Top Ten Things On My Reading Wishlist

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by The Broke and the Bookish

This week’s Top Ten is really hard!  I can think of endings I would like to see re-written, characters that shouldn’t have died and did, series that were too long to hold my interest, or the ones that I wish would never end, and so on and so forth. However, I don’t think that I ever just thought “hmm… I wish there was a book about x,y,z” Thus, be warned that I might not make to ten (just saying!).

1.  YA books with Hispanic characters – Why?  Because I’m Hispanic and our culture is very family oriented and conservative and this comes with a host of problems and interactions. Also, our extended families are HUGE and we have a highly developed sense of responsibility toward them.  

Who did it well:  The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler and Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

2.  YA historical – I love historical romances, it’s what I read for years before fining my way to YA and they hold a very dear place in my heart.  I would like to see more of these in YA.

Who did it well: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

3.  YA thrillers – I love books where there is a mystery, a lot of running and figuring out stuff.  Clear as mud?  Well, I don’t see a lot of these in YA, in fact I can’t think of any I’ve read recently.  Can you?

4.  YA Steampunk – This is a relatively new genre for me and I love it!  It’s a combination of paranormal, mystery, historical and with a lot of machines involved. 

Who did it well: The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross and Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

5.  Fantasy – I know there has been a boom of fantasy in YA lately, but I love it. Especially since most often than not, it’s paired with magic or paranormal undertones. 

Who did it well:  Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Mass and The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

6. Comedies – Sometimes I just feel like reading a light, fluffy, funny story. 

Who did it well: Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Sorry, that’s all I can think off!  I’m sure all your lists will be more impressive than mine.  Leave me a comment and I’ll come check them out!

Best Book Covers of 2013

Top 10 of 2013 is hosted by a group of fabulous bloggers and you can find more information here

I don’t know about you, but I think 2013 may just have been the greatest ever year for book covers in YA. Trends have changed and there’s a whole lot of room for being different, striking and innovative – so without further ado, I’m going to let the covers speak for themselves!

Arianne’s List

1.  The Summer Prince by Alaya Dawn Johnson - I don’t know what it is about this cover, but every time I look at it, I love it even more! It’s got such a luminous, mysterious feel – incredible.

2.  Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys is beautiful inside and out. The cover draws you into the story and the prose keeps you there. 

3.  The Tragedy Paper by Elizabeth Laban never fails to stun me. It’s wintry and stark and absolutely wonderful.

4.  The Archived by Victoria Schwab has such a visionary cover. It marries illusion – smoke and mirrors, keys and doors – with the absolute humanity of its narrator. Perfect.

Top Ten New-To-Me Authors I Read In 2013

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by The Broke and the Bookish

2013 was definitely one my best ever years for reading. I read so many great books and discovered so many fantastic stories. If 2014 is going to be just half as good,  I say roll on the New Year!

1. Katie McGarry

I finally read Pushing the Limits and loved it!

2. Huntley Fitzpatrick

I'd wanted to read My Life Next Door ever since I'd first heard about it, but I didn't get around to it until late this year - and now it's one of my all-time favourites.

3. Marie Lu

I absolutely ADORE the Legend trilogy. I read all three this year - in fact, I finished Champion just this week, and it was amazing!

4. Sarah Dessen

I don't know how I managed not to read Sarah Dessen for so long. She's the queen of contemporary romantic YA!

5. Elizabeth Wein

Elizabeth Wein sets out to rip out her readers' hearts with her fabulous and brutal books, so naturally I read both Code Name Verity and Rose Under Fire in the same year!

6. Robyn Schneider

The Beginning of Everything (or Severed Heads, Broken Hearts as it's titled in Europe) is Robyn's debut novel, but she's been a Youtube personality and vlogger for years - I don't know how I missed her!

7. Ruta Sepetys

Another author out to break my heart. Ruta writes incredible moving books, and her second novel, Out of the Easy, became one of my favourite reads of the year.

8. Sarra Manning

Sarra Manning's Adorkable made me laugh out the entire time I was reading it. I had no idea I'd love it so much!

9. Luisa Plaja

 

Luisa is a fabulous UK author who writes fun, girly books for teens, and after some very insistent recommendations, I finally gave in to reading her in 2013.

10. David Levithan

And representing the male authors I should have read way sooner, it's David Levithan! I can't wait to read his recently announced follow-up, Rhiannon - assuming he's started writing it!

What new authors did you discover this year?

Top Ten Books I Wish Had Sequels

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by The Broke and the Bookish

This one should be easy because this happens to me all the time!  What do I mean by this?  Well, I read a book and then keep wishing for more.  Even if the ending was entirely satisfying  it seems like I always want to know more. It's a curse I must bear!  

1.  The Distance Between Us by Kasie West - There were too many open questions at the end.  I want to know what happens with Caymen's grandparents and how she adjusts to her new life.

2.  Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan - I want for Dash and Lily!

3.  The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen - This includes probably all her books anyway!  I always want to know more about the wonderful characters she creates.

