This December I am once again hosting some of my favorite bloggers here on Katie’s Book Blog. I asked them to pick a few of their favorite books from 2013 and their one most anticipated book of 2014.
Today I have Liz from Consumed by Books!
Hi everyone! My name is Liz from the blog Consumed by Books and I’m here to hijack Katie’s blog temporarily and talk about some of the books I’ve read this year. For those who don’t know my blog, I have been blogging about young adult literature for three and a half years. During that time, I’ve also made the transition from college graduate with a B.A. in English to a degreed Youth Librarian in a small, midwestern town. A couple of my own features include Adaptation Corner, where I talk about books turned into movies, and While You Wait, while I suggest titles you can read as you await upcoming releases.
Best Debut Novel
The Rules for Disappearing by Ashley Elston
I felt compelled to read this book because the premise sounded cool, but didn’t expect much because of the lack of reviews. The Rules for Disappearing wound up keeping me awake late into the night. Elston’s novel had a sweet love interest and left room for a sequel while still tying this story up.
Best Start of Series
These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner
What makes for a better series kick-off than intrigue, descriptive writing, and romance all in one book? I really want to know more about this world and discover the other romances that Kaufman and Spooner developed.
Series Finale
I read a handful of series finales in 2013, but the only one released in 2013 was Sever by Lauren DeStefano, and sadly, it wasn’t what I hoped it would be. I did start the Divergent trilogy, which wrapped up this fall. Fire and Thorns also ended this year, and since I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about this series, I’m hoping to read The Girl of Fire and Thorns by the end of this month.
Best Standalone
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
I haven’t heard a lot of people refer to it as such, but Fangirl is a beautiful coming of age novel. Watching Cath become her own person and discover who she really is was deeply emotional and cemented Rowell as an author who belongs on my auto-buy list.
Best Unexpected Favorite
This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales
The premise for This Song Will Save Your Life sounded a little hokey to me, but I couldn’t resist the cover, so I gave it a shot. I was thrilled to find a relatable main character and compelling storyline. Now I just need to buy a hardcover for my shelf because it’s so gorgeous.
Best All Around
Winger by Andrew Smith
It’s a rare occasion when I find a book as emotional as Winger by Andrew Smith. Ryan Dean West is the most endearing character I read in 2013, and I longed for everything to work out for him the entire time I read this book. Smith’s book managed to break my heart and fill it with joy, and immediately earned a spot on my all-time favorites shelf.
Most Anticipated 2014 Release!
Side Effects May Vary by Julie Murphy
As for 2014, I am pumped to read Side Effects May Vary by Julie Murphy. I am utterly fascinated by this premise, and infatuated with the cover and title. I am a little nervous reading about cancer, having lost a friend to glioblastoma (aggressive brain cancer) earlier this year. Hopefully the situations will be different enough that I can get through the book.
What do you guys think of Liz’s choices? Have you read any of them? Do you agree with her about any of them?
Make sure to check back tomorrow for the next blogger’s picks!
I LOVE Liz’s reviews! She’s always so enthusiastic when she’s an advocate for a book, and her opinion usually matches mine!
I too am very happy with Ashley Elston’s book! It’s such a cool concept, a teen in witness protection 🙂