Quarterly Challenge (Spring 2011)

[Tatiana]

Finished book #7 - Then He Ate My Boy Entrancers: More Mad, Marvy Confessions of Georgia Nicolson . It is book #6 in a series which I absolutely love. These books never fail to make me laugh.

[Kira]

just joined the club, too late to join the fun? (seems everyone participating started early march.) (may have unintentionally knocked a few off the list already between last mo. and now.)

[Tatiana]

Kira, it's not too late to join. The challenge is active until the end on May.

[Amy]

I am new to the challenge scene but I am excited to get some these books pushed up on my to-read list :o). I hope I chose books that fit each category, lol.

1. Looking for Alaska (3/19)

2. City of Fallen Angels (4/21,loved it!)

3. Secrets and Shadows (3/29)

4. Across the Universe (5/25)

5. Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow (5/11)

6. Clockwork Angel (4/19)

7.

8. I Am Number Four (4/11)

9. 13 Reasons Why (4/25)

10a. Along for the Ride (6/1)

10b. Infinite Days (3/8)

10c. Princess of the Midnight Ball (3/22)

[Amy]

Updated Spring 2011 List

1) A book which is a Printz winner or honoree.
Please Ignore Vera Dietz

2) A book that is a new release published in March, April or May of this year.
Rival

3) A book that is a part of a series.
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

4) An author's debut novel.
Breathless

5) A book that is on one of the ALA's Best Books for Young Adults lists. Pick any year.
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

6) A book set in a foreign country.
Solace of the Road by Siobahn Dowd

7) A book which is a book-in-verse, a graphic novel or epistolary (written in a form of a diary, letters, notes, etc.).
Mercury by Jennifer Larson

8) A book written from a male POV.
I am The Messenger by Markus Zusak

9) A book which was nominated for a month's pick in our group, but never won.
Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens

10) Read 3 books that belong to 3 different genres of your choosing. You can pick from: science fiction, fantasy, paranormal, dystopia, mystery, urban fantasy, chick lit or horror.
A Wizard of Earthsea Fantasy
The Westing Game Mystery
Maze Runner Dystopia

[[deleted user]]

Good news! All I have left on my list is Going Bovine, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, and Matched! Keep on reading, everyone! I'm sure we'll all finish this challenge!

[Amy]

Tatiana wrote: "Finished book #7 - Then He Ate My Boy Entrancers: More Mad, Marvy Confessions of Georgia Nicolson [bookcover:Then He Ate My Boy Entrancers: More Mad, Marvy Confessions of Georgia Nico..."
LOL! Her titles are the best.

[Amy]

Amy wrote: "I am new to the challenge scene but I am excited to get some these books pushed up on my to-read list :o). I hope I chose books that fit each category, lol.

1. Looking for Alaska (3/19)
[bookc..."

Ooh! I'm curious about all of these! I need to start following your reviews.

[Kelly]

Re Girl w Dragon Tatoo: this is definitely Adult and not YA. I would not let my teen read it.

[[deleted user]]

My gosh. I really need to get reading. I'm currently working through my first book(Rule5), A Crack in the Line, Its pretty good so far:) And I'm also, changing my Rule3(part of a series). Im changing it to The Gathering. :)

[Jessica-Robyn]

Here's my current list:
3 STARS 1) American Born Chinese - Printz Winner, 07.
2) Steel - March
4 STARS 3) The Ruby in the Smoke - (Sally Lockhart Trilogy #1)
4) The Iron King (Iron Fey #1) - Julia Kagawa Debut
5) Along for the Ride - 2010 Best YA List
3 STARS 6) Anna and the French Kiss - France
4 STARS 7) American Vampire, Vol. 1
8) Will Grayson, Will Grayson
5 STARS 9) Thirteen Reasons Why- November Poll
10a) Quiver - Fantasy
4 STARS 10b) 1st to Die - Mystery
3 STARS 10c) The Ghost and the Goth - Paranormal

Finished in March:
American Born Chinese, Anna and the French Kiss, American Vampire, Vol. 1

Due to my overcoming laziness I've changed all my #10 books to ones that I actually have on my shelf this month so things might move along a little easier. *sleepish*

Finished in April:
Thirteen Reasons Why, The Ruby in the Smoke, The Ghost and the Goth, 1st to Die.

