Goodbye 2011, hello there 2012! This means BLT will be celebrating its 3rd year anniversary in February :D I'm so excited...I can't believe three years have gone by so fast. 2011 was a busy year for me. Last semester of high school (yippy!) and a sort-of-kind-of first taste of college. I daresay I've been extremely busy this past fall and I apologize for no updates or reviews for a good couple of months. Alas, this spring will probably be just as busy but I still read a bit in my spare time. *Will try hard for blogging*
Because 2011 was quite a whirl-wind, I didn't read nearly as many books as I did in 2010. However, I do have some awesome favorites that YOU need to read this new year! Enjoy:
The Water Seeker by Kimberly Willis Holt
Following the life of the son of a fur-trapper, Amos knows he has his father's gift at an early age. Determined to make of the best of his abilities, young Amos sets of into the wild American West, touching the lives he in comes in counter with. Every Holt novel I read, I love and this book is no exception. Amos's story is a wonderful look not only in a historical perspective, but a lovely example of family, love, and survival on the Oregon Trail. Not to mention the art of...dowsing?! Highly recommend if you are a Kimberly Willis Holt fan!
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
A mysterious death. Strange photos. A peculiar quest to find the answer. Setting it apart from any other paranormal/fantasy novel, Miss Peregrine's is filled with authentic vintage photographs that tie into the story–and that of course is the reason why you should read it! A eerily fantastic novel for teens or adults. Stay tuned for the sequel in 2012!
Jane by April Linder
A brooding, modern-day twist on the classic story of Jane Erye, Jane finds herself in dire need of a job. Utterly alone and with no money for college tuition, Jane applies for a nanny position; and by chance is hired look after the young daughter of a famous rock-star. Not knowing what to expect Jane, is determined to make the best of her situation...despite Nico Rathburn not being the type of celebrity Jane assumed he would be. True to the manner of the original story, Jane, is a great novel for fans of Bronte and contemporary romance.
Forgiven (Faithful #2) by Janet Fox
A little romance, a little turn-of-the century San Francisco, and a whole lot of danger. A stunning sequel to Faithful, this time it is Kula's turn in the spotlight. The daring daughter of an outlaw, Kula knows how to handle herself...but is she prepared for the dark secrets that lurk in Chinatown's streets? Haven't read Faithful yet? Not worries, you can still pickup Forgiven!
Across the Universe (Bk. 1) by Beth Revis
Locked in a bed of ice that will not be unfrozen until nearly 200 years have passed, Amy is suddenly awakened...only to find it is too early. Faced with an almost alien way of life aboard the spaceship, Amy meets Elder, the soon-to-be ruler of Godspeed who has become wary of his teacher's dictatorship. Together they must unlock the secrets and deceit that have taken over while Amy was sleeping. The clock is ticking...
(Book #2 is out this month!)
Bitter Melon by Cara Chow
An unforgettable story about one girl's quest to defy perfection, resist bitterness, and follow her heart. Chow's raw emotional tale will be an inspiration to teens everywhere. This was one of the first "best books" I read in 2011. Highly recommend!
The Queen's Daughter by Susan Coventry
Although probably more of a personal fav, this historical fiction is brimming with royal life in the 16th century. History buffs will be lured into Conventry's fictional account of the daughter of the infamous Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II.
The Accidental Genius of Weasel High by Rick Detorie
In this hilarious take on 9th grade, Larkin is the ultimate "wimpy teen" and he's got points to prove it. Told in text and illustrations, any high schooler will fall head over heels for Larkin's comical take on high school, friends, and first love.
--> Runner's Ups, Read These Too!
The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher
Girlfriend Material by Melissa Kantor
In The Shadow of the Lamp by Susan Dunlap
On the Volcano by James Nolan
After the Kiss by Terra Lynn McVoy
Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohen & David Levithan
Ten Miles Past Normal by Frances O'Roark Dowell
Blood Wounds by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Awesome Middle Grade Fiction
Sparrow Road by Sheila O'Connor
Stones for my Father by Trilby Kent
The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine
A brooding, modern-day twist on the classic story of Jane Erye, Jane finds herself in dire need of a job. Utterly alone and with no money for college tuition, Jane applies for a nanny position; and by chance is hired look after the young daughter of a famous rock-star. Not knowing what to expect Jane, is determined to make the best of her situation...despite Nico Rathburn not being the type of celebrity Jane assumed he would be. True to the manner of the original story, Jane, is a great novel for fans of Bronte and contemporary romance.
A little romance, a little turn-of-the century San Francisco, and a whole lot of danger. A stunning sequel to Faithful, this time it is Kula's turn in the spotlight. The daring daughter of an outlaw, Kula knows how to handle herself...but is she prepared for the dark secrets that lurk in Chinatown's streets? Haven't read Faithful yet? Not worries, you can still pickup Forgiven!
Locked in a bed of ice that will not be unfrozen until nearly 200 years have passed, Amy is suddenly awakened...only to find it is too early. Faced with an almost alien way of life aboard the spaceship, Amy meets Elder, the soon-to-be ruler of Godspeed who has become wary of his teacher's dictatorship. Together they must unlock the secrets and deceit that have taken over while Amy was sleeping. The clock is ticking...
(Book #2 is out this month!)
An unforgettable story about one girl's quest to defy perfection, resist bitterness, and follow her heart. Chow's raw emotional tale will be an inspiration to teens everywhere. This was one of the first "best books" I read in 2011. Highly recommend!
Although probably more of a personal fav, this historical fiction is brimming with royal life in the 16th century. History buffs will be lured into Conventry's fictional account of the daughter of the infamous Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II.
In this hilarious take on 9th grade, Larkin is the ultimate "wimpy teen" and he's got points to prove it. Told in text and illustrations, any high schooler will fall head over heels for Larkin's comical take on high school, friends, and first love.
--> Runner's Ups, Read These Too!
The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher
Girlfriend Material by Melissa Kantor
In The Shadow of the Lamp by Susan Dunlap
On the Volcano by James Nolan
After the Kiss by Terra Lynn McVoy
Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohen & David Levithan
Ten Miles Past Normal by Frances O'Roark Dowell
Blood Wounds by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Awesome Middle Grade Fiction
Sparrow Road by Sheila O'Connor
Stones for my Father by Trilby Kent
The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine
3 comments:
Jane by April Linder is still on my tbr pile. I'm hoping I can get to read it before this month ends. :)
I'm glad to see Bitter Melon is on that list! It was a pretty underrated read for 2011.
Hey, I tagged you in a Book Tag. If you don't participate in that sort of thing thats fine, if you want to participate than head over to The Perfect Herald and answer the questions.
http://theperfectherald.blogspot.com/
On a side not, I have been on the fence about Jane for a while now and I think I am going to put it on hold now, thanks for ending the debate!
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