What YA Friendly Book Are You Currently Reading? Showing 651-700 of 1,359

[Kaje]

I couldn't get it on B&N so I have it on my Kindle cloud. I need to read it - it's just easier on the Nook (which isn't letting me sideload anything.) But yeah, very highly rated.

[Kim]

I'm starting M.G. Higgins' Bi-Normal , which I hope to enjoy more than I enjoyed the book that I just finished, Marianne K. Martin's Tangled Roots . Even with a vaguely happy-ish ending the latter was disappointing overall.

[Kaje]

Good to know. I hope the new one is better.

[Kim]

Bi-Normal was a super-fast read, and at least the writing style was cleaner/better-edited than that of Tangled Roots. Bi-Normal wasn't bad but still could've been better than it was.

It would probably be a good suggestion for reluctant readers and for people who are questioning themselves and/or their general views on/biases about sexuality. I don't think it would change the mind of someone who was strongly bigoted, and most likely readers already into LGBT books wouldn't find anything new there. Despite having a relatively recent publication date, the book struck me as a bit dated. Its main character had heard the term "bi" but had no idea what it meant. And even essentially at the end of the book he was still using derogatory language in his thoughts, without also thinking about the fact that it was derogatory and damaging to himself as well as others. =/ He was trying to improve his actions, though.

[Cat]

I read Half Wild by Sally Green, the sequel to Half Bad, and it revealed that the protagonist was bi/pan/poly. He's also mixed race and has a learning disability, so I'd definitely recommend it. It's set in a Harry Potter type of world with a racism allegory, and the author has implied that there might be polyamory in the third book.
I also read None of the Above by I. W. Gregorio, a recent contemporary novel about a girl who discovers she's intersex. It's gotten positive reviews from intersex people and I really loved it.

[J.S.]

I recently read Love Spells, written by Mia Kerick. Basically, it's a novel where the gay MC, Chance Cesar, wants to meet the boy of his dreams. In Ms. Kerick's capable hands, it's a wildly funny, over-the-top, slang-filled (almost too much so at times, but that's forgiveable) read that moves fast and has a cast of supporting characters that lend depth to the novel.

What I liked is the sheer audacity with which she portrays the character and yet doesn't leave out the homophobia he occasionally experiences. Nor does she make him a perfect character by any means. My review is on Goodreads, but suffice it to say that it's well worth the time to go through this fast-paced novel.

[Kaje]

I'm about to read Ash for our author of the month - looking forward to it.

[Kaje]

Jesse wrote: "I recently read Love Spells, written by Mia Kerick. Basically, it's a novel where the gay MC, Chance Cesar, wants to meet the boy of his dreams. In Ms. Kerick's capable hands, it's a wildly funny, ..."

That's on my TBR list - I'm glad to hear you liked it.

[Ulysses]

Bought Love Spell...sounds like a lot of fun.

[Julia]

My TBR pile has reached epic proportions and might fall over on me and end my life ...

I just picked The Glass House by Suki Fleet off the top of the pile and will start it today!

[Kaje]

I really enjoyed The Glass House. Not as rough emotionally as Not a Love Story

[Annie]

This isn't a book I read recently but I absolutely loved it when I read it. The Dark Wife by Sarah Diemer. It's a Greek Mythology retelling of the myth of Hades and Persephone. In this story Persephone chooses to go to the Underworld and Hades is a woman. Their relationship develops beautifully and the plot of the book is very interesting as well.

[Kaje]

I did a reread of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe - I wasn't sure how it would stand up to knowing the story, but it was still a lovely read.

[Jim]

Addie wrote: "I'm currently reading Beauty Queens, by Libba Bray, which features a lesbian character, a bisexual (or maybe pansexual) character, and a transgender character. It's a quick and easy ..."

I'm listening to this on audio right now, and it's fantastic!! The author does a great job with the narration. It's at different points, silly, hilarious, touching, and deep.

[Kaje]

Jim wrote: "Addie wrote: "I'm currently reading Beauty Queens, by Libba Bray, which features a lesbian character, a bisexual (or maybe pansexual) character, and a transgender character."

"I'm listening to this on audio right now, and it's fantastic!!..."

Good to know - it can be hard to find good audio.

[Jim]

Kaje wrote: "I did a reread of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe - I wasn't sure how it would stand up to knowing the story, but it was still a lovely read."

I felt like this was a great audiobook, too. Its nice when you feel like the accents are on point.

[Jim]

Kaje wrote: "I'm about to read Ash for our author of the month - looking forward to it."

I hope you like it! I thought it was amazing.

[Kaje]

I enjoyed Ash a lot - a 4 star book for me that began a bit too slowly but gained momentum, and finished well.