Finished in May (so far):
...

[Emily Elizabeth]

Okay, here is my list:
1) Read a book which is a Printz winner or honoree.
I read Stolen by Lucy Christopher and gave it three stars.

2) Read a book that is a new release published in March, April or May of this year.
I read Afterlife by Claudia Gray and gave it three stars.

3) Read a book that is a part of a series.
I read Red Glove by Holly Black, which is book two in her Curse Workers series and gave it three stars.

4) Read an author's debut novel.
I read Paranormalcy by Kiersten White and gave it four stars.

5) Read a book that is on one of the ALA's Best Books for Young Adults lists.
I read Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott and gave it four stars.

6) Read a book set in a foreign country.
I plan to read Night by Elie Wiesel.

7) Read a book which is a book-in-verse, a graphic novel or epistolary (written in a form of a diary, letters, notes, etc.).
I plan to read Crank by Ellen Hopkins.

8) Read a book written from a male POV.
I read Hold Me Closer Necomancer by Lish Bride and gave it four stars.

9) Read a book which was nominated for a month's pick in our group, but never won.
I read Geography Club by Brent Hartinger and gave it 3.5 stars.

10) Read 3 books that belong to 3 different genres of your choosing.
I read Genesis by Bernard Beckett and gave it two stars. It is a dystopian novel.
I read Rosebush by Michele Jaffe and gave it four stars. It is a young adult mystery novel.
I read Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton and gave it five stars. It is a paranormal novel.

[Kritika]

Is The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo a debut novel (and is it considered YA)? I can't get Matched at my library in time for the challenge.

[Tatiana]

I have read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and it is definitely not a YA novel. And Matched is not Ally Condie's first novel. I heard she had some religious novels published before it.

[Kritika]

Oh. Ok, thanks. Matched was on the goodreads list of debut novels, though. I guess I'll go find another debut.

[Kritika]

Another question about debut novels: does it have to be the first novel that the author ever published, or their first YA novel?

[Tatiana]

Either is fine, Kritika.

[Lori]

Man, last month I zipped through the books and this month I can barely find time to read. I may have to hibernate in the bedroom for a day when the boys are at school and do nothing BUT read for 6 hours staight. sounds like heaven.

[Christie]

Here is my list so far...It is not much but I feel I am reading a lot more non-YA books lately. Hopefully after my buddy read of a non-YA book I will be able to bang out some more on my list for this challenge.

1.
2.
3. White Cat ~ Holly Black (March 7th)
4. Iron King ~ Julie Kagawa (April 4th)
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10 A: Desires of the Dead ~ Kimberly Derting (April 14th)
B:
C:

[Tatiana]

Just finished my #10 - Ruby Red

Only two more to go!

[Deborah]

One more to go. Still waiting for The Gathering to get into the library. Looking forward to it as she is one of my favorites!

[Kira]

finished my #7 (Stolen: A letter to my captor), finally. Only took me about a week. Four more books to go.

[Kira]

finished . 9 books down, 3 to go.

[Stacie]

Just found this now, but I have my list and hopefully they will all be in at the library soon!

1. Ship Breaker (Finished 5/5)
2. Gemini Bites (Finished 5/3)
3. Evermore (Finished 4/14)
4. Split (Finished 4/28)
5. Hate List (Finished 4/22)
6. Purple Heart (Finished 4/22)
7. Stolen: A letter to my captor (Finished 5/4)
8. The Unnameables (Finished 4/24)
9. Blue is for Nightmares (Finished 4/25)
10A. Vampire Academy (Finished 5/10)
10B. Unwind (Finished 4/27)
10C. ]The Summer I Turned Pretty (Finished 4/26)

[Julia]

