Kim Baccellia's Blog, page 10

Feliz Navidad

#5 Top YA Pick of 2011

Let's just say I love this author's writing. She nailed the voice of a teen in her book HARMONIC FEEDBACK with ADHD/Asberger's but didn't make this book about that but rather a coming of age story.

Loved it.

Tara Kelly's latest AMPLIFIED doesn't disappoint:



Kelly has a way with writing that brings them to life. And I swear her descriptions of the music world are so vivid, you can hear them.

YABC review:
http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/10765-amplified

And if you haven't yet read her first book:



Monday's top picks involve unique twists of Greek mythology.

#6 Top YA Pick of 2011

I blame it on my publisher Liz at Zumaya. She asked me if I'd like a copy of Nancy Holder's one paranormal and I said, "Sure, why not?"

I was hooked.

I love paranormals. I admit it. I've always been a big sucker for a good paranormal tale. I received a copy of my number six pick from her publicist and let me tell you all I devoured it.

Yes, it's that good!

UNLEASHED



At first I thought, oh, great. Another paranormal with werewolves. Boy, was I wrong. The writing just sucks you in. I couldn't put this book down. Loved, loved it!

My YABC review:

http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/10797-unleashed

And even better, Nancy is having a giveaway for a chance to win a copy of this amazing book:

http://yabookscentral.com/component/rsform/form/39

Tomorrow's tale is about a girl who wants to prove not only to her father but herself that she can be a part of a band. You seriously can hear the music in this YA contemporary. The author's writing is that good!

#7 Top YA Pick of 2011

For my seventh pick I'm choosing another contemporary YA. Janet Gurtler is the author to look out for. Her debut novel was powerful and heartfelt. Her agent on Twitter reminded me that Janet had not one but two books that came out in 2011. Both of them I loved.

I'M NOT HER:



This is an amazing read. Janet Gurtler is the next Jodi Picoult. Her writing is heart felt and moving.

My YA Books Central review:
http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/10324-im-not-her

Also:

IF I TELL



I really loved the protagonist in this story. Gurtler has a way with writing multi-layered characters that you care for.

My YA Books Central review:
http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/10688-if-i-tell

Tomorrow's #6 pick is a paranormal that had me howling for more.

#8 Top YA Pick of 2011

Ericka, our local librarian, says they're always on the lookout for YAs with boy's POV. I was so excited when I was able to review one that I had to share it with her.

COMPULSION



This is the tale of a teen who is obsessed with numbers. His whole life revolves around them. Amazing read and highly recommended.

My YABC review:
http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/10042-compulsion

#9 Top YA Pick of 2011

There's been tons of paranormals out this year. While some have blended into one big paranormal storyline there's been a few that have risen above them all with original premises and twists that had me craving more. Number nine on my list is from my all time favorite publisher Egmont.

HOURGLASS




What's not to love? Set in the South, this paranormal has elements of time travel with characters you care about and one hot romantic triangle. The sequel is coming in June. Can't wait to read it!

#9 Top YA Pick of 2012

There's been tons of paranormals out this year. Some have blended into one big paranormal scene but there's been a few that have risen above them all with original premises and twists that kept me craving for more. Number nine on my list is from my all time favorite publisher Egmont.

HOURGLASS




What's not to love? Set in the South, this paranormal has elements of time travel with characters you care about and one hot romantic triangle. The sequel is coming in June. Can't wait to read it!

Top 10 YAs of 2011

Today I'm going to start my own Top 10 YA Picks of 2011. I've read almost 100 books this year and found so many books to love. What's interesting is the amount of contemporary YAs I loved this year. I also have some paranormals, dystopias, and of course multicultural ones.

So let the count down begin!

#10

CHAIN REACTION



Love Simone's writing. This is the last book in the series and I was kind of sad to see it end.

It has a lot that I love in YA: multicultural characters that aren't the stereotypical gang bangers, romance, hot chemistry, and a great storyline.

Friday Five

1. Son's been helping with Christmas baking. Been making these yummy chocolate pretzels to give out as gifts. All you need is mini pretzels and Hershey's kisses. Put in oven at 170 degrees for about 4-6 minutes. Take out and put a M&M in the middle. Then put in refrigerator for 10 minutes. Enjoy!



2. FLUX is now on Netgalley! I just requested and was approved to read these books:

RIPPER by Amy Reeves



This is another twist on the Jack the Ripper tale.

3. KATANA



This one looked really intriguing. It's about a teen who's the reincarnation of a Samurai warrior.

4. BURIED


I love Linda's writing and Thorn was one of my favorite characters in her last series. Can't wait to read!

5. Also just got my copy of SHATTERED SOUL:





Been hearing great things on Twitter about this paranormal. The cover is gorgeous!

**Guilty Pleasure:

Hope to see this:

Friday Five

**I'm so tempted to go to another blogging site. Sorry about last week's posts as I couldn't get in to post my Friday Five.

Anyhow...

#1 So MIL's grandson came down to help her out. He's 23, unemployed, and is totally obsessed with gaming online. So we'll see how long this lasts. For now though it's nice not to have her worry about her 24/7 which was too much for all of us.

#2 Finished reading LEGEND


My YABC review: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/10450-legend

#3 Finished reading BEAUTIFUL DEAD--PHOENIX


This is the last book in the BEAUTIFUL DEAD series. Let's just say it was a satisfying conclusion. I loved this paranormal with it's Wuthering Heights feel and it's tragic, romantic characters.
Review coming soon!

#4 Check #YALITCHAT on December 10th for an exciting announcement!

#5 Got approved to read PARIS, MY SWEET



I'm very excited to read this memoir of a woman and her tour of chocolate houses in Paris, France and NYC.

**Guilty pleasure:

Today I get to be a taster for Del Taco. I get to go to a 'secret' location and try some food. This should be interesting and fun.