It’s that glorious time of year again – it’s #IReadYA week! A campaign brought to us by Scholastic’s This is Teen, #IReadYA week is all about celebrating those of us who read – and love – young adult books.
Last year, I broke down some of my favourite authors/series, this year I decided I would talk about some of the more recent YA adventures I’ve been on. There are actually different discussion topics for each day posted on the Scholastic website, but I was not paying attention, so I’m doing things my own way!
MY TWO NEW FAVOURITE TRILOGIES
I talk about these books so much on my blog, you probably already know what I’m going to say:
Every series – Ellie Marney
One word: Mycroft. For him alone, you should read these books. Also Watts, who is an incredibly strong female protagonist (she grew up on a farm, solves crimes, and plays roller derby!). Their chemistry is redonk, and the mysteries are so well written. Wattscroft forever!
The Dispossessed series – Page Morgan
Sexy, brooding gargoyles and late 1800’s Paris. What more could you ask for? Notable for being one of the only series where I was actually perplexed re: the outcome of the love triangle (I’m so happy with the way it turned out, but I was legitimately torn for a while there i.e. during the entire second book).
OUTSTANDING DEBUT
Mad Miss Mimic – Sarah Henstra
I love me a good strong Victorian heroine. This was well written, well researched, and, well, I loved it. I also attended the launch yesterday, which was super cute and so my style (tea sandwiches! Lots of sweet treats! Fun cocktails!).
DISCUSSION STARTER
When Everything Feels Like the Movies – Raziel Reid
This has been making waves in the Canadian literary scene because stuffy adults don’t think this much attention should be paid to something so “graphic”, but the message at the end is so important, and if it gets the LGBTQ conversation going, then it should win EVERY AWARD.
GORGEOUS COVER, GORGEOUS PROSE
Magonia – Maria Dahvana Headley
I didn’t review this one even though I read an ARC months ago (it was before I was actively reviewing ARCs), but the Neil Gaiman-esque prose is lovely, the cover is magnificent, and the story was unique and compelling.
GRAPHIC NOVEL
Nimona – Noelle Stevenson
Granted, I’m pretty obsessed with Nimona right now, but talk about strong female protagonists! From her bold hairstyles to her butt-kicking fighting technique (“I’M A SHARK”), Nimona is a pretty great role model – even if she is technically a villain.
UNRELIABLE HEROINES
We Were Liars – E. Lockhart
I wasn’t as impressed with this book as everyone else seemed to be (it got so many glowing reviews), but Cady’s narrative keeps you guessing, even when you think you’ve figured it out (or, like me, you accidentally spoiled the ending for yourself).
YA FROM A MOSTLY MG AUTHOR
Why We Broke Up – Daniel Handler
While it did tend to ramble on for a while, Min’s account of her intense and turbulent relationship with Ed can be a bit of a tearjerker. It’s also a beautifully designed book, so for that alone, I’d recommend it.
ON MY TBR
Here are 2 books on my “TO BE READ” list that I’m really excited for:
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda – Becky Albertali
I read the first page and was hooked in an instant, so you know it’s going to be a great read. Plus it’s been getting excellent buzz from bloggers that I tend to agree with, so I’m fairly certain I’ll enjoy it.
Also a good contender for a “discussion starter”, from what I’ve heard.
Daughter of Smoke and Bone – Laini Taylor
I’ve wanted to read this for a while (I even own a copy), but I haven’t gotten around to it yet. Pretty covers, angels, demons – sounds amazing.
What are some of your favourite YA books (in general, or that you’ve read recently)?
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