4/12
1. Printz- Nothing. I just had to return this to the library and it has a very good beginning! So I gotta find another...
2. March- A Hundred Words for Hate 4/13/11 ***
3. part of series- Unfallen Dead
4. debut novel- The Scorpion's Gate.
5. ALA Alex award- The Radleys. Also a library book & hasn't come yet...
6. foreign-Krik? Krak!(Haiti).
7. verse- Make Lemonade .** 3/19/11
8. male- Sunrise Over Fallujah . **** 3/24/11
9. also ran- To Kill a Mockingbird ***** 4/12/11
10 a) historical fiction- Sovay
b) LGBTQ- Torn
c) science fiction- Feed

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[Lori]

1. Looking for Alaska
2.Defiance
3.The Iron Daughter
4. Chloe Doe
5. The Chosen One
6. Sold
7. Impulse
8.Invincible
9. Rules of Attraction
10a. Don't Die, Dragonfly supernatural
10b. Twisted teen angst?
10c.City of Fallen Angels paranormal

I did some switching of books, I switched Storm Thief for Twisted.

Twisted is finished and I gave it 3 stars. Would have given 3.5 if I could. It was nice to read the male POV on this topic. I really enjoy Laurie Halse Anderson's books. At least the ones I have read so far.

Of the 4 I have left to read......I have started 3. I just might make it all the way through this challenge =)

[Kayzee]

Ok, I am not doing this - But after looking at the lists people had I went and hired Looking for Alaska.
It made me laugh and cry, and was insightful. I really needed to read this at this time in my life. I had a crash a few weeks back - I should of died. It just made me think differently. SO thank you to you all lol.

[Kira]

finished for 10.c., so technically I only have my #1 left. Since there is more than a month left to this challenge, though, I decided i am going to re-challenge myself to read that, and read the books I selected for the other categories for rule 10 while j was being indecisive. , so, books for rules #1 and #10: sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal, mystery and dysotopian left to read. :)

[Jess]

Duration: March 1, 2011 - May 31, 2011.

1) Printz winner or honoree

2) A new release published in March, April or May of this year.

3) A part of a series Sweep Sweep, Volume 1:

4) Author's debut novel. Paranormalcy Paranormalcy

5) ALA's Best Books for Young Adults lists. Pick any year. Blood and Chocolate

6) Set in a foreign country.

7) A book-in-verse, a graphic novel or epistolary Life as we knew it Life As We Knew It

8) Read a book written from a male POV - The Chocolate War The Chocolate War

9) Nominated for a month's pick in our group, but never won.

10) Read 3 books that belong to 3 different genres of your choosing. You can pick from: science fiction, fantasy, paranormal, dystopia, mystery, urban fantasy, chick lit or horror.



[image error]

[Deborah]

Kayzee, I am glad you're alright. Take care of yourself!

[N.L.]