[Gavin]

I just finished this morning. Two boys in need of real friendship find each other in a most unusual way. Zach and his younger brother Gilbert are being raised by their grandparents on Hinder Island in Puget Sound after a car accident claimed their parents. Zach dreams of the day he can leave the isolated island and can find someone like himself he can share with. Fate presents an opportunity for him to leave the island without actually going anywhere. While he explores the shadow realm he meets Emory, a boy his own age who has also started to explore the shadow realm to escape his controlling parents and the confines of his life as a paraplegic. When Gilbert goes missing in the real world the two boys go searching for him and his captors. In the process they discover that they are the person each has been searching for and how truly connected they are in the shadow realm and in the real world. A great read of self discovery and personal growth, a reminder that we are never truly alone.

[Kaje]

I really enjoy Brent Hartinger - I'll put Shadow Walkers on my TBR. :)

[Kaje]

I just read and really enjoyed Maps by Nash Summers.

What a fun, quirky, sweet YA book! Maps is a teen boy, a junior in high-school who has so far had no interest in romance. What he has been fascinated with is, well, everything else. Maps is probably an Aspergers kid - bright, quirky, obsessive in his focus when performing an experiment, be it how ketchup dries on feathers, or observing two frogs in the bathtub.

He sometimes feels younger than his chronological age, in ways that fit Aspergers. He has poor interpersonal skills, because his empathy is erratic and he's easily distracted, but at least that also insulates him from feeling too much pressure to meet people's expectations. He misreads facial expressions, and has difficulties recognizing personal space, but at the same time he has kind impulses, and he's funny and warm. He has tolerant, loving parents, and a great best friend, Benji. But when Benji, moves out of the house next door to a place blocks away, and a new family with a tall, blond, baseball-playing 17-year-old boy moves in next door, Maps' personal world gets rearranged.

I really loved this account of a kid moving toward a more mature view of the world. All the characters were wonderful (and the neighbor's little sister sometimes stole the show.) (view spoiler)[I felt a little sorry for Benji here and there, wondering at times whether he perhaps didn't have a bit of a crush on Maps, who was oblivious to even the prospect of romance until Lane appeared. (hide spoiler)] This was a warm, smooth and amusing read. Maps clearly will have challenges in his life, but the book is hopeful and the ending is lovely.

[Kaje]

Added to my TBRs. :)

[Darby]

(I'll have to keep updating on this one. I read pretty quickly)
I'm currently reading "Guy in Real Life" by Steve Brezenoff. It's about two teens who are into gaming. The girl is a serious Dungeons and Dragons addict, and the boy is a video gamer in a World of Warcraft type game.
What's refreshing about their little romance is that neither one of them is "a cool hot one" and the girl is older than the boy which NEVER happens in YA.

[Linda ~ they got the mustard out! ~]

Just finished listening to Will Grayson, Will Grayson - One of the best audios I've listened to all year. 5 very big stars.

[Kaje]

That's great - there aren't a lot of YA audio that I see recommended.

[Tara]

Kaje wrote: "I just read and really enjoyed Maps by Nash Summers.

What a fun, quirky, sweet YA book! Maps is a teen boy, a junior in high-school who has so far had no interest ..."

I really liked Maps too! Thought it was different and very creative, quirky and fun.

I just finished What's Not Broken, and although I only gave it three stars, I would recommend it. It can be predictable at times, is very long, and could use some serious tightening, but the voice of Eli is honest and very much his age level. He does a lot of idiotic things, but when I reminded myself he's a teenager, I could see a boy's mind thinking the way his did. Even though long, it was a quick and mostly enjoyable read for me.

[Darby]

Will Grayson, Will Grayson was soooo good (I read it on paper with my eyes). Tiny Coopers musical was recently published and it's the most ridiculous thing ever. It's got song lyrics and stage directions. I just wish the music could get published somehow so I'd know the tunes, and I could get my hands on some Trombone sheet music. I nearly died reading it.

"This should be the most homoerotically charged baseball number since Hey Batter Batter in High School Musical 2"

[Linda ~ they got the mustard out! ~]

Hopefully, they'll do an audio of that one too. I would definitely listen to it. Re: Hold Me Closer.

[Jim]

So, this isn't an LGBT book, but I thought it was a fantastic YA book: The Alchemy of Being Fourteen.

I feel like Leah Williams gets to the heart of what it's like struggling with a myriad of things as you're going through adolescence. It's more of a YA paranormal book about 2 sisters. I won't spoil the plot. It's only 99 cents on Amazon.

[Kaje]

Thanks for the link.

[Karla]

I'm reading and loving Carry On by Rainbow Rowell a gay YA fantasy romance. The characters and world are Harry Potter-esque with a romance between the two main boy characters. If you've read any of this author's other books this has the same voice as her other books plus great dialogue.

[Kaje]

Sounds good :)

Added to my TBRs Carry On

[Jessica]

I am listening to and reading Something Like Summer. I started reading it some time ago and got sidetracked. I just recently picked up the Audible book and am now trying to finish the book.

