Favourite Books Since I've Started Blogging

I was recently asked about my favourite books. The books I would make everyone read if given the chance. The books that stayed with me years after I've finished reading them (or will stay with me).

Since I am out of town, I figured this would be a perfect chance to create a list of those titles (at least so far). I am keeping it to ones that I have reviewed on the blog. They'll all link to my review if you wish to check them out.

1 Stolen by Lucy Christopher

My first review, and I still love this one more than words can express. It's literally become a joke with the ladies of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Book Club because I mention it so often during our chats. Incredibly written, emotionally draining, and it's a book that plays with your head. In the most beautiful way possible, of course. This one is making it's way to the big screen with Ryan Kwanten as Ty.

2 Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Jodi Lynn Anderson's beautiful writing reduced me to tears as Tiger Lily ended. This retelling of Peter Pan not only feels fresh and different, but is one of my favourite adaptations of all time. An unforgettable story about the girl with the crow feather in her hair, and the lost boy she fell in love with. It gets bonus points for being narrated by everyone's favourite pixie.

3 Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

One of the best twists, EVER. I didn't see it coming, and (for me) it was brilliantly executed. Gillian Flynn's sharp, smart writing combined with a wrenching story of a couple falling in, and out of love serves to add a depth to this anything but typical mystery.

4 Tarnish by Katherine Longshore

Pretty sure Katherine's next book Brazen will be added to the list (I am halfway through and it's beautiful) but it's her portrayal of Anne Boleyn that stunned me. A novel that focuses on Anne's life, rather than her death. It shows that everyone deserves, and should fight for, their voice to be heard. A surprisingly uplifting and hopeful message that adds a bitter-sweetness to Anne's fate.

5 Vicious by V.E. Schwab

A deliciously dark look at what it means to be a hero, and villain. Unforgettable characters combined with Victoria's brilliant writing, and a rich, complex plot to create what is basically a perfect book. I ache to go back to this world and these characters. This one surprised me in the best way possible, and made me a Victoria Schwab fan for life. Apparently this one is also on it's way to the big screen. #DaneDehaanForVictorVale

6 Anna and the French Kiss/Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Cute and fluffy is what most people probably think when they read the titles for these books. WRONG. They are adorable, but they are also filled with humour, heart, and a realness that seeps from the pages. The characters are so completely developed they feel like friends, and it quickly became one that I want to read over and over again. Both of them. There are plenty of swoon worthy passages throughout the novel. The stand out in both is Stephanie's attention to the little details that go into a romance. The inside jokes, the little gestures, and the moments that make everything stop. She captures that falling in love moment effortlessly.

7 Just One Day/Just One Year by Gayle Forman

A duology that when combined tell the romantic, and engrossing story of two people's journey to each other. Often romance is about the couple, but Gayle shines a light on the two individuals inside that couple. We get to know them each so well, and this is a case where each novel is dependent on the other. Allyson's story isn't complete without Willem's and vice versa. It's the kind of novel that inspires wanderlust, and might just inspire you to take a few chances.

8 We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

The less I say about this one the better. E Lockhart's gorgeous writing will pull you into the dreamy, summer vibe, but the mystery will keep you burning through the pages. Read it. Lie about it. Just make sure you experience it unspoiled as it's one that is meant to be experienced along with the characters.

9 Love Letters To the Dead by Ava Dellaira

A novel that is both heartbreaking and healing. It's letter style narration was done impressively well, and the emotions and character development impressive for this style as well. Ava's work reads gut-wrenchingly real that it feels like you're reading someone's personal letters at times, rather than a work of fiction. The celebrity angle works for the character and the story in a charming way. They become characters themselves. This was another surprise for me, but I was happy to fall under it's spell.

10 Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

I hugged this book when I was done. It's that adorable, and fun. It's one of those books that makes you feel good. The journey you take with the characters comes complete with a musical playlist which only adds to it's charm. The characters, the writing, and the depth this novel has is wonderful. It's one to pick up this summer and enjoy by the beach.