13/16 Read

Printz – Stolen – 4/24 – 4 Stars – At first, I didn't like how the book was written/narrated but as the story progressed, the style became more tolerable. By the end, the style made sense. It was the perfect choice for the nature of the story line & plot. Still not sure what I think of the story overall but, by the end, I was crying. Always a good sign of being 'invested' in a story.
New – Afterlife – 4/14 – 2 Stars – An extremely disappointing end to a series.
Series – Bite Club
Debut – Angelfire – 3/10 – 3 Stars – Wasn't fond of the main character as I found her spoiled & rather vapid persona to be a hard sell due to what she was/is suppose to be. The pacing of the story dragged and the ending seemed to be lacking. Uncertain if I will continue with this trilogy.
ALA – Stealing Heaven – 3/29 – 3 satrs – A solid entry from Elizabeth Scott but it isn't one of her best. The characters and the concept were decent but I felt that the story ended on a strange note. I wanted more from it.
On Foreign Soil – Demonglass – 3/22 – 4 Stars – A very nice continuation to Hex Hall. It ended with a major cliffhanger and a lot of unanswered questions which I found annoying and kept me from rating it a 5 star read.
Verse – You Are Not Here – 3/2 – 3 stars – While I like verse novels a lot, I am not a fan of this author's verse style. Found the MC to be too angst-ridden and self-absorbed for the main plot to have merit. It is hard to mourn the loss of someone when one is much too wrapped up in their own head.
Male POV – Invincible – 4/10 – 4 Stars – A wonderful installment of the Chronicles of Nick series (a spin-off from the non-YA Dark-Hunters series). It is clear that Kenyon has spent a lot of time figuring out her characters and the world they live in plus she threw in some new twists that don't exist in the Dark-Hunters world yet. I like that the world (and her writing) is evolving.
Always the Bridesmaid – North of Beautiful
Historical – Father of Lies – 3/9 – 3 stars – A retelling of the Salem Witch Trials, interesting but I didn't care for the author's writing style – for some reason unknown, I found it awkward to read.
Paranormal – Once in a Full Moon – 3/10 – 3 stars – For some reason, the author's books are lackluster yet one cannot stop reading them. However, I found this book to be somewhat inferior to her vampire YA series. Not sure if I will be reading future installments of this series.
Urban Fantasy – Darkness Becomes Her – 3/9 – 4 stars – An interesting take on Greek Mythology, vampires, witches, warlocks & shapeshifters with a dystopian element. One of the best dystopian-oriented books I've read this year.
Dystopian – Wither – 4/11 – 4 Stars – One of the better dystopian books I've read. Not as good as The Hunger Games but still decent. In this, the dystopian element is crucial to the storyline and adds a lot to the overall plot. Not overly sure what I think of this book overall as it is hard to describe. A mixture of emotions come from reading this book and it challenging to sort them out. So many of the subplots are battles being fought today and the dystopian nature of the piece makes those battles seem more tragic.
Realistic – The Agony of Alice – 4/1 – 3 Stars – I picked up this book and started reading it then it dawned on me – I've read this before. It has been years and yet I remembered it quite well. This book is thought of rather highly for younger young adult readers but reading it when I was in the suggested age range and now, I am not a fan of Alice. I remember very clearly finding her quite whiny, immature and I lacked a connection with her the first time around and now, much of the same.
Journal – Go Ask Alice – 4/7 – 2 Stars – I originally read this book 18 years ago or so while in middle school. I remember that I found the writing style odd as if it was forced. I find it even more contrived nowadays. There is just something about it that makes me feel as if the writer was detached from the situations and it was written long after the fact. While I did give it two stars, it is worth reading as some of the messages relayed are still pertinent today.
Religion – Hush

[Lisa]

1. Stolen by Lucy Christopher--3/5 stars. The book was very slow in parts. There was not alot of connection with the characters to the reader.
8. I am Number 4.--5/5 stars. I loved this book! Can't wait for the sequel.
9. Thirteen Reasons Why.

[Kritika]

I only have a couple of books left for the challenge, but I'm not sure I'll be able to finish - all the books that I want to read for the published in March/April/May task are under a lot of requests at the library. I don't think I'll get that last book in time!

[Ashley]

**-means they are read/done

1. Looking For Alaska
2. Bumped- Megan McCafferty
**3. Plaque-Michael Grant
4. The Mockingbirds-Daisy Whitney
5. The Fortunes of Indigo Skye- Deb Caletti (this one may change I have a few in mind)
6. DemonGlass
7. Burned- Ellen Hopkins
**8. I know it is Over- C.K.Kelly Martin
**9. You-Charles Benoit
10. **Gone- Michael Grant (dystopia), Stay- Deb Caletti (chick lit), **The Lying Game- Sara Shepard (mystery)

[Julia]

5/12
1. Printz honor- was Nothing, but had to return it to the library before I got around to it. Instead I read and loved A Wreath for Emmett Till. It's a book told in interlinked sonnets about a 14 year old boy who was lynched and murdered in 1955 and all the other men lynched... ***** 4/29/11
2. March-A Hundred Words for Hate 4/13/11 ***
3. part of series- Unfallen Dead currently reading.
4. debut novel- The Scorpion's Gate.
5. ALA Alex award- The Radleys. Also a library book & still hasn't come yet...
6. foreign-Krik? Krak!(Haiti).
7. verse- Make Lemonade.** 3/19/11
8. male- Sunrise Over Fallujah. **** 3/24/11
9. also ran- To Kill a Mockingbird ***** 4/12/11
10 a) historical fiction- Sovay
b) LGBTQ- Torn
c) science fiction- Feed

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[Deborah]

Yeah!! Just finished my last book The Gathering and loved it! Great way to finish the challenge.

