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Contemporary

Wikipedia:

Contemporary literature is literature with its setting generally after World War II.

New Releases Tagged "Contemporary"

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Everything You Need to Survive the Apocalypse

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More new releases tagged "contemporary"...

Giveaways

Cameron's Court
by Daniel Amory (Goodreads Author)

Release date: Feb 08, 2012

Add Cameron's Court today! Cameron’s Court is set in modern day Chicago and is narrated by a troubled, young, native Chicagoan named Cameron Hoffenber…more view details »

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Giveaway dates: Feb 22-Feb 24, 2012

1 copy available, 156 people requesting

Countries available: US, CA, and GB

The Boiling Season by Christopher Hebert

The Boiling Season: A Novel
by Christopher Hebert (Goodreads Author)

Release date: Feb 28, 2012

A stunning debut novel set against the backdrop of civil unrest in an unnamed Caribbean island nation. Through the persuasive voice of a young man str…more view details »

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Giveaway dates: Feb 13-Feb 27, 2012

20 copies available, 369 people requesting

Countries available: US

Roots of Insight (Dusk Gate Chronicles, #2)
by Breeana Puttroff (Goodreads Author)

Release date: Jan 09, 2012

Quinn Robbins has just returned from spending ten days in Eirentheos, a world she had never known existed. Trying to settle back into her familiar lif…more view details »

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Giveaway dates: Jan 01-Feb 29, 2012

5 copies available, 191 people requesting

Countries available: US

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Most Read This Week

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The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

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Ten Things We Did (and Probably Shouldn't Have)

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Lists

Best Book Covers for 2010

533 books — 2,281 voters

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

Best Finale

28 books — 52 voters

Best Top Romance Novels of All Time

164 books — 76 voters

The Mysterious Howling (The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Plac... by Maryrose Wood

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger

How I, Nicky Flynn, Finally Get a Life by Art Corriveau

Maine Student Book Awards 2011-2012

38 books — 4 voters

2012 YA & MG Debut Authors: The Apocalypsies!

155 books — 482 voters

Call it What You Want by Keith Lee Morris

The Wall of the Sky, the Wall of the Eye by Jonathan Lethem

Great Short story collections by men

23 books — 4 voters

Popular Contemporary Books

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The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

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The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Millennium, #1)

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I Love Yous Are for White People: A Memoir

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More popular contemporary books...

Recent Reviews

02/22

Mark Flowers gave

to:

Irises

by Francisco X. Stork

read in February, 2012

My rating:

Mark Flowers said: "It's hard to believe that the author of Marcelo in the Real World and Last Summer of the Death Warriors is responsible for this mess. It is painfully obvious what Stork was trying to accomplish, and it is a legitimately compelling concept, but the ex...more"

4 hours, 20 min ago · see review

02/22

Carmen gave

to:

Try Not to Breathe

by Jennifer R. Hubbard (Goodreads Author)

bookshelves: young-adult

My rating:

Carmen said: "A Dark Subject Matter. A Highly Enjoyable Read

Cut off from friends but for the two he met at the mental Hospital he has just left after his suicide attempt, seventeen year-old Ryan spends his summer trying hard not to go back to the black...more"

8 hours, 41 min ago · see review

02/21

Ms-Heather Teen Librarian gave

to:

Love? Maybe

by Heather Hepler

bookshelves: romance

read in February, 2012

My rating:

Ms-Heather Teen Librarian said: "Just because Piper's birthday is on Valentine's Day doesn't mean she's a romantic. Actually, after witnessing her mother's two divorces and her best friend's messy breakup, Piper doesn't even believe in love. But even though Piper has given up hope h...more"

Feb 21, 2012 12:58pm · see review

02/21

Andrea Dillon gave

to:

Getting Over Garrett Delaney

by Abby McDonald (Goodreads Author)

read in February, 2012

My rating:

Andrea Dillon said: "I liked this book. It is really truthful how you can glorify someone in your mind...I think this is a good read for teenage girls...shoot for all girls and women...cause honestly we all do it at some point in our life."