Review: Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist

Title: Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Published: Mary 23^rd, 2006 by Knopf Books

Source: Purchased

Format: Paperback

Group age: Young adult

Genre: Contemporary romance

Challenge(s):

Grade rate: B-

It all starts when Nick asks Norah to be his girlfriend for five minutes. He only needs five minutes to avoid his ex-girlfriend, who’s just walked in to his band’s show. With a new guy. And then, with one kiss, Nick and Norah are off on an adventure set against the backdrop of New York City—and smack in the middle of all the joy, anxiety, confusion, and excitement of a first date.This he said/she said romance told by YA stars Rachel Cohn and David Levithan is a sexy, funny roller coaster of a story about one date over one very long night, with two teenagers, both recovering from broken hearts, who are just trying to figure out who they want to be—and where the next great band is playing.Told in alternating chapters, teeming with music references, humor, angst, and endearing side characters, this is a love story you’ll wish were your very own. Working together for the first time, Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have combined forces to create a book that is sure to grab readers of all ages and never let them go.

My Review

I’m not sure what I was expecting when I picked up this book, but it wasn’t what I got, that’s for sure!  I’m not saying that Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist was bad,  not at all, but I was expecting  a story similar to Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares, one of my favorite book and a collaboration of Cohn and Levithan.

Nick and Norah are very different and come from very different social backgrounds as well.  They seem to have two things in common though; they both know Tris, Nick’s ex-girlfriend, and they just finished very dysfunctional relationships.  The story is about a chance meeting that turns into an epic night of music, heartache, confusion, and lastly, understanding.

The story is short; my edition of the book is 183 pages long.  As it is their style, the story is told in the first person, from alternating points of view, with some overlapping sections.  This is a style that I really enjoy because I feel that it gives me a better understanding and insight of the characters.  The plot gets a bit complicated because of how fast everything happens.  It is definitely a night of adventures and the whole story happens in about 12 hours or less; maybe a little too fast for me :)

My biggest issue was the ending, or lack thereof.  This is probably my issue, as I really dislike when the endings are to open and leave a lot to the imagination.  Also, let me warn you that the amount of cursing in this book is incredible, and it also contains sexual references.  I haven’t seen the movie based in the book.  I saw the previews and it look so different from the book that I was a bit discouraged by it.

Have you read Nick and Nora?  Did you see the movie?  What did you think about it?

Top Ten Books I Read When I Need Something Light & Fun

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by The Broke and the Bookish

Well, to me this means books that I re-read, even though there are not necessarily "light and fun".  In fact, I don't think I read a lot of those.  I do tend to re-read my favorite parts of some books and I do the same with movies (I can't count how many times I've seen Pretty Women, Notting Hill, You Got Mail or The Proposal!)

1.  Breathe my Abbi Glines - The first book by Glines that I read and is still my favorite. 

2.  Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan - One of the funniest books I've ever read!  Honestly, this one is a jewel.

3.  Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa - I know, I know!  I don't think I can have a top 10 without including this series, but I really love it!  I re-read my favorite parts when I need an Ash fix :)

4.  Beastly by Alex Flinn - There is just something about fairy tales that calls to me and this Beauty and the Beast re-telling from the POV of the beast is one of my favorites. 

5.  New Moon by Stephenie Meyer - Although I'm a fan of the series, I re-read New Moon more often.  I just love the part when Bella and Edward re-unite...

6.  Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn - I'm a big fan of Quinn's writing and this one is my all-time favorite.  

7.  Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson - I read this book only late last year, but it has quickly become a favorite.  

8.  Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion by Jane Austen - My two favorites by Austen!  I can read these over and over (and watch the movies too!)

9.  Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey - I don't know what it is about Lucius that I love so!

10. Just Listen, Along for the Ride and The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen - I love Dessen's writing!  These are most definitely NOT light and fun, but they are amazing and I can't get enough of them. 

Hmm... I guess that's more than 10!  Oh, well, I tried.  What's in your Top Ten this week?

Top Ten Best Bookish Memories

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by The Broke and the Bookish

1.  Reading Little Women by Louisa May Alcott - I read this book and the whole Little Women and Little Men series early in my life (translated to Spanish) and I always remember them fondly.  I think they opened my appetite  for reading. 

2.  Reading to my children - As 'C' is only seven, we still read a book at bedtime.  I treasure these moments as he is my youngest and I won't get to do it much longer.

3.  Waiting for Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling - Although I didn't wait in line for this book, I did reserve my copy and I read the book twice, back to back!  

4.  Having my own blog - Blogging has been a lot of work, but also a lot of fun.  It is very fulfilling and I love it!

5.  My first book signing - Shortly after I started blogging I went to my first book signing and I got to meet author Sarah Dessen which I absolutely adore.   

6.  Getting to tweet, email, likes, and comments from authors  (and get some back!) - Authors are wonderful people, that's how they can come up with such amazing work.  I'm amazed by how approachable they are.