[Kira]

well, marks the official end to my participation in this challenge. it's been fun. can't wait for the next challenge. 'til then I shall satiate my voracious appetite for consumeable words with the remaining titles (and, maybe, a couple not listed, depending) my indecisive self made me list earlier in the challenge. :)

The (kinda-sorta, not-fully-overachieved) complete list:

1) Printz winner or honoree:
Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King (5 stars)(read: 05/02)

2) New release published in April: 
City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare  (released: 04.05.11) (5 stars) (read: 04/06)

3) Book that is a part of a series:
It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han (summer #2) (5 stars) (read: 04/01)

4) Author's debut novel:
Nevermore by Kelly Creagh (5 stars) (read: 03/26)

5) ALA's Best Books for Young Adults:
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Gan (2010 list) (4 stars) (read: 03/31)

6) Book set in a foreign country:
13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson (several European countries, mostly the UK) (3 stars) (read: 04/04)

7) Read a book which is a book-in-verse, a graphic novel or epistolary (written in a form of a diary, letters, notes, etc.).
Stolen by Lucy Christopher (letter format) (3 stars) (read: 04/18) 

8) Read a book written from a male POV.
Cloaked by Alex Finn (3 stars) (read: 03/16)

9) Non-winning book nominated for a month's pick in our group:
Forget You by Jennifer Echols (3 stars)(read: 04/21) 

10) Read 3 books that belong to 3 different genres of your choosing. 
 

science fiction: Across the Universe by Beth Revis (4 stars)(read: 4/30)
fantasy: Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder 
paranormal: The Iron King by Julie Kagawa 
dystopia: Gone by Michael Grant (4 stars)(read: 4/27)
mystery: Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting 
urban fantasy: Graceling by Kristin Cashore (5 stars) (read: 04/20)
chick lit: The Karma Club by Jessica Brody (4 stars) (read: 04/10)
horror: Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann (technically 3.7, so rounded to 4 stars)(read: 4/23)

[Julia]

6/12 completed
1. Printz honor- was Nothing, but had to return it to the library before I got around to it. Instead I read and loved A Wreath for Emmett Till (Boston Globe-Horn Book HonorsA Wreath for Emmett Till. It's a book told in interlinked sonnets called a heroic crown about a 14 year old boy who was lynched and murdered in 1955 and all the other men who were lynched... ***** 4/29/11
2. March-A Hundred Words for Hate 4/13/11 ***
3. part of series- Unfallen Dead **** 5/2/11 #3 in the Connor Grey UF series, a lot of fun, a lot goes on. Hope I get to #4 soon!
4. debut novel- The Scorpion's Gate.
5. ALA Alex award- The Radleys. One of two library books on the list & still waiting for this one...
6. foreign-Krik? Krak!Krik? Krak!(Haiti).
7. verse- Make LemonadeMake Lemonade.** 3/19/11
8. male- Sunrise Over Fallujah. **** 3/24/11
9. also ran- To Kill a Mockingbird ***** 4/12/11
10 a) historical fiction- Sovay
b) LGBTQ- Torn
c) science fiction- Feed

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[Lori]

I have 3 books left to go so I had better get back at it,lol.

Last night I finished The Iron Daughter I gave it 4 stars.
I could easily start the next book in the series but FIRST I MUST finish the 3 books I have left for this challenge. All 3 are sitting on mu night stand. I am currently on pg 149 of City of Fallen Angels and really enjoying it too.

Off to read until the boys bedtime!

[Bethany]

Amy wrote: "I am new to the challenge scene but I am excited to get some these books pushed up on my to-read list :o). I hope I chose books that fit each category, lol.