Feb 21, 2012 07:34am · see review

02/21

Heather gave

to:

Love? Maybe

by Heather Hepler

bookshelves: romance, teen, chicklit, gentle-reads

read in February, 2012

My rating:

Heather said: "Just because Piper's birthday is on Valentine's Day doesn't mean she's a romantic. Actually, after witnessing her mother's two divorces and her best friend's messy breakup, Piper doesn't even believe in love. But even though Piper has given up hope h...more"

Feb 21, 2012 12:52pm · see review

02/21

Britta gave

to:

New Girl

by Paige Harbison (Goodreads Author)

My rating:

Britta said: " I found out after reading New Girl that this novel is a retelling of Rebecca, but I have not read the original, so I am in no position to tell how accurately they matched up. My review is solely bases on New Girl (how it should be).

What st...more I found out after reading New Girl that this novel is a retelling of Rebecca, but I have not read the original, so I am in no position to tell how accurately they matched up. My review is solely bases on New Girl (how it should be).

What struck me about this novel was not necessarily the characters or the plot, but the overall feel of the story. It reminded me of Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma in the way that every page coats you with a layer of mystery and that feeling that something is just not quite right...

There were a few things that did not fit to me - not that I didn't like them, just that they didn't really make sense. First off, the main character is sent to boarding school because her parents had been secretly applying since she first asked them years ago (because she was infatuated with Harry Potter) and they think they are doing something extremely nice for their daughter when she is finally accepted. Okay, that's nice. But - she doesn't want to go to boarding school anymore. Why she doesn't tell her parents and not go makes no sense to me. Also, at the school, there is an old boat house where the kids have parties. I get how they tricked the guard into letting them go down there before the MC gets there... but after a student goes missing there, wouldn't it make sense to have more security and/or padlock the place?

I tried to ignore my rational thoughts (this is fiction, I attempted to convince myself) because I really did enjoy the novel. I can't pin point exactly why, but I really wanted to get to the end and see how it all played out! The narration goes between the main character and the missing girl (before she goes missing up unto the point) and that was really unique how it was set up that way. Also, not saying anything, but I really enjoy what the author does with the main character's name (you'll see what I mean if you read it).

Beware though, there is a lot of drugs, sex, violence (rape/self-harm) woven into the plot. It is not extraneous, but if that is going to bother you, I thought I'd give you a heads up. But really, don't let that stop you. The novel is intriguing, suspenseful, mysterious and creepy - a powerful combination.(less)"

Feb 21, 2012 04:48am · see review

02/22

Amanda Callas gave

to:

Never Eighteen

by Megan Bostic (Goodreads Author)

read in February, 2012

My rating:

Amanda Callas said: "Favorite lines....

When the person you love doesn't love you back, you make do.

Maybe if we all just tried to put the pieces back together as soon as they fell out of place, the puzzles in our lives would feel more like an accompl...more"

14 hours, 45 min ago · see review

02/20

Jamie gave

to:

Bittersweet

by Sarah Ockler (Goodreads Author)

bookshelves: pulse-it

read in February, 2012

My rating:

Jamie said: "Actual Rating: 2.5

I won't say that I hated this books because I didn't. I won't say that I loved it either. It was simply another eh, okay book with an overwritten, stereotypical plot with a few added quirks. I really liked the addition o...more"

Feb 20, 2012 09:56pm · see review

02/21

Cheyenne Teska gave

to:

Bittersweet

by Sarah Ockler (Goodreads Author)

bookshelves: ebooks, pulse-it-and-galleygrab, reviewed

read in February, 2012

My rating:

Cheyenne Teska said: "If I'm completely honest here, the entire reason I started reading this book was because of the cupcakes. I don't even like cupcakes that much, really, but I always thought it would be fun to be a pastry chef, and now here's a girl that bakes cupcak...moreIf I'm completely honest here, the entire reason I started reading this book was because of the cupcakes. I don't even like cupcakes that much, really, but I always thought it would be fun to be a pastry chef, and now here's a girl that bakes cupcakes as a hobby and sells them at her mom's diner to rake in a few extra bucks. Of course, that's not all Hudson is. When she receives a letter in the mail about a skating competition after she quit over 3 years ago, she starts to train herself behind her mother's back. After all, the winner will get a $50,000 scholarship, and Hudson would do anything to get out of this small town. Unlike her mom, owning the diner isn't her dream and she doesn't want to feel trapped there like her dad felt before the divorce.

