This year? I'm working at a summer camp, while my husband went to San Diego and did awesome things like staring at the unwashed people who had been in line for the Breaking Dawn panel for the past 5 days, and getting the scoop on all the upcoming movies, and enjoying 70-degree-no-humidity weather while I sweltered away in 102 heat index 115.
I had a sad. :(
In his absence, I decided to do what I do best: curl up with a good book. After the craziness of this spring, I'm 6 books behind pace in my goal of finishing 50 books this year. So I put the hammer down on myself, and here are some of the books I've really enjoyed recently:

I read this while on vacation in Martha's Vineyard, which felt like a perfect setting for me. The weather was cool and a little gloomy, and everything tasted like salt. It made me feel like I was on Thisby, the small island setting of this novel. Sounds like "quiet book", right? Yeah, except add in killer horses, a super-sassy girl protagonist, a little bit of kissing, and a big dose of general creepiness, and it's not so quiet anymore. Even though this book didn't have the immediate, slap-you-in-the-face agency that SHIVER did, I think I enjoyed it more. This book is more complicated, which ultimately made it more satisfying.

Between by Jessica Warman, published 8/2/11
I picked this ARC up from Bloomsbury at BEA without knowing anything about the book. I'll be honest, it was a total "Hey! That's a cool cover!" moment when I grabbed it. But I'm glad I did! This story reminded me of THE LOVELY BONES and IF I STAY, but not in a derivative way. I had fun following the main character Elizabeth as she unraveled mystery after mystery--although this isn't a light book. Warman didn't shy away from putting in some pretty rough stuff in here, and I appreciated that, and felt like it really helped the story along. It's out now, so go pick it up!
Populazzi by Elise Allen, published 8/1/11

Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick, due out 9/13/11


The Eleventh Plague by Jeff Hirsch, due out 9/1/11
I admit to being a little skeptical when I first started this book. As much as I love dystopias, I felt like they were all started to blend together a little and I wasn't sure if this one was going to give me anything new. Of course, I was totally wrong. THE ELEVENTH PLAGUE is halfway between dystopia and post-apocalytpic fiction, and simultaneously gives one of the bleakest and most hopeful views of humanity. Also, the narrator is a boy--Stephen--and I enjoyed the change of pace and viewpoint. Plus, it was blurbed by Suzanne Collins, so you know you're in for a good ride. This book is great for the disenchanted lover of dystopias.
So that's what I've been reading. And thankfully, my lovely husband DID bring me back some awesome books, so I guess it's alright he went without me. But what has everyone else been reading and enjoying? And is anyone else like me, and challenging themselves to read a certain number of books this year? (My goal is fifty, and I've read 27 so far. I'm still a little behind, but I'm getting there!)
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I can't wait to read The Scorpio Races. I just read an ARC of The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton and A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young. Both are awesome books.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great Populazzi tee up! I also have Hugo Cabret at home and can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteNatalie--I'm glad to hear that about A Need So Beautiful! I picked it up, but haven't had a chance to read it yet.
ReplyDeleteElise--No problem! Let me know how you like Hugo Cabret--I'm interested to see which book I'll like more, Hugo or Wonderstruck.
Jesus will love you always
ReplyDeleteWell, it's kinda hard to follow THAT comment, but, uh, Sara, fun post. I have an ARC of Scorpio Races but haven't read it yet. Also A Need So Beautiful - ditto. Your post inspires me. Must get cracking on reading! I'm way behind on my goals too. I've been reading adult novels on vacation (The Help and The Elegance of the Hedgehog, both of which are excellent).
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