1. Looking for Alaska (3/19)
[bookc..."

I was looking thru this getting ready to post my list and was like....who is this person...our lists are so close!! Then I realized it was your list....bahahahaha...not surprizing that we've read most of the same books!!

[Bethany]

Okay....Here's my list: ****FINISHED****
1. Looking for Alaska 4 STARS (5/27)

2. City of Fallen Angels 4 STARS (4/30)

3. Darkest Mercy 5 STARS (4/12)

4. Matched 4 STARS (4/14)

5. If I Stay 3 STARS (4/20)

6. Clockwork Angel 5 STARS (4/28)

7. Life As We Knew It 3 STARS (3/22)

8. I Am Number Four 4 STARS (4/18)

9. The Luxe 4 STARS (5/6)

10a. Uglies 4 STARS (3/6)

10b. Heavenly 5 STARS (3/3)

10c. Insatiable 5 STARS (4/21)


Almost finished....only 1 book left!!

[Tatiana]

Most of Printz books are a little heavy, but I've seen many people enjoy these winners and honorees:

Jellicoe Road
Please Ignore Vera Dietz
Ship Breaker

[Amy]

Bethany wrote: "Okay....Here's my list:
1.
2. City of Fallen Angels 4 STARS (4/30)
3. Darkest Mercy 5 STARS (4/12)
4. Matched 4 STARS (4/14)
5. [book:If I Stay|43..."

lol, that is funny what you said about my list before you realized whose it was :o)...
You could read Looking for Alaska for your #1....I mean, I know I did, lol. But I also know they have it at the library. Also, I have Along for the Ride, which you haven't read yet :o).

[Huma]

1. Sig dit navn ti gange.
2. Sig din mors navn fem gange.
3. Sig din kærlighed navn tre gange.
4. Indsæt denne til fire andre grupper
Hvis du gør dette, at din kærlighed kysse dig på den nærmeste fredag.
........................Men hvis du læser dette og ikke indsæt dette, vil du have meget dårlige held.
Send dette til 5 grupper inden 123 minutter.
Når du er færdig tryk på F6 og dit knuse navn vil blive vist med store bogstaver på skærmen.
Dette er så freaky For det er faktisk fungerer;

[Julia]

7/12 completed
1. Printz honor- I read and loved A Wreath for Emmett Till (Boston Globe-Horn Book Honors ***** 4/29/11
2. March- A Hundred Words for Hate4/13/11 ***
3. part of series- Unfallen Dead **** 5/2/11 #3 in the Connor Grey UF series.
4. debut novel- The Scorpion's Gate
5. ALA Alex award- The Radleys One of two library books on the list & still waiting for this one...
6. foreign-Krik? Krak!
7. verse-Make Lemonade** 3/19/11
8. male-Sunrise Over Fallujah **** 3/24/11
9. also ran- To Kill a Mockingbird***** 4/12/11
10 a) historical fiction- Sovay
b) LGBTQ-Torn * 5/10/11 Boy, this book isn't for me!
c) science fiction- Feed

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[N.L.]