I loved that Sarah Ockler included a small description of each cupcake under the titles of the chapters. Each one sounded delicious and made me want to bake, although I know mine would never come out tasting the way they sound. The characters were so realistic and relatable to me, especially Hudson. She's just trying to make everything in her life work, although sometimes she tends to pile a little too much on. Even after being abandoned by her father and best friend, she still holds her head up and she has a great sense of humor that makes you laugh out loud.

While training for her own competition, she runs into (literally) one hunky hockey co-captain who begs her to help his technique in order to save the worst hockey team ever. Of course, she agrees to because she feels some sort of connection with Josh, but ends up getting pulled into training the entire team who, as you may have guessed, don't take her seriously. Ockler's descriptions of the boys' personalities were hilarious, but there were certain times where I felt it was a little much. Granted, I've never hung out with jocks- I befriended the artists and musicians- but do they really all act that way?

Like many others, I do have this author's previous book, but unfortunately I put it down because it wasn't doing much for me. After reading Bittersweet, I've decided to give Twenty Boy Summer another chance. I definitely enjoy her writing style, which feels smooth and laid-back to me. Anyone who enjoys a nice story about finding yourself would benefit from reading this book.(less)"

Feb 21, 2012 01:33pm · see review

02/20

Shari gave

to:

Cracked

by K.M. Walton (Goodreads Author)

My rating:

Shari said: "This is one of those books for which I am always on the look out. It is straight forward and the writing is clear. There is not a lot of subtly which makes it a book that many teens, especially reluctant readers, will enjoy. The message is simple ...more"

Feb 20, 2012 09:52am · see review

02/21

Jean gave

to:

150 Pounds

by Kate Rockland (Goodreads Author)

read in February, 2012

My rating:

Jean said: "I like the idea; wish I could like the book. Where was the editor? Ideas were raised and then dropped, never to be seen again. The book contained several internal contradictions, often within the same paragraph. (One example: We are told that if...more"

Feb 21, 2012 04:07pm · see review

02/20

Sarah gave

to:

150 Pounds

by Kate Rockland (Goodreads Author)

read in February, 2012

My rating:

Sarah said: "Cute book, def chick lit but i did 2- 3 hours sittings and devoured it. You know, good vs bad fat vs thin, 2 girls, 2 blogs one for the hefty one for the slight- do they come together at the end? they might not, but they might. I liked it and it made...more"

Feb 20, 2012 06:47am · see review

02/20

Stevie gave

to:

Cracked

by K.M. Walton (Goodreads Author)

read in February, 2012

My rating:

Stevie said: "A vivid reminder that mean kids, sad kids, and closed-off kids are usually not what they appear to be. This is one of those books that, in years to come, will remind me why I wanted to become a teacher."

Feb 20, 2012 06:46am · see review

02/20

Siew Ee gave

to:

Getting Over Garrett Delaney

by Abby McDonald (Goodreads Author)

read in February, 2012

My rating:

Siew Ee said: "This book will have a lot of teen appeal because of the subject matter. I’m sure every girl has, at one time or other, suffered through unrequited love and tried hard to get over it. I’ve had unrequited love aplenty (more infatuations, actually) in m...moreThis book will have a lot of teen appeal because of the subject matter. I’m sure every girl has, at one time or other, suffered through unrequited love and tried hard to get over it. I’ve had unrequited love aplenty (more infatuations, actually) in my teens and now I can afford to look back and laugh over all those silly moments, but I wished I had a book back then to help me through those moments of noble suffering...

Why did I pick this book as an adult? For nostalgia, mostly and of course, I’m always on a lookout for a good YA book for my daughter. Abby McDonald handled the plot, cast and conclusion very well and I felt most keenly for Sadie as she battled her love for Garrett. The book is also light and humorous despite the weighty subject matter.

I will not reveal anymore, in case I destroy the reading pleasure for some, but given below are two extracts from the book that will provide food for thought, in particular, for teenage girls who wish to embark on a romantic relationship:

(view spoiler)[EXTRACT ONE
So how are we supposed to win? On the one hand, the world tells us that capital-L Love is epic, and all-conquering, and the meaning of everything, but on the other, it drills us with this message that we shouldn’t make any sacrifice or effort to pursue it, because that would make us weak, unempowered, desperate, silly girls.
But it’s not silly to want that connection, and it doesn’t mean that we’re weak just because we want to share our lives with someone. I didn’t even lose my mind over Garrett — no giggling or blushing or writing his name in my notebooks — it’s not that simple. Everything I did, I thought I was doing it my way: being independent and grown-up, getting by in school, living my life.