This is my no means a full listing, but these are the books I would want to make everyone read if I could.

What books make your EVERYONE MUST READ list?

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

Release Date - May 6, 2014
Publisher Website - Simon and Schuster
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 448 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received in exchange for an honest review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

The Pre-Sloane Emily didn't go to parties, she barely talked to guys, she didn't do anything crazy. Enter Sloane, social tornado and the best kind of best friend—the one who yanks you out of your shell.But right before what should have been an epic summer, Sloane just... disappears. No note. No calls. No texts. No Sloane. There’s just a random to-do list. On it, thirteen Sloane-selected-definitely-bizarre-tasks that Emily would never try... unless they could lead back to her best friend. Apple Picking at Night? Ok, easy enough.Dance until Dawn? Sure. Why not? Kiss a Stranger? Wait... what?

Getting through Sloane’s list would mean a lot of firsts. But Emily has this whole unexpected summer ahead of her, and the help of Frank Porter (totally unexpected) to check things off. Who knows what she’ll find?

Go Skinny Dipping? Um...

Book hangers are a wonderful thing. As a book lover there is nothing better than reading a novel that works it's way into your heart and refuses to let go. It stays with you long after you've turned that last page because you're still living in that novel's world. This is how I felt after finishing Since You've Been Gone. It's a novel of friendship, music, romance, and finding unexpected things inside yourself.

Morgan Matson takes what ,on the surface, appears to be a fun, fluffy book and fills it with heart, and meaning. It still has those fun and playful elements you would expect, but it's also deeper and much more meaningful than I expected. It's one of those books that sneaks up on you, and it's because of decisions the author made. The characters, plot, and setting all work together to create something really wonderful, and it's because of Morgan Matson's talent.

The inclusion of playlists (and other similar bonus material) has to be done right for it to work well within the story. Morgan Matson does it perfectly in Since You've Been Gone. She allows it to compliment the story, instead of being the story. It doesn't detract or distract from the plot, but rather enhances it. I finished the novel wanting to go on a itunes shopping spree so I feel it was a rather successful inclusion.

The romance, well really adorable, is not overdone. It shares the spotlight with the themes of friendship and self discovery in a way that really works. Each is balanced so that you're getting a well round, well crafted story that doesn't need to be just one thing. Morgan Matson's talent is that she can make her story be each of these and have each be equally compelling and strong. One element doesn't suffer for the other.

Emily was someone I related to immediately. She is reserved, and content to stay in the background. She doesn't come out of her comfort zone very often. She's someone that might need to be pulled out of it from time to time. I loved that she surprised herself time and time again during her journey. It shows that it is possible to change and grow if you keep yourself open to new experiences. As she learns what friendship means, what standing on her own would look like, and  how to stand up for herself, the reader gets to really know her. Of course, that also means falling love with her (and the other characters, obviously).

The secondary characters are just as wonderful, and just as developed as Emily. The mysterious Sloane who steals the pages even when she's not there. The insecure but hiding it Matt, and the adorable and amazing Frank. Dawn is also fantastic. It's rare that you care about the group as a whole, but every single one of them became important to the story, and therefore important to me.

Friendships, especially the one between Emile and Sloane shone the brightest here. All the ups and downs of friendships are within these pages. Love, forgiveness, and that bond that exists between best friends are captured here perfectly. Emily and Sloane hurt each other, but they forgive each other too. More importantly, they are both 'in' the friendship. Each of them cares about the other, and this story makes that point glaringly obvious.

No review could be complete without talking about the 'to do list' that drives this story. It links back to Emily and Sloane's friendship perfectly with Sloane knowing exactly what Emily needs (even if Emily may not think so). As everything unfolds we see that many of the items on the list are directly related to their friendship and fears that Emily needs to overcome. It's a sweet way for them to connect and to unravel the mystery of where Sloane is now

To quote Emily and Frank - In a well ordered universe everyone would read Since You've Been Gone. It's a sweet, fun novel about friendship, finding things within yourself you didn't know where there, and taking risks. It's a must have item for your beach bag this summer that will be a perfect beach read. It's a novel that will make you want to hug your own best friend, and perhaps make a few lists of your own.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

I had a ridiculously busy mailbox this week. Lots to show you....

