sophie Jordan. A few months back I also ordered 'Bloodlines' by Richelle Mead which takes place in the same universe as the Vampire Academy books- I loved that series and have high hopes for this new one.
Okay, that's all...for now. I'll write about my impressions as I go along, if I remember to... I'm so excited to READ!
Paranormalcy along with the sequel, Supernaturally- very enthused about these two because I've heard such wonderful things about Paranormalcy and I also discovered Kiersten White's blog and she seems like a really cool chick.
Incarceron and Sapphique by Catherine Fisher: I've been debating about this series for a while, I've read reviews but was still on the fence, but I decided to take a chance. The plot sounds unique and it's always nice to find a book that's a little different from the rest of the pile.
Anna and French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins: Okay, I've heard many wonderful things about this book. I'm estatic to read it for myself.
Sirensong: This is the last book to the Faerie Walker series by Jenna Black. I own the previous two and really enjoyed them, I also got my sister into them. It's such a cool take on the whole fairy mythology which, i admit, I'm sort of obsessed with. I can't wait to see how it all ends.
Reckless: This is by Cornelia Funke, and I'm ashamed to say the first book I'll read by her. The reason I've stayed away is because I was intimidated by this great woman who is kind of a hero in the fantasy fiction realm. But I am over the fear and ready to finally read her printed word.
Gracling by Kristin Cashore: Another book that I've been putting off, but has kept popping up in my mind.
What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen: I have loved Sarah Dessen since high school, I enjoy all of her books and writing style. She is awesome. I encourage all who haven't read any of her work to get out there and pick up one of her books. She's so cool, and I read her blog religously and we both share a common addiction: television.
Haven by Kristi Cook: I think this one came out a relatively short amount of time ago, but it intrigued me. I don't know much about the author, and sometimes that's a good thing.
The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff: This I bought from the recommendation of a favorite author of mine. Maggie Stiefvater, hope it doesn't disappoint. The whole changling mythology is also one that interests me.
The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney: What can I say, I love me some some fey. I didn't mean for that to rhyme.
Hourglass by Myra McEntire: Another book with great buzz that I couldn't resist.
I also preordered 'You Against Me' by Jenny Downham and 'Vanish' The sequel to 'Firelight' by Sophie Jordan. A few months back I also ordered 'Bloodlines' by Richelle Mead which takes place in the same universe as the Vampire Academy books- I loved that series and have high hopes for this new one.
Okay, that's all...for now. I'll write about my impressions as I go along, if I remember to... I'm so excited to READ!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Favorite Author Spotlight: Juliet Marillier
I have several authors that are my favorite. As long as the story is engaging and well written; I am most likely going to enjoy it. But there's a way that a certain author will weave their words together that just gets to me, making me fall into the story, hoping for more. Juliet Marillier is one of these authors. I remember reading Daughter of the Forest my sophmore year in high school. It changed my life. There aren't many times you can say that about a book, but I can say that about this particular book with certainty. It was beautiful, sad, poignant, and crafted with such delicacy. I love Ms. Marillier's style of writing, it speaks to me. This book changed the course of my reading habits. I wasn't really into fantasy before randomly selecting it out of a shelf because of its eye grabbing cover, especially not historical fantasy-which is Ms. Marillier's specialty. Since then I have read every single one of her books. I just recently finished Seer of Sevenwaters- the fifth installment in her Sevenwaters trilogy, and folks, let me tell you- she's still got it. I hope Ms. Marillier continues to write, her stories are compelling and leave me satisfied- with just an after taste of wanting more. So thank you, Juliet Marillier, for opening my eyes to an entirely new genre of books. If she hadn't, maybe I would still think I was crazy for making up stories in my head that involved magic and lore.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Book Review: Warm Bodies By Isaac Marion
I just finished reading this the other day and was pleasantly surprised. It wasn't the longest book, which was good, because it never felt like it was dragging. I wasn't sure how I woud feel about it because of my fear of zombies (they scare the hell out of me) but that was never an issue. I truly fell for 'R' and really wanted him to come out on top. Isaac Marion really did a good job of making the setting believable, and also the possibility that a zombie might just have feelings. Now when I watch AMC's The Walking Dead (shout out! that show is awesome, and gives me nightmares, but I don't care because it's so brilliant) I'll wonder if a particular zombie chomping on some dude is feeling more than just that hunger that seems to drive him. All in all, it was a satisfying read and I'm looking forward to the next installment.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)