I just wanted him to love me, too.

I exhale, worn out. I thought it would be easy once I was done with the plan: no urge to check my messages, no obsessing over what he’s doing and with whom. But the problem won’t just disappear now that I’m over Garrett. I realize that now. This isn’t about him; it’s something deeper than that. It’s about who I am with him. With anyone.
What happens with the next guy?

I’m going to want to be loved by someone else one day; I’m going to long for him the same way I did for Garrett. More, maybe. So what’s stopping me from doing the exact same thing — molding myself around him without even realizing because I’m so desperate for that connection? It won’t change just because I’ll get older; LuAnn and Dominique are proof of that. They still feel that pull to subsume themselves in somebody else’s life, to go all or nothing for the sake of a relationship. And if they do, then they risk losing themselves, but if they don’t, well, they lose him instead. But it can’t be that simple a choice, can it? There has to be some middle way where I stay myself, in the world I choose, but get love, too.
There must be.

EXTRACT TWO
The specter of unrequited love can strike at any time, reducing even the most fearless, independent woman to a weepy wreck.
Don’t let it happen again. You were strong enough to strike it down before; you’ll be smart enough to avoid it the next time around.
Love isn’t pain. Heartbreak isn’t noble or romantic. You deserve better, so don’t ever forget. (hide spoiler)](less)"

Feb 20, 2012 12:05am · see review

02/19

Lisa gave

to:

Never Eighteen

by Megan Bostic (Goodreads Author)

read in February, 2012

My rating:

Lisa said: "Heartbreaking and hopeful; this is a story you won't soon forget. The majority of the story follows a weekend where Austin has a very important agenda. He wants certain people to realize they are not living their lives, but instead living a shadow ...more"

Feb 19, 2012 09:59pm · see review

02/19

cecilia gave

to:

New Girl

by Paige Harbison (Goodreads Author)

read in February, 2012

My rating:

cecilia said: "What is with the growing popularity of books that go bump in the night? new girl follows this dark vein as we follow New Girl into a new school where the queen bee Becca rules with an iron fist despite the fact that she has vanished into thin air. Pa...more"

Feb 19, 2012 02:33pm · see review

02/22

Judy Wise gave

to:

Last Man Standing (Black Ops Inc, # 7)

by Cindy Gerard

read in February, 2012

My rating:

Judy Wise said: "Finally we have the story telling of Joe Green. He gets himself tossed in jail in Sierra Leone and of course Stephanie takes it upon herself to go break him out of jail. Very interesting story that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

R...more"

10 hours, 46 min ago · see review

02/21

Lisa gave

to:

Last Man Standing (Black Ops Inc, # 7)

by Cindy Gerard

read in February, 2012

My rating:

Lisa said: "

This is the 7th and final BOI ( Black Ops Inc) series book by author Cindy Gerard. Mean Joe Green always seems to be the most mysterious one of the group. You never really knew much about him. This book is all Joe. Bryan Tompkins wa...more

This is the 7th and final BOI ( Black Ops Inc) series book by author Cindy Gerard. Mean Joe Green always seems to be the most mysterious one of the group. You never really knew much about him. This book is all Joe. Bryan Tompkins was supposed to be a BOI. He is considered part of the group even though he was killed in the very first book. He is kept alive in memories by the other BOI and his parents and sister Stephanie who you see periodically through the series. Joe's in love with Stephanie but he decides he has to break it off to keep her safe. He thinks there was more to her brother Bryan's death than just bad intel that made their op go bad all those years ago. To that end the story takes us back to Sierra Leone where it all started with book one. Kind of neat how Ms. Gerard brings us full circle. Things don't go well for Joe though and he finds himself in jail, beaten and half starved. To his surprise it's Stephanie who comes to the rescue along with a a friend Suah who Joe has befriended. Things get dicey from there. Secrets revealed and lives put at risk. This is a journey to find answers. I was really excited to read Joe and Stephanie's story but was disappointed you really don't get any of the other BOI until the epilogue. I like how she wrapped it all up with updates on all the BOI's and i hate to see the series end but when you run out of team members there isn't much else you can do. I understand there is a new series in the works from Cindy and it starts with Mike "Primetime" Brown. He and his brother Ty get a part in Joe's book plus he's been in some of the other books as a pilot. Catch a excerpt of this new book at the back of Last Man Standing As for Last man Standing. I was glad to find out more about Stephanie who turns into a bad ass chick in this book and Joe who learns that Stephanie is way tougher than he thought. A great ending to a really great series that's full of hot sexy men and their kick ass women. 4 out of 5 Modokker book pick stars for Last Man Standing. Read more about this series and excerpts of each book on Cindy Gerard's website here www.cindygerard.com (less)"