[Eric]

Jay Bell's entire "something Like..." Series is great.

[David]

Currently reading: Born Wrong?: A Transgender Teen's Journey. It's my own book, but things have been so hectic I haven't had a chance for a slow read.

[Kaje]

Eric wrote: "Jay Bell's entire "something Like..." Series is great."

It is, although I'm not sure whether it's appropriate for YA? It's been a while, but I remember more on page sex? I could be wrong. Jay is definitely a great writer, and the first book is in production as a movie.

[Rez]

Kaje wrote:
It is, although I'm not sure whether it's appropriate for YA? It's been a while, but I remember more on page sex? I could be wr..."

If I recall, the first two (Summer and Winter) are not overly explicit with the sex scenes, but the overall theme is more New Adult rather than YA. The third one (Autumn) is more YA appropriate due to the length of time in the book focusing on teen characters, but the plot resolves in the New Adult genre. The later books are definitely not YA appropriate (by the definitions of this group) because the on-page sex gets descriptive.

[Kaje]

Rez wrote: "Kaje wrote:
It is, although I'm not sure whether it's appropriate for YA? It's been a while, but I remember more on page sex? I could be wr..."

If I recall, the first two (Summer and Winter) are ..."

Thanks :)

[Eric]

I agree, Jay Bell's books are probably a bit mature for this group's target audience overall. More high school/new Adult level content. I had forgotten that.

[Eric]

I have a question... When some of you answer posts, you get the italicized intro that says, "so and so said: blah blah blah". That way you know which earlier post you are referencing. How do you get that to work?

[Linda ~ they got the mustard out! ~]

Rez wrote: "Kaje wrote:
It is, although I'm not sure whether it's appropriate for YA? It's been a while, but I remember more on page sex? I could be wr..."

If I recall, the first two (Summer and Winter) are ..."

Maybe not overly explicit, but enough there to not leave anyone guessing. I would lean towards NA just to be cautious.

[Linda ~ they got the mustard out! ~]

Eric wrote: "I have a question... When some of you answer posts, you get the italicized intro that says, "so and so said: blah blah blah". That way you know which earlier post you are referencing. How do you ge..."

At the bottom right corner of each posts are two hyperlinks: reply, flag*. Click on reply and that'll C&P that post, or the start of it) to the comment box at the bottom of the page. Or, you could just type it yourself once you know the tags to use. I tend to use the latter when there's a long string of such replies because often you can't see the message anymore, just the names of everyone who replied before, which makes it difficult to follow the conversation.

[Kaje]

Yes, I do both. Sometimes I hit reply and then paste a more relevant bit into it as the quote.

One minor tidbit - if your "reply" quote chops off and ends in the middle of a book reference

[book:Safe|1360... for example

It can do wonky things to your own section (italics, no book links) - so if you ever have that happen, check where the reply broke off, and delete the square bracket part before reposting six times and swearing :)

[Eric]

Linda ~ marzipan in your pie plate ~ wrote: "Eric wrote: "I have a question... When some of you answer posts, you get the italicized intro that says, "so and so said: blah blah blah". That way you know which earlier post you are referencing. ..."

Thanks!

[Teresa]

Hi,

I just checked out your story and was wondering if it is available in another format besides Kindle? I can't read that file on my ebook reader or laptop. Thanks for your time and good luck on your new release.

Teresa

[David]

Teresa, there is a link for the free Kindle for PC from Amazon. I downloaded it on my laptop and PC: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U...

[Teresa]

Hi,
The App doesn't work on Ubutu which I have on my laptop.
I have it on my pc, but I read at work on my laptop or ebook reader.

Teresa

[Kaje]

Teresa wrote: "Hi,
The App doesn't work on Ubutu which I have on my laptop.
I have it on my pc, but I read at work on my laptop or ebook reader.

Teresa"

The app sucks on a lot of devices - if you have Ubuntu and can go in through the browser to GR instead you'll get a lot more functionality. (Including reply and edit and book covers and more.) But if not, we'll still know what you mean (and you can use HTML italics <*i> code to fake a quote at the top :) if you want clarity.)

[Teresa]

Kaje,

Um, you can assume that I have no idea what you are talking about. What is GR?? LOL I am so clueless. I can't even get Ubuntu to recognize it.
Thanks for trying.

[Kaje]

Teresa wrote: "Kaje,

Um, you can assume that I have no idea what you are talking about. What is GR?? LOL I am so clueless. I can't even get Ubuntu to recognize it.
Thanks for trying."

Heh - GR is just Goodreads - if you log in to the Goodreads home page www.goodreads.com out of a browser instead of using the app for it then there are more functions. The app is usually for mobile devices that can't accommodate the full site. If you're on a laptop I assume you don't need to use the App. I used to have Ubuntu (although I use Linux Mint now) and I never had a problem with functions like "reply".