First up, the Ottawa Blogger Meet Up happened last Sunday and we had amazing gift bags.

 

Infinite Sky by CJ Flood (goodreads)

The Young World by Chris Weitz (goodreads)

Cress by Marissa Meyer (goodreads)
Shadows by Paula Weston (goodreads)
The Beautiful and the Cursed by Page Morgan (goodreads)
Unspeakable by Caroline Pignat (goodreads)
Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson (goodreads)
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein (goodreads)
Let's Get Lost by Adi Alsaid (goodreads)
The Falconer by Elizabeth May (goodreads)
The Dark World by Cara Lynn Shultz (goodreads)

We also had a bunch of buttons and other items.....

I love the tea Simon and Schuster Canada sent, and the fun lip gloss from Harper Collins Canada!

Since my birthday was this week, I also got a birthday gift from Christy (The Reader Bee)

I had been talking about reading Paper Towns to her a day or two before receiving  this package. I've heard nothing but amazing things about Fangirl too!

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell (goodreads)
Paper Towns by John Green (goodreads)

I purchased Second Chance Summer because all of the Ottawa Bloggettes who have read it are huge fans. I can't wait to read this one during the summer. The other is for review from Harlequin Teen (Thank you to Lisa!). I love fairytale retellings so this one is perfect for me.

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson (goodreads)
The Stepsister's Tale by Tracy Barrett (goodreads)
 
 And lastly.....

I got The Other Typist from the library (it is for bookclub) and I borrowed Veronica Mars from Emilie (so I can finish up season one).

The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell (goodreads)

Happy weekend, and happy reading!

Waiting on Wednesday... Since You've Been Gone

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week is Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

The Pre-Sloane Emily didn't go to parties, she barely talked to guys, she didn't do anything crazy. Enter Sloane, social tornado and the best kind of best friend—the one who yanks you out of your shell. But right before what should have been an epic summer, Sloane just... disappears. No note. No calls. No texts. No Sloane. There’s just a random to-do list. On it, thirteen Sloane-selected-definitely-bizarre-tasks that Emily would never try... unless they could lead back to her best friend. Apple Picking at Night? Ok, easy enough. Dance until Dawn? Sure. Why not? Kiss a Stranger? Wait... what?

Getting through Sloane’s list would mean a lot of firsts. But Emily has this whole unexpected summer ahead of her, and the help of Frank Porter (totally unexpected) to check things off. Who knows what she’ll find?

Go Skinny Dipping? Um….

This sounds incredibly cute. Provided Sloane comes back. It could also be part fun, part heart crushing. All I know is that cover makes me think of summer, and happy things. I love the idea of a to-do-list. I imagine I am going to like Emily quite a bit, and am really excited to see how she handles some of these 'dares'.

Expected release date - May 6, 2014

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week:

BOOKS

Cover of Since You Been Gone by Morgan Matson

This is a cute cover that screams summer. I LOVE the premise of a 'to do' list, and this one sounds cute. I expect (because it mentions the friend is missing) that there might be some heavier issues too (which is perfect).

Cover of Sarah Fine's Of Metal and Wishes

This cover is be to revealed on September 5th! If you've read this synopsis you'll know why this excites me. Phantom of the Opera, and slaughterhouse! That's pretty much all you have to say. I am in! This is another one to keep your eye out for during ny 2014 Most Anticipated event. *winks*

OTHER

YA Authors Coming To Ottawa

Yup, that's right! Ottawa is getting some epic YA Authors for some amazing signings. LAUREN OLIVER and ELIZABETH WEIN are both coming so you can expect recaps of those events sometime this Autumn. Have I mentioned I love Autumn? Because I do!

So what are you obsessed with this week?