7.  Going to BEA - I went to BEA last year and I cannot describe how awesome this experience was.  Not only did I get to meet authors and publishers, but I also met other bloggers, I saw New York city and, of course, get many books. I plan to go again this year and I can't wait to plan it better.

8.  Being recognized as a blogger - I have a small book blog, so imagine my delight when I was in line at BEA to get Immortal Rules and Julie Kagawa (btw, one of my favorite authors) looked at me and said "I know your blog". Made.My.Day. (and believe it or not, it has happened more than once:)

9.  Going to the National Book Festival in DC - I attended for the first time last year and although I elected to sit down for the presentations instead of staying in line to get signatures I very much enjoyed being there and seeing so many icons of the YA world, such as John Green, David Levithan, Maggie Stiefvater, Ellen Hopkins, Jenny Han and many more. 

10.  Getting my first ARC - the first ARC I received as a blogger was Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins and I was so excited to read it as I didn't requested it. It's still a trill to me to get these fun packages in the mail :)  

That's all I can think of!  What's in your Top Ten this week?

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Top Ten Settings I'd Like to See More Of

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by The Broke and the Bookish

Although books are filled with amazing worlds, there are some that I wouldn't want to actually be (or see more of).  For instance, the Nevernever from Julia Kagawa's Iron Fey series is quite dangerous.  Any dystopian world from books like The Hunger Games, Blood Red Road, Divergent, Wither, and Insurgent are not places that I particularly care to learn more of, if you know what I mean. In this category would also fall some fantasy worlds, like the one from Daughter of Smoke and Bone, and other paranormal worlds filled with vampires, werewolves and the like.  Anyway, here's my list :) 

1.  Paris - I went to Paris many years ago, but I went with a tour. You know, the one that stops at the Louvre and Versailles and the important touristy spots.  However, we had one free day to do whatever we wanted, that day we went on the metro, to the Eiffel Tower, eat crepes... I loved that day.  Anyway, I love the Paris in Anna and the French Kiss and Die for Me and I would love to see more.  

2.  The Beach - I know there is a ton of summer reads about the beach and I really enjoy them.  My favorites are Jenny Han's Summer series and Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen.

3.  Joya d'Arena - This is the setting of the Girl of Fire and Thorns series by Rae Carson which I'm a big fan off, I love how diverse it is. 

4.  Hogwarts - No explanation needed, right? 

5.  Abalon - This is the setting of the Wings series by Aprilynne Pike, this fairy world seems like the safest one to visit (others are quite dangerous!)

6.  Regency England - I love historical romances and I would love to see England back then (or around Austen's time).  Favorites are Edenbrooke and the Bridgerton's series by Julia Quinn.

7.  The World of Leviathan - This is not a real world, but Europe as imagined by Scott Westerfeld in his steampunk Leviathan series. What I wouldn't do to seen the message lizards, the walkers, and Bovril.  

8.  New York City - I've been to New York before, but I always feel like I don't get to know it as it's portrait in so many awesome books, like Dash & Lily's Book of Dares or the Blue Blood series by Melissa de la Cruz.

9.  Olympus - It doesn't matter what book about Greek mythology I read, Olympus looks like a great place to explore. Favorites are the Goddess Test series by Aimée Carter and the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan. 


That's it, I can't think of any more.  What's in your Top Ten this week?

Top Ten Books I'd Want on a Deserted Island

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by The Broke and the Bookish

To me, this means a group of books that I re-read many times.  Here's mine: 

1.   The Iron Knight by Julie Kawaga - I love the Iron Fey series and I could read this one over an over and over. 

2.   The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen - This is my favorite Dessen's  book, love it.

3.   The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - One of my favorite series ever!  It's so good and I'll be content to read this book again and again.

4.   Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn - This is my favorite of the Bridgerton series, Penelope and Colin are some of my favorite characters. 

5.   Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan - Because everyone needs to laugh!

6.   Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows by J.K. Rowling - The amazing ending to an amazing series :)

7.   Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen - This story always puts a smile on my face :)

8.   City of Glass by Cassandra Clare - I read this book at the ending of an incredible series and I was quite happy with it. 

9.  The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - One of the most beautiful stories ever written, sometimes crying is a good thing.

10. The Bible - No explanation needed, right?

Other contenders might be: The Sky is Everywhere, Pushing the Limits, Perfect Chemistry, Throne of Glass, Sweet Evil, Daughter of Smoke and Bones, Willow, Divergent, Anna and the French Kiss,  and many more (of course!).

What books would you take with you? 

Top Ten Beautiful Covers for YA 2013

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by The Broke and the Bookish

Hello gorgeous people!  This week Top Ten Tuesday is a freebie, so I have for you a treat for the senses.  These are my Top Ten most beautiful covers of books that will be published next year. Enjoy!

I do know how to count, I just couldn't stop at 10!  I can't wait to know what you guys selected for your Top Ten this week.

What are your favorite upcoming covers?

Please enter the Dystopian Giveaway Hop Here