Feb 21, 2012 12:29pm · see review

02/19

Nic gave

to:

Getting Over Garrett Delaney

by Abby McDonald (Goodreads Author)

read in February, 2012

My rating:

Nic said: "I really liked this book. I find a lot of what happpened in the book, really does happen in real like. And seriously, it leaves me quite annoyed guys in general. But seriously awesome book. Sometimes I feel like smacking whats-her-name. I recommend t...more"

Feb 19, 2012 03:16am · see review

02/18

Hope gave

to:

New Girl

by Paige Harbison (Goodreads Author)

read in January, 2011

My rating:

Hope said: "I requested this book from NetGalley; it took me a while to read it. It's not that the book was a bad book it just that I personally was having a heard time getting into the story. I started reading this book with the assumption that it would anoth...moreI requested this book from NetGalley; it took me a while to read it. It's not that the book was a bad book it just that I personally was having a heard time getting into the story. I started reading this book with the assumption that it would another paranormal YA story, but this is not so. It is a contemporary YA.

Story follows a new girl, who just started a going to school at Manderly. As soon she starts at the new school she is thrown into the shadows of Becca, missing girl. Since Becca is missing a new spot opened up in Manderly and here she is a new girl. One strange about this book also intriguing is that we do not know the main protagonists name. We do not find out what the "new girls" name is till the end of the book. This drove me crazy, because I wanted to know what her name was. One other thing that bothered me about this story is attempt at retelling of Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, and it was not very well done. I would have prefered that Manderly was completly left out of this story. If you are going to retell a classic like Rebecca, you have to be prepared to do a very good and convincing job with the the retelling. As somene who is a big fan of Rebecca this was not a a good retelling of the original story. I grant a point to the author that she was not retelling the entire story but rather using bits and peaces of the original story. But still it would have been better it Rebecca was left alone.

The plot line that new girl is taking Becca's place was bit over the top. Even the reaction of some of the teens that attend the school was unreasonable and to tell you the trueth annoying. But than that's what makes this story entertaining and infuriating at the same time. I really like the romantic aspect of the story between the new girl and Max. It was entertaining, even thought there were number of times that I just wanted to shake them. Or lock them in a room and not let them out until they talk to each other.

Book was well written, aside the attempt at retelling of Rebecca, and story line was good and entertaining. But for some reason I could not read more than one or two chapters at one sitting. Book was interesting and it was done differently; actually we get to read the story from Becca's point of view as well. Before she went missing that is. Overall I give this books 3/5 STARS.(less)"

Feb 18, 2012 07:22pm · see review

Debut Author Snapshot

Benjamin Buchholz

After a year in Iraq, U.S. soldier Buchholz wrote One Hundred and One Nights, a novel about daily life in the war-torn country and its undercurrent of violence.

6 likes · 6 comments

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Quotes Tagged "Contemporary"

“[novan]: bassists are very good with their fingers [novan]: and some of us sing backup vocals, so that means we're good with our mouths too... (~ IM chat with Novan Chang, 18, bassist)”
― Jess C. Scott, EyeLeash: A Blog Novel

14 people liked it

“There wasn't a shed of doubt in her mind that he'd fulfill her every sexual fantasy and them some. But was a brief, hot affair worth losing his friendship?”
― Francis Ray, A Seductive Kiss

3 people liked it

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Videos Tagged "Contemporary"

Hearts in Darkness Book Trailer

INVINCIBLE SUMMER Trailer

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