This week’s Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by The Broke and the Bookish is all about love: instalove, love triangles, love to hate…Romances are not my go-to genre, but I do occasionally enjoy sweet love story. Here are some of my favorites!
Happy Reading!
~Megan
It’s that time of year when romance is everywhere, so it’s only fitting that The Broke and the Bookish have asked us to weigh in on what we like or dislike about romance novels.
Let’s start with the dislikes so we can end on a positive note.
1. Love Triangles. For the most part, love triangles drive me nuts.
2. Romances that actually interfere with a bigger plot. Guess what? Not every book needs a romance. Sometimes its ok to just be a science fiction book.
3. Inappropriate romances. Teachers and students, brothers and sisters…blah.
4. Cheaters, stalkers, vapid girls…why bother looking for book covers?
Happy thoughts time!
5. Humor/sass/banter. I sass and banter ALL the time!
6. Quirky characters.
7. LGBT characters.
8. Road Trip Romances.
9. Sweet Guys.
10. Paranormal Romance. I do love a paranormal/fantasy romance…
Happy Reading!
~Megan
Unremembered by Jessica Brody
March 5, 2013
Farrar, Straus, & Giroux
Hardcover, 320 pgs.
What it’s about:
The only survivor of a horrific plane crash is a sixteen-year old girl with no memories. The fact that she is unharmed is nothing short of a miracle. She captures the attention of the media as authorities attempt to identify this girl with no memories. In the mean time, Jane Doe, or “Violet” is confronted by a world that is utterly foreign. As she tries to piece together her past, she must decide whether or not to trust the boy who claims to know and love her.
Why you might like it:
Do you like stories with a twist at the end? The truth about Violet’s past was a delightful surprise that I did not see coming! Do you enjoy a little mystery/thriller? Violet’s secrets are slowly revealed and the action builds to an exciting end. Do you like when a book makes you think? Unremembered touches on issues such as what it means to be human. If you are looking for a quick read that is not heavily bogged down by complex science, you might enjoy this book. A cliffhanger ending will have you reaching for the sequel.
Want more like this?
For more books that address what it is to be human try The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary Pearson, Eve and Adam by Michael Grant, and The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer. For more science fiction books that are kind light on the science, try The Originals by Cat Patrick or Mothership by Martin Leicht. For more books about memory, try Forgotten by Cat Patrick, White Cat by Holly Black, or We Were Liars by E. Lockhart.
Posted in Book Reviews, Random Reads, Read Alikes
Tagged Jessica Brody, memory, Random Reads, romance, science fiction
The Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White
September 10, 2013
HarperTeen
Hardcover, 277 pgs
What it’s about:
Life can be really challenging when you are the teenaged daughter of the Egyptian gods Isis and Osiris. Isadora has always struggled with the fact that she is a mortal in a family of immortals. Knowing that her family’s will live on, long after she is gone makes her feel unloved and unwanted. Life at home has always been tense, but now that Isis is expecting another baby, things have gotten even worse. When Isis suggests Isadora spend some time with her brother in San Francisco, she jumps at opportunity to finally have a more normal life. A girl can dream, but she soon discovers “normal life” is also full of drama. She also learns that it is impossible to outrun family conflicts.
Why you might like it:
It’s summer! Are you look for a not-so-serious, fun read? You might enjoy the light, romance-y nature of this one. Are you confused and intrigued by Egyptian mythology (I am! I mean, have you read those stories? So complicated)? White does a nice job of simplifying some of the more complex aspects of Egyptian mythology. It’s a great place to get a taste of the myths! Do you like witty banter? White is an expert at witty banter. If you like family drama, teen angst, a dreamy love interest, and a bit of supernatural danger, then you might want to check out The Chaos of Stars.
Want more like this?
For more Egyptian mythology try The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan. There is also plenty of Greek mythology to choose from, as well. You might like The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter and Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini. For a different type of retelling, check out Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay.
Posted in Book Reviews, Random Reads, Read Alikes
Tagged Egyptian gods, Egyptian Mythology, Isis and Osiris, Kiersten White, mythology, romance
It’s hard to believe, but Summer Reading is coming to an end. I have one more basket to give away. Be sure to get all your entry slips by Saturday. Despite the unseasonably cool and rainy weather, I managed to to squeeze in a ton of summer fun. But not a lot of reading. Part of it is that I still have not found a book that I feel the need to be lost in. I am enjoying my reading, but nothing has sucked me in lately. Luckily I managed to finish a couple of things so I something to talk about today.
Be sure to stop by Books Journey and Teach Mentor Texts for more great reading suggestions.
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?
Finished:
Current Audio:
Currently Reading:
I am still working on all the same books as last week, with the exception of Hatchet. My nine-year old nephew recently read and loved Hatchet and decided that he and I should have a Hatchet book club. I am reading the first book while he devours books 2-4!
On Deck:
I don’t know!! Suggestions?
Happy Reading!