15/16 Read

Printz – Stolen – 4/24 – 4 Stars – At first, I didn't like how the book was written/narrated but as the story progressed, the style became more tolerable. By the end, the style made sense. It was the perfect choice for the nature of the story line & plot. Still not sure what I think of the story overall but, by the end, I was crying. Always a good sign of being 'invested' in a story.
New – Afterlife – 4/14 – 2 Stars – An extremely disappointing end to a series.
Series – Bite Club – 5/11 – 3 Stars – Sadly, the plot ended up exactly how I thought it would, long before I even picked up the book. The main character, Claire, was on high angst mode and her two friends were mentally absent from themselves. Not Ms. Caine's best work for sure.
Debut – Angelfire – 3/10 – 3 Stars – Wasn't fond of the main character as I found her spoiled & rather vapid persona to be a hard sell due to what she was/is suppose to be. The pacing of the story dragged and the ending seemed to be lacking. Uncertain if I will continue with this trilogy.
ALA – Stealing Heaven – 3/29 – 3 satrs – A solid entry from Elizabeth Scott but it isn't one of her best. The characters and the concept were decent but I felt that the story ended on a strange note. I wanted more from it.
On Foreign Soil – Demonglass – 3/22 – 4 Stars – A very nice continuation to Hex Hall. It ended with a major cliffhanger and a lot of unanswered questions which I found annoying and kept me from rating it a 5 star read.
Verse – You Are Not Here – 3/2 – 3 stars – While I like verse novels a lot, I am not a fan of this author's verse style. Found the MC to be too angst-ridden and self-absorbed for the main plot to have merit. It is hard to mourn the loss of someone when one is much too wrapped up in their own head.
Male POV – Invincible – 4/10 – 4 Stars – A wonderful installment of the Chronicles of Nick series (a spin-off from the non-YA Dark-Hunters series). It is clear that Kenyon has spent a lot of time figuring out her characters and the world they live in plus she threw in some new twists that don't exist in the Dark-Hunters world yet. I like that the world (and her writing) is evolving.
Always the Bridesmaid – North of Beautiful –
Historical – Father of Lies – 3/9 – 3 stars – A retelling of the Salem Witch Trials, interesting but I didn't care for the author's writing style – for some reason unknown, I found it awkward to read.
Paranormal – Once in a Full Moon – 3/10 – 3 stars – For some reason, the author's books are lackluster yet one cannot stop reading them. However, I found this book to be somewhat inferior to her vampire YA series. Not sure if I will be reading future installments of this series.
Urban Fantasy – Darkness Becomes Her – 3/9 – 4 stars – An interesting take on Greek Mythology, vampires, witches, warlocks & shapeshifters with a dystopian element. One of the best dystopian-oriented books I've read this year.
Dystopian – Wither – 4/11 – 4 Stars – One of the better dystopian books I've read. Not as good as The Hunger Games but still decent. In this, the dystopian element is crucial to the storyline and adds a lot to the overall plot. Not overly sure what I think of this book overall as it is hard to describe. A mixture of emotions come from reading this book and it challenging to sort them out. So many of the subplots are battles being fought today and the dystopian nature of the piece makes those battles seem more tragic.
Realistic – The Agony of Alice – 4/1 – 3 Stars – I picked up this book and started reading it then it dawned on me – I've read this before. It has been years and yet I remembered it quite well. This book is thought of rather highly for younger young adult readers but reading it when I was in the suggested age range and now, I am not a fan of Alice. I remember very clearly finding her quite whiny, immature and I lacked a connection with her the first time around and now, much of the same.
Journal – Go Ask Alice – 4/7 – 2 Stars – I originally read this book 18 years ago or so while in middle school. I remember that I found the writing style odd as if it was forced. I find it even more contrived nowadays. There is just something about it that makes me feel as if the writer was detached from the situations and it was written long after the fact. While I did give it two stars, it is worth reading as some of the messages relayed are still pertinent today.
Religion – Hush – 4/29 – 3 Stars – While this book has an extremely important message - and one that I would give 5 stars too because I'm glad it was addressed - but the writing style was lacking. The pacing of the piece is very disjointed and a little obnoxious to read. It jumped around in time a lot and would constantly suffer from information dump. Later on in the book, it felt like it was missing quite a few semi-important scenes. Mainly, the ones in Gittel's marriage. Her husband did a quick and extremely unrealistic turn-around in his approach to his wife's emotional well-being. Considering the main topic of this book, his turn-around is extremely far-fetched (as where some events in the last few chapters) and made me doubt the intent of this story just a little. Those things would not be done in that fashion considering the nature of the community being addressed. If such things were possible, there wouldn't be this 'epidemic' that is the root of Hush.

[Amy]

Almost done!
Only
and left to go

[Bethany]

Amy wrote: "Almost done!
Only
and left to go"

Both of these are great books!! Enjoy!!

[Bianca]

Just finished my last book!! I had fun reading them all too!

[Kritika]

I'm working on my last book: City of Fallen Angels, and I'm really enjoying it so far!