∼Megan
Last week, on the coldest day of the summer, the library hosted a Luau on the Lawn. So much fun was had! We played musical beach blankets, had a limbo contest (boy, those kids were bendy!), there was a Nerf archery contest, an Iron Chef contest, and we topped it all off with a water balloon toss and fight. Good times were had by all!
This is just half of the balloons we had on hand! Also, how cool is it that my hibiscus got its first two blooms on the morning of our party?
This morning I gave away another fantastic basket! This week’s prize basket includes a make-your-own slushee kit, the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, cookies, candy, Chipotle coupons, and of course, books! I think it’s another fun one. You can’t win if you don’t play, so be sure to stop in and see us. We are down to our last two prize baskets, so it’s now or never.
I am still working on my Summer Reading Throwdown Challenge. I pledged to finish 12 books in July. I am on track to exceed that number. Nine down, three to go, with ten days left. No problemo!
Be sure to stop by Books Journey and Teach Mentor Texts for more great reading suggestions.
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?
Finished:
Current Audio:
I don’t ever want Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor to end. Ever. It is so beautiful and horrific. I also started That Night by Chevy Stevens, a new suspense/thriller.
Currently Reading:
I am still trying to find my next big read. You know, that book you just can’t put down? The one you think about when you aren’t reading it? These books that I am working on are fine and I am enjoying them, but I am not lost in any of them. I want to be lost! Suggestions?
Happy Reading!
∼Megan
Before I review Nantucket Red, I thought you might like a little refresher on the first book, Nantucket Blue. This is what I wrote in March, 2013:
Cricket Thompson knows that this summer is going to be epic. She has been invited to spend the summer in Nantucket with her best friend Jules and the rest of the Clayton family. In addition to beach parties and sunbathing, she is confident that this will be the summer that her long-time crush, Jay Logan, finally notices her. Unfortunately, all her plans go up in smoke when tragedy strikes. Her invitation is revoked and she faces a summer trapped bouncing between her depressed mother and newly remarried father. Taking matters into her own hands, she heads to Nantucket alone to offer her support to the Claytons. Nothing goes according to plan, but Cricket manages to have an unexpectedly epic summer in spite of everything.
This touching debut novel is the perfect summer read. I loved Cricket and her devotion to Jules and their friendship, even at a time when Jules could not reciprocate. Readers may be eager to criticize either or both of these characters over their treatment of each other, but I have actually been in both situations and have to say that they are both completely realistic and believable. The romance was a bit of a surprise (though admittedly I had hoped for it) and provided an interesting plot twist. The forbidden guy was sweet and funny and the issue of sex was well handled. I enjoyed all of the little side stories and each one plays a role in shaping Cricket into the person she was both when she arrives in Nantucket and who she is at the end of the summer. There is plenty of conflict to sink your teeth into, but the moments of pure joy will warm you heart. I will definitely be watching for more from this author.
You may also enjoy The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han, Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson, and My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
And there is more!
Nantucket Red by Leila Howland
May 14, 2014
Disney-Hyperion
Hardcover, 288 pgs.
What it’s about:
All of her hard work has finally paid off for Cricket. She is heading to Brown University in the fall where she will play lacrosse. Her scholarships will cover most of her expenses, but she still needs to make some fast cash, so she heads back to Nantucket for the summer. It becomes immediately clear that the island she loved so much last year is not the same, but then again, neither is she. She is bombarded with new people, experiences, and opportunities, but it is when she with her oldest friends that she makes her biggest mistake. One poor decision could jeopardize everything that she has worked so hard to earn. Cricket is forced to reexamine her plans and really think about what she wants for her future.
Why you might like it:
Are you looking for a fun, summer-y, beach read? Look no further! The island of Nantucket is all about sun and surf. Curious about what life after high school has to offer? Cricket and her friends are busy navigating a whole new world and trying to find where they fit in. Do you like your romances to have a little conflict? Are you a fan of the girl who finally listens to her heart and stands up for herself? You will probably enjoy Cricket’s roller coaster of a summer. She weathers the ups and downs like a champ! This book is all about Cricket and the exciting new adventure she is embarking upon.
Want more?
You might also enjoy Roomies by Sara Zarr and Tara Altebrando and Where the Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller.
Happy Reading!
∼Megan
Posted in Book Lists, Book Reviews, Read Alikes
Tagged Beach Reads, Leila Howland, Nantucket Blue, Nantucket Red, netgalley, romance, summer reading
Nantucket Red (Nantucket #2) by Leila Howland
May 13, 2014
Disney-Hyperion
Hardcover, 288 pages.
What it’s about:
Nantucket Red picks up immediately where Nantucket Blue leaves off, so be sure to read start at the beginning of this series! After the events of summer, it is time to head back to school for senior year. After being accepted to Brown, Cricket needs to make as much money as possible over the summer. Nantucket is the place to be for this venture. Nantucket is a place of bittersweet memories, but also new adventures and experiences and Cricket is ready to embrace them. However, one night of living large with her best friend could have long-lasting consequences for Cricket.
Why you might like it:
Do you love a summer romance? What better place to have a summer romance than at the beach? This book will have you packing your swimsuits and heading to the ferry for a summer of island fun! Do you like a little drama with your romance? Well, things are particularly easy for Cricket in the love department. Readers will be cheering for her, but her situation appears hopeless. Are you looking for stories with characters heading to college? The transition from high school to college can be challenging and Cricket and her friends have a lot to do to prepare for their next great adventures. If you are looking for a summer read that isn’t all fluff, you will probably enjoy the Nantucket books!
Want more like this?
Try The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han, Roomies by Sarah Zarr, Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen, Better Off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg, This is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith, and Going Vintage by Lindsay Leavitt.
Random Reads is a meme where we pick a random book from our shelf to read within the month. Feel free to do more than one per month, but since a lot of people have a lot of books to read each month, only one is “required” for the meme. I’m on Goodreads so I use my To Read list and Random.org to pick the book I’m going to read.
Last month I read The Traitor in the Tunnel by Y.S. Lee and it was wonderful.
This month I am reading a book that was just recently added to my TBR list:
The Museum of Intangible Things by Wendy Wunder, which looks like a cute road trip book, but apparently is not all light and fun. I’ll let you know!
This was #179 on my list, added March 5, 2014.
Happy Reading!
∼Megan
Posted in Book Reviews, Read Alikes
Tagged ARC, Leila Howland, netgalley, Random Reads, romance
Far From You by Tess Sharpe
April 8, 2014
Disney-Hyperion
Hardcover, 352 pages
What it’s about:
Seventeen-year old Sophie watches her best friend get shot and killed. The cops rule the murder a drug deal gone wrong. Everyone blames Sophie, assuming that she relapsed in her recovery from her addiction to painkiller. Everyone is wrong. Sophie is clean and after being forced into rehab, she is ready to find out the truth behind Mina’s death. She can’t solve this mystery alone, but she is reluctance to reach out to her few friends because that will mean revealing the big secret has been protecting. In the end, the desire for justice for Mina prevails and Sophie risks everything to find the person who robbed her of the girl who more than just a best friend.
Why you might like it:
If you like a gripping murder mystery, you might give this one a try. Are you interested in stories about drug addiction and recovery? Far From You is a powerful recovery story you might like. Are you looking for books with bisexual/lesbian characters? Under the thrill of the mystery and drama of recovery, you will find a touching story of first love. Do you love a good redemption story? Far From You has that! Are you a fan of a non-linear story? The story of Sophie and Mina slowly unfolds as Sophie jumps between the past and present. If you like an intense, emotional read, you might enjoy this impressive and poignant debut. I really liked this one and will be watching for more from Tess Sharpe!
Want more like this?
For more LGBT themed books try Ask the Passengers by A.S. King, Shine by Lauren Myracle, and Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz. For another murder mystery try All Unquiet Things by Anna Jarzab. For more on drug abuse try Ellen Hopkin’s Crank series.
Happy Reading!
∼Megan
Posted in Book Lists, Book Reviews, Read Alikes
Tagged ARC, bisexual, debut authors, drug addiction, murder, mystery, netgalley, romance
Roomies by Sara Zarr and Tara Altebrando
December 24, 2013
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Hardcover, 288 pgs.
What it’s about:
All Lauren wanted out of college was a single. A room to herself. A little privacy, a luxury she rarely gets in her house full of kids. So when she receives the e-mail from UC Berkeley notifying her of her roommate assignments she is disappointed. Meanwhile, in New Jersey, Elizabeth receives the same information and excitedly zips off an e-mail to Lauren, setting into motion a summer of electronic communications. Both young women are excited and nervous about leaving home. While they each try to juggle new relationships while managing old ones, they find themselves turning to each other, virtual strangers, for support. As the summer progresses and their lives become more complicated they are forced to ask themselves if they have what it takes to share a dorm room.
Why you might like it:
Are you curious about what it will be like to leave home? Worried about heading off to college? Well, you may be able to relate to Lauren and Elizabeth. Do you enjoy a little romance in your books? You’ll find that here too! Do you like novels that are written in the form of letters or journal entries? I do! And of course, if you are a fan of Sara Zarr and/or Tara Altebrando, you won’t want to miss this one. I really enjoyed getting to know each of these characters. Each had complex and challenging situations to work through. Their hopes, fears, and excitement about college felt genuine. I felt that the authors managed to work in a number if “issues” in without being heavy-handed. They touch on issues of sex, infidelity, inter-racial relationships, and homosexuality. This is definitely a book for a more mature reader. Overall I enjoyed it and would recommend it to the reader looking for books about post-graduation.
Want more like this?
For the new to college experience check out Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell, Just One Day by Gayle Forman, The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle, and the Jessica Darling series by Megan McCafferty. I am still pretty new to the whole New Adult category, but I think this fits nicely. I would love to see more books with college bound characters.
Happy Reading!
˜Megan
Posted in Book Reviews, Read Alikes
Tagged College, New Adult, new books, romance, Sara Zarr, Tara Altebrando
YA